Category: RIP

RIP: George Foreman

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It was announced that George Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76.  No cause of death was given.  George Foreman was a boxer, preacher and business man.

George Foreman was just 19 years old with 20 amateur fights when he represented the United States in the 1968 Olympics.  In four Olympic bouts, only one went the distance.  George Foreman won the Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medal.

The following year, George Foreman turned pro.  Mr. Foreman was 37 – 0, with 34 knockouts when he fought Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight title.  Mr. Frazier was 29 – 0 with 25 knockouts.  George Foreman won the title with a technical knockout in the second round.  (Joe Frazier suffered six knockdowns in two rounds before the ref stopped the fight.)

George Foreman defended his title against José Roman (KO, round 1) and Ken Norton (TKO, round 2) before taking on Muhammad Ali in the fight known as The Rumble in the Jungle.  Ali, using a strategy he later called “Rope-a-Dope” leaned back on the unusually loose ropes with his guard up and let Foreman wail away.  Ali took some heavy shots but was able to weather the storm.  In the eighth round, with Foreman arm weary, Ali came off the ropes and with his own flurry of punches ended the fight.  Ali had won the Championship.

George Foreman fought some exhibition bouts and five more sanctioned fights earning wins over Ron Lyle (KO, round 5), Joe Frazier (TKO, round 5); Scott LeDoux (TKO, round 3); John Denis (TKO, round 4) and Pedro Agosto (TKO, round 4).  Mr. Foreman then lost a unanimous 12 round decision to Jimmy Young.

In his dressing room after the fight, George Foreman became ill and felt as if he was dying.  At this point, Mr. Foreman wasn’t religious, but felt as if God was telling him to change his ways.  Although he didn’t retire, he stopped fighting and became an ordained minister.  He preached on street corners before becoming the minister of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston.  Mr. Foreman also opened a youth center.

Then in 1987, at the age of 38, George Foreman announced a boxing comeback.  He said the money would be used to help his youth center.  Although very heavy and out of shape, George Foreman won the comeback fight by KO in four rounds.  Big George (as he came to be known) won four more fights (1 by KO and 3 by TKO) before the year was out.  In 1988, he had nine fights (!) winning all by KO or TKO.  In 1989, George went undefeated with five wins.

Despite his age, George was piling up wins and getting closer to another title fight.  He also had endeared himself to the public.  Before his comeback, George Foreman acted much like Sonny Liston (a fighter he admired for his tough no-nonsense persona).  Now George was outgoing, happy and modest.  He began to do advertisements.  George Foreman worked out a deal to be spokesman and allow his name to be used on the George Foreman Grill which became a national best-seller.  Mr. Foreman earned more from sales of the grill than he did as a professional boxer!

After going undefeated in five (all by TKO or KO) fights in 1990 the title fight was getting closer.  In 1991, Big George lost a unanimous decision to Evander Holyfield.  Mr. Foreman won three more fights and then finally got another shot at the title.

On June 7, 1993, at the age of 44, George Foreman won a unanimous decision over Tommy Morrison to win the WBO Heavyweight title.  Then in November, Mr. Foreman defeated Michael Moorer by KO in the 10th to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.  He defended his titles four more times.  He lost by decision to Shannon Briggs in 1997.  George Foreman was nearly 49 years old!

I was always a fan of George Foreman, especially after his comeback.  In his first fights I was in awe of his strength and power.  I loved that he won a Gold medal for the U.S. in the 1968 Olympics.  For his comeback, I enjoyed the transformation for Liston-like personality to someone that seemed to enjoy life and inspire others.  George Foreman was one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to George Foreman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Wings Hauser

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Wings Hauser born General Dwight Hauser died on March 15, 2025of natural causes.  Mr. Hauser was 77.

Wings was born in Hollywood, California.  His father, Dwight Hauser was a director and producer.  His brother, Eric Hauser, is also an actor.  Wings got the nickname Wings while playing high school football and it stuck.  Although Wings Hauser made his film debut with a small role in First to Fight in 1967, instead of acting he pursued a singing career.

In 1975, RCA released the album Your Love Keeps Me Off the Streets with Wings Hauser using the stage name Wings Livinryte.  The album wasn’t a success, but the same year Wings scored a role on Cannon.  He was credited as Wings Livinryte.  It soon became clear that Wings would have more success acting.  Mr. Hauser would branch out into screenwriting and directing as well.

Some of the television projects that feature Wings Hauser include: Cannon; The Young and the Restless (15 episodes); Movin’ On; Baretta; Emergency; Aspen; Magnum PI; The Fall Guy; Ghost Dancing; Jessie; Hunter; Hardcastle and McCormick; MacGruder and Loud; Airwolf; The Long Hot Summer (2 episodes); The A-Team (2 episodes); Dark Horse; The Last Precinct (8 episodes); The Highway Man; Perry Mason: The  Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel; Freddy’s Nightmares; Hardball; China Beach (4 episodes); Lightning Force (13 episodes); The Young Riders; Space Rangers; Roseanne (5 episodes); Route 66; Walker Texas Ranger; Marker; High Tide; Kung Fu: The Legend Continues; JAG; Murder, She Wrote (4 episodes); Beverly Hills 90210 (6 episodes); Arli$$ (2 episodes); Kingpin (4 episodes); CSI: Miami; Third Watch; Eyes; House; Monk; Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery; Cold Case; Bones; Saving Grace; The Mentalist; Criminal Minds; The Defenders; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Hawaii Five-0; Rizzoli & Isles and Castle.

Some of the feature films that Wings Hauser appeared in include: First to Fight; Who’ll Stop the Rain; Vice Squad; Hear No Evil; Mutant; A Soldier’s Story; Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling; Tough Guys Don’t Dance; Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time; Tales from the Hood; Original Gangstas; Life Among the Cannibals; The Insider; The Blue Lizard; The Stone Angel and Eve N’ God: This Female is Not Yet Rated (TM).

I probably first saw Wings Hauser in Baretta.  Whatever the role was, it wasn’t long before I began to recognize Wings Hauser because he appeared in so many programs and movies that I watched.  A profile of Wings Hauser in Entertainment Weekly once called him “the biggest star you’ve never heard of”.  Thing of it was, movie and television fans not only knew of him, they appreciated seeing him listed in the credits.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Wing Hauser’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Gene Hackman

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It was announced that Gene Hackman was found dead today.  No time or cause of death has been given.  Although no foul play was no suspected, an investigation is on-going.  Mr. Hackman was 95.

At the age of ten, Gene Hackman knew that he wanted to be an actor.  At sixteen he lied about his age and enlisted in the Marines.  After Mr. Hackman finished his enlistment he studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois.  Gene Hackman left for California before graduating.  He joined the Pasadena Playhouse where he became friends with Dustin Hoffman.  Mr. Hackman moved to New York where at different times he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman or Robert Duvall.

Gene Hackman began to get small television roles.  During this time Mr. Hackman also appeared in several off-Broadway plays.  In 1963, he got his first Broadway role.  This opened the door to roles in feature films.  Mr. Hackman continued to work on Broadway, television guest spots and small film roles.  Gene Hackman’s breakout role came when he co-starred in Bonnie and Clyde.  This earned him his first (of five) Oscar nominations.  For the rest of his career Gene Hackman appeared in television and feature films.

Gene Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two…

  • 1968 Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bonnie and Clyde
  • 1971 Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for I Never Sang for My Father
  • 1972 Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The French Connection
  • 1989 Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Mississippi Burning
  • 1993 Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Unforgiven

Some of the television projects that feature Gene Hackman include: Tallahassee 7000; The United States Steel Hour (8 episodes); Naked City; The Defenders (2 episodes); Route 66; Ride with Terror; East Side/West Side; Brenner (3 episodes); The Trials of O’Brien; Hawk; The FBI; The Invaders; Iron Horse; CBS Playhouse; I Spy; and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (2 episodes).

Some of the feature films that Gene Hackman appeared in include: Mad Dog Coll; Lilith; Hawaii; A Covenant with Death; Bonnie and Clyde; The Split; Downhill Racer; Marooned; I Never Sang for My Father; The French Connection; Cisco Pike; Prime Cut; The Poseidon Adventure; Scarecrow; The Conversation; Young Frankenstein; Night Moves; Bite the Bullet; French Connection II; Lucky Lady; The Domino Principle; A Bridge Too Far; Superman; Superman II; Reds; Under Fire; Uncommon Valor; Target; Power; Hoosiers; Superman IV: The Quest for Peace; No Way Out; Bat*21; Mississippi Burning; The Package; Postcards from the Edge; Narrow Margin; Unforgiven; The Firm; Geronimo: An American Legend; Wyatt Earp; The Quick and the Dead; Crimson Tide; Get Shorty; The Birdcage; Extreme Measures; The Chamber; Absolute Power; Twilight; Antz; Enemy of the State; Under Suspicion; The Replacements; The Mexican; Heist; The Royal Tenenbaums; Behind Enemy Lines; Runaway Jury and Welcome to Mooseport.

I probably first saw Gene Hackman in Route 66 or The Invaders.  The first movie I remember seeing Mr. Hackman was in The Poseidon Adventure.  I loved him in that role!  It’s hard to pick a favorite Gene Hackman role because he was so good in so many films.  Some of favorites include Poseidon Adventure; Mississippi Burning; Unforgiven; The Quick and the Dead; Crimson Tide and Get Shorty.  What an amazing career Mr. Hackman had.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Gene Hackman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP Peter Jason

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Peter Jason died on Thursday, February 20, 2025.  The cause of death was cancer.  Mr. Jason was 80.

Peter Jason caught the acting bug when he was cast in the lead for his senior high school play.  He attending Orange Coast College where he continued to study acting.  A role in the tv movie A Bell for Adano was his first professional credit.  Following that roles on television and feature films led to over 265 credits on his acting resume.

Some of the television projects that feature Peter Jason include: A Bell for Adano; The F.B.I.; Cimarron Strip (2 episodes); Judd for the Defense; Here Come the Brides; Daniel Boone; Land of the Giants; Hawaii 5-0; Kung Fu; Gunsmoke (3 episodes); One Day at a Time (2 episodes); Starsky and Hutch (2 episodes); BJ and the Bear; The Incredible Hulk; Hart to Hart (2 episodes); Filthy Rich; Silver Spoons; The Blue and the Gray; Cagney and Lacey; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; For Love and Honor; Mister Roberts; Cover Up; Riptide; Izzy & Moe; Amazing Stories; Remington Steele (2 episodes); The Golden Girls; Scarecrow and Mrs. King; The Betty Ford Story; The New Mike Hammer; Hard Knocks (2 episodes); Billionaire Boys Club; Webster (2 episodes); Knots Landing; Quantum Leap; Perfect Strangers; A Different World; Batman: The Animated Series; Dear John; Roseanne; Married with Children; Body Bags; Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman; Coach; Murder She Wrote (2 episodes); Kung Fu: The Legend Continues; Pinky and the Brain; Murder One; Murder One: Diary of a Serial Killer (6 episodes); Mike Hammer: Private Eye (26 episodes); The New Batman Adventures (2 episodes); Batman Beyond: The Movie; Nash Bridges (3 episodes); Arli$$; Men in Black: The Series; Batman Beyond (2 episodes); Titus (2 episodes); Jag; Providence; The New Woody Woodpecker Show (4 episodes); Mister Sterling; Jackie Chan Adventures; Carnivale; Patients; Deadwood (26 episodes); Desperate Housewives (2 episodes); Dirty Sexy Money; Mad Men; Castle; Mending Fences; Raising the Bar; Cold Case; Justified; Chuck; The Fuzz; Funny or Die Presents (3 episodes); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Arrested Development (4 episodes); Scorpion; Longmire; NCIS (2 episodes); Deadwood: The Movie and Baskets (5 episodes).

Some of the feature films that Peter Jason appeared in include: Rio Lobo; The Driver; The Long Riders; Mommy Dearest; Some Kind of Hero; 48 Hrs.; Streets of Fire; The Karate Kid; Dreamscape; Oxford Blues; Brewster’s Millions;  Heartbreak Ridge; Prince of Darkness; Red Heat; Alien Nation; They Live; Johnny Handsome; The Hunt for Red October; Arachnophobia; Marked for Death; In the Mouth of Madness; Village of the Damned; Congo; Mortal Combat; Wild Bill; Escape for LA; The Glimmer Man; Dante’s Peak; Ghosts of Mars; Undisputed; Seabiscuit; Richard III; Queen City; Hail Caesar; Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and The Downside of Bliss.

I probably first saw Peter Jason in Here Come the Brides.  Of course it could have been Daniel Boone; Land of the Giants; Hawaii 5-0; Kung Fu or Gunsmoke.  Peter Jason was getting work in so many shows I regularly watched it’s hard to say for sure.  Mr. Jason appeared in so many television shows and movies that I loved.  He was so prolific because he was so good.  Directors knew that Mr. Jason brought something special even in the smallest performances.  What a career Peter Jason had.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Jason’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: James Carlos Blake

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It was announced that James Carlos Blake died on January 11, 2025.  Mr. Blake was 81.  The cause of death was pneumonia.

Although Mr. Blake wrote off and on from his teens, it wasn’t until the 1980s that he began to write seriously for publication.  At that point James Carlos Blake began to get his short stories published in literary journals.  In 1995, his first novel, THE PISTOLEER saw print. It was a finalist for that year’s Best Novel of the West award from the Western Writers of America.

James Carlos Blake would go on to write 13 more novels and gain worldwide recognition (and awards) for his fiction.

I’ve been a James Carlos Blake fan for years.  His books are always entertaining.  If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then by all means seek them out.

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

RIP: David Lynch

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It was announced that David Lynch died today, at the age of 78.  Mr. Lynch had announced last year that he had been diagnosed with emphysema.

After graduating high school, David Lynch decided to study painting.  He studied at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, D.C., the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.  It was at the Pennsylvania Academy where Mr. Lynch made his first short film.  The film was well received and led Mr. Lynch to create other shorts.

A grant from the American Film Institute financed Mr. Lynch’s short, The Grandmother.  David Lynch then moved to LA to begin studying filmmaking at the AFI Conservatory.  While there Mr. Lynch received a $10,000 grant from the AFI to create Eraserhead.  David Lynch raised the additional money required to complete filming through a loan from his father and money he saved by delivering The Wall Street Journal.  After the success of Eraserhead, Mr. Lynch went on to direct Elephant Man.  At that point, Mr. Lynch was well on his way to a long career as a director, writer and producer.  In addition to his television and feature film directing, Mr. Lynch as continued to create shorts, music videos, write and occasionally act.

David Lynch was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Director, once for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium and won an Honorary Academy Award

  • 1981 Nominee – Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for The Elephant Man, Shared with: Christopher De Vore · Eric Bergren
  • 1981 Nominee – Best Director for The Elephant Man
  • 1987 Nominee – Best Director for Blue Velvet
  • 2002 Nominee – Best Director for Mulholland Drive

Television projects that feature David Lynch include: Twin Peaks (6 episodes); On the Air; Hotel Room (2 episodes) and Muholland Drive (2001).

Feature films that David Lynch directed in include: Eraserhead; The Elephant Man; Dune; Blue Velvet; Twin Peaks; Wild at Heart; Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me; Lost Highway; The Straight Story; Mulholland Drive (1999) and Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces.

I first heard of David Lynch with his movie Eraserhead.  My favorite David Lynch film is The Elephant Man.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to David Lynch’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Art Evans

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Art Evans died on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  The cause of death was complications from diabetes.  Mr. Evans was 82.

Art Evans began his career as a stage actor.  His first screen appearance was in 1972.  Mr. Evans had an uncredited role in the early Brian DePalma film, Sisters.  In 1975, Art Evans received his first credited role in the television movie The Orphan and the Dude.  For the next forty plus years Mr. Evans appeared in movie and television roles.

Television projects that feature Art Evans include: The Orphan and the Dude; Chico and the Man; Police Woman; Minstrel Man; Roosevelt and Truman; King (3 episodes); Some Kind of Miracle; The Cracker Factory; I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; MASH; Skag; The Boy Who Drank Too Much; World War III; The Fall Guy; The Seduction of Gena; Hill Street Blues (3 episodes); American Playhouse; Long Time Gone; Nine to Five (12 episodes); 227; In the Heat of the Night; Doogie Houser MD; Midnight Caller; A Different World (2 episodes); Mad About You (2 episodes); CBS Schoolbreak Special; Roc; Family Matters; Dream On; Walker, Texas Ranger; LA Heat; Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction; After All; City of Angels; The X-Files; Monk; Everybody Hates Chris; Lincoln Heights (2 episodes); The Sarah Silverman Program; Pretend Time (2 episodes); Last Man Standing; Beauty and the Baller (3 episodes); A House Divided (3 episodes); Real Husbands of Hollywood and The Proud Family Louder and Louder (2 episodes).

Feature films that Art Evans appeared in include: Sisters; Claudine; Death Wish; Amazing Grace; Leadbelly; Fun with Dick and Jane; The In-Laws; The Main Event; The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again; Christine; A Soldier’s Story; Tough Turf; Into the Night; Fright Night; Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling; Ruthless People; Native Son; White of the Eye; The Mighty Quinn; Adventures in Babysitting; Die Hard II; Revenge of the Nerds; Trespass; CB4; Tales from the Hood; The Story of Us; Interstate 60; Young Cesar; Shades of Ray and Church.

I probably first saw Art Evans in Death Wish.  I know by the time he appeared in Die Hard 2, I recognized him from his many guest appearances on television and movies.  My favorite Art Evans roles are the parts he played in Die Hard 2 and A Soldier’s Story.  Of course I always liked his performances in everything I ever saw him in.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Art Evans’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Earl Holliman

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It was announced that Earl Holliman died today, at the age of 96.

When Earl Holliman was a teenager he saved his money from his jobs as a theater usher, paperboy and magician’s assistant.  He then went to Hollywood.  He lasted a week before his money ran out and he returned to his home in Louisiana.

His adoptive mother had remarried after her first husband died.  Earl didn’t get along with his new stepfather.  World War II was underway.  Earl lied about his age and went into the Navy.  A year into his enlistment, the Navy discovered Earl’s true age and he was sent home.  Earl finished his high school education, graduated with honors and was his senior class president.

Now old enough to enlist, Earl reupped with the Navy.  While in the Navy, Mr. Holliman was cast in the lead of several Norfolk Navy productions.  After leaving the navy, Mr. Holliman moved to California.  He studied acting and graduated from UCLA.

Mr. Holliman bluffed his way onto the Paramount lot.  Over time he made some connections and got his first part. After that Earl Holliman continued to work in feature films, television and stage roles until he retired.

Television projects that feature Earl Holliman include: Matinee Theater; Kraft Theater (2 episodes); Studio One; Playhouse 90 (2 episodes); Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse; The Twilight Zone (1st episode); Hotel de Paree (32 episodes); The Dick Powell Theater; Westinghouse Presents: The Dispossessed; Bus Stop; Alcoa Premiere; General Electric Theater; Checkmate; Wide Country (28 episodes); The Great Adventure; Bonanza; 12 O’Clock High; Dr. Kildare; The Virginian; Slattery’s People; The Fugitive; Custer; Judd for the Defense; Insight; Marcus Welby MD; Smoke; The Tribe; Ironside; Cannon; Alias Smith & Jones (2 episodes); The Rookies; Gunsmoke (3 episodes); Medical Center (2 episodes); The Magical World of Disney (4 episodes); The FBI (4 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco; The Six Million Dollar Man: Wine, Women and War; Doberman Patrol; Cry Panic; Police Story; Police Woman (90 episodes); The Solitary Man; CHiPs (2 episodes); Country Gold; The Thorn Birds (3 episodes); Hotel; American Harvest; Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge; Empty Nest; PSI Luv U (13 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show; In the Heat of the Night; Delta (17 episodes); Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes); Captain Planet and the Planeteers; Caroline in the City (3 episodes); Nightman (24 episodes) and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Feature films that Earl Holliman appeared in include: Destination Gobi; Scared Stiff; East of Sumatra; Broken Lance; The Bridges at Toko-Ri; The Big Combo; I Died A Thousand Times; Forbidden Planet; Giant; The Rainmaker; The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral; Trooper Hook; Don’t Go Near the Water; Hot Spell; The Trap; The Last Train from Gun Hill; Visit to a Small Planet; Summer and Smoke; The Sons of Katie Elder; Anzio; Sharky’s Machine and The Perfect Tenant.

Earl Holliman starred in the first episode of the first season of The Twilight Zone.  Talk about an impressive first credit.  When I think of Earl Holliman the first role that comes to mind is Sgt. (and later Lt.) Bill Crowley on Police Woman. Then his part in Forbidden Planet.  As an adult I’ve loved seeing Earl Holliman in noirs such as The Big Combo and I Died a Thousand Times.  Whatever he was in, Mr. Holliman made it better.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Earl Holliman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Tony Todd

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It was announced that Tony Todd died on on November 6, 2024, at the age of 69.  No cause of death was listed.

After high school graduation Tony Todd attended the University of Connecticut, the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute, and the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.  Mr. Todd acted on Broadway, television and in feature films.

Television projects that feature Tony Todd include: Simon & Simon; Werewolf; 21 Jump Street; Kate & Allie; Night Court; MacGyver; Matlock; Cop Rock; Father Dowling Mysteries; Jake and the Fatman (3 episodes); Star Trek: The Next Generation (3 episodes); Law and Order; The X-Files; Homicide: Life on the Street (3 episodes); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote; New York Undercover; Beverly Hills 90210; NYPD Blue; Xena: Warrior Princess; Star Trek: Voyager; Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (2 episodes); Babylon 5: A Call to Arms; Angel; UC: Undercover; Smallville; Crossing Jordan; Andromeda; Charmed; Boston Public (2 episodes); CSI: Miami; The District (2 episodes); Criminal Minds; Stargate SG-1 (3 episodes); Boston Legal; Without a Trace; 24 Redemption; 24 (7 episodes); Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Psyche; Splatter (8 episodes); The Event (2 episodes); Chuck (10 episodes); Hawaii 5-0; Holliston (2 episodes); Transformers Prime (8 episodes); Young Justice (2 episodes); The Young and the Restless (14 episodes); Dead of Summer (5 episodes); Be Cool Scooby-Doo! (2 episodes); The Orville; Scream: The TV Series (3 episodes); Masters of the Universe: Revelation (3 episodes); Dota: Dragon’s Blood (17 episodes); The Flash (16 episodes); Masters of the Universe: Revolution and Winnie Taylor’s 4th & Inches (8 episodes).

Feature films that Tony Todd appeared in include: Sleepwalk; Platoon; 84 Charing Cross Road; Colors; Bird; Lean on Me; Night of the Living Dead; Candyman; The Crow; Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh; The Rock; Candyman: Day of the Dead; Final Destination; Final Destination 2; Final Destination 3; The Man from Earth; Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Final Destination 5; Army of the Damned; Zombies; Candy Corn and All Gone Wrong. 

I probably first saw Tony Todd in Platoon.  Talk about an impressive first credit.  When I think of Tony Todd, the first film that comes to mind is the remake of Night of the Living Dead.  Then I quickly remember that Mr. Todd was also in The Rock, Boston Public, Boston Legal, 24, Candyman and so many other shows and movies that I enjoy.  What a career!

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Todd’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Quincy Jones

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Quincy Jones died yesterday at the age of 91.  No cause of death was given.

Quincy Jones loved music from an early age.  In high school Mr. Jones played trumpet and arranged music.  After high school Quincy Jones received a scholarship to Seattle University.  He left after one semester with a scholarship to attend Boston’s Berklee’s College of Music.  Mr. Jones left college to tour with Lionel Hampton’s band as a pianist and trumpeter.  It was on this tour that Quincy Jones began to get a reputation for his musical arrangements.

After the tour, Mr. Jones worked creating musical arrangements for stars such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gene Kupra and Sarah Vaughn.  Quincy Jones continued to take freelance arrangement jobs and he toured with several bands.  He then took a job as musical director of Mercury Records New York division.  

In 1961, two things happened:  He became the Vice President of Mercury Records and was hired to compose the music for The Pawnbroker.  Quincy Jones became so in demand to produce music for movies that he left Mercury Records.  For the remainder of his career Quincy Jones wrote, performed, arranged and produced music for films, television, records and live performances. 

Some of Quincy Jones composer credits include: The Pawnbroker; Mirage; The Slender Thread; Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre; Walk Don’t Run; The Deadly Affair; Enter Laughing; Ironside (movie); Hey Landlord (7 episodes); In the Heat of the Night; In Cold Blood;  Ironside (12 episodes); The Split; McKenna’s Gold; The Italian Job; Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice; John and Mary; Catus Flower; The Out of Towners; They Call Me Mister Tibbs!; The Bill Cosby Show (52 episodes); The Anderson Tapes; The Hot Rock; The New Centurians; The Getaway; Roots (2 episodes) and The Color Purple.

Quincy Jones was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won 2:

  • 1968 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song – “The Eyes of Love” from Banning shared with Bob Russell
  • 1968 Nominee: Best Music, Original Music Score – In Cold Blood
  • 1969 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song – “For Love of Ivy” from For Love of Ivy shared with Bob Russell
  • 1979 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score for The Wiz
  • 1986 Nominee: Best Music, Original Score for The Color Purple shared with: Jeremy Lubbock · Rod Temperton · Caiphus Semenya · Andraé Crouch · Chris Boardman · Jorge Calandrelli · Joel Rosenbaum · Fred Steiner · Jack Hayes · Jerry Hey · Randy Kerber
  • 1986 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song from The Color Purple for “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” shared with: Rod Temperton · Lionel Richie
  • 1986 Nominee: Best Picture for The Color Purple shared with: Steven Spielberg · Kathleen Kennedy · Frank Marshall
  • 1995 Winner for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
  • 2025 Winner Honorary Award

Quincy Jones was nominated for 4 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 1:

  • 1970 Nominee: Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition – For a Series or a Single Program of a Series (In Its First Year Only) – The Bill Cosby Show
  • 1977 Winner: Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) for Roots Part I shared with Gerald Fried
  • 1995 Nominee: Outstanding Informational Series for Punk shared with: Jeffrey Peisch · Andrew Solt · Robert B. Meyrowitz · David Salzman · Ted Haimes · Greg Vines · Marc Sachnoff · David Axlerod
  • 1996 Nominee: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special for The 68th Annual Academy Awards shared with: David Salzman

Quincy Jones was nominated for 80 Grammys and won 28.  

  • 1961 Nominee: Best Arrangement for “Let The Good Times Roll”
  • 1961 Nominee: Best Jazz Performance Large Group for “The Great Wide World Of Quincy Jones”
  • 1962 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra – For Dancing for “I Dig Dancers”
  • 1963 Nominee: Best Original Jazz Composition for “Quintessence”
  • 1963 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra – For Dancing for “Big Band Bossa Nova” shared with Stan Getz · Gary McFarland
  • 1963 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Quintessence”
  • 1964 Nominee:  Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group for “Quincy Jones Plays The Hip Hits”
  • 1964 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra- For Dancing for “Quincy Jones Plays The Hip Hits”
  • 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Quincy Jones Explores The Music Of Henry Mancini”
  • 1965 Nominee: Best Original Jazz Composition for “The Witching Hour”
  • 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Performance – Non-Jazz for “Golden Boy (String Version)”
  • 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Golden Boy (String Version) (Single)”
  • 1968 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show for In the Heat of the Night
  • 1970 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Walking In Space”
  • 1970 Nominee: Best Instrumental Theme for “Mackenna’s Gold (Main Title) (Album)”
  • 1970 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for Mackenna’s Gold
  • 1970 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for The Lost Man
  • 1971 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Gula Matari (Single)”
  • 1971 Nominee: Best Contemporary Instrumental Performance for “Soul Flower”
  • 1971 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Gula Matari”
  • 1971 Nominee: Best Jazz Performance, Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Gula Matari”
  • 1973 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance by an Arranger, Composer, Orchestra and/or Choral Leader for “Money Runner”
  • 1973 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Money Runner”
  • 1973 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for $
  • 1974 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “You’ve Got It Bad Girl (Instrumental Portions) (Album)”
  • 1975 Nominee: Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for “Body Heat (Album)”
  • 1975 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Along Came Betty (Track)”
  • 1977 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Midnight Soul Patrol” shared with: Johnny Mandel · Louis Johnson
  • 1978 Nominee: Best Arrangement for Voices for “Oh Lord, Come By Here” shared with: James Cleveland
  • 1978 Nominee: Best Inspirational Performance for “Oh Lord, Come By Here” shared with: James Cleveland
  • 1978 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Roots Medley (Motherland, Roots Mural Theme)”
  • 1979 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “End Of The Yellow Brick Road”
  • 1979 Nominee: Best Arrangement for Voices for “Stuff Like That”
  • 1979 Nominee: Producer of the Year
  • 1980 Nominee: Best Disco Recording for “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Single)”
  • 1980 Nominee: Producer of the Year
  • 1982 Nominee: Album of the Year for “The Dude (Album)”
  • 1982 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Velas (Track)”
  • 1983 Nominee: Producer of the Year
  • 1984 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
  • 1984 Nominee: Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Billie Jean (Instrumental Version)” shared with: Jerry Hey
  • 1984 Nominee: Best Rhythm & Blues Song for “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (Single)” shared with James Ingram
  • 1985 Nominee: Best Rhythm & Blues Song for “Yah Mo B There” shared with James Ingram · Michael McDonald · Rod Temperton
  • 1986 Nominee: Best Recording for Children for “We Are the World” shared with: George Duke
  • 1988 Nominee: Album of the Year for “Bad” shared with: Michael Jackson
  • 1988 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
  • 1989 Nominee: Record of the Year for “Man In The Mirror” shared with: Michael Jackson
  • 1990 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
  • 1990 Nominee: Producer of the Year
  • 1991 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song)”
  • 1994 Nominee: Best Music Video, Long Form for “Miles And Quincy Live At Montreux” shared with Rudi Dolezal · Hannes Rossacher · Miles Davis Quintet · Jim Beach · Gavin Taylor
  • 1997 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s) for “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (Track)”
  • 2002 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Soul Bossa Nova”
  • 2002 Winner: Best Spoken Word Album for “Q – The Autobiography Of Quincy Jones” shared with: Elisa Shokoff · Steve Strassman
  • 1964 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “I Can’t Stop Loving You” artist: Count Basie
  • 1970 Winner: Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Walking In Space”
  • 1972 Winner: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Smackwater Jack”
  • 1974 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Summer In The City”
  • 1979 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “The Wiz Main Title – Overture Part One” shared with: Robert Freedman
  • 1981 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Dinorah, Dinorah” artist: George Benson shared with: Jerry Hey
  • 1982 Winner: Producer of the Year
  • 1982 Winner: Best Cast Show Album for “Lena Horne – The Lady And Her Music, Live On Broadway” artist: Lena Horne
  • 1982 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental Recording for “Velas” artist: Quincy Jones shared with Johnny Mandel
  • 1982 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) for “Ai No Corrida” artist: Quincy Jones shared with: Jerry Hey
  • 1982 Winner: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “The Dude”
  • 1984 Winner: Album of the Year for “Thriller” shared with Michael Jackson
  • 1984 Winner: Record of the Year for “Beat It” shared with Michael Jackson
  • 1984 Winner: Best Recording for Children – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial album” shared with Michael Jackson
  • 1985 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental for “Grace (Gymnastics Theme)” artist: Quincy Jones shared with: Jeremy Lubbock
  • 1986 Winner: Record of the Year for “We Are the World” (various artists)
  • 1986 Winner: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the album “We Are the World” (The artist USA for Africa did not receive a Grammy Award for this win)
  • 1986 Winner: Best Music Video, Short Form – We Are the World for the music video “We Are The World – The Video Event.” (The artist USA for Africa did not receive a Grammy Award for this win.) shared with: Tom Trbovich
  • 1989 Winner: Trustees Award
  • 1991 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental for “Birdland” artist Quincy Jones shared with: Rod Temperton · Ian Prince · Jerry Hey
  • 1991 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) for “The Places You Find Love” artists: Siedah Garrett and Chaka Khan shared with: Clif Magness · Jerry Hey · Glen Ballard
  • 1991 Winner: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
  • 1991 Winner: Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back On The Block” shared with Ice-T · Kool Moe Dee · Big Daddy Kane · Melle Mel · Quincy Jones III
  • 1991 Winner: Best Jazz Fusion Performance for “Birdland”
  • 1991 Winner: Album of the Year for “Back On The Block”
  • 1992 Winner: Legend Award
  • 1994 Winner: Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for “Miles And Quincy Live At Montreux” shared with Miles Davis · Miles Davis Quintet
  • 2019 Winner: Best Music Film – for Quincy shared with: Alan Hicks · Rashida Jones · Paula DuPré Pesmen

Quincy Jones’ music has been a part of my life for almost as long as I’ve been alive. The music he created improved each television or movie project he was part of.  His collaborations with Michael Jackson are classic.  His leadership in getting We Are the World made for charity has yet to be matched.  Quincy Jones was a musical genius and his efforts made life a bit better.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Quincy Jones’ family friends and fans.

RIP: Teri Garr

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Teri Garr died today due to complications from multiple sclerosis.  Ms. Garr was 79.

Teri Garr’s parents were both in showbusiness.  Her father was an actor/comedian.  Ms. Garr’s mother was a model, dancer and costumer.  As a young girl Teri Garr studied dance with a focus on ballet.

Ms. Garr graduated from North Hollywood High School.  She then attended San Fernando Valley State College, but dropped out after two years.  Teri Garr moved to New York City.  She studied at the Actors Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute while pursuing an acting career.

Teri Garr’s first roles were often uncredited roles in films and television as a background or go-go dancer. 1968 was a big year for Teri Garr.  She received a feature role on Star Trek in the episode Assignment Earth.  Ms. Garr earned her first feature film speaking role in The Monkees movie Head.  Jack Nicholson wrote the film and knew Teri Garr since they were in the same acting class.

Teri Garr is probably best known for her roles in Young Frankenstein; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Tootsie and Mr. Mom.  Ms. Garr was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her work in Tootsie.  Throughout her career Teri Garr worked on television, in feature films as well as theater throughout her career.

In 2002, Teri Garr announced that she had multiple sclerosis. In 2006, she wrote her autobiography SPEEDBUMPS: FLOORING IT THROUGH HOLLYWOOD.  Ms. Garr retired from acting in 2011.

Television projects that feature Teri Garr include: Mr. Novak; What a Way To Go; Dr. Kildare; Batman; The Andy Griffith Show; Star Trek; That Girl; Mayberry RFD; Room 222; It Takes a Thief (2 episodes); This is the Life; The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (12 episodes); The Ken Berry ‘Wow’ Show; Banyon; The Burns and Schreiber Comedy Hour; MASH; The New Dick Van Dyke Show; The Odd Couple; The Bob Newhart Show (2 episodes); The Girl with Something Extra (4 episodes); Barnaby Jones; McCloud (6 episodes); Cher; Maude; Law and Order; Hunter; Saturday Night Live; Fresno (6 episodes); Sesame Street; Tales from the Crypt; Good & Evil (11 episodes); Dream On (2 episodes); Murphy Brown; The Legend of Prince Valiant (2 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show; Adventures in Wonderland (6 episodes); Good Advice (13 episodes); Women of the House (12 episodes); Frasier; Sabrina the Teenage Witch; Friends (3 episodes); ER; Dr. Katz; King of the Hill; Batman Beyond (10 episodes); Felicity; The Downer Channel (2 episodes); What’s New Scooby-Doo? and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Feature films that Teri Garr appeared in include: A Swingin’ Affair; Fun in Acapulco; Viva Las Vegas; Roustabout; Red Line 7000; Head; The Conversation; Young Frankenstein; Oh, God!; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; The Black Stallion; One from the Heart; Tootsie; The Sting II; The Black Stallion II; Mr. Mom; After Hours; The Player; Dumb and Dumber and Ghost World.

I probably first saw Teri Garr in one of her many guest television appearances.  My favorite Teri Garr role was in Young Frankenstein.  She made quite an impact on this young boy.  It was always nice to see Ms. Garr’s name in the credits of television shows or movies.  She was also a fun guest on talk shows.  Ms. Garr always came off as a nice person, the kind you’d like to know as a friend.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Teri Garr’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Ron Ely

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Yesterday it was announced that Ron Ely died of natural causes on on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86.

Mr. Ely was best known for his role as Tarzan on the NBC series of the same name.  The series ran for 57 episodes over the course of two seasons.  Mr. Ely performed most of his stunts throughout the series and suffered multiple injuries.

Prior to Tarzan, Ron Ely appeared in supporting feature film roles and guest spots on television series.  After the series ended Mr. Ely continued acting on television and feature films for the rest of his career. Although Ron Ely retired from acting in 2001, he came back to appear in the television movie Expecting Amish in 2014.

Ron Ely also authored two excellent detective novels, NIGHT SHADOWS and EAST BEACH.

Television projects that feature Ron Ely include: Father Knows Best; Steve Canyon; Playhouse 90; How to Marry a Millionaire; The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis; The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp; The Aquanauts (18 episodes); Thriller; Tarzan (57 episodes); The Courtship of Eddie’s Father; Ironside; Marcus Welby, MD; Wonder Woman; Face the Music; The Love Boat (3 episodes); Matt Houston; Hotel; Fantasy Island (5 episodes); Blacke’s Magic; Sea Hunt (22 episodes); Superboy; The Hat Squad; LA Law; Hawkeye; Renegade (2 episodes); Sheena and Expecting Amish.

Feature films that Ron Ely appeared in include: South Pacific; The Fiend Who Walked the West; Night of the Grizzly and Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.

I probably first saw Ron Ely in Tarzan.  I loved that Mr. Ely’s Tarzan was not only physical but also intelligent.  I have great memories of watching the series with my grandfather.  Then going out to play Tarzan with my other friends.  After the series ended I enjoyed seeing Mr. Ely in television roles and movies.

Mr. Ely was also an excellent writer.  I own his two detective novels and always hoped there would be more.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Ely’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: John Amos

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Yesterday it was announced that John Amos died of natural causes on on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84.

John Amos graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology.  While in college, Mr. Amos played football and was a Golden Gloves boxer.  After graduating college, John Amos played semi-pro football.  He was signed as a free agent by the Denver Broncos but an injury on the second day of training camp brought about his release.  He went back to semi-pro ball.  Three years later Mr. Amos was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but was cut before the season began.

Since a pro football career didn’t work out, John Amos decided to give acting a try.  He began to get work guesting on television programs and small parts in feature films.  John Amos’ breakout role came as John Evans, Sr. on Good Times.  Mr. Amos’s career lasted over 50 years.  He acted on television, feature films and Broadway.

Some of John Amos’ awards and honors include…

  • 1977 Primetime Emmy Award nominee – Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series: Roots for playing “Toby”. For episode: “Part V”.
  • 1993 CableAce Awards nominee – Actor in a Dramatic Series for Without a Pass; Televised as “Showtime 30-Minute Movie: Without a Pass”

Television projects that feature John Amos include: The Bill Cosby Show; The Tim Conway Comedy Hour (11 episodes); The Funny Side (6 episodes); The New Dick Van Dyke Show; Love American Style (2 episodes); Sanford and Son; The President’s Plane is Missing; Maude (3 episodes); Good Times (61 episodes); Police Story; Roots (3 episodes); The Mary Tyler Moore Show (13 episodes); Future Cop (7 episodes); Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story; The Love Boat; The A-Team; Hardcastle and McCormick; Trapper John; Hunter (13 episodes); One Life to Live (2 episodes); Murder, She Wrote; Stingray; Beauty and the Beast; The Cosby Show; 704 Hauser (6 episodes); Touched by an Angel; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire (3 episodes); Martin; Walker, Texas Ranger; In the House (12 episodes); The Rockford Files: Shootout at the Golden Panda; King of the Hill; The Outer Limits; The District (10 episodes); All About the Andersons (16 episodes); West Wing (22 episodes); Psych; Men in Trees (27 episodes); My Name is Earl; Two and a Half Men (3 episodes); 30 Rock; The Ranch (4 episodes) and Ballers (2 episodes).

Feature films that John Amos appeared in include: Vanishing Point; Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song;  The World’s Greatest Athlete; Let’s Do It Again; The Beastmaster; American Flyers; Coming to America; Lock Up; Die Hard 2; Ricochet; Madea’s Witness Protection; Uncut Gems and Coming 2 America.

I probably first saw John Amos first in one of his television guest appearances or The World’s Greatest Athlete.  Of course once Good Times began airing, like most of America, I became a John Amos fan.  I loved seeing Mr. Amos pop up in television roles and movies.  Favorite performances include those in  Good Times; The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Lock Up; Die Hard 2; West Wing and Two and a Half Men.  Any time John Amos was in the credits, I knew the production was going to better because of his appearance.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to John Amos’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Pete Rose

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Pete Rose died yesterday.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Rose was 83.

Pete Rose played professional baseball for 23 years…

  • Cincinnati Reds (1963–1978)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (1979–1983)
  • Montreal Expos (1984)
  • Cincinnati Reds (1984–1986)
    As manager for the Cincinnati Reds (1984–1989)

Pete Rose’s Honors and Awards…

  • 17 time All-Star Team (1965, 1967–1971, 1973–1982, 1985)
  • 3 time World Series champion (1975, 1976, 1980)
  • National League Most Valuable Player (1973)
  • World Series Most Valuable Payer (1975)
  • National League Rookie of the Year (1963)
  • 2 time Gold Glove Award (1969, 1970)
  • Silver Slugger Award (1981)
  • Roberto Clemente Award (1976)
  • 3 time National League batting champion (1968, 1969, 1973)
  • Cincinnati Reds retired his No. 14
  • Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
  • Major League Baseball All-Century Team

Pete Rose holds Major League Baseball records for…

  • Hits: 4,256
  • Games Played: 3,562
  • At-Bats: 14,053
  • Singles: 3,215

For all of these achievements and records that he still holds, Pete Rose is not in Baseball’s Hall of Fame.  The reason: Pete Rose bet on baseball.  Although he denied allegations, there was enough evidence to support the charges.  Pete Rose was banned from baseball and made ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Mr. Rose finally admitted admitted that in addition to betting on horse racing, basketball and other things, he did bet on baseball.  Pete Rose claimed that he only bet on his team to win.  Still baseball players are not allowed to bet on baseball.  So Pete Rose was made ineligible for the Hall of Fame, despite many requests for reconsideration over the years.

I had always hoped that Pete Rose would make it into the Hall of Fame during his life.  You would think that these days where every sporting event has commercials for legalized betting and Major League Baseball is entering partnerships with sports betting services, the attitude toward Mr. Rose would have changed.  I am not in any way defending Pete Rose’s lying about betting.  Nor am I saying that he shouldn’t have faced a severe penalty for violating baseball’s rules against betting.  What I am saying is, Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame.

When I was a little kid growing up in Terre Haute, Indiana, the Cincinnati Reds were my favorite team.  I loved watching Pete Rose play.  He always gave it his all more than earning the nickname Charlie Hustle. Pete Rose was still playing and at the top of his game when I graduated high school and headed into college.  What a career!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pete Rose’s family, fans and friends.

RIP: Kris Kristofferson

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Kris Kristofferson died peacefully at his home on September 28, 2024.  Mr. Kristofferson was 88.  No cause of death was given.

After graduating high school Kris Kristofferson enrolled in Pomona College in California.  He hoped to become a writer.  Mr. Kristofferson excelled in football, rugby, as well as track and field while at Pomona.  Because of his athletic prowess, Kris Kristofferson was featured in the March 31, 1958 edition of Sports Illustrated.  Mr. Kristofferson graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature.

Kris Kristofferson was then awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford.  While there he achieved honors in rugby and boxing.  It was at this point that Mr. Kristofferson began writing and recording songs with Top Rank Records under the name Kris Carson.  Due to the lack of success with this venture, Mr. Kristofferson enlisted in the U.S. Army.

While in the service Mr. Kristofferson completed Ranger school, became a helicopter pilot and earned the rank of Captain.  He also continued performing with a band when possible.  When his enlistment was coming to an end, Mr. Kristofferson was given the opportunity to teach at West Point.  He instead opted to leave the service and move to Nashville.

Kris Krisofferson continued to work at odd jobs and later as a helicopter pilot while he pursued a music career.  Within a few years singers such as Ray Stevens, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roger Miller began recording Mr. Kristofferson’s songs.  Mr. Kristofferson also got his own recording contract.  In 1971, Kris Kristofferson’s album Me & Bobby McGee became a hit.  It was also the same year that Mr. Kristofferson made his feature film debut.  For the remainder of his career, Kris Kristofferson performed as a singer, song writer, as well as an actor in feature films and television.

Kris Kristofferson’s awards and honors include…

  • 1970 CMA winner – Song of the Year for “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “For The Good Times”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Help Me Make It Through The Night”
  • 1972 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Song for “Help Me Make It Through The Night” Sammi Smith
  • 1973 CMA nominee – Song of the Year for “Why Me Lord”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Why Me”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for “Why Me”
  • 1974 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “From The Bottle To The Bottom”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1975 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Loving Arms”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1976 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Lover Please”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
  • 1977 Golden Globe Awards winner – Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for A Star Is Born
  • 1985 Academy Awards nominee –  Best Music, Original Song Score for Songwriter
  • 1985 CMA nominee – Music Video of the Year for The Highwaymen: Highwayman shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Peter Israelson
  • 1985 CMA nominee – Single of the Year for “Highwayman” shared with: Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash
  • 1986 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Highwayman”; shared with: Willie Nelson · Johnny Cash · Waylon Jennings
  • 1990 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
  • 1991 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
  • 1991 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Collaboration for “Highwayman 2” shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings
  • 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 2012 CMA nominee – Musical Event of the Year for “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” shared with: Jamey Johnson · Willie Nelson · Snoop Dogg
  • 2014 Grammy Awards winner – Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2017 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Americana Album for “The Cedar Creek Sessions”

Television projects that feature Kris Kristofferson include: Freedom Road; The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck; The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James; Stagecoach; Amerika (7 episodes); The Tracker; The Larry Sanders Show; Dead Man’s Gun; Two for Texas; Dead Man’s Gun (narrator; 44 episodes); Where the Red Fern Grows; The Break; Lives of the Saints and Texas Rising (5 episodes).

Feature films that Kris Kristofferson appeared in include: The Last Movie; Cisco Pike; Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid; Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia; Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore; The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea; Vigilante Force; A Star is Born; Semi-Tough; Convoy; Heaven’s Gate; Songwriter; Trouble in Mind; Big Top Pee-Wee; Mellennium; Lone Star; Fire Down Below; Blade; Payback; Planet of the Apes; Eye See You; Blade II; Blade Trinity and The Jacket; Dreamer.

I probably first saw Kris Kristofferson in A Star is Born. My favorite Kris Kristofferson role was in Lone Star, followed closely by his appearances in Payback; Eye See You and the Blade movies.  Two movies that Mr. Kristofferson starred in are The Tracker and Trouble in Mind.  I remember liking them both, but haven’t see them in years.  I going to try to rectify that.

What a life Kris Kristofferson led.  If you were creating a hero for a story and you said he was an ex-Ranger, three sport college athlete with the heart of a poet, your editor would say, “C’mon.  That guy is too good to be true.”  And he’d be wrong.  Kris Kristofferson was THAT guy.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Kris Kristofferson’s family, friends and fans.