1942
2014
ALU
ALBERT
January 5, 1942, to December 2, 2014. Actor, artist, and arts educator, Al Alu died at his home in Los Angeles of complications from cancer. He is survived by his loving companion and wife of 28 years, Tamara Blustein; his ex-wife, Cheryl Alu; cousins and many friends. And a special thanks to his caretaker, Ed Crucena. Born in Pittsburgh, Al started out as a singer while still a teenager and began his professional stage career at The Pittsburgh Playhouse in 1962. In 1965, he was selected by director William Ball to be a founding member of American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, along with such notables as Rene Aberjonois, Peter Donat, Michael Learned, Richard Dysart, Paul Shenar, and Kitty Winn. In 1966, Al was featured in Ball's controversial but acclaimed staging of Edward Albee's "Tiny Alice". In 1968, Al accepted an invitation from Mark Taper Forum artistic director Gordon Davidson to travel to Los Angeles to audition for the 1968-69 season. Al appeared in six productions over the next three seasons, including Othello with James Earl Jones and King Richard II with Richard Chamberlain. In 1972, Al reprised his role of Conrad Birdie in "Bye Bye Birdie", starring Chita Rivera and Orson Bean at The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. During the early 70s, Al lent his artistic talents to the building of a replica of London's Old Globe Theatre, as the home of newly founded Shakespeare Society of America in West Hollywood. In 1975, Al became a founding member of Theater Arts Program/Los Angeles (TAPLA). For four years, Al performed in a vast range of stage fare, from children's theater to Shakespeare, in schools and public facilities throughout the LA area. Following the demise of TAPLA, Al toured with Gretchen Cryer's Off-Broadway hit, "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road" (1982), performing at the Huntington Hartford Theater in LA. In 1990, Al retired from film and stage work and took up arts education, teaching at the City of LA's Museum of Art in Barnsdall Park. Al's last foray into acting occurred in 2003 when he recorded Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales" at the studios of KPFK Radio. It made its debut nationally over the Pacifica Radio Network on Christmas Day 2003. It is now broadcast annually on Pacifica Radio. In 2012, it also aired on BBC Radio in Great Britain. Al was an avid reader and collector of books, and as an artist, he created and exhibited his architectural models of iconic Los Angeles landmarks such as the Formosa Café, El Coyote Restaurant, Pink's Hot Dog Stand, Canyon Country Store, The New Beverly Cinema and others. A Memorial Service will take place some time in early 2015.
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September 1, 2021
Friend
Bill Dooley
Rest in Peace my friend
January 14, 2015
Michele Suttles
Al Alu was a good teacher to my students- he was always prepared, informed, resourceful- but, he was a great teacher because he was a great person. Al inspired students to think, to dare to persist, to be creative with hands and point of view. Al inspired me, and so was a teacher to me, also. Thank you for everything, Al Alu.
January 6, 2015
Farewell my friend. I will remember your kindness, your creativity, your voice (what a voice and diction!) and your incomparable wit. How many times you made me laugh!(finding the "bon mot" always) You welcomed me with open arms when I came to your house and for this I am grateful. I am privileged to have known you.
I will remember you always.
My healing thoughts and prayers to Tamara one of the most wonderful and gracious persons I know.
Michèle Cambay
December 20, 2014
Diane Little
We only knew each other for a short time- we met in Provence - we all had such a wonderful week there together . Al - you will be missed.
December 20, 2014
Jimmy Kondo
Al, its been great having you as a friend and neighbor. You're easy to talk to. You're a talented artist. And you were there for me and my family when my patents passed away. I'm glad that I was able to help you in your wedding to Tamara. I will miss you. Til we see each other again. Hopefully decades from now. ??
December 20, 2014
Tom & Pat Mercedes Buckman
We will miss your smile and kindness.
December 18, 2014
Constance Kukich-Betz
Where do I begin? We were children that would go to each others house outside and yell "Hey Alu" ha ha Then we all would go around calling on all our friends. Well, some of us, anyway. We all would get together at 12th Street Field and sing our hearts out. All the doo woop music that was popular. After school we all went our separate ways. I went to visit my Sister in San Francisco for 1 week and stayed for about 30years. While I was in Southern California, one of the many time visiting I went to a play in a small theater owned by a friend of mine, someone sat in front of me. There was no one in this world that had a head of hair like Him. I leaned forward and whispered in his ear "Hey Alu". He was so shocked that he grabbed my hand and took me outside and we laughed and he couldn't believe that it was me, of all people. We kept in touch with one another for a short time but I got to see him in one of his plays. He was magnificent. He sang, Danced, and was the Villain, the star of the show. What a loss for this world. He was so talented in so many different ways. A very deep person and so sincere. There will never be an other Al Alu. You are missed already. Tamara, you were so lucky to have him in your life and I am so sorry for your loss.
Love to you both,
Coni Kukich-Betz
Las Vegas, NV
[email protected]
December 18, 2014
Cassandra Krauss
Many memories of great times as a bunch of Southside kids.Al was always singing and reciting something. So glad he fulfilled his dream ,it was always there . I'm sure your up there singing your heart out now .
Bob and Cassandra Krauss
December 17, 2014
George Zaleta
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Alou family. He was a visionary to say the least.
December 16, 2014
patricia schmidt doutt
Cheryl, oh my gosh, you disappeared after highschool and here this notice was brought to my attention. I am so sorry for your loss and hope to reconnect with you!!! I hope this finds you!! [email protected]
December 16, 2014
I worked with Al's mother Jeanie O'Neil in the 1980's on the Southside. She was so proud of Al who was working in a soap opera on TV. Rest in peace.
December 15, 2014
As teenagers, we hung out at a park on the South Side of Pgh. Al would do little dramas and skits for us. We all enjoyed him but to us he was just one of us. I am so glad that his dreams came true. Memory eternal.
Mitzi Milanovich- Westerberg
December 15, 2014
Jon Mendicino
Albert Alu was my first brother in law. His being in my life will forever be remembered and truly missed. My sincerest,and deepest sympathy for all who loved him. The angels have a new leading man now. Rest in peace brother.
December 14, 2014
Alex Vasil
I worked in a "Reich's" pool room on the south side and early one day Al came in. We talked a little and he began to sing "Impossible Dream". With the whole place empty his beautiful voice echoed throughout the bowling alley. What a wonderful talent! He also danced while he sang in such a professional way I couldn't believe my eyes. I didn't know him well, but I will never, ever forget that most heart warming performance in a scene set in an empty pool room. The year was 1961. I know he's still singing. Alex "Junie" Vasil
December 13, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones for your loss. May God give you strength and may you memories shared with AL sooth your grieving heart at this time.
December 11, 2014
It was friendship at first sight for both of us. Al's talents and humor will be his legacy and I know his name will be brought up each Christmas when there isn't his reading of The Polor Express, it too will be missed. Rest in Peace our dear friend, you will be forever missed. Tamara, we are here for you, you are in our hearts and prayers. Love, Greg and Barb
December 11, 2014
Al Alu - a sweet, pure, genius of a man. Honored to have known him and honored to have worked with him. An Artist in the true sense of the word. The world is poorer for his passing. Safe passage Al.
December 11, 2014
Linda Newman
Words cannot express my sympathy and sorrow. Al's humor and spirit were always present. Hugs dear Tamara.
December 11, 2014
paul rush
Even though you have passed you are still an inspiration as to what can be if you follow your dreams....Paul Rush
December 11, 2014
Noel Korten
I'm sorry to hear of Al's passing. I worked with him when I worked at Barnsdall and always appreciated his warmth with adults and children at the Gallery. I see that his work in art education at Barnsdall Art Park was a second career for him, but his acting work was clearly with him every day in the way he carried himself and spoke. I remember him telling me about his restaurant models and hope to see some of them...maybe at his memorial. Thank you Tamara for sending me this notice. I know what it's like to loose your partner in life and can only encourage you to embrace the fond memories and be patient with yourself as you move forward. Best wishes, Noel Korten
December 11, 2014
Preston Simpson
I am so sad to loss my dear friend, teacher of life and love. Al was so special and taught me how to be a sensitive man. He always kept my mailbox full and I will keep all of his amazing cartoons and letters. He was a true gentle man.
December 11, 2014
Barbara Holbrook
We are so sorry for your loss. All wil be missed.
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