The cause of death for Emmy-winning writer Dan McGrath has been confirmed as a sudden stroke, his family announced. McGrath, best known for his work on The Simpsons, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 61.
The news was first shared by his sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, on Facebook: “We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday… Our hearts are broken.” Leading media outlets, including Newsweek and The Hollywood Reporter, later confirmed the cause of death.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 20, 1964, Dan McGrath left a lasting impact on television comedy. He wrote 50 episodes of The Simpsons, including fan favorites like Homer’s Phobia (which won an Emmy in 1997), Treehouse of Horror IV, Bart of Darkness, and Homer: Badman. His episodes are celebrated for their clever humor and social commentary.
In addition to The Simpsons, McGrath contributed to shows such as King of the Hill, Gravity Falls, Mission Hill, The PJs, and Muppets Tonight. Early in his career, he earned an Emmy nomination for Saturday Night Live in 1992, working alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Farley.
Tributes quickly poured in on social media. Former Simpsons showrunner Bill Oakley described him as “a great person and super-talented writer” who “brought so much joy to the world.” Fans are revisiting classic Simpsons episodes to honor McGrath’s legacy and celebrate his contribution to animation comedy.
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Dan McGrath is survived by his mother Eleanor, brothers Michael and Peter, sister Gail, and several nieces and nephews. His work on The Simpsons and other iconic shows ensures his comedic influence will be remembered for generations.
