Producer of Apple TV drama Tehran is found dead in Greek hotel while overseeing filming of Israeli spy show’s new season

Dana Eden, the creator and producer of Israeli spy drama Tehran, has been found dead in a Greek hotel while filming the show’s new season.

The 52-year-old Israeli died suddenly and her body was found by her brother in her Gatsby Athens hotel room after she failed to respond to his messages.

Police are reportedly treating it as a possible suicide and claim Eden was found with bruises on her limbs and neck and large amounts of pills at the scene, local news outlet Protothema said.

Officers are investigating the cause of her death and are reportedly examining whether, before taking the pills, she attempted to harm herself in another way, local news says.

An autopsy is expected, but Greek news outlets claim there is currently no indication of foul play.

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.

‘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.

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.