Eric Overmyer, Who Wrote for Modern Television Classics, Dies at 74
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Eric Overmyer, a playwright turned television writer known for his complex language and contributions to acclaimed series like “St. Elsewhere,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “The Wire,” “Treme,” and “Bosch,” died at age 74 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
- Overmyer passed away on March 16 in a care facility in Mount Vernon, N.Y., according to his wife, Ellen McElduff.
- Tom Fontana, a longtime collaborator and producer of “St. Elsewhere,” praised Overmyer’s scripts for their ability to thrill, enlighten, and bemuse, highlighting their shared history as young playwrights.
- As supervising producer on “Homicide,” Overmyer was known for his creative input, including adding memorable lines to scenes, such as a notable moment involving detectives and a murder victim’s nose being grilled on a barbecue.
