Actor Merlin Santana killed

zetafg · #1 11-11-2002, 10:57 AM

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Merlin Santana, a television and film actor who appeared in this year's Eddie Murphy movie "Showtime," was shot to death while sitting in a parked car, authorities said Sunday.

Santana, 26, was killed early Saturday in South Los Angeles, police spokeswoman Lucy Diaz said.

He was sitting in the passenger seat shortly after 2:30 a.m. when at least one person approached the car and fired, Lt. Clay Farrell said.

The driver escaped injury, drove off and flagged down police. Paramedics responded but Santana was pronounced dead at the scene, Farrell said.

No arrests were immediately made and investigators had not determined a motive for the attack.

The New York-born Santana had a recurring role on "The Steve Harvey Show," playing Romeo Santana. The role won him nominations for NAACP Image Awards and ALMA Awards, which honor Hispanic performers.

One of his earliest roles was as Stanley, the faithful admirer of Rudy Huxtable on the hit series "The Cosby Show."

He also had guest appearances on several television shows, including "Major Dad," "Moesha" and "Sister, Sister."

He later joined the casts of "Getting By" and the short-lived James Earl Jones drama "Under One Roof."

zetafg · #2 11-11-2002, 10:58 AM

I AM IN TOTAL SHOCK OVER THIS TRAGEDY!!!

mrstraci · #3 11-11-2002, 11:46 AM

Is this the one who played "Romeo" on Steve Harvey or the one who was "Bud" on the Cosby show? I am confused by the article. It is extremely sad none the less.........Never mind, it IS Romeo from Steve Harvey, OH, What A WASTE!!!!

Strive · #4 11-11-2002, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrstraci
Is this the one who played "Romeo" on Steve Harvey or the one who was "Bud" on the Cosby show? I am confused by the article. It is extremely sad none the less.........Never mind, it IS Romeo from Steve Harvey, OH, What A WASTE!!!!

Romeo from the Steve Harvey Show. He also played on Stanley, Rudy's boyfriend, on the Cosby Show.

This is the second person under 30 to die from the Cosby Show. Remember, Michelle Thompson (Thomas) she played Theo's girlfriend. She died from cancer.

BabyBlue91 · #5 11-11-2002, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrstraci
Is this the one who played "Romeo" on Steve Harvey or the one who was "Bud" on the Cosby show? I am confused by the article. It is extremely sad none the less.........Never mind, it IS Romeo from Steve Harvey, OH, What A WASTE!!!!

He was on "The Cosby Show" as well. He played Stanley, Rudy's boyfriend. I remember one episode where Stanley was concerned about Kenny ("Bud") being the odd man out on a class project, but the tables turned when Kenny brought his girlfriend to Rudy's house!

zetafg · #6 11-11-2002, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BabyBlue91

He was on "The Cosby Show" as well. He played Stanley, Rudy's boyfriend. I remember one episode where Stanley was concerned about Kenny ("Bud") being the odd man out on a class project, but the tables turned when Kenny brought his girlfriend to Rudy's house!

I remeber that one also. I was cracking up when I saw the rerun..over and over and over again.

Tru Blue Lady · #7 11-12-2002, 03:08 PM

This is sad !

ykimber · #8 11-17-2002, 04:59 PM

Teen Charged With Actor's Murder
Nov 15, 2:43 AM EST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 15-year-old girl has been charged with murder in the shooting death of television and film actor Merlin Santana, authorities said.

The teen, who was being held in juvenile custody, was also charged with the attempted murder of a man who was with Santana, district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said Thursday. Her identity was not released because she is a minor.

She was ordered to return to court Dec. 10 when a judge will determine if she will be tried as a juvenile or adult.

Santana, who recently appeared in the Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro movie "Showtime," was shot to death early Saturday while sitting in the passenger seat of a car parked in south Los Angeles.

Police said at least one person approached the car and opened fire, striking the 26-year-old actor. Santana's companion, who was not hit, drove off and flagged down police.

The shooting is still under investigation and police are looking for additional suspects, said Officer Don Cox, a police spokesman. No motive has been given.

The New York-born Santana earned nominations for the National Association of Colored People's Image Awards and the ALMA Awards, which honor Hispanic performers, for his recurring role as Romeo Santana on "The Steve Harvey Show."