Dan McGrath, Emmy-Winning Writer for ‘The Simpsons,’ Dies at 61

Dan McGrath, an Emmy-winning writer for “The Simpsons” who wrote the classic Season 8 episode “Homer’s Phobia,” died on Nov. 14. He was 61.

His sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, confirmed his death in a Facebook post early Saturday morning.

“We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday,” she wrote. “He was a special man, one of a kind. An incredible son, brother, uncle and friend. Our hearts are broken.”

McGrath wrote 50 episodes of “The Simpsons” from 1992 to 1994 and produced 24 episodes from 1996 to 1998. He won an Emmy for his work on the series in 1997, taking home the honor for outstanding animated program for “Homer’s Phobia.”

The episode features director John Waters as a gay antiques dealer befriended by Marge. When Marge brings him home to meet the family, Homer quickly dissociates and does everything he can to keep Bart away from his influence.

Some of McGrath’s standout episodes include “Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood,” “The Devil and Homer Simpson,” and “Time and Punishment.”

McGrath got his break writing on “Saturday Night” from 1991 to 1992. There, he became a frequent collaborator with “SNL” legends Chris Farley and Adam Sandler. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the iconic late-night sketch show in 1992.

His other writing credits include “King of the Hill,” “Mission Hill,” “Sammy,” “The PJs” and “Muppets Tonight.”

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., McGrath graduated from Harvard University, where he was the vice president of the Harvard Lampoon.

McGrath’s obituary reads, “His prodigious talents and singular personality will be missed by many devoted friends.”

Instead of flowers, McGrath’s family requests donations be made to his alma mater, Regis High School.

McGrath is survived by his mother, Eleanor; his brother Michael and wife Caroline; his brother Peter and his sister, Gail.