Editor’s note: Gary David Goldberg passed away in June 2013, at the age of 68, of brain cancer. We recorded the following conversation with Gary in 2009. Our thoughts are with his family.

There are some good guys left in Hollywood and Gary David Goldberg is one of the best. George Clooney has called him a warm, gentle soul and Julia Louis Dreyfus says his is a true-life love story.

Gary created TV classics like “Family Ties” and “Brooklyn Bridge” and produced “Lou Grant.”

The television icon is now an author because of the unusual story he has to tell. He started life near poverty in Brooklyn and made it all the way to Hollywood with the same woman, same dog (You know his dog — “Sit Ubu sit.  Good dog!”) and a lot less hair!

Gary is proof that it is possible to be creative and successful while still holding on to your integrity, your family and a keen sense of humor.