Jeff Vlaming, 30-year Veteran TV Writer/Producer From Edina Dies at 63.

Jeffrey Laird Vlaming, television writer and producer of 41 shows across three decades, died in Pasadena, CA on January 30th following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 63.

Jeff was born and raised in Edina, MN. He grew up playing cornet in band, playing Professor Harold Hill in the Varsity Band SMASH production of the Music Man, drawing like crazy, and of course, making movies with his friends. Jeff earned a BA in Television Production through the U of MN, and later an MA in Literature.

Jeff married Kathy Petry in 1986 and they were happily married for 36+ years. They moved to Los Angeles in 1990 so that Jeff could pursue his dream of writing for Hollywood. While there they raised two fine sons, Laird and Trevor, the pride of their lives. Jeff was a writer and Executive Producer for some of the most famous science-fiction shows across multiple generations of viewers. Recent shows included "The 100", "Debris", "Outcast" and "Hannibal". His work on "Fringe" included what many fans considered the series' preeminent episode White Tulip, which he co-wrote with show-runner JH Wyman. Vlaming's older shows in this genre included "X-files", "Reaper", "Battlestar Galactica", "Stargate Universe", and "Weird Science." Jeff's work wasn't limited to the genre, with notable shows including "Northern Exposure", "Keen Eddie", the Realty TV show "Murder in Small Town X" and even computer game scripts.

Jeff was a Renaissance Man: between shows he taught television drama writing at USC and lectured across the country. He loved to play piano and was a member of the Minneapolis Alt-Rock group Yeah Right and the classic rock group Lost Cause. He did stand-up & improv comedy. Jeff was also known for his drawing and recently completed his first full-color graphic novel "Twelve o'Clock Somewhere", which he both wrote and illustrated and had hoped to publish.

Jeff is survived by wife Kathy, sons Laird (Anna) and Trevor, brother Jonathan (Diane), four nieces and nephews, and many beloved extended family members.

A private memorial will be held for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jeff's favorite charities: The Nature Conservancy & treepeople.org

Published on May 7, 2023