Key Takeaways:
- Stephen Downing, a former LAPD Deputy Chief and prolific television writer, has died at the age of 87.
- As the showrunner for the classic series “MacGyver,” Downing famously made the decision that the hero would not carry a gun.
- Throughout his life, Downing was a fierce advocate for police reform and a vocal critic of the War on Drugs.
- His extensive television credits also include producing and writing for shows like “Knight Rider,” “F/X: The Series,” and the “RoboCop” TV series.
Stephen Downing, the visionary writer and producer who shaped some of television’s most iconic crime dramas and famously disarmed the hero of “MacGyver,” has died at 87. His family confirmed he passed away on November 20 at Long Beach Memorial Hospital due to sepsis.
Downing’s career was a unique blend of law enforcement and Hollywood storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.
A New Kind of Action Hero
Downing’s most celebrated achievement was as the showrunner for “MacGyver,” which premiered in 1985. In a move that defined the series, he insisted that protagonist Angus MacGyver would solve problems with his intellect, a Swiss Army knife, and everyday objects—not a firearm.
This creative choice transformed “MacGyver” into an atypical action show that prioritized character-driven stories over violence. Under Downing’s guidance, the series often tackled social issues, with storylines involving MacGyver standing with Latino farmworkers, protecting endangered rhinos, and working at a school for deaf children. The show became a family affair, with his wife, Adrienne, serving as publicist and his daughter, Julie, appearing in several episodes.
His impressive television career spanned over 500 hours of programming, including writing for “Dragnet” and producing hits like “Knight Rider” and the “RoboCop” TV show.
From Lawman to Reformer
Before his Hollywood success, Downing had a distinguished 20-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department, which he joined in 1960. He rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Chief at just 39 years old.
During his time on the force, he was instrumental in reforming the department’s rules on the use of deadly force, personally teaching the updated policies to new recruits. His experiences, including the 1965 Watts riots, shaped his views on policing and justice. Even after retiring from the LAPD in 1980, he remained a passionate advocate for police accountability.
An Advocate Against the War on Drugs
In his later years, Downing became a staunch critic of the War on Drugs, which he deemed a costly failure. In 2011, he joined the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (formerly Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) to advocate for treating drug abuse as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
He channeled his passion for justice into journalism, writing a column for a local Long Beach newspaper. His investigative work uncovered the police department’s use of a disappearing message app and brought attention to government accountability, solidifying his legacy as a man who fought for his principles on the streets, on the screen, and on the printed page.
Downing is survived by his wife of 67 years, Adrienne, two daughters, a son, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
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