Television Director. He helmed scores of popular comedy programs during a more then four-decade career. His mother Olive Abbott was an actress, his uncle (Olive's brother) was comedian Bud Abbott, Norman was raised by his mother, as well as other relatives. He served as a member of the first Navy Seals Unit during World War II and following his return home, with the encouragement of his uncle Bud, he began a career in the entertainment industry, initially as a broadcaster in radio. He moved on to motion pictures and acquired experience as a dialogue director on his uncle's films "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap" (1947) and "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948). Abbott began directing TV shows during the mid 1950s and guided episodes of such programs as "The George Gobel Show," "Bachelor Father," "Dennis the Menace," "Leave It To Beaver," "The Jack Benny Program," "Get Smart," "Love, American Style" and "Welcome Back Kotter." He penned the screenplay and directed the motion picture "The Last of the Secret Agents?" (1966), which starred the comedy duo of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi.
Television Director. He helmed scores of popular comedy programs during a more then four-decade career. His mother Olive Abbott was an actress, his uncle (Olive's brother) was comedian Bud Abbott, Norman was raised by his mother, as well as other relatives. He served as a member of the first Navy Seals Unit during World War II and following his return home, with the encouragement of his uncle Bud, he began a career in the entertainment industry, initially as a broadcaster in radio. He moved on to motion pictures and acquired experience as a dialogue director on his uncle's films "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap" (1947) and "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948). Abbott began directing TV shows during the mid 1950s and guided episodes of such programs as "The George Gobel Show," "Bachelor Father," "Dennis the Menace," "Leave It To Beaver," "The Jack Benny Program," "Get Smart," "Love, American Style" and "Welcome Back Kotter." He penned the screenplay and directed the motion picture "The Last of the Secret Agents?" (1966), which starred the comedy duo of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi.
Bio by: C.S.
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