Police launch probe as Israeli producer of Apple TV's Tehran dies suddenly aged 52

Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 16/02/2026

- 09:58

Updated: 16/02/2026

- 10:36

The Israeli producer's body was found in an Athens hotel room over the weekend

Dana Eden, the acclaimed Israeli producer and co-creator of the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series Tehran, has died at the age of 52.

Her body was discovered on Sunday in her Athens hotel room, where she had been overseeing production of the show's fourth season.


The 52-year-old was found by her brother, who grew concerned after she stopped responding to his calls and messages.

He subsequently initiated a search that led to the discovery.

Dana Eden

Dana Eden has died

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GETTY

Ms Eden had travelled to Greece to lend a helping hand to production on the latest season of the award-winning series.

The Israeli public broadcaster Kan confirmed her death on Monday, noting her hands-on involvement with the ambitious new season of the spy thriller.

Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Eden's death. An autopsy has been ordered to establish the precise cause.

Officers are currently examining surveillance footage from the hotel and gathering statements from staff members who may have had contact with the producer during her stay.

According to initial reports from Greek media outlets, investigators do not believe criminal activity was involved.

The inquiry appears to be proceeding as a standard procedure following an unexplained death rather than a criminal investigation.

Local police took custody of Ms Eden's body following its discovery on Sunday. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities await the results of the post-mortem examination.

Ms Eden co-founded Dana and Shula Productions alongside Shula Spiegel, building a partnership that would span 18 years and yield numerous acclaimed series.

Glenn Close with Dana Eden

Tehran star Glenn Close with Dana Eden

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"We are shocked and heartbroken by the untimely passing of our beloved friend and partner, Dana Eden," her production company said in a statement, describing her as "a gifted creator with an international reputation."

Her career in television stretched back more than three decades, beginning when she joined her father's production company in 1996.

The producer famously took extraordinary personal risks to bring Tehran to fruition, mortgaging her own home to cover cash-flow gaps during filming disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

That gamble ultimately secured a landmark multimillion-dollar acquisition deal with Apple TV+.

Dana Eden (right) with Shula Spiegel

Dana Eden (right) with business partner Shula Spiegel (left)

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GETTY

Tehran is a spy drama centred on a Mossad agent who infiltrates Iran under a false identity, and has become one of Israel's most successful television exports.

The series claimed the International Emmy Award for best drama in 2021, cementing its place among the most celebrated productions to emerge from the country.

The show has attracted major Hollywood talent over its run, with Glenn Close joining the cast for the second season and Hugh Laurie appearing in the third.

Its latest season debuted on Apple TV+ just last month, earning both critical praise and strong viewership. Apple had already commissioned a fourth season, with filming underway in Greece, when Ms Eden died.