Al Ferrara

Art Evans

Mar 26, 1942 - Dec 20, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

"Die Hard 2" actor Art Evans dies at 82 after bravely managing diabetes for many years. The screen star, known for his groundbreaking role in "A Soldier's Story," is now among the stars. Born Arthur James Evans in Berkeley, California, he made his acting debut with a role in James Baldwin's play "The Amen Corner." He aced this role at Frank Silvera's Theater of Being in L.A. Later on, in 1965, this show went to Broadway. On the professional front, he has portrayed more than 120 films and TV roles. Evans rose to fame in 1984 after he co-starred in the blockbuster mystery "Wilkie." Apart from his deliverance in numerous roles, he was undeniably best known for his role in the action classic "Die Hard 2," as Leslie Barnes. Art also aced his roles in "Youngblood," "Big Time, "Fright Night," "Bitter Harvest," "National Lampoon's Class Reunion," "Metro," "School Daze," and "Tales from the Hood." In the realm of television, he was featured in "The X-Files," "Hill Street Blues," "Family Matters," "Monk," and "M*A*S*H." His final role was a two-episode voiceover stint in 2022 and 2023 on the Disney+ animated series "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder." Art's wife, Babe Evans, and son, Ogadae Evans, survive him.

Lee Ramer

Apr 26, 1934 - Nov 30, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Champion of the Hammer Museum, Lee Ramer, is laid to rest. She was 90 years of age. Lee Ramer, a longtime L.A. arts leader and early champion of L.A. as a cultural capital, passed away at home Sunday. From 1994 to 2013, Ramer served on the L.A. Cultural Affairs Commission, eventually becoming the group’s president. Her service in the city government started in 1978 with her work as a cultural affairs assistant and deputy for 17 years to former City Councilman Joel Wachs. Born Ina Lee Brown on April 27, 1934, in Stamford, Connecticut. She enrolled at Wellesley College in Massachusetts and majored in political science. Lee completed her graduation in 1956. In 1957, she got married to a well-known businessman, Lawrence J. Ramer, and the couple moved to Los Angeles. For them both, cultural affairs and philanthropy were of significant value. Apart from this, during her time on the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission, she was appointed as the city’s chief of protocol in 1999. The year before, Lee, along with her husband, founded the AJC Berlin Lawrence and Lee Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations. Her children, Stephanie Ramer, Mark Coleman, and Douglas Ramer; her son-in-law, Susan Ramer; daughter-in-law, Michelle; and three grandchildren survive her.

Israel Vázquez Castañeda

Dec 24, 1977 - Dec 01, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Mexican boxer Israel Vazquez, who was also a three-time world champion, passed away at 46. The celebrated Mexican boxing legend, Israel, had been battling sarcoma cancer. He started his professional boxing career in 1995, and it did not take him long to gain recognition for his exciting rivalry with his fellow Mexican boxer “Rafael Marquez.” Both of them squared off four times between 2007 and 2010, with each of them winning two bouts. Their 2007 and 2008 encounters were particularly memorable, both receiving the respected “Fight of the Year” honors. Following this victory, Vazquez suffered a detached retina after his retirement, which led to the loss of his right eye. His final fight took place in May 2010, where he was defeated by his opponent via a brutal knockout. Vazquez’s career achievements include winning the vacant IBF super bantamweight title in 2004 with a victory over “Jose Luis Valbuaena,” defending it twice, and in 2005, later seizing the WBC title from “Oscar Larios” with a third-round stoppage. He got the WBC title until his first encounter with Marquez, where he withdrew in round seven because of breathing problems caused by a broken nose. A few months later, he reclaimed the title by knocking out Marquez in the sixth round despite sustaining cuts above both of his eyes. His eye injuries kept him away from the boxing ring for a long period of time, and he eventually had to give up his WBC title. After getting three surgeries, he made a brave comeback for a fourth fight against his nemesis – Marquez, but sadly, he suffered a third-round knockout loss. With a record of 5 defeats and 44 victories (out of which 32 were by knockout), he bid farewell to his career.

Wayne Northrop

Apr 11, 1947 - Nov 28, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

"Days of Our Lives," star – Wayne Northrop is now among the stars at the age of 77. Actor Wayne Northrop leaves behind the acting industry mourning over such an immense loss. It is important to note that he has been battling with Alzheimer's disease for the past six years. Born on April 12, 1947, to Donna and Robert Northrop, Wayne was born and raised in Sumner, Washington. He earned his degree in communications from the University of Washington. Right after college, Northrop traveled Europe for a couple of years and learned German along the way. When he got home, he enrolled himself in a local community college acting class, which boosted his professional acting career. The Washington native took pride in his massive television career that spanned over 30 years, multiple hit dramas, and several networks. He was an alumnus of the L.A. Actors' Theatre, which was founded by Ralph Waite, the star of "Waltons." Northrop started his professional career in the late 1970s with smaller roles in many series, such as "Police Story," "Eight is Enough," and "The Waltons." Wayne also got his first multi-episode role upon joining the cast of "Dynasty," which turned out to be the Emmy-winning ABC drama in 1981. During his "Dynasty" period, he also starred in "Days of Our Lives," NBC's long-running drama. He appeared in more than 1,000 episodes from 1981 to 2006. Wayne left and rejoined multiple characters, including Dr. Alex North and Det. Roman Brady. He also showed up in many TV movies, including "Going for the Gold: The Bill Johnson Story," "The Haunting of Lisa," and "You Are the Jury," as well as "Beggarman, Thief." He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Herring; two sons; and stepmother, Janet Northrop.

Sir Lady Java

Aug 19, 1942 - Nov 15, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Pioneering performer and activist – Sir Lady Java has taken her last breaths at 82. Sir Lady Java, a legendary performer who appeared with some of the shiniest names in the show business, died on November 16, 2024. She was also known simply as Lady Java and moved from New Orleans to Los Angeles during her childhood. In the 1960s, she became the star of the L.A. nightclub scene, where she worked as a comedian, singer, and dancer, appearing with some industry giants such as Richard Pryor, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, and Redd Foxx. As a child, she had a cheerful spirit that shined brightest. She was able to transition at a young age with her supportive mother by her side, who became an inspiration for her throughout her career. Right after graduating high school, Java stepped into the Black performing arts scene in L.A., where her family has shifted. It didn’t take her long to make a name for herself there. She took inspiration from other entertainers before her, including Josephine Baker and Mae West. She did stand-up comedy, go-go danced, and utilized her talent in hat-making and fashion design to create show-stopping and bold looks, which she eventually became known for. Apart from her nightclub performances, Java also starred in films. She played herself in “The Human Tornado” in 1976. She also appeared in the documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything” in 2023 and an American Masters episode from the same year, “Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Lady Java leaves behind her legacy of being proud and out.

Jonathan Haze

Mar 31, 1929 - Nov 01, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

The Star of the “Little Shop of Horrors,” Jonathan Haze, passed away at 95. Jonathan Haze, the actor who starred in “Roger Corman,” as the flower shop assistant in just one of the dozens of films he acted in with the B-movie legend, departed from this world at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday. Haze, a cousin of popular drummer Buddy Rich, was a versatile and invaluable member of Corman’s company. He appeared in “Monster From the Ocean Floor” and “The Fast and the Furious” until 1967, when he acted in “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” He also served as an assistant director on “The Born Losers.” The Pittsburgh native also played and aced a lot of roles. Some of his famous works include a diminutive Viking in The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent (1957), a manservant working for an alien in Not of This Earth (1957), a Latino soldier in It Conquered the World (1956), a pickpocket in Swamp Women (1956), a dimwitted bartender in Gunslinger (1956), an outlaw in Five Guns West (1955), and a contaminated man in Day the World Ended (1955). He is survived and remembered by his daughters Deedee and Rebecca, his grandchildren Ruby, Rocco, and Andre, and his great-grandson Sonny. His wife, Roberta Keith, a great costume designer, passed away in September. The couple married in the mid-1960s and divorced in 1981.

Chauncy Glover

Jul 09, 1985 - Nov 04, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Emmy-Award winner and KCAL News Anchor Chauncy Glover went to his last resting place at 39. Chauncy Glover, a legendary news anchor and broadcaster at KCAL News in Los Angeles, passed away on Tuesday. He came to KCAL at the end of 2023 after anchoring for KTRK in Houston for eight straight years. Chauncy was the first Black man to serve as main anchor at the network. He won not one but three Emmys during the course of his fantastic career. Glover earned his Emmys for breaking news, on-camera talent, and courageously continuing coverage at the Detroit television station WDIV in 2013 and 2014. The reason behind his sudden demise has not been revealed yet. Glover, in 2014, launched a youth mentoring program called the “Chauncy Glover Project.” This charity has helped hundreds of young men get their education. He was an Alabama native, born and raised in Athens. Later on, he got into broadcast journalism, theatre, and music at Troy University, KABC in Los Angeles. His passion for building a better community is what his family and friends are seeing as his legacy. Indeed, the world of journalism has lost a gem.

Quincy Jones

Mar 13, 1933 - Nov 02, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

American music supremo Quincy Jones drew his last breath at the age of 91. The music realm is grieving one of its most conspicuous architectures. The legendary producer Quincy Jones became a household name in the 1960s, arranging jazz and writing film scores, working alongside stars like Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. Jones became the first Black man to be nominated for an honorary Academy Award for Best Original Song, which he was to receive later this month. It might come as a surprise, but the first movie he ever produced was “The Color Purple” (1985), and this movie landed him an Oscar nomination. He was a true mastermind. In the late 1970s, his collaboration with superstar Michael Jackson helped him reach even greater success. He was the genius behind some of his edgiest albums, including “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Off The Wall.” This dynamic duo’s professional relationship began right after they met on the set of “The Wiz.” During this legendary run, Jones also produced a star-studded track – “We Are The World,” which included vocals from 46 singers, including Bob Dylan, Lionel Richie, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Paul Simon. This track helped raise awareness and money for famine in Ethiopia. Later, in 2013, he was welcomed to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jones died surrounded by his beloved family in his home. He will be honored at a memorial service in Los Angeles on November 14th, where his family, fans, and friends are expected to gather in his memory. His six daughters and one son survive him.

Alan Rachins

Oct 02, 1942 - Nov 01, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

‘Dharma & Greg,’ and ‘L.A. Law,’ Star – Alan Rachins, went to his last resting place at the age of 82. Stepping into the entertainment industry by way of Broadway, as well as off-Broadway, Alan got the spotlight on the NBC legal series “L.A. Law,” which ran from 1986 to 1994 and spanned eight seasons. The series revolved around the City of Angels’ fantastical law firm McKenzie, Chaney, Brackman, and Kuzak. The reason behind Alan’s death is revealed to be heart failure, as the actor has been suffering from the symptoms of heart failure. Alan passed away peacefully in his sleep at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Alan Leonard Rachins was born on October 3, 1942, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and spent his early life in Brookline. He attended Wharton, a business school of the University of Pennsylvania, for two years prior to dropping out against his father’s will to pursue acting. In 1967, Alan made his Broadway debut “After the Rain” and was one of the original performers of the half-musical and half-play Broadway hit “Oh! Calcutta” in 1969. During his career break from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, he left acting and began focusing on writing for TV shows. Some of Rachins’ brilliant works include “Hart to Hart,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Knight Rider.” He made his way back to the screen with a leading role in the 1985 indie film “Always,” which led to his casting in “L.A. Law.” During his tenure on the series, he earned himself nominations for a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. Alan married Joanna Frank, who played the role of his wife on “L.A. Law.” The couple met a year before in an acting class. Besides his wife, their son, Robert, also survives Alan Rachins.

Lynda Obst

Apr 13, 1950 - Oct 21, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

The producer who championed women in Hollywood, Lynda Obst, has breathed her last. Lynda Obst, a film producer who assisted in boosting women’s role in Hollywood, was famous for her movies, including “Interstellar,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Adventures in Babysitting,” and “Flashdance.” She set foot in the industry in the 1980s; Obst has played a role in almost 20 films on the big screen. Some of her works are now labeled as modern classics. Lynda started her career in Hollywood as a writer, penning down the story for 1983’s “Flashdance” and achieving an associate producer credit. This ended in a partnership with producer - Debra Hill. Hand in hand, the pair aced in making a string of films, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “The Fisher King,” and “Adventures in Babysitting.” Soon, Obst started working on her own, and fantastic movies followed, such as “The Siege,” “Contact,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “Hope Floats.” In 1989, she started “Lynda Obst Productions” to facilitate her work. The company produced “Interstellar,” – a science fiction film by Christopher Nolan and a major 2014 hit. Lynda was popular in Hollywood as a producer who was dedicated to those she worked with. She truly was a woman who fixed the crowns of other women in the industry. She vouched for those she observed to be talented to get more work on high-level film projects, aiding them to get a greater foothold whenever required. Prior to becoming a producer, Obst served as a journalist, serving as the Oscar columnist for New York Magazine and an editor for The New York Times Magazine. Lynda penned several fantastic books, including, “Sleepless in Hollywood: Tales from the New Abnormal in the Movie Business,” (2013) and “Hello, He Lied & Other Tales from the Hollywood Trenches,” (1996). Lynda was one of her kind and left behind a legacy of compassion and kindness.