- Idelson started out as a child actor, working in film, television and radio. When he became an adult, he left show business for a time and worked in real estate. He missed it, so he managed to break into show business again with the help of his friend Richard Matheson by writing the "Long Distance Call" episode of The Twilight Zone (1959) with Charles Beaumont. From there he worked as a TV writer, producer and occasional actor. His most popular role as a performer was probably Herman Glimscher, Sally's bumbling boyfriend on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961).
- Father of Ellen Idelson, Paul, Howie, and Jonathan; and three grandchildren.
- Taught comedy writing at USC film school.
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