Marta Kauffman
Marta Fran Kauffman (born September 21, 1956) is an American television writer and producer. She is best known as the co-creator of the NBC sitcom Friends with her longtime friend, David Crane.[1] Both Kauffman and Crane were also executive producers of the show, along with Kevin Bright. Kauffman and Crane also produced Veronica's Closet and Jesse. From 2005 to 2006 she was an executive producer on Related. Both writers were the creators of the HBO series Dream On. Marta Kauffman also studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York City.
Marta Kauffman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marta Fran Kauffman September 21, 1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Brandeis University |
| Occupation | TV producer, writer |
| Known for | Friends |
| Spouse(s) | Michael Skloff
(m. 1984; div. 2015) |
| Children | 3 |
Early life and education
Born to a Jewish family in the Philadelphia suburbs,[2] Kauffman attended Marple Newtown High School, located in the Marple Newtown School District near Philadelphia, where she was a thespian and student director of the school play "Our Town" in 1974. Kauffman attended Brandeis University and received her BA in theater in 1978. During her time there, she was a sister of Sigma Delta Tau sorority.
Personal life
Kauffman married Michael Skloff, who would later be the composer of the Friends theme song, and lived in Los Angeles.[2] She and Skloff filed for divorce in November 2015 after 31 years of marriage. Kauffman has three children: Hannah, Sam and Rose.[2] Kauffman is a Democrat.[3][4]
Career
Okay Goodnight production company was headed by partners Kauffman, Robbie Rowe Tollin and Hannah KS Canter. Fox 21 Television Studios signed Okay Goodnight to multi-year first-look agreement in January 2020 starting with The Dreamers novel adaptation together with The Littlefield Company.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Everything's Relative | Writer | 1 episode |
| 1990–1996 | Dream On | Creator, writer (1990–1996), producer (1990 14 episodes), co-executive producer (1991–1992 – 40 episodes), creative consultant | TV Series |
| 1991 | Sunday Dinner | Writer | 1 episode |
| 1992–1993 | The Powers That Be | Creator, writer | TV Series |
| 1993 | Family Album | Co-creator, writer, executive producer (6 episodes) | TV Series |
| 1994 | Couples | Writer, associate producer | TV Movie |
| 1994–2004 | Friends | Creator, executive producer (1994–2004), writer (1995–1996), Extra | Casting director – uncredited |
| 1997–2000 | Veronica's Closet | Creator, writer, executive producer (66 episodes) | TV Series |
| 1998–2000 | Jesse | Executive producer (34 episodes) | TV Series |
| 2005–2006 | Related | Executive producer, writer | TV Series |
| 2007 | Gifted | Executive producer | TV Movie Special |
| 2008 | Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh | Executive producer | Documentary |
| 2010–2015 | Independent Lenses | Executive producer | TV Series Documentary |
| 2011 | Five | Creator, executive producer | TV Movie |
| 2012 | Hava Nagila: The Movie | Producer | Documentary |
| 2012 | Georgia | Writer, director (3 episodes) | TV series |
| 2013 | Call Me Crazy: A Five Film | Creator, executive producer | |
| 2014 | Mimi and Dona | Executive producer | Documentary |
| 2015–present | Grace and Frankie | Co-creator, writer, executive producer, director | TV Series; Alongside Howard J. Morris |
| 2018 | Seeing Allred | Producer | Documentary |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Comedy Series – Friends (TV Series) | Winner |
| 2003, 2000, 1999, 1996, & 1995 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Comedy Series – Friends (TV Series) | Nominee |
| 1993 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Comedy Series – Dream On (TV Series) | Nominee |
| 1994, 1993, & 1991 | CableACE Award | Comedy Series | Nominee |
| 1993 | CableACE Award | Writing a Comedy Series – Dream On (TV Series) | Winner |
| 1992 | CableACE Award | Comedy Series – Dream On (TV Series) | Winner |
| 2004 | Gold Derby Awards – TV Award | Episode of the Year – Friends (TV Series) | Nominee |
| 2002 | Online Film & Television Association – Television Award | Best Writing in a Comedy Series – Friends (TV Series) | Winner |
| 2020 | PGA Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award in Television | Winner |
| 2004 | TV Quick Awards, UK | Best Comedy Show – Friends (TV Series) | Winner |
| 2012 | Women's Image Network Awards | Outstanding Show Produced by a Women – Five (Movie) | Winner |
References
- Low, Elaine (January 23, 2020). "Marta Kauffman's Okay Goodnight, Fox 21 TV Studios Ink First-Look Deal". Variety. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
- Jewish Journal: "For Kauffman, Making ‘Match’ Was a Blessing" by Danielle Berrin January 16, 2009
- Friedlander, Whitney (August 3, 2017). "Inside Marta Kauffman's 'Grace and Frankie' Office". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- "Democrats Expand Obama's Hancock Park Fundraiser". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
External links
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