Gary Dontzig

Gary Dontzig, a three-time Emmy Award winning writer/producer, passed away February 23 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after a sudden, brief illness. He was 79.

Born in New York City, Gary, who had a successful career first as an actor and then as a television writer/producer, was beloved by his family, fellow actors, writers, crew members, and his countless friends. He will be remembered for his great humanity and generosity, sharp intellect, wit, and creative talent. Gary took care of everyone, sometimes just by listening, sometimes just by being kind, and sometimes a great deal more, often with generous emotional and financial support for those who had fallen on hard times.

A lover of metaphysics, poetry, politics, western and eastern medicine, he was part shaman, part priest, part diagnostician, known to all as "Dr. Dontzig." He was also deeply committed to rescue dogs and cats and took many into his home and care over his lifetime. Additionally, he was a fierce advocate for AIDS victims during the 1980s crisis and beyond.

With his soul mate and life partner of over thirty years, Gary Campbell, he moved to Abiquiu, New Mexico, splitting his time between there and his work in Los Angeles. Known as "The Garys," the couple were treasured friends to all who knew them. After the sudden death of Campbell in 2002, Dontzig moved to Santa Fe where he continued to write and, more importantly, enriched the lives of the many new friends he made in New Mexico.

A graduate and revered alumnus of American University's drama school, Gary returned to teach there as a guest professor. As a young regional theatre actor, he toured as Patrick in a production of the hit Broadway musical Mame with Angela Lansbury. Later, with his long-time writing partner Steven Peterman, Dontzig was part of the original writing staff of the iconic 90s series, Murphy Brown, starring Candice Bergen. Over their six years on the show they wrote 25 episodes and were involved in producing 150, winning three Emmys in the process. The team was eventually elevated to executive producers by creator Diane English and co-wrote the landmark response to Vice President Dan Quayle's attack on Murphy Brown's decision to have a baby as a single woman. The controversy put the show on the front page of the New York Times, marking perhaps the only instance in which a fictional character influenced a presidential election.

Dontzig and Peterman then went on to develop and executive produce the first three years of Suddenly Susan, produce and write Saving Grace and the last season of Becker, and develop, co-write and executive produce the pilot of the worldwide Disney phenomenon, Hannah Montana.

Gary will be deeply missed by his sister, Lois Pierris, his niece Claudine Pierris, his cousins, legion of friends, and Fiona, the last unwanted dog he rescued.

A Celebration of Life is being planned. Details to be posted on Gary's FB page and Legacy.com. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to any of the following:

New Mexico Wildlife Center https://newmexicowildlifecenter.org/support-us/

Santa Fe Animal Shelter https://sfhumanesociety.org/

PETA https://www.peta.org/