Emmy-awarded TV writer-producer, Ted Mann, identified for his outstanding contributions to series like ‘Deadwood’ and ‘NYPD Blue’, passed away on September 4 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of 72, he succumbed to a long and difficult battle with lung cancer, as announced by his daughter Elizabeth. Mann, originally from Canada, embarked on his professional journey in the realms of media and entertainment during the 1970s.
Initially, he gained recognition editing for the National Lampoon. Following this, his expertise was transitioned to the label’s television fronts where he served as a writer for the unique TV special titled ‘Disco Beaver from Outer Space’ and the short-lived successor of the infamous ‘Animal House’, famously known as the ‘Delta House’.
As the 1980s set in, Mann found himself writing the screenplay for Robert Altman’s classic ‘O.C. and Stiggs’, building the story around his own characters from the National Lampoon. Venturing into crime TV, he started developing narratives for shows such as ‘The Street’, ‘Wiseguy’, and ‘Miami Vice’.
Broadening his portfolio, he delivered scripts for the Saturday morning animated show ‘Slimer! and the Real Ghostbusters’, a spinoff of ‘Ghostbusters’. Also, he sculpted the screenplay for the 1996 comic-based feature, ‘Space Truckers’. His writing journey continued to captivate audiences of various segments.
A notable chapter in his illustrious career came in 1993 when he began his collaborative venture with David Milch and Steven Bochco on ABC’s award-winning ‘NYPD Blue’. Taking on dual responsibility as a writer as well as a producer, Mann earned double Emmy nominations for his work on the debut season.
He made a comeback for the second season and was a key contributor to the team that won the Emmy for the superior drama series. Following the second season, he paused his producing efforts on the project but returned later to contribute additional episodes during the show’s 12-season stretch.
A significant reunion occurred in 2004 when Mann and Milch crossed paths yet again for HBO’s critically acclaimed ‘Deadwood’. Mann donned the writer’s hat for the first season, further strengthening his bond with the audience.
He expanded his role in the second season to include that of a producer for ‘Deadwood’. This season saw him being awarded the WGA Award for the ‘Best Dramatic Series’. Mann, staying true to his passion, remained a part of the show as a writer-producer till its third and final season.
The dynamic duo of Mann and Milch was showcased once again when they wrote and produced HBO’s ‘John from Cincinnati’. Mann exhibited his genius as a co-executive producer on the ‘Crash’ series on Starz, continuing to create vibrant television narratives.
His creative sphere expanded into various domains such as ‘Millennium’, ‘Brooklyn South’, ‘Total Recall 2070’, ‘Andromeda’, and the History Channel miniseries ‘Hatfields and McCoys’. His indelible touch imprinting on each of these critically acclaimed shows.
In the years 2015 and 2016, Mann engaged with the wildly successful show ‘Homeland’, penning down three episodes and working as a consulting producer. He continued to enrich the world of television entertainment with his inimitable storytelling and producing skills.
Ted Mann left his cherished legacy to his wife, Bly, and his three offsprings. His children are Elizabeth Mann, married to Michael Wallace, Lucy Bujold, married to Felix, and James Mann with his spouse, Blair. Ted’s siblings are Bayne Mann, married to Deborah Nolan, and Tish Scott, wedded to Michael.
The Mann family’s next generation is composed of grandchildren Virginia Wallace, Graham Wallace, and Magnus Bujold. His life’s work continues to influence their lives, the global television industry, and its audience on a grand scale.
With the passing of Ted Mann, the TV industry mourns the loss of an esteemed veteran whose legacy will be carried forward in the shows he created and the numerous talents he inspired. His contributions spanning several decades left an indelible mark, shaping TV content and setting high benchmarks of creativity at its best.
The post Emmy-Winning Scribe Ted Mann, Creator of NYPD Blue and Deadwood, Passes Away appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
