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Dana Eden, the co-creator and executive producer of hit TV spy thriller Tehran has been found dead in an Athens hotel room, according to local police reports.
Eden, 52, was in Greece filming the fourth season of the show, which follows a Mossad agent seeking to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, and an investigation has been launched.
Her abrupt death has sparked rumours on social media over foul play, given the nature of the show’s narrative. There have also been misleading reports in Israeli media that stated Greek police were investigating a possible link to Iran.
However, international production company Donna and Shula Productions released a statement dismissing any “unfounded” rumours about the death of the Israeli TV exec.
“This is a moment of great sorrow for the family, friends, and colleagues,” reads the statement. “The production company wishes to clarify that rumours regarding a criminal or nationalistic-related death are not true and are unfounded.”
KAN, the Israeli public broadcaster who co-produces Tehran, also shared a statement on Eden’s death.
“We are saddened by the passing of our friend and partner in a long line of productions, series and programs at the Israel Broadcasting Corporation – Dana Eden. Dana was among the senior figures in the Israeli television industry and was a central figure in the creation and leadership of some of the corporation’s most prominent and influential productions.”
Tehran has been a huge hit for Apple TV and stars Niv Sultan, Shaun Toub, Glenn Close and Hugh Laurie. The show won an International Emmy Award in 2021 for Best Drama Series – becoming the first Israeli series to win the award.
Eden had confirmed that both Israelis and Iranians were working together on the show, saying that the creative collaboration gave her hope.
“I think it gives hope for the future, and I hope that we can walk together, the Iranians and the Israelis, in Jerusalem and in Tehran as friends and not as enemies.”