Former ABC executive Stephanie Leifer dies at 56

Former ABC executive Stephanie Leifer, who spent nearly three decades at Disney TV in various capacities before leaving in 2022, has died. She was 56. During her long career at ABC, Leifer was part of some of the biggest and most critically acclaimed shows in the network’s history. This includes productions such as ‘Lost’, ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Private Practice’.

“Stephanie was a beloved member of the Disney Entertainment Television family for nearly three decades and our hearts are broken by the devastating news of her passing,” the company said in a statement. “She was a much-admired executive whose creative impact was matched only by the relationships she fostered, both within the company and across the industry. Our sincere condolences go out to her family, especially her husband and our colleague Jonathan, and their two beautiful children, Amelia and Noah.”

Leifer left her role as executive vice president of current programming at ABC Signature in May 2022. That marked the end of Leifer’s time at both the studio and ABC, where she originally started working in 1994.

Leifer moved to the studio in 2006. In her role as executive vice president of current programming, she oversaw all current programming at the studio, including shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” at ABC.

Leifer began her career at ABC as an assistant in the TV film department. From there, she worked her way up to a leadership position in current programming, drama development and comedy development. Before joining ABC Signature (then ABC Studios), she was senior vice president of comedy development for the ABC network. Since 2010, she has headed the current division of ABC Studios/ABC Signature. Prior to her time at ABC, she also worked for WGBH-TV in Boston and Writers and Artists Agency.

A private funeral will take place, with a celebration of life planned in the near future. Donations in honor of Leifer can be made at: CASA of Los Angeleswhere she was appointed by the court as a special advocate for foster children.