Remembering Ted Mann: A Television Writing and Producing Legend
Ted Mann, a renowned television writer and producer known for his work on hit shows like "Deadwood" and "NYPD Blue," passed away on September 4 in Los Angeles at the age of 72. His daughter Elizabeth confirmed that he lost his battle with lung cancer.
Originally from Canada, Mann kickstarted his career as an editor for the National Lampoon in the 1970s before transitioning to television writing. He worked on various projects, including the TV special "Disco Beaver from Outer Space" and the "Animal House" spinoff, "Delta House." Throughout the 1980s, he delved into crime television, writing for shows like "The Street," "Wiseguy," and "Miami Vice."
Mann's career continued to flourish as he contributed to popular shows like the Saturday morning cartoon "Slimer! and the Real Ghostbusters" and the feature film "Space Truckers." In 1993, he joined the team of "NYPD Blue" as a writer-producer, earning critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for his work on the series.
His collaboration with David Milch on HBO's "Deadwood" further solidified his reputation in the industry. Mann's involvement in the show as a writer and producer garnered accolades, including a WGA Award for Best Dramatic Series. He continued to work on various projects, such as "John from Cincinnati" and "Crash," showcasing his versatility as a writer and producer.
Throughout his career, Mann's contributions extended to a wide range of shows, including "Millennium," "Brooklyn South," "Total Recall 2070," and "Andromeda." He also worked on the History Channel miniseries "Hatfields and McCoys" and wrote episodes for "Homeland" in 2015 and 2016.
Ted Mann is survived by his wife, Bly, and his three children: Elizabeth Mann (Michael Wallace), Lucy Bujold (Felix), and James Mann (Blair). He is also survived by his siblings Bayne Mann (Deborah Nolan) and Tish Scott (Michael), along with their children and grandchildren, Virginia Wallace, Graham Wallace, and Magnus Bujold.
In conclusion, Ted Mann's legacy in the television industry is marked by his exceptional writing and producing talents, which have left a lasting impact on audiences and colleagues alike. His work on iconic shows like "Deadwood" and "NYPD Blue" will continue to be celebrated for years to come.