Update to get updates … Pioneering TV executive Jamie Tarses is being remembered in Hollywood today as “fun, funny, brutally honest” and a “driving force” in some of the most beloved television series of a generation.
“She changed my life,” tweeted NBC’s star Kristen Johnston 3rd Pedra do Sol who said Tarses was a “great early supporter of the network” for the 1996-2001 sitcom, adding that the executive “has become one of my dearest friends. A pioneer for women in the TV industry and a beautiful, fun and brilliant person.
She was probably the driving force behind her favorite show. “
Tarses died today of complications after a cardiac event last fall. She was 56 years old.
Adam Pally, who starred in the film produced by Tarses Happy endings on ABC, he tweeted: “Jamie Tarses was an idiot beauty who hit TV so much that he was running NBC at 32, NOS 90’s !!! She was fun, funny, brutally honest, stylish as hell, she didn’t care and she was fighting madly for the things she believed in, including me, thanks Jaime. “
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Constance Zimmer, the Shameless actress who played film executive Dana Gordon on HBO Entourage, credited Tarses as “one of the inspirations” for the character. “She was a force and broke some of the first glass ceilings,” Zimmer tweeted.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our longtime client and friend,” Tarses longtime agency WME said in a statement. “Jamie was a pioneer in every way, breaking the glass ceiling of the television industry and incorporating the passion and tenacity that made her one who was always ahead of her time. She blatantly loved television and was an executive who made writers feel safe and heard. We will miss her very much. “
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I was lucky to meet Jamie. I was lucky to laugh with her. She put me on a path that I am still today. What an incredible life she lived. Like … incredible standing ovation levels. https://t.co/QVpV54pXgE
– Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 1, 2021
We are saddened by the passing of Jamie Tarses, an architect from NBC’s must-see TV era. She was a pioneer for women in entertainment with an unparalleled vision of the potential of TV. Your legacy will endure as generations discover these legendary shows.
– NBC Entertainment (@nbc) February 1, 2021
This is not fair. Jamie Tarses was the most handsome and tough. He produced successful programs, mentored young writers (incl. Me), and then kicked his ass in riddles. Every writer has crushed Jamie’s brain and intelligence. And she was an incredible mother. Just the coolest fucking thing. #RIPJT
– Breckin Meyer (@breckinmeyer) February 1, 2021
What is happening?! 💔
@hall_m_brandon@mrmarcelspears, @BernardDJonesand I was blessed to work with Jamie on@TheMayorABC. She was adorable. This seems so wrong.#JamieTarses Dies: the executive pioneer and TV producer was 56 https://t.co/3oQ9yBhlNs
– yvette nicole brown (@YNB) February 1, 2021
Very sad to hear of the death of the pioneer Jamie Tarses. She supported me a lot when I was starting #nypdblue at ABC, and I’ve always liked that. I remember her as a vital and charismatic force. My sincere condolences to her family. A terrible loss. https://t.co/8HHvegwMsK
– Bill Brochtrup (@BillBrochtrup) February 1, 2021
REST IN PEACE #jamietarses! She was instrumental in bringing THE MAYOR to the world! This is crazy! This is sad! She is a pioneer who will never be forgotten! @YNB @mrmarcelspears @hall_m_brandon
– Bernard David Jones (@BernardDJones) February 1, 2021
My heart is broken by everyone who knew and loved Jamie. She was a pioneer, yes. But she was an incredible person – anyone who was lucky enough to meet her knows how deeply she will be missed. I am very grateful that I was lucky enough to meet you as a friend. https://t.co/StDLHH1A7X
– Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) February 1, 2021
Jamie Tarses was an idiot beauty who hit TV so much that she was already running NBC at the age of 32, IN THE 90’S !!! She was fun, funny, brutally honest, stylish as hell, she didn’t care and fought madly for the things she believed in, including me, thanks Jaime. I love Paddy & fam
– adam pally (@adampally) February 1, 2021
She changed my life (a big supporter of the 3 Rock network) and became one of my dearest friends. A pioneer for women in the TV industry and a versatile, beautiful, fun and brilliant person.
She was probably the driving force behind her favorite show. https://t.co/RLkjl20FA0– Kristen johnston (@thekjohnston) February 1, 2021
Very sad to hear about the death of #JamieTarses as she was one of the inspirations for #DanaGordon! She was a force and broke some of the first glass ceilings … sending love to her family and friends.
– Constance Zimmer (@ConstanceZimmer) February 1, 2021
RIP Jamie Tarses. We worked together years ago in my old life as an executive at Lorimar and NBC. She was ambitious and insightful, intelligent and creative. She didn’t hire me 3 times, probably because she judged my executive talents better than I did. My condolences to your family.
– David Zuckerman (@David_Zuckerman) February 1, 2021
RIP Jamie Tarses. So many fond memories of Jamie, including countless hours of running riddles. She was always so nice to me and supported me a lot. She was also responsible for the only time (so far) that my father and I worked together. I will always be grateful for that. ❤️
– David Pressman (@DavidPressman) February 1, 2021
We are saddened by the passing of Jamie Tarses, an architect from NBC’s must-see TV era. She was a pioneer for women in entertainment with an unparalleled vision of the potential of TV. Your legacy will last as generations discover these legendary shows.
– NBC Entertainment (@nbc) February 1, 2021