John McGreevey

Born in Muncie, Indiana, on December 21, 1922, John McGreevey began writing at an early age, creating his first one-act play when he was five. He studied English and drama at Indiana University before starting his professional career in radio, first in Indiana and later in Phoenix, where he wrote scripts and worked as an announcer.

McGreevey moved into television in the early 1950s, writing for programs such as Zane Grey Theatre, Studio One, Suspense, Bat Masterson, and My Three Sons. He also co-created the western series Black Saddle and wrote for comedies and dramas including Family Affair, The Flying Nun, Mayberry R.F.D., Laredo, and Ironside.

He is best known for his work on The Waltons, writing 21 episodes and earning an Emmy for the episode “The Scholar.” His honors also included a Peabody Award, Christopher Awards, and the Writers Guild of America’s Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award. McGreevey retired in 2003 and died in Laguna Hills, California, on November 24, 2010.