The co-founder of the Casting Society of America passed away at the age of 88 according to Yahoo Entertainment.His nephew Chris Onorato confirmed the news(according to Yahoo Entertainment). Alfred Louis Onorato was recognized as Al Onorato he emerged as a notable presence in the entertainment sphere. His birth transpired on November 10, 1935,
in Jersey City, New Jersey. Throughout his career, he left a lasting imprint through his roles as a casting director and talent manager, making substantial contributions to the industry.
Onorato worked as a Casting Director on several popular TV shows, including “Bewitched,” “Police Story,” “Fame,” and “The Partridge Family.” His keen eye for talent helped shape these iconic series. He was also the Co-Founder of the Casting Society of America.
In 1982, Al Onorato co-founded the Casting Society of America (CSA) alongside Mike Fenton and Joe Reich. The organization, originally known as the American Society of Casting Directors, played a crucial role in recognizing casting excellence.Onorato and his casting partner, Jerold Franks, received the CSA’s Artios Award for best casting in a comedy film for “Bagdad Café” (1989).In 2019, Al Onorato was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the CSA, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the industry.
Onorato’s influence extended beyond casting. He played a pivotal role in launching the careers of talents like Kristin Chenoweth, Katie Holmes, Mark Harmon, Sean Murray, and Elijah Wood. He also helped revive Gwen Verdon’s career.Legacy: Al Onorato’s impact on Hollywood indelible. His dedication to casting and talent management shaped the entertainment landscape, leaving a lasting legacy.
He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Edward, Ronald, and Veronica, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service to honor his life will take place on May 18, 2024, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their noble cause.