China Beach co-creator John Sacret Young dies at 75

The Hollywood Reporter

Young earned five Emmy nominations for his work on the 1988-1991 ABC Vietnam War drama, which he co-created with William Broyles, Jr. Young would go on to earn two more Emmy nominations writing for The West Wing. His most recent work was as a co-executive producer and writer on Netflix's Firefly Lane. Young was known for mentoring for mentoring young writers, including John Wells, whom he would go on to work with on The West Wing. “John was my mentor and my friend. He was an exceptionally gifted writer who was generous with his time, thoughtful, wickedly funny, patient and tough,” said Wells in a statement. “He cared deeply about writing, about words and craft. He set the bar high and expected you to clear it. He took a chance on a young and inexperienced writer and I will be forever grateful for his giving me that chance.”