Jim Geoghan

Jim Geoghan (/ˈɡeɪɡən/ GAY-gən;^[1] July 5, 1947 – September 6, 2026) was an American television producer and writer who co-created and executive produced Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and its spin-off The Suite Life on Deck.^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

BornJuly 5, 1947

The Bronx, New York City, U.S.

DiedSeptember 6, 2026 (aged 79)

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

EducationNew York Institute of Technology

OccupationsProducer, screenwriter

Quick facts Born, Died ...

Jim Geoghan
Born	(1947-07-05)July 5, 1947 The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Died	September 6, 2026(2026-09-06) (aged 79) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Education	New York Institute of Technology
Occupations	Producer, screenwriter
Years active	1973–2026

Early life and career

Geoghan was born on July 5, 1947 in the Bronx, New York City, and was raised there during his childhood.^[7]^[8] Geoghan was the child of Irish Catholic parents.^[7] After attending New York Institute of Technology,^[9] Geoghan was involved as a volunteer reader for the blind at the Lighthouse in Manhattan, an experience which would figure prominently in one of his plays, for more than 20 years.^[7]

Personal life and death

Geoghan was married to actress Ruth Ann Poons,^[10]^[11]^[12]^[13] known professionally as Annie Gagen.^[14]

Geoghan died from dementia at his home in Los Angeles, California, on September 6, 2026, at the age of 79. His daughter Genevieve Geoghan announced his death two days later.^[15]

References

[1]
New York Institute of Technology (January 20, 2011). "Meet James Geoghan (B.F.A. '69)". YouTube. Retrieved November 19, 2025. "I'm Jim Geoghan, and I'm an N.Y.I.T. graduate."
[2]
"Out of the Darkness : Jim Geoghan's play, 'Light Sensitive,' illuminates lives stuck in ruts, and the issues of blindness". Los Angeles Times. July 22, 1994. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
[3]
"Jim Geoghan". TV.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 18, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
[4]
"Jim Geoghan". Hollywood.com. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
[5]
"Jim Geoghan". Television Academy. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
[6]
"When Comedians Meet, It's Not All Laughs". The New York Times. July 31, 1994. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
[7]
Kabaker, Marion E. (December 20, 1992). "Standup to playwright: Jim Geoghan's 'Triple Exposure' draws on days as a reader to the blind". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. Retrieved November 12, 2025. "A native of the Bronx, Geoghan (pronounced GAY-gun) headed for New York's Improv Comedy Club after graduating from college. [...] An Irish Catholic, he teamed up with Marc Fine, a Jewish comic. Some of the regulars at the Improv at the time (1972-73) were Richard Lewis, Elaine Boosler, David Brenner, Jimmie Walker and Jay Leno. During this period, Geoghan was spending g time as a volunteer reader for the blind at The Lighthouse in New York."
[8]
Kissel, Howard (May 24, 1989). "From the ashes of one career, pearls for another". New York Daily News. p. 43. Retrieved November 12, 2025. "Geoghan grew up in a corner of the Bronx that has changed little in his 41 years."
[9]
"Comedy threesome to entertain this week at The Brothers Three, formerly Abdul's". Great Falls Tribune. June 9, 1975. p. TV-10. Retrieved November 12, 2025. "Filling out the trio is Jim Geoghan of New York City. He, like the others, is a humorist and plays the guitar. His academic study centered at the New York School of Technology."
[10]
"Obituaries: Barbara Crowley". Poughkeepsie Journal. May 2, 2008. p. 4B. Retrieved November 19, 2025. "[T]he daughter of Edward and Ruth Miller Poons[,] Barbara was married to James G. Crowley [...] She is survived by [...] brothers, William (Corrine) Poons of Fishkill; Raymond (Madeline) Poons of San Diego, CA; a sister, Ruth (Jim) Geoghan of Los Angeles, CA;"
[11]
"SoCal Giving: 10-Year-Old Nature Lover Needs a New Outlook; Times Camp Fund ". The Los Angeles Times. June 22, 1999. p. E4. Retrieved November 19, 2025. "Dr. Gerald Benston ... 125; Phil & Louisa Arnold ... 125; Jim & Ruth Ann Geoghan ... 125"
[12]
McHarry, Charles (December 5, 1970). "On the Town". New York Daily News. p. 4B. Retrieved November 19, 2025. "Ruth Ann Poons said at Joe's Pier 52 that she's up for the title role in Broadway's 'Lolita.' Ruth Ann is 18 but can pass for 14."
[13]
Wilson, Earl (February 20, 1974) "Jack Benny: A Legend to the Taxmen, Too". The Plain Dealer. p. 5-H. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
[14]
Gheoghan, Jim and Ann (April 28, 2020). "Objection to 45 Day Comment Period for DEIR ENV - 2018 - 2116 - EIR". Hollywood Cewnter Project. p.3. "Thank you for your attention, Jim and Ann Geoghan (Annie Gagen); 30 Year Whitley Heights Residents Former Hollywood Hills West NC & Whitley Heights Civic Association Board Members"
[15]
Farina, Isabelle (September 8, 2026). "Jim Geoghan, 'Suite Life of Zack & Cody' Co-Creator, Dies at 79". Variety. Retrieved September 8, 2026.

Early life and career

Personal life and death

References

External links

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