MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Heather Gray die? Emmy-winning ‘The Talk’ exec producer, 50, suffered from plasma cell leukemia

Heather Gray joined 'The Talk' in 2010 and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for the best talk show and entertainment, along with an NAACP Image Award

Heather Gray, the executive producer for the CBS series 'The Talk' and a former supervising producer for 'The Tyra Banks Show', has passed away. She was 50 years old at the time. In 2019, Gray was diagnosed with plasma cell leukemia, an aggressive form of multiple myeloma cancer, a rare blood disease, and has been on treatment for the same. However, no further details about Gray’s death are available at this point in time.

Before joining 'The Talk', Gray was a development producer at Endemol USA from 2010 to 2011. She joined 'The Talk', which debuted in 2010, midway through season one as senior supervising producer. The following season, she was promoted to co-executive producer, then named an executive producer in August 2019. She earned two Daytime Emmy Awards, for the best talk show, and entertainment, in 2016 and 2018, along with a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award in 2016. Recently, many veterans from both Hollywood and Media Industry have passed away and Gray's death has only deepened the sorrow.

ALSO READ

Who is Tony Dow’s wife Lauren Shulkind? Actor, 77, dies a day after he was wrongly declared dead
How did Paul Sorvino die? 'Goodfellas' star, 83, once threatened to kill Harvey Weinstein for harassing daughter

On Sunday, CBS President and CEO George Cheeks, CBS Studios President David Stapf, CBS Network Entertainment President Kelly Kahl, CBS Network Entertainment Senior Executive VP Programming Thom Sherman, CBS Network Entertainment Executive VP Current Programs Amy Reisenbach, and CBS Network Entertainment Senior VP Daytime Programs Laurie Seidman sent out a joint letter to the staff of 'The Talk' praising Gray's work on the series. The letter reads as follows - 

"Dear Talk Family,

On behalf of all of us at CBS, we want to extend our deep condolences to you for the painful loss of our beloved Heather. She was an inspiration to us all, living and thriving while bravely battling an unforgiving disease. She showed us what true courage looks like.
Heather has been the heart and soul of “The Talk” from day one. Her brilliance as an innovative producer was only outmatched by her huge smile and infectious laugh. She was an admired, beloved mama bear of your family and a leader that all looked up to. Her contributions to the success of the show are immeasurable, but more importantly, she was a boss that proved you can lead with kindness, caring, and friendship. Heather was everyone’s friend, everyone’s champion, and everyone’s favorite person on the set. We will miss her terribly.
 
We recognize and share the pain and shock you are feeling at this moment, as well as the grief you will feel in the days ahead. While the show is starting its hiatus as of August 1 (Monday), we do not want you to grieve and mourn alone. The set will be open, and HR will have staff and grief counseling available in person and by phone. HR support will be on site as well. We understand how difficult this will be for all of you and want you to all know, that we are here for you.
 
George, Kelly, David, Thom, Amy, Laurie"

Her show's viewers and friends have shared their fond memories as a tribute to her on social media platforms. On the official Twitter handle of 'The Talk', the team tweeted, "It is with heavy hearts to share the unexpected passing of our beloved Heather Gray. Heather has been the heart and soul of “The Talk” from day one. Her brilliance as an innovative producer was only outmatched by her huge smile and infectious laugh." Comedian and Celebrity host, Loni Love shared her special moments with Grey on Twitter stating, "It is with heavy hearts to share the unexpected passing of our beloved Heather Gray. Heather has been the heart and soul of “The Talk” from day one. Her brilliance as an innovative producer was only outmatched by her huge smile and infectious laugh." Mike Hill, Actor and Television show host, said, "I am absolutely devastated to hear that my friend has passed. We just had dinner last week & she was in such great spirits, as she always. One of the nicest, kindest souls, who always had a positive outlook & who ALWAYS cared so much for others. Luv u lady"

A user tweeted, " I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Heather Gray. She was a thoughtful, kind and exquisite woman to say the least. She loved her family, friends, and her dog Winston. My sincere condolences to her family and friends during this most difficult time. #heathergray #thetalk." Another fan on Twitter tweeted, "I had just hung up the phone with my sister, fondly remembering Paul Sorvino. My Variety emails just keep popping up. Nichelle. Childhood favorite, Pat Carroll. Heather Gray from The Talk production staff, only 50 yrs old. Stop this."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.