Phil Leslie

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Phil L. Leslie, Sr. (March 14, 1909 - September 23, 1988) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His first career, since he was good at math, was keeping books for a local bank in St. Louis. His artistic passion became greater than his business passion and he soon began pursuing a career in writing.

In 1938, he and his wife Helen Leslie took their four children (Anne, Jane, Sue and Phil Jr.), by train, to Hollywood, CA in hopes of making it big.

Phil's comedic writing was instantly recognized and he began writing with Don Quinn on the Fibber McGee and Molly radio program as co-writer. After Don left the show to pursue other interests, Phil became the main writer.

Phil graduated from radio to television and wrote episodes of The Addams Family, I Love Lucy, Dennis the Menace, Dobie Gillis, Mr. Ed, and many others.

Phil's namesake son, Phil Leslie, Jr., would later follow his fathers passion for business and start what would become the largest retail pool supply company in the world, Leslie's Poolmart.

Phil Leslie, Sr. died on September 23rd of 1988. Ironically, he died one day after his son lost control of the company he built to a venture capitalist group.