Friends executive Jamie Tarses dead at 56 after ‘complications from a cardiac event’

FRIENDS executive Jamie Tarses has died at just 56 after reportedly suffering from complications following a cardiac event.

Tarses helped pave the way for female creatives, as she was the first woman to run a network entertainment division.

The creative passed away on Monday morning after a series of complications stemming from a cardiac event she suffered last fall, her family told Deadline.com.

Unfortunately, following the cardiac event, the Pittsburgh native never regained consciousness.

Alongside Friends, Tarses also worked on Frasier, Happy Endings, and My Boys.

After getting her first job in 1985, Tarses climbed the ranks quickly.

By 1994, she was promoted to SVP Primetime Series and number two to NBC’s entertainment president – and Tarses’ mentor – Warren Littlefield, where she played a vital role in developing Friends.

And just four years later, at the age of 32, she was made President of ABC Entertainment, becoming the youngest executive and the first woman to be named entertainment president at a major network.

Following her huge success, she made a quick career change and became a producer for The Wilds and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Tarses is survived by her husband, Paddy Aubrey and their children, Wyatt and Sloane.

She is also survived by her parents, Jay and Rachel; and her siblings Matt and Mallory, three nieces, and a nephew.