Introduction
Edwin "Ed" S. Friendly Jr. (April 8, 1922 – June 17, 2007) was an American television producer. He was responsible for creating several successful television programs including Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Little House on the Prairie, and Backstairs at the White House.
Ed Friendly served with the United States Army in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. After the war, he worked at the advertising agency of Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn. He began his television career in 1949, working for ABC as director of sales before moving to CBS as a contract producer and then, in 1959, NBC as vice-president of special programs.
Friendly moved to California in 1967 and formed his own production company, Ed Friendly Productions, Inc. He received the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1975 for Little House on the Prairie and in 1978 for Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion, an adaptation of the 1972 children's novel San Domingo, the Medicine Hat Stallion by Marguerite Henry.
Thoroughbred horse racing
Friendly was introduced to thoroughbred horse racing ownership in 1970 when he bought a racehorse in partnership with his close friend Lorne Greene. He subsequently expanded his racing interest, partnering with first wife Natalie in a large stable of horses. Some of their successful horses include:
- Vivid Angel – won 1997 Oak Leaf Stakes
- Friendly Michelle – won 2004 Santa Paula Stakes
- Gray Slewpy – multiple stakes winner including the 1992 Ancient Title Handicap
A founding member of the National Thoroughbred Association, Friendly established the Thoroughbred Owners of California in 1993. He also served as president of the California's Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.