Mercedes Angelica LeAnza, a film and television producer who worked as a lead creative producer at Amazon Studios and Prime Video, died of bile duct cancer on April 10. She was 40 years old.
LeAnza, who was born on November 12, 1981 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to Sandra Voris LeAnza, moved to California with her mother and brother, Kyle, following her parents’ divorce. Following their time in Los Angeles, the family relocated to San Mateo, where LeAnza finished high school. LeAnza attended Loyola Marymount University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatrical arts and communications with honors in 2005.
After graduation, LeAnza co-founded Stella Bella Productions, which went on to produce films such as “Jelly,” “The Accidental Death of Joey by Sue” and “Ash Global.” LeAnza also served as a producer and line producer for both scripted and commercial projects across all stages of production. She worked as a producer for Launch Media of Santa Monica and produced independent films, such as the comedy “Homeroom.” She was also a member of SAG-AFTRA and the Producers Guild of America.
