Remembering Bob Rosenfarb, writer & producer for 'Head of the Class,' 'Step by Step,' 'The Golden Girls,' and other beloved 90s sitcoms.
- March 18, 2026
AceShowbiz - Bob Rosenfarb, known for his work as a writer and producer on popular 1990s sitcoms, passed away Tuesday at the age of 74, his family confirmed.
Rosenfarb’s television career included significant contributions to some of the era’s most beloved series. Among his credits are 19 episodes of the ABC sitcom Head of the Class, starring Howard Hesseman, spanning two seasons from 1987 to 1989. He also lent his writing talents to acclaimed shows such as St. Elsewhere, Cagney & Lacey, and The Golden Girls.
He worked on the final two seasons of ABC’s Who's the Boss?Who's the Boss? from 1990 to 1992, a show featuring Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano, and Judith Light. Following that, he dedicated six seasons from 1992 to 1998 to the ABC-CBS comedy Step by StepStep by Step, which starred Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers.
Born Robert Martin Rosenfarb on September 16, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, he was raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, he pursued stand-up comedy and wrote a spec script for Mork & Mindy. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1978, initially working as a bartender before selling a story idea to Archie Bunker's Place in 1982.
In addition to live-action television, Rosenfarb wrote for several animated series during 1984-85, including The Get Along Gang, Heathcliff & the Catillac Cats, and The Wuzzles. His other credits extended to shows like The Ellen Burstyn Show, Free Spirit, The Upper Hand, and 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd. He also shared his expertise by teaching improvisation.
His family described him as a man who lived a life full of joy, humor, and love. They emphasized his deep appreciation for the craft of comedy and his collaborative spirit. Those who knew Rosenfarb remember his wit, warmth, and the distinctive sparkle in his eye when telling stories or jokes.
He is survived by his sister Beth, brother-in-law Jim, nephew Jesse, and niece Rebecca. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
