New York University

Bruce French (1945–2025), veteran actor known for Passions

Bruce French was a veteran actor of stage and screen best known for portraying Father Lonigan in over 400 episodes of the NBC daytime drama, “Passions.”

Elias Khoury (1948–2024), Lebanese novelist and activist

Elias Khoury was an award-winning novelist, author of “Gates of the Sun,” and activist from Lebanon best known as an advocate for the Palestinian cause.

Jay J. Armes (1932–2024), famous private investigator

Jay J. Armes was a private investigator from Texas who became famous thanks to his unusual cases, prosthetic hands, offbeat lifestyle, and action figure made in his likeness. 

Audrey Flack (1931–2024), acclaimed photorealist artist

Audrey Flack was an acclaimed photorealist artist whose paintings and sculpture earned worldwide accolades.

Jeremy Tepper (1963–2024), SiriusXM’s head of Outlaw Country

Jeremy Tepper was a music executive and program director who headed SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel and was a major proponent of Americana and alt-country music.

Larry Fink (1941–2023), social commentary and lifestyle photographer 

Larry Fink was a photographer and educator best known for how his images depicted the stark contrasts between the wealthy and the working classes at social events, often in black and white.

Joanna Merlin (1931–2023), Law & Order judge

Joanna Merlin was the original Tzeitel in the first Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” and later became a familiar face to television audiences for her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” 

Carol Robles-Román (1962–2023), former Deputy Mayor of New York City 

Carol Robles-Román was an attorney and one of the longest serving deputy mayors in New York City's history.

Ruth Gruber (1911–2016), photojournalist and humanitarian

Ruth Gruber, photojournalist and humanitarian who helped 1,000 Jewish refugees come to the U.S. during World War II, has died at the age of 105.

Michi Kobi (1924–2016)

Actress Michi Kobi, who was known for roles in movies including "12 to the Moon," died March 1, according to a statement released by her family this weekend. She was 91.