According to a recent Deadline report, John Peaslee, a celebrated comedy writer whose credits include hit shows Coach and According to Jim, passed away on November 11 at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 73. His death, attributed to natural causes, was confirmed by his former writing partner, Judd Pillot (Something So Right, Payne, Dog With A Blog).
A New York native, Peaslee’s career in entertainment spanned over four decades and encompassed a diverse range of media, from documentaries to sitcoms. As Deadline mentioned, he graduated from Northwestern University and initially made a name for himself in the world of news and documentary production. He worked at Newsweek before transitioning to television production under Alvin H. Perlmutter (Works), a well-known documentary producer. In 1985, Peaslee relocated to Los Angeles, where he would build a respected career in TV comedy writing and production.
According to Deadline, Peaslee contributed his writing and producing talents to several iconic television comedies of the late 20th century and early 2000s, including Mad About You, Just Shoot Me, Something So Right, Liv and Maddie, and, notably, Coach and According to Jim, where he left a lasting impact on audiences with his comedic flair and wit. His work on these shows cemented his reputation as a seasoned writer capable of creating relatable humor and memorable, lighthearted moments.
Deadline states that Pillot shared touching tribute on social media, describing Peaslee as “classy, soft-spoken, and so annoyingly even-tempered.” Pillot likened their collaboration to “caviar on toast points to my lox on a bagel,” adding that Peaslee’s charming and refined presence complemented his style. He humorously compared Peaslee’s appearance to “a striking Paul Newman,” while he saw himself as “Paul Reiser.”
Peaslee is survived by his wife, Dava Waite; daughter, Rebecca; and brother, Jim. In remembrance, his family has requested that instead of services, people donate to local animal charities, support Alcoholics Anonymous (LACOAA.org), or take a walk in nature to honor his memory.