Gary Dontzig, a writer and producer on the hit CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown,” died Feb. 23 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 79.

His longtime writing partner, Steven Peterman, confirmed Dontzig died of a rare autoimmune disease on Facebook.

Dontzig began his career as an actor, appearing in guest roles on popular shows including “The Waltons,” “Chico and the Man,” “One Day at a Time,” “Too Close for Comfort,” and “Laverne & Shirley.” He also appeared on stage during a touring production of “Mame.”

Dontzig met Peterman at the Old Globe theater in San Diego. The duo went on to become part of the original writing staff of “Murphy Brown” when it launched in 1988. Dontzig and Peterman co-wrote 25 episodes of “Murphy Brown” and were listed as producers for 150 episodes. The pair shared Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1990 and 1992 and won another for writing in 1991, in addition to garnering Comedy Series Emmy nominations in 1991 and 1993.

Dontzig and Peterman then developed and executive-produced the first three years of NBC’s comedy series, “Suddenly Susan.” They later spent two years on the Fox Family series “State of Grace,” earning the pair a Humanitas Prize nomination.

After working on the final season of the sitcom “Becker,” Dontzig and Peterman rewrote the original script for the Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana,” which launched Miley Cyrus to fame. The duo also co-executive-produced the pilot along with creator Michael Poryes.

Dontzig was born on March 18, 1946, in New York City. He taught classes at his alma mater, American University’s drama school in Washington, D.C. Dontzig and his partner, artist Gary Campbell, were lifelong advocates for various charities and political causes, especially for AIDS victims.

Dontzig is survived by his sister, Lois Pierris, his niece, Claudine, and his cousins.