According to an official statement from CBS, American producer Heather Gray died at the age of 50. Gray was an Emmy Award-winning executive producer for The Talk on CBS. She died on July 30 in Los Angeles of a “relentless illness,” CBS announced, without naming it or giving further details. After the announcement of her passing, condolences to the executive producer began to pour in on social media.
Twitter reactions to Heather Gray’s death
Long associated with CBS’s discussion program The Talk, Heather Gray was mourned by the Twitterati. Several people expressed surprise at her passing at age 50, calling her “one of the most beautiful and kind souls”.
Two weeks ago it was my first time co-hosting The Talk.. when the show was over I walked out and Heather was waiting for me with words of encouragement., this is a total shock https://t.co/EPMBrFtVu9
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) July 31, 2022
I am devastated to hear that my friend has passed away. We just had dinner last week and she was so cheerful, as always. One of the nicest, kindest souls, who always had a positive outlook and ALWAYS cared so much about others. nice lady https://t.co/kluoL89HZN
— Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) July 31, 2022
Heather Gray’s achievements are summarized here.
Heather Gray joined The Talk midway through the first season in 2010 as a senior accompanying producer when the program launched. She was elevated to co-executive producer the following season and then executive producer in August 2019. Gray won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Entertainment Discussion Program for her work on The Talk in 2016 and 2018. In 2016, she also received an NAACP Image Award. Gray worked as a development producer for Endemol USA from 2010 to 2011 and as an accompanying producer for The Tyra Banks Show from 2006 to 2010.
CBS president and CEO George Cheeks acknowledged her contribution to the entertainment industry in an official letter.
“On behalf of everyone at CBS, we would like to express our sincere condolences on the tragic passing of our dear Heather. She was an example to all of us, thriving despite battling a terrible disease. She showed what real courage looks like.”
Gray was also referred to as the “heart and soul” of the talk show in the letter.
“Her huge grin and infectious laugh complimented her talent as an imaginative producer. She was your family’s revered and cherished mother bear, as well as a leader everyone looked up to. Her contributions to the show’s success are incalculable, but more importantly, she was a boss who showed that you can lead with love, care and friendship. Heather was everyone’s best friend, lawyer and favorite person on set. We will miss her unfortunately.”
According to the official letter, the program will also be on hiatus from August 1, 2022 until further notice. The reason for her death has not yet been disclosed.
