Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Sherry Coben, Creator of “Kate & Allie,” Passes Away at 71

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Sherry Coben’s passing at the age of 71 after battling cancer. Coben, best known as the writer-producer and creator of the beloved sitcom “Kate & Allie,” leaves behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of many.

Starting her career at KYW-TV in Philadelphia, Coben quickly made a name for herself through her work on various productions, including “The Mike Douglas Show.” Her talent and dedication to her craft led her to New York City, where she continued to thrive as a freelance artist and writer.

One of Coben’s big breaks came when she joined the writing staff of “Hot Hero Sandwich,” where she ultimately received an Emmy for her outstanding contributions. Her determination and passion for storytelling paved the way for her success in the industry.

Not only did Coben make waves in television, but she also found love on the set of “Hot Hero Sandwich.” She met her husband, Patrick McMahon, a film editor, on the show, and their love story became intertwined with their shared passion for creating meaningful content.

Coben’s crowning achievement came with the creation of “Kate & Allie,” a groundbreaking comedy that won three Primetime Emmys and garnered numerous nominations. The show, starring Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James, resonated with audiences and solidified Coben’s reputation as a talented creator.

Throughout her career, Coben continued to inspire and mentor other writers and artists, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Her legacy lives on through her husband, Patrick, and their daughters Katie and Jama McMahon.

Sherry Coben’s contributions to television will always be remembered, and her spirit will continue to shine through the timeless stories she shared with the world.

Who was Sherry Coben?

Sherry Coben was a renowned writer-producer and the creator of the popular sitcom “Kate & Allie.” She passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer.

What was Coben’s early career like?

Starting her career in the entertainment industry at KYW-TV in Philadelphia, Coben worked on sets, animation, illustration, and graphics for various shows, including “The Mike Douglas Show.” She later moved to New York City, where she freelanced for productions ranging from the Children’s Television Workshop to the infamous cable show “Midnight Blue.”

How did Coben achieve a breakthrough in her career?

In a 2023 interview, Coben revealed that she took the initiative to deliver a stack of scripts to Bruce and Carol Hart’s apartment, which led to her being hired as a staff writer on “Hot Hero Sandwich.” This opportunity propelled her into the world of writing.

Did Coben have any personal connections to her work?

While working on “Hot Hero Sandwich,” Coben met her husband, Patrick McMahon, who was a film editor on the show. Their collaboration and dedication to the program created a special bond between them.

What were some of Coben’s notable projects?

After her time on “Hot Hero Sandwich,” Coben joined the writing team for the soap opera “Ryan’s Hope” before creating the hit comedy “Kate & Allie.” The show, which ran for six seasons, garnered critical acclaim and earned Coben three Primetime Emmys.

What other contributions did Coben make to the entertainment industry?

Aside from her work on “Kate & Allie,” Coben also served as a writer-producer for the CBS sitcom “Bailey Kipper’s P.O.V.” and created the web series “Little Women, Big Cars.” She was also known for mentoring aspiring writers and artists, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

What was Coben’s background and personal life like?

Born in the mid-1950s and raised in New Jersey, Coben attended Cornell University before switching to Swarthmore College, where she majored in English. She is survived by her husband, Patrick McMahon, and their daughters Katie and Jama McMahon.