Dan McGrath — the acclaimed writer, editor, and creative force behind some of the most iconic animated series of the past three decades — has died at 61. The celebrated storyteller passed away on November 14 in Brooklyn after suffering a stroke, his family confirmed.
Born in Brooklyn in 1964, McGrath’s sharp wit and intellectual humor were evident early on. He graduated from Regis High School before attending Harvard University, where he became vice president of the famous humor magazine The Harvard Lampoon, a publication that has launched the careers of numerous groundbreaking comedy writers. At Harvard, he also immersed himself in theater, sharpening the comedic instincts that would define his career.
After college, McGrath joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live!, earning an Emmy nomination for his work on the legendary sketch-comedy institution. But it was his transition into animation that cemented his legacy.
McGrath contributed to some of the most beloved and culturally influential shows ever created. His writing for The Simpsons included the fan-favorite episode “Homer”, which earned him an Emmy and became a standout example of the series’ mix of absurdity and emotional depth. His credits also include Gravity Falls, King of the Hill, The Super Hero Squad Show, and several other animated projects that shaped a generation of viewers.
Colleagues remember McGrath as a writer with “a mathematician’s precision and a poet’s heart,” someone who could build jokes layered with satire, philosophy, and warmth. His storytelling helped define the tone of modern animated comedy — clever, emotional, and timeless.
Dan McGrath leaves behind a body of work that continues to inspire new generations of writers and animators. His influence lives on in every laugh, gasp, and heartfelt moment his scripts brought to life.
