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David Davis
David Davis
Born	August 5, 1936; Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Died	November 4, 2022 (aged 86); Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma mater	University of California
Occupation(s)	Television producer, television writer
Years active	1962–1994
Notable work	The Bob Newhart Show; Taxi
Spouse	Joann Leeson (div. 1972)
Partner	Julie Kavner (1976–2022)
Children	2

David Davis (August 5, 1936 – November 4, 2022) was an American television producer and television writer. He co-created the sitcoms The Bob Newhart Show (with Lorenzo Music) and Taxi (with James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, and Ed. Weinberger). He also wrote, produced, and developed the sitcom Rhoda, co-starring his partner Julie Kavner. He also wrote and produced The Mary Tyler Moore Show, off of which Rhoda was spun.^[1] In 1979, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his producing work on Taxi.^[2]

Personal life and death

Davis was born in Brooklyn on August 5, 1936. His father, Phil Davis, was a writer for the game shows Truth or Consequences and This Is Your Life. He moved to Los Angeles during his childhood, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied film.^[3]

Davis had two daughters, Samantha and Abigail,^[1] from his marriage to Joann Leeson, which ended in divorce in 1972.^[3] Davis was in a relationship with actress Julie Kavner from 1976 until his death. They met on the set of Rhoda, a series in which Kavner co-starred.^[4]^[5] At the time of his death, it was reported that Kavner was his wife.^[3]^[1] In his tribute to Davis on Twitter, James L. Brooks also stated that Davis and Kavner were married.^[6]

Davis died in Los Angeles on November 4, 2022, at the age of 86.^[1]^[7]

The Simpsons episode "From Beer to Paternity" was dedicated in his memory.

Filmography

Television

Television series writing credits
Series	Episode	Air date
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre	"The Timothy Heist"	October 30, 1964 (1964-10-30)
Love, American Style	"Love and Who"	October 20, 1969 (1969-10-20)
	"Love and the Millionaires"	March 13, 1970 (1970-03-13)
	"Love and the Trip"	November 13, 1970 (1970-11-13)
	"Love and the Pen Pals"	November 27, 1970 (1970-11-27)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show	"The Snow Must Go On"	November 7, 1970 (1970-11-07)
	"1040 or Fight"	November 28, 1970 (1970-11-28)
	"The Boss Isn't Coming to Dinner"	February 13, 1971 (1971-02-13)
	"I Am Curious-Cooper"	September 25, 1971 (1971-09-25)
	"A Girl's Best Mother Is Not Her Friend"	October 16, 1971 (1971-10-16)
	"Don't Break the Chain"	November 20, 1971 (1971-11-20)
	"Ted Over Heels"	December 18, 1971 (1971-12-18)
The Bob Newhart Show	"Fly the Unfriendly Skies"	September 16, 1972 (1972-09-16)
	"Tennis, Emily?"	September 30, 1972 (1972-09-30)
	"P-I-L-O-T"	November 18, 1972 (1972-11-18)
	"His Busiest Season"	December 23, 1972 (1972-12-23)
	"A Home Is Not Necessarily a House"	February 10, 1973 (1973-02-10)
Rhoda	"Joe"	September 9, 1974 (1974-09-09)
Rhoda	"Rhoda's Wedding"	October 28, 1974 (1974-10-28)
Taxi	"Like Father, Like Daughter"	September 12, 1978 (1978-09-12)