Emmy-Winning Comedy Writer Dan McGrath Dies at 61 After Stroke in New York
Emmy-winning writer and producer Dan McGrath, known for shaping some of the most memorable moments on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and King of the Hill, has died at 61. His death occurred on Friday, November 14, 2025, at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, where he was admitted after suffering a stroke. The news was confirmed by his sister, Gail Garabadian, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
McGrath grew up in Brooklyn, attended Regis High School in Manhattan, and later studied at Harvard University, where he sharpened his comedic abilities through his involvement with The Harvard Lampoon, the legendary student humor publication that has produced numerous well-known comedy writers. His strong comedic voice and sharp timing eventually led him into television, where he quickly made an impact.
In 1991, McGrath joined the writing team of Saturday Night Live, contributing to 24 episodes during his time there. His work earned him a shared 1992 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, alongside fellow comedy talents such as Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider. Information about the nomination can be viewed through the official Emmys website.
After leaving SNL, McGrath transitioned to animation, joining the writing staff of The Simpsons in 1992. Over the next two years, he wrote 50 episodes of the long-running animated sitcom. His contributions included standout installments such as The Devil and Homer Simpson, Time and Punishment, Bart of Darkness, multiple Treehouse of Horror segments, Boy-Scoutz ’n the Hood, and the award-winning Homer’s Phobia. A detailed list of episodes he worked on can be found on the show’s official episode guide.
Between 1996 and 1998, McGrath also served as a producer on 24 episodes of the series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he was fired twice during his tenure, though the reasons were not elaborated on publicly. Despite those setbacks, his contributions to the show remained widely respected, and he shared the 1997 Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program for the episode Homer’s Phobia.
McGrath continued his career in animation by contributing to King of the Hill from 2003 to 2009. During that period, he wrote 11 episodes, including Full Metal Dust Jacket and The Minh Who Knew Too Much, and also earned producing credits on 28 episodes of the acclaimed series.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, McGrath is remembered as a dedicated family member. According to his obituary, he is survived by his mother Eleanor, his brothers Michael (and wife Caroline) and Peter, his sister Gail, his nephew Dillon, and his nieces Kylie and Emma. His family has asked that those wishing to honor his memory consider making donations to Regis High School, the institution that played a key role in his early life. More information on how to donate is available on the school’s official website.
McGrath’s work helped shape some of the most iconic comedic moments of the past three decades, and he leaves behind a legacy of sharp humor, boundary-pushing storytelling, and beloved episodes that continue to resonate with audiences today.
