Jim Paratore, an executive producer of "TMZ on TV" and other syndicated hits, died Tuesday after suffering a heart attack while cycling in France. He was 58.
Paratore was the principal of the production company paraMedia, which he founded in 2006. The company had an overall deal with the Warner Bros. Television Group. His television career, which spanned almost three decades, also included stints as president of Telepictures Productions and as executive vice president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.
In addition to TMZ, Paratore served as executive producer of such shows as "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Bonnie Hunt Show" and "Lopez Tonight." While at Telepictures he was also involved with numerous series, including "Extra," "The People's Court," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "The Tyra Banks Show." His primetime credits include "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" and "The Real Gilligan's Island."
Calling Paratore "an incredibly talented and creative friend and colleague," Warner Bros. Television Group president Bruce Rosenblum said, "“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, and our hearts go out to Jill and his family.”
Paratore is survived by his wife, Jill Wickert, and his daughter, Martinique Paratore.
