Ron Weaver, the man behind the phenomenal TV success The Bold and The Beautiful, died this Thursday at the age of 75. The Hollywood Reporter announced that the three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner passed away at his home in Los Angeles. The producer, whose name is recognisable to three whole generations of Americans, launched the infamous soap in 1986, along with co-creators the late William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell. But Weaver’s career ascent didn’t stop there. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a senior producer and then, soon after, vice president of BBL Distribution, Inc., where he supervised international sales, operations and promotion. Just this spring, he left the show after 27 years of working on it. On his impressive list of projects are also shows like Sesame Street, The Electric Company, 3-2-1 Contact, Feeling Good and The Best of Families, but before getting his start in TV production, Weaver lived in New York for 20 years, working as a photographer and actor. He later moved to LA and started a much more successful career in TV production. Following Weaver’s death, current B&B executive producer Bradley Bell released the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Weaver. Ron was talented, a good friend to all of us, and a 26 year producer of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful.’ He will be missed, will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts.”

The renowned producer is survived by his partner of 29 years, Franko E. Weaver; daughter Jen Finkle-Weaver; son Kevin Weaver, an executive Vice President at Atlantic Records Group; and grandchildren Ella, Taji, Kyle and Davis.