Aaron Spelling Passes Away at Age 83

Producer Aaron Spelling, the man behind such classic television hits as “Love Boat,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Melrose Place” and “Charmed,” passed away June 23 in Los Angeles of complications resulting from a stroke suffered earlier that week.

In 1978, Spelling made Las Vegas the backdrop for a crime drama series that centered around a private eye named Dan Tanna (played by Robert Urich). The series was called “Vega$” (yes, with the dollar sign) and regularly featured scenes shot on the Strip. In fact, Tanna’s office was in the Desert Inn, which is now where the Wynn Las Vegas sits. Spelling’s writers also based the character of Tanna on long time Las Vegas detective Eddie La Rue. The series ran for three years.

Spelling will be buried in a private ceremony this coming week. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.