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Hollywood actor, 95, was killed in the Eaton fire: ‘Her heart and soul was in Altadena’

BBG News

For Dalyce Kelley and her 95-year-old grandma, what began as an ordinary day turned into a sad event.

Kelly took care of her grandmother, Dalyce Curry, a long-standing resident of Altadena who relocated to Los Angeles as a aspiring actress in her youth and featured in various movies.

On January 7th, as a passionate film buff, I accompanied my beloved grandmother to several health-related engagements. Our day took an unexpected turn when we found ourselves in a hospital setting, where we spent a prolonged period, roughly five to seven hours, undergoing additional tests. The wait was nerve-wracking, but eventually, the doctor assured us that she could return home.

In the evening, Kelly navigated them along the 5 Freeway, and from where they sat, they spotted smoke from a wildfire, which seemed distant enough that they believed they were in no immediate danger.

While driving Kelley’s grandmother home on Krenz Avenue, Curry inquired if she could spend the night. However, since Kelley had a sick relative to attend to, she informed “Momma Dee” that she would ring her up in the morning for a check-in instead.

California

Report on the widespread fires causing destruction in Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena, featuring accounts of the damage, challenges confronted by firefighters, and meteorological aspects.

Kelley remarked, “I caught a faint whiff of smoke,” but assured us, “It appeared ordinary, giving the impression of just another regular day here in Altadena.

Kelly was one of several neighbors in her grandma’s community who were part of a group chat, and she messaged them to inform that she had dropped Curry off. She also asked if someone could monitor the situation, particularly if an evacuation order was issued. Someone responded with a thumbs-up acknowledgment, which Kelly remembered later on.

Turning the corner, Kelley encountered a command post manned by police officers and firefighters near a Rite Aid. Wishing she had stopped there to inquire about the fire’s situation and any possible evacuation plans for her grandmother’s neighborhood, she expressed her regret.

6 a.m. saw Kelley stirring from sleep. A message from Curry’s landlord arrived, inquiring if anyone had taken Curry’s grandmother away due to an evacuation order at around 3:30 a.m. Concerned, Kelley dialed 911, hoping the police could assist. However, her call was transferred several times before she opted to drive to her grandmother’s house personally.

As Kelley was driving, she saw the dark wildfire smoke looming overhead.

“It was just black, the whole city,” she said. “I’m exiting Lincoln, and it was darkness.”

In due course, Kelley found herself halted at a police roadblock and provided a police officer with her grandmother’s address for him to verify her safety. Subsequently, she made her way towards the Pasadena Civic Center, which was functioning as an evacuation shelter, in hopes of locating her grandmother there.

Approximately 15 minutes following her arrival, a police officer phoned Kelley. “I regret to inform you, madam,” he stated. “Unfortunately, your grandmother’s house has been completely destroyed by fire.

Kelley unsuccessfully searched for Curry at both the Pasadena center and Arcadia Community Center, places where evacuees were temporarily staying as well. Later on, she submitted a missing-persons report. On Friday, Kelley attempted to return to Altadena but was halted by the National Guard. One guard member offered to escort her to her grandmother’s house, which had been demolished and left in ruins.

The main idea of the original text is that Kelley could not locate Curry at the specified locations and later filed a missing-person report. She also returned to Altadena but was stopped by the National Guard, who helped her reach her destroyed grandmother’s house.)

On her grandmother’s land, only a few items remained: her grandma’s blue Cadillac, the refrigerator, an exercise bike, and the metal bed frame.

“Everything else was gone,” Kelley said.

By this coming Sunday, Kelley received a call from the medical examiner in Los Angeles County, informing her that some human remains were discovered on her grandmother’s land.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the year 1929, Curry nurtured ambitions of attaining stardom as a prominent Hollywood actor.

After relocating to Los Angeles, she made her mark in cinema with roles in films like “The Ten Commandments,” “Lady Sings the Blues,” and “The Blues Brothers.” Additionally, Curry showcased her talents as a tap dancer and vocalist. Notably, she was nurtured by Madame Sul-Te-Wan, who broke barriers as the first female African American actor to secure a film contract with a leading studio.

Being deeply captivated by the world of arts herself, she ignited that passion within me. As a result, I found myself immersed in broadcasting and contributing my efforts towards creating music videos.” – Kelley

Later in life, Curry chose a career in nursing, dedicating herself to caring for the elderly until retirement. Her loved ones recall her as exceptionally stylish, someone who was always impeccably dressed with a wig, well-applied makeup, and perfectly manicured nails.

Kelley shared, “She’d often say, ‘Don’t worry, sweetheart, things aren’t as bad as they appear,’ which gave me the resilience to carry on during difficult times, and even engage with the media.” She recognized her grandmother as extraordinary because of this.

Kelly expressed her wish for increased assistance in emergency situations for the elderly, especially those who may lack technological knowledge or access to cellphones and internet alerts. She pointed out that despite Curry having a cellphone, she wasn’t very familiar with using it effectively.

As a film enthusiast, I’m sharing what I’ve heard: “People were saying there wasn’t any door-knocking,” I said. “There was a warning about evacuation via text, but it seems that by the time they received the evacuation warning, embers were already raining down from the sky.

Kelly emphasized that her grandmother cherished the town of Altadena deeply, as she had resided there for over two decades.

According to Kelley, Altadena stood out uniquely. It had a rich cultural tapestry, with approximately 47% of its population being African American. The community provided a sense of belonging for many, and it was steeped in legacies and histories, with families passing down homes from one generation to another over time.

For more than two decades, my grandma resided there. She had a deep affection for Altadena, and no matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t persuade her to relocate.

Curry’s relatives have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral and remembrance expenditures, as well as other related costs.

Kelley expressed doubt that, had Curry survived the fire, her grandmother might not have lived much longer due to the devastation of her community by the flames.

She suggested that it was unlikely for her to have seen the destruction I saw, as her emotional center was deeply rooted in Altadena.

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2025-01-16 14:35

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