Merrill Markoe, who helped David Letterman create his Late Night show, to receive a top Writers' Guild honor

Variety

As Letterman's original head writer on NBC's The David Letterman Show and Late Night, Markoe was responsible for creating many of Letterman's signature bits, like “Stupid Pet Tricks,” “Stupid Human Tricks” and “Viewer Mail.” She'll be honored with the Writers Guild of America West’s Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. According to The Late Shift author Bill Carter puts it, Markoe "has my vote for the best writer in history of nightly late- night television. Her mark on the genre is indelible, and every show now on the air includes elements derived from her original creations. Massively deserved recognition."