Former Boy Meets World producer David Kendall has died. He was 68.
“To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement,” a statement shared via the official “Pod Meets World” Instagram account read on Saturday, May 2. “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.”
The statement noted that Kendall helped “develop” the “young creative voices” of the “Pod Meets World” cohosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, both as a co-worker and later as a mentor, while also working with stars like Austin Butler, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers “in the early stages of their careers.”
“We are devastated to lose such an important person in our lives, both professionally and personally,” the statement read. “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.”
Boy Meets World became a family sitcom phenomenon during its seven-season run on ABC from 1993 to 2000. Created by Michael Jacobs, the show followed the life and life lessons of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) from home with parents Alan (William Russ) and mother Amy (Betsy Randle) to school with neighbor and forever-teacher George Feeny […]
The post, which included a photo of Kendall smiling, concluded, “We love you, David. Rest in peace. No notes.”
A cause of death was yet to be publicly shared at the time of publication. Users paid tribute to Kendall in the comments section of the post.
“Oh my gosh guys…I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. I’m so happy you got to have him on the show and be able to keep in contact over the years with him,” one user wrote, while another added, “Hearing you talk of him and seeing his impact on the episodes he directed, it makes this loss feel more personal to me. Condolences to everyone who actually worked with him.”
A third wrote, “Thank you, @podmeetsworldshow, for putting a spotlight on the many other wonderful and talented people who make BMW possible. Such a pleasure to feel like we knew a piece of him. We’re so sorry for your loss – thank you for sharing him with us. 💔.”
The Boy Meets World cast found their respective matches after appearing in the hit sitcom. William Daniels, who took on the role of Mr. Feeny, set an example of a lasting Hollywood romance when he married Bonnie Bartlett in 1951. After meeting as students at Northwestern University, the couple took the next step and eventually […]
Kendall joined Boy Meets World as an executive producer in season 2, a role which he held until the 2000 series finale. After writing an episode of Boy Meets World in 1994, Kendall directed 13 episodes of the series from 1995 to 1999.
Boy Meets World centered around Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) navigating adulthood while crossing paths with older brother Eric (Friedle), best friend Shawn Hunter (Strong), love interest Topanga Lawrence (Fishel) and more.