Composer Rick Rhodes dies at 54

November 2, 2005

By VARIETY STAFF

Musician, composer and producer Rick Rhodes, died of brain cancer Nov. 2 in Oak Park, Calif. He was 54.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Samuelson Chapel, California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Rhodes won six Emmys for his work as a composer on "Santa Barbara," "The Guiding Light" and "Another World."

Born in Los Angeles, he toured the U.S. with his band Wonder before starting his television career. His TV composing credits include "Saturday Night Live," "The Tonight Show," "Malcolm in the Middle," and "Friends."

He served as composer or music supervisor on feature films including "True Lies," "Mars Attacks," "The Mighty Ducks" and "Freddy Got Fingered."

His longtime collaboration with his wife, screenwriter, novelist and lyricist Vivian Rhodes, produced two Emmy nominated songs: "Let's Be Lovers Again" and "Fasten Your Seat Belts." They co-authored the musical "Ug," which was performed in California and off-Broadway in 2004.

In partnership with actor Lane Davies, Rhodes produced many productions for the Santa Susanna Repertory Company. In 1996, Rhodes and Davies co-founded the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He also founded the Performing Arts Department at Oak Park High School in Oak Park, Calif., creating a theater curriculum and mentorship program.

He is survived by his wife Vivian, a daughter, a son, his mother and a sister.

Donations may be made to The City Of Hope.