Ron Weaver Dies, 'Bold and the Beautiful' Producer Dead at 75

Ron Weaver, an Emmy-winning producer of The Bold and the Beautiful and Sesame Street, died on May 11 at the age of 75 in Los Angeles.

Weaver started his career as a ventriloquist and performed on local radio and TV before attending  Michigan State U. Weaver served in the US Air Force Reserve for two years before studying acting under Lee Strasberg in New York.  As his career progressed, he worked as the title of director of operations and production services for the Children's Television Workshop. Weaver joined B&B in 1986 as an associate producer. He helped the soap opera launch into one of the highest rated daytime serials with its co-creators, the late William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell.

Over the years, Weaver became the senior producer of the show. After, he assumed the role of vice president of the show's distribution company, until leaving this past April. Bradley Bell, B&B's current showrunner, released a statement in remembrance of Weaver. Bell said he was saddned to learn of Weaver's death.

"Ron was talented, a good friend to all of us, and a 26 year producer of 'The Bold and the Beautiful.' He will be missed, will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts," Bell said.

Weaver was awarded three Emmy's for his tenure at the soap opera.  He won for three consecutive years starting in 2009 when the CBS drama was awarded the statue for Outstanding Drama Series prize. Weaver was also nominated again for this year's awards.

Weaver was also very active in the Writers Guild of America for more than 20 years. In 2010, he published Soul Mate, his first novel. It was a story about forbidden love between the two central characters, Claudia and Lance.

Weaver is survived by his partner of 29 years, Franko E. Weaver, daughter Jen Finkle-Weaver, son Kevin Weaver and grandchildren Ella, Taji, Kyle and Davis. A private funeral service will be held in Encino. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Three Rivers Lions Club (P.O. Box 134, Three Rivers, MI 49093) or AIDS Project Los Angeles.