William Asher (born 8 August 1921) is an American producer, director and writer.
Born in New York City, his mother was actress Lillian Bonner and his father was Jewish American producer E.M. Asher (who produced films for Mack Sennett).
His more famous works includes directing episodes of The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950), I Love Lucy (1951), Our Miss Brooks (1952), General Electric Theater (1953), Make Room for Daddy (1953), December Bride (1954), The Dinah Shore Chevy Show (1956), The Twilight Zone (1959), The Patty Duke Show (1963), Gidget (1965), The Dukes of Hazzard (1979), Private Benjamin (1981) and Alice (1976-85).
Asher directed 110 episodes of I Love Lucy, and produced and directed Bewitched, which ran for eight years (1964 to 1972) and still runs in syndication today. He married the show's star, Elizabeth Montgomery in 1963 (and they divorced in 1973 after having 3 children together).
His films include writing and directing the popular beach movies starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon - Muscle Beach Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), and Beach Blanket Bingo (1965).
William Asher resides in Palm Springs, California, with his fourth wife, Meredith.
Asher received a star in Palm Springs' Walk of Stars - located at 100 North Palm Canyon Drive, and dedicated in November 2003.
His family continues on in show business. Asher's daughter (with Montgomery) Rebecca Asher is a script supervisor.
His adopted son (from his marriage to actress Joyce Bulifant), John Mallory Asher starred in Weird Science (as Gary) and then directed Hilary Swank in Kounterfeit. He continued his directorial endeavors with Diamonds, starring Kirk Douglas, Dan Aykroyd, Lauren Bacall and Jenny McCarthy (John's former wife).
Children (with Elizabeth Montgomery (I)): William Jr (b. 1964), Robert, Rebecca Elizabeth (b. 17 June 1969)
Children (with first wife): Liane, Brian.
Son of producer E.M. Asher and actress 'Lillian Bonner'.
Father-in-law of actress Jenny McCarthy (I).
Father of Rebecca Asher.
Father of John Mallory Asher born 13 January 1971, with Joyce Bulifant.
