Mike Milligan, the prolific writer and producer whose creative genius shaped some of television’s most iconic shows, including All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, and Dear John, has passed away. He was 77. Milligan died on December 20, 2024, at his home in West Hills, California, after suffering from acute respiratory failure, his representative confirmed.
Born Bernard Michael Milligan on January 28, 1947, in Los Angeles, Milligan’s path to television success began after he graduated from Loyola Marymount University. He went on to serve in the Air Force before pursuing his passion for writing. It was his long-standing partnership with fellow writer Jay Moriarty that would prove transformative. For 18 years, the duo crafted numerous unforgettable episodes for some of TV’s most groundbreaking sitcoms.
Perhaps Milligan’s most notable work was with The Jeffersons, the groundbreaking Norman Lear series that explored race, class, and social issues with unparalleled depth. Milligan and Moriarty wrote 49 episodes of the show, including those that delved into sensitive subjects such as suicide, white supremacy, and transgender identity. Their work on the series earned them an NAACP Image Award, cementing The Jeffersons as a hallmark of progressive storytelling in American television.
Milligan’s vast body of work also includes memorable contributions to other beloved shows. He wrote and produced episodes of Good Times, What’s Happening Now, Maude, Here and Now, and Melba, among others. His impressive portfolio highlights his ability to adapt and innovate across a variety of genres and themes. His work was as socially relevant as it was entertaining, addressing complex topics with humor and compassion.
In addition to his television successes, Milligan also achieved acclaim for his creation of Los Beltran, a groundbreaking Telemundo series co-created with Carlos Bermudez. The show, which ran from 1990 to 2001, was lauded for its fresh portrayal of Latinx characters and earned multiple accolades, including an Alma Award for Best Comedy Series, a Golden Eagle Award, and an Imagen Foundation Award.
Beyond his screenwriting and producing achievements, Milligan dedicated much of his time to social causes, particularly in the realm of trauma-informed care for the homeless. Partnering with John Harper, Milligan led workshops aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations across the country, using his platform to make a difference in the community.
Milligan is survived by his wife, Jill; his son, John Milligan; his sister, Jeri Gesto; and his stepdaughters, Dionn Avant and Mischon Beneda. A memorial service is being planned for later this year.
Mike Milligan leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking television, rich with empathy, humor, and bold storytelling. His contributions to the television landscape not only entertained but also sparked important conversations that continue to resonate today.
