From Conan O'Brien to Natalie Portman to Homer Simpson, Harvardians have painted Tinseltown red. On the pages that follow, meet the actors, writers, directors, and dealmakers who have brought 02138 to 90210.
Illustration by David CowlesDavid Javerbaum
Greg Daniels | A.B. '85
One of Hollywood's most successful TV writers. Co-created and ran animated Fox hit King of the Hill. Pulled off American transplant of The Office, for which he serves as show runner and occasional director (and for wich he has also won two writing Emmys). Got his start as Conan O'Brien's partner writing for shows such as Saturday Night Live.
Glenn Kessler | A.B. ’92 | Todd Kessler | A.B. ’94 | Daniel Zelman | A.B. ’89
Co-creators and executive producers of FX drama and critical fave Damages. Todd Kessler previously wrote for The Sopranos; Zelman co-wrote the recent Kate Hudson-Matthew McConaughey flick Fool’s Gold.
Jim Downey | A.B. ’74
A key writer for Saturday Night Live for most (23 years!) of its long run. Renowned for his biting political humor. Also wrote for Late Night with David Letterman in its formative years. Has a bit part in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed There Will Be Blood.
Alec Berg | A.B. ’91 | David Mandel | A.B. ’92 | Jeff Schaffer | A.B. ’91
In-demand script-doctor team that wrote The Cat in the Hat and wrote and directed EuroTrip. Best known as writers and executive producers of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
David Javerbaum | A.B. ’93
Five-time Emmy-winning writer and executive producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central.
See I Am the Great and Powerful Number 25. Heed My Words.
Adam Barr | A.B. ’88
Key writer-producer on Will & Grace and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Currently developing an American version of the British series Spaced.
Carlton Cuse | A.B. ’81
Half of creative duo “Team Darlton” with fellow Lost show runner and executive producer Damon Lindelof. Created the hit show Nash Bridges and helped develop the Lethal Weapon franchise.
Becky Hartman-Edwards | A.B. ’85
Producer and writer equally adept at comedy and drama. Past shows include The Larry Sanders Show, American Dreams, Invasion, and October Road.
Peter Ocko | A.B. ’88
Created ambitious but short-lived CBS medical show 3 Lbs. Now a co-executive producer on critical fave Pushing Daisies.
Steven Peterman | A.B. ’72
Has written for numerous comedy shows including Murphy Brown and Suddenly Susan. Current executive producer of Disney Channel sensation Hannah Montana.
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