Erin Maroney Fraser, a former writer for the popular comedy show Saturday Night Live, passed away on March 3, 2023, at the age of 53. According to a GoFundMe page set up for her children, the cause of death was a brain hemorrhage that occurred suddenly and unexpectedly.
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A Star in the Entertainment Industry
Erin Maroney Fraser was born on April 23, 1969, in New York City. She grew up in Tarrytown, NY, where she excelled in academics and athletics. She attended Oxford College of Emory University, where she later served as a co-chair of the Alumni to Student committee.
She began her career in the entertainment industry as a senior assistant to Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of Saturday Night Live. She worked with him on several projects, including Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Tommy Boy, and Wayne’s World 2.
In 1995, she became a staff writer for Saturday Night Live, where she contributed to 18 episodes featuring hosts such as Quentin Tarantino, Jim Carrey, and Christopher Walken. She was also an associate producer and talent executive for Burly Bear Network, where she developed and produced original programming.
A Loving Mother and Wife
Erin Maroney Fraser married Walter Javan “Jay” Fraser III on September 6, 1997. They had three children, all of whom are either alumni or current students of Emory University. Her eldest daughter was recently accepted to graduate school at the University of Georgia.
Erin took a hiatus from film production to raise her family, but returned to the industry in 2023 as the Executive Director of the Savannah Regional Film Commission. She was responsible for promoting and facilitating film and television projects in the Savannah region. She had a positive and radiant energy that attracted people to her.
A Tragic and Unexpected Loss
On March 2, 2023, Erin Maroney Fraser started her day as usual. She wished her youngest child a happy birthday and went to work at her new job. But after lunch, she started to feel ill. Within hours, she passed away from a brain hemorrhage.
Her death shocked and saddened her family, friends, colleagues, and fans. She was remembered as a beautiful, witty, intelligent, and generous person who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the community.
Saturday Night Live paid tribute to her in the latest episode (Saturday, March 11) by airing a title card in her honor. The Savannah Economic Development Authority also issued a statement expressing their condolences and gratitude for her work.
Erin Maroney Fraser’s legacy will live on through her children, her films, and her comedy sketches. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
