As you may or may not know, John Altieri passed away today from, what I believe to be, complications with pneumonia. Definitive information has been sparse, but what I can tell you is that he went peacefully, without pain, with his family near.
For those of you who did not know him, John was nothing but a golden boy. A free spirit, with a constant smile. A health-o-holic, who woke up at 7am to get a Yoga class in. He was a professional through and through. He was kind. He was mischievous. Whenever I was on as Mika, he would jump and attack me with a smile on his face just before we pushed out the yellow couch. He watched "24" with me. He was an LA guy, like me. He was a hiking buddy. He lived life to the fullest, and sought to seek out every last morsel of fun.
He was a true friend, a peaceful man, and lived life with joy and vigor.
Love to you, your friends, and your family.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
My friend, John Altieri
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6 comments:
Very nice Taylor. That was John in a nut shell. We will never do or go to a show again and not think of John. That sweet,sweet, person.
Thank you Tay for sharing your memories of John and your friendship. A beautiful soul and you are so right about him being a health fanatic. I remember seeing him in between rehearsals standing next to his bike on his cell phone. I called out, "Great show!" John waved and replied an enthusiastic "Thanks!" with a huge a smile. Very gracious and a real sweetie. Rest in peace, John. You will always be alive in the hearts of those of us who love you.
you hit it on the nose with your description of John!! This is how we will always remember him! i can say I had become friends with John and have cried a few times over the last couple of days, over his passing! Thank you Taylor for describing him the way he really was!!
Thanks for your great tribute. I echoed this remembrance on Eric Gutman's blog since you both played "Mika".....
First time I watched and met him was in February, 2007 when the National Tour was settled into SF for a long engagement. Considering I knew Bob Crewe from his past photos and success with the Four Seasons, I wondered how John would take on such a complex role, but John did it flawlessly and as professionally as a great actor can only do.
He was very cheerful at the various Stage Door meetings, had an energy level that was unlike someone that just performed a 2.5 hr. play and accommodated every autograph and photo op when requested. When he and the National Tour left SF last May, it was nice seeing him back in Sacramento, just up the road from SF and in total, was fortunate to have watched him and the National Tour six times.
I was so eager to see he and Erich reunite with Rick Faugno in Las Vegas and wanted to see his portrayal of Bob Crewe once more, but since he's gone, I know he's still performing as Bob in Heaven and probably hanging out with Mary Delgado "Valli" and Nick Massi, who are probably busting his "balls" right now, but proud that Jersey Boys are going strong!
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Jersey Boys and Altieri families.
Rest in peace, John.....
Just want to commiserate with you re John. His Crewe had me laughing the heartiest laughter I've had in a theater. He will be missed and never forgotten. -- laboy
(posted this under "Questions" but thought this is the appropriate thread.)
Hey Taylor,
David Bauman here. Just wanted to say thanks for this blog. I don't know you well, but when John talked about the show especially in San Francisco, he usually mentioned you and how much fun you made it. The apartment complex here in Los Angeles is not the same without him. I hope all is well with you.
David Bauman
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