Ernest Chambers, a writer and producer known for such variety television shows as "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and "Click," died on May 28 at his home in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 97.
Over his 50-year career, Chambers has produced, written, and executive produced more than 1,000 hours of television, earning 11 Emmy Award nominations and four Writers Guild Award nominations. He began his career writing for popular 1960s television shows such as The Bob Newhart Show, The Danny Kaye Show, My Three Sons, and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Chambers was the original showrunner of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which he created with writer and producer Saul Ilson. The show aired for three seasons, from 1967 to 1968. Chambers continued producing in the 1970s and 1980s, creating television specials and series for stars such as Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Donna Summer, Carol Channing, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Sid Caesar, Tony Randall, Bobby Darin, Merv Griffin, and Barry Manilow. He also produced Shake It Up, which ran from 1978 to 1987.
He was an executive producer on the game show Click, which entered its second season in 1997. The series was one of Ryan Seacrest's first hosting jobs.
Chambers also wrote for musicals, including the stage production of Dennis the Fidget; he later served as executive producer of the 1993 film adaptation before becoming vice president of television and film at Merv Griffin Entertainment. He also wrote for Carol Channing's revue Showgirl, which ran on Broadway in 1961.
Chambers was born on December 28, 1928, in Philadelphia. After serving in the Army, Chambers attended Columbia University, where he served as editor-in-chief of the university's humor magazine, The Jester's. After graduating and before moving to Los Angeles, he combined work as a copywriter in an advertising agency with writing comedy sketches and songs for New York cabaret in the 1950s.
Chambers is survived by his wife of 55 years, Veronica, daughters Alison and Catherine, son Christopher, and five grandchildren. His son, editor and television producer Brian Chambers, predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held in Beverly Hills in the coming weeks. For more information, please email ECMemorial2026@gmail.com.
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