Michael Sloan, Co-Creator Of ‘The Equalizer,’ Dies At 78

Michael Sloan, a television writer, producer, and novelist best known as the co-creator of “The Equalizer,” died in New York City on August 13. He was 78.

Melissa Sue Anderson

Michael Sloan, a television writer, producer, and novelist best known as the co-creator of The Equalizer, died in New York City on August 13. He was 78.

Born on October 14, 1946, in New York City, Sloan built an impressive resume with early assignments as a writer and producer on a wide range of TV dramas. His credits included Switch, Quincy, M.E., The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Battlestar Galactica, and three series under NBC’s “Mystery Movie” umbrella: Columbo, McCloud, and McCoy. In 1978, he shared an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series for his work on Quincy, M.E., starring Jack Klugman.

But it was The Equalizer, which Sloan created alongside Richard Lindheim in 1985, that became his signature achievement. The original CBS series, starring Edward Woodward as a former intelligence operative who helps people in danger, aired for four seasons.

Sloan later returned to the franchise as an executive producer of the Equalizer film trilogy (2014, 2018, 2023) starring Denzel Washington. He also helped shepherd the 2021 reboot of The Equalizer TV series, starring Queen Latifah.

In addition to his work in television and film, Sloan authored a series of Equalizer novels that expanded the universe of the franchise. His other TV credits included B.J. and the Bear, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Baywatch, and multiple entries in the Mystery Woman TV movie franchise.

Sloan is survived by his wife, Melissa Sue Anderson, best known for her role as Mary Ingalls on family drama Little House on the Prairie; their children, Piper and Griffin; and his sister, Judy.