Paul Keyes

' Laugh-In ' writer and producer; 79

Paul W. Keyes, an award-winning television comedy writer and producer for shows including " Rowan & Martin ' s Laugh-In, " died Jan. 2 of natural causes. He was 79.

Mr. Keyes, who died in Woodland Hills, won three Emmy Awards and was nominated for 10 during his long career that began in radio. He wrote and produced for " The Dean Martin Show " and later for presentations of the Emmys, the Grammy Awards and the People ' s Choice Awards.

Born in Dorchester, Mass., Mr. Keyes became interested in writing while serving in World War II. After starting out in radio production for the Yankee Network and Hearst Radio, he moved to television and by 1955 was a writer for NBC.

In 1957, Mr. Keyes became head writer for " The Jack Paar Show, " which he later produced.

Mr. Keyes won an Emmy in 1968 for his writing on " Laugh-In, " another in 1969 for producing the show, and another in 1974 for producing " The American Film Institute Salute to James Cagney. " He earned a Golden Globe Award and in 1994 was inducted to the Producers Guild of America Hall of Fame.

Mr. Keyes forged a friendship with President Nixon, produced specials for Frank Sinatra and John Wayne, and oversaw a series of " All Star Parties " to raise money for Variety Clubs International by honoring celebrities.

He is survived by two brothers and a sister.