Alfred Masini, 80, a pioneer of TV syndication who created such hit shows as "Entertainment Tonight" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," died Nov. 29 in Honolulu.
In a 1984 interview, he downplayed his creativity, saying: "I work on the premise that there are no new, unique ideas." Some of his "borrowed" ideas surfaced as "Star Search," a talent contest that ran from 1983 to 1995, and "Solid Gold," a 1980s weekly countdown of musical hits.
Hillard Elkins, 81, a producer who created one of the biggest hits in Broadway history when he brought the erotic revue "Oh! Calcutta!" to the stage, died Dec. 1 at his home in Los Angeles.
Elkins started out in the mailroom at the William Morris agency in New York, then formed his own company, whose clients included Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Mel Brooks. He went on to develop a string of notable properties, including the musical "Golden Boy" and the film "Alice's Restaurant."
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