David Moessinger
David Moessinger
David Moessinger (May 6, 1930 – October 26, 2018) was an American television writer, producer, and director. He was best known for his work on socially conscious drama series including Quincy, M.E., In the Heat of the Night, and Jake and the Fatman. A veteran of the television procedural genre, Moessinger played a key creative role in shaping several shows that addressed contemporary moral and legal issues.
Early Life and Education
Moessinger was born in Bethlehem, New York. Originally spelled “Möessinger,” his family name was Americanized during his time in the Marine Corps. He earned his undergraduate degree from DePauw University before moving to Los Angeles to study directing and screenwriting at USC.[1]
Early Career
Moessinger began his career as a freelance television writer in the early 1960s after selling scripts to anthology series such as Kraft Suspense Theatre and Combat!. His early work tackled complex moral themes, often dealing with issues like war trauma, legal ethics, and violence. One of his early champions was director Robert Altman, who produced two of his most significant early teleplays, including "Once Upon a Savage Night" (later released theatrically as Nightmare in Chicago).
Quincy, M.E.
Moessinger joined Quincy, M.E. during its middle years and served as a producer and frequent writer. His scripts reflected the show’s increasing focus on public health, law enforcement accountability, and systemic failures in medicine and criminal justice. Moessinger helped steer the series during its transition into a socially engaged procedural, and his leadership behind the scenes contributed to its lasting impact.
Collaborations and Marriage
While working on Quincy, M.E., Moessinger met writer Jeri Taylor, whom he later married. The couple became a rare behind-the-scenes writing-producing team, collaborating on several series including:
They alternated showrunning duties on various projects, although they maintained independent writing identities.
Later Work
Moessinger also contributed to Run for Your Life, The Wild Wild West, and Insight, the long-running Catholic anthology series. He had a reputation for strong character writing and a calm leadership style, which served him well as a showrunner.
Death
Moessinger died on October 26, 2018, of congestive heart failure. Though largely unrecognized in public obituaries, his legacy lives on in the many series he helped shape.
Legacy
David Moessinger is remembered for his ability to elevate procedural drama into thoughtful social commentary. His work on Quincy, M.E. and other dramas provided a foundation for the blend of issue-driven storytelling and ensemble work that became a hallmark of late-20th-century television drama.