Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Carmen Zapata
1927 - 2014
Carmen Zapata
1927 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1927
DIED
2014
Carmen Zapata Obituary
Zapata died Sunday at her Van Nuys-area home, said Luis Vela, marketing manager for the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in Los Angeles.
Zapata started her career in 1945 in the Broadway musical "Oklahoma" and went on to perform in "Bells Are Ringing," ''Guys and Dolls" and many plays.
"She was an inspiration for me," Vela said. "She taught me that art is the key to resolving differences in the community."
He said Zapata was once asked how she wanted to be remembered — as an artist, producer or founder. "'I prefer people remember us as educators,'" Vela recalled her saying.
Her movie credits included "Sister Act," ''Gang Boys" and "Carola." She also appeared in dozens of television series, including nine seasons on the PBS bilingual children's show, "Villa Alegre."
Zapata had continuing TV roles in "The Man and the City" and "The New Dick Van Dyke Show." She sang in several other musicals, including "Bloomer Girl." ''No Strings," ''Show Boat," ''Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" and "Funny Girl."
Born in New York City of Mexican-Argentinian descent, Zapata joined forces with Cuban-born actress, playwright and director Margarita Galban to found the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in 1973.
The organization produces four plays a year that are presented at its 99-seat theater. Productions alternate in English and Spanish, with some shows taken on the road by production companies.
Zapata collected Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a segment of "Medical Center" and for "Carola" on "Hollywood TV Theatre."
Vela said he last saw Zapata on Christmas Eve.
"Everyone who worked with her felt she had created something really important and was making our community a better place." he said. "She was emphatic that what we were doing at the foundation was more important than personal recognition."
She wasn't working on any one project when she died, Vela said, but was supervising and approving projects being presented to her.
Funeral and service arrangements were being finalized.
SUE MANNING, Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
41 Entries
C C
August 28, 2014
May Comfort and peace be with you all.
March 28, 2014
my sincere sympathy to the family of Carmen Zapata. May the memories always remain and let the Almighty God grant you peace and comfort. Roms. 15:33
Richard Joseph Armendariz
February 9, 2014
May your soul rest and be blessed with eternal salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
How you can show support
Richard Joseph Armendariz
February 9, 2014
It was a pleasure to have met you back in the 1990s! When we met each other, you were busy working at the theatre in Los Angeles. However, you weren't busy enough to still be gracious to talk with me! Thank you very much for taking a minute of your time to speak with me. Your time will always be remembered by me! You were and still remain an inspiration to the theatrical community and Spanish speaking community! Your work and achievement are part of your memory and legacy you leave us all! Rest in peace and may God's perpetual light shine upon your soul. Amen.
michelle plakas-kaiser
January 16, 2014
rip
January 13, 2014
A big loss to the bilingual community and the theater arts. Rest in peace my friend. My since condolences to the Zapata family....
Nick Pimentel - Tulare, Ca.
Kathy & Buddy & Our Cat Family
January 13, 2014
Angel Wings Always Around Us....sending prayers...
G. Freeman
January 12, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jonathan
January 12, 2014
thank you for all you did for us
Victoria ~:~
January 11, 2014
Our thoughtful
love of condolences
joyful admired
great icon
with beauty..
rip
Carmen Zapata
January 11, 2014
The loss of a loved one can be so hard. Please have comfort in God 's love. 1 Cor. 15:26
January 11, 2014
For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones (Hebrews 6:10). Carmen will never be forgotten for all the work done for the theatre community and especially those encouraged and inspired in this wonderful persons' care. May God continue to strengthen your family in these “times hard to deal with” (2Tim 3:1), especially without a beloved one such as Carmen Zapata.
Karen
January 11, 2014
My condolences for the Zapata family on the loss of such a wonderful trailblazer. Mrs. Carmen was an inspiration for all. May you find strength in your family and God.
January 9, 2014
1 Coritnios 15:26
January 9, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 9, 2014
To the Zapata family: The bilingual community will miss her support and hard work. Our condolences.
Ann l.
January 9, 2014
Condolencias a la familia de la Señora Carmen Zapata,
Nos consuela saber que nuestros seres queridos que están durmiendo en la muerte descansan en la memoria de Dios. Podemos mirar confiados al futuro. Imagínese qué gran bendición será preguntar: “Muerte, ¿dónde está tu victoria? Muerte, ¿dónde está tu aguijón?” (1 Corintios 15:55).
Aprenda más que la Bíblia realmente enseñana y profundió mucho ánimo.
Pat
January 9, 2014
Prayers are sent to the family of a woman who lived a full and productive life. May the Almighty God grant you peace and comfort during these difficult days Romans 15: 33.
January 9, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. (James 4:8) May his word bring you comfort.
Shirley
January 9, 2014
What a loss. Theater owes so much to Carmen Zapata-- she excelled in so many areas of it. I was once in an actor 's workshop of hers & saw this firsthand. My sympathy to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Adrian Barnette
January 8, 2014
We'll miss you !
January 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the Bible Hosea 13:14. There God says he will redeem their souls from death.
January 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the Bible at Hosea 13:14. There God said he will redeem their souls from death.
Rose D
January 8, 2014
To the Family and Friends of Carmen Zapata: You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort, comfort you in the loss of such a dear one.
Gina T.
January 8, 2014
I wish to express my sincere sympathy to the family of Carmen Zapata. May God comfort the family during this difficult time. And may your loving memories sustain you as you endure the days ahead.
hyde
January 8, 2014
To the family and friends of Miss Zapata you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Please rely upon the God of comfort who has the ability to comfort all. Remember all of the fun memories and allow them to warm your heart when you think of them.
FF
January 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of grief. may your fond memories bring you joy, laughter and peace , but most of all comfort. And always remember,"God is our refuge and strength." ~Psalms 46.
January 8, 2014
Jesus dijo, "Esta es la voluntad de mi Padre: que todo el que contempla al Hijo Y ejerce fe en el tenga vida eterna." Juan 6:40
January 8, 2014
Our condolences to the Zapata Family and Friends. Our prayers are with you. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Milka
January 8, 2014
Nada nos causa más dolor que la pérdida de un ser querido,anhelamos el día en que Dios cumpla sus promesas como la que se encuentra en Isaías 25:8 " El realmente se tragará la muerte para siempre, y el Señor Soberano Jehová limpiara las lágrimas de todo rostro..."
January 8, 2014
Sorry for your loss. As the days and weeks pass,and as you return to your daily routines,may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. James 4:8
January 8, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult. May the "peace of God" be with you, Phillipians 4:6,7.
Bankston
January 8, 2014
Dear Zapata family and friends we offer our condolences.Draw close to God in prayer during this difficult time.
January 8, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Katherine Leann Ladd
January 8, 2014
Condolences to Carmen Zapata's family!! She was a lovely lady and a great actress!! So pretty - enjoyed seeing her in anything in which she starred!!
Angel Flores
January 7, 2014
RIP Matriarch of Da Bilingual Performing Arts. Ms. Carmen Zapata contributions will be sorely, missed. Amen Affectionately an officionado and enthusiastic fan: Mr. Angel Miguel Flores. East Chicago Indiana; [email protected]
Fernando De Peña
January 7, 2014
Pour Le Merité. Fernando de Peña. Brownsville, Tx. RIP
joaquim-redeemer-rodrigues barbosa
January 7, 2014
condolences
Sheila
January 7, 2014
Rest in Peace Carmen.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Carmen Zapata's name
How to support Carmen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Carmen Zapata's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored