'Connection' producer Lieber dead at 71

LOS ANGELES, July 5 (UPI) -- Eric Lieber, executive producer for the popular TV series "Love Connection," has died in Los Angeles at the age of 71, his wife says.

Peggy Lieber confirmed the TV producer died of leukemia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, ending a successful television career, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

In addition to serving as executive producer for "Connection," which ran from 1983 to 1995, Lieber worked on talk shows starring stars such as Dick Cavett and Sammy Davis Jr.

Lieber was quite open about his beliefs regarding the success of "Connection," saying the dating game show allowed viewers to indulge their voyeuristic cravings.

"The show succeeds because we believe in honest emotions," said Lieber, who died Wednesday. "And, admit it: We're all a little voyeuristic and enjoy peeking into someone else's life."

The Times said in addition to his wife, Lieber is survived by a daughter and granddaughter