Elyse Donalson, best known for her role in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers and her appearances on acclaimed television dramas, built a career that spanned more than two decades in Hollywood.

She passed away unexpectedly at her Studio City home at the age of 78 leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a life rooted in both Texas and Los Angeles.

Born Mary Elise Donalson on October 5, 1947, in Victoria, Texas, she grew up in a family where her father managed the family lumberyard and her mother worked as a church secretary and bookkeeper.

After graduating from Victoria High School in 1965, she attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), where she acted in plays and met her future husband, Joe Houde.

The couple eventually moved to Los Angeles, where Donalson pursued her passion for acting.

Her Hollywood journey began in the early 1980s, when she took acting classes and landed her first role in 1983 on CBS’s fantasy series Wizards and Warriors.

From there, she appeared in more than two dozen television series including Doogie Howser, M.D., Anything But Love, Chicago Hope, The Practice, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

She became a familiar face in guest roles across popular shows of the era.

Donalson’s film work included her memorable appearance in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), where she played a sanitarium patient in a chilling scene opposite Paul Rudd’s Tommy Doyle.

On television, she portrayed a nun in St. Elsewhere (1986), a judge in Matlock (1988), a nurse in Quantum Leap (1989), and an elderly woman in The X-Files (2000). 

Fans of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman may remember her as Mrs. Marley in the 1993 Christmas episode Mike’s Dream: A Christmas Tale.

Beyond acting, Donalson was a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA and balanced her career by working at law firms in Los Angeles.

She was known for her love of animals and movies.

She is survived by her sister Harriette Meyer (who shared news of her sister’s death to The Hollywood Reporter), nieces Kellie and Kate, her brother-in-law Jimmie, great-nieces Madison, Macy, and Piper and her great-nephew Clay.

Donalson’s journey from Texas to Hollywood reflects the determination of an actress who carved out her place in the industry while remaining deeply connected to her family and personal passions. 

• 500,000 kites sold in Lahore markets on Tuesday alone: officials.
• Two-day public holiday announced in Punjab on Feb 6-7.
• Met Office says weather to remain suitable for kite-flying.

More than Rs540 million worth of kite string and kites were sold in Lahore over three days ahead of Basant, reflecting strong public enthusiasm as the historic festival returns to the city after 25 years.

According to the Kite Association, over 500,000 kites were sold in city markets on Tuesday alone, as buying activity for Basant continued for the third consecutive day.

The festival is set to be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8, following the lifting of a long-standing ban under strict conditions.

Markets designated for kite-flying material remained crowded as enthusiasts prepared for the festival’s return after more than two decades.

A large number of buyers thronged the Mochi Gate market to purchase kite strings and kites of their choice. The festive mood was heightened by the district administration’s Basant float, where the beats of dhol added to the excitement of shoppers.

Some citizens, however, complained that the prices of kites and string were too high, calling on the government to take steps to bring prices down.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb also visited Mochi Gate to review Basant shopping arrangements. Speaking to the media, she said that preparations for a safe Basant had been completed and urged citizens to strictly follow SOPs while celebrating the festival.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a Basant celebration at Liberty Chowk on February 7. 

Moreover, public holiday has been announced across the province on February 6 and 7, according to an official notification issued by the Punjab administration.

Lahore has been swept in colours as the Basant preparations peaked, with a giant kite installed at Liberty Chowk as part of the celebrations.

It may be noted that the Punjab cabinet allowed the manufacturing of kite-flying material not only in Lahore but also in four other districts. The provincial government has said foolproof security arrangements are being put in place to ensure safety during the event.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Lahore’s weather during Basant will remain cold and dry on February 6 and 7, while partly cloudy conditions are expected on February 8. The department said the weather conditions from 

February 6 to 8 will be suitable for kite flying, with winds blowing at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

The Met Office has advised kite flyers to avoid electricity wires.

Nicola Peltz’s billionaire father, Nelson, has weighed in on the Beckham feud. 

Nelson’s son-in-law Brooklyn, 26, released a bombshell statement last week in which he criticised his parents, Sir David 51, and Lady Victoria Beckham 50, and accused them of mistreating his wife, 30.

Now, the business magnate, 83, who was previously reported to give his daughter $1 million a-month allowance spoke about the family drama during a Q and A at WSJD’s Invest Live in West Beach event on Tuesday. 

Nelson said: ‘My daughter and the Beckhams are a whole other story and that’s not for coverage here today. But I’ll tell you my daughter is great, my son-in-law Brooklyn is great and I look forward to them having a long, happy marriage together.’

Nelson was also asked if he gave the couple advice in how to navigate a difficult situation. 

He replied: ‘I do. Sometimes they give me advice.’ 

For context, Nicola’s father is a businessman with an estimated net worth of $1.6billion, compared with the Beckhams’ reported $680million. 

Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s family have maintained silence since the aspiring chef penned his frustrations about his parents, sharing his reasons for cutting ties with them.

Brooklyn’s parents Sir David and Victoria and his siblings Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, instead put on their own show of unity at Haute Couture Fashion Week last week.