Risa Igelfeld, a Holocaust survivor and centenarian who cultivated friendships with several Hollywood figures, died Monday at the age of 108. Known affectionately as “Queen Risa,” Igelfeld, who was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1917, had become a beloved figure in Los Angeles for her personality and remarkable life story.
Actor Corey Feldman, who developed a close bond with Igelfeld in recent months, announced her passing on X. He described her as an “amazing soul who brought pure joy & happiness” to him during a difficult period of depression. Feldman stated that Igelfeld, whom he called an “absolute God send,” gave him “hope 4 humanity through her strength and positive spirit.”
Other notable figures also paid tribute to Igelfeld. John Stamos, a regular performer at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas where Igelfeld was often in attendance, remembered her as a “musical mascot” who enjoyed live music even in July. “With the heavenly angels now, singing and playing piano and smiling down on us how lucky we were to have her,” Stamos commented.
Jenna Dewan shared her grief on social media, calling Igelfeld an “extraordinary soul” whose “light, love, humor, positivity and absolutely beautiful radiant spirit” touched her life. Earlier this year, Feldman shared videos of himself with Igelfeld, describing their time together as “truly inspiring.” Igelfeld, in a video posted by Feldman in June, expressed her appreciation for music, stating, “I do like any kind of music as long as it’s played correctly.”
Igelfeld’s caregiver, Aviva Eagle, announced her death, noting that Igelfeld lived “108 and 3/4 extraordinary years filled with strength, love, laughter, and music.” Eagle added, “Her beautiful spirit touched countless hearts, and her melody will live within us forever.”