Eric Preven, a television writer and producer whose credits included the sitcom Reba and hundreds of episodes of the daytime drama Santa Barbara, died November 8 in Studio City, California. he was 62.
Preven began his television career in 1988 as an assistant producer on santa Barbara, rising to coordinating producer by 1992, a role he held until 1993. He transitioned to comedy writing in 1995 with the Fox series Partners, followed by writing work on NBC’s Boston Common (1996-97), Something So Right (1996-98), and the short-lived Fox sitcom Holding the Baby.
He later contributed to The WB’s Popular (1999-2001), penning approximately six episodes and producing two.In 2002, Preven joined Reba as a consulting producer, later becoming a supervising producer for its second season and writing two episodes before departing in 2003. His final producing credit was for the 2009 telefilm A Year with Freeway rick Ross.
beyond television, Preven was a prominent Los Angeles journalist and civic activist, frequently challenging local politicians on issues including municipal spending, transparency, homelessness, and policy reform. He mounted a campaign for Los Angeles mayor in 2017, participating in a candidates’ debate.
CityWatch LA, where Preven was a longtime contributor, reported his death as appearing to be from a sudden heart attack.
He is survived by his brother, Joshua Preven; sister, Anne Preven; parents, Ruth and David Preven; and children, Isaac Rooks Preven and Reva Jay Preven.
