| abstract | - Born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester he was educated at Sheffield University and served his national service with the navy. A short career in advertising followed before he became a television writer, working extensively for Granada at the start of his career. As well as writing episodes of Coronation Street he helped launch the spin-off sitcom Pardon the Expression contributing six scripts, as well as creating popular sitcoms such as The Dustbinmen and The Lovers. Amongst the cast of The Dustbinmen were Graham Haberfield in his first television star role as well as guest spots for Paula Wilcox, Julie Goodyear, Bryan Mosley and Barbara Knox. The Lovers featured Paula Wilcox and Joan Scott. He was producer of Coronation Street briefly from Episode 675 (5th June 1967) to Episode 724 (22nd November 1967) but did not enjoy the experience. Other television work includes the drama London's Burning, developed from his initial script into a long-running drama series. His work includes films such as Yentl, and semi-autobiographical works such as Bar Mitzvah boy (for which he won one of his three Baftas). He also wrote stage plays, musicals, and monologues for television. His wife of nearly thirty years, Maureen Lipman was often cast in his scripts. A major television writer, his autobiography (By Jack Rosenthal) was published posthumously and Network DVD have released a Jack Rosenthal at ITV a five disc compilation of some of his best and most significant work, including an episode of Coronation Street and two episodes of Pardon the Expression.
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