Gary David Goldberg, the prolific television writer who created the iconic series Family Ties, has died at age 68.
According to Variety, Goldberg died Sunday in Monticello, California following a battle with brain cancer.
Goldberg was born in Brooklyn and started his career in television in the ‘70s, writing for The Bob Newhart Show, The Last Resort and Lou Grant. TV Guide notes that he won an Emmy for his work on Lou Grant.
In 1982, he created his first series, Family Ties, which aired on NBC. The series introduced audiences to Michael J. Fox, who will be back on NBC in fall 2013, and turned him into a star when the show’s ratings grew. He did earn an Emmy for the show, which ended after seven seasons.
Goldberg created the autobiographical series Brooklyn Bridge in 1991. The CBS show won critical acclaim and earned an Emmy nomination, but it only lasted two seasons due to poor ratings.
He reunited with Fox for ABC’s Spin City, which was co-created by Bill Lawrence. His film writing credits include Dad, Bye Bye, Love and Must Love Dogs.
Goldberg is survived by wife Diana Meehan and their daughters, Shana and Cailin.