The Downey Patriot

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Manuel Guerra mourned by family

Manuel "Manny" R. Guerra, a Cuban-born immigrant who gained an extensive list of credits in both television and film, died Dec. 27 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. He was 60.Guerra was born in Cuba on June 18, 1948 and immigrated to the United States in 1962 during the Peter Pan escape operation. He was the oldest of four brothers. He grew up in Huntington Park after his parents and brothers were able to join him in the U.S. in 1966. He attended Huntington Park High School and Los Angeles Trade Tech College and studied acting. In addition to his appearances in TV and film, he also starred in and produced many local plays. He started his own production company, All For One Productions. He appeared on the television show "L.A. Law" for eight years, and appeared regularly on "Doogie Howser" and "Picket Fences." He also enjoyed featured roles in the Harrison Ford film "Clear and Present Danger" and with Robin Williams in "Bird Cage." As an actor, he belonged to the Screen Actors Guild. Guerra retired from acting at age 58 and had plans to settle in Palm Springs, where he hoped to open a theater and acting school. But his fight with cancer began six months ago, and he passed away in Los Angeles surrounded by family. He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Darrell McIntyre; daughter Angel Nichelson, of Indiana; granddaughters Elizabeth and Kaylee; brother Mario (Ann) Guerra, who is mayor of the city of Downey; five nieces and nephews, all of Downey; aunt Eva Gonzalez; and cousin Alicia Cuevas, of Miami, Fla. He was predeceased by his mother Maria Guerra; and brothers Luis Guerra of Downey and John Guerra of Long Beach. ********** Published: January 9, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 38