Home / Arts and Entertainment / MacGyver Producer Stephen Downing Dies at 87
MacGyver Producer Stephen Downing Dies at 87
3 Dec
Summary
- Stephen Downing, producer of MacGyver, died at 87.
- He was known for insisting MacGyver never carried a gun.
- Downing began his career as an LAPD officer.
Television producer Stephen Downing, celebrated for his work on the popular series MacGyver, has died at the age of 87. He passed away on November 20 due to sepsis. Downing's family announced his death on his Substack page, remembering him as a dedicated public servant and mentor.
Downing's most significant contribution to television was his decision to keep MacGyver, the resourceful government agent, from carrying a gun. This creative choice became a hallmark of the series, which debuted in 1985 and followed the adventures of Angus MacGyver, an agent for the Phoenix Foundation.
Before his prolific career in Hollywood, Downing served as a commanding officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. He transitioned into television as a writer for shows like Dragnet and Kojak, later becoming a showrunner for hits including Knight Rider and RoboCop: The Series. His family highlighted his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to justice, noting his outspoken criticism of the war on drugs and police militarization.
