Jonathan Tiersten obit

'Sleepaway Camp' Jonathan TierstenDead At 60

 He was not on the list.

Jonathan Tiersten -- the actor best known for his role in the '80's horror classic "Sleepaway Camp," has died, TMZ has learned.

Tiersten passed away last week at his home in New Jersey, according to his brother, William Tiersten. William tells us the medical examiner is investigating Jonathan's cause of death.

In 1983, Jonathan landed his first film gig with the biggest role of his acting career, playing Ricky Thomas in "Sleepaway Camp." He also appeared in two out of the 4 sequels: "Return to Sleepaway Camp" and "Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor."

Jonathan's passion for blood-splattered horror flicks never ceased, starring in "The Perfect House," "Terror Tales," "Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back," and "Time's Up" throughout his career.

For the role of serial killer John Doesy in "The Perfect House," Jonathan snagged 3 best actor awards and was nominated for a fourth at multiple film festivals.

Jonathan was 60.

Born in Queens and raised in New York City and Northern New Jersey, Tiersten has been involved in both music and acting since his teens. Tiersten, who studied French horn and guitar when he was growing up, was still a teenager when, in 1983, he played Ricky Thomas in Robert Hiltzik's cult horror film Sleepaway Camp (1983).

Tiersten went on to study acting at New York University's prestigious Circle in the Square Theater School (where one of his classmates was future "Saturday Night Live (1975)" cast member Molly Shannon), and in 1987, he had a principal role in the Emmy-winning ABC after-school special "Seasonal Differences (1987)" (which also starred Uta Hagen, Melba Moore, Gabrielle Carteris and Frank Whaley). It was also in the late 1980s that Tiersten had a part on the NBC soap opera "Another World (1964)."

As a singer/songwriter, Tiersten made his presence felt on the Greenwich Village folk-rock/roots rock circuit in the late 1980s and early 1990s as one-half of the acoustic duo The Magic Box. But in 1991, Tiersten surprised his admirers by leaving the Big Apple and moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he opened a beer bar/live music venue called The Mountain Tap Tavern. Tiersten's bar attracted its share of well-known artists (including Dishwalla, David Gray and Victor Wooten), but he ended up selling it to devote more time to his own music. His contributions to the Colorado music scene included everything from solo performances to AC/DC and Black Sabbath cover bands to the alternative rock outfit Bambis Apartment (which he co-led with guitarist/singer Micah Stone). Tiersten (whose first solo album, Heaven, was released in 1998) also has been a member of the alternative funk-rock band Gaphiltaphunk, and now leads the band TEN TIERS, whose debut album, Don's Club Tavern, Part 1, was released in 2006.

Having spent the 1990s and early-to-mid 2000s concentrating on music, Tiersten returned to acting in a big way in 2008, when he reprised the role of Ricky Thomas in the Sleepaway Camp (1983) sequel Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008). And 2010 proved to be an even busier year as an actor, thanks to major roles in two independent films: Redemption (2014) and The Perfect House (2012). Redemption is a psychological thriller that also stars George Loros (best known for his portrayal of Raymond "Buffalo Ray" Curto on the HBO series "The Sopranos (1999)"), Meredith Ostrom (known for her roles in Love Actually (2003), Men Don't Tell (1993) and other movies) and veteran film/television actor Barry Primus. The Perfect House, meanwhile, stars Felissa Rose, John Philbin and Monique Parent along with Tiersten. Rose and Tiersten go way back; she played Angela Baker in both Sleepaway Camp (1983) and Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008), and it was Rose who recommended Tiersten for The Perfect House.

2010 was a year of dark, edgy characters for Tiersten, who portrays a pimp in Redemption and a serial killer in The Perfect House. "Apparently, I'm everyone's favorite bad guy now," jokes Tiersten, who explains that John Doesy (his character in The Perfect House) is an insane sociopath who sees the murders he commits not as crimes, but as artistic performances. In fact, Doesy keeps a woman hostage and makes her observe his crimes because he needs a "muse." Tiersten is preparing to reprise his The Perfect House role as the star of a full-length prequel centered around his character. "John Doesy sees himself as a performance artist akin to Andy Kaufman, who thought his whole life was a performance,"

Tiersten, who recently wrote the score for the short film Demption (a crime drama starring David Krumholtz of the hit TV series "Numb3rs (2005)"), is a triple threat: he can score films as well as produce and act in them. Tiersten, in fact, has been doing some work for the independent film company Brittany House Pictures, and recently was hired by its president, Anjul Nigam (Grey's Anatomy (2005), Terminator Salvation (2009)) to help produce Good Ol' Boy (a film with a score from guitarist/composer Andy Summers of The Police) and also act and do soundtrack/score work on future projects. But Tiersten stresses that no matter how much acting he will do in the future, his music will never take a back seat.

 

RIP

Actor

Open House

Mark

Post-productionShort

 

Time's Up (2022)

Time's Up

3.7

Gene

2022

 

Lynn Lowry, Mel Novak, Jonathan Tiersten, Helene Udy, Maria Olsen, and Mike Ferguson in Last American Horror Show: Volume II (2022)

Last American Horror Show: Volume II

4.6

Captain Strike

2022

 

Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back (2021)

Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back

4.3

Eric Sommers

2021

 

Lake of Shadows (2019)

Lake of Shadows

6.8

Alex Kintner

2019

 

Yan Birch, Ari Lehman, Felissa Rose, Helene Udy, Ashley Park, and Leana Lewis in Terror Tales (2019)

Terror Tales

3.2

The Sledgehammer (segment "Radical Video")

2019

 

Brian Bonsall, The Enigma, Jonathan Tiersten, Mel Haynes Jr., Doug Newville, Deno Apodaca, Jessica Winklmaier, Chris Lanham, Justine McKinney, Benton Mckibben, Jem McHugh, Trevor Shoulders, Erik Livesay, Jennifer Dechant, Bj O'Kane, Dave Adams, and Gregory Hopkins in Slaughsages (2018)

Slaughsages

4.0

Short

Jahnethin Teahrsdine

2018

 

The House That Wept Blood (2016)

The House That Wept Blood

Chris Laymon

2016

 

Robert Clohessy and Alice Ripley in Sugar! (2016)

Sugar!

6.8

Joe

2016

 

Slayer: You Against You (2016)

Slayer: You Against You

8.4

Music Video

Gangster

2016

 

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

Nigel

2015

 

Blood Reservoir (2014)

Blood Reservoir

5.3

Ricky Thomas

2014

 

Jasmine Pierce in Redemption (2014)

Redemption

8.7

Manny

2014

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

John Doesy

2012

 

Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008)

Return to Sleepaway Camp

4.1

Video

Ricky Thomas

2008

 

ABC Afterschool Specials (1972)

ABC Afterschool Specials

7.2

TV Series

Jason

1987

1 episode

 

CBS Schoolbreak Special (1984)

CBS Schoolbreak Special

6.9

TV Series

Chip Beddington (uncredited)

1984

1 episode

 

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Sleepaway Camp

6.2

Ricky (as Jonathan Tierston)

1983

 

Another World (1964)

Another World

7.1

TV Series

Kid With Basketball (uncredited)

1981

1 episode

 

Producer

The House That Wept Blood (2016)

The House That Wept Blood

producer

2016

 

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

producer

2015

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

associate producer

2012

 

Composer

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

Composer

2015

 

Demption

7.6

Short

original music by

2008

 

Soundtrack

Plan 9 (2015)

Plan 9

4.0

performer: "Love is Strange", "City of Angels"producer: "Love is Strange", "City of Angels"

2015

 

Tiffany Shepis in M Is for Matchmaker (2014)

M Is for Matchmaker

7.8

Short

performer: "Love is Strange"producer: "Love is Strange"

2014

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

performer: "If I Die (On My Last Day)", "In The Air"writer: "If I Die (On My Last Day)", "In The Air"

2012

 

Juncture (2007)

Juncture

5.0

writer: "How To Love You"

2007

 

Production Management

Slayer: Pride in Prejudice (2016)

Slayer: Pride in Prejudice

8.2

Music Video

unit production manager

2016

 

Slayer: You Against You (2016)

Slayer: You Against You

8.4

Music Video

unit production manager

2016

 

Writer

The Princess (2014)

The Princess

Short

composition

2014

 

Music Department

Closing the Deal (2000)

Closing the Deal

6.1

composer: additional music

2000

 

Self

Dead Talk Live (2020)

Dead Talk Live

6.8

TV Series

Self - Guest

2021

1 episode

 

The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell (2014)

The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell

6.5

TV Series

Self - Guest

2021

1 episode

 

Horror Icon: Inside Michael's Mask with Tony Moran (2016)

Horror Icon: Inside Michael's Mask with Tony Moran

Self

2016

 

At the Waterfront After the Social: The Legacy of Sleepaway Camp (2014)

At the Waterfront After the Social: The Legacy of Sleepaway Camp

7.8

Video

Self

2014

 

The Princess (2014)

The Princess

Short

Self

2014

 

Without Your Head (2006)

Without Your Head

7.1

Podcast Series

Self

2014

1 episode

 

Reel Nerds Podshow (2013)

Reel Nerds Podshow

8.0

TV Series

Self - ActorSelf - Musician

2014

1 episode

 

Groovey.TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series (2009)

Groovey.TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series

6.2

TV Series

Self

2013

1 episode

 

Return to Sleepaway Camp: Behind the Scenes (2008)

Return to Sleepaway Camp: Behind the Scenes

6.4

Video

Self

2008

 

Archive Footage

Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor (1992)

Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor

1.6

Video

Ricky Thomas (archive footage)

1992

Lee Hong-koo obit

Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Dies at 92

Renowned scholar, diplomat served as ambassador to UK, US; key figure during IMF crisis 

He was not on the list.

Lee Hong-koo, 92 years old, former Prime Minister, died on the 5th.

The late former Prime Minister was born in 1934, graduated from Gyeonggi High School, and enrolled in the Department of Public Administration at Seoul National University College of Law before dropping out the following year and departing for studies in the United States. After majoring in philosophy at Emory University and earning a master’s and doctoral degree in political science at Yale University, he returned to Korea in 1968 and began serving as a professor in the Department of Political Science at Seoul National University the following year. He continued his academic career, serving as president of the Korean Political Science Association and a member of the executive committee of the World Political Science Association.

His life took a new direction in 1988 when he entered the government as Minister of Home Affairs and Unification. He later served as Presidential Special Political Advisor and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In the Kim Young-sam administration, he held the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Unification before being appointed as the 28th Prime Minister in 1994.

After completing his term as Prime Minister, he entered politics in 1996 as a representative commissioner of the New Korea Party. In the 15th general election held that year, he entered the National Assembly as a proportional representation member. When the Kim Dae-jung administration was launched, he resigned from his parliamentary seat in 1998 and was appointed as Ambassador to the United States. At the time, following the IMF crisis, Korea-U.S. relations were more critical than ever.

After returning to Korea in 2000, he was active across academia, politics, and media. He also served as chairman of the Seoul International Forum, advisor to the Korean War Memorial Foundation, and advisor to the Korea Volleyball Association, and was a director of the Asan Social Welfare Foundation.

Survivors include his wife, Park Han-ok; son, Hyun-woo (EIG Asia Representative); daughters, So-young and Min-young (professor at Dongduk Women’s University); daughter-in-law, Hwang Ji-young (chair of the Hong Kong Korean Women’s Association); and son-in-law, Lee Kang-ho (professor at the Korea National University of Arts). The funeral has been set up at Room 20 of the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, with condolences accepted from 3 p.m. on the 5th. The funeral service will be held at 8 a.m. on the 8th, and the burial site will be Cheonan Park Cemetery.

José Ortiz obit

Puerto Rican legend José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz dies at 63

 He was not on the list.

After a short stint in the NBA, ‘Piculín’ had a successful career playing in Spain, Italy, and Greece.

José Ortiz -better known as “Piculín”-, one of the most influential figures in the history of Puerto Rican basketball, has died at 63 after a long battle with cancer.

Ortiz’s rise to prominence began in the United States collegiate system, where he played for the Oregon State Beavers. His performances led to his selection in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Ortiz would go on to play in the NBA with both the Jazz and the Charlotte Hornets, becoming one of the early Puerto Rican players to reach the league.

But where Ortiz truly flourished was on the international stage. His career took him across Europe, where he became a standout performer in several top leagues. Notably, he played for Real Madrid and Barça. Across Spain, Italy, and Greece, Ortiz built a reputation as a versatile center.

If Ortiz’s club career was impressive, his legacy with the Puerto Rican national team is monumental. Over a span of more than three decades, he represented the island in numerous international competitions, including Olympic Games and FIBA World Championships.

He served as both leader and symbol for Puerto Rican basketball, helping raise the team’s competitive profile on the world stage. Among the most celebrated moments of his international career was his participation in the historic victory over the United States at the Athens 2004 Olympics—one of the biggest upsets in Olympic basketball history.

Career history

1980–1991      Atléticos de San Germán

1987–1988      CAI Zaragoza

1988–1990      Utah Jazz

1990    Real Madrid

1990–1992      FC Barcelona

1992–1993      Festina Andorra

1993–1994      Unicaja Polti

1994–1996      Atléticos de San Germán

1994–1995      Gymnastikos S. Larissas

1995–1996      Iraklio Crete

1996–1997      Aris

1997    Guaiqueríes de Margarita

1997–1998      Aris

1998–2005      Cangrejeros de Santurce

2006    Capitanes de Arecibo

Career highlights

FIBA Korać Cup champion (1997)

Spanish Cup winner (1991)

Spanish League All-Star (1990)

2× Greek League All-Star (1996, 1997)

8× BSN champion (1985, 1991, 1994, 1998–2001, 2003)

BSN Most Valuable Player (2002)

LPB champion (1997)

LPB Finals MVP (1997)

No. 4 retired by Cangrejeros de Santurce

Pac-10 Player of the Year (1987)

2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1986, 1987)

Career statistics

Points  8,925 (17.7 ppg)

Rebounds        5,314 (10.5 rpg)

Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata

Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

FIBA Hall of Fame

Medals

Men's basketball

Representing  Puerto Rico

FIBA AmeriCup

Gold medal – first place          1995 Argentina           

Silver medal – second place   1988 Uruguay

Silver medal – second place   1993 Puerto Rico       

Silver medal – second place   1997 Uruguay

Bronze medal – third place     2003 Puerto Rico       

Pan American Games

Gold medal – first place          1991 Cuba      

Bronze medal – third place     1987 USA      

Centrobasket

Gold medal – first place          1989 Cuba      

Gold medal – first place          1991 Mexico  

Gold medal – first place          1993 Puerto Rico       

Gold medal – first place          2001 Mexico  

Gold medal – first place          2003 Mexico  

Silver medal – second place   1999 Cuba      

Goodwill Games

Gold medal – first place          1994 Russia

John Sterling obit

John Sterling, longtime radio voice of Yankees, dies at 87

 

He was not on the list.

John Sterling, the radio voice of the New York Yankees for parts of 36 seasons, has died. He was 87.

Sterling's death was announced Monday by New York-based WFAN Sports Radio and confirmed by the Yankees.

Sterling joined the Yankees' broadcast in 1989, calling 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games before retiring in April 2024. The native New Yorker was in the booth for 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 to July 2019, when he missed a series with an illness.

"We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom," WFAN said in a statement.

Sterling was on the air for 24 Yankees postseason trips, seven World Series appearances and five World Series titles.

Known for his signature "The Yankees win!" victory call and his personalized home run calls, Sterling spent his last 20 seasons with the Yankees working alongside Suzyn Waldman.

"Through his unique style and passionate play-by-play calls, Sterling endeared himself to generations of players and fans as radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024," Major League Baseball said in a statement. "His signature punctuation of Yankees victories included calling the final out of five World Series championships."

Gary Lydon obit

Irish actor and Banshees of Inisherin star Gary Lydon dies aged 61

 

He was not on the list.

Gary Lydon, an Irish actor best known for his role in Martin McDonagh‘s The Banshees of Inisherin, has passed away at the age of 61.

The news reportedly came via way of his son James Doherty O’Brien, who issued a statement on behalf of the family, which announced that “the loss of our Dad is a huge shock and deep loss for us all”.

His son added, “He will be sorely missed by me and my brother Seanluke, our mother Kara, his beloved partner Paula, and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family.”

In the critically acclaimed surrealist comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, Lydon played the abusive father of the troubled youth, Dominic Kearney, played by Beatle-to-be Barry Keoghan.

Additionally, Lydon has starred in movies such as Brooklyn, The Guard, and Calvary. He also enjoyed success in different television roles, such as Pure Mule, Love/Hate, and The Clinic, for which he earned an Irish Film and Television Award.

He concluded, “Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father. We will miss the many ways he loved and protected us. We will carry all our amazing memories with him forever in our hearts.”

Reflecting on his tragic passing, a spokesperson for the Wexford Arts Centre has shared, “Gary had only recently returned to our stage as the magnificent Phil in the terrific production of Of Mornington by Billy Roche, directed by Pete McCamley of Ad Personam Cultural Events who also co-produced the production with Gary Lydon Productions.”

They added, “Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland & the UK.”

Lydon was born in London in 1964; as a child, he moved to Wexford town, where his most recent production of Of Mornington took place.

 

Actor

The Sandy Banks

Daniel

Post-production

 

One Sweet Hour

Gerry Byrne

Post-production

 

Gillian Anderson and Lola Petticrew in Trespasses (2025)

Trespasses

7.2

TV Series

Father Slattery

2025

2 episodes

 

Crazy Love (2025)

Crazy Love

8.4

Executive Chairman

2025

 

Punt (2025)

Punt

Short

2025

 

Bodkin (2024)

Bodkin

6.9

TV Series

Desy McArdle

2024

1 episode

 

Vanilla (2024)

Vanilla

Short

Joe

2024

 

Barber (2023)

Barber

5.1

Johnny Mulligan

2023

 

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

The Banshees of Inisherin

7.6

Peadar Kearney

2022

 

Lakelands (2022)

Lakelands

6.5

Bernie

2022

 

An Encounter (2022)

An Encounter

6.9

Short

The Man

2022

 

Sprachlos in Irland (2022)

Sprachlos in Irland

5.9

TV Movie

Geistlicher

2022

 

Lalor Roddy in Harvest (2021)

Harvest

7.5

Short

Aidan

2021

 

The Lucky Man (2020)

The Lucky Man

8.6

Short

Terry

2020

 

Tristan Heanue and John Connors in Broken Law (2020)

Broken Law

5.7

Superintendent Byrne

2020

 

Hazel Doupe in Ciúnas (Silence) (2019)

Ciúnas (Silence)

6.2

Short

Gerry

2019

 

Moth (2019)

Moth

5.9

Short

Ciarán

2019

 

Too Shall Pass (2015)

6am News

Short

Slab

2017

 

Striking Out (2017)

Striking Out

7.7

TV Series

Judge Harrison

2017

1 episode

 

The Flag (2016)

The Flag

6.1

Foley

2016

 

Too Shall Pass (2015)

Too Shall Pass

Short

Slab

2015

 

Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn (2015)

Brooklyn

7.5

Mr Farrell

2015

 

The Hallow (2015)

The Hallow

5.7

Doyle

2015

 

The Guarantee (2014)

The Guarantee

5.8

Brian Cowen

2014

 

Love/Hate (2010)

Love/Hate

8.4

TV Series

Chief Superintendent

2014

1 episode

 

Brendan Gleeson in Calvary (2014)

Calvary

7.4

Inspector Stanton

2014

 

Clive Owen and Andrea Riseborough in Shadow Dancer (2012)

Shadow Dancer

6.2

Geoff

2012

 

Jeremy Irvine in War Horse (2011)

War Horse

7.2

Si Easton

2011

 

Stella Days (2011)

Stella Days

5.9

Larry

2011

 

Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson in The Guard (2011)

The Guard

7.3

Gerry Stanton

2011

 

The Clinic (2003)

The Clinic

6.9

TV Series

Patrick Murray

2003–2009

63 episodes

 

Martin (2008)

Martin

7.8

Short

Martin

2008

 

Small Engine Repair (2006)

Small Engine Repair

6.4

Big Eddy

2006

 

Pure Mule (2005)

Pure Mule

7.6

TV Series

Bomber Brennan

2005

4 episodes

 

David Leon in Boy Eats Girl (2005)

Boy Eats Girl

4.9

Garda Sergeant

2005

 

Six Shooter (2004)

Six Shooter

7.4

Short

Chief Guard

2004

 

Rory Keenan in On Home Ground (2001)

On Home Ground

6.9

TV Series

Cathal O'Connor

2001–2002

11 episodes

 

Anne-Marie Duff in Sinners (2002)

Sinners

7.6

TV Movie

Patrick

2002

 

Fergus's Wedding

7.4

TV Series

Shay

2002

2 episodes

 

Sunday (2002)

Sunday

7.0

TV Movie

Family Barrister

2002

 

Country (2000)

Country

7.3

Con Murphy

2000

 

The Second Death (2000)

The Second Death

6.1

Short

Gerry

2000

 

Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000)

Ordinary Decent Criminal

6.3

Tom Rooney

2000

 

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns (1999)

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns

7.0

TV Mini Series

Dunlang the DullahanJames Fitzpatrick

1999

2 episodes

 

Ian Holm, Laura Murphy, and Tom Walsh in Shergar (1999)

Shergar

5.4

Det. Sergeant Malen

1999

 

Jane Birkin, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes, Fiona Shaw, and Lambert Wilson in The Last September (1999)

The Last September

6.0

Peter Connolly

1999

 

Amongst Women (1998)

Amongst Women

7.6

TV Mini Series

Mark

1998

2 episodes

 

A Soldier's Song (1997)

A Soldier's Song

8.6

Short

Tony Doyle

1997

 

Cary Elwes and Timothy Dalton in The Informant (1997)

The Informant

6.3

Det. McDonough

1997

 

Liam Neeson in Michael Collins (1996)

Michael Collins

7.1

Squad Youth #1

1996

 

Ian Hart, Michael Gambon, and James Frain in Nothing Personal (1995)

Nothing Personal

6.8

Eddie

1995

 

Bramwell (1995)

Bramwell

7.8

TV Series

Ned Stebbings

1995

1 episode

 

Linus Roache and Lia Williams in Seaforth (1994)

Seaforth

8.4

TV Mini Series

Arthur Spence

1994

9 episodes

 

Ailsa (1994)

Ailsa

7.9

Jack

1994

 

George and Ramona (1994)

George and Ramona

Short

George

1994

 

Belfry (1993)

Belfry

TV Movie

Father Pat

1993

 

A Handful of Stars

7.1

TV Movie

Jimmy

1993

 

Poor Beast in the Rain

7.8

TV Movie

Georgie

1993

 

Self

4th Irish Film and Television Awards

7.3

TV Special

Self

2007

Lee Allen Zeno obit

Lee Allen Zeno, Legendary Louisiana Bassist Known As “Soul,” Dies At 71

 He was not on the list.

Acadiana is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved musicians. Lee Allen Zeno, known to many as “Soul,” passed away on May 3, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

According to close friend and advocate John Williams, Zeno spent his final days at home, surrounded by family, caregivers, and a community that had been lifting him up in prayer and support. Williams described his passing as peaceful, dignified, and filled with love.

In one of his final reflections, Zeno shared how he hoped to be remembered:

“I just tried to be my authentic self.”

A Career That Defined The Sound Of Zydeco

Born in Lafayette and raised in Carencro, Zeno’s journey in music began at just seven years old. Over the decades, he became a cornerstone of Louisiana music, anchoring Buckwheat Zydeco’s band for nearly 40 years and contributing to Grammy-winning and Emmy-recognized projects.

His bass lines can be heard across more than 70 recordings, supporting legendary artists like Irma Thomas, the Neville Brothers, and Bobby Rush. Fellow musicians often referred to him as the “groove glue,” the steady force behind songs that allowed others to shine.

As one tribute described it, “When the song breathed, that was Lee.”

A Mentor Who Changed Lives Far Beyond The Stage

Zeno’s impact extended far beyond performances. As a leader of the UL Lafayette R&B Ensemble, he became a mentor to generations of musicians, many of whom credit him with shaping their careers and confidence.

He was also known for a deeply personal tradition. Zeno sent daily text messages to hundreds of people, offering encouragement and positivity.

Flint Zerangue recalled asking him about it, only to learn Zeno would message “about 400 people” each morning, spending hours making sure others felt seen and supported.

“The only thing better than the content he produced from the bass guitar was the content of his character,” Zerangue said.

Tributes Pour In From Across The Music World

As news of his passing spread, tributes flooded in from across Acadiana and beyond, painting a picture of a man whose kindness matched his talent.

Marc Broussard called Zeno “one of my favorite musicians of all time” and “a dear friend,” adding that his legacy is one of “unrivaled soul and enduring kindness.”

Lee Allen Zeno was not only one of my favorite musicians of all time, he was also a dear friend. My only regret is that I didn’t know him sooner. His legacy is one of unrivaled soul and enduring kindness. The hole he leaves in my heart is one I’m happy to carry with me until we meet again.

JaRon Marshall of Black Pumas shared how Zeno helped launch his career, recalling how he played on an early recording and refused payment simply to support a young artist.

Beau Thomas remembered Zeno as someone who believed in others before they believed in themselves, while Corey Arceneaux reflected on years of friendship, mentorship, and shared stages.

Dr. Gwennie von Einsiedel of UL Lafayette described him as “the heart, soul and groove” of the R&B Ensemble, noting that his influence on students cannot be put into words.

Lee Allen Zeno was the heart, soul and groove of the UL R&B ensemble. Every semester the class was packed because everyone wanted to learn from him and he never turned anyone away. He guided and inspired the students in a way that cannot be put into words and he will be deeply, deeply missed.

Frequent collaborator Jill Butler echoed that sentiment, saying Zeno encouraged everyone around him to stay authentic and “keep smiling while bringing the groove.”

Mr. Lee was not only an amazing intuitive musician but was a very kind and daily friend to me- he nicknamed me “Jilly Jill” and reminded me to keep smiling while bringing the groove. He encouraged us all to be authentic and he truly was. I miss him already.

Close friend and frequent collaborator Ray Boudreaux described his first time meeting Lee Allen Zeno.

When he came to Dockside to record my record, it was our first time meeting. He heard the acoustic demo to "I Don’t Wanna Stop" and the first thing he said was “soul, I’m hearing a little more funky, is that cool?” I laughed and told him, That’s why you’re here! He was a major influence on creating the sound, and he kept it funky ever since.

A Legacy That Will Continue To Echo

Zeno's music is woven into the fabric of Louisiana music.

From international stages to local classrooms, his presence helped define the sound and spirit of Acadiana.

He was recently inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and local leaders have recognized his contributions with honors, including a day dedicated in his name.

But for many, his greatest legacy is not found in awards or accolades.

It lives in the musicians he inspired, the friendships he built, and the daily encouragement he gave so freely.

In the words of one tribute, “He carried Acadiana on those four strings.”

Lee Allen Zeno may be gone, but the groove he created and the lives he touched will continue to resonate for generations.

 

Doris Fisher obit

Doris Fisher, Gap cofounder, dies at 94

Fisher, who started the fashion brand with her late husband, was a San Francisco native. 

She was not on the list.

Doris Fisher, the San Francisco businesswoman and philanthropist who cofounded Gap Inc. and coined the name that would become one of the most recognizable brands in American fashion, has died. She was 94.

Her death was announced Sunday by family to friends in an email, which was obtained by The Standard. Sources close to the family told The Standard she died Saturday.

“She lived her values with purpose and integrity and believed that partnership made life richer,” her family said in a statement. “As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her love shaped generations. She was a builder at heart — shaping organizations, investing in people, creating possibility — and she carried this spirit through every part of her life. We believe her legacy lives on not only in what she created, but in how she lived.”

Fisher cofounded the Gap with her late husband, Donald Fisher, in 1969, growing it into a company with $15.4 billion in sales and more than 3,500 stores worldwide(opens in new tab), including its subsidiaries Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta.

She is credited with naming the company, a reference to the generation gap between young people and their parents that defined the tumultuous era.

The pair had a simple idea: to make it easier to find a pair of jeans. They opened the first Gap store on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco as a side project to their retail efforts selling Levi’s jeans and records. Fisher served as the company’s merchandiser until 2003 and sat on the board until 2009 and was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes.

Gap Inc. marked Fisher’s 90th birthday in August 2021 with a companywide day of service(opens in new tab) in her name. In an email to employees, then-CEO Sonia Syngal described Fisher as the company’s “cofounder, first working mom, and original arbiter of cool,” crediting her with instilling in Gap “a deep love of individual style along with an unwavering commitment to giving back.”

Syngal noted that when Doris and Don Fisher opened their first store in 1969, they did so as equals. “She captured the American zeitgeist,” Syngal wrote, “and set the stage for the brand to become the cultural icon it is today.”

Syngal described Fisher as someone who was “ahead of her time” in her commitment to giving back, and whose belief in collective action directly shaped the company’s guiding principles. “Doris is a beacon of what our best looks like,” Syngal wrote. “She has inspired me and generations of others to aspire to our full potential, do good and do more.” As Fisher herself once said of her philanthropic drive: “We can always do more.”

The company she built honored her legacy just weeks ago. In April, Gap Inc. President and CEO Richard Dickson announced the launch(opens in new tab) of The Doris Fisher Creators Program, a mentorship initiative developed in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology. The program, described as a reflection of “her legacy of creativity, curiosity, and belief in people,” connects FIT students with Gap Inc. leaders and provide pathways into the fashion industry.

“There is simply no equal to Doris Fisher,” Dickson said in a statement. “In Gap-speak, she was a true original. Doris was a full partner in Gap Inc.’s founding and a path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women.”

Fisher was equally formidable as a philanthropist. She and her late husband donated more than $70 million to the Knowledge is Power Program, helping build it into the largest network of charter schools in the country. She loaned her collection of 1,100 works(opens in new tab) by 185 artists(opens in new tab) — including Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, and Richard Serra — to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

David Kendall obit

Television Producer David Kendall Dies at 68

 

He was not on the list.

Prominent television writer, director, and executive producer David Kendall passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The veteran creator was a foundational figure for the hit 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World, serving as the showrunner during its second and third seasons.

The news was confirmed by former cast members Will Friedle, Rider Strong, and Danielle Fishel via their Pod Meets World podcast social media channels. Kendall's career spanned four decades, during which he contributed to several major network projects, including the creation of Growing Pains and development roles for Disney Channel's Hannah Montana.

The podcast hosts released a joint statement honoring the producer's extensive contributions to the series and their personal professional growth. They credited him with shaping the narrative direction of the show during its most pivotal years.

"We have lost a vital piece of our family," stated the cast of Boy Meets World in a social media post.

The trio highlighted that Kendall's influence reached beyond their own careers, noting his work in mentoring numerous young stars who eventually became industry leaders. His portfolio of talent development included working with Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Austin Butler, and Zendaya during their early years in Hollywood.

"To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement. He directed, wrote and executive produced our show, but also helped mold some of TV’s most memorable sitcoms, from Growing Pains to Hannah Montana," said Pod Meets World hosts Will Friedle, Rider Strong, and Danielle Fishel.

The actors encouraged fans to revisit specific episodes produced under Kendall's leadership as a way to honor his creative memory. They specifically pointed to the early-to-mid-90s era of the show as a reflection of his specific storytelling style.

"The next time you watch the show, especially Seasons 2 & 3 (when he served as showrunner), think of our beloved Kendall," requested the cast members.

David Kendall Career Credits

Show   Role     Years

Boy Meets World        Writer, Director, Executive Producer, Showrunner (S2-3)     1993-2000

Growing Pains Creator, Executive Producer   1980s-1990s

Hannah Montana         Executive Producer, Developer          2006-2011

Notable Young Stars Mentored           Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Austin Butler, Jonas Brothers            Various

Audiences responded to the announcement with condolences, citing the impact of his work on their childhood entertainment. One Instagram follower noted that hearing behind-the-scenes stories about Kendall on the podcast had made him a fan-favorite figure among the show's community.

"One of my favorite parts of the podcast has been getting to hear from the people behind the scenes, who made the show tick, and anything involving him was always amazing to hear," wrote an Instagram commenter.

 

Another viewer shared their sympathies directly with the actors who viewed the producer as a career guide.

 

"So sorry for your loss of a mentor and a friend," added another social media user.

Kendall's frequent appearances on the Pod Meets World podcast provided listeners with insights into his forty-year tenure in the television industry. His passing marks a significant loss for the community of creators who worked under his direction across multiple networks.

Producer

Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love (2020)

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6.7

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executive producer

2020

15 episodes

 

Melissa & Joey (2010)

Melissa & Joey

7.0

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executive producer

2010–2015

104 episodes

 

Eric Mabius, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Autumn Reeser in Nature of the Beast (2007)

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5.2

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2007

 

Tim Curry, Gary Cole, Caitlin Wachs, Sasha Pieterse, and Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak in Family Affair (2002)

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5.2

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co-executive producer

2002–2003

 

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in The Growing Pains Movie (2000)

The Growing Pains Movie

5.0

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executive producer

2000

 

Danielle Fishel, Ben Savage, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong in Boy Meets World (1993)

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8.1

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executive producer

1994–2000

132 episodes

 

Robert Hays and Shelley Long in Kelly Kelly (1998)

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6.5

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executive producer

1998

7 episodes

 

Cara DeLizia, Mitch Mullany, and Arjay Smith in Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (1996)

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7.2

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consulting producer

1996

1 episode

 

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in Growing Pains (1985)

Growing Pains

6.6

TV Series

co-executive producerproducer

1988–1991

72 episodes

 

Director

Jensen Gering and Ava Ro in Erin & Aaron (2023)

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Director

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Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer in Steppin' Into the Holiday (2022)

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Director

2022

 

Wolfgang Schaeffer and Jahzir Bruno in The Really Loud House (2022)

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2022

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Mitchell Berg, Isaiah Crews, Jacques Chevelle, Jayden Bartels, and Jules LeBlanc in Side Hustle (2020)

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Ian Reed Kesler and Ruth Righi in Sydney to the Max (2019)

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2019–2021

11 episodes

 

Country Comfort (2021)

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Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love (2020)

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6.7

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Director

2020

1 episode

 

Luca Luhan, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, Havan Flores, Cooper Barnes, and Dana Heath in Danger Force (2020)

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4.1

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2020

1 episode

 

Kai Calhoun, Alison Fernandez, Bryana Salaz, Elie Samouhi, Symera Jackson, and Eliza Pryor in Team Kaylie (2019)

Team Kaylie

4.9

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Director

2019–2020

2 episodes

 

Coop and Cami Ask the World (2018)

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5.9

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Director

2018–2019

8 episodes

 

Cooper Barnes and Jace Norman in Henry Danger (2014)

Henry Danger

6.4

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2015–2019

9 episodes

 

Kel Mitchell, Madisyn Shipman, Benjamin Flores Jr., Thomas Kuc, and Cree in Game Shakers (2015)

Game Shakers

4.8

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Director

2015–2019

11 episodes

 

Lexi DiBenedetto, Amarr, Lilimar, Owen Patrick Joyner, Savannah Lee Nassif, and Daniella Taylor in Knight Squad (2018)

Knight Squad

5.6

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Director

2019

1 episode

 

Madison Hu and Olivia Rodrigo in Bizaardvark (2016)

Bizaardvark

4.2

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Director

2016–2019

14 episodes

 

Peyton Elizabeth Lee in Andi Mack (2017)

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7.3

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Director

2018

1 episode

 

Jenna Ortega in Stuck in the Middle (2016)

Stuck in the Middle

6.4

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2016–2018

15 episodes

 

Kirby Buckets (2014)

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5.0

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Director

2014–2016

9 episodes

 

Casey Simpson, Mace Coronel, Aidan Gallagher, and Lizzy Greene in Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn (2014)

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5.6

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Director

2016

2 episodes

 

Zendaya in K.C. Undercover (2015)

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6.5

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Director

2016

1 episode

 

Landry Bender and Lauren Taylor in Best Friends Whenever (2015)

Best Friends Whenever

6.0

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2015

1 episode

 

Melissa & Joey (2010)

Melissa & Joey

7.0

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Director

2012–2015

7 episodes

 

Regan Burns, Beth Littleford, Kuma, Stephen Full, Blake Michael, Genevieve Hannelius, and Francesca Capaldi in Dog with a Blog (2012)

Dog with a Blog

5.1

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Director

2013–2015

3 episodes

 

Rosa Blasi, Chris Tallman, Audrey Whitby, Diego Velazquez, Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, and Addison Riecke in The Thundermans (2013)

The Thundermans

6.1

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4 episodes

 

Mitchel Musso and Larramie Doc Shaw in Pair of Kings (2010)

Pair of Kings

5.9

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Director

2010–2013

9 episodes

 

Jake Farrow, Daniella Monet, Victoria Justice, Leon Thomas III, Avan Jogia, Elizabeth Gillies, Matt Bennett, and Ariana Grande in Victorious (2010)

Victorious

7.0

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6 episodes

 

Big Time Rush (2009)

Big Time Rush

6.6

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2010–2012

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Nathan Kress, Jerry Trainor, Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, Drake Kemper, and Noah Munck in iCarly (2007)

iCarly

6.8

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2007–2012

14 episodes

 

Imagination Movers (2007)

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7.2

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2008–2009

6 episodes

 

Jonas Brothers, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas in Jonas (2009)

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4.8

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Director

2009

1 episode

 

Rondell Sheridan, Kyle Massey, Jason Dolley, and Maiara Walsh in Cory in the House (2007)

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5.0

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2 episodes

 

Zoey 101 (2005)

Zoey 101

6.2

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2007–2008

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Lil J.J. in Just Jordan (2007)

Just Jordan

6.1

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Director

2007–2008

3 episodes

 

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004)

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

7.4

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Director

2004–2007

9 episodes

 

Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana (2006)

Hannah Montana

5.5

TV Series

Director

2006

5 episodes

 

Craig Anton, Lise Simms, Raviv Ullman, Aly Michalka, and Amy Bruckner in Phil of the Future (2004)

Phil of the Future

6.9

TV Series

Director

2004–2005

6 episodes

 

Zoe Saldaña and Milo Ventimiglia in Dirty Deeds (2005)

Dirty Deeds

5.7

Director

2005

 

Raven-Symoné in That's So Raven (2003)

That's So Raven

6.7

TV Series

Director

2003

1 episode

 

Even Stevens (2000)

Even Stevens

7.6

TV Series

Director

2003

1 episode

 

Jessica Capshaw, Natalia Cigliuti, Vicki Davis, Marina Malota Darling, Markie Post, and Erik von Detten in Odd Man Out (1999)

Odd Man Out

6.6

TV Series

Director

1999

9 episodes

 

Danielle Fishel, Ben Savage, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong in Boy Meets World (1993)

Boy Meets World

8.1

TV Series

Director

1995–1999

13 episodes

 

Tahj Mowry, Essence Atkins, Omar Gooding, John Marshall Jones, and Jason Weaver in Smart Guy (1997)

Smart Guy

7.4

TV Series

Director

1999

1 episode

 

Stacey Dash, Rachel Blanchard, Elisa Donovan, Donald Faison, and Sean Holland in Clueless (1996)

Clueless

5.9

TV Series

Director

1999

1 episode

 

Tamera Mowry-Housley, Tim Reid, Jackée Harry, and Tia Mowry in Sister, Sister (1994)

Sister, Sister

6.3

TV Series

Director

1999

1 episode

 

Michael Galeota, Courtnee Draper, Theo Greenly, and Jermaine Williams in The Jersey (1999)

The Jersey

7.2

TV Series

Director

1999–2004

 

Robert Hays and Shelley Long in Kelly Kelly (1998)

Kelly Kelly

6.5

TV Series

Director

1998

1 episode

 

Luggage of the Gods! (1983)

Luggage of the Gods!

5.6

Director

1983

 

Writer

Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love (2020)

Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love

6.7

TV Series

written byWriter

2020

2 episodes

 

Melissa & Joey (2010)

Melissa & Joey

7.0

TV Series

created bywritten by

2010–2015

104 episodes

 

Danielle Fishel, Ben Savage, Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, August Maturo, and Cooper J. Friedman in Girl Meets World (2014)

Girl Meets World

7.0

TV Series

screenplay

2014

1 episode

 

Lindsey Shaw and Cassandra Scerbo in Teen Spirit (2011)

Teen Spirit

5.4

TV Movie

teleplay

2011

 

JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Raven-Symoné in Revenge of the Bridesmaids (2010)

Revenge of the Bridesmaids

5.9

TV Movie

written by

2010

 

Eric Mabius, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Autumn Reeser in Nature of the Beast (2007)

Nature of the Beast

5.2

TV Movie

written by

2007

 

Tim Curry, Gary Cole, Caitlin Wachs, Sasha Pieterse, and Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak in Family Affair (2002)

Family Affair

5.2

TV Series

written by

2002

2 episodes

 

Lyle Lovett, Zooey Deschanel, Eliza Dushku, Eddie Griffin, Jerod Mixon, DJ Qualls, Parry Shen, Sunny Mabrey, and Matt Gogin in The New Guy (2002)

The New Guy

5.8

written by

2002

 

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in The Growing Pains Movie (2000)

The Growing Pains Movie

5.0

TV Movie

written by

2000

 

Robert Hays and Shelley Long in Kelly Kelly (1998)

Kelly Kelly

6.5

TV Series

created bystory byteleplay by

1998

7 episodes

 

Danielle Fishel, Ben Savage, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong in Boy Meets World (1993)

Boy Meets World

8.1

TV Series

written by

1994

1 episode

 

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in Growing Pains (1985)

Growing Pains

6.6

TV Series

storywritten byteleplay

1985–1991

32 episodes

 

Just the Ten of Us (1987)

Just the Ten of Us

7.0

TV Series

written by

1988

1 episode

 

Luggage of the Gods! (1983)

Luggage of the Gods!

5.6

writer

1983

 

Script and Continuity Department

Just the Ten of Us (1987)

Just the Ten of Us

7.0

TV Series

executive script consultant

1988–1989

24 episodes

 

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in Growing Pains (1985)

Growing Pains

6.6

TV Series

executive script consultant

1987–1988

24 episodes

 

Additional Crew

Joanna Kerns, Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Ashley Johnson, and Jeremy Miller in Growing Pains (1985)

Growing Pains

6.6

TV Series

story editor

1986–1987

23 episodes

 

Self

Devon Werkheiser, Daniel Curtis Lee, and Lindsey Shaw in Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide (2023)

Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide

8.7

Podcast Series

Self - Guest

2024

1 episode

 

Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong in Pod Meets World Podcast (2022)

Pod Meets World Podcast

8.8

Podcast Series

Self - Guest

2023

1 episode

 

Jace Norman in #SetLife on Nick: Henry Danger (2018)

#SetLife on Nick: Henry Danger

9.0

TV Mini Series

Self

2018

1 episode