Mina Vasquez December 3, 1946 to June 30, 2018
She started out her career as a professional dancer, a Vegas showgirl, who performed with the best of them… Bobby Darin, Xavier Cugat, Jimmy Durante, The Pointer Sisters, on the American Music Awards and many more to later become one of the first Latina casting directors in film and television and then producer. Mina Vasquez made it her life passion to cast as many Latinos into mainstream television series and films, and then went on to be one of the first to recognize the importance of Latino filmmakers. She knew way before many that Latino Indie films would offer a greater opportunity to hire Latinos and a more diverse cast. She was 72 years old when she died at home in Silver Lake (Los Angeles) of heart failure.
Mina is survived by her daughter Jodi Marsoun (Andy), two granddaughters, Marjorie and Charlotte, and her husband, Rogelio Lobato.
She split her time between her casting gigs and continuing her work as an actress in many of the 1970’s most iconic TV series: CHiPs, How the West was Won, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Love, American Style, Emergency!, and Adam-12. In addition, in film, she is best known for her work on Father of the Bride (1991), and Depraved (1996).
As a casting director, Mina is considered a pioneer who helped cast many Latinos in their first job or first starring roles whether in film or commercials. Later she also started working with independent producers and directors, earning her several producing credits for such films as: Valentina’s Tango (2006), In Hot Pursuit (2003), Road Dogz (2002), The Chaos Factor (2000), Frozen Stars (2003), Star Maps (1997), Dead Letter Offer (1998), and Depraved (1996). She produced alongside her husband, director/producer Rogelio Lobato in two films, Valentina’s Tango (2006) and Depraved (1996).
Mina Vasquez Services:
Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary Saturday, July 14th, 11 AM 3888 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601
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