James Duff (writer)  James Duff (born September 3, 1955) is an American television writer, producer and director. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and has written plays and television screenplays. He is credited as the creator of the TV series "The Closer" and "Major Crimes". Duff is married to actor Phillip P. Keene, who plays Buzz Watson on "The Closer" and "Major Crimes". Duff was nominated for an Emmy Award for his screenplay for the television movie "Doing Time on Maple Drive". He scored a single Edgar Allan Poe Awards nomination in 2007 with Mike Berchem.