I think she deserves special props for almost single-handidly creating the format that we know as "reality tv". RIP Ms. Bunim... you were an original!


"Real World" Creator Bunim Dies
Fri Jan 30,12:35 PM ET

By Sarah Hall

Mary-Ellis Bunim, a pioneer and creative force in the reality television genre, died Thursday, after a lengthy fight with breast cancer. She was 57.



With producing partner Jonathan Murray, Bunim created a prolific run of reality programming, including MTV's 12-year-strong The Real World and Fox's Paris Hilton vehicle, The Simple Life.


The duo's Bunim-Murray Productions was also the brains behind young adult-targeted shows such as Road Rules, Making the Band and The Love Cruise.


"Mary-Ellis was a one-in-a-million partner and friend, and I will always treasure our incredible years of collaboration," Murray said in a statement. "Even as the family at Bunim-Murray Productions mourns her loss, we will honor her memory by remaining committed to her ideals of creativity, adventure and excellence, both on the screen and in our lives."


Born in Northampton, Massachusetts Bunim began her show biz career on the soap opera circuit, logging more than 2,500 hours as a production executive on daytime classics such as As the World Turns and Santa Barbara. She also served as a vice president for New World entertainment, where she developed children's programs, as well as content for daytime and late night.


In 1987, an agent at the William Morris Talent agency paired Bunim and her soap experience with Murray, whose background was in TV news. By combining their two disciplines, the duo came up with the idea of creating a dramatic series featuring real people instead of actors. Soon thereafter, The Real World was born--and MTV would never quite be the same.


"Mary-Ellis opened our eyes and our hearts to a whole new way of looking at young adult programming," said Judy McGrath, MTV Group president. "She will certainly be imitated forever, but no one will quite get the care and elegance of her touch with young people and their stories."


Bunim is survived by her daughter, Juliana.




(damned picture edit)
[This message was edited Sat Jan 31 15:18:38 PST 2004 by June7]

I just heard this.

Well, she deserves props 4 allowing me 2 enjoy 'The Real World' as apposed 2 all that 'Big Brother' shite.

So - thanx.

I just heard that immediately pending Bunim's death, God and Satan entered talks to star in a reality television version of "The Odd Couple".

Coincidence???

oh no

RIP Ms. Burnim. I'm so sorry to hear this!

Very sad.

her creation became my addiction

r.i.p.

Poor lady may she rest in peace