Category: RIP

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.

RIP: John Ashton

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John Ashton died on September 26, 2024.  Mr. Ashton was 85.  The cause of death was cancer.

John Ashton was a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Theatre.  Mr. Ashton appeared in both feature films and television roles throughout his career.  He is probably best known for his roles of John Taggart in three Beverly Hills Cop films and Marvin Dorfler in Midnight Run.

Television projects that feature John Ashton include: Kojak; Emergency!; Columbo; My Father’s House; Phyllis; Police Story; Barnaby Jones; Police Woman; Wonder Woman; Code R; M*A*S*H; Starsky and Hutch (2 episodes); Carter Country; Dallas (6 episodes); Breaking Away (2 episodes); Police Squad!; The A-Team; The Twilight Zone; Hardcastle and McCormick; The Deliberate Stranger (2 episodes); Brothers; I Know My First Name is Steven (2 episodes); The Tracy Ullman Show; Hardball (18 episodes); Love, Lies and Murder (2 episodes); The Tommyknockers (2 episodes); EastEnders (2 episodes); JAG; Brookside (5 episodes); The Day Lincoln Was Shot; King of the Hill; Fantasy Island; Judging Amy; Family (2 episodes) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Feature films that John Ashton appeared in include: An Eye for an Eye (1973); Oh God!; Breaking Away; Borderline; The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension; Beverly Hills Cop; Some Kind of Wonderful; Beverly Hills Cop II; She’s Having a Baby; Midnight Run; Curly Sue; Little Big League; Instinct; Gone, Baby, Gone and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

I probably first saw John Ashton on one of his television guest appearances since he appeared on many of the shows we regularly watched. My favorite John Ashton role was in Midnight Run, followed closely by his appearances in the Beverly Hills Cop movies.

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

RIP: James Earl Jones

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James Earl Jones died today.  Mr. Jones was 93.

James Earl Jones attended the University of Michigan.  Initially he was a pre-med major, but in his junior year Mr. Jones switched to drama.  He as a stage carpenter, stage manager and actor at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee, Michigan.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in drama.  After graduation, James Earl Jones attended Ranger School. He attained the rank of first lieutenant before his discharge.

Once out of the service, Mr. Jones moved to New York to pursue a career as an actor. In 1957, Mr. Jones became an understudy on Broadway.  Just a few months later James Earl Jones earned a feature role.  In the 1960s, James Earl Jones appeared in several productions of William Shakespeare’s plays.  He also began getting guest roles on television.  Then in 1964, Mr. Jones appeared in his first feature film, Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove.  For the rest of his career, James Earl Jones stayed busy, accepting roles for stage, television, and feature films.

Some of James Earl Jones’ honors include…

  • 1971 Oscar nomination as Best Leading Man for The Great White Hope
  • 2012 Oscar winner Honorary Award
  • 1987 Ace nominee Actor in a Comedy Series for Faerie Tale Theater: Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
  • 1991 ACE winner Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries for Heatwave
  • 1991 Ace winner Actor in a Dramatic Series for Third and Oak: The Poolhall
  • 1998 Daytime Emmy nominee Outstanding Performer in Children’s Programing for CBS Schoolbreak Special
  • 2000 Daytime Emmy winner Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Special for Summer’s End
  • 1964 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for East Side/West Side
  • 1990 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for By Dawn’s Early Light
  • 1991 Primetime Emmy winner Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for Heatwave
  • 1991 Primetime Emmy winner Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire
  • 1994 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Picket Fences
  • 1995 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Under One Roof
  • 1997 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Frasier
  • 2004 Primetime Emmy nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Everwood
  • 1970 Grammy nominee Best Spoken Word Recording for The Great White Hope
  • 1977 Grammy winner Best Spoken Word Recording for Great American Documents
  • 2001 Grammy nominee Best Spoken Word Album for Children for “The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey (Susan Wojciechowski) (Album)”

Television projects that feature James Earl Jones include: Monitor; East Side/West Side; Channing; The Defenders (2 episodes); Camera Three (2 episodes); Dr. Kildare (4 episodes); Guiding Light; As the World Turns; Tarzan (2 episodes); NET Playhouse; NYPD (2 episodes); The UFO Incident; Jesus of Nazareth (4 episodes); Roots: The Next Generations; Paul Robeson; Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones; The Atlanta Child Murders (2 episodes); Highway to Heaven; LA Law (2 episodes); By Dawn’s Early Light; Heat Wave; Gabriel’s Fire (22 episodes); Mathnet (9 episodes); Pros and Cons (12 episodes); Square One Television (4 episodes); Garfield and Friends; Lincoln; Sesame Street; Law & Order; American Playhouse; The Vernon Johns Story; Picket Fences; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Signs and Wonders (4 episodes); Under One Roof (6 episodes); People: A Musical Celebration; 3rd Rock from the Sun (19 episodes); Rebound: The Legend of Earl “The Goat” Manigault; Touched by an Angel; Frasier; Stargate SG-1; Homicide: Life on the Street (3 episodes); The Simpsons (3 episodes); Merlin (2 episodes): Recess (2 episodes); Summer’s End; Everwood (3 episodes); Two and a Half Men; House; The Big Bang Theory; Great Performances (2 episodes); Agent X (2 episodes); Star Wars Rebels (5 episodes) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (4 episodes).

Feature films that feature James Earl Jones include: Dr. Strangelove; The Comedians; The Great White Hope; The Man; Claudine; The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings; The Greatest; Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope; Exorcist 2: The Heretic; Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back; Conan the Barbarian; Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi; Gardens of Stone; Matewan; Coming to America; Field of Dreams; The Hunt for Red October; Patriot Games; Sneakers; Sommersby; The Sandlot; Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult; The Lion King; Clear and Present Danger; Judge Dredd; Cry the Beloved Country; A Family Thing; Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; The Lion King; Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker and Coming 2 America.

I probably first saw James Earl Jones on Tarzan.  I first took notice of him with The Great White Hope.  After that I noticed him whenever he popped up in a movie of television appearance. I was thrilled that James Earl Jones provided the narration for Sly Stallone’s Judge Dredd.   Mr. Jones could do it all.  What an amazing career and legacy.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to James Earl Jones’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Charles Cyphers

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Charles Cyphers died on August 4, 2024 after a brief illness.  Mr. Cyphers was 85.

Charles Cyphers was a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  He also earned a BA in theatre arts from California State University, Los Angeles.  Although best known for his work in television and feature films, Charles Cyphers was proud of his work in L.A. theater.  Mr. Cyphers won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for best performance by an actor for his role in The Caretaker and a dramalogue award for best performance by an actor.

Television projects that feature Charles Cyphers include: The F.B.I.; Cannon (2 episodes); The Manhunter; The Missiles of October; The Six Million Dollar Man (3 episodes); The Bionic Woman; Phyllis; Charlie’s Angels; Roots; Wonder Woman; The Tony Randall Show; Our Town; The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald; Barnaby Jones (4 episodes); The Betty White Show (14 episodes); Alice; Starsky and Hutch (3 episodes); Elvis; Friendly Fire; Lou Grant; Hart to Hart; The Executioner’s Song; The Quest; Benson; Little House: Look Back to Yesterday; The Dukes of Hazzard (2 episodes); Rituals; Airwolf; Matlock; Dallas (2 episodes); Our House; Hill Street Blues (3 episodes); Santa Barbara; Simon & Simon; Night Court; China Beach; 21 Jump Street; Freddy’s Nightmares; Jake and the Fatman; Mancuso, F.B.I.; The Outsiders; Murder She Wrote; Roc; F.B.I.: The Untold Stories; Renegade; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; California Dreams; SeaQuest 2032; The George Carlin Show (3 episodes); Slider; Deadly Games; Seinfeld; ER; Jag; The George Wendt Show; Murder One (4 episodes); Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (41 episodes); Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Pensacola: Wings of Gold and Any Day Now (2 episodes).

Feature films that Charles Cyphers appeared in include: Cool Breeze; Truck Turner; Vigilante Force; Assault on Precinct 13; MacArthur; Coming Home; Gray Lady Down; Halloween; A Force of One; The Onion Field; The Fog; Borderline; Escape from New York; Halloween II; Death Wish II; Honkytonk Man; Grizzly II: The Revenge; Big Bad Mama II; Major League; Gleaming the Cube; Loaded Weapon I; Murder in the First and Halloween Kills.

I probably first saw Charles Cyphers on one of his television guest appearances since he appeared on many of the shows we regularly watched.  I first took notice of him with Escape from New York.  After that I noticed him whenever he popped up in a movie of television appearance.  What a great career Mr. Cyphers had.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Charles Cypher’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Bob Newhart

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Bob Newhart died today after a short illness.  Mr. Newhart was 94.

Bob Newhart graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in business management. He was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a clerk during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service Bob Newhart worked as an accountant and later an advertising copywriter.  All the while, Mr. Newhart worked on comedy routines that he sent out to radio stations.

This led to Mr. Newhart signing a contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1959.  The following year his first comedy album was released.  The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart was the first comedy album to hit #1 on the Billboard charts.  It also earned Mr. Newhart two Grammy awards for Best Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

Mr. Newhart’s recording success led to television and feature films. The Bob Newhart Show was a variety program that lasted one season, but was nominated for a Primetime Emmy award.  Mr. Newhart continued to record comedy albums, make many television guest appearances and even served as a co-host of The Entertainers variety show.  Then in 1972, he starred in The Bob Newhart Show.  It ran for 142 episodes.  Four years after it went off the air, Mr. Newhart starred in the series Newhart.  It ran for 184 episodes.

Mr. Newhart was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning three…

  • 1961 winner Best New Artist
  • 1961 winner Album of the Year – for “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart”
  • 1961 winner Best Comedy Performance – Spoken Word for “The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!”
  • 1998 nominee Best Spoken Comedy Album for “Button Down Concert”
  • 2007 nominee Best Spoken Word Album for “I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This!”

Bob Newhart was nominated for nine Primetime Emmy Awards, winning one

  • 1962 nominee Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy for The Bob Newhart Show (shared with: Roland Kibbee · Don Hinkley · Milt Rosen · Ernest Chambers · Dean Hargrove · Robert Kaufman · Norm Liebmann · Charles Sherman · Howard Snyder · Larry Siegel)
  • 1985 nominee Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Newhart for playing “Dick Loudon”
  • 1986 nominee Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Newhart for playing “Dick Loudon”
  • 1987 nominee Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Newhart for playing “Dick Loudon”
  • 2004 nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – ER for playing “Ben Hollander”
  • 2009 nominee Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie – The Librarian III: The Curse of the Judas Chalice for playing: “Judson”
  • 2013 winner Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series – The Big Bang Theory for playing “Arthur Jeffries and Professor Proton” in the episode “The Proton Resurgence”
  • 2014 nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series – The Big Bang Theory for playing “Arthur”
  • 2016 nominee Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series- The Big Bang Theory for playing: “Arthur” in the episode: “The Opening Night Excitation”

Television projects that feature Bob Newhart include: The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre; Captain Nice; The Don Rickles Show; The Bob Newhart Show (142 episodes); Insight (2 episodes); It’s Garry Shandling’s Show; Newhart (184 episodes); Bob (33 episodes); Murphy Brown; The Simpsons; George & Leo (22 episodes); ER (3 episodes); The Librarian: Quest for the Spear; Desperate Housewives (3 episodes); The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines; The Librarian III: The Curse of the Judas Chalice; NICS; Svengoolie (cameo); The Librarians (3 episodes); The Big Bang Theory (6 episodes) and Young Sheldon (3 episodes).

Feature films that feature Bob Newhart include: Hell is For Heroes; Hot Millions; On a Clear Day You Can See Forver; Catch-22; Cold Turkey; The Rescuers; The Rescuers Down Under; In & Out and Elf.

The Bob Newhart Show was must-see tv when I was a kid. I’m also old enough to remember listening to his comedy albums and laughing at his many television guest appearances.  What an amazing career Mr. Newhart had.  No wonder so many folks consider him a national treasure.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Newhart’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: James B. Sikking

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James B. Sikking died Saturday due to complications from dementia.  Mr. Sikking was 90.

James B. Sikking was best known for his role as Howard Hunter, the leader of the S.W.A.T. squad on Hill Street Blues.  For this portrayal he was nominated for one Primetime Emmy Award:

  • 1984 nominee Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Hill Street Blues

After graduating high school Mr. Sikking served in Korea in the U.S. Army.  He graduated from the University of California.  With 159 credits on his acting resume, James B. Sikking worked in both television and feature films throughout his career.

Television projects that feature James B. Sikking include: Assignment: Underwater; Perry Mason; General Hospital; Combat! (2 episodes); Rawhide; The Outer Limits (2 episodes); The Loner; O.K. Crackerby!; The Long, Hot Summer; The Virginian; Honey West; My Favorite Martian; My Mother, the Car; The Fugitive (3 episodes); 12 O’Clock High; Run for Your Life; Sail to Glory; The Invaders; Gomer Pyle; Bonanza (2 episodes); Adam-12; The Survivors; Here Come the Brides (2 episodes); The Young Lawyers; Love American Style; Hogan’s Heroes (3 episodes); The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; The Immortal; The Name of the Game; Night Gallery (2 episodes); Cade’s County; Ironside; Longstreet; Mission Impossible (2 episodes); Man on a String; The Bob Newhart Show; Banyon; The Doris Day Show (3 episodes); M*A*S*H*; The Streets of San Francisco; Mod Squad (3 episodes); Search; The Rookies (2 episodes); Mannix (2 episodes); Room 222 (2 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man: The Solid Gold Kidnapping; Columbo; The F.B.I. (11 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); Ellery Queen; Rich Man – Poor Man – Book II (2 episodes); Police Story; Little House on the Prairie; Delvecchio (3 episodes); Eight is Enough; The Feather and Father Gang (2 episodes); Man from Atlantis; Rafferty; Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy; Kill Me if You Can; The Last Hurrah; Starsky and Hutch; The Bionic Woman; The Incredible Hulk; The Rockford Files (2 episodes); Lucan; A Woman Called Moses (2 episodes); Hawaii 5-0 (2 episodes); Charlie’s Angels (2 episodes); The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo; The Jesse Owens Story; L.A. Law; Hill Street Blues (144 episodes); Who’s the Boss; Brotherhood of the Rose; Hunter (3 episodes); Around the World in 80 Days (3 episodes); Doogie Houser, M.D. (97 episodes); In Pursuit of Honor; The Ring; Brooklyn South (20 episodes); Invasion America (13 episodes); Batman Beyond (2 episodes); Rocket Power (2 episodes); The Guardian (2 episodes); Curb Your Enthusiasm (2 episodes) and The Closer.

Feature films that feature James B. Sikking include: Five Guns West; The Strangler; Von Ryan’s Express; In Like Flint; Point Blank; Charro; Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting; Escape from the Planet of the Apes; The Magnificent Seven Ride; The New Centurions; The Terminal Man; Capricorn One; The Electric Horseman; Ordinary People; Outland; The Star Chamber; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock; Narrow Margin and The Pelican Brief; 

It’s hard to pin down the first time I saw James B. Sikking acting.  That’s because he was in so many television shows I watched as a kid.  Looking at his resume he was in so many great shows and movies (and I didn’t list them all).  My favorite performance was his role on Hill Street Blues.  He also had a small but impactful role in Point Blank that quickly comes to mind when Mr. Sikking’s name is mentioned.

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

RIP: Shelley Duvall

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Shelley Duvall died peacefully at her home today.  Ms. Duvall’s cause of death was complications from diabetes.  Shelley Duvall was 75.

Ms. Duvall was a writer, actress and producer.  She was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards:

  • 1988 Outstanding Children’s Program for Tall Tales & Legends (shared with Bridget Terry, Fred Fuchs)
  • 1992 Outstanding Animated Program (Programming One Hour or Less) for Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories (shared with: Art Leonardi, Carol Davies)

After graduating high school in 1967, Shelley Duvall attended South Texas Junior College. Her major was  nutrition and diet therapy.  A chance meeting with Robert Altman at a party led to him casting her in Brewster McCloud, a film he was shooting on location in Texas.  Altman was so awed by Shelley Duvall’s acting that he cast her in his next three films.  Robert Altman wasn’t the only one impressed.  Ms. Duvall continued to act in feature films and television until she retired in 2002.  Then last year she was coaxed out retirement to appear in The Forest Hills.

Television projects that feature Shelley Duvall include: Cannon; Love American Style; Baretta; Saturday Night Live; The Paul Simon Special; Twilight Theater; Faerie Tale Theater (3 episodes); The Twilight Zone; Tall Tales & Legends; Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme; The Ray Bradbury Theater; L.A. Law; Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and Frasier.

Feature films that feature Shelley Duvall include: Brewster McCloud; McCabe & Mrs. Miller; Thieves Like Us; Nashville; Buffalo Bill and the Indians or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson; Annie Hall; 3 Women; The Shinning; Popeye; Time Bandits; Roxanne; Suburban Commando; The Portrait of a Lady and The Forest Hills.

The first time I saw Shelley Duvall was in The Shinning.  As perfect as Ms. Duvall was for that role, I think there was another part that she was even better suited to play.  That was as Olive Oyl in Popeye which is my favorite Shelley Duvall performance.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Shelley Duvall’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Robert Towne

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Robert Towne died peacefully at his home on Monday, July 1, 2024.  Mr. Towne was 89.

Robert Towne was a writer, actor, director and producer.  He was nominated for four Academy Awards and won one:

  • nominee 1974 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – The Last Detail
  • winner 1975 Best Writing, Original Screenplay – Chinatown
  • nominee 1976 Best Original Screenplay – Shampoo (shared with: Warren Beatty)
  • nominee 1985 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (shared with Michael Austin)

After graduating from Pomona College in Claremont, California, Robert Towne decided to pursue a career as an actor and writer.  In one of Mr. Towne’s acting classes he met Jack Nicholson (who became his roommate), Roger Corman, Irvin Kershner and Sally Kellerman.

Roger Corman financed and directed Robert Towne’s first feature film, Last Woman on Earth.  Mr. Town also served as one of the film’s stars.  The following year, Robert Towne was one of the stars (but not the writer) of the Corman directed, Creature from the Haunted Sea.  Robert Towne then began to get work writing for television.  As his reputation as a “script doctor” grew, Mr. Towne would often be called in to beef up a script, many times with no credit, but a nice payday.  Mr. Towne moved away from acting and television writing to focus on feature films with occasional directing and producing duties for the rest of his career.

Television projects that feature Robert Towne’s writing include: The Lloyd Bridges Show (4 episodes); Breaking Point; The Outer Limits; The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Welcome to the Basement (2 episodes).

Feature film projects that feature Robert Towne’s writing include: Last Woman on Earth; The Tomb of Ligeia; Bonnie and Clyde (uncredited); Villa Rides; McCabe & Mrs. Miller (uncredited); Cisco Pike (uncredited); The New Centurions (uncredited); The Last Detail; The Parallax View (uncredited); Chinatown; The Yakuza; Shampoo; The Missouri Breaks (uncredited); Orca (uncredited); Heaven Can Wait (uncredited); Personal Best; Deal of the Century (uncredited); Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (as P.H. Vazak); 8 Million Ways to Die (uncredited); Tough Guys Don’t Dance (uncredited); Frantic (uncredited); Tequila Sunrise; Days of Thunder; The Two Jakes; The Firm; Love Affair; Mission Impossible II and Ask the Dusk.

Some of Robert Towne’s acting projects include: Last Woman on Earth; Creature from the Haunted Sea; The Zodiac Killer; Drive, He Said; Shampoo; The Pick-up Artist and Suspect Zero.

Projects that feature Robert Towne’s directing include: Personal Best; Tequila Sunrise; Without Limits and Ask the Dust.

My favorite films featuring writing by Robert Towne include Chinatown; The Yakuza; Tequila Sunrise and Mission Impossible II.  I’m also a fan of Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.  Mr. Towne hoped to direct it, but things didn’t work out and so he had his credit changed to P.H. Vazak (his dog’s name).  Until today, I didn’t realize just how many uncredited projects were on Robert Towne’s resume.  It’s testament to his talent that he was often called in when there was trouble with a script.

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

RIP: Bud Smith

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Bud Smith died Thursday, June 23, 2024.  Mr. Smith died of respiratory failure after a prolonged illness.  Mr. Smith was 88.

Mr. Smith was an editor, director and producer.  He was nominated for two Academy Awards:

  • nominee 1974 Best Film Editing – The Exorcist
  • nominee 1984 Best Film Editing – Flashdance

Television projects that feature Bud Smith’s editing include: The Bold Men; The Incredible World of James Bond; Time-Life Specials: The March of Time (3 episodes); National Geographic Specials (2 episodes); The Big Land; Petula; Tribute to Bogart; Sticks and Bones; A Death in Canaan and C.A.T. Squad.

Feature film projects that feature Bud Smith’s editing include: Putney Swope; Sorcerer; The Brinks Job; Cruising; Personal Best; Flashdance; Deal of the Century; The Karate Kid; Poltergeist II: The Other Side; Some Kind of Wonderful; Gross Anatomy; Darkman; The Replacements; Ladder 49 and The Game of Their Lives.

Television projects that feature Bud Smith’s directing include: C.A.T. Squad (2nd unit);

Feature films that feature Bud Smith’s directing include: Johnny Be Good; Sorcerer (2nd unit); Cat People (2nd unit); To Live and Die in LA (2nd unit); Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot! (2nd unit); Virus (2nd unit) and Driftwood (2nd unit).

My favorite film edited by Bud Smith is The Exorcist.  If the only films he edited were The Exorcist and Flashdance, his reputation as a great editor would be cemented.  It’s a testament to Mr. Smith’s talent that he branched out into directing and producing.  Bud Smith was so good that director William Friedkin collaborated with him on six films.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Bud Smith’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Martin Mull

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Martin Mull died Thursday, June 27, 2024.  Mr. Mull was 80.

After high school, Martin Mull attended the Rhode Island School of Design.  He graduated from there with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and also a Master of Fine Arts in painting degree.  Although most know Martin Mull for his comedic acting, he broke into show business as a musical comedian.  He wrote “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” which peaked at 61 on the Country Charts in 1970.  In 1972, Martin Mull’s first album was released.  Between 1972 and 1979, Martin Mull had eight albums released.  In 1998, his last album premiered.  Martin Mull was cast in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in 1976.  This launched Mr. Mull into a new career as an actor in television and feature film roles.

Television appearances of Martin Mull include: Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (46 episodes); Fernwood Tonight (54 episodes); Wonder Woman; Laugh In (1977 – 78, 3 episodes); America 2-Night (65 episodes); Taxi; The Chevy Chase National Humor Test; Square Pegs; The Jerk, Too; Domestic Life (10 episodes); Lots of Luck; California Girls; The Magical World of Disney; TV 101 (2 episodes); It’s Gary Shandling’s Show (4 episodes); His & Hers (13 episodes); The Golden Girls; Dream On; The Jackie Thomas Show (18 episodes); Family Dog (10 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show (2 episodes); L.A. Law; Burke’s Law; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; The Drew Carey Show; Roseanne (46 episodes); The Simpsons; Family Guy; Sabrina the Teenage Witch (73 episodes); The Wild Thornberrys; Twice in a Lifetime; Recess (2 episodes); The Geena Davis Show; Dexter’s Laboratory; Teamo Supremo (10 episodes); The Ellen Show (18 episodes); Reba; Life with Bonnie (3 episodes); The Nick at Night Holiday Special; Reno 911; Danny Phantom (14 episodes); The War at Home (3 episodes); Gary Unmarried (2 episodes); My Boys (2 episodes); ‘Til Death (12 episodes); Mad Love; American Dad! (10 episodes); Two and a Half Men (6 episodes); Psych; Dads (19 episodes); Community (2 episodes); Veep (4 episodes); NICS: Los Angeles; Life in Pieces (4 episodes); I’m Sorry (7 episodes); Arrested Development (6 episodes); The Cool Kids (22 episodes); The Ranch (13 episodes); Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Not Dead Yet (3 episodes) and The Afterparty (2 episodes).

Feature film appearances of Martin Mull include: FM; Serial; My Bodyguard; Take This Job and Shove It; Mr. Mom; Clue; The Player; Mrs. Doubtfire and Jingle All the Way.

I first saw Martin Mull in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.  Mr. Mull was either a natural born comedian or he learned to make his comedy seem so natural.  What an amazing career he had making every project he was in better.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Martin Mull’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Bill Cobbs

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Bill Cobbs died Tuesday, June 25, 2024.  Mr. Cobbs was 90.

After high school, Bill Cobbs served eight years in the Air Force.  Upon his discharge, he returned to his hometown of Cleveland.  There Mr. Cobbs took jobs as a salesman.  He also began acting at the African American Performing Arts Center and Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland.  He had found his calling.

At the age of 36, Bill Cobbs moved to New York to pursue a career in acting.  Mr. Cobbs first acting roles were in street theater, small theater productions and ultimately the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway.  Bill Cobbs first feature film appearance was in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.  For the remainder of his career, Mr. Cobbs took roles on television and feature films.

Television appearances of Bill Cobbs include: First Ladies Diary: Rachel Jackson; Good Times; Baby, I’m Back; The Member of the Wedding; Rage of Angels; The Equalizer; One Life to Live; Sesame Street (2 episodes); Kate & Allie (2 episodes); Spenser for Hire; L.A. Law; The Slap Maxwell Story (20 episodes); Homeroom (13 episodes); Designing Women; Married People; Decoration Day; True Colors; Carolina Skeletons; I’ll Fly Away (13 episodes); Coach; I’ll Fly Away: Then and Now; Empty Nest; Northern Exposure; Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long; The Watcher; Divas; ER; Walker, Texas Ranger; The Wayans Bros; Always Outnumbered; The Wild Thornberrys; For Your Love (2 episodes); The Gregory Hines Show (21 episodes); The Outer Limits (2 episodes); The Sopranos; The Practice; The Others (13 episodes); For All Time; The Michael Richards Show (9 episodes); The Fighting Fitzgeralds; Touched By An Angel; Rugrats; Six Feet Under; Philly; The West Wing; My Wife and Kids (2 episodes); N.Y.P.D. Blue (2 episodes); 10-8: Officers On Duty; JAG (4 episodes); Soul Food; The Drew Carey Show (9 episodes); Star Trek: Enterprise; Yes, Dear (2 episodes); October Road; Army Wives; One Tree Hill; C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation; The Glades; Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior; Harry’s Law; Go On (10 episodes); Back in the Game; Rake (4 episodes); Hand of God (2 episodes); Greenleaf (4 episodes); Dino Dana (6 episodes); Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Incandescent Love.

Feature film appearances of Bill Cobbs include: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three; Greased Lightning; A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich; The Hitter; Trading Places; Silkwood; The Brother From Another Planet; The Cotton Club; The Color of Money; Streets of Gold; Suspect; Dominic & Eugene; Bird; The January Man; New Jack City; The Hard Way; The People Under the Stairs; The Bodyguard; Demolition Man; Fatal Instinct; The Hudsucker Proxy; Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead; Fluke; That Thing That You Do; Ghosts of Mississippi; Air Bud; Hope Floats; I Still Know What You Did Last Summer; Random Hearts; Sunshine State; Enough; A Mighty Wind; Special Ed; Night at the Museum; The Muppets; Oz the Great and Powerful; Of Mind and Music and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

Bill Cobbs had a career where many folks might not have known his name, but knew when he appeared onscreen, the show just got better.  I don’t remember when I first saw Mr. Cobbs act.  It may have been in that episode of Good Times.  I do know that when I think of Bill Cobbs, the first thing that comes to mind is his performance in Demolition Man. Looking at Bill Cobbs’ partial resume above, it becomes clear how talented he was.  If there was a Hall of Fame for character actors, Bill Cobb would be a shoe-in.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Bill Cobb’s family, friends and fans.