Andy Cohen (Bravo / Getty Images)

Andy Cohen Pays a Tearful Tribute to Late 'Watch What Happens Live' Production Manager

The success of many TV shows and films has a great deal to do with the people behind the scenes. Their expertise, hard work, and skills often drive the whole enterprise. Thus it was with deep sadness, profound respect, and an intense sense of loss that Andy Cohen paid tribute to his late production manager. Watch What Happens Live's Kyra Samson was only 28. She had courageously battled glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, until her death on Tuesday. Her dad was "former Miami Marlins team president David Samson," per Entertainment Weekly.

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Cohen Spoke Emotionally About Kyra Samson on the Air

In fact, Andy Cohen's words were heartfelt and sincere. He honored her on Bravo on June 25 with tears of true, painful sorrow. Cohen said on the broadcast, "Before we go tonight, I have some devastating news to share from our Watch What Happens Live family. This is hard for me to get through, but, on Tuesday night, our beloved former production manager Kyra Samson passed away from brain cancer."

He added, "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. She's going to be terribly missed by all of us here. And, no doubt, by everyone who was lucky enough to know her."

The Kyra Fund Was Launched in Her Memory

Cohen concluded his remarks with this thought. "I hope you'll join us in honoring her legacy by donating to the Kyra Fund, which will help provide urgently needed research for people with glioblastomas — and hopefully help future Kyras out there. We are sending all of our prayers and love to her family and her friends. We love you, Kyra."

Additionally, the Kyra Fund was established in partnership with the Glioblastoma Research Organization. The aim is to raise money for important research on this brain cancer. As of Friday, June 26, $306,345.95 had been raised toward a goal of $350,000.

Furthermore, without doubt, the memory of this very special young woman who touched so many lives will be her legacy.