Jim Geoghan, who co-wrote the hit Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with dementia.
Geoghan, a producer and writer, passed away on Sunday, September 6, in Los Angeles, his daughter Genevieve confirmed. TMZ on Tuesday.
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody ran for 87 episodes on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2008 and featured a number of prominent young performers
The series, which Geoghan co-created with Danny Kallis, featured Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Brenda Song and Ashley Tisdale.
The show was nominated for three primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Children’s Program in 2008 and 2007, and Outstanding Choreography in 2006.
The Daily Mail has contacted Geoghan’s representatives for further comment on the story.
Jim Geoghan, co-creator of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has died at age 79 after a battle with dementia, according to his family
The Suite Life was followed by the spin-off show The Suite Life on Deck, which ran for 71 episodes between 2008 and 2011.
Geoghan also wrote the 2011 Disney Channel film The Suite Life Movie.
He worked on the hit ABC series Family Matters from 1991 to 1998, as a writer, producer and co-executive producer.
Geoghan was also an accomplished TV writer, penning scripts for ’80s shows including Kate & Allie, Silver Spoons, The Facts of Life, The Van Dyke Show, Mama’s Family, Too Close for Comfort and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.
Geoghan, also a playwright, wrote the play Only Kidding, which he said has been performed 500 times in off-Broadway venues. Variety.
He also wrote the play Light Sensitive, which debuted at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and had more than 40 productions.
Geoghan established himself in the world of comedy in the three-member New York comedy group Divided We Stand, the outlet said.
The group has performed on college campuses and at notable Gotham clubs such as Catch A Rising Star and The Bitter End.
It opened shows for legendary entertainers including The Beach Boys, The Commodores, The Temptations and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, among others.
Geoghan co-created The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, with (L-R) Adrian R’Mante, Phill Lewis, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan Sprouse, Brenda Song, Cole Sprouse
Kim Rhodes, Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse appear in an episode of the Disney series
The late creative was fondly remembered by a number of users on X as news of his death spread on Tuesday
Geoghan then moved to Los Angeles with husband Annie Gagen when TV writing opportunities opened up.
His hobbies included photography and crafts such as model boats and airplanes, the outlet said, and he “was known for his cheerful personality, friendliness and humor.”
The late creative was fondly remembered by a number of users on X as news of his death spread on Tuesday.
“RIP Jim Geoghan,” said one user. ‘He created a great show, funny, but there was a moral in every story. The kids watched this so many times I could probably recite every sentence.”
Another added: ‘One of the best people on this planet and the world is forever better, he graced us with his presence and gifts. May he RIP.”
One user pointed out Geoghan’s professional achievements, saying, “People forget that he spent 30 years mastering multi-camera comedies, from 1970s New York stand-up to writing on Family Matters before he ever pitched Disney Channel.”
“He brought real, old-fashioned stage timing to a children’s show, and that’s exactly why the physical comedy at the Tipton Hotel hit so hard. Now we’re all wondering if Zack & Cody was the golden pinnacle of Disney Channel sitcoms or the beginning of the studio gimmick era.”
The user concluded: ‘Rest in peace legend.’
Geoghan is survived by his wife and daughter.
