Casey LaLonde, the grandson of iconic actress Joan Crawford, has passed away at the age of 54. LaLonde was a passionate advocate for his grandmother's legacy, working tirelessly to introduce her films to new audiences and preserve her memory as a Hollywood legend.
Just last month, LaLonde attended the TCM Classic Film Festival, where he helped introduce a 4K restoration screening of his grandmother's 1932 film, Letty Lynton. The film, which was a major hit in its time, had been pulled from theaters in 1936 due to legal issues and had not been seen publicly in over 90 years.
LaLonde's love for his grandmother's work was evident in his numerous public appearances, including the TCM Classic Cruise, the UCLA Film & Television Archive, and the Hollywood Heritage Museum. He also managed a Joan Crawford Instagram account, where he shared updates and behind-the-scenes insights into his grandmother's life and career.
LaLonde's family has praised his dedication to his grandmother's legacy, noting that he was an 'amazing advocate' who worked to 'take control of the narrative' surrounding Joan Crawford's life and career. His mother, Cathy Crawford LaLonde, and her twin sister, Cindy, were adopted by Joan Crawford and her fourth husband, Alfred Steele, in 1947.
While LaLonde's aunt, Christina, wrote a tell-all memoir about her childhood with Joan Crawford, titled Mommie Dearest, LaLonde's mother and aunt had a more positive relationship with their mother. LaLonde's family has said that he 'loved meeting her fans and had built amazing friendships throughout this community.'
LaLonde was born on March 16, 1972, in Alexandria Bay, New York, and attended Northern Lehigh High School and Penn State University. He later earned his master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 and worked in local government and as a consultant and management strategist.
Survivors include his wife of more than 30 years, Heather, his sister, Carla, and several nieces and nephews. Donations in his memory can be made to the Downingtown Library and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research.
As the cinema industry continues to evolve, with a transition from traditional media to digital platforms, the legacy of Hollywood legends like Joan Crawford remains an important part of our cultural heritage. LaLonde's dedication to preserving his grandmother's memory serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural history and introducing it to new audiences.
