Jim Geoghan, ‘Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ co-creator, dies at 79

Geoghan helped create the iconic Disney Channel sitcom, which starred Cole and Dylan Sprouse

Jim Geoghan, the co-creator and executive producer of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, died on September 6 in Los Angeles at the age of 79, his daughter Genevieve Geoghan confirmed to Variety.

Geoghan helped create the Disney Channel sitcom, which starred Cole and Dylan Sprouse alongside Ashley Tisdale, Brenda Song and others.

The series followed twin brothers living in a hotel and ran for three seasons from 2005 to 2008 before continuing with The Suite Life on Deck.

The sequel moved the characters into their high school years and ran for three seasons from 2008 to 2011.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody also earned Geoghan two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Programme in 2007 and 2008.

Before his work on the Disney Channel series, Geoghan wrote for several television sitcoms, including Silver Spoons, The Facts of Life, Boys Will Be Boys and The Van Dyke Show.

Geoghan was also a playwright. His play Only Kidding ran off Broadway for 500 performances, while Light Sensitive premiered at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and went on to receive more than 40 productions across the United States.

According to Variety, Geoghan began his comedy career in 1973 as part of the New York comedy trio Divided We Stand.

He later moved to Los Angeles with his wife, actor Annie Geoghan, after receiving an opportunity to write for television.

Away from entertainment, Geoghan enjoyed photography and building model boats and planes. He was remembered for his kindness, humour and joyful personality. He is survived by his wife and daughter.