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1927 - 2016

BORN

1927

DIED

2016

Renee Valente Obituary

July 15, 1927 - February 20, 2016 Veteran Emmy winning Producer died on February 20, 2016 at home in Studio City, California surrounded by family & friends. Born in New York City. She was 88. Renee met the love of her life in New York. Burr Smidt, Emmy award winning and Oscar Nominated Art Director, Producer and writer at Talent Associates while working on "Power and the Glory". They were married for 40 years and had 4 children. Burr Smidt died November 14, 2000. Very few women in the Entertainment industry have received the respect that Renee Valente had. Renee was the first woman to serve as President of the Producers Guild, and was the first female Vice President of Screen Gems Productions and Columbia Pictures Television. Valente started her career at Talent Associates as a part-time secretary and rose through the ranks to Head of Production. She left Talent Associates for NASA to produce a series of specials. Valente was the first woman ever to test the Special Suit that simulates a walk on the Moon. Followed by a move to Screen Gems in Los Angeles where she became head of talent and casting. During her career Valente produced more than 70 Movies for television and feature film, including "A Storm in Summer" which won her an Emmy. She received several other Emmy Nominations, countless awards including the Prestigious Women in Film Crystal Award and the first Casting Society of America Artios Award. Renee is survived by two step daughters and other family, her beloved dog Freddy and friends who will always miss the special, talented, supportive and loving woman she was. Memorial Services are pending. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Mar. 3 to Mar. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Renee Valente

18 Entries

Andrew Susskind

December 22, 2023

Renee-I love you and thank you for believing in me.
~Andrew Susskind

LeAna

May 14, 2023

Renee thinking of you so much still
Such a strong lady yet so much heart for people and for furbabies.
I enjoyed this dinner so much ( pictured) and remember it fondly as well as the other times I was in your company. xx Love LeAna

Mike Hanks

February 9, 2021

They'll always be a soft spot in my heart for Renee, I loved her like a sister when I worked with her, and she always stood fast and protected my creative views. I miss her, but I know I'll see her eternal goodness again with the other dear folks I truly miss and love. MH

February 8, 2021

Renèe was kindly encouraging when i was reaching for director-hood--
a thing still tough for women in the 90s, even after all the roads she had paved. She was respectful & supportive just because it's who she was... bless her.
JC Lovetti

Mike Hanks

July 24, 2020

I worked under her command for nearly four years, she was a fighter. If you were honest and right in your casting endeavors, watch out, she'd stomp in and fight your fight. I loved working for her, a great human/woman...fair minded who liked to smile...

Frederick Ottaviano

June 19, 2019

My dear friend Renee Valente who will be deaply missed but never forgotten.I will always remember how close we came in developing a loveable TV series. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you forevermore. Fred Ottaviano

Our life was changed when Renee came into our live in Venice Florida. We miss her very much and will always love her

Ron and Jim Brage-Sargent

November 1, 2018

Ron Clark

October 31, 2018

Thanks for everything and believing in me.
Love RC

Peggy Patterson

March 16, 2016

We first met in Englewood, Fl. Renee started out as a patient and became a friend. She will be missed by all who called her friend and who were touched by her.

Jim Brage

March 16, 2016

I remember the first time Renee came to our home, in Florida, for dinner. We picked her up, as we often did due to her not liking to drive after dark, and drover her to our home. My husband fixed a meal fit for a Queen and we talked and laughed for hours.

She told us that she had never been made to feel more at home,in someone else's home, than we had made her feel in ours. She took off her shoes and curled up on the couch.

Renee had a way of making you feel special. She was beyond being friends, she was family and I will miss her terribly.

Ron Sargent

March 15, 2016

Renee was so full of energy and a great friend to my and husband and myself while she lived in Manasota Key in Florida. May her light shine down on us, and may she be forever happy being home Burr again

Michael Gregory

March 6, 2016

Lights are out and the sound stage is quiet. A great lady responsible for a number of female firsts in the business has left the lot. R.I.P Renee! - Michael Gregory

March 6, 2016

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 2Corr 1:3,4

BC~

Lights are out and the sound stage is quiet. A great lady responsible for a number of female firsts in the business has left the lot. R.I.P Renee!

Michael Gregory

March 6, 2016

Suzanne Lewis

March 6, 2016

Rest in Peace Renee

Suzanne Lewis

March 6, 2016

Renee was a Trailblazer. A loving, kind generous friend who will be missed by many. Rest in Peace

Sylvia Lewis

March 6, 2016

Renee was one of the Great ladies of the "Business" before it was fashionable. She was a force of grace, kindness and wit. RIP lovely lady..

March 5, 2016

My sincerest condolences to the family. May you find much comfort in God's word during this difficult time (Matt. 5:4)

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Renee Valente

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Renee Valente Obituary