As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of sitcoms and comedy writing, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss with the passing of Patt Shea. Her contributions to television, particularly her work on All in the Family and its spinoffs, have been an integral part of my entertainment journey.
Patt Shea, a longtime collaborator with Norman Lear, who co-wrote the final episode of All in the Family (1979) and co-created and contributed to two spinoffs, Archie Bunker’s Place and Gloria, has passed away at the age of 93.
On her birthday, April 12, Shea passed away peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks due to natural causes. Her son Michael Shea, a director and assistant director, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. The family decided to delay announcing her death until this week.
“Michael remarked that Patt Shea was a pioneer in the realm of comedy writing. Her achievements as a writer, particularly in revolutionary sitcoms, were not just impressive but also equaled by her kindness and empathy towards others.”
Jack Shea, who was married for 59 years, passed away in 2013. Throughout his career, he oversaw numerous episodes of sitcoms linked to Lear, such as The Jeffersons, Silver Spoons, and Sanford and Son. Additionally, he held the position of president of the DGA from 1997-2002, contributing to over half a century of committed service to the guild.
Patt Shea earned her first TV writing credit on ‘The Jeffersons’ in 1977, contributing to various projects as well, including a spinoff titled ‘Sanford’, ‘In the Beginning’ starring McLean Stevenson, and ‘Mama Malone’, created by Terrence McNally.
Not only that, but I also teamed up with Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton from “All in the Family” for their following projects. Specifically, I worked on “In the Heat of the Night” with Carroll, and helped out with “Bagdad Café” alongside Jean.
As a storyteller, I teamed up with my regular writing companion, Harriet Weiss, to pen the last episode of the iconic series “All in the Family” titled “Too Good Edith,” which marked our credit as writers for the 205th and final installment of this legendary show.
In the given episode, it’s Edith (Stapleton) who takes on the responsibility of preparing all the food for Archie’s (O’Connor) St. Patrick’s Day celebration at his bar. However, she’s been hiding the fact that she has phlebitis, making it difficult for her to even stand properly. In the end, they have a heartfelt exchange, which is unusual for their television relationship.
In the TV show, Shea was recognized with her initial Humanitas Prize nomination for her significant role in shaping episodes centering around Edith. This nomination came due to her exceptional work on a particular episode.
Immediately after that, O’Connor and Stapleton switched to “Archie Bunker’s Place,” a show that ran for four seasons and produced 97 episodes until April 1983. In the second season, which began in 1980, it was revealed that Edith had passed away due to a stroke. Shea contributed to writing approximately 20 episodes of this series.
Shea, Weiss, and Joe Gannon later developed a show called “Gloria,” featuring Sally Struthers’ character from “All in the Family” who had transitioned to working at a veterinarian’s office, along with her son. This series ran for one season (1982-83) consisting of 21 episodes.
Born in Sacramento on April 12, 1931, Patricia Catherine Carmody is the daughter of a realtor. She completed her education at St. Francis High School and later attended Immaculate Heart College, following a move to Los Angeles.
Backstage during my run in the play George Washington Slept Here at Immaculate Heart, I crossed paths with the man who would later become my husband. We exchanged vows in the picturesque town of Carmel, California. For a while, we made our home in New York while he managed shows for NBC. However, by 1953, the lure of Los Angeles brought us back to our roots.
Shea attended writing courses at UCLA and was often seen jotting down thoughts on a yellow notepad as her five children were engaged in their activities, according to her son’s account.
Her debut credit on ‘The Jeffersons’ was in an episode that her spouse directed. She was given writing credits for two episodes in the final season of ‘All in the Family’, followed by the last episode, and she also contributed to ‘Happy Days’, ‘Cagney & Lacey’, ‘Lou Grant’, ‘Valerie’, and ‘The Golden Girls’.
In 1992, she and Jack established Catholics in Media Associates. A decade later, they received the organization’s lifetime achievement award. Additionally, they were honored by the Focolare Movement with a Luminosa in Unity for uniting producers, directors, writers, and actors to spread positive values through their work.
Apart from Michael, the survivors also consist of her other sons: Bill, who is a director or assistant director, and J.J., along with their grandkids – Amanda, Michael (not Michael Jr.), Dylan, Hudson, Katherine, and Jackson.
Shawn Shea, their eldest child and long-term Hollywood assistant director and stage manager, passed away from pneumonia in February at the age of 69. Their other daughter, Elizabeth, sadly passed away in 2006 at the young age of 48.
On April 20th, I attended a joint service for my friends Patt and Shawn, which took place at the beautiful St. Francis De Sales Parish in Sherman Oaks.
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2024-08-17 19:25