My Friend Joseph Melendez

by Jason Godbey

This morning I was stunned to learn of the passing of my friend, Joseph Melendez. I first met Joe when he appeared on No Rest for the Weekend. He was already a very accomplished actor having starred in shows like Ozark and The Sinner and on Broadway in shows like Jesus Christ Superstar. When we spoke, I felt like we had an instant rapport. I appreciated how frank and down-to-earth he was and told him to come back any time.

He appeared on the show a few more times: once as a guest on a panel about casting, then again on our Hollywood Edition series, and recently when he spoke about the SAG-AFTRA strike. He was honest about his successes, his failures, and his life as a working actor and performer.

Joe was a proud actor who knew his craft and was a teacher to aspiring performers. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, he was on the negotiating committee and fought hard for the rights of actors everywhere. The actors’ union released a statement yesterday saying “SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of National and NY Board member Joseph Melendez. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Ashley and their family, and honor his extraordinary contribution to the union and its members.” We here at Behind the Rabbit Productions extend our condolences to his wife and family.

I was lucky enough to hang out with Joe on a few occasions. I was hoping we’d get to work together on a project someday, but unfortunately it was not to be. It’s a great lost to the world that he won’t be here to entertain us, and it’s a greater loss for those of us who knew him. He shall be missed.