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ANNE BROWNSTONE Obituary

BROWNSTONE--Anne Diamond. A Theatre, Film and Television actress, passed away peacefully at age 87 on January 29th in her Manhattan apt. Anne starred in 100's of radio shows in Hollywood opposite every major star of the day including John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. She wrote and starred in early TV shows such as "Dragnet" "Burns and Allen" "The Nurses" and "Tombstone Territory" and on stage played opposite James Whitmore, Claire Trevor, and Robert Redford to name a few. Well-known in Hollywood and a regular leading actress at The Pasadena Playhouse, she was referred to as "The L'il Gem" in the column "The Boulevardier' from her maiden name "Diamond". While performing the season at Arena Stage, Producer Norman Kean and his wife Gwyda Kean introduced Anne to her husband Joseph Brownstone, an actor and director, who at the time was the stage manager for The Lunts in "The Visit". Joseph went on to become the top company manager for Sol Hurok Productions managing such theatrical troupes as The Bolshoi Ballet, The Royal Ballet, British Tournament and Tattoo and The Royal Highland Fusiliers. Considered theatre royalty, they toured the country with Sol Hurok's Productions and the first ever run of Disney on Parade along with their three children, until Joseph's sudden early death in 1970. During her hiatus from the stage to raise her children, Anne worked as Assistant to the President of Actors' Equity Association to Theodore Bikel, Ellen Burstyn and Colleen Dewhurst from 1974 to 1989 and was granted a Lifetime Membership to Actors' Equity by the Council for her devotion to actors and the Union. She returned to the stage in 1992 touring in such productions as Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers" and "Moon Over Buffalo". She is survived by her three children, Robert Brownstone, an attorney who is Technology and eDiscovery Counsel at Fenwick & West LLP, Diana Brownstone, a Broadway Actress and Astrologer and Richard Brownstone, Upper School Dean/English Teacher at the Packer-Collegiate Institute, and their spouses and her three grandchildren.

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Published by New York Times on Feb. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ANNE BROWNSTONE

Sponsored by Anne Diamond Brownstone Estate.

17 Entries

Jennifer Brownstone

May 29, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

LYNNE BIANCO

February 11, 2021

I will always remember my beautiful, intelligent, and talented Aunt Anne with much love, and will forever be grateful she was part of our family.

Chuck Patterson

March 10, 2011

Anne Brownstone was a true inspiration and beacon for me during my 20 years on the Council of Actors' Equity. And, I always felt she was that to everyone who came in contact with her. There aren't words enough to express how much I loved, respected and appreciated her.

Diane Ciesla

March 4, 2011

She was a wonderful woman.
I will never forget her astonishing intelligence: the kindness and guidance that she showed me, as well as many actors at AEA and her marvelous ability of making acting look so easy.
It was an honor knowing her and my life is better for it.
My deepest sympathy to her family.

Michael Pederson

March 3, 2011

Richard, I am very sorry for your loss. It would appear your mother had a very full life and here I thought you were the busy one.

Elisa Byard

March 3, 2011

Diana you are wonderful and strong. I only knew your Mother for a short-time but those days were an honor and a pleasure to have assisted her. Every task was met with courage and kindness. When we played Scrabble or, song her favorite tunes we laughed a lot. She told wonderful stories of her life. Knowing Ana makes me know for sure everyday is a gift no matter what it may bring. So, Live like it is GOLDEN. Memories of her will always live in my heart. Thank you for sharing your Mom with me. Elisa B.

Judy Rice

February 28, 2011

Dear Diana & Richard --
I was deeply touched to have been contacted by Diana after your mother's passing. That call brought back a flood of memories but what emerged was something very particular. As Assistant to the President of Actors' Equity, your mom had the opportunity to have personal contact with so many, many actors. And, as one of them, she always seemed to know the right thing to say, to give those much-needed words of support. She understood their struggles and supported their dreams. She was an original -- a beauty, a mother who took such pride in the accomplishments of her children, a friend to countless actors. I'm certain she's on a grand stage somewhere, totally in her element -- and I am honored to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

With love,
Judy

Russell Ricard

February 28, 2011

Diana and Richard: I,too, hold very fond memories of Anne. I truly can hear her voice and even laughter in my head. Through the years, I have seen her in you both: Take pride in your artistic, wise and courageous spirits as you move forward. Scott and I send our best regards and love.

Randy brownstone

February 27, 2011

Before much time passes, I hope to see and be in touch w/ you guys. My cousins

February 27, 2011

I have fond memories of Anne as your mother, Diana. I have great admiration for her when think of all her accomplishments: actor, Equity staffer, scholar, Renaissance woman, wife, mother, grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

Nicole Flender

February 27, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Alice Christy

February 27, 2011

Many years ago I met Anne while she was working as the Assistant to the Presidents of Actors Equity. I came to know her as a caring, talented and loving woman, so proud of her children. It has been my privilege and honor to have her as a friend, a member of Wise & With It Productions, Inc. and casting her in a production. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. I am so sorry for your loss, Diana.

Alice Christy
Friend and
Founder/Artistic Director
Wise & With It Productions, Inc.

Cynthia Leigh Heim SanGiovanni

February 26, 2011

Diana and Richard, you both look so much like your mom. She was so very lucky to have you as her children. She must have been so proud. I never met your brother, but I am sure he is a lovely as you both. I hope you find some peace in your memories of her.
All our love,
CYnthia, Kyle and Sofia xo

Denise

February 22, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. We can loook forward to better times ahead when God will bring about a Paradise, and we can be able to see our dear loved ones again.

February 20, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. We can look forward to better times ahead when God will bring about a paradise, and we can be able to see our loved ones again.

February 19, 2011

Though I hardly knew Anne,I have to think she was a special person
since she was the mother of our very lovely Diana who is married t o our grandson, Michael Corbett. I am so sorry for this loss and wish those she left behind good memories and a good life.
Estelle and Marvin Berlin

Lynne Bianco

February 17, 2011

Anne Diamond-Brownstone was a very beautiful, talented, vivacious woman with fantastic energy. She was an excellent actress and communicator who could listen and could make those she spoke with feel very special. She was also my favorite aunt.

Anne single-handedly raised her three children after the untimely death of husband Joe Brownstone, and she'd put her own career on hold to care for them and to provide them with an excellent education for their futures. Today they are all very accomplished in their chosen fields and I know they learned their strong work ethics from their mother.

My deepest sympathies go out to her children, the family, and to her friends.

Most sincerely, Lynne Bianco

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