Gary Dontzig, a talented writer and producer known for his work on the popular CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown,” passed away on February 23 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 79 years old.
His longtime writing partner, Steven Peterman, confirmed Dontzig’s death on Facebook, revealing that he had succumbed to a rare autoimmune disease. Dontzig’s career began as an actor, with guest appearances on several well-known television shows such as “The Waltons,” “Chico and the Man,” “One Day at a Time,” “Too Close for Comfort,” and “Laverne & Shirley.” He also showcased his talents on stage in a touring production of “Mame.”
Dontzig crossed paths with Peterman at the Old Globe theater in San Diego, and the two formed a successful partnership. They were part of the original writing staff of “Murphy Brown” when it premiered in 1988. Together, they co-wrote 25 episodes of the show and served as producers for 150 episodes. Their collaborative efforts earned them Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1990 and 1992, as well as a writing Emmy in 1991. Additionally, they received Comedy Series Emmy nominations in 1991 and 1993.
Following their work on “Murphy Brown,” Dontzig and Peterman developed and executive-produced the first three seasons of NBC’s comedy series, “Suddenly Susan.” They also worked on the Fox Family series “State of Grace,” which earned them a Humanitas Prize nomination.
After contributing to the final season of the sitcom “Becker,” Dontzig and Peterman reworked the original script for the Disney Channel hit show “Hannah Montana,” which launched the career of Miley Cyrus. They also co-executive-produced the pilot episode alongside creator Michael Poryes.
Born on March 18, 1946, in New York City, Dontzig shared his knowledge and passion for the entertainment industry by teaching classes at American University’s drama school in Washington, D.C. He was a dedicated advocate for various charities and political causes, particularly those supporting AIDS victims.
Dontzig is survived by his partner, artist Gary Campbell, his sister Lois Pierris, his niece Claudine, and his cousins. His legacy as a talented writer and producer will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
