IN MEMORY OF
I am huge on providing attention to anyone, but even more so about those that have left us far too soon. They deserve to be remembered at more than just a one-day funeral, memorial or obituary. Their lives mattered and made a difference in this world. I hope that in some way, this section helps those in grief - even if just for a few mere moments.
RJ MITTE - A SENSATIONAL SOUL AND UNSELFISH SPIRIT
One of the main reasons that I actually wanted to interview RJ was because my son is such a big fan of Breaking Bad. I thought for sure that I would get some big brownie points for this one. I would go on to interview him twice, and spent a good deal of time chatting with him in person at ReelAbilities Film Festival in NY six months ago. Our last interview together was done a few months ago. I also just interviewed an author who was going to be co-hosting a podcast with RJ. I am just in shock and disbelief that this has happened.
I have spoken with many people over the years, and he was hands down one of my top five favorites - and this had zip to do with the show. I did get to learn who he was as a professionally, but more important, as a regular person. He was so passionate about helping other disabled individuals and was very vocal about the need for the industry to see each of them and to spotlight them in film and TV. He was fiercely hard working when it came to his role as President of the Mitte Foundation, whose overall mission is to support educational and community organizations. He was completely real and raw about his own talents, goals, and motivations. He was not just an actor, or a writer/producer - but rather a really good young man with such a solid spirt. He also just got engaged a year ago and was building a life with his fiancé.
I am really having a hard time wrapping my head around why, at the age of 34, someone so lovely has died. He radiated life, truth, passion for his craft and love. I can't fathom how this could have been by his own doing. I send my thoughts, prayers and love to Kennedy, Dyna, Lacianne, and Nedda.
Thank you, RJ, for letting me into your life for a short time. I thank you for bringing so much to this world - both on and off the screen. Thank you for showing us all that the term disability does not define anyone. Thank you for being so inspirational and so wonderful. You will be missed by so very many. I am so sorry that this world
To see details on his film work: RJ Mitte - IMDb
For information on the Mitte Foundation: The Mitte Foundation – Community Grants & Academic Scholarships
David Torres Jr. - A Gentile Man With Courage and Compassion
David and I originally met through a mutual friend that had posted one of his films. I started to speak with him, and from the first conversation, could see he was a grand person. We would eventually go on to build a friendship, chatted on Zoom and through text. I was so elated when he finally decided to marry his longtime girlfriend and support person, Tara, after many years. His acting career was on the upswing, and he had been sober for eleven years. While we all know that we have a pending expiration date, many of us hope to not die in a very painful way. Unfortunately, on October 1, 2026, David was struck by a front loader while working on a job site - and did pass away.
David was only FIFTY-TWO YEARS OLD. He was a father, husband, son, brother and friend to many. He was such a kind, loving soul who was way too humble about his achievements. He was respectful, funny and also hard working. He also wanted to serve as a motivator and an inspiration to others, for he knew what it was like to fall down and need help. He was one of a kind.
David, I will miss watching your wonderful journey. I will miss texting you. I will miss you in this world, for you made it better by all the good you did. Sending my love to your wife and your family. Please watch over us all.
Information on David and his career are here: David Torres Jr. - IMDb
Joe Torcivia - One Fierce Fighter
Joe and I originally met on social media, as I had seen his posts with regards to his condition, which was brain cancer. I did a reach out to him, and this would lead to my doing an interview back in 2013. We then attempted to put a fundraiser together for him as well. After 14 years of fighting, he lost his battle on September 11, 2026.
Joe loved most kinds of music and really enjoyed going to concerts. He would have gladly eaten pizza and ice cream every day of his life if he could. Halloween was his favorite holiday. He also was a fan of church festivals, food, music and people.
Joe was a gentleman who, in my mind, exemplifies the definition of a true battle hero. His daily life encompassed fighting astrocytoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Joe is brave, charming, clever and intelligent. He possesses the most amazing soul with a jovial spirit. He views each day as holding the promise for a life filled with happiness and a means to give to his fellow man. In my book, he is utterly incredible, no more or less. He was 52 when he passed, and I truly am sad that such a good guy that went through so much to hang onto life did not make it.
I F****** hate cancer so much. STOP taking all these good people I admire so soon.
CHASE
The words below were offered to me by my friend, Kurt Ken Kaminaka. He is an incredibly gifted actor, writer, filmmaker and musician that I had the great fortune to meet through my film festival, Art is Alive. He is also a father, who lost his son, Chase. I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into a ginormous young man.
Chase was a sweet boy and surprised me in so many ways. From a young age, he learned very quickly. He learned to juggle very proficiently and was fifth in the state for tennis. He ended up being fourth best in the state in a French competition, and second best in sales at Cutco. However, his greatest love was music. He picked up the guitar at age fourteen and shortly thereafter, flourished and was the only high school student playing with adults in major theater plays in Honolulu. Chase then got into the jazz guitar program at the New School in New York City. Only seventy-five individuals were accepted from applicants all over the world. He finished one year and then got severely depressed. He tried again and got into Wesleyan (ninth best according to Forbes) and made an attempt at creative writing. While heading back for his second semester, he called his mother while waiting for a connecting flight to Connecticut and said he couldn't do it. I then had to go to get him and bring him back to Honolulu. He then tried again at the University of Hawaii, but after one semester, said it was too easy and that they didn't have courses that he wanted.
Since that time, his condition had deteriorated. He started hearing voices and was diagnosed with the condition schizophrenic psychosis. The psychiatrist tried every drug and combination that he could. It helped somewhat, but not enough. On May 29, 2024, he ran and jumped off a bridge. He was in a coma for thirty days. His mother and I visited every day. He fought to come back but did not make it. He was twenty-seven years young. His celebration of life took place on July 27, 2025.
He wrote a song when he was sixteen that was magical, and it is entitled "If this is Goodbye". This is now the title of my fourth, and most important, feature film. This serves as the theme song of the movie and will feature Chase singing & playing guitar. Writing this and making this tribute to Chase is very healing. Chase will be, without a doubt, the star, sharing his talents with the world.
Direct contact to Chase’s father, is here: Facebook