Barbara Shelton

Bobbie Shelton, a preeminent New Mexican background film and television actor, organizer, leader and mentor, passed away Monday night, February 7, 2022, with her family by her side. It was one day after we celebrated her birthday. She was undergoing treatment for cancer.

In recent years, Bobbie dedicated her efforts to the “Background Actors Association of New Mexico (BAANM)” and helped draft and implement a Bill of Rights for Background Actors. Her goal was to guarantee background actor’s safety and well-being while working in the film industry. This Bill will soon be considered to become law in New Mexico and other film-making states.  Bobbie also founded “Casting Coffee”, an informal gathering and Facebook page for NM’s background actors. They meet frequently to share coffee and information on casting calls - and network with others.

Born Barbara Guitard in Canada in 1957, one of six children. At age 11, her family moved to Dallas, TX, where she was raised and educated. Bobbie came to Albuquerque in 1993 and soon met her future husband Rick, they have been partners ever since. She made many friends while working at Garduno’s Restaurant for six years. Bobbie and Rick enjoyed camping with their dogs and exploring the West. They married in 1999, and continued their travels, living in Silverton, CO for three years. They started a toy store Tinhorn Toys, in Silverton, which they brought to Old Town, Albuquerque, in 2006. On returning to Albuquerque, Rick worked at Advent Solar and Sandia Labs while Bobbie worked at the toy store.

Then in 2014, Bobbie had her first acting break as an extra on Captain Fantastic. Since then, Bobbie has probably recruited and mentored more background actors in New Mexico than anyone else. Every casting director for every production made by New Mexico’s growing film industry has Bobbie Shelton to thank for the pool of background talent they draw from. She was the kind of person who became your greatest cheerleader and your surrogate mom. She made everyone feel not just welcome, but that you were her best friend and confidant. She had a sharp wit balanced with cool wisdom, and always knew the right time to speak up, speak out, or to compromise and negotiate. Bobbie is universally loved, and already, she is deeply missed.