Tom Whedon

Tom Whedon is an American television screenwriter, and son of a major 1950s TV screenwriter John Whedon. He and first wife, political activist Lee Stearns, are the parents of film and TV writer Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse). Tom and his second wife, Pam Webber, are the parents of scriptwriter Zack Whedon (Deadwood). He was an original writer for the 1950-60s children’s television show Captain Kangaroo. As early as 1964, he collaborated with Jon Stone on a concept for a puppet-centered children’s television series using the fairytale Cinderella as a basis. During this process, they became acquainted with the creative, but then relatively unknown, Jim Henson and his Muppets. The trio went on to make the “Hey, Cinderella!” TV special for ABC in 1970. In the 1970s, Tom Whedon (along with Stone) worked for the Children’s Television Workshop, becoming head writer for the award winning show The Electric Company. Additional writing credits include the more adult fare of The Dick Cavett Show, Benson, Alice, and The Golden Girls.