Ronnie Yeskel, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Casting Director, Dies at 76

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Ronnie Yeskel, the casting director who earned an Emmy nomination and worked on productions like Quentin Tarantino’s films “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction,” as well as shows such as “L.A. Law” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has passed away at the age of 76.

I, Yeskel, lost my battle with cancer on January 4th at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. This sad news was shared by my former business partner and fellow casting director, Richard Hicks.

Yeskel chose Kieran Culkin for his debut leading role in the movie “Igby Goes Down” (2002), and her filmography encompassed various titles such as Renny Harlin’s “The Long Kiss Goodnight” (1996), “Booty Call” (1997), “Bean” (1997), “Permanent Midnight” (1998), Forest Whitaker’s “Hope Floats” (1998), Ken Loach’s “Bread and Roses” (2000), “Dude, Where’s My Car?” (2000), “Waking the Dead” (2000) and “The Sessions” (2012).

She appeared in seasons five, six, and seven of NBC’s “L.A. Law” (1990-93), as well as the first three seasons (2000-02) of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Among numerous other shows, she was in these. In 2003, she earned an Emmy nomination (which she shared with Hicks and Marla Garlin) for her work in the Larry Davis starrer.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can say that Ronnie’s spirit and skill touched countless of ours, igniting our passions and fostering our growth. In every encounter, she stood firm in her advocacy for us actors, always treating us with the utmost respect and kindness. Her infectious joy was truly inspiring.

Raised in New Jersey and having completed my studies at the University of Maryland, I started my career as an off-Broadway stage manager. Later, I transitioned from this role into casting for theatrical productions in both New York City and Washington D.C.

During the late 1990s, she was a member of the Casting Society of America’s board. She received ten nominations for the CSA Artios Award, winning in three categories: “Pulp Fiction” (alongside Gary Zuckerbrod), “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (in partnership with Hicks) and “The Sessions”.

Yeskel was characterized as a “happy-go-lucky hippie,” and one of her cherished items was the ticket for the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival.

She is survived by her brother, David; her daughter Emily and her husband David; along with their grandkids, Bentley and Luna. A tribute to her life will take place in the springtime, and further information regarding the event will be shared shortly.

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2025-01-16 20:54