Dusty Kay, a noted producer who helped created such legendary television programs as Entourage and Roseanne, has reportedly died at the age of 69. Kay died after a battling a brief illness.
Kay passed away in Summerlin, Nevada. He had spent an astounding 45 years in the television industry, helping entertain millions of Americans. He also wrote for the television show “Mick and Frankie,” starring Ed Marinaro, Robert Firth and Robert Forster, and Cutty Whitman.
Born in the Bronx, New York as Eugene L. Kay, “Dusty” spent his youth in Yonkers and Spring Valley. Hardly just a producer, Kay also had many writing credits throughout his career, even contributing to the classic television show “Good Times,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
He took his nickname “Dusty” while attending Northwestern University. The nickname was a homage to actor Dustin Hoffman. While attending that college, he created a comedy show called the “Mee-Ow Show,” which is the longest running improv show in the country.
In 1987, Kay created the sitcom “Once a Hero,” which starred Robert Forster, Milo O’Shea, Caitlin Clarke, and Jeff Lester. He also produced “Triplecross,” which starred Ted Wass.
He won an Emmy award in 2008 for his work on the hit HBO series Entourage. His award was for outstanding comedy series.
In addition to being a writer and a producer, Kay also had many acting credits during his career, including roles on “Hacks,” which starred John Ritter, Richard Kind, Bob Odenkirk, and Lisa Kudrow, and “Gun Shy,” which starred Sandra Bullock, Liam Neeson, and Oliver Platt.
The legendary television producer is survived by his cousins Ira and Laura Behr, Sheri Behr, Bernard and Felicia Rosen, and second cousins, Roxanne Behr, Jesse Behr, and Jenna Rosen.
Kay made a tremendous impact on the world of television, and his contributions to the field will be remembered long after his passing. Rest in peace, “Dusty” Kay.
