Writing

Lise Mayer

Lise Mayer, born on November 29, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent American writer recognized for her impactful contributions to television and film. She is best known as the creator and co-writer of the groundbreaking BBC comedy series The Young Ones, a collaboration with Rik Mayall and Ben Elton. Mayer's journey into the world of comedy began in Manchester, where she met Mayall during her time at school while he pursued drama studies at Manchester University, where her father taught.

Beyond The Young Ones, Mayer has penned scripts for a variety of television shows, including The Last Resort, Paramount City, London Underground, The Fast Show, Saturday Zoo, and Casualty. She also produced Denis Leary's No Cure for Cancer. Mayer's film work includes serving as a writer and consultant for The Borrowers and co-authoring screenplays for Suite 16, Paper Marriage, Flushed Away, and The Matchmaker.

In addition to her screenwriting, Mayer has authored several books, such as Bachelor Boys: The Young Ones Book, People I Have Shot (in collaboration with ITN cameraman Sebastian Rich), and The Utterly Merry Comic Relief Christmas Book. She is actively involved in advocacy through her work with The Citizens.

Mayer was previously in a relationship with Rik Mayall until 1985 and shares a son with comedian Angus Deayton, with whom she had a long-term relationship from 1991 to 2015. Her sister, Catherine Mayer, is a co-founder of the Women's Equality Party alongside Sandi Toksvig.

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