Cultural King Lars Hansen Dies

Lars Hansen, a gay man who was an influential force in Los Angeles's cultural life, died Sunday of liver cancer at age 60.

From 2001 to 2004, Hansen was executive director of the office of cultural relations for the University of Southern California, establishing a lecture series that brought world leaders like Poland's Lech Walesa and Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa to the Los Angeles campus.

Hansen previously served as the president of a theater alliance in Southern California, presided over an awards show, and published L.A. Stage magazine. Among numerous jobs heading theatre companies, Hansen served as executive director of the Pasadena Playhouse, California's state theater, bringing numerous high-caliber productions to the stage.

Hansen leaves behind husband Anthony John Amendola, whom he married in California before the passage of Proposition 8 banned same-sex marriage there.