Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Larry E. Billman

1938 - 2017

BORN

1938

DIED

2017

Larry Billman Obituary

October 23, 1938 - May 3, 2017 Larry Billman danced into the light from his home in Brea the morning of May 3, 2017. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Tomoko; his sister Nancy; daughters Sekiya and Saadia; sons-in-law Hoon and Schuyler; grandchildren Ryko, Ailish, and Liam; and beloved cats Kitty Kitty and Mittens. He was 78. Larry worked with and inspired hundreds of creative artists in every field of entertainment and maintained close friendships with all he touched. He was considered a friend, mentor, father figure, and brother by countless people in all walks of life all around the world and will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Actors Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 6 to May 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Billman

14 Entries

Steve Schaffer

April 30, 2024

Thinking about you today Larry. You made a huge difference in my life. Miss ya.

Carolyn DeYoung

April 20, 2020

Tomo, Sekiya, Saadia, Nancy & the rest of the family,
l never was so stunned by reading the news about Larry. l lost touch with you over the years when l moved to Arizona and got married. God bless you all tho. My eyes teared up as l read the news. I wish it wasn't true. Every time l think about it, pain is all l feel. I will always love & miss him. All l got now is the memories of him and the family having dinner together on the holidays, and the memories of Las Vegas. Until the day we are all together again in that perfect land filled with loving, sharing and love, l will shed my tears away and hope to see everybody again someday. He will always be my favorite cousin

James Richmond

April 12, 2020

I worked with Larry for almost two years while we were both in Heidelberg, Germany. He taught me a lot about theater and film. I never met a more enthusiastic individual in my life. -James Richmond 1941-.. Love Ya Larry

Steven Mitchell

August 28, 2019

I worked with Larry on Tokyo DisneySeas in the 90's in Los Angeles at WDI. He would effortlessly brainstorm and pitch the live shows, taking wins and losses in stride. On smoke breaks I talked to him about life, his then new Dance archive he was heading, and his amazing career. I looked up his name to see if he was still available! Realizing he would be near 80, I assumed he was long retired. Deeply regret never meeting him again. He is a type of soul you only rarely come across. Though quite belated, my deepest sympathies.

Stephen Schaffer

April 30, 2019

June 30th, 2019 at 1 PM at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World we are celebrating Larry's life through remembering the show he brilliantly started with us in 1974. Just saying what a brilliant light he was for so many. Thank you.

Stephen Schaffer

January 3, 2019

We are celebrating his life

Stephanie Stromer

June 5, 2017

Larry was so fun to work with and to be around! He was front and center in many of my dearest memories. I remember especially how his wit and humor always carried us through the close calls! He could really make me laugh!
I'm so sorry to learn of his passing.
To Tomo, Saadia, Sekiya and to all his family, you are in my prayers.
I wish you well as you continue on your journey, Larry.

Love, Stephanie Stromer

Sylvia Lewis Gunning

May 12, 2017

Larry has kept me laughing since our first meeting in 1959. He has remained a loyal and loving pal throughout all the adventures of his amazing life. His love for his beautiful Tomo and family has always been front and foremost. Larry proved to be the best friend a person could ever have had. How could a man who was so dear have blended so many gifts of talent with such a loving personality and generous soul? He did...it was simply Lar. The world has lost a one of a kind human. I miss him so....

Sharon Crutchfield-Osburg

May 7, 2017

I remember Larry from Jr. Hi and High School. When I was in 7th grade, I used to get to the playground early to listen to his stories and comedy routines--he had a following even then. Later, in high school, he directed some of us in musicals and student shows. We also sold ads for the Yearbook. He drove the car (we only had learner's permits) and made us all laugh when at a stop sign he shouted,"everybody out for a fire drill!" He was a beautiful person.

Lenny Stack

May 7, 2017

I am really saddened by Larry's passing.
We collaborated on many musical projects
with much joy and goodhearted humor.
He will be missed/

Chellie Campbell

May 7, 2017

I cried when I read the news about Larry in the LA Times this morning. I was privileged to know this wonderful man when he hired me to work with him at Walt Disney World in the '70s. After "Show Me America", he cast me in some "Winnie the Pooh for President" rallies and "Fun With Music" at Disneyland.

What a darling man! Always supportive of everyone and one of the funniest guys I ever knew! He created the most wonderful working environment I ever knew, just from the sheer force of his engaging personality.

We lost touch over the years, but reconnected a few years ago on Facebook, when I was writing a blog about our old Disney days. It's here if you'd like to read it http://www.chellie.com/flower-power-6

Peace, blessings and much love to his family and all the friends he cherished in whose hearts he will live forever.

Bill Butland

May 6, 2017

Larry came into my life when I was eight. We were childhood friends and maintained a cherished friendship till his exit. He was a great spirit and will be greatly missed.

May 6, 2017

To the Billman Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Sincerely

May 6, 2017

I express my sincere condolences. May the fond memories of your created through the years bring you comfort. Psalms 94:22

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results