Nat Hiken

In the golden age of radio and early television, few creators wielded as much innovative power as Nat Hiken, a comedic genius who revolutionized entertainment with his groundbreaking approach to humor and character development. His remarkable career spanned radio, television, and live performance, leaving an indelible mark on American comedy that would influence generations of writers and performers.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born on June 23, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois, Nathan Hiken showed early promise as a creative talent. During his college years, he was actively involved in student newspapers, demonstrating his writing skills and keen observational humor. After completing his education, Hiken began his professional journey in the entertainment industry, initially working as a screenwriter for short-subject films in the late 1930s. The onset of World War II dramatically shifted Hiken's career trajectory. Despite having personal aspirations, the military recognized his talents and assigned him to produce morale-boosting fund-raising shows on Broadway. This experience would prove instrumental in honing his comedic and organizational skills, setting the stage for his future success.

Radio: The Crucible of Comedy

Hiken's radio career quickly established him as a formidable comedy writer. He created and wrote for several popular radio programs, working alongside legendary comedians like Fred Allen. His breakthrough came with creating and writing radio shows that showcased his unique comedic sensibility. Notably, he created the NBC radio program "The Magnificent Montague", which aired from November 1950 to November 1951. His radio work demonstrated an extraordinary ability to craft humor that was both intelligent and accessible. Hiken had a remarkable talent for creating characters that felt authentic and relatable, a skill that would become his trademark in later television productions.

Television: A Revolutionary Creative Force

Transitioning to television in the 1950s, Hiken became a pioneering writer-producer who transformed the medium. He was head writer for early television variety shows and quickly became known for his innovative approach to comedy. Despite facing potential blacklisting during the McCarthy era—being named a communist sympathizer—he successfully navigated these challenges by publicly denouncing such allegations. Hiken's most significant television contributions were "The Phil Silvers Show" (also known as Sgt. Bilko) and "Car 54, Where Are You?". These shows were groundbreaking for their time, featuring remarkably diverse casts that reflected a more inclusive vision of American society. He was particularly noted for creating characters from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, which was exceptionally progressive for the 1950s.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Throughout his career, Hiken was renowned for his relentless work ethic and perfectionism. He personally managed most aspects of his shows, maintaining tight creative control. His commitment to quality came at a personal cost—the stress of constant production and his poor lifestyle habits ultimately contributed to his early death. Hiken's impact on comedy cannot be overstated. He is credited with discovering and advancing the careers of numerous future stars and winning eight Emmy Awards. His approach to comedy—creating zany yet lovable characters and satirizing institutions like the military and government—set a new standard for television comedy.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• "The Magnificent Montague" (1950-1951)
• Various shows with Fred Allen

Television

• "The Phil Silvers Show" (1955-1959) - Creator, Writer, Producer
• "Car 54, Where Are You?" (1961-1963) - Creator, Writer, Director

Film

• "No Holds Barred" (Released posthumously in 1969)

Awards

• Eight Emmy Awards for writing and producing

Tragically, Nat Hiken died of a heart attack on December 7, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, at just 54 years old. However, his revolutionary approach to comedy and television writing ensures that his creative legacy continues to inspire comedians and writers decades after his passing.