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Emmy-Winning Simpsons Writer Dan McGrath Dies at 61

Published 16 November 2025

Dan McGrath, an Emmy-winning comedy writer renowned for his work on The Simpsons and other animated series, died on November 14 at age 61. He passed away at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn following a stroke, according to his sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian.

Garabadian announced the news in a Facebook post, 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." The family confirmed the cause of death to The Hollywood Reporter, noting McGrath's sudden passing on a Friday.

McGrath built a prolific career in television comedy, beginning with a two-season stint on Saturday Night Live from 1991 to 1993. There, he collaborated closely with performers Adam Sandler and Chris Farley, earning an Emmy nomination in 1992 for outstanding writing for a variety show. His early writing also included contributions to The Harvard Lampoon during his time at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1987 with a degree in East Asian Studies after attending Regis High School in Manhattan.

He joined The Simpsons in 1992, writing 50 episodes through 1994 and later producing 24 episodes from 1996...

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