Andy Cohen wiped tears on June 25 as he paid tribute to Watch What Happens Live production manager Kyra Samson, who died at 28 after a glioblastoma diagnosis.
On Thursday, June 25, Andy Cohen tried to close out his Bravo late-night show with the kind of warmth that usually fills the room. Instead, the moment turned devastating.
The 58-year-old host paused Watch What Happens Live to share news from the show’s own family. Choked up from the start, he told viewers, “Before we go tonight, I have some devastating news to share from our Watch What Happens Live family.”
He continued, already struggling to get the words out: “This is hard for me to get through, but, on Tuesday night, our beloved former production manager Kyra Samson passed away from brain cancer.”
Samson was only 28. Cohen described her four years with the show and the impression she left on everyone around her—“known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor”—before adding that she could also be “a small but mighty enforcer.”
One memory stood out: Cohen said seeing Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was “truly a sight to behold.”
“She’s going to be terribly missed by all of us here. And, no doubt, by everyone who was lucky enough to know her,” he added, wiping away tears. Cohen also pointed out what Samson’s illness meant, explaining she died after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
As he ended the tribute, Cohen asked viewers to honor her legacy by donating to the Kyra Fund. The effort. he said. will help provide urgently needed research for people with glioblastomas—“and hopefully help future Kyras out there.” He then sent love directly to the people closest to her: “We are sending all of our prayers and love to her family and her friends. We love you, Kyra.”.
The tribute included a picture of Cohen and Samson together, a final personal note before the show moved forward. For many in the WWHL orbit, the shock wasn’t just that someone so young was gone—it was how quickly the familiar rhythm of the studio was interrupted by grief.
Andy Cohen Watch What Happens Live Kyra Samson BravoCon glioblastoma brain cancer Kyra Fund celebrity news tribute