Who was Linda Weide? Heartbreaking obituary written by Robert Weide for his wife goes viral
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: An obituary written by 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' director Robert Weide to his late wife Linda Bates Weide has become viral on social media. The 63-year-old shared on Twitter about his late wife and her influence on his life. He wrote on Twitter, "It is with profound sadness that I report my dear, sweet wife, Linda Weide, of blessed memory, passed away on Christmas Day."
Further, he stated, "My tribute to her in the L.A. Times only scratches the surface. If you click on the attached, please read to the end. You would have loved her." Linda Weide was an actress who died due to a neurological illness, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
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It is with profound sadness that I report my dear, sweet wife, Linda Weide, of blessed memory, passed away on Christmas Day. My tribute to her in the L.A. Times only scratches the surface. If you click on the attached, please read to the end. You would have loved her. pic.twitter.com/AyUOE5iIFz
— Robert B. Weide (@BobWeide) February 11, 2023
Who was Linda Weide?
Though she was an actress, Linda kept her life private and stayed away from the spotlight. She was born in Follansbee, West Virginia, and starred in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' She also played a role in 'Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021).' She was married to director Robert B. Weide till her death. She died on Christmas last year, i.e. on December 25, 2022, in California due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. The director had written about their initial meeting in the obituary in 1994, that he met her in Café Aroma in Studio City. According to him, "she had it all – beauty, style, grace, intelligence, wit, a great laugh, a blinding smile," and "legs that demanded to be shown off." Robert Weide and Linda Bates were married on July 11, 1998. Linda had a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Bethany College.
What does the obituary state?
The obituary reads, "LINDA WEIDE, my remarkable wife, believed everybody's age was nobody's business. Let's just say she was ageless and timeless. She had a kind of elegance from another era. She studied acting under Stella Adler, who told her, "My dear, you should only play queens." She was certainly my Queen for 28 years, 25 married. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare but fatal neurological disease. (Please Google it.) Her bravery and dignity in the face of this illness were awe-inspiring. But unfortunately, the House always wins. She died on Christmas Day, 2022, peacefully, at home, and in my arms. If you must die, try to do it in the arms of someone who loves you. It helps."
Further, it says, "She was born in Follansbee, West Virginia, to Lucy Gianinni and Victor Ubieta. Her Aunt Lee and Uncle Eli Rabb were important figures in her upbringing. She attended Bethany College, where she received a B.A. in Liberal Arts. She lived for a time in Boston, then in Manhattan. In 1989, she moved to Los Angeles. Thank G-d for that last move, because on September 30, 1994, I walked into Café Aroma in Studio City, and there she was. She had it all-beauty, style, grace, intelligence, wit, a great laugh, a blinding smile, and (can I say this in 2023?) legs that demanded to be shown off and were. That night, I wrote in my journal, I think I may be in big trouble." We were married on July 11, 1998."
The grieving husband added, " She was remarkably low maintenance. We both appreciated the occasional meal in a fine restaurant and traveling abroad, but some years I'd ask what she wanted for her birthday, and she would answer, "a grilled cheese sandwich." Typical. She was generous to a fault, always putting others' needs before her own. Her softest spot was reserved for animals, especially those in need. Our own animals were all rescues, and friends would tell her, "If I can come back in another life, I want to be one of your animals." Her favorite charity was Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, but she donated to many others. Understandably, she would become disenchanted with acting, but two memorable roles were that of 'Penelope' in the 2001 L.A. stage revival of Kurt Vonnegut's "Happy Birthday, Wanda June" (she was asked to play the part by Vonnegut), and the role of 'Mindy Reiser' in the 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' episode, "The Terrorist Attack."
The director also wrote, "She is also featured in the 2021 documentary "Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time," which is dedicated to her. What a team we made. She was Gracie to my George. After we purchased side-by-side cemetery plots years ago, I asked her what she wanted her marker to say. She answered, "I'm with Stupid." (That request will not be honored.) Oh, dear what am I ever supposed to do without her? They say, "Nothing lasts forever," but they didn't know about my love for her. 28 years wasn't nearly long enough. Still, I may just be the luckiest SOB who ever lived. Rest well, Bunnie. I hope we'll be together again. For those who never knew her, I'm sorry for your loss."