Comedy writer Sultan Pepper dies

Emmy winner wrote for 'Ben Stiller Show,' 'Mad TV'

Staff report

Nov 9, 2009, 04:06 PM ET

Sultan Pepper, an Emmy-winning comedy writer who worked on "The Ben Stiller Show" and "Mad TV," died unexpectedly on Oct. 20 in Murrieta, Calif. She was 47.

Pepper won her Emmy in 1993 for outstanding individual achievement in writing in a variety or music program" for "The Ben Stiller Show." She was the only woman on a writing team that included Stiller, Judd Apatow and David Cross.

Pepper wrote for several other shows in the '90s, including "The Stephanie Miller Show," one of the few late-night television talk shows to be hosted by a woman, the interactive kids show "Crashbox" and Nick's animated "CatDog."

Pepper also worked as a writer-producer on "Don't Forget Your Toothbrush" and for reality series such as "Blind Date" and "Street Smarts."

In 2002, Pepper began a one-year development deal at Sony/Columbia TriStar, where she worked as a writer and producer on TV projects including "The Rerun Show," "Pyramid" and "Shipmates." She served as a writer on Fox's "Mad TV" for two seasons, during which the writing team was nominated in 2004 and 2005 for WGA Awards.

Pepper is survived by her parents, Teresa and Jack Pepper. A private memorial is being planned.

Comedy writer Sultan Pepper dies

Emmy winner wrote for 'Ben Stiller Show,' 'Mad TV'

Staff report

Nov 9, 2009, 04:06 PM ET