Mel Shavelson Dies

Melville "Mel" Shavelson, who wrote, directed and produced dozens of films with such stars as Lucille Ball, Jimmy Cagney and Frank Sinatra and was twice nominated for Academy Awards, died Wednesday at age 90.

Shavelson died at his Studio City home of natural causes, family spokesman Warren Cowan told The Associated Press.

Shavelson worked as a gag writer for Bob Hope's radio show in the 1930s before going on to write or co-write more than 35 movies and direct a dozen.

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Shavelson is survived by his wife, Ruth; a son, Richard Shavelson; a daughter, Lynne Joiner; and three grandchildren.

Rest In Peace, Mel.