Peabody Award Winners
UCLA alumni are among this year's Peabody Award winners, recognized for their work across film, television and animation. From documentaries and medical dramas to late-night comedy and animated series, these alumni have helped bring compelling stories to audiences around the world. Meet the Bruins behind this year's Peabody Award-winning productions.
Sara Bareilles '03
Executive producer for "Come See Me in the Good Light"
Sara Bareilles is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress and Tony Award-nominated composer best known for hits such as "Love Song" and "Brave." She also created the Broadway musical "Waitress." As executive producer for "Come See Me in the Good Light," she helped bring the documentary to audiences and co-wrote and performed the original song "Salt Then Sour Then Sweet" with Brandi Carlile.
"Come See Me in the Good Light" is a Peabody Award-winning documentary that follows acclaimed poet Andrea Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, as they navigate Gibson's terminal cancer diagnosis. Through humor, poetry and love, the film explores resilience, creativity and what it means to live life to the fullest.
Libe Barer '14
Voice actor for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"
Libe Barer is an actress and voice actor known for her roles in "Sneaky Pete," "Those Who Can't," "Disfluency" and numerous animated series. In "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur," she voices Casey Calderón, Lunella's best friend, bringing humor, warmth and authenticity to one of the show's central friendships.
"Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" is a Peabody Award-winning animated series about 13-year-old genius Lunella Lafayette and her giant dinosaur companion. Together, they use science, teamwork and courage to protect their community while celebrating family, friendship and creativity.
Brett Hardy Blake '07
Line producer for "Come See Me in the Good Light"
Brett Hardy Blake is a film and television producer whose work spans documentaries, feature films and unscripted projects. As line producer for "Come See Me in the Good Light," he oversaw the day-to-day production, budget and logistics that helped bring the documentary to life.
"Come See Me in the Good Light" is a Peabody Award-winning documentary that follows acclaimed poet Andrea Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, as they navigate Gibson's terminal cancer diagnosis. Through humor, poetry and love, the film explores resilience, creativity and what it means to live life to the fullest.
Sheila Callaghan, M.F.A. '97
Writer for "Dying for Sex"
Sheila Callaghan is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and television writer known for series including "Shameless," "United States of Tara" and "Dying for Sex." As a writer for the series, she helped shape its honest, funny and emotionally powerful storytelling.
"Dying for Sex" is a Peabody Award-winning limited series inspired by the true story of Molly Kochan, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
Janet Chong '06
Background designer for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"
Janet Chong is an animation artist and background designer whose work has appeared on several acclaimed animated series. As a background designer for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur," she created the colorful environments that helped bring the show's world to life.
"Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" is a Peabody Award-winning animated series about 13-year-old genius Lunella Lafayette and her giant dinosaur companion.
Paul Gertz '77
Executive producer for "Sly Lives! (a.k.a. The Burden of Black Genius)"
Paul Gertz is an Emmy-winning producer whose work includes documentaries, live events and entertainment programming. As executive producer for "Sly Lives! (a.k.a. The Burden of Black Genius)," he helped guide the documentary from development through release.
"Sly Lives! (a.k.a. The Burden of Black Genius)" explores the life and legacy of music pioneer Sly Stone while examining the pressures faced by groundbreaking Black artists.
Erin Irwin '97
Executive producer for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Erin Irwin is the executive producer of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and has been part of the show's leadership team for more than two decades. She oversees the show's creative direction, production and day-to-day operations and also serves as a producer for the Academy Awards broadcasts hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is the long-running Peabody Award-winning late-night talk show known for its celebrity interviews, comedy and cultural commentary.
Laura Leganza Reynolds '87
Producer for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"
Laura Leganza Reynolds is an Emmy Award-winning animation producer whose credits include "The Proud Family," "The Boondocks" and "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends." As a producer for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur," she helped oversee the series' creative and production processes.
"Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" is a Peabody Award-winning animated series that celebrates science, family, friendship and creativity.
Danny Ricker '06
Head writer and co-executive producer for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Danny Ricker is the head writer and co-executive producer of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He leads the writing team and helps shape the show's nightly monologues and comedy segments.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is a Peabody Award-winning late-night talk show recognized for its sharp humor and cultural impact.
Joe Sachs, Emergency Medicine Residency ‘90
Co-executive producer and writer for "The Pitt"
Joe Sachs is an emergency physician and television writer. As co-executive producer and writer for "The Pitt," he uses his medical experience to help create realistic and emotionally authentic stories.
"The Pitt" is a Peabody Award-winning medical drama praised for its authentic portrayal of emergency medicine and the people who work on the front lines.
Susan Shi, Cert. '19
Producer for "Common Side Effects"
Susan Shi is an animation producer whose work includes critically acclaimed television and streaming series. As producer for "Common Side Effects," she helped oversee the series from development through production.
"Common Side Effects" is a Peabody Award-winning animated series that blends satire, suspense and science fiction to explore health care, corporate influence and the pursuit of truth.
Fred Tatasciore '91, M.F.A. '94
Voice actor for "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"
Fred Tatasciore is one of the industry's most prolific voice actors, with hundreds of credits in animation, film and video games. In "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur," he voices Devil Dinosaur, bringing heart, personality and humor to Lunella's loyal prehistoric companion.
"Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" is a Peabody Award-winning animated series about a young superhero, her dinosaur companion, and the power of science, family and friendship.
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