Irene Cagen Forrest, 65, actress and casting director
Diner
Actress-casting director Forrest dies
Obituary : Played incompetent secretary in 'LA Law'
By VARIETY STAFF
Irene Cagen Forrest, casting director and actress who often portrayed
quirky, high-strung characters, died July 25 in Providence, R.I., of
brain tumor. She was 65.
Among her roles were as a compulsively talkative lover in Henry
Jaglom's film "Sitting Ducks," and an incompetent secretary in NBC's
"LA Law."
Other bigscreen work include performances in George Lucas' 1971 sci-
fier "THX1138," as well as "Communion" (1989), "Playing by Heart" and
"Babyfever."
On stage Forrest was featured in productions of the New York
Shakespeare Festival and plays in Los Angeles that included "Lovers
and Other Strangers," "Poor Little Match Girl" and "House of Blue
Leaves."
Her TV credits include "Fame," "Dead by Sunset," plus the telepics
"Alien Nation: Millennium" and "Midnight Run for Your Life."
In the late 1980s she began a second career as a casting director,
working at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting as Irene Cagen. Her credits
included Bob Dylan-toplined "Masked and Anonymous," the minis "Kingdom
Hospital" and "A Wrinkle in Time"; plus CBS series "Medium" and USA
Network's "The 4400." Her independent casting credits include Starz's
"Crash," and feature "Light and the Sufferer," on which she was also
executive producer.
She also taught acting.
Survivors include a brother.
Donations may be made in her name to animal rescue agency Sante Dor
Foundation, 4511 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
© Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information, a division of Reed
Elsevier Inc.
Jim Beaver
> http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118022358?categoryId=25&cs=1
> Actress-casting director Forrest dies
> Obituary : Played incompetent secretary in 'LA Law'
> By VARIETY STAFF
>
> quirky, high-strung characters, died July 25 in Providence, R.I., of
> brain tumor. She was 65.
>
> Among her roles were as a compulsively talkative lover in Henry
> Jaglom's film "Sitting Ducks," and an incompetent secretary in NBC's
> "LA Law."
>
> Other bigscreen work include performances in George Lucas' 1971 sci-
> fier "THX1138," as well as "Communion" (1989), "Playing by Heart" and
> "Babyfever."
>
> On stage Forrest was featured in productions of the New York
> Shakespeare Festival and plays in Los Angeles that included "Lovers
> and Other Strangers," "Poor Little Match Girl" and "House of Blue
> Leaves."
>
> Her TV credits include "Fame," "Dead by Sunset," plus the telepics
> "Alien Nation: Millennium" and "Midnight Run for Your Life."
>
> In the late 1980s she began a second career as a casting director,
> included Bob Dylan-toplined "Masked and Anonymous," the minis "Kingdom
> Hospital" and "A Wrinkle in Time"; plus CBS series "Medium" and USA
> Network's "The 4400." Her independent casting credits include Starz's
> "Crash," and feature "Light and the Sufferer," on which she was also
> executive producer.
>
> She also taught acting.
>
> Survivors include a brother.
>
> Donations may be made in her name to animal rescue agency Sante Dor
> Foundation, 4511 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
>
> © Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information, a division of Reed
> Elsevier Inc.
A dear and beloved friend, one of the gentlest, kindest people I've
ever known.
RIP, Irene.
Jim Beaver