Emmy-Winning Simpsons Writer Dan McGrath Passes Away
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Dan McGrath, the acclaimed comedy writer celebrated for his work on The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and other iconic shows. McGrath died on Friday, November 14, at the age of 61. The sad news was confirmed by his sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, who announced that her brother's death followed a stroke.
Family and Friends Pay Heartfelt Tributes
In a moving Facebook post, Gail McGrath Garabadian shared the family's grief, writing: "We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday. He was a special man, one of a kind. An incredible son, brother, uncle and friend. Our hearts are broken." As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends highlighted his profound impact.
One friend recalled on Facebook: "Feeling hard the loss of Dan McGrath -- a brilliant artist... I was honoured to work with him on 'As I Lay Dying' and loved cackling with my family at his wit on 'Gravity Falls.'" Another wrote on X, formerly Twitter, remembering him as a "great person and super-talented writer" and specifically praised his work on the Mission Hill episode "Gus & Wally," which was noted for its positive LGBT representation.
A Storied Career in Comedy and Animation
Dan McGrath's distinguished career began at Harvard University, where he wrote for the famed Harvard Lampoon and cultivated his skills as a theatre director. His professional breakthrough came with Saturday Night Live, earning him his first Emmy nomination in 1992.
His most celebrated achievement was winning an Emmy Award for writing the landmark 1997 Simpsons episode, "Homer's Phobia." Guest-starring John Waters, the episode was widely praised by organisations like GLAAD for its strong anti-homophobia message. During his tenure on the show, McGrath amassed over 50 writing credits and more than 20 producer credits on beloved episodes such as:
- "Time and Punishment"
- "Bart of Darkness"
- "Treehouse of Horror IV"
- "Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood"
Despite his success, McGrath revealed he was fired from the series on two separate occasions. Beyond The Simpsons, his creative talent extended to writing for King of the Hill, Mission Hill, Gravity Falls, The PJs, and Muppets Tonight.
The animation community and fans worldwide are remembering Dan McGrath not just for his Emmy-winning wit, but for the lasting legacy of laughter and thoughtful storytelling he leaves behind.
