In April, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame Committee also selected Dan Burke, Tom Murphy, Sherwood Schwartz and the late Merv Griffin for induction.

In a statement at that time John Shaffner, Chairman/CEO of the Television Academy, said, "The Television Academy's Hall of Fame honors a lifetime of excellence and is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions and have left an indelible mark on the television business. This year's inductees have each helped shape our industry and are an inspiration for everyone involved in our business. It is an honor to recognize their careers and we are pleased to welcome them into our Hall of Fame."

Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the Television Academy's membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee, who votes upon the final decision. The current committee comprises Itkin, Fred Silverman, Brian Graden, Mike Darnell, Courtney Cox-Arquette and Anne Sweeney.

Bea Arthur was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for Bea Arthur on Broadway. She won a Tony for her performance as Vera Charles in Broadway's Mame, and she played the matchmaker in the original company of Fiddler on the Roof. Arthur also appeared in the famed Theatre de Lys staging of The Threepenny Opera Off-Broadway in 1954 (she sings "Pirate Jenny" in Bea Arthur on Broadway). Arthur's last Broadway show was Woody Allen's The Floating Lightbulb. The actress is perhaps best known for her roles on TV's "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."

In a career lasting over 60 years, Larry Gelbart is well-known for his Oscar-nominated screenplays for "Tootsie" and "Oh, God!," as well as his Tony-winning books for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (with Burt Shevelove) and City of Angels, and his role in the creation and development of the television series "M*A*S*H."