In memoriam Archives · Page 2 of 6

In memoriam

Chicago film community mourns the loss of Tom O’Neill

By Reel Chicago Jan 26, 2024

The Chicago film community was devastated by the news of the sudden passing of Assistant Director, Tom O'Neill on January 14th, 2024. Tom worked as a Second AD and Productio...

In memoriam

Chicago house music pioneer Nemiah Mitchell Jr ‘Mitchbal’ passes at 79

By Barbara Roche Jan 20, 2024

Chicago's House Music Pioneer, Nemiah Mitchell Jr, best known as Mitchbal has passed away at the age of 79. Born on the 4th of July in 1944, he was destined to be recognized. ...

In memoriam

Mike Nussbaum a fixture in Chicago theater, film and TV dies at 99

By Barbara Roche Dec 24, 2023

Chicago theatre legend Mike Nussbaum, recognized by Actors Equity as the oldest professional actor in the country, has died just one week short of the age of 100. Nussbaum b...

In memoriam

Home Alone stuntman Leon Delaney passes at 76

By Barbara Roche Dec 22, 2023

While researching the stunt work on the classic Chicago-made, Home Alone, sadly we found that the stuntman for Daniel Stern, passed away earlier in the year. It is with since...

In memoriam

Chicago’s Andre Braugher passes at 61

By Reel Chicago Dec 12, 2023

Acclaimed actor Andre Braugher, known for his impactful performances in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street, has passed away at the age of 61. The news of his d...

In memoriam

Beloved Chicago Broadcaster Harry Porterfield, Jr. dies at 95

By Reel Chicago Oct 23, 2023

The Chicago broadcasting community lost an iconic and legendary journalist as it was announced that Harry Porterfield, Jr. passed away on Monday morning after a brief illness....

In memoriam

Former Bear-turned-actor Dick Butkus dies

By Reel Chicago Oct 5, 2023

We have lost a Bear. The world of football and entertainment is mourning the loss of NFL icon Dick Butkus, who passed away peacefully at the age of 80 at his residence in Mali...

In memoriam

Chicago fans pay tribute to Jimmy Buffet who died at age 76

By Barbara Roche Sep 4, 2023

Chicago Jimmy Buffet fans paid tribute to the legendary singer who passed away at his home in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York, on September 1 from Merkel cell sk...

In memoriam

Creator of the Cha Cha Slide, DJ Casper dies at 58

By Reel Chicago Aug 8, 2023

In a poignant moment for music enthusiasts worldwide, DJ Casper, the creative force behind the beloved hit Cha Cha Slide, has passed away at the age of 58. Casper's wife, Kim,...

In memoriam

Chicago-born William Friedkin, Exorcist director, dies at 87

By Reel Chicago Aug 7, 2023

In a profound loss for the world of cinema, celebrated filmmaker William Friedkin, best known for his Oscar-winning film The French Connection and blockbuster hit The Exorcist...

In memoriam

Costume Designer, Jay Hurley passes at 75

By Reel Chicago Aug 4, 2023

The Chicago film community has lost an icon, and a dear friend. Costume Designer, Jay Hurley, died of a heart attack on July 16. He was 75 years old. Jay began his film...

In memoriam

Memorial service to be held for Suzy Kellett, former Director of IFO

By Barbara Roche Jul 9, 2023

The Chicago film community has lost a significant leader who has forever made an imprint in our hearts and in the history of filmmaking in Chicago. Suzy Kellett, former Directo...

In memoriam

Second City’s Alan Arkin (1934-2023)

By Reel Chicago Jul 2, 2023

Alan Arkin, an esteemed American actor, director, and musician, who carved an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his exceptional talent and multifaceted skills h...

In memoriam

Archie Fletcher, co-founder of Fletcher Camera dies suddenly at age 90

By Barbara Roche Jun 24, 2023

Archie Fletcher, an icon in the Chicago film industry and co-founder of Fletcher Camera, died suddenly on Wednesday, June 22, 2023 after driving himself to get his hair cut in ...

In memoriam

Jerry Springer passes at age 79 at his home in suburban Chicago

By Reel Chicago Apr 28, 2023

Broadcaster, journalist, actor, producer, lawyer, and former mayor of Cincinnati, Jerry Springer has passed away at age 79. Springer died Thursday morning, peacefully at his ho...

In memoriam

Highdive managing partner Louis Slotkin dies at 51

By Reel Chicago Apr 4, 2023

The Chicago advertising family was hit with a loss as news spread this morning of the passing of Louis Slotkin, the beloved co-owner and managing partner of Highdive. Slotkin d...

In memoriam

Joseph Zucchero, whose sandwich shop inspired The Bear, passes at 69

By Reel Chicago Mar 9, 2023

Joseph Zucchero, the man behind Chicago’s legendary Italian beef stand Mr. Beef in River North, which inspired last summer’s breakout hit, The Bear, passed away this week a...

In memoriam

Chicago’s Raquel Welch passed away at age 82

By Reel Chicago Feb 17, 2023

Iconic Golden Globe-winning actress and model Raquel Welch passed away this week at age 82 after suffering a brief illness. Her son Damon confirmed to the media: "She ...

In memoriam

Chicago film community mourns the loss of AD, Lorin Fulton

By Barbara Roche Jan 14, 2023

Our film community has lost a beloved member of the family with the passing of filmmaker, Lorin Fulton, who fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed on January 11. ...

In memoriam

Chicago legend Sergio Mims passes at the age of 67

By Reel Chicago Oct 13, 2022

Co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Gene Siskel Legacy Award winner, long-standing member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, and contributor to RogerEbert...