Who was John Ferriter? Piers Morgan’s manager and friend who died aged 59

PIERS Morgan's manager John Ferriter has sadly passed away at the age of 59 in unexplained circumstances.

We take a look at the life and legacy the super-agent left behind.

Who was John Ferriter?

John Ferriter was an American television producer and talent representative.

Ferriter launched management and production company The Alternative after 19 years at PR agency William Morris.

Before that, he worked for decades as an executive with some of Hollywood's largest celebrity client representation agencies.

These include Octagon and the William Morris Agency where he was ultimately promoted to Executive Vice President.

A showbiz insider claimed he was best at "transplanting British stars to the US audience".

His expertise netted him the likes of Gemma Collins and Peter Andre as they tried to launch careers stateside.

He left the agency in 2010 after voting against a merger with rival firm Endeavor - netting a $25m settlement in the process.

He said: "An announcement was made saying I had resigned. That is not true. I never would have left the agency on my accord. I bled William Morris blue."

John also dabbled in music and had been in bands that opened for Guns N' Roses, REM and The Bangles.

His band The Tearaways were due to play at Los Angeles hotspot Molly Malones next Tuesday before launching their UK tour.

He also repped reality stars who rose to fame on big US shows like Project Runway, The Biggest Loser, Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Chelsea Lately.

When did he die?

Ferriter died on Friday night in unexplained circumstances at the age of 59.

He reportedly passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Ferriter's death came just weeks after Peter Andrew gushed about Ferriter's plans to get him on US TV.

He said: "He's done wonders for (Piers Morgan) on the shows in America. He's done jobs with Mark Wright, and all the gigs Mark's done in America. So I really am in good hands.

"We have actually talked about doing TV work so you know, it is one of the main focuses as well as film.

"I like what John has done with Piers worldwide. He's done some amazing shows. What I'd like to achieve is something I'd be known for doing, for a show that's worldwide.

"I'm feeling quite confident the next couple of years will be really amazing."

Which celebs paid tributes?

Morgan led the tributes with an emotional tweet about the "charismatic" manager.

He wrote: "RIP John Ferriter, 59. My brilliant manager and ferociously loyal, kind, charismatic & supremely talented friend.

"I trusted him with my life, and he enriched my life so much.

"Thank you John, for everything you did for me, and for my family."

Co-host Susanna Reid added: "So sad. I knew John briefly but long enough to know he was loyal, determined and great company. Devastating news.

"Hard to believe. Huge love to all of John’s family and friends."

Author Raymond Arroyo added: "Sad to learn of the passing of John Ferriter. He was a good guy and a fighter for people he believed in. RIP."