Photo: David Crotty (Getty Images)
Anne Beatts has died. A pioneer in the world of comedy writing, Beatts is probably best known for her five-year run as a writer on the early days of
Saturday Night Live, where, as one of the few women on the show’s writing staff, she helped craft any number of classic characters and sketches. After leaving the series, Beatts went on to create TV of her own, most notably the cult high school sitcom
Square Pegs, helping to launch the career of a young Sarah Jessica Parker in the process. According to
Variety, Beatts’ death was confirmed today by her long-time friend Rona Edwards. Beatts was 74.