Gary David Goldberg

Gary David Goldberg

Tributes have flooded in for 'Family Ties' creator Gary David Goldberg, who died yesterday (23.06.13).

The TV executive had battled brain cancer for a long time before succumbing at his home in Montecito, California, aged 68.

Gary discovered Michael J. Fox, giving him his career break by including him as the lead in comedy series 'Family Ties' in 1982, which Gary largely based on his own life. The pair also teamed up for 'Spin City' in the 90s.

'Scrubs' and 'Cougar Town' creator Bill Lawrence, who worked with Gary on 'Spin City' paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "Everyone has a mentor (or two hopefully) that touches his/her life. Gary Goldberg passed away today. Wish I had thanked him more."

Comedian Mike Royce added: "RIP Gary David Goldberg. On Spin City he and @VDOOZER treated me amazingly and made me part of the family. Great, funny man."

In his latter career Gary wrote and directed 'Dad', starring Jack Lemmon, and romantic comedy 'Must Love Dogs' with Diane Lane and John Cusack.

The mogul was nominated for seven Emmy awards during his life, two of which he won.

Gary also wrote episodes of 'The Bob Newhart Show' and 'M*A*S*H' in his earlier career, as well as the critically acclaimed TV series 'Brooklyn Bridge'.