Alan Rachins

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.

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.

Teri Garr

Dec 10, 1944 - Oct 28, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Renowned for her roles in “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” – Teri Garr gave in to a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Teri began her career in the 1960s; when she was 16, she shook hands with the road company of West Side Story in Los Angeles. As early as 1963, she started appearing in parts of films. From there, Garr found promising work in dancing in movies, and she did the chorus for nine Elvis Presley films, including Viva Las Vegas. She also starred in many television shows, such as “The Sonny and Cher Show,” “Star Trek,” “Batman,” and “M*A*S*H,” to name a few. In 1964, Teri appeared in Annette Funicello's movie, “Pajama Party.” She was born in Ohio, later moved to Los Angeles, earned her degree from North Hollywood High School, and attended Cal State Northridge prior to moving to New York to pursue acting. Following her “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” guest-starring role, she also aced her roles in shows like “Felicity,” “Life with Bonnie,” “ER,” “Strong Medicine Mad TV,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Crumbs,” “Greetings from Tuscan.” Teri passed away at the age of 79. The reason behind her death is said to be multiple sclerosis, which she has been combatting since 1999. Garr also fought courageous battles with many other health issues in recent years and went through an operation in January 2007 to repair an aneurysm. She retired from acting in 2011. After retiring, the late actress became a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the national chair for the Society’s Women Against MS program. Garr worked with a bunch of the era’s most influential directors, such as Brooks, Pollack, and Coppola, Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, for 'After Hours,' and Robert Altman for 'The Player' and 'Pret-a-Porter.' Her daughter – Molly O’Neil, and grandson Tyryn survives her.

Fernando Valenzuela

Oct 31, 1960 - Oct 21, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

The baseball realm mourns a legend - Fernando Valenzuela passed away at 63. Fernando Valenzuela, a legendary Dodgers pitcher, took his last breath at the age of 63 after a three-week stay at the hospital. The reason for this demise is not yet revealed, but he was laid to rest just a few days before the 2024 World Series, where his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, will face the New York Yankees. Valenzuela, who was born in Mexico, became an icon during the 1980s, steering in “Fernandomania” with this fascinating rookie season in 1981 when he won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. The baseball world is sad about this immense loss, with the Dodgers and Major League Baseball (MLB) offering tributes to the former star. Venezuela will forever be remembered by the people who enter his home stadium. Fernando would not be physically present when the Yankees and Dodgers play ball on Friday night, but there is belief that he will always keep an eye over his team. His legacy will extend way beyond the baseball field, as he became a representation and a symbol of hope for the Latino community in the United States. After his career, he stayed closely connected to the Dodgers as a Spanish-language broadcaster for more than two decades. His demise marks a huge loss for the sport and his contributions to the Latino community, as well as baseball. He will be remembered for many generations to come.

Mitzi Gaynor

Sep 03, 1931 - Oct 16, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

The star of “South Pacific,” - Mitzi Gaynor, is among the stars now. The legendary singer and actress passed away at the age of 93. Mitzi Gaynor, a legendary singer and actress, passed away on October 17, 2024. She was a long-standing figure in the entertainment industry, and she got her well-deserved fame through her roles in the 1950s Hollywood musicals, including “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “South Pacific.” Later in her professional career, she shifted to television, where she participated in Emmy-winning productions. She signed a seven-year contract with the “20th Century Fox” at the age of 17. She made her film debut in the 1950 musical titled, “My Blue Heaven,” alongside Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. Through the years, Mitzi graced various films, such as “We're Not Married!,” “Take Care of My Little Girl,” “Bloodhounds of Broadway,” and “Golden Girl.” In 1953, she displayed the legendary Canadian entertainer and singer “Eva Tanguay” in the biographical film titled “The I Don’t Care Girl.” In the coming year, she took on the lead role in “Three Young Texans.” One of her most important opportunities came when she performed in the successful musical, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” with Johnnie Ray, Donald O’Connor, and Dan Dailey. In 1954, she married the talent agent and PR manager – Jack Bean. Her fame continued to grow throughout the 1960s. She secured various roles in major films alongside prominent stars. A revolutionary moment in her career arrived in 1958, when she played a leading role in “South Pacific,” acting with Juniata Hall, John Kerr, and Rossano Brazzi. For her marvelous performance, she received a Golden Globe nomination. Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (Mitzi is short for Marlene), she was part of a musically inclined family. It was due to this reason that she started dancing and singing at a very young age. Our thoughts are with Mitzi Gaynor’s beloved ones at this challenging time.

John Aprea

Mar 03, 1941 - Aug 04, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Actor in “Part II,” “Godfather,” and “Full House” - John Aprea, takes his last breath in his LA home at the age of 83. • BORN ON MARCH 4, 1941, (ENGLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES) • DIED ON AUGUST 5, 2024 (LOS ANGELES) • DETAILS: HE DIED DUE TO NATURAL CAUSES SURROUNDED BY HIS LOVED ONES AT HIS HOME IN LOS ANGELES AT THE AGE OF 83. John Aprea, who aced the role of young Salvatore Tessio in the world-famous Godfather movie franchise, took his last breath with his loved ones by his side. Born in 1941 in New Jersey, Aprea lived with his family for some time during his childhood before moving back to the United States. In the 1960s, he moved to New York to get a career in acting. It was only after he relocated to Los Angeles that he made his screen debut in the 1968 Steve McQueen film Bullitt. Before securing his breakthrough performance in The Godfather, he aced modest TC appearances. Aprea appeared on many TV shows and films, including “The Grasshopper,” “Mannix,” and “Caged Heart.” He also starred in the crime drama series “The Bay.” His acting resume also includes guest spots in “The Rookies,” “Wonder Woman,” “The F.B.I,” “Cold Case,” “Silk Stalkings,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Sopranos,” “The Game,” “American Anthem,” “The Stepford Wives,” and many more. He transitioned smoothly, straight from gangster gruffness to baby talk, as he is also known for his role as Nick Katsopolis, a grandpa in the sitcom “Full House.” He also reprised his “Full House” role in the show’s reboot for Netflix in 2017, “Fuller House.” His survivors include his third wife, Betsy, daughter, Nichole, and two stepchildren, Valentino and Marika, from his previous marriage. Rosanna, his sister, precedes John Aprea.

Matthew Perry

Aug 18, 1969 - Oct 27, 2023

Los Angeles, CA

Matthew Perry – the famous sitcom “Friends” star popularly known by the name “Chandler Bing,” dies at 54. • BORN ON AUGUST 19, 1969 (WILLIAMSTOWN, UNITED STATES) • DIED ON OCTOBER 28, 2023 (LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES) • DETAILS: HE WAS FOUND DEAD IN A HOT TUB DUE TO THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF KETAMINE (A DRUG THAT IS OFTEN USED TO COMBAT DEPRESSION) AT THE AGE OF 54. The pain of Chandler Bing’s or Matthew Perry’s loss is intense. Perry started his career as a child actor, but it was with the world-famous sitcom “Friends,” that made him popular. He, as Chandler Bing, was nominated for an Emmy Award due to his exceptional performance. After “Friends” ended, he starred in many short-lived series, including “Mr. Sunshine,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” and more. He even wrote a memoir in 2022, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” which became the No. International bestseller. It was in this book that he frankly opened up about his long-term struggles with addiction. All through his life, he suffered from severe alcohol addiction and took opioids, nearly entering into a coma. He got back on track by turning to God, but his body has been affected severely. Consequently, he struggled with addiction issues and major depression. In recent years, he has stayed sober and takes pride in his work helping others combat their addiction. He was the founder of the “Perry House in Malibu, California,” a sober living facility for men. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy honored him with a Champion of Recovery Award for this. The “Friends” star would have loved to be remembered as “Chandler Bing,” but more than that, he would want nothing more than for his fans to support the foundation set up in his name. Matthew Perry was a comic genius who was a die-hard fan of Batman and had a contagious smile with a heart of gold. He made it his life’s mission to help others even when he was facing his own demons. May he rest in peace.

Peter Marshall

Mar 29, 1926 - Aug 14, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

The “Hollywood Squares” host – Peter Marshall, breathes his last at the age of 98. • BORN ON MARCH 30, 1926 (HUNTINGTON, UNITED STATES) • DIED ON AUGUST 15, 2024 (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) • DETAILS: HE DIED ON THURSDAY OF KIDNEY FAILURE, SURROUNDED BY HIS LOVED ONES IN HIS HOME IN LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES. Peter Marshall, the singer and actor transitioned into a game show host, who aced straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” passed away at the age of 98. Marshall became a household name, mainly popular for hosting the Emmy award-winning game show. Apart from his TV success, Marshall boasted a fantastic stage career. In 1962, he aced his role opposite the late Chita Rivera in the West End production of London of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Moving forward three years, he paved the way to his Broadway debut in “Skyscraper” alongside Julie Harris in 1965. His on-stage credits also include performances in “Anything Goes,” “High Button Shoes,” “42nd Street,” and “The Music Man.” Affable and tall, with an admirable, toothy smile, Mr. Marshall had been a Broadway actor, band singer, and a straight man in comedy duos prior to becoming the first host of “The Hollywood Squares” in 1966. During his two-decade tenure, he hosted more than 5,000 episodes of the fun-packed show. His time on the show was from 1966 to 1980 on NBS. He also hosted a night-time version from 1971 to 1981. He has been married three times, the last one in 1989 to Laurie Steward. Marshall is survived by his four kids, including his son Pete LaCock, a seasoned baseball player for the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Cubs, his daughters Jaime and Suzanne, his son David, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.