David Kendall, a filmmaker and producer best known for his work on Boy Meets World, has died. He was 68.
Along with producing the hit Nineties coming-of-age sitcom, Kendall also directed the 2005 Milo Ventimiglia comedy Dirty Deeds and worked on a number of other sitcoms, including Growing Pains, Hannah Montana, iCarly, and Melissa & Joey.
His death was announced by former Boy Meets World stars Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, who now co-host the Pod Meets World podcast.
In a statement posted to Instagram, they wrote: “To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement. He directed, wrote and executive produced our show, but also helped mold some of TV’s most memorable sitcoms, from Growing Pains to Hannah Montana.
“In addition to helping develop Danielle, Will & Rider’s young creative voices (both as a co-worker and later mentor), he worked with stars like Austin Butler, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers in the early stages of their careers.”
The statement continued: “We are devastated to lose such an important person in our lives, both professionally and personally. We all kept in touch with David over the past 30 years, and are honored that we were able to share his incredible personality with our Pod Meets World listeners.
“We have lost a vital piece of our family - but we ask that the next time you watch the show, especially Seasons 2 & 3 (when he served as Showrunner), you think of our beloved Kendall. We love you, David. Rest in peace. No notes.”
Responding to the statement, Kendall’s cousin Lukas wrote: “Thank you for this message. He was my cousin and such a dear man. I am in shock and so very sad.”
Kendall was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 4, 1957. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1979 after majoring in both film studies and government.
After moving to Los Angeles, Kendall worked primarily in teen sitcoms and movies. His other credits included Smart Guy, Zoey 101, Victorious, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Big Time Rush, Imagination Movers and The Really Loud House.
Along with his producing and directing work, Kendall was also a screenwriter. He wrote the scripts for the 2002 teen comedy The New Guy, which starred DJ Qualls, Eliza Dushku and Zooey Deschanel, and 2010’s Revenge of the Bridesmaids, starring Raven-Symoné and JoAnna García.
