Category: RIP

RIP: Bill Cobbs

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.

RIP: Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland died today after a long illness.  Mr. Sutherland was 88.

Mr. Sutherland was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.  He wasn’t a healthy child and suffered from rheumatic fever, hepatitis, and polio.  After graduating from high school, Donald Sutherland attended Victoria University, where he graduated with a double major in engineering and drama.  Mr. Sutherland then decided to pursue a career as an actor so he attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Donald Sutherland began to get small roles on British television shows and films.  After the success of The Dirty Dozen, and the positive reviews he received, Mr. Sutherland left England for Hollywood.  He never looked back.  For the rest of his career Donald Sutherland appeared in feature films and television roles.

Over the course of his career Donald Sutherland was nominated for…

  • Nine Golden Globe Awards, winning two (1995’s Citizen X for Best Supporting Actor – Television; 2002’s Path to War for Best Supporting Actor – Television)
  • Two Primetime Emmy Awards winning one (1995’s Citizen X for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie)

Donald Sutherland also won an Honorary Academy Award in 2017.

Television appearances of Donald Sutherland include: Studio 4; Suspense; The Odd Man; The Sentimental Agent; Hamlet at Elsinore; ITV Play of the Week (3 episodes); A Farewell to Arms; Court Martial; Theater 625; Gideon C.I.D.; The Saint (2 episodes); The Avengers; Man in a Suitcase (2 episodes); The Champions; The Name of the Game; Bethune; The Winter of Our Discontent; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All; Citizen X; The Simpsons; Uprising; Path to War; Salem’s Lot (2 episodes); Frankenstein (2 episodes); Human Trafficking ( 4 episodes); Commander in Chief (19 episodes); Dirty Sexy Money (23 episodes); The Pillars of Earth (8 episodes); Moby Dick (2 episodes); Treasure Island (2 episodes); Crossing Lines (34 episodes); Ice (6 episodes); Trust (9 episodes); The Undoing (6 episodes); Swimming with Sharks (6 episodes) and Lawman Bass Reeves (8 episodes).

Feature film appearances of Donald Sutherland include: The World Ten Times Over; The Castle of the Living Dead; Dr. Terror’s House of Horror; Die! Die! My Darling!; The Bedford Incident; The Dirty Dozen; The Split; M*A*S*H; Start the Revolution Without Me; Kelly’s Heroes; Johnny Got His Gun; Klute; Don’t Look Now; Alien Thunder; S*P*Y*S; The Day of the Locust; Casanova; The Eagle Has Landed; The Kentucky Fried Movie; National Lampoon’s Animal House; The Great Train Robbery; Invasion of the Body Snatchers; Murder by Decree; Ordinary People; Eye of the Needle; Max Dugan Returns; Heaven Help Us; Lock Up; A Dry White Season; Backdraft; JFK; Six Degrees of Separation; Disclosure; Outbreak; A Time to Kill; Fallen; Without Limits; Virus; Instinct; Space Cowboys; The Art of War; The Italian Job; Cold Mountain; Pride & Prejudice; The Mechanic; The Hunger Games; The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I; Forsaken; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone.

I first saw Donald Sutherland in The Dirty Dozen. After that, I remember Mr. Sutherland showing up as an off-kilter character in M*A*S*H, Kelly’s Heroes and Animal House. When I think of Mr. Sutherland, the first image that comes to mind is the final shot in Invasion of the Body Snatchers.  My favorite Donald Sutherland roles are in JFK and Lock Up (he brought gravitas to the film).  My favorite movie that Donald Sutherland starred in is Eye of the Needle.  Of course he was awesome in so many movies and television series that I wouldn’t argue if you suggested other Donald Sutherland roles.  What a career.  What a talent.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Donald Sutherland’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Tony Lo Bianco

Tony Lo Bianco, award-winning actor of stage and screen, died June 11, 2024. Mr. Lo Bianco was 87.

Tony Lo Bianco graduated from William E. Grady CTE High School.  He then attended the Dramatic Workshop, where he studied acting and theater production.  In 1963, Tony Lo Bianco founded the Triangle Theater where he served as the artistic director for six years.

In 1963, Mr. Lo Bianco made his first television appearance in an episode of The Doctors.  In 1964, he performed as an understudy on the Broadway play Incident at Vichy.  In 1965, Tony Lo Bianco appeared in the Broadway production of Tartuffe.  Mr. Lo Bianco followed that with a starring role in The Royal Hunt of the Sun on Broadway.  Tony Lo Bianco’s film debut came in 1965 in The Sex Perils of Paulette.

For the rest of his career Tony Lo Bianco would appear on stage, television and in feature films. In 1975, Mr. Lo Bianco won an OBIE (Off Broadway Theater) Award in the category Distinguished Performance by an Actor for Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the Seventh.  In 1983, he was nominated for a Tony Award and won the Outstanding Actor in a Play Award for the Outer Critics Circle for his performance in A View from a Bridge.  In 1985, he won a New York Emmy for Outstanding Individual Crafts for his performance in Hizzoner!

Television appearances of Tony Lo Bianco include: The Doctors; Get Smart; Hawk; NYPD (2 episodes); Hidden Faces; Love of Life; Madigan; The Story of Jacob and Joseph; The Streets of San Francisco; Jesus of Nazareth (4 episodes); Police Story (6 episodes); Magee and the Lady; Champions: A Love Story; A Last Cry for Help; Marciano; Marco Polo (2 episodes); Another Woman’s Child; The Paper Chase; Hizzoner!; The Twilight Zone (1985); Welcome Home Bobby; Blood Ties; Police Story: The Freeway Killings; Night Heat; The Ann Jillian Story; CBS Summer Playhouse; Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen; Fredrick Forsythe Presents; Palace Guard (8 episodes); Murder, She Wrote (2 episodes); The Maharaja’s Daughter (4 episodes); Homicide: Life on the Street (3 episodes); Tyson; F/X: The Series; Rocky Marciano; Walker, Texas Ranger; Law & Order (3 episodes); Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Somewhere in Queens.

Feature film appearances of Tony Lo Bianco include: The Sex Perils of Paulette; The Honeymoon Killers; The French Connection; Serpico; The Seven Ups; FIST; Bloodbrothers; City Heat; City of Hope; Boiling Point; Nixon; The Juror; Mafia!; The Day the Ponies Came Back; Friends and Family and Kill the Irishman.

I don’t remember the first time I saw Tony Lo Bianco.  I do remember it seemed he came from nowhere and was holding his own with big name stars: Hackman in The French Connection, Pacino in Serpico, Roy Schneider in The Seven Ups, Sly Stallone in FIST, Eastwood and Reynold in City Heat.  My favorite role is probably his performance as Babe Milano in FIST.  I need to revisit Bloodbrothers.  I remember really liking that film (that had Richard Gere, Paul Sorvino and Tony Lo Bianco as its stars).  It’s evidence of Mr. Lo Bianco’s  talent that he could move from stage to television to feature films with ease.

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

RIP: Dabney Coleman

Dabney Coleman, the award-winning actor of stage and screen, died yesterday. Mr. Coleman was 92.

Dabney Coleman attended both the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Texas at Austin.  Mr. Coleman was drafted and served in the U.S. Army.  After his service, Dabney Coleman attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.

In 1961, Dabney Coleman made his Broadway debut in A Call on Kupri.  That same year, Mr. Coleman appeared in an episode of Naked City.  For the rest of his career Dabney Coleman would appear on television and in feature films.

In 1987, Dabney Coleman won a Primetime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for his role in Sworn to Silence.  Mr. Coleman was nominated for five other Primetime Emmys: 1983 and 1984 – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Buffalo Bill; 1988 – Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for Baby M; 1988 – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for The Slap Maxwell Story and 1991 – Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Columbo.

Television appearances of Dabney Coleman include: Naked City; Armstrong Circle Theater (3 episodes); Alcoa Theater; Ben Casey; Breaking Point; Arrest and Trial; The Movie Maker; Kraft Suspense Theater (2 episodes); Dr. Kildare; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (2 episodes); The Outer Limits (3 episodes); Bob Hope Presents Chrysler Theater (2 episodes); Hazel; The Donna Reed Show; 12 O’Clock High (2 episodes); The Fugitive (4 episodes); Please Don’t Eat the Daisies; Run for Your Life; That Girl (8 episodes); I Dream of Jeannie (2 episodes); The Flying Nun; The Invaders (2 episodes); Iron Horse; Judd for the Defense; Death Valley Days; Mod Squad; Then Came Bronson; Bonanza (2 episodes); Dan August; Nanny and the Professor; The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law; Banyon; Room 222 (2 episodes); Ironside; Search; Savage; Kojak; The FBI (7 episodes); Mannix (3 episodes); Medical Center; McMillian & Wife (2 episodes); The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Cannon (2 episodes); Switch; The Streets of San Francisco (2 episodes); Police Story (2 episodes); Petrocelli; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (148 episodes); Fernwood Tonight (2 episodes); Quincy (2 episodes); Forever Fernwood (130 episodes); The Love Boat; Apple Pie (8 episodes); Diff’rent Strokes (2 episodes); Barnaby Jones (5 episodes); Buffalo Bill (26 episodes); Fresno (6 episodes); Dolly; The Slap Maxwell Story (22 episodes); It’s Gary Shandling’s Show (2 episodes); Columbo (2 episodes); Drexell’s Class (18 episodes); Lincoln; Madman of the People (16 episodes); The Wonderful World of Disney; Recess (14 episodes); The Guardian (67 episodes); Courting Alex (13 episodes); Heartland (6 episodes); Boardwalk Empire (24 episodes); Pound Puppies (4 episodes); Ray Donovan; NCIS and Yellowstone.

Feature film appearances of Dabney Coleman include: The Slender Thread; The Scalphunters; The Trouble with Girls; Downhill Racer; Cinderella Liberty; The Towering Inferno; Black Fist; Bite the Bullet; Midway; Viva Knievel!; Rolling Thunder; Go Tell the Spartans; North Dallas Forty; How to Beat the High Cost of Living; Melvin and Howard; 9 to 5; On Golden Pond; Modern Problems; Tootsie; War Games; Cloak and Dagger; The Muppets Take Manhattan; The Man with One Red Shoe; Dragnet; Amos & Andrew; The Beverly Hillbillies; Clifford; You’ve Got Mail; Inspector Gadget; Where the Red Fern Grows and Domino.

The first time I saw Dabney Coleman on screen was probably in The Fugitive or Invaders.  But man, he sure did appear in many other shows I regularly watched.  My most memorable performance by Dabney Coleman is from 9 to 5.  He was perfect.  Of course that’s not surprising because any time you saw Dabney Coleman, you knew the program/movie would be better because of him.  It’s evidence of his talent that he could move from television to feature films or drama to comedy with ease.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Dabney Coleman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Roger Corman

Roger Corman,  the award-winning writer, actor, director and producer died on May 9, 2024.  Mr. Corman was 98.

After graduating high school Roger Corman went to Stanford University.  While in the program, Mr. Corman decided he didn’t want to be an engineer.  He enlisted in the Navy and served two years.  He then went back to Stanford to complete his degree.  Mr. Corman’s career as an engineer lasted less than a week.  He quit and got a job in the 20th Century Fox mailroom.

From the mailroom, Roger Corman took various jobs to learn as much as he could about filmmaking.  He sold his first script and worked on the film as an associate producer.  Mr. Corman formed his own production company and raised money to produce his first film.  He never looked back.

Over the course of his career Roger Corman worked as an actor (46 credits), director (56 credits) and producer (493 credits).  He is noted for hiring young, untested talents such as Jack Nicholson, Sly Stallone, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd, Jonathan Demme, Ron Howard, Peter Bogdanovich and others.  Roger Corman won an Honorary Academy Award in 2010.

Roger Corman’s writing resume includes: The Gunfighter (uncredited script consultant); Highway Dragnet (story); The Fast and the Furious (1954) (story); The Little Shop of Horrors (co-writer uncredited); The Terror (uncredited); Frankenstein Unbound (screenplay); Black Scorpion (creator – 22 episodes).

Some of Roger Corman’s acting appearances include: Monster from the Ocean Floor; Highway Dragnet; Day the World Ended; The Crybaby Killer; The Wasp Woman; Battle of Blood Island; Blood Bath; The Godfather Part II; Cannonball; The Howling; Swing Shift; Lords of the Deep; The Silence of the Lambs; Philadelphia; Apollo 13; Beverly Hills 90210; Scream 3; The Manchurian Candidate (2004); Dinoshark; Sharktopus and Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader.

Roger Corman’s directing resume includes: Five Guns West; The Beast with a Million Eyes; Day the World Ended; It Conquered the World; Attack of the Crab Monsters; Not of This Earth; The Undead; Rock All Night; Carnival Night; Machine-Gun Kelly; I, Mobster; A Bucket of Blood; House of Usher; The Little Shop of Horrors; The Pit and the Pendulum; The Premature Burial; The Intruder; Tales of Terror; Tower of London; The Raven; The Terror; X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes; The Haunted Palace; The Masque of the Red Death; The Tomb of Legeia; The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre; The Trip; Bloody Mama; Deathsport; Battle Beyond the Stars and Frankenstein Unbound.

Roger Corman’s producing credits include: Highway Dragnet; Monster from the Ocean Floor; The Fast and the Furious; The Beast with a Million Eyes; Day the World Ended; It Conquered the World; Attack of the Crab Monsters; Machine-Gun Kelly; I, Mobster; The Wasp Woman; Bucket of Blood; House of Usher; The Little Shop of Horrors; The Pit and the Pendulum; The Premature Burial; The Intruder; Tales of Terror; The Raven; X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes; Dementia 13; The Haunted Palace; The Masque of the Red Death; The Tomb of Ligeia; Ride in the Whirlwind; The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre; The Trip; Targets; Pit Stop; Bloody Mama; Boxcar Bertha; Amarcord; Cockfighter; Big Bad Mama; Capone; Death Race 2000; The Romantic Englishwoman; The Story of Adele H; Nashville Girl; Eat My Dust; Jackson County Jail; Cannonball; Grand Theft Auto; I Never Promised You a Rose Garden; A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich; Deathsport; Piranha; Saint Jack; The Lady in Red; Breaker Morant; Battle Beyond the Stars; Shogun Assassin; Space Raiders; Deathstalker; Stripped to Kill; Big Bad Mama II; Bloodfist II; Frankenstein Unbound; Dead Space; Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight; Kyko; Black Scorpion (22 episodes); Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song; Rage and Discipline; Saurian and Death Race (2008).

I admire Roger Corman’s talent and tenacity.  He was able to be successful as a writer, director, actor and producer.  The length of his career is amazing.  He worked with legends such as Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Vincent Price.  He gave starts to the careers of Sly Stallone, Jack Nicholson and James Cameron to name three.  There were many more.  I always thought it was cool that Mr. Corman was known best for his low budget films, yet we would see him turn up acting in movies like The Godfather Part II, The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and Apollo 13.  

I don’t know that we’ll ever see another career to match Roger Corman’s.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Roger Corman’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr.,  the award-winning actor of stage and screen, died today.  No cause of death was given. Mr. Gossett was 87.

Louis Gossett Jr. made his stage debut on Broadway in Take a Giant Step.  He was just 17 (and had no formal acting training). Mr. Gossett would go on to appear on Broadway in The Desk Set and A Raisin in the Sun.  He also appeared in several other theater productions both on Broadway and other locations.  Mr. Gossett made his television debut in 1957, in The Big Story.   His feature film debut came in 1961, in A Raisin in the Sun (adapted from the Broadway play).

For the rest of his career Louis Gossett Jr. would appear on stage, television and in feature films.

In 1977, Mr. Gossett won a Primetime Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series for his role in Roots.

Mr. Gossett won an Best Supporting Actor Academy Award in 1983 for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman.  He was the first African-American to win the award.  That same year Mr. Gossett won the Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Motion Picture for his part in An Officer and a Gentleman.

Television appearances of Louis Gossett Jr. include: The Big Story (2 episodes); Cowboy in Africa (2 episodes); The Invaders; Daktari; The Bill Cosby Show; The Young Rebels (15 episodes); The Partridge Family; Bonanza; Longstreet; The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; Alias Smith and Jones; The Rookies; The Mod Squad (3 episodes); Love American Style; Owen Marshall – Counselor at Law; McCloud; Lucas Tanner; Petrocelli (2 episodes); Harry O; Good Times (2 episodes); The Jeffersons; The Six Million Dollar Man; Police Story (2 episodes); Little House on the Prairie; Roots (3 episodes); The Rockford Files (2 episodes); Backstairs at the White House (4 episodes); The Lazarus Syndrome (5 episodes); The Powers of Matthew Star (22 episodes); Sadat (2 episodes); Roots: The Gift; Straight Up (2 episodes); The Josephine Baker Story; Captain Planet (3 episodes); Return to Lonesome Dove (3 episodes); Picket Fences; Ray Alexander: A Taste for Justice; Ray Alexander: A Menu for Murder; Touched by an Angel; Early Edition; Ellen; Resurrection Blvd. (2 episodes); The Dead Zone; Half & Half (2 episodes); Stargate SG-1 (5 episodes); Family Guy; The Batman (3 episodes); ER; Psych; Boardwalk Empire; The Book of Negroes (2 episodes); Extant (4 episodes); Hap & Leonard (5 episodes); Hawaii 5-0; Watchmen (7 episodes) and Kingdom Business (2 episodes).

Feature film appearances of Louis Gossett Jr. include: A Raisin in the Sun; Skin Game; Travels with My Aunt; The Laughing Policeman; The Deep; The Choirboys; An Officer and a Gentleman; Jaws 3-D; Enemy Mine; Iron Eagle; Firewalker; The Principal; Iron Eagle II; The Punisher; Toy Soldiers; Aces: Iron Eagle III; Diggstown; Iron Eagle on the Attack and The Color Purple.

The first time I saw Louis Gossett Jr. on screen was probably in The Invaders or The Young Rebels.  I regularly watched those shows so it is likely I saw him there first.  But boy, he sure did appear in many other shows I watched as often as possible.  My favorite performance by Louis Gossett Jr. is easily in An Officer and a Gentleman.  He was perfect.  Of course any time you saw Louis Gossett Jr.’s name in the credits, you knew the role would be better because of him.  It’s evidence of his talent that he could move from stage to television to feature films or drama to comedy with ease.  Also the length of his career points to a very talented individual.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Louis Gossett Jr.’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: M. Emmet Walsh

M. Emmet Walsh, born Michael Emmet Walsh,  the great character actor, died yesterday from cardiac arrest.  He was 88.

Although Mr. Walsh graduated from Clarkson University with a B.A. in Business Administration, his career path led him to acting.  With well over 200 roles on his resume, E. Emmet Walsh alternated between television and feature films throughout his over 55 year career.

Television appearances of M. Emmet Walsh include: The Doctors; Arnie; Julia (2 episodes); All in the Family; The Jimmy Stewart Show; Ironside; Bonanza; The Don Rickles Show; Nichols (5 episodes); The Bob Newhart Show; The Sandy Duncan Show (11 episodes); McMillian & Wife; The Rockford Files; Sarah T. – Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic; The Waltons; Baretta (2 episodes); Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (2 episodes); Starsky and Hutch (2 episodes); James at 16; East of Eden; Little House on the Prairie; AfterMASH; The Twilight Zone; The Deliberate Stranger; The Magical World of Disney; Amazing Stories; The Abduction of Kari Swanson; Brotherhood of the Rose; Unsub (8 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; The Civil War (9 episodes); The Flash (2 episodes); Home Improvement (2 episodes); The Outer Limits; The X-Files; NYPD Blue; Ed; Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot (26 episodes); Frasier; What’s New Scooby Doo?; Til Death; Damages (3 episodes); Pound Puppies (46 episodes); Empire; Adventure Time (4 episodes); Sneaky Pete (7 episodes) and The Righteous Gemstones (2 episodes).

Feature film appearances of M. Emmet Walsh include: Midnight Cowboy; Alice’s Restaurant; Little Big Man; Cold Turkey; Escape from the Planet of the Apes; What’s Up Doc?; Kid Blue; Serpico; The Gambler; At Long Last Love; The Prisoner of Second Avenue; Bound for Glory; Nickelodeon; Slap Shot; Airport ’77; Straight Time; The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh; The Jerk; Brubaker; Raise the Titanic; Ordinary People;  Back Roads; Reds; Canary Row; Blade Runner; Silkwood; Blood Simple; The Pope of Greenwich Village; Missing in Action; Fletch; The Best of Times; Wildcats; Critters; Back to School; Raising Arizona; Harry and the Hendersons; The Milagro Beanfield War; Sunset; Clean and Sober; Red Scorpion; The Mighty Quinn; Narrow Margin; White Sands; Free Willy 2; Albino Alligator; Romeo + Juliet; My Best Friend’s Wedding; Twilight; Wild, Wild West; The Iron Giant; Random Hearts; Snow Dogs; Christmas with the Kranks and Knives Out.

Just look at the career M. Emmet Walsh had.  And I didn’t list everything he did. It would be hard to find any actor who worked on more great television shows and feature films.  Or one who worked with so many of the best actors/actresses and directors.

I don’t know when I first saw M. Emmet Walsh act.  It may have been in All in the Family or Nichols or.. well, you get the idea.  My favorite M. Emmet Walsh role is also hard to nail down… because he had so many.  If I had to pick just one, it would be the sleazy Private Eye, Loren Visser in Blood Simple. But truth be told, any role that Mr. Walsh took on became something special.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to M. Emmet Walsh’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Eric Carmen

Eric Carmen’s wife announced that he had died over the weekend.  No specific date or cause of death was given.  Eric Carmen was 74.

Eric Carmen taught himself guitar, but was a classically trained pianist.  Mr. Carmen first fame came as lead singer of The Raspberries.  Eric Carmen was also the writer or co-writer of the groups hit songs such as Go All the Way and I Want to Be With You.

Eric Carmen left The Raspberries to pursue a solo career.  His biggest hits were All By Myself and Never Gonna Fall in Love Again from his first solo album.  Mr. Carmen would go on to write, sing, perform and produce for himself and others for the remainder of his career.  Eric Carmen produced the mega hit Hungry Eyes from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.

Eric Carmen’s hits, both with The Raspberries and solo, were a big part of my childhood.  I still find myself smiling (and singing along) when I hear them.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eric Carmen’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis, the stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer, died of a heart attack on February 27th.

Mr. Lewis began his stand-up career in 1971 while working at an advertising agency during the day.  David Brenner saw Richard Lewis’ act and helped to promote him.  By the mid-70s, Lewis was becoming well-known thanks to his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and publications such as the New York Daily News.  Richard Lewis made his acting debut in Diary of a Young Comic.  He would go on to act on television, in feature films and stand-up for the remainder of his career.

Some of Richard Lewis’ television work includes: Diary of a Young Comic; The 416th; House Calls; Riptide; Harry (7 episodes); Anything But Love (56 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show; Daddy Dearest (13 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; Hiller & Diller (13 episodes); Rude Awakening (6 episodes); Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm; Alias; Two and a Half Men; 7th Heaven (9 episodes); The Dead Zone; Las Vegas; George Lopez; The Simpsons; Everybody Hates Chris; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; The Cleaner; ‘Til Death (3 episodes); Blunt Talk (6 episodes) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (41 episodes).

Some of Richard Lewis’ feature film work includes: The Wrong Guys; That’s Adequate; Once Upon a Crime; Robin Hood: Men in Tights; Wagons East; Leaving Las Vegas; The Maze and Vamps.

I was a fan of Richard Lewis.  It was always cool to see him show up in a television show or movie. ‘

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Lewis’ family, friends and fans.

RIP: Carl Weathers

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

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

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

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

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

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 CaddyshackI 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.