Patt Shea, a groundbreaking comedy writer and longtime collaborator with Norman Lear, died of natural causes at her home in Sherman Oaks on April 12, her 93rd birthday.
Her son Michael Shea, a director and assistant director, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying the family only publicly announced her death this week.
“Patt Shea was a pioneer in comedy writing,” said Michael. “Her success as a writer of groundbreaking sitcoms was surpassed only by her generosity and compassion for people.”
Patt Shea, a groundbreaking comedy writer, died on April 12, her 93rd birthday, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in television. She was married to director Jack Shea for 59 years until his death in 2013.
Her writing career spanned decades, with her first appearance in 1977 on The Jeffersons. She worked extensively with Norman Lear and contributed to cult series such as All in the Family, Sanford and Mama Malone.
Shea’s collaboration with Harriett Weiss resulted in the memorable final episode of All in the family, too good Edith, which earned her a nomination for the Humanitas Prize.
She then went on to co-create and write for Archie Bunker’s Place and Gloria, working with stars such as Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton.
Born Patricia Catherine Carmody in Sacramento in 1931, Shea grew up in a real estate family and attended Immaculate Heart College, where she met her future husband, Jack.
The couple moved to Los Angeles in 1953 and began a lifelong partnership in both their personal and professional lives.
