Maureen Guthman, a senior vice president of content strategy at BET Networks and a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, died of uterine sarcoma on November 30, 2022, at the age of 60. Her death was a shock to many who knew her as a warm, caring, and passionate leader who had a lasting impact on the lives of countless people.
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A Life of Resilience and Grace
Maureen Guthman was born in 1962 and grew up in Long Island, New York. She faced many challenges and tragedies in her early life, losing both of her parents by the time she was 16. She also lost two of her brothers, Andre and Raymond, and a niece, Andrea, later in life. Despite these hardships, she remained resilient and loving, cherishing her family and friends. She graduated from Hunter College and embarked on a successful career in media.
A Career of Impact and Innovation
Maureen Guthman started as an intern at Viacom and rose to become the senior vice president of content strategy for BET Networks. She was responsible for acquiring and scheduling content that reflected the culture and interests of Black Americans. She brokered more than 250 deals with a mission to give women and people of color an opportunity to see themselves in ways that television had long ignored. She also worked at VH1 and TV One, where she championed diverse voices and stories.
Maureen Guthman was a leader and a mentor in the industry, receiving numerous awards and recognition for her work. She was also an accomplished musician, a lover of movies and books, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic traveler. She had a keen mind, a wry sense of humor, and a generous spirit that touched many.
A Legacy of Love and Inspiration
Maureen Guthman is survived by her wife, Andrea Meyerson, her mother Christine, her brother Edward, sisters Karen (Donald), Joanne (Nodran), Jillian, and Jennifer (Greg), as well as 12 beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Bernice Guthman (nee Thornton), her father Andre J. Guthman, her brothers Andre Guthman and Raymond Guthman, and her niece Andrea Guthman.
A memorial service was held on December 12, 2022, at the Ascent Lounge in New York City. The family asked that expressions of sympathy be donated to BARRK Animal Rescue, Midori and Friends, or the GOG Foundation.
Maureen Guthman passed from this world as she lived in it: with impact, courage, grace, and gratitude. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and admired her. She will be remembered as a trailblazer who made a difference in the world of media and beyond.
