Jamie Tarses, pioneering TV executive, passes away at 56.

Jamie Tarses passed away on Monday, January 1, due to complications from a cardiac event last fall. Her family confirmed her passing away. She was 56 years old.

Tarses was the first woman to head a major network entertainment division during the disorderly period at ABC in the 1990s. She became the President of ABC Entertainment in 1996. Prior to that, she was a comedy development executive at NBC. She participated in the launch of sitcoms like F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Fraiser.

Tarses came from a show-business family. She was involved in various charitable organizations.