Maura Mandt was a long-time producer with ESPN, who worked on the ESPY Awards for more than two decades and eventually became the show’s executive producer. She also produced documentaries, feature stories, and other sports-related content for the network. She died unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the age of 53. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Her Career and Achievements
Maura Mandt started her career at ABC News as a production assistant, before joining ESPN in 1994. She was one of the creators of the X Games, a multi-sport event that showcases extreme sports. She also worked on the ESPY Awards, an annual award show that honors the best achievements in sports. She became the executive producer of the show in 2002, and later formed her own production company, MaggieVision Productions, which took over the production of the show in 2006. She was known for her creative vision, her passion for storytelling, and her courage in pushing boundaries.
Mandt also produced several documentaries and feature stories for ESPN, such as the 30 for 30 series, the E:60 series, and the SportsCentury series. She won two Sports Emmy Awards for her documentary work, one for the 30 for 30 short “Arthur & Johnnie” in 2014, and another for the feature story “Ernie Johnson” in 2017. She also produced the NFL Honors show, the NBA Awards show, and the College Football Awards show.
Her Legacy and Impact
Maura Mandt was widely respected and admired in the sports media industry, and was considered one of the most influential women at ESPN. She was praised for her professionalism, her dedication, and her friendship by her colleagues, peers, and celebrities. She was also known for her social activism, and for using her platform to highlight important issues and causes. For example, in 2015, she was at the front line in defending the ESPY’s decision to give the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Caitlyn Jenner, shortly after her transition. Mandt said that she wanted to tell a story that would affect people and make a difference.
Maura Mandt left behind a lasting legacy on the sports world, and a huge void in the hearts of many. She is survived by her brother, sister, and nephew. She was also a dog lover, and had two dogs named Maggie and Rocco. She will be remembered as a true friend, a visionary leader, and a trailblazer in her field.