Stephen Downing, a former police officer turned iconic Hollywood producer, has passed away at the age of 87. His family shared the news of his death, attributing it to sepsis, on his Substack page late last month.
Downing began his career serving as a commanding officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. However, he witnessed the detrimental effects of the U.S. War on Drugs, which ultimately became a catalyst for his transformation into a television producer and screenwriter. Even while remaining on the police force, he wrote under a pseudonym, embedding anti-violence themes in his work, before eventually retiring to pursue a full-time career in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his writing, Downing took on roles as a passionate activist and investigative journalist, voicing his criticism against the militarization of policing and advocating against the war on drugs. His writings often exposed misconduct within California police departments, earning him a reputation as a whistleblower.
His contributions to television began with writing for notable shows like “Dragnet,” “Kojak,” “Emergency,” and “Walking Tall.” He later became a showrunner for major hits like “Knight Rider,” “F/X,” and “RoboCop: The Series.” Downing’s work on “MacGyver” was particularly influential; he famously insisted that the title character, government agent Angus “Mac” MacGyver, never carry a gun. This decision allowed the series to engage meaningfully with critical societal issues such as racial oppression, disability rights, and animal welfare. Notably, MacGyver’s turn to vegetarianism was a progressive storyline for television at the time.
Throughout his illustrious career, Downing was responsible for over 500 hours of television programming. His family reflected on his remarkable life and noted that he was defined by service—both to his family and to his community. They emphasized his character, which combined unwavering ethics, mentorship, humor, and a commitment to justice. His legacy is characterized by his dedication to reform and the lasting impact he had on both his audience and the next generation of creatives in the industry.