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The VP of Drama Programming for NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios died last night after fainting on the set of NBC’s pilot Parenthood up in Berkeley and being rushed to Marin General Hospital. Reports say the cause of death was a brain aneurism. She was only 44. Here’s the NBC Universal statement: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our beloved colleague Nora, who was respected and cherished by so many people in the entertainment community. She’ll truly be missed by all of us.” O’Brien came to Universal Media Studios from the SCI FI Channel, where she was VP of Original Programming. She’d been in her current job since January 2008 and acted as both a development and a current executive for scripted series. Some of her projects include Kings and The Philanthropist (the upcoming NBC summer series).
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it’s such sad and tragic news. she was lovely with a great personality, and she was hugely liked throughout the business. she will be missed.
I just saw the first episode of Parenthood and it’s brilliant! a great testimony to Nora O’Brien.
I developed with Nora this year… lovely person. One of those unexplainable things that humble you with the reality of how fragile life is…
My prayers are certainly with her family..
what the hell happened? She was only 40?
Wow…that is very sad to hear. I had a chance to talk to Ms. O’Brien at San Diego Comic Con in 2007 when she was at Sci-Fi and we had a really good conversation about the original programming that Sci-Fi does and how they decide what stays and all that. She seemed extremely nice and I am sad at the news. My condolences to her family and friends
I knew Nora for years, first meeting her outside of the business. She was a really great person, warm and funny and a good friend. Just a tragic loss.
It was an aneurysm. She will be greatly missed.
I had the pleasure of working with Nora for many years. She was a great, open and warm person who will be very much missed by her friends and colleagues. Rest in peace, baby. And say hello to Guy.
She was a sweet, wonderful person and will be dearly missed by all who had the Privilege to know her.
What sudden, sad news. Very nice lady who will certainly be missed!
Loss always sucks. Thoughts & prayers to her family.
Nora was one of the few true class acts in our business — smart, funny, decent and genuine to the core. I am crushed.
When I pitched to Ms. O’Brien last year (along with her colleague Elisa Roth) I found her to be witty and smart and supportive and good natured.
She was younger than me — much, MUCH more vibrant — and I just can’t believe she’s gone.
How terrible. Worked with her several times, she was a good egg.
WOW What a shocker, we were in a meeting not just 6mos ago. A truly NICE lady! RIP.
This is so sad. I’ve known Nora for years, and I considered it an honor. She really was one of the good ones, a truly special person whose presence always seemed to somehow light up the room — even when that room was as big as the convention floor at the San Diego Comic Con. Nora, you will be greatly missed.
I had the pleasure of working with Nora a number of years ago, and also had the pleasure of seeing her for years at Sonny McLean’s in Santa Monica on Sunday mornings to watch the New England Patriots games. What a wonderful woman. This is such a shock and so sad.
I am shocked and devastated by this loss. I knew Nora for last couple of years and was always impressed by her warmth and humor. (And she totally envied me my authentic Red Sox warm up jacket.) I am still trying to get my mind around this. Deepest sympathies to all her friends and family.
Nora was a dear friend of mine. I was proud to be her friend. She kept me going through some bad times in my life and I’ll always be indebted to her for her undying love and support. For those looking to honor her memory pick up the torch she carried for hollywood heart, a summer camp for children with HIV/AIDS. I will miss Nora for every living day I have left on this world. This whole world is a little bit darker for her leaving us.- JP
I love you girl!!
I will see you later!!
GOLDEN xoxoxo
Man, that is just awful. RIP lady, even though I didn’t know you. The comments by those who did show you were a nice person and will be missed. Condolences to your family and close friends.
One of the angels you sometimes meet in development hell.
Thanks, Nora.
I met her on Clear and Present Danger. She was such a lovely person, and she always made time to help others.
Life is as brief as the bloom of a flower. When the bloom ends, we all return to earth only to be born again as new. Even so, it is very sad that Ms. Nora passed away. My prayers go out to her family and friends although I didn’t know her. The beautiful comments show how much she was loved. God, please bless your new angel.
We’re all shocked and saddened. She really WAS the kind, smart supportive friend and colleague people say she was–whether you pitched to her, worked for her or befriended her (yeah, maybe at that bar!). She was the real deal and I can only hope I can be half the person or professional she was. RIP, Nora.
Nora, the Boston gang won’t be the same without you. We’ll keep the Red Sox banner flying high. And we’ll try not to cry too much. Just for a while, tho, ok?