Dan McGrath, Emmy-Winning The Simpsons and SNL Writer, Dies at 61

We are saddened to report the passing of Emmy-winning television writer, producer, and director Dan McGrath, who died on November 14, 2025, in a hospital in Brooklyn, New York, following a stroke. He was 61.

McGrath was a celebrated figure in animated and live-action comedy, best known for his influential work on beloved series such as The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live.

Born Daniel Anthony McGrath on July 20, 1964, in New York City, McGrath attended Regis High School and later graduated from Harvard University, where he was heavily involved with The Harvard Lampoon. His tenure at the storied humor magazine set the stage for a career defined by sharp wit and inventive storytelling. While at Harvard, he also co-founded the avant-garde theatre company The Kronauer Group (later the Cornerstone Theater Company).

McGrath began his television career as a writer for Saturday Night Live, where he was nominated for an Emmy Award and frequently collaborated with stars like Adam Sandler and Chris Farley.

He then joined the writing staff of The Simpsons during its seminal fifth and sixth seasons, contributing to what many fans consider the show’s golden era. He earned an Emmy Award for his contributions to the series.

His celebrated Simpsons credits include fan-favorite episodes like “Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood,” lauded for its “utterly fantastic” take on a childhood bender, and “Bart of Darkness.” He also co-wrote the “Time and Punishment” segment of the iconic “Treehouse of Horror V” (with Greg Daniels), which Entertainment Weekly hailed as “one of the most beautifully random moments in The Simpsons history.”

Following his work on The Simpsons, McGrath became a versatile voice in animation, serving a nearly decade-long run on the critically acclaimed series King of the Hill, where he wrote memorable episodes such as “The Minh Who Knew Too Much.” His extensive resume also includes writing and producing roles on Gravity Falls, Mission Hill, and The PJs.

In addition to his screenwriting, McGrath was an educator, having recently taught a course on “Comedy and Cultural Theory” at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, sharing his deep knowledge of the craft with a new generation.

Dan McGrath’s passing marks the loss of a talented and integral voice in modern comedy, whose work brought laughter to millions and left an indelible mark on television history.