David Osper, producer of 'Road Rules' and 'Ancient Aliens', dies at 47 after battling cancer
David Valentine Osper, a longtime executive producer and showrunner for MTV, VH1 and History, breathed his last on December 30. According to a spokeswoman for Sony Pictures Television, he died in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.
Most notably known for his work on shows like 'Road Rules', 'Storage Hunters' and 'Ancient Aliens', he recently served as VP Unscripted Development at MTV. His other credits include 'Homewrecker', 'Buzzin', 'Buckwild', 'Scrubbing In', 'Suspect', 'Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar', 'The Rock Life', 'Who Wants to Marry My Dad?', 'Meet My Folks' and 'Bridget's Sexiest Beaches'.
Before entering the entertainment industry, he attended USC and worked as a video game designer for Activision. Later, he moved into television. The producer is survived by his parents, Sharon and George, siblings Carrie and Jason and his beloved doodle, Twiggy.
In a tweet dated December 31, Swiss writer Giorgio A Tsoukalos posted, "Last night, my friend David Osper (center), moved on to the next level, far too young. David was the first field director and field producer of the 1st standalone Ancient Aliens ep 'Gods, Chariots and Beyond'. I've known David since October '08 and what an adventure it was."
A memorial service will be held to reminisce about his life at 2pm on January 26 at the Marina del Rey (CA) Hotel. A fund has been created in his name and contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A message on the fundraiser reads, "David Valentine Osper, long-time television creative, showrunner, son, brother and friend to many, lost his fight with cancer on December 30, 2019. A force behind dozens of series for MTV, History, VH1 and many others, David is survived by his parents, two siblings, and his beloved doodle, Twiggy. In memory of David Osper contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center for Cancer Research."
