Diane English
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
TV writer from the realm of public broadcasting turned successful writer-producer for CBS primetime. Getting her feet wet in TV production with the New York City PBS station WNET, English chalked up her first notable writing achievement when she penned an adaptation of Ursula LeGuin's science-fiction classic, "The Lathe of Heaven." She later wrote several other TV-movies ("Her Life as a Man" 1984, "Classified Love" 1986) before creating her first CBS comedy series, "Foley Square." The show lasted only half a season, but English had slightly more success with her second sitcom, the similarly slender if equally amiable "My Sister Sam." Proving the old adage that "the third time's the charm," she finally hit the jackpot with the acclaimed and popular "Murphy Brown." Spotlighting the working and private lives of a successful TV newswoman (Candice Bergen), the show drew obvious parallels with English's own high-profile media career and afforded her more than ample opportunities to showcase her gifts for creating both farce and satire. Married to producing partner Joel Shukovsky.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Writer (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1970
Taught high school English and drama for a year after graduating from college
1971
Moved to NYC and worked as a story editor for the public television station WNET
1980
Wrote PBS's first full-length TV-movie, "The Lathe of Heaven"
1984
Scripted the premiere episode ABC's series, "Call to Glory"
1985
Produced the short-lived CBS sitcom, "Foley Square" (also wrote)
1986
Writer and producer on the CBS sitcom "My Sister Sam"
1988
Created and executive produced the popular CBS sitcom, "Murphy Brown" (also wrote), left after the fourth season
1992
Created and executive produced the CBS series "Love & War"
1992
Formed Shukovsky-English Entertainment with husband Joel Shukovsky
1995
Created and wrote for the short-lived CBS sitcom "Double Rush"
1998
Returned to "Murphy Brown" (CBS) to write the series finale
2008
Made directorial debut with the remake of the 1936 play by Clare Boothe Luce, "The Women" (also produced and scripted)
2018
Returned to show business after a decade away with a "Murphy Brown" reboot
Family
Companions
