Celebrity Deaths: Veteran Actress Eileen Ryan, Los Angeles Radio Legend Art Laboe No More

The entertainment industry is mourning the death of two veterans today — Eileen Ryan, 94, and Art Laboe, 97.

Here are some worth knowing facts about them.

Eileen Ryan

The mother of Sean Penn died at the age of 94 in her Malibu home Sunday. A spokesperson for the celebrity family confirmed the news Monday night.

Ryan is a veteran Broadway, film and TV actress, who debuted in the 1953 stage play "Sing Till Tomorrow." Her first TV appearance was in the 1955 series "Goodyear Television Playhouse." She went on to appear in at least 60 television shows and films, including the 1999 film "Magnolia" and 2001 film "I Am Sam."

Ryan also starred alongside his son in several films throughout her career, including "The Crossing Guard," "The Pledge," "The Indian Runner," "The Assassination of Richard Nixon," and "All the King's Men."

Among her other TV credits include "A World of Difference," "E.R.," "Ally McBeal," and "The Detectives." She also starred in the 1970s classics "Ben Casey" and "Bonanza." Her last appearance on screen was in the 2016 series "Rules Don't Apply."

Aside from acting, Ryan also ventured into directing. She helmed the production of TV series "Little House on the Prairie," "Cannon," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," and "Matlock." She also helped direct the 1988 film "Judgment in Berlin."

Ryan would have turned 95 on Oct. 16. No further detail were released about the cause of her death.

Art Laboe

The official Twitter account of Art Laboe announced Monday night the death of the Los Angeles radio legend last Oct. 7. He was 97.

"It is with deep sadness we report the passing of legend Art Laboe, he was 97. He died peacefully at his home in Palm Springs, CA on Friday night, Oct. 7, 2022, after a short case of pneumonia. Condolences to Art's legions of fans, family, friends, and colleagues," the statement read.

Laboe was best known for delighting his local fans by playing "oldies but goodies." He started working as a DJ in the mid-1940s, with stints in San Francisco and Palm Springs. He started his career as a radio DJ at Los Angeles radio stations KXLA-AM, which was later known as KRLA and KPOP.

Laboe was particularly popular among the night owls, with his radio programs opening at midnight and ending at 4 a.m. He also became popular among teenagers when he did shows during the after-school hours. His jam typically featured old records sung by white, Latino and Black artists.

Throughout his career, Laboe curated and released compilations of various-artists hits that sold very well not only in Los Angeles, but the whole of America, including "Earth Angel" and "Stranded in the Jungle."