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J. Riva Obituary
In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Sony Pictures spokesman Steve Elzer said Riva, who lived in Los Angeles, was in New Orleans working on the Quentin Tarantino film "Django Unchained" and was preparing to head to the set when he suffered a stroke June 1.
According to the statement, Riva died June 7 "surrounded by his family."
Tarantino, who has been in New Orleans for months directing "Django Unchained," said in a statement released through Elzer that the film crew is "devastated by this tragic loss as we persevere on his wonderful sets."
Riva earned an Academy Award nomination for his work on 1985's "The Color Purple." His other production design work include three of the "Lethal Weapon" films, "Scrooged," "The Goonies," "Dave" and "Ordinary People."
Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said Riva was "a tremendous talent, able to tailor the look and mood of a story to the emotion in the script. We are stunned and saddened by his passing."
Marc Webb, director of "The Amazing Spider-Man," added: "Michael Riva was a wonderful collaborator, brilliant designer, an emphatic perfectionist - but most of all he was a great friend. He was a gift from the universe and I will miss him like crazy."
In an email, Elzer said a private family service has been planned for this week in Los Angeles. Planning is also under way for a public memorial and celebration in Riva's honor but details have not been finalized, Elzer said.
The family has asked that contributions be made to either H.O.P.E. for Haiti or A Place Called Home, a South Central Los Angeles haven for at-risk youth that offers programs in education and the arts.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
33 Entries
I. BARRY REIN
June 22, 2013
HE HAS BLESSED EVERY MOTION PICTURE WE VIEW OF HIS MAKING AS WELL AS THE SPARK OF HIS CREATIVENESS IN EVERY COMING WORK THAT WAS INFLUENCED WITH HIS FORESIGHT. THIS WILL BE HIS LEGACY TO EVERYONE THAT IS FORTUNATE TO ENJOY A TRUELY AMERICAN GIFT TO ALL NOW AND FOREVER. THANK YOU, GOD HAS BLESSED US ALL.
May 24, 2013
Our family watched the movie DJANGO to night and also watcthed the Special Feature - Remembering Micheal. It was so moveing in so many ways. It is hard to believe it has been a year.
With Love & Sympathy, John, Marlene and Emily
Lynda Frerker
April 20, 2013
I just viewed Django and looked at the behind the scenes, bonus, etc. and I realized just how much creativity there was to Michael.
I am so sorry for your loss.
daniel ondrejko
October 7, 2012
my deepest sympathy to the family... michael,, you gave me the opportunity to be the best at what i do..... i love and will miss you dearly.... your friend always....dan ondrejko
How you can show support
Jack Johnson
July 20, 2012
He gave me my first 2 big opportunities as an illustrator: "The Color Purple" and "Goonies" as well as many more. Bless him and his family.
lonnie haspel
July 1, 2012
thanks for being you always a smile when on the sets treated us all like we were as important as anyone we will greatly miss you lonnie haspel local 724 and my heart goes out to his family
Johnny Stalbert
June 17, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ronnie browning
June 17, 2012
he will be miss ed but now hes with god
Robyn
June 17, 2012
"May the God who gives peace be with you." - Romans 15:33
June 15, 2012
Thank - You for your gift of Talent and Humor. You set the Bar High for all your Art Director Brothers & Sisters.
You will be deeply missed, but live large & forever in the images that you so generously gave to us.
Kisses to a new angel,
X - Corey Kaplan
Local 800
June 15, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
todd tennanbaum
June 15, 2012
RIP..you are in a better place
June 14, 2012
May 'the God of all comfort' be with your family.
Sincerely,
ms
June 14, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Riva family. Michael's work is truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May the God who gives peace be with you all. Romans 15:33
June 14, 2012
My sincere condolence to the family
Eva
June 14, 2012
My condolences to the family in your time of loss and know that God will comfort your heart. Psalms 55:22
June 14, 2012
To the the family of J Michael Riva - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Vicki Pepper
June 13, 2012
J.M. Riva will be missed. Thoughts & prayers go out 2 his family,friends & loved ones.
Pepper
June 13, 2012
J.M. Riva will be missed
Christine Cameron
June 13, 2012
Dearest Michael, You passed too young, but your spirit and your wonderful work will live forever. With love, Christine
T B
June 13, 2012
I enjoyed his work tremedously. My condolences to his family.
June 13, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all his memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
Linda Kirk
June 13, 2012
i.m sorry for the family he did a real good job on what he love to do may God be with you
i.m name is linda from Alabama
Camille
June 13, 2012
May the God of tender mercies comfort Mr Riva's family-friends-and fans during this difficult period.
June 13, 2012
My sympathy goes out to the family for losing such a talented individual. We loved his movies
Sandra , TN
Romie Bostick
June 13, 2012
Condolences to his family and loved ones. The film industry has lost a wonderful and talented man.
jim flynn
June 13, 2012
We all ENJOYED the Memories!
Susan
June 12, 2012
So sorry for your loss. God bless you during this most difficult time.
Welcome Home
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
June 12, 2012
June 12, 2012
ull b missed and remembered always
a friend
June 12, 2012
You will be missed ...
Scott Chamberland
June 12, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Andrew Leblanc
June 12, 2012
RIP Ruhe in Frieden! Condolences to
the family and film community. Be also
at rest with your grandmother, Marlene
AL, New Orleans
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