John Peaslee Dies; Comedy Writer Best Known For ‘Coach’ & ‘According To Jim’ Was 73

John Peaslee, a longtime comedy writer best known for his work on Coach and According to Jim, died Nov. 11 of natural causes. He was 73.

Peaslee’s death was confirmed by his former writing partner, Judd Pillot.

A New York native and graduate of Northwestern University, Peaslee’s career spanned more than 40 years and several genres. He began in news and documentaries, first at Newsweek, and later for producer Alvin H. Perlmutter. In 1985, he moved to Los Angeles where he enjoyed a successful career in TV comedy, writing and producing such shows as Coach, Mad About You, Something So Right, According to Jim, Just Shoot Me, and Liv and Maddie.

He was also a Peabody and a Humanitas Prize winner.

“John was classy, soft spoken and so annoyingly even tempered,” Pillot wrote on Facebook Tuesday. “We made a colorful team. He was caviar on toast points to my lox on a bagel. And with his blue eyes and that perfect hair, he was a striking Paul Newman to my Paul Reiser. Sorry, Paul.”

Peaslee is survived by his wife Dava Waite; daughter Rebecca, and brother Jim. In lieu of services, the family asks that you donate to your local animal charity, contribute to Alcoholics Anonymous (LACOAA.org) or take a long hike in your favorite spot and think of Peaslee walking beside you.