Jan Fischer(1947-2011)

Janice was a truly unique and determined talent. She became enthusiastically involved with theater, acting and comedy in high school; and thereafter studied in the drama department of Los Angeles Valley College where she appeared in major productions. She later appeared in three episodes of the long running network television series Ironsides between 1968 and 1972. With her petite physical characteristics it was certainly difficult to find parts as an actress. She was this small brilliant girl trying to make it in a business where opportunities for women, in general, were not as they are today. Due to her physical type (and casting was very rigid in those days) she transitioned into improvisational comedy and was a pivotal member of a group called the Village Idiots. The original group included the now famous Michael Keaton. They became regulars on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert in the 70s. According to the Don Kirschner website they appeared in fifty episodes. They also performed regularly in comedy clubs in Los Angeles, sharing the stage with the best comics of the day including Robin Williams. When that show was cancelled she transitioned into writing. She was best known for the "Lost Boys". She also wrote for the "Golden Girls", "Tough Cookies" and "I Married Dora" television series, as well as the direct-to-video film "Lost Boys: The Tribe." Additionally she created the series "The Good Book" and made a film appearance in "Good by Cruel World" with Dick Shawn. She also was very active in the local dinner theater circuit, playing character parts in her later years. Janice had an intellect, wit, talent and determination that belied her small physical size. She was a unique beauty with a rare delicacy and sweet generous personality. She was very courageous working to make it in show business during the era she was born into. Yet she did perform in network television, film, on the stage and write for network television and motion pictures.