Category: RIP

RIP: Burt Young

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Burt Young, born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise, died October 8th.  No cause of death was given.  Mr. Young was 83.

Burt Young, best known for his Academy Award nominated role as Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law Paulie, was actually a boxer himself.  While in the United State Marines, Mr. Young compiled a 32 -2 record!

Burt Young trained at the Actor’s Studio under Lee Strasberg.  During the course of his career Burt Young compiled 170 acting credits in films and television. Mr. Young wrote and starred in the feature film Uncle Joe Shannon, wrote and starred in the television movie Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This, and an episode of Baretta (The Big Hand’s On Trouble) which he guest starred in.  Burt Young also wrote the historical novel ENDINGS, as well as two stage plays (SOS and A Letter to Alicia and the New York City Government from a Man With a Bullet in His Head).  Mr. Young was also an accomplished painter with gallery showings throughout the world.  Some of his paintings appeared in Rocky Balboa when we learned that Paulie also liked to paint.

Some of Burt Young’s television appearances include: The Doctors; MASH; Little House on the Prairie; Baretta (3 episodes); The Rockford Files; Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This; Miami Vice; The Equalizer; Vendetta: Secrets of a Mafia Bride (6 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; Law & Order; The Last Don (2 episodes); Walker, Texas Ranger (2 episodes); The Sopranos and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Some of Burt Young’s feature film appearances include: Carnival of Blood; The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight; Across 110th Street; Cinderella Liberty; Chinatown; The Killer Elite; Rocky; Twilight’s Last Gleaming; The Choirboys; Convoy; Uncle Joe Shannon; Rocky II; All the Marbles; Rocky III; Once Upon a Time in America; The Pope of Greenwich Village; Rocky IV; Back to School; Rocky V; Mickey Blue Eyes and Rocky Balboa.

I probably saw Burt Young first on MASH, Baretta or The Rockford Files, but it was his role in Rocky that I always think of first.  From all accounts Burt Young was a kind and gentle soul.  He was a true renaissance man – an actor, author and painter.  He made every production he was in better.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Burt Young’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Lara Parker

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Lara Parker, born Mary Lamar Rickey, died October 12th, the result of cancer.  Ms. Parker was 84.

Lara Parker was an actress and author.  After appearing in local plays, Lara decided to go to auditions in New York.  In just her second audition she was cast in the daytime serial Dark Shadows.  Ms. Parker became an instant hit.  Her character was killed off, but her popularity was so great, she was brought back to play different roles.

Lara Parker continued acting on stage, in feature films and on television until 1991.  She then retired and became a teacher.  Ms. Parker also authored four Dark Shadows novels.  In 2012, Lara Parker returned to acting for a role in Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows movie. That led to more acting roles until she again retired in 2016.

Some of Lara Parker’s television appearances include: Dark Shadows (269 episodes); One Life to Live; N.Y.P.D.; Kung Fu; The F.B.I.; Medical Center;  Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law; Police Woman; The Rockford Files; Kolchak, The Night Stalker; S.W.A.T.; Emergency; The Six Million Dollar Man (2 episodes); Kojak (2 episodes); Alice; Washington Behind Closed Doors (6 episodes); The Incredible Hulk; Switch (3 episodes); Baretta; Quincy (2 episodes); Barnaby Jones; Hawaii 5-0 (2 episodes); Mrs. Columbo; Galactica 1980 (2 episodes); The Fall Guy; Manimal; Remington Steele and Highway to Heaven.

Some of Suzanne Somer’s feature film appearances include: Hi, Mom!; Night of Dark Shadows; Save the Tiger; Airport 1975; Race with the Devil; Dark Shadows and Doctor Mabuse.

Like most who were at the right age, I first saw Lara Parker on Dark Shadows. Not many actors/actresses get a huge hit for their first professional work.  My favorite Lara Parker role was in the movie Race with the Devil.  I love that when Lara Parker decided to retire from acting she turned to teaching and writing.  What a multitalented person she was.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lara Parker’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Suzanne Somers

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Suzanne Somers, born Suzanne Mahoney, died today the result of cancer.  Ms. Somers was 76. Suzanne Somers was a model, actress, singer, author and business woman.

When Suzanne Mahoney was 19, she married Bruce Somers.  They had one child and the couple divorced three years later. Suzanne Somers’ career began with her getting modeling gigs and small, often uncredited parts in television shows and movies.  Her big break came when she landed the role of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company.  The show was an instant hit and made Suzanne Somers a household name.  Ms. Somers stayed with the series through four seasons.

For the rest of her career Suzanne Somers would act in movies and television.  She became a commercial spokesperson for the exercise product Thighmaster.  Suzanne Somers also authored two autobiographies, a book of poetry as well as four diet books.  In 2001, Ms. Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She elected to have a lumpectomy and radiation.  She declined chemotherapy and instead used alternative cancer treatments.  Although criticized by the American Cancer Society and many doctors, Suzanne Somers became a proponent of alternative treatments to chemotherapy.

Some of Suzanne Somer’s television appearances include: The Rockford Files; Sky Heist; One Day at a Time; The Love Boat; Starsky & Hutch (3 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man; Zuma Beach; Three’s Company (100 episodes); The Ropers; Hollywood Wives (3 episodes); She’s the Sheriff (44 episodes); Sisters; The Larry Sanders Show; The Simpsons and Step-By-Step (160 episodes).

Some of Suzanne Somer’s feature film appearances include: Bullit; Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting; American Graffiti; Magnum Force; Billy Jack Goes to Washington; Nothing Personal and The Nutty Professor.

I first remember seeing Suzanne Somers in a magazine ad.  She was a hot babe on a beach.  Of course I remember her best from Three’s Company.  Although I didn’t regularly watch the show, her fame brought her magazine covers, feature stories and appearances on other shows.  For a while Suzanne Somers was everywhere!  It’s funny because I probably saw her on The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch or The Six Million Dollar Man before Three’s Company ever hit the air waves.  But it’s Chrissy Snow that first comes to mind when I think of Suzanne Somers.

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

RIP: Piper Laurie

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Piper Laurie, born Rosetta Jacobs, died today.  Ms. Laurie was 91.

In 1949, Piper Laurie was awarded a contract with Universal Studios.  She changed her name to Piper Laurie and used it from then on.  Throughout her career Piper Laurie acted on television, feature films and on stage.

Ms. Laurie was nominated for three Academy Awards: 1962 – Best Actress in a Leading Role for The Hustler; 1976 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Carrie; 1987 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Children of a Lesser God.

Piper Laurie was nominated for nine Primetime Emmy Awards, winning in 1987 for her role in Promise.

Some of Piper Laurie’s television appearances include: The Best of Broadway; Studio One; Playhouse 90 (2 episodes); Play of the Week; General Electric Theater (3 episodes); Naked City; The United States Steel Hour (2 episodes); Ben Casey; Skag (6 episodes); The Thorn Birds (3 episodes); St. Elsewhere (3 episodes); Hotel; Murder She Wrote; The Twilight Zone (2 episodes); Matlock; Beauty and the Beast; Twin Peaks (27 episodes); ER (2 episodes); Diagnosis Murder; Touched by an Angel; Frasier (2 episodes); Will & Grace; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and MacGuyver.

Some of Piper Laurie’s feature film appearances include: Louisa; Francis Goes to the Races; Has Anybody Seen My Gal; Ain’t Misbehavin’; The Hustler; Carrie; Ruby; Children of a Lesser God; The Crossing Guard; The Faculty and White Boy Rick.

I first became aware of Piper Laurie in Carrie. For that role she earned a well deserved Academy Award nomination. A few years later I saw her in another Academy Award nominated performance in The Hustler.  That’s probably my favorite Piper Laurie performance, but I always enjoyed seeing her name in the credits for any production.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Piper Laurie’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Mark Goddard

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It has been announced that Mark Goddard (born Charles Harvey Goddard) died from pulmonary fibrosis on October 10, 2023.  Mr. Goddard was 87.

Mark Goddard played on state championship baseball and basketball teams in high school.  Mr. Goddard thought he might have a career as a professional basketball player.  While in college he turned to acting.  After moving to Los Angeles he quickly got the co-starring role on the television series Johnny Ringo.  It was at this time he changed his name to Mark Goddard.  Mr. Goddard would continue to work on television and feature films for the rest of his acting career.  After 30 years, Mark Goddard returned to college to get his degree.  He then worked as a special education teacher while occasionally taking on acting roles.

Some of Mark Goddard’s television appearances include: Johnny Ringo (38 episodes); The Rebel; The Detectives (64 episodes); The Rifleman (2 episodes); Burke’s Law; The Beverly Hillbillies; The Virginian; Gunsmoke; Perry Mason (2 episodes); The Fugitive; Many Happy Returns (26 episodes); Lost in Space (84 episodes); Mod Squad (2 episodes); Adam 12; Switch; Petrocelli (2 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco; Quincy; Benson; B.J. and the Bear; Barnaby Jones (4 episodes); One Life to Live (10 episodes); The Doctors (6 episodes); The Fall Guy; General Hospital (11 episodes) and Jake and the Fatman.

Some of Mark Goddard’s feature film appearances include: The Monkey’s Uncle; A Rage to Live; Play It Again, Sam; Roller Boogie; Strange Invaders and Lost in Space.

The first role that comes to mind when I think of Mark Goddard is that of Major Don West on Lost in Space.  I watched that show from the premiere episode.  I was six years old and loved it.  I also think it’s cool that Mr. Goddard became a special education teacher.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Goddard’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Dick Butkus

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Dick Butkus died yesterday in his sleep.  Mr. Butkus was 80.

Dick Butkus was born in Chicago.  He played his entire football career in Illinois.

Dick Butkus attended Chicago Vocational High School.  On the football team he played fullback, linebacker, punter, and placekicker.  He averaged 5 yards per carry as a fullback, but preferred to play defense.  He became the first junior to earn the Chicago Sun-Time’s high school player of the year award.

Mr. Butkus attended the University of Illinois, where he played center and linebacker.  He had a stellar college career.  In his freshman year, he made the 1962 All-Big Ten Conference football team.  The following year, he was named the team’s most valuable player. Dick Butkus also earned the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten’s most valuable player.  He was also a unanimous choice as center for the 1963 College Football All-America Team,  In 1964, Dick Butkus was named Co-Captain of the team.  UPI named him college football’s Lineman of the Year.  Mr. Butkus was named the Player of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News. He was also named his college’s most valuable player for the second year in a row. Dick Butkus also earned a spot on the 1964 All-America team.  Although he didn’t win, he was in the running for the Heisman Trophy (as the best college football player) which is extremely rare for a defensive player.

Dick Butkus was the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft.  He played his entire 9 year career with the Chicago Bears.  Mr. Butkus was named the AP’s NFL Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career.  He came in 3rd place for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year Award (again, rare for a defensive player).  His rookie year he made the AP’s first-team All-Pro as well as a spot in the Pro Bowl (the first of eight straight).  Dick Butkus was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1969 and 1970.

Dick Butkus’ pro career was cut short due to knee injuries.  He is credited for redefining the middle linebacker position. Some of his honors include:

  • His college jersey number, 50, was retired by the Illinois Fighting Illini.
  • ESPN named Dick Butkus the 70th greatest athlete of the 20th century
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame voters named Dick Butkus to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame voters named Dick Butkus to the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
  • In his first year of eligibility he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979
  • He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
  • The Bears retired Dick Butkus’s No. 51 jersey in 1994
  • NFL Officials & media personnel named Dick Butkus to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994
  • Named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s All-Century Team in 1999
  • The Sporting News named Dick Butkus the 9th Best Player Ever in the NFL in 1999
  • A sculpture of Dick Butkus premiered at Soldier Field among other Chicago Bear greats in 2004
  • Mr. Butkus was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2008
  • Dick Butkus was named the 10th best player ever by the NFL Network in 2010
  • The NY Daily News named Dick Butkus the 8th best NFL player ever in 2014
  • Mr. Butkus was inducted to the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016
  • Mr. Butkus was named a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois in 2018
  • Mr. Butkus was awarded the Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest honor, by the Governor of Illinois in 2018
  • NFL Officials & media personnel named Dick Butkus to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2019

Dick Butkus created the Butkus Foundation to support charitable causes.

After retiring from professional football, Dick Butkus became a broadcaster, actor and was in demand by advertisers to endorse many products.

Some of Dick Butkus’ television appearances include: Brian’s Song; Emergency!; McMillan & Wife; Police Story (2 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man; The Rockford Files; Rich Man, Poor Man; Wonder Woman; Taxi; Fantasy Island (2 episodes); Vegas; Magnum PI; Matt Houston; The Greatest American Hero; Simon & Simon; Blue Thunder (11 episodes); The Love Boat; Murder She Wrote; Half Nelson (7 episodes); Night Court (2 episodes); Matlock; Growing Pains; My Two Dads (27 episodes); MacGuyver (3 episodes); Coach (2 episodes); Hang Time (52 episodes) and The Bernie Mac Show.

Some of Dick Butkus’ feature film appearances include: Mother, Jugs & Speed; Gus; Johnny Dangerously; Gremlins 2; Necessary Roughness; The Last Boy Scout and Any Given Sunday.

Dick Butkus was my favorite football player when I was a kid.  I was a Chicago Bears fan and Mr. Butkus is a big reason for that.  I loved his style of play.  When he retired, I enjoyed seeing him in the broadcast booth or popping up in a movie, television show or commercial.  You can imagine the smile I had when I watched ROCKY for the first time and saw that his dog was named Butkus.  I also appreciate that Mr. Butkus backed several charitable causes.  What a life he lived.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick Butkus’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: David McCallum

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David McCallum died yesterday at the age of 90.

David McCallum’s parents were professional musicians. For a while it appeared that David might follow in their footsteps.  He studied music for a short time.  After serving in the British Army’s 3rd Battalion (he was born in Glasgow, Scotland), Mr. McCallum attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

David McCallum had been getting roles in both television and feature films when his breakout role came. He was cast as Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. Although the show was conceived as a showcase for Robert Vaughn to play a James Bond-like spy, the audience loved the chemistry between Vaughn and McCallum.  David McCallum was elevated from occasional guest to the show’s co-star.  Critics also loved Mr. McCallum in this role.  He was nominated for two Emmy awards during the series four year run.  The Man from U.N.C.L.E remained so popular that in 1983, David McCallum returned to the role for a television movie titled, The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E..

David McCallum’s popularity was such that he released four record albums during the run of The Man from U.N.C.L.E..  Unlike many stars of the era, Mr. McCallum did not sing on his records.  Instead he wrote some of the compositions, conducted their arrangements and played various instruments as well.

After The Man from U.N.C.L.E ended Mr. McCallum continued to act on television and in feature films.  In 2003, he earned the role of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the popular series NCIS.  He was a cast member until his death.

Some of David McCallum’s television appearances include: The Rose and the Ring (3 episodes); Our Mutual Friend (10 episodes); The Eustace Diamonds (6 episodes); Emma (5 episodes); Armchair Theater (2 episodes); The Travels of Jamie McPheeters; Perry Mason; The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (105 episodes); The Outer Limits (2 episodes); Please Don’t Eat the Daises; Night Gallery; Marcus Welby; The Six Million Dollar Man; Frankenstein: The True Story; Colditz (26 episodes); The Invisible Man (13 episodes); Kidnapped (13 episodes); Sapphire & Steel (34 episodes); Hart to Hart; The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.; As the World Turns; The A-Team; Matlock; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Return of Sam McCloud; Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes); Masterpiece Mysteries (3 episodes); Cluedo (6 episodes); Trainer (23 episodes); Law & Order; The Outer Limits; Sex and the City; The Education of Max Bickford (9 episodes); JAG (2 episodes); The Replacements (67 episodes); NCIS: New Orleans (2 episodes) and NCIS (457 episodes).

Some of David McCallum’s feature film appearances include: Hell Drivers; A Night to Remember; Billy Budd; The Great Escape; The Greatest Story Ever Told; The Spy with My Face; The Spy in the Green Hat and The Watcher in the Woods.

My favorite David McCallum role is on The Man from U.N.C.L.E..  Like all the kids my age, we thought he was the coolest.  The fact that Mr. McCallum was so popular playing a Russian spy at the height of the cold war is amazing.  I am also in awe of the fact that David McCallum was able to stay a working actor for decades. That is a testament to his acting ability.

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

RIP: Gary Wright

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Gary Wright, the singer/songwriter best known for his hits Dreamweaver and Love is Alive, died yesterday at the age of 80.  Mr. Wright had dealt with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia for several years.

Gary Wright was a child actor.  He was just seven when appeared on the tv show  Captain Video and His Video Rangers.  As a child he appeared in radio and television commercials.  He appeared in the Broadway production of the musical Fanny with Florence Henderson.  The two also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show to promote the play.

Gary Wright also had a love of music and began playing with local rock bands while in high school.  He continued to play in bands while working on a medical degree in college.  Mr. Wright decided to quite college and focus on music.  He joined a band called Spooky Tooth which put out three albums.

In 1970, Gary Wright decided to quit the band and focus on a solo career.  When he was invited to play piano on former Beatle, George Harrison’s first album, Mr. Wright accepted.  Gary Wright would go on to play on all of George Harrison’s albums in the 1970s.  Mr. Wright also played on Ringo Starr’s hits  “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Back Off Boogaloo”.  As Gary Wright worked on his solo career he was often requested to play with other recording stars such as Harry Nilsson, BB King and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Gary Wright hit it big in 1978 with the one-two punch of Dream Weaver and Love is Alive.  Dream Weaver sold over 1 million copies, peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.  Love is Alive from the same album also hit #2 helping to drive the album to double platinum status.

In the early 1980s, Gary Wright also began making music for feature films. Some of the films featuring Gary Wright’s music include: Endangered Species; Staying Alive; Cobra; Wayne’s World; The People vs Larry Flynt; Coyote Ugly; Daddy Day Care; Toy Story 3; Safehouse and The Great Gatsby.

Gary Wright would continue to write, play, record and tour for the rest of his career.

I was surprised that Dream Weaver wasn’t a number one hit.  It played all the time and everyone loved it.  Dream Weaver was the song that made Gary Wright a world wide celebrity even though professional musicians knew who he was and often requested his services.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gary Wright’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Bob Barker

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Bob Barker, the revered game show host and animal rights activist died today at the age of 99.

Bob Barker attended Drury College on a basketball scholarship.  Mr. Barker joined the Naval Reserve during World War II.  He finished his degree in economics after the war.  While in college Bob Barker began working on radio.  After graduation, he continued to pursue this line of work.

In 1956, Bob Barker became the host of television’s Truth or Consequences.  He hosted the program through 1975.  In 1972, Bob Barker was picked to host the revival of The Price Is Right.  He served in this capacity until June 2007.

Some of Bob Barker’s other appearances include: This Is Your Life; Dream Girl of ’67 (5 episodes); Miss Universe 1967 – 1980; I’ve Got a Secret;  The New Truth or Consequences (198 episodes); Tattletales (21 episodes); Match Game (40 episodes); Dinah! (14 episodes); Match Game PM (8 episodes); The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (2 episodes); The Price is Right Special (6 episodes); The Price is Right Salutes (6 episodes); The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular (16 episodes); The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (6 episodes); The Bold and the Beautiful (2 episodes); The Price is Right (6,719 episodes); Inside Edition (3 episodes); Entertainment Tonight (9 episodes); Bonanza; Happy Gilmore; How I Met Your Mother; Family Guy (3 3 episodes); WWE Raw and SpongeBob Squarepants.

Bob Barker won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards…

  • 14 times for Outstanding Game Show Host, as host of The Price Is Right
  • 04 times for Outstanding Game Show, as executive producer of The Price Is Right
  • Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)

Bob Barker is also a member of the Hollywood Walk of Fame; the Television Hall of Fame (class of 2004) and the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame (class of 2008).

Bob Barker was the perfect host.  He not only was comfortable on camera but was able to put contestants at ease.  You always got the feeling that what you saw, was the real Bob Barker.

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

RIP: Terry Funk

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Terry Funk died today.  Mr. Funk was 79 years old.

Terry and his older brother, Dory Jr., were the sons of Dorothy and Dory Funk.  Their father, Dory Funk Sr. was a high school state and college champion amateur wrestler.  After a stint in the Navy, Dory Sr. became a professional wrestler and later a wrestling promoter.  So both Funk boys grew up in a professional wrestling family and both would become professional wrestlers.

Terry Funk began his professional wrestling career in 1965, competing in his father’s Western States Sports Promotion.  His older brother, Dory was already an established wrestler.  They made a formidable team.  Terry would go on to wrestle and win championships for all the major promoters as well as on the independent circuit.  Later in his career when many wrestlers contemplate retirement, Terry Funk excelled as a hardcore champion, participating in extremely violent matches.

Terry Funk won multiple championships in promotions across the country.  Mr. Funk is in the following Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame:

  • Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (1995)
  • Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2004)
  • Hardcore Hall of Fame (2005)
  • NWA Hall of Fame (2009)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (2009)
  • St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame (2010)
  • George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2010)
  • International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2021)

Terry Funk also branched out into acting.  His first role was a major one in Sylvester Stallone’s Paradise Alley.  Mr. Funk would go on to act in television and feature films.

Some of Terry Funk’s television appearances include: Wildside (6 episodes); Timestalkers, Swamp Thing; Quantum Leap; Tequila and Bonetti (11 episodes); The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Thunder in Paradise.

Some of Terry Funk’s feature film appearances include: Paradise Alley; Over the Top; Road House; Rambo III (stunts) and Rocky V (stunts).

I was familiar with Terry Funk’s wrestling as a kid growing up in Indiana.  Then when we moved to Florida, Terry Funk was a popular bad guy for years.  My favorite Terry Funk role, by far, is when he played Frankie the Thumper in Paradise Alley.  Mr. Funk and Sylvester Stallone got along well as evidenced by Terry Funk’s appearances in Over the Top, stunt work for Rambo III and Rocky V.

The fact that Terry Funk was able to wrestle for decades is evidence that he was a legitimate tough guy.  It’s impressive that everywhere Mr. Funk wrestled, he excelled.  Look at the number of Wrestling Hall of Fames feature him.  He was one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry Funk’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Robbie Robertson

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Robbie Robertson, born Jaime Royal Robertson, died yesterday from prostate cancer.  Mr. Robertson was 80.

Robbie Robertson began playing in singing groups that he formed right out of high school.  His most famous group, The Band, served as opening act for Bob Dylan before going on to become one of the most influential groups of the era.  The Band made the cover of Time magazine in 1970 due to their impact.  Eric Clapton loved their music so much that he offered to join their group.  His offer was politely refused.  While in The Band, some of the songs Robbie Robertson wrote included  “The Weight”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, and “Up on Cripple Creek”. 

Robbie Robertson would go on to have a solo career.  He also branched out into film as an actor, soundtrack composer and producer.  Mr. Robertson shared many collaborations with Martin Scorsese including The Last Waltz (1978), Raging Bull (1980), The King of Comedy (1983), Casino (1995), The Departed (2006), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Irishman (2019), and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).

Robbie Robertson is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame along with other members of his group, The Band.

In 1980, Robbie Robertson co-wrote and co-starred in Carny with Jodie Foster, Gary Busey, Meg Foster, Kenneth McMillan, Elisha Cook Jr., Tim Thomerson, Bill McKinney, Bert Remsen and Craig Wasson.  I saw Carny back in 1980 and really enjoyed it.  I felt it was very underrated.  Had he wanted to, Robbie Robertson could have had a career as an actor.

Robbie Robertson, along with his son Sebastian, and friends Jim Guerinot and Jared Levine co-authored Legends, Icons and Rebels: Music That Changed the World.  Mr. Robertson wrote Hiawatha and the Peacemaker with illustrations by David Shannon.  Mr. Robertson also wrote his autobiography Testimony.

Our thoughts and prayers go our to Robbie Robertson’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Arthur Schmidt

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Arthur Schmidt, the two-time Academy Award winner for Best Film Editing, died on August 5, 2023.  Mr. Schmidt was 86.

Arthur Schmidt followed in his father, Arthur P. Schmidt’s footsteps and became a film editor.  His father edited films such as Sunset Boulevard; Ace in the Hole and Some Like It Hot.

Arthur Schmidt’s filmography includes films such as: The Last Remake of Beau Geste; Jaws 2; The Jericho Mile (TV movie); Coal Miner’s Daughter; The Idolmaker; Back to the Future; Ruthless People; Who Framed Roger Rabbit; Back to the Future II; Back to the Future III; The Rocketeer; The Last of the Mohicans; Adams Family Values; Forrest Gump; Tales from the Crypt (TV); The Birdcage; Contact; What Lies Beneath and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Arthur Schmidt’s two Oscars for Best Film Editing were for his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Forrest Gump.

What an amazing resume Arthur Schmidt cultivated.  If I had to pick just one favorite from his credits it would be Last of the Mohicans.  The truth is I loved so many of his films.  Two of his lessor known films that are really good are The Idolmaker and The Jericho Mile.  I also think that Contact and What Lies Beneath are both underrated.  It’s hard to go wrong with anything that Arthur Schmidt edited.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Arthur Schmidt’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: William Friedkin

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William Friedkin died today from complications of heart failure and pneumonia.  Mr. Friedkin was 87.

After his high school graduation, William Friedkin got a job in the mail room at WGN-TV.  Within two years, he began working on live shows and documentaries.  William Friedkin would go on to have a career primarily as a director of television productions and feature films.  He occasional took on the role of producer and/or writer of some of his projects.  In 1972, William Friedkin won an Academy Award for Best Director for his work on The French Connection.  He was nominated again for an Academy Award for Best Director in 1974 for The Exorcist.  

Some of William Friedkin’s television projects include: The People vs Paul Crump; The Bold Men; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon; The Thin Blue Line; The Twilight Zone; C.A.T. Squad; Tales from the Crypt; 12 Angry Men and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2 episodes).

Some of William Friedkin’s feature films include: The Night They Raided Minsky’s; The Boys in the Band; The French Connection; The Exorcist; Sorcerer; The Brink’s Job; Cruising; The Deal of the Century; To Live and Die in LA; Jade; Rules of Engagement; The Hunted; Killer Joe and The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.

My favorite William Friedkin movie is The Exorcist.  If that was the only film he ever directed, William Friedkin would still be famous for it.  

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

RIP: Mark Margolis

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Mark Margolis, the actor best known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, died yesterday after a short illness.  Mr. Margolis was 83.

After high school Mark Margolis moved to New York where he was a student at the Actors Studio.  He worked in both television and feature films throughout his career.  In 2012, Mr. Margolis was nominated for a Prime Time Emmy Award as the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama series for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad.

Some of Mark Margolis’ television appearances include: Kojak;  Muggable Mary, Street Cop; Rage of Angels; Crime Story; The Equalizer (16 episodes); Quantum Leap; Columbo Cries Wolf; Star Trek: The Next Generation; Jake and the Fatman; Tales from the Darkside; Santa Barbara (13 episodes); Guiding Light; Prince Street (6 episodes); Law & Order (3 episodes); Oz (10 episodes); Ed (2 episodes); Sex and the City; Law & Order: Criminal Intent; Crossing Jordan; Waterfront (4 episodes); Kings (2 episodes); Blue Bloods; Breaking Bad (8 episodes); The Good Wife; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; Person of Interest (3 episodes); Fairly Legal (2 episodes); American Horror Story (3 episodes); Elementary; Gotham (2 episodes); The Affair (3 episodes); The Blacklist; Snowpiercer; Prodigal Son; Better Call Saul (22 episodes) and Your Honor (5 episodes).

Some of Mark Margolis’ feature film appearances include: The Opening of Misty Beethoven; Short Eyes; Short Eyes; Going in Style; Dressed to Kill; Arthur; Eddie Macon’s Run; Scarface; The Cotton Club; The Secret of My Success; Glory; Ace Ventura: Pet Detective; Absolute Power; The Thomas Crown Affair; End of Days; Requiem for a Dream; Hannibal; Daredevil; Gone, Baby, Gone; The Wrestler; Stand Up Guys and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. 

My favorite role of Mark Margolis’ is probably most everyone’s, when he played Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I also loved him in Scarface and Oz.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Margolis’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Paul Reubens

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Paul Reubens, the actor best known for his character Pee-Wee Herman, died yesterday from cancer.  Mr. Reubens was 70.

Paul Reubens began his career as a stage actor and comedian.  He developed his Pee-Wee Herman character for a stage show.  The Pee-Wee Herman Show proved so popular that HBO picked it up for a special.  The special was an instant hit.  Reubens was approached to bring the character to the big screen.  Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure was directed by Tim Burton.  The movie was so successful it spawned a Saturday morning program geared to kids (Pee-Wee’s Playhouse) and a movie sequel (Big Top Pee-Wee).  When the series ended, Paul Reubens stepped away from the character and took time off from acting.

When Paul Reubens returned to performing he alternated between television, movies and voice work.  Later in his career he would return to his Pee-Wee Herman character for a few videos and guest appearances.

Some of Paul Reuben’s television appearances include: Working Stiffs (2 episodes); The Flintstone Comedy Show (2 episodes); The Pee-Wee Herman Show (movie); Dream On; Mork & Mindy; Madame’s Place; All Star Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Saturday Spectacular; 227; Sesame Street: Put Down the Duckie; Sesame Street (3 episodes); Christmas at Pee-Wee’s Playhouse; Pee-Wee’s Playhouse (45 episodes); Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Murphy Brown (6 episodes); Everybody Loves Raymond; Alley McBeal; Rugrats (2 episodes); Reno 911; 30 Rock; Dirt (3 episodes); WWE Raw (2 episodes); The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway; Batman: The Brave and Bold (4 episodes); Tron: Uprising (17 episodes); The Blacklist (5 episodes); Gotham (3 episodes); What We Do In The Shadows; DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (5 episodes) and The Connors.

Some of Paul Reuben’s movie appearances include: The Brotherhood; The Blues Brothers; Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie; Meatball’s Part II; Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure;  Big Top Pee-Wee; Moonwalker; Batman Returns; The Nightmare Before Christmas; Matilda; Doctor Dolittle; Mystery Men; Blow; Pee-Wee Gets an iPad and Pee-Wee Goes to Sturgis.   

I’m old enough to remember when Pee-Wee Herman went viral.  Pee-Wee was everywhere.  I was also impressed with Paul Reuben’s commitment to the character.  He wouldn’t do interviews or appear anywhere except as Pee-Wee.  It was always fun seeing Mr. Reuben’s non-Pee-Wee appearances later in his career.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul Reuben’s family, friends and fans.