Long-time HFPA member Anita Weber passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Monday 8 March. She was 92 years old.

Born in Portland, Oregon Anita was a model, stand-in, actress, and overseas U.S. Army Service Club Director before she started writing a Hollywood gossip column for The Mercury, a daily newspaper from South Africa in 1955. Subsequently, she provided pictures and material for the UK and Japan. She was a staff journalist for Capital Pictures in England, Elite Photo Agency in South Africa, and Uniphoto Press Agency in Japan.

Over the years she served many times as a member of the HFPA Board of Directors. She received two singular honors –the International Media Award from the International Cinematographers Guild and also a lifetime achievement Gold Card from the HFPA.

“For over 35 years I cannot remember a press conference where she was not in attendance,” said Philip Berk, current HFPA President. “Right up until the last weeks, Anita prided herself on the fact that in her 90s she was seated in the front row taking pictures and asking pointed and intelligent questions. She will be sorely missed.”

Anita is survived by 8 nieces and nephews. No funeral arrangements, but in lieu of flowers, she has requested donations to the Red Cross.