By: Valerie Milano – Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 2/13/12
A shocking, senseless tragedy on many levels occurred last night, Sunday 2/12/12. Zina Bethune, a vibrant and distinguished choreographer was killed in a hit-and-run accident around midnight .
Zina, a passionate animal rights activist, had stopped her car by the side of the road to help a stricken animal. She was hit by one car and the impact threw her in front of another car which also hit her. Only two days before, she had been discussing the kids in the Silver Lake Children’s Theatre Group who will be performing “Tomorrow”. She was excited to work with them and especially to bring hip-hop to her estimable repertoire. It was plainly evident that this incredible woman had a lot to teach those children, both in terms of dance moves and life lessons. She dedicated her life to her art and to sharing her experiences, wisdom and gifts with children. It is such a beautiful and noble legacy. In the most inspiring way, she helped make the world a better place.
Zina was an extraordinary woman – internationally accomplished as a dancer, actress, choreographer and singer in film, television and theatre. She began as a ballet dancer in George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet and was a guest Prima Ballerina in companies around the world.
As an actress, she had starring roles in the prime time series “The Nurses,” Martin Scorsese’s debut movie (“Who’s That Knocking At My Door”) and several Broadway productions.
The biggest passion in Zina’s later years was working with children, particularly those with special needs. Long before it was politically fashionable or politically correct, Theatre Bethune became the first professional dance company in America to create a participatory dance program for disabled children. Her work resulted in numerous awards, commendations and citations. More importantly, as she was just telling HT in an interview Thursday night without a hint of self-congratulation, her various programs have impacted thousands of children.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Paul C // Feb 14, 2012 at 10:27 am
Among her 0ther accomplishments, Zina portrayed the troubled Robin on “The Guiding Light” in the 1950′s. She also played Anna Roosevelt in the 1960 film version of “Sunrise at Campobello”. Dear God, what a horrible ending to a distinguished career and an interesting life. RIP, Ms. Bethune.
2 theresa Cavaliere // Feb 14, 2012 at 10:33 am
How sad this is, May she rest in Peace.
3 Jenn Kalaitsides // Feb 15, 2012 at 2:40 am
What a sad loss, for so many who don’t even know it- a Great role model-May her efforts be cherished and inspire us to be more everyday -
4 Mary Jean // Feb 15, 2012 at 3:54 pm
There is not enough emphasis put upon auto safety. ex. Getting out of your car to change flat tires on heavily congested highways and roads. The statistics are staggering if you knew how many deaths are caused while getting out of a car to take care of matters with incoming traffic . Drivers are always in a hurry. Was this accident a hit and run? That seems to be a trend as well. A good lesson to be learned at the expense of another. Much Sympathy for such a worthwhile cause.
5 yvonne maddox // Feb 16, 2012 at 11:13 pm
Thank you for succinctly sharing the story of a wonderful humanitarian. May we all be as effective in our circles of influence as Ms. Bethune. May we learn from her life lessons of courage to continue carrying her baton.
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