Paul Eckstein died peacefully in his sleep at age 59. His death occurred on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. His wife, Hala, shared the news of his death with MGM+ and ABC.

Eckstein was best known for co-creating the MGM+ popular crime drama Godfather of Harlem along with writer Chris Brancato. The company confirmed his death in an official statement.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our brilliant colleague Paul Eckstein, the co-creator and executive producer of Godfather of Harlem, and a beloved member of the MGM+ and ABC Signature families. Working on the series was a labor of love for Paul, who based the show in part on his family’s personal history,” the statement read.

Several people have also shared their condolences on the internet after his death was announced.

“Paul Eckstein rest easy. A big inspiration, didn’t really know him but was a fan. From a bartender at Nells to a Screenwriter in Hollywood the guy did the thing. Played ball against him in HS as a teen, dude could hoop. Rest in Paradise, Mr. Eckstein. Thank you for your service,” a fan, Dante Rosss, also wrote.

“When I met Paul Eckstein and expressed my profound love for Godfather of Harlem, his show, he went out of his way to carve some time out for me to talk about being EP and Bumpy Johnson helping his Grandmother. He was a real one. #RIPPaulEckstein,” American movie critic, Carla Renata shared.