Category: RIP

RIP: Drew Struzan

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It was announced that Drew Struzan died yesterday.  Mr. Struzan had dealt with Alzheimer’s disease for may years . Drew Struzan was 78.

Drew Stuzan was born in Oregon City, Oregon.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles.  After graduation Drew Struzan began working for the design studio Pacific Eye & Ear.  During his time there Mr. Struzan designed many record album covers including covers for the Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, Roy Orbison, Black Sabbath, Glenn Miller, Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others.  Perhaps the most famous of Drew Struzan’s album art is Welcome to My Nightmare created for Alice Cooper.

Drew Struzan and a friend decided to start their own company, Pencil Pushers.  In these early days, Mr. Struzan began to get movie poster work, but it was mostly for B-films such as Empire of the Ants.  In 1977, Drew Stuzan was asked to work with Charles White III on a poster for the re-release of Star Wars.  Mr. Struzan painted the human likenesses and Mr. White worked on the spacecraft, robots and Darth Vader.  The poster was a hit.

Drew Struzan was considered by many to be THE go-to guy for a great movie poster.  Steven Spielberg said that Drew Struzan was his favorite artist and “I had to almost live up to the art that we later were going to ask Drew to create for the poster.”  High praise indeed.

Some of the movies that featured posters by Drew Struzan include: Escape to Witch Mountain; Robin and Marian; Harry & Walter Go and New York; Food of the Gods; Futureworld; Car Wash; The Seven-Per-Cent Solution; Tentacles; Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope; Empire of the Ants; The Last Remake of Beau Geste; March or Die; California Suite; The Muppet Movie; The Frisco Kid; Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back; Fame; Oh, Heavenly Dog; Raise the Titanic; All Night Long; Raiders of the Lost Ark; The Cannonball Run; The Great Muppet Caper; The Fox and the Hound; I, the Jury; E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial; The Thing; Blade Runner; Tron; First Blood; The Dark Crystal; The Sting II; The Pirates of Penzance; Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi; Under Fire; Risky Business; To Be or Not to Be; Police Academy; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; Ladyhawke; Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment; The Goonies; Back to the Future; Better Off Dead; White Nights; Police Academy 3: Back in Training; Big Trouble in Little China; The Name of the Rose; An American Tail; Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol; Harry and the Hendersons; Adventures in Babysitting; Masters of the Universe; Coming to America; The Land Before Time; Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; Harlem Nights; All Dogs Go to Heaven; Back to the Future Part II; Back to the Future Part III; Hook; Aladdin; The Muppet Christmas Carol; The Flintstones; Angels in the Outfield; The Mask; The Shawshank Redemption; Mallrats; Cutthroat Island; Mars Attacks; The Lost World: Jurassic Park; Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace; The Green Mile; Harry Potter and the Sorcer’s Stone; Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Hellboy; Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith; War of the Worlds; Pans Labyrinth; The Mist; Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; This is the End; Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and Animal Crackers.

I first became aware of Drew Struzan’s art before I even knew who he was.  I saw a drawing of Sly Stallone for First Blood on a paperback cover.  I actually wrote to the publishing company with a self-addressed stamped envelope asking for the name of the artist that did the art.  I held out little hope for a response, but I got one.  Sadly, the person who responded didn’t know the name of the artist.  They did tell me that the company used was Pencil Pushers.  Since this was the days before the internet, I never found where Pencil Pushers was located.  Or that Drew Struzan created the art.  I would learn that later when I like every other movie fan fell in love with his beautiful movie posters.

My favorite Drew Struzan posters are the First Blood paintings he did followed very closely by his artwork for I, the Jury starring Armand Assante.  Thanks to the internet, as well as Drew Struzan’s personal website and his instagram page, we’ve been able to see many pieces of his art that weren’t movie posters.  I love Drew Struzan’s sketches, drawings, commissions and personal work.  There’s always a thrill to see a Drew Struzan piece for the first time.  Like all great artists, the thrill of repeated viewings is always there.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Drew Struzan’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Robert Redford

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It was announced that Robert Redford died today in his sleep. Mr. Reford was 89.

Charles Robert Redford was born in Santa Monica, California.  He attended Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California.  According to Mr. Redford his focus was on sports and art rather than academics.  After his graduation in 1954, Robert Redford attended the University of Colorado.  After a year and a half, Mr. Redford was kicked out.

Instead of trying to find another college, Robert Redford decided to travel.  He lived for a time in France, Spain, and Italy.  When Mr. Redford returned to the United States he settled in New York. He took painting classes at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, as well as classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan.

In 1959, Robert Redford made his Broadway debut in small parts in Tall Story and later that year in The Highest Tree.  Mr. Redford reprised his Tall Story role when it was made into a feature film in 1960.  At this point Robert Redford began alternating between stage, television and feature films.  As his career progressed Robert Redford continued to act, but also worked as a producer and director.

Robert Redford’s career included multiple awards for his work.  Examples include…

Nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two…

  • 1974 Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Sting
  • 1981 Winner for Best Director for Ordinary People
  • 1995 Nominee for Best Director for Quiz Show
  • 1995 Nominee for Best Picture for Quiz Show, shared with: Michael Jacobs, Julian Krainin, Michael Nozik
  • 2002 Winner for Honorary Award as an Actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere. 

Nominated for two Directors Guild of America Awards, winning one…

  • 1981 Winner for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for Ordinary People
  • 1995 Nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for Quiz Show

Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards…

  • 1963 Nominee for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor for Alcoa Premiere in the episode “The Voice of Charlie Pont”
  • 2013 Nominee for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for All the President’s Men Revisited; shared with: Andrew Lack, Laura Michalchyshyn, Nancy Daniels, Denise Contis, Peter Schnall

Nominated for eleven Golden Globe Awards, winning six…

  • 1966 Winner Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Male for Inside Daisy Clover
  • 1975 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1977 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1978 Winner Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite – Male
  • 1981 Winner Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for Ordinary People
  • 1993 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for A River Runs Through It
  • 1994 Winner Cecil B. DeMille Award
  • 1995 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for Quiz Show
  • 1999 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture for The Horse Whisperer
  • 2014 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for All Is Lost
  • 2019 Nominee Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for The Old Man & the Gun

Some of the television projects that feature Robert Redford include: Maverick; Rescue 8; The Deputy; Playhouse 90; Tate (2 episodes); Perry Mason; The Iceman Cometh; Our American Heritage; Play of the Week (3 episodes); Naked City; The Americans; Whispering Smith; Route 66; Bus Stop; The New Breed; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Twilight Zone; Dr. Kildare (2 episodes); Alcoa Premiere; The Untouchables; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (2 episodes); The Dick Powell Theater; Breaking Point; The Virginian; The Defenders; One More Chance and Dark Winds.

Some of Robert Redford’s feature films include: Tall Story; War Hunt; Inside Daisy Clover; The Chase; This Property is Condemed; Barefoot in the Park; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Downhill Racer; Tell Them Willie Boy is Here; The Hot Rock; Jeremiah Johnson; The Candidate; The Way We Were; The Sting; The Great Gatsby; The Great Waldo Pepper; Three Days of the Condor; All the President’s Men; A Bridge Too Far; The Electric Horseman; Ordinary People (director); Brubaker; The Natural; Out of Africa; Legal Eagles; The Milagro Beanfield War (director); Havana; Sneakers; A River Runs Through It (voice and director); Quiz Show (director); Indecent Proposal; The Horse Whisperer (star and director); The Legend of Bagger Vance (director); The Last Castle; Spy Game; An Unfinished Life; Charlotte’s Web; The Conspirator (director); All is Lost; Captain America: The Winter Soldier; The Old Man and the Gun and Avengers: End Game.

I first became aware of Robert Redford before I ever saw him in anything.  I can remember my mom and her friends gushing over how handsome he was.  I first saw him act in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  I could see what the ladies were talking about.  My two favorite Robert Redford performances are in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Three Days of the Condor.  Of course Mr. Redford was good in everything.  I enjoy seeing him popup in unexpected places like Alfred Hitchcock or The Twilight Zone.  As good an actor as he was, I hope people realize he was also a great human being.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Redford’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Graham Greene

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It was announced that Graham Greene died today after a long illness. Mr. Greene was 73.

Graham Greene was born in in Ohsweken, Ontario on the Six Nations Reserve.  Before he began his career as an actor Mr. Greene worked as a draftsman, steelworker, welder and audio technician for rock bands.

In the 1970s, Graham Greene began appearing professionally in plays in both Canada and England.  In 1979, Mr. Greene made his television debut appearing in the Canadian series The Great Detective.  In 1983, Graham Greene appeared in the feature film Running Brave starring Robby Benson.

Graham Greene’s career included multiple awards for his work.  Examples include awards for his work in…

  • … theater (1989 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Leading Role – Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing)

 

  • … television (1994 Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series – The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon and 2004 Gemini Lifetime Achievement Award)

 

  • …film (1991 nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor – Dances with Wolves)

Some of the television projects that feature Graham Greene include: The Great Detective; Read All About It!; Adderly; Street Legal; Captain Power and the Soldiers of Fortune; Spirit Bay (2 episodes); The Campbells (3 episodes); 9B (5 episodes); L.A. Law; Cooperstown; North of 60; The Wild West; Northern Exposure (5 episodes); Spirit Rider; Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes); Lonesome Dove: The Series (3 episodes); 500 Nations (3 episodes); Happily Ever After; Liberty Street; Jake and the Kid; Heritage Minutes; The Outer Limits; Poltergeist the Legacy; Dead Man’s Gun; The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon (17 episodes); PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal; Safe Harbor; First Wave; Trial by Fire; Big Wolf on Campus; Christmas in the Clouds; Cover Me: Based on the True Life of a F.B.I. Family (4 episodes); Canada: A People’s History (3 episodes); Wolf Lake (10 episodes); The New Beachcombers; Skinwalkers: The Navajo Mysteries (2 episodes); Mister Sterling; A Thief of Time; Coyote Waits; Freedom: A History of the U.S. (3 episodes); Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion (2 episodes); A Beachcombers Christmas; The Collector; Into the West; Numbers; The Red Green Show (27 episodes); The War that Made America; This is Wonderland; Tales of an Urban Indian; Living in Your Car; Being Erica (5 episodes); Caution: May Contain Nuts; Family Tree; Defiance (28 episodes); Longmire (12 episodes); Riverdale; Detour (3 episodes); Project Blue Book; Goliath (8 episodes); American Gods (2 episodes); 1883; The Last of Us; Reservation Dogs (3 episodes); Bones of the Crows: The Series; Echo (5 episodes) and Tulsa King.

Some of Graham Greene’s feature film appearances include: Running Brave; Powwow Highway; Where the Spirit Lives; Dances with Wolves; Clearcut; The Last of His Tribe; Thunderheart; Maverick; Die Hard with a Vengeance; The Education of Little Tree; Grey Owl; The Green Mile; Lost and Delirious; Skins; Punch and Judy; Transamerica; Breakfast with Scott; Seattle’s Loch Ness: The Lake Washington Sea Monster; Corner Gas: The Movie; Te Ata; Wind River; Molly’s Game; The Performance; The Great Salish Heist; The Birds Who Fear Death; Sweet Summer Powwow; The Protector; Protectors of the Land and Paige Darcy: Reluctant Detective.

I first saw Graham Greene is his Academy Award-nominated performance in Dances with Wolves.  What an impact he made.  From that point on whenever Mr. Greene appeared on screen, there was added gravitas.  I loved Graham Greene in everything.  Some of my favorite performances besides Dances with Wolves include those on Longmire; Die Hard with a Vengeance; Thunderheart; The Last of Us and of course Tulsa King.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Graham Greene’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Hulk Hogan

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It was announced that Hulk Hogan died today from cardiac arrest at the age of 67.

Born Terry Gene Bollea, he was discovered by Jack and Jerry Brisco when they saw Mr. Bollea playing with his band at a local Tampa club.  Impressed by his size, they spoke to Terry about trying out as a professional wrestler.  Terry agreed and began training.

Terry had his first match in 1977, after a little more than a year of training for the CWF (Championship Wrestling from Florida). Terry often appeared as a masked wrestler called The Super Destroyer.  After about a year Terry decided to quit wrestling.  He managed a club and opened a gym.  In his spare time Mr. Bollea worked out with his buddy Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus the Barber Beefcake).  It occurred to Terry that because both he and Ed were big and muscular, they might make a good wrestling team.

The two began wrestling as The Boulder Brothers.  It was during this time that Terry was on a talk show with Lou “The Hulk” Ferrigno.  Terry was bigger than Lou and so he was given the wrestling name Terry “The Hulk” Boulder.  During this time Terry also wrestled under the name Sterling Golden.

In 1979, Vince McMahon, owner and promoter of the WWF, signed Terry to a contract.  McMahon gave Terry the name Hulk Hogan.  For his initial run with the WWF, Hogan was cast as a villain.  When Hulk Hogan was offered a role in Rocky III, he accepted.  Mr. McMahon was against the idea and cut Hulk Hogan from the WWF roster.  Hulk Hogan’s role in Rocky III gave him more nation and world-wide recognition than professional wrestling.

After filming was completed, Hulk Hogan signed with the American Wrestling Association.  He was initially given the role of a bad guy, but proved to be so popular with fans, Hogan soon became a babyface (good guy).

In 1983, Vince McMahon had plans to take his WWF promotion nation-wide.  He had secured television time and just needed a superstar to be the face of the company.  Mr. McMahon decided that Hulk Hogan was the wrestler he needed.  McMahon offered Hogan a contract.  In short order, Hogan was made champion.

“Hulkamania” ran wild.  Fans loved him.  Hulk Hogan was at the top of the card for eight of the first nine Wrestlemania pay-per-views.  He was a five time WWF champion.  He was the first wrestler to win back to back Royal Rumble matches.  Hulk Hogan’s match with André the Giant on February 5, 1988, still holds the American television viewership record for professional wrestling.  It scored a 15.2 Nielsen rating with 33 million viewers.

Hulk Hogan’s popularity gave him opportunities outside of wrestling.  He starred in several movies, a couple of television series and made guest appearances on television shows as well.

Some of the television projects that feature Hulk Hogan include: CWA Wrestling (2 episodes – Terry “The Hulk” Boulder); WWF World Championship Wrestling (1 episode – Sterling Golden); Wrestling at the Chase; Spectrum Wrestling (3 episodes); The War to Settle the Score; Goldie and the Bears; Search for Tomorrow (2 episodes); Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling (2 episodes); The Love Boat; The A-Team; WWF Championship Wrestling (29 episodes); WWF All-Star Wrestling (10 episodes); Dolly; The All New Mickey Mouse Club; WWF Prime Time Wrestling (6 episodes); WWF Challenge (14 episodes); WWF on MSG Network (14 episodes); WWF Superstars (32 episodes); Thunder in Paradise (22 episodes); Baywatch; WCW Saturday Night (6 episodes); WCW Bash at the Beach; Assault on Death Mountain; Suddenly Susan (2 episodes); WCW Thunder (23 episodes); WCW Monday Nitro (176 episodes); Biography; Walker, Texas Ranger; American Dad; TNA Impact Wrestling (131 episodes); China, IL (19 episodes); WWE Next (2 episodes); Robot Chicken (4 episodes); The Goldbergs; WWE Smackdown! (35 episodes) and WWE Raw (47 episodes).

Some of Hulk Hogan’s feature film appearances include: Rocky III; No Holds Barred; Gremlins 2: The New Batch; Suburban Commando; Mr. Nanny; Spy Hard; Santa with Muscles; The Ultimate Weapon and Muppets from Space.

Hulk Hogan is arguably the All-Time most well-known and popular professional wrestler.  He came at a time when professional wrestling broke away from regional territories and went nation-wide.  Hogan’s charisma and ability to talk when given a microphone outweighed his wrestling ability, but it didn’t matter.  Fans loved him.  As he got older, Hogan was able to stay at the top of the card when he switched from babyface to heel.  He had a long career and professional wrestling was better for it.

I saw Hulk Hogan wrestle at live events twice.  The first was in Indianapolis.  Hogan thrilled the fans in the sold out venue.  The second time was in Daytona Beach, Florida.  My wife and I took our two sons and nephew.  The crowd was shocked when Hogan turned heel.  The next day, I taught summer school.  Everyone (kids and adults) were talking about Hogan’s reversal.  No one could believe it.  Which is just what Hogan wanted.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Hulk Hogan’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Michael Madsen

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It was announced that Michael Madsen died today from cardiac arrest. Mr. Madsen was 67.

Michael Madsen’s mother Elaine Madsen was an author and Emmy-winning filmmaker. Michael and one of his sisters, Virginia went into showbusiness.  Virginia Madsen became an award-winning actress.  Mr. Madsen’s other sister, Cheryl became a business woman.

Michael began his career at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.  There he appeared in a a production of Of Mice and Men.  In 1982, Mr. Madsen began to get roles in television and feature films.  The roles kept coming for the rest of his career which was still going strong at the time of his death.  Michael Madsen had over 325 roles on his acting resume.

Some of the television projects that feature Michael Madsen include: St. Elsewhere (2 episodes); Special Bulletin; Diner; Cagney & Lacey; Miami Vice; The Hitchhiker; Our Family Honor (13 episodes); Crime Story (2 episodes); War and Remembrance; Almost Grown; Tour of Duty; Jake and the Fatman; Quantum Leap; The Outsiders; Gabriel’s Fire; Vengeance Unlimited (16 episodes); 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shootout; Tilt (9 episodes); Big Bug Man; CSI: Miami; 24 (4 episodes); Bob’s Burgers; Blue Bloods; The Mob Doctor (3 episodes); Golden Boy (2 episodes); Axe Cop; Hawaii Five-O;  Telltale’s the Walking Dead (3 episodes); Big Time in Hollywood, FL. (5 episodes); Real Detective; Those Who Can’t; Powers (10 episodes) and Explosion Jones.

Some of Michael Madsen’s feature film appearances include: Against All Hope; War Games; Racing with the Moon; The Natural; Kill Me Again; The Doors; Thelma & Louise; Reservoir Dogs; Free Willy; The Getaway; Wyatt Earp; Species; Free Willy 2; Mulholland Falls; Donnie Brasco; Species 2; Die Another Day; Kill Bill Vol. 1; Kill Bill Vol. 2; Sin City; Scary Movie 4; Hell Ride; Desperate Endeavors; The Hateful Eight; Papa; Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood; Outlaw Johnny Black and A Christmas Gamble.

I probably first saw Michael Madsen when he appeared on St.  Elsewhere.  If not there, then it would have been Miami Vice.  My favorite Michael Madsen roles were in Reservoir Dogs; The Getaway and both Sin City movies.  I loved seeing Mr. Madsen’s name in the credits of any movie or television show.  With well over 300 acting credits on Michael Madsen’s resume, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Madsen’s family, friends and fans.

RIP Lalo Schifrin

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Lalo Schifrin died yesterday from from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Schifrin was 93.

Lalo Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  His birth name was Boris Claudio Schifrin.  He legally changed his name to Lalo when he came to the United States.

Lalo Schifrin was trained as a classical musician before falling in love with jazz.  Mr. Schifrin received a scholarship to the Conservatoire de Paris.   He studied during the day and played jazz in clubs at night.  While still in his twenties, Mr. Schifrin returned to Argentina.  He began radio, television, and film work.  Mr. Schifrin wrote for Xavier Cugat’s dance orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington.  He was also recording his own music.

  • Lalo Schifrin began to get work for American television and films.  He became one of the most prolific and productive composers.  He was nominated for six Academy Awards, and in 2019 was given an Honorary Oscar.  Mr. Schifrin was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards as well as three Golden Globes.  He was nominated for 19 Grammy Awards and won four.

Mr. Schifrin has 226 composer credits and 207 soundtrack credits on his IMDb resume.  Some of his best known works include the themes to THE Cat; Mission Impossible, Mannix and Starsky and Hutch.   Some of his best known film scores include Enter the Dragon, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Rush Hour, The Amityville Horror, The Eagle Has Landed and so many others.

Mr. Schifrin’s best known composition is probably the Mission Impossible theme song.  It’s a classic.  My sentimental favorite is for Enter the Dragon.  Truth is, I loved all of his music.  Mr. Schifrin is a legend for good reason.  His music which will live on forever.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Lalo Schifrin’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Bobby Sherman

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It was announced today that Bobby Sherman died today from stage 4 kidney cancer. Mr. Sherman was 81.

Bobby Sherman was born Robert Cabot Sherman Jr..  His professional career began as a singer when Sal Mineo arranged for the recording of two songs that Mineo had specifically written for Mr. Sherman.  Not long after this, Bobby Sherman landed a featured role on the television series Shindig!. This led to more records as well as appearances in teen magazines.

In 1968, Bobby Sherman landed the co-starring role as Jeremy Bolt on the television series Here Come the Brides.  It made Bobby Sherman a star.  During the show’s run Bobby Sherman received more fan mail than any other star on ABC.  Here Come the Brides. ran from 1968 – 1970.

For the rest of his entertainment career Bobby Sherman made records, appeared on television, in two feature films, and live concerts.  Although he still made television guest appearances, Bobby Sherman’s career shifted to public service.

Mr. Sherman became a paramedic.  He volunteered with the LA Police Department  where he taught first aide classes.  In the 1990s, Bobby Sherman became an LA Reserve Police Officer.  In 1999, Bobby Sherman earned LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year Award. Mr. Sherman became a reserve deputy sheriff in 1999 with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department where he continued CPR and emergency training of new deputies.

Some of the television projects that feature Bobby Sherman include:  Shindig! (28 episodes); Honey West; The Monkees; The F.B.I.; Here Come the Brides (52 episodes); The Partridge Family; Getting Together (14 episodes); Cade’s County; Mod Squad (2 episodes); Emergency; Ellery Queen; Jigsaw John; The Gossip Columnist; Fantasy Island; The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo; The Love Boat (2 episodes); Murder, She Wrote; Blacke’s Magic; Sanchez of Bel Aire (13 episodes) and Frazier.

Bobby Sherman’s feature film appearances are: Wild in the Streets; He is My Brother and Get Crazy.

As a singer, Bobby Sherman released 107 songs, 23 singles and 10 albums between 1962 and 1976.  Mr. Sherman had seven top 40 hits, seven gold singles, one platinum single as well as five gold albums.  Bobby Sherman’s biggest top ten hits were Little Woman [#3 in 1969]; La La La (If I Had You) [#9 in 1969]; Julie, Do Ya Love Me [#5 in 1970] and Easy Come, Easy Go [#9 in 1970].

I probably first saw Bobby Sherman when he appeared on The Monkees. Of course I remember him best from his co-starring role on Here Come the Brides.  When someone says “teen idol” it is Bobby Sherman that I think of first.  He was in all the teen magazines and the girls loved him.  He was also one of the few teen idols that the guys didn’t seem to mind.

I always admired that Bobby Sherman gave up the celebrity life for one of public service.  He didn’t just talk the talk.  Bobby Sherman walked the walk.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby Sherman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Harris Yulin

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It was announced today that Harris Yulin died on June 10, 2025, from cardiac arrest. Mr. Yulin was 87.

Mr. Yulin appeared on stage, television and in feature films.  He made his theater debut in 1963 (Next Time I’ll Sing to You).  His feature film (End of the Road) and television debut (Neither Are We Enemies) both came in 1970.   Throughout his career Mr. Yulin alternated between stage, television and feature films.  Mr. Yulin also taught at The Juilliard School for eight years.

In 1996 Harris Yulin was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his appearance on Frasier.  In 1997, Mr. Yulin was nominated for a CableAce Award as Guest Actor in a Dramatic Special or Series for his appearance in La Femme Nikita.  In 2019, Harris Yulin was nominated by the Screen Actors Guild for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for his performance in Ozark.

Some of the television projects that feature Harris Yulin include: Neither Are We Enemies; Incident at Vichy; The ABC Afternoon Playbreak; Kojak;  Melvin Purvis G-Man; Barnaby Jones; The Greatest Gift; The F.B.I. Story: The FBI Versus Alvin Karpis, Public Enemy Number One; The Missiles of October; Parker Adderson, Philosopher; Little House on the Prairie; Caribe; Barnaby Jones; SWAT; Police Woman; Ironside; Insight; Most Wanted; Wonder Woman; When Every Day Was the Fourth of July; As the World Turns (2 episodes); Robert Kennedy and His Times; Cagney & Lacey; Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago Eight; Traitor in My House; WIOU (18 episodes); Civil Wars; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; Truman; Frasier;  Le Femme Nikita; Screen One; American Masters; Vengeance Unlimited; The X-Files; American Experience (2 episodes); Buffy the Vampire Slayer (3 episodes); Mister Sterling (3 episodes); 24 (9 episodes); Third Watch (2 episodes); Law & Order; Entourage; Cashmere Mafia (2 episodes); Canterbury’s Law; Law & Order (2 episodes); Loving Leah; Damages; Rubicon (2 episodes); Pan Am; Nikita (3 episodes); Forever; The Blacklist; Veep (2 episodes); Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (5 episodes); Ozark (12 episodes); Murphy Brown (2 episodes); For the People; Billions (3 episodes); Divorce (4 episodes); I Know This Much is True and FBI: Most Wanted.

Some of Harris Yulin’s feature film appearances include: End of the Road; Doc; The Midnight Man; Night Moves; St. Ives; Scarface; The Believers; Another Woman; Ghostbusters 2; Narrow Margin; Final Analysis; Clear and Present Danger; Cutthroat Island; Murder at 1600; Bean; Cradle Will Rock; The Hurricane; Rush Hour 2; Training Day; The Place Beyond the Pines and Omni Loop.

Harris Yulin was so good in so many roles it is impossible to pick just one.  Whenever I saw his name in the credits I knew the film or television show just got more interesting.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Harris Yulin’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Brian Wilson

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Brian Wilson’s family announced that he died today.  No cause of death was given. Mr. Wilson was 82.

Brian Wilson’s musical aptitude was noted by his family when he was still a baby.  In high school, Brian was a three sport athlete (football, baseball and cross country).  After school he obsessively played piano.  Brian would listen to records, deconstruct the songs and recreate the harmonies.  In 1961, Brian wrote what would become The Beach Boys first song, Surfer Girl.  The Beach Boys consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl, plus their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.

In 1962, Capitol Records signed The Beach Boys.  In January 1963, the band had their first top ten single Surfin’ U.S.A..  In May 1964, their first #1 single I Get Around topped the charts.  The pressure of writing, producing and traveling to perform at live concerts took a toll on Mr. Wilson. Glen Campbell replaced Brian Wilson for some of the December tour dates. In January 1965, Brian Wilson announced he was withdrawing from touring.  He wanted to become a full-time studio musician so he could focus on taking The Beach Boys’ music to another level.

Brian Wilson continued to write, produce and perform on Beach Boys albums, but with them touring and him in the studio, their comradery was strained.  The Beach Boys released over two dozen albums with Brian Wilson as a key member.  Brian Wilson also released 12 solo studio albums, three solo live albums, one compilation album under his name, plus many Beach Boys compilation albums that feature Brian Wilson.

Some of Brian Wilson’s most popular songs include: I Get Around (#1); Help Me, Rhonda (#1); Good Vibrations (#1); California Girls (#3); Surfin’ U.S.A. (#3); Wouldn’t It Be Nice (#8); Fun, Fun, Fun (#5); Surfin’ Safari (#14); In My Room (23); Little Saint Nick (#3); Don’t Worry Baby (#24 as a B side) and God Only Knows (#39 as a B-side).

I don’t remember the first song that I heard by Brian Wilson.  My uncle had several (all?) of their albums.  My favorites of his songs are Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Don’t Worry Baby.

Brian Wilson was a musical genius.  One of my favorite quotes about Brian Wilson is that the Beatles weren’t overly impressed by many contemporary artists, but Brian Wilson was one of them.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Brian Wilson’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Sly Stone

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Sly Stone’s family announced that he died today.  The cause of death was said to be COPD and other underlying health issues. Mr. Stone was 82.

At the age of 19, Sly Stone (whose real name was Sylvester Stewart) was a popular LA disc jokey and record producer. Along with his brother, Sly started the band Sly and the Family Stone. At the time the group was unique because of its make-up (men and women, multiple races). Sly wrote and produced many of their songs.

Sly and the Family Stone’s popularity was on the rise.  They were selling out concerts.  They had multiple hit records. Then Sly became addicted to drugs. This led to him being late or even missing show dates. His output dwindled.  So did the band’s popularity. Multiple drug arrests, the breakup of the band and continued drug dependency followed.

Yet, Sly Stone’s music stood the test of time.  Sly and the Family Stone hits include: Dance to the Music, Everyday People, Stand!, I Want to Take You Higher, Hot Fun in the Summertime, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) and Everybody Is a Star.

Sly and the Family Stone influenced many other bands of the era. Then a younger generation of song writers discovered and sampled his music. It took years but Sly Stone finally got his life together.

The first song that I remember hearing from Sly and the Family Stone was Dance to the Music.  Of course that was the band’s first hit. If you’re the right age, it was probably the song that introduced you to the band too.

My sentimental favorite of Sly Stone’s songs is Family Affair.  I was riding in the car with my grandfather.  I was probably 13.  Family Affair came on the radio.  I was bopping to it and my grandpa started singing mimicking Sly Stone’s deep voice… “It’s a family affair!”  I busted out laughing.  So did he.  What a great memory.

It’s unfortunate that drugs shortened Sly Stone’s career.  But not even years of struggle could cancel out Sly Stone’s impact.  I’m glad that Sly Stone is remembered for the genius he was.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Sly Stone’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: George Wendt

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It was announced today that George Wendt died today.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Wendt was 76.

George Wendt graduated from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, with a B.A. in economics.  After seeing The Second City, Mr. Wendt became motivated to try his hand at comedy.  In 1975, he became a part of The Second City troupe.

In 1978, Mr. Wendt appeared in his first feature film.  It was an uncredited role in Robert Altman’s A Wedding.  His next role didn’t come until 1980, but that year he appeared in Bronco Billy, My Bodyguard, Avery Schreiber Live from Second City and The Gift of the Magi.  The roles just kept coming for the rest of his career.

George Wendt was best known for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers.  Mr. Wendt appeared in all 269 episodes.  Each year from 1984 – 1989, George Wendt was nominated for a Primetime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Norm.

If the only role George Wendt ever played was Norm on Cheers, he would still be an important (and loved) part of television history.

Some of the television projects that feature George Wendt include: Avery Schreiber Live from Second City; Hart to Hart; Soap; Taxi; Alice; Making the Grade (6 episodes); Cheers (269 episodes); Cheers: Uncle Sam Malone; M*A*S*H; Likely Stories, Vol. 4; Garfield Specials; Garfield in the Rough; St. Elsewhere; The Twilight Zone; The Tortellis; Mickey’s 60th Birthday; Arena; The Magical World of Disney; Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary Special; Wings; Tales from the Crypt; Michael Jackson: Black or White; Roc; Seinfeld; Bob; The Edge; The Building; The Larry Sanders Show; The Martin Short Show; The Simpsons; Columbo: Strange Bedfellows; The George Wendt Show (8 episodes); Good Company; Spin City; The Naked Truth (13 episodes); The List; Madigan Men (4 episodes); TV Funhouse; Strange Relations; Becker; Sabrina the Teenage Witch (6 episodes); Frasier; Saturday Night Live (8 episodes); George Lopez (2 episodes); Modern Men (7 episodes); Masters of Horror; Guy Walks into a Bar; The Green Grass; Family Guy (2 episodes); Less Than Kind; Ghost Whisperer; The Stay-at-Home Dad; Hot in Cleveland; Harry’s Law; The Seven Year Hitch; Kickin’ It; Portlandia; Franklin & Bash; Clipped (10 episodes); Children’s Hospital; Fresh Off the Boat; Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell; The Goldbergs; Christmas 9 to 5 and Fancy Nancy (11 episodes).

Some of George Wendt’s feature film appearances include: A Wedding; Bronco Billy; My Bodyguard; Jekyll and Hyde… Together Again; Airplane II: The Sequel; Dreamscape; Fletch; House; Gung Ho; Forever Young; The Little Rascals; The Prime Gig; Wild About Harry; Garage: A Rock Saga; Edmond; Saturday Morning; The Independents and I Lost My Body.

It’s impossible for me to pinpoint when I first saw George Wendt, but I do know that he was a HUGE part of Cheers’ success.  Mr. Wendt was perfectly cast as Norm Peterson and his one-liners as he entered the bar each week were a highlight.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to George Wendt’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Joe Don Baker

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It was announced today that Joe Don Baker died on May 7, 2025.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Baker was 89.

Joe Don Baker was a high school standout in football and basketball.  He attended North Texas State College on a sports scholarship.  Mr. Baker graduated with a BA in Business Administration.  Joe Don Baker then served two years in the US Army.  After his enlistment, Mr. Baker moved to New York City to attend the Actors Studio.

Joe Don Baker began getting stage work as well as guest appearances on television shows.  Mr. Baker’s big break came when he played Buford Pusser in Walking Tall.  By this point, Joe Don Baker was alternating between feature films and television roles, but Walking Tall was the film that made him famous.

Some of the television projects that feature Joe Don Baker include: Honey West; Iron Horse; Judd for the Defense; The Felony Squad; Bonanza; Gunsmoke (2 episodes); The Big Valley; Mod Squad; Bracken’s World; Lancer (3 episodes); The F.B.I.; The Most Deadly Game; The High Chaparral; Mission Impossible; Welcome Home Soldier Boys; Ironside; That Certain Summer; Doc Elliott; The Streets of San Francisco; To Kill a Cop; Power; Eischied (13 episodes); Edge of Darkness (6 episodes); In the Heat of the Night (4 episodes); Citizen Cohen; The Wild West; Traps; The Siege at Ruby Ridge; George Wallace; Poodle Springs and The Cleaner.

Some of Joe Don Bakers’ feature film appearances include: Cool Hand Luke; Guns of the Magnificent Seven; Wild Rovers; Junior Bonner; The Valachi Papers; Walking Tall; Charley Varrick; The Outfit; The Natural; Fletch; The Living Daylights; Cape Fear; Reality Bites; Congo; Goldeneye; Mars Attacks!; Tomorrow Never Dies; Joe Dirt; The Commission; The Dukes of Hazzard and Mud.

It’s impossible for me to pinpoint when I first saw Joe Don Baker because he appeared in so many of the shows I watched as a kid.  I do remember how much buzz he got for starring as Buford Pusser in Walking Tall.  I always enjoyed seeing Joe Don Baker show up in a show or movie, because he made everything he was in better.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Joe Don Baker’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: James Foley

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It was announced today that James Foley died earlier this week after a long battle with brain cancer.  Mr. Foley was 71.

James Foley graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Mr. Foley then earned a Masters of Fine Arts degree in film study and production from USC (the University of Southern California).  It was there Hal Ashby saw one of James Foley’s student films and asked him to submit something to Ashby’s production company.  Unfortunately the production company folded before anything came of the offer.  Still, word was out about James Foley, a young director to keep an eye on.

Because of the buzz created by Hal Ashby, James Foley secured his first feature film, Reckless starring Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah.  James Foley would continue to direct feature films, television projects and music videos for the rest of his career.

Some of James Foley’s television and video projects include: Madonna: Dress You Up (Opening Sequence); Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour (Opening Sequence); Madonna: Live to Tell; Madonna: Papa Don’t Preach; Madonna: True Blue; Madonna: Who’s That Girl;  Madonna: The Look of Love; Deep Purple: King of Dreams; Twin Peaks; Gun; Hannibal; Red Zone; House of Cards (12 episodes); Wayward Pines; Billions (2 episodes); Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Free.

Some of the feature films directed by James Foley include: Reckless; At Close Range; Who’s That Girl; After Dark, My Sweet; Glen Garry Glen Ross; Fear; The Chamber; The Corrupter and Confidence.

My favorite James Foley film is Glen Garry Glen Ross.  Foley’s direction made a film that lacked physical action, fights or gun battles and instead focused on dialogue exciting and tension filled.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to James Foley’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Will Hutchins

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It was announced today that Will Hutchins died yesterday, April 21, 2025.  Respiratory failure was listed as the cause of death.  Mr. Hutchins was 94.

Will Hutchins was born Marshall Lowell Hutchason.  As a child Will Hutchins appeared as an extra in W.C. Fields’ Never Give A Sucker An Even Break.  Mr. Hutchins majored in Greek drama at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Will Hutchins served two years in the Army Signal Corps.  After his enlistment Mr. Hutchins, using the GI Bill, enrolled at UCLA and began to pursue an acting career.

A Warner Bros. talent scout discovered Mr. Hutchins.  It was at this point that Marshall Lowell Hutchason became Will Hutchins.  He began getting roles on both television and in films.  Will Hutchins is best known for his starring role on the television Sugarfoot.  When the series ended Mr. Hutchins continued acting until 2010.

Some of the television projects that feature Will Hutchins include: Warner Bros. Presents; Conflict (3 episodes); Matinee Theater (4 episodes); 77 Sunset Strip; Maverick (2 episodes); Cheyenne; The Roaring 20s; Bronc; Surfside 6; Sugarfoot (69 episodes); Howie; Gunsmoke; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; Take Me To Your Leader; Perry Mason; Hey Landlord (31 episodes); Blondie (16 episodes); Love American Style; The Horror At 37,000 Feet; The New Perry Mason; Emergency!; Chase; Movin’ On (2 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco and The Quest.

Some of Will Hutchins’ feature film appearances include: Bombers B-52; Lafayette Escadrille; No Time for Sergeants; Merrill’s Marauders; The Shooting; Spinout; Clambake; Shangani Patrol; Magnum Force; The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington; Roar; Maverick and The Romantics.

My favorite Will Hutchins role was Tom “Sugarfoot” Brewster.  It ran in the afternoons when I was a kid.  Mr. Hutchins played Tom Brewster a correspondence school lawyer who headed west to seek his fortune.  Brewster was far from your typical stoic, tough cowboy.  And I loved it.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Will Hutchins’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Nicky Katt

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It was announced today that Nicky Katt died on April 8, 2025.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Katt was 54.

Nicky Katt began his career as a child actor.  As an adult Mr. Katt worked in both television and feature films.  It’s interesting that Nicky Katt’s best known television role was as a teacher on Boston Public, but in films he often played a heavy.  Mr. Katt was equally adept as a leading man or character actor.

Some of the television projects that feature Nicky Katt include: CHiPs; Fantasy Island; Father Murphy (2 episodes); Code Red; Herbie the Love Bug (5 episodes); Voyagers; Trapper John, M.D.; Quincy, M.E.; V (2 episodes); The Get Along Gang (7 episodes); CBS Schoolbreak Special; The Facts of Life; Lifestories; Dear John (2 episodes); Uncle Buck; Love & War; Knight Ride 2010; Double Rush; Friends; Kindred: The Embraced; Astoria; Boston Public (49 episodes); The Guardian (2 episodes); King of the Hill (3 episodes); Monk; Love Monkey; law & Order and Casual.

Some of Nicky Katt’s feature film appearances include: Underground Aces; Gremlins; The ‘Burbs; Sister Act; Dazed and Confused; The Cure; Strange Days; A Time to Kill; SubUrbia; Batman & Robin; One True Thing; The Limey; Boiler Room; Rules of Engagement; Way of the Gun; Waking Life; Insomnia; Secondhand Lions; School of Rock; Sin City; World Trade Center; Snow Angels; Planet Terror; Death Proof; The Brave One; The Dark Knight and Behind the Candelabra.

My favorite Nicky Katt role is in Way of the Gun. I enjoyed him in Boston Public and in so many films.  Some favorites include Boiler Room, Sin City and the Grindhouse double feature Planet Terror and Death Proof.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Nicky Katt’s family, friends and fans.