Former Boy Meets World David Kendall has died at the age of 68.
Showbiz
Boy Meets World Producer Dies at 68
Former Boy Meets World David Kendall has died at the age of 68.The stars of the beloved 1990s sitcom, Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, announced ...
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The stars of the beloved 1990s sitcom, , Will Friedle and Rider Strong, announced his passing on Saturday on their Pod Meets World Instagram page, along with a picture of Kendall smiling.
A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
'To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement,' their joint statement began. 'He directed, wrote and executive produced our show, but also helped mold some of TV's most memorable sitcoms, from Growing Pains to Hannah .'
While Kendall helped to develop the 'young creative voices' of Friedle, Strong and Fishel - who recently revealed - he also 'worked with stars like , , and the in the early stages of their careers.'
Kendall joined Boy Meets World as an executive producer in season two in the ABC coming-of-age sitcom that balanced slapstick comedy with heartfelt lessons learned in life. He stayed on board the dramedy through the seventh and final season in 2000.
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The prolific writer, director and producer also wrote an episode for the series in 1994 and directed 13 episodes from 1995 to 1999.
David Kendall, the creative force behind Boy Meets World, Growing Pains, Hannah Montana, Melissa & Joey,has died at the age of 68
The stars of the beloved 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World, Will Friedle, Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong, announced his passing on Saturday on their Pod Meets World Instagram page (pictured in September 2023)
Boy Meets World Cory butted heads with older brother Eric (Friedle), bonded with best friend Shawn (Strong), and explored an evolving relationship with Topanga (Fishel).
'We are devastated to lose such an important person in our lives, both professionally and personally,' Fishel, Friedle and Strong added in their heartfelt post.
The major television mainstay also served as a behind-the-scenes expert and guest on the Pod Meets World podcast, which started streaming in June 2022.
'To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement,' their joint statement began
Kendall's first producing gig was on the ABC family sitcom Growing Pains starring Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns and Kirk Cameron, plus Jeremy Miller and Tracey Gold
The major television mainstay was instrumental in shaping the early career of Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus
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Kendall also directed several episodes of the 2010-2015 sitcom Melissa & Joey starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, as well as serving as creator, writer and executive producer for the series; pictured, L to R, Hart, Tim Conway, Lawrence and Kendall in 2014
Former Boy Meets World production crew member Didi Destefano shared: 'I was fortunate to have been in touch with him as recently as last month. He was a brave, wonderful gentleman and leaves a hole in our hearts. Safe travels David. You are one in a million.'
'This is so sad to see. I can hear Will saying "I'm gonna text Kendall and see" about one thing or another. Happy we were able to learn about him and share your joy of working with him through the pod,' a Pod Meets World follower wrote.
Born on October 2, 1957, Kendall got his start in show business as writer and director of the 1983 comedy flick Luggage of the Gods! His first producing gig was on the ABC family sitcom Growing Pains starring Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns and Kirk Cameron, serving as a co-executive producer and producer for seasons four through six from 1988 to 1991.
Kendall also directed several episodes of the 2010-2015 sitcom Melissa & Joey starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, as well as serving as creator, writer and executive producer for the series.
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