John Masius
American writer (1950–2025)
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John William Masius (July 30, 1950 – September 13, 2025) was an American screenwriter. He was credited with creating the series Touched by an Angel (1994–2003), Providence (1999–2002) and Hawthorne (2009–2011).[1][failed verification]
July 30, 1950
UCLA
- Writer
- television producer
John Masius | |
|---|---|
| Born | John William Masius July 30, 1950 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | September 13, 2025 (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania UCLA |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1975–2011 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
Life and career
Masius was born in Manhattan, New York City on July 30, 1950, and grew up in Scarsdale, New York.[2] He graduated from Scarsdale High School.
He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[citation needed]
In 1986, Masius married actress Ellen Bry, who was a series regular on St. Elsewhere. They divorced in 1999. They had three children: son Max, daughter Hannah and son Sam.[2]
Masius died from complications of ALS at his home in Los Angeles on September 13, 2025, at the age of 75.[2]
Awards and nominations
Masius won two writing Emmy Awards for the drama St. Elsewhere. He also received a Writers Guild award and the Humanitas Prize for his writing on St. Elsewhere.
Masius also received The Humanitas Prize for the series Brooklyn Bridge.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Contribution | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Producer | Writer | |||
| 1975 | Las Vegas Lady | Yes | No | Production Assistant |
| 1976 | Bittersweet Love | Yes | No | Production Assistant |
| 1976 | Tracks | Yes | No | Production Assistant |
| 2009 | Dead like Me: Life After Death | No | Yes | Writer; Direct-to-Video |
Television
| Year | Title | Contribution | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creator | Writer | Producer | |||
| 1979–1981 | The White Shadow | No | Yes | Yes | Story Consultant for 7 episodes Writer of 3 episodes Coordinating Producer of 12 episodes Production Assistant for 2 episodes Production Associate Episode: "On the Line" |
| 1982–1987 | St. Elsewhere | Yes | Yes | Yes | Creator of 137 episodes Writer of 26 episodes Story by of 59 episodes Teleplay by of 7 episodes Producer of 54 episodes |
| 1988–1989 | Tattingers's | Yes | Yes | No | Creator of 13 episodes Writer of Episode: "Pilot" |
| 1989 | Dolphin Cove | No | No | Yes | Executive Producer of Episode: "Two Shots and a Splash" |
| 1990 | Ferris Bueller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Creator of 11 episodes Writer of 2 episodes Executive Producer of 2 episodes |
| 1991–1992 | Brooklyn Bridge | No | Yes | No | 3 episodes |
| 1992–1993 | L.A. Law | No | Yes | Yes | Writer of 3 episodes Co-Executive Producer of 14 episodes |
| 1994–2003 | Touched by an Angel | Yes | No | No | Creator of 211 episodes |
| 1995–1997 | The Single Guy | Yes | Yes | No | Creative Consultant for 14 episodes Writer of Episode: "Starting Over" |
| 1997–1998 | The Visitor | No | Yes | Yes | Writer of Episode: "Fear of Flying" Executive Producer of 13 episodes |
| 1999–2001 | Providence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Creator of 96 episodes Writer of 3 episodes Executive Producer of 62 episodes |
| 2001 | Chestnut Hill | No | No | Yes | Television Movie |
| 2003–2004 | Dead Like Me | No | Yes | Yes | Writer of 3 episodes Executive Producer of 28 episodes |
| 2009–2011 | Hawthorne | Yes | Yes | Yes | Creator of 30 episodes Executive Consultant of 3 episodes Writer of 4 episodes Executive Producer of 23 episodes |
