Gary Dontzig, Writer and Producer on ‘Murphy Brown,’ Dies at 79

Gary Dontzig, a writer and producer on the hit CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown,” died Feb. 23 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 79.

His longtime writing partner, Steven Peterman, confirmed Dontzig died of a rare autoimmune disease on Facebook.

Dontzig began his career as an actor, appearing in guest roles on popular shows including “The Waltons,” “Chico and the Man,” “One Day at a Time,” “Too Close for Comfort,” and “Laverne & Shirley.” He also appeared on stage during a touring production of “Mame.”

Dontzig met Peterman at the Old Globe theater in San Diego. The duo went on…