Ernesto Benitez Macias

Ernesto B. Macias, professionally known as Eric Mason (February 12, 1927-April 26, 2017) ,was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and godfather,
passed away at the age of 90 in North Hollywood, California. Ernesto was a World War II veteran, a role model for young soldiers, and he was dedicated to
the US Armed Forces, and a constant patriot. Macias was the son of Francisco and Beatrice Macias and grew in Brooklyn, New York. Ernesto had two brothers,
Arturo and Steve, and a beautiful sister named Beatrice, whom he adored. Om the G.I. Bill, Macias went to Brooklyn College studied business, also following his dream, he went to the famed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and studied Acting and Theater History. He performed on stage doing hundreds of theater
productions in New York and Los Angeles, and starred int he cult film classic, "Kiss of the Tarantula." Macias co-starred in hit television series such as, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Mission Impossible, Soap, Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman, The Fall Guy, Starsky and Hutch, and was the lead voice in Filmation's
animated series " The New Adventures of Zorro" in the early 1980's. Macias also starred and created a spanish cooking show called "The Macho Gourmet"
which was based on recipes from his ancestors in Spain done in a humorous fashion.
Ernesto moved to Los Angeles from New York win 1960, met and married a pretty ballerina named Sharon Michaels. They had 3 children. Ernesto
settled and made a home in Valley Village with his family and Sharon and was known for his Annual Christmas Party where guests brought "heart" ornaments
for the Macias family tree and he either cooked his infamous Chili or Spaghetti and Meatballs. He was a fantastic chef and his receipes for Arroz con Pollo
Paella, Chicken Mole, and Salsa were legendary. Macias was a legendary storyteller, excellent chef, loved to fence, ride horses, read and write poetry and
remained a voracious reader and his interest in history was a passion. He loved architecture and the history with cities like London and New York. Ernesto was
the quintessential "Renaissance Man."
Macias subsidized his acting career by selling copiers at ROYAL Typewriters and then Konica Copiers. He became the branch manager at the Burbank
location of ROYAL and took pride in training young salesmen to thrive and become successful in that field. Ernesto was devoted to his family, and loved to do
research on the ancestry of the MACIAS coat of arms and family history. Ernesto was devoted to his children, Jason, Laura, and Sean Macias. Sadly, Jason died from cancer at the age of two-and a half-years old. Ernesto was dedicated to his family, took great joy in traveling, holding court at family functions, and
gave back in promoting the latin community by doing shows at OLVERA street and as a member of the Veterans Honor Guard and helping out families.
He was a great friend, loyal father and made a lasting impression and touched all who met him. He was not just an actor but a star to all who knew him.
" And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and coveted with sears,
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To Reach the Unreachable Star."

Ernesto B. Macias, a warrior, beloved but never forgotten.