(LibertyInsider.org) – ABC Signature, a division of Disney Entertainment Television, announced the recent death of a former long-term employee and programming executive, Stephanie Leifer, on Thursday, June 27. She was just 56. She worked 28 years for ABC/Disney before leaving in 2022.
A Disney Entertainment spokesperson told reporters, “Stephanie was a beloved member of the Disney Entertainment Television family for nearly three decades.” He added that her devastating loss had left many heartbroken.
Stephanie Leifer Dies; Beloved Former ABC Executive Was 56 https://t.co/CAYRW1tcrC
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 28, 2024
The spokesperson praised the former executive for her creative influences and her ability to nurture vital relationships within the company and industry-wide. He extended the Disney Entertainment family’s condolences to her husband, their colleague, Jonathan Blumen, and the couple’s children, Noah and Amelia.
Leifer became involved in some of the most successful and critically acclaimed television shows during her career. They included productions like “Private Practice,” Desperate Housewives,” “Ugly Betty,” “Castle,” “Lost,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
She began working at ABC in 1994 as an assistant in the TV movie department. She worked her way up through the ranks to an executive position in current programming, comedy development, and drama development. She held that position for 12 years before leaving in 2022.
One of the showrunners for “Grey’s Anatomy,” Krista Vernoff, paid tribute to Leifer on Instagram. She credited Leifer as an “unsung hero” for the series and explained why the news of her death was so gutting.
Vernoff said that in addition to being brilliant at her job, Leifer instinctively seemed to know which battles to fight to help writers, directors, and producers steer the show in a successful direction each step of the way. She said Leifer was an integral part of making the show a hit.
On a personal note, Vernoff observed what a loving and dedicated mom Leifer was. Vernoff had asked Leifer what she planned to do when she left in 2022, and her friend had answered that she wanted to spend time with her kids. Vernoff expressed sorrow that her friend died so young.
The family planned a private funeral. They also directed donations on Leifer’s behalf to CASA of Los Angeles, an organization dear to her heart where she served as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children.
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