Andrea Nevins, documentary filmmaker, dies at 63

Andrea Blaugrund Nevins’ passion for storytelling guided her journey from the countryside, to ABC News in her hometown New York, and eventually to Hollywood. Here, she specialized in creating and managing documentaries featuring dancers, punk musicians, and even the equestrian trainer of the queen.

On a sad note, the beloved spouse of ex-Showtime chairman David Nevins, passed away last Saturday in their LA residence. At the age of 63, she fought valiantly against breast cancer.

As a filmmaker, Nevins focused on vibrant characters going through significant life changes. Her debut documentary, “Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies,” delved into the lives of aging cabaret performers and even earned an Academy Award nomination. Meanwhile, her initial full-length movie, “The Other F Word,” showcased the transformation of rebellious punk rockers, including Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as they adapted to their roles as parents.

In 2018, a Hulu documentary titled “Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie” was released, which included conversations with Ruth Handler, the creator of the famous doll, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. This film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

Film director Greta Gerwig, creator of the successful film “Barbie” from Warner Bros., revealed that she gained some inspiration by observing the movie “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2,” as it exposed the concerns of women who strive to shape public opinion about the 12-inch Barbie doll.

Television

She’s too thin, too tall, too blond. And now, too fat. Poor Barbie.

Nevins delved into the lives of NFL players nearing the end of their careers. She was responsible for an episode in Peter Berg’s HBO series “State of Play,” focusing on retired stars Brett Favre and Tiki Barber. Subsequently, her work, titled “Play It Forward,” traced the mid-life voyage of NFL legend Tony Gonzalez and his brother Chris.

In simpler terms, her final finished work, titled “The Cowboy and the Queen” in 2023, offered a touching portrayal of Monty Roberts, a California-based horse trainer who opted for unconventional horse training methods, and formed an extraordinary bond with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Nevins was born in the bustling city of New York in 1962. Her father, Dr. Stanley Blaugrund, served as director for otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Her mother, Annette, was a respected art curator, author, and public speaker.

To begin with, Nevins had a versatile background – she was a skilled ballerina, an adept swimmer, and a talented poet. During her time in high school, she held the position of class president and cultivated her passion for photography. Afterward, she graduated from Harvard University with honors, majoring in social studies.

Sports

In football lore, Tony Gonzalez is often recognized as one of the top-tier tight ends ever. However, this tale focuses on a player who served as his understudy instead.

Initially, she started her professional journey as a newspaper reporter and a broadcast journalist for National Public Radio (NPR) based in Washington D.C. Subsequently, she moved on to work at ABC News in New York City, where she was honored with an Emmy Award for her exceptional reporting.

She and David Nevins, who was then working at NBC, married in 1996.

Nevins played a pivotal role as an original member of IKAR Synagogue in Los Angeles; she also helped establish Larchmont Charter School. Additionally, she served on the Southern California board for UNICEF’s U.S. division. Together with others, she founded the X-Fund, focusing on addressing issues faced by women and girls within Los Angeles.

As I pen down this review, I can’t help but reflect on the poignant narrative of a family grappling with loss. The film centers around Nevins, a woman dearly loved and survived by her immediate family – her resilient husband, their adult children Clara, 25, Charlie, 22, and Jesse, 19, as well as her mother and two siblings. This tight-knit unit stands at the heart of this moving tale, their bond a testament to the unwavering power of family.

Read More

2025-04-14 21:31

Previous post OpenAI’s Daring New App: Can It Outshine Elon Musk’s Social Media Empire?
Next post Circle’s Big Day: USDC Joins Monad Mainnet with a Splash! 💥