Renowned television writer Dan McGrath has died at age 61, marking the loss of a key creative voice behind several landmark animated series. McGrath passed away on November 14, 2025, after suffering a stroke and being treated at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. According to his family, he was “a special man, one of a kind. An incredible son, brother, uncle and friend.” His sudden death sent waves through the entertainment community.
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A formative career
McGrath was born on July 20, 1964, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Harvard University and served as vice-president of the Harvard Lampoon, honing his comedic and writing chops early. He then moved into television where his first major gig was as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL), working alongside major comedic talents of the 1990s.
He joined the writing team of The Simpsons during what many consider the series’ “golden era,” beginning in the early 1990s. Over his tenure he wrote or co-wrote numerous standout episodes, including:
- “Boy-Scoutz ’n the Hood” (1993)
- “Bart of Darkness” (1994)
- “The Devil and Homer Simpson” and “Time and Punishment” segments of the “Treehouse of Horror” specials
- The Emmy-winning “Homer’s Phobia” (1997)
He eventually earned a producing credit as the show evolved, and his contributions helped shape the tone of the series at a pivotal time.
Broad influence across animation
Beyond The Simpsons, McGrath’s career spanned multiple animated and live-action comedy series. He contributed to:
- King of the Hill: an eight-year stint that included writing and producing episodes
- Mission Hill, The PJs and Gravity Falls: where he applied his signature blend of wit and cultural commentary
Throughout his career, McGrath was known for humor that was sharp but thoughtful, often exploring social themes in ways that resonated with both niche and broad audiences.
Legacy and reaction
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike. One former Simpsons writer described McGrath as “one of the funniest – and kindest – writers…” whose work remains “unsung but deeply influential.” His episodes continue to be revisited by audiences and cited by newer generations of comedy writers as formative.
McGrath’s impact can be seen in how animated sitcoms evolved:
- He helped illustrate that humor in animation could be layered and socially aware, not just superficial
- His work on “Homer’s Phobia” provided one of the early mainstream portrayals of LGBTQ+ themes through the lens of animated comedy
- His writing for King of the Hill and other series carried forward the idea that animated shows could tackle adult themes with intelligence
Career timeline at a glance
| Year(s) | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1990s | Writer on Saturday Night Live |
| 1992-94 | Story editor and writer on The Simpsons |
| 1996-98 | Producer credit on many Simpsons episodes |
| Late 1990s-2000s | Writing for King of the Hill, Mission Hill, The PJs, etc. |
| November 14 2025 | Passed away in Brooklyn from a stroke |
Why Dan McGrath matters
McGrath’s body of work matters for several reasons:
- He left a lasting imprint on one of the most iconic television shows ever—The Simpsons—during a period when the series was defining modern animation.
- He helped bring more sophistication to animated comedy, blending absurdity with real emotional stakes.
- Through his writing across multiple series, he influenced the trajectory of adult animation in the United States.
- His ability to move between sketch comedy, mainstream sitcoms, and animated series demonstrated versatility rare among his peers.
Final note
The Simpsons writer Dan McGrath may be gone, but his work speaks for itself: episodes that continue to entertain, provoke, and influence. His comedic voice—wry, sharp, humane—remains embedded in the DNA of modern television. Please feel free to comment on your favorite McGrath-written episode or stay tuned for more reflections on his legacy.