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Eric Preven, who won a Daytime Emmy for producing Santa Barbara in 1990, has died. He was 62 years old.
Santa Barbara, In Memoriam
The news of Preven's passing was first reported by CityWatchLA. Preven died on Saturday, November 8, of an apparent heart attack. In addition to his career as a producer on Santa Barbara, from 1988 to 1993, Preven was one of the original writers for CityWatchLA. "On behalf of all of us at CityWatchLA, we extend our deepest condolences to his brother Joshua and the entire Preven family," wrote Jim Hampton, CityWatchLA.
Preven's writing appeared twice weekly in CityWatchLA, but also in other publications and media outlets, including the Los Angeles Daily News, The New Republic, and The Intercept.
Preven had a column titled "Eric Preven's Notebook," which was a combination of grassroots activism and investigative insight. Preven's writing examined local government spending, transparency related to homelessness policy, and civic reform.
Preven earned the respect of his former Santa Barbara colleague, Nancy Lee Grahn (ex-Julia; now, Alexis, General Hospital), as evidenced by this YouTube video in which Grahn endorsed Preven in 2014 when he ran for City Council.
"You're a fighter," Grahn told Preven. "You always have been. You've always done the right thing, and you're wickedly smart."
A University of Michigan alumnus, Preven was passionate about architecture. He enjoyed swimming, cooking, and writing poetry.
"His passing leaves a significant void in the Los Angeles civic and journalistic community," Hampton wrote. "While we grieve his loss, we also honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed—ensuring that government remains accountable, that neighborhoods are empowered, and that truth matters.
Soap opera legacy
Santa Barbara, while never a big ratings success, was a Daytime Emmy darling, winning three consecutive statuettes for Outstanding Drama Series starting in 1988. In 1990, Preven joined on stage John Conboy, executive producer, and producer Charlotte Savitz on stage as Conboy gave the acceptance speech.
Following the show's 1990 win, the show continued for another few years, ending in early 1993 with the wedding of BJ Walker (Sydney Penny) and Warren Lockridge (Jack Wagner).
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After the sun set on Santa Barbara, Preven remained in television for a while. He produced the series Popular in 1999 and Reba from 2002-03. In 2009, he produced the series A Year with Freeway Ricky Ross.
Soap Central sends sincere condolences to Preven's family and friends at this difficult time.
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