Anne Beatts, who was one of the first female writers on NBC's Saturday Night Live and the creator of cult comedy series, Square dowels, is dead. She was the first editor-in-chief of the American comedy magazine National Lampoon, before joining SNL for its first season in 1975. Beatts was nominated for five Emmy Awards for his work on the sketch series and won two. She was 74 years old.
Beatts worked on many notable shows during his time on television, including Murphy brown and her one-year stint as executive co-producer on Cosby Show spin off, A different world. She moved away from entertainment in the 1990s and became an adjunct professor of writing at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of California and was a lecturer at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. . Beatts has remained a writer, author of several books, and has used his experience and industry knowledge to help encourage young comedy writers.
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After the Beatts passed away on Wednesday April 7, close friends and peers of the original SNL the writer expressed his condolences on social networks, THR reports. Film producer Rona Edwards, a colleague and friend, said in a statement: "She was one of a kind and no one can ever replace her wit, wisdom and talent, but for me, nothing can ever replace her friendship and humanity." Laraine Newman, one of SNL The original cast members also shared a post on Twitter. See the tweet below:
It's safe to say that entering the world of comedy and building a lucrative career in television are two difficult feats. Beatts broke these barriers and thrived in a notoriously male-centric industry. Her work has helped pave the way for success for other actresses. Using her expertise to help students and new talent find their way has continued to be one of her missions throughout her life.
Although the Beatts' legacy paved the way for comic book women, writers and television creators, the industry continues to create gender barriers for women. Even today, SNLThe current creative team consists of only a few female writers, with a single co-editor. The long serieshelped launch the careers of well-known actresses like Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, and Captain Marvel's potential bossy sister Amy Poehler. That said, it's high time for late-night comedy to learn from the past and try to maximize its list of female voices. It paid off for Beatts, who helped put SNL On the map. If anything, 'Awesome CV and Dedicated Workwill surely inspire women to pursue their passion for storytelling.
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Source: THR, Laraine Newman
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