Actress Olivia Munn paid her respects on March 11 to Tony Etz, a CAA agent who passed away following a prolonged struggle with Chordoma, a rare and aggressive form of malignant bone cancer. Tony, who was 64 years old at the time of his death, was remembered fondly for his kindness and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Creating a heartfelt tribute on Instagram Stories, Olivia shared an article announcing Tony’s death, accompanied by a poignant message:
“This makes me incredibly sad. This is my literary agent who passed away from cancer yesterday; but that’s not how he deserves to be remembered. He should be remembered as one of the good guys in our business. They didn’t get better and kinder than Tony. Rest in love, my friend. My thoughts are with his sweet family.”
In another post, Olivia conveyed her frustrations regarding cancer, possibly reflecting her own recent diagnosis. She declared passionately:
“We all love you, Tony. F*CK CANCER.”
Understanding Chordoma: A Rare and Complex Cancer
Chordoma primarily manifests at the base of the skull or the spine, where it can intersect with critical bodily structures. The Mayo Clinic explains:
“Chordoma begins in cells that once made up a collection of cells in the developing embryo that go on to become the disks of the spine.”
Though typically, these cells dissipate after birth, they can occasionally remain and develop into cancerous tumors. This type of bone cancer is particularly prevalent among individuals aged between 40 and 60 years.
The primary treatment for Chordoma is surgical intervention, yet these procedures can be highly complicated due to the tumors’ proximity to essential structures such as the brainstem and spinal cord.
A Legacy Remembered: Tony Etz’s Life and Career
Tony Etz became a significant figure at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after joining in 1994, where he played an influential role in the development of numerous acclaimed television series, such as Grey’s Anatomy, Big Little Lies, House, and Rescue Me, among many others.
While the full timeline of Tony’s cancer journey remains unclear, reports indicate that his health had been deteriorating over the past few years. Notably, he had the foresight to draft his own obituary two years prior to his passing:
“Over 30 years as a packaging agent, I was foundational in the sale of Jackass, House, Lost, Rescue Me, Big Little Lies, Jury Duty and Tracker and dozens of other shows. And I have been a proud citizen of the best city state in the business.”
Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, and his son, Alex, leaving behind a cherished legacy in both his personal life and the entertainment realm.