Edwin B. “Ed.” Weinberger is an American screenwriter and television producer.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, the only son of a Jewish butcher, Ed. Weinberger began his TV career after he dropped out of Columbia University, writing for such stand-up comedians as Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. His first job in television was writing for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He also wrote for The Bob Hope Show, The Bill Cosby Show, and the Dean Martin Variety Hour.
Weinberger, along with James L. Brooks, David Davis, Allan Burns, and Stan Daniels, formed the core of MTM Enterprises. In 1977, they left for Paramount Pictures and started the John Charles Walters Company. The series Taxi was created the following year. He also wrote and co-created The Cosby Show, which was on for 8 years. Weinberger went on to create and executive produce several other sitcoms, including Amen, Dear John, Baby Talk, and Sparks.
With his son, Jack, Weinberger wrote and produced the musical play Mary and Joseph, which had its national tour in 2007-8.
He has won a Peabody Award, 3 Golden Globe Awards, and 9 Emmy Awards. He has also received the Writers Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award.
Explained in 2000 that he began using the abbreviation "Ed." when he was eight years old, admitting that "it's an affectation that's gotten out of hand."
He's been married to TV actress Carlene Watkins since 1984.