Diane English

TV writer from the realm of public broadcasting turned successful writer-producer for CBS primetime. Getting her feet wet in TV production with the New York City PBS station WNET, English chalked up her first notable writing achievement when she penned an adaptation of Ursula LeGuin's science-fiction classic, "The Lathe of Heaven." She later wrote several other TV-movies ("Her Life as a Man" 1984, "Classified Love" 1986) before creating her first CBS comedy series, "Foley Square." The show lasted only half a season, but English had slightly more success with her second sitcom, the similarly slender if equally amiable "My Sister Sam."

Proving the old adage that "the third time's the charm," she finally hit the jackpot with the acclaimed and popular "Murphy Brown." Spotlighting the working and private lives of a successful TV newswoman (Candice Bergen), the show drew obvious parallels with English's own high-profile media career and afforded her more than ample opportunities to showcase her gifts for creating both farce and satire. Married to producing partner Joel Shukovsky.