Larry Gelbart Dead at 81

M*A*S*H developer and writer Larry Gelbart lost his battle with cancer on Friday at the age of 81. He passed away in Los Angeles. Gelbart began his career as a writer for a radio station during his teenage years. Later in life, he was part of the U.S. Army radio service and also co-wrote a book.

The show, "M*A*S*H," lasted 11 seasons. Before ending in 1983, it became the most honored show in U.S. history. The final episode attracted more than 106 million viewers. Gelbart wrote the pilot in 1972. The Emmy-winning show was set during the 1950s Korean War as a comedy.

Last year, Larry Gelbart was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Gelbart lives on through his surviving children, Adam and Becky, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and wife, Pat.