Dan McGrath, Emmy-winning writer for ‘The Simpsons’, passes away at 61

McGrath built a solid career in American television. He started at Saturday Night Live in 1991, during which he frequently collaborated with Adam Sandler, and later joined the writing teams of prominent series like King of the Hill and Gravity Falls. However, his most celebrated work came in 1997 when he won an Emmy for the script of ‘Homer’s Phobia’, an episode of The Simpsons. The story, which shows Homer befriending a gay man played by John Waters, was considered groundbreaking at the time and also received recognition from GLAAD for its anti-homophobia message. The writer leaves behind his wife, Caroline, his mother, Eleanor, his siblings, as well as nieces and nephews. Since the announcement, fans and colleagues have been paying tribute and sharing condolences on social media. ‘Danny was a brilliant talent and will be greatly missed,’ wrote one. Another stated, ‘I am so sorry. He will always be in our hearts.’