Gant Gaither, who produced a half-dozen plays on Broadway during the late 1940s and early 1950s, died Feb. 16, 2004, at his Palm Springs home, the New York Times reported. He was 86. The Kentucky native began his career on Broadway as an actor and assistant stage manager in 1943's Winged Victory. His first Broadway producing credit came four years later with a revival of George Kelly's play Craig's Wife. It did not do well, running just 69 full performances, but proved important in Mr. Gaither's life. For, during the run, he met Kelly's niece, actress Grace Kelly. The producer and future Princess of Monaco would remain friends until the end of Kelly's life. He escorted her to Monaco when she married Prince Ranier in 1956. One year later, he wrote a biography of her life. When the Grace Kelly Foundation was formed, he was a founding trustee; he remained one until his last days.

His other Broadway shows were The First Mrs. Fraser starring Jane Cowl, The Shop at Sly Corner, Gayden, The Barbarians and Seventh Heaven. Only the first and last, a musical, persevered more than 10 performances. Mr. Gaither also directed The Barbarians.

He left no survivors.