David St. John, Esteemed Executive Producer, Passes Away at 56

David St. John, a prominent executive producer known for his work on reality TV hits like America’s Next Top Model, I Am Jazz, and The Ts Madison Experience, has sadly passed away at the age of 56.

Tribute to a Visionary

St. John succumbed to pancreatic cancer on December 19 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, as announced by UTA.

Impact on Reality Television

From 2015 to 2020, St. John served as the executive producer for four seasons of TLC’s I Am Jazz, a groundbreaking series that followed the journey of transgender teen Jazz Jennings. The show was honored with a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding reality program in 2016, highlighting its significant impact on representation in media.

A Family Bond

The Jennings family expressed their heartfelt sentiments in a statement: “David was more than just the executive producer of I Am Jazz — he was family, and we loved him deeply. In our most challenging moments, he lifted our spirits with his warmth, reassured us that everything would be OK, and gave us the strength to share our family’s journey.”

“His kindness, infectious laughter, and unwavering belief in our story will forever be woven into the heart and legacy of I Am Jazz and remain a cherished part of our lives.”

Recent Projects and Legacy

In 2021, St. John executive produced We TV’s The Ts Madison Experience, which focused on the life of the transgender TV personality. His final project, the upcoming TLC series Jay & Pamela, is set to premiere in 2025 and follows an engaged couple living with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease).

A Career of Influence

St. John began his illustrious career at MTV, progressing from assistant to story producer on the 2002-03 series Taildaters. After serving as a creative consultant for America’s Next Top Model from 2005-06, he co-executive produced over 100 episodes of Tyra Banks’ UPN-CW show from 2007-11, showcasing his expertise in shaping compelling narratives.

A Legacy of Compassion

Fifteen years ago, St. John underwent two craniotomies at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to remove tumors. He later volunteered to meet with patients preparing for similar surgeries, providing them with comfort, humor, and reassurance — a testament to his compassionate nature.

Survivors and Memorial Plans

He is survived by his husband, Scott; sisters Corrine and Rachel; mother Lynn; and Kirsten and Karen, whom he considered his sisters. Details regarding memorial services will be announced soon.

A Bright Light in the Industry

Drew Tappon, head of unscripted development, programming & specials at OWN, remarked, “To be in David St. John’s orbit meant that you were witness to an astonishingly bright light … all the time. He made everything better. And he made YOU feel better. Simply put, he just made us all better.”

Persons

David St. John, Jazz Jennings, Tyra Banks, Drew Tappon

Company Names

TLC, We TV, MTV, UPN, CW

Titles

America’s Next Top Model, I Am Jazz, The Ts Madison Experience, Jay & Pamela, Taildaters

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