Born Daniel Anthony McGrath on July 20, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, McGrath carved out a remarkable career in comedy writing and animation. He began his television journey with ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) in 1991, where he quickly became a key writer and frequent collaborator with comedy legends Chris Farley and Adam Sandler.
McGrath earned an Emmy nomination in 1992 for his SNL work, mastering the art of sketch comedy with a sharp and irreverent style.
His most notable achievements came from his work on ‘The Simpsons,’ where he contributed as a writer and producer from 1992 to 1998. McGrath is credited with writing 50 episodes, including fan favorites like The Devil and Homer Simpson, Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood, Bart of Darknessand the Treehouse of Horror segments Time and Punishment and The Devil and Homer Simpson (co-written with Greg Daniels).
Dan McGrath (Image: IMDb)
His work was celebrated for its inventive storytelling, clever humor, and memorable characters, culminating in an Emmy Award in 1997 for the iconic episode Homer’s Phobiawhich tackled themes of homophobia and acceptance and featured filmmaker John Waters.
After ‘The Simpsons,’ McGrath contributed to several other animated and comedy series, including ‘King of the Hill,’ ‘Mission Hill,’ ‘Gravity Falls,’ ‘The PJs,’ and ‘Muppets Tonight.’
He remained known for his insightful, character-driven writing and meticulous attention to detail, shaping some of America’s most beloved comedy shows over decades.
Personal and educational background
McGrath was an alumnus of Harvard University, where he was deeply involved in the Harvard Lampoon, the college’s prestigious humor publication. Despite academic challenges with Japanese courses, he honed his writing talents early on, laying the foundation for his unique comedic voice.
Raised in Brooklyn and later a New York City resident, he was known among peers as a thoughtful artist and educator dedicated to comedy craft.
Legacy and tributes
His sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, confirmed Dan’s passing and described him as a “special man.” Colleagues across the television industry have lauded his originality and contributions that influenced countless writers and performers. Dan McGrath’s episodes remain staples of modern animated comedy, resonating with audiences through their wit, heart, and social commentary.
FAQs
Q: What caused Dan McGrath’s death?
A: Dan McGrath died following a stroke on November 14, 2025, at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn.
Q: Did McGrath receive any awards for his work?
A: He won an Emmy in 1997 for ‘The Simpsons’ episode Homer’s Phobia and was nominated for an Emmy for his writing on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1992.
Q: What other shows did McGrath work on?
A: He contributed to ‘King of the Hill,’ ‘Mission Hill,’ ‘Gravity Falls,’ ‘The PJs,’ and ‘Muppets Tonight,’ among others.