Andy Cohen became emotional during Thursday night’s episode of Watch What Happens Live as he remembered a former crew member who had died.
Cohen has hosted the late-night program for 17 years, and Bravo renewed the series through 2027.
The series is known for its playful tone, often featuring candid chats with Bravo personalities, celebrities, and other high-profile guests.
Thursday’s episode, though, took on a far more serious tone, with Cohen ending the broadcast in tears.
Addressing viewers directly, he shared that Kyra Samson, a former production manager on Watch What Happens Live, had died at 28.
“I have some devastating news to share from our Watch What Happens Live family and this is hard for me to get through,” he said.
“On Tuesday night, our beloved former production manager Kyra Samson passed away from brain cancer. She was only 28.”
Cohen continued: “During her four wonderful years with us, Kyra was known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor.
Tonight we are honoring an incomparable part of the #WWHL team. Visit https://t.co/6ZwmL4cuce to donate to the Kyra fund. pic.twitter.com/u90YIbbnQ1
— Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) June 26, 2026
“But she could also be a small, but mighty enforcer. To see Kyra on a bull horn corralling crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold.”
He added that she would be “terribly missed” and offered prayers to her loved ones during the heartbreaking loss.
Cohen also pointed viewers toward The Kyra Fund, which was created to honor her legacy by supporting research into glioblastoma, the aggressive form of brain cancer she had.
According to the fund’s website, Kyra was diagnosed at 27. The page describes glioblastoma as one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer and says donations will support urgently needed research.
Kyra’s father, David Samson, the former president of the Miami Marlins, previously shared that she died peacefully after a long battle with the disease.
Thursday’s tribute came after Bravo viewers and members of the wider reality TV community had already begun sharing condolences and memories online.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.