David Davis, Writer-Producer of ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ ‘Taxi,’ and Other Classics, Dies at Age 86

At this time, Davis was also involved in developing Rhoda, the first of three Mary Tyler Moore Show spin-offs. It starred Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern (Mary’s neighbor), a Bronx-born Jewish woman returning to New York City. Davis recommended the 24-year-old Julie Kavner for the part of Rhoda’s younger sister Brenda. It was her first professional acting gig, and she eventually won an Emmy for the role. More importantly, though, she and Davis began a relationship that lasted until his passing. Kavner, of course, has voiced the part of Marge Simpson since its inception, and has had clutch roles in seven Woody Allen films.

Next up for Davis was Taxi, co-created with James L. Brooks, Ed. Weinberger, and Stan Daniels. The blue-collar workplace series starred Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Tony Danza, Marilu Henner, Jeff Conaway, Christopher Lloyd, Andy Kaufman, Louise Lasser, Carol Kane, and the indescribable essence of the late ’70s/early ‘80s New York City. It won Davis his only Emmy as producer.

Davis retired in 1979, only to emerge when creative partner James L. Brooks needed him. He is credited as “special advisor” on two of Brooks’s masterpieces of the 1980s, Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News. Brooks was one of the co-creators of The Tracey Ullman Show and The Simpsons, both of which cast Kavner in key roles. 

Davis was remembered fondly on social media by Brooks, Matt Asner, son of Mary Tyler Moore Show star Ed Asner, and Judd Apatow.