'Love Connection' Creator Dies at 71

Posted: 2008-07-06 08:07:52

LOS ANGELES (July 6) - Eric Lieber, whose television production credits include the long-running dating show "Love Connection," has died. He was 71.

Lieber died Wednesday of leukemia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said his wife, Peggy.

Lieber created "Love Connection" in 1983 after decades producing other game shows, as well as the talk shows of Dick Cavett, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mike Douglas.

"Love Connection," hosted by Chuck Woolery, aired until 1995. Lieber also was executive producer of the 1998-1999 reprise of the series, hosted by Pat Bullard.

On the program, contestants watched videos of three prospective blind dates, chose one to go out with and returned to the show to talk about the experience.

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Larry Harmon, July 3: The man who appeared as Bozo the Clown for decades and turned the character into a thriving business poses, shown above next to a man dressed as Bozo, dies at 83.

Lieber attributed the show's success to the real-life drama audiences got to observe.

"The show succeeds because we believe in honest emotions," he told the Chicago Sun-Times in 1992. "And, admit it: We're all a little voyeuristic and enjoy peeking into someone else's life."

Lieber was born April 7, 1937, in Vienna and came to the United States as a baby. He grew up in New Jersey and launched his TV career in New York City in the 1950s.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2008-07-06 08:03:07

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36 comments

sladybas1 11:21:22 AM Jul 07 2008

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"Love Connection" was good entertainment. I especially enjoyed Chuck Woolery as the host.

lynspanache 11:19:02 AM Jul 07 2008

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I loved 'Love Connection' in their first-run episodes in the 90's. Thank you Mr. Lieber for giving us lots of laughs, tears and fun as many tried to make their love connections. Some couples I understand actually married as a result of your show.

mgs1029 10:04:48 AM Jul 07 2008

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I really liked that show, I wondered what happened to it. Chuck Woolery, who is an avid sportsman, can be seen from time to time on QVC. He sells a line of outdoor merchandise. He looks great....don't know how old he is, but he looks great.

bradleyjstevens 08:24:39 AM Jul 07 2008

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Always thought "Love Connection" was a cool show. May Mr. Lieber rest in peace.

viceverse 03:20:47 AM Jul 07 2008

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The Love Connection was such a great show. I loved how Chuck would say: 2 in 2. RIP

wnm1 02:01:33 AM Jul 07 2008

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SO SORRY ABOUT "THE LOVE CONNECTION" CREATOR DYING! SEEMS LIKE WE'RE LOSING SEVERAL CELEBRITIES EVERY MONTH! THERE'S AT LEAST 3 OR MORE WITHIN A PERIOD OF 7 TO 10 DAYS (just like airplane crashes)!

pop1023 11:47:01 PM Jul 06 2008

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Feel bad for him .......but Jeez Louise ......Love Connection was the stupidest show around !

skbas10 10:52:30 PM Jul 06 2008

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fk him......who cares

mra90 09:18:21 PM Jul 06 2008

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hey heatsink carlin actually had something to say, this guy was pure titilation

mra90 09:14:51 PM Jul 06 2008

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not much of a contribution to society but sorry to hear he made the death conection

tonden123 08:03:03 PM Jul 06 2008

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thank you for hours of fun

neuticles 07:25:09 PM Jul 06 2008

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rencefishberg 06:59:55 PM Jul 06 2008 Report This! THAT PICTURE OF LARRY HARMON WITH PRESIDENT BUSH IS PRICELESS.LOL- good one!!!

rbebbtides47 07:07:50 PM Jul 06 2008

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He was one of a kind and oh so lovable!

lawrencefishberg 06:59:55 PM Jul 06 2008

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THAT PICTURE OF LARRY HARMON WITH PRESIDENT BUSH IS PRICELESS.

rickie0313 06:41:17 PM Jul 06 2008

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Didn't GSN just do a Love Connection marathon? And now,because of the recent passing of Eric Leiber, the creator ofLove Connection, they're going to air another Love Connectionmarathon? I knew their library of classic game shows waslimited, but if Eric Leiber created any other game shows, I'dlove for someone at GSN to dig them out of the volt, in honorof his memory, not just air another marathon of Love Connection.

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36 comments