Fighting lung cancer, Ben Lanzarone, whose music was featured on several popular television series, passed away peacefully on Friday night. Actress Ilene Graff, who had been married to him for almost 45 years, announced his death at 85.
On February 17, his daughter Nikka Graff Lanzarone posted on Instagram to announce the news. The post included her father in two pictures and a video where Lanzarone could be seen grinning and plucking the piano. Nikka stated she didn’t know how to communicate the indescribable grief she was feeling. On February 16, Graff, who had been battling lung cancer, passed away. Born on October 28, 1938, Lanzarone’s career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, when his music was included in several popular TV series.
Who Was Ben Lanzarone?
American composer Benjamin Anthony Lanzarone lived from October 28, 1938, until February 16, 2024. He was renowned for his work on several television programs and was awarded ASCAP’s Most Performed Composer Award. Nikka Graff Lanzarone is the daughter of Lanzarone and actress Ilene Graff. At the age of 85, he passed away from lung cancer.
Actress Ilene Graff is well recognized for her roles on Hart of Dixie5 and Mork & Mindy. Together, they performed on stage and screen, performed concerts, and recorded CDs. Their 2003 CD, Baby’s Broadway Lullabies, was nominated for a Grammy.
Cause of Death:
Ben Lanzarone, an 85-year-old composer whose works were used on several well-known television programs, passed away. Graff, his wife, informed a news organization of his passing. At the time of his death, he had been fighting lung cancer for an unknown amount of time.
Graff survives Lanzarone, as does their daughter Nikka. Graff attested to her presence as he passed away. There is currently no more information on the successful composer’s memorial arrangements.
Lanzarone received the Most-Performed Underscore Award from ASCAP in 1986. His compositions served as the centerpiece for several popular television programs in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Among them were “Happy Days, Dynasty, Mork and Mindy,” “The Love Boat,” “Laverne and Shirley,” and several others.
Family Tributes:
Nikka Graff Lanzarone, the daughter of Lanzarone and Graff, honored her father on Instagram on Saturday. She shared many pictures of him playing the piano with her, one holding her as a newborn grinning, and a video of him playing alone.
The post’s poignant caption said, “Dad. You’ll be a giant for eternity. It is unfathomable to lose you without using words. Perhaps the words will emerge. However, we have the music until they do.”
One response said, “Nicka, huh. I sincerely apologize for your immense loss. I’m sending you plenty of light and love.” Someone else commented, “It was lovely spending time with him.” Much love to your mother and you.”
“I am so sorry for your loss, dear one,” said another. embracing you tightly. Love and blessings to you and your family. A fourth note of encouragement said, “NO. Nikka, I truly apologize. One of the hardest things we go through in life is this. Therefore, I’m sending you so much love as you work through it.”
Ilene Graff and Ben Lanzarone Works Together:
Meeting on the “Grease” stage, Lanzarone and Graff were wed for more than 45 years. He was currently working on the music video for the famous song “Summer Nights.” Later, Graff and the cast reteamed to work on “Mr. Belvedere,” where Graff portrayed Marsha Cameron Owens in more than 100 episodes.
When they organized training for professionals in the entertainment sector in 2013, the pair collaborated once more. Featuring well-known figures from the business, including Tippi Hedren and Dee Wallace, the two-month show was a hit.
Graff discussed the show with Broadway World at the time. “We work with everyone from novices to working professionals,” the woman stated. Students learn from their peers and us as they form a robust and supportive community. We concentrate on selecting a song, deciphering the lyrics, appreciating the value of narrative, and appreciating the music.”
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