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Paratore was the producer who championed Ellen DeGeneres' transition to daytime television despite industry-wide skepticism that an openly gay host could carry the show.(Pic: Getty Images)Read More

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"My friend, producer and champion Jim Paratore died today. He gave me a chance when no one else would. I love you, Jim," the New York Daily News quoted DeGeneres as tweeting.(Pic: Getty Images)Read More

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As president of TelePictures Productions, Paratore later revolutionized the gossip news business, co-founding TMZ in 2006.Before that, he was responsible for a number of high-profile hits that dominated America’s television hits.(Pic: Getty Images)Read More

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Among his biggest successes, in addition to 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' was 'Extra,' 'The People's Court,' 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show' and 'The Bachelor' franchise." He has left an indelible mark not only on our company's success but on each of us who worked with him during the past 26 years," Warner Bros. Television Group President Bruce Rosenblum said. (Pic: Getty Images)Read More