Although the mood of American Barbecue Showdownis generally mild, given that the show’s focus is on cooks competing for the best slow-cooked, smoked meats, Season 1 of the competition on reality ended on a sad note. If you’ve been watching Season 1 on Netflix, you will likely see the show’s conclusion celebrating Mary Fanto’s death.
What did happen to Mary? Please continue reading to learn who she is, her involvement in the Netflix series, and more information about her legacy.
Who was Mary Fanto?
As per the information on her IMDb, Mary was born in January. 31, 1971, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mary Fanto is well-known to the public for her work in casting.
Before that, she was a casting and production assistant for some of the most prestigious programs. She got her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Bethany College in 1993. The program was her first as a casting producer on ABC’s Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition. She also assembled the participants for American Barbecue Showdown and Undercover Boss.
In addition to starring in numerous competition shows, Mary produced and played in the documentary Charlie.
She appeared in the placement of products on shows like Queer Eye and The Big Bounce and looked for Comedy in the Muslim World.
Her other roles included coordination of production and clearance for The Evening Star (1996), Jeans (1998), Behind Enemy Lines (2001), and Homegrown (1998), as well as other credits.
In addition Mary Fanto worked in Hollywood, she also gave yoga lessons.
Her family and friends were informed via each Twitter and Facebook and Twitter. She frequently shared information on the projects she was casting for. The last tweet was published in October 2019, and her last posting on Facebook was an edit of her cover picture on Dec. 6, 2019. While she wasn’t writing about work, she posted photos of her two beloved dogs, Petey and Bruno.
Per the information on her LinkedIn profile, Mary worked at Studio Lambert USA at the time of her death.
What happened with Mary Fanto on American BBQ Showdown?
Mary Fanto was the main character and producer of many films that, include The Evening Start (1996), Hometown (1998), Jeans (1998) as well as The short movie Charlie (2003).
Additionally, she worked as a casting producer for ABC’s Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition and many other high-profile shows.
Did you know that Mary Fanto passed away?
Before her tragic death, she shared her new dating series focused on Europe through her Facebook and Twitter profiles.
Her friends Dot Stovall and nephew Jon Fanto posted a lengthy farewell message on Facebook to remember Mary Fanto.
The family and friends of Mary have claimed that she died from Cardiac arrest. However, Mary used to be active on social networks, and her last tweet on Twitter was just two months before her death.
Her death is commemorated on a variety of television shows
Mary Fanto died unexpectedly in December 2019. Although the cause of her death hasn’t been officially verified, one of her acquaintances posted on the social media site of her death. The late-casting executive suffered a heart attack.
When the news of her passing was released, she was honored before the show’s credits on Great American Baking Show the Christmas Edition.
American Barbecue Showdown is the most recent show to pay tribute to Mary’s legacy.
The first season of American Barbecue Showdowns streaming on Netflix right now.
Mary was memorialized.
According to the reports, Mary Fanto was Great American Baking Show Casting Producer. She also was part of the team that cast The Great American Show, Holiday Edition on ABC. Following her death in December of this year, she was honored by the show’s producers at the end of the episode.
Check out some of the heartfelt tributes to her below.
I lost a dear friend this past week. Mary- is one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met. We first met in 1994 in LA and soon became fast friends. Fun, happy, and fun, ready for every adventure, and so clever. There were so many great moments, Big Bear, San Francisco Yoga or hiking, and most of all, hanging out with friends. After I moved out of LA, we talked more and less, but she was a part of my soul, and I would think of her frequently. I am unfortunate that she is gone.
However, I am so glad to be fortunate to have a few hours with this unique soul. I will forever miss you. It’s a beautiful reminder to everyone – please get on the phone – make that call – and contact those you cherish. Here are some of the many pictures I have of my Mary, and many of you who are familiar with her will recognize her radiant smile. Until a later dear friend
Aunt Mary Fanto, you were among the most wonderful people I have met, and you’re now gone.
However, I am sure you are in the same place as Mamie, the sassy prissy Pete, and Snoopy. Make sure that Mamie is taken care of and the four furry ones are there. Say”hello” to them. It was only ten years ago that I got old that I was able to go to California to visit for the very first time. It was the most amazing trip of my life and the most memorable memory of you that I’ll cherish for all time. I will always remember you fondly.
Her soul may rest in peace.
