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Zalman King Obituary
King's son-in-law Allison Burnett says the filmmaker died Friday morning at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., after a six-year battle with cancer.
Born Zalman King Lefkovitz in 1941, King began his career as an actor in the 1960s. He and wife, Patricia Louisianna Knop, collaborated on the screenplay for "9 ½ Weeks," which became a cult hit starring Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke.
King's other credits include "Wild Orchid" and "Two Moon Junction," which he wrote and directed.
He is survived by his wife and daughters Chloe King and Gillian Lefkovitz.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
31 Entries
Scott Sanders
November 4, 2024
Watched his excellent role in an old episode of Gunsmoke. Had a lot of presence in his acting. Not bad for a young actor at the time. He reminded me a little of Ringo Starr.
Harry Simpson
February 3, 2019
Godspeed Zalman, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Larry Lefkowitz
March 22, 2018
In Trenton when young, me and parents and brother would break Yom Kippur fast at Zal's parents home.
Later, Zal was in a low budget film filmed in Israel. He was Jesus and I was an extra. I was amazed when he recognized me, leaned down from his donkey and gave me an enthusiastic hug. Wonderful person. Sorry he went before his time.
Larry Lefkowitz
October 19, 2014
Surprised to learn of Zalman King's death! His movies are the best! In watching "Pleasure or Pain" I was shocked to read of his death in the credits!! I own almost all of his work! The loss of his talent is deep!
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Judith Levine Willis
September 9, 2012
My condolences to Zalman's family. I'm another former friend from Zal's growing-up years in Trenton. I remember most about him that he was considered "not a snob," that he was friendly to everyone, including me, that he attended my parties when others snubbed me (people rarely snub me anymore). I'm glad he achieved success in his life. Blessings on his memory and to his family.
Robert Olinsky
May 20, 2012
Sincerest condolences to the family from a former Trentonian who used to play 'catch five' ( a Trenton card game) with Zal on the porch overlooking Cadwalder Park. Part of my family were very close to Zal's sister and parents. May he rest in peace.
Darren Borlase
May 13, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family, and friends, of Zalman King. And the regret to his fans, like me, who will miss him and his vision. His works were inspirational to me and lead me to write, and eventually create, erotic stories & films. Zalman King's films are a benchmark for others as well as myself. "Women of the Night" is visually entrancing, but even more arousing are the sounds & music, which King blended with a master artists perfection. He is missed. Always. By me and the world over. Zalman Kings' films will keep him in our minds, and hearts, forever.
-Darren (CA)
Nita
February 7, 2012
I was sorry to read of Mr. King's passing. As young TV viewers of the 1960s, my brother and I were fans of Mr. King's. His name would still come up in conversation on occasion. My condolences to his family.
Ron Pletter
February 7, 2012
My condolences to the family of my childhood friend, Zal. We met in Bradley Beach where he was a phenominal long distance swimmer in the ocean. We took a long bike ride together in my hometown, Kearny, but he had to wait for me to catch up. I visited him in Trenton and remember his stories. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Ron Pletter, Israel
Donna
February 6, 2012
My condolences to the family of Zalman King. I do remember him from some old tv shows and as Muley in Gunsmoke. He was a very good actor and will be missed I am sure by all of his loved ones and friends. May the God of comfort be with you all during this most difficult time.
February 6, 2012
Dear Chloe,
We worked together on Liebestraum in Binghamton, NY in 1990.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. At least now his suffering is over.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jennifer (Casting Department)
KAN
February 6, 2012
I wish to express my condolences to the family. I know that your loss is great. May you find comfort from the God of all comfort who helps us to cope with our grief. It can be so hard to face each day without your loved one, but the love and support of family and friends and, of course, our loving Creator, can help to ease the pain and sorrow. Again, please accept my sincere condolences.
Evette
February 6, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Beth
February 6, 2012
My sincere condolences to the King family. May the hope of Paradise with the prospect of living forever bring you comfort.-Re21:4
Sheila Smith
February 5, 2012
Rest in Peace Zalman.
February 5, 2012
He always intrigued me.
February 5, 2012
Condolences to the family from another former Trentonian who has vivid memories of Zal as a teenager. I may not have known the word "charisma" then, but I knew it when I saw it.
Teresa
February 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Zalman family!Loved his movies!
Barb
February 5, 2012
Psalms 147:3 says that God is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots. May this provide comfort for family and friends of Zalman King during this difficult time.
February 5, 2012
R.I.P.
Marian Richardson-Whetsell
February 5, 2012
My deepest sympathies goes out to Zalman's family. Zalman and I worked on my script that he wanted to Direct briefly back in 2006. I am so sorry to hear this. With lots of love. Marian Richardson Whetsell of Capricorn 23 Productions, LLC
Kimberly King
February 5, 2012
I rember two of his movies,they were different,but good. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
February 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of tender mercies comfort the family at this most stressful time.
Barbara
Bill Zoda
February 5, 2012
Bye Zal.......My condolences to your wife and daughters...We went to High School together and I will always remember his famous parties on Bellvue Avenue.
Ellen Garber
February 5, 2012
With sadness, I send kindest thoughts to each of the family. I'll always remember my lovely friend from growing up days, Ellen Garber
Dee
February 5, 2012
My deepest condolences are with you at this time of need. Know that god
feels your pain as well. Go to him in prayer and he will comfort you very
much.
February 5, 2012
Condolences to the King Lefkovitz families from one of Zal's 1959 classmates from Trenton Central High.
Joanne Hochman
February 5, 2012
I was so very sad to learn of the passing of my childhood friend Zal.We grew up together in Trenton and shared many happy times in our youth,I shall never forget the ice sculpture of him at his Bar Mitzvah.Treasure your memories.Joanne Deitz Hochman
Charlie Thomas
February 4, 2012
So sad to read about Zalman King,I'll always remember his role in the film,Trip With The Teacher,saw that twice back in the day at the local drive-in.He was so menacing in that but I'm sure in real life he was quite the opposite,RIP
February 4, 2012
condolences to the king - lefkovitz families from frank and the rest of the desposito family your next store neighbors in bradley beach.
February 4, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed. Lean on the God of all comfort. He will help you to make it through these difficult days.
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