Malibu Actor Francesco Quinn Dies
The son of Oscar winner Anthony Quinn was a successful actor in his own right, appearing in a large number of films and television shows in a 25-year career.
Francesco Quinn, an Italian-born actor and a son of Oscar winner Anthony Quinn, died Friday night of an apparent heart attack near his home in the La Costa neighborhood of Malibu. He was 48.
Fireball Tim Lawrence, a Malibu Patch blogger who knew Quinn as a neighbor and from the entertainment industry, said the actor had been running up the street with his son Max, when he fell in front of Lawrence's home. Lawrence and Quinn's wife Valentina Castellani-Quinn attempted to revive him.
"There was a moment where we thought that we were making progress, that we started to sense that this could work," Lawrence said. "We were working feverishly at it. But at a certain point it turned, and there was no response."
Lawrence said he believes Quinn died in his wife's arms.
Paramedics arrived from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station No. 70 in less than five minutes, Lawrence said. Valentina commended them for getting there so quickly. They also attempted to revive Quinn, and at one point felt a faint pulse. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Quinn was born March 22, 1963, in Rome, Italy, to Anthony Quinn's second wife, Iolanda. His acting career began in 1986 with a role in the Oscar-winning Oliver Stone film Platoon. He went on to appear in numerous films and television shows, including playing Tomas Del Cerro in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. For that role, Quinn was nominated for an American Latino Media Arts Award, which recognizes people who portray positive representations of Latinos.
"Francesco was my soul mate and the best father for Sofia, Michela and Max," Valentina said. "I will love him forever."
Lawrence said, "Francesco was the epitome of passion in the arts. He was a kind, gentle soul that genuinely loved people. He'll be sadly missed."
Quinn had a foundation called Francesco Quinn Legacy 2011. A statement from Quinn on the foundation's Facebook page appears at the bottom of this article.
Quinn had three children: Sofia and twins Max and Michela. He and his first wife Julie McCann remained good friends.
Message from Quinn on his foundation's Facebook page
I was born into a profession in which my love of words, chosen with care for their meaning and nuance, was extremely important, not only to me, but also to the people with whom I worked with.
What I'd like to pass on to my children is the thirst for knowledge. It's something I experience every day that I learned from my father. He always taught me that no matter how long you've done something, you can always learn something new and be better at what you do. That thirst and that desire is something I'd like to pass on to all those whom I can have an influence.
I learned from an early age that my heritage, my love for people, and my desire to be a vehicle that can be used through my voice, that my expressions and actions can transport a person to experience a scene from the past, present and future.
My hope and desire is to continue to let myself be clearly known, and to continue to bring my legacy to you through my life, my family and my actions.
Lorenzo Quinn
10:10 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
I love you brother. I can't find reason to your sudden departure. Have a nice dance with Pop, take care of us from up there and we'll do the best from down here to look after your loved ones. Mi manchi molto molto fratellone. Lorenzo Quinn
Fireball Tim Lawrence
10:19 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Godspeed, my friend.
J. Flora-Katz
10:28 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Oh I'm so very sorry to hear this. Our deepest sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you. Our hearts go out to your family at this heartbreaking loss!
Lisa
10:29 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. God Bless.
Lisa Marie & Cary Elwes
Julie Quinn
12:49 am on Monday, August 15, 2011
Thank you Lisa and Cary, sincerely Julie Quinn
Amy Adams
11:47 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
What a wonderful actor to have lost too young and too soon. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Grant Reinhard
12:03 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Grant Reinhard
To know Francesco was to love him. He was a great guy,a decicated family man, an undeniable talent, and true life force, who made all around him feel special, important and loved. He had a sweet soul and noble heart and will be greatly missed. I too have been wrestling to find a reason for his sudden departure and can only rationalize this as conclusive proof that only the good die young. Rest in Peace friend. Our heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family
diana
12:33 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Francesco was our neighbor and friend for several years. We will have him and his beautiful Julie, Max and Michela in our prayers. Love, Larry, Diana, and James
Laura Rodriguez
12:42 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
He was a great actor like his famous father,this past season on the TV show The Glades,he had a wonderful role and it was good to see him on that show,so talented,he left us way too soon.my prayers go out to his family.
Don Diamont
1:28 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
I met Franky when he joined Y&R. Soon after he introduced me to one of his greatest passions, cycling. Thanks for many great rides Franky. I'll always remember our races on Mulholland and the ride to Palm Springs with you, Peter and Scott. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Max, Michela, and your entire family.
Donald Diamont
Dteflon Actorproducer Bodyguard
4:16 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
When Sean Kanan called me this afternoon and gave me the news I had to pull over in the car to grasp what I just heard I couldnt even stomach this and still cant it just dont make no sense why the good die so young and the evil go on breathing Getting to know Francesco all i can say is this was one man who put everything he did from his heart from his work to his family to his kids he was someone who loved all of them equally and i can say there is few people that I have yet to find that have the same passion as me Valentina my heart goes out to you and Julie Max and Michela Please dont hesitate to inbox me on fb if you need anything I wont accept the fact that he is gone so I wont all i can say is that if there is one thing Francesco taught us all who are in this industry of film tv is he lived his life to the fullest as a contented man
Just enough happiness to be glad
Just enough sorrow to sometimes be sad
Just enough trials to challenge each day
Just enough success to keep failure away
Just enough hope to look to tomorrow
Just enough faith to deal with sorrow
Just enough money to pay one's way
Just enough want to earn one's pay
Just enough love to pass around
Just enough to charity to astound
and I know he wouldnt want us to grieve so These attributes he would be wanting us to follow them morning, day and night and you will have the formula for a contented life!"
God Speed my Friend Will see u again D-TEFLON http://twitter.com/dteflon
kimber Sissons
2:13 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
WAY WAY TO YOUNG MY LOVE AND PRAYERS TO JULIE AND MAX AND MICHELA REST IN PEACE FRANKIE I HAVE NEVER KNOWN A HEALTHIER MAN AND YET GONE WAY WAY TO SOON !!!!!!!
Claudio Fumasoni
3:32 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
I met Francesco at High School (1977-1981) in Albano Laziale when he was living in Genzano - Italy. I never met him again but I have still clear in my mind his smiling face, some funny discussions with teachers, his friendly approach with every person. Really good memories. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Claudio Fumasoni
roger
4:22 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Frankie i met you 26 years ago during the shooting of platoon.i stayed with you on horn dr and you saved my life when i broke my leg on the race track.how can i possibly begin to express my shock and sadness on the news of your passing.condolences to your wife , danny, lorenzo alex.and your children.you were always the angel on my shoulder.
Emmet
9:10 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Truth be told, Francesco's loss is hard to believe as he was in perfect health and as an actor he brought terrific energy to any production. At the time we were shooting together in Angeles Forest, every day Francesco would park below in the valley then ride his bike up the steep hill to the set and always arrive early. Also, Francesco was very generous with his time especially when he was called to lend help for charities. As we go through this refinement called life, Francesco just achieved the process sooner than the rest of us..... We are blessed in remembering Francesco and may his family have many blessings throughout their life as they tap into the many gifts he provided.
Elyse Eisenberg
9:27 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Frankie, this is so hard to believe. You were so incredible in Tonto Woman. Was sure it would lead to bigger things.
Julie, Max & Michela, my deepest sympathies and love.
Elyse
Jonathan Friedman
10:57 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Thank you everybody for sharing your thoughts. It is a terrible tragedy for somebody to die so young. But it is wonderful to see how much so many people appreciate Francesco.
KC Spioni
11:04 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Francesco over 15 years ago at a market in LA. We spoke about wine and tomatoes and the bakery at Bristol Farms. This led into the two of us sharing a coffee and a great talk! We became friends and fellow raconteurs and I will treasure his generosity time and spirit always.
Time has a way of slipping away and it's been many years since we last talked but I have no doubt that Franky was living his dream of family, fatherhood and his Foundation well. Damn too soon but a life well lived.
Sleep well Sweet Prince! Heartfelt Prayers to his family!
Mark Ebenhoch
11:21 am on Sunday, August 7, 2011
It wasn't supposed to be this way.. it was only three of us who 'survived' the 'Nam'. You, me and Dale. you got orders out early.. Carry on my friend!
Paul Jeramaz
12:44 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Frankie,
You were one of the most loving, caring and giving people I have ever known And I am proud to have had you as a friend. I know you will be hiking biking and climbing In heaven And watching over Your love ones. You will be missed.
Paul Jeramaz
carlene moore
1:01 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
You will be missed! Godspeed...and many heartfelt prayers for your family.
Sean Quinn
5:55 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Francesco, I wish I would have gotten to know you better. Pops death brought the family together...now just 10 years later I never imagined you leaving us so soon. I am sorry I never got to hug you as a brother. Give Pop our Love. - S Quinn
Ceny R. Reyes
6:14 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
May he rest in peace.........
Fred Pauzar
6:40 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Francesco, we became family in so many ways. We love you and cherish your memory. And we will always do all that we can to insure the best possible futures for your children and your beloved Valentina. Your father, "never ignored". You, never forgotten. -Darlanne, Fred & Coulter
Dee Rivellino
10:42 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
Some live short lives but impact others as if they have lived forever....Francisco obviously was that one.
Dolores Rivellino/The Godmother of Malibu
Alessandra DeClario
12:11 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
There are few actors that have the passion of the Italian/Latin... it was good to see Francesco Quinn acting.... I missed Anthony Quinn... now I miss his son!
My prayers for peace for the family and forever dancing the dance for father and son.
malamalwk
4:05 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Actor Francesco Quinn Dies Get Full CNN Report at - http://wp.me/p1JWYP-2J
malamalwk
4:13 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Oscar winner Anthony Quinn was a successful actor in his own right Catch Full New Released YouTube Video at - http://bit.ly/pDMQFF
cnnrepostts
5:07 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Francesco Quinn dies at 48; actor, son of movie legend Watch Youtube Released last footage before death http://tinyurl.com/3hmlwsq
BBCapextv
5:09 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Actor Francesco Quinn, son of Anthony Quinn, dies at 48 http://tinyurl.com/3hmlwsq
BBCapextv
5:10 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Francesco Quinn, son of movie star Anthony Quinn, played a variety of roles as a result of his multiethnic background, which included Mexican, Irish and Italian ancestry. Francesco Quinn, son of actor Anthony Quinn, followed in his father's footsteps ... http://tinyurl.com/3hmlwsq
BBCapextv
5:11 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Actor Francesco Quinn dead at age 48; 'Glades', 'YNR' actor died while running ... Live Funeral http://bit.ly/kor2Wp
goshenobserver
9:13 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
And wings of angels sing thee to thy rest.
molugolujee
9:53 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
appearing in a large number of films and television shows in a 25-year career. Full New Video at : http://bit.ly/pDMQFF
Yvonne Smith
8:07 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
God speed and God bless.
Yvonne Smith
Malibu
Osama Shallan
9:12 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Francisco will be missed. I met the young actor in 1996, in a rafting trip together to colorado hot spring. he is very fine person, he loved his family. many heartfelt prayers for your family
sionni
11:52 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Frankie and Julie often came for dinner and joined many of our family celebrations at my folks home in Palos Verdes. I can't imagine never again getting to share a joke, or joining in the back and forth banter at the dinner table, or listening to the wonderfully recounted stories about his own much loved famiglia or watching him dote on Max and Michaela as a new father. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. We will miss you sorely. Sionni and Livia Bongiovanni
Zina
8:41 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Frankie, I will miss you. We all will. Larry and Danny, my sincere condolences. It was '82 when we met in Honolulu at your dad's art show--I admired how lovingly Frankie looked after you two in NYC, like a father. A gentleman then and now; we met recently at Coogies after one of his rides, he was sweet with my kids and husband and we laughed like the old days... His laugh always full of light and harmony. No, there is no reason good enough for his early passing. But he will rest easy knowing you will be there for Valentina and their adorable bambinos.
"Family first", he always said.
Love,
Zina
Alessandra DeClario
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I have been thinking hard about this tragedy and am quite concerned about Max. I read that he was with his dad when this happened. I am a certified grief recovery specialist (and doctor of psychology). I will make myself available to help in any way I can. Please let me know. Meanwhile "When Children Grieve" by John James and Russell Friedman can be obtained through the Grief Recovery Institute in Sherman Oaks (888 773-2683) or through me (email: doctordadc@earthlink.net. Please do not hesitate to email me.
Our hearts are full!
Rocky
10:00 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
I always enjoyed your work. Mutual friends always talked about what a nice guy you were. Sorry we never met, but maybe someday in another place and time. God Speed!
Alessandra DeClario
2:28 am on Monday, February 20, 2012
Wow Rocky, thank you for writing this... it made me remember!!! and to re-read this
Message from Quinn on his foundation's Facebook page - what a wonderful message... and I know that it is as real now as it was when it was written!
"I was born into a profession in which my love of words, chosen with care for their meaning and nuance, was extremely important, not only to me, but also to the people with whom I worked with.
What I'd like to pass on to my children is the thirst for knowledge. It's something I experience every day that I learned from my father. He always taught me that no matter how long you've done something, you can always learn something new and be better at what you do. That thirst and that desire is something I'd like to pass on to all those whom I can have an influence.
I learned from an early age that my heritage, my love for people, and my desire to be a vehicle that can be used through my voice, that my expressions and actions can transport a person to experience a scene from the past, present and future.
My hope and desire is to continue to let myself be clearly known, and to continue to bring my legacy to you through my life, my family and my actions."
May his words live forever!
May the family all be at peace.