Philip DeGuere was an American television producer, writer, and director who left an indelible mark on television with the creation of Simon & Simon, one of the most popular detective shows of the 1980s. Known for his creativity, DeGuere had a natural ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging characters, making him a standout in the world of television production. Throughout his career, he contributed to a variety of genres, from crime dramas to science fiction, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling.

DeGuere’s legacy is most closely tied to Simon & Simon, a show that defined 1980s television with its blend of action, humor, and brotherly camaraderie. However, his career extends far beyond this one success, as he played key roles in developing numerous television programs that helped shape the landscape of American TV. His visionary approach to television writing and production continues to be admired by those who remember his work.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Philip DeGuere was born on July 19, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in storytelling and film, influenced by the golden age of Hollywood and the emerging television industry. After completing his education, DeGuere moved to California to pursue a career in entertainment, eager to break into the world of television writing and production.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, DeGuere began his career in Hollywood as a writer, contributing scripts to various television shows. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to craft tight, engaging scripts that were both character-driven and action-packed. His early work included contributions to popular TV series such as Alias Smith and Jones and Baretta, where he honed his skills in the action-drama genre. These early experiences in episodic television provided DeGuere with the foundation to create his own shows, where he could fully exercise his creative vision.

Creation of Simon & Simon

Philip DeGuere’s breakthrough came in 1981 with the creation of Simon & Simon, a detective series that aired on CBS. The show followed the adventures of two very different brothers, Rick (Gerald McRaney) and A.J. Simon (Jameson Parker), who run a private detective agency in San Diego. The contrast between the laid-back, blue-collar Rick and the preppy, uptight A.J. provided a perfect dynamic for the show’s humor and heart, while their crime-solving adventures gave the series its action and drama.

The premise of Simon & Simon was not only engaging but also unique in its portrayal of sibling rivalry and camaraderie. DeGuere’s writing highlighted the brotherly bond between Rick and A.J., creating a relatable family dynamic that resonated with audiences. At its core, the show was about family and loyalty, themes that DeGuere expertly wove into each episode, even as the characters tackled a variety of mysteries and cases.

What made Simon & Simon stand out from other detective shows of the time was its blend of humor and action. DeGuere ensured that while the cases were serious, there was always a light-hearted undertone to the brothers’ interactions. This balance between drama and comedy made the show appealing to a broad audience, contributing to its success and longevity. The series ran for eight seasons, from 1981 to 1989, and became a staple of 1980s television, thanks in large part to DeGuere’s sharp writing and creative direction.

Under DeGuere’s leadership, Simon & Simon received praise for its character development and its ability to keep audiences invested in the personal lives of the Simon brothers as much as in the mysteries they solved. The show’s success helped elevate the careers of its stars, Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker, while cementing DeGuere’s reputation as a talented showrunner in Hollywood.

Other Notable Projects

While Simon & Simon remains DeGuere’s most famous creation, his work in television extended to several other notable projects. In the late 1970s, DeGuere was involved in the production of the 1978 television film Doctor Strange, a Marvel Comics adaptation. DeGuere wrote, directed, and produced the TV movie, which was intended to serve as a pilot for a potential series. While the series was never picked up, Doctor Strange has since gained a cult following for its unique take on the Marvel superhero and DeGuere’s ambitious vision for the character.

In addition to Doctor Strange, DeGuere also worked as a writer and producer on other television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He contributed to shows such as Switch, Jigsaw John, and Columbo, further showcasing his versatility in the crime and detective genres. His ability to create compelling narratives across different types of shows demonstrated his skill as a storyteller and his understanding of what made for good television.

Later in his career, DeGuere worked as a producer on the critically acclaimed series The Twilight Zone revival in the 1980s. His involvement in this iconic anthology series allowed him to explore science fiction and fantasy storytelling, genres that had always intrigued him. As a producer, DeGuere was able to bring his creativity and knack for character-driven stories to a wider range of television genres, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted and imaginative television creator.

Personal Style and Influence

Philip DeGuere’s work as a television writer and producer was marked by his commitment to character development and strong narrative arcs. He had a gift for creating characters that felt real and relatable, even when placed in heightened, dramatic situations. This focus on character was a hallmark of his work on Simon & Simon, where the relationship between Rick and A.J. Simon was just as important as the cases they solved.

DeGuere’s writing style often blended humor with drama, a combination that helped set his shows apart from others in the genre. He understood that audiences wanted to connect with the characters on a personal level, and his ability to balance action with heart made his shows appealing to a broad demographic. This approach also helped DeGuere’s work remain accessible and entertaining, even decades after it first aired.

DeGuere’s influence on television extended beyond his own projects, as he helped shape the tone and structure of television dramas in the 1980s. His success with Simon & Simon contributed to a wave of shows that blended humor and action, paving the way for later series that would follow similar formats. His work in science fiction, particularly with Doctor Strange and The Twilight Zone, also helped bridge the gap between genre television and mainstream audiences, allowing more experimental storytelling to flourish on network television.

Legacy and Impact on Television

Philip DeGuere’s legacy as a television creator is firmly rooted in his ability to craft compelling, character-driven stories that resonated with audiences. Simon & Simon remains one of the most beloved detective shows of the 1980s, remembered for its humor, heart, and action-packed episodes. DeGuere’s work on the series helped define the era’s television landscape, and his contributions to other shows, from Doctor Strange to The Twilight Zone, further showcase his versatility and creative vision.

DeGuere passed away on January 24, 2005, but his impact on television endures. His shows continue to be appreciated by fans and serve as examples of quality storytelling in both the crime drama and science fiction genres. His influence on television can be seen in the many shows that have followed in his footsteps, blending humor, drama, and action in ways that engage and entertain audiences.

Through his work, Philip DeGuere helped elevate television as a medium for storytelling, and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated by those who admire his dedication to creating compelling, character-driven narratives. His legacy as the creator of Simon & Simon and as a trailblazer in the world of television production remains strong, cementing his place in television history.