'Entertainment Tonight' creator dies at 80

[December 01, 2010]  HONOLULU (AP) -- The Hollywood producer who created "Entertainment Tonight," "Star Search," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "Solid Gold," and numerous other TV shows has died in Honolulu. Alfred "Al" Masini was 80.

His publicist, Kristin Jackson, says Masini died Monday in the Hawaii city, where he has lived for years.

Masini is survived by his wife, Charlyn Honda Masini, and his sister Melba Marvinny.

In a statement to Hawaii News Now, Charlyn Honda Masini described her husband as a "humble, sweet, lovable person." She added that he loved Hawaii and its people.

In a separate statement, actress and longtime friend Carol Burnett said she was very sorry to hear of Al Masini's death. She called him a "talented producer and a fine man."

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.