Felicia Taylor, former CNN, CNBC business correspondent, dies at 59
A true child of Hollywood, her godfathers were John Wayne and John Ford. Her father was Rod Taylor, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds."
Felicia Rodrica Sturt Taylor, a longtime resident of Palm Beach, died Friday at home.
She was 59 years old.
Born Aug. 28, 1964, in Los Angeles, she was the daughter of actor Rod Taylor, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds," and fashion model Mary Hilem (later Schott).
A true child of Hollywood, her godfathers were John Wayne and John Ford.
She was a graduate of Milton Academy and of Northwestern University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English.
After her career as a business correspondent for CNN and CNBC cable networks, and weekend anchor for WNBC in New York, Ms. Taylor followed the family trail into the film business and produced the acclaimed "Far From Home," a documentary examining the effect of climate change on the people of Senegal, particularly its children.
More:Mom's love of music and daughter's love for Mom segues into scholarship competition
Ms. Taylor was married twice. Her first marriage, to Charles Schuster, ended in divorce. In November 2021, she married Peter Gottsegen, who survives her.
"I loved Felicia, and her late mother Mary Rubloff Schott," said Maureen O'Sullivan, a publicist and former fashion editor of the Palm Beach Daily News.
"After Mary died, Felicia asked me to help spread her mother's ashes in the ocean. She held her mother's ashes in her fists and couldn't understand why my handfuls swirled in the air and hers didn’t. I told her 'you have to let go.'
"Now it's my turn to let go. My heart is heavy with sadness but I find consolation knowing she is at peace and reunited with her beloved mother."
Palm Beach designer Scott Snyder and Ms. Taylor shared a friendship that spanned decades.
"I've known her since our New York days, when we were all part of the younger social set. I sat next to her at a dinner and (said) 'You are way too good for WNBC; you need to go global.' She had a surprised look on her face and she asked me 'Did you know I am in talks with CNN?' I was so happy for her. I loved her so much. I will be lost without her."
Felicia was a dear and loyal friend, said Maribel Alvarez, president and CEO Altima Communications. "Her quick wit, vivacious energy and unique, ringing laugh will be missed"
Ms. Taylor was a member of the Beach Club and of the Screen Actors Guild, and was a generous supporter of South Florida PBS.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by several cousins in Virginia and the Carolinas.
A memorial service is planned for January in Palm Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Town of Palm Beach United Way or to South Florida PBS.
The Sunshine Funeral Home in Boca Raton is in charge of arrangements.