The Chicago filmmaking and screenwriting community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated advocates. Amorous Toujours Lesko, president of the Chicago Screenwriters Network and a longtime champion of independent writers and filmmakers throughout the Midwest, died June 2 following a brief illness. She was 55.
“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Amorous Lesko. She was a champion for screenwriters in Chicago, and she will be missed,” shared CSN board member Tommy Sigmon.
A Chicago native who later made her home in Carpentersville, Lesko balanced a successful career in accounting with a lifelong passion for storytelling. While she spent many years working for companies including Intuit and Pulte Builders, she became best known in the local film community for leading the Chicago Screenwriters Network (CSN), one of the region’s longest-running organizations dedicated to supporting writers and filmmakers.
Lesko had been involved with the organization since 2015, previously serving on its board before eventually becoming President and CEO. Under her leadership, CSN expanded its educational programming, workshops, networking opportunities and collaborations with directors, actors and production professionals throughout Chicago.
Her message to aspiring writers reflected both her optimism and commitment to helping others succeed. “Fear can hinder our success, but it’s time to face it head-on and move towards your goals,” Lesko wrote in her welcome message to members. “Whether you dream of being a screenwriter or filmmaker, take steps forward with the support of Chicago Screenwriters Network.”
Those who worked with Lesko remember her as a tireless advocate for emerging talent, someone who understood that building a creative community was every bit as important as writing the next great screenplay.
In her obituary, family members described her as possessing “a creative spirit with a vivid imagination” and noted that she found great fulfillment in encouraging fellow writers and helping filmmakers develop their projects. They wrote that her “creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
Established in 1995, the Chicago Screenwriters Network has helped connect and educate generations of Midwest writers. For many members, Lesko became the face of that mission — welcoming newcomers, organizing events and fostering a supportive environment where writers could grow both creatively and professionally.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, friends and family remember Lesko for her warmth, generosity and unwavering encouragement of others. Whether discussing a screenplay, mentoring a new member or simply offering support, she was known for making people feel seen and valued.
She is survived by her parents, Donald and Yvonne Lesko; her brother Kurt; sister-in-law Jillian; niece Riley; nephew River; extended family members; and countless friends and colleagues throughout Chicago’s film community.
Visitation will be held June 10 at Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee, followed by burial at River Valley Memorial Gardens.
For many Chicago writers, Amorous Lesko’s greatest legacy may be the community she helped build — one screenplay, one meeting and one encouraging conversation at a time.
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