Daniel Anthony McGrath, a prolific writer and producer for iconic animated series the Simpsons and King of the Hill, died July 17, 2024, in Brooklyn, New York. He was 61. McGrath’s contributions helped shape the comedic landscape of television for over two decades, delivering memorable episodes and earning an Emmy Award for his work.
McGrath began his television career at Saturday Night Live in 1991, working for two seasons and sharing a 1992 Emmy nomination alongside frequent collaborators Adam Sandler and Chris Farley. He then transitioned to The Simpsons, where he received writing credit on 50 episodes from 1992-94 and producing credit on 24 episodes from 1996-98. His notable episodes included “The Devil and Homer Simpson,” “Time and Punishment,” “Bart of Darkness,” several “Treehouse of Horror” installments, “Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood” and “Homer’s Phobia,” for which he won his Emmy in 1997. He jokingly referred to himself as a founder and co-chairman of the Tamaribuchi Heavy Manufacturing Concern, and reportedly was fired from the Simpsons twice.
Later in his career, McGrath lent his talents to King of the Hill, earning writing credit on 11 episodes – including “Full Metal Dust Jacket” and “The Minh Who Knew Too Much” - and producing credit on 28 episodes from 2002-10. He also wrote for Muppets Tonight and the animated shows Gravity Falls, Sammy, Mission Hill, and The PJs.
Born in Brooklyn on July 20, 1964, McGrath was the son of Gerard, a machinist and electrician, and Eleanor, a homemaker. He attended Regis High School in Manhattan and Harvard University, graduating in 1987 with a degree in East Asian Studies. While at harvard, he directed unconventional plays and designed computer games for an educational software company based at MIT.
McGrath also taught classes at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective, where he quipped he could “be appeased and safely approached with the offer of raw steaks and Popeye’s spicy chicken.”
He is survived by his mother,Eleanor; brothers Michael and Peter; sister-in-law Caroline; nephew Dillon; and nieces Kylie and Emma. Donations in his memory can be made to Regis High. A visitation will be held at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn starting at 5 p.m. on monday, followed by a service at St. Patrick’s Church in Brooklyn at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
