Sherry Coben, the talented writer and creator behind the beloved TV show Kate & Allie, has died at the age of 71. Her family shared the news, stating she passed away on October 16 at her home in New Milford, New Jersey, after a battle with cancer.
A Legacy in Television
Coben was best known for creating Kate & Allie, which aired on CBS from 1984 to 1989. The show featured Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin as two divorced mothers living together while raising their children. It was filmed in the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, now home to The Late Show.
Before her success with Kate & Allie, Coben wrote for the ABC soap opera Ryan’s Hope. She began her career working in the art department at KYW-TV in Philadelphia, where she created graphics, sets, and animations for local programming, including The Mike Douglas Show.
Contributions Beyond Kate & Allie
Coben also served as a writer-producer on the CBS series Bailey Kipper’s P.O.V. and created the web series Little Women, Big Cars. Throughout her career, she was dedicated to mentoring young writers and artists, sharing her knowledge and passion for storytelling.
Remembering Sherry Coben
Sherry is survived by her husband, film editor Patrick McMahon, and their daughters, Kaley and Jama McMahon. Her contributions to television and her support for emerging talent will be remembered fondly by many.
