Susan Beavers Collection

Title: Susan Beavers Collection

Dates: 1955-2014 [bulk 1998-2000]

Collection Number: WGF-MS-029

Creator/Collector: Beavers, Susan, 1955-

Extent: 4.8 linear feet

Repository: Writers Guild Foundation Archive

Abstract: The Susan Beavers Collection, 1955-2014, consists primarily of scripts from the Lifetime network television series Oh Baby, created by Beavers. Also in the collection are scripts and material from other shows Beavers worked on as well as scripts, notes, and production materials originating from Beavers’ parents who worked in the early TV industry.

Language of Material: English

Available by appointment only.

The responsibility to secure copyright and publication permission rests with the researcher.

Susan Beavers Collection. Writers Guild Foundation Archive

Donated by Susan Beavers, June 22, 2015.

Susan Beavers was born in Santa Monica, CA to Jackie and James Beavers. James was an executive at the advertising agency Campbell-Ewald where he headed up the Chevrolet account. Jackie Gordon Beavers worked freelance television production in New York and Los Angeles and was notably a script supervisor on Matinee Theatre as well as assisted Al Capp with his 1952 TV show. Susan’s first television job was with Danny Arnold as a receptionist on Barney Miller. She subsequently worked as a production secretary, writer’s assistant and script supervisor on shows such as Soap and Night Court. Her first spec script for It’s a Living was bought as the show went into first run syndication and from there she wrote freelance episodes of Newhart and Golden Girls among others. After years as a staff member and eventually producer on Growing Pains, Empty Nest and other sitcom staffs, she created a vehicle for Dudley Moore, Dudley and one for Valerie Harper, The Office (1995). In 1998, Susan wrote a spec TV pilot, Oh Baby, based on her experiences as a single mother. To her surprise, Lifetime bought the pilot and subsequently Sony and Lifetime produced it for two years. When Oh Baby ended, Susan went on to write and produce on the staffs of Dharma & Greg followed by nine years on Two and a Half Men. At present, she’s trying her hand again at development. –SB, November 2015

The Susan Beavers Collection, 1955-2014, contains materials from Susan’s career as a television writer/producer as well as her parents’ entertainment careers. Series I: Susan Beavers Television Work, 1985-2014, consists mostly of the scripts from the Lifetime television series Oh Baby 1998-2000. There are two drafts of each of 44 episodes as well as press clippings from season 1, show bibles and development materials related to seasons 2 and 3. Many of the scripts contain handwritten notes and changes. Also included are teleplays that Beavers wrote freelance or as a writing staff member. Shows include Golden Girls, Newhart, The Facts of Life and Jennifer Falls. Lastly, this series contains cast and crew lists for many of the shows Beavers worked on, including Nurses, Dudley, Hudson Street, Temporarily Yours, Oh Baby, Dharma & Greg, and Two and a Half Men. Series 2: Other Television Materials, 1952-1981, consists of television material from the professional lives of Jackie and Jim Beavers or of unknown origin. Subseries A: Jackie Beavers Material, 1952-1981, contains scripts, correspondence and notes from shows that Jackie worked on: The Al Capp Show (1952), NBC Matinee Theatre / Matinee Theater (1955-1956) and Cliffwood Avenue Kids (1978-1981). Subseries B: Jim Beavers Material, 1969, consists of advertising material from Jim Beavers’ work, such as a list of “Acceptable Guest Stars for Chevrolet Shows” and a report of the 1969-1970 network development slate created by the Leo Burnett Company. Subseries C: Other Scripts, 1971-1977, contains scripts for a few television episodes including Soap, Columbo and Days of Our Lives as well as projected stories for Days of Our Lives from creator Betty Corday. Also included is a feature film manuscript of unknown origin - a comedy about pirates.