Burt Reynolds` ABC variety special, which was to have been broadcast next season, has been put on hold for at least a year.
The hour-long show was to have been written by husband-and-wife team Joe Bologna and Renee Taylor, but the plan fell through. Alan Blye and Bob Einstein (brother of Albert Brooks) were brought in, but now they`re out, too. Seems that Einstein`s ”Super Dave” character on Showtime`s long-running ”Bizarre” series is being spun off into a show of his own. Einstein will star; Blye will produce and write. Shooting starts in July for a November debut.
Reynolds could cut a deal with other writers, but he says that Blye and Einstein are uniquely qualified for the gig and that he`s decided to wait until they`re available.
Word has it that Bruce Willis is the actor of choice to play the young Frank Sinatra in the six-hour CBS mini-series being produced by Tina Sinatra. ABC`s American Film Institute Salute to Barbara Stanwyck will air May 29. Jane Fonda will host.
The ”American Comedy Awards” will be broadcast live from 8-10 p.m. May 19 on ABC. Presenters include Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, George Carlin, Tim Conway and Pee-wee Herman. Political humorist Mark Russell will make a special appearance.
