The public relations mogul was shot multiple times while driving her Mercedes-Benz car through Beverly Hills on her way home from the premiere of Cher and Christina Aguilera’s new film Burlesque.
Her death has shocked the showbiz world, and many stars have been quick to pay tribute to Chasen, including her screenwriter/director brother Cohen.
He says, “She was my sister and best friend and we shared so many wonderful times together. Ronni was a loving and caring person who treated her clients like they were her own family.”
Producers Lili and Richard Zanuck worked with Chasen on the Oscars campaign for Driving Miss Daisy – which went on to win the 1989 Best Picture honour – and were devastated to learn of her death.
A statement from Richard reads, “Lili and I are shattered by the unthinkably sad news about Ronni. She has been a loving and dear friend for so many years. To think of not being able to get her on the other line of the phone is unimaginable. She was the best publicist in the business in our opinion whose tireless and determined energy combined with her love of movies made her one of a very special breed.”
Film composer Hans Zimmer, who was also a client of Chasen, adds, “I’m profoundly sad, devastated, mad, incredulous and lonely. She was radiant. She knew everybody in the room. She took Chris Nolan over to the next table and introduced him to George Lucas. I was watching her (and) standing there listening to them and I thought, ‘There’s my friend Ronni, introducing two great directors to each other. She’s on top of her game.'”
Police have launched an investigation into Chasen’s death.
