According to Deadline, Dave Flebotte has unfortunately died at 65. He was an Emmy-nominated TV writer, known for sitcoms like The Bernie Mac Show and dramas such as Desperate Housewives.

Deadline states that Flebotte was a co-executive producer on Housewives from 2008-2012, and Sabrina Wind (Queens, Muppets Now) shared her sentiments with regards to her former DH colleague; “He was so funny, so kind, such a great writer, such a beautiful friend. You brought joy into our lives, but were also there for me at some of my lowest moments. So grateful you were in my life.”

He began his TV writing career in comedy, beginning with The 5 Mrs. Buchanans and Ellen, and then later on Suddenly Susan, The PJs, and The Geena Davis Show. Other sitcom credits include 8 Simple Rules, The Bernie Mac Show, and Will & Grace, Deadline notes.

He created the comedy Sherri with Sherri Shepherd (The View, Straw) in 2009. After Desperate Housewives, Flebotte wrote Masters of Sex, Boardwalk Empire, and I’m Dying Up Here, with his last gig being Tulsa King, Deadline mentions. 

Flebotte received an Emmy nomination for The PJs in 1999, and was also nominated two times for a WGA Award for his work on Boardwalk Empire, Deadline adds. 

As mentioned by Deadline, Cindy Caponera (Nurse Jackie, Saturday Night Live), who worked with Flebotte on Sherri and I’m Dying Up Here, wrote this tribute on Instagram: “Never in all of my television writing days did I meet a man so funny and kind, openhearted, smart – he was from Boston after all – and so talented. He was an incredibly loyal friend. I also never met a writer who loved writing as much as he did. And he was so incredibly good at it. And throughout his entire illness, he never stopped creating and working – never complaining- just such a great example of how to live and love. Everyone should have at least one Dave Flebotte in their life. I’ll miss you, pal.”

Deadline adds that Laurie Parres (Charmed, Fast Layne) shared a post on Facebook: “You’ll always be present-tense, Dave, just like Kevin Rooney. The funniest of the funniest. Unparalleled at spotting the absurd and transmuting it into comic relief, turning what stings into what saves us. The world’s a lot funnier — and easier to take — through your eyes. I’d love to hear your take now that you know and see everything.”

Flebotte is survived by his wife Sandra Linqvist and his children, Emma and Zac, Deadline finally notes.