Category: RIP

RIP: Whitney Houston

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Last night, at a little after 7pm est, as my wife and I were watching The Double on Netflix, our son, Chris, texted us that Whitney Houston had died.  Like most of the rest of the world, we were saddened and surprised, but not shocked.

Whitney Houston was a superstar.  A singer beyond compare.  She was the first female to have an album debut at #1.  She was the first and only recording artist to have 7 straight number one hits.  These are only two of her many recording records.  Whitney  Houston was also an actress appearing in several films, the best known being The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

Ms. Houston married singer, Bobby Brown, in 1992. Many blame him for Whitney’s descent into drug addiction.  Houston and Brown were married for 16 years and had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown.  Sadly, as the years passed, Whitney made fewer and fewer albums or movies and her appearances in the press were usually something drug-related.  Ms. Houston made at least three attempts at rehab and talked openly about her struggles with drugs in a famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009.  Fans hoped that Whitney had kicked the drugs and things looked promising in 2010 when she began her “Nothing But Love” world tour.  Although drugs had a taken a toll on her, Whitney was back on stage and touring and things seemed to be headed in the right direction.  Whitney Houston was set to appear on the Grammy awards tonight.  It would have been a wonderful step in her comeback.  Unfortunately that was not to be.  Instead the Grammy’s will feature a tribute to the once-reigning queen of pop.

Rest in Peace, Whitney Houston.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and fans.

RIP: Smokin’ Joe Frazier

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Last night the world lost one of the greatest fighters to ever enter a boxing ring.  Smokin’ Joe Frazier passed away at the age of 67 from liver cancer.

Joe Frazier only lost 4 times [twice to Muhammad Ali and twice to George Foreman] in his career which saw him crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.   Joe Frazier will forever be remembered as the first man to beat Muhammad Ali.

Although he fought Ali two more times [losing by decision in the first rematch], it is their third meeting, The Thrilla in Manilla that many consider to be the greatest boxing match ever.   After the fourteenth round, with Joe’s eyes swelling shut, his trainer, Eddie Futch called the fight.  Futch then said to Joe, “Sit down, son. “It’s all over. Nobody will ever forget what you did here today.”

And we won’t.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe Frazier’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Andy Rooney

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Andy Rooney, the long time [1978 – 2011] closing commentator for CBS’ 60 Minutes, died yesterday after complications following an undisclosed minor surgery.  Mr. Rooney was 92.

Although best known for his “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” segment on 60 Minutes, Mr. Rooney actually started working in television right after World War II.  Mr. Rooney worked as a writer for Arthur Godfrey, Garry Moore, Victor Borge, and others.   Yet it was Mr. Rooney’s commentaries on 60 Minutes that made him a household name.  We came to know his likes likes [football, books, shined shoes, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Christmas, etc.] and dislikes [ads in magazines, roadmaps that you can’t fold back, people who ask for autographs, etc.].  Mr. Rooney said what we thought and came to feel like a friend of the family.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Rooney’s family, friends and fans.

Remembering 9-11

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It’s hard for me to believe that the 9/11 attacks took place ten years ago. The images, the shock and the horror are still all too clear.  My oldest son had just started high school… now he’s a second year teacher.  My youngest son was just starting sixth grade… now he’s well into college.  I was an assistant principal… at the school where I am now the principal.

There are many special events and tv shows/documentaries geared to help us remember that tragic day when the world seemed to stop and all eyes were glued to the tv dreading another announcement of an attack on freedom.  While many of these events will focus on the disasters the attacks caused, my hope is that somehow we can get back that feeling of patriotism and pulling together as a nation that took place after the shock of the events wore off.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all impacted on that terrible day… which is basically all of us.

Photo credit: Naom Galai

RIP – Peter Falk

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Peter Falk, best known as tv’s legendary Detective Columbo, died last night at the age of 83.

My first memory of Peter Falk is in his role as Maximilian Meen from The Great Race.  Truth be told, I’d probably seen Mr. Falk earlier in one of his guest appearances on tv shows like Have Gun Will Travel, Alfred Hitchcock Presents or The Twilight Zone.  I know that I saw him in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World before I ever saw The Great Race, but it was his role as Maximillian Meen that made the first big impact and brought him to my attention.  I would have been all of seven years old.

My next big memory of Peter Falk is in his role of Columbo.  He first appeared as Columbo in the tv movie Prescription Murder [1968].  Then from 1971 to 2003, Mr. Falk reprised the role in 68 more tv movies.  Peter Falk was perfect in the role and fans loved him.  I can remember watching the movies with mom or my grandfather.  They enjoyed the series as much as me… maybe more.

In 1979, my girlfriend [later to be my wife] and I went to movies every week.  One of the films we decided to see was The In-Laws.  I thought it would be okay.  I was wrong.  The In-Laws turned out to be a comedy classic.  We left the theater talking about how great it was and laughing about it long after the film was over.

Peter Falk appears in another of my favorite films, The Princess Bride which we [my wife and I] watched with our sons when they were young.  It’s pretty cool that I was able to enjoy Mr. Falk’s movies with the significant people throughout my life.  I guess that’s the sign of a true star, he/she is able to continue to find good roles throughout their lives.  Mr. Falk was such a star.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

RIP – James Arness

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I was sad to hear that James Arness died on Friday, June 5, 2011, at the age of 88 of natural causes.  Most fans know Mr. Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon from the long-running tv series Gunsmoke which aired from 1955 to 1975 and then returned in the form of five made-for-television movies.  If Matt Dillon was the only role that James Arness was known for, it’d still be enough reason to post about his passing.  I spent many hours watching Gunsmoke with my grandfather and those are memories I’ll always treasure.   [It was my grandfather who informed me that James Arness and Peter Graves [Mission Impossible] were brothers.  LOL.  The things that we remember.]

James Arness was also an important part of my childhood because he played roles in two of my favorite monster movies.  Mr. Arness was the thing in the classic The Thing from Another Planet.  He also played the romantic lead in another sci-fi classic, Them! You can also find James Arness in the John Wayne classic, Hondo!    One of my favorite James Arness‘ roles was as the mountain man Zeb McCahan [a role that he played in a made-for-tv movie and two mini-series].

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of James Arness.

RIP – Randall Poffo aka Randy “Macho Man” Savage

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Randall Poffo aka Randy “Macho Man” Savage, a true professional wrestling superstar, died today following a car accident.  TMZ reported that, according to Lanny Poffo [Savage’s brother and a former wrestling superstar in his own right], Savage had a heart attack that led to him losing control of his vehicle and crashing.  Savage’s wife, who was traveling with him survived with minor injuries.

Randall Poffo was a true athlete.  He almost had a career as a professional baseball player, but luckily for fans of professional wrestling, opted to follow in his father, Angelo Poffo’s footsteps.  Rather than use his father’s famous name, Randall opted to take on the persona of Randy “Macho Man” Savage.  His success is evidenced by the fact that both professional wrestling fans and those who hate the sport, all know The Macho Man.  Randall was one of the first superstars to cross-over to the main media and could be seen in movies, tv shows and commercials.

I had the great fortune to meet and spend some time with his brother, Lanny Poffo [a professional wrestling superstar in his own right],  Lanny shared some stories and history with me, but what I remember most from talking with him (other than what a truly decent human being he is) was his love for his father and brother.  Lanny made sure to tell me what a great man he thought Randall was and not because of the things that he did in the ring, but more importantly because of the things that Randall did outside of the ring that no one knew about.   I was truly touched.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Lanny Poffo.

Frank Frazetta – RIP

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Frank Frazetta died today.  He was 82.  Although Mr. Frazetta had been in failing health for many years, the news of his passing is shocking.  Perhaps it’s because his paintings had such strength, such life.  And perhaps because Frank Frazetta’s art has always have been a part of our lives. Mr. Frazetta’s art appeared on the cover of over 150 books and comics, as well as movie posters, album covers, comic book stories, newspaper strips and more.  Equally as important are the number of artists and writers who have been influenced by Frank Frazetta’s talent.  Thankfully, Frank Frazetta’s art will live on to influence future generations.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Frazetta’s family, friends and fans.

R.I.P. Dick Giordano

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Dick Giordano passed away today.  He was considered a legend in the comic business having literally done it all over the course of his long career.  Many learned of Mr. Giordano’s passing through an e-mail sent out by his good friend and fellow artist, Bob Layton.  Here’s how Bob broke the news:

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

It is my sorrowful duty to announce that legendary artist/editor/entrepreneur Dick Giordano passed away today.  Few could ever hope to match what he accomplished in his chosen profession, or to excel while maintaining great humor, compassion for his peers and an unwavering love for the art form.  His unique vision changed the comic industry forever and all of those who work in the business continue to share in the benefits of his sizable contributions.

I have been honored to call him a business partner, mentor and dear friend throughout the majority of my lifetime.  We will not see his like again.

Regretfully,

Bob Layton

I’m honored to have met Dick Giordano several times over the years.  He was always gracious and kind.  As many of you probably know I have several Dick Giordano “Demolition Man” headsketches in my collection.  Mr. Giordano did them in preparation for his work on the comic book adaptation of the movie.  Last week, I received another headsketch drawn by Mr. Giordano.  This sketch is Dick’s take on Sly as Jack Carter.  It was gifted to me by my buddy Steve Lipsky [who also owns the sketch on today’s post].  I plan to post the Jack Carter piece with tomorrow’s update.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Giordano’s family, friends and fans.

Bob Layton is right, we will not see the like of Dick Giordano again.

R.I.P. – Fess Parker

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Fess Parker, best known for playing Davy Crockett in the 50’s and Daniel Boone in the 60’s died today at age 85.

Parker first gained fame playing Davy Crockett for Disney.  Although he’d played supporting characters [many uncredited] prior to getting the starring role as Crockett, it was almost a fluke that he ended up in the lead.  Disney execs were screening “Them!” to get a look at James Arness, who was being considered for the role of Davy Crockett, but they were so impressed with Fess Parker’s turn in a bit part that he ended up with the role that was make him known to millions.

After his run as Davy Crockett, Fess Parker appeared in several movies [perhaps the most famous being Old Yeller and guest appearances on tv.  In 1964, he again put on a coonskin cap and hit the big time.  Daniel Boone ran for 159 episodes from 1964 to 1970.  Not long after, Mr. Parker left show business to concentrate on real estate, and a winery.

I was a fan of the Daniel Boone series as a kid and spent many hours playing “Daniel Boone” with my friends.  I also had the Daniel Boone playset as a kid and spent even more hours playing with it.  I can still remember getting to see Old Yeller when it was re-released in the 60’s.  And of course watching Mr. Parker many, many times in his small but important role in the classic Them!

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of fifty years, a son and daughter and many grandchildren.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

RIP: Peter Graves

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Peter Graves died today from what appears to have been a heart attack.  Mr. Graves was just four days shy of his 84th birthday.

My first memories of Peter Graves are in his role as Jim Phelps, the leader on the Mission Impossible tv series which ran initially ran from 1967 to 1973.   My grandfather loved the show, so if I was spending the night. I’d watch it with him.  In fact, it was my grandfather who made me aware that Peter Graves was brother to James Arness [Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, another show grandpa never missed].  [On a side note, Mission Impossible was revived from 1988 to 1990 with Peter Graves returning in his original role – the only cast member to do so.]

Peter Graves appeared in scores of movies including classics like Stalog 17 and Night of the Hunter.  Many folks will also remember Mr. Graves best for his role as the pilot, Clarence Oveur, from the comedy classic, Airplane.   Before his starring role on Mission Impossible, Peter Graves made guest appearances in dozens of tv shows including: Route 66, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Branded, Daniel Boone, The Invaders and many others.  I’ve always enjoyed Mr. Graves’ appearances, but it’ll be those hours I spent watching Mission Impossible with my grandpa that I’ll remember most fondly.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Graves’ family, friends and fans.

Robert B. Parker – R.I.P.

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I was shocked to read the news this morning that Robert B. Parker had passed away yesterday.  Although Parker was 77, his death was unexpected.  He seemed to be in good health and as prolific as ever, writing as many as three books a year.  The cause of death has been determined to have been a heart attack.  Parker died at his desk working on his next novel.

My grandfather was a prolific reader and I can remember the evening that he told me about this new author, Robert B. Parker, and this wise-cracking detective that Parker had created.  Grandpa thought that I’d enjoy the novel and passed me The Godwulf Manuscript.  I was hooked.  And I wasn’t the only one.  Parker’s detective, Spenser, would return in 36 other novels as well as a television series and made for tv movies.  Parker is said to have influenced a new generation of writers.  Perhaps best-selling novelist Harlon Coben said it best: “When it comes to detective novels, 90 percent of us admit he’s an influence, and the rest of us lie about it.”

Parker eventually branched out to write other series characters [Jessie Stone – a small town sheriff; Sunny Randall – a female detective; a Western trilogy featuring a couple of gunfighters that many called wild west versions of Spenser and Hawk] as well as some stand alone novels.  But it was always the new Spenser novel that I wanted to read as soon as it became available.   I’ve written many times on my blog that each new Spenser novel is like meeting up with an old friend.  I’m going to miss meeting up with Spenser.

I already miss Robert B. Parker.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans.

Patrick Swayze: RIP

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Patrick Swayze died yesterday, after a 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was just 57 years old.

I first remember seeing Patrick Swayzee in “The Outsiders” based on the classic S.E. Hinton novel.  Later that same year he appeared in “Uncommon Valor.”  But it was in “Red Dawn” that I really took notice of Patrick’s work.  He was excellent as the leader of the young rebels fighting against a Soviet invasion.  Patrick’s next big hit was “Dirty Dancing” and it propelled him to superstar status. Patrick went on to star in such films as “Road House”, “Ghost”, and my personal favorite, “Point Break”.  I also have to mention his appearance on Saturday Night Live and the classic sketch with Chris Farley. 

Patrick Swayzee was a dancer [“Chicago” and “Guys and Dolls”], an actor [nominated for three Golden Globe awards], a composer and singer [he co-wrote and sang “She’s Like the Wind” from “Dirty Dancing”], and even People’s Sexiest Man of the Year.  But was his role as a husband [married for 34 years to Lisa Niemi], humanitarian and conservationist that he would probably most want to be remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

Remembering Walter Cronkite

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Earlier this evening, Walter Cronkite died after a long illness. Mr. Cronkite was 92. From April 16, 1962 to March 6, 1981, Walter Cronkite was the anchor of the CBS Evening News.  Although it may be hard to imagine in this age of cable news where anchors are “entertainers” who consider their opinions to be more important than the facts, Walter Cronkite was, for most of America, the voice of reason.

Often called “The Most Trusted Man in America”, it was Walter Cronkite that we turned to when we needed the news.  During his tenure Mr. Cronkite covered the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luter King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, the Vietnam war, the triumphs and tragedies of our space program, Three Mile Island, elections of Presidents, Watergate and so much more.

The year that he retired, Mr. Cronkite received our contry’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  The tributes to Mr. Cronkite are coming in from around the world.  The world!  Twentyeight years after he left the nightly broadcast booth, Walter Cronkite’s positive impact is still felt!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Cronkite’s family, freinds, and fans.