John William Masius

John Masius, Emmy-Winning Television Visionary, Dies at 75.

John Masius, the Emmy-winning writer and producer, whose television creations wove together humor, faith, and the quiet struggles of the human heart, passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on September 13, 2025, after a 9-month decline from ALS. He was 75 years old.


Born on July 30, 1950, in Manhattan, John grew up in Scarsdale, New York. After graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, John relocated to Los Angeles, where he earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He eventually found his way, somewhat unexpectedly, into television. While working as a waiter at a cafe on Venice Beach, a chance meeting with producer Bruce Paltrow opened the door to what became a remarkable career. That serendipitous moment led him to become a production assistant, and subsequently, a writer and coordinating producer on Paltrow's show, "The White Shadow." Soon after, he continued his writing and producing career on the hit television show, "St. Elsewhere," where his gift for bringing honesty, humor, and depth to the screen became a hallmark of his creative expression.


With "St. Elsewhere" (1982–1987), John helped redefine what television drama could be. His work on the series earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. More importantly, it won the devotion of audiences, who found in the show and in his writing reflections of their own lives. He went on to create "Touched by an Angel" (1994–2003), a series that, for nearly a decade, offered messages of faith and hope to millions, and "Providence" (1999–2002), a family drama full of warmth and heart. Later works, including "Dead Like Me" and "Hawthorne," revealed his enduring curiosity about the human spirit in all its forms.


In addition to his two Emmy Awards, over the course of his career, John was honored with multiple nominations and the Writers Guild of America Award for Episodic Drama; two Humanitas Prize Awards; a People's Choice Award; and a Peabody Award. However, John never measured success by trophies. What mattered most to him was whether his stories touched people...whether they gave comfort, sparked laughter, or inspired compassion.


Beyond his professional achievements, John was a loving and devoted father. He is survived by his three children: Hannah; Max; and Sam, and by his former wife, actress Ellen Bry.


John Masius leaves behind a legacy of care, of friendship, and of a life lived with humor and creativity. He had a complex, brilliant soul that held his remarkable spirit. Charming and witty; charismatic, yet introverted; introspective and insightful, he was unafraid to be who he was.


He would want all of us to keep laughing through the highs and lows of life, and to not take the ride too seriously. He never did.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's honor to the ALS Network, either online at: www.alsnetwork.org or by mail to: PO Box 7082, Woodland Hills, CA 91365.



https://deadline.com/2025/09/john-masius-dead-st-elsewhere-1236547299/



https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/john-masius-dead-st-elsewhere-touched-by-angel-providence-1236374009/



https://variety.com/2025/tv/obituaries-people-news/john-masius-dead-st-elsewhere-touched-by-an-angel-1236522447/