Category: RIP

RIP: Carl Weathers

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Carl Weathers died peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2024.  He was 76.

Carl Weathers attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana on an athletic scholarship.  Mr. Weathers was an athlete who excelled in football, boxing, gymnastics, soccer, wrestling and judo.  At San Diego St. University, Carl Weathers played defensive end for the Aztecs football team.  As an undrafted free agent, Mr. Weathers was picked up by the Oakland Raiders in 1970 to play linebacker.  When he was released the following year, he headed to Canada where he played for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.  In the off seasons, Carl Weathers returned to the states to earn a earned a bachelor’s degree in drama.  In 1974, Mr. Weathers retired from football to pursue a career in acting.

Carl Weathers’ first feature film role was uncredited.  He played a demonstrator in Magnum Force.  Mr. Weathers’ first television role was as a jealous husband in an episode of Good Times.  Carl Weathers breakout role was as Apollo Creed in Rocky.  He would return to that role three more times.  Other of Carl Weathers’ signature roles include: Fortune Dane in Fortune Dane (1986); Colonel Al Dillon in Predator (1987); Jericho Jackson in Action Jackson (1988); Adam Beaudreaux in Street Justice (1991); Hampton Forbes in In the Heat of the Night (1993); Chubbs in Happy Gilmore (1996); Joe Clark in The Shield (2003); Combat Carl in Toy Story 4 (2019) and Greef Karga in The Mandalorian.  Although he would alternate throughout his career acting in feature films and television roles, Carl Weathers also branched out as a director and producer.

Television appearances of Carl Weathers include: Good Times; Kung Fu; S.W.A.T.; The Six Million Dollar Man; Cannon; Switch; McCloud; Starsky and Hutch; Barnaby Jones; The Streets of San Francisco; The Defiant Ones; Fortune Dane (6 episodes); Tour of Duty (9 episodes); Street Justice (44 episodes); In the Heat of the Night (28 episodes); The Shield (2 episodes); ER; Brothers (13 episodes); Chadam (3 episodes); Psych; Arrested Development (4 episodes); Toy Story of Terror; Regular Show (2 episodes); Colony (7 episodes); Chicago Fire (2 episodes); Chicago PD (4 episodes); Chicago Justice (13 episodes); Magnum PI (2018); Law and Order: Special Victims Unit; Star vs the Forces of Evil (10 episodes) and The Mandalorian (9 episodes).

Feature film appearances of Carl Weathers include: Magnum Force; Friday Foster; Rocky; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Semi-Tough; Force Ten from Navarone; Rocky II; Death Hunt; Rocky III; Rocky IV; Predator; Action Jackson; Happy Gilmore and Toy Story 4.

Projects that Carl Weathers directed include: Renegade; Silk Stockings (8 episodes); Pensacola: Wings of Gold (2 episodes); 18 Wheels of Justice (3 episodes); Sheena (5 episodes); Hawaii 5-0: The Last O.G. (2 episodes); Law & Order; Chicago Med (2 episodes) and The Mandalorian (2 episodes).

When I think of his career, of course his role as Apollo Creed first comes to mind. Sly Stallone posted a touching tribute to Carl Weathers tonight that spoke to his importance in making Rocky a success.  Part of what Sly Stallone said:  “We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.”  My favorite Carl Weathers story occurred when he auditioned for the role of Apollo Creed.  Mr. Weathers was told that the writer of Rocky would be reading with him.  As the audition continued, Carl Weathers felt he wasn’t doing well.  He told the producers, “I’d do better if I was reading with a real actor.”  Sly said he knew right then Carl Weathers was the choice to play Apollo.

Although it only ran for six episodes, I was a fan of Carl Weathers’ Fortune Dane series.  I’ve been planning to seek it out for a re-watch.  The same could be said for his feature film Action Jackson.  Of course everyone loves his role in Predator and I’m no exception.  Anything that Carl Weathers was in was better because of him.

I was truly surprised by Carl Weathers’ death.  He was always in shape and appeared to be the picture of health. Some celebrity deaths hit harder than others.  Carl Weathers death was like a head-on car crash.  In addition to his acting, directing and producing, Carl Weathers will be remembered for his positive attitude.  He focused on the good in people.  He was humble and appreciative of his fans.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carl Weather’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: William O’Connell

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William O’Connell died on January 15, 2024.  He was 94.

Mr. O’Connell served in served in the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant in the 45th Infantry.

William O’Connell acted in television and feature films.  His best known role was on Star Trek where he played Thelev, an alien whose mission was to kill Captain Kirk and destroy the Enterprise.  Mr. O’Connell was also a favorite of Clint Eastwood with appearances in five of his movies (Paint Your Wagon, High Plains Drifter, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Every Which Way But Loose and Any Which Way You Can).

Television appearances of William O’Connell include: Highway Patrol; Peter Gunn; Dr. Kildare; Thriller; The Twilight Zone; Dennis the Menace; The Travels of Jamie McPheeters; My Three Sons; The Outer Limits; Rawhide (2 episodes); Bonanza; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; The Munsters; Batman; Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats; The Lucy Show; Ironside; Star Trek; Petticoat Junction (4 episodes); Mannix; Mission Impossible; Julia; The Wild, Wild West; Green Acres; Gunsmoke; Daniel Boone (3 episodes); Love American Style (2 episodes); The Odd Couple (2 episodes); Kolchak: The Night Stalker; Charlie’s Angels; Quncey, M.E. (2 episodes) and The Dukes of Hazzard.

Feature film appearances of William O’Connell include: Swingin’ Along; The Warlord; ice Station Zebra; Paint Your Wagon; Which Way to the Front; The Culpepper Cattle Co.; High Plains Drifter; Big Bad Mama; The Outlaw Josey Wales; Every Way But Loose and Any Which Way You Can.

William O’Connell was the quintessential character actor.  It’s hard to say when I first saw him because he appeared in so many of the television shows I watched as a kid.  If I had to pick a favorite William O’Connell role it would be either in Star Trek or The Outlaw Josey Wales.  On Star Trek he had the bigger part, but Mr. O’Connell was so memorable as the ferryman in Josey Wales that I had to also include it.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to William O’Connell’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Norman Jewison

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Norman Jewison died on January 20, 2024.  He was 97.

Norman Jewison served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II,  After the war, Mr. Jewison attended Victoria College in the University of Toronto.  He graduated with a B.A. in 1949.

He then moved to London where he worked as a bit actor and script writer for children’s programing.  He moved back to Canada in 1951.  He got work as a writer, director and producer of musicals, comedy-variety shows, dramas, and specials for the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

In 1958, Norman Jewison began working for NBC, directing Your Hit Parade and The Andy WIlliams Show.  Specials for Harry Belafonte, Jackie Gleason, Danny Kaye and Judy Garland followed.  The first feature film that Mr. Jewison directed was 40 Pounds of Trouble starring Tony Curtis, Phil Silvers and Suzanne Pleshette.  For the remainder of his career, Norman Jewison alternated between television projects and feature films.

Norman Jewison was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director three times.  Films he directed were nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award four times.

Television projects directed by Norman Jewison include: The Big Review; Your Hit Parade (2 episodes); The Chevy Showroom Starring Andy Williams (3 episodes); The Big Party (2 episodes); An Hour with Danny Kaye; Belafonte, New York 19; The Judy Garland Show and Dinner with Friends.

Feature films directed by Norman Jewison include: 40 Pounds of Trouble; The Cincinnati Kid; The Russians Are Coming the Russians are Coming; In the Heat of the Night; The Thomas Crown Affair; Fiddler on the Roof; Jesus Christ Superstar; Rollerball; F.I.S.T.; And Justice For All; Best Friends; A Soldier’s Story; Agnes of God; Moonstruck and The Hurricane.

Norman Jewison could direct any genre of movie.  My favorite Norman Jewison films are In the Heat of the Night, F.I.S.T., And Justice for All and A Soldier’s Story.  They are so good, it’s tough to pick just one and don’t sleep on any of his films!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Norman Jewison’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Lynne Marta

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It has been announced that Lynn Marta died January 11, 2024, from cancer.  Ms. Marta was 78.

Lynn Marta began her professional acting career with a guest spot on the television show, Gidget starring Sally Field.  Throughout the rest of her nearly 40 year career, Ms. Marta appeared on television and in feature films.

Some of Lynn Marta’s television appearances include: Gidget; The Monkees; Then Came Bronson; Love American Style (18 episodes); Dan August; Cannon (tv movie); Mod Squad; The Roookies; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law; The F.B.I. (4 episodes); Gunsmoke; Assignment: Vienna; Cannon (2 episodes); Genesis II; Marcus Welby, M.D.; Insight (2 episodes); Kojak; Adams of Eagle Lake (2 episodes); Medical Center (4 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco (2 episodes); Barnaby Jones (4 episodes); Starsky and Hutch (4 episodes); The Rockford Files; CHiPs; The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo; Charlie’s Angels (3 episodes); Vega$ (2 episodes); Trapper John, M.D. (2 episodes); Matt Houston; Knight Rider; Designing Women (2 episodes); Law & Order; The Young and the Restless; ER; Days of Our Lives (24 episodes) and American Dreams.

Some of Lynn Marta’s feature film appearances include: Red Sky at Morning; Joe Kidd; 43: The Richard Petty Story; Footloose and The First Power.

I’m not sure when I first saw Lynn Marta.  It was probably in her appearance on The Monkees.  She sure did act in many of the shows I regularly watched.  What a career she had!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joyce Randolph’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Joyce Randolph

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Joyce Randolph died yesterday in her sleep.  Ms. Randolph was 99.

After high school in Detroit, Joyce Randolph auditioned for a part in a touring company of Stage Door. She earned the role and finished the tour.  She then moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.  Joyce Randolph began getting roles on Broadway and television.  When Jackie Gleason offered her the role of Trixie on The Honeymooners, she became a household name.

Some of Joyce Randolph’s television appearances include: Gander Sauce; Rocky King, Detective; Buck Rogers; The Ed Sullivan Show; The Plainclothesman (5 episodes); The Jack Benny Program; The Honeymooners (39 episodes); The Jackie Gleason Show (79 episodes); Hi Honey, I’m Home and Everything’s Jake.

Because Joyce Randolph became so typecast from her role on The Honeymooners, it became hard for her to get roles.  She turned to acting in summer stock, commercials and the occasional television guest spot.  Joyce Randolph was the last surviving cast member of what many consider the best television comedy ever made.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joyce Randolph’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Cindy Morgan

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It has been reported that Cindy Morgan, born born Cynthia Ann Cichorski, was found dead of natural causes at her home in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, on December 30, 2023.  Ms. Morgan was 69.

While in college Cindy Cichorski was invited by a local station to report news for them.  At that point she took adopted the professional name Cindy Morgan.  After graduation she worked as a weather reporter before deciding to move to LA.  She became the Irish Spring girl in advertisements and soon landed her first feature film role as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  Ms. Morgan would continue to work in feature films and television roles for the remainder of her career.  When she retired from acting, Ms. Morgan could be found making personal appearances at conventions across the country.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s television appearances include: The Love Boat; Vega$; CHiPs (3 episodes); Bring ‘Em Back Alive (13 episodes); The Fall Guy; Amazing Stories; The Magical World of Disney; Falcon Crest (16 episodes); Matlock (3 episodes); Hunter (2 episodes); Harry and the Hendersons and The Larry Sanders Show.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s feature film appearances include: Caddyshack and Tron.

My favorite Cindy Morgan role was as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  I met Cindy Morgan at a Tampa Comic Convention back in 2005.  As I said then, Ms. Morgan was humble and polite.  Fans loved her.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy Morgan’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: David Soul

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David Soul died yesterday.  Mr. Soul was 80.]

David Soul began performing as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis.  In 1967, Mr, Soul had guest appearances on Flipper, I Dream of Jeannie and Star Trek.  In 1968, he landed a co-starring role on the series Here Come the Brides.  When the series ended, David Soul continued to act in movies and television roles.  In 1975, David Soul became a household name with his co-starring role in the hit series Starsky and Hutch.  His popularity allowed him to return to his love of singing (in addition to acting).  David Soul’s release of “Don’t Give Up on Us” hit number 1 in the US.  He also had 5 singles in the top twenty in the UK.  During his hiatus from filming Starsky and Hutch and after the series ended, David Soul would perform concerts in the US and around the world.

For the rest of his career, David Soul would perform as a singer, actor and director.

Some of David Soul’s television appearances include: Flipper; I Dream of Jeannie; Star Trek; Here Come the Brides (52 episodes); The Young Rebels; Dan August; Ironside; All in the Family; The FBI; The Streets of San Francisco; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (7 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); The Rookies; McMillan & Wife; Medical Center; Gunsmoke; Starsky and Hutch (92 episodes); Salem’s Lot; The Manions of America (3 episodes); World War III (2 episodes); Casablanca (5 episodes); The Yellow Rose (22 episodes); The Key to Rebecca; Crime Story; Secret of Sahara (4 episodes); Unsub (8 episodes); The Young Riders (2 episodes); Jake and the Fatman (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote (2 episodes) and Sandra the Rebel Princess (7 episodes);

Some of David Soul’s feature film appearances include: Johnny Got His Gun; Magnum Force and Appointment with Death.

I first remember seeing David Soul in Here Come the Brides.  However, I may have seen him first in Flipper,  I Dream of Jeannie or Star Trek since I regularly watched these shows as a kid.  When I was in high school Starsky & Hutch premiered and it was must-see tv.  I’m also a fan of David Soul in Salem’s Lot.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Soul’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Tom Smothers

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Tom Smothers, born Thomas Bolyn Smothers III, died yesterday from cancer.  Mr. Smothers was 86.

In high school Tom Smothers was a state champion gymnast in the parallel bars.  While attending San José State University, Mr. Smothers competed in gymnastics and the pole vault with the track and field team.

Tom and his younger brother, Dick, wanted to be folk musicians.  Tom thought that while he wasn’t good enough to be a professional musician, he was funny enough to be a comedian.  So the two began adding comedy bits to their performances.  Their act caught on.  CBS gave them their first television show, The Smothers Brothers Show.  It lasted one season.

Tom Smothers negotiated creative control for their next CBS series, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.  By this point Tom had become politically active.  He and Dick began to push the limits with references to recreational drugs, sex, religion and the Viet Nam war.  The show’s war with the CBS censors generated a lot of publicity and the show ended up being cancelled.

Tom Smothers continued to appear with his brother for live performances.  Tom Smothers also continued to be a political activist.  He attended the famous Monterey Pop Festival where he introduced several of the acts.  He became friends with John Lennon and actually played acoustic guitar on Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” record.

For the rest of his career Tom Smothers performed live, on television, feature films and commercials.

Some of Tom Smothers’ television appearances include: The Danny Thomas Show; Burke’s Law; My Brother the Angel (32 episodes); The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (73 episodes); Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (3 episodes); Love American Style; Fitz & Bones (4 episodes); Fantasy Island; The Love Boat (2 episodes); The Smothers Brothers Show (13 episodes); Hotel; Tales of the Unexpected (2 episodes); Dream On; Suddenly Susan (3 episodes); Norm (2 episodes) and The Simpsons.

Some of Tom Smothers’ feature film appearances include: Get to Know Your Rabbit; Silver Bears and Serial.

I was a kid when The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was getting all of the heat over trouble with the censors.  It just made me want to watch it more.  I always enjoyed seeing Tom and Dick Smothers perform.  They never failed to give me  smile.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom Smothers’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Mike Nussbaum

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Mike Nussbaum died yesterday just six days short of his 100th birthday.  Mr. Nussbaum was a stage, television and feature film actor.

After serving in World War II, Mike Nussbaum went into the extermination business with his brother-in-law.  Mr. Nussbaum became involved in community theater in the 1950s.  He met and became friends with David Mamet in the 1960s and appeared in many of Mamet’s plays both on and off Broadway.  Mike Nussbaum also begin to act in television commercials.  In 1969, Mr. Nussbaum got his first feature film role in The Monitors.  For the rest of his career, Mike Nussbaum acted on stage, television and in feature films, as well as sometimes directing theater productions.

Some of Mike Nussbaum’s television appearances include: Vital Signs; Spenser for Hire; The Equalizer; 227; L.A. Law; Separate But Equal (2 episodes); Brooklyn Bridge (2 episodes); Frasier; The Commish (3 episodes); and The X-Files.

Some of Mike Nussbaum’s feature film appearances include: The Monitors; T.R. Baskin; Harry and Tonto; House of Games; Fatal Attraction; Things Change; Field of Dreams; Desperate Hours; Gladiator (92) and Men in Black.

It’s interesting that Mike Nussbaum wasn’t hit with the acting bug until he was in his thirties.  Once bitten, he never looked back, acting well into his 90s.  I wish everyone could discover their passion and pursue it like Mr. Nussbaum.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Nussbaum’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Andre Braugher

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Andre Braugher died on December 11, 2023, after a brief illness.  Mr. Braugher was 61.

Andre Braugher attended Stanford University on a scholarship where he earned a BA in theater.  He matriculated to Juilliard’s School of Drama.  He graduated in 1988.  Mr. Braugher’s first professional television credit was playing Kojak’s partner in the revival movie.  His first professional film role was in Glory.  Many know Andrew Braugher from his two long-running series.  He played Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street from 1993–1999 and Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine from 2013–2021.

Andrew Braugher’s honors and awards include 11 Primetime Emmy Nominations with two wins.

Some of Andrew Braugher’s television projects include: Kojak: Ariana; Kojak: Fatal Flaw; Kojak: Flowers for Matty; Kojak: It’s Always Something; Murder in Mississippi; Kojak: None So Blind; The Court Martial of Jackie Robinson; The Tuskegee Airmen; Law & Order; Homicide: Life on the Street (100 episodes); Homicide: The Movie; Jackie Chan: Adventures (3 episodes); The Practice; Gideon’s Crossing (20 episodes); Hack (40 episodes); Salem’s Lot (2 episodes); The Jury (2 episodes); Thief (6 episodes); The Andromeda Strain (4 episodes); Men of a Certain Age (22 episodes); House (4 episodes); Last Resort (13 episodes); Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (6 episodes); New Girl; Bojack Horseman (4 episodes); Brooklyn Nine-Nine (153 episodes); American Experience (4 episodes) and The Good Fight (10 episodes).

Some of Andrew Braugher’s feature film projects include: Glory; Striking Distance; Primal Fear; City of Angels; Frequency; Poseidon; The Mist; Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Salt.

My three favorite Andrew Braugher appearances were in Glory, City of Angels and The Mist.  Mr. Braugher was excellent in every role he played.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew Braugher’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Jack Hogan

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Jack Hogan died on December 6, 2023.  Mr. Hogan was 94.

While in the Air Force during the Korean War, Jack Hogan decided to try acting once he was out of the service.  Jack Hogan’s big break came when he was cast as Kirby in the popular television series Combat!. After the series ended, Jack Hogan continued to take guest roles in television series until he retired to operate a building business.

Some of Jack Hogan’s television projects include: Dr. Christian (4 episodes); Broken Arrow; The Rough Riders (2 episodes); Have Gun – Will Travel (2 episodes); Men of Annapolis (2 episodes); Sea Hunt (2 episodes); Tombstone Territory (2 episodes); Mike Hammer; Laramie; Lock Up (2 episodes); The Rebel; Riverboat; Peter Gunn; Bonanza; Bat Masterson (3 episodes); Cheyenne; Ben Casey; The Rifleman (2 episodes); Lawman (4 episodes); Hawaiian Eye; Combat! (111 episodes); Custer; Garrison’s Gorillas; Tarzan; Ironside; The Name of the Game; Emergency!; Marcus Welby, M.D.; The Six Million Dollar Man; Adam-12 (8 episodes); Sierra (11 episodes); S.W.A.T.; Medical Center (2 episodes); Hawaii 5-0 (6 episodes); Switch (2 episodes); Kojak; Quincy; Magnum, P.I. (2 episodes); Berrenger’s (3 episodes); The A-Team; Airwolf; Jake and the Fatman (12 episodes) and Raven (2 episodes).

Some of Jack Hogan’s feature film projects include: Man from Del Rio; The Legend of Tom Dooley and The Cat Burglar.

Jack Hogan appeared in many television programs that I watched as a kid.  Combat! was must-see tv and Jack Hogan was one of the reasons why.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack Hogan’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Ryan O’Neal

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Ryan O’Neal died on December 8, 2023.  Mr. O’Neal was 82.  No cause of death was given.

Ryan O’Neal’s mother, Patricia Ruth O’Callaghan, was an actress,  His father, Charles O’Neal, a  novelist and screenwriter.  While in high school Ryan O’Neal was a Golden Gloves boxer.  Later, while still in high school, Ryan O’Neal’s family moved to Munich, Germany when his father got a job writing for a television series.  His mother got Ryan a job as a stand-in.  Soon he was working as a stand-in and stuntman.  This led to Ryan O’Neal’s career in acting.  He would continue to act on television and feature films for the rest of his career.

Ryan O’Neal’s Awards include:

  • 1971 Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor for Love Story
  • 1971 Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) for Love Story
  • 1974 Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for Paper Moon
  • 2021: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Motion Pictures)

Some of Ryan O’Neal’s television projects include: The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis; The Untouchables; Laramie; Westinghouse Playhouse (3 episodes); Leave It To Beaver; My Three Sons; Empire (31 episodes); The Virginian; Perry Mason; Wagon Train; Peyton Place (501 episodes); Small Sacrifices; Good Sports (15 episodes); 1775; The Larry Sanders Show (2 episodes); Bull (6 episodes); Miss Match (18 episodes); Desperate Housewives; 90210 (3 episodes) and Bones (24 episodes).

Some of Ryan O’Neal’s feature film projects include: The Big Bounce; Love Story; Wild Rovers; What’s Up, Doc?; Paper Moon; Barry Lyndon; Nickelodeon; A Bridge Too Far; The Driver; Oliver’s Story; The Main Event; Tough Guys Don’t Dance; An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn and Zero Effect.

I have fond memories of going to The Wild Rovers starring William Holden, Ryan O’Neal and Karl Malden.  I was 12 and went by myself to the theater.  My favorite Ryan O’Neal performance is in Paper Moon.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan O’Neal’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Norman Lear

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Norman Lear died on December 5, 2023.  Mr. Lear was 101.

Norman Lear dropped out of college to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II.  After the war, Norman Lear worked in public relations, door to door sales, as he worked to sell comedy sketches for celebrities such as Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis and Rowan & Martin.  This led to offers to write and direct.  Mr. Lear would go on to write, direct and produce both for television and feature films for the rest of his career.

Norman Lear’s Awards include:

  • 1968 Academy Award Nomination for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen for Divorce American Style
  • 1975 Star on the Walk of Fame Winner for Television
  • 1977 Peabody Lifetime achievement Award
  • 1984: Television Academy Hall of Fame Award
  • 1985 Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special for Heartsounds
  • 1991 Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Informational Special for All in the Family: 20th Anniversary Special
  • 1999 National Medal of Arts Winner
  • 2017: Peabody Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2019 Primetime Emmy Win for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’
  • 2020 Primetime Emmy Win for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times’
  • 2022 Primetime Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘The Facts of Life’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’

Some of Norman Lear’s television projects include: The Martha Raye Show (18 episodes); Bobby Darin and Friends; The Danny Kaye Special; Henry Fonda and the Family; The Andy Williams Special; The Andy Williams Show (3 episodes); Steptoe and Son; Robert Young and the Family; Hot L Baltimore (13 episodes); Grady (10 episodes); Sanford & Son (135 episodes); Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (325 episodes); The Nancy Walker Show (11 episodes); Maude (141 episodes); All in the Family (207 episodes); Good Times (133 episodes); Palmerstown, USA (17 episodes); Square Pegs (20 episodes); Archie Bunker’s Place (97 episodes); Gloria (22 episodes); aka Pablo (2 episodes); One Day at a Time (209 episodes); Mama Malone (13 episodes); Heartsounds; The Jeffersons (253 episodes); Silver Spoons (116 episodes); The Facts of Life (201 episodes); 227 (116 episodes); All in the Family: 20th Anniversary Special; Sunday Dinner (6 episodes); The Powers that Be (21 episodes); 704 Hauser (2 episodes); America Divided (4 episodes); Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ and One Day at a Time (2017 – 46 episodes).

Some of Norman Lear’s feature film projects include: Come Blow Your Horn; Divorce American Style; The Night They Raided Minsky’s; Start the Revolution Without Me; Cold Turkey; The Princess Bride and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Norman Lear was the creator/producer of some of the most popular and influential television programs of my lifetime.  I was a fan and regularly watched All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Good Times and The Jeffersons. These programs were not only very funny, but often left viewers with something to think about.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Norman Lear’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Frances Sternhagen

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Frances Sternhagen died on November 27, 2023.  Ms. Sternhagen was 93.

Frances Sternhagen was an award-winning actress who appeared on stage, television and in movies in a career that spanned nearly 70 years.  During her career she was nominated for seven Tony awards (winning two) as well as three Primetime Emmy award nominations.

Some of Frances Sternhagen’s television appearances include:  Love of Life; The Secret Storm; Omnibus; Studio One (2 episodes); Play of the Week (2 episodes); The Defenders; Profiles in Courage; The Doctors (42 episodes); NET Playhouse (2 episodes); Great Performances (2 episodes); Spencer (1985 – 7 episodes); At Mother’s Request (2 episodes); Golden Years (7 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; Cheers (7 episodes); The Road Home (6 episodes); The Outer Limits (1985); Law & Order (2 episodes); The Simpsons; Sex & the City (10 episodes); ER (21 episodes) and The Closer (16 episodes).

Some of Frances Sternhagen’s feature films include: Up the Down Staircase; The Hospital; Starting Over; Outland; Bright Lights, Big City; Misery; Doc Hollywood; Raising Cain and The Mist.

My favorite Francis Sternhagen role was when she played Dr. Marian Lazarus in Outland.  She and Sean Connery had great chemistry.  Another favorite role is when she played Irene Reppler in The Mist.  Any time Francis Sternhagen appeared the production improved.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frances Sternhagen’s family, friends and fans.