The Middle Creators: From Midwest to Hollywood Success
The creators of the hit sitcom The Middle, DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler, journeyed from the Midwest to Hollywood. Their talent, unwavering confidence, and strong partnership led them to success on shows like Roseanne and How I Met Your Mother, culminating in the long-running hit, The Middle. This article explores their creative process, the challenges they faced as women in entertainment, and the inspiration behind their beloved show.
Eileen’s passion for television and theater ignited in her childhood. Her early love for Saturday Night Live, which she’d reenact for her family, foreshadowed her career. DeAnn, despite a different upbringing without much exposure to the arts, discovered her writing passion through The Dick Van Dyke Show, realizing comedy could be a profession.
Their fateful meeting at Indiana University, a “romantic comedy meet-cute” as DeAnn calls it, cemented their lifelong bond and professional partnership. Dissatisfied with their academic programs, they boldly transferred to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, a pivotal career moment.
After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles, where Eileen’s temp job on Doogie Howser led to a crucial realization: opportunities require active pursuit. This led to their first big break, pitching ideas to Doogie Howser producers, landing them an agent and opening doors to work on iconic shows like Roseanne and Murphy Brown.
The television writing landscape was vastly different for women when they started. Often the sole female writers on staff, they faced a competitive environment. However, they believe the industry has evolved, fostering a more supportive atmosphere for women. Their partnership provided strength and resilience, allowing them to navigate industry challenges together.
Their journey wasn’t without hurdles. They balanced motherhood with demanding television careers. Hiding Eileen’s pregnancy with twins for five months underscored the pressures on women in the industry.
Motherhood’s challenges, however, fueled their comedic writing. Drawing from their experiences, they created The Middle, resonating with audiences for its relatable portrayal of family life. Eileen’s son, Justin, who is on the autism spectrum, inspired the character of Brick, showcasing their commitment to authenticity and drawing from their personal lives.
DeAnn emphasizes authenticity and bringing a unique perspective to work. This philosophy shines in The Middle, celebrating the ordinary and finding humor in a middle-class family’s everyday struggles. Even being fired from Lipstick Jungle, devastating at the time, taught them resilience and perseverance.
The Middle‘s success testifies to their ability to find humor in everyday life and their enduring partnership. Their advice to aspiring writers and anyone seeking success is simple: focus on what you can control, be humble, be kind, be smart, and keep moving forward.
