She is known as the mother of The Golden Girls.
Susan Harris, born Susan Spivak on October 28, 1940, is a celebrated American television writer and producer best known for creating iconic sitcoms like Soap (1977–1981) and The Golden Girls (1985–1992). Her groundbreaking work earned her an Emmy Award and a lasting legacy in the world of television comedy. In recognition of her contributions, Harris was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2011.
A Pioneering Career in Television
Susan Harris began her career in television by selling her first script to Then Came Bronson. She quickly made a name for herself, writing for popular shows like Love, American Style, All in the Family, The Partridge Family, and the TV adaptation of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.
One of her most acclaimed early works was the abortion-themed episode she wrote for the series Maude, starring Bea Arthur. The bold and socially relevant storyline solidified Harris as a fearless writer unafraid to tackle controversial subjects.
Her collaboration with Bea Arthur continued in the 1980s when Harris created The Golden Girls, a show that would become her most financially and culturally successful project.
A Legacy of Hit TV Shows
Susan Harris’s career as a creator was prolific. Between 1975 and 1998, she developed 13 comedy series, many of which became beloved classics. Her most notable creations include:
- Fay
- Soap
- Loves Me, Loves Me Not
- Benson
- It Takes Two
- The Golden Girls
- Empty Nest
- Nurses
- Good & Evil
- The Golden Palace
- The Secret Lives of Men
Among these, The Golden Girls remains a standout success. The show’s unique premise—following the lives of four older women living together in Miami—resonated with audiences around the world. The series won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys, and is still celebrated for its witty dialogue and groundbreaking representation of aging women.
Personal Struggles and Creative Triumphs
While working on The Golden Girls, Harris faced a personal health battle. She was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that affected her ability to participate in the show’s production.
In 1989, Harris channeled her experience into an episode of The Golden Girls titled “Sick and Tired,” in which Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur) is diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. This storyline was a deeply personal one for Harris, who later revealed that writing the episode was her way of addressing the skepticism and misunderstanding surrounding the illness. “It was my revenge script for all the people out there who had a disease like that,” she explained.
Harris later discovered that her symptoms were due to an adrenal issue, but the episode remains a powerful statement about invisible illnesses and the importance of empathy.
Behind the Scenes: Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions
In addition to her writing, Susan Harris co-founded the production company Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions with Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas. Together, they produced several hit shows, cementing their status as a powerhouse team in Hollywood.
Personal Life and Family
Susan Harris married television producer Paul Junger Witt on September 18, 1983. Witt co-produced all the shows Harris created, and the two shared both professional and personal success until Witt’s passing in 2018.
Before her marriage to Witt, Harris was married to actor Berkeley Harris from 1965 to 1969. They had a son, Sam Harris, who has since become a well-known author and neuroscientist.
Susan Harris currently resides in suburban Los Angeles. She was also the step-sister of Marion Segal Freed, an accomplished film producer, editor, and screenwriter.
A Lasting Impact on Television
Susan Harris’s fearless storytelling, sharp humor, and commitment to creating meaningful, character-driven comedies have left an indelible mark on television history.
Her work, particularly on The Golden Girls, continues to inspire writers, producers, and fans alike. Harris’s shows didn’t just entertain—they pushed boundaries, tackled important social issues, and paved the way for future generations of television creators.
Even after stepping away from the limelight, her legacy remains strong. Susan Harris will always be remembered as the creative genius who gave the world unforgettable stories—and showed that it’s never too late to laugh, love, and live boldly.
