Herbert Kenwith

Herbert Kenwith (July 14, 1917 – January 30, 2008) was an American performer, director, producer, and television writer born in New Jersey. His career spanned Broadway, regional theater, and decades of American television production.

Kenwith began his professional life as a stage performer, appearing on Broadway in 1944 in I Remember Mama, a production that also featured Marlon Brando in his Broadway debut. He subsequently transitioned from performing to directing and producing for the stage. His obituary identified him as Broadway's youngest producer, and he received praise for his work on Me and Molly. For six years he directed numerous productions at McCarter Theatre as part of the summer stock program at Princeton University, working with many well-known actors during that period.

Kenwith later built an extensive career in American television as a director, writer, and producer. He launched his television work directing soap operas, including the first episode of The Young and the Restless. He went on to direct several dozen episodes across a wide range of series, frequently collaborating with producer Norman Lear. His television directing credits include Sanford and Son (1972), Good Times (1974), The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970), Love, American Style (1969), Star Trek (1969), Diff'rent Strokes (1978), Bosom Buddies (1980), Me and Maxx (1980), Private Benjamin (1981), Gimme a Break! (1981), and 9 to 5 (1986).

Kenwith died on January 30, 2008, at his home in Los Angeles from complications of prostate cancer.