“I’m glad my trip to this life was long and amazingly free. I did everything fearlessly.”
Our beloved Janet lost her battle with cancer in Silver Lake surrounded by loved ones. Born in Binghamton, New York to Hannah Jacobs and Joe Hughes, the family soon moved to the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Louisiana. Janet loved all things New Orleans—the people, food, music, and rich culture. She participated in and documented Mardi Gras celebrations, jazz funerals, and the Mardi Gras Indians. She marched with the Society of St. Anne, known for their elaborate costumes.
As a young adult, Janet moved to New York City, participating in the anti Vietnam War movement as well as Andy Warhol’s Factory . In 1978, Janet relocated to Los Angeles with her son Beau and open e d the iconic C.A.S.H.(Contemporary Artists Space of Hollywood) club and gallery in 19 81 , serving her famous red beans and rice for $5 and showcasing punk music and art . She parlayed her support of the punk underground and became a casting director , employing many of the artists and musicians who frequented C.A.S.H. Her generous spirit gave them shelter, a job and a meal. Scores of artists and musicians credit Janet with help in their early careers. Her credits include a long list of feature films (Body Double and Ghostbusters) as well as several TV series (The Wonder Years, Hill Street Blues) and numerous music videos for Steve Perry, Chicago, and “Weird Al” Yankovic among others . In recent years she returned to her first profession as a landscape designer, using native plants whenever possible. She was also a community leader, serving on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. Janet was Facebook before Facebook connecting people from her wide network of friends. Her parties were legendary and always open to everyone who could count on her trademark finger sandwiches and deviled eggs. We will all miss her. Laissez les bon s temps rouler! Janet is survived by her mother, Hannah Cunningham, and her siblings Kay Gillum, Mary Beth Nogues, Fred Cunningham and Debbie Rubiano. Her son, Beauregard Baker predeceased her in 1986.
