RIP Renée Valente

Los Angeles Times
March 3, 2016

July 15, 1927 - February 20, 2016 Veteran Emmy winning Producer died on February 20, 2016 at home in Studio City, California surrounded by family & friends. Born in New York City. She was 88. Renée met the love of her life in New York. Burr Smidt, Emmy award winning and Oscar Nominated Art Director, Producer and writer at Talent Associates while working on "Power and the Glory". They were married for 40 years and had 4 children. Burr Smidt died November 14, 2000.

Very few women in the Entertainment industry have received the respect that Renée Valente had. Renée was the first woman to serve as President of the Producers Guild, and was the first female Vice President of Screen Gems Productions and Columbia Pictures Television. Valente started her career at Talent Associates as a part-time secretary and rose through the ranks to Head of Production. She left Talent Associates for NASA to produce a series of specials. Valente was the first woman ever to test the Special Suit that simulates a walk on the Moon. Followed by a move to Screen Gems in Los Angeles where she became head of talent and casting.

During her career Valente produced more than 70 Movies for television and feature film, including "A Storm in Summer" which won her an Emmy. She received several other Emmy Nominations, countless awards including the Prestigious Women in Film Crystal Award and the first Casting Society of America Artios Award. Renée is survived by two step daughters and other family, her beloved dog Freddy and friends who will always miss the special, talented, supportive and loving woman she was. Memorial Services are pending.

Born: 7/15/1927, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 2/20/2016 Studio City, California, U.S.A.

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