Dana Eden, the Israeli producer and co-creator of the acclaimed Apple TV+ spy thriller Tehran, has died unexpectedly in Athens, Greece. She was 52 years old. Eden was in the Greek capital overseeing preparations for the fourth season of the series when she was found dead on .
News of Eden’s death was first reported by Israeli public broadcaster KAN, and quickly spread through international entertainment news outlets. While initial reports suggested the possibility of suicide, with Greek police finding pills at the scene, a coroner also reportedly discovered bruises on Eden’s neck, prompting further investigation. Greek authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Tehran, which premiered in 2020, quickly gained international recognition for its gripping storyline and authentic portrayal of espionage. The series follows Tamar Rabinyan, a Mossad agent on a dangerous undercover mission in Tehran. The first three seasons were filmed extensively in Athens, utilizing the city as a stand-in for the Iranian capital. The show’s success led to a multi-million dollar deal with Apple TV+, a landmark agreement for an Israeli series.
Eden co-produced Tehran with Shula Spiegel, and the pair’s production company, Donna and Shula Productions, released a statement seeking to dispel rumors of foul play. “The production company wishes to clarify that the rumors of a criminal or nationally motivated death are false and unfounded,” the statement read. “We ask that Dana’s dignity and the privacy of her loved ones be respected.”
The production of the fourth season had already faced delays following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Eden had traveled to Greece specifically to oversee the resumption of filming.
Eden’s career spanned over three decades in the Israeli television industry. Beyond Tehran, she produced a diverse range of series including Shakshouka, Michael, and Magpie. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar described Eden as “one of the most prominent and influential producers in the Israeli television industry.”
The story behind Tehran’s creation is itself a testament to Eden’s bold risk-taking. In a 2023 interview on the podcast Outside the Frame, Eden and Spiegel revealed they had secured Greek government funding to attract international productions to the country. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail the project, delaying production and jeopardizing their funding.
“I mortgaged my house to produce Tehran and complete the filming,” Eden confessed on the podcast, describing the decision as “insane” but ultimately worthwhile. The gamble paid off handsomely when Apple TV+ came on board, securing a deal that Eden described as “on a scale unheard of for an Israeli series until then.”
Tehran has garnered critical acclaim, winning the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2021. The series has also featured notable actors such as Glenn Close and Hugh Laurie, further elevating its international profile.
Dana Eden’s death represents a significant loss for the Israeli television industry and the broader international television landscape. Her willingness to take risks, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to bring compelling stories to life will be deeply missed. The impact of her work, particularly Tehran, will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
The investigation into Eden’s death is ongoing. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
