Secret of My Succe$s' writer A.J. Carothers dies in Los Angeles at age
75
 
Canadian Press
Published: Friday, April 13, 2007
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Hollywood writer A.J. Carothers, known for the 1987
Michael J. Fox movie "The Secret of My Succe$s" and Fred MacMurray's
1968 film "The Happiest Millionaire," has died. He was 75.
Carothers died of cancer Monday at his Los Angeles home, his son Andrew
said Wednesday.
He wrote more than 100 other motion pictures, television shows and stage
plays during his 40-year career.
A dashing Southern gentleman, Carothers was once called "one of
Hollywood's most successful TV and motion picture writers (and) one of
its best-dressed men," his son said.
Born in Houston, Carothers was only nine when he wrote his first story -
a murder mystery - and sold it to a classmate for 15 cents.
He began his professional career as a story editor for the CBS-TV show
"Studio One," and then as associate producer of "Playhouse 90" and "GE
Theater."
Carothers worked closely with Walt Disney for seven years and delivered
a eulogy at Disney's funeral. While under contract with Disney,
Carothers wrote "Miracle of the White Stallions" and "Emil and the
Detectives."
Carothers went on to write "Never a Dull Moment" starring Dick Van Dyke
and "Hero at Large" with John Ritter. In later years, Carothers wrote
the book for the 1996 stage musical "Busker Alley," which starred Tommy
Tune and toured the United States.
© The Canadian Press 2007