Israeli Apple TV Drama ‘Tehran’ Producer Found Deceased in Greek Hotel

Dana Eden, celebrated for her role as the creator and producer of the Israeli espionage series “Tehran,” was tragically discovered deceased in a hotel in Greece. The 52-year-old’s untimely death occurred while she was in the country working on the latest season of her acclaimed show.

Eden’s body was found by her brother in her room at the Gatsby Athens hotel after she failed to respond to his attempts to contact her. The circumstances surrounding her death have prompted local authorities to consider the possibility of suicide.

Reports from the scene indicated that Eden had sustained bruises on her limbs and neck, and a significant quantity of pills was discovered nearby. This has led police to explore whether there was an attempt to inflict self-harm before the ingestion of the pills, according to the local news outlet, Protothema.

A spokesperson from the police department stated, “An autopsy has been ordered, the surveillance cameras have been reviewed, and everything seems to indicate it was a suicide.” As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to this tragic loss.

A police spokesperson said: ‘An autopsy has been ordered, the surveillance cameras have been reviewed, and everything seems to indicate it was a suicide.’

A tribute was shared by Tehran’s production company Dana & Shula Productions, which Mrs Eden co-owned, saying they were ‘shocked’ by the loss.

‘We are shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of our beloved friend and partner. Dana was a gifted creator with an international reputation.’

There has been speculation online that Mrs Eden was killed by Iranian agents but the production company dispelled the rumours in a statement.

It said: ‘The production company wants to make it clear that the rumours of the death being criminal or nationalistic are not true and baseless.

Dana Eden, 52, was found dead in an Athens hotel by her brother after failing to respond to his messages

Dana Eden’s show Tehran won an Emmy Award in 2021 for best drama series 

‘We call on the media and the public not to publish unfounded theories and to act with responsibility and sensitivity. This is a moment of immense pain for the family, friends, and colleagues,’ it added. ‘We want to preserve Dana’s dignity and her privacy.’ 

Tehran won an Emmy Award in 2021 for best drama series, starring Glen Close and Hugh Laurie in seasons two and three respectively.

The show was in Greece filming its fourth season after the third series aired on Apple TV Plus last month. Athens was to stand in for the setting in Tehran as the cities are visually similar in areas and Israelis are banned from visiting Iran.

Filming had been delayed due to the war in Gaza after initially being planned to go ahead soon after the Hamas attacks October 7.

It follows a young Mossad agent who infiltrates Iran’s nuclear programme under a fake identity but is trapped in her false life.

Police are now collecting security camera footage and testimony from hotel staff.

The Israel Broadcasting Corporation also posted a tribute saying it was ‘saddened’ to hear of Mrs Eden’s death.

‘Dana was among the senior figures in the Israeli television industry and was a central figure in the creation and leadership of some of the corporation’s most prominent and influential productions,’ the company said.

Hugh Laurie starred in the third season of Tehran which aired on Apple TV Plus last month

Mrs Eden’s body was found at the Gatsby Hotel in Athens, according to Reuters, close to the Acropolis

The production appears as though it will continue filming in the wake of Mrs Eden’s death. 

The corporation continued: ‘The fourth season of the series is currently being filmed in Greece – a complex and significant production, which Dana came to closely monitor. 

‘Her professional work, uncompromising commitment and love of creation have left a deep mark on the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation. Here we share in the heavy mourning of her family, friends and colleagues, and embrace her dear partner, our friend Shula Spiegel.’

Mrs Eden and her production partner Shula Spiegel have collectively produced more than 40 TV series, including Five Men and a Wedding, Dan & Muzly, The Magpie, The Stylist and CBS pilot Mother’s Day, as well as the children’s series Shakshouka and documentary series Saving the Wild Animals.