Jim Paratore, TV producer and the creator of TMZ, died today from an apparent heart attack. He was 58.
Paratore worked as vp of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and created TMZ with Harvey Levin in 2006.
“The Warner Bros. Television family has lost an incredibly talented and creative friend and colleague in Jim,” said Bruce Rosenblum, president of Warner Bros. Television Group. “He has left an indelible mark not only on our company’s success but on each of us who worked with him during the past 26 years. Jim had a passion for life, both inside and outside the entertainment industry, and he will truly be missed. All of us at Warner Bros. are shaken by this news.”
Since its start, TMZ has become one of the most popular entertainment and celebrity gossip sites on the internet. Paratore is also credited with helping Ellen Degeneres land her popular talk show. He also had a hand in other popular shows such as “Judge Mathis”, “Rosie”, “TMZ TV”, “Extra” and The Bachelor.”
He is survived by his wife, Jill Wickert, and his daughter, Martinique Paratore.
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