'Love Connection' producer Eric Lieber dies at 71 (AP)

LOS ANGELES - Eric Lieber, whose television production credits include the long-running dating show "Love Connection," has died. He was 71.

Lieber died Wednesday of leukemia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said his wife, Peggy.

Lieber created "Love Connection" in 1983 after decades producing other game shows, as well as the talk shows of Dick Cavett, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mike Douglas.

"Love Connection," hosted by Chuck Woolery, aired until 1995. Lieber also was executive producer of the 1998-1999 reprise of the series, hosted by Pat Bullard.

On the program, contestants watched videos of three prospective blind dates, chose one to go out with and returned to the show to talk about the experience.

Lieber attributed the show's success to the real-life drama audiences got to observe.

"The show succeeds because we believe in honest emotions," he told the Chicago Sun-Times in 1992. "And, admit it: We're all a little voyeuristic and enjoy peeking into someone else's life."

Lieber was born April 7, 1937, in Vienna and came to the United States as a baby. He grew up in New Jersey and launched his TV career in New York City in the 1950s.