I am very sorry to report the death of Norby Walters, a youthful 91 years old.
Norby’s death was reported on Facebook by his son, movie producer Gary Michael Walters.
Norby was a real Hollywood guy. He invented the Night of 100 Stars, an annual charity fundraiser held on Oscar during the broadcast, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was basically a huge party for former stars, past favorites, lots of TV people. You would run into Bo Derek, Lassie, Flipper, the stars of “Dallas,” that sort of thing. They came in droves and had to be out when the Oscars ended so a studio — usually Miramax — would take over to celebrate their wins.
Norby also ran a famous poker game for gambling celebs at his apartment in the Empire West in West Hollywood. Lots of real A list stars went there, and it was serious money.
I really adored Norby and looked forward to seeing him on my trips west. He had a big heart and remained optimistic as Hollywood changed around him He deserves a star on the Walk of Fame more than most. I hope that poker game in the sky is going great. Peace, Norby. Condolences to Gary.
Here’s a link to more of his colorful career:
https://littlesis.org/person/222909-Norby_Walters/data
Comedian Jeffrey Ross just posted on Instagram: “Well my old poker pal Norby Walters finally folded. Me, @sarahkatesilverman and @jeffgarlin were the young comics who got invited to play poker with Norby’s pals like Harvey Corman, Jerry Vale, Charles Durning, Sid Caesar and so many other legends. Buddy Hackett took me over there for the first time. Lots of great stories and free Chinese food. Norby was in the music biz and is mentioned in a lot of early rap songs. His Oscar parties were epic. Norby kept all the stars humble by repeating his mantra, “Never too big”!”
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