David Davis, Co-Creator of The Bob Newhart Show & Taxi, Dead at 86
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Suzanne Pleshette and Bob Newhart in The Bob Newhart Show. (Photo: Everett Collection)David Davis, co-creator of iconic comedies like The Bob Newhart Show and Taxi, has passed away. He was 86 years old.
His daughter, Samantha Davis-Friedman, confirmed his death this weekend.
Davis got his start in the 1960s as a script supervisor for series like The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis and the Gilligan's Island pilot. He went on to co-create The Bob Newhart Show, which ran on CBS from 1972 to 1978, and next co-created acclaimed series Taxi with James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, and Ed Weinberger. Taxi ran from 1978 to 1983 on ABC and NBC.
In addition to these titles, Davis also wrote for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda. He retired from writing in 1979, but consulted on TV and film projects like Broadcast News and Terms of Endearment.
Davis is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Rhoda and The Simpsons actress Julie Kavner.
Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.
TOPICS: The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Obits