John Masius, who won two Emmys throughout his TV career has died at the age of 75 after a nine-month decline in his health, his famous ex-wife has shared
Television writer and producer John Masius has died.
The star passed aged 75 following a nine-month battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), according to his former wife, actress Ellen Bry.
The acclaimed screenwriter won two Emmy Awards for his contributions to St. Elsewhere, the medical drama his ex-wife also appeared in, and went on to develop hit network series including Touched by an Angel and Providence. His portfolio also included work on Hawthorne alongside Jada Pinkett Smith and Michael Vartan.
Throughout his career, Masius wrote and produced St. Elsewhere across its complete six-series duration, which spanned from 1982 to 1987 and earned him writing Emmy victories in both 1984 and 1986 from a remarkable 14 nominations.
The talented writer collected numerous Writers Guild Awards, Humanitas Prizes, a People’s Choice Award and the prestigious Peabody Award, reports the Express.
However, his former spouse revealed he “never measured success by trophies” and explained: “What mattered most to him was whether his stories touched people, whether they gave comfort, sparked laughter or inspired compassion.”
He leaves behind three children, Hannah, Max and Sam.
ALS is an uncommon motor neurone condition affecting nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle deterioration, paralysis and ultimately death through respiratory failure. The disease disrupts signals travelling from the brain to muscles, impacting movement, speech, breathing and swallowing abilities.
Whilst there remains no cure, symptoms can be treated through various therapies aimed at improving quality of life. Stephen Hawking lived with ALS for 55 years, and Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane disclosed his own diagnosis in April 2025.
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