Andy Cohen paid tearful tribute to the “sweet smile and gentle demeanor” of former “Watch What Happens Live” production manager Kyra Samson following her death at 28 from brain cancer.
The Bravo host and executive producer grew emotional as he ended the “WWHL” episode on June 25 with a remembrance of Samson, who at 27 was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme, according to a brain cancer research fund created in her memory.
“Before we go tonight, I have some devastating news to share from our ‘Watch What Happens Live’ family,” Cohen said. “This is hard for me to get through, but on Tuesday night our beloved former production manager Kyra Samson passed away from brain cancer. She was only 28. During her four wonderful years with us, Kyra was known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor, but she could also be a small but mighty enforcer.
“To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold,” he continued. “She’s going to be terribly missed by all of us here, and no doubt by everyone who was lucky enough know her.”
Cohen then urged viewers to donate to the Kyra Fund, which raises money for research to help others with glioblastoma. Nearly $300,000 has been donated as of June 26.
Samson was the daughter of former Miami Marlins president David Samson, who now hosts the podcast “Nothing Personal with David Samson.” Samson shared a tribute to his daughter on Instagram June 25.
“Yesterday, my daughter, Kyra, passed away peacefully after a 9 month and 11 day fight against one of the cruelest diseases I’ve ever seen up close,” he wrote. “She was diagnosed with Brain Cancer, specifically Glioblastoma. I have felt all of your concern and love for these months and wasn’t ready to be anymore specific than I was.
“Kyra was a 28-year-old young woman who loved deeply and who is impossible to describe in 280 characters. While her life got stolen from her, she handled these months with courage, poise, and resolve. And all I want is for no family to feel what we feel today. For no young person to suffer the way she did,” he added.
The website for the Kyra Fund describes her as a “lively daughter, guiding sibling, relied upon friend, devoted partner, and dependable colleague.”
She enjoyed dancing at clubs, binge watching reality television, hosting game nights with friends, hiking in the hills of Los Angeles and relaxing at a spa, according to the website.
“In the face of unimaginable circumstances, Kyra led with courage, bravery, grit, strength, and authenticity,” the tribute reads.
She was a Northwestern University graduate who worked as a production manager on “Watch What Happens Live” for four years before starting a job on “Jeopardy!” in March 2025, according to The Athletic.
She was diagnosed with glioblastoma after she was taken to the hospital when coworkers noticed she was acting strangely at work in September 2025.
“We’re all combining sadness and grief with unbelievable amounts of gratefulness, because she didn’t get cheated for those 28 years. Not for a day,” her father told The Athletic. “But she has been cheated now for what could have been.”