The 68-year-old creator of iconic TV shows like New York Undercover passed away just months after fans urged him to look for a kidney donor.
Kevin Arkadie, a legend in the television industry, passed away at the age of 68, his family has confirmed. The Emmy-nominated actor, who is best known for co-creating the police drama series New York Undercover, had previously revealed his kidney failure. While a celebration of his life is planned for the first few years of his life, it has not yet been revealed.
Kevin has been hailed as a pioneer in American television writing after working as a writer on shows like The Shield and as a co-producer on shows like Chicago Hope. And since his death was announced almost a week ago, on Wednesday, December 17, online, there have been online tributes paid.
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The writer’s cousin, L True Green, who is also a producer, shared news of Kevin’s death on Facebook. Uploading a photograph of the celebrated writer, he posted: “This man right here was one of America’s greatest storytellers. He has forever changed the landscape of creativity … he is the reason I have remained in the arts as a writer today.”
Another online tribute to Kevin was produced by Tony-winning producer Lamar Richardson, who most recently appeared in the TV series Freeman Ranch. He stated, “We spent a lot of time with him developing and pitching together this year, and Kevin was the first showrunner to sign on to one of our TV projects at Ivy Lion. He worked tirelessly, worked hard, and was a brilliant researcher. Everything was always focused on delivering the best story.
It’s not lost on us that he was willing to accept a young production company and a relatively new writer. We are extremely grateful to have worked with him because it was important to him to invest in the development of diverse voices.
We’ll cherish the time we spent with him, Lamar said, and we’ll always say his name. His soul may rest peacefully in peace, and may angel flights comfort him. His impact on his field will undoubtedly never be forgotten.
Stan Spry, Kevin’s manager, described him as “a tremendous talent and a trailblazer.” He was a friend and a beautiful person, which was even more important. His impact on television will not be forgotten, just like his love for those who watched him. He will be greatly missed.
Kevin’s co-creation of New York Undercover in the 1990s, which featured Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo in the lead roles, garnered praise over the years. He twice received an Emmy nomination, and he also received a WGA America Award for his 2006 Noggin series Miracle’s Boys.
The Express quotes Kevin and says to his wife, “If everything ended today, I would do good… Mine is a long story of success, but I still took it up the ass more than I wanted.”
Back in July, Kevin updated fans with news of his health as he explained he was battling kidney failure. He said in an Instagram video: “It’s about time for an update on my post from almost a year ago. That’s when I posted that need, that I needed a living kidney donor.
My kidney function increased from 9% all the way up to a sizable 12% after my kidneys were failing and I was given dialysis. That still fails, but I feel better about it. I mean, I cycled 103 miles from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara even a few weeks ago.
He continued, “Quite a few amazing friends and family actually stepped up to donate a kidney,” expanding further at the time. However, you must be in good health for a hospital to say, “We’re going to cut you open, take out one of your organs, and give it to someone else.” You must be extremely healthy, after all. So regrettably, I’ve already had my good friends and family rejected by all of my donors.
He continued, “Now the Mayo Clinic and Cedars are telling me I need to do everything I can to spread the word.” Wear T-shirts and wear buttons that say I need a kidney. You’re a writer, a doctor told me. Don’t just ask. In front of your home, place a sign. A kidney is required for this house.
He stated that, for anyone who wants to learn more, the average wait time for a donor in California is five to eight years, sometimes a little faster, sometimes a little slower. Who is aware? I’m told by my doctor that I’ll never be able to function without dialysis. So shoot me a direct message if you or someone you know is even slightly interested in making a donation. His wife and their family survive him.
Source: Mirror
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