Emmy-Winning Writer Dan McGrath Dies at 61

Brooklyn, NY — Dan McGrath, an Emmy-winning writer best known for his work on “The Simpsons,” passed away on November 14, 2025. He was 61 years old. His sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, confirmed the news of his death, stating his cause of death was a stroke.

Gail shared her thoughts on social media, saying, “We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday. He was a special man, one of a kind. An incredible son, brother, uncle, and friend. Our hearts are broken.” McGrath was born on July 20, 1964, in Brooklyn and graduated from Harvard University, where he served as vice president of the Harvard Lampoon.

McGrath started his career as a writer on “Saturday Night Live” from 1991 to 1992, where he collaborated with notable comedians like Chris Farley and Adam Sandler. His efforts on the show earned him an Emmy nomination in 1992. He then moved on to “The Simpsons,” where he wrote 50 episodes and produced 24 more between 1992 and 1998.

He received an Emmy award for an episode titled “Homer’s Phobia” in 1997. The episode features John Waters as a gay antiques dealer, showcasing a compelling anti-homophobia message. Other acclaimed episodes written by McGrath include “The Devil and Homer Simpson,” “Time and Punishment,” and “Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood.”

In addition to his work on animation classics, McGrath contributed to shows like “King of the Hill,” “Muppets Tonight,” “Gravity Falls,” “Mission Hill,” and “The PJs.” He received recognition for his writing skills and won a Writers Guild award for a 2008 episode of “King of the Hill.” McGrath joked about his time on “The Simpsons,” claiming he had been fired twice from the series.

Surviving family members include his mother, Eleanor; his brothers, Michael and Peter; his sister, Gail; a nephew Dillon; and nieces Kylie and Emma. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to be made to Regis High School.

A visitation will take place at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Monday, followed by a service at St. Patrick’s Church in Brooklyn at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.