George Shapiro Cause of Death: ‘Seinfeld’ Producer Dead in Beverly Hills Home at 91

George Shapiro, a producer and manager who helped famous comedy stars in the industry, has died. He was 91.

Several news outlets, including Deadline, confirmed that Shapiro died at his home in Beverly Hills on May 26.

"Shapiro's love of laughter and reverence for those who inspire it helped him build a career in comedy as an unabashed supporter of comic performers and comedy writers," his family said, per NBC News.

The statement did not confirm George Shapiro's cause of death, but Wall Street Journal disclosed that he died of natural causes.

His death shocked many fans and colleagues, including Danny De Vito, who worked with him in the 1978 to 1983 sitcom, "Taxi." The actor also played Shapiro in the 1999 biopic, "Man On The Moon."

I just heard about the passing of George Shapiro, when I worked on ‘Marriage Ref’ George ALWAYS took time to come and talk to us in talent dept, sharing his love and deep knowledge of comedy. I saw him a few years back and he was full of kind words and enthusiasm. Rest Easy.🙏 pic.twitter.com/oUEbriPO1w
— NoelCaslerComedy🌙 (@caslernoel) May 29, 2022

George Shapiro's Decades-Long Career

Before becoming a renowned producer and manager, he first worked as a lifeguard at Tamiment Resort in the Poconos during his summers.

From there, he began his early works in the industry and met talent agents who piqued his interest in scoring the roles.

Carl Reiner helped him get a job in the mailroom of his talent agency after Shapiro graduated from New York University and serving the military.

Shapiro immediately got promoted to junior agent, allowing him to start working on TV series and managed comedians like Lenny Bruce, Elaine May, Mike Nichols, and Phyllis Diller, to name a few.s

He then helped several series, like "The Steve Allen Show," "That Girl," and "Gomer Pyle, USMC," to rise to fame.

In 1973, Shapiro became his own manager. He and West, launched Shapiro/West Associates, the prosperous talent management banner that assembled NBC hit "Seinfeld."

The duo worked together until West died in December 2015.

At the age of 35, Shapiro became a massive part of "Man On The Moon," where he also had a small role. His other film credits include "Summer Rental" and "Summer School."

In 2001, he executive produced the documentary, "Comedian." Two years later, he produced the documentary "The Bronx Boys" and its "The Bronx Boys Still Playing at 80."

Shapiro is survived by his wife, Melody Shapiro, and his children, Danny Shapiro, Carrie Shapiro Fuentes, and Stefanie Shapiro. The bereaved family asked fans to donate to the Festivus Fund through the California Community Foundation.