Dan McGrath, the Emmy-winning writer and producer whose work helped shape some of the most defining comedy of modern television, has died at 61. His family confirmed that he passed on November 9, leaving behind a career that stretched from The Simpsons to Saturday Night Live and King of the Hill.

McGrath was part of the creative engine that sustained The Simpsons during the years when it became a global cultural force, writing episodes that blended satire, heart, and the show’s signature absurdity. Industry colleagues credit him with sharpening the series’ tone during a competitive era for network comedy.

His work extended across some of television’s most influential writing rooms. McGrath wrote for SNL, contributing sketches during an era defined by breakout talent and sharply observed political comedy. He later brought his style to King of the Hill and Gravity Falls, helping guide both shows through seasons that expanded their reach and critical acclaim.

Industry tributes began surfacing late Saturday, with writers and producers describing McGrath as both a mentor and a fiercely inventive collaborator. Many credited him with elevating shows through an understated storytelling instinct that prized timing, restraint and emotional clarity.

McGrath’s influence stretches across generations of comedy writers who cite his pacing, structural discipline and understated punchlines as reference points. His work also helped solidify the modern template for animated adult comedy, demonstrating that the format could blend satire with deeper social and emotional themes.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.