Writer Donald Ross, Widower of Patti Deutsch, Dies @ 75

Donald Ross, the playwright and screenwriter widower of comedy writer Patti Deutsch (1943-2017), has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 75.

Donald Ross: June 18, 1942—June 1, 2018 (Image via video still)

A tribute at Legacy.com notes that he died June 1, and that a tribute is planned for the future.

Ross had extensive TV-writing credits, including This Is Tom Jones (1972), House Calls (1981), Diff'rent Strokes (1980-1982), Hart to Hart (1979-1983), The Love Boat (1981-1985), and 16 episodes of Murder, She Wrote (1987-1996).

For the big screen, he was the writer and co-producer of the 1986 comedy flick Hamburger: The Motion Picture (1986).

Ross and his wife often appeared on game shows, including Match Game and Tattletales.

He is survived by his son Max Ross, his daughter Alexis Hill, cousins, and grandchildren.

9 Responses

  1. RIP Don. I’ll bet you were a jazz and big band fan as you used to put the names of musicians and singers as “Easter eggs” in your teleplays. It was a treat to catch them on “Murder She Wrote” and other series.

  2. Sue

    Saddened to know he has left us. I’m glad we have reruns of old shows to watch him on. He had beautiful eyes, too.

  3. Frank and Beans are being loved and taken care of….?❤️

  4. Ali

    Very saddened to hear this. Loved watching Donald and Patti on tattletales. RIP Sir

    • Enjoyed these guys on tattletales. Donald announced just yesterday that patti was expecting. Just loved them.

  5. I am sending prayers to Max & Alexis & Frank & Beans. I remember when Max was born in 75. Patti & Donald were on Tattletales when Max was on his way. @ least Patti & Donald are together in Heaven. To Max & Alexis, think of all the good times you had with your parents. You both are in the same shoes as I am. I miss both of my parents like crazy. I feel better when I look @ their photos.

  6. So sorry for your loss. Loved them. So great together

  7. Never miss the Match Game when a patty was on. Even better when they added Don. Tattlestails was even funnier. They are together and will both be missed. R.I. P. Patty and Donald.

  8. I loved watching BOTH of them on Match Game and Tattletales. They were reunited in heaven, less than 1 year apart. Patti July 2017 and Donald June 2018. Wonderful couple.

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