Editor Elena Maganini, Emmy Winner for 'Dexter' Pilot, Dies at 70
Maganini, whose first feature credit was John McNaughton's "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer," died Oct. 21 in Burbank of complications from breast cancer.
Elena Maganini, a film and television editor who won an Emmy for cutting the pilot of "Dexter," died Oct. 21 in Burbank of complications from breast cancer, according to Variety. She was 70.
Maganini's first feature credit came on John McNaughton's 1986 film "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer," and she went on to edit numerous McNaughton features, among them "Wild Things," "Mad Dog & Glory," "The Borrower," "Speaking of Sex" and "Lansky."
Her other feature credits included "Next Friday" and "Ed Gein." In television she later edited series including "Madam Secretary," "Good Behavior," "Clarice," "Manifest" and "The Cleaning Lady."
Born in Chicago, Maganini graduated from the University of Illinois and studied filmmaking at Columbia College in Chicago, beginning her career at the Chicago production company Sinnot & Associates. She was a member of American Cinema Editors.
In October 2025, her work on "If These Walls Could Talk" earned her a nomination for an Emmy and a Cable ACE Award, in addition to the Emmy she won for the "Dexter" pilot.
A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. She is survived by her husband, Scott Collins, communications director at the Motion Picture Editors Guild.
Quick answers
How did Elena Maganini die?
She died Oct. 21 in Burbank of complications from breast cancer at age 70.
When is Elena Maganini's memorial service?
A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.
What did Elena Maganini win an Emmy for?
She won an Emmy for editing the pilot of "Dexter."