Albyn

David Arnold Jacobs, born August 12, 1939, was an American television professional, recognized primarily for his work in creating popular primetime series. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Melvin and Ruth Jacobs, who were of modest means. After attending Baltimore City College High School and earning a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Jacobs began his career in New York City as an illustrator and researcher for Grolier's Encyclopedia. He transitioned to freelance writing, contributing articles on subjects such as the architect Buckminster Fuller and a children's book about Renaissance artists. He also co-authored a non-fiction book about police work.

Jacobs later moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting, a move influenced by his desire to be closer to his daughter, Albyn. His script for a pilot mini-series was developed into the highly successful show "Dallas," which launched his career as a writer and producer in television. He went on to create "Knots Landing" and "Paradise." In his later years, Jacobs struggled with Alzheimer's disease and passed away on August 20, 2023, at the age of 84 due to complications from infections. He was survived by his children, Albyn, Aaron, and Molly.