Andy Cohen gives on-air tribute to late Bravo producer

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live," delivered an emotional on-air tribute Thursday night to a former staff member who died earlier this week. Kyra Samson, a former production manager for the late-night talk show, died Tuesday, June 23, at the age of 28 after a battle with brain cancer.

Cohen became visibly choked up while addressing the loss at the end of the June 25 broadcast. He described Samson as a beloved member of the show's family, noting she had worked there for four years. He remembered her for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor but also recalled her formidable presence at large events. "To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold," Cohen said. He added that she would be terribly missed by everyone at the show and all who knew her.

During the segment, Cohen encouraged viewers to donate to the Kyra Fund, a fundraiser established to support research for glioblastoma, the aggressive form of brain cancer Samson faced. The fund had raised nearly $300,000 toward a $350,000 goal as of Friday morning.

News of Samson's passing was first shared publicly by her father, David Samson, the former president of the...