Who Was Jacqueline Avant? Check Her Age, Bio, Death, and More
by A Maria
Updated May 08, 2023
Who Was Jacqueline Avant?
Jacqueline Avant was a philanthropist from America who was actively involved in organizing benefits, often attended by celebrities, to raise funds for child care services as the president of "Neighbors of Watts." Prior to her philanthropic work, she worked as a model and a primary school tutor. She was married to Clarence Avant, a music producer and executive who was also known as "The Black Godfather," and was influential in promoting Black artists during the 1970s and '80s.
Clarence Avant, also known as "The Black Godfather," was instrumental in championing Black artists in the 1970s and '80s, earning him a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Jacqueline, his wife, was also part of his circle of friends, which included former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Jacqueline Avant Age
Avant was discovered with a gunshot injury to her back following a report of a shooting at her residence shortly after 2:20 a.m., as per Chief Mark Stainbrook's press conference from the Beverly Hills Police Department. As stated in her murderer's sentencing memorandum, law enforcement officials discovered Mr. Avant holding his wife's head on the floor after she had been shot. Despite being alive when found, she subsequently passed away at a nearby hospital. At the time of her death, she was 81 years old.
Her death was also acknowledged by prominent individuals, such as former US President Bill Clinton, who paid tribute to her and recognized her significant contributions to society. Her passing was a great loss for those who knew her and the many people she had helped and inspired throughout her remarkable life.
What Happened to Jacqueline Avant?
On December 1st, 2021, Jacqueline Avant, who was 81 years old, was fatally shot in her Beverly Hills home. Her husband, Clarence Avant, was present at the scene and was holding her in his arms when the police arrived. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Jacqueline died en route. The killer, who was on parole at the time, initially pleaded not guilty but later changed their plea.
The couple had been married for 54 years. Jacqueline was a well-known philanthropist and had made significant contributions to the arts community. Jacqueline Avant's death was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from her family and friends. In a statement released after her passing, her family expressed their sadness and highlighted her incredible legacy as a philanthropist, arts enthusiast, and community leader.
How Did Jacqueline Avant Die?
In 2022, Aariel Maynor, a 30-year-old man, admitted to and was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Jacqueline Avant. Additionally, Maynor also pleaded guilty to and was convicted of attempted murder for firing several shots at a security guard outside the Avant's home, as well as firearm possession and residential burglary.
Maynor was apprehended within an hour of killing Avant, as he was in the middle of burglarizing another Hollywood home and had accidentally shot himself in the foot. He subsequently called 911 for assistance. Maynor was sentenced by a judge to 190 years in prison and will not be eligible for parole.
How is Jaqueline Avant connected to Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?
Jacqueline Avant, the philanthropist, and wife of music producer Clarence Avant, was also the mother-in-law of Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Her fascination with Queen Charlotte, the historical figure, inspired the creation of the Bridgerton spin-off. Shonda Rhimes, the show's creator, shared Jacqueline's love for Queen Charlotte and was thrilled when Ted suggested the idea for the spin-off. Jacqueline was a collector of art and even owned one of Queen Charlotte's letters.
The Bridgerton spin-off series centered around Queen Charlotte was inspired by Jacqueline Avant, who was the mother-in-law of Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Avant's love for Queen Charlotte was shared with the show's creator Shonda Rhimes, who had always been fascinated by the historical figure. However, it was Ted Sarandos who sparked the idea for the spin-off by calling Rhimes and suggesting a Queen Charlotte story, given his mother-in-law's obsession with the character.
Rhimes immediately agreed, and the show was born. Jacqueline Avant was an art collector and even owned one of Queen Charlotte's letters. According to Rhimes, Avant's influence on the show's conception was significant, and the dedication to her memory is fitting, as it all started with one great queen inspiring the story of another.
Jacqueline Avant Bio
Full Name
Jacqueline Alberta Gray
Also Known as
Jacqueline Avant
Nickname
Jackie
DOB
March 6, 1940
Date of Death
December 1, 2021
Age
81
Place of birth
Jamaica, Queens, New York, United States
Place of death
Beverly Hills, California, United States
Profession
Philanthropist
Nationality
American
Religion
Christianity
Ethnicity
White
Zodiac sign
Pisces
Education
Graduate
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Who Was Jacqueline Avant - FAQs
Jacqueline Avant was a philanthropist from America who was actively involved in organizing benefits, often attended by celebrities, to raise funds for child care services as the president of "Neighbors of Watts." Prior to her philanthropic work, she worked as a model and a primary school tutor. She was married to Clarence Avant, a music producer and executive who was also known as "The Black Godfather."
As the president of "Neighbors of Watts," Jacqueline Avant organized benefits and fundraisers to support child care services. She was known for her active involvement in philanthropic work and her ability to bring together influential figures to support charitable causes.
Clarence Avant, also known as "The Black Godfather," was a music producer and executive who was instrumental in championing Black artists in the 1970s and '80s. He is considered a trailblazer in the music industry and his contributions earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He was married to Jacqueline Avant.
Clarence Avant was known for promoting and advocating for Black artists in the music industry. He worked with numerous successful artists and helped to pave the way for future generations. His influence and contributions were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jacqueline and Clarence Avant were known for their circle of influential friends, which included former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as numerous other celebrities and figures in the entertainment industry.