THE THEATRE COMMUNITY DEEPLY GRIEVES THE LOSS OF NANCY CHERYLL DAVIS-BELLAMY, FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF TOWN STREET THEATRE. A VISIONARY LEADER AND PASSIONATE ARTIST, NANCY ENRICHED COUNTLESS LIVES THROUGH HER DEDICATION TO STORYTELLING AND HER UNWAVERING SUPPORT OF OTHERS.

HER LIGHT WILL FOREVER SHINE IN THE HEARTS OF ALL SHE TOUCHED.

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF NIKKI GIOVANNI, A LEGENDARY POET, ACTIVIST, AND STORYTELLER WHO TRANSFORMED THE LITERARY WORLD. HER POWERFUL WORDS ILLUMINATED THE STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS OF BLACK IDENTITY, WOMANHOOD, AND HUMANITY. NIKKI’S FEARLESS SPIRIT AND LYRICAL BRILLIANCE WILL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE GENERATIONS.

REST IN POWER, NIKKI.

Our sister Rhonda Stubbins- White, career began after starring in Diana Ross' Out of Darkness in 1994. In 2000, she appeared in a recurring role on Days of Our Lives in which she played the role of Lady Vi in a 17-episode arc. Other shows she has appeared on include series like Charmed, ER, Shameless and The West Wing. White’s most recent role was two years back on Tyler Perry's BET+ original series Ruthless in which she played the role of Agnes. And she has left her heart on our the Robey’s stage.

Gloria a dear friend and funder for the theatre, we love you and appreciate everyday you spent with us at the Theatre. May you rest in peace.

Dr. Ross was a consummate jazz saxophone artist for over half a century and was currently a member of the classical jazz quintet The Blue Morning Quintet. He was a long-time member of The Robey Theatre Company Playwrights Lab, and the Robey was honored to present the world premiere of his play Birdland Blue in 2019. Dr. Ross also served on Robey’s Creative Team, Robey Fund Development Committee and as Musical Director.

Jayden was a remarkable, kind, smart, and vibrant young man who was an aspiring filmmaker. His interest in film and production began in elementary school with roles in community theater and oratory competitions. Filmmaking was Jayden's passion, and he poured his heart and soul into every film he made and collaborated. Jayden loved performing. May his memory will live on in the dreams of other young people.

In the loving memory of Jayden Thomas Gillespie a special scholarship fund has been established to support the acting dreams of young people at The Robey Theatre Company, the Jayden's Class Act Scholarship. Donations will be placed in a scholarship fund for underprivileged kids to take acting classes. Click here to Donate

Charles vowed early in his life to write about the African American Diaspora.

Charles Henry Fuller Jr. won an Obie Award in early in his career for Zooman and the Sign. He was known for A Soldier’s Play, honored with Pulitzer Price in 1982. He was recognized with a Tony Award 40 years after its original run. The screen adaptation of A Soldier’s Play was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Writers Guild Award of America, and it won an Edgar Award. He was the co-founder of the Afro-American Arts Theatre in Philadelphia.

Pillip Hayes Dean, was born in Chicago Illinois. After serving in the army he arrived to New York City to become an actor. He was a playwright, director and actor in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and various regional theatre.

His play, Paul Robeson, has had three Broadway productions, a Londong Production, and has toured across the United Staged and Europe. He made his Los Angeles directing debut with this play.

Services were held in Los Angeles. He was 83.

David McKnight, a gifted character actor with a career spanning over five decades, passed away on December 3, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 87, following a battle with cancer. Born on July 2, 1936, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, McKnight served in the U.S. Army and worked as a police officer before beginning his acting career.

He gained recognition in 1976 with his lead role in the cult classic J.D.’s Revenge and continued to captivate audiences with roles in television series such as Hill Street Blues, Dynasty, and Boston Legal. McKnight also made his mark on the big screen in films like Hollywood Shuffle and Under Siege. In recent years, he appeared in holiday films and the web series A House Divided.

Renowned for his versatility and dedication to the craft, McKnight contributed significantly to African American storytelling throughout his career. He is survived by his brother, James, and his daughter.

Theatre and dance producer Deborah Lawlor died on May 2, 2023. She was 83. Deborah grew up in Riverside, California. Her father, Arthur A. Culver, was president of the Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper from 1969 to 1984. He remained on the board of directors until his death in 1994. Deborah's brother, Tony Culver, passed away in 2002.

"The Fountain Theatre, as it now exists, would not be if not for Deborah Lawlor," says Sachs. "More than anyone I've ever known, she is the foremost example of utilizing one's privilege for the benefit of others. She will be deeply missed, but she lives on: in Auroville, at the Fountain, and in the hearts of those she touched and the countless lives she changed."

We mourn the loss of Tom Ormeny, a beloved figure in Los Angeles theater, who passed away from cancer. Born April 17, 1946, in Budapest, Hungary, Tom was the co-founder of The Victory Theatre Center alongside his wife, Maria Gobetti.

Since 1971, Tom’s dedication to the arts led to over 100 productions, many of them world premieres. Recently, his dramaturgy and direction of Who’s Your Daddy? received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Beyond the stage, Tom was a passionate arts advocate. He helped establish Los Angeles Municipal Promotions (LAMP), championing the “one percent for the arts” tax. Tom also served eight terms as president of the Los Angeles Theatre Alliance and played a vital role on the Actors’ Equity Review Committee.

Tom’s kindness and leadership leave a lasting legacy. Our hearts go out to Maria Gobetti and all who knew him

Psalm 23:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…”

I found myself repeating it over and over on the black Monday that the ugly hands of death snatched my son from me.

Carolyn Wachuky Onye (Boma’s Mom)

We are saddened by the loss of Kristy Johnson whose presence and contributions touched so many lives. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May their legacy live on through the memories and moments they shared with us.

We remember Nobu McCarthy, a trailblazing Japanese Canadian actress who began her career in the 1958 Jerry Lewis comedy The Geisha Boy. With roles in The Hunters, Wake Me When It’s Over, and Walk Like a Dragon, her star rose throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

After a brief hiatus, Nobu joined East West Players in the 1970s, later becoming Artistic Director in 1989. Her leadership broadened the company’s reach, promoting diversity both onstage and behind the scenes.

In 1999, she starred alongside Danny Glover in Yohen, earning acclaim for her emotionally powerful portrayal of Sumi Washington.

Nobu’s groundbreaking contributions to Asian American theatre leave an enduring legacy. She is survived by two children and three brothers.

Ella Turenne was an extraordinary artist, activist, educator, and entrepreneur whose passion for creative expression and social justice touched countless lives. The beloved daughter of Mathieu and Marie Jocelyne Turenne, Ella began her theatrical journey at age 5 and later shone on both the small and large screens.

Her acclaimed one-woman show, Love, Locs and Liberation, won a 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival Scholarship. At 19, she created and starred in her own talk show, The Ella Show.

A gifted poet and filmmaker, Ella’s activism empowered communities of color and inspired change. She will be deeply missed.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Earl Jones (1931-2024), a legendary actor and voice in theater and film. One of the most recognizable voices in cinematic history, bringing life to iconic characters such as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. His legacy as an artist, mentor, and advocate for social justice will continue to inspire us for generations.

James Earl Jones shaped the lives of countless artists and audiences with his powerful performances on stage and screen, earning accolades like two Tony Awards, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar. His work on Broadway in plays such as Fences and The Great White Hope was groundbreaking, and he is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his craft and to the elevation of Black voices in the arts.

As we reflect on his incredible contributions, we remember his warmth, wisdom, and unmatched talent. Rest in power, James Earl Jones. You will always be in our hearts.

**Honoring the Legacy of John Amos** It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the legendary John Amos, whose incredible career left an indelible mark on television, film, and theatre. Best known for his iconic role as James Evans Sr. on *Good Times*, John Amos was more than an actor – he was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to generations of artists. From his powerful performances in *Roots* to his unforgettable roles in *Coming to America* and *The Mary Tyler Moore Show*, Amos brought authenticity, strength, and heart to every character. His work challenged stereotypes and elevated the voices of Black families and communities. At The Robey Theatre Company, we remember John Amos not only for his artistry but for his contributions to the representation of Black stories on stage and screen. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry on the work of sharing our stories with the world. Rest in power, John Amos. Your light will never fade. 🕊️