Tim O’Donnell, veteran sitcom writer and director, dies at 77

Veteran television writer, producer, and director Tim O’Donnell has died at the age of 77. He passed away on July 27 at his home in Glendale, California, following a three-year battle with bladder cancer.

O’Donnell was a prominent figure in the sitcom era, contributing to several well-known series including ‘Growing Pains’, ‘Clueless’, ‘Dave’s World’, and Disney Channel’s ‘Phil of the Future’. His early career was rooted in news radio and television in Chicago and Los Angeles, where he earned local Emmy Awards for his news writing and editorials.

Beyond his creative work, O’Donnell was active in the industry through the Writers Guild of America West, serving as a board member and on contract negotiating committees. He also worked with Sony Pictures to help develop local-language adaptations of American-style sitcoms in international markets such as Russia and China.