Category: RIP

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.

Alexis Arguello & Karl Malden – R.I.P.

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Alexis Arguello and Karl Malden passed on today.

Alexis Arguello, who was a champion in three weight divisions, died at the age of 57 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Arguello, was a charismatic champion who compiled an amazing 82 – 8 record before finally retiring in 1995.  Although Arguello never lost a fight 130 pounds he is best known for his first brutal and controversial war against Aaron Pryor in 1982.   Arguello moved up in weight with the hope of being the first champion in four weight divisions.  Pryor won the fight by knocking out Arguello in the 14th round of the epic fight which had seen both fighters taking and giving as good as they were getting.  Arguello seemed to be gaining the advantage, but in the respite before the 14th round, Pryor’s trainer, Panama Lewis, called for a specific water bottle — “the one I mixed” — the mysterious drink seemed to revive Pryor who went on to win.  The fight against Pryor was voted Fight of the Year and Fight of the Decade by Ring magazine.  Arguello fought for 13 more years and remained a popular figure after leaving the squared circle.  He appeared in commercials, carried his country’s flag in the Olympics and was currently the mayor of Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.

Karl Malden, 97, died today from natural causes.  An Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor in 1951 for his role in “A Streetcar Named Desire” which starred Marlon Brando.   Malden also appeared with Brando in “On the Waterfront” and “One-Eyed Jacks” as well as several dozen movies without him.  Malden had a five year run with Michael Douglas in the popular “Streets of San Francisco” tv series which ran from 1972 – 1977.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and fans of Alexis Arguello and Karl Malden.

Michael Jackson – RIP

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It’s still hard to believe that Michael Jackson died today.  He was only 50 years old and in preparation for a new tour.  At first it was thought that perhaps MJ had gone too far in his rehearsals and was exhausted, but when word kept coming out that he died, we knew at the very least the situation was grave.

Unfortunately for some, the bizarre behavior of Michaeal Jackson’s later years, and the allegations of child abuse will overshadow his accomplishments in the entertainment industry.  But most will remember the first time they heard a Michael Jackson song that made them move [even if they couldn’t dance a lick]. they’ll remember the Michael Jackson song that made them smile when everything was going wrong, or the first time that they saw him moonwalk, or the video that they kept rewinding to watch again.

That’s the Michael Jackson I want to remember.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

Farrah Fawcett – R.I.P.

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Farrah Fawcett passed away today at the age of 62 after a long battle with cancer.

Although best known as a 70’s sex symbol, Farrah actually started working in commercials and bit parts in television in the late 60’s.  Anyone besides me old enough to remember her 1973 commercial with Joe Namath?  Then in September of 1976, and the premiere of Charlie’s Angels, Farrah shot to superstardom.  The show was a hit and Farrah was the fan favorite angel.  Her poster sold millions of copies and became a 70’s icon.  Farrah stayed with the series for just one year before leaving to try her hand at movies.  Although her theatrical movies didn’t do well [I do remember liking “Saturn 3” with Kirk Douglas], she continued to be a fan favorite.

In 1984, Farrah earned an Emmy nomination for “The Burning Bed”.  She would earn two more before her career was over [“Small Sacrifices” and “The Guardian”].  In 1995, at the age of 48, Farrah posed nude for Playboy.  It became the best selling issue of the decade.

The last few years had been tough ones for Farrah as she struggled to beat the cancer that ultimately took her life.  Farrah has passed on, but her icon status will be outlive most of us.  Growing up in the late 60’s and 70’s, Farrah Fawcett was our Marilyn Monroe.

Our thoughts go out to her family, friends and fans.

RIP: David Carradine

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David Carradine was found dead this morning.  He was on in Bangkok, Thailand where he had been acting in a movie called “Stretch.” Although his friends are reporting that he had been in good spirits, and many who knew him are shocked, David Carradine’s death is being reported as a suicide.

Although younger fans will know him best as Bill from Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill”, older fans will remember him as Kwai Chang Caine from the hit series “Kung Fu” which ran from 1972 – 1975.  Some may be surprised to know that the series was originally developed to star Bruce Lee.  After the series, Mr. Carradine continued to find roles on television as well as films such as “Death Race 2000”, “Bound for Glory”, and “The Long Riders”. There were no real blockbusters in the mix, but David Carradine never seemed to be without a project that he made better simply by being in it.

David Carradine comes from a family of talented people.  His father was the famous actor, John Carradine, and his brothers Keith and Robert are also actors.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

Remembering Dan Seals

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I just read today at Ivan Shreve’s blog that Dan Seals has died after a long bout with cancer.  If you didn’t recognize the name, perhaps you knew him better as “England Dan” of the popular 70’s recording duo England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Between 1976 and 1979, England Dan and John Ford Coley had six top 40 singles [“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,:” “It’s Sad to Belong,” “Gone Too Far,” “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again,” and “Love is the Answer”] with four hitting number one on the charts.

Dan Seals’ older brother, Jimmy Seals was half of the extremely popular recording duo Seals and Crofts.  Not wanting to cash in on his brother’s name, Dan went with his nickname, “England Dan” which was given to him as a child because of his love for The Beatles.  In 1980, England Dan and John Ford Coley broke up, and Dan went on to have a successful career as a country singer.

Although I’m a huge fan of England Dan and John Ford Coley [I almost posted a link to this video less than a week ago], I didn’t know about Dan Seals’ country career.  After seeing/hearing his cover of “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” I’ve decided that I’m going to have to correct that.

Our thoughts and prayers go out the family, friends and fans of Dan Seals.

RIP: Charles “Mask” Lewis

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I was sad to read that Charles Lewis, Jr, aka “Mask” was killed early today in an automobile accident.  Lewis was the founder of Tapout Clothing, Inc. and one of the stars of the reality series of the same name.  According to Lt. Jim Amormino, a public information officer with the Orange County Sherrif’s Department and  MMAWeekly.com:

At 12:57 a.m., a Newport Beach Police cruiser spotted Lewis’ red Ferrari and a white Porsche driving out of control…The Ferrari then struck the curb and hit a utility pole, tearing the car in half. After coming to a brief stop, the Porsche fled the scene. An unnamed female passenger was ejected from Lewis’ car in the crash. Newport Beach paramedics pronounced Lewis dead at the scene.

In all the times I ever saw him, Charles “Mask” Lewis, Jr. came across as a genuinely nice person.  It makes me sick to think that his life was cut so short.  The Tapout crew have announced that a memorial service is in the planning stages and details will be announced on the website once they are confirmed.

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

RIP: Paul Harvey

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Radio legend, Paul Harvey passed away today at the age of 90.  The cause of death was not immediately known.  Mr. Harvey, known for his distinctive voice and speaking style, became a national icon when his radio program went national in 1951.  In time he became the most popular and most listened-to radio personality in America.

I remember enjoying his broadcasts even as a youngster.  Mr. Harvey had two catch phrases: “Stand by for news!” [which began his broadcast] and “Now you know the rest of the story.” Paul Harvey’s broadcasts had the feel of a trusted friend commenting on items from the daily paper.  He will be missed.

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

Bob May: RIP

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Bob May passed away today.  Many, if not most of you probably don’t recognize the name or face.  I know I didn’t right away.  The reason that I’m noting his passing is because he played an important role in one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid.  Bob May was the man in the robot suit on “Lost in Space.” Although it was Dick Tufeld who provided the robot’s voice, it was Bob May that made the robot move.  Together they created one of the most memorable tv characters of all time.

Bob May didn’t have a huge list of credits on the Internet Movie Database.  He wasn’t a household or name or have an instantly recognizable face, but he did play a part on one of my favorite shows as a kid and I didn’t want to let his passing go without mention.

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

Remembering Donald Westlake

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It just came over the wires that Donald Westlake has died at the age of 75 from an apparent heart attack.  Mr. Westlake was one the most successful, popular and prolific authors of our time.  Not only did he write over 100 novels under various names [ Richard Stark, Tucker Coe, Samuel Holt, Edwin West as well as his own], but he also won three Edgar awards and an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay for “The Grifters.”

My favorite Westlake stories were his crime novels written under his pen-name of Richard Stark.  I wasn’t alone in their enjoyment.  Not only were they fan favorites, but they were also  turned into movies several times with the likes of Lee Marvin, Robert Duvall and Mel Gibson playing the lead.  If you like crime stories, then you probably love the Parker novels.

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

Remembering Eartha Kitt

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Eartha Kitt, the multi-talented, singer, actress and author has died at the age of 81 from colon cancer. Her career spanned sixty years and made her an international star.

Born to poor parents [a mother of African-American/Cherokee heritage and a white father] in 1927, Eartha was sent to live with relatives when her mother’s new husband refused to have a mixed child in the house. Eartha’s big break came in 1946 when she auditioned and won a spot as a dancer with the Dunham dance group. This in turn led to work on Broadway and later a Paris nightclub where she was spotted by Orson Welles who called her the “most exciting woman in the world” and cast her in his Paris stage production of “Faust.”

From there her career really took off with a recording contract [Eartha could sing in several languages] and songs such as “I Want to be Evil” and the classic “Santa, Baby.” At a time when women of color were often seen on television as maids and secretaries, Ms. Kitt had a reoccurring role as the sexy Catwoman on the popular tv series Batman.

In 1968, her career in the US came to a screeching halt. Ms. Kitt, along with several other important ladies of the time had been invited to a luncheon at the White House hosted by President Johnson’s wife. They were there to discuss youth crime. Ms. Kitt brought up the Viet Nam war and the unrest it was causing among young people, and Mrs. Johnson took offense. The incident made the papers and suddenly Ms. Kitt found herself blacklisted. So she went overseas where she continued to perform until her return to Broadway in 1974. Jimmy Carter invited her back to the White House in 1978. In 2006, President Bush had her back once again, this time to light the National Christmas tree. Ms. Kitt never retired. She is one of the few entertainers to earn nominations for Emmy, [she won two and was nominated for three], Grammy [nominated twice] and Tony [nominatied twice] awards.

Ms. Kitt leaves behind a daughter and two grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and fans.

Remembering Robert Mulligan

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Robert Mulligan, 83, the Oscar nominated director of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” died at his Connecticut home Friday from heart disease. Although the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” is his best known effort, Mr. Mulligan’s credits include films such as “Love with a Proper Stranger,” “Up the Down Staircase,” “Summer of 42,” “Same Time Next Year,” and “Bloodbrothers.” Known as an actor’s director, Mr. Mulligan repeatedly worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood including Gregory Peck, Steve McQueen, Tony Curtis, and others. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.