Deirdre “Didi” O’Hearn Dies: Former Head Of Programming At Food Network & Cooking Channel Was 63

Denise Petski
·2-min read

Deirdre “Didi” O’Hearn, an industry veteran who most recently head of programming and development for Food Network and Cooking Channel, died Monday after a long battle with lung cancer, her husband Richard Eckerstrom confirmed to Deadline. O’Hearn had recently entered hospice in Florida and passed away this morning with her husband, two sons and two of her brothers by her side. She was 63.

During her tenure at Food Network and Cooking Channel, she oversaw the existing programming slate, both daytime and primetime, and the creation of new shows for both networks.

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O’Hearn joined Food Network and Cooking Channel from WE tv where, as VP Development and Talent, she was responsible for creating brand defining original series and specials and was instrumental in developing a number of WE tv’s popular series, including Mary Mary, Kendra On Top and L.A. Hair. Prior to WE tv, O’Hearn served as VP in charge of the New York office of nonfiction media producer Darlow Smithson Productions.

Earlier in her career, O’Hearn spent 16 years at A&E Television Networks. As VP Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming she developed and launched the hit reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels. She also served as the Director of Programming for the Biography Channel and Executive Producer of the Emmy-winning Biography series. Before joining the A&E’s Biography Channel, O’Hearn served as a producer of programming for A&E Network and History, where she wrote and produced biographies on F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, Sen. John McCain and Eva Peron.

“Didi was an invaluable part of the A&E and History programming teams, producing our high profile Biography series with the golden touch and warmth that allowed her subjects to open up,” said Abbe Raven, Chairman Emeritus, A+E Networks. “She was a beautiful soul—modest , caring , kind  and loved by all those who knew her. She loved this industry and we were all blessed to have called her a friend and colleague.”

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O’Hearn was nominated for six Emmy Awards, including five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series for A&E Networks’ Biography. She was a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT).

She is survived by her husband, two children and four brothers.

Contributions in O’Hearn’s honor can be made to NYU Langone Health Perlmutter Cancer Center.

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