Emmy-winning writer for ‘The Simpsons’ was 61

Dan McGrath, an Emmy-winning writer for “The Simpsons” who wrote the classic Season 8 episode “Homer’s Phobia,” died on Nov. 14. He was 61.

His sister, Gail McGrath Garabadian, confirmed his death in a Facebook post early Saturday morning.

“We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday,” she wrote. “He was a special man, one of a kind. An incredible son, brother, uncle and friend. Our hearts are broken.”

McGrath wrote 50 episodes of “The Simpsons” from 1992 to 1994 and produced 24 episodes from 1996 to 1998. He won an Emmy for his work on the series in 1997, taking home honors for outstanding animation for “Homer’s Phobia.”

In the episode, director John Waters plays a gay antiques dealer who is friends with Marge. When Marge brings him home to meet the family, Homer quickly distances himself and does everything he can to keep Bart away from his influence.

Some of McGrath’s notable episodes include “Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood,” “The Devil and Homer Simpson,” and “Time and Punishment.”

McGrath got his break writing on “Saturday Night” from 1991 to 1992. There he regularly collaborated with “SNL” legends Chris Farley and Adam Sandler. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the iconic late-night sketch show in 1992.

His other writing credits include “King of the Hill,” “Mission Hill,” “Sammy,” “The PJs” and “Muppets Tonight.”

Born in Brooklyn, NY, McGrath graduated from Harvard University, where he was vice president of the Harvard Lampoon.

McGrath obituary reads: ‘His wonderful talents and special personality will be missed by many devoted friends.’

In lieu of flowers, McGrath’s family requests donations be made to his alma mater, Regis High School.

McGrath is survived by his mother, Eleanor; his brother Michael and wife Caroline; his brother Peter and his sister Gail.