Bruce Geller

Bruce Geller (1930–1978) was an American librettist, lyricist, screenwriter, and television producer best known for creating the iconic TV series Mission: Impossible. Before making his mark in television, Geller began his career in musical theatre, where he wrote lyrics and librettos that showcased his sharp wit, narrative clarity, and flair for character-driven storytelling.

Born on October 13, 1930, in New York City, Geller attended Yale University, where he studied psychology but quickly gravitated toward writing for the stage. In the 1950s, he worked as a lyricist and librettist on a number of musical theatre projects. His best-known Broadway credit is All in Love (1961), a musical adaptation of Sheridan’s The Rivals, for which Geller wrote both the book and lyrics. Though it had a short run, the show received praise for its clever writing and showcased his skill in blending classical source material with contemporary sensibilities.

Geller also worked on other stage musicals, including Livin’ the Life (1957), where he contributed the book and lyrics. While his theatre career did not achieve major commercial success, it demonstrated his strengths in plot structure and dialogue—skills that would soon serve him well in the world of television.

Geller transitioned to television in the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence. In 1966, he created Mission: Impossible, the groundbreaking espionage series known for its intricate plots, minimal dialogue, and iconic theme music by Lalo Schifrin. Geller served as writer and executive producer, and the series won several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Dramatic Series. He also served as producer on the popular detective series Mannix.

Tragically, Bruce Geller’s life was cut short in a plane crash on May 21, 1978, at the age of 47. Though his time in musical theatre was relatively brief, his early work as a librettist and lyricist laid the foundation for a storytelling career that would ultimately reshape television drama. Today, he is remembered as a pioneering creator whose artistic versatility bridged the stage and screen with intelligence, innovation, and lasting cultural impact.