‘Social Studies’ Creator and Producer was 68

Nancylee Myatt, a talented television writer and producer known for creating the popular NBC teen sitcom “Social Studies” and winning a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the animated series “Teacher’s Pet,” passed away on September 23 in Basel, Switzerland at the age of 68. Her wife, Paige Williams Bernhardt, confirmed her death.

Myatt was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment in 2021, which unfortunately progressed to Alzheimer’s dementia in 2023. In accordance with her wishes, Myatt chose to end her life peacefully and with dignity.

Born in 1957, Myatt was a proud member of the Cherokee tribe in Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine, and initially pursued a career in playwriting, writing several plays that were produced in Los Angeles. After completing the Warner Bros.’ writers workshop in 1990, she transitioned to television.

Under the mentorship of Norman Lear, Myatt became the only female staff writer on the early-’90s sitcom “The Powers That Be.” She went on to write for popular shows like “Night Court,” “The Five Mrs. Buchanans,” and “Living Single.”

One of Myatt’s notable achievements was creating and producing the short-lived sitcom “Social Studies” in 1997, which was produced by Dolly Parton’s Sandollar Productions. She also contributed to various TV shows like “Recess,” “Lloyd in Space,” and “Teacher’s Pet,” as well as writing adaptations of teen novels and serving as a showrunner on “South of Nowhere.”

Myatt’s legacy lives on through her wife and writing partner, Paige Williams Bernhardt, as well as her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter or the National Spay Alliance Foundation (NSAF Savannah).

Nancylee Myatt’s contributions to the television industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. She leaves behind a lasting impact on the entertainment world.