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Marisa Zanuck

On Richard Zanuck

Marisa steps away from the drama and mourns the loss of her father-in-law.

Feb 25

This week it's time to step aside from attempts at humor and poking fun at the foibles of RHOBH to focus on what really matters: Family.

Watching this episode was extremely difficult, as I was immediately brought back to July 13, 2012 in vivid detail. Dean and I were in the car on our way to the airport to fly to Paris when the distress call came. By the time we arrived at my father-in-law's home ten minutes later it was too late. A sudden massive heart attack had claimed Dick's life at 77.

The evening prior, Dick, Dean, and I had enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Beverly Hills. It was like the hundreds of dinners we had shared before but tonight the topic was Paris, a place beloved by Dick, where Dean and I spent our honeymoon and were now headed on this new adventure for the show. He was so excited for us and recommended places and sites to take the 'Wives in our free time. Dean made him pronounce (or in Dick's case mispronounce) the name of the French dessert "mille-feuille" over and over which always made us laugh. Dick spoke of his recent trip to the south of France with his wife Lili where they had swam together every day in Mediterranean. He asked about how we thought our kids were doing at sleep away camp and then it was time to go home. We walked to his car, I hugged him goodnight and he and Dean gave each other their traditional low five. Right as we headed off, Dean turned around and gave his father a second low five, which I had never seen him do before. We walked home that evening to the most beautiful crimson sky.

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GaleaGal 171 pts

You are a great woman....don't get caught up with this! 

Brandisafan 148 pts

 GaleaGal Have you been watching the same show.. This great woman bashes her husband in front of her friends and all who watch. How incredibly disrespectful. She certainly does not deserve that man and he will eventually smarten up...

getoverit35 567 pts

ummm....you are sooo two faced!How IN THE WORLD could you think tha t what Brandi said was out of line when ALL you did,like your WHOLE story line....was how you wanted to to "DO" other men,how not attracted you were to YOUR HUSBAND!!!Brandi felt sorry for the guy!lol....Your so lame on many MANY diffrent  levels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

piperbeau 13322 pts

Loved your hair when you stopped by Kyle's house to chit chat about the Paris trip!!

deborah.kanic 548 pts

I'm sorry for your loss. Your missed on the show.

socialbutterfly908 1387 pts

Sorry for your and your families loss.

Itokagi23 3965 pts

Marisa,

So sorry for your loss! I think you and Dean are great, it's been fun watching you interact with 

the other women. You have a very refreshing style and wisdom, hope to see you a lot more 

often!

bravo-tv-viewer 1543 pts

I'm so sorry for your husband, you and your family. I am so happy that you and Dean were able to spend such wonderful quality time the night before filled with love, laughter and happiness.

KYEngineer 547 pts

My deepest sympathies for you and the Zanuck friends and family.  You are very lucky to have had such a person with whom to share your life for a time.

kaybird11111 748 pts

sorry to hear of your loss.  Family first.

Nstober 6 pts

I am so sorry for your loss and that this has to play out on TV. Having just lost my dad suddenly and not expected just a few weeks ago, your journey may be very helpful to those of us now going through the same thing.  Its funny to look back and realize things that were done, gestures, comments that were not ordinarily done when getting together. As it was in our cae as well.  I wish you and your famly peave, time and distance and wonderful memories.

Jonster 104 pts

I am so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law, Richard Zanuck, a brilliant producer who has kept me out of water deeper than waist-high for over 35 years.  Due to Jaws of course.  Thanks for your personal remembrance of him. 

 

stelli 421 pts

Marisa, I initially liked you but there is a repeated theme with you.  The disrespect for your husband.  You make comments about other men and say everyone thinks it but Im just honest enough to say it.  First of all, it isnt about honestly, it is about respect for the person you made a commitment too.  Be grateful for what you have.

BlingDong 6545 pts

Upon hearing the news, Kyle says that really puts things in perspective and all the fighting needs to stop. Then she went after Brandi and Kim as quickly as she could at the fireworks the evening they arrived.

bswinnyc 1173 pts

Marisa, so sorry for the loss. It must have been especially hard for your husband.

JessicaPio 19 pts

Marisa, I really liked your initial appearances on the show...and I am sure there is much about you that we haven't seen yet. You don't seem to have much of a filter...which is okay unless the things you say are continually hurtful. Sometimes people will say they have no filter and they use that as an excuse to say whatever they want. It's overwhelmingly clear that your frequent comments with regards to your husband and other men are off-putting to many people. You are in the public eye and can take that for what it's worth...but what really matters is how it makes Dean feel. Maybe you should ask him privately and then change your behavior accordingly.

Southernms 6 pts

So sorry for you and your husband's loss, words never really seem to take the pain away, even though it was a few months back I am sure the viewing of the show brought it all back like a flood. Lots of hugs.

 

shysharon 1874 pts

Marisa, I hope that Richard's art bring joy to your family. That's a rare memory to have from a loved one!

naomiburton 103 pts

Dean's mother was the incredibly gorgeous Linda Harrison. Do  you keep in touch with her? All I hear about is Lilli!

luvtherh 257 pts

A beautiful blog to express your feelings. Condolences to you and Dean and the Zanuck family.

jms82 437 pts

That was a lovely and well written blog. I hope, as you reflect on your time with the Housewives this season, you choose to honor this wonderful-sounding man by having more respect for his son, your husband. We all feel a little cramped sometimes when we've spent a long time with one partner, but you seem to be feeling more than cramped...almost midlife-crisis-y. Remember that you made a promise to your husband, and created a life with him, so do something wild & crazy for just yourself to satisfy these obvious feelings you're having (perhaps buy a ridiculous sports car, or go on a completely unnecessary shopping spree), but take more care with the respect and dignity (or lack of) you display to your relationship with him.

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jms82 437 pts

 ccwriter  jms82 Thank you. I truly do like Marisa, and I understand the occasional feelings a person gets of restlessness in a long-term relationship. I know I've felt that way. I think everyone does occasionally. Not addressing those feelings appropriately (such as a shopping spree lol) is what can lead to trouble.

fab.donuteatinstrippr 7 pts

Thank you Marisa for your honesty and being so authentic even when the episode brought back so much sadness for you. This blog post is well written and perfect, evocative of those good, last memories you have of your husband's father, and I am truly sorry for your loss. I really hope that Bravo has you return as a 'full' housewife. You are sweet, hilarious, smart, and on screen your interactions never feel fabricated unlike some of the other hw's.  Even when we see only part of your story it stays with us and you seem like someone we'd all like to think we'd be like if we were wealthy and a BHHW. Thanks for being part of the show, and sharing so much!

imk505 66 pts

I'm sorry for you loss. I really hope that you wake up and realize you are jerk to your husband. Times have changed since your young days, be thankful for the man you have because it's slim pickings out there. 

Eva18 5412 pts

 imk505 Slim pickings indeed.

MasterBlaster 10 pts

Poor Marisa! After all the backlash on these stupid boards I knew she must be cringing when  the producers included another joking comment about her husband. It's so silly. I don't think you're giving her husband enough credit. If it bothered him he would have said something.  To say that she's being some kind of bully suggests that her husband is a wimp and can't stand up for himself. That's their humor--every couple has their own style. I'm sure the people on the boards have done much worse to their significant other--they just didn't have the whole world watching. It's nice of you to feel for him and want to stick up for him, but I think you're being a little harsh and maybe just don't understand the dynamics of some people's relationships.

piperbeau 13322 pts

Don't even fret over some of these comments! Your new to reality television, and I'm sure you get it now!! Its probably not as easy as some people think! Im sure some of the innocent comments (hubby) you've made, make you want to cringe a bit, but its all in good fun, and I'm sure most people take it with a grain of salt... We all know you love your hubby!!

piperbeau 13322 pts

Marisa soo sorry for your families loss!! You lost a devoted family member, and the world lost a legend! How nice that you were able to spend the time you did with him.. On a different note I just watched the episode where we meet your mom!!  Love love love her! and she looks ridiculously young! Hopefully we will see more of both of you! She is too funny...

bonngunk 117 pts

so sorry on the loss of your father (in law)....know that he is in a wonderful place and you all will see each other again....stay strong and be a close knit family thru this trying time....your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers marisia...

sherilynne.hoffman 338 pts

I'm so sorry for your loss ... I'm so glad to read about how close your family was.  I know you have wonderful memories which have been a comfort as you grieve.  Sometimes on the show you seem to take your relationship with your husband lightly but clearly you love him and his family and you are all close.  Just goes to show how things can be misinterpreted and judged wrongly.  Your blog this week was lovely.  I'm shocked that some people have posted nasty comments after reading it!  Very tacky.  Blessings to you and your family.

WandaP 571 pts

So sorry for the loss of a wonderful man, father, film maker. May you feel comfort in knowing he will be watching over you all. God bless you all.

sendittojeff 287 pts

I know the passing of a loved one is always hard but it seems that the final night  you had together was wonderful and fun. What a wonderful final memory of this man that you and Dean Loved so much.

May you find Peace and Joy in your memories of such a wonderful man.

WhatRUWatchin 287 pts

My heart goes out to your family, such a tragic loss.  Reading of your dinner touched my heart, knowing you were blessed to have that last precious dinner together.  Battling cancer for over 8 years has taught me how fragile and precious life is, yet how strong the human spirit can be.  It sets your priorities straight. All the material things in the world mean nothing in the end, it's about relationships and experiences... the moment memories are made of, the love we share.

Deepest sympathies for your loss.

scotgirl 136 pts

I know the passing of you father in law happened last year, but would like express my sympathies to you and the rest of your family, i too lost my father last year and hope Dean can move forward positively with the comfort and memories they shared.   God Bless xxx

siana124 19 pts

That was a beautiful blog, and i am sincerely sorry for your family's loss. Prayers to all of you!

 

Pearlz 47 pts

Sincere sympathies to you and the entire Zanuck family.  I hope that your pleasant memories, and his wonderful legacy to the world will comfort you in your grief.  God bless!

 

Robinlynn 2566 pts

Marisa, I am so sorry for your loss.  Sending you and your family prayers.  It will get easier in time.  Always remember your father-in-law will always be in your heart.  You and your hubby have another angel looking over you and the kids!  Love ya Marisa!

Texasblinggirl 89 pts

I know these episodes are about 6 months behind but I still wanted to express my sympathy. I can't imagine what your family went through losing such an incredible man.

4theloveofdiamonds 506 pts

Always difficult to lose loved ones and 77 is clearly not that old in today's times.

But at least he had a full life and leaves behind both the legacy of his work as well as family.

I'm sure your husband has many traits that his father had possessed and will follow in his footsteps. You though have to show a bit more restraint when speaking of your marriage and husband. Sixteen years is no doubt a long time and in Hollywood is probably like celebrating a 30th anniversary. But marriages are suppose to sustain time. So if you are in it for a lifetime, than some of your thoughts should remain in your head. Maybe having another baby, will keep you more occupied. On this one take a cue from your friend Kyle.

itsagreatday 345 pts

I'm sorry for your loss.  It's a blessing you found out before leaving for Paris.  God works in mysterious ways.  

michelle.lucas.3150 2415 pts

So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your husband Dean. It really does put things in perspective, I know I was pretty hard on you for on the way you treated Dean. I know you love your husband and family dearly.  Life is too short. I am sure you appreciate your husband more.

2ndavenue1 332 pts

For someone who was absent, you sure have stirred things up here! That's what happens when we smell a smoke screen!

Flapgoat 296 pts

Marisa,  You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.  The death of a parent or a parent figure is devastating in so many ways.  Keep your memories of your father-in-law fresh and present in your mind so they will not fade. It appears that civility and decorum have also died, and I mourn their passing.  I realize these blogs are arenas where we the viewers may share our opinions.  Having said that, here are some of mine. When I logged in to this blog, I thought that under these sad circumstances there would surely be no negative comments, and most people posting on here have expressed warm and sincere feelings of sympathy and empathy for your loss.  However, there are a few who cannot give their tired and repetitive diatribes regarding the perceived relationship you have with your husband a rest for one week.  It is far more disrespectful to your husband to tarnish the lovely memorial you wrote about his father with their callous and inappropriate remarks under this particular blog (they can get back to it next week) than any kidding around you do about your marriage.  I am embarrassed, appalled and saddened by their lack of compassion and decency.

cavex2 1507 pts

 Flapgoat Her father in law passed away in July 2012.  We are entitled to our opinions on her behavior towards her husband as she addressed this issue a few weeks ago on the blog.  If Dean's father had died last week, NONE of us would have posted anything but condolences.  We are not that rude or disrespectful as you indicated.  

WhatEva1106 253 pts

 cavex2  Flapgoat

 We are all commenting on this weeks episode AND part of that episode she again disrespected her husband to everyone in front of him. I feel horrible for him that he lost his father AND had to again watch his wife embarrass him all in the same episode.

Flapgoat 296 pts

 WhatEva1106  cavex2

 Well, I have  no way of knowing if he was embarrassed or not, nor do you.  They have been married for 16 years and Marisa's manner of expressing herself is probably not new to him.  If it bothered him as much as some people on here think it should, I imagine they would not still be together.

sherilynne.hoffman 338 pts

 Flapgoat I agree ... personally I would have thought that people would target one of Marissa's other blogs with negative comments and would have been respectful on this one.  I get that this is tv, that there is a time delay etc. but to me it just feels like the wrong place to be petty.  And about her relationship with her husband, we don't know them personally and we do know that producers edit scenes for maximum effect and drama (else, who would watch?) ... but these are real people and losing a father figure and helping her husband grieve for his father has got to be tough.  Even all these months after the actual death.  The nasty comments here make me feel icky ... but I think the kind ones are lovely and appropriate.

long4_u 161 pts

what has happened to just paying your respects... WOW!!!  Marisa,  so sorry for your loss..

Brittany_S89 33 pts

I may not be a fan, but am truly sorry for your loss and wish you many blessings :)

anna78 1087 pts

I am sorry about your loss. I like your energy and fresh input in the show. But when you said for the THIRD time you wanted to sleep with another, I was shocked! How embarrassing for him.