Johnny Yoder, a dear friend and colleague to us at the Stella Adler Studio and AOA, has lost his beloved partner Anthony Duarte. We want to surround Johnny with love and support in this time. It's our understanding that funds will be needed and used for the cost of the funeral services.

Most of us in Johnny and Anthony's community learned of this devastating loss with Johnny's 10/31/25 post which follows:

I don't know if I have the words to say what I am feeling or thinking, except that I love you, Anthony. The world will never be the same without you in it.

I will miss the laughter you brought to me, from the first time that we met. I have never met anyone who could respond with such wit, and humor so immediately, you'd have me and everyone else laughing. I have never had so much fun with anyone.

You gave me permission to be myself, and there are not enough thank yous in the world I can say for giving that to me.

You touched so many lives. You were such a great friend to so many people. The love that so many others felt for you is one of the things that is helping all of us through this.

You made a difference in so many people's lives, many who have no idea, but will forever be in a better place because of you.

I know our lives weren't perfect, and we struggled like everyone to create a life together. We fought, we cried, we went through a lot. But I would never want to do any of it with anyone else. You are my world traveling partner to the end, and I can't imagine I'd ever have seen the places we have seen together.

You gave me another family that I am so happy, and will forever be happy, to be a part of. You gave me something I thought I might never have, a son. He is a shining light who is you in so many ways. You created such a beautiful human being, and I am so proud to be in his life because of you.

Nothing I have written even comes close to everything I want to say and everything I feel. I miss you so much already, and I don't know even what to feel.

I love you. I hope you know all of the love that is pouring your way, and all of the wonderful messages that I have received. You were loved by so many.

Thank you for changing my life forever.

Love,

Johnny

For everyone that has reached out, called, texted, everything, it means so much to me, and to his family. I don't have the power to get back to everyone right now but just know I and all of his family appreciate your words. One day, I will thank you.

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Note: In the interest of transparency we want to mention that Go Fund Me suggests starting the goal low, even if the anticipated need is higher. Go Fund Me will automate increases to help the actual need be met as friends and family respond with contributions.