MARK TENSER (Crown International Pictures Executive: This is a big loss to the filmmaking community, so I'll let the Hollywood Reporter take over the rest of the obituary: Mark Tenser, the savvy movie executive who transformed Crown International Pictures from an unremarkable independent film company into an exploitation powerhouse in the 1970s and '80s, has died. Tenser died on New Year's Day, his company announced. He was still serving as president and CEO of Crown at the time of his death and did not want his age to be revealed. His wife, Marilyn Tenser, who survives him, worked alongside him for more than four decades and produced several of Crown's most notable releases. After Tenser took the reins in 1973, Crown targeted the underserved teen market that the Hollywood major studios had cast aside with movies that revolved around cars, young men and women and lighthearted sex. The low-budget flicks also played well at the drive-in. Crown was named Motion Picture Company of the Year by the National Association of Theatre Owners in 1976. That year, it distributed the "teensploitation" classic THE POM POM GIRLS [1976]; produced for less than $1 million, it brought in more than four times that, making it one of the highest-grossing non-Hollywood films of the year. "Sex can be treated from the standpoint of young people with fun," Tenser once said. Other films distributed by Crown in an era before the explosion of home video included the action comedy SUPERCHICK [1973]; WELCOME HOME, BROTHER CHARLES [a.k.a. SOUL VENGEANCE - 1975], a blaxploitation pic; the martial arts film DEATH MACHINES [1977]; THE VAN [1977], which cashed in on the customized van craze [and featured Danny DeVito]; VAN NUYS BLVD. [1979], about cruising around Los Angeles; COACH [1978], a basketball movie starring Cathy Lee Crosby; and the darker-than-expected MALIBU HIGH [1979]. Tenser was instrumental in directing the specialized ad campaigns for his movies, and he helped place Crown in the pantheon of successful indie film outfits alongside the likes of American International Pictures and New World Pictures. Crown had been founded in 1959 by former RKO Pictures executive Newton "Red" Jacobs, who was behind the release of such titles as BLOODLUST [1959], FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS [1960], AS NATURE INTENDED [1961], THE DEVIL'S HAND [1961], DANGEROUS CHARTER [1962], VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE [1962], SECRET FILE HOLLYWOOD [1962], CARNIVAL OF CRIME [1962], STAKEOUT! [1962], TERRIFIED [1963], ESCAPE FROM HELL ISLAND [1963], THE SKYDIVERS [1963; Crown's first in-house production], THE CREEPING TERROR [1964], VENGEANCE [1964], MONDO BALORDO [1964], INDIAN PAINT [1965], ORGY OF THE DEAD [1965], GUILT [1965], THE FOUNTAIN OF LOVE [1966], CATALINA CAPER [1967], THE HOSTAGE [1967], HELL ON WHEELS [1967], ROAD TO NASHVILLE [1967], THE WILD REBELS [1967], AFRICAN SAFARI [1968], TERROR IN THE JUNGLE [1968], SINGLE ROOM FURNISHED [1968], THE HELLCATS [1968], THE WILD PUSSYCAT [1969; a rare X-Rated feature for Crown], THE BABYSITTER [1969], THE SIDEHACKERS [1969], NIGHTMARE IN WAX [1969], THE FANTASTIC PLASTIC MACHINE [1969],  Al Adamson's BLOOD OF DRACULA'S CASTLE [1969], WEEKEND WITH THE BABYSITTER [1970], and MADMEN OF MANDORAS [1963] a film that, with material added later, became known as THEY SAVED HITLER'S BRAIN [1968]. Crown began producing its own films in earnest during the early '70s, and Tenser was promoted from Executive VP to Company President in 1973 when Jacobs moved up to chairman of the board. Meanwhile, his wife — Jacobs' daughter — became a vice president. [She was the one who came up with the idea and the marketing for THE POM POM GIRLS.] Crown remained prolific in the 1980s with releases like THE HEARSE [1980] with Trish Van Devere, THE BEACH GIRLS [1982], MY TUTOR [1983], WEEKEND PASS [1984], TOMBOY [1985], CAVEGIRL [1985], MY CHAUFFEUR [1986], HUNK [1987], DEATHROW GAMESHOW [1987] and MY MOM'S A WEREWOLF [1989]. Raised in Long Branch, New Jersey, Tenser excelled at throwing the javelin and discus in high school and played football on the varsity team. He graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Miami in Florida, then came to California to work with his father in sales. Tenser's first job at Crown was as a distribution manager, and his credits as a producer included COACH and THE HEARSE. He was an active member of the executive branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Survivors also include his sister, Dorothy, and several nieces, nephews and godchildren. A funeral is set for noon on Sunday at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the N.P. "Red" Jacobs-Mark Tenser Memorial Scholarship Fund of Variety the Children’s Charity in Southern California. Other Crown International releases under Tenser's rein included: PICKUP - 1970; CINDY & DONNA -1970; BLOOD MANIA - 1970; WILD RIDERS - 1971; THE NAKED COUNTESS - 1971; NOON SUNDAY - 1971; CHAIN GANG WOMEN - 1971; POINT OF TERROR - 1971; THE PINK ANGELS - 1971; THE YOUNG GRADUATES - 1971; LITTLE LAURA & BIG JOHN - 1972; BLUE MONEY - 1972; STANLEY - 1972; THE STEPMOTHER - 1972; SANTEE - 1973; HORROR HIGH - 1973; KUNG FU MAMA - 1973; THE TEACHER - 1974; THE SISTER-IN-LAW - 1974; POLICEWOMEN - 1974; TRIP WITH THE TEACHER - 1974; BEST FRIENDS - 1975; THE SPECIALIST - 1975; LAS VEGAS LADY - 1975; SATAN'S SLAVE - 1976; DEATH RIDERS - 1976; HUSTLER SQUAD - 1976; LAND OF THE MINOTAUR - 1976; THE CRATER LAKE MONSTER - 1977; .357 MAGNUM - 1977; MALIBU BEACH - 1978; FRENCH QUARTER - 1978; SEXTETTE - 1978; DRACULA'S DOG - 1978; TERROR - 1978; BURNOUT - 1979; BUDO: THE ART OF KILLING - 1979; DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE - 1980; THE KIDNAPPING OF THE PRESIDENT - 1980; MCVICAR - 1980; GALAXINA - 1980; SEPARATE WAYS - 1981; AMERICANA - 1981; THE LAST CHASE - 1981; THE HIGH COUNTRY - 1981; IMPROPER CHANNELS - 1981; DOUBLE EXPOSURE - 1982; STACY'S KNIGHTS - 1983; FLESHBURN - 1983; YELLOW HAIR AND THE FORTRESS OF GOLD - 1984; KILL POINT - 1984; 9 DEATHS OF THE NINJA - 1985; HOT TARGET - 1985; SCORPION - 1986; LOW BLOW - 1986; THE PATRIOT - 1986;  JOCKS - 1986; LURKERS - 1987; THE VIRGIN QUEEN OF ST. FRANCIS HIGH - 1987; PRIME EVIL - 1988 NIGHT CLUB - 1989; CLICK: THE CALENDAR GIRL KILLER - 1990 TOP COP - 1990; BRAIN TWISTERS - 1991; LENA'S HOLIDAY - 1991; HOUSEWIFE FROM HELL - 1993; ALMOST HOLLYWOOD - 1994; GATOR KING - 1996. Tenser was a shrewd businessman, making sure that Crown still owned the licenses to most of their releases and selling those licenses to VHS & DVD companies, making Crown a small fortune [Some titles being released on DVD over twenty times!]. NOTE: Additional titles and links added by your humble editor.) - 01/01/18
Frank Buxton (Actor/TV Director/Writer/Producer: Frank Buxton was a voice actor [best known for voicing the character Batfink in a series of animated TV shorts, directed by Hal Seeger] who turned to directing episodes of '70s Television. Besides the series of Batfink shorts, Mr. Buxton acted in: ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE - 1959 [TV]; GET THE MESSAGE - 1964 [TV]; THE ODD COUPLE - 1974 [TV]; OVERBOARD - 1987 [Theatrical Film};  BEACHES - 1988 [Theatrical Film]; GARFIELD AND FRIENDS - 1989 {TV; Voice only]; CHIP 'N' DALE RESCUE RANGERS - 1989 [TV; Voice only]; THE BAKERY - 1990 [TV Movie]; DARK AVENGER - 1990 [TV Movie]; FRANKIE AND JOHNNY - 1991 [Theatrical Film]; FACE OF A STRANGER - 1991 [TV Movie]; WITH A VENGEANCE - 1992 [TV Movie]; ROOMMATES - 1994 [TV Movie]; THE FUGITIVE - 2000 [TV]; THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUR - 2003 [TV Movie]; GRASSROOTS - 2012 [Theatrical Film]; TWO FRIENDS - 2013 [Short; his final acting role]. As a Director/Writer/Producer, Frank Buxton helmed episodes of these TV Series, Films or Specials [as Director, unless otherwise specified]: WHAT'S UP TIGER LILY? - 1966 [Theatrical Film; Writer only]; CHILDREN'S LETTERS TO GOD - 1969 [TV Short; also Producer]; HOT DOG - 1970 [TV; Also Producer]; LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 1972 [also Writer; also Story Consultant on 1 episode in 1973]; ME AND THE CHIMP - 1972 [TV; Story Consultant only]; THE BOB NEWHART SHOW - 1973 [TV; Writer only]; THE ODD COUPLE - 1973-1975 [9 episodes; also Wrote 5 episodes and Produced 7 episodes]; HAPPY DAYS - 1974-1976 [3 episodes; also Wrote 3 episodes]; ONE DAY AT A TIME - 1976 [Writer only]; MORK & MINDY - 1981 [4 episodes]; THIS IS YOUR LIFE 39TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL - 1981 [TV Special; Writer only]; NO MAN'S VALLEY - 1981 [TV Short; Writer only]; EMO PHILIPS LIVE - 1987 [TV Special; Producer only]; LIVE FROM PLANET EARTH - 1987 [TV Special]. Frank Buxton passed away due to heart problems and was 87 years-old.) - 01/02/18
JERRY VAN DYKE (Actor/Comedian: Many people will recognize Jerry as the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke or his four-time Emmy®-nominated role as "Assistant Coach Luther Horatio Van Dam" on the sitcom COACH [1989-1997], but I remember Jerry as the star of the insane sitcom MY MOTHER THE CAR [1065-1966]. Jerry started out as a stand-up comedian, entertaining troops when he joined the Air Force in 1952. He then began his stand-up career by appearing in dives and strip clubs in The Southern U.S., where his banjo playing became as well-known as his comedy. He then became part of the Playboy circuit and made a few appearances on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW before becomeing a regular on THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW [1963-1964], where he played his goofy self. He also appeared a few times on his brother's hit TV series and , in one of the worst blunders of his life, turned down the lead role on GILLIGAN'S ISLAND [1964-1967; He took one look at the script for the pilot episode and said, "It was the worst thing I have ever read in my life."]. Besides MY MOTHER THE CAR [in which he had to bear the awful critics of a dead mother communicating with her son by ways of a talking car!], Jerry appeared in two other failed TV series and appeared in some films that should interest fans of this site. Jerry's credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical film]: G.E. TRUE - 1962; THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER - 1963; PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND - 1963 [TF]; MCLINTOCK! - 1963 [TF]; THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW - 1963-1964 [9 episodes]; PERRY MASON - 1964; THE CARA WILLIAMS SHOW - 1964; THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW - 1962-1965 [4 episodes]; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1965; LOVE AND KISSES - 1965 [TF]; MY MOTHER THE CAR - 1965-1966 [Series Regular; 30 episodes]; THAT GIRL - 1967; VACATION PLAYHOUSE - 1967; ACCIDENTAL FAMILY - 1967-1968 [Series Regular; 16 episodes]; GOOD MORNING, WORLD - 1968; GOMER PYLE: USMC - 1968; ANGEL IN MY POCKET - 1969 [TF]; HEADMASTER - 1970 [Series Regular; 13 episodes]; LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 1970-1971 [3 episodes]; THE NEW DICK VAN DYKE SHOW - 1973; MARY TYLER MOORE - 1972-1973; THE AMAZING COSMIC AWARENESS OF DUFFY MOON - 1976 [An ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL]; 13 QUEENS BOULEVARD  - 1979 [Series Regular; 9 episodes]; HOUSE CALLS - 1980; FANTASY ISLAND - 1978-1981; THE LOVE BOAT - 1982; NEWHART - 1983 [he originally appeared as "George Utley', but the character was essayed by the late Tom Poston after that]; FRESNO - 1986 [TV mini-series]; LETHAL VICTIMS - 1987 [TF; a.k.a. W.A.R.: WOMEN AGAINST RAPE];  RUN IF YOU CAN - 1988 [TF; one hell of a weird film!]; COMING OF AGE - 1988; CHARLES IN CHARGE - 1988; TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO - 1992 [TV Movie]; THE DREW CAREY SHOW - 1997; GRACE UNDER FIRE - 1997; COACH - 1989-1997 [Series Regular; 199 episodes!; Nominated 4 times, in 1990, 1991, 1992 & 1994 for an Emmy Award® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series]; ANNABELLE'S WISH - 1997 [TV Movie]; MERRY CHRISTMAS, GEORGE BAILEY - 1997 [TV Movie]; TEEN ANGEL - 1998 [Series Semi-Regular; 6 episodes]; YOU WISH - 1997-1998 [Series Semi-Regular; 9 episodes]; THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY - 1998; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 1999; THE DISTRICT - 2004; THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW REVISITED - 2004 [TV Movie]; COMMITTED - 2005; YES, DEAR - 2001-2005 [7 episodes]; MY NAME IS EARL - 2008; MOON RING - 2010 [TF]; RAISING HOPE - 2011; THE MILLERS - 2013; THE MIDDLE - 2010-2015 [8 episodes; his final acting appearance]. Jerry Van Dyke appeared on many nighttime entertainment shows, including over 20 appearances on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON. Jerry also had his share of tragedies in his life. His daughter, actress Kelly Van Dyke, took her own life in 1991 [She was a known drug abuser and her career led her down to appearing in porn films]. Jerry Van Dyke died of undisclosed causes [Jerry's wife, Shirley, said they were involved in a car accident over 2 years ago and Jerry's health had deteriorated since] and was 86 years-old.) - 01/05/18
GRETA THYSSEN (Actress: Probably best known to readers of this site for her role as the panther woman in the ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU rip-off, TERROR IS A MAN [1959], Greta Thyssen [real name: Greta Thysegen] hasn't acted for over 50 years. She was a former Miss Denmark [crowned in 1952] and acted in a few films that readers of this site will be interested in. Her credits included [Theatrical Film unless otherwise specified]: OP OG NED LANGS KYSTEN - 1950; BUS STOP - 1956 [Marilyn Monroe's body double]; ACCUSED OF MURDER - 1956; SCHLITZ PLAYHOUSE - 1956 [TV]; THE ADVENTURES OF HIRAM HOLLIDAY - 1956 [TV]; TELEPHONE TIME - 1957 [TV]; DRAGNET - 1957 [TV]; PERRY MASON - 1957 [TV]; QUIZ WHIZZ - 1958 [TV]; THE BEAST OF BUDAPEST - 1958; PIES AND GUYS - 1958 [A Three Stooges Short]; FRONTIER DOCTOR - 1958 [TV]; SAPPY BULL FIGHTERS - 1959 [A Three Stooges Short]; TERROR IS A MAN - 1959; SHADOWS - 1959; CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - 1959; M SQUAD - 1960 [TV]; BACHELOR FATHER - 1960 [TV]; LOCK UP - 1960 [TV]; THREE BLONDES IN HIS LIFE - 1961; MICHAEL SHAYNE - 1961 [TV]; JOURNEY TO THE SEVENTH PLANET - 1961; THE DOUBLE-BARRELLED DETECTIVE STORY - 1965; COTTONPICKIN' CHICKENPICKERS 1967 [Her final acting role]. Greta Thyssen attempted to follow the footsteps of reigning platinum blonde sex symbols Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield by forging a movie career for herself, but she failed. When she quit film acting, she appeared in a few risqué stage plays until the early-70s. Greta Thyssen passed away from complications of pneumonia and was 84 years-old.) - 01/06/18
DONNELLY RHODES (Actor: Instantly recognizable character actor, best known for his role as "Dutch Leitner" on the sitcom SOAP - 1977-1981; and, more recently, his role as "Dr. Sherman Cottle" on the reboot of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - 2004-2009. He was mainly a TV actor, but ventured out once in a while to appear in Theatrical Films. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: REPRISAL! - 1956 [TF]; THE 27TH DAY - 1957 [TF]; MAN WITH A CAMERA - 1960; MAVERICK - 1960; CHEYENNE - 1960; BONANZA - 1960; TWO FACES WEST - 1960; TALLAHASSEE 7000 - 1961; MR. ED - 1961; HAZEL - 1961; PLAYDATE - 1962; SHOESTRING THEATRE - 1962-1963 [3 episodes]; WAGON TRAIN - 1965; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1964-1965; DR. KILDARE - 1965; THEATRE 625 - 1965; CONVOY - 1965; THE VIRGINIAN - 1965; LAREDO - 1965-1966; THE ROAD WEST - 1966; RUN FOR YOUR LIFE -1966; GUNFIGHT IN ABILENE - 1967 [TF]; THE GIRL FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967; BOB HOPE PRESENTS THE CHRYSLER THEATRE - 1965-1967 [3 episodes]; DUNDEE AND CULHANE - 1967; MANNIX - 1967; TARZAN - 1967; CUSTER - 1967; IRONSIDE - 1967; IT TAKES A THIEF - 1968; CIMARRON STRIP - 1968; THE SMUGGLERS - 1968 [TV Movie]; THE WILD WILD WEST - 1967-1969; BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID - 1969 [TF]; CHANGE OF MIND - 1969 [TF]; HERE COME THE BRIDES - 1969; THE MANIPULATORS - 1970; FAMOUS JURY TRIALS - 1971; O'HARA, U.S. TREASURY - 1972; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1968-1972 [3 episodes]; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1973; THE NEPTUNE FACTOR - 1973 [TF]; INSIGHT - 1968-1973; THE NEW PERRY MASON - 1973; THE HARD PART BEGINS - 1973 [TF]; THE STARLOST - 1973; THE COLLABORATORS - 1973; POLICE STORY - 1974; RUN, JOE, RUN - 1974; FOR THE RECORD - 1976; OUR MAN FLINT: DEAD ON TARGET - 1976 [TV Movie]; GLORY DAYS - 1976 [TF]; SWITCH - 1976; SIDESTREET - 1976-1977 [3 episodes]; WONDER WOMAN - 1979; THE CHISHOLMS - 1980 [TV mini-series]; BIZARRE - 1980; THE LITTLEST HOBO - 1980; SOAP - 1978-1981 [38 episodes]; IT'S A LIVING - 1981; THE FACTS OF LIFE - 1982; REPORT TO MURPHY - 1982 [5 episodes]; CHEERS - 1982; TAXI - 1982; MAGNUM, P.I. - 1983; IT TAKES TWO - 1983; GIMME A BREAK! - 1983; HILL STREET BLUES - 1982-1983 [3 episodes]; AMANDA'S - 1983; ALICE - 1984; FLIGHT 90: DISASTER ON THE POTOMAC - 1984 [TV Movie]; REEL HORROR - 1985 [TF; Executive Producer only] DEADLY NIGHTMARES - 1985; DOUBLE TROUBLE - 1984-1985 [9 episodes]; DALTON: CODE OF VENGEANCE II - 1986 [TV Movie]; CODE OF VENGEANCE - 1986; THE GOLDEN GIRLS - 1987; AIRWOLF - 1987; AFTER THE PROMISE - 1987 [TV Movie]; EMPTY NEST - 1988; THE PENTHOUSE - 1989 [TV Movie]; BORDERTOWN - 1989; DANGER BAY - 1985-1990 [TV Series Regular; 122 episodes; Nominated for a Gemini Award® in 1988 for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role]; SHOWDOWN AT WILLIAMS CREEK - 1991 [TF]; THE HEIGHTS - 1992 [Series Regular; 12 episodes]; BABY TALK - 1992; STREET LEGAL - 1991-1992 [Series Regular; 10 episodes]; DIRTY WORK - 1992 [TV Movie]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1988-1993 [3 episodes]; BEYOND OBSESSION - 1994 [TV Movie]; GUITARMAN - 1994 [TV Movie]; WHEN THE VOWS BREAK - 1995 [TV Movie]; SHADOW OF A DOUBT - 1995 [TV Movie]; MADISON - 1996; PROFIT - 1996; THE X-FILES - 1994-1996; TWO - 1996-1997; THE OUTER LIMITS - 1996-1997; THE STEPSISTER - 1997 [TV Movie]; VIPER - 1997; THE SENTINEL - 1997; DEAD MAN'S GUN - 1997; CONVICTIONS - 1997 [TV Movie]; INDEFENSIBLE: THE TRUTH ABOUT EDWARD BRANNIGAN - 1997 [TV Movie]; THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS - 1998 [Voice only]; THE CROW: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN - 1998; MILLENNIUM - 1997-1998; BIG AND HAIRY - 1998 [TV Movie]; EYES OF A COWBOY - 1998; ROSWELL: THE ALIENS ATTACK - 1999 [TV Movie]; A MURDER ON SHADOW MOUNTAIN - 1999 [TV Movie]; HOPE ISLAND - 1999; MIRACLE ON THE 17TH GREEN - 1999 [TV movie]; CALL OF THE WILD - 2000; PERSONALLY YOURS - 2000 [TV Movie]; THE WEDDING DRESS - 2001 [TV Movie]; TOUCHED BY A KILLER - 2001 [TF]; SNOW DOGS - 2002 [TF]; PRESSURE - 2002 [TF]; THE CHRIS ISAAK SHOW - 2002; AMERICAN DREAMS - 2002; TOM STONE - 2003; THE DEAD ZONE - 2003; A TALE OF TWO WIVES - 2003 [TV Movie]; CENTURY CITY - 2004; PROOF OF THE MAN - 2004 [TV mini-series]; LIFE AS WE KNOW IT - 2004-2005 [3 episodes]; DA VINCI'S INQUEST - 1998-2005 [Series Regular; 91 episodes; Directed 1 episode in 2001; Won a Gemini Award® in 2002 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role and was nominated 2 more times, in 1999 & 2000 ]; THE COLLECTOR - 2006; BROKEN TRAIL - 2006 [TV mini-series]; WHISTLER - 2006; PAST TENSE - 2006 [TV Movie]; THREE MOONS OVER MILFORD - 2006; PSYCH - 2007; BEYOND LOCH NESS - 2008 [a.k.a. LOCH NESS TERROR; TV Movie]; THE L WORD - 2008; SMALLVILLE - 2008; RIDDLES OF THE SPHINX - 2008 [TV Movie] GYM TEACHER: THE MOVIE - 2008 [TV Movie]; BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - 2004-2009 [36 episodes]; DAMAGE - 2009 [TF]; ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID - 2010 [4 episodes]; HUMAN TARGET - 2010; GOBLIN - 2010 [TV Movie]; RAMONA AND BEEZUS - 2010 [TF]; HUNT TO KILL - 2010 [TF]; TRON: LEGACY - 2010 [TF]; IRON GOLEM - 2011 [a.k.a. METAL SHIFTERS; TV Movie]; MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS - 2011 [DTV]; HEARTLAND - 2011; BARRICADE - 2012 [TF]; THE 12 DISASTERS OF CHRISTMAS - 2012 [TV Movie]; ARCTIC AIR - 2013; MR. HOCKEY: THE GORDIE HOWE STORY - 2013 [TV Movie]; SUPERNATURAL - 2005-2013; CODED - 2015; THE ROMEO SECTION - 2015-2016; THE FLASH - 2016; LEGENDS OF TOMORROW - 2016 [His last acting role]. As you can read, Donnelly Rhodes was very prolific on Television. Donnelly Rhodes passed away due to complications from cancer and was 80 years-old.) - 01/08/18
TERENCE MARSH (Production Designer/Art Director: Multiple Academy Award®-winning and nominated Art Director and Production Designer, mainly on British films. His films as a Production Designer/Art Director included [All theatrical films unless otherwise specified]: TO PARIS WITH LOVE - 1955; AS LONG AS THEY'RE HAPPY - 1955; A TOWN LIKE ALICE - 1956; TRIPLE DECEPTION - 1956; THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL - 1957; MIRACLE IN SOHO - 1957; THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN - 1960; THE SINGER NOT THE SONG - 1961; A COMING-OUT PARTY - 1961; IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS - 1962; LAWRENCE OF ARABIA - 1962; OF HUMAN BONDAGE - 1964; THE WILD AFFAIR - 1965; DOCTOR ZHIVAGO - 1965 [Academy Award® winner for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration]; A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS - 1966; OLIVER! - 1968 [Academy Award® winner for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration]; THE LOOKING GLASS WAR - 1970; PERFECT FRIDAY - 1970; SCROOGE - 1970 [Academy Award® nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration]; MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS - 1971 [Academy Award® nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration]; THE PUBLIC EYE - 1972; A TOUCH OF CLASS - 1973; THE MACKINTOSH MAN - 1973; THE GLASS MENAGERIE - 1973 [TV Movie]; JUGGERNAUT - 1974; THE ABDICATION - 1974; GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 1974 [TV Movie]; ROYAL FLASH - 1975; THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' SMARTER BROTHER - 1975; A BRIDGE TOO FAR - 1977; THE WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER - 1977 [also Co-Producer]; MAGIC - 1978; THE FRISCO KID - 1979; SUNDAY LOVERS - 1980; SPHINX - 1981; ABSENCE OF MALICE - 1981; TO BE OR NOT TO BE - 1983; FINDERS KEEPERS - 1984 [also Producer]; MIRACLES - 1986; HAUNTED HONEYMOON - 1986; SPACEBALLS - 1987; BERT RIGBY, YOU'RE A FOOL - 1989; THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER - 1990; HAVANA - 1990; BASIC INSTINCT - 1992; CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER - 1994; THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION - 1994; FORGET PARIS - 1995; EXECUTIVE DECISION - 1996; FALLEN - 1998; THE GREEN MILE - 1999; RUSH HOUR 2 (2001; His final screen credit]. Terence Marsh also won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Art Directors Guild® in 2010 and was nominated several times for a BAFTA Award®. Terence Marsh died of complications from cancer and was 86 years-old.) - 01/09/18
HUGH WILSON (Director/Writer/Producer: Hugh Wilson was the creator of the cult TV Series WKRP IN CINCINATTI [1978-1982] and director of the film POLICE ACADEMY [1984], which went on to be part of a successful franchise, spawning 6 sequels and a TV Series [none of which Wilson was involved with]. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THE BAGEL REPORT - 1972 [TF; Director/Producer/Editor & Writer]; THE BOB NEWHART SHOW - 1976 [Writer of 3 episodes]; THE CHOPPED LIVER BROTHERS - 1977 [TV Movie; Director/Writer]; THE TONY RANDALL SHOW - 1976-1978 [Director of 4 episodes; Producer of 22 episodes; Writer of 6 episodes]; WKRP IN CINCINATTI - 1978-1982 [Creator of 86 episodes; Director of 2 episodes; Producer of 27 episodes; Writer of 14 episodes; Also wrote the opening theme song; Nominated for three Emmy Awards®, in 1980, 1981 & 1982, for Outstanding Comedy Series]; STROKER ACE - 1983 [TF; Writer only]; POLICE ACADEMY - 1984 [TF; Director & Writer]; RUSTLERS' RHAPSODY - 1985 [TF; Director & Writer]; BURGLAR - 1987 [Director & Writer]; FRANK'S PLACE - 1987-1988 [Director of 7 episodes; Producer of 22 episodes; Writer of 8 episodes; Nominated for an Emmy Award® in 1988 for Outstanding Comedy Series & Won an Emmy Award in 1988 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series]; THE FAMOUS TEDDY Z - 1989-1990 [Creator of 20 episodes; Director of 3 episodes; Producer of 1 episode; Writer of 4 episodes; Nominated for 2 Emmy Awards® in 1990 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series & Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series]; SUNDAY IN PARIS - 1991 [TV Short; Director & Executive Producer]; THE NEW WKRP IN CINCINATTI - 1991-1993 [Creator of 16 episodes]; GUARDING TESS - 1994 [TF; Director & Writer]; THE FIRST WIVES CLUB - 1996 [TF; Director only]; DOWN PERISCOPE - 1996 [TF; Writer only]; ROUGH RIDERS - 1997 [TV mini-series; Writer only]; SOUTHIE - 1998 [TF; Producer only]; BLAST FROM THE PAST - 1999 [TF; Director/Producer & Writer]; DUDLEY DO-RIGHT - 1999 [TF; Director/ Executive Producer & Writer]; THE CONTENDER - 2000 [TV Movie; Director & Producer]; MICKEY - 2004 [TF; Director only]; KEEPERS OF THE FLAME - 2012 [Video Documentary Short; Writer only; His final credit]. Hugh Wilson also appeared in cameo roles in most of the films and TV Series he directed [Called "Pulling a Hitchcock"]. Hugh Wilson passed away of a long illness and was 74 years-old.) - 01/14/18
SPANKY MANIKAN (Actor: Anyone who reads my reviews for Filipino action films knows who Spanky Manikan is. He played secondary roles in many action films made in the Philippines and was a frequent actor on Filipino TV. Most of the films he has done are not available in the U.S, so I will list the ones he appeared in that were. His credits included [all Theatrical Films]: MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT - 1975; P.O.W.: THE ESCAPE [a.k.a. ATTACK FORCE 'NAM - 1986]; SAIGON COMMANDOS - 1988; ABOVE THE WAR - 1989; CRUEL HORIZON - 1989; FATAL VACATION - 1989; BEHIND ENEMY LINES - 1997; BULLET - 1999; DEATHROW - 2000; AMOK - 2011. Many Filipinos will remember Manikan for portraying "Stanley King" on the TV soap opera THE TWO OF US - 2009 [177 episodes] and as "Don Hernando" on the TV Series MIDNIGHT PHANTOM - 2010 [24 episodes]. Spanky Manikan's death was not reported in any American newspapers. Spanky Manikan passed away from lung cancer and was 75 years-old.) - 01/14/18
PETER WYNGARDE (Actor: Peter Wyngarde was a well-known Actor, best known for his roles in the films THE INNOCENTS [1961] and NIGHT OF THE EAGLE [a.k.a. BURN, WITCH, BURN - 1962]. Although best remembered for his roles in those films, he was actually a British TV star, appearing in many famous British Television Series, especially as flamboyant Investigator "Jason King" in DEPARTMENT S [1969-1970] and JASON KING [1971-1972]. His credits Included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: DICK BARTON STRIKES BACK - 1949 [TF]; THE DYBBUK - 1952 [TV Movie]; LIEBELEI - 1954 [TV Movie]; STAGE BY STAGE - 1954; TERMINUS - 1955; JESUS OF NAZARETH - 1956 [TV mini-series]; ALEXANDER THE GREAT - 1956 [TF]; THE GAMBLER - 1956 [TV Movie]; NOM-DE-PLUME - 1956 [3 episodes]; ASSIGNMENT FOREIGN LEGION - 1956; SWORD OF FREEDOM - 1957; THE WIDOWS OF JAFFA - 1957 [TV Movie]; JACK HYLTON'S MONDAY SHOW - 1957; OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB-EXCLUSIVE! - 1957; A TALE OF TWO CITIES - 1957 [TV mini-series]; ORDEAL BY FIRE - 1957 [TV Movie]; ITV TELEVISION PLAYHOUSE - 1957; ENGLISH FAMILY ROBINSON - 1957 [TV mini-series]; GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATER - 1958; TELEVISION WORLD THEATRE - 1958; THE ADVENTURES OF BEN GUNN - 1958 [6 episodes]; BBC SUNDAY-NIGHT THEATRE - 1950-1958 [8 episodes]; EPILOGUE TO CAPRICORN - 1959 [3 episodes]; ON TRIAL - 1960; THE SIEGE OF SIDNEY STREET - 1960 [TF]; ONE STEP BEYOND - 1961; THE INNOCENTS - 1961 [TF]; BURN, WITCH, BURN - 1962 [TF; a.k.a. NIGHT OF THE EAGLE]; BBC SUNDAY-NIGHT PLAY - 1962; ARMCHAIR THEATRE - 1958-1962; OUT OF THIS WORLD - 1962; ABOUT RELIGION - 1962; RUPERT OF HENTZAU - 1964 {TV Series Star; 6 episodes]; R3 - 1965; SHERLOCK HOLMES - 1965; THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF GALLEGHER: A CASE OF MURDER  - 1965 [TV Movie]; THE MAN IN ROOM 17 - 1966; LUCY IN LONDON - 1966 [TV Movie]; THE BARON - 1966; TURN OUT THE LIGHTS - 1967; ITV PLAY OF THE WEEK - 1955-1967 [11 episodes]; THE AVENGERS - 1966-1967; THE SAINT - 1966-1967; LOVE STORY - 1967; I SPY - 1967; THE REVENUE MEN - 1967; MOGUL - 1967; THE PRISONER - 1967 [Portrayed "Number Two"]; THE CHAMPIONS - 1968; DEPARTMENT S - 1969-1970 [Series Star; 28 episodes]; JASON KING - 1971-1972 [Series Star; played the same character as in DEPARTMENT S; 24 episodes]; HIMMEL, SCHEICH UND WOLKENBRUCH - 1979 [TF]; FLASH GORDON - 1980 [TF; portrayed metal-skinned villain "Klytus"]; CROWN COURT - 1980; DOCTOR WHO - 1984 [4 episodes]; AND THE WALL CAME TUMBLING DOWN - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE TWO RONNIES - 1984; BULMAN - 1985; THE COMIC STRIP PRESENTS... - 1988; TANK MALLING - 1989 [TF]; THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 1994; THE MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES - 1994 [His last credit as an actor]. Peter Wyngarde loved acting on Stage more than he did on TV, which accounts for the long gaps in his filmic resumé. Peter Wyngarde died peacefully in his sleep and was 90 years-old.) - 01/15/18
BRADFORD DILLMAN (Actor: Bradford Dillman was one of those '60s & '70s actors that would show up on nearly every television series and TV Movies that I loved [I believe that he alone was responsible for the rating successes of horror and thriller-themed Movies Of The Week]. His death comes as a shock to me because I thought he passed away a long time ago. He appeared in many films that would be of interest to readers of this site. Dillman's credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: PONDS THEATER - 1955; KRAFT THEATRE - 1953-1956 [4 episodes]; THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT - 1957 [TV Movie]; OMNIBUS - 1957; CLIMAX! - 1957; MATINEE THEATRE - 1957; A CERTAIN SMILE - 1958 [TF]; IN LOVE AND WAR - 1958 [TF; Won a Golden Globe® for Most Promising Newcomer - Male]; COMPULSION - 1959 [TF; Cannes Film Festival Award® for Best Actor, which he shared with Orson Welles and Dean Stockwell]; CRACK IN THE MIRROR - 1960 [TF; His second film to star Orson Welles]; CIRCLE OF DECEPTION - 1960 [TF]; SANCTUARY - 1961 [TF]; FRANCIS OF ASSISI - 1961 [TF]; THE ELEVENTH HOUR - 1962; NAKED CITY - 1963; ALCOA PREMIERE - 1962-1963 [Emmy Award® nominee for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for For playing "Charlie Pont". For episode "The Voice of Charlie Pont".]; KRAFT MYSTERY THEATER - 1963; MONSTROSITY - 1963 [TF: Narrator; Voice only; a.k.a. THE ATOMIC BRAIN]; ESPIONAGE - 1963; THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH - 1963; KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1963; WAGON TRAIN - 1963; THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES - 1964; BEN CASEY - 1964; BREAKING POINT - 1965; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1963-1964; PROFILES IN COURAGE - 1965; A RAGE TO LIVE - 1965 [TF]; INSIGHT - 1966; DR. KILDARE - 1964-1966 [7 episodes]; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1966; THE PLAINSMAN - 1966 [TF]; COURT MARTIAL - 1965-1966 [Series Regular; 26 episodes]; HAWK - 1966; SHANE - 1966; BOB HOPE PRESENTS CHRYSLER THEATRE - 1966-1967; THE FELONY SQUAD - 1967; MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967; THE BIG VALLEY - 1966-1967; THE WILD WILD WEST - 1967; JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE - 1968; THE DANNY THOMAS HOUR - 1968; JIGSAW - 1968 [TF]; THE NAME OF THE GAME - 1968; FEAR NO EVIL - 1969 [TV Movie; The first MFTV film that I can remember that actually scared me.]; THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN - 1969 [TF]; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1969; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1969; BLACK WATER GOLD - 1970 [TV Movie]; SUPPOSE THEY GAVE A WAR AND NOBODY CAME? - 1970 [TF]; DAN AUGUST - 1970; IRONSIDE - 1970; THE VIRGINIAN - 1963-1971; LONGSTREET - 1971; BROTHER JOHN - 1971 [TF]; THE MEPHISTO WALTZ - 1971 [TF; The masked dog scared the crap outta me!]; ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES - 1971 [TF; his turn as good guy "Dr. Lewis Dixon" made this film memorable, especially when he kisses female ape Zira {Kim Hunter} on the lips!]; FIVE DESPERATE WOMEN - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE F.B.I. - 1966-1971 [7 episodes]; THE RESURRECTION OF ZACHARY WHEELER - 1971 [One of the first theatrical films to be shot on videotape and then transferred to film]; REVENGE! - 1971 [TV Movie]; BONANZA - 1971; NIGHT GALLERY - [The classic segment "Pickman's Model" - 1971]; MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - 1968-1972; ALIAS SMITH AND JONES - 1972; MARY TYLER MOORE - 1972; THE EYES OF CHARLES SAND - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE DELPHI BUREAU - 1972; THE SIXTH SENSE - 1972; MOD SQUAD - 1972; MOON OF THE WOLF - 1972 [TV Movie]; COLUMBO - 1972; MCCLOUD - 1973; DELIVER US FROM EVIL - 1973 [TV Movie]; THE WAY WE WERE - 1973 [TF]; THE ICEMAN COMETH - 1973 [TF]; MEDICAL CENTER - 1970-1973 [3 episodes]; MURDER OR MERCY - 1974 [TV Movie]; THE LAST BRIDE OF SALEM - 1974 [Afternoon TV Movie; Won a Daytime Emmy Award® for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Special]; CHOSEN SURVIVORS - 1974 [TF; The film that made me take notice of Dillman as a great actor, even though the film was humdrum]; 99 AND 44/100% DEAD - 1974 [TF]; A BLACK RIBBON FOR DEBORAH - 1974 [TF]; GOLD - 1974 [TF]; THE DISAPPEARANCE OF FLIGHT 412 - 1974 [TV Movie]; THE MANHUNTER - 1975; CANNON - 1972-1975; ADVENTURES OF THE QUEEN - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE LEGENDARY CURSE OF THE HOPE DIAMOND - 1975 [TV Movie]; FORCE FIVE - 1975 [TV Movie]; BUG - 1975 [TF; a horror flick about giant intelligent bugs that can cause fires; Doesn't get the recognition it deserves]; MEDICAL STORY - 1975; THREE FOR THE ROAD - 1975; STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1975; DEATH IN DEEP WATER - 1975 [TV Movie; Part of ABC's THRILLER Series: Videotaped movies shown during the late night]; LOOK BACK IN HAPPINESS - 1975 [TV Movie; Part of ABC's THRILLER Series: Videotaped movies shown during the late night]; PLEASE CALL IT MURDER - 1975 [TV Movie; Part Of ABC's WIDE WORLD MYSTERY, a series of videotaped movies shown at late night]; DEMON, DEMON - 1975 [TV Movie; Part Of ABC's WIDE WORLD MYSTERY, a series of videotaped movies shown at late night]; MASTERMIND - 1976 [TF]; WIDOW - 1976 [TV Movie]; BRONK - 1976; WONDER WOMAN - 1976; STREET KILLING - 1976 [TV Movie]; KINGSTON CONFIDENTIAL - 1976; THE ENFORCER - 1976 [When Dirty Harry says to Capt. McKay {Dillman} "Your mouthwash ain't makin' it.", I dare you not to laugh!]; ONE AWAY - 1976 [TF]; THE HOSTAGE HEART - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE LINCOLN CONSPIRACY - 1977 [TF]; THE AMSTERDAM KILL - 1977 [TF]; BARNABY JONES - 1973-1978 [7 episodes]; THE DARK SECRET OF HARVEST HOME - 1978 [TV mini-series]; THE SWARM - 1978 [TF]; PIRANHA - 1978 [TF; Dillman will be forever remembered for his role in this entertaining horror film]; SWORD OF JUSTICE - 1978; LOVE AND BULLETS - 1979 [TF]; JENNIFER: A WOMAN'S STORY - 1979 [TV Movie]; HOW THE WEST WAS WON - 1979; GUYANA: CULT OF THE DAMNED - 1979 [TF; about as sleazy as a film can be]; BEFORE AND AFTER - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1979; THE MEMORY OF EVA RYKER - 1980 [TV Movie] TOURIST - 1980 [TV Movie]; RUNNING SCARED - 1980 [TF]; FANTASY ISLAND - 1980; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1980; KING'S CROSSING - 1982 [Series Regular; 10 episodes]; THE LEGEND OF WALKS FAR WOMAN - 1982 [TV Movie]; MATT HOUSTON - 1982; FALCON CREST - 1982-1983 [10 episodes]; THE LOVE BOAT - 1983; SUDDEN IMPACT - 1983 [Another Dirty Harry Film, but Dillman plays a different character]; HOT PURSUIT - 1984; DYNASTY - 1984; TREASURE OF THE AMAZON - 1985 [TF]; HOTEL - 1984-1985; COVENANT - 1985 [TV Movie] MAN OUTSIDE - 1987 [TF]; LORDS OF THE DEEP - 1989 [TF]; HEROES STAND ALONE - 1989 [TF]; CHRISTINE CROMWELL - 1989; THE HEART OF JUSTICE - 1992 [TV Movie]; MURDER SHE WROTE - 1985-1995 [8 episodes; His final acting role]. As you can see by his filmography, Bradford Dillman appeared in many films that will bring back fond memories to Baby Boomers. He could do anything from comedy to drama. I always liked him on TV because he had an intensity like no other actor on ther small screen. Here's what Dillman said about his career as an actor: "I'm not bitter, though. I've had a wonderful life. I married the most beautiful woman in the world. Together we raised six children, each remarkable in his or her own way and every one a responsible citizen. I was fortunate to work in a profession where I looked forward to going to work every day. I was rewarded with modest success. The work sent me to places all over the world I'd never been able to afford visiting otherwise. I keep busy and I'm happy. And there are a few good films out there that I might be remembered for. I like as great a variety as possible, hopefully to avoid getting stuck in one kind of character, having to do it over and over again. I seek to challenge myself as an actor -- and at the same time support my family." When Dillman quit acting, he became an author of several books and even was a talent scout for the San Francisco 49ers Football team! Thanks for all the pleasant memories, Mr. Dillman. You were definitely one of a kind. Bradford Dillman died due to complications of pneumonia and was 87 years-old.) - 01/16/18
DOROTHY MALONE Actress: Dorothy Malone [real name: Dorothy Eloise Maloney] was a talented Academy Award®-winning [Best Supporting Actress for WRITTEN ON THE WIND - 1956] actress who was loved by nearly everyone she worked with. She was a classic Golden age film actress who had no problem adjusting to TV Series work and worked constantly in both mediums. Her credits included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: CONVICTED WOMAN - 1940; GILDERSLEEVE ON BROADWAY - 1943; THE FALCON AND THE CO-EDS - 1943; HIGHER AND HIGHER - 1943; SEVEN DAYS ASHORE - 1944; SHOW BUSINESS - 1944; STEP LIVELY - 1944; YOUTH RUNS WILD - 1944; ONE MYSTERIOUS NIGHT - 1944; HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN - 1944; TOO YOUNG TO KNOW - 1945; FRONTIER DAYS - 1945 [Short]; JANE GETS MARRIED - 1946; NIGHT AND DAY - 1946; THE BIG SLEEP - 1946; TO THE VICTOR - 1948; TWO GUYS FROM TEXAS - 1948; ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON - 1948; FLAXY MARTIN - 1949; SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS - 1949; COLORADO TERRITORY - 1949; THE NEVADAN - 1950; CONVICTED - 1950; THE KILLER THAT STALKED NEW YORK - 1950; MRS. O'MALLEY AND MR. MALONE - 1950; SADDLE LEGION - 1951; THE BUSHWACKERS - 1951; THE PHILCO-GOODYEAR TELEVISION PLAYHOUSE - 1951 [TV]; KRAFT THEATRE - 1951 [TV]; TORPEDO ALLEY - 1952; SCARED STIFF - 1953; LAW AND ORDER - 1953; THE DOCTOR - 1953 [TV]; THE REVLON MIRROR THEATRE - 1953 [TV]; JACK SLADE - 1953; OMNIBUS - 1953 [TV]; LOOPHOLE - 1954; FOUR STAR PLAYHOUSE - 1953-1954 [TV]; THE LONE GUN - 1954; PUSHOVER - 1954; SECURITY RISK - 1954; PRIVATE HELL 36 - 1954; YOUNG AT HEART - 1954; BATTLE CRY - 1955; FIRESIDE THEATRE - 1954-1955 [TV; 3 episodes]; THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS - 1955; FIVE GUNS WEST - 1955; TALL MAN RIDING - 1955; SINCERELY YOURS - 1955; ARTISTS AND MODELS - 1955; LUX VIDEO THEATRE - 1955; THE CHRISTOPHERS - 1955 [TV]; AT GUNPOINT - 1955; THE LORETTA YOUNG SHOW - 1956 [TV]; APPOINTMENT WITH ADVENTURE - 1956 [TV]; TENSION AT TABLE ROCK - 1956; PILLARS IN THE SKY - 1956; WRITTEN ON THE WIND - 1956 [Academy Award®-winner for Best Supporting Actress]; MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES - 1957; TIP ON A DEAD JOCKEY - 1957; QUANTEZ - 1957; THE TARNISHED ANGELS - 1957; TOO MUCH, TOO SOON - 1958; CIMARRON CITY - 1958 [TV]; WARLOCK - 1959; ALCOA THEATRE - 1960 [TV]; THE LAST VOYAGE - 1960; ROUTE 66 - 1961 [TV]; THE LAST SUNSET - 1961; CHECKMATE - 1961 [TV]; DEATH VALLEY DAYS - 1961 [TV]; THE DICK POWELL THEATRE - 1961 [TV]; DR. KILDARE - 1962 [TV]; GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATER - 1955-1962 [TV; 3 episodes]; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1962 [TV]; BEACH PARTY - 1963; THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH - 1964 [TV]; ARREST AND TRIAL - 1964 [TV]; FATE IS THE HUNTER - 1964; INSIGHT - 1966 [TV]; PEYTON PLACE - 1964-1968 [TV; Series Regular; 430 episodes]; CARNAL CIRCUIT - 1969; THE PIGEON - 1969 [TV Movie]; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1972 [TV]; IRONSIDE - 1973 [TV]; THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT DIE - 1975; ABDUCTION - 1975; ELLERY QUEEN - 1976 [TV]; RICH MAN, POOR MAN - 1976 [TV mini-series]; POLICE WOMAN - 1976 [TV]; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1976; LITTLE LADIES OF THE NIGHT - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE NOVEMBER PLAN - 1977 [TV Movie]; MURDER IN PEYTON PLACE - 1977 [TV Movie] GOLDEN RENDEZVOUS - 1977; THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES - 1978 [TV]; HIGH HOPES - 1978 [TV]; FLYING HIGH - 1978 [TV]; VEGA$ - 1978 [TV]; KATIE: PORTRAIT OF A CENTERFOLD - 1978 [TV Movie]; GOOD LUCK, MISS WYCKOFF - 1979; WINTER KILLS - 1979; GREATEST HEROES OF THE BIBLE - 1979 [TV]; THE DAY TIME ENDED - 1979; CONDOMINIUM - 1980 [TV mini-series]; THE LITTLEST HOBO - 1980 [TV]; OFF YOUR ROCKER - 1982 [TV Movie]; MATT HOUSTON - 1982 [TV]; THE BEING - 1983; HE'S NOT YOUR SON - 1984 [TV Movie]; PEYTON PLACE: THE NEXT GENERATION - 1985 [TV Movie]; REST IN PIECES - 1987; BASIC INSTINCT - 1992 [Her final acting role]. The only time Dorothy Malone was ornery was during her stay on PEYTON PLACE.She often complained that her character on the series was not given enough to do, and that Mia Farrow's character was monopolizing the story lines. She was quoted as saying, "I live much more drama and tragedy in my own life than I ever do on 'Peyton Place'!" She was written out of the show in 1968 and sued 20th Century Fox for breach of contract. The case was settled out of court. This coming after, in 1965, while working on PEYTON PLACE, she suffered a near-fatal illness that included a pulmonary embolism, blood clots on both lungs, an enlarged heart and pneumonia. Upon fully recuperating, she returned to the series after being temporarily replaced by Lola Albright. Dorothy Malone received a Star on The Walk Of Fame On February 8, 1960 at 1716 Vine Street. Dorothy Malone passed away of natural causes and was 93 years-old.) - 01/19/18
CONNIE SAWYER (Actress: Connie Sawyer [Real name: Rosie Cohen] is known for her roles as mothers and grandmothers, but her real claim to fame was that she acted well into her century mark, appearing in films and TV series until she was 102 years-old! Her credits as an actress included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THE ARROW SHOW - 1948; TEXACO STAR THEATRE - 1949; THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR - 1950; THE SATURDAY NIGHT REVUE WITH JACK CARTER - 1951; ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE - 1953; THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW - 1954; STUDIO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD - 1954; A HOLE IN THE HEAD - 1959 [TF]; GUESTWARD HO! - 1960; THE DONNA REED SHOW - 1961; PETER LOVES MARY - 1961; ADA - 1961 [TF]; DOCTOR KILDARE - 1962; STONEY BURKE - 1963; MCGHEE - 1965 [TV Movie]; PLEASE DONT EAT THE DAISIES - 1965; THE FUGITIVE - 1966; THE LAST OF THE SECRET AGENTS? - 1966 [TF]; FOR PETE'S SAKE - 1966 [TF]; CBS PLAYHOUSE - 1967; LOVE ON A ROOFTOP - 1967; THE RED SKELTON SHOW - 1967; THE WAY WEST - 1967 [TF]; A BELL FOR ADANO - 1967 [TV Movie]; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1968; BONANZA - 1969; TRUE GRIT - 1969 [TF]; BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE - 1969 [TF]; MY WORLD AND WELCOME TO IT - 1969; ROOM 222 - 1970; ALLAN - 1971 [TV Movie]; ALL IN THE FAMILY - 1971; FIVE DESPERATE WOMEN - 1971 [TV Movie]; EVIL ROY SLADE - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE F.B.I. - 1965-1972 [4 episodes]; THE STRANGERS IN 7A - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE ROOKIES - 1972; DOC ELLIOTT - 1973; THE BAIT - 1973 [TV Movie]; GOOD TIMES - 1974; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1973-1974; THE MAN IN THE GLASS BOOTH - 1975 [TF]; BARBARY COAST - 1975; MARY TYLER MOORE - 1975; MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN - 1976; DELVECCHIO - 1976; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1976; LITTLE LADIES OF THE NIGHT - 1977 [TV Movie]; KOJAK - 1974-1977; OH, GOD! - 1977 [TF}; BIG HAWAII - 1977; LOU GRANT - 1977; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1978; THE PRESIDENT'S MISTRESS - 1978 [TV Movie]; STARSKY & HUTCH - 1977-1978; FOUL PLAY - 1978 [TF]; WELCOME BACK, KOTTER - 1978; FAST BREAK - 1979 [TF]; FAMILY - 1977-1979; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1974-1979; ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL - 1979 [TF]; ARCHIE BUNKER'S PLACE - 1979 [Portrayed Martin Balsam's mother even though she was only seven years older than him in real life!]; BARNABY JONES - 1980; THE JOKE'S ON MR. LITTLE - 1982 [An Afternoon TV Special]; DYNASTY - 1982; LAVERNE & SHIRLEY - 1983; LEGMEN - 1984; FLIGHT 90: DISASTER ON THE POTOMAC - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE ROSEBUD BEACH HOTEL - 1984 [TF]; SILVER SPOONS - 1984; V - 1984; DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE - 1985 [TV Movie]; HOT CHILI - 1985 [TF]; 227- 1985; HILL STREET BLUES 1984-1986; MATLOCK - 1987; NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN - 1987 [TF]; WEBSTER - 1988; FAR FROM HOME - 1989 [TF]; WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... - 1989 [TF]; THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR - 1989; THE END OF INNOCENCE - 1990 [TF]; TRUE COLORS - 1990; IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT - 1990; THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES - 1990 [TF]; BLUE DESERT - 1991 [TF]; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1991; THE NEW WKRP IN CINCINATTI - 1991; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1986-1991; SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR: THE ALISON GERTZ STORY - 1992 [TV Movie]; DREAM ON - 1992; MAJORITY RULE - 1992 [TV Movie]; NURSES - 1992; THE OPPOSITE SEX AND HOW TO LIVE WITH THEM - 1992 [TF]; MURPHY BROWN - 1994; ROSEANNE AND TOM: BEHIND THE SCENES - 1994 [TV Movie]; DUMB AND DUMBER - 1994 [TF]; THE JEFF FOXWORTHY SHOW - 1995; GET SMART - 1995; ABANDONED AND DECEIVED - 1995 [TV Movie]; SCORPION SPRING - 1995 [TF]; HOME IMPROVEMENT - 1995; IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE II - 1995 [TV Movie]; DAVE'S WORLD - 1996; UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER - 1996; SEINFELD - 1997; VERONICA'S CLOSET - 1998; OUT OF SIGHT - 1998 [TF]; SLIDERS - 1998; STYLE & SUBSTANCE - 1998; WHERE'S MARLOWE? - 1998 [TF]; BOY MEETS WORLD - 1998; L.A. DOCTORS - 1998; BECKER - 1999 [3 episodes]; WILL & GRACE - 2000; THAT '70S SHOW - 2000; THE MICHAEL RICHARDS SHOW - 2000; THE BEAST - 2001; THE TRIP - 2002 [TF]; BRAM AND ALICE - 2002; STARING AT THE SUN - 2002 [Short]; VIEW FROM THE TOP - 2003 [TF]; GIRLFRIENDS - 2003; SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE - 2003 [TF]; 8 SIMPLE RULES - 2003; PROMISED LAND - 2004 [TF]; SIGNIFICANT OTHERS - 2004; COMPLETE GUIDE TO GUYS - 2005 [TF]; RELATIVE STRANGERS - 2006 [TF]; ER - 1999-2006; NED'S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE - 2007; HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER - 2007; KISS THE BRIDE - 2007 [TF]; TELL ME YOU LOVE ME - 2007; PINEAPPLE EXPRESS - 2008 [TF; portrayed James Franco's grandmother]; CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 2008; WORST WEEK - 2008; THE OFFICE - 2009; HAWTHORNE - 2009; WATCH OUT FOR SLICK - 2010 [TF]; UP ALL NIGHT - 2011; 2 BROKE GIRLS - 2012; NCIS: LOS ANGELES - 2013; NEW GIRL - 2014; LOVESICK - 2014 [TF]; RAY DONOVAN - 2013-2014; ENTANGLEMENT - 2014 [Short; Her final acting role at the unbelievable age of 102!]. Connie Sawyer was the oldest working member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Academy. She died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes at the Woodland Hills, California Motion Picture & Telivision Country House [a community for retired performers] and was an unbelievable 105 years-old.) - 01/22/18
EZRA SWERDLOW (Producer: Ezra Swerdlow was a Producer on some good theatrical films and an Emmy Award® winner on one great Pay Cable film, many of them for Woody Allen. His credits as a Producer included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a TV for Television Series]: RADIO DAYS - 1987 [also First Assistant Director]; SPACEBALLS - 1987; THE JANUARY MAN - 1989; EVERYBODY WINS - 1990; LIFE STINKS - 1991; ALIEN 3 - 1992; THE GOOD SON - 1992; WAITING TO EXHALE - 1995 [also bit Actor]; THE FIRST WIVES CLUB - 1996; COP LAND - 1997; WAG THE DOG - 1997; RETURN TO PARADISE - 1998; WHITEBOYZ - 1999; TWILIGHT: LOS ANGELES - 2000; THE HUNTRESS - 2000 [TV]; BROOKLYN BABYLON - 2001; EASTER - 2002; HEAD OF STATE - 2003; ALL FALLS DOWN - 2004 [Video Short; also First Assistant Director]; SECRET WINDOW - 2004; LITTLE MANHATTAN - 2005; INVINCIBLE - 2006; ENCHANTED - 2007; GHOST TOWN - 2008; ZOMBIELAND - 2009; WHEN IN ROME - 2010; TOO BIG TO FAIL - 2011 [Pay Cable Movie; Emmy Award®-winner for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie]; THE SMURFS - 2011; 21 JUMP STREET - 2012; THE SMURFS 2 - 2013; THE EQUALIZER - 2014; SOUTHPAW - 2015; LEWIS AND CLARK - 2015 [TV mini-series; His last credit as a Producer]. Swerdlow was also a Unit Production Manager on the films: STARDUST MEMORIES - 1980; ARTHUR - 1981; THE KING OF COMEDY - 1982; ZELIG - 1983; BROADWAY DANNY ROSE - 1984; THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN - 1984; HANNAH AND HER SISTERS - 1986; and HEARTBURN - 1986. He was also Location Manager on TOOTSIE - 1982. Ezra Swerdlow passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer and ALS and was 64 years-old.) - 01/23/18
ROBERT DOWDELL (Actor: Many of us Baby Boomers know that Robery Dowdell portrayed "Lt. Cmdr. Chip Morton" on the TV Series VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA [1964 - 1968], but he was also a versatile actor on many TV Series and in some Theatrical Films. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: STUDIO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD - 1956; DEADLINE - 1959; THE FIFTH COLUMN - 1960 [TV Movie]; BUIC-ELECTRA PLAYHOUSE - 1960; MOMENT OF FEAR - 1960; SURFSIDE 6 - 1962; STONEY BURKE - 1962-1963 [Series Regular; 32 episodes]; VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - 1964-1968 [Series Regular; 109 episodes]; LAND OF THE GIANTS - 1969; MACHO CALLAHAN - 1970 [TF]; MEN AT LAW - 1970; CITY BENEATH THE SEA - 1971 [TV Movie]; O'HARA, U.S. TREASURY - 1971; TERROR IN THE SKY - 1971 [TV Movie]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1972; THE F.B.I. - 1972; ADAM-12 - 1971-1972 [3 episodes]; S.W.A.T. - 1975; MOST WANTED - 1977; 240-ROBERT - 1979; BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY - 1979; CHiPS - 1979; HART TO HART - 1982; FAME - 1983; THE INITIATION - 1983 [TF]; THE MASTER - 1984; V- 1985; DYNASTY - 1985; CAPITOL - 1984-1986 [3 episodes]; OUTRAGE! - 1986 [TV Movie]; HOTEL - 1986; ASSASSINATION - 1987 [TF]; MAX HEADROOM - 1987; WICKED STEPMOTHER - 1989 [TF]; SKIN DEEP - 1989 [TF]; FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES - 1990; HUNTER - 1991; EDGAR ALLAN POE: TERROR OF THE SOUL - 1995 [A PBS AMERICAN MASTERS documentary; his final acting credit]. Robert Dowdell passed away of natural causes and was 85 years-old.) - 01/23/18
JACK KETCHUM (Writer: Jack Ketchum [real name: Dallas William Mayr Jr.] was an exceptional writer of fiction, many of his tales crossed over into the horror or thriller genres. Stephen King was a big fan of his writing and some of his novels and short stories were turned into some good-to-great films in the New Millennium, getting to the point of Ketchum even appearing as a bit actor in some of his filmic adaptations. Films that Jack Ketchum wrote the source novels to or provided the screenplay to included: THE LOST - 2006 [also bit actor]; THE GIRL NEXT DOOR - 2007 [also bit actor]; RED - 2008 [One of the best films about animal abuse and a man's love for his dog; also bit actor]; OFFSPRING - 2009 [also bit actor]; THE WOMAN - 2011; MAIL ORDER - 2011 [Short]; OLIVIA - 2013 [Short]; XX- 2017. Ketchum also acted in the film HEADER - 2006 and got a "Special Thanks" on the film TALES OF HALLOWEEN - 2014. Ketchum's novels always have a grisly twist to them and can be contributed to what Ketchum describes: "People 'scare me'. And what they do to one another, just for fun sometimes, is appalling. There was a guy not too long ago, a guy and a woman, whose dog wouldn't obey. So they tied him behind the car, and dragged him at thirty miles an hour until the dog was a bloody mess. So that's scary to me". Jack Ketchum died of cancer and was just 71 years-old.) - 01/24/18
JERRY BUTLER (Actor: Jerry Butler (real name: Paul David Siederman) was an actor in over 400 porno films, most of them from 1981 to 1993. He really had acting ability, which led him to appear in some non-porn films, but, like most porn actors and actresses during that time, he was never given a chance to shine and had to go back to appearing in X-Rated fare. Rather than list every porn film he appeared in [my arms would fall off typing them!], I will list his non-porn films. They included: BASKET CASE - 1982; PREPPIES - 1984 [using the pseudonym "Paul Sutton"]; EVILS OF THE NIGHT - 1984 [using his real name]; DERANGED - 1987 [probably his best non-porn film. It was directed by Chuck Vincent, who made many porn films with Butler. Unfortunately, it was the last of Jerry's non-porn films.]. Jerry Butler was married to Lisa Loring [Wednesday Addams on the ADDAMS FAMILY TV Series] from 1987 to 1992. When he retired from acting, Butler became a cab and ambulette driver. Butler also released the notorious book, "Raw Talent", which ruffled more than a few feathers in the Porn Industry and may be why he had to retire from acting. Jerry Butler died of undisclosed causes and was 58 years-old.) - 01/27/18
MARK SALLING (Actor: Mark Salling is best known for his role as "Noah 'Puck' Puckerman" on the TV Series GLEE [2009-2015]. He was raised in a strict Christian home and his cause of death may have been a suicide [no comment]. His short list of credits included: CHILDREN OF THE CORN IV: THE GATHERING - 2006 [DTV]; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1999 [TV Series]; THE GRAVEYARD - 2006 [DTV]; ROCKY ROAD - 2014 [TV Movie]; GLEE ENCORE - 2011 [DTV]; GLEE - 2009-2015 [TV Series; 99 episodes; His final acting role]. Salling also released a music album titled "Pipe Dreams", which took him 8 years to write the songs. Salling definitely had a dark side. On December 29, 2015 Salling was arrested in connection with possession of child pornography. He was booked in downtown Los Angeles. Police obtained a warrant to search his house in Sunland, California where officers found 50,000 child porn images on his computer and a USB thumb drive. This was not his first brush with the law. He paid an ex-girlfriend $2.7 million for knocking her to the ground after she confronted him with a charge of sexual battery. So much for the Christian upbringing. To further add salt to the religious wound, he lied about his age when he auditioned for GLEE. He told Producer Ryan Murphy that he was 19 when he was actually 26. Murphy called him out on his lie, but Salling was relieved to find out that his role was meant for an older actor. His death may be due to the fact that he was typecast as the mohawk-headed Puck and he was just a month away from being sentenced to prison [4 - 7 years and register as a sex offender] for child porn possession. Mark Salling's cause of death was not made available at the time of his demise [Friends of the actor say it was suicide, but not the way he committed it. NOTE: He hanged himself.]. He was just 35 years-old.) - 01/30/18
JANINE REYNAUD (Actress: Janine Reynaud was a beautiful actress who was best known for starring in films directed by schlockmeister Jess Franco, but she was more talented than that. She suddenly quit acting in the late-'70s, not giving any reason why. Ms. Reynaud's credits as an Actress included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise noted]: SIX DAYS A WEEK - 1965; A DESIRE TO DIE - 1965; MISSION TO CARACAS - 1965; KILLERS ARE CHALLENGED - 1966; YPOTRON - FINAL COUNTDOWN - 1966; SPECIAL CODE - 1966; OPERATION WHITE SHARK - 1966; THE SEVENTH FLOOR - 1967; SUCCUBUS - 1968; KILLER WITHOUT A FACE - 1968; CASTLE OF THE CREEPING FLESH - 1968; LA MAIN NOIRE - 1968; RUN, PSYCHO, RUN - 1968; SADIST EROTICA - 1969; KISS ME MONSTER - 1969; HOW SHORT IS THE TIME FOR LOVE - 1970; HUMAN COBRAS - 1971; LIBIDO: THE URGE TO LOVE - 1971; THE CASE OF THE SCORPION'S TAIL - 1971; NURSES FOR SALE - 1971; THE CHAMBERMAID'S DREAM - 1971; BLINDMAN - 1971; THE CATS - 1972; MARIANNE BOUQUET - 1972; PENELOPE, FOLLE DE SON CORPS - 1973 [a hard-to-find French Giallo film]; THE BITCHES - 1973; THE EROTIC CONFESSIONS OF A BED TOO WELCOMING - 1973; LES PETITES SAINTES Y TOUCHENT - 1974; TIRE PAS SUR MON COLLANT - 1978 [her final acting credit]. The final films of Ms. Reynaud's acting career were directed by her then-husband, gonzo actor/director Michel Lemoine [SEVEN WOMEN FOR SATAN - 1974], whom she met while they were starring in SUCCUBUS. Janine Reynaud passed away from cancer and was 87 years-old.) - 01/30/18 (Ignore the date on IMDb. It is incorrect)
JOHN MAHONEY (Actor: Most people know John Mahoney from his role as Kelsey Grammer's father in the hit series FRASIER [1993 - 2004], but I remenber him for his roles in films. He was the type of actor who improved every film he was in. What amazes me is that he never started acting until he was nearly forty years-old [Mahoney had taught English at Western Illinois University in the early 1970s.]. Mr. Mahoney's credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: HUDSON TAYLOR - 1981 [TF]; WILL: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF G. GORDON LIDDY - 1982 [TV Movie]; CHICAGO STORY - 1982; MISSION HILL - 1982 [TF]; THROUGH NAKED EYES - 1983 [TV Movie]; FIRST STEPS - 1985 [TV Movie]; LADY BLUE - 1985; CODE OF SILENCE - 1985 [TF; the first time I noticed Mahoney; as the representative of the crime-fighting robot "Prowler", which Chuck Norris used to lay waste to the bad guy's hideout]; TRAPPED IN SILENCE - 1986 [TV Movie]; THE MANHATTAN PROJECT - 1986 [TF]; STREETS OF GOLD - 1986 [TF]; THE CHRISTMAS GIFT - 1986 [TV Movie]; TIN MEN - 1987 [TF]; THE HUSTLER OF MONEY - 1987 [TV Movie]; SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - 1987; AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE - 1987; SUSPECT - 1987 [TF]; MOONSTRUCK - 1987 [TF]; FRANTIC - 1988 [TF]; BETRAYED - 1988 [TF]; EIGHT MEN OUT - 1988 [TF]; FAVORITE SON - 1988 [TV mini-series]; SAY ANYTHING... - 1989 [TF; Mahoney was fantastic in this]; DINNER AT EIGHT - 1989 [TV Movie]; THE IMAGE - 1990 [TV Movie]; H.E.L.P. - 1990 [Mahoney had the lead in this failed TV Series; 6 episodes]; LOVE HURTS - 1990 [TF]; THE RUSSIA HOUSE - 1990 [TF]; THE 10 MILLION DOLLAR GETAWAY - 1991 [TV Movie]; BARTON FINK - 1991 [TF]; ARTICLE 99 - 1992 [TF]; THE HUMAN FACTOR - 1992 [Another lead in a failed TV Series; 5 episodes]; THE SECRET PASSION OF ROBERT CLAYTON - 1992 [TV Movie]; THE WATER ENGINE - 1992 [TV Movie]; SCREENPLAY - 1992; CHEERS - 1992 [although he did not play Frasier Crane's father in this episode, it did lead the makers of FRASIER to hire him to play that role]; UNNATURAL PURSUITS - 1992; IN THE LINE OF FIRE - 1993 [TF]; STRIKING DISTANCE - 1993 [although this film garnered many bad reviews, I always liked it]; THE HUDSUCKER PROXY - 1994 [TF]; REALITY BITES - 1994 [TF]; A HARD RAIN - 1994 [Short]; THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT - 1995 [TF]; BIOGRAPHY - 1995 [Narrator of the Al Capone episode]; 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN - 1996; PRIMAL FEAR - 1996 [TF; Edward Norton's film debut]; SHE'S THE ONE - 1996; MARIETTE IN ECSTASY - 1996 [TF]; TRACEY TAKES ON... - 1997; NOTHING SACRED - 1998; ANTZ - 1998 [Voice only]; THE IRON GIANT - 1999 [Voice only]; THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB: A ROMANTIC COMEDY - 2000 [TF]; BECKER - 2000; TEACHER'S PET - 2000; ALMOST SALINAS - 2001 [TF]; ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE - 2001 [Voice only]; ATLANTIS: MILO'S RETURN - 2003 [DTV; Voice only]; GARY THE RAT - 2003; FRASIER - 1993 - 2004 [263 episodes; although he was nominated multiple times for an Emmy Award® and Golden Globe® for his role as Martin Crane, he only won a Screen Actor Guild {SAG} Award® in 2000 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series]; FATHERS AND SONS - 2005 [TV Movie]; KRONK'S NEW GROOVE - 2005 [DTV; Voice only]; ER - 2006; MOBSTERS - 2007; DAN IN REAL LIFE - 2007 [TF]; THE SIMPSONS - 2007 [Voice only]; IN TREATMENT - 2009 [HBO Series; Mahoney was fantastic as a patient visiting Dr. Paul Weston {Gabriel Byrne} in this heartbreaking series. It should have had a longer life]; TIRED OF BEING FUNNY - 2009 [Short]; BURN NOTICE - 2009-2010; FLIPPED - 2010 [TF]; $#*! MY DAD SAYS - 2010; HOT IN CLEVELAND - 2011-2014 [6 episodes]; FOYLE'S WAR - 2015 [His final acting credit]. John Mahoney was born in Blackpool, England and came to America to visit his "War Bride" sister. He won his U.S. citizenship after serving a stint in the U.S. Army. He made Chicago his home [it is where he passed away] and won the prestigious Chicago Film Critics Association Awards® in 1998 for his continued committment to Chicago. After FRASIER, Mahoney concentrated mainly on Stage work in  Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater and even appeared on Broadway in 2007 in a revival of "Prelude To A Kiss". He also won a Tony Award® for Best Featured Actor in a Play in 1986 for his Broadway debut as Artie, a zookeeper with songwriting ambitions, in John Guare’s “The House of Blue Leaves.” It shocks me that we lost such a vibrant, excellent actor who could do no wrong. I dare you to show me any role he played in which he wasn't 100% committed. John Mahoney passed away from undisclosed causes and was 77 years-old. Goodbye, my friend.) - 02/04/18
MICKEY JONES (Actor: Mickey Jones was a great character actor; you may not know his name, but you will recognize his face. He has been acting on TV and in films since the early-1970's, usually in roles as a good-old Southern boy or a redneck. His credits included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: ROLLIN' ON THE RIVER - 1971 [TV]; THE DREAM MAKERS - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1977 [TV]; SEE HOW SHE RUNS - 1978 [TV Movie]; LACY AND THE MISSISSIPPI QUEEN - 1978 [TV Movie]; GOOBER AND THE TRUCKERS' PARADISE - 1978 [TV Movie]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1979 [TV]; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 1979 [TV]; GALACTICA 1980 - 1980 [TV]; TOM HORN - 1980; STIR CRAZY - 1980; CHiPS - 1980 [TV]; FLO - 1980-1981 [TV; 9 episodes as "Chester"]; CONQUEST OF THE EARTH - 1981 [TV Movie]; STAND BY YOUR MAN - 1981 [TV Movie]; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1978-1981 [TV; 3 episodes]; NORMA RAE - 1981 [TV Movie]; HART TO HART - 1981 [TV]; M*A*S*H - 1981 [TV]; FLAMINGO ROAD - 1981 [TV]; FATHER MURPHY - 1982 [TV]; MAKING LOVE - 1982; SIMON & SIMON - 1982 [TV]; WRONG IS RIGHT - 1982; THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS - 1982; MADAME'S PLACE - 1982 [TV]; JOHNNY BELINDA - 1982 [TV Movie]; HEAR NO EVIL - 1982 [TV Movie]; LIVING PROOF: THE HANK WILLIAMS JR. STORY - 1983 [TV Movie]; CHINA LAKE - 1983 [Short]; NATION LAMPOON'S VACATION - 1983; AFTERMASH - 1983 [TV]; AUTOMAN - 1983 [TV]; DEAD WRONG: THE JOHN EVANS STORY - 1984 [A CBS Schoolbreak Special]; THE MASTER - 1984 [TV]; GONE ARE THE DAYES - 1984 [TV Movie]; V: THE FINAL BATTLE - 1984 [TV mini-series]; HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK - 1984 [TV]; JESSIE - 1984 [TV]; GIMME A BREAK! - 1984 [TV]; T.J. HOOKER - 1982-1984 [TV]; STARMAN - 1984; V - 1984-1985 [TV; 3 episodes]; ALICE - 1985 [TV]; THE A-TEAM - 1983-1985 [TV]; MISFITS OF SCIENCE - 1985 [TV]; SAVAGE DAWN - 1985; THE COLBYS - 1986; HUNTER'S BLOOD - 1986; WELCOME TO 18 - 1986; ALF - 1986-1987; EXTREME PREJUDICE - 1987; THROB - 1987 [TV]; NADINE - 1987; TALKING WALLS - 1987; GUNSMOKE: RETURN TO DODGE - 1987 [TV Movie]; GREAT PERFORMANCES - 1987 [TV]; THE COUCH TRIP - 1988; PROBE - 1988 [TV]; SCANDAL IN A SMALL TOWN - 1988 [TV Movie]; IT TAKES TWO - 1988; SANTA BARBARA - 1988 [TV]; SOMETHING IS OUT THERE - 1988 [TV mini-series]; IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT - 1989 [TV]; DEAD BANG - 1989 [I love this movie!]; HOMER AND EDDIE - 1989; LIFE GOES ON - 1989 [TV]; 21 JUMP STREET - 1989 [TV]; SYDNEY - 1990 [TV]; TOTAL RECALL - 1990; GET A LIFE - 1991 [TV]; DUTCH - 1991; PYRATES - 1991; MATLOCK - 1992 [TV]; OUT ON A LIMB - 1992; BAYWATCH - 1990-1992 [TV; 3 episodes]; A PASSION FOR MURDER - 1992; EVENING SHADE - 1993 [TV]; NIGHT TRAP - 1993; THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES - 1993; FORCED TO KILL - 1994; STEP BY STEP - 1993-1994 [TV]; NORTHERN EXPOSURE - 1992-1994 [TV]; SAVED BY THE BELL: WEDDING IN LAS VEGAS - 1994 [TV Movie]; HEARTS AFIRE - 1994 [TV]; DROP ZONE - 1994; SHERMAN OAKS - 1995 [TV]; BOLT - 1995 [MFHV]; MISERY LOVES COMPANY - 1995 [TV]; IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE II - 1996 [TV Movie]; MARRIED WITH CHILDREN - 1996 [TV]; THE SUNCHASER - 1996; DON'T LOOK BACK - 1996 [TV Movie]; TIN CUP - 1996; SLING BLADE - 1996; BEYOND BELIEF: FACT OR FICTION - 1997 [TV]; THE FANATICS - 1997; MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK - 1998 [Short]; THE JAMIE FOXX SHOW - 1998 [TV]; RINGMASTER - 1998; BOY MEETS WORLD - 1996-1999 [TV]; MARTIAL LAW - 1999 [TV]; TRACEY TAKES ON... - 1999 [TV]; HOME IMPROVEMENT - 1991-1999 [TV; Semi-recurring role as "Pete Bilker"; 13 episodes]; THE LAST BEST SUNDAY - 1999; GRIZZLY ADAMS AND THE LEGEND OF DARK MOUNTAIN - 1999; VICE - 2000; THE LAST REAL COWBOYS - 2000 [Short]; A VIEW FROM THE SWING - 2000; NEVER LOOK BACK - 2000; JAG - 2001 [TV]; LIZZY MCGUIRE - 2002 [TV]; THE DISTRICT - 2002; JANE WHITE IS SICK & TWISTED - 2002; SHATTERED LIES - 2002; PROVIDENCE - 2002 [TV]; SON OF THE BEACH - 2000-2002 [TV]; THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS - 2003; TRUE LEGENDS OF THE WEST - 2003; IOWA - 2005; COLLIER & CO. - 2006; PENNY DREADFUL - 2006; SIMPLE THINGS - 2007; ENTOURAGE - 2007 [TV]; REVAMPED - 2007 [DTV]; BONES - 2009 [TV]; NECROSIS - 2009 [a.k.a. BLOOD SNOW; ICE OF THE DEAD]; WORLD'S END - 2010; EAGLEHEART - 2012 [TV]; BORN WILD - 2012 [a.k.a. THRIFTSTORE COWBOY]; WORKAHOLICS - 2013 [TV]; IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA - 2013 [TV]; DEADTIME STORIES - 2013 [TV]; JUSTIFIED - 2011-2014 [TV; Semi-recurring role as "Rodney 'Hot Rod' Dunham"; 8 episodes]; GROWING UP FISHER - 2014 [TV]; NEWSREADERS - 2015 [TV; His final acting role]. Before he got into acting, Mickey Jones was a drummer for such singers as Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers and Kenny Rogers And The First Edition. He had 17 gold records to his name. His biggest claim to fame as a musician was when he was a drummer for Bob Dylan's 1966 tour when Dylan turned to the electric guitar and caused all kinds of controversy. People said Dylan sold out, but we all know how it turned out. You can hear Mickey Jones play drums on Dylan's record " Live At Royal Albert Hall''. Mickey Jones died after a long illness and was 76 years-old.) - 02/07/18
JOHN GAVIN (Actor: Gavin [real name: Juan Vincent Apablasa] was a handsome actor best known for his role as "Sam Loomis" on Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO [1960]. he retired from acting in the early-1980s and went on a much different path. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: RAW EDGE - 1956 [Tf]; BEHIND THE HIGH WALL - 1956 [TF]; FOUR GIRLS IN TOWN - 1957 [TF]; QUANTEZ - 1957 [TF]; A TIME TO LOVE AND A TIME TO DIE - 1958 [TF]; IMITATION OF LIFE - 1959 [TF]; A BREATH OF SCANDAL - 1960 [TF]; PSYCHO - 1960 [TF]; SPARTACUS - 1960 [TF; portrayed Julius Caesar]; MIDNIGHT LACE - 1960 [TF]; INSIGHT - 1960; ROMANOFF AND JULIET - 1961 [TF]; TAMMY TELL ME TRUE - 1961 [TF}; BACK STREET - 1961 [TF]; ALCOA PREMIERE - 1962; DESTRY - 1964 [TV Series Regular; 13 episodes]; THE VIRGINIAN - 1962; KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1962; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1963-1965; CONVOY - 1965 [TV Series Regular; 13 episodes]; PEDRO PARAMO - 1967 [TF]; THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE - 1967 [TF]; OSS 117: MURDER FOR SALE - 1968 [TF]; THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILOTT - 1969 [TF]; CUTTER'S TRAIL - 1970 [TV Movie]; PUSSYCAT, PUSSYCAT, I LOVE YOU - 1970 [TF]; THE DORIS DAY SHOW - 1971; MANNIX - 1973; KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY - 1973 [TF]; NEFERTITI Y AQUENATOS - 1973 [Mexican Short]; HARD DAY AT BLUE NOSE - 1974 [An ABC Wide World Mystery late night movie]; THE LIVES OF JENNY DOLAN - 1975 [TV Movie]; MEDICAL CENTER - 1976; HOUSE OF SHADOWS - 1976 [TF]; THE LOVE BOAT - 1977; DOCTORS' PRIVATE LIVES - 1978 [TV Movie]; JENNIFER - 1978 [TF]; FLYING HIGH - 1978; THE NEW ADVENTURES OF HEIDI - 1978 [TV Movie]; DOCTORS' PRIVATE LIVES - 1979 [TV mini-series; follows the TV Movie of the same name]; SOFIA LOREN: HER OWN STORY - 1980 [TV Movie; Portrayed Cary Grant]; HART TO HART - 1980; FANTASY ISLAND - 1978-1981 [His final acting role]. In 1981, Gavin was appointed Ambassador to Mexico by President Reagan, serving until June 10, 1986 [Gavin had Mexican, Chilean, and Spanish ancestry]. Gavin also was a member of the Congressional Policy Advisory Board as a defense and foreign policy expert. Gavin served as founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Century Council from May 1991 until December 1994 [a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting alcohol abuse]. Gavin was signed under contract to portray James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER [1971], but Sean Connery returned one final time. Think of the possibilities if he didn't. He also had a fine baritone voice and toured in the '70s in the summer stock productions of The Fantasticks and Seesaw. John Gavin died of undisclosed causes and was 86 years-old.) - 02/09/18
PIER PAOLO CAPPONI (Actor: Mr. Capponi was a well-respected movie and TV actor who appeared in some excellent Italian crime and gaillo films. He usually portrayed police inspectors or detectives and sometimes used the Anglicized names "Norman Clark" and "Paul Carey". His credits included [I am just going to list his theatrical movies since his TV work was never aired in the U.S.]: THE KILLER LACKS A NAME - 1966; HALF A MAN - 1966; ENTER INSPECTOR MAIGRET - 1966; KING OF HEARTS - 1966; AVENGER X - 1967; BLACK JESUS - 1968; THE FALLING MAN - 1968; COMMANDOS - 1968; BANDITS IN ROME - 1968; THE LADY OF MONZA - 1969; THE WILDCAT - 1969; NAKED VIOLENCE - 1969; KILL THE FATTED CALF AND ROAST IT - 1970; BLACK LEMONS - 1970; MANY WARS AGO - 1970; DEFEAT THE MAFIA - 1970; THE FORBIDDEN PHOTOS OF A LADY ABOVE SUSPICION - 1970; A SEASON IN HELL - 1971; THE CAT O' NINE TAILS - 1971; SERGEANT KLEMS - 1971; FLIC STORY - 1972; SEVEN BLOOD-STAINED ORCHIDS - 1972; VALERIE INSIDE OUTSIDE - 1972; THE NUN AND THE DEVIL - 1973; THE BOSS - 1973; DIARY OF AN ITALIAN - 1973; THREE CHEERS FOR US - 1974; THE LAST DESPERATE HOURS - 1974; THE CASTRO'S ABBESS - 1974; BLOOD AND DIAMONDS - 1977; ANTONIO GRAMSKI: THE DAYS IN PRISON - 1977; STANDARD - 1978. During the latter part of his career, Capponi mainly acted in Italian TV Movies, mini-series and TV Series. Pier Paolo Capponi passed away from a long illness and was 79 years-old.) - 02/15/18
LEWIS GILBERT (Director/Screenwriter: Lewis Gilbert was an Oscar®-nominated director and BAFTA Award®-winning Producer who is best known for directing the James Bond FilmsYOU ONLY LIVE TWICE [1967], THE SPY WHO LOVED ME [1977] and MOONRAKER [1979]. His credits as a director included [all Theatrical Films]: THE LITTLE BALLERINA - 1947 [also Screenplay]; ONCE A SINNER - 1950; SCARLET THREAD - 1951; WALL OF DEATH - 1951; THE HUNDRED HOUR HUNT - 1952; TIME, GENTLEMEN, PLEASE! - 1952; THE SLASHER - 1953 [also Screenplay]; JOHNNY ON THE RUN - 1953 [also Producer]; BREAK TO FREEDOM - 1953; THE GOOD DIE YOUNG - 1954 [also Screenplay]; HARMONY LANE - 1954 [Short]; THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM - 1954 [also Screenplay]; CAST A DARK SHADOW - 1955; REACH FOR THE SKY - 1956 [also Screenplay; BAFTA Award® nominee for Best British Screenplay]; PARADISE LAGOON - 1957 [also Screenplay]; CARVE HER NAME WITH PRIDE - 1958 [also Screenplay]; A CRY FROM THE STREETS - 1958; FERRY TO HONG KONG - 1959 [also Screenplay]; SINK THE BISMARCK! - 1960; SKYWATCH - 1960 [also Producer]; LOSS OF INNOCENCE - 1961; DAMN THE DEFIANT! - 1962; THE 7TH DAWN - 1964; ALFIE - 1966 [also Producer; Academy Award® & Golden Globe® nominations for Best Director; BAFTA Award® nominee for Best British Film]; YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - 1967; THE ADVENTURERS - 1970 [also Screenplay & Producer]; FRIENDS - 1971 [also Screenplay & Producer]; PAUL AND MICHELLE - 1975 [also Screenplay & Producer]; OPERATION: DAYBREAK - 1975; SEVEN NIGHTS IN JAPAN - 1976 [also Producer]; THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - 1977; MOONRAKER - 1979 [also Bit Actor]; EDUCATING RITA - 1983 [also Producer; BAFTA Award® winner for Best Film]; NOT QUITE PARADISE - 1985 [also Producer]; SHIRLEY VALENTINE - 1989 [also Producer; BAFTA Award® nominee for Best Film]; STEPPING OUT - 1991 [also Producer]; HAUNTED - 1995 [also Screenplay & Producer]; BEFORE YOU GO - 2002 [His last film credit]. Mr. Gilbert's credits as a sceenwriter also included: MARRY ME - 1949; and EMERGENCY - 1962. Lewis Gilbert also Acted in the following films: DICK TURPIN - 1934; GOOD MORNING, BOYS - 1937; THE DIVORCE OF LADY X - 1938; OVER THE MOON - 1939; ROOM FOR TWO - 1940. Mr. Gilbert was awarded the CBE [Commander of the Order of the British Empire] in the 1997 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the film industry. Here is what he had to say in 1983 about the Bond films, his other films and how they compare: "In the Bond films characterizations are non-existent. Nobody's worried about what Bond did as a child or how his mother treated him--we don't even know if he had a mother! That's not what the Bond films are about. They're all action and fun. But with a film like EDUCATING RITA, it's you and the actors and the words. It depends on the characterizations and the interplay. You don't get to rely on exciting ploys--like a bomb going off. Instead, you rely on two people talking, so those people better be saying the right things at the right time." Lewis Gilbert passed away of natural causes and was 97 years-old.) - 02/23/18
DAVID OGDEN STIERS (Actor: Mr. Stiers is best known for playing Major Charles Winchester on M*A*S*H from 1977 to 1983, but I remember him better for portraying Reverend Purdy on the TV Series THE DEAD ZONE [2002 - 2007]. Kids will instantly remember him as the voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba on the animated series LILO & STITCH: THE SERIES [2003 - 2006]. During the latter part of his career, he became a popular voiceover artist, doing voices for many Disney animated movies, TV series and Made for Home Video [MFHV] movies]. He was also an actor in many of Woody Allen's films. No matter what he did, David Ogden Stiers always brought professionalism with him and I was shocked to hear of his death. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THX 1138 - 1971 [TF; Voice only]; DRIVE, HE SAID - 1971 [TF]; KOJAK - 1975; DOC - 1976 [7 episodes]; THE NEW LORENZO MUSIC SHOW - 1976 [TV Special]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1976; PHYLLIS - 1976; MARY TYLER MOORE - 1976-1977 [3 episodes]; RHODA - 1976-1977; THE TONY RANDALL SHOW - 1977; A CIRCLE OF CHILDREN - 1977 [TV Movie]; OH, GOD! - 1977 [TF]; A LOVE AFFAIR: THE ELEANOR AND LOU GEHRIG STORY - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE CHEAP DETECTIVE - 1978 [TF]; SERGEANT MATLOVICH VS. THE U.S. AIR FORCE - 1978 [TV Movie]; MAGIC - 1978 [TF]; THE PAPER CHASE - 1978; $WEEPSTAKE$ - 1979; BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE OLDEST LIVING GRADUATE - 1980 [TV Movie]; FATHER DAMIEN: THE LEPER PRIEST - 1980 [TV Movie]; HARRY'S WAR - 1981 [TF]; ME AND MR. STENNER - 1981 [A CBS Afternoon Playhouse Special]; THE DAY THE BUBBLE BURST - 1982 [TV Movie]; M*A*S*H - 1977-1983 [131 episodes; Directed 2 episodes. Nominated for an Emmy Award® in 1981 & 1982 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series ]; THE INNOCENTS ABROAD - 1983 [An Episode of Great Performances]; ANATOMY OF AN ILLNESS - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE FIRST OLYMPICS: ATHENS 1896 - 1984 [TV mini-series; Nominated for an Emmy Award® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special]; THE BAD SEED - 1985 [TV Movie]; THE MAN WITH ONE RED SHOE - 1985 [TF]; BETTER OFF DEAD... - 1985 [TF]; CREATOR - 1985 [TF]; NORTH AND SOUTH - 1985 [6 episodes]; MRS. DELAFIELD WANTS TO MARRY - 1986 [TV Movie]; NORTH AND SOUTH, BOOK II - 1986 [TV mini-series]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE NOTORIOUS NUN - 1986 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SHOOTING STAR - 1986 [TV Movie]; J. EDGAR HOOVER - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE ALAMO: THIRTEEN DAYS TO GLORY - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE LOST LOVE - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE INNOCENTS ABROAD - 1987 [An episode of American Playhouse]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SINISTER SPIRIT - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE MURDERED MADAM - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SCANDALOUS SCOUNDREL - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE AVENGING ACE - 1988 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE LADY IN THE LAKE - 1988 [TV Movie]; ANOTHER WOMAN - 1988 [TF]; ALF - 1988; MATLOCK - 1987-1988 [3 episodes]; THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST - 1988 [TF]; DAY ONE - 1989 [TV Movie]; THE RAY BRADBURY THEATER - 1989; THE FINAL DAYS - 1989 [TV Movie]; FINAL NOTICE - 1989 [TV Movie]; AMERICAN EYES - 1990 [A CBS Schoolbreak Special]; THE KISSING PLACE - 1990 [TV Movie]; HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE - 1990 [TV Movie]; WINGS - 1990; MARRIED PEOPLE - 1990; STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - 1991; DOC HOLLYWOOD - 1991 [TF]; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - 1991 [TF: Voice only as Narrator]; WIFE, MOTHER, MURDERER - 1991 [TV Movie]; SHADOWS AND FOG - 1991 [TF]; THE LAST OF HIS TRIBE - 1992 [TV Movie]; PORCO ROSSO - 1992 [TF; Voice only in the American Version]; MASTERGATE - 1992 [TV Movie]; JACK'S PLACE - 1993; WITHOUT A KISS GOODBYE - 1993 [TV Movie]; TAKING LIBERTY - 1993 [TF]; IRON WILL - 1994 [TF]; PAST TENSE - 1994 [TV Movie]; THE BOYS ARE BACK - 1994; BAD COMPANY - 1995 [TF]; NAPOLEAN - 1995 [TF; Voice only]; POCAHONTAS - 1995 [TF; Voice only]; MIGHTY APHRODITE - 1995 [TF]; STEAL BIG STEAL LITTLE - 1995 [TF]; CYBILL - 1996; POLTERGEIST: THE LEGACY - 1996; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1986-1996 [3 episodes]; THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - 1996 [TF; Voice only]; EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU - 1996 [TF]; TO FACE HER PAST - 1996 [TV Movie]; JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA - 1997 [TV Movie]; MEET WALLY SPARKS - 1997 [TF]; DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN - 1997; JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE - 1997 [TF]; 101 DALMATIONS: THE SERIES - 1998; BELLE'S MAGICAL WORLD - 1998 [MFHV; Voice only]; KRIPPENDORF'S TRIBE - 1998 [TF]; TWO GUYS, A GIRL AND A PIZZA PLACE - [13 episodes]; POCAHONTAS 2: JOURNEY TO A NEW WORLD - 1998 [MFHV; Voice only]; ALLY MCBEAL - 1998; THE PRACTICE - 1999; THE OUTER LIMITS - 1999 ["The Shroud"]; MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS - 1999 [TF; Voice only English Version]; BELLE'S TALES OF FRIENDSHIP - 1999 [MFHV; Voice only]; THE ANGRY BEAVERS - 1999 [Voice only]; THE STAND-IN - 1999 [TF]; THE WILD THORNBERRYS - 2000 [Voice only]; BULL - 2000 [4 episodes]; THE TROUBLE WITH NORMAL - 2000; LOVE & MONEY - 1999-2000 [13 episodes]; FOOD FOR THOUGHT - 2001 [TV Movie]; TOMCATS - 2001 [TF]; MURDER, SHE WROTE: THE LAST FREE MAN - 2001 [TV Movie]; ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE - 2001 [TF; Voice only]; SPIRITED AWAY - 2001 [TF: Voice only American version]; THE CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION - 2001 [TF]; MICKEY'S MAGICAL CRISTMAS: SNOWED IN AT THE HOUSE OF MOUSE - 2001 [MFHF; Voice only]; THE MAJESTIC - 2001 [TF]; JUSTICE LEAGUE - 2002 [Voice only]; TEACHER'S PET - 2000-2002 [Voice only; 12 episodes; Nominated for an Annie Award® for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Male Performer in an Animated Television Production]; LILO & STITCH - 2002 [TF; Voice only]; ARLI$$ - 2002; HOUSE OF MOUSE - 2001-2002 [Voice only; 3 episodes]; THE DEAD ZONE - 2002 [MFHV]; TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL - 2003; FRASIER - 2003; STITCH! THE MOVIE [MFHV; Voice only]; BATMAN: MYSTERY OF THE BATWOMAN - 2003 [MFHV; Voice of The Penguin]; TEACHER'S PET - 2004 [TF; Voice only]; STATIC SHOCK - 2004 [Voice only]; WINNIE THE POOH: SPRINGTIME WITH ROO - 2004 [MFHV; Voice only]; CABLE BEACH - 2004 TV Movie]; AMERICAN DRAGON: JAKE LONG - 2005 [Voice only]; NOVA - 2005 [Voice only as narrator]; LILO AND STITCH 2: STITCH HAS A GLITCH - 2005 [MFHV: Voice Only]; POOH'S HEFFALUMP HALLOWEEN MOVIE - 2005 [MFHV; Voice only]; HOODWINKED! - 2005 [TF; Voice only]; WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE - 2006; JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED - 2006 [Voice only]; LEROY & STITCH - 2006 [MFHV; Voice only]; LADY IN THE WATER - 2006 [TF; Voice only as Narrator]; LILO & STITCH: THE SERIES - 2003-2006 [Voice only; 66 episodes]; AMERICAN EXPERIENCE - 1995 - 2007 [TV Documentary series; Narrator of 26 episodes]; THE DEAD ZONE - 2002-2007 [40 episodes]; STARGATE: ATLANTIS - 2006-2007 [3 episodes]; TOGETHER AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME - 2008 [MFHV]; NOT DEAD YET - 2009 [TF]; HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL - 2011 [TF; Voice only]; LEVERAGE - 2011; RIZZOLI & ISLES - 2015; REGULAR SHOW - 2011-2016 [Voice only; 18 episodes]; NED STRYKER AND THE TYRANT OF TIME - 2017 [TF]; THE JONESES UNPLUGGED - 2017 [TV Movie; His last credit]. Mr Stiers also did the voices to many of Disney's video games. If, when watching M*A*S*H [His acting mentor was the late Harry Morgan], you thought Major Charles Emerson Winchester had a voice fit for Shakespeare, it was because Mr. Stiers joined the company of the Santa Clara Shakespeare Festival and, for seven years, played such characters as King Lear and Richard III. He had conducted 70 orchestras in over 100 appearances. He was a resident conductor of the Newport Symphony Orchestra in Newport, Oregon [his hometown]. David Ogden Stiers died of bladder cancer and was 75 years-old.) - 03/03/18
FRANK DOUBLEDAY (Actor; Doubleday is instantly recognizable as a villain in two of John Carpenter's films, as the head "White Warrior" in ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [1976] and "Romero" in ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK [1981]. Doubleday also appeared in many other films and TV Series familiar to fans of this site His credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: LUCAS TANNER - 1975 [TV]; POLICE STORY - 1975 [TV]; THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL - 1976; DELVECCHIO - 1976 [TV]; ALEX & THE GYPSEY - 1976; THE QUEST - 1976 [TV]; ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 - 1976; STARSKY AND HUTCH - 1977 [TV]; ABAR - 1977; A KILLING AFFAIR - 1977 [TV Movie]; WONDER WOMAN - 1978 [TV]; THE BIG FIX - 1978; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1978 [TV]; BUTCH AND SUNDANCE: THE EARLY YEARS - 1979; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1981 [TV]; ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - 1981; ARCHIE BUNKER'S PLACE - 1981; CHiPS - 1981-1982; THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO - 1982; HILL STREET BLUES - 1983 [TV]; AVENGING ANGEL - 1985; T.J. HOOKER - 1983-1985; SPACE RAGE - 1985; NOMADS - 1986; STINGRAY - 1986 [TV]; SLEDGE HAMMER! - 1986 [TV]; AMAZING STORIES - 1987 [TV]; BROADCAST NEWS - 1987; OUR HOUSE - 1988 [TV]; L.A. BOUNTY - 1989; DOLLMAN - 1991; SHAKESPEARE'S PLAN 12 FROM OUTER SPACE - 1991; BEYOND BELIEF: FACT OR FICTION? - 1997 [TV; his final acting credit]. Frank Doubleday was married to actress Christina Hart [WOMEN AND BLOODY TERROR - 1970] and passed away of esophageal cancer. Frank Doubleday was 73 years-old.) - 03/03/18
STEVEN BOCHCO (Producer/Writer: I will always be indebted to Steven Bochco for creating the groundbreaking TV Series HILL STREET BLUES, L.A. LAW and NYPD BLUE. These series were important in the development of other adult series in the '80s & '90s. Unlike other series that contained adult content, Bochco refused to create series for Pay Cable, instead, he tried to push the boundaries on Network TV and, in most cases, succeeded. Bochco stayed on TV, only veering out to theatrical films two times early in his career. His credits as a writer/producer/creator included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THE COUNTERFEIT KILLER - 1968 [TF; Writer]; THE NAME OF THE GAME - 1970 [Writer only; Story Editor - 8 episodes]; SILENT RUNNING - 1972 [TF; Writer];  BANACEK - 1972 [Producer]; LIEUTENANT SCHUSTER'S WIFE - 1972 [TV Movie; Writer/Producer]; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1969-1973 [Creator - 45 episodes]; GRIFF - 1973 [Writer/Producer]; DOUBLE INDEMNITY - 1973 [TV Movie; Writer]; THE INVISIBLE MAN - 1975 [Writer/Producer/Creator; 13 episodes]; RICHIE BROCKELMAN: THE MISSING 24 HOURS - 1976 [TV Movie; Writer/Producer]; GEMINI MAN - 1976 [TV mini-series; Creator]; RIDING WITH DEATH - 1976 [TV Movie; edited footage from the previously mentioned GEMINI MAN and footage from the film COLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT made this TV film, which remains famous cdue to the lampooning it took on MST3000); DELVECCHIO - 1976-1977; Writer - 8 episodes; Producer - 2 epoisodes]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1974-1977 [Writer; 3 episodes; Executive Story Consultant - 17 episodes]; RICHIE BROCKELMAN, PRIVATE EYE - 1978 [Writer/Producer; 5 episodes]; OPERATING ROOM - 1978 [TV Movie; Writer/Co-Executive Producer]; Paris - 1979 [Executive Producer - 1 episode; Creator - 13 episodes; Writer - 3 episodes];  THE WHITE SHADOW - 1979 [Writer; 1 episode]; TURNABOUT - 1979 [Writer; 7 episodes]; VAMPIRE - 1979 [TV Movie; Writer/Executive Producer]; EVERY STRAY DOG AND KID - 1981 [TV Movie; Executive Producer]; BAY CITY BLUES - 1983 [Executive Producer - 2 episodes; Creator - 8 episodes; Writer - 1 episode]; THE TWILIGHT ZONE - 1986 [Writer - episode "Quarantine"]; HILL STREET BLUES - 1981-1987 [Creator - 144 episodes; Writer - 24 episodes; Executive Producer - 98 episodes; Bit Actor in one episode in 1981]; HOOPERMAN - 1987- 1989 [Creator - 42 episodes; Writer - 11 episodes; Producer - 1 episode]; COP ROCK - 1990 [Creator - 11 episodes; Writer - 7 episodes; Executive Producer - 11 episodes]; COLUMBO - 1971-1990 [Writer - 7 episodes; Story Editor - 7 episodes]; L.A. LAW: 100TH EPISODE CELEBRATION - 1991 [TV Movie; Creator]; CIVIL WARS - 1991-1993 [Creator - 36 episodes; Executive Producer - 18 episodes; Writer - 1 episode]; DOOGIE HOWSER M.D. - 1989-1993 [Creator - 97 episodes; Executive Producer - 51 episodes; Writer - 1 episode]; L.A. LAW - 1986-1994 [Creator - 171 episodes; Executive Producer - 68 episodes; Writer - 16 episodes; Executive Consultant - 104 episodes]; THE BYRDS OF PARADISE - 1994 [Executive Producer - 12 episodes]; CAPITOL CRITTERS - 1992-1995 [Creator - 13 episodes; Producer - 13 episodes]; PUBLIC MORALS - 1996 [Creator/Executive Producer - 13 episodes]; MURDER ONE: DIARY OF A SERIAL KILLER - 1997 [TV mini-series; Writer/Executive Producer]; MURDER ONE - 1995 - 1997 [Creator/Executive Producer - 41 episodes; Writer - 24 episodes]; TOTAL SECURITY - 1997 [Creator/Executive Producer]; BROOKLYN SOUTH - 1997-1998 [Creator/Executive Producer - 22 episodes; Writer - 10 episodes]; CITY OF ANGELS - 2000 [Creator/Executive Producer - 24 episodes; Writer - 3 episodes; also Writer of the Theme Song]; L.A. LAW: THE MOVIE - 2002 [TV Movie; Writer]; PHILLY - 2001-2002 [Creator/Executive Producer - 22 episodes; Writer - 14 episodes]; NYPD 2069 - 2004 [TV Movie; Writer'Producer]; NYPD BLUE - 1993-2005 [Creator/Executive Producer - 261 episodes; writer - 32 episodes]; BLIND JUSTICE - 2005 [Creator/Executive Producer - 13 episodes; Writer - 1 episode]; OVER THERE - 2005 [Creator/Executive Producer - 12 episodes]; COMMANDER IN CHIEF - 2005-2006 [Writer - 5 episodes; Executive Producer - 2 episodes]; HOLLIS & RAE - 2006 [TV Movie; Executive Producer]; RAISING THE BAR - 2008-2009 [Creator - 24 episodes; Executive Producer - 15 episodes; Writer - 1 episode]; MURDER IN THE FIRST - 2014-2016 [Creator/Executive Producer - 32 episodes; Writer - 11 episodes; his final credit]. In 2003, Mr. Bochco also wrote the novel "Death By Hollywood". Barbara Bosson (Bochco's wife from 1970 - 1998), Michael Tucker, Bruce Weitz and Charles Haid were classmates of Bochco's at Carnagie Tech and they would all star in one of Bochco's most successful series; Bosson, Weitz and Haid in HILL STREET BLUES and Tucker in L.A. LAW. Here's what Bochco had to say about those two series: "To me, Los Angeles was the total antithesis of that fictional city in which HILL STREET BLUES took place. I wanted L.A. LAW to be the polar opposite thematically. One show at its core was about despair and the inevitable failure of a kind of system. At the other end, I got L.A. and the land of dreams and wealthy, young, upwardly mobile attorneys who drive Porsches. It's the same legal system, yet these people are masters of the universe." In 1985, he was fired from MTM Enterprises for his inability to bring in HILL STREET BLUES on-time and on-budget. To a Baby Boomer like myself, Bochco was one of the most important voices of our generation. He will be missed. Steven Bochco died of complications from leukemia and was 74 years-old.) - 04/01/18
SUSAN ANSPACH (Actress: Ms. Anspach was an actress who shot to fame in 1970's FIVE EASY PIECES, but when her son Caleb was born in that year, she claimed that his father was Jack Nicholson, who co-starred with her in that film , and her career never recovered because of it, Nicholson not denying or saying it was true. Her credits as an actress included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical film]: THE DEFENDERS - 1965; THE PATTY DUKE SHOW - 1965; THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES - 1964-1965; THE JOURNEY OF THE FIFTH HORSE - 1966 [TV Movie]; JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE - 1969; THE LANDLORD - 1970 [TF]; FIVE EASY PIECES - 1970 [TF]; PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM - 1972 [TF]; BLUME IN LOVE - 1973 [TF]; LOVE STORY - 1973; FOR THE USE OF THE HALL - 1975 [TV Movie]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1976; I WANT TO KEEP MY BABY! - 1976 [TV Movie]; THE SECRET LIFE OF JOHN CHAPMAN - 1976 [TV Movie]; ROSETTI AND RYAN - 1977; MAD BULL - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE BIG FIX - 1978 [TF]; THE LAST GIRAFFE - 1979 [TV Movie]; RUNNING - 1979 [TF]; VISIONS - 1980; PORTRAIT OF AN ESCORT - 1980 [TV Movie]; THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN - 1981 [TF]; GAS - 1981 [TF]; MONTENEGRO - 1981 [TF; also Singer]; THE FIRST TIME - 1982 [TV Movie]; DEADLY ENCOUNTER - 1982 [TV Movie]; THE YELLOW ROSE - 1983 [9 episodes]; MISUNDERSTOOD - 1984 [TF]; GONE ARE THE DAYES - 1984 [TV Movie]; SPACE - 1985 [TV mini-series]; DEADLY NIGHTMARES - 1986; BLUE MONKEY - 1987 [TF; a terrible name for a pretty good horror flick]; HEAVEN AND EARTH - 1987 [TF]; THE SLAP MAXWELL STORY - 1987-1988 [10 episodes]; THE LEGEND OF WOLF LODGE - 1988 [TF]; KILLER INSTINCT - 1989 [TF]; EMPTY NEST - 1989; BLOOD RED - 1989 [TF]; BACK TO BACK - 1989 [TF]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1989; CAGNEY & LACEY: THE RETURN - 1994 [TV Movie]; CANDLE SMOKE - 1998 [Short]; DANCING AT THE HARVEST MOON - 2002 [TV Movie]; WILD ABOUT HARRY - 2009 [TF]; INVERSION - 2010 [TF; her last acting role]. Ms. Anspach was once married [1970 - 1978] to actor Mark Goddard, "Major Don West" on TV's LOST IN SPACE [1965-1968]. Susan Anspach died of coronary failure and was 75 years-old.) - 04/02/18
SOON-TEK OH (Actor: Korea-born Soon-Tek Oh excelled at playing sympathetic roles, not usually token vilains as most other Asian actors [he was a staunch supporter of having Asians being portrayed accurately], but when he did play a villain, he was believable, in big-budget fims, in B-Movies, and especially on TV. His credits included [TV Series Guest roles unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: I SPY - 1965; MISTER ROBERTS - 1966; THE WACKIEST SHIP IN THE ARMY - 1966; MURDERER'S ROW - 1966 [TF]; THE INVADERS - 1967; CBS PLAYHOUSE - 1967; THE WILD WILD WEST - 1967; THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST - 1967 [TF]; IT TAKES A THIEF - 1969; DEATH VALLEY DAYS - 1970; DAN AUGUST - 1970; ONE MORE TRAIN TO ROB - 1971 [TF]; NIGHT GALLERY - 1971; IRONSIDE - 1971; THE RELUCTANT HEROES - 1971 [TV Movie]; EARTH II - 1971 [TV Movie]; SEARCH - 1973; THE RETURN OF CHARLIE CHAN - 1973 [TV Movie]; THE MAGICIAN - 1974; REX HARRISON PRESENTS STORIES OF LOVE - 1974 [TV Movie]; KUNG FU - 1973-1974 [3 episodes]; THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - 1974 [TF]; JUDGE DEE AND THE MONASTERY MURDERS - 1974 [TV Movie]; PACIFIC OVERTURES - 1976 [TV Movie]; ENIGMA - 1977 [TV Movie]; LOGAN'S RUN - 1977; BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON - 1977; GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK - 1978 [TF]; HOW THE WEST WAS WON - 1979; THE FANTASTIC SEVEN - 1979 [TV Movie]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1968-1979 [8 episodes]; DIFF'RENT STROKES - 1980; THE FINAL COUNTDOWN - 1980 [TF]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1980-1981 [4 episodes]; EAST OF EDEN - 1981 [TV mini-series]; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1981; THE LETTER - 1982 [TV Movie]; CASSIE & Co. - 1982; BRING 'EM BACK ALIVE - 1982; M*A*S*H - 1975-1982 [5 episodes]; TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY - 1982; QUINCY M.D. - 1982; ROMANCE THEATRE - 1982 [5 episodes]; CBS CHILDREN'S MYSTERY THEATRE - 1982; MARCO POLO - 1983 [TV mini-series]; THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO - 1983; GIRLS OF THE WHITE ORCHID - 1983 [TV Movie]; HART TO HART - 1983; AIRWOLF - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE MASTER - 1984; THE FALL GUY - 1984; CHALLENGE OF THE GOBOTS - 1984 [Voice only]; MATT HOUSTON - 1984; AIRWOLF - 1984-1985; MISSING IN ACTION II: THE BEGINNING - 1985 [TF; He really shone in his role as cruel P.O.W. camp leader Colonel Yin]; HILL STREET BLUES - 1985; CAGNEY & LACEY - 1985; DYNASTY - 1986; T.J. HOOKER - 1985-1986; JONNY QUEST - 1986 [Voice only]; MAGNUM, P.I. - 1981-1986 [4 episodes]; THE A-TEAM - 1986; AIRWOLF II - 1987; STEELE JUSTICE - 1987 [TF]; SKY COMMANDERS - 1987 [Voice only]; LEGEND OF THE WHITE HORSE - 1987 [TF]; DEATH WISH IV: THE CRACKDOWN - 1987 [TF]; THE RED SPIDER - 1988 [TV Movie] MACGYVER - 1988; SOURSWEET - 1988 [TF]; SIMON & SIMON - 1988; COLLISION COURSE - 1989 [TF; made in 1986, not released until 1989]; TAILSPIN: BEHIND THE KOREAN AIRLINER TRAGEDY - 1989 [TV Movie]; TOUR OF DUTY - 1989; MANHUNT: SEARCH FOR THE NIGHT STALKER - 1989 [TV Movie]; HUNTER - 1989; LAST FLIGHT OUT - 1990 [TV Movie]; DEADLY GAME - 1991 [TV Movie]; THE TRIALS OF ROSIE O'NEILL - 1991; ZORRO - 1992; HIGHLANDER - 1992; THE LEGEND OF PRINCE VALIANT - 1993; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1992; A HOME OF OUR OWN - 1993 [TF]; TIME TRAX - 1994; BABYLON 5 - 1994; RED SUN RISING - 1994 [TF]; S.F.W. - 1994 [TF]; KUNG FU: THE LEGEND CONTINUES - 1995-1995 [3 episodes]; CAGNEY & LACEY: TOGETHER AGAIN - 1995 [TV Movie]; BAYWATCH NIGHTS - 1996; ONE WEST WAIKIKI - 1996; STREET CORNER JUSTICE - 1996 [TF]; THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST - 1996 [Voice only]; BEVERLY HILLS NINJA - 1997 [TF]; MALCOLM & EDDIE - 1997; LIFE WITH LOUIE - 1997; PROMISED LAND - 1997; YELLOW - 1997 [TF]; TWO - 1997; STARGATE SG-1 - 1997; MULAN - 1998 [TF; Voice only]; SEVEN DAYS - 1998; KING OF THE HILL - 2000 [Voice only]; THE PRESIDENT'S MAN - 2000 [TV Movie]; THE DISTRICT - 2001; TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL - 1997-2001; ROADS AND BRIDGES - 2001 [TF; Voice only]; FORGOTTEN VALOR - 2001 [TF]; TRUE BLUE - 2001 [TF]; THE VISIT - 2002 [Short]; SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS - 2002 [Short]; MULAN 2 - 2004 [DTV]; LAST MOUNTAIN - 2005 [TF]; LES FORMIDABLES - 2006 [TF; his last acting role]. In 1995, Mr. Oh founded the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble in response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots that dangerously reignited racial stereotyping. His continued efforts to present more accurate portrayals of Asian-American culture on stage has been significant. Soon-Tek Oh passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease and was 85 years-old.) - 04/04/18
MILOS FORMAN (Director/Writer/Producer: Multiple Academy Award®-winning director [born Jan Tomas Forman] who made some memorable films. His credits included [All are Films]: MAGIC LANTERN II - 1960 [Documentary; also Writer]; IF ONLY THEY AIN'T HAD THEM BANDS - 1964 [Documentary Short; also Writer]; AUDITION - 1964 [Documentary; also writer]; BLACK PETER - 1964 [also Writer]; THE LOVES OF A BLONDE - 1965 [also Writer]; A WELL PAID WALK - 1966 [TV Movie]; THE FIREMAN'S BALL - 1967 [also Writer]; TAKING OFF - 1971 [also Writer]; I MISS SONIA HENIE - 1971 [Short]; VISIONS OF EIGHT - 1973 [Documentary]; ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST - 1975 [Academy Award®, Golden Globe® & BAFTA Award® winner for Best Director]; HAIR - 1979; RAGTIME - 1981; AMADEUS - 1984 [Academy Award® & Golden Globe® winner for Best Director]; VALMONT - 1989 [also Writer]; THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT - 1996 [Academy Award® nominee for Best Director; Golden Globe® winner for Best Director]; MAN ON THE MOON - 1999; GOYA'S GHOSTS - 2006 [also Writer]; SEMAFOR: GREATEST HITS 2 - 2007 [Long-Form Music Video]; A WALK WORTHWHILE - 2009 [His last directorial effort]. Forman also wrote LEAVE IT TO ME - 1955; CUBS - 1958; & THE NAIL CLIPPERS - 1969 [Short]. Milos Forman died of undisclosed causes and was 86 years-old.) 04/13/18
R. LEE ERMEY (Actor: This one came as a shock to me because I was just watching him on TV in an episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU and he impressed in his role of a grimy rapist. Ermey came to international fame due to his role as the drill sergeant in Stanley Kubrick's FULL METAL JACKET [1987] and then his career took off, as he appeared in all manner of films and TV Series. And he was usually excellent in roles as an authority figure or one of the meanest bad guys. He cemented his place in horror films by playing the bad Sheriff Hoyt in the remake of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003] and its sequel and kids knew his voice as Army Sarge in the TOY STORY films and TV Specials. His credits included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: THE BOYS IN COMPANY C - 1978; APOCALYPSE NOW - 1979; UP FROM THE DEPTHS - 1979; PURPLE HEARTS - 1984; FULL METAL JACKET - 1987 [Golden Globe® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture; Boston Society of Film Critics Awards® winner for Best Supporting Actor; "Kubrick's films have life - they just never die."]; MIAMI VICE - 1987 [TV]; MISSISSIPPI BURNING - 1988; THE SIEGE OF FIREBASE GLORIA - 1989; FLETCH LIVES - 1989; CHINA BEACH - 1989 [TV]; DEMONSTONE - 1990; THE RIFT - 1990; THE TAKE - 1990 [TV Movie]; I'M DANGEROUS TONIGHT - 1990 [TV Movie]; KID - 1990; 83 HOURS 'TIL DAWN - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE TERROR WITHIN II - 1991; TOY SOLDIERS - 1991; TRU IDENTITY - 1991; HUMAN TARGET - 1992 [TV]; CIVIL WARS - 1992 [TV]; STREET JUSTICE - 1992 [TV]; HEXED - 1993; SOMMERSBY - 1993; BODY SNATCHERS - 1993; THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR. - 1993 [TV]; FRENCH SILK - 1994 [TV Movie]; CHAIN OF COMMAND - 1994; ON DEADLY GROUND - 1994; RISE AND WALK: THE DENNIS BYRD STORY - 1994 [TV Movie]; NAKED GUN 33 1/3: THE FINAL INSULT - 1994; LOVE IS A GUN - 1994; TALES FROM THE CRYPT - 1994 [TV]; MURDER IN THE FIRST - 1995; SAVATE - 1995 {MFHV]; SWEET JUSTICE - 1995; BEST OF THE BEST 3: NO TURNING BACK - 1995; SE7EN - 1995; LEAVING LAS VEGAS - 1995; SPACE: ABOVE AND BEYOND - 1995 [TV]; UNDER THE HULA MOON - 1995; TOY STORY - 1995 [Voice only]; THE X-FILES - 1995 [TV]; DEAD MAN WALKING - 1995; HIGH INCIDENT - 1996 [TV]; SOUL OF THE GAME - 1996 [TV Movie]; THE FRIGHTENERS - 1996; ROUGH RIDERS - 1997 [TV mini-series]; PREFONTAINE - 1997; DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE - 1997; WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION - 1997 [TV Movie]; PROMISED LAND - 1997 [TV]; SWITCHBACK - 1997; THE ANGRY BEAVERS - 1997 [TV; Voice only]; STARSHIP TROOPERS - 1997 [Voice only]; THE SENDER - 1998; GUNSHY - 1998; ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN: THE SERIES - 1998 [TV; Voice only]; MAXIMUM BOB - 1998 [TV]; YOU KNOW MY NAME - 1999 [TV Movie]; CRACKER: MIND OVER MURDER - 1997-1999 [Series Semi-regular; 13 episodes]; LIFE - 1999; AVALANCHE - 1999; THE APARTMENT COMPLEX - 1999 [TV Movie]; TOY STORY 2 [1999 [Voice only]; THE CHAOS FACTOR - 2000; SKIPPED PARTS - 2000; ROUGHNECKS: THE STARSHIP TROOPER CHRONICLES - 1999-2000 [TV; 4 episodes; Voice only]; BUZZ LIGHTYEAR OF STAR COMMAND: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS - 2000 [MFHV; Voice only]; ACTION - 1999-2000 [TV; 4 episodes]; JERICHO - 2000; SAVING SILVERMAN - 2001; RECESS: SCHOOL'S OUT - 2001 [Voice only]; BIG GUY AND RUSTY THE BOY ROBOT - 1999-2001 [TV; 26 episodes; Voice only]; THE DISTRICT - 2001 [TV]; MEGIDDO: THE OMEGA CODE 2 - 2001; SCENES OF THE CRIME - 2001; TAKING SIDES - 2001; ON THE BORDERLINE - 2001; THIS WEEK IN HISTORY - 2001 [TV]; THE SALTON SEA - 2002 [My favorite Ermey performance]; SCRUBS - 2002 [TV]; FRANK MCKLUSKY, C.I. - 2002; INVADER ZIM - 2002 [TV; Voice only]; BIRDSEYE - 2002; WILLARD - 2003 [Ermey took the Ernest Borgnine role and made it his own]; ROCKET POWER - 2003 [TV; Voice only]; FILLMORE! - 2003 [TV; Voice only]; THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE - 2003 [Not as good as the original, although Ermey turned in a performance which scared the hell out of audiences]; KIM POSSIBLE - 2003 [TV]; Y.M.I. - 2004; THE GRIM ADVENTURES OF BILLY & MANDY - 2004 [TV; Voice only]; FATHER OF THE PRIDE - 2004 [TV; Voice only]; MY LIFE AS A TEENAGE ROBOT - 2005 [TV; Voice only]; MAN OF THE HOUSE - 2005; X-MEN: THE LAST STAND - 2005 [Voice only]; SHARK BAIT - 2006 [Voice only] THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING - 2006 [this film made no sense because we already knew how it was going to end!]; SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS - 2006 [TV; Voice only]; MAIL CALL - 2002-2007 [TV; 71 episodes]; SOLSTICE - 2008; HOUSE - 2005-2008 [TV; Played Hugh Laurie's father]; ELEVENTH HOUR - 2008 [TV]; TOY STORY 3 - 2010 [Voice only]; LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT - 2010 [TV; his role as "Walter Burlock" made your skin crawl]; BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD - 2009-2011 [TV; Voice only; 4 episodes]; FAMILY GUY - 2001-2011 [TV; Voice only]; THE WATCH - 2012; SOMEONE PICKED THE WRONG GIRL - 2013 [Streaming Short]; KUNG FU PANDA: LEGENDS OF AWESOMENESS - 2012-2015 [TV; Voice only; 3 episodes]; THE SIMPSONS - 1995-2015 [TV; Voice only; His final role]. Ermey also supplied the voices to many video games, including TOY STORY games and THE CALL OF DUTY series. Mr. Ermey earned the knickname "The Gunny" due to the 11 years he spent in the U.S. Marines. He retired from the Marines due to injuries he recieved in Vietnam. He was later bestowed the honorary rank of Gunnery Sergeant by the Marines. R. LEE ERMEY died of complications from pneumonia and was 74 years-old. "It's been a pretty fun ride, to tell you the truth.") - 04/15/18
PHILIP D'ANTONI (Producer: If Academy Award®-winning Mr. D'Antoni is to be remembered for one thing, it would be for the modern-day car chase, so prevalent in three Theatrical Films films he produced [and one he directed]. His films put you in the driver's seat, giving us the thrills and chills of a car chase as never before. His films as a Producer included [Theatrical Films unless mark with a TF for Television Series]: THIS PROUD LAND - 1966 {TV Documentary mini-series]; BULLITT - 1968 [When I first saw this film in a theater, the chase scene down the steep streets of San Francisco gave eveyone in the theater the chills, including me. I would never look at car chases the same ever again]; THE FRENCH CONNECTION - 1971 [Ditto!; Academy Award® for Best Picture and deservedly so]; THE CONNECTION - 1973 [TV Movie]; MR. INSIDE/MR. OUTSIDE - 1973 [TV Movie]; THE SEVEN-UPS - 1973 [also Director; another amazing chase scene, this one involving late actor Richard Lynch]; STRIKE FORCE - 1975 [TV Movie]; MOVIN' ON - 1974-1976 [TV; also Creator; 45 episodes]; SHARK KILL - 1976 [TV Movie]; THE RUBBER GUN SQUAD - 1977 [TV Movie; failed TV pilot; his last Producing credit]. Mr. D'Antoni also Produced or Co-Produced the following TV Documentaries: ELIZABETH TAYLOR IN LONDON - 1963; SOPHIA LOREN IN ROME - 1964; and MELINA MERCOURI'S GREECE - 1965. Philip D'Antoni died of kidney failure and was 89 years-old.) - 04/15/18
PAMELA GIDLEY (Actress: Pretty actress who made a few memorable films that readers of this site should check out. Her credits included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a TV for Television Series]: THRASHIN' - 1986; MACGYVER - 1986 [TV]; DUDES - 1987; CHERRY 2000 - 1987; CRIME STORY - 1987 [TV]; THE BLUE IGUANA - 1988; PERMANENT RECORD - 1988; TOUR OF DUTY - 1987-1988 [TV; 3 episodes]; GLORY DAYS - 1988 [TV Movie]; BLUE BAYOU - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE LAST OF THE FINEST - 1990; DISTURBED - 1990; HIGHWAY TO HELL - 1991; LIEBESTRAUM - 1991; TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME - 1992; LOVE IS LIKE THAT - 1992; ANGEL STREET - 1992 {TV; 8 episodes]; ANGEL STREET - 1992 [TV Movie]; PAPER HEARTS - 1993; FREEFALL - 1994; S.F.W. - 1994; THE CREW - 1994; STRANGE LUCK - 1995-1996 [TV Series Semi-Regular; 17 episodes]; THE LITTLE DEATH - 1996; ABERRATION - 1997; KISS & TELL - 1997; BOMBSHELL - 1997; THE MAZE - 1997; MAFIA! - 1998; THE TREAT - 1998; MAN MADE - 1998 [TV Movie]; LIAR'S POKER - 1999; THE PRETENDER - 1997-2000 [TV; 17 episodes]; THE LITTLE VAMPIRE - 2000; GOODBYE, CASANOVA - 2000; TRUE BLUE - 2001; PUZZLED - 2001; LUSTER - 2002; LANDSPEED - 2002; CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 2000-2002 [TV; 5 episodes]; SKIN - 2003-2004 [TV; 5 episodes]; CAKE BOY - 2005 [DTV]; THE CLOSER - 2006 [TV]; TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES - 2014 [Cable; her last acting role]. After high school, Miss Gidley moved to New York and was discovered by a modeling agent while walking down a Manhattan street and soon afterwards, she won the Wilhemina Modeling Agency's "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" contest on March 12, 1985 in Sydney, Australia. She was married to actor James Lew from 2005 - 2008. Miss Gidley thought to have quit Hollywood six years ago to care for her sick brother. Pamela died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 52. No cause of death was given.) - 04/16/18
HARRY ANDERSON (Actor/Magician: Harry [Laverne] Anderson started out as a street magician/pickpocket [wearing his trademark gray fedora, earning him the nickname "Harry The Hat"], using his natural charm to make his way into two long-running TV Series, as well as a well-loved Steven King TV Mini-Series. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: TWILIGHT THEATER - 1982 [TV Movie]; THE ESCAPE ARTIST - 1982 [TF]; BEST OF THE BIG LAFF OFF - 1983 [MFHV]; SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - 1981-1985;  TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE - 1985; THE YOUNG COMEDIANS AL-STAR REUNION - 1986 [HBO Special] HARRY ANDERSON'S HELLO SUCKER - 1986 [HBO Special]; HARRY ANDERSON'S SIDESHOW - 1987 [TV Special; also Executive Producer]; VANISHING AMERICA - 1988 [MFHV]; SHE'S HAVING A BABY - 1988 [TF]; TANNER '88 - [Pay Cable mini-series]; SPIES, LIES & NAKED THIGHS - 1988 [TV Movie]; THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR - 1988 [TV Movie]; THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR: TRADING PLACES - 1989 [TV Movie]; MOTHER GOOSE ROCK 'N RHYME - 1990 [TV Movie]; TALES FROM THE CRYPT - [HBO Series; "Korman's Kalamity" - 1990; also wrote the episode "Seance" for a 1992 episode]; STEPHEN KING'S IT - 1990 [TV mini-series; portrayed the adult Richie Tozier]; PARKER LEWIS CAN'T LOSE - 1992; NIGHT COURT - 1984-1992 [Portrayed Judge Harry T. Stone in 193 episodes; Directed 2 episodes; Wrote 5 episodes; Nominated 3 times for an Emmy Award®, in 1985, 1986 & 1987 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]; CHEERS 1982-1993 [Portrayed conman Harry 'The Hat' Gittes in 6 episodes]; HEARTS AFIRE - 1994; THE JOHN LARROQUETTE SHOW - 1996; NIGHT STAND - 1996; HARVEY - 1996 [TV Movie]; HARRY ANDERSON: THE TRICKS OF HIS TRADE - 1996 [TV Special]; LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN - 1997; DAVE'S WORLD - 1993-1997 [Wrote 5 episodes; portrayed Pulitzer prize winning columnist Dave Barry for 98 episodes]; NODDY - 1998; EXPLORE OUR WORLD - 2000; SON OF THE BEACH - 2002; 30 ROCK - 2008; A MATTER OF FAITH - 2014 [TF; his final acting role]. Mr. Anderson was also a popular host of many TV Specials and was a frequent guest on many late night TV shows. Harry Anderson was a "Quad Rat" living in New Orleans most of his life, but he and his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina after Hurricane Katrina hit. Harry Anderson died after suffering a stroke and was 65 years-old.) - 04/16/18
MICHAEL ANDERSON (Director: Michael Anderson was an Academy Award®-nominated director since the late-1940's who made a few films known and loved by readers of this site. He worked long in the studio system before he became a director,  working as an Assistant Director since the late-1930's. His credits as a Director included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: PRIVATE ANGELO - 1949 [also Writer & Producer]; WATERFRONT WOMEN - 1950; HELL IS SOLD OUT - 1951; NIGHT WAS OUR FRIEND - 1951; WILL ANY GENTLEMEN...? - 1953; HOUSE OF THE ARROW - 1953; THE DAM BUSTERS - 1955 [the films that got Anderson noticed in the business. George Lucas has said that this film's climax was an inspiration for the attack on the Death Star in the first STAR WARS movie.]; 1984 - 1956; AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS - 1956 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Director; the film went on to win Five Academy Awards®, including Best Picture]; BATTLE HELL - 1957; CHASE A CROOKED SHADOW - 1958; SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL - 1959 [also Producer]; THE WRECK OF THE MARY DEARE - 1959; ALL THE FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS - 1960; THE NAKED EDGE - 1961; FLIGHT FROM ASHIYA - 1964; WILD AND WONDERFUL - 1964; OPERATION CROSSBOW - 1965; THE QUILLER MEMORANDUM - 1966; THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN - 1968; POPE JOAN - 1972; DOC SAVAGE: THE MAN OF BRONZE - 1975 [a rare misfire]; CONDUCT UNBECOMING - 1975; LOGAN'S RUN - 1976; ORCA: THE KILLER WHALE - 1977; DOMINIQUE - 1979; THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES - 1980 [TV mini-series]; MURDER BY PHONE - 1982; SECOND TIME LUCKY - 1984; SEPARATE VACATIONS - 1986; SWORD OF GIDEON - 1986 [Pay Cable Movie]; THE JEWELLER'S SHOP - 1988; MILLENNIUM - 1989 [This film gets a lot of flak, but I always found it to be an interesting failure]; YOUNG CATHERINE - 1992 [TV Movie]; SCALES OF JUSTICE - 1992 [Pilot Movie for TV Series]; SCALES OF JUSTICE - 1992-1993 [TV]; THE SEA WOLF - 1993 [TV Movie]; RUGGED GOLD - 1994 [TV Movie]; CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS - 1996 [TV Movie]; 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA - 1997 [TV Movie]; SUMMER OF THE MONKEYS - 1998; THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO - 1999; AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS - 1999 [MFHV; his last directorial assignment]. Before he began directing, Michael Anderson was Assistant Director on the following films: SPY FOR A DAY - 1940; A VOICE IN THE NIGHT - 1941; QUIET WEDDING - 1941; BOMBSIGHT STOLEN - 1941; JEANNIE - 1941; UNPUBLISHED STORY - 1942; SECRET FLIGHT - 1946; FLAME IS THE SPUR - 1947; VICE VERSA - 1948; ONE NIGHT WITH YOU - 1948; MR. PERRIN AND MR. TRAILL - 1948; WOMAN HATER - 1948. Michael Anderson, as "Mickey Anderson", acted in the films HOUSEMASTER - 1938 and IN WHICH WE SERVE - 1942. In 1957, Anderson received the Silver Medallion for outstanding work from the Screen Director's Guild of America and was in 2012 also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of Canada. Michael Anderson passed away of natural causes and was 98 years-old.) - 04/25/18
ROBERT MANDAN (Actor: Mr. Mandan was a character actor who found fame in his role of "Chester Tate" on the sitcom SOAP [1977 - 1981]. Mainly a TV actor, Mandan did appear in a few Theatrical Films. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: FROM THESE ROOTS - 1968; KRAFT THEATRE - 1958; JACKIE GLEASON: AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE - 1962-1963 [3 episodes]; ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE - 1958-1963; THE DOCTORS - 1963 [6 episodes]; THE EDGE OF NIGHT - 1963; THE DEFENDERS - 1964; HAWK - 1966; SEARCH FOR TOMORROW - 1966-1970; SANFORD AND SON - 1972 [The first episode]; THE F.B.I. - 1972; LONGSTREET - 1972; O'HARA, U.S. TREASURY - 1971-1972; THE CAREY TREATMENT - 1872 [TF]; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1972; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1971-1972; HICKEY & BOGGS - 1972 [TF]; THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAGEDY - 1972 [TV Movie]; MANNIX - 1971-1972; THE HEIST - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE NORLISS TAPES - 1973 [TV Movie]; APPLAUSE - 1973 [TV Movie]; THE MAGICIAN - 1973; CIRCLE OF FEAR - 1972-1973; INSIGHT - 1973; THE NEW PERRY MASON - 1973; ALL IN THE FAMILY - 1973; LOVE STORY - 1974; THE MANHUNTER - 1974; CANNON - 1972-1974 [3 episodes]; PANIC ON THE 5:22 - 1974 [TV Movie]; PETROCELLI - 1975; CARIBE - 1975 [Series Regular; 13 episodes]; KOJAK - 1975; BARNEY MILLER - 1975; MAUDE - 1972-1975 [3 episodes]; ONE DAY AT A TIME - 1976; MEDICAL STORY - 1976; DOC - 1976; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1976; SARA - 1976; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1972-1976; THE TONY RANDALL SHOW - 1976; MOST WANTED - 1976; PHYLLIS - 1977; DELVECCHIO - 1977; POLICE STORY - 1976-1977; HUNTER - 1977; MACARTHUR - 1977 [TF]; KINGSTON: CONFIDENTIAL - 1976-1977; BARNABY JONES - 1975-1977; VEGA$ - 1978; YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU - 1979 [TV Movie]; GREATEST HEROES OF THE BIBLE - 1979; CHiPS - 1979-1980; GOLDIE AND THE BOXER GO TO HOLLYWOOD - 1981 [TV Movie]; SOAP - 1977-1981 [77 episodes]; RETURN OF THE REBELS - 1981 [TV Movie]; MR. MERLIN - 1981; FANTASY ISLAND - 1980-1982; TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT - 1982; THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS - 1982 [TF]; ZAPPED! - 1982 [TF]; IN LOVE WITH AN OLDER WOMAN - 1982 [TV Movie]; PRIVATE BENJAMIN - 1982-1983 [Series Regular; 20 episodes]; FOR MEMBERS ONLY - 1983 [TV Movie]; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1983; THREE'S COMPANY - 1984 [3 episodes]; THREE'S A CROWD - 1985-1985 [Series Regular; 21 episodes]; THE FACTS OF LIFE - 1986; HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN - 1986; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE LOST LOVE - 1987 [TV Movie]; MATLOCK - 1987; THE LOVE BOAT - 1978-1987 [6 episodes]; STINGRAY - 1987; YOU ARE THE JURY - 1987; HOTEL - 1987; DOLLY - 1987; FOOFUR - 1987 [Voice only; 13 episodes]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1989; MAMA'S FAMILY - 1989; THE GOLDEN GIRLS - 1990; MY TWO DADS - 1990; SANTA BARBARA - 1990-1991 [13 episodes]; THE NEW WKRP IN CINCINNATI - 1991; PACIFIC STATION - 1992; WHO'S THE BOSS? - 1991-1992; INTRUDERS - 1992; THE NUTT HOUSE - 1992 [TF]; DELTA - 1993; STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - 1993; MARRIED WITH CHILDREN - 1994; LAST RESORT - 1994 [MFHV]; SISTERS - 1994; BURKE'S LAW - 1995; LIGHTS, CAMERA, MAGIC - 1995 [TV Movie]; FAST TRACK - 1995 [TV Movie]; DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE: LEGACY OF FEAR - 1996 [TV Movie]; SHERMAN OAKS - 1995-1997; THE MATCHMAKER - 1997; DAYS OF OUR LIVES - 1998; WEIRD SCIENCE - 1998; BEHIND THE PASSION - 1999 [TV Movie]; FAMILY LAW - 2000; JUDGING AMY - 2001; TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC - 2002 [TF]; ER - 2002; GENERAL HOSPITAL - 2006; HUNTER AND PRAYER - 2010 [Short]; OUR MAN IN MADRAS - 2014 [Short; his final acting role]. Mr Mandan was also active on the stage. He made his Broadway debut in 1956 in "Speaking of Murder", directed by Delbert Mann, and he worked with Lauren Bacall in the original 1970 production of the Betty Comden-Adolph Green musical "Applause". He also starred on stage as Davies in Harold Pinter's "The Caretaker" at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles, receiving Ovation and LA Weekly awards® for that performance. He also starred in "AfterPlay", a play written by Anne Meara in Los Angeles. Robert Mandan died of undisclosed causes after a long illness and was 86 years-old.) - 04/29/18
MARGOT KIDDER (Actress: Kidder was a multiple award-winning influential Canadian actress [born Margaret Ruth Kidder] in her early career, appearing in two of the best horror films of the '70s, SISTERS [1972] and BLACK CHRISTMAS [1974], as well as THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD [1975] and THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [1979]. Her role as Lois Lane in the SUPERMAN films cemented her career as a great actress, but something happened in the late-'90s. She became extremely paranoid, cutting her hair off with a razor blade and telling police she was stalked and attacked. She ended up in a mental institution and never really recovered after that. She once said, "Nudity in the flesh doesn't bother me. But having my mind uncovered - that scares the hell out of me." No one knows why she snapped [some think it was because her career was on the wane], but we always have her films to remind us what she did best: Act. Her credits included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: WOJECK - 1968 [TV]; FESTIVAL - 1969 [TV]; THE BEST DAMN FIDDLER FROM CALABOGIE TO KALADAR - 1969; CORWIN - 1969 [TV]; MCQUEEN - 1969 [TV]; GAILY, GAILY - 1969; MOD SQUAD - 1970 [TV]; QUACKSER FORTUNE HAS A COUSIN IN THE BRONX - 1970; ADVENTURES IN RAINBOW COUNTRY - 1969-1970 [TV]; THE MANIPULATORS - 1971 [TV]; SUDDENLY SINGLE - 1971 [TV Movie]; NICHOLS - 1970-1971 [TV Series Regular; 24 episodes] THE BOUNTY MAN - 1972 [TV Movie]; BANACEK - 1972 [TV]; SISTERS - 1972; THE SUICIDE CLUB - 1973 [TV movie; part of ABC TV's WIDE WORLD OF MYSTERY Late night films]; HARRY O - 1973 {TV]; BARNABY JONES - 1973 [TV]; HONKY TONK - 1974 [TV Movie]; A QUIET DAY IN BELFAST - 1974 [ Canadian Films Etrog Award® winner for Best Performance by a Lead Actress]; THE DION BROTHERS - 1974; BLACK CHRISTMAS - 1974; THE GREAT WALDO PEPPER - 1975; BARETTA - 1975 [TV]; THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD - 1975; 92 IN THE SHADE - 1975; SWITCH - 1976 [TV]; SUPERMAN - 1978 [Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films Saturn Award® winner for Best Actress]; SHOOT THE SUN DOWN - 1978 [a real rarity: an Esoteric Western patterned after Jodorworsky's EL TOPO {1970}]; THE AMITYVILLE HORROR - 1979; WILLIE & PHIL - 1980; SUPERMAN II - 1980; HEARTACHES - 1981 [Genie Award® winner for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role]; SOME KIND OF HERO - 1982; BUS STOP - 1982 [TV Movie]; MISS RIGHT - 1982; TRENCHCOAT - 1983; SUPERMAN III - 1983; PYGMALIAN - 1983 [TV Movie]; LOUISIANA - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE GLITTER DOME - 1984; LITTLE TREASURE - 1985; DEADLY NIGHTMARES - 1985 [TV]; PICKING UP THE PIECES - 1985 [TV Movie]; GOBOTS: BATTLE OF THE ROCK LORDS - 1986 [Voice only]; VANISHING ACT - 1986 [TV Movie]; KEEPING TRACK - 1986; SHELL GAME - 1987 [TV; 6 episodes]; SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE - 1987; THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ - 1987 [MFHV; Voice only]; THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ - 1987 [MFHV; Voice only]; THE EMERALD CITY OF OZ - 1987 [MFHV; Voice only]; OZMA OF OZ - 1987 [MFHV; Voice only]; BODY OF EVIDENCE - 1988 [TV Movie]; MOB STORY - 1989; WHITE ROOM - 1990; DELIRIOUS - 1991; TO CATCH A KILLER - 1992 [TV Movie]; TALES FROM THE CRYPT [Cable Series; "Curiosity Killed" - 1992]; AARON SENT ME - 1992; STREET LEGAL - 1992-1993 [TV]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1993 [TV]; THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE BLACK STALLION - 1993 [TV]; LA FLORIDA - 1993; ONE WOMAN'S COURAGE - 1994 [TV Movie]; MAVERICK - 1994; WINDRUNNER - 1994; THE PORNOGRAPHER - 1994; BEANSTALK - 1994; BURKE'S LAW - 1995 [TV]; YOUNG IVANHOE - 1995 [TV Movie]; BLOODKNOT - 1995 [TV Movie]; CAPTAIN PLANET AND THE PLANETEERS - 1993-1996 [TV; Voice only; 17 episodes]; PHANTOM 2040 - 1994-1996 [TV; Voice only; 34 episodes]; HENRY & VERLIN - 1996; NEVER MET PICASSO - 1996; BOSTON COMMON - 1996-1997 [TV; 6 episodes]; THE PLANET OF JUNIOR BROWN - 1997; THE HUNGER - 1997 [Cable Series]; SHADOW ZONE: MY TEACHER ATE MY HOMEWORK - 1997; AAAAHH!!! REAL MONSTERS! - 1997 {TV; Voice only]; SILENT CRADLE - 1997; TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL - 1998 [TV]; THE TEDDY BEARS' SCARE - 1998 [TV Movie; Voice only]; THE HI-LINE - 1999; THE CLOWN AT MIDNIGHT - 1999; CRY RAPE - 1999 [TV Movie]; THE PSI FACTOR: CHRONICLES OF THE PARANORMAL - 1999 [TV]; LA FEMME NIKITA - 1999 [TV]; THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH - 1999; THE INDUSTRY - 1999 [TV]; NIGHTMARE MAN - 1999; TRIBULATION - 2000; COMMON GROUND - 2000 [TV Movie]; SOMEONE IS WATCHING - 2000 [TV Movie]; AMAZON - 2000 [TV]; THE OUTER LIMITS - 2000 [TV]; THE SECRET ADVENTURES OF JULES VERNE - 2000 [TV]; MENTORS - 2000 [TV]; LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT - 2001 [TV]; EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT - 2001 [TV]; ANGEL BLADE - 2002; CRIME AND PUNISHMENT - 2002; SOCIETY'S CHILD - 2002 [TV Movfie]; I'LL BE SEEING YOU - 2004 [TV Movie]; DEATH 4 TOLD - 2004 [ShockerFest Horror Genre Award® winner for Best Actrss]; SMALLVILLE - 2004 [TV]; CHICKS WITH STICKS - 2004; THE LAST SIGN - 2005; COOL MONEY - 2005 [TV Movie]; ROBSON ARMS - 2005 [TV; 3 episodes]; THE L WORD - 2006 [Cable Series]; SOLICE - 2006 [Short]; BROTHERS & SISTERS - 2007 [TV]; LOVE AT FIRST KILL - 2008; ON THE OTHER HAND, DEATH - 2008; A SINGLE WOMAN - 2008; UNIVERSAL SIGNS - 2008; HALLOWEEN II - 2009; SOMETHING EVIL COMES - 2009 [TV Movie] SERVITUDE - 2011; REDEMPTION: FOR ROBBING THE DEAD - 2011; SARINA'S SONG - 2011 [Short]; 3 OF A KIND - 2012; HENRi - 2012 [Short]; MATT'S CHANCE - 2013; REAL GANGSTERS - 2013; PRIDE OF LIONS - 2014; R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR - 2014 [TV; Daytime Emmy Award® winner for Outstanding Performer in a Children's or Pre-School Children's Series]; THE BIG FAT STONE - 2014; NO DEPOSIT - 2015; THE RED MAPLE LEAF - 2016; THE NEIGHBORHOOD - 2017 [Her final acting role]. After living in the US for 34 years, she became a US citizen in August of 2005 so she could vote against US President George W. Bush as part of her protest against the war in Iraq. She was an outspoken supporter of liberal causes, both in the United States and her native Canada. Margot Kidder died peacefully in her sleep of undisclosed causes and was 69 years-old.) - 05/13/18
JOSEPH CAMPANELLA (Actor: Emmy® nominated rugged actor who was a familiar face on TV and in Films during the '60s through the'90s. His credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: SUSPENSE - 1952; STUDIO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD - 1952-1955; ROBERT MONTGOMERY PRESENTS - 1955-1957 [3 episodes]; THE UNITED STATES STEEL HOUR - 1957; DECOY - 1958; KRAFT THEATRE - 1956-1958; OMNIBUS - 1958; ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE - 1959; NEW YORK CONFIDENTIAL - 1959; STARTIME - 1960; MURDER, INC. - 1960; NAKED CITY - 1961-1962 [3 episodes]; ALCOA PREMIERE - 1962; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1962; ROUTE 66 - 1962-1963; THE DOCTORS - 1963; EASSIDE/WESTSIDE - 1963; BOB HOPE PRESENTS CHRYSLER THEATRE - 1963; ESPIONAGE - 1964; THE ELEVENTH HOUR - 1964; THE LIEUTENANT - 1964; COMBAT! - 1963-1964; SUSPENSE - 1964; THE YOUNG LOVERS - 1964; FOR THE PEOPLE - 1965; THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES - 1962-1965 (Recurring Regular; 31 episodes]; SHANE - 1966; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1966; THE ROAD WEST - 1966; RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - 1967; THE BIG VALLEY - 1966-1967; THE WILD WILD WEST - 1967; THE INVADERS - 1967; CAPTAIN NICE - 1967; THE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE - 1967 [TF]; THE FUGITIVE - 1964-1967 [4 episodes]; MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - 1967-1968; THE VIRGINIAN - 1963-1968 [4 episodes]; ANY SECOND NOW - 1969 [TV Movie]; THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING - 1969 [TV Movie]; THE DORIS DAY SHOW - 1969; INSIGHT - 1967-1969 [4 episodes]; LANCER - 1969; PARIS 7000 - 1970; BRACKEN'S WORLD - 1970; A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER - 1970 [TV Movie]; THE NAME OF THE GAME - 1968-1970; ALIAS SMITH AND JONES - 1971; NIGHT GALLERY - ["The Nature Of The Enemy" - 1970; "Miss Lovecraft Sent Me" - 1971]; MURDER ONCE REMOVED - 1971 [TV Movie]; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. _ 1970-1971 [3 episodes]; AND THEN THEY FORGOT GOD - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE SIXTH SENSE - 1972; THE BOLD ONES: THE LAWYERS - 1969-1972 [Series Regular; 26 episodes]; OWEN MARSHALL, COUNSELOR AT LAW - 1971-1972; SILENT RUNNING - 1972 [TF; Voice only}; BEN - 1972 [TF]; THE F.B.I. - 1966-1972 [3 episodes]; MANNIX - 1967-1972 [Series Semi-Regular; 25 episodes; Emmy® Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama]; GUNSMOKE - 1968-1972; MARY TYLER MOORE - 1973; YOU'LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN - 1973 [TV Movie]; HONOR THY FATHER - 1973 [TV Movie]; ASSIGNMENT: VIENNA - 1973; DRIVE HARD, DRIVE FAST - 1973 [TV Movie]; THE ROOKIES - 1973; THE PRESIDENT'S PLANE IS MISSING - 1973 [TV Movie]; THINGS I NEVER SAID - 1973 [An ABC Afterschool Special]; TENAFLY - 1974; THE MAGICIAN - 1974; SKYWAY TO DEATH - 1974 [TV Movie]; UNWED FATHER - 1974 [TV Movie]; POLICE STORY - 1974; PETROCELLI - 1974; TERROR ON THE 40TH FLOOR - 1974 [TV Movie]; HIT LADY - 1974 [TV Movie]; LOVE CHILD - 1974 [TF]; MCCLOUD - 1974; IRONSIDE - 1969-1975 [4 episodes]; MEDICAL CENTER - 1973-1975; KHAN! - 1975; JOURNEY FROM DARKNESS - 1975 [TV Movie]; SKY HEIST - 1975 [TV Movie]; BARBARY COAST - 1975; MATT HELM - 1975; THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER - 1975 [TV Movie]; POLICE WOMAN - 1976; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1976; CHILD ABUSE - 1976; FRIDAY NIGHT BURN - 1976; MISSION TO GLORY: A TRUE STORY - 1977 [TF]; FANTASY ISLAND - 1978; RING OF PASSION - 1978 [TV Movie]; WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO THE CLASS OF '65? - 1978; PEARL - 1978 [ TV mini-series]; GREATEST HEROES OF THE BIBLE - 1978; METEOR - 1979 [TF]; THE PLUTONIUM INCIDENT - 1980 [TV Movie]; DEFIANCE - 1980 [TF]; VEGA$ - 1978 -1980; HANGAR 18 - 1980 [TF]; EARTHBOUND - 1981 [TF]; THE BRADY BRIDES - 1981; JESSICA NOVAK - 1981; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1981; MY BODY, MY CHILD - 1982 [TV Movie]; ONE DAY AT A TIME - 1976-1982 [8 episodes]; QUINCY M.E. - 1977-1982 [4 episodes]; THE COMIC BOOK KIDS - 1982; MATT HOUSTON - 1983; VELKI TRANSPORT - 1983 [TF; one of the last movies of that kind made in former Yugoslavia]; THIS IS YOUR LIFE - 1983; AIRWOLF - 1984; HOTEL - 1985; CRAZY LIKE A FOX - 1986; THE LOVE BOAT - 1986; THE COLBYS - 1985-1986 [8 episodes]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1985-1987; THE GOLDEN GIRLS - 1987; STEELE JUSTICE - 1987 [TF]; MAMA'S FAMILY - 1987-1988 [3 episodes]; THE GAME - 1988 [TF]; REAL TO REEL - 1989; DALLAS - 1988-1989 [3 episodes]; 21 JUMP STREET - 1989; SUPERBOY - 1989; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - 1988-1989 [3 episodes]; GUNS OF PARADISE - 1990; NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER 3: BLOOD BROTHERS - 1990 [TF]; BODY CHEMISTRY - 1990 [TF]; DOWN THE DRAIN - 1990 [TF]; A SHOW OF FORCE - 1990 [TF]; CLUB FED - 1990 [TF]; OVER MY DEAD BODY - 1990; LAST CALL - 1991 [TF]; KNOTS LANDING - 1989-1991 [3 episodes]; THE EVERLASTING ADVENTURE SERIES - 1991; CAFE ROMEO - 1991 [TF]; P.S.I. LUV YOU - 1991; MEMORIES OF MIDNIGHT - 1991 [TV Movie]; ORIGINAL INTENT - 1993 [MFHV]; TERROR ON TRACK 9 -1992 [TV Movie]; DARK JUSTICE - 1992; SPACE CASE - 1992 [TF]; PAUPER'S DREAM - 1992 [TV Movie]; DEAD GIRLS DON'T TANGO - 1992 [TF]; BAYWATCH - 1993; MAGIC KID - 1993 [MFHV];BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - 1993 [Voice only]; LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN - 1993; THE FORCE WITHIN - 1993 [TF]; SAVE ME - 1994 [TF]; RENEGADE - 1994; THE ROCKFORD FILES: I STILL LOVE L.A. - 1994 [TV Movie]; TOO BAD ABOUT JACK - 1994 [TF]; HOLOGRAM MAN - 1995 [MFHV]; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1996; CHARLIE GRACE - 1996; THE GLASS CAGE - 1996 [TF]; ROAD ROVERS - 1996-1997 [Voice only; 13 episodes]; PACIFIC BLUE - 1996-1997 [3 episodes]; JAMES DEAN: RACE WITH DESTINY - 1997 [TF]; TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL - 1997; DUST - 1997 [TF]; SPIDER-MAN - 1994-1997 [Voice only; 20 episodes]; L.A. HEAT - 1997; THE RIGHT WAY - 1998 [TF]; EARLY EDITION - 1999; THE GREAT BUILDERS OF EGYPT - 1999 [TV Movie]; MELROSE PLACE - 1999 [3 episodes; GOOD VS EVIL - 1999; GRIZZLY ADAMS AND THE LEGEND OF DARK MOUNTAIN - 1999 [TF]; WHO IS THIS JESUS? - 2000 [TV Movie]; BIOGRAPHY - 2001; THE APOSTLE PAUL: THE MAN WHO TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN - 2001 [TV Movie]; STAR TREK: VOYAGER - 2001; THAT'S LIFE - 2000-2001 [Series Regular; 11 episodes]; THE PRACTICE - 1998-2001 [5 episodes]; THE DIVISION - 2002; THE GLOW - 2002 [TV Movie]; THE GUARDIAN - 2003; COLD CASE - 2004; THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL - 1996-2005 [97 episodes]; THE SHOWDOWN - 2006 [Short]; THE DUKES - 2007 [TF]; THE LEGEND OF GOD'S GUN - 2007 [TF]; CHRISTMAS AT CADILLAC JACK'S - 2007 [TV Movie]; CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 2008; FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE - 2008 [TF]; LOST DREAM - 2009 [TF; His final acting credit]. Mr. Campanella was also nominated for an Emmy Award® in 1989 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role of "Harper Deveraux" on the Soap Opera DAYS OF OUR LIVES. He also was a popular Narrator for PBS. Received a 1962 Tony nomination as Best Supporting or Featured Actor [Dramatic] for his performance in "A Gift of Time", which was written and directed by Garson Kanin, and which starred Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland. Joseph Campanella died of natural causes and was 93 years-old] - 05/16/18
CLINT WALKER (Actor: Mr. Walker was an accomplished actor who is credited with starting the TV Western craze, starring in the popular CHEYENNE in 1955 and lasting until 1962. He opened the door to long-running TV Westerns such as GUNSMOKE and BONANZA. After his series was over, Walker starred in THE DIRTY DOZEN [1967] and several theatrical Westerns before starring in some of the better-known TV Movies during the '70s. His credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: JUNGLE GENTS - 1954; THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - 1956; THE TRAVELLERS - 1957; FORT DOBBS - 1958; YELLOWSTONE KELLY - 1959; MAVERICK - 1960 [TV]; REQUIEM TO MASSACRE - 1960; GOLD OF THE SEVEN SAINTS - 1961; CHEYENNE - 1955-1962 [TV; 108 episodes]; 77 SUNSET STRIP - 1963 [TV]; KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1964 [TV]; SEND ME NO FLOWERS - 1964; NONE BUT THE BRAVE - 1965; THE LUCY SHOW - 1965-1966 [TV]; THE NIGHT OF THE GRIZZLY - 1966; MAYA - 1966; THE DIRTY DOZEN - 1967; MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE - 1967; SAM WHISKEY - 1969; THE GREAT BANK ROBBERY - 1969; THE PHYNX - 1970; YUMA - 1971 [TV Movie]; HARDCASE - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE BOUNTY MAN - 1972 [TV Movie]; PANCHO VILLA - 1972; SCREAM OF THE WOLF - 1974 [TV Movie]; KILLDOZER - 1974 [TV Movie]; KODIAK - 1974 [TV Series Regular; 13 episodes]; BAKER'S HAWK - 1976; SNOWBEAST - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE WHITE BUFFALO - 1977 [One of my favorite Westerns]; DEADLY HARVEST - 1977; CENTENNIAL - 1978 [TV mini-series]; MYSTERIOUS ISLAND OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN - 1979 [TV Movie]; HYSTERICAL - 1983; THE LOVE BOAT - 1983 [TV]; THE SERPENT WARRIORS - 1985; THE ALL AMERICAN COWBOY - 1985 [TV Movie]; THE GAMBLER RETURNS: LUCK OF THE DRAW - 1991 [TV Movie]; SWEATING BULLETS - 1993 [TV]; KUNG FU: THE LEGEND CONTINUES - 1995 [TV]; SMALL SOLDIERS - 1998 [Voice only. His last acting role]. In 1971, Walker was involved in a freak accident at Mammoth Mountain, CA, when the tip of a ski pole pierced his heart. He made an amazing recovery and was back at work filming in Spain [YUMA] two months later. Mr. Walker received a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame at 1505 Vine Street on February 08, 1960. He also received a Golden Boot Award® in 1997 for his contributions to the Western genre. Clint Walker died of natural causes and was 90 years-old.) - 05/21/18
HARLAN ELLISON (Writer: Ellison was a world-class writer of science fiction and fantasy. He was also a world-class litigator, who would sue anyone who dared to show a germ of an idea that came close to one of his stories (I have read people saying, after hearing about his death, that he would sue any writer who died after him, for copying him!). Still Ellison did turn out some excellent stories that were adapted for the small and big screens. His credits as a writer included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: ROUTE 66 - 1963; RIPCORD - 1963; BURKE'S LAW - 1963-1964 [3 episodes]; VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - 1964; THE OUTER LIMITS ["Demon With A Glass Hand" - 1964; "Soldier" - 1964]; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1964; HISTORIAS PARA NO DORMIR - 1966; THE OSCAR - 1966 [TF]; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1966-1967; STAR TREK ["The City On The Edge Of Forever" - 1967]; CIMARRON STRIP - 1968; THE FLYING NUN - 1968; THE YOUNG LAWYERS - 1971; CIRCLE OF FEAR - 1973; THE STARLOST - 1973-1974 [Creator; 16 episodes; One of TV's most boring Sci-Fi Series of all time!]; A BOY AND HIS DOG - 1975 [TF]; LOGAN'S RUN - 1977; JACKPOT - 1980 [TF]; THE STARLOST: THE BEGINNING - 1980 [TV Movie of edited together episodes of the most boring Sci-Fi Series of all time]; THE STARLOST: DECEPTION - 1980 [TV Movie of edited together episodes of the most boring Sci-Fi Series of all time]; TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE - 1985; THE TWILIGHT ZONE - 1985-1989 [Writer of 5 episodes; Creative Consultant on 24 episodes]; TRY A DULL KNIFE - 1992 [TF]; THE HUNGER - 1998; SILVER SURFER - 1998; BABYLON 5 - 1998 [Conceptual Consultant on 110 episodes; Writer of 1 episode; Actor on 3 episodes]; THE OUTER LIMITS ["The Human Operators" - 1999; "Human Trials" - 2002]; MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION - 2007; A BOY AND HIS DOG - 2019 [TF; In Pre-Production at the time of his passing]. He is famous for his hot temper and outspoken nature, which has led to more then his share of high-profile feuds. The most famous of them was with Star Trek [1966] creator Gene Roddenberry, who had Ellison's famous television script [Star Trek: The City on the Edge of Forever {1967}] heavily rewritten to fit with Roddenberry's more utopian ideas of the future. Roddenberry would not allow him to put his pseudonym "Cordwainer Bird" on the project. To add insult to injury, for the rest of his life Roddenberry took credit for having "saved" the story, which is consistently ranked as the best of the series by critics and fans and as one of TV's 100 greatest moments by "TV Guide". Following a lawsuit, his name was added to the credits of the movie THE TERMINATOR [1984]. He claimed that the time travel and indestructible robot components in the movie were ripped off by James Cameron and never credited to him. Cameron, in turn, denies having ever been influenced by Ellison's work. However, Cameron's producers said that if he would lose the lawsuit, he himself would be responsible for the financial losses, giving Cameron no other choice than to begrudgingly settle the case out of court. Stephen King, in "Danse Macabre" describes the scene in the pitching sessions for STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE [1979] where an executive kept rejecting ideas, saying, "No, we've got to think big!" Ellison tired of this and said, "How about this? The Enterprise travels light years out of the galaxy, breaks through the wall of the Universe, and there in front of them is the massive face of God. How's that?" The executive fidgeted for a moment then said, "No, that's still not big enough. We need an idea that's big." Ellison said, "Screw this. I'm a writer. I don't know what the hell you are". This is what Ellison said about the people who made him famous: "This town is filled with weasels and wormers and people who will stab you in the front if they can't reach your back." Harlan Ellison died of undisclosed causes and was 84 years-old.) - 06/28/18
DERRICK O'CONNOR (Actor: Instantly recognizable British character actor [born in Dublin, Ireland, but raised in London], best known on these shores for his roles in LETHAL WEAPON 2 [1980], DEEP RISING [1998] and END OF DAYS [1999]. His credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with TV for TV Series]: THE EXPERT - 1969 [TV]; DOOMWATCH - 1970 [TV]; Z CARS - 1969-1970 [TV; 3 episodes]; THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW - 1971; ONCE UPON A TIME - 1973 [TV]; THE FINAL PROGRAMME - 1973; BUTLEY - 1974; ITV SUNDAY NIGHT THEATRE - 1974 [TV]; SOLDIER AND ME - 1974 [TV; 8 episodes]; FLANAGAN - 1974 [Short]; THE SWEENEY - 1975 [TV]; VILLAGE HALL - 1975 [TV]; A PINT OF PLAIN - 1975 [Short; also Director & Writer]; FORGET ME NOT - 1976 [TV]; ROOMS - 1977 [TV; 3 episodes]; JABBERWOCKY - 1977; THE XYY MAN - 1977 [TV; 3 episodes]; CROWN COURT - 1976-1977 [TV; 4 episodes]; HAZELL - 1978 [TV]; SWEENEY 2 - 1978; OUT - 1978 [TV; 3 episodes]; ON A PAVING STONE MOUNTED - 1978; THE DICK FRANCIS THRILLER: THE RACING GAME - 1979 [TV]; BLOODY KIDS - 1980 [TV Movie]; FOX - 1980 [TV; 13 episodes]; HAWK THE SLAYER - 1980; PLAY FOR TODAY - 1975-1981 [TV; 3 episodes]; TIME BANDITS - 1981; THE BELL - 1982 [TV; 4 episodes]; PLAY FOR TOMORROW - 1982 [TV]; THE MISSIONARY - 1982; THE PROFESSIONALS - 1982 [TV]; FLYING INTO THE WIND - 1983 [TV Movie] POPE JOHN PAUL II - 1984 [TV Movie]; KNOCKBACK - 1984 [TV Movie]; THE GENTLE TOUCH - 1984 [TV]; BRAZIL - 1985; SCREEN TWO - 1986 [TV]; THE FOURTH WALL - 1986 [TV mini-series]; ROBIN HOOD - 1986 [TV]; HOPE AND GLORY - 1987; STRINGER - 1988 [TV; 8 episodes]; LETHAL WEAPON 2 - 1989 [Clean shaven and hair dyed blond for his famous role as Afrikaner henchman Pieter Vorstedt]; DEALERS - 1990; CENTREPOINT - 1990 [TV; 3 episodes]; SCREEN ONE - 1991 [TV]; CHILDREN OF THE NORTH - 1991 [TV]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1992 [TV]; A QUESTION OF GUILT - 1993 [TV Movie]; STARK - 1993 [TV mini-series]; SEASCAPE - 1995 [TV Movie]; GHOSTS - 1995 [TV]; HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT - 1995; SOUL SURVIVORS - 1995 [TV Movie]; TRACEY TAKES ON... - 1996 [Pay TV Series]; DEEP RISING - 1998; END OF DAYS - 1999; ALIAS - 2002 [TV; 4 episodes]; DAREDEVIL - 2003; THE FIRST VAMPIRE: DON'T FALL FOR THE DEVIL'S ILLUSIONS - 2004 [Short]; THE ROYAL - 2004 [TV]; CARNIVALE - 2005 [Pay Cable Series]; MONK - 2006 [TV]; PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST - 2006; UNREST - 2006; THE BLUE HOUR - 2007; THE LAST JOB - 2008 [Short]; EXIT STAGE LEFT - 2009 [TV]; TRAUMA - 2009 [TV]; MAN FROM RENO - 2014; PUSHING DEAD - 2016 [his final acting role]. Mr. O'Connor was a former Royal Shakespeare Company actor and starred in and co-produced "The Dumb Waiter", a stage play by Harold Pinter, in Los Angeles in 2002. Derrick O'Connor passed away due to complications of pneumonia and was 77 years-old.) - 06/29/18
RON SATLOF (Director/Producer: Mr Satlof was a respected director/producer of TV Series and TV Movies who rarely ventured into Theatrical Films. He was also nominated for both an Academy Award® and an Emmy Award®. His directorial credits included [TV Series unless otherwise noted]; FROG STORY - 1972 [Theatrical Short; also Producer & Screenplay; Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Short Subject, Live Action Films]; GET CHRISTIE LOVE! - 1975 [also Producer of 10 episodes]; MCCLOUD - 1975-1976 [also producer of 23 episodes from 1974 to 1977]; BENNY AND BARNEY: LAS VEGAS UNDERCOVER - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES - 1977; WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO THE CLASS OF '65? - 1978 [also Producer]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1977-1978 [3 episodes]; THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN - 1978 [ also producer of 4 episodes]; THE EDDIE CAPRA MYSTERIES - 1978; SPIDER-MAN STRIKES BACK - 1979 [TV Movie; aso Producer]; BARNABY JONES - 1979; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 1979; SALVAGE 1 - 1979 [six episodes]; BATTLES: THE MURDER THAT WOULDN'T DIE - 1980 [TV Movie]; FROM HERE TO ETERNITY - 1980; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1980; WAIKIKI - 1980 [TV Movie]; GALACTICA 1980 - 1980; QUINCY M.E. - 1977-1981 [13 episodes]; MAGNUM, P.I. - 1981; NERO WOLFE - 1981; BEST OF FRIENDS - 1981 [TV Movie]; FLAMINGO ROAD - 1981; THE FALL GUY - 1982 [also Supervising Producer of 5 episodes]; THE POWERS OF MATTHEW STAR - 1982 [4 episodes]; BUSH DOCTOR - 1982 [TV Movie]; VOYAGERS! - 1982-1983 [3 episodes]; THE A-TEAM - 1983 [5 episodes]; HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK - 1983-1985 [5 episodes]; RIPTIDE - 1984-1985 [5 episodes]; PERRY MASON RETURNS - 1985 [TV Movie]; HUNTER - 1984-1985 [3 episodes]; SCARECROW AND MRS. KING - 1985; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE NOTORIOUS NUN - 1985 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SHOOTING STAR - 1986 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE LOST LOVE - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE MURDERED MADAM - 1987 [TV Movie]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE LADY IN THE LAKE - 1988 [TV Movie]; ORIGINAL SIN - 1989 [TV Movie]; DYNASTY - 1989; THE LOVE BOAT: A VALENTINE VOYAGE - 1990 [TV Movie]; FATHER DOWLING MYSTERIES - 1990; ZORRO - 1990 [6 episodes]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SILENCED SINGER - 1990 [TV Movie]; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1987-1990 [5 episodes; also Producer of 1 episode]; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE MALIGNED MOBSTER - 1991 [TV Movie]; P.S.I. LUV U - 1991; DANGEROUS CURVES - 1992-1993 [4 episodes]; SILK STALKINGS - 1995-1996 [4 episodes]; PACIFIC BLUE - 1997; RENEGADE - 1995-1997 [8 episodes]; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 1997-1999 [8 episodes]; 18 WHEELS OF JUSTICE - 2000; MARTIAL LAW - 1999-2000 [3 episodes]; MISCONCEPTIONS - 2008 [Theatrical Film; also Producer & Screenplay; the only Theatrical Film in his career as a director]; THE CONDO COPS - 2015 [5 episodes; his final work as a director]. Mr. Satlof was also Second Assistant Director on the following Theatrical Films: MELINDA - 1972; CHARLEY VARRICK - 1973 and MEAN STREETS - 1973. Ron Satlof died of undisclosed causes and was 79 years-old.) - 07/02/18
TAB HUNTER (Actor: During the 1950's Tab Hunter [born Arthur Kelm] was a teen idol, dubbed "The Sigh Guy" by his Hollywood agents and the studio system. He was also a singer, whose song "Young Love" was a Top 10 hit. Unfortunately, his good looks and talent never came to fruition in A-List films [he was not popular with the critics], but, fortunately for us, he used his talent in some memorable genre films, from thrillers, horror to exploitation films, many of them during the latter half of his career. His credits included (Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for Television Series): THE LAWLESS - 1952; ISLAND OF DESIRE - 1952; GUN BELT - 1953; THE STEEL LADY - 1953; RETURN TO TREASURE ISLAND - 1954; TRACK OF THE CAT - 1954; BATTLE CRY - 1955; THE FORD TELEVISION THEATRE - 1955 [TV]; THE SEA CHASE - 1955; THE BURNING HILLS - 1956; THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND - 1956; CONFLICT - 1956 [TV]; CLIMAX! - 1955-1957 [TV]; HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES - 1958 [TV Movie]; PLAYHOUSE 90 - 1956-1958 [TV]; LAYFAYETTE ESCADRILLE - 1958; GUNMAN'S WALK - 1958; DAMN YANKEES - 1958; MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS - 1959 [TV Movie]; THAT KIND OF WOMAN - 1959; THEY CAME TO CORDURA - 1959; GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATER - 1959 [TV]; THE TAB HUNTER SHOW - 1960-1961 [Series Regular; Also Producer; 32 episodes]; THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY - 1961; THE GOLDEN ARROW - 1962; SAINTS AND SINNERS - 1962 [TV]; COMBAT! - 1962 [TV]; OPERATION BIKINI - 1963; BURKE'S LAW - 1964 [TV]; RIDE THE WILD SURF - 1964; MAN WITH TWO FACES - 1964; CITY IN THE SEA - 1965; THE LOVED ONE - 1965; BIRDS DO IT - 1966; THE CUPS OF SAN SEBASTIAN - 1967; HOSTILE GUNS - 1967; VENGEANCE IS MY FORGIVENESS - 1968; THE LAST CHANCE - 1968; BRIDGE OVER THE ELBE - 1969; THE VIRGINIAN - 1970 [TV]; SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - 1970 [TV]; HACKSAW - 1971 [TV Movie]; CANON - 1972 [TV]; SWEET KILL [a.k.a. THE AROUSERS] - 1972; THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JUDGE ROY BEAN - 1972; OWEN MARSHALL, COUNSELOR AT LAW - 1972 [TV]; CIRCLE OF FEAR - 1973 [TV]; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1975 [TV]; TIMBER TRAMPS - 1975; ELLERY QUEEN - 1976 [TV]; MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN - 1976 [TV]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1976 [TV]; WON TON TON: THE DOG WHO SAVED HOLLYWOOD - 1976; FOREVER FERNWOOD - 1977 [TV]; THE LOVE BOAT - 1977 [TV]; POLICE WOMAN - 1978 [TV]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1978 [TV]; KATIE: PORTRAIT OF A CENTERFOLD - 1978 [TV Movie]; $WEEPSTAKE$ - 1979 [TV]; THE KID FROM LEFT FIELD - 1979 [TV Movie]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1980 [TV]; POLYESTER - 1981; STRIKE FORCE - 1981 [TV]; PANDEMONIUM - 1982; GREASE 2 - 1982; BENSON - 1982 [TV]; AND THEY'RE OFF - 1982; THE FALL GUY - 1984 [TV]; MASQUERADE - 1984 [TV]; LUST IN THE DUST - 1985 [also Producer]; CAMERON'S CLOSET - 1988; OUT OF THE DARK - 1988; GROTESQUE - 1988; DARK HORSE - 1992 [also Producer & Story Writer]; RON RUSSELL'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT - 2009 [TV; His last screen appearance]. Tab Hunter worked as a film producer at age 70+ in Southern California. Tab also "came out" with a tell-all memoir on his Hollywood years in October of 2005. His long-time partner was film producer Allan Glaser. Tab Hunter died of cardiac arrest and was 86 years-old.) - 07/08/18
CARLO VANZINA (Director/Screenwriter: Prolific Italian writer/director, probably best known on American shores for his sexy giallo films MYSTERE [1983], NOTHING UNDERNEATH [1985] and CALL GIRL [1996]. He also wrote and directed the series of popular "VACATION"  comedy films in Italy. His credits included [all films that he wrote and directed that received English language releases or were English subtitled]: TIME FOR LOVING - 1983; MYSTERE - 1983; VACATION IN AMERICA - 1984; NOTHING UNDERNEATH - 1985; THE GAMBLE - 1988; MILLIONS - 1991; S.P.Q.R.: 2,000 AND A HALF YEARS AGO - 1994; I DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH - 1995; CALL GIRL - 1996; BANZAI - 1997; CHRISTMAS VACATION 2000 - 1999; SOUTH KENSINGTON - 2001; HORSE FEVER: THE MANDRAKE STING - 2002; SUNDAY LUNCH - 2003; THE LAST FASHION SHOW - 2011; US IN THE U.S. - 2013; MIAMI BEACH - 2016. He also has about 40 other films that never made it to English speaking shores. Carlo Vanzini was 67 years-old.) - 07/08/18
ROGER PERRY (Actor: Mr. Perry was a very capable actor, known for his many TV series guest appearances and his roles in COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE [1970], THE RETURN OF COUNT YORGA [1971] and THE THING WITH TWO HEADS  [1972]. His credits as an actor included [TV Series unless Marked with a TF for theatrical films]: WESTINGHOUSE DESILU PLAYHOUSE - 1959; DECEMBER BRIDE - 1959; WHIRLYBIRDS - 1959; THE FLYING FONTAINES - 1959 [TF]; THE TEXAN - 1960; NEW COMEDY SHOWCASE - 1960; U.S. MARSHAL - 1960; HARRIGAN AND SON - 1960-1961 [Series Regular; 34 episodes]; Dr. KILDARE - 1962; GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATER - 1962; THE ELEVENTH HOUR - 1962; ALCOA PREMIERE - 1963; FOLLOW THE BOYS - 1963 [TF]; SAM BENEDICT - 1963; ARREST AND TRIAL - 1963-1964 [Series Regular; 30 episodes]; BOB HOPE PRESENTS CHRYSLER THEATRE - 1964; SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1964; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1965; BROADSIDE - 1965; THE MUNSTERS - 1965; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1966; THE CAT - 1966 [TF]; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1967; STAR TREK ["Tomorrow Is Yesterday" - 1967]; COMBAT! - 1967; YOU'VE GOT TO BE SMART - 1967 [TF]; HONDO - 1967; THE INVADERS - 1967; GARRISON'S GORILLAS - 1967; THE FELONY SQUAD - 1968; JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE - 1968; PREMIERE - 1968; THE OUTSIDER - 1969; LANCER - 1969; HEAVEN WITH A GUN - 1969 [TF]; ADAM-12 - 1969; PARIS 7000 - 1970; COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE - 1970 [TF]; DAN AUGUST - 1970; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1970; INSIGHT - 1970; D.A.: CONSPIRACY TO KILL - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE FEMINIST AND THE FUZZ - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE RETURN OF COUNT YORGA - 1971 [TF]; ALIAS SMITH AND JONES - 1971; REVENGE! - 1971 [TV Movie]; NANNY AND THE PROFESSOR - 1970-1971 [5 episodes]; THE D.A. - 1971; GIDGET GETS MARRIED - 1972 [TV Movie]; OWEN MARSHALL, COUNSELOR AT LAW - 1972; THE THING WITH TWO HEADS - 1972 [TF]; LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 1969-1972 [5 episodees]; THE PAUL LYNDE SHOW - 1972; BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL - 1973 [TV Movie]; POLICE SURGEON - 1973; THE BARBARA EDEN SHOW - 1973; IRONSIDE - 1969-1973 [5 episodes]; ROOM 222 - 1973; TENAFLY - 1973; WHAT ARE BEST FRIENDS FOR? - 1973 [TV Movie]; CHASE - 1974; THE F.B.I. - 1969-1974 [5 episodes]; THE BOB NEWHART SHOW - 1974; MANNIX - 1974; EMERGENCY - 1972-1974; MOVIN' ON - 1975; MOBILE ONE - 1975; MATT HELM - 1975; CONSPIRACY OF TERROR - 1975 [TV Movie]; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1976; MOST WANTED - 1976; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1977; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1974-1977; THE MAN WITH THE POWER - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE BIONIC WOMAN - 1976-1978; POLICE WOMAN - 1978; WONDER WOMAN - 1979; HANGING BY A THREAD - 1979 [TV Movie]; QUINCY M.E. - 1979; ROLLER BOOGIE - 1979 [TF]; CHiPS - 1980; BARNABY JONES - 1974-1980 [6 episodes]; DAN AUGUST: THE JEALOUSY FACTOR - 1980 [TV Movie]; B.J. AND THE BEAR - 1981; HERE'S BOOMER - 1981; THE FACTS OF LIFE - 1981-1983 [10 episodes]; THE FALL GUY _ 1984; LOVE THY NEIGHBOR - 1984 [TV Movie]; FALCON CREST - 1982-1985 [13 episodes]; OPERATION WARZONE - 1988 [TF]; THE ELF WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS - 1992; THE ELF AND THE MAGIC KEY - 1993 [TV Movie]; DIRTY LOVE - 2005 [TF]; WRECKAGE - 2010 [TF]; BILLY BLACKBURN'S TREASURE CHEST : RARE HOME MOVIES AND SPECIAL MEMORIES - 2011 [Video Short; his last acting role]. Mr. Perry was also a music composer and writer, supplying music to many stage plays and Barbra Streisand sang his song "A Kid Again" on her first TV special. He met his second wife, ROWAN & MARTIN'S LAUGH-IN's comedienne Jo Anne Worley while filming the TV Movie THE FEMINIST AND THE FUZZ [1971] and they divorced in 2000. He then married actress Joyce Bulifant [AIRPLANE! - 1980] in 2002 and they remained married until his death. Roger Perry passed away due to prostate cancer and was 85 years-old.) - 07/12/18
STAN DRAGOTI (Director: While Mr. Dragoti's resume may be small, he offered a lot to films and advertising, conceiving and creating the famous "I Love New York" campaign. He was also the first husband of model Cheryl Tiegs [Married in 1970 and divorced in 1981]. His credits as a director included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: DIRTY LITTLE BILLY - 1972 [also Screenplay; a nasty little Western starring Michael J. Pollard that should be seen at least once]; MCCOY - 1976 [TV]; LOVE AT FIRST BITE - 1979 [George Hamilton as Count Dracula, who utters the immortal line, "Never a quickie, always a longie!"]; MR. MOM - 1983; THE MAN WITH ONE RED SHOE - 1985; SHE'S OUT OF CONTROL - 1989; NECESSARY ROUGHNESS - 1991 [His final directorial effort]. Mr. Dragoti also wrote the teleplay to the MR. MOM [1984] TV Movie. During a trip to the Cannes Film Festival to promote LOVE AT FIRST BITE, he was arrested during a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, for possession of cocaine and spent eight weeks in jail before a judge released him and suspended his sentence. Dragoti told the court he had been driven to drugs by overwork and the pain of dealing with a love affair between his then-wife, Cheryl Tiegs, and photographer Peter Beard. “I guess you could say I was not strong enough to take the pain,” he said. He is survived by his wife Yolanda, whom he had been with for 30 years and married in 2014. He had no children. Stan Dragoti passed away due to complications from pneumonia and was 85 years-old.) - 07/13/18
SCOTT WILSON (Actor: When Scott Wilson passed away, all the newspapers and TV News would say about him is how he was one of the actors on the popular TV Show THE WALKING DEAD [2011 - Present], totally ignoring his previous roles, many of them memorable. Mr. Wilson was a damn fine actor, who improved everything he appeared in, usually giving his roles an intensity that we are not use to seeing. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT - 1967 [his debut as an actor]; IN COLD BLOOD - 1967 [he, along with Robert Blake, made this film an unforgettable experience]; CASTLE KEEP - 1969; THE GYPSY MOTHS - 1969; THE GRISSOM GANG - 1971; THE NEW CENTURIONS - 1972; LOLLY-MADONNA XXX - 1973; THE GREAT GATSBY - 1974; THE PASSOVER PLOT - 1976; THE NINTH CONFIGURATION - 1980; THE RIGHT STUFF - 1983; A YEAR OF THE QUIET SUN - 1984; ON THE LINE - 1984; THE AVIATOR - 1985; THE TWILIGHT ZONE - 1986 [TV]; BLUE CITY - 1986; MALONE - 1987; DEAD OR ALIVE - 1988 [TV Movie]; JESSE - 1988 [TV Movie]; JOHNNY HANDSOME - 1989; YOUNG GUNS II - 1990; THE EXORCIST III - 1990; LEGION - 1990; FEMME FATALE - 1991; PURE LUCK - 1991; ELVIS AND THE COLONEL: THE UNTOLD STORY - 1993 [TV Movie]; FLESH AND BONE - 1993; GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND - 1993; TALL TALE - 1995; JUDGE DREDD - 1995 [as the unforgettable "Pa Angel"]; THE GRASS HARP - 1995; DEAD MAN WALKING - 1995; SOUL SURVIVORS - 1995 [TV Movie]; MOTHER - 1995 [MFHV]; SHILOH - 1996; OUR GOD'S BROTHER - 1997; G.I. JANE - 1997; CLAY PIGEONS - 1998; JACK BULL - 1999 [HBO Movie]; SHILOH 2: SHILOH SEASON - 1999; THE DEBTORS - 1999; THE X-FILES - 2000 [TV]; SOUTH OF HEAVEN, WEST OF HELL - 2000; THE WAY OF THE GUN - 2000; THE ANIMAL - 2001; PEARL HARBOR - 2001; BARK! - 2002; COASTLINES - 2002; DON'T LET GO - 2002; GUIDE SEASON - 2002 [TV Movie]; KAREN SISCO - 2003 [TV]; MONSTER - 2003; THE LAST SAMURAI - 2003; JUNEBUG - 2005; LAW & ORDER - 2005 [TV]; OPEN WINDOW - 2006; COME EARLY MORNING - 2006; SAVING SHILOH - 2006; THE HOST - 2006; BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON - 2006; THE SENSATION OF SIGHT - 2006; CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 2001-2006 [TV; 9 episodes]; THE HEARTBREAK KID - 2007; BIG STAN - 2007; SAVING GRACE B. JONES - 2009; BOTTLEWORLD - 2009; FOR SALE BY OWNER - 2009; RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH - 2010; JUSTIFIED - 2011 [TV]; FIVE - 2011 [TV Movie]; DORFMAN IN LOVE - 2011; ENLIGHTENED - 2011 [HBO Series]; BOSCH - 2014-2015 [Streaming Series; 3 episodes]; DAMIEN - 2016 [TV; 5 episodes]; THE OA - 2016 [Streaming Series; 8 episodes]; HOSTILES - 2017; ROBOT CHICKEN - 2017 [TV; Voice only]; THE WALKING DEAD - 2011-2018; 39 episodes; his final acting role]. This is what Mr. Wilson had to say about his profession: "I learned very early on just how important it is to work with good people. It's important to have a good prop department, and a good director of photography. A lot of people don't understand just how collaborative filmmaking is. Actors often get credit for making a film great, but filmmaking is a total collaboration and everyone should get the credit." Scott Wilson passed away from leukemia and was 76 years-old) - 10/06/18
ARNOLD KOPELSON (Producer: Mr. Kopelson was an Academy Award®-winning Producer of both A-List and B Films.  His credits as a producer included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: ASSAULT IN [ON] PARADISE - 1977 [a.k.a. MANIAC!; Executive in charge of Production only]; THE LEGACY - 1979; LOST AND FOUND - 1979 [also Presenter]; NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER - 1980 [a vastly underrated thriller]; FOOLIN' AROUND - 1980; FINAL ASSIGNMENT - 1980; DIRTY TRICKS - 1981; PORKY'S - 1982; GIMME AN 'F' - 1984; PLATOON - 1986 [Academy Award® for Best Picture]; WARLOCK - 1989; TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT - 1989; FIRE BIRDS - 1990; OUT FOR JUSTICE - 1991; FALLING DOWN - 1993; THE FUGITIVE - 1993 [Academy Award® nominee for Best Picture]; PAST TENSE - 1994 [TV Movie]; FROGMEN - 1994 [TV Movie]; OUTBREAK - 1995; SE7EN - 1995; ERASER - 1996; MURDER AT 1600 - 1997; MAD CITY - 1997; THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE - 1997; A PERFECT MURDER - 1998; U.S. MARSHALS - 1998; THE FUGITIVE - 2000-2001 [TV; 14 episodes]; DON'T SAY A WORD - 2001; THIEVES - 2001 [TV]; JOE SOMEBODY - 2001; TWISTED - 2004; PURE EVIL - 2012 [TV; his final credit as a Producer]. Mr. Kopelson won the ShoWest Award® for Producer of the Year in 1994, as well as winning the Publicists Guild of America's [PGA] Showmanship Award® in 1997. Arnold Kopelson died of undisclosed causes and was 83 years-old.) - 10/08/18
VENANTINO VENANTINI (Actor: Enrico Venantino Venantini was an Italian character actor who should be instantly recognizable to readers of this site, as he has appeared in many of the Italian genre films I have reviewed. For those who don't know who he is, let me say this: If you ever watched Lucio Fulci's CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD [1980], he is the man who puts Giovanni Lombardo Radice's [a.k.a. "John Morghen"] head into the table drill, the drill bit going clear through his head. Mr. Venantini had a face that you could never forget, even though most of his roles were small ones. Mr. Venantini's credits as an actor included [Theatrical films unless otherwise stated]: A DAY IN COURT - 1954; NO SUN IN VENICE - 1957; BEN-HUR - 1959; NUDE ODYSSEY - 1961; WARRIORS 5 - 1962; ESCAPADE IN FLORENCE - 1962 [TV Movie]; CONQUERED CITY - 1962; MONSIEUR GANGSTER - 1963; DANDELIONS BY THE ROOTS - 1964; THE CONSEQUENCES - 1964; THE SUCKER - 1965; THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY - 1965; GALIA - 1966; BALEARIC CAPER - 1966; THE RESTAURANT - 1966; THE BIG GRASSHOPPER - 1967; ROUND TRIP - 1967; BANDIDOS - 1967; THE KILLER LIKES CANDY - 1968; LOVE IN THE NIGHT - 1968; ANZIO - 1968; EMMA HAMILTON - 1968; THE LIBERTINE - 1968; HATE IS MY GOD - 1969; EROTISSIMO - 1969; IT TAKES A THIEF - 1969 [TV]; PLAYGIRL 70 - 1969; THE WAR DEVILS - 1969; CORALBA - 1970 [TV mini-series]; THE PRIEST'S WIFE - 1970; MACEDOINE - 1971; TROUBLESHOOTERS - 1971; ARE YOU ENGAGED TO A GREEK SAILOR OR AN AIRLINE PILOT? - 1971; BLOODY CONQUEST - 1971; DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR - 1971; FLIC STORY - 1972; THE RED HEADED CORPSE - 1972; THE BEGUINES - 1972; MASTER OF LOVE - 1972; SEVEN DEATHS IN THE CAT'S EYE - 1973; PROFESSION: ADVENTURERS - 1973; NUMBER ONE - 1973; THE POLICE SERVE THE CITIZENS? - 1973; THE MAGNIFICENT DARE DEVIL - 1973; THE FUHRER RUNS AMOK - 1974; AND NOW MY LOVE - 1974; FREE LOVE - 1974; BLACK EMANUELLE - 1975; EMANUELLE II - 1975; HEAT IN THE SUBURBS - 1975; SEX DIARY - 1976; EMANUELLE IN BANGKOK - 1976; THERE'S A SPY IN MY BED - 1976; YOUNG, VIOLENT, DANGEROUS - 1976; NINE GUESTS FOR A CRIME - 1977; RENE THE CANE - 1977; THE RIP-OFF - 1977; THE BIGGEST BATTLE - 1978; EMANUELLE AND THE WHITE SLAVE TRADE - 1978; WAR OF THE ROBOTS - 1978; FIRST LOVE - 1978; RETURN OF THE SAINT - 1978 [TV]; LA CAGE AUX FOLLES - 1978; SAM AND SALLY - 1979 [TV]; CONCORDE AFFAIRE '79 - 1979; COP OR HOOD - 1979; THE HUMANOID - 1979; FROM CORLEONE TO BROOKLYN - 1979; GARDENIA - 1979; HOT DOGS ON IBIZA - 1979; TERROR EXPRESS - 1979; FLYING SEX - 1980; BEAST IN SPACE - 1980; CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD - 1980; LADY DYNAMITE - 1980; CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE - 1980; CONTRABAND - 1980; CANNIBAL FEROX - 1981; LONGSHOT - 1981; THE INNOCENTS ABROAD -- 1983 [TV Movie]; THE NEW BARBARIANS - 1983; THE EXTERMINATORS OF THE YEAR 3000 - 1983; MY OTHER HUSBAND - 1983; GOOD KING DAGOBERT - 1984; WINDSURF - 1984; LADYHAWKE - 1985; THE ADVENTURES OF HERCULES - 1985; THE ASSISI UNDERGROUND - 1985; GOING FOR THE GOLD: THE BILL JOHNSON STORY - 1985 [TV Movie]; FINAL JUSTICE - 1985; THE EROTIC DREAMS OF CLEOPATRA - 1985; THE FLYING DEVILS - 1985; THE LION'S SHARE - 1985; THE REPENTER - 1985; ALADDIN - 1986; CAPRICCIO - 1987; BIG MAN: $395 AN OUNCE - 1988 [TV Movie]; OCEAN - 1989 [TV mini-series]; THE KING'S WHORE - 1990; DEATH HAS A BAD REPUTATION - 1990 [TV Movie]; TANGO BAR - 1991 [TV Movie]; LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - 1991 [TV]; TOUCH AND DIE - 1992 [TV Movie]; CRAZY UNDERWEAR - 1992; CRIMSON DAWN - 1992; BLUE NOTE - 1992; FAIR GAME - 1994 [TV Movie]; POOR BUT BEAUTIFUL - 1996; THE EIGHTEENTH ANGEL - 1997; THE DINNER - 1998; TONI - 1999; THE RETURN OF JAMES BATTLE - 2004; FRANK RIVA - 2003-2004 [TV; 4 episodes]; COULD THIS BE LOVE? - 2007; I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GANGSTER - 2007; THE HIDEOUT - 2007; SCHOOL'S OUT - 2008; THE FALCON AND THE DOVE - 2009 [TV; 3 episodes]; UNLIKELY ROOMMATES - 2009 [TV Movie]; THE MUSEUM OF WONDERS - 2010; 22 BULLETS - 2010; BLOODY SIN - 2011; HYDE'S SECRET NIGHTMARE - 2011; PHANTASMAGORIA - 2014; HOUSE OF RAVENS - 2014; THE VERY PRIVATE LIFE OF MISTER SIM - 2015; MARYLINE - 2017; ART OF CRIME - 2017 [TV; his final acting role]. As you can see from his credits, Mr. Venantini acted in all genres of film, not just horror. Venantino Vanantini passed away after taking a fall and was 88 years-old.) - 10/09/18
JAMES KAREN (Actor: Most people knew James Karen [real name: Jacob Karnofsky] to be an extraordinary actor on both TV and Films, who could do any kind of role, making his breakthrough in the horror film RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD [1985], but to those who lived on the East Coast, he will always be remembered as the spokesperson for Pathmark Supermarkets, a role he played for over 25 years on television commercials, earning him the nickname "Mr. Pathmark" [He told me those commercials paid for his house and retirement, if he ever decided to do so]. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Karen on several occasions at Chiller Theatre conventions and he was the most pleasant and accomodating person you would ever meet, always paying attention to what you had to say and being a real gentleman. There weren't many people like him and the world is worse off without him in it. He made his Broadway Stage debut in 1947 and appeared on television as early as 1948 and films soon followed. His credits as an actor included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: REPERTORY THEATRE - 1948; LUX VIDEO THEATRE - 1951; CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU? - 1962; THE DEFENDERS - 1964; FILM - 1965; FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE SPACE MONSTER - 1965 [TF; Most people don't realize he was the star of this ridiculous Puerto Rico-lensed horror film, but, hey, we all have to start somewhere, don't we?]; DIRECTIONS - 1966; ALL MY CHILDREN - 1970 [unknown episodes]; HERCULES IN NEW YORK - 1971 [TF]; I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER - 1970 [TF]; RIVALS - 1972 [TF]; AMAZING GRACE - 1974 [TF]; THE INVISIBLE MAN - 1975; STARSKY AND HUTCH - 1975; THE WALTONS - 1975; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1976; THE BIONIC WOMAN - 1976; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1976; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1976; POLICE WOMAN - 1976; ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN - 1976 [TF]; EXECUTIVE SWEET - 1976; SERPICO - 1976; DELVECCHIO - 1976; THE BLUE KNIGHT - 1976; SOMETHING FOR JOEY - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE KALLIKAKS - 1977; MARY JANE HARPER CRIED LAST NIGHT - 1977 [TV Movie]; RAFFERTY - 1977; THE GATHERING - 1977 [TV Movie]; FAMILY - 1977; CAPRICORN ONE - 1977 [TF]; OPENING NIGHT - 1977 [TF]; LUCAN - 1978; LOU GRANT - 1978; RICHIE BROCKELMAN, PRIVATE EYE - 1978; F.I.S.T. - 1978 [TF]; ONE DAY AT A TIME - 1978; INSTITUTE FOR REVENGE - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1977-1979; THE ORDEAL OF PATTY HEARST - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE CHINA SYNDROME - 1979 [TF]; BLIND AMBITION - 1979 [TV mini-series]; EIGHT IS ENOUGH - 1979 [3 episodes]; TOPPER - 1979 [TV Movie]; ONCE UPON A FAMILY - 1980 [TV Movie]; F.D.R.: THE LAST YEAR - 1980 [TV Movie]; PORTRAIT OF A REBEL: THE REMARKABLE MRS. SANGER - 1980 [TV Movie]; THE JAZZ SINGER - 1980 [TF]; THE JEFFERSONS - 1981; TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT - 1981 [TF]; THE VIOLATION OF SARAH MCDAVID - 1981 [TV Movie]; THE DAY THE BUBBLE BURST - 1982 [TV Movie]; HERBIE THE LOVE BUG - 1982; KNOTS LANDING - 1982; POLTERGEIST - 1982 [TF]; TIME WALKER - 1982 [TF]; FRANCES - 1982 [TF]; KISS ME GOODBYE - 1982 [TF]; DALLAS - 1982-1983 [3 episodes]; M*A*S*H - 1983; QUINCY M.E. - 1977-1983 [4 episodes]; HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ASHAMED OF YOUR PARENTS? - 1983 [An ABC Afterschool Special]; TUCKER'S WITCH - 1983; THE POWERS OF MATTHEW STAR - 1983 [Series Regular; 9 episodes]; SIMON & SIMON - 1983; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1983; HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK - 1984; FAMILY TIES - 1984; LITTLE HOUSE: THE LAST FAREWELL - 1984 [TV Movie]; EMERALD POINT N.A.S. - 1983-1984; THE PAPER CHASE - 1984; SAM'S SON - 1984 [TF]; DYNASTY - 1984; THE BOY WHO LOVED TROLLS - 1984 [TV Movie]; THREE'S A CROWD - 1984; CHEERS - 1985; MOONLIGHTING - 1985; WEBSTER - 1985; RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD - 1985 [TF; this film made him a horror star, mainly due to his finely-tuned comedic performance, of which he excelled]; JAGGED EDGE - 1985 [TF]; 227 - 1985; INVADERS FROM MARS - 1986 [TF]; MELBA - 1986; HARDBODIES 2 - 1986 [TF]; MATHNET - 1987; SQUARE ONE TELEVISION - 1987; AMAZING STORIES - 1987; EIGHT IS ENOUGH: A FAMILY REUNION - 1987 [TV Movie]; WHO'S THE BOSS - 1987; MAGNUM, P.I. - 1987; BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB - 1987 [TV Movie]; WALL STREET - 1987 [TF]; RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD II - 1988 [TF; brought back him and Thom Matthews, even though they died in the first film]; SLEDGE HAMMER! - 1988; THE GOLDEN GIRLS - 1988; MACGYVER - 1988; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1987-1989; GIRLFRIEND FROM HELL - 1989 [TF]; MURPHY BROWN - 1989; HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN - 1989; THE NEW LASSIE - 1989; BOOKER - 1989; MANCUSO F.B.I. - 1989; THE ROOMMATE - 1989 [Short]; DRUG WARS: THE CAMARENA STORY - 1990 [TV mini-series]; RICH MEN, SINGLE WOMEN - 1990 [TV Movie]; VITAL SIGNS - 1990 [TF]; SHATTERED DREAMS - 1990 [TV Movie]; CHARLES IN CHARGE - 1987-1990 [3 episodes]; ROAD LAWYERS AND OTHER BRIEFS - 1990 [TF]; THANKSGIVINGS DAY - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE WILLIES - 1990 [TF]; THE CLOSER - 1990 [TF]; HEART OF THE DEAL - 1990 [TF]; MATLOCK - 1991; LIES BEFORE KISSES [TV Movie]; L.A. LAW - 1991; THE UNBORN - 1991 [TF]; ABSOLUTE STRANGERS - 1991 [TV Movie]; SPIRIT OF THE EAGLE - 1991 [TF; Voice only]; BODIES OF EVIDENCE - 1993; DESIGNING WOMEN - 1993; CLASS OF '96 - 1993; THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW - 1992-1993 [4 episodes]; A WALTON THANKSGIVING REUNION - 1993 [TV Movie]; STAYING AFLOAT - 1993 [TV Movie]; STONE SOUP - 1993 [TF]; FUTURE SHOCK - 1994 [TF]; REVENGE OF THE NERDS IV: NERDS IN LOVE - 1994 [TV Movie]; COACH - 1992-1994; MELROSE PLACE - 1994; THE COMPANION - 1994 [TV Movie]; HEARTS AFIRE - 1994; TICK, TICK, TICK - 1994 [Short]; A KISS GOODNIGHT - 1994 [TV Movie]; BONANZA: UNDER ATTACK - 1995 [TV Movie]; THE COMMISH - 1995; TOUGH AND DEADLY - 1995 [MFHV]; CONGO - 1995 [TF]; PIRANHA - 1995 [TF]; NIXON - 1995 [TF]; SISTERS - 1996; UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL - 1996 [TF]; TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL - 1996; DARK SKIES - 1997; BEHIND ENEMY LINES - 1997 [TF]; ALWAYS SAY GOODBYE - 1997 [TF]; NIGHTMAN - 1997 [both TV Movie and first episode of the failed series]; JOYRIDE - 1997 [TF]; RIVER MADE TO DROWN IN - 1997 [TF]; NED AND STACY - 1996-1997 [8 episodes]; FREEDOM STRIKE - 1998 [TF]; SHADOW OF DOUBT - 1998 [TF]; SEINFELD - 1998; GIRL - 1998 [TF]; BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 - 1998; THE COWBOY AND THE MOVIE STAR - 1998 [TV Movie]; APT PUPIL - 1998 [TF]; MY LAST LOVE - 1999 [TV Movie]; ONE LAST FLIGHT - 1999 [TF]; ANY GIVEN SUNDAY - 1999 [TF]; MULHOLLAND DR. - 1999 [TV Movie]; THE PARKERS - 2000; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 2000; THIRTEEN DAYS - 2000 [TF]; THE PRACTICE - 1998-2001 [3 episodes]; MULHOLLAND DRIVE - 2001 [TF]; THE NIGHTMARE ROOM - 2001; JANE BOND - 2001 [Short]; FIRST MONDAY - 2002 [Series Regular; 13 episodes]; FATAL KISS - 2002 [TV Movie] JAG - 2000-2002; A HOUSE ON A HILL - 2003 [TF]; JUDGING AMY - 2003; FLICKERING BLUE - 2004 [Short]; UNSCRIPTED - 2005 [3 episodes]; OFFICE COURT - 2005 [Short]; SUPERMAN RETURNS - 2006 [scenes deleted]; OUTLAW TRAIL: THE TREASURE OF BUTCH CASSIDY - 2006 [TF]; PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS - 2006 [TF]; TRAIL OF THE SCREAMING FOREHEAD - 2007 [TF]; HEALTH MEDICINE - 2007 [Short]; COLD CASE - 2008; DARK AND STORMY NIGHT - 2009 [TF]; JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - 2009 [TF]; SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS - 2010 [TF]; THE CLEVELAND SHOW - 2011 [Voice only]; PRIDE - 2011 [Short]; DREW PETERSON: UNTOUCHABLE - 2012 [TV Movie]; THE BUTTERFLY ROOM - 2012 [TF]; AMERICAN DAD! - 2012 [Voice only]; AMBUSH AT DARK CANYON - 2012 [TF]; AMERICA'S MOST HAUNTED - 2013 [TF]; GREEN BRIEFS - 2013 [DTV]; RAIN FROM STARS - 2013 [TF]; BENDER - 2013 [TF]; HUMANITY - 2016 [Short]; CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE JESUS JERK - 2017 [TF]; CYNTHIA - 2018 [TF]; STICKY FINGERS - 2018 [TV Series; not aired in 2018; his final acting role]. As you can see from his impressive credits, he never did get the chance to retire, working until the day he died, doing the thing that he loved most. Like I said in the beginning, the world is worse off without Mr. Karen in it. Goodbye gentle soul, you are missed. James Karen passed away from natural causes and was 94 years-old.) - 10/23/18
STELVIO CIPRIANI (Music Composer: Stelvio Cipriani was one of Italy's premiere film music composers, second only to Ennio Morricone [at least in my opinion]. Mr. Cipriani scored over 200 films [!], many of them instantly recognizable to readers of this site. Unfortunately, his music scores won very few awards, because he scored mainly low-budget films [unlike Morricone, who also scored some big-budget Hollywood product, bringing him worldwide fame]. A small list of films Mr. Cipriani scored the music for included [All Theatrical Films, many of them reviewed on this site. I am only going to list the ones that mean something to this site, but don't worry, there are many!]: THE UGLY ONES - 1966; THE STRANGER RETURNS - 1967; LUANA, THE GIRL TARZAN - 1968; THE SILENT STRANGER  - 1968; THE WAR DEVILS - 1969; WHIRLPOOL - 1970; THE BEAST - 1970; THE ANONYMOUS VENETIAN - 1970 [his only score to win any award; his song titled "Cuore Cosa Fai" was a top 100 hit around the world]; THE LICKERISH QUARTET - 1970; SEX OF THE DEVIL - 1971; FINDERS KILLERS - 1970; THE LONELY VIOLENT BEACH - 1971; THE IGUANA WITH THE TONGUE OF FIRE - 1971; A BAY OF BLOOD - 1971 [I first discovered this soundtrack as a teenager after seeing the film in a theater [under the title TWITCH OF THE DEATH NERVE] and the music stuck with me for many years]; HUMAN COBRAS - 1971; BLINDMAN - 1971; DEATH WALKS ON HIGH HEELS - 1971; THE DEVIL WITH SEVEN FACES - 1971; DEVIATION - 1971; BARON BLOOD - 1972; SCENES FROM A MURDER - 1972 [a.k.a. THE KILLER IS ON THE PHONE]; TRAGIC CEREMONY - 1972; EXECUTION SQUAD - 1972; TO KILL IN SILENCE - 1972; BARCELONA KILL - 1973; PUT YOUR DEVIL INTO MY HELL - 1973; THE GREAT KIDNAPPING - 1973; THE STUDENT CONNECTION - 1974; EMERGENCY SQUAD - 1974; WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? - 1974; RABID DOGS - 1974; DEATH WILL HAVE YOUR EYES - 1974; EVIL EYE - 1975; SEVEN DEVILS ON HORSEBACK - 1975; BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEAR - 1975; THE GREAT ADVENTURE - 1975; THE THREE SUPERGUYS - 1975; FRANKENSTEIN ITALIAN STYLE - 1975; THE THREE SUPERBOYS STRIKE AGAIN - 1976; COLT 38 SPECIAL SQUAD - 1976; THE .44 SPECIALIST - 1976; DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS SPECIAL SECTION - 1976; TENTACLES - 1977 [as "S.W. Cipriani"]; STUNT SQUAD - 1977; SISTER EMANUELLE - 1977; DOUBLE GAME - 1977; THE PERFECT KILLER - 1977; MAGNUM COP - 1978; THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE - 1978; SKIN 'EM ALIVE - 1978; CAVE OF THE SHARKS - 1978; COVERT ACTION - 1978; PAPAYA: LOVE GODDESS OF THE CANNIBALS - 1978; THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW - 1978; TOUGH TO KILL - 1978; CONCORDE AFFAIRE '79 - 1979; ENCOUNTERS IN THE DEEP - 1979; RING OF DARKNESS - 1979; THE GREAT ALLIGATOR - 1979; CITY OF THE WALKING DEAD - 1980; THE IRON HAND OF THE MAFIA - 1980; LAST HAREM - 1981; PIRANHA II: THE SPAWNING - 1981 [as "Steve Powder"]; DON'T LOOK IN THE ATTIC - 1982; PIECES - 1982 [as "CAM"]; ANGKOR: CAMBODIA EXPRESS - 1982; THE HOUSE OF THE YELLOW CARPET - 1983; RUSH - 1983; A MAN CALLED RAGE - 1984; WILD TEAM - 1985; THREE SUPERMEN IN SANTO DOMINGO - 1986; BEAKS: THE MOVIE - 1986; RAGE OF HONOR - 1987; APOCALYPSE MERCENARIES - 1987; NIGHT OF THE SHARKS - 1988; CROSS MISSION - 1988; VOICES FROM BEYOND - 1991; POWER FORCE - 1991; OVER THE LINE - 1992; WEB OF SILENCE - A.I.D.S. - 1994; READY TO KILL - 1995; FLESHY DOLL - 1996; QUEEN'S MESSENGER - 2001; SHE - 2001; THE WATER...THE FIRE - 2003; ORIENT ESCAPE - 2005 [DTV]; THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - 2007; THE WINNER 3D - 2013; IN DER FOLTERKAMMER DES BARONS - 2017 [Video Documentary Short; his final music score]. Before he started scoring films, Mr. Cipriani studied piano and harmony at Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and then was a pianist for some of Italy's famous singers, including Rita Pavone. He then studied jazz in the United States with Dave Brubeck. If Mr. Cipriani is to be remembered for anything by people in the U.S., it would be for the opening music for Larry David's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, which is a shame, because he made much better music than that little piece. Quentin Tarantino used some of Mr. Cipriani's music in his film DEATH PROOF [2007]. I didn't realize how much of his music I enjoyed until I created this obituary. Anyone who loves Italian genre films is bound to enjoy at least a couple of his music scores, many of them earworms that are extremely catchy and hummable. Stelvio Cipriani passed away after suffering from ischaemia [deficiency of blood supply due to clogged arteries] since late 2017 and was 81 years-old.) - 11/01/18
KEN SWOFFORD (Actor: Kenneth Charles Swofford was a Character Actor in both Theatrical Films and on TV. If you were a child of the Seventies or Eighties, he will be instantly recognizable for the many  appearances he made on TV Series in those decades. I will always remember him for his role in the "terror in the woods" film HUNTER'S BLOOD [1987]. Ken Swofford's credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: SURFSIDE 6 - 1962; CAPTAIN NEWMAN, M.D. - 1963 [TF]; FATHER GOOSE - 1964 [TF]; THE BIG VALLEY - 1966; FIRST TO FIGHT - 1967 [TF]; GUNFIGHT IN ABILENE - 1967 [TF]; COMMON LAW CABIN - 1967 [TF]; CIMARRON STRIP - 1967; THE WILD WILD WEST - 1967; I SPY - 1968; DANIEL BOONE - 1968; ADAM-12 - 1968; SHADOW ON THE LAND - 1968 [TV Movie]; THE OUTCASTS - 1969; THE VIRGINIAN - 1968-1969 [4 episodes]; HERE COMES THE BRIDES - 1969; THE F.B.I. - 1969; CUTTER'S TRAIL - 1970 [TV Movie]; LANCER - 1970; THE LAWYER - 1970 [TF]; THE INTRUDERS - 1970; THE ODD COUPLE - 1970; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1970-1971; THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN - 1971 [TF]; BLESS THE BEASTS & CHILDREN - 1971 [TF]; SKYJACKED - 1972 [TF]; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1973; ONE LITTLE INDIAN - 1973 [TF]; THE ROOKIES - 1972-1973 [3 episodes]; COLUMBO - 1973; THE GIRL WITH SOMETHING EXTRA - 1973; THE WALTONS - 1974; THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY - 1970-1974; A CASE OF RAPE - 1974 [TV Movie]; DIRTY SALLY - 1974; JUDGMENT: THE TRIAL OF THE TIGER OF MALAYA-GENERAL YAMASHITA - 1974 [TV Movie]; KUNG FU - 1974; AMY PRENTISS - 1974; PAPER MOON - 1974; A CRY FOR HELP - 1975 [TV Movie]; GUNSMOKE - 1967-1975 [12 episodes]; SKY HEIST - 1975 [TV Movie]; MAN ON THE OUTSIDE - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE BLACK BIRD - 1975; PETROCELLI - 1975-1976 [3 episodes]; SWITCH - 1975-1976 [6 episodes]; ELLERY QUEEN - 1975-1976 [5 episodes]; SCOTT FREE - 1976 [TV Movie]; CAPTAINS AND KINGS - 1976 [TV mini-series]; RICH MAN, POOR MAN - BOOK 2 - 1977 [TV mini-series]; HUNTER - 1977; THE DOMINO KILLINGS - 1977 [TF]; THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES - 1977; YOUNG JOE, THE FORGOTTEN KENNEDY - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE OREGON TRAIL - 1977; POLICE STORY - 1974-1977 [5 episodes]; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1977-1978 [3 episodes]; CRISIS IN SUN VALLEY - 1978 [TV Movie]; TO KILL A COP - 1978 [TV Movie]; THE EDDIE CAPRA MYSTERIES - 1978 [5 episodes]; DAVID CASSIDY - MAN UNDERCOVER - 1979; BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - 1979; HOW THE WEST WAS WON - 1979; CALIFORNIA FEVER - 1979 [TV mini-series]; THE ROCKGORD FILES - 1975-1979 [5 episodes]; CAPTAIN AMERICA II: DEATH TOO SOON - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE MISADVENTURES OF SHERIFF LOBO - 1980; THE SULTAN AND THE ROCK STAR - 1980 [TV Movie]; ALL GOD'S CHILDREN - 1980 [TV Movie]; WALKING TALL - 1981; S.O.B. - 1981 [TF]; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1981; FANTASY ISLAND - 1981; CODE RED - 1981; THE FALL GUY - 1982; ANNIE - 1982 [TF]; VOYAGERS! - 1982; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1982-1983; M.A.D.D.: MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVERS - 1983 [TV Movie]; I WANT TO LIVE - 1983 [TV Movie]; LOTTERY! - 1983; THE ROUSTERS - 1983 [both TV Movie Pilot and first episode of the failed series]; KNOTS LANDING - 1983; KENNY ROGERS AS THE GAMBLER: THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES - 1983 [TV Movie]; HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK - 1985; THE A-TEAM - 1985; TERROR AT LONDON BRIDGE - 1985 [TV Movie]; FAME - 1983-1985 [Series Regular; 54 episodes]; RIPTIDE - 1985; BLACKE'S MAGIC - 1986; KNIGHT RIDER - 1986; REMINGTON STEELE - 1986; SCARECROW AND MRS. KING - 1986; HUNTER'S BLOOD - 1987 [TF]; FALCON CREST - 1987; THE STEPFORD CHILDREN - 1987 [TV Movie]; MAX HEADROOM - 1987; O'HARA - 1987; HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN - 1987; SIMON & SIMON - 1982-1988 [3 episodes]; OUR HOUSE - 1988; THE WONDER YEARS - 1988; DYNASTY - 1982-1988 [3 episodes]; THE HIGHWAYMAN - 1988; BLACK ROSES - 1988 [TF]; MURPHY'S LAW - 1988; DALLAS - 1988-1989 [4 episodes]; THE COURT-MARTIAL OF JACKIE ROBINSON - 1990 [TV Movie]; THELMA & LOUISE - 1991 [TF]; MURDER IN HIGH PLACES - 1991 [TV Movie]; THE NEW ADAM-12 - 1991; REWRITE FOR MURDER - 1991; [TV Movie]; STRANGER AT MY DOOR - 1991 [TV Movie]; THE TAKING OF BEVERLY HILLS - 1991 [TF]; MATLOCK - 1991; GUNSMOKE: TO THE LAST MAN - 1992 [TV Movie]; BAYWATCH - 1991-1992; JUST DESSERTS - 1992 [TV Movie]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1985-1992 [11 episodes]; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 1994; COPS N ROBERTS - 1995 [TF]; RECESS: SCHOOL'S OUT - 2001 {TF; Voice only]; TEACHER'S PET - 2004 [TF; Voice only]; HAPPY THE ANGRY POLAR BEAR - 2018 [Short; Voice only; his last acting role]. Later in his life, Mr. Swofford had major problems with alcohol, but he came out of self-imposed retirement for his son, Producer Stephen Swofford, so he could voice the role of character Officer White for TEACHER'S PET [2004]. He remained married to the same woman for over 50 years until his passing. Ken Swofford died of undisclosed causes and was 85 years-old.) - 11/01/18
RAYMOND CHOW (Producer: Where do I begin? Raymond Chow was president of Hong Kong's Golden Harvest Films, the main rival of the Shaw Brothers Productions outfit [Chow formed Golden Harvest in 1970 with Leonard Ho after he left Shaw Brothers' Publicity Department]. Raymond Chow produced nearly 200 films in all manner of genres, but mainly martial arts or action films. A list of some of the films he produced were [I am not going to list all of them, just those that were released in the United States]: THE BIG BOSS - 1971 [Bruce Lee's breakout film]; THE CHINESE CONNECTION - 1972; THE WAY OF THE DRAGON - 1972; DEEP THRUST - 1972 [one of the films that ignited the worldwide martial arts craze. Without it, there would not have been hundreds of martial arts films released to U.S. theaters for the next 15 years]; ONE-ARMED BOXER - 1972; A MAN CALLED TIGER - 1972; ENTER THE DRAGON - 1973 [need I say more?]; THUNDERBOLT - 1973; STONER - 1974; THE YOUNG DRAGONS - 1974; THE SEVEN COFFINS - 1975; THE MAN FROM HONG KONG - 1975; THE PRIVATE EYES - 1976; THE AMSTERDAM KILL - 1977; THE BOYS IN COMPANY C - 1978; GAME OF DEATH - 1978; WARRIORS TWO - 1978; ITCHY FINGERS - 1979; KNOCKABOUT - 1979; THE YOUNG MASTER - 1980; THE BIG BRAWL - 1980 [the film that was supposed to make Jackie Chan a star in America. It failed and it would take Chan nearly ten more years to make his mark in the States]; ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND - 1980; GAME OF DEATH II - 1981; DEATH HUNT - 1981; THE CANNONBALL RUN - 1981; THE PRODIGAL SON - 1981; DRAGON LORD - 1982; THE BREAKTHROUGH - 1982; MEGAFORCE - 1982 [a major bomb across the world; it almost put Golden Harvest out of business]; THE DEAD AND THE DEADLY - 1982; HIGH ROAD TO CHINA - 1982 [Chow hoped to make Tom Selleck a major star, but this film didn't help his popularity]; ZU: WARRIORS FROM THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN - 1983; WINNERS & SINNERS - 1983; PROJECT A - 1983; LASSITER - 1984 [another Selleck bomb]; CANNONBALL RUN II - 1984; WHEELS ON MEALS - 1984 [a good action comedy filmed in Rome; some amazing stunts]; THE PROTECTOR - 1985 [another Chan film that failed to ignite the boxoffice, mainly due to studio tampering]; POLICE STORY - 1985 [a perfect Chan action film full of amazing stunts. Chan was almost killed filming it]; THE SEVENTH CURSE - 1986; PROJECT A2 - 1987; DRAGONS FOREVER - 1988; POLICE STORY 2 - 1988; SAGA OF THE PHOENIX - 1990; CHINA O'BRIEN - 1990; TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - 1990; A SHOW OF FORCE - 1990; CHINA O'BRIEN II - 1991; TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: THE SECRET OF THE OOZE - 1991; ARMOUR OF GOD 2: OPERATION CONDOR - 1991; ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA II - 1992; TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III - 1993; RUMBLE IN THE BRONX - 1995; THE BLADE - 1995; POLICE STORY 4: FIRST STRIKE - 1996; LEGEND OF GOD OF GAMBLERS - 1996; HOLD YOU TIGHT - 1998; GORGEOUS - 1999; TOKYO RAIDERS - 2000; THE ACCIDENTAL SPY - 2001; YOU SHOOT, I SHOOT - 2001 [his last credit as a Producer]. Mr. Chow won the Hong Kong Film Awards® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and in 2011 he won the Asian Film Awards® Lifetime Achievement Award. Raymond Chow died of natural causes and was 91 years-old.) - 11/02/18
SONDRA LOCKE (Actress: Ms. Locke was an Academy Award®-nominated actress who was best known as the longtime companion of Clint Eastwood, appearing in many movies with him during the '70s & '80s, but when things soured between them, she sued him for palimony and hardly ever worked in the business again, proving that you don't dare fuck with Eastwood. Her credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for Television Series]: THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER - 1968 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actress in a Supporting Role]; COVER ME BABE - 1970; WILLARD - 1971; NIGHT GALLERY - [TV; "A Feast Of Blood" - 1972]; A REFLECTION OF FEAR - 1972; THE F.B.I. - 1972 [TV]; MY SECRET MOTHER - 1973 [An ABC Afternoon Playbreak TV Special]; GONDOLA - 1974 [TV Movie]; KUNG FU - 1974 [TV]; THE SECOND COMING OF SUZANNE - 1974; PLANET OF THE APES - 1974 [TV]; BARNABY JONES - 1975 [TV]; CANNON - 1973-1975 [TV]; JOE FORRESTER - 1976 [TV]; THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES - 1976 [her first film with Eastwood]; DEATH GAME - 1977 [Uncredited Screenwriter]; THE SHADOW OF CHIKARA - 1977; THE GAUNTLET - 1977; EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE - 1978 [also Singer]; FRIENDSHIPS, SECRETS AND LIES - 1979 [TV Movie]; BRONCO BILLY - 1980 [Razzie Award® nominee for Worst Actress]; ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN - 1980 [also Singer]; ROSIE: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY STORY - 1982 [TV Movie]; SUDDEN IMPACT - 1983 [her last film with Eastwood]; TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED - 1984 [TV]; AMAZING STORIES - 1985 [TV]; RATBOY - 1986 [also Directed; Razzie Award® nominee for Worst Actress]; CLEAN AND NARROW - 2000; THE PROPHET'S GAME - 2000; RAY MEETS HELEN - 2017 [also Executive Producer; her final acting role, also her first in 17 years]. Ms. Locke also directed the films IMPULSE - 1990; DEATH IN SMALL DOSES - 1995 [TV Movie] and TRADING FAVORS - 1997. She was also Executive Producer of KNOCK KNOCK - 2015. Sondra Locke passed away from from a cardiac arrest related to breast and bone cancers. She was 74 years-old. For a full biography look up her name on the IMDb.) - 11/03/18
NICOLAS ROEG (Cinematographer/Director: Nicolas Roeg was a true film legend. Starting out as a gofer in the British film industry, he worked his way up to become a sought-after cinematographer and, eventually, a director of some strange, yet fascinating films. Most of his films, such as PERFORMANCE [1970], DON'T LOOK NOW [1973] and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH [1976] dealt with strangers in a strange land and how they coped with it, usually tragically. His films had an edge to them that only Mr. Roeg could apply, making them memorable and ripe to be rediscovered by generations to come. His credits as a director included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: PERFORMANCE - 1970 [Co-Directed with Donald Cammell; also Cinematographer]; WALKABOUT - 1971 [also Cinematographer]; GLASTONBURY FAYRE - 1972 [Documentary; also Cinematographer]; DON'T LOOK NOW - 1973 [one of the most influential giallo films {filmed in Venice}, copied by many films that came after it]; THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH - 1976 [David Bowie gave a standout performance]; BAD TIMING - 1980; EUREKA - 1983; ROGER WATERS 5:01 AM [THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH HIKING, PART 10] - 1984 [Music Video]; ROGER WATERS 4:41 AM [SEXUAL REVOLUTION] - 1994 [Music Video]; ROGER WATERS 5:06 AM [EVERY STRANGERS EYES] - 1994 [Music Video]; INSIGNIFICANCE - 1985; CASTAWAY - 1986; AIDS: MONOLITH - 1987 [Video Short]; AIDS: ICEBERG - 1987 [Video Short]; ARIA - 1987; TRACK 29 - 1988; SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH - 1989 [TV Movie]; THE WITCHES - 1990 [Probably the most "adult" children's film ever made!]; COLD HEAVEN - 1991; THE YOUNG INDIANA JONES CHRONICLES - 1993 [TV]; HEART OF DARKNESS - 1993 [Cable TV Movie]; TWO DEATHS - 1995; FULL BODY MASSAGE - 1995 [Pay TV Movie]; HOTEL PARADISE - 1995 [Short]; SAMSON AND DELILAH - 1996 [TV mini-series]; THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG INDIANA JONES: DEMONS OF DECEPTION - 1999 [MFHV]; THE SOUND OF CLAUDIA SCHIFFER - 2000 [Short]; PUFFBALL: THE DEVIL'S EYEBALL - 2007; THE FILM THAT BUYS THE CINEMA - 2014 [Documentary; his final directorial credit]. A few of his Cinematography credits included [All Theatrical Films]: INFORMATION RECEIVED - 1961; JUST FOR FUN - 1963; THE GUEST - 1963; DR. CRIPPEN - 1963; NOTHING BUT THE BEST - 1964; THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH - 1964; CODE 7, VICTIM 5 - 1964; THE GIRL-GETTERS - 1964; FAHRENHEIT 451 - 1966; A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM - 1966; FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD - 1967; PETULIA - 1968. Mr. Roeg was Camera Operator or Additional Photographer on the following Theatrical Films: THE CHILD AND THE KILLER - 1959; TARZAN'S GREATEST ADVENTURE - 1959; THE SUNDOWNERS - 1960; DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN - 1961; LAWRENCE OF ARABIA - 1962; DOCTOR ZHIVAGO - 1965; CASINO ROYALE - 1967. Here's what Mr. Roeg had to say about the importance of cinematography: "I can't think how anyone can become a director without learning the craft of cinematography. I was very glad later when I was directing that I wasn't in the hands of a cinematographer and hoping that he would do it well. I would know what he was doing, and we could discuss how that scene would look. It was just lucky in a way that I didn't go to film school and just learned all this on the floor. You make the movie through the cinematography - it sounds quite a simple idea, but it was like a huge revelation to me. Curiously, it sank for a while when video and commercials came in. Because they had very little story to tell and they just had one thing to sell, they could have magnificent photography but not great cinematography. So quite a lot of people who've come into cinema from the commercials world have had to learn the very fact of what cinematography is over again." Nicolas Roeg died of undisclosed causes and was 90 years-old.) - 11/23/18
SAMUEL HADIDA (Producer: Casablanca, Morocco-born Samuel Hadida produced many films familiar to readers of this site, including the RESIDENT EVIL franchise. He also founded the Metropolitan Filmexport, through which he had distributed over 100 films in France and French-speaking territories. Films he Produced or Executive Produced included [All Theatrical Films]: ONLY THE STRONG - 1993; TRUE ROMANCE - 1993; KILLING ZOE - 1993; NECRONOMICON: BOOK OF THE DEAD - 1993; THE EXPERT - 1995; CRYING FREEMAN - 1995; FREEWAY - 1996; THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO - 1996; RHINOCEROS HUNTING IN BUDAPEST - 1997; NIRVANA - 1997; LEGIONNAIRE - 1998; THE BIG BRASS RING - 1999; INFERNO - 1999; FREEWAY II: CONFESSIONS OF A TRICKBABY - 1999; DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA - 2000; BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF - 2001; LAGUNA - 2001; RESIDENT EVIL - 2002; SPIDER - 2002; SWEAT - 2002; BREAK OF DAWN - 2002; RULES OF ATTRACTION - 2002; GIFT FROM ABOVE - 2003; TURN LEFT AT THE END OF THE WORLD - 2004; RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE - 2004; FIVE CHILDREN AND IT - 2004; BATTLE OF THE BRAVE - 2004; THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY - 2004; GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK - 2005; THE AURA - 2005; DOMINO - 2005; LASSIE - 2005; SILENT HILL - 2006; MOSCOW ZERO - 2006; THE BLACK DAHLIA - 2006; PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER - 2006; 88 MINUTES - 2007; RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION - 2007; THE SECRET OF MOONACRE - 2008; THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS - 2009; SOLOMON KANE - 2009; RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE - 2010; BLITZ - 2011; CONAN THE BARBARIAN - 2011; RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION - 2012; SILENT HILL: REVELATION - 2012; THE RAILWAY MAN - 2013; THE EXPENDABLES 3 - 2014; SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR - 2014; THE SCENT OF MANDARIN - 2015; CRIMINAL - 2016; THE MECHANIC: RESURRECTION - 2016; RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER - 2016; THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD - 2017; PAPILLON - 2017; LOVE ADDICT - 2018; BELLEVILLE COP - 2018; HUNTER KILLER - 2018; SISTERS IN ARMS - 2019 [his final credit as Producer]. Samuel Hadida passed away from a short illness and was 64 years-old.) - 11/26/18
GEOFF MURPHY (Director/writer: New Zealand born Geoffrey Peter Murphy made some damn good films in his native country before being "discovered" by Hollywood, where he made predictable, but professional, A-List films starring some of America's up-and-coming actors. His credits as a director included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]; TANK BUSTERS - 1970 [Short; also Actor]; UENUKU - 1974 [TV Movie]; PERCY THE POLICEMAN - 1974 [TV; also Writer; 5 episodes]; BLERTA - 1976 [TV; also Writer & Actor]; WILD MAN - 1977 [also Writer & Actor]; DAGG DAY AFTERNOON - 1977 [Short; also Writer]; GOODBYE PORK PIE - 1980 [also Writer]; UTU - 1983 [also Writer & Actor]; THE QUIET EARTH - 1985 [I believe this is the best film of his career; New Zealand Film and TV Awards® winner for Best Director]; NEVER SAY DIE - 1988 [also Writer & Actor]; RED KING, WHITE KNIGHT - 1989 [HBO Movie]; YOUNG GUNS II - 1990; FREEJACK - 1992; BLIND SIDE - 1993 [HBO Movie]; THE LAST OUTLAW - 1993 [HBO Movie]; UNDER SIEGE 2: DARK TERRITORY - 1995 [Probably Murphy and Steven Seagal's best Hollywood film]; DON'T LOOK BACK - 1996 [HBO Movie]; THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN - 1998 [TV]; FORTRESS 2 - 1999; RACE AGAINST TIME - 2000 [TV Movie]; BLERTA REVISITED - 2001 [Documentary]; SPOOKED - 2004 [also Writer & Actor]; WELCOME TO PARADISE - 2007 [TV]; TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION - 2009 [his final directorial credit]. Geoff Murphy died of undisclosed causes and was 80 years-old.) - 12/03/18
TIM ROSSOVICH (Actor: Instantly recognizable character Actor on TV and in the Movies in the '80's. He resembled a beefed-up Tom Selleck, which is strange since they shared a dorm room in college at the University of Southern California. He was also a professional football player who took up acting once he retired from the game. His credits as an actor included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: SOAP - 1978 [3 episodes]; TURNABOUT - 1979 [TV mini-series]; WONDER WOMAN - 1979; THE MAIN EVENT - 1979 [TF]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1978-1979; GOLDIE AND THE BOXER - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE NINTH CONFIGURATION - 1980 [TF]; THE LONG RIDERS - 1980 [TF]; WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS - 1980 [Series Regular; 9 episodes]; NICE DREAMS - 1981 [TF]; LOOKER - 1981 [TF]; FANTASY ISLAND - 1979-1982; NIGHT SHIFT - 1982 [TF]; VOYAGERS! - 1982; TRICK OR TREATS - 1982 [TF]; FAKE-OUT - 1982 [TF]; THE STING II - 1983 [TF]; ACE CRAWFORD...PRIVATE EYE - 1983; MATT HOUSTON - 1983; HART TO HART - 1982-1983; THE A-TEAM - 1983; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1983; AUTOMAN - 1984; CLOAK & DAGGER - 1984 [TF]; BROTHERS - 1984; KINGHT RIDER - 1982-1984; COVER UP - 1984; AVENGING ANGEL - 1985 [TF]; STICK - 1985 [TF]; REMINGTON STEELE - 1985; SIMON & SIMON - 1985; THE LOVE BOAT - 1985; THE FALL GUY - 1983-1986 [3 episodes]; ALF - 1986; PERFECT STRANGERS - 1987; THE NEW MIKE HAMMER - 1984-1987; 1ST & 10: THE CHAMPIONSHIP - 1987 [HBO Series]; CRIME STORY - 1988; JOHNNY BE GOOD - 1988 [TF]; MAGNUM P.I. - 1986-1988 [3 episodes]; FISTS OF STEEL - 1989 [TF]; HUNTER - 1984-1989; THE FOURTH MAN - 1990 [A CBS SCHOOLBREAK SPECIAL]; MACGYVER - 1986-1990 [3 episodes]; SECRET AGENT 00 SOUL - 1990 [TF]; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1990-1991; DREXELL'S CLASS - 1991; HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS - 1991-1992; BAYWATCH - 1992; MIKE HAMMER, PRIVATE EYE - 1998 [his final acting role]. Tim was the brother of actor Rick Rossovich [THE TERMINATOR - 1984]. Tim Rossovich died of undisclosed causes and was 71 years-old.) - 12/06/18
TULSI RAMSEY (Director/Producer: Tulsi Ramsey was a member of the Ramsey Brothers, India's answer to Roger Corman, who gave us some wild (if overlong) Indian horror films. Tusli Ramsey's credits as a director included {Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for Television Series]: NAKULI SHAAN - 1971; DU GAZ ZAMEEN KE NEECHE - 1972; ANDHERA - 1975; DARWAZA - 1978; AUR KAUN? - 1979; SABOOT - 1980; GUEST HOUSE - 1980; DAHSHAT - 1981; SANNATA - 1981; HOTEL - 1981; GHUNGROO KI AWAAZ - 1981; MAUT KA SAYA - 1982; PURANA MANDIR - 1984; TELEPHONE - 1985; 3D SAAMRI - 1985 [also Producer]; TAHKHANA - 1986 [also Co-Producer]; OM - 1986; VEERANA - 1988; PURANI HAVELI - 1989; BANDH DARWAZA - 1990 [probably his best known horror film; also Producer.]; THE MAGNIFICENT GUARDIAN - 1991; POLICE MATTU DADA - 1991; INSPECTOR DHANUSH - 1991; THE ZEE HORROR SHOW - 1993 [TV]; THE MONSTER - 1993; TALAASHI - 1996 [his final directorial film]. He also produced AATMA [2006]. Tulsi Ramsey passed away of a heart attack and was 74 years-old.) - 12/13/18
DONALD MOFFAT (Actor: If British-born Donald Moffat is to be remembered for one thing to fans of horror films, it will be the line he speaks in John Carpenter's THE THING [1982} when Kurt Russell's blood-testing to see who is the alien goes wrong. Garry [Moffat] looks at MacReady [Russell] and says: "I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!" That line of immortal dialogue, delivered as only Moffat could, will be remembered for ages. But Moffat, who has been acting in films and on TV since the mid-1950's, was a man that could do any kind of role and do it in such a way as to make it his own. Donald Moffat's credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: PURSUIT OF THE GRAF SPREE - 1956 [TF]; PERSON UNKNOWN - 1956 [Short]; NAKED CITY - 1958; THE DUPONT SHOW OF THE MONTH - 1959; THE UNITED STATES STEEL HOUR - 1958-1960 [4 episodes]; CBS REPERTOIRE WORKSHOP - 1960; ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE - 1961; LOOK UP AND LIVE - 1961; THE DEFENDERS - 1963-1965; CORONET BLUE - 1967; OF MICE AND MEN - 1968 [TV Movie]; RACHEL, RACHEL - 1968 [TF]; HERE COMES THE BRIDES - 1969; THE FILE ON DEVLIN - 1969 [TV Movie]; ROOM 222 - 1969; LANCER - 1970; THE HIGH CHAPARREL - 1970; R.P.M. - 1970 [TF]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1970; THE YOUNG REBELS - 1970; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1971; BONANZA - 1970-1971; NIGHT GALLERY ["Pickman's Model" - 1971; The first time I noticed Moffat as an actor]; THE DEVIL AND MISS SARAH - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE GREAT NORTHFIELD MINNESOTA RAID - 1972 [TF]; THE TRIAL OF THE CANTONSVILLE NINE - 1972 [TF]; SHOWDOWN - 1973 [TF]; MANNIX - 1973; THE SNOOP SISTERS - 1973; GUNSMOKE - 1974; IRONSIDE - 1972-1974; A TOUCH OF THE POET - 1974 [TV Movie]; REX HARRISON PRESENTS STORIES OF LOVE - 1974 [TV Movie] THE TERMINAL MAN - 1974 [TF]; THE NEW LAND - 1974; EARTHQUAKE - 1974 [TF]; GREAT PERFORMANCES - 1975; THE CALL OF THE WILD - 1976 [TV Movie]; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1975-1976; THE WALTONS - 1977; CODE R - 1977; ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN: THE WHITE HOUSE YEARS - 1977 [TV Movie]; EXO-MAN - 1977 [TV Movie]; MARY WHITE - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE FITZPATRICKS - 1977; WAITING FOR GODOT - 1977 [TV Movie]; LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE - 1978; LOGAN'S RUN - 1977-1978 {Series Regular; 14 episodes]; SERGEANT MATLOVICH VS. THE U.S. AIR FORCE - 1978 [TV Movie]; LAND OF NO RETURN - 1978 [TF]; THE WORD - 1978 [TV mini-series]; THE GIFT OF LOVE - 1978 [TV Movie]; TARTUFFE - 1978 [TV Movie]; FAMILY - 1977-1979; STRANGERS: THE STORY OF A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER - 1979 [TV Movie]; EBONY, IVORY AND JADE - 1979 [TV Movie]; MRS. R'S DAUGHTER - 1979 [TV Movie]; PROMISES IN THE DARK - 1979 [TF]; THE CHISHOLMS - 1980; ON THE NICKEL - 1980 [TF]; THE LONG DAYS OF SUMMER - 1980 [TV Movie]; HealtH - 1980 [TF]; POPEYE - 1980 [TF]; JACQUELINE BOUVIER KENNEDY - 1981 {TV Movie]; WAGNER - 1981 [TV mini-series]; THE WHITE LIONS - 1981 [TF]; A HOUSE DIVIDED: DENMARK VESSEY'S REBELLION - 1982 [TV Movie]; THE THING - 1982 [TF]; DALLAS - 1982-1983 [3 episodes]; WHO WILL LOVE MY CHILDREN? - 1983 [TV Movie]; THROUGH NAKED EYES - 1983 [TV Movie]; THE MISSISSIPPI - 1984; LICENSE TO KILL - 1984 [TV Movie]; ALAMO BAY - 1985 [TF]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1985; THE TWILIGHT ZONE - 1985; THE BEST OF TIMES - 1986 [TF]; MONSTER IN THE CLOSET - 1986 [TF]; AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE - 1986; HOUSTON: THE LEGEND OF TEXAS - 1986 [TV Movie]; DESPERADO - 1987 [TV Movie] WHEN THE TIME COMES - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING - 1988 [TF]; THE BOURNE IDENTITY - 1988 [TV mini-series]; FAR NORTH - 1988 [TF]; NECESSARY PARTIES - 1988 [TV Movie]; TATTINGER'S - 1989; L.A. LAW - 1989; CHINA BEACH - 1989; CROSS OF FIRE - 1989 [TV Movie] MUSIC BOX - 1989 [TF]; A SON'S PROMISE - 1990 [TV Movie]; KALEIDOSCOPE - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES - 1990 [TF]; KOJAK: FLOWERS FOR MATTY - 1990 [TV Movie]; CLASS ACTION - 1991 [TF]; THE GREAT PRETENDER - 1991 [TV Movie]; REGARDING HENRY - 1991 [TF]; BABE RUTH - 1991 [TV Movie]; COLUMBO - 1992; HOUSESITTER - 1992 {TF]; TEAMSTER BOSS: THE JACKIE PRESSER STORY - 1992 [TV Movie]; MAJORITY RULE - 1992 [TV Movie] TALES OF THE CITY - 1993 [TV mini-series]; LOVE, CHEAT & STEAL - 1993 [TF]; CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER - 1994 [TF]; IS THERE LIFE OUT THERE? - 1994 [TV Movie]; TRAPPED IN PARADISE - 1994 [TF]; THE EVENING STAR - 1996 [TF]; JUST IN TIME - 1996 [Short]; DR. QUINN: MEDICINE WOMAN - 1997; A SMILE LIKE YOURS - 1997 [TF]; THE SLEEP ROOM - 1998 [TF]; COOKIE'S FORTUNE - 1999 [TF]; BULL - 2000 [5 episodes]; 61* - 2001  [TV Movie]; THE WEST WING - 2003; LAW AND ORDER: TRIAL BY JURY - 2005 [His last TV and film role]. If you noticed gaps in his film and TV roles, it is because his first love was the Stage. He studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England and quickly shed his British accent, opening him up to many roles in Hollywood and on Stage. He began his acting career as a member of London's Old Vic theater in the 1950s and was nominated for Broadway's 1967 Tony Award as Best Actor [Dramatic] for two plays, both revivals: Pirandello's "Right You Are If You Think You Are", and Ibsen's "The Wild Duck". He was also nominated for a 1976 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Guest Artist for his performance in "Misalliance" at the Academy Festival Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, as well as was awarded the 1979, 1986 & 1996 Drama Logue Award for Outstanding Performance for "Terra Nova", "The Iceman Cometh" and "The Heiress" respectively at theatres in Los Angeles, California. Donald Moffat passed away from complications from a stroke and was 87 years-old, six days before his 88th birthday.) - 12/20/18
JORGE GRAU (Director/Writer: Jorge Grau was an award-winning Writer and Director, best known to fans of this site as the man who directed LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE [1974], also known as DON'T OPEN THE WINDOW and THE LIVING DEAD AT THE MANCHESTER MORGUE, as well as a bunch of other aliases. His credits as a director/writer included [All Theatrical Films, many of them never released to English speaking countries]: COSTA BRAVA - 1959 [Documentary Short]; SOBRE MADRID - 1960 [Documentary Short]; THE RASH ONE - 1964; A LOVE STORY - 1967; ACETEON - 1967; TUSET STREET - 1968; CANTICLE - 1970; STORY OF A GIRL ALONE - 1971; THE LEGEND OF BLOOD CASTLE - 1973; LET SLEEPING CORPSES DIE - 1974 [one of the few films he directed that he didn't write]; VIOLENT BLOOD BATH - 1974; BLOOD AND PASSION - 1975; LA SIESTA - 1976; CODE OF HUNTING - 1983; MUNECAS DE TRAPO - 1984; THE STAB - 1990; TIEMPOS MEJORES - 1994 [his last film as a writer and a director]. Mr. Grau was an Assistant Director or Second Unit Director on the following films: TEN READY RIFLES - 1959; THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES - 1961; and GOLIATH AGAINST THE GIANTS - 1961. Jorge Grau studied at the Centro Sperimentale film school in Rome, Italy, which is why many of his films have that Italian "feel" to them. He was particularly taken with the work of Roberto Rossellini. Jorge Grau died of undisclosed causes and was 88 years-old.) - 12/26/18
FRANK ADONIS (Actor: Frank Adonis used his rugged looks to get roles as Mafia goons, tough guys, bodyguards or bad guys early in his career, usually in uncredited roles [sometimes using his given name "Frank Scioscia"]. He was then noticed by Martin Scorsese, who put him in small, but memorable, roles in his films, starting with RAGING BULL [1980]. His credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: THE FRENCH CONNECTION - 1971; THE GANG THAT COULDN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT - 1971; SHAFT'S BIG SCORE! - 1972; COPS AND ROBBERS - 1973; LUCKY LUCIANO - 1973; CRAZY JOE - 1974; THE GAMBLER - 1974; THE SISTER IN LAW - 1974; PATTY - 1975; EYES OF LAURA MARS - 1978; PUNK ROCK - 1979; RAGING BULL - 1980; WOLFEN - 1981; ONE WAY OUT - 1986; WALL STREET - 1987; SPIKE OF BENSONHURST - 1988; THE EQUALIZER - 1985-1989 [TV; 4 episodes]; AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK - 1989 [TV]; KING OF NEW YORK - 1990; GOODFELLAS - 1990; BAD LIEUTENANT - 1992; TRUE ROMANCE - 1993; ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE - 1994; FINDING INTEREST - 1994; CASINO - 1995; THE JUROR - 1996; NEW YORK UNDERCOVER - 1996 [TV]; MOB QUEEN - 1998; ONE DEADLY ROAD - 1998; GHOST DOG: WAY OF THE SAMURAI - 1999; BLACK & WHITE - 1999; THE SOPRANOS - 2000 [HBO Series]; MAFIOSO: THE FATHER, THE SON - 2001; HIGH TIMES POTLUCK - 2002 [a rare starring role]; LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT - 2004 [TV]; FIND ME GUILTY - 2006; SADDAM - 2006; THE WOODS HAVE EYES - 2007; THE TROUBLE WITH CALI - 2012; PROXIMITY TO POWER - 2017 [his final acting role]. Frank Adonis died after a long battle with various health issues and was 83 years-old.) - 12/27/18
ROBERT KERMAN (Actor: Robert [Charles] Kerman was a well-known adult film star who used the names "Richard Bolla" or "R. Bolla" when he acted in adult fare, but is better known for readers of this site as the star of EATEN ALIVE! [1980], CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST [1980], and CANNIBAL FEROX [a.k.a. MAKE THEM DIE SLOWLY - 1981], where he used his given name. Mr. Kerman's non-porn credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]; CONCORDE AFFAIR '79 - 1979 [Directed by Ruggero Deodato]; THE CONCORDE...AIRPORT '79 - 1979; CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST - 1980; EATEN ALIVE! - 1980; CANNIBAL FEROX - 1981; THE CLAIRVOYANT - 1982; MISSION HILL - 1982; DEATH MASK - 1984; HILL STREET BLUES - 1985 [TV]; SIMON & SIMON - 1985 [TV]; HUNTER - 1986 [TV]; NIGHT OF THE CREEPS - 1986; NO WAY OUT - 1987; CAGNEY & LACEY - 1987 [TV]; SPIDER-MAN - 2002; VIC - 2006 [Short]; I FILMED MY DEATH - 2019 [ His final acting role; In Post-Production at the time of his death]. Since Mr. Kerman starred in over 180 porn films, I will just list some of his better ones: SEX WISH - 1975; GUMS - 1976 [as "Richard Lair"]; PUNK ROCK - 1977; COMMAND PERFORMANCE - 1977; DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - 1978; FIONA ON FIRE - 1978; BABYLON PINK - 1979; PLEASURE PALACE - 1979; THE GIRLS OF GODIVA HIGH - 1980; THE PINK LADIES - 1980; THE SATISFIERS OF ALPHA BLUE - 1981; BLONDE AMBITION - 1981; THE TIFFANY MINX - 1981; DEBBIE DOES DALLAS PART II - 1981; AMANDA BY NIGHT - 1981; FOXTROT - 1982; THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES PART II - 1982; SATISFACTIONS - 1983; MASCARA - 1983; SEX PLAY - 1984; DEAR FANNY - 1984; SPITFIRE - 1985; HOT BLOODED - 1985; DEBBIE DOES DALLAS III - 1985; WHERE THE SUN NEVER SHINES - 1990 [his final porn film]. According to the IMDb: "Although Kerman wanted to continue working in Europe for Italian film productions, it was not to be. He returned to New York when acting jobs in Europe did not materialize. He planed to return to Italy, but labor laws prevented him from doing so--for his last Italian film role, a minor part in Lenzi's CANNIBAL FEROX [1981], he had to film all of his scenes in New York City, as he would not be allowed to work in Italy. In 1998 Kerman received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Free Speech Coalition's annual Night of the Stars, a gala event for the adult film industry. In 2001, the theatrical re-release of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST brought Kerman out of his self-imposed retirement to promote the movie in Los Angeles. It was there that director Sam Raimi asked him to audition for a role in the first SPIDER-MAN [2002], and Kerman got the role of a New York City tugboat captain in small but memorable role." Robert Kerman died of undisclosed causes and was 71 years-old.) - 12/27/18
RINGO LAM (Director: Ringo Lam [real name: Lin Lingdong] was a director of some damn fine Hong Kong action flicks. He even ventured into directing some above average films outside of his native Hong Kong. His credits as a director included [All Theatrical Films]: ESPRIT D'AMOUR - 1983; THE OTHER SIDE OF GENTLEMAN - 1984; CUPID ONE - 1984 [also Writer]; MAD MISSION 4: YOU NEVER DIE TWICE - 1986; CITY ON FIRE - 1987 [also Producer, Writer & bit Actor; this film was the "inspiration" {i.e. rip-off} for the plot and some of the scenes in Quentin Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS.]; PRISON ON FIRE - 1987; SCHOOL ON FIRE - 1988 [also Producer] WILD SEARCH - 1989; UNDECLARED WAR - 1990; TOUCH AND GO - 1991 [also bit Actor]; PRISON ON FIRE II - 1991; THE TWIN DRAGONS - 1992 [also bit Actor]; FULL CONTACT - 1992; BURNING PARADISE - 1994; THE ADVENTURERS - 1995 [also Writer]; MAXIMUM RISK - 1996; FULL ALERT - 1997 [also Producer & Writer]; THE SUSPECT - 1998 [also Writer]; VICTIM - 1999 [also Producer & Writer]; THE REPLICANT - 2001 [I think this is one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's best films]; LOOKING FOR MISTER PERFECT - 2003 [also Writer]; IN HELL - 2003 [another Van Damme winner]; TRIANGLE - 2007; WILD CITY - 2015 [also Producer & Writer]; SKY ON FIRE - 2016 [also Writer]; EIGHT & A HALF - 2019 [filming at the time of his death]. Mr. Lamb also Produced A MOMENT OF ROMANCE [1985] and SIMON SEZ [1999]. On June 27, 2015, Mr. Lam received the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th New York Asian Film Festival. Ringo Lam died of undisclosed causes and was just 64 years-old.) - 12/29/18
BRIAN GARFIELD (Author/Screenwriter: Brian Francis Wynne Garfield was a writer, whose novel "Death Wish" heralded the Charles Bronson vigilante revenge drama DEATH WISH  [and recent remake] and its four sequels. Many of his other novels were also turned into films and he wrote the screenplay to one of them, HOPSCOTCH [1980],  where there are no killings, just to prove to the naysayers that he could write a novel where no one dies or is killed. Movies using  his novels included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise marked: DEATH WISH - 1974; THE EXECUTIONER - 1975 [Turkish film that rips off DEATH WISH verbatim]; THE LAST HARD MEN - 1975 [based on Garfield's novel "Gun Down"]; RELENTLESS - 1977 [TV Movie]; WILD TIMES - 1980 [TV mini-series]; HOPSCOTCH - 1980 [also Screenwriter & Associate Producer; nominated for a WGA Award® for Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium]; DEATH WISH II [Based on Characters from his novel]; LEGS - 1983 [TV Movie]; FLESHBURN - 1983 [Based on his novel "Fear in a Handful of Dust"]; TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED - 1985 [TV; episode titled "Scrimshaw"]; DEATH WISH 3 - 1985 [Based on Characters from his novel]; THE STEPFATHER - 1987 [also uncredited Associate Producer]; DEATH WISH 4: THE CRACKDOWN - 1987 [Based on Characters from his novel]; NECESSITY - 1988 [TV Movie]; STEPFATHER 2: MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY - 1989 [Based on Characters from his novel]; STEPFATHER III - 1992 [Based on Characters from his novel]; DEATH WISH V: THE FACE OF DEATH - 1994 [Based on Characters from his novel]; MOHRA - 1994 [Based on characters from his novel; an unofficial Indian remake of DEATH WISH 4: THE CRACKDOWN]; DEATH SENTENCE - 2007 [Based on his novel "Death Sentence", not "Death Wish" as it was erroneously reported endlessly by the Press; Garfield's favorite film based on one of his novels, even though it wavers from what he wrote]; 24TH STREET - 2009 [Based on Characters from his novel "The Stepfather"; an Indian remake]; THE STEPFATHER - 2009 [a limp PG-13 remake of the classic thriller; don't bother]; DEATH WISH - 2018 [Violent remake starring Bruce Willis and directed by Eli Roth; it bombed at the boxoffice, but worth at least one viewing]. Mr. Garfield's book "The Thousand Mile War" was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize®. Mr. Garfield wrote about a forty more novels which I am sure will be turned into movies in the future. Brian Garfield passed away due to Parkinson's disease and was 79 years-old.) - 12/29/18

2019 Obituaries

JOE STAPLETON (Actor: Joe Stapleton was a veteran traffic reporter for Boston station for WBZ-TV, who turned his love of movies into a bit actor, as cops, law enforcement agents or other background roles, on some well-known Theatrical Films. His credits as an actor included [all Theatrical Films unless otherwise noted]: MYSTIC RIVER - 2003; HARD LUCK - 2006 [DTV]; UNDERDOG - 2007; THE INVENTION OF LYING - 2009; EDGE OF DARKNESS - 2010; LOSING CONTROL - 2011; THE A PLATE - 2011; THE HEAT - 2013; R.I.P.D. - 2013; SEX TAPE - 2014; VIRAL - 2015 [Short]; IRRATIONAL MAN - 2015; SPOTLIGHT - 2015; MANCHESTER BY THE SEA - 2016; CASTLE ROCK [Streaming series; his final acting credit]. Joe has worked as both a radio and TV broadcaster for more than 25 years. Mr. Stapleton died suddenly on New Year’s Day, according to WBZ News Radio, where he had worked until his death. Joe Stapleton was 55 years-old.) - 01/01/19
BOB EINSTEIN (Actor/Writer/Comedian: Bob Einstein will always be "Super Dave Osborne" to me, as I watched him religiously on the Showtime series BIZARRE [1980 - 1985], where he would put himself in the forefront as the world's most dangerous stuntman and every one of his stunts would end badly and hilariously. People today know him better as "Marty Funkhouser" on Larry David's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM [2004 - Present], but many people don't realize that he was a successful Emmy Award®-winning comedy writer since the mid-1960's, writing for the likes of The Smothers Brothers, Pat Paulsen, Sonny & Cher, and John Byner {what happened to him?]. Mr. Einstein's acting/writing credits included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR - 1968-1969 [9 episodes; as "Officer Judy"; Emmy Award® winner in 1969 for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy, Variety or Music]; PAT PAULSEN'S HALF A COMEDY HOUR - 1970 [8 episodes]; THREE FOR TAHITI - 1970 [TV Movie];  GET TO KNOW YOUR RABBIT - 1972 [TF]; THE JOHN BYNER COMEDY HOUR - 1972; ANOTHER NICE MESS - 1972 [TF; also Director]; THE SONNY AND CHER COMEDY HOUR - 1971-1974 [Writer of 58 episodes; Emmy Award® nominee in 1972 & 1974 for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety or Music]; THE SONNY COMEDY REVUE - 1974 [Writer of 8 episodes]; THE HUDSON BROTHERS RAZZLE DAZZLE SHOW - 1974 [Writer of 16 episodes]; JOEY & DAD - 1975 [also Executive Producer; 4 episodes]; LOLA! - 1975-1976 [also Producer; 4 episodes]; LAUGH BACK - 1975; VAN DYKE AND COMPANY - 1976 [also Producer; Writer of 4 episodes; Emmy Award® winner in 1977 for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series]; RED FOXX - 1977 [also Producer]; BIZARRE - 1981-1985 [Showtime Series; Creator/Star/Producer & Writer;  unknown amount of episodes]; MODERN ROMANCE - 1981 [TF]; THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR - 1988; SUPER DAVE: DAREDEVIL FOR HIRE - 1992 [Animated Series; also Executive Producer; Lasted 13 episodes; Voice only]; THE SUPER DAVE SUPERBOWL OF KNOWLEDGE - 1994 [Animated Special; also Executive Producer; Voice only]; SUPER DAVE'S VEGAS SPECTACULAR - 1995 [TV Special; also Executive Producer]; ROSEANNE - 1997; SUPER DAVE'S ALL STARS - 1997-1998 [also Executive Producer]; NORM - 1999; SUPER DAVE - 1991-1999 [Showtime Series; also Executive Producer; things got quite dirty!]; THE EXTREME ADVENTURES OF SUPER DAVE - 1999 [MFHV; also Executive Producer]; TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC - 2002 [TF]; THE MAN SHOW - 2003; CRANK YANKERS - 2002-2003 [8 episodes]; ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT - 2005-2006 [5 episodes]; THE JEFF GARLIN PROGRAM - 2006; OCEAN'S THIRTEEN - 2007 [TF]; WELCOME TO THE CAPTAIN - 2008; SUPER DAVE'S SPIKE TACULAR - 2009 [also Executive Producer; 4 episodes; his last writing credit]; SHIT YEAR - 2010 [TF]; THE LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM - 2010-2012 [HBO Animated Series; Voice only]; ANGER MANAGEMENT - 2013; STRANGE MAGIC - 2015 [TF; Voice only; also Music Performer]; COMEDY BANG! BANG! - 2015; CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - 2004-2017 [22 episodes; his last acting credit]. Mr. Einstein was also a guest on many of the Late Night Entertainment shows. Bob Einstein was the brother of actor/comedian Albert Brooks [LOST IN AMERICA - 1985; DEFENDING YOUR LIFE - 1991] and was the father of comedian Harry Parke, also known as "Parkyakarkus". Bob Einstein passed away due to complications of cancer and was 76 years-old.) - 01/02/19
GENE OKERLUND (Actor/Interviewer: 'Mean' Gene Okerlund [real name: Eugene Arthur Okerlund] was a mainstay in wrestling during the Golden Years, the '80s & '90s, interviewing many of the WWF's [now known as WWE] superstars, beginning with the era of Hulk Hogan. Given the name "Mean Gene" by wrestler-turned-conspiracy theorist Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, the name stuck throughout Mr. Okerlund's illustrious career. His interviews were always entertaining, even if you didn't like professional wrestling, mainly due to his reactions to some of the wrestlers' replies. He was able to turn his interview career into some part-time acting assignments, appearing both on TV and in films. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]; THE A-TEAM - 1985 [TV]; NO HOLDS BARRED - 1989; REPOSSESSED - 1990; TIMEMASTER - 1995; READY TO RUMBLE - 2000; ANDRE THE GIANT - 2018 [HBO Documentary]. The real meat of Mean Gene's career were the many VHS compilations of wrestling matches, nearly 100 of them, with names such as RODDY PIPER'S GREATEST HITS - 1985; RICKY THE DRAGON STEAMBOAT - 1986; WWF: THE BIG EVENT - 1986; THE MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE & ELIZABETH - 1986; THE KEN PATERA STORY - 1987; THE HART FOUNDATION - 1987; JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS - 1987; HULKAMANIA 2 - 1987; GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE - 1987; BRUTUS THE BARBER BEEFCAKE - 1988; THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BRAWN - 1989; HULK HOGAN: REAL AMERICAN - 1989; HIGH FLYERS - 1989; BASHED IN THE USA - 1994 and many others. He retired from wrestling early in the New Millennium, making his final TV appearance on WWE RAW'S 25th Anniversary [2018]. Mean Gene sang the national anthem at the very first WrestleMania [1985], was best man at the Iron Shiek's wedding and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1st, 2006, by his close friend Hulk Hogan.  Vince McMahon paid tribute to Gene in a statement, saying, "It was impossible not to crack a smile whenever 'Mean' Gene Okerlund entered a room. He was the voice behind so many of WWE’s most iconic and entertaining moments, and the WWE family will miss him immensely." Gene's son, Todd Okerlund, told reporters that his father died from injuries from a fall earlier in December and that he was in poor health before the fall, complaining that he had a hard time breathing. Gene Okerlund died in a nursing home with his wife of 55 years by his side. Mean Gene Okerlund was 76 years-old. ADDENDUM: After his death, Hulk Hogan delivered an emotional eulogy on WWE's MONDAY NIGHT RAW. He was visibly shaken and a clip segment showed us why. Nicely done, WWE!) - 01/02/19
GREGG RUDLOFF (Sound Mixer: Gregg Rudloff was a multiple Academy Award® and Emmy Award® winner who provided the sound mix on over 200 films. Rather than list them all, I will only list the ones that are familiar to readers of this site. His credits as a re-recording mixer included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise noted]: THIS IS SPINAL TAP - 1984; THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION - 1984; SAVAGE STREETS - 1984; HYPERSPACE - 1984; AVENGING ANGEL - 1985; PORKY'S REVENGE - 1985; THUNDER ALLEY - 1985; AN EARLY FROST - 1985 [TV Movie; Emmy Award® winner for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Special]; REAL GENIUS - 1985; MAKING CONTACT - 1985; HOUSE - 1985; OUT OF BOUNDS - 1986; SOUL MAN - 1986; NO MERCY - 1986; DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR - 1987; HOT PURSUIT - 1987; HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY - 1987; THE PRINCIPAL - 1987; THE PRINCESS BRIDE - 1987; WORLD GONE WILD - 1987; SHOOT TO KILL - 1988; CROCODILE DUNDEE II - 1988; THE RESCUE - 1988; SHOOTDOWN - 1988 [TV Movie]; DEEPSTAR SIX - 1989; WARLOCK - 1989; HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS - 1989; GLORY - 1989 [Academy Award® winner for Best Sound]; SPACED INVADERS - 1990; SOLAR CRISIS - 1990; SHATTERED - 1991; ONE GOOD COP - 1991; THE ROCKETEER - 1991; HONEY, I BLEW UP THE KID - 1992; COMPLEX OF FEAR - 1993 [TV Movie]; NEEDFUL THINGS - 1993; THE SPECIALIST - 1994; OUTBREAK - 1995; UNDER SIEGE: DARK TERRITORY - 1995; EXECUTIVE DECISION - 1996; SPACE JAM - 1996; ABSOLUTE POWER - 1997; CONSPIRACY THEORY - 1997; FIRE DOWN BELOW - 1997; THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE - 1997; THE POSTMAN - 1997; LETHAL WEAPON 4 - 1998; SOLDIER - 1998; TRUE CRIME - 1998; THE MATRIX - 1999 [Academy Award® winner for Best Sound]; DEEP BLUE SEA - 1999; THE BONE COLLECTOR - 1999; FREEDOM SONG - 2000; ROMEO MUST DIE - 2000; BATTLEFIELD EARTH - 2000; EXIT WOUNDS - 2001; SWORDFISH - 2001; THE LAST CASTLE - 2001; THIR13EN GHOSTS - 2001; COLLTERAL DAMAGE - 2002; SHOWTIME - 2002; SCOOBY-DOO - 2002; GHOST SHIP - 2002; THE MATRIX RELOADED - 2002; THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS - 2003; TAKING LIVES - 2004; CATWOMAN - 2004; CONSTANTINE - 2005; HOUSE OF WAX - 2005; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 2005; POSEIDON - 2006; THE ILLUSIONIST - 2006; SUPERMAN RETURNS - 2006; FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS - 2006; THE REAPING - 2007; THE INVASION - 2007; SPEED RACER - 2008; GET SMART - 2008; GRAN TORINO - 2008; WHITEOUT - 2009; NINJA ASSASSIN - 2009; EDGE OF DARKNESS - 2010; THE RITE - 2011; GREEN LANTERN - 2011; ARGO - 2012; PACIFIC RIM - 2013; THE LEGO MOVIE - 2014; AMERICAN SNIPER - 2014; MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 2015 [Academy Award® winner for Best Achievement in Sound Mixing]; SPECTRE - 2015; THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN - 2016; DEATH NOTE - 2017; THE FOREIGNER - 2017; THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND - 2018 [his final credit]. Mr. Rudloff was the son of fellow sound man Tex Rudloff, Oscar nominee for THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY [1978]. Gregg Rudloff committed suicide [No method of how or reason why was revealed by the police] and he was 63 years-old.) - 01/06/19
PAOLO PAOLONI (Actor: Mr. Paoloni was an Italian character actor who usually portrayed doctors, businessmen or men of the cloth. He should be familiar to readers of this site, as he appeared in some films that I have reviewed, but his main focus was comedy films. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise marked]: THE BLACK SHEEP - 1968; MEDICINE ITALIAN STYLE - 1969; LA RAGAZZA DEL PRETE - 1970; IN THE NAME OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE - 1971; EROTOMANIA - 1974; WHITE COLLAR BLUES - 1975; WHITE HORSES OF SUMMER - 1975; IL SECONDO TRAGICO FANTOZZI - 1976; TUTTI POSSONO ARRICCHIRE TRANNE I POVERI - 1976; L'ALTRA META DEL CIELO - 1977; AN AVERAGE LITTLE MAN - 1977; GRAZIE TANTE - ARRIVEDERCI - 1977; WHERE ARE YOU GOING ON HOLIDAY? - 1978; DR. JEKYLL LIKES THEM HOT - 1979; TESORO MIO - 1979; INFERNO - 1980; CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST - 1980; THE PRECARIOUS BANK TELLER - 1980; VIENI AVANTI CRETINO - 1982; AND THE SHIP SAILS ON - 1983; HEART - 1984 [TV mini-series]; STRADIVARI - 1988; I, PETER PAN - 1989; THE HOUSE OF CLOCKS - 1989 [TV Movie]; VOYAGE OF TERROR: THE ACHILLE LAURO AFFAIR - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE MISER - 1990; THE KING'S WHORE - 1990; TONIGHT AT ALICE'S - 1990; DON'T OPEN THE DOOR FOR THE MAN IN BLACK - 1990 [TV Movie]; CHRISTMAS VACATION '90 - 1990; VOICES FROM BEYOND - 1991; CHRISTMAS VACATION '91 - 1991; KILLER RULES - 1993 [TV Movie]; FANTOZZI IN PARADISE - 1993; CHICKEN PARK - 1994; THE RETURN OF FANTOZZI - 1996; DOUBLE TEAM - 1997; DIRTY LINEN - 1999; FALCONE - 1999 [TV Movie]; FANTOZZI 2000 - THE CLONING - 1999; LAGUNA - 2001; RIPLEY'S GAME - 2002; THE HAUNTING OF HELENA - 2012; BLESSED MADNESS - 2018 [his final acting role]. Mr. Paoloni also appeared in many Italian films and TV series that were never released in English speaking countries. Paolo Paoloni died of undisclosed causes and was 89 years-old.) - 01/09/19
VERNA BLOOM (Actress: A lovely, talented actress that I best remember in Clint Eastwood's film HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER [1973], but she appeared in many popular films, including a role as Dean Wormer's wife in ANIMAL HOUSE [1978]. Her credits as an actress included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: NBC EXPERIMENT WITH TELEVISION - 1967 [TV]; N.Y.P.D. - 1967 [TV]; DIRECTIONS - 1968 [TV]; BONANZA - 1969 [TV]; MEDIUM COOL - 1969; CHILDREN'S GAMES - 1969; THE HIRED HAND - 1971; PARTICULAR MEN - 1972 [TV Movie]; DOC ELLIOT - 1973 [TV]; HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER - 1973; BADGE 373 - 1973; WHERE HAVE ALL THE PEOPLE GONE? - 1974 [TV Movie]; SARAH T.: PORTRAIT OF A TEENAGE ALCOHOLIC - 1976 [TV Movie]; THE BLUE KNIGHT - 1975 [TV]; KOJAK - 1976 [TV]; POLICE STORY - 1973-1976 [TV]; VISIONS - 1977 [TV]; CONTACT ON CHERRY STREET - 1977 [TV Movie]; LOU GRANT - 1977 [TV]; GIBBSVILLE - 1977 [TV]; ANIMAL HOUSE - 1978; PLAYING WITH TIME - 1980 [TV Movie]; RIVKIN: BOUNTY HUNTER - 1981 [TV Movie]; HONKYTONK MAN - 1982; THE JOURNEY OF NATTY GANN - 1985; AFTER HOURS - 1985; PROMISES TO KEEP - 1985 [TV Movie]; CAGNEY & LACEY - 1987 [TV]; THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST - 1988; THE EQUALIZER - 1988-1989 [TV]; DOCTOR QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN - 1993 [TV]; THE WEST WING - 2003 [TV; her final acting role]. Ms. Bloom was also a Stage actress and she Co-founded the Trident Playhouse in Denver, Colorado and starred in the Broadway production of MARAT/SADE in 1967, which led to film and TV roles. Verna Bloom passed away from complications from dementia and was 80 years-old.) - 01/09/19
PAUL KOSLO (Actor: Mr. Koslo was a great character actor known for his bad guy roles in both A and B films as well as on TV. He had a face when once seen is never forgotten. I have reviewed many of the films he appeared in, which makes his passing far more sad for me. His credits as an actor included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: FESTIVAL - 1966; LITTLE WHITE LIES - 1966 [Short]; HOUSE OF ZODIAC - 1969; THE LOSERS - 1970 [TF; The first time Koslo became known to me]; VANISHING POINT - 1971 [TF; a classic]; SCANDALOUS JOHN - 1971 [TF]; THE OMEGA MAN - 1971 [TF]; BEARCATS! - 1971; THE BIRDMEN - 1971 [TV Movie]; LONGSTREET - 1971; WELCOME HOME SOLDIER BOYS - 1971 [TF; A fantastic film waiting to be rediscovered]; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1972; IRONSIDE - 1972 [TV]; JOE KIDD - 1972 [TF]; THE DAUGHTERS OF JOSHUA CABE - 1972 [TV Movie]; LOLLY-MADONNA XXX - 1973 [TF]; CLEOPATRA JONES - 1973 [TF]; THE STONE KILLER - 1973 [TF]; THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN - 1973 [TF]; MR. MAJESTYK - 1974 [TF]; BOOTLEGGERS - 1974 [TF]; THE MANHUNTER - 1974; GUNSMOKE - 1974; FREEBIE AND THE BEAN - 1974 [TF]; THE DROWNING POOL - 1975 [TF]; PETROCELLI - 1975; POLICE WOMAN - 1975; SWITCH - 1975; ROOSTER COGBURN - 1975 [TF]; THE ROOKIES - 1975; CANNON - 1974-1975; POLICE STORY - 1976; SCOTT FREE - 1976 [TV Movie]; CAPTAINS AND KINGS - 1976 [TV mini-series]; VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED - 1976 [TF]; BARNABY JONES - 1977; MANIAC! [TF; a.k.a. ASSAULT IN PARADISE - 1977]; MOST WANTED - 1977; TOMORROW NEVER COMES - 1978 [TF]; DAVID CASSIDY - MAN UNDERCOVER - 1978; DALLAS - 1978; LOVE AND BULLETS - 1979 [TF]; HOW THE WEST WAS WON - 1979; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1976-1979; ROOTS: THE NEXT GENERATION - 1979 [TV mini-series]; CHiPS - 1979; THE SACKETTS - 1979; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1976-1979; BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY - 1980; GALACTICA 1980 - 1980; RAPE AND MARRIAGE: THE RIDEOUT CASE - 1980 [TV Movie]; HEAVEN'S GATE - 1980 [TF; Here's what he had to say about appearing in this major boxoffice dud: "That was a great experience, except that the director was a little weird. After like the first nine days of work, he had 1200 extras every day for six months. Twelve hundred extras a day being made up? Can you imagine?"]; PARIS - 1980; INMATES: A LOVE STORY - 1981 [TV Movie]; HART TO HART - 1981; QUINCY M.E. - 1981; NERO WOLFE - 1981; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1980-1981; THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO - 1981; TODAY'S F.B.I. - 1981; STRIKE FORCE - 1982; CASSIE & CO. - 1981; BRET MAVERICK - 1982; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1982; GAVILAN - 1982; HAMBONE AND HILLIE - 1983 [TF]; KENNY ROGERS AS THE GAMBLER: THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES - 1983 [TV Movie]; MATT HOUSTON - 1984; LEGMEN - 1984; BLUE THUNDER - 1984; YOU ARE THE JURY - 1984; THE PAPER CHASE - 1984; JESSIE - 1984; KNIGHT RIDER - 1984; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 1984; THE GLITTER DOME - 1984 [HBO Movie]; T.J. HOOKER - 1984; DEADLY NIGHTMARES - 1985; THE ANNIHILATORS - 1985 [TF]; CRAZY LIKE A FOX - 1985; THE A-TEAM - 1983-1985; WILDSIDE - 1985; MISFITS OF SCIENCE - 1985; HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN - 1986; MACGYVER - 1986; CARIBE - 1987 [TF]; A NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF JIMMY REARDON - 1988 [TF]; FALCON CREST - 1988; OHARA - 1988; THE HIGHWAYMAN - 1988; ROBOT JOX - 1989 [TF]; HUNTER - 1989; LOOSE CANNONS - 1990 [TF]; THE OUTSIDERS - 1990; XTRO 2: THE SECOND ENCOUNTER - 1990 [TF]; SOLAR CRISIS - 1990 [TF]; LIFE GOES ON - 1990; THE FLASH - 1990; CONAGHER - 1991; DRIVE LIKE LIGHTNING - 1992 [TV Movie]; SHADOWCHASER - 1992 [MFHV]; CHAINED HEAT II - 1993 [TF]; DOWNDRAFT - 1996 [TV Movie]; JUDGE AND JURY - 1996 [TF]; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1998; INFERNO - 1999 [TF]; STARGATE SG-1 - 2000; TRUE CRIME: CRIMES OF PASSION - 2002 [TV Movie Documentary]; Y.M.I. - 2004 [TF; also Producer and Second Unit Director of Rome sequences]; BREAKING THE FIFTH - 2004 [TF; his final acting role]. Mr. Koslo also produced the film ALIVE OR DEAD [2008] and Executive Produced the documentary A COUP IN CAMELOT [2015]. He also appeared as himself in the wonderfully entertaining documentary MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED! [2010] and can also be seen in the upcoming documentary CELLULOID WIZARDS IN THE VIDEO WASTELAND: THE SAGA OF EMPIRE PICTURES. Paul Koslo passed away from pancreatic cancer and was 74 years-old.) - 01/09/19
STEFANOS MILTSAKAKIS (Actor: Mr. Miltsakakis was a Greek bodybuilder who usually played Russian bad guys in action flicks, fighting Jean-Claude Van Damme in five films, the most memorable being their fight in a Russian bathhouse while they are wearing nothing but towels in the film MAXIMUM RISK [1996]. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S - 1989; CYBORG - 1989; SHOOTERS - 1989; DOWNTOWN - 1990; LIONHEART - 1990; LEGION OF IRON - 1990; MATLOCK - 1990 [TV]; EERIE, INDIANA - 1991 [TV]; TED & VENUS - 1991; DOUBLE TROUBLE - 1992; WAXWORK II: LOST IN TIME - 1992; THE MASTER - 1992; SUNSET HEAT - 1992; INVINCIBLE - 1992; BAYWATCH - 1993 [TV]; BEST OF THE BEST II - 1993; MARTIAL OUTLAW - 1993 [MFHV]; T-FORCE - 1994; FISTS OF IRON - 1995; THE QUEST - 1996; MAXIMUM RISK - 1996; SHELTER - 1998; MARTIAL LAW - 1998 [TV]; BLOODSPORT: THE DARK KUMITE - 1999; BITTERSWEET - 1999 [MFHV]; NASH BRIDGES - 1998-2001 [TV; 4 episodes]; DERAILED - 2002; DAREDEVIL - 2003; COLD CASE - 2007 [TV]; BOBBY Z - 2007; THE MAN WHO CAME BACK - 2008; REACH ME - 2014; DEN OF THIEVES - 2018 [his last credit as an actor]. Stefanos Miltsakakis passed away from undisclosed causes and was 60 yeras-old.) - 01/09/19
ANDREW G. VAJNA (Producer: Whenever Budapest, Hungary-born Andrew Vajna's name is mentioned, all I think about are the excellent action films he produced in the '80s & '90s. But he wasn't just about action, he produced some damn fine horror and drama films, too. His credits as a Producer or Executive Producer included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise noted]: DEADLY CHINA DOLL - 1973 [Producer of the English language version]; THE CHANGELING - 1980; VICTORY - 1981; THE AMATEUR - 1981; SUPERSTITION - 1982; FIRST BLOOD - 1982; RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART 2 - 1985; ANGEL HEART - 1987; EXTREME PREJUDICE - 1987; RAMBO III - 1988; RED HEAT - 1988; DEEPSTAR SIX - 1989; JOHNNY HANDSOME - 1989; MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON - 1990; TOTAL RECALL - 1990; AIR AMERICA - 1990; NARROW MARGIN - 1990; JACOB'S LADDER - 1990; MEDICINE MAN - 1992; TOMBSTONE - 1993; RENAISSANCE MAN - 1994; COLOR OF NIGHT - 1994; DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE - 1995; JUDGE DREDD - 1995; THE SCARLET LETTER - 1995; NIXON - 1995; AMANDA - 1996; EVITA - 1996; SHADOW CONSPIRACY - 1997; AN ALAN SMITHEE FILM: BURN, HOLLYWOOD, BURN - 1997; THE THIRTEENTH WARRIOR - 1999 [a guilty pleasure of mine]; EYES OF THE HOLOCAUST - 2000; AN AMERICAN RHAPSODY - 2001; I SPY - 2002; TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES - 2003; BASIC INSTINCT 2 - 2006; FREEDOM'S FURY - 2006; CHILDREN OF GLORY - 2006; TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES - 2008-2009 [TV Series; Executive Producer of 31 episodes]; TERMINATOR SALVATION - 2009; SCHOOL FOR SCUMBAGS - ??? [in Pre-production at the time of his death. No word if the film will be made]. Not a bad resumé, no? According to IMDB: "Vajna helped his longtime partner, Mario Kassar, form Carolco Pictures in 1976 and was notably associated with the "Terminator" and "Rambo" franchises in the 1980s. In 1989, Vajna resigned from his position at Carolco to start his own production company, Cinergi Pictures, but that company eventually failed in the late 1990s. Vajna eventually re-teamed with Kassar in 2003 to form C-2 Pictures, solely to bring back the 'Terminator' franchise once again. Andrew G. Vajna died of undisclosed causes and was 74 years-old.) - 01/19/19
DICK MILLER (Actor: Richard "Dick" Miller was one of those character actors who improved everything he was in, no matter how bad it was. Starting his career with starring roles in some cult classics directed by Roger Corman [who would continue to employ him throughout his career], he morphed into a character actor doing mostly small parts. The parts may have been small, but Miller made them his own and did it in such a way as to make them memorable. So much so that he became a regular in all of Joe Dante's films and other people, like James Cameron, used him often. He was an actor who always gave 100% and while his death didn't come as a shock to me, it did make me realize that there will never be anyone like him again. Dick Miller's credits included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: APACHE WOMAN - 1955; OKLAHOMA WOMAN - 1956; GUNSLINGER - 1956; IT CONQUERED THE WORLD - 1956; NAKED PARADISE - 1957; NOT OF THIS EARTH - 1957; THE UNDEAD - 1957; ROCK ALL NIGHT - 1957; SORORITY GIRL - 1957; CARNIVAL ROCK - 1957; WHIRLYBIRDS - 1958 [TV]; M SQUAD - 1958 [TV]; WAR OF THE SATELLITES - 1958; DRAGNET - 1958 [TV]; THE GALE STORM SHOW - 1957-1958 [TV]; BUCKET OF BLOOD - 1959; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1959 [TV]; THE FAT MAN: THE THIRTY-TWO FRIENDS OF GINA LARDELLI - 1959 [TV Movie]; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - 1960; THE ROARING 20'S - 1961 [TV]; ATLAS - 1961; CAPTURE THAT CAPSULE - 1961; THE LAWLESS YEAR - 1961 [TV]; CABANA 54 - 1961 [TV Movie]; PREMATURE BURIAL - 1962; OUR MAN HIGGENS - 1963 [TV]; BONANZA - 1963 [TV]; THE TERROR - 1963; X: THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES - 1963; GUNSMOKE - 1963 [TV]; WAGON TRAIN - 1964 [TV]; THE VIRGINIAN - 1964 [TV]; THE GIRLS ON THE BEACH - 1965; SKI PARTY - 1965; BEACH BALL - 1965; WILD WILD WINTER - 1966; BRANDED - 1966 [TV]; THE WILD ANGELS - 1966; COMBAT! - 1966 [TV]; DRAGNET 1967 - 1967 [TV]; THE DIRTY DOZEN - 1967; THE ST. VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE - 1967; A TIME FOR KILLING - 1967; THE TRIP - 1967; MANNIX - 1967-1968 [TV]; THE WILD RACERS - 1968; THE LEGEND OF LYLAH CLARE - 1968; THE ANDERSONVILLE TRIAL - 1970 [TV Movie]; MCCLOUD - 1972 [TV]; NIGHT CALL NURSES - 1972; THE STUDENT TEACHERS - 1973; THE SLAMS - 1973; EXECUTIVE ACTION - 1973; THE YOUNG NURSES - 1973; FLY ME - 1973; TRUCK TURNER - 1974; BIG BAD MAMA - 1974 [ also the Voiceover on the theatrical trailer]; CANDY STRIPE NURSES - 1974; POLICE WOMAN - 1974 [TV]; SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS - 1974; POLICE STORY - 1975 [TV]; CAPONE - 1975; DEATH RACE 2000 - 1975; WHITE LINE FEVER - 1975; DARKTOWN STRUTTERS - 1975; CRAZY MAMA - 1975; HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD - 1976; CANNONBALL! - 1976; MOVING VIOLATION - 1976; VIGILANTE FORCE - 1976; MR. BILLION - 1977; HUNTER - 1977 [TV]; NEW YORK, NEW YORK - 1977; GAME SHOW MODELS - 1977; STARHOPS - 1978; I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND - 1978; CORVETTE SUMMER - 1978; PIRANHA - 1978; SOAP - 1979 [TV]; THE LADY IN RED - 1979; ROCK 'N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL - 1979; ALICE - 1979 [TV]; THE 11TH VICTIM - 1979 [TV Movie]; 1941 - 1979; BARNABY JONES - 1979 [TV]; THE HAPPY HOOKER GOES TO HOLLYWOOD - 1980; USED CARS - 1980; DR. HECKYL AND MR. HYPE - 1980; THE HOWLING - 1981 [“Werewolves. They’re like cock-a-roaches.”]; SMOKEY BITES THE DUST - 1981; HEARTBEEPS - 1981; OPEN ALL NIGHT - 1982 [TV]; MOVIE MADNESS - 1982; WHITE DOG - 1982; POLICE SQUAD! - 1982 [TV]; VORTEX - 1982; TAXI - 1979-1982 [TV]; THE AFTERMATH - 1982 [Voice only]; KNOTS LANDING - 1983 [TV]; THE RENEGADES - 1983 [TV]; HEART LIKE A WHEEL - 1983; TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE - 1983; SPACE RAIDERS - 1983; GET CRAZY - 1983; ALL THE RIGHT MOVES - 1983; LIES - 1983; SWING SHIFT - 1984; V: THE FINAL BATTLE - 1984 [TV mini-series]; GREMLINS - 1984; W*A*L*T*E*R - 1984 [TV Short]; THE TERMINATOR - 1984; ROD STEWART: INFATUATION - 1984 [Music Video]; TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE - 1985 [TV]; EXPLORERS - 1985; AFTER HOURS - 1985; CHOPPING MALL - 1986; NIGHT OF THE CREEPS - 1986; ARMED RESPONSE - 1986; AMAZING STORIES - 1986 [TV]; PROJECT X - 1987; FAME - 1984-1987 [TV Series Semi-Regular; 30 episodes; also performer of two songs]; INNERSPACE - 1987; AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON - 1987; MOONLIGHTING - 1987 [TV]; STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - 1988 [TV]; UNDER THE BOARDWALK - 1988; ANGEL III: THE FINAL CHAPTER - 1988; THE 'BURBS - 1989; FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES - 1989 [TV]; FAR FROM HOME - 1989; GHOST WRITER - 1989; WHO'S THE BOSS? - 1990 [TV]; GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH - 1990; MOB BOSS - 1990; THE FLASH - 1990-1991 [TV; 6 episodes]; MOTORAMA - 1991; ROC - 1991 [TV]; EERIE, INDIANA - 1991 [TV]; THE WOMAN WHO SINNED - 1991 [TV Movie]; EVIL TOONS - 1992; AMITYVILLE 1992: IT'S ABOUT TIME - 1992; FBI: THE UNTOLD STORIES - 1992 [TV]; BODY WAVES - 1992; QUAKE - 1992 [MFHV]; UNLAWFUL ENTRY - 1992; MATINEE - 1993; FALLEN ANGELS - 1993 [Pay TV Seris]; BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM - 1993 [Voice only]; MIDNIGHT RUNAROUND - 1994 [TV Movie]; MONA MUST DIE - 1994; ATTACK OF THE 5FT. 2 WOMAN - 1994 [TV Movie]; SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROCK! - 1994 [TV Movie]; REBEL HIGHWAY - 1994 [Cable Series]; BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - 1994 [TV; Voice only]; WILD NIGHT - 1994 [John Mellencamp Music Video]; LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN - 1994 [TV]; STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE - 1995 [TV]; TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT - 1995; NUMBER ONE FAN - 1995; WEIRD SCIENCE - 1996 [TV]; SISTER, SISTER - 1996 [TV]; THE SECOND CIVIL WAR - 1997 [TV Movie]; THE WARLORD: BATTLE FOR THE GALAXY - 1998 [TV Movie]; SMALL SOLDIERS - 1998; ER - 1999 [TV]; CLUELESS - 1999 [TV]; NYPD BLUE - 1999 [TV]; SNOOPS - 1999 [TV]; TIME OF YOUR LIFE - 1999 [TV]; ROUTE 666 - 2001; KAREN SISCO - 2003 [TV]; LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION - 2003; JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED - 2005 [TV; Voice only]; TRAPPED ASHES - 2006; TRAIL OF THE SCREAMING FOREHEAD - 2007; THE HOLE - 2009; 3RD SHIFT: MICHAEL'S LAMENT - 2009; BURYING THE EX - 2014; THE ADVENTURES OF BIFFLE AND SHOOSTER - 2015; SCHMO BOAT - 2015 [Short]; HIDEOUSER AND HIDEOUSER - 2018 [Short]; HANUKKAH - 2019 [his final acting role]. Dick Miller supplied the story or screenplay to FOUR RODE OUT - 1970; WHICH WAY TO THE FRONT? - 1970; and TNT JACKSON - 1974. He also directed one episode of MIAMI VICE in 1986. He was also the subject of the 2014 documentary THAT GUY DICK MILLER [which everyone should see to appreciate how much he contributed to films that we all know and love]. Pretty impressive resumé, right? Dick Miller had this to say when asked why his older films are still popular "I wish I knew. It's funny, looking at a picture that's 50 years old and seeing that it hasn't lost any of the--what's the word?--magic. They had magic. They were cheap. They were inexpensive to make, but they've held up for 50 years." These films were popular mainly due to Mr. Miller's performances. He was a one-of-a-kind-person who will never be forgotten. Dick Miller died of natural causes and was 90 years-old. Now it the time to entertain God, my friend. Farewell to one of the nicest people in the world. It won't be the same here without you.) - 01/30/19
JULIE ADAMS (Actress: Julie Adams [real name: Betty May Adams] was an actress best remembered by readers of this site as the star of THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON [1954] whose iconic image from that film was jack-off bait to millions of young boys in the 1950's. Miss Adams was an accomplished actress before that film and she did many TV series and theatrical films after that. Her credits as an actress included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: YOUR SHOW TIME - 1949; RED, HOT AND BLUE - 1949 [TF]; THE DALTON GANG - 1949 [TF]; HOSTILE COUNTRY - 1950 [TF]; MARSHAL OF HELDORADO - 1950 [TF]; CROOKED RIVER - 1950 [TF]; COLORADO RANGER - 1950 [TF]; WEST OF THE BRAZOS - 1950 [TF]; FAST ON THE DRAW - 1950 [TF]; FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE - 1950 [TF]; BRIGHT VICTORY - 1951 [TF]; HOLLYWOOD STORY - 1951 [TF]; BEND OF THE RIVER - 1952 [TF]; FINDERS KEEPERS - 1952 [TF]; TREASURE OF LOST CANYON - 1952 [TF]; HORIZONS WEST - 1952 [TF]; THE LAWLESS BREED - 1953 [TF]; THE MISSISSIPPI GAMBLER - 1953 [TF]; THE MAN FROM THE ALAMO - 1953 [TF]; THE STAND AT APACHE RIVER - 1953 [TF]; THE WINGS OF THE HAWK - 1953 [TF]; CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON - 1954 [TF]; FRANCIS JOINS THE WACS - 1954 [TF]; SIX BRIDGES TO CROSS - 1955 [TF]; THE LOOTERS - 1955 [TF]; ONE DESIRE - 1955 [TF][; THE PRIVATE WAR OF MAJOR BENSON - 1955 [TF]; THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR - 1955; STUDIO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD - 1956; AWAY ALL BOATS - 1956 [TF]; FOUR GIRLS IN TOWN - 1957 [TF]; LUX VIDEO THEATRE - 1955-1957 [3 episodes]; SLAUGHTER ON 10TH AVENUE - 1957 [TF]; CLIMAX! - 1957; SLIM CARTER - 1957 [TF]; PLAYHOUSE 90 - 1958; YANCY DERRINGER - 1958; TARAWA BEACHHEAD - 1958 [TF]; ZANE GREY THEATER - 1958; THE LORETTA YOUNG SHOW - 1958; ONE STEP BEYOND - 1959; STEVE CANYON - 1959; GUNFIGHT AT DODGE CITY - 1959 [TF]; THE MAN AND THE CHALLENGE - 1959; THE ALASKANS - 1959; CHEYENNE - 1960; MAVERICK - 1959-1960; GOODYEAR THEATRE - 1958-1960; ALCOA THEATRE - 1960; THE RIFLEMAN - 1960; TATE - 1960; RAYMIE - 1960 [TF]; MARKHAM - 1960; WRANGLER - 1960; MICHAEL SHAYNE - 1960; BONANZA - 1961; ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - 1958-1961 [3 episodes]; HAWAIIAN EYE - 1960-1961; OUTLAWS - 1961; SURFSIDE 6 - 1961; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1962; THE DICK POWELL THEATRE - 1962; THE UNDERWATER CITY - 1962 [TF]; DR. KILDARE - 1962; CHECKMATE - 1960-1962; KING OF DIAMONDS - 1962; THE GALLANT MEN - 1963; ARREST AND TRIAL - 1963; 77 SUNSET STRIP - 1959-1964 [5 episodes]; KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1964-1965; TICKLE ME - 1965 [TF]; PERRY MASON - 1963-1965 [4 episodes]; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1965; BURKE'S LAW - 1965; THE LONG HOT SUMMER - 1965; THE VIRGINIAN - 1966; THE GIRL FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967; VALLEY OF MYSTERY - 1967 [TV Movie]; INSIGHT - 1967; THE BIG VALLEY - 1966-1968; IRONSIDE - 1968; THE OUTSIDER - 1968; MY FRIEND TONY - 1969; THE F.B.I. - 1969; DAN AUGUST - 1970; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1970-1971; THE YOUNG LAWYERS - 1971; THE LAST MOVIE - 1971 [TF]; THE TRACKERS - 1971 [TV Movie]; NIGHT GALLERY - 1972; THE JIMMY STEWART SHOW - 1971-1972 [Series Regular; 24 episodes]; THE DORIS DAY SHOW - 1969-1972; GO ASK ALICE - 1973 [TV Movie]; MOD SQUAD - 1968-1973; SEARCH - 1973; MANNIX - 1968-1973; MCQ - 1974 [TF]; LUCAS TANNER - 1974; RUN, JOE, RUN - 1974; PSYCHIC KILLER - 1974 [TF]; KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER - 1975; CARIBE - 1975; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1975; THE WILD MCCULLOCHS - 1975 [TF]; MOBILE ONE - 1975; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1969-1975; ELLERY QUEEN - 1975; CANNON - 1972-1975; MEDICAL CENTER - 1976; SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR - 1976 [TV Movie]; THE KILLER INSIDE ME - 1976 [TF]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1977; THIS IS THE LIFE - 1977; POLICE WOMAN - 1978; GOODBYE, FRANKLIN HIGH - 1978 [TF]; THE RUNAWAYS - 1978; THE INCREDIBLE HULK - 1978; THE FIFTH FLOOR - 1978 [TF]; GREATEST HEROES OF THE BIBLE - 1978; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1980; DAN AUGUST: THE TROUBLE WITH WOMEN - 1980 [TV Movie]; VEGA$ - 1981; CAGNEY AND LACEY - 1982; QUINCY M.E. - 1977-1982 [3 episodes]; CODE RED - 1981-1982 [Series Regular; 17 episodes]; CHAMPIONS - 1984 [TF]; HOT PURSUIT - 1984; TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT - 1981-1984; CAPITOL - 1984-1986 [3 episodes]; BLACK ROSES - 1988 [TF]; CATCHFIRE - 1990 [TF]; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1987-1993 [10 episodes]; BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 - 1993; THE CONVICTION OF KITTY DODDS - 1993 [TV Movie]; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 1997; MELROSE PLACE - 1999; SLIDERS - 1999; FAMILY LAW - 2000; LOST - 2005 [Short]; CLOSE TO HOME - 2005; WORLD TRADE CENTER - 2006 [TF]; LOST - 2006; COLD CASE - 2006; CSI: NY - 2007; LOST: MISSING PIECES - 2008 [TV mini-series]; CARNAGE - 2011 [TF; Voice only; also Dialect Coach for Christoph Waltz]; THE LUCKY SOUTHERN STAR - 2018 [Short; her final acting role]. Archive footage of Miss Adams appeared in GOLD GLORY AND CUSTER - 1964 [A Theatrical Feature compromised of episodes of CHEYENNE], THE HORROR SHOW - 1979 [TV Documentary featuring Adams in THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON], John Waters' CRY BABY - 1990 [TF], and the TV Series ELEMENTARY - 2016. Miss Adams was also a panelist on the Game Show YOU DON'T SAY - 1963-1969 and LIAR'S CLUB - 1969. Julie Adams, who was crowned "Miss Little Rock" when she was 19 years-old, was married to actor/director Ray Danton (They met on the set of THE LOOTERS - 1955), who put her in his PSYCHIC KILLER in 1974. They divorced in 1978. Universal Pictures insured Miss Adams' legs for $125,000 with Lloyds Of London. After hearing of Julie Adams' death, Guillermo Del Toro Tweeted : "I mourn Julie Adams passing.  It hurts in a place deep in me, where monsters swim." His Academy Award® winning THE SHAPE OF WATER was based on Julie Adams' role in the CREATURE OF THE BLACK LAGOON. Julie Adams passed away from natural causes and was 92 years-old.) - 02/03/19
ALBERT FINNEY (Actor: Albert Finney was a Shakespearean actor who quickly graduated to films and was nominated for an Academy Award® as Best Actor an amazing five times (but never won). His performances in films speaks to his greatness and he was one of the last batch of great actors to appear in epics as well as horror films. If the role was good, he would accept it no matter what genre it was, making it his own. Albert Finney's credits as an actor included [Theatrical films unless otherwise noted]: SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER - 1956 [TV Movie]; THE MISER - 1956 [TV Movie]; THE CLAVERDON ROAD JOB - 1957 [TV Movie]; BBC SUNDAY-NIGHT THEATRE - 1958 [TV]; EMERGENCY-WARD 10 - 1959 [TV; 4 episodes]; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - 1959 [TV Movie]; THE ENTERTAINER - 1960; SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING - 1960 [BAFTA Award® winer for Best British Actor]; THEATRE NIGHT - 1960 [TV]; TOM JONES - 1963 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Leading Role]; THE VICTORS - 1963; NIGHT MUST FALL - 1964 [also Uncredited Producer]; TWO FOR THE ROAD - 1967; CHARLIE BUBBLES - 1968 [also Director]; THE PICASSO SUMMER - 1969; SCROOGE - 1970 [Golden Globe Award® winner for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical]; GUMSHOE - 1971 [also Uncredited Producer]; ALPHA BETA - 1974 [also Uncredited Producer]; MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS - 1974 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Leading Role]; FORGET-ME-NOT-LANE - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE ADVENTURE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' SMARTER BROTHER - 1975 [Finney had a quick cameo as an audience member at an opera]; THE DUELLISTS - 1977; LOOPHOLE - 1981; WOLFEN - 1981; LOOKER - 1981 [A totally overlooked film that is more relevant today than when it was made]; SHOOT THE MOON - 1982; ANNIE - 1982; THE DRESSER - 1983 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Leading Role]; POPE JOHN PAUL II - 1984 [TV Movie]; UNDER THE VOLCANO - 1984 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Leading Role]; THE BIKO INQUEST - 1984 [TV Movie; also Director]; ORPHANS - 1987; A SIMPLE MAN - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE ENDLESS GAME - 1989 [TV mini-series]; THE IMAGE - 1990; MILLER'S CROSSING - 1990 [I LOVE this film!!!]; THE GREEN MAN - 1990 [TV mini-series]; THE PLAYBOYS - 1992; RICH IN LOVE - 1992; THE BROWNING VERSION - 1994; A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE - 1994; THE RUN OF THE COUNTRY - 1995; KARAOKE - 1996 [TV mini-series]; COLD LAZARUS - 1996 [TV mini-series]; NOSTROMO - 1996-1997 [TV mini-series]; WASHINGTON SQUARE - 1997; A RATHER ENGLISH MARRIAGE - 1998 [TV movie]; BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS - 1999; SIMPATICO - 1999; ERIN BROCKOVICH - 2000 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Supporting Role]; TRAFFIC - 2000; HEMINGWAY, THE HUNTER OF DEATH - 2001; DELIVERING MILO - 2001; THE GATHERING STORM - 2002 {TV Movie; Emmy Award® winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, for portraying Winston Churchill; also won a Golden Globe Award® and BAFTA Award®]; MY UNCLE SILAS - 2001-2003 [TV; 9 episodes]; BIG FISH - 2003; OCEAN'S TWELVE - 2004; CORPSE BRIDE - 2005 [Voice only]; ASPECTS OF LOVE - 2005; A GOOD YEAR - 2006; AMAZING GRACE - 2006; THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM - 2007; BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD - 2007; THE BOURNE LEGACY - 2012; SKYFALL - 2012 [his final acting role]. Mr. Finney was also an Uncredited Producer of IF... - 1968 and O LUCKY MAN! - 1973, two films starring Malcolm McDowell and directed by Lindsay Anderson that are considered classics in their field [which can best be described as forays into the weird and unusual]. Albert Finney refused to have an agent or manager and believed he could get the roles he wanted [which he did]. He turned down nearly every role he was offered, preferring to choose his own roles. He formed a film production company in the mid-'60s and silently produced many films, refusing to take a Producer's credit. His first love was the stage and he won many awards for his stage work. Mr. Finney was mentored by both Charles Laughton and Laurence Olivier early in his career, which is probably the reason why he was such an excellent actor [well, that and his raw talent]. Albert Finney passed away from a chest infection and was 82 years-old.) - 02/07/19
JAN-MICHAEL VINCENT (Actor: Jan-Michael Vincent was an amazingly popular actor in the '70s & '80s, but alcoholism put an end to his career in the mid-'80s while he was starring on the popular TV Series AIRWOLF [1984-1986], when he would show up drunk and not remember his lines, causing the series to be canceled. He took roles in various B-Movies after that, usually in minor supporting roles, but he would still show up inebriated on set and was soon blackballed from the business. A series of accidents and surgeries would then complicate his life and he lived a life of seclusion in Mississippi. Jan-Michael Vincent's credits as an actor included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: THE HARDY BOYS: THE MYSTERY OF THE CHINESE JUNK - 1967; DRAGNET '67 - 1967 [TV]; THE BANDITS - 1967; LASSIE - 1968 [TV; 3 episodes]; JOURNEY TO SHILOH - 1968; BONANZA - 1968-1969 [TV]; THE BANANA SPLITS ADVENTURE HOUR - 1968-1969 [TV; 9 episodes of the series "Danger Island']; THE UNDEFEATED - 1969; THE SURVIVORS - 1969-1970 [TV; 10 episodes]; THE TRIBE - 1970 [TV Movie]; DAN AUGUST - 1971 [TV]; MEN AT LAW - 1971 [TV]; THE PERSUADERS! - 1971 [TV]; GUNSMOKE - 1971 [TV]; GOING HOME - 1971; THE LAST OF THE POWERSEEKERS - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE CATCHER - 1972 [TV Movie]; SANDCASTLES - 1972 [TV Movie]; THE MECHANIC - 1972 [The movie that got him noticed in the industry]; THE WORLD'S GREATEST ATHLETE - 1973; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1973 [TV]; DELIVER US FROM EVIL - 1973 [TV Movie]; TOMA - 1973 [TV]; BUSTER AND BILLIE - 1974; POLICE STORY - 1973-1975 [TV]; BITE THE BULLET - 1975; WHITE LINE FEVER - 1975; BABY BLUE MARINE - 1976; SHADOW OF THE HAWK - 1976; VIGILANTE FORCE - 1976; DAMNATION ALLEY - 1978; BIG WEDNESDAY - 1978; HOOPER - 1978; DEFIANCE - 1980; THE RETURN - 1980 [one of my favorites]; HARD COUNTRY - 1981; THE WINDS OF WAR - 1983 [TV mini-series]; LAST PLANE OUT - 1983; AIRWOLF - 1984 [TV Movie; Pilot for the series]; GET OUT OF MY ROOM - 1985; AIRWOLF - 1984-1986 [TV; 55 episodes]; HOTEL - 1986 [TV]; AIRWOLF II - 1987 [TV; Revamped version of the series, replacing Vincent's "Stringfellow Hawke" character with his brother, portrayed by Barry Van Dyke. Lasted one season. Vincent appeared on one episode of the 24 episode season, but it was flashback footage taken from the original series]; SIX AGAINST THE ROCK - 1987 [TV Movie]; ENEMY TERRITORY - 1987; BORN IN EAST L.A. - 1987; HIT LIST - 1989; DEADLY EMBRACE - 1989 [MFHV]; TARZAN IN MANHATTAN - 1989 [TV Movie]; DIRTY GAMES - 1989; ALIENATOR - 1989; DEMONSTONE - 1989; XTRO 2: THE SECOND ENCOUNTER - 1990; HAUNTING FEAR - 1990 [MFHV]; IN GOLD WE TRUST - 1990; HANGFIRE - 1991; RAW NERVE - 1991; THE FINAL HEIST - 1991 [TV Movie]; THE DIVINE ENFORCER - 1991 [MFHV; You can see Vincent reading his lines on screen, his script taped to a newspaper he is reading!]; ANIMAL INSTINCTS - 1992 [MFHV]; BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY - 1992; MIDNIGHT WITNESS - 1993; SINS OF DESIRE - 1993; HIDDEN OBSESSION - 1993; DEADLY HEROES - 1993; INDECENT BEHAVIOR - 1993; SINGAPORE SLING - 1993 [TV Movie]; RENEGADE - 1994 [TV]; IPI TOMBI - 1994 [South African film; Very little is known about it; Considered lost]; ABDUCTED 2: THE REUNION - 1994; ICE CREAM MAN - 1994 [You can actually see that Vincent is drunk onscreen!]; BODY COUNT - 1995; RED LINE - 1995 [MFHV]; RUSSIAN ROULETTE-MOSCOW 95 - 1995; THE LAST KILL - 1996; LETHAL ORBIT - 1996 [TV Movie]; JURASSIC WOMEN - 1996 [Cable TV Movie]; NASH BRIDGES - 1997 [TV]; THE PALACE - 1997 [MFHV]; BUFFALO '66 - 1998; NO REST FOR THE WICKED - 1998; ESCAPE TO GRIZZLY MOUNTAIN - 2000; THE THUNDERING 8TH - 2000; WHITE BOY - 2002 [His final acting role].  In 1996, Vincent was in a serious automobile accident and he broke his neck. When paramedics put a tube down his throat to help him breathe, they nicked his vocal cords, permanently damaging his voice. In 2012 Vincent had to have the lower half of his right leg amputated due to a leg infection he contracted because of complications from peripheral artery disease. Vincent then had a prosthetic right foot and sometimes had to use a wheelchair to get around. Jan-Michael Vincent died of cardiac arrest in a North Carolina hospital and was 73 years-old. Although he died on February 10th, his death wasn't announced until March 8th. His body was cremated long before his death was announced to the public.) - 02/10/19
CARMEN ARGENZIANO (Actor: Carmen Antimo Argenziano was one of those character actors that improved any film he was in and, boy, was he in a lot of 'em, usually portraying an authority figure or some criminal scumball.! He appeared in both A-List and B Films, as well as many TV Series, working with the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Roger Corman and Cirio H. Santiago, which is how he first caught my attention. He is also one of those faces you instantly recognize, but you never knew his name, which is a shame because he deserved more recognition than he received. Mr. Argenziano's credits included [Theatrical Films unlessd marked with TV for TV Series]: JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE - 1969 [TV]; COVER ME BABE - 1970; THE YOUNG LAWYERS - 1970 [TV]; PUNISHMENT PARK - 1970; THE JESUS TRIP - 1971; MONTY NASH - 1971 [TV]; NIGHT OF THE COBRA WOMAN - 1972; GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE - 1972 {the fist time I noticed Argenziano as an actor; One of my favorite early-'70s horror films]; HIT MAN - 1972; THE OUTSIDE MAN - 1972; THE F.B.I. - 1973 [TV]; THE SLAMS - 1073; KOJAK - 1974 [TV]; CAGED HEAT - 1974; THE GODFATHER PART II - 1974; SEARCH FOR THE GODS - 1975 [TV Movie]; CAPONE - 1975; SHARK'S TREASURE - 1975; COLUMBO - 1975 [TV]; BRONK - 1975 [TV]; CRAZY MAMA - 1975; CANNON - 1975 [TV]; MATT HELM - 1975 [TV]; POLICE WOMAN - 1976 [TV]; TWIN DETECTIVES - 1976 [TV Movie]; VIGILANTE FORCE - 1976; DELVECCHIO - 1976 [TV]; TWO-MINUTE WARNING - 1976; ONCE AN EAGLE - 1976 [TV mini-series]; POLICE STORY - 1976-1977 [TV]; MOST WANTED - 1977 [TV]; THE 3,000 MILE CHASE - 1977 [TV Movie]; KILL ME IF YOU CAN - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE BIONIC WOMAN - 1978 [TV]; DEATH FORCE - 1978 [a.k.a. FIGHTING MAD]; THE BOSS' SON - 1978; CHiPS - 1979 [TV]; FROM HERE TO ETERNITY - 1979 [TV miniseries]; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1976-1979 [TV]; HOT ROD - 1979 [TV Movie]; QUINCY M.E. - 1979 [TV]; WHEN A STRANGER CALLS - 1979; STONE - 1980 [TV]; GRADUATION DAY - 1981; MR. MERLIN - 1981 [TV]; DARKROOM - 1981 [TV]; LOU GRANT - 1978-1981 [TV; 3 episodes]; CIRCLE OF POWER - 1981; BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS - 1982 [TV Movie]; THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO - 1981-1982 [TV]; THE PHOENIX - 1981-1982 [TV]; THE POWERS OF MATTHEW STAR - 1982 [TV]; THE NEW ODD COUPLE - 1982 [TV]; T.J. HOOKER - 1983 [TV]; THE LAST NINJA - 1983 [TV Movie]; QUARTERBACK PRINCESS - 1983 [TV Movie]; SUDDEN IMPACT - 1983; THE A-TEAM - 1984 [TV]; BUFFALO BILL - 1984 [TV]; BEST KEPT SECRETS - 1984 [TV Movie]; HEARTBREAKERS - 1984; CHEERS - 1984 [TV]; SCARECROW AND MRS. KING - 1984 [TV]; FATAL VISION - 1984 [TV mini-series]; HILL STREET BLUES - 1984 [TV]; INTO THE NIGHT - 1985; STARCHASER: THE LEGEND OF ORIN - 1985 [Voice only]; I HAD THREE WIVES - 1985 [TV Movie]; NAKED VENGEANCE - 1985; CAGNEY & LACEY - 1986 [TV]; BETWEEN TWO WOMEN - 1986 [TV Movie]; DANGEROUSLY CLOSE - 1986; HUNTER - 1987 [TV]; U.S. MARSHALS: WACO & RHINEHART - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH - 1987 [TV Movie]; DESIGNING WOMEN - 1987; UNDER COVER - 1987; STAND AND DELIVER - 1988; BAJA OKLAHOMA - 1988 [TV Movie]; BIG BUSINESS - 1988; REMO WILLIAMS: THE PROPHECY - 1988 [TV Movie]; LIBERACE - 1988 [TV Movie]; THE ACCUSED - 1988; RED SCORPION - 1988; COMING OF AGE - 1988 [TV]; POLICE STORY: THE WATCH COMMANDER - 1988 [TV Movie]; TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE - 1988 [TV Movie]; HEARTBEAT - 1989 {Failed TV Series Regular; 12 episodes]; THE FIRST POWER - 1990; BOOKER - 1989-1990 [Series Regular; 22 episodes]; A MOM FOR CHRISTMAS - 1990 [TV Movie]; MATLOCK - 1991 [TV]; KNIGHT RIDER 2000 - 1991 [TV Movie]; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1991 [TV]; CHARLIE HOOVER - 1991 [TV]; DARK JUSTICE - 1992 [TV]; CRASH LANDING: THE RESCUE OF FLIGHT 232 - 1992 [TV Movie]; L.A. LAW - 1986-1992 [TV; 5 episodes]; HEARTBREAKERS - 1992; UNLAWFUL ENTRY - 1992; PERRY MASON: THE CASE OF THE SKIN DEEP SCANDAL - 1993 [TV Movie]; CRIME & PUNISHMENT - 1993 [TV; 3 episodes]; TRIUMPH OVER DISASTER: THE HURRICANE ANDREW STORY - 1993 [TV Movie]; MOMENT OF TRUTH: TO WALK AGAIN - 1994 [TV Movie]; VIPER - 1994 [TV]; AGAINST THE WALL - 1994 [HBO Movie]; RAVE REVIEW - 1994; DEAD CONNECTION - 1994; MOMENT OF TRUTH: CRADLE OF CONSPIRACY - 1994 [TV Movie]; MELROSE PLACE - 1992-1994 [TV; 8 episodes]; THE BURNING SEASON: THE CHICO MENDES STORY - 1994 [TV Movie]; DON JUAN DEMARCO - 1994; KIDNAPPED: IN THE LINE OF DUTY - 1995 [TV Movie]; ER - 1995 [TV]; BABYLON 5 - 1995 [TV]; THE TIE THAT BINDS - 1995; NEW YORK DAZE - 1995 [TV]; HAVE YOU SEEN MY SON? - 1996 [TV Movie]; THE ROCKFORD FILES: IF THE FRAME FITS... - 1996 [TV Movie]; BROKEN ARROW - 1996; CO-ED CALL GIRL - 1996 [TV Movie]; ANDERSONVILLE - 1996 [TV Movie]; SISTERS - 1995-1996 [TV; 4 episodes]; MY SON IS INNOCENT - 1996 [TV Movie]; L.A. FIREFIGHTERS - 1996 [TV; 3 episodes]; PROFILER - 1996 [TV]; MR. & MRS. SMITH - 1996 [TV]; APOLLO 11 - 1996 [TV Movie]; LIFE HAPPENS - 1996 [Short]; JAG - 1997 [TV]; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1994-1997; BELLA MAFIA - 1997 [TV Movie]; NIGHTMAN - 1998; CHICAGO HOPE - 1998; A MURDER OF CROWS - 1998; ALLY MCBEAL - 1999 [TV]; BLUE STREAK - 1999; WARM BLOODED KILLERS - 1999; KING OF THE WORLD - 2000 [TV Movie]; PARTY OF FIVE - 2000 [TV]; GONE IN 60 SECONDS - 2000; A BETTER WAY TO DIE - 2000; HELLRAISER: INFERNO - 2000 [MFHV]; LEVEL 9 - 2000 [TV]; THE CACTUS KID - 2000; STRONG MEDICINE - 2001 [TV]; SWORDFISH - 2001; THE WEST WING - 2002 [TV]; FIRST MONDAY - 2002 [TV]; THE COURT - 2002 [TV]; MALEVOLENT - 2002; DANCING AT THE HARVEST MOON - 2002 [TV Movie]; THE AGENCY - 2002 [TV]; THE PRACTICE - 2003 [TV]; 24-2003 [TV]; IDENTITY - 2003; MOMENTUM - 2003 {TV Movie]; THE LYON'S DEN - 2003; THE DISTRICT - 2003-2004; MEDICAL INVESTIGATION - 2004 [TV]; STARGATE SG-1 - 1998-2005 [Series Semi-Regular; 27 episodes]; CROSSING JORDAN - 2005 [TV]; BLIND JUSTICE - 2005 [TV]; WHAT'S UP SCARLET? - 2005; ANGELS WITH ANGLES - 2005; MURDER 101 - 2006 [TV Movie]; CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 2006 [TV]; COMMANDER IN CHIEF - 2006 [TV]; HOUSE - 2007 [TV; 3 episodes]; CSI: NY - 2006-2008 [TV; 6 episodes]; THE CHOSEN - 2008 [Short]; THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS - 2008-2009 [TV Soap Opera; 11 episodes]; METEOR - 2009 [TV mini-series]; CRIMINAL MINDS - 2009 [TV]; ANGELS & DEMONS - 2009; STREET BOSS - 2009; FAREWELL TO THE SPARROW - 2009 [Short]; THE MENTALIST - 2010 [TV]; FLASHFORWARD - 2010 [TV]; LIE TO ME - 2010 [TV]; CASTLE - 2010 [TV]; OMERTA - 2011; DEATH INTERRUPTED - 2011 [TV Movie]; AMBER LAKE - 2011; RISING SUN - 2012 [Short]; SLEEPING WITH THE BEAR - 2012 [Short]; BUNHEADS - 2013 [TV]; SUNNY AND RAYRAY - 2013; THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB - 2014; LOST MUSIC - 2014 [Short]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 2014 [TV]; OPEN HOUSE - 2014 [Short]; GROOMING - 2014 [Short]; DON QUIXOTE - 2015; FAMILY AFFAIR - 2015 [Short]; SHARKSKIN - 2015; MAFIOSA - 2016; PROFESSOR PHILLIPS AND THE DEVIL - 2016 [Short]; OCCAM'S RAZOR - 2016 [Short]; MY AMERICA - 2016 [TV; 3 episodes]; A WINTER ROSE - 2016; MONTY AND THE RUNAWAY FURNACE - 2016 [Short]; BETA: COME HOME - 2016 [Short]; THE LABYRINTH - 2017; THE INSTITUTE - 2017; ACTORS ANONYMOUS - 2017; EMPIRE OF THE HEART - 2017; SHOOTER - 2017 [TV]; THE MAD WHALE - 2017; SANGRA NEGRA - 2016-2017 [TV]; SINGULARITY - 2017; FUTURE WORLD - 2018; DUKE - 2018; REFERRAL - 2018 [Short]; THE REAL KING LEAR - 2018 [Short]; SHADOWS - 2019 [Short]; LEGION MAXX - 2019 [his final acting role]. Quite an amazing career, don't you think? Especially if you never heard of him before.  When Mr. Argenziano wasn't acting in films or on TV, he was performing on Stage and, in 1982, received the Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle Award as Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack Delasante in Thomas Babe's play "A Prayer for My Daughter," which was directed by Phil Boroff. Carmen Argenziano passed away from undisclosed causes and was 75 years-old. Rest well and thanks for entertaining me all these years.) - 02/10/19
JOSEPH SIROLA (Actor: A lot of people may not know who Joseph Sirola is, but his voice will be instantly recognizable, as he did voiceover work on over 10,000 radio and TV commercials from the mid-'60s to the late-'90s, winning him 25 Clio Awards®, which recognizes creative excellence in advertising, so many that the Wall Street Journal dubbed him "King Of The Voiceovers" in a front page story in 1970. Mr Sirola also appeared in over 600 TV shows as a guest star and appeared in many movies. One film that should interest readers of this site is Oliver Stone's SEIZURE (1974), in which Mr. Sirola was the star. I also have other memories of the man, which I will explain at the end of this obituary. Joseph Sirola's credits as an actor included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: THE BRIGHTER DAY - 1954; HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - 1959 [TF]; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1962; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1962; COMBAT! - 1964; GUNSMOKE - 1963-1964; MR. NOVAK - 1964; DEATH VALLEY DAYS - 1965; STRANGE BEDFELLOWS - 1965 [TF]; THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD - 1965 [TF]; PERRY MASON - 1962-1965 [3 episodes]; THE GREEN HORNET - 1966; RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - 1966; GET SMART - 1965-1966; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1966; CHUKA - 1967 [TF]; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1966-1967 [3 episodes]; FANTASTIC FOUR - 1967 [Voice only; 3 episodes]; HANG 'EM HIGH - 1968 [TF]; THREE - 1969 [TF]; THE DELTA FACTOR - 1970 [TF]; HAIL - 1972 [TF]; VISIONS... - 1972 [TV Movie]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1970-1972 [5 episodes]; CRY RAPE - 1973 [TV Movie]; LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 1973; THE SUPER COPS - 1974 [TF]; THE MAGICIAN - 1974 [Failed TV Series Regular; 11 episodes]; KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER - 1974; SEIZURE - 1974; RHODA - 1974; MANNIX - 1975; THE MONTEFUSCOS - 1975 [Failed TV Series Regular; 9 episodes]; HIGH RISK - 1976 [TV Movie]; SOMERSET - 1976; MEETING OF THE MINDS - 1977; WASHINGTON: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - 1977 [TV mini-series]; WONDER WOMAN - 1972; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1979-1980; SWAN SONG - 1980 [TV Movie]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1981; BRET MAVERICK - 1982; QUINCY M.E. - 1979-1982 [5 episodes]; MATT HOUSTON - 1984; TERRIBLE JOE MORAN - 1984 [TV Movie]; RIPTIDE - 1984; THE A-TEAM - 1985; THE ELLEN BURSTYN SHOW - 1986; SIMON & SIMON - 1986-1988; GIDEON OLIVER - 1989; WOLF - 1989-1990 [Failed TV Series Regular; 11 episodes]; DEA - 1991; CIVIL WARS - 1992; SOLOIST - 1994 [Short]; LOVE IS A GUN - 1994 [TF]; SILK STALKINGS - 1992-1995; THE CITY - 1995; SUNDAY - 1997 [TF]; NYPD BLUE - 1999; SPIN CITY - 1999; PARAMOUR - 1999 [TV mini-series]; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 2001; RESCUE ME - 2010; CODGER - 2013 [Short; his final film acting role]. Joseph Sirola's first love was the Stage, where he appeared in many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions during his life. He holds a place in my heart because he appeared in my late mother's favorite soap opera, SOMERSET [1970 - 1976] and we would watch it together when I came home from school. Mr. Sirola's face is indelibly etched into my mind due to that fact and I thank him for it. You made my mother very happy during a difficult time in her life and I have no way to repay you for what you did, so I hope this obituary does you justice. Joseph Sirola died from complications of respiratory failure and was 89 years-old.) - 02/11/19
BRUNO GANZ (Actor: Bruno Ganz was a Swiss actor who made his bones starring in many German movies and then graduating to international productions. He also had a face so sharp, he could probably cut glass with it. People may not know his face, but he became an international meme star with his scenes as Hitler in the film DOWNFALL [2004]. I first noticed Mr. Ganz as Jonathan Harker in Werner Herzog's NOSFERATU THE VAMPIRE [1979] and followed his career closely because he always gave 100% of himself in every role. He was amazing to watch and his death came as a shock to me. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise specified]: THE MAN IN THE BLACK DERBY - 1960; CHIKITA - 1961; A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD - 1962; TORQUATO TASSO - 1969 [TV Movie]; DIE MUTTER - 1971 [TV Movie]; PEER GYNT - 1971 [TV Movie]; PRINZ FRIEDRICH VON HOMBURG - 1973 [TV Movie]; SUMMER GUESTS - 1976; LUMIERE - 1976; THE MARQUISE OF O - 1976; WILD DUCKS - 1976; THE AMERICAN FRIEND - 1977; THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL - 1978; KNIFE IN THE HEAD - 1978; NOSFERATU THE VAMPIRE - 1979; RETURN TO THE BELOVED - 1979; LOST AND FOUND - 1980; 5% DE RISQUE - 1980; POLENTA - 1980; THE INVENTOR - 1980; LA PROVINCIALE - 1980; LADY OF THE CAMELIAS - 1981; RECE DO GORY - 1981; FERMATA ETNA - 1981 [TV Movie]; CIRCLE OF DECEIT - 1981; IN THE WHITE CITY - 1983; CLOSED CIRCUIT - 1983; PRIVATE RESISTENCE - 1985; DER PARK - 1985 [TV Movie]; EL RIO DE ORO - 1986; DER PENDLER - 1986; WINGS OF DESIRE - 1987 [One of my favorite of Ganz's performances. If you have never seen this film, I would advise that you do]; LOVE OF A WOMAN - 1988; BANKOMATT - 1989; STRAPLESS - 1989; THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF ERNEST HEMINGWAY - 1989; JOURNEY'S END - 1990 [TV Movie]; ERFOLG - 1991; CHILDREN OF NATURE - 1991 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film]; ESPECIALLY ON SUNDAY - 1991; PRAGUE - 1992; THE ABSENCE - 1992; THE LAST DAYS OF CHEZ NOUS - 1992; FARAWAY, SO CLOSE! - 1993 [another excellent Ganz performance; also Singer of the song "Funiculì, funiculà"]; BRANDNACHT - 1993; HELLER TAG - 1994; DIARIO SENZA DATE - 1995; SAINT-EX - 1996; GEGEN ENDE DER NACHT - 1998 [TV Movie]; ETERNITY AND A DAY - 1998; YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN - 1999; WHOAFRAIDWOLF - 2000; BREAD AND TULIPS - 2000; THE POWER OF THE PAST - 2002; EPSTEIN'S NIGHT - 2002; LUTHER - 2003; THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE - 2004; DOWNFALL - 2004 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film]; HAVE NO FEAR: THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II - 2005; VITUS - 2006; THE ODE TO JOY - 2006; COPACABANA - 2007 [TV Movie]; YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH - 2007; STAIRWAY TO NOWHERE - 2008; THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX - 2008 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film]; THE DUST OF TIME - 2008; THE READER - 2008; JULIA'S DISAPPEARANCE - 2009; COLORS IN THE DARK - 2010; THE END IS MY BEGINNING - 2010; NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: THE ELM STREET LEGACY - 2010; UNKNOWN - 2011; OF WOMEN AND HORSES - 2011; FINAL CUT: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - 2012; NIGHT TRAIN TO LISBON - 2013; AGE OF UPRISING: THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL KOHLHAAS - 2013; THE COUNSELLOR - 2013; THE VATICAN - 2013 [TV Movie]; DANCING ARABS - 2014; AMNESIA - 2015; REMEMBER - 2015; HEIDE - 2015; THE PARTY - 2017; IN TIMES OF FADING LIGHT - 2017; FORTUNA - 2017; THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT - 2018; THE TOBACCONIST - 2018; I WITNESS - 2018; RADEGUND - 2019 [his final acting role]. Mr. Ganz also directed and edited the documentary GEDACHTNIS: EIN FILM FUR CURT BOIS UND BERNHARD MINETTI - 1982. Bruno Ganz won many awards during his lifetime and was the winner of the European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award® in 2010. Bruno Ganz passed away from cancer and was 77 years-old.) - 02/16/19
JOHN CARL BUECHLER (Special Makeup Effects Artist/Director: It was hard to go to the video store in the '80s & '90s and not rent a film that Mr. Buechler was involved in, be it as a makeup artist, writer, director or actor. As a special effects makeup artist, he had a distinctive "touch" where you knew he was responsible for some of the monsters, gore and bloodletting. You just knew. He was a talented man and his makeup company, Magical Media Industries [MMI], was responsible for the majority of makeup effects that came from the films of Charles Band's Empire Pictures in the'80s and Full Moon outfits in the '90s and Roger Corman's [who called Buechler "the best in the business"] New World Pictures in the '80s and New Horizons Pictures in the '90s. Mr. Buechler's films as a makeup artist included [theatrical films unless otherwise noted]: STINGRAY - 1978 [also Actor]; DR. HECKYL AND MR. HYPE - 1980; GALAXINA - 1980; SORCERESS - 1982 [also Second Unit Director]; FORBIDDEN WORLD - 1982; LOVE LETTERS - 1983; MAUSOLEUM - 1983; DEATHSTALKER - 1983 [also Second Unit Director]; ANDROID - 1983; THE DUNGEONMASTER - 1984 [also Director/Writer/Actor of the segment "Demons Of The Dead"]; THE PREY - 1984; TRANCERS - 1984; GHOULIES - 1984; HARD ROCK ZOMBIES - 1985 [also Second Unit Director]; RE-ANIMATOR - 1985; ZONE TROOPERS - 1985; FRIGHT SHOW - 1985 [also Actor]; VICIOUS LIPS - 1986; TROLL - 1986 [also Director/Story]; ELIMINATORS - 1986; TERRORVISION - 1986; CRAWLSPACE - 1986; FROM BEYOND - 1986; DOLLS - 1987; THE CALLER - 1987; THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS MOVIE - 1987; SLAVE GIRLS FROM BEYOND INFINITY - 1987; GHOULIES II - 1987; PRISON - 1987; CELLAR DWELLER - 1988 [also Director]; DEMONWARP - 1988 [also Story]; FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD - 1988 [also Director/Actor]; A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER - 1988; HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS - 1988; TO DIE FOR - 1988; PULSE POUNDERS - 1988; ARENA - 1989; ROBOT JOX - 1989; SPELLCASTER - 1989; INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE - 1989; BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR - 1989; THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - 1989; THE SLEEPING CAR - 1990 [also Actor]; FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE - 1991; SON OF DARKNESS: TO DIE FOR II - 1991; GHOULIES GO TO COLLEGE - 1991 [also Director]; DEMONIC TOYS - 1992; SEEDPEOPLE - 1992 [also Second Unit Director]; RED ROCK WEST - 1993; CARNOSAUR - 1993; NECRONOMICON: BOOK OF THE DEAD - 1993; NORTHERN EXPOSURE - 1993 [TV Series]; TAMMY AND THE T-REX - 1994; SCANNER COP - 1994; DINOSAUR ISLAND - 1994; CYBORG 3: THE RECYCLER - 1994; BIOHAZARD: THE ALIEN FORCE - 1994; SCANNER COP II - 1994; HALLOWEEN 6: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS - 1995; PIRANHA - 1995; THE FEAR - 1995; PROJECT: METALBEAST - 1995; BIKINI ISLAND - 1995; CIRCUIT BREAKER - 1996 [TV Movie]; TARZAN: THE EPIC ADVENTURES - 1996 [TV Series]; CARNOSAUR 3: PRIMAL SPECIES - 1996; FREEWAY - 1996; ALIEN ESCAPE - 1997; CASPER MEETS WENDY - 1998 [MFHV]; WATCHERS 4 - 1998 [also Director]; THE FEAR: RESURRECTION - 1999; FOUR DOGS PLAYING POKER - 2000; BLOOD SURF - 2000; AFTER THE STORM - 2001 [TV Movie]; ICE CRAWLERS - 2002 [also Director/Producer]; MINER'S MASSACRE - 2003; DARKWOLF - 2003; THE MUMMY'S KISS - 2003; A LIGHT IN THE FOREST - 2003 [also Director/Writer]; OUT FOR BLOOD - 2004; DR. MOREAU'S HOUSE OF PAIN - 2004; GRANDPA'S PLACE - 2004 [also Director]; TOMB OF THE WEREWOLF - 2004; COUNTESS DRACULA'S ORGY OF BLOOD - 2004; MORTUARY - 2005; THE GINGERDEAD MAN - 2005; HATCHET - 2006 [also Actor]; THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE - 2006 [also Director/Writer]; GINGERDEAD MAN 2: PASSION OF THE CRUST - 2008 [also Actor]; NEOWOLF - 2010 HYENAS - 2011; MONSTERPIECE THEATRE VOLUME ONE - 2011 [also Producer/Art Director; his final credit as a makeup artist]. Besides the titles already mentioned, John Carl Buechler's credits as a Director included: LAND OF THE LOST - 1991 [TV Series; 3 episodes]; SAURIAN - 2006 [TV Movie; also Writer]; THE EDEN FORMULA - 2006 [TV Movie; also Writer]; INTERVIEW WITH THE DEVIL - 2019 [in Post Production at the time of his death]. Besides the titles already mentioned, Mr. Buechler also acted in the following films: NOT OF THIS EARTH - 1995; EVIL BONG - 2006; HELLBILLY 58 - 2009; HATCHET II - 2010; TALENT WATCH - 2013 [TV Series]; CATCH OF THE DAY - 2014; BENEATH THE BLACK VEIL - 2019 [in Post Production at the time of his death]. There aren't many people left who have the talent that Mr. Buechler had. This is the end of an important era in genre filmmaking. John Carl Buechler passed away rather quickly of Stage 4 prostate cancer and was 66 years-old. Way too young to slip off this mortal coil.) - 03/18/19
LARRY COHEN (Director/Producer/Screenwriter: This one came as a shock because I had no idea he was sick. Larry Cohen was a quirky director of some very unusual B-films, yet all of his films had a statement to make, whether obvious or oblique. His films were always entertaining, with sly humor the key, yet they were also disturbing at the same time. Everyone who worked with him always had nice things to say, even though he was known to be a tough director, but fair in the way he handled suggestions and criticism. His credits as a director included [Theatrical films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: BONE - 1972 [also Producer/Writer]; BLACK CAESAR - 1973 [also Producer/Writer]; HELL UP IN HARLEM - 1973 [also Producer/Writer]; IT'S ALIVE - 1973 [also Producer/Writer]; GOD TOLD ME TO - 1976 [also Producer/Writer]; THE PRIVATE FILES OF J. EDGAR HOOVER - 1977 [also Producer/Writer]; IT LIVES AGAIN - 1978 [also Producer/Writer]; SEE CHINA AND DIE - 1981 [TV Movie; also Producer/Writer]; FULL MOON HIGH - 1981 [also Producer/Writer]; Q-THE WINGED SERPENT - 1982 [also Producer/Writer]; PERFECT STRANGERS - 1984 [also Writer]; SPECIAL EFFECTS - 1984 [also Writer]; THE STUFF - 1985 [also Producer/Writer]; IT'S ALIVE III: ISLAND OF THE ALIVE - 1987 [also Producer/Writer]; A RETURN TO SALEM'S LOT - 1987 [also Producer/Writer]; DEADLY ILLUSION - 1987 [also Writer]; WICKED STEPMOTHER - 1989 [also Producer/Writer]; THE AMBULANCE - 1990 [also Writer]; AS GOOD AS DEAD - 1995 [TV Movie; also Producer/Writer]; ORIGINAL GANGSTAS - 1996; MASTERS OF HORROR - 2006 [Pay Cable Series; Episode "Pick Me Up"; his final directing credit]. Mr. Cohen's credits as a writer included [TV Series unless marked with a TF for Theatrical Film]: KRAFT THEATRE - 1958; ZANE GREY THEATER - 1960; THE WITNESS - 1961; 'WAY OUT - 1961; THE UNITED STATES STEEL HOUR - 1961; SURFSIDE 6 - 1961; CHECKMATE - 1961; SAM BENEDICT - 1963; ARREST AND TRIAL - 1963; THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES - 1963 [3 episodes]; ESPIONAGE - 1964; THE FUGITIVE - 1964-1965; THE DEFENDERS - 1963-1965 [9 episodes]; CRAFT SUSPENSE THEATRE - 1965; BRANDED - 1965-1966 [Creator of 48 episodes; Writer of 10 episodes; also Producer]; BLUE LIGHT - 1966 [Creator of 17 episodes; Writer of 10 episodes]; RETURN OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN - 1966 [TF]; RAT PATROL - 1966; I DEAL IN DANGER - 1966 [TF]; BLADE RIDER, REVENGE OF THE INDIAN NATIONS - 1966 [TF]; CUSTER - 1967 [Creator of 14 episodes]; CORONET BLUE - 1967 [Creator of 17 episodes]; THE INVADERS - 1967-1968 [Creator of 26 episodes; Cohen has stated that he based the alien's crooked pinky finger as a reference to gay people and the way they are treated like aliens in society {at least back then}]; THE LEGEND OF CUSTER - 1968 [TF]; DADDY'S GONE A-HUNTING - 1969 [TF]; SCREAM BABY SCREAM - 1969 [TF]; EL CONDOR - 1970 [TF]; IN BROAD DAYLIGHT - 1971 [TV Movie]; CALL HOME - 1972 [TV Movie]; COOL MILLION - 1972; GRIFF - 1973; SHOOTOUT IN A ONE DOG TOWN - 1974 [TV Movie]; COLUMBO - 1973-1974 [3 episodes]; POSSE - 1975 [TF]; MAN ON THE OUTSIDE - 1975 [TV Movie]; CALLING DR. STORM, M.D. - 1977 [TV Movie]; SPARROW - 1978 [TV Movie]; THE AMERICAN SUCCESS COMPANY - 1980 [TF]; I, THE JURY - 1982 [TF]; WOMEN OF SAN QUENTIN - 1984 [TV Movie]; SCANDALOUS - 1984 [TF]; BEST SELLER - 1987 [TF]; MANIAC COP - 1988 [TF; also Producer]; DESPERADO: AVALANCHE AT DEVIL'S RIDGE - 1988 [TV Movie]; MANIAC COP 2 - 1990 [TF; also producer]; MANIAC COP 3: BADGE OF SILENCE - 1993 [TF; also Producer]; BODY SNATCHERS - 1993 [TF]; GUILTY AS SIN - 1993 [TF]; NYPD BLUE - 1995; THE EXPERT - 1995 [TF]; THE INVADERS - 1995 [TV mini-series]; ED MCBAIN'S 87TH PRECINCT: ICE - 1996 [TV Movie]; DER TOURIST - 1996 [TV Movie]; UNCLE SAM - 1996 [MFHV]; INVASION OF PRIVACY - 1996 [TF]; THE EX - 1996 [TF]; ED MCBAIN'S 87TH PRECINCT: HEATWAVE - 1997 [TV Movie]; MISBEGOTTEN - 1997 [TF]; THE DEFENDERS: CHOICE OF EVILS - 1998 [TV Movie]; PHONE BOOTH - 2002 [TF]; CELLULAR - 2004 [TF]; CAPTIVITY - 2007 [TF]; CONNECTED - 2008 [TF]; IT'S ALIVE - 2009 [TF]; THE GAMBLER, THE GIRL AND THE GUNSLINGER - 2009 [TV Movie]; MESSAGES DELETED - 2010 [TF; his last credit as a writer]. Mr. Cohen also appeared in several documentaries, the best one being KING COHEN: THE WILD WORLD OF FILMMAKER LARRY COHEN (2017), which I just finished watching a month ago, making his death a surprise for me since he looked so healthy in it. Lary Cohen died of undisclosed causes and was 77 years-old.) - 03/23/19
JOE PILATO (Actor: Joe Pilato became a cult figure after portraying the dastardly Rhodes in DAY OF THE DEAD [1985]. I met Mr. Pilato several times at conventions in the tri-state area and he was always a nice guy, very pleasant and approachable, always glad to talk to a fan. Mr. Pilato's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: DAWN OF THE DEAD - 1978; EFFECTS - 1980; KNIGHTRIDERS - 1981; DAY OF THE DEAD - 1985; SPENSER: FOR HIRE - 1985 [TV]; GUNG HO - 1986; THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS - 1986 [TV]; TERMINAL FORCE - 1989; SHOOTERS - 1989; ALIENATOR - 1989; EMPIRE OF THE DARK - 1991; CAUSE OF DEATH - 1991 [MFHV]; THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY, JR. - 1993 [TV]; THE EVIL INSIDE ME - 1993; MARRIED PEOPLE, SINGLE SEX - 1994; PULP FICTION - 1994; THE DEMOLITIONIST - 1995; FATAL PASSION - 1995; SECRET PLACES - 1996; NEON SIGNS - 1996; BEETLEBORGS - 1996-1997 [TV; Voice only; 37 episodes]; WISHMASTER - 1997; SNAKE SKIN JACKET - 1997; VISIONS - 1998; MUSIC FROM ANOTHER ROOM - 1998; THE LAST SEDUCTION II - 1999; BLACK ANGEL VOLUME 2 - 1999 [Voice only, English Version]; BLOODBATH - 1999; DIGIMON THE MOVIE - 2000 [Voice only]; DIGIMON ADVENTURE 2 - 2000-2001 [TV; Voice only; 3 episodes]; DIGIMON: DIGITAL MASTERS - 1999-2001 [TV; Voice only; 14 episodes]; THE GHOULS - 2003; WARDOG - 2007 [Short]; SOMEONE'S KNOCKING AT THE DOOR - 2009; CZW: WALKING ON PINS AND NEEDLES - 2010 [DTV]; THE BLACK BOX - 2010; 9 A.M. - 2014 [Short]; NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: DARKEST DAWN - 2015 [Voice only]; IHAILED - 2016; PARASITES - 2016; THE CHAIR - 2016; SHHHH - 2018; ATTACK IN L.A. - 2018 [his final acting role]. Mr. Pilato also suppled voices to many video games, including MIGHT AND MAGIC IX - 2002 and LORDS OF EVERQUEST - 2003. Joe Pilato died in his sleep, eight days after his 70th birthday.) - 03/24/19
NARCISO IBANEZ SERRADOR (Director/Writer: A lot of people will recognize the name as the director/writer of two extremely effective Spanish horror films, THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED [1969] and WHO CAN KILL A CHILD? [1975], but in Spain, Serrador was a major TV personality, directing and writing dozens of TV movies and TV series since the early-'60s, none of them ever being shown outside of Spain. Rather than talk about those series and TV films [one of his TV series, a game show he created titled UN, DOS,TRES...RESPONDA OTRA VEZ {"One, Two, Three...Answer Again"}, ran an amazing 32 years, from 1972 to 2004!], I would rather talk about his contributions to theatrical films, which have been few, but they are pieces of quality entertainment that transcend Spain and were felt all over the world. His first contribution to horror cinema was the screenplay to OBRA MAESTRAS DEL  TERROR [MASTERPIECES OF TERROR - 1960], directed by Enrique Carreras, which turned up in American theaters in abridged form as MASTER OF HORROR [1965]. His next film, as director/screenwriter was the highly effective THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED ["La Residencia" - 1969], a tale of sexual repression in a girls school in 19th Century France. This film evokes sex and violence without dwelling on either in graphic terms, earning it praise, and rightfully so, by both critics and fans alike. His next film as director/screenwriter would be WHO CAN KILL A CHILD? ["¿Quién Puede Matar A Un Niño? - 1975], a creepy tale about a childless British couple who vacation on the fictitious island of Almanzora, just off the southern Spanish coast, only to discover that the island's childrens population have been stricken with a rare form of madness. They have killed all the island's adult population, none of them fighting back against them, for the simple reason, "Who can kill a child?". This poignant, terrifying tale shows us how a normal, loving couple can be pushed far enough by children to make them want to murder the tykes, because they are the personification of evil. This would be Serrador's final theatrical film, but he worked in Spanish TV a great deal until he passed away. His father, actor Narciso Ibáñez Menta, was considered the Spanish Lon Chaney, due to him changing his appearance in nearly every film he appeared in using his makeup kit. Narciso Ibanez Serrador died of undisclosed causes and was 83 years-old.) - 06/07/19
STEPHANIE NIZNIK (Actress: Stephanie Niznik was a frequent guest star on TV shows during the late-'90s until 2009 and is best known for her recurring role on the CW's EVERWOOD [2002 - 2006], but she appeared in starring roles in some interesting B-Movies. Her acting credits included [TV Series unless marked with a "TF" for Theatrical Film]: EXIT TO EDEN - 1994 [TF; an auspicious debut for her in a film that was widely panned by critics and viewers alike]; VANISHING SON - 1995 [13 episodes]; RENEGADE - 1995; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1995; THE TWILIGHT OF THE GOLDS - 1996 [TF]; DEAR GOD - 1996 [TF]; THE SENTINEL - 1996; APOLLO 11 - 1996 [TV Movie]; DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN - 1997; SLIDERS - 1997; JAG - 1997; THE GUARDIAN - 1997; MR. MURDER - 1998 [TV Movie]; L.A. DOCTORS - 1998; EMMA'S WISH - 1998 [TV Movie]; MEMORIAL DAY - 1998 [TF]; PROFILER - 1998; INFERNO - 1998 [TV Movie]; STAR TREK: INSURRECTION - 1999 [TF]; KISMET - 1999 [Short]; VIPER - 1997-1999; NASH BRIDGES - 1999; ANYWHERE BUT HERE - 1999 [TF]; FAMILY LAW - 1999; DIAGNOSIS MURDER - 1998-2000 [5 episodes]; SPIDERS 2: BREEDING GROUND - 2001 [TF]; EPOCH - 2001 [TV Movie]; BEYOND THE CITY LIMITS - 2001 [TF]; EVERWOOD - 2002-2006 [82 episodes]; GREY'S ANATOMY - 2007; TRAVELER - 2007; LIFE IS WILD - 2007-2008 [A regular for 13 episodes of this short-lived TV series]; CSI: MIAMI - 2008; ELI STONE - 2008; NCIS - 2009; LOST - 2009; THE TWENTY - 2009 [TF; her final acting role. Ms. Niznik gave up acting to become a co-founder of Four Winds Heart-Centered Healing. a New Age medical facility which incorporated her experience in genetics [she graduated Duke University as a geneticist]. Stephanie Niznik died of undisclosed causes and was just 52 years-old.) - 06/23/19
BILLY DRAGO (Actor: Character actor Billy Drago [born William Eugene Burrows] was an instantly recognizable face, due to his stark looks, mesmerizing stare and wicked smile. He could play bad guys with aplomb in both A-and-B-Films. With so many great character actors passing away, Drago was able to step up to the plate and fill their shoes, but who do we have now to replace Drago? No one, I'm afraid to say. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a TV for TV Series]: NO OTHER LOVE - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE CHISHOLMS - 1979 [TFV; 2 episodes]; WIND WALKER - 1980; CUTTER'S WAY - 1981; STRIKE FORCE - 1981 [TV]; JOHNNY BELINDA - 1982 [TV Movie]; GAVILAN - 1982 [TV]; CUTTER TO HOUSTON - 1983 [TV]; AUTOMAN - 1984 [TV]; THE SHERIFF AND THE ASTRONAUT - 1984 [TV Movie]; PARTNERS IN CRIME - 1984 [TV]; HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK - 1985 [TV]; PALE RIDER - 1985; INVASION U.S.A. - 1985; TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. - 1985 [TV]; MOONLIGHTING - 1985 [TV]; HUNTER - 1984-1986 [TV]; HILL STREET BLUES - 1986 [TV]; THE FALL GUY - 1986 [TV]; NORTH AND SOUTH, BOOK II - 1986 [TV mini-series]; T.J. HOOKER - 1983-1986 [TV]; VAMP - 1986; HUNTER'S BLOOD - 1986 [One of my favorite Drago performances]; THE WIZARD - 1987 [TV]; IN SELF DEFENSE - 1987 [TV Movie]; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1987 [As the murderous hitman Nitti, Drago manages to outshine fellow actors Kevin Costner and Sean Connery!]; BANZAI RUNNER - 1987; HERO AND THE TERROR - 1988; FREEWAY - 1988; DARK BEFORE DAWN - 1988; FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE SERIES - 1988 [TV]; TRUE BLOOD - 1989; MONSTERS - 1989 [TV]; CHINA WHITE - 1989; PRIME SUSPECT - 1989; DELTA FORCE 2: THE COLUMBIA CONNECTION - 1990; DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY - 1991; MARTIAL LAW II: UNDERCOVER - 1991 [MFHV]; SECRET GAMES - 1992 [MFHV]; DEATH RING - 1992 [MFHV]; GUNCRAZY - 1992; LADY DRAGON 2 - 1993; THE OUTFIT - 1993; DEADLY HEROES - 1993; CYBORG 2: GLASS SHADOW - 1993 [MFHV]; THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR. - 1993-1994 [TV; 6 episodes]; NEVER SAY DIE - 1994; THE TAKEOVER - 1994 [MFHV]; LUNARCOP - 1995; PHOENIX - 1995; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1995 [TV]; MIRROR MIRROR 3: THE VOYEUR - 1995 [also Associate Producer]; DRIFTING SCHOOL - 1995; BLOOD MONEY - 1996; MAD DOG TIME - 1996; SCI-FIGHTERS - 1996 [MFHV]; BLUE DEVIL, BLUE DEVIL - 1996; ASSAULT ON DEVIL'S ISLAND - 1997 [TV Movie]; CONVICT 762 - 1997; A DOLL IN THE DARK - 1997; MONKEY BUSINESS - 1998; SOCCER DOG: THE MOVIE - 1999; LIMA: BREAKING THE SILENCE - 1999; NASH BRIDGES - 1999; THE X-FILES - 2000; STRIKE ZONE - 2000 [MFHV]; VERY MEAN MEN - 2000; MIRROR MIRROR 4: REFLECTIONS - 2000; DEATH GAME - 2001; DESERT ROSE - 2002; THE CIRCUIT - 2002; WELCOME TO AMERICA - 2002; ALL FOR THE MONEY - 2003 [Short]; TREMORS 4: THE LEGEND BEGINS - 2004 [DTFV]; FORT DOOM - 2004 [DTV]; MYSTERIOUS SKIN - 2004; CHARMED - 1999-2004 [TV; 7 episodes]; SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE - 2004 [Short]; WORN LIKE A TATTOO - 2004 [Short]; DEMON HUNTER - 2005; BLOOD RELIC - 2005 [DTV; also Associate Producer]; IMPRINT - 2006 [Episode of Showtime's MASTERS OF HORROR Series that never aired due to its extreme violence, which was even too much for Pay TV! Eventually found its way to DVD]; SEVEN MUMMIES - 2006; THE HILLS HAVE EYES - 2006; SOUL SEARCHERS - 2006; LIME SALTED LOVE - 2006 [also Writer]; 13 GRAVES - 2006 [TV Movie]; THE DEAD ONE - 2007; MOVING MCALLISTER - 2007; REVAMPED - 2007 [DTV]; ZOMBIE HUNTERS - 2007; 3 STORIES ABOUT EVIL - 2008 [Short]; SUPERNATURAL - 2008 [TV]; COPPERHEAD - 2008 [TV Movie]; ROUNDS - 2008; DARK MOON RISING - 2009 [also Co-Producer]; GHOST TOWN - 2009 [TV Movie]; THE RITUAL - 2009; WORLD'S END - 2010; THE FALLEN ANGEL - 2010 [Short]; CHILDREN OF THE CORN: GENESIS - 2011; BALLS TO THE WALL - 2011; BIRTH OF AN OUTLAW - 2012 [Short]; NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR - 2012 [David Carradine's final feature film]; BLACK ASYLUM - 2013 [Short]; LOW DOWN - 2014; THE DANCE - 2014; SUNSET AT DAWN - Date N/A [shooting at the time of his death]. Billy Drago also appeared in a few Music Videos, including Mike & The Mechanic's "Silent Running" [1985] and "A Closer Look" [1989], as well as Michael Jackson's "You Rock My World" [2001]. Mr. Drago also appeared as himself in the documentary THE GO-GO BOYS: THE INSIDE STORY OF CANNON FILMS - 2014. He was also an Actor/Executive Producer on the documentary SANDY, which has yet to get a release date. No one seems to know what it is about, either. If anyone knows, please email me. Billy Drago was married to actress Silvana Gallardo [DEATH WISH II - 1982] from 1985 until her death in 2012. He was also the father of actor Darren E. Burrows, who is best known as "Ed Chigliak" on TV's NORTHERN EXPOSURE [1990 - 1995]. Billy Drago passed away due to complictions of a stroke and was 73 years-old. Rest well, Billy.) - 06/26/19
JOSE LUIS MERINO (Director/Writer: J.L. Merino was a director and writer of some Spanish/Italian co-productions that will be familiar to readers of this site. He made Spaghetti Westerns, Horror flicks and Action & War films that aired endlessly on TV during the '60s & '70s and were released on VHS during the '80s, some of which are reviewed on this site. His credits as a director/writer included [all Theatrical Films]; KITOSCH, THE MAN WHO CAME FROM THE NORTH - 1967; REQUIEM FOR A GRINGO - 1968; CRIME STORY - 1968; THE BATTLE OF THE LAST PANZER - 1969; HELL COMMANDOS - 1969; ZORRO'S LATEST ADVENTURE - 1969; SATAN'S FIVE WARNINGS - 1970; SLAUGHTER ON THE KHYBER PASS - 1970; ROBIN HOOD: THE INVINCIBLE ARCHER - 1970; MORE DOLLARS FOR THE MACGREGORS - 1970; SCREAM OF THE DEMON LOVER - 1970; WHEN HEROES DIE - 1970; ZORRO, RIDER OF VENGEANCE - 1971; ZORRO THE INVINCIBLE - 1971; PIRATES OF BLOOD ISLAND - 1972; THE HANGING WOMAN - 1973; TARZAN IN KING SOLOMON'S MINES - 1974; VICTIM - 1983; SHOUTS OF ANXIETY - 1984; SUPERAGENTS IN MALLORCA - 1990 [His final film as a director]. Mr. Merino had many more films to his credit, but, unfortunately, they were never released outside his native Spain. Merino also supplied the story or screenplay to the following films: GATLING GUN - 1968 and A BULLET FOR ROMMEL - 1969. During the latter part of his life, J.L. Merino became an actor and appeared in other director's Spanish films. He also has credits as a Production Manager on films that date back the early-1950's. Jose Luis Merino passed away from natural causes and was 92 years-old.) - 07/02/19
RIP TORN (Actor: Rip Torn [born Elmore Rual Torn in Temple, Texas], was an amazing Academy Award®-nominated actor who could play any role in any genre. Best known as foul-mouthed sidekick Artie on HBO's THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW [1992 - 1998], Torn [who won an Emmy Award® in 1996 for the role] proved that he was equally good in comedy as he was in drama, but a bout of alcoholism nearly ruined his career. I personally loved Torn because of his role in one obscure Spanish flick he starred in right before being nominated for an Academy Award®. His credits included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: OMNIBUS - 1956 [TV]; BABY DOLL - 1956; THE KAISER ALUMINUM HOUR - 1957 [TV]; A FACE IN THE CROWD - 1957; THE ALCOA HOUR - 1956-1957 [TV]; TIME LIMIT - 1957; THE SEVEN LIVELY ARTS - 1957 [TV]; THE RESTLESS GUN - 1957 [TV]; THE UNITED STATES STEEL HOUR - 1956-1958 [TV; 3 episodes]; KRAFT THEATRE - 1956-1958 [TV; 4 episodes]; MATINEE THEATRE - 1958 [TV]; JOHNNY BELINDA - 1958 [TV Movie]; PURSUIT - 1958 [TV]; PORK CHOP HILL - 1959; SUNDAY SHOWCASE - 1959 [TV]; PLAYHOUSE 90 - 1958-1959 [TV; 3 episodes]; THRILLER - 1960 [TV; "The Purple Room" episode]; ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - 1957-1961 [TV]; TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN A WOMAN'S LIFE - 1961 [TV Movie]; KING OF KINGS - 1961; FRONTIER CIRCUS - 1961 [TV]; NAKED CITY - 1962 [TV]; SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH - 1962; HERO'S ISLAND - 1962; FESTIVAL - 1962 [TV]; THE DICK POWELL THEATRE - 1962 [TV]; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1961-1963 [TV]; CRITIC'S CHOICE - 1963; ROUTE 66 - 1963 [TV]; THE LIEUTENANT - 1963 [TV]; CHANNING - 1963 [TV]; BREAKING POINT - 1963 [TV]; THE ELEVENTH HOUR - 1964 [TV]; THE GREAT ADVENTURE - 1964 [TV]; THE REPORTER - 1964 [TV]; BEN CASEY - 1964; COMBAT! - 1964 [TV]; DR. KILDARE - 1962-1964 [TV]; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1965 [TV]; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1965 [TV; his two episodes were edited into the U.N.C.L.E. theatrical film ONE SPY TOO MANY - 1966]; RAWHIDE - 1965 [TV]; THE CINCINATTI KID - 1965; YOU'RE A BIG BOY NOW - 1966; THE LONG HUNT OF APRIL SAVAGE - 1966 [TV Movie]; BEACH RED - 1967; SOL MADRID - 1968; BEYOND THE LAW - 1968; LIONS LOVE [...AND LIES] - 1969; COMING APART - 1969; TROPIC OF CANCER - 1970; MAIDSTONE - 1970; MONTSERRAT - 1971 [TV Movie]; BONANZA - 1971 [TV]; HOLLYWOOD TELEVISION THEATER: TWO BY CHEKHOV - 1972 [TV Movie; also Director]; SLAUGHTER - 1972 [The first time I really noticed Torn as an actor; he was notoriously evil in his role as Dominic Hoffo]; MANNIX - 1972 [TV]; CIRCLE OF FEAR - 1972 [TV]; PAYDAY - 1973 [This is a film any serious film lover should watch]; THE PRESIDENT'S PLANE IS MISSING - 1973 [TV Movie]; COTTER - 1973; CRAZY JOE - 1974; ATTACK ON TERROR: THE FBI VS. THE KU KLUX KLAN - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE AMERICAN PARADE - 1976 [TV mini-series]; THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH - 1976 [One of my favorite Torn performances of all time; Also one of my favoite movies]; BIRCH INTERVAL - 1976; NASTY HABITS - 1977; MOST WANTED - 1977 [TV]; THE PRIVATE FILES OF J. EDGAR HOOVER - 1977; COMA - 1978; STEEL COWBOY - 1978 [TV Movie]; THE EDDIE CAPRA MYSTERIES - 1978 [TV]; BETRAYAL - 1978 [TV Movie]; BLIND AMBITION - 1979 [TV mini-series]; THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN - 1979; HEARTLAND - 1979; A SHINING SEASON - 1979 [TV Movie]; ONE-TRICK PONY - 1980; SOPHIA LOREN: HER OWN STORY - 1980 [TV Movie]; RAPE AND MARRIAGE: THE RIDEOUT CASE - 1980 [TV Movie]; FIRST FAMILY - 1980; A STRANGER IS WATCHING - 1982; THE BEASTMASTER - 1982; JINXED! - 1982; THE BLUE AND THE GRAY - 1982 [TV mini-series]; AIRPLANE II: THE SEQUEL - 1982; SCARAB - 1982 [Imagine this: Appearing in this weird Spanish flick and then turning in an Academy Award®-nominated performance in his next role!]; CROSS CREEK - 1983 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actor in a Supporting Role]; WHEN SHE SAYS NO - 1984 [TV Movie]; MISUNDERSTOOD - 1984; CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF - 1984 [TV Movie] FLASHPOINT - 1984 [the first theatrical film produced by HBO; they aired it endlessly when it was released to home video]; SONGWRITER - 1984; CITY HEAT - 1984; THE EXECUTION - 1985 [TV Movie]; THE ATLANTA CHILD MURDERS - 1985 [TV mini-series]; SUMMER RENTAL - 1985; BEER - 1985; DREAM WEST - 1986 [TV mini-series]; THE MANHUNT FOR CLAUDE DALLAS - 1986 [TV Movie]; J. EDGAR HOOVER - 1987 [TV Movie]; DESTINATION AMERICA - 1987 [TV Movie]; EXTREME PREJUDICE - 1987 [I like this ultra-violent film, even though critics didn't]; NADINE - 1987 [Cable Movie]; LAGUNA HEAT - 1987 [Cable Movie]; THE KING OF LOVE - 1987 [TV Movie]; APRIL MORNING - 1988 [TV Movie]; BLIND CURVE - 1988; HIT LIST - 1989; COLD FEET - 1989; SILENCE LIKE GLASS - 1989; SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH - 1989 [TV Movie]; PAIR OF ACES - 1990 [TV Movie]; BEAUTIFUL DREAMERS - 1990; KOJAK: NONE SO BLIND - 1990 [TV Movie]; BY DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT - 1990 [Cable Movie]; DEFENDING YOUR LIFE - 1991; ANOTHER PAIR OF ACES: THREE OF A KIND - 1991 [TV Movie]; DOLLY DEAREST - 1991; MY SON JOHNNY - 1991 [TV Movie]; COLUMBO: DEATH HITS THE JACKPOT - 1991 [TV Movie]; DEATH FALLS - 1991; T BONE N WEASEL - 1992 [TV Movie]; A MOTHER'S RIGHT: THE ELIZABETH MORGAN STORY - 1992 [TV Movie]; DEAD AHEAD: THE EXXON VALDEZ DISASTER - 1992 [TV Movie]; BEYOND THE LAW - 1993; ROBOCOP 3 - 1993; WHERE THE RIVERS FLOW NORTH - 1993; HEAVEN & HELL: NORTH & SOUTH, BOOK III - 1994 [TV mini-series]; HEART OF A CHILD - 1994 [TV Movie]; THE JOHN LARROQUETTE SHOW - 1995 [TV]; FOR BETTER OR WORSE - 1995; SHE STOOD ALONE: THE TAILHOOK SCANDAL - 1995 [TV Movie]; CANADIAN BACON - 1995; LETTER TO MY KILLER - 1995 [TV Movie]; CHICAGO HOPE - 1995 [TV]; HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT - 1995; THE TWISTED TALES OF FELIX THE CAT - 1995 [TV; Voice only; 5 episodes]; DOWN PERISCOPE - 1996; THE MOUSE - 1996; TRIAL AND ERROR - 1997; HERCULES - 1997 [Voice only]; MEN IN BLACK - 1997; THE ALMOST PERFECT BANK ROBBERY - 1997 [TV Movie]; SENSELESS - 1998; GHOST STORIES - 1997-1998 [TV; Narrator of 8 episodes]; THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW - 1992-1998 [HBO Series; 89 episodes; Nominated 8 times for an Emmy Award®, winning in 1996 as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and well deserved]; PASSING GLORY - 1999 [TV Movie]; BALLOON FARM - 1999 [TV Movie]; THE INSIDER - 1999; SEASONS OF LOVE - 1999 [TV]; A VISION OF MURDER: THE STORY OF DONIELLE - 2000 [TV Movie]; WONDER BOYS - 2000; MEN IN BLACK ALIEN ATTACK - 2000 [Short]; FREDDY GOT FINGERED - 2001 [Notoriously bad film by Tom Green; Torn was nominated for a Razzie Award® for Worst Supporting Actor]; SOUL FOOD - 2002 [TV]; MEN IN BLACK II - 2002; WILL & GRACE - 2002 [TV; 4 episodes]; ROLLING KANSAS - 2003; MANIAC MAGEE - 2003 [TV Movie]; LOVE OBJECT - 2003; THE LYON'S DEN - 2003 [TV; 4 episodes]; WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT - 2004; DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY - 2004 [Laugh-out-loud funny. Listen to Torn's "Patches O'Houlihan" character as he describes what makes a dodgeball champion: "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."; In "real life", Torn was later appointed the League Commissioner of Game Show Network's {GSN} EXTREME DODGEBALL]; EULOGY - 2004; FORTY SHADES OF BLUE - 2005; THE SISTERS - 2005; YOURS, MINE & OURS - 2005; MARIE ANTOINETTE - 2006; ZOOM - 2006; LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT - 2006 [TV]; TURN THE RIVER - 2007; BEE MOVIE - 2007 [Voice only]; THREE DAYS TO VEGAS - 2007; AUGUST - 2008; LUCKY DAYS - 2008 [also Executive Producer]; THE GOLDEN BOYS - 2008; HAPPY TEARS - 2009; 30 ROCK - 2007-2009 [TV; 7 episodes; Nominated for an Emmy Award® for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as "Don Geiss"]; AMERICAN COWSLIP - 2009; THE AFTERLIGHT - 2009; THE LEGEND OF AWESOMEST MAXIMUS - 2011; THREE WEEKS TO DAYTONA - 2011; MEN IN BLACK 3 - 2012; BRIDGE OF NAMES - 2012; TRIPTANK - 2016 [TV; Voice only; his final acting role]. Mr. Torn also directed the critically panned Whoopi Goldberg film THE TELEPHONE [1988] and he never attempted to direct anything else after that. Rip Torn was also nominated for Broadway's 1960 Tony Award® as Best Supporting or Featured Actor for "Sweet Bird of Youth," a performance he recreated in the film version with the same title, SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH [1962]. His alcohol consumption got him into some trouble, such as this ditty posted on IMDb's site: On January 29, 2010, he was arrested in Salisbury, CT, after police found him passed out, holding a loaded gun, on the floor of a bank that had just been broken into. Torn was drunk and thought the bank was his home. He was charged with criminal trespass, carrying a firearm without a permit, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, burglary and criminal mischief. He later pleaded guilty and was given a suspended 2.5-year prison sentence, three years of probation during which time he was forbidden from carrying a firearm and agreed to be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. He wa also married to three actresses: Ann Wedgeworth, from 1955 to 1961; Geraldine Page, from 1963 until her death in 1987 [although they never divorced, they lived apart for over ten years, their relationship was already over in the mid-'70s, as Torn started an affair with his third wife, Amy Adams in 1976]; and Amy Adams, from 1988 until his death. Actress Sissy Spacek [CARRIE - 1976] was Torn's cousin. Torn was always a tough bird, replying to a reporter's question with this: "People are finally realizing I'm one of the few actors who has never missed a performance. I've worked with broken legs, arms, ankles. I once passed a kidney stone during the opening night of a show." Rip Torn passed away fron undisclosed causes and was 88 years-old.) - 07/09/19
FREDDIE JONES (Actor: Some horror fans will know Freddie Jones' name [born Frederick Charles Jones] from the Hammer Films he appeared in in the '60s & '70s, as well as British mysteries and thrillers from the '70s. Other people may know him as a regular player in the films of David Lynch, first appearing as "Bytes" in Lynch's THE ELEPHANT MAN [1980] and then appearing in DUNE [1984] and WILD AT HEART [1990]. Freddie Jones has appeared in many films readers of this site will be interested in, so therefore I will concentrate on his film roles, as he appeared in too much British television to list here [it would take me several days!]. His film credits included: ACCIDENT - 1967; MARAT/SADE - 1967; FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD - 1967; THE BLISS OF MISS BLOSSOM - 1968; OTLEY - 1969; FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED - 1969 [played the Monster]; DOCTOR IN TROUBLE - 1970; THE GREAT INIMITABLE MR. DICKENS - 1970 [TV Movie]; THE MAN WHO HAUNTED HIMSELF - 1970; GOODBYE GEMINI - 1970; THE EMERGENCE OF ANTHONY PURDY, ESQ., FARMER'S LABOURER - 1970 [TV Movie]; IN THE DEVIL'S GARDEN - 1971; MR. HORATIO KNIBBLES - 1971; KIDNAPPED - 1971; ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA - 1972; SITTING TARGET - 1972; SON OF DRACULA - 1973; THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA - 1973; ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - 1973 [TV Movie]; BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP - 1974 [TV Movie]; JUGGERNAUT - 1974; OLD DRACULA - 1974; TEA AT FOUR - 1975 [TV Movie]; A JOURNEY TO LONDON - 1975 [TV Movie]; A MIDSUMMER NIGHTMARE - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE BOY DAVE - 1975 [TV Movie]; NEVER TOO YOUNG TO ROCK - 1976; MASTER OF MANY ARTS - 1976 [TV Movie]; CHILDREN OF THE STONES - 1977 [TV mini-series]; NICHOLAS NICKLEBY - 1977 [TV mini-series]; THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE - 1978 [TV mini-series]; PENNIES FROM HEAVEN - 1978 [TV mini-series]; THE NATIVITY - 1978 [TV Movie]; THE TALKING PARCEL - 1978 [TV Movie]; THE DANCING PRINCESSES - 1978 [TV Movie]; ZULU DAWN - 1979; SECRET ORCHARDS - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE ELEPHANT MAN - 1980; TINY REVOLUTIONS - 1981 [TV Movie]; MURDER IS EASY - 1982 [TV Movie]; ELEANOR, FIRST LADY OF THE WORLD - 1982 [TV Movie]; FIREFOX - 1982; CAPTAIN STIRRICK - 1982; A SMALL DESPERATION - 1983 [TV Movie]; KRULL - 1983; AND THE SHIP SAILS ON - 1983; THE COUNTRY GIRLS - 1983 [TV Movie]; FIRESTARTER - 1984; THE ZANY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD - 1984 [TV Movie]; DUNE - 1984; THE LAST EVENSONG - 1985 [TV Movie]; THE BLACK CAULDRON - 1985 [Voice only]; LOST IN LONDON - 1985 [TV Movie]; YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES - 1985; SILAS MARNER - 1985 [TV Movie]; COMRADES - 1986; MASCHENKA - 1987; CONSUMING PASSIONS - 1988; ERIK THE VIKING - 1989; WILD AT HEART - 1990; THE PAPER MAN - 1990 [TV Movie]; DARK RIVER - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE LAST BUTTERFLY - 1991; SPIES INC. - 1992; HOTEL ROOM - 1993 [TV mini-series]; MR. WROE'S VIRGINS - 1993 [TV mini-serie]; THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD - 1993; ROYAL DECEIT - 1994; A PINCH OF SNUFF - 1994 [TV Movie]; THE NEVERENDING STORY III - 1994; COLD COMFORT FARM - 1995 [TV Movie]; IT COULD BE YOU - 1995 [TV Movie]; NO BANANAS - 1996 [TV mini-series]; NEVERWHERE - 1996 [TV mini-series]; DROVERS' GOLD - 1997 [TV mini-series]; THE TEMPTATION OF FRANZ SCHUBERT - 1997 [TV Movie]; THE LIFE AND CRIMES OF WILLIAM PALMER - 1998 [TV mini-series]; WHAT RATS WON'T DO - 1998; MY LIFE SO FAR - 1999; HOUSE! - 2000; MARRIED 2 MALCOLM - 2000; DAVID COPPERFIELD - 2000 [TV Movie]; THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - 2002; PUCKOON - 2002; BROKEN MORNING - 2003 [TV Movie]; LADIES IN LAVENDER - 2004; THE LIBERTINE - 2004; CASANOVA - 2005 [TV mini-series]; CAUGHT IN THE ACT - 2008; COME ON EILEEN - 2010; BY OUR SELVES - 2015; EMMERDALE [FARM] - 2005-2018 [Long-running British TV series {since 1972!}; an amazing 632 episodes; his last acting credit]. Mr. Jones was well into his thirties before he took up acting. He was also a frequent actor on Stage and trained at Rose Bruford Drama School, Sidcup, Kent. Other actors there included Gary Oldman, Ray Fearon, Tom Baker, and Stephen Armourae. Freddie Jones' sons include actor Toby Jones [THE MIST - 2007] and director Rupert Jones [KALEIDOSCOPE - 2016]. Freddy Jones died after a "short illness" and was 91 years-old.) - 07/09/19
VALENTINA CORTESE (Actress: Valentina Cortese was an Academy Award®-nominated actress that appeared in many classic Italian films during the 1960's & 1970's, many of them reviewed on this site. She actually started acting in films in 1940, but I am just going to list the titles that got a release in English-speaking territories. Her credits included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise specified]: FIRST LOVE - 1941; GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST - 1942; 3/4 OF A PAGE - 1942; RESPONSIBILITY COMES BACK - 1945; THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - 1945; BULLET FOR STEFANO - 1947; LES MISERABLES - 1948; CROSSROADS OF PASSION - 1948; THE GLASS MOUNTAIN - 1949; BLACK MAGIC - 1949; THIEVES' HIGHWAY - 1949; MALAYA - 1949; WOMEN WITHOUT NAMES - 1950; SHADOW OF THE EAGLE - 1950; THE HOUSE ON TELEGRAPH HILL - 1951; SECRET PEOPLE - 1952; LULU - 1953; JEALOUSY - 1953; THE WALK - 1953; ANGEL OF DARKNESS - 1954; MARRIAGE - 1954; JAILBIRDS - 1954; THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA - 1954; RHEINGOLD THEATRE - 1955 [TV Series]; MAGIC FIRE - 1956; THE ROCKET FROM CALABUCH - 1956; LUX VIDEO THEATRE - 1957 [TV Series]; SCHLITZ PLAYHOUSE - 1958 [TV Series]; LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - 1958; DECISION - 1958 [TV Series]; LOVE AND TROUBLES - 1958; SQUARE OF VIOLENCE - 1961; BARABBAS - 1961; STORY OF SAN MICHELE - 1962; EVIL EYE - 1963; THE VISIT - 1965; THE POSSESSED - 1965; JULIET OF THE SPIRITS - 1965; THE LEGEND OF LYLAH CLARE - 1967; LISTEN, LET'S MAKE LOVE - 1968; OH, GRANDMOTHER'S DEAD - 1969; THE SECRET OF SANTA VITTORIA - 1969; GIVE HER THE MOON - 1970; FIRST LOVE - 1970; THE LOVE MATES - 1970; THE BOAT ON THE GRASS - 1971; THE IGUANA WITH THE TONGUE OF FIRE - 1971; CHRONICLE OF A HOMICIDE - 1972; BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON - 1972; THE ASSASSINATION OF TROTSKY - 1972; DAY FOR NIGHT - 1973 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Actress in a Supporting Role; it won the 1974 Oscar® for Best Foreign Language Film]; THE BIG SCARE - 1974; THE KISS OF DEATH - 1974; DRACULA IN THE PROVINCES - 1975; KIDNAP SYNDICATE - 1975; NICK THE STING - 1976; THE BIG OPERATOR - 1976; JESUS OF NAZARETH - 1977 [TV mini-series]; RING OF DARKNESS - 1979 [a.k.a. SATAN'S WIFE]; WHEN TIME RAN OUT - 1980; BLUE TANGO - 1987; THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN - 1988; THE BETROTHED - 1989 [TV mini-series]; BUSTER'S BEDROOM - 1991; SPARROW - 1993 [her final acting role]. Ms. Cortese was married to actor Richard Basehart [MANSION OF THE DOOMED - 1975] from 1951 to 1960 and had a son together, actor Jackie Basehart [THE INGLORIOUS BASTARDS - 1978]. She outlived both of them. She also had a very large Stage career, starring in plays like "Mary Stewart" and "Lulu" [both title roles]. According to IMDb: When she lost her Oscar nomination for DAY FOR NIGHT [1973] against Ingrid Bergman for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS [1974], Bergman apologized in her acceptance speech, saying that Cortese deserved the award more. Valentina Cortese died of natural causes and was 96 years-old.) - 07/10/19
RUTGER HAUER (Actor: Rutger Oelsen Hauer was one of my favorite actors of all time and his death came as a shock to me. He was the type of actor that immediately improved any film just by being in it. Rutger was born in the Netherlands town of Breukelen, Utrecht and quickly came into prominince by starring in a few films & a TV Series by Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, who would also find fame in the United States. Hauer caught the eye of Hollywood and soon began appearing in some A-list films, as well a appearing in low-budget genre films. He quickly became known as an actor who could play bad guys with aplomb in such films as NIGHTHAWKS [1981] and BLADE RUNNER [1982], but Hauer didn't turn his back to genre films, appearing in dozens of them. Rutger Hauer's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: MONSIEUR HAWARDEN - 1968 [His acting debut, but director Harry Kümel cut his scenes from the film]; FLORIS - 1969 [Dutch TV Series; Had the title role for 13 episodes]; THE PATHFINDERS - 1972 [TV]; TURKISH DELIGHT - 1973 [His first film for director Paul Verhoeven; Rated X when released to theaters in the United States (by Jerry Gross' Cinemation Industries}]; WAALDRECHT - 1973 [TV]; RUMPLESTILTSKIN - 1973 [His second film for director Harry Kümel, this time he had a starring role]; HARD TO REMEMBER - 1974; THE WILBY CONSPIRACY - 1975 [Hauer's first role in an International production]; KATIE TIPPEL - 1975 [His second film for director Paul Verhoeven]; COLD BLOOD - 1975; THE YEAR OF THE CANCER - 1975; CYRANO DE BERGERAC - 1975 [TV Movie]; FLORIS VON ROSEMUND [TV; Sequel to Hauer's first TV Series; Also had the title role for 19 episodes]; MAX HAVELAAR - 1976; NAKED AND LUSTFUL - 1976; SOLDIER OF ORANGE - 1977 [His third film for director Paul Verhoeven; The first film that I noticed Hauer as a very talented actor, thanks to renting the VHS tape of this film; I immediately became a fan for life!]; HEILIGE JEANNE - 1978 [TV Movie]; PASTORALE 1943 - 1978; MYSTERIES - 1978; VOOR KONINGIN EN VADERLAND - 1979 [TV mini-series version of SOLDIER OF ORANGE]; ES BEGANN BEI TIFFANY - 1979 [TV Movie]; WOMAN BETWEEN WOLF AND DOG - 1979 [Noteworthy as the film that featured Jean-Claude Van Damme in his first small role]; FATAL ERROR - 1979; DUEL IN DE DIEPTE - 1979 [TV; 4 episodes]; SPETTERS - 1980 [His fourth film for director Paul Verhoeven]; NIGHTHAWKS - 1981 [Sylvester Stallone was so upset that Hauer would upstage him, he had some of his scenes excised from the film, but he still upstaged Stallone!]; CHANEL SOLITAIRE - 1981; INSIDE THE THIRD REICH - 1982 [TV Movie]; BLADE RUNNER - 1982 [The film that made Hauer an international star; He had many disagreements with director Ridley Scott on how he should play his role, but no matter how you look at it, Hauer's acting was the best thing about the film]; EUREKA - 1983 [Directed by the late Nicolas Roeg]; THE OSTERMAN WEEKEND - 1983 [Directed by Sam Peckinpah]; A BREED APART - 1984 [Considered a financial flop {one of the four reels of film was lost in transit to the studio and it was never reshot, which explains some of the gaping plot holes}, this film played endlessly on HBO]; LADYHAWKE - 1985; FLESH + BLOOD - 1985 [Hauer and director Paul Verhoeven {their 5th film together} had a falling out while making this film and Hauer would never work with him again, even though Verhoeven tried to get him to star in some of his later films]; THE HITCHER - 1986 [Hauer gave his "John Ryder" character such a mean edge, it would forever cement him as an actor capable of playing very evil roles, something Hauer was against, afraid it would typecast him]; WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE - 1986 [Hauer in a good guy role]; ESCAPE FROM SOBIBOR - 1987 [TV Movie; Golden Globe® winner for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role]; THE LEGEND OF THE HOLY DRINKER - 1988 [Seattle International Film Festival® winner for Best Actor]; BLOODHOUNDS OF BROADWAY - 1989; BLIND FURY - 1989 [My favorite Hauer performance of all time; I never get tired of watching this film]; THE EDGE - 1989 [TV Movie]; UP TO DATE - 1989; THE BLOOD OF HEROES - 1989 [extremely weird and bloody film about a new way to play hockey!; required viewing for fans of unusual films]; BEYOND JUSTICE - 1991 [Italian TV mini-series]; WEDLOCK - 1991 [Hauer's first Cable TV Movie for HBO]; PAST MIDNIGHT - 1991; SPLIT SECOND - 1992 [Another weird film, mixing post-apocalypse themes with a creature on the loose]; BEYOND JUSTICE - 1992 {Confusing movie edited from the Italian mini-series from the previous year; As expected, a lot of gaping plot holes abound from editing a six hour mini-series into a 113-minute movie]; BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - 1992 [Hauer's first time playing a vampire]; T.V. - 1992 [TV Movie]; BLIND SIDE - 1993 [TV Movie]; VOYAGE - 1993 [TV Movie]; ARCTIC BLUE - 1993 [also Co-Executive Producer]; SURVIVING THE GAME - 1994; AMELIA EARHART: THE FINAL FLIGHT - 1994 [TV Movie]; NOSTRADAMUS - 1994; THE BEANS OF EGYPT, MAINE - 1994; FATHERLAND - 1994 [Another Cable TV Movie for HBO; Golden Globe® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television]; BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT - 1994; MR. STITCH - 1994 [The first "original" film made for the Sci-Fi Network {now called SyFy}; also Executive producer; Hauer refused to act from the script provided and improvised his role, forcing the director to drastically change the tone of the film; Needless to say, the film was a huge disappointment, one of Hauer's worst films, but not because of his acting, which was above board]; OMNIBUS - 1996 [TV Series Documentary; Hauer was the narrator of a documentary on Paul Verhoeven, even though they hadn't talked for years]; PRECIOUS FIND - 1996 [A sci-fi version of THE TREASURE OF SIERRA MADRE]; CROSSWORLDS - 1996 [MFHV]; OMEGA DOOM - 1996 [Hauer's first film for hack director Albert Pyun]; MARIETTE IN ECSTACY - 1996; HEMOGLOBIN - 1996 [a.k.a. BLEEDERS; a strange film with a Lovecraft vibe to it, but not wholly successful]; THE CALL OF THE WILD - 1997 [TV Movie]; KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR - 1997; BLAST - 1997 [another Albert Pyun piece of crap]; EATING PATTERN - 1997 [TV Movie; Part of a series of TV Movies in the LEXX universe]; HOSTILE WATERS - 1997 [Another Cable TV Movie for HBO]; REDLINE - 1997; THE RUBY RING - 1997 [TV Movie]; TACTICAL ASSAULT - 1998 [MFHV]; MERLIN - 1998 [TV mini-series]; BONE DADDY - 1998 [Hauer's stab at SE7EN territory; better than it has any right to be, thanks to Hauer's performance]; SIMON MAGUS - 1999; NEW WORLD DISORDER - 1999; PARTNERS IN CRIME - 2000; THE 10TH KINGDOM - 2000 [TV mini-series]; KYLIE MINOGUE: ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS - 2000 [Hauer's only appearance in a music video]; SLOW BURN - 2000; LYING IN WAIT - 2001; TURBULENCE 3: HEAVY METAL - 2001 [MFHV}; THE ROOM - 2001 [Short; also Director; Winner of Best Short Film at the Paris Film Festival®]; THE LAST WORDS OF DUTCH SCHULTZ - 2001 [Short; Voice only]; KILLER BUZZ - 2001 [a.k.a. FLYING VIRUS]; THE BANKERS OF GOD: THE CALVI AFFAIR - 2002; SCORCHER - 2002; WARRIOR ANGELS - 2002; CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND - 2002 [Hauer has a memorable cameo here]; ALIAS - 2003 [TV]; SMALLVILLE - 2003 [TV]; TEMPESTA - 2004; SALEM'S LOT - 2004 [TV mini-series; Hauer's second time portraying a vampire]; NEVER ENOUGH - 2004; IN THE SHADOW OF THE COBRA - 2004; SIN CITY - 2005 [Hauer was great here as the corrupt Cardinal Roark]; BATMAN BEGINS - 2005; DRACULA III: LEGACY - 2005 [DTV; Hauer's third, and last, time portraying a vampire]; MIRROR WARS: REFLECTION ONE - 2005; THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE - 2005 [TV Movie]; MINOTAUR - 2005; THE HUNT FOR EAGLE ONE - 2006 [DTV]; MENTOR - 2006; GOAL II: LIVING THE DREAM - 2007; DEAD TONE - 2007; MOVING MCALLISTER - 2007; SWEET BETTY - 2007 [Short]; STARTING OVER - 2007 [TV Movie]; MAGIC FLUTE DIARIES - 2008; BRIDE FLIGHT - 2008; THE RHAPSODY - 2008 [Short]; THE PRINCE OF MOTOR CITY - 2008 [TV Movie]; DAZZLE - 2009; 3 - 2009 [Short]; SWORD OF WAR - 2009; HAPPINESS RUNS - 2010; THE RITE - 2010; HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN - 2011 [One of my favorite of Hauer's low-budget films. This one is just full-tilt bozo crazy and Hauer eats up his title role]; THE MILL AND THE CROSS - 2011; BLACK BUTTERFLIES - 2011; ALL FOR ONE - 2011; THE 5TH EXECUTION - 2011; THE CARDBOARD VILLAGE - 2011; PORTABLE LIFE - 2011; THE REVEREND - 2011; THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING - 2011 [Rembrandt Award® winner for Best Dutch actor]; SPOON - 2011; REQUIEM 2019 - 2011 [Short]; DRACULA 3D - 2012 [Hauer's only film for director Dario Argento; Hauer shines as Van Helsing in what is Argento's least interesting film]; LIFE'S A BEACH - 2012; AGENT RANJID SAVES THE WORLD - 2012; MICHELANGELO - 2013 [Italy TV Movie]; METAL HURLANT CHRONICLES - 2013 [TV]; THE FUTURE - 2013; FLIGHT OF THE STORKS - 2013 [TV mini-series]; REAL PLAYING GAME - 2013; I TURNED HER TO THE LEFT - 2013 [Short]; ISIP THE WARRIOR - 2013 [Short]; THE LETTERS - 2014; WILFRED - 2014 [TV]; DEATH SQUAD - 2014 [one of the most confusing anti-action action films ever made!]; TRUE BLOOD - 2013-2014 [HBO Series; 6 episodes]; FRANCESCO - 2014 [Italy TV Movie]; THE SCORPION KING 4: QUEST FOR POWER - 2015 [DTFV]; GALAVANT - 2015 [TV; 3 episodes]; ADMIRAL - 2015; WAX: WE ARE THE X - 2015; CLONES - 2015 [Short]; THE LAST KINGDOM - 2015 [TV]; GENDERNESS - 2016 [Short]; BEYOND VALKYRIE: DAWN OF THE FOURTH REICH - 2016; DRAWING HOME - 2016; MATA HARI - 2016 [TV; 3 episodes]; GANGSTERDAM - 2017; VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS - 2017; 24 HOURS TO LIVE - 2017; THE BROKEN KEY - 2017; SAMSON - 2018; CHANNEL ZERO - 2018 [TV; 6 episodes]; CORBIN NASH - 2018; THE SISTERS BROTHERS - 2018; THE SONATA - 2018; PORTERS - 2017-2019 [TV; 7 episodes]. The following films are completed or in Post-Production and awaiting a release date [DNA = Date Not Available]: TONIGHT AT NOON - DNA; THE MYSTERY OF DRAGON SEAL: RETURN TO CHINA - 2019; EMPEROR - DNA; BREAK - DNA; A CHRISTMAS CAROL - 2019 [TV Movie; Hauer's final role as "Ghost Of Christmas Future"]. Rutger Hauer became known as "The Dutch Paul Newman" thanks to his good looks, piercing blue eyes and his acting ability. Even though they had a major falling out, Paul Verhoeven wanted him to play ROBOCOP [1987], but he refused, so the role went to Peter Weller [Can you imagine Hauer as RoboCop?]. He also turned down a role in Verhoeven's BLACK BOOK [2006]. Hauer was also heavily involved in AIDS research, creating the Rutger Hauer Starfish Foundation to research the disease. I hate writing these obituaries, especially for people I highly admire, so this one struck a chord deep inside me. Hauer was one of those rare actors in which I looked forward to every film he appeared in, no matter how small the role, because I knew he would entertain me and he always did [except for DEATH SQUAD - 2014; WTF was he thinking?]. Rutger Hauer passed away on July 19, 2019 after suffering from a short illness and was 75 years-old, but his death wasn't announced until July 24, 2019, the day he was buried. Rest well, Rutger, and know we will miss you.) - 07/19/19
GEORGE HILTON (Actor: Uruguay-born George Hilton [Real name: Jorge Hill Acosta y Lara] was an accomplished actor that appeared in many of the Italian genre films reviewed on this site, be it Spaghetti Western, War, Giallo, Horror or Eurocrime, he did it all. This is another favorite actor of mine whose death was never reported in any of the U.S newspapers or mentioned practically anywhere in this country. If it weren't for a friend across the pond telling me, I wouldn't have ever known of his passing. George Hilton's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise specified]: LOS TALLOS AMARGOS - 1956; AFTER THE SILENCE - 1956; UNA VIUDA DIFICIL - 1957; ALTO PARANA - 1958; EL BOTE, EL RIO Y LA GENTE - 1960; LA PROCESION - 1960; LOS QUE VERAN A DIOS - 1963; LAS MODELOS - 1963; THE MASKED MAN AGAINST THE PIRATES - 1964; THE AMAZING DOCTOR G - 1965; THE BRUTE AND THE BEAST - 1966 [a.k.a. MASSACRE TIME]; TWO SONS OF RINGO - 1966; KITOSCH, THE MAN WHO CAME FROM THE NORTH - 1967; POKER WITH PISTOLS - 1967; LAST OF THE BADMEN - 1967; A GHENTAR SI MUORE FACILE - 1967; HER HAREM - 1967; ANY GUN CAN PLAY - 1967; HALLELUJA FOR DJANGO - 1967; PROFESSIONALS FOR A MASSACRE - 1967; THE RUTHLESS FOUR - 1968; THE SWEET BODY OF DEBORAH - 1968; THE MOMENT TO KILL - 1968; TRUSTING IS GOOD...SHOOTING IS BETTER - 1968; TO HELL AND BACK - 1968; THE BATTLE OF EL ALAMEIN - 1969; DESERT BATTLE - 1969; WAR FEVER - 1969; A BULLET FOR SANDOVAL - 1969; SEVEN MINUTES TO DEATH - 1969; SARTANA'S HERE...TRADE YOUR PISTOL FOR A COFFIN - 1970; THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH - 1971; GUNS FOR DOLLARS - 1971; THE CASE OF THE SCORPION'S TAIL - 1971; THE DEVIL WITH SEVEN FACES - 1971; MY DEAR KILLER - 1972; ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK - 1972; THE TWO FACES OF FEAR - 1972; THE CASE OF THE BLOODY IRIS - 1972; RETURN OF HALLELUJA - 1972; HOLY GOD, HERE COMES PASSATORE! - 1973; THEY CALLED HIM THE PLAYER WITH THE DEAD - 1973; THE AFRICAN DEAL - 1973; 7 HOURS OF VIOLENCE - 1973; THE CRAZY BUNCH - 1974; IL BACO DA SETA - 1974; THE KILLER MUST KILL AGAIN - 1975; TRINITY PLUS THE CLOWN AND A GUITAR - 1975; WHO'S AFRAID OF ZORRO - 1975; TAXI GIRL - 1977; MACHO KILLERS - 1977; THE CALL OF SEX - 1977; DOUBLE GAME - 1977; BLAZING FLOWERS - 1978; EL LUGAR DEL HUMO - 1979; TESTE DI QUOIO - 1981; DON'T PLAY WITH TIGERS - 1982; THE SECRET NIGHTS OF LUCREZIA BORGIA - 1982; THE RAIDERS OF ATLANTIS - 1983; COLLEGE - 1984; SILVIA E SOLA - 1988 [TV Movie]; DINNER WITH A VAMPIRE - 1989 [TV Movie]; DOUBLE GAME - 1989; UN ENFANT DANS LA TOURMENTE - 1990 [Italy TV mini-series]; COLLEGE - 1990 [Italy TV Series; 14 episodes]; MADEMOISELLE ARDEL - 1990 [France TV Movie]; ABBRONZATISSIMI 2 - UN ANNO DOPPO - 1993; PRESTAZIONE STRAORDINARIA - 1994; ITALIAN RESTAURANT - 1994 [Italy TV mini-series]; TRE ADDII - 1999 [Italy TV Movie]; CIEN' ANNE - 1999; KILLER'S PLAYLIST - 2006; NATALE IN CROCIERA - 2007; UN COCCODRILLO PER AMICO - 2009 [Italy TV Movie]; LA PROMESSA DEL SICARIO - ???? [Completed before his death, but not yet released; His final acting role]. George Hilton appeared as himself in the giallo documentary ALL THE COLORS OF GIALLO [2018] and just completed an autobiographical documentary of his life and career called GEORGE HILTON - THE WORLD BELONGS TO THE DARING [2019] shortly before his death. He also appeared as himself in the documentaries PAURA: LUCIO FULCI REMEMBERED - VOLUME 1 [2008] and BAVA PUZZLE [2018], a feature-length documentary dedicated to Lamberto Bava. Archive footage of Hilton can be found in the documentaries THE DIABOLIKAL SUPER-KRIMINAL [2007], FANTASTICOZZI [2016; dedicated to Luigi Cozzi]; and DEODATO HOLOCAUST [2019; a career retrospective on Ruggero Deodato]. George Hilton passed away from undisclosed causes and was 85 years-old.) - 07/28/19
PETER FONDA (Actor/Director/Producer/Writer: The death of Peter Fonda at the age of 79 from lung cancer has hit me hard. Yes, I was a child of the '60s and EASY RIDER [1969] opened my mind to the fact that there were different ways to live your life. I could live like my father, who worked the same job for nearly 40 years, but seldom smiled, or I could live life my own way, enjoying every day just for the little things, making new friends and trying things I thought I would never try. The film was an eye-opening experience for me and the ending hit me very hard. You see, "adults over 30" never understood this way of life and what they didn't understand they destroyed. That's what this film was all about and it is thanks to Peter Fonda, who not only starred, but co-produced and co-wrote (with late actor/director Dennis Hopper) this important counter-culture film, that hit teens and young adults with the impact of a cannonball to the stomach. Goodbye, Mr. Fonda, and thanks for changing my life and the lives of millions of people. Some of us may have forgotten you, but there's no denying that you impacted our lives like no other film before or since. Peter Fonda's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: NAKED CITY - 1962 [TV]; THE NEW BREED - 1962 [TV]; WAGON TRAIN - 1962 [TV]; THE DEFENDERS - 1963 [TV]; TAMMY AND THE DOCTOR - 1963; CHANNING - 1963 [TV]; THE VICTORS - 1963; ARREST AND TRIAL - 1964 [TV]; LILITH - 1964; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1964 [TV]; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1964 [TV]; THE YOUNG LOVERS - 1964; THE ROUNDERS - 1965; THE WILD ANGELS - 1966 [the film that kick-started the "motorcycle gang" genre]; INSIGHT - 1966 [TV]; HIGH NOON: THE CLOCK STRIKES NOON AGAIN - 1966 [TV Movie]; THE TRIP - 1967 [one of the first films to deal with the "pleasures" of taking LSD]; SPIRITS OF THE DEAD - 1968; CERTAIN HONORABLE MEN - 1968 [TV Movie]; THE RED SKELTON HOUR - 1968 [TV]; EASY RIDER - 1969 [also Co-Producer & Co-Writer; Academy Award® nominee for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Based on Material Not Previously Published or Produced]; THE HIRED HAND - 1971 [also Director]; THE LAST MOVIE - 1971; TWO PEOPLE - 1973; DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY - 1974 [the shocking conclusion was Fonda's idea!]; OPEN SEASON - 1974; RACE WITH THE DEVIL - 1975 [a real guilty pleasure of mine; a fantastic mix of action and supernatural horror]; 92 IN THE SHADE - 1975; KILLER FORCE - 1976; FIGHTING MAD - 1976; FUTUREWORLD - 1976; OUTLAW BLUES - 1978 [also Performer/Singer of four songs]; HIGH-BALLIN' - 1978; WANDA NEVADA - 1979 [also Director]; THE HOSTAGE TOWER - 1980 [TV Movie]; THE CANNONBALL RUN - 1981; SPLIT IMAGE - 1982; IT'S ALL RIGHT, MY FRIEND - 1983; JUNGLE HEAT - 1983 [a.k.a. DANCE OF THE DWARVES]; PEPPERMINT-FRIEDEN - 1983; SPASMS - 1983; A REASON TO LIVE - 1985 [TV Movie]; CERTAIN FURY - 1985; MERCENARY FIGHTERS - 1988; HAWKEN'S BREED - 1988; SOUND - 1988 [TV Movie]; A TIME OF INDIFFERENCE - 1988 [Italian TV Movie]; THE ROSE GARDEN - 1989; ENEMY - 1989 [also writer]; FAMILY EXPRESS - 1991; BODIES, REST & MOTION - 1993; SOUTH BEACH - 1993; DEADFALL - 1993; IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT - 1994 [TV]; MOLLY & GINA - 1994; LOVE AND A .45 - 1994; NADJA - 1994; DON'T LOOK BACK - 1996 [TV Movie]; ESCAPE FROM L.A. - 1996; GRACE OF MY HEART - 1996 [Voice only]; ULEE'S GOLD - 1997 [Golden Globe® winner and Academy Award® nominee for Best Actor]; PAINTED HERO - 1997; WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD - 1998; THE TEMPEST - 1998 [TV Movie; Golden Globe® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television]; THE PASSION OF AYN RAND - 1999 [TV Movie; Golden Globe® winner and Emmy Award® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television]; THE LIMEY - 1999; SOUTH OF HEAVEN, WEST OF HELL - 2000; THOMAS AND THE MAGIC RAILROAD - 2000; SECOND SKIN - 2000; WOOLY BOYS - 2001; THE LARAMIE PROJECT - 2002 [TV Movie]; THE MOLDANADO MIRACLE - 2003 [TV Movie; Daytime Emmy Award® nominee for Outstanding Performer in a Children/Youth/Family Special]; CAPITAL CITY - 2004 [TV Movie]; THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS - 2004; A THIEF OF TIME - 2004 {TV Movie]; BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS - 2004 [TV Movie]; SUPERNOVA - 2005 [TV Movie]; EL COBRADOR: IN GOD WE TRUST - 2006; GHOST RIDER - 2007; WILD HOGS - 2007; 3:10 TO YUMA - 2007; THE GATHERING - 2007 [TV mini-series]; ER - 2007 [TV]; JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH - 2008 [TV Movie]; JAPAN - 2008; THE PERFECT AGE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL - 2009; THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY - 2009; REVOLUTION - 2009 [TV Movie]; AMERICAN BANDITS: FRANK AND JESSE JAMES - 2010 [DTV]; MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED - 2010 {Extremely enjoyable documentary in which Fonda has some archive footage] THE TROUBLE WITH BLISS - 2011; CSI: NY - 2011 [TV]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 2011 [TV]; SMITTY - 2012; HARODIM - 2012; HOUSE OF BODIES - 2013; AS COOL AS I AM - 2013; COPPERHEAD - 2013; THE ULTIMATE LIFE - 2013; THE HARVEST - 2013; THE BLACKLIST - 2014 [TV]; HR - 2014 [TV Movie]; JESSE JAMES: LAWMAN - 2015; THE RUNNER - 2015; DOCUMENTARY NOW! - 2016 [TV]; MAX - 2016 [TV Movie]; THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN - 2017; THE MOST HATED WOMAN IN AMERICA - 2017; BORDERLAND - 2017 [DTV]; YOU CAN'T SAY NO - 2018; BOUNDARIES - 2018; MILO MURPHY'S LAW - 2017-2018 [TV; Voice only]; THE MAGIC HOURS - 2018; THE LAST FULL MEASURE - 2019 [his last acting role]. Peter Fonda also directed the weird time travel film IDAHO TRANSFER [1973] and Executive Produced the documentary THE BIG FIX [2012]. Mr Fonda was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1601 Vine Street in Hollywood, California on October 22, 2003. Peter Fonda was the son of actor Henry Fonda, the younger brother of actress Jane Fonda and the father of actress Bridget Fonda and bit actor Justin Fonda. Peter Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer and was 79 years-old. Rest in peace, Peter. I'm not a religious person, but I hope you and Hopper are showing God what Heaven should be like!) - 08/16/19
FRANCO GAROFALO (Actor: Franco Garofalo was an Italian character actor whose rugged looks served him well, playing various bad guys and crazies in Italian genre films. My best memories of him are as the crazy soldier Zantoro in the gory HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD [1980], where he acted under the pseudonym "Frank Garfield". He appeared in many films reviewed on this site and I wouldn't have even known about his passing if it weren't for researching a film I was reviewing in which he was an actor. Actors like Garofalo go basically ignored in the States and it's a crying shame, especially when their passing is never reported anywhere. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise stated]: THEY CALLED HIM VERITAS - 1972; JOE PETROSINO - 1973 [TV mini-series]; CANTERBURY PROIBITO - 1972; SEX OF THE WITCH - 1973 [as "Christopher Oakes"]; MACADAM JUNGLE - 1973; THE ARENA - 1973; HEROES IN HELL - 1974; THE POSSESSOR - 1975; SEASON FOR ASSASSINS - 1975; THE COP IN BLUE JEANS - 1976; COLT 38 SPECIAL SQUAD - 1976; ORIGINS OF THE MAFIA - 1986 [TV mini-series]; A YEAR OF SCHOOL - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE VALLANZASCA BAND - 1977; LA BRAVITA - 1977; SEAGULLS FLY LOW - 1977; THE EYES BEHIND THE STARS - 1977; THE IRON COMMISSIONER - 1978; CIAO NI! - 1979; THE TRUE STORY OF THE NUN OF MONZA - 1980; HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD - 1980; THE OTHER HELL - 1980; THE SCORPION WITH TWO TAILS - 1982; HERCULES - 1983; THE VIOLENT BREED - 1984; THE COP IN DRAG - 1984; THE WITCHES' SABBATH - 1988; MURDER CALL - 1997 [TV Series]; DAGS - 1998; SCHIZOFRENIA DI UN ATTORE - 2002 [Short; also Director/Producer/Writer]; DR. TUMOR - 2005 [Short]; VIOLETS BLOOM AT AN EMPTY GRAVE - 2014 [Short; Voice only]; GALLERY OF GORE - 2015 [DTV]; HELP ME HAVE NO HUMAN WAYS - 2015 [Short]; THE WORLD OF SHADOWS - 2015 [Short; Voice only; his final acting role]. He can also be seen in the documentary BONDED BY BLOOD [2014], which is an extra on Blue Underground's double feature Blu-Ray of HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD [1980] and RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR [1983]. Franco Garofalo may not be as well-known as Franco Nero or Claudio Cassinelli, but he was someone who always gave his all in every role he played, making a definite impression on the viewer. Franco Garofalo died of an undisclosed illness and was 73 years-old.) - 08/22/19
CAROL LYNLEY (Actress: Carol Lynley [real name: Carol Ann Jones] was an actress you would have to be blind to miss during the '60s, '70s & '80s, since she was in nearly everything you watched on the boob tube, especially as a guest star on TV Series or in her many TV Movie appearances. She also appeared in many theatrical films and became popular due to her appearance in the original THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE [1972], but I will always remember her for the role she played in the TV Movie THE NIGHT STALKER [1972], which was the most watched TV Movie for nearly a decade. Ms. Lynley's credits as an actress included [TV Series unless marked with a 'TF' for Theatrical Film]: GOODYEAR PLAYHOUSE - 1956; THE ALCOA HOUR - 1956; THE KAISER ALUMINUM HOUR - 1956; ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - 1957; LIGHT IN THE FOREST - 1958 [TF; Golden Globe® nominee for Most Promising Newcomer - Female]; PURSUIT - 1958; SHIRLEY TEMPLE'S STORYBOOK - 1958; HOLIDAY FOR LOVERS - 1959 [TF]; BLUE DENIM - 1959 [TF; Golden Globe® nominee for Most Promising Newcomer - Female]; GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATER - 1956-1959 [4 episodes]; HOUND-DOG MAN - 1959 [TF]; RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE - 1961 [TF]; THE LAST SUNSET - 1961;  [TF]; THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR - 1962; ALCOA PREMIERE - 1962; THE VIRGINIAN - 1962; THE DICK POWELL THEATRE - 1963; THE STRIPPER - 1963 [TF]; UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE - 1963 [TF]; THE CARDINAL - 1963 [TF];  SHOCK TREATMENT - 1964 [TF]; THE PLEASURE SEEKERS - 1964 [TF]; HARLOW - 1965 [TF]; BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING - 1965 [TF; also Performer of the song "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush"]; RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - 1966; BOB HOPE PRESENTS CHRYSLER THEATER - 1965-1966; THE SHUTTERED ROOM - 1967 [TF; The first time I noticed Lynley as an actress]; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967; DANGER ROUTE - 1967 [TF]; THE INVADERS - 1967; THE F.B.I. - 1967; JOURNEY TO THE UNKNOWN - 1968; THE HELICOPTER SPIES - 1968 [TF of her two episodes of THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. that were edited together and released to theaters]; THE BIG VALLEY - 1968; SHADOW ON THE LAND - 1968 [TV Movie]; THE SMUGGLERS - 1968 [TV Movie]; IT TAKES A THIEF - 1969; THE MALTESE BIPPY - 1969 [TF]; ONCE YOU KISS A STRANGER... - 1969 [TF]; THE IMMORTAL - 1969-1970; NORWOOD - 1970 [TF]; THE BOLD ONES: THE NEW DOCTORS - 1970; THE MOST DEADLY GAME - 1970; WEEKEND OF TERROR - 1970 [TV Movie]; MANNIX - 1971; CROSSCURRENT - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE NIGHT STALKER - 1972 [TV Movie]; NIGHT GALLERY - 1972 [Episode: "Last Rites for a Dead Druid"]; THE SIXTH SENSE - 1972; BEWARE! THE BLOB - 1972 [TF]; THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE - 1972 [TF: Contrary to popular opinion {including Lynley herself}, she didn't sing the song "The Morning After", as she was dubbed by singer Renée Armand]; ORSON WELLE'S GREAT MYSTERIES - 1973; COTTER - 1974 [TF]; THE MAGICIAN - 1974; THE ELEVATOR - 1974 [TV Movie]; THE EVIL TOUCH - 1974; DEATH STALK - 1975 [TV Movie]; IF IT'S A MAN, HANG UP - 1975 [TV Movie]; THE FOUR DEUCES - 1975 [TF]; QUINCY M.E. - 1976; POLICE WOMAN - 1976; FLOOD - 1976 [TV Movie]; KOJAK - 1977; FUTURE COP - 1977; BAD GEORGIA ROAD - 1977 [TF]; HAVING BABIES II - 1977 [TV Movie]; THE WASHINGTON AFFAIR - 1977 [TF]; HAWAII FIVE-O - 1978; COPS AND ROBIN - 1978 [TV Movie]; RICHIE BROCKELMAN, PRIVATE EYE - 1978; THE BEASTS ARE ON THE STREETS - 1978 [TV Movie]; SWORD OF JUSTICE - 1978; THE CAT AND THE CANARY - 1978 [TF]; THE LOVE BOAT - 1979; THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME - 1979 [TF]; ME OLVIDE DE VIVIR - 1980 [Spanish TF]; WILLOW B: WOMEN IN PRISON - 1980 [TV Movie]; THE LITTLEST HOBO - 1980; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1980; BEST OF FRIENDS - 1981 [TV Movie]; HART TO HART - 1981; JUDGMENT DAY - 1981 [TV Movie] BAKER'S DOZEN - 1982; VIGILANTE - 1982 [TF]; BALBOA - 1983 [TF]; THE FALL GUY - 1983; HOTEL - 1983; FANTASY ISLAND - 1977-1984 [11 episodes; She was the actress with the most appearances on the series, even appearing on the pilot episode]; TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED - 1984; IN POSSESSION - 1984 [TV Movie]; FINDER OF LOST LOVES - 1984; NIGHT HEAT - 1987; DARK TOWER - 1987 [TF]; BLACKOUT - 1988 [TF]; ANOTHER WORLD - 1989; MONSTERS - 1990; SPIRITS - 1991 [TF]; HOWLING VI: THE FREAKS - 1991 [TF]; NEON SIGNS - 1996 [TF]; FLYPAPER - 1999 [TF]; DROWNING ON DRY LAND - 1999 [TF]; CHUMP CHANGE - 2000 [TF]; A LIGHT IN THE FOREST - 2003 [TF]; VIC - 2006 [Short; her final acting role].  Ms Lynley once told an interviewer: "I've never been in a scandal. I've never been caught running naked down a highway. I've not tried to shoot anybody. Nobody's ever tried to shoot me. My child is legitimate... I've never been to Betty Ford... No porn... No drug addictions... I've outlived three of my doctors. So if you're going to write a juicy book, I've got a problem." [She had an affair, off and on for 18 years, with David Frost]. Ms. Lynley was also active on Stage, appearing in numerous plays from 1957 to 1976. Carol Lynley's cause of death was a heart attack and she was 77 years-old.) - 09/03/19
ROBERT AXELROD (Actor: Robert Axelrod was a character actor whose name may not be well known, but his face is instantly recognizable. I review many of the movies he appeared in on this site. Axelrod was best known as a voiceover artist, supplying voices to animated and live action movies and TV Series, such as the ROBOTECH series [as "Rico"] and the long-running THE MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS [as the voice of "Finster/Lord Zedd"] and its various incarnations, among many other animated and live-action TV Series. Robert Axelrod's credits included [Theatrical Films, unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: THE SMURFS AND THE MAGIC FLUTE - 1976 [Voice only]; LUPIN THE 3RD: THE MYSTERY OF MAMO - 1978 [Voice only]; BANNERTAIL: THE STORY OF GRAY SQUIRREL - 1979 [TV; Voice only]; MANXMOUSE - 1979 [Voice only]; LUPIN THE 3RD - 1978-1979 [TV; Voice only]; BACK TO THE FOREST - 1980 [TV Movie; Voice only]; DON DE LA MANCHA - 1980 [TV mini-series; Voice only]; TRICKS OF THE TRADE - 1980; SWAN LAKE - 1981 [Voice only]; DR. SLUMP - 1981  [TV; Voice only]; DOGTANIAN AND THE THREE MUSKEHOUNDS - 1981 [TV; Voice only]; KATY CATERPILLAR - 1984 [Voice only]; LENSMAN - 1984 [Voice only]; NOOZLES - 1984 [TV; Voice only; 26 episodes]; CODENAME: ROBOTECH - 1985 [TV Movie; Voice only]; ALICE IN WONDERLAND - 1985 [TV Movie; Voice only]; VICTIMS! - 1985; ROBOTECH - 1985 [TV; Voice only; 85 episodes]; BAD GUYS - 1986; MURPHY'S LAW - 1986; SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE - 1986; THE DANGER ZONE - 1986; TERROR ON ALCATRAZ - 1986; SIDEKICKS - 1986 [TV]; AMAZING STORIES - 1986 [TV]; ASSASSINATION - 1987; THE NEW MIKE HAMMER - 1987 [TV]; A CHUCKLEWOOD EASTER - 1987 [TV Short; Voice only]; THE NEW LEAVE IT TO BEAVER - 1987 [TV]; BATES MOTEL - 1987 [TV Movie]; NEO TOKYO - 1987 [Voice only]; DEATH WISH IV: THE CRACKDOWN - 1987; OBSESSIONS - 1987; A CHILD CALLED JESUS - 1987 [Italian TV Movie]; AKIRA - 1988 [Voice only]; THE BLOB - 1988; KATY MEETS THE ALIENS - 1988 [Voice only]; THE BIG TURNAROUND - 1988; AMERICAN RAMPAGE - 1988; KINJITE: FORBIDDEN SUBJECTS - 1989; GRIMM MASTERPIECE THEATER - 1989 [TV; Voice only; also Writer]; HUNTER - 1989 [TV]; ANIMATED STORIES FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT - 1988-1989 [TV; Voice only]; THE LORDS OF MAGICK - 1989; MIDNIGHT - 1989; FORTRESS OF AMERIKKKA - 1989; Y'S: LEGACY - 1989 [MFHV; Voice only]; THE BRAVE FROG - 1989 [MFHV; Voice only]; ALIEN PRIVATE EYE - 1989 [a film so mind-numbingly bad, only Raedon Home Video would release it on VHS. As I am typing this, Roku-only streaming channel B-Movie TV is airing it for the first time. If that's not karma, I don't know what is!]; DRAGON BALL - 1989 [TV Special; Voice only]; CHANCE - 1990; THE ADVENTURE MACHINE - 1990 [TV Movie; Voice only]; REPO JAKE - 1990; THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL - 1991 [TV]; THE KILLERS EDGE - 1991 [MFHV]; F.A.R.T. THE MOVIE - 1991 [MFHV; also Writer]; ZEIRAM - 1991 [Voice only]; REASONABLE DOUBTS - 1992 [TV]; WHAT'S UP MOM? - 1992 [TV Short; Voice only]; WISHMAN - 1992; JIN JIN - 1992 [TV; Voice only]; BEYOND FEAR - 1993; RULE NO. 3 - 1993; JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE WORLD - 1993 [TV; Voice only]; TAXI DANCERS - 1993; DEAD BADGE - 1995; MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE - 1995 [Voice only]; CHARLIE GRACE - 1995 [TV]; SILK STALKINGS - 1995 [TV]; MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: NINJA QUEST - 1995 [MFHV; Voice only]; FAMILY MATTERS - 1995 [TV]; TORNADO RUN - 1995; FATAL PURSUIT - 1995; RUROUNI KENSHIN: WANDERING SAMURAI - 1996 [TV; Voice only]; MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE 08TH MS TEAM - 1996 [TV mini-series; Voice only]; RENEGADE - 1996 [TV]; MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS - 1993-1996 [TV; Voice only; 118 episodes]; MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: LIVE - 1996 [MFHV; Voice only]; MICHAEL JACKSON: STRANGER IN MOSCOW - 1996 [Music Video]; POWER RANGERS ZEO - 1996 [TV; Voice only; 15 episodes]; SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - 1995-1997 [TV; Voice only; 3 episodes]; BEETLEBORGS - 1997 [TV; Voice only]; PROFILER - 1997-1998 [TV]; POWER RANGERS IN SPACE - 1998 [TV; Voice only; 3 episodes]; POWER RANGERS LOST GALAXY - 1999 [TV; Voice only]; COWBOY BEBOP - 1999 [TV; Voice only]; THE BIG O - 1999; [TV]; KNOCKOUT - 2000 [TV; Voice only]; CARRIED BY THE WIND: TSUKOKAGE RAN - 2000 [TV; Voice only]; DIGIMON: THE MOVIE - 2000 [Voice only]; TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE - 2000 [TV; Voice only; 38 episodes]; BLACK JACK - 2000 [TV mini-series; Voice only]; STAR TREK: VOYAGER - 2001 [TV]; DIGIMON ADVENTURE 2 - 2000-2001 [TV; Voice only; 50 episodes]; 18 WHEELS OF JUSTICE - 2001 [TV]; DIGIMON: DIGITAL MONSTERS - 1999-2001 [TV; Voice only; 45 episodes]; METROPOLIS - 2001 [Voice only]; POWER RANGERS TIME FORCE - 2001  [TV; Voice only]; THE LITTLE POLAR BEAR - 2001 [Voice only]; KARMA TO BURN - 2001; A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - 2002; TheCampusHouse.com - 2002 [DTV]; ICE CRAWLERS - 2002 [a.k.a DEEP FREEZE];  EXORCISM - 2003; A LIGHT IN THE FOREST - 2003; EVERY 43 SECONDS - 2003 [DTV]; GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX - 2004 [TV; Voice only]; GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE - 2004 [Voice only]; THE LAST SHOT - 2004; GOTHAM CAFE - 2005 [Short]; THE EDEN FORMULA - 2006 [TV Movie]; THE ANATOLIAN - 2007; SAFETY FIRST: THE RISE OF WOMEN! - 2008; BUGBEAR - 2009 [Short]; TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB! - 2009 [TV]; THE REVENANT - 2009; TWIRL - 2009 [Short]; MEGA MONSTER BATTLE: ULTRA GALAXY LEGENDS - THE MOVIE - 2009 [Voice only]; FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE SHIN SAGA - 2009 [Voice only]; SPACE PIRATE CAPTAIN HARLOCK - 2010 [Voice only]; SPACE PIRATE CAPTAIN HARLOCK 2 - 2010 [Voice only]; DANGUARD ACE - 2010 [Voice only]; DANGUARD ACE 2 - 2010 [Voice only]; DANGUARD ACE 3 - 2010 [Voice only]; TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB! CHRIMBUS SPECIAL - 2010 [TV]; MORNING PRAYER WITH SKOTT AND BEHR - 2010 [TV]; THE ADVENTURES OF NADJA - 2011; THE ADVENTURES OF NADJA 2 - 2011; GAIKING I - 2011 [Voice only]; GAIKING II - 2011 [Voice only]; GAIKING III - 2011 [Voice only]; 1000 WAYS TO DIE - 2011 [TV]; FROGTOWN - 2011; FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE TOKI SAGA - 2011 [Voice only]; FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE SOUTHER SAGA - 2011 [Voice only]; FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE RAY SAGA - 2011 [Voice only]; TIM AND ERIC'S BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE - 2011 [I can't express enough my distaste for this film! To find out why, click HERE and scroll down until you get to the film's title.]; MOMMY'S LITTLE MONSTER - 2012; BITE ME - 2012 [TV]; VALIBATION - 2013 [Short]; CLOSURE - 2013 [Short]; THE FAIRFAX FILE - 2013 [Short]; THE GOLDFISH - 2013 [Short]; THE BATHROOM DIARIES - 2014 [TV]; MONDAY MORNING - 2015; BAGBOY - 2015 [TV Movie]; THE NEIGHBORS - 2015 [TV; 5 episodes]; FAITH NO MORE: SUNNY SIDE UP - 2015 [Music Video]; VANQUISHER - 2016 [Voice only]; CHECK IT OUT! WITH DR. STEVE BRULE - 2010-2016 [TV; 5 episodes]; FIGHT OR DIE - 2016 [TV; 3 episodes]; BOONVILLE REDEMPTION - 2016; TIGHT - 2017 [TV]; THE CLAPPER - 2017; THE BLAZING WORLD - 2018 [Short]; TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN - 2018; INDUCED EFFECT - 2019 [His final acting role]. Mr. Axelrod also did the Script Adaption of 52 episodes of the Japanese animated series MOCK OF THE OAK TREE [1972], as well as supplying the English Script adaption to 101 episodes of the animated series BOES [1988-1991] and the English Screenplay Adaption to 54 episodes of SAMURAI PIZZA CATS [ 1990 - 2013]. He also did voice dubbing on the English version of director Michele Soavi's THE CHURCH [1989]. The Animation Industry lost an important voice artist, who voiced over 150 characters in his lifetime. he was also a trained guitarist who started out in the music industry before he turned his talents to acting and voiceover work. Robert Axlerod passed away from unknown causes and was 70 years-old.) - 09/07/19
SID HAIG (Actor: Now this one really hurts. The bald-headed Sid Haig [real name: Sidney Eddie Mosesian] was an unforgettable actor in exploitation films dating back to the '60s when he appeared in SPIDER BABY [1964], but he really came into prominence during the '70s in many WIP [Women In Prison] and Blaxploitation flicks made in the Philippines and other locales. He was also a popular guest actor on many '60s, '70's & '80s TV Series. He then had a career resurgence in the New Millennium as Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES [2002] and THE DEVIL'S REJECTS [2005] and his next-to-final film, Zombie's 3 FROM HELL [2019] continues the story of Spaulding and the Firefly clan. To say that this is a sad day for genre cinema is an understatement. Mr. Haig was always entertaining, no matter what role he played. And he had a face that was unforgettable. Sid Haig's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: THE HOST - 1960 [Short]; THE UNTOUCHABLES - 1962 [TV]; THE FIREBRAND - 1962; SPIDER BABY - 1964; THE LUCY SHOW - 1965 [TV]; BEACH BALL - 1965; BLOOD BATH - 1966; BATMAN - 1966 [TV]; LAREDO - 1966 [TV]; STAR TREK - 1967 [TV]; IT'S A BIKINI WORLD - 1967; POINT BLANK - 1967; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967 [TV]; IRON HORSE - 1966-1967 [TV]; THE DANNY THOMAS HOUR - 1967 [TV]; DANIEL BOONE - 1968 [TV]; DEATH VALLEY DAYS - 1968 [TV]; THE HELL WITH HEROES - 1968; THE FLYING NUN - 1968 [TV]; THE HELICOPTER SPIES - 1968 [Theatrical Movie edited from his two episodes of THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.]; HERE'S LUCY - 1969 [TV]; PIT STOP - 1969; CHE! - 1969; GUNSMOKE - 1966-1969 [TV; 4 Episodes]; GET SMART - 1967-1970 [TV; 3 Episodes]; HERE COMES THE BRIDES - 1970 [TV]; C.C. & COMPANY - 1970; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - 1966-1970 [TV; 9 episodes]; MANNIX - 1970 [TV]; THX1138 - 1971; HITCHED - 1971 [TV Movie]; THE BIG DOLL HOUSE - 1971 [His first WIP film]; ALIAS SMITH AND JONES - 1971 [TV; 3 Episodes]; THE PARTNERS - 1971 [TV]; DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - 1971; O'HARA, U.S. TREASURY - 1972 [TV]; BEWARE! THE BLOB - 1972; THE BIG BIRD CAGE - 1972 [also Second Unit Director]; MCMILLAN & WIFE - 1972 [TV]; THE WOMAN HUNT - 1972; BLACK MAMA WHITE MAMA - 1973; THE NO MERCY MAN - 1973 [a.k.a. TRAINED TO KILL U.S.A.]; WONDER WOMEN - 1973; EMPEROR OF THE NORTH - 1973; COFFY - 1973; BEYOND ATLANTIS - 1973; THE DON IS DEAD - 1973; SHAFT - 1974 [TV]; BUSTING - 1974; FOXY BROWN - 1974; SAVAGE SISTERS - 1974; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1974 [TV]; GET CHRISTY LOVE! - 1974 [TV]; THE ROCKFORD FILES - 1974 [TV]; EMERGENCY! - 1975 [TV]; WHO IS THE BLACK DAHLIA? - 1975 [TV Movie]; RUN, JOE, RUN - 1975 [TV]; THE RETURN OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST DETECTIVE - 1976 [TV Movie]; SWASHBUCKLER - 1976; WONDERBUG - 1976 [TV]; DELVECCHIO - 1976 [TV]; MONSTER SQUAD - 1976 [TV]; ELECTRA WOMAN AND DYNA GIRL - 1976 [TV]; SPENCER'S PILOTS - 1976 [TV]; POLICE STORY - 1974-1977 [TV]; MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN - 1976-1977 [TV; 55 Episodes]; MCNAMARA'S BAND - 1977 [TV Movie]; POLICE WOMAN - 1978 [TV]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1978 [TV]; SWITCH - 1976-1978 [TV}; EVENING IN BYZANTIUM - 1978 [TV mini-series]; COMING ATTRACTIONS - 1978; TARZAN AND THE SUPER 7 - 1978 [TV]; DEATH CAR ON THE FREEWAY - 1979 [TV Movie]; JASON OF STAR COMMAND - 1978-1979 [TV; 28 episodes]; HART TO HART - 1980 [TV]; QUINCY M.E. - 1981 [TV]; BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY - 1980-1981 [TV]; UNDERGROUND ACES - 1981; CHU CHU AND THE PHILLY FLASH - 1981; GALAXY OF TERROR - 1981 [One of his best '80s films]; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 1982 [TV]; BRET MAVERICK - 1982 [TV]; T.J. HOOKER - 1982 [TV]; TWO GUYS FROM MUCK - 1982 [TV Movie]; BRING 'EM BACK ALIVE - 1982 [TV]; THE AFTERMATH - 1982; FORTY DAYS OF MUSA DAGH - 1982; FANTASY ISLAND - 1978-1983 [TV; 3 Episodes]; THE A-TEAM - 1983 [TV]; AUTOMAN - 1983 [TV]; SCARECROW  AND MRS. KING - 1985 [TV]; THE FALL GUY - 1981-1985 [TV; 4 Episodes]; WILDSIDE - 1985 [TV]; HILL STREET BLUES - 1985 [TV]; MISFITS OF SCIENCE - 1985 [TV]; AMAZING STORIES - 1985 [TV]; MACGYVER - 1985-1986 [TV]; COMMANDO SQUAD - 1987; OHARA - 1987 [TV]; SLEDGE HAMMER! - 1987 [TV]; WEREWOLF - 1988 [TV]; GODDESS OF LOVE - 1988 [TV Movie]; WARLORDS - 1988 [also Second Unit Director]; WIZARDS OF THE LOST KINGDOM II - 1989; THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR - 1989 [TV]; JUST THE TEN OF US - 1989-1990 [TV; 3 Episodes]; THE FORBIDDEN DANCE - 1990; GENUINE RISK - 1990; BORIS AND NATASHA - 1992; JACKIE BROWN - 1997; ROB ZOMBIE: FEEL SO NUMB - 2001 [Music Video]; HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES - 2002; KILL BILL: VOL 2 - 2004; THE DEVIL'S REJECTS - 2005; HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 - 2005 [TV Movie]; NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 3D - 2006; LITTLE BIG TOP - 2006; A DEAD CALLING - 2006 [DTV]; THE HAUNTED CASINO - 2007; HALLOWEEN - 2007; BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD - 2007; THIRSTY - 2009 [Short]; THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO - 2009 [Voice only]; DARK MOON RISING - 2009 [also Co-Producer & Performer of the song "Trouble {Is Back In Town}"]; CHADAM - 2010 [TV]; CREATURE - 2010; MIMESIS - 2011; THE INFLICTED - 2012; LORDS OF SALEM - 2012; THE SACRED - 2012; HATCHET III - 2013; HOLLISTON - 2013 [TV]; DEVIL IN MY RIDE - 2013; THE PENNY DREADFUL PICTURE SHOW - 2013; ZOMBEX - 2013; TWIZTID: SICK MAN - 2014 [Video Short]; BONE TOMAHAWK - 2015; DON'T DO IT! - 2016 [Short]; DEATH HOUSE - 2017; RAZOR - 2017; SUICIDE FOR BEGINNERS - 2018; TIGTONE - 2018 [TV]; CYNTHIA - 2018; HIGH ON THE HOG - 2019 [also Producer]; 3 FROM HELL - 2019; HANUKKAH - 2020 [also Associate Producer; his final acting role]. At the time of his death a documentary was being filmed on his life and career. He also appeared as himself in the documentaries GOING TO PIECES: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SLASHER FILM - 2006; MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED! - 2010; SMOKE AND MIRRORS: THE STORY OF TOM SAVINI - 2015; TO HELL AND BACK: THE KANE HODDER STORY - 2017; FOR THE LOVE OF HALLOWEEN - 2018; and TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT MOVIES OF ALL TIME - 2019 [TV mini-series Documentary]. Sid may be gone, but we still have his films to entertain us in the eons to come. Sid Haig passed away from a lung infection and was 80 years-old.) - 09/21/19
RYAN NICHOLSON (Director/Special Effects Master: I'm going to let my friend, Mario Dominick, who wrote all the reviews in the FILMS ON THE FRINGE section of this site, deliver Mr. Nicholson's eulogy: "I wanted to know if you heard that filmmaker and FX artist Ryan Nicholson (director of underground horror hits like GUTTERBALLS, HANGER, LIVE FEED, etc.) passed away this week. He was 47 and was battling with brain cancer over the past few years. I never met Ryan in person, but I knew him well through internet and social media correspondence and he is featured among the interviews in my book “Exploring the Underground.” He was very happy to be included in it and I feel very fortunate to have gotten his participation in it. Ryan also had an extensive career in special FX makeup in many big budget movies including FINAL DESTINATION, SCARY MOVIE, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, BLADE: TRINITY, and many more. He was also teaching makeup classes in Canada, his home country, over the past couple years and still getting FX gigs. Earlier this summer, it was revealed that Stephen Biro and Unearthed Films purchased the rights to all his directing efforts made under his production company Plotdigger Films. Unearthed will be releasing his films on Blu-Ray starting with FAMINE (never officially released in the US) and the never released BIG FUCKING MONSTER and GUTTERBALLS 2. There was some controversy over the Indiegogo campaigns for BFM and GB2 in recent years with fans not receiving the DVDs and perks they paid for which led to Ryan’s reputation really taking a hit within the scene. Dealing with his illness and all the complications it caused him mentally and physically really made it hard for him to handle the task of finishing the movies and getting them distributed on his own. Unearthed stepping in to help get BFM and GB2 finished and released to everyone who ordered them and never received them will hopefully heal some of the wounds that were left among fans who were upset with Ryan. I made it a point to stay out of that drama and stay friends with Ryan. I never contributed to those Indiegogo campaigns so he never owed me anything. I also think Ryan must have known he didn’t have much time left so he probably figured giving his films a home with Unearthed would probably be best to make sure his legacy is preserved. Stephen has always been a class act, so kudos to him for taking the reigns to clean up the Indiegogo mess and preserve Ryan’s work. I’ll definitely miss Ryan. He was a dedicated genre fan and always fun to talk to. RIP big guy." Ryan Nicholson's credits as a director included [Theatrical Films unless otherwise specified]: NECROPHAGIA: NIGHTMARE SCENARIOS - 2004 [DTV]; TORCHED - 2004 [DTV Short; also Producer & Story]; HELL HATH NO FURY - 2006 [DTV; also Producer & Story]; LIVE FEED - 2006 [also Producer & Screenplay]; GUTTERBALLS - 2008 [also Executive Producer & Screenplay]; HANGER - 2009 [DTV; also Executive Producer & Screenplay]; STAR VEHICLE - 2010 [a.k.a. BLEADING LADY; also Co-Producer & Screenplay]; FAMINE - 2011 [also Producer & Screenplay; I saw this streaming on Amazon Prime under the title DETENTION NIGHT]; REDEMPTUS - 2012 [TV mini-series]; DEAD NUDE GIRLS - 2013 [also Executive Producer & Screenplay]; THE PROFANE EXHIBIT - 2013; COLLAR - 2014 [also Producer & Screenplay]; GUTTERBALLS 2: BALLS DEEP - 2015 [also Producer & Screenplay]; MORE DEAD NUDE GIRLS FEATURING BBK - 2016 [Video Short]; B.F.M. BIG FUCKING MONSTER - 2017 [a.k.a. ALARMING; also Co-Producer & Story]; CANNIBAL LIPSTICK - Finished in 2012; Release Date T.B.D. [also Screenplay]. Nicholson also supplied all the gory effects to the above films, as well as the following films and TV series [This is just a small sampling]: MILLENNIUM - 1996 [TV]; HEMOGLOBIN - 1996; RESURRECTION - 1999; FINAL DESTINATION - 2000; REPLICANT - 2001; NIGHT VISIONS - 2001 [TV]; MONSTER ISLAND - 2004 [TV Movie]; BLADE: TRINITY - 2004; THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK - 2004; IT WAITS - 2005; SUPERNATURAL - 2005 [TV]; KYLE XY - 2006 [TV]; EUREKA - 2006 [TV]; OGRE - 2007 [TV Movie]; GRAVE ENCOUNTERS 2 - 2012; BLOOD VALLEY: SEED'S REVENGE - 2013; EXTRATERRESTRIAL - 2014; WAYWARD PINES - 2015 [TV]; BLOOD FEAST - 2016; BLAIR WITCH - 2016; IT STAINS THE SANDS RED - 2016; THE PREDATOR - 2018. Ryan Nicholson passed away from brain cancer and was just 47 years-old.) - 10/08/19
ROBERT FORSTER (Actor: Jesus, when it rains it pours! Robert Forster [born Robert Wallace Foster, Jr.] was one of my favorite character actors who was finally recognized for his talents with an Academy Award® nomination for his role in Quentin Tarantino's JACKIE BROWN [1997]. Throughout his career, which included two failed, but fondly remembered, TV Series in the '70s, he was always a joy to watch. His acting was humanistic and sometimes funny, but without seeming forced, making him a favorite choice in the many A and B-list films he starred or appeared in. He tried his hand at directing only once, in the detective comedy HOLLYWOOD HARRY [1986], in which he played the starring role. Robert Foster's credits as an actor included [Theatrical Films unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE - 1967 [his debut]; N.Y.P.D. - 1967 [TV}; PREMIERE - 1968 [TV]; JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE - 1968 [TV]; THE STALKING MOON - 1968; JUSTINE - 1969; MEDIUM COOL - 1969; PIECES OF DREAMS - 1970; CALL ME BABE - 1970; JOURNEY THROUGH ROSEBUD - 1972; BANYON - 1971-1973 [His first failed series; played titled role; 16 episodes]; THE DON IS DEAD - 1973; THE DEATH SQUAD - 1974 [TV Movie]; NAKIA - 1974 [TV; his second failed series; played titled role; 14 episodes]; MEDICAL STORY - 1975 [TV]; ROYCE - 1976 [TV Movie]; GIBBSVILLE - 1976 [TV]; THE CITY - 1977 [TV Movie]; STUNTS - 1977; POLICE STORY - 1975-1977 [TV; 5 episodes]; STANDING TALL - 1978 [TV Movie]; AVALANCHE - 1978; THE DARKER SIDE OF TERROR - 1979 [TV Movie]; THE LADY IN RED - 1979; THE BLACK HOLE - 1979; ALLIGATOR - 1980 [one of my favorite Forster roles]; HEARTBREAK HIGH - 1981; GOLIATH AWAITS - 1981 [TV Movie]; VIGILANTE - 1982; WALKING THE EDGE - 1983; MAGNUM P.I. - 1985 [TV]; THE DELTA FORCE - 1986 [as an Arab terrorist!]; HOLLYWOOD HARRY - 1986 [also Director & Producer]; TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE - 1987 [TV]; HOTEL - 1987 [TV]; ONCE A HERO - 1987 [TV; 3 episodes]; WILLIAM TELL - 1987-1988 [TV; 3 episodes]; COUNTERFORCE - 1988; JESSE HAWKES - 1989 [TV]; SATAN'S PRINCESS - 1989; THE BANKER - 1989; MICK AND FRANKIE - 1989 [TV Movie]; ESMERALDA BAY - 1989; CROSSBOW: THE MOVIE - 1989 [TV Movie]; PEACEMAKER - 1990 [one of my favorite Forster films]; COMMITTED - 1988/1990; CHECKERED FLAG - 1991; DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY - 1991; JAKE AND THE FATMAN - 1991 [TV]; 29TH STREET - 1991; P.S.I. LUV U - 1991 [TV]; IN BETWEEN - 1991; IN THE SHADOW OF A KILLER - 1992 [TV Movie]; MANIAC COP 3: BADGE OF SILENCE - 1993; SEX, LOVE AND COLD HARD CASH - 1993 [TV Movie]; SOUTH BEACH - 1993; SILK STALKINGS - 1993 [TV]; AMERICAN YAKUZA - 1993; COVER STORY - 1993; POINT OF SEDUCTION: BODY CHEMISTRY III - 1994; SCANNERS: THE SHOWDOWN - 1994; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1986-1995 [TV]; ONE WEST WAIKIKI - 1995 [TV]; GUNS AND LIPSTICK - 1995; THE METHOD - 1996; ORIGINAL GANGSTAS - 1996; UNCLE SAM - 1996; HINDSIGHT - 1996; WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - 1995-1997 [TV]; AMERICAN PERFEKT - 1997; DEMOLITION UNIVERSITY - 1997 [MFHV]; JACKIE BROWN - 1997 [Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor]; NIGHT VISION - 1997; REAR WINDOW - 1998 [TV Movie]; PSYCHO - 1998; OUTSIDE OZONA - 1998; TODD MCFARLANE'S SPAWN - 1999 [Cable series; Voice only]; ALL THE RAGE - 1999; FAMILY TREE - 1999; KISS TOLEDO GOODEBYE - 1999; MULHOLLAND DRIVE - 1999 [TV Movie]; SUPERNOVA - 2000; GODZILLA: THE SERIES - 2000 [TV; Voice only]; THE MAGIC OF MARCIANO - 2000; LAKEBOAT - 2000; COWBOYS AND ANGELS - 2000; ME, MYSELF & IRENE - 2000; DIAMOND MEN - 2000 [also Executive Producer]; IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY - 2000 [Short]; MULHOLLAND DR. - 2001; HUMAN NATURE - 2001; LIKE MOTHER LIKE SON: THE STRANGE STORY OF SANTE AND KENNY KIMES - 2001 [TV Movie]; FINDERS FEE - 2001; LONE HER0 - 2002; DUE EAST - 2002 [TV Movie]; ROADS TO RICHES - 2002; LIKE MIKE - 2002; MURDER IN GREENWICH - 2002 [TV Movie]; CONFIDENCE - 2003; FASTLANE - 2002-2003 [TV]; WHERE'S ANGELO - 2003 [Short]; CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE - 2003; UNDEFEATED - 2003 [TV Movie]; STREET TIME - 2003 [TV]; GRAND THEFT PARSONS - 2003; KAREN SISCO -  2003-2004 [TV; 10 episodes]; THE GRID - 2004 [TV mini-series]; CLUBHOUSE - 2004 [TV];  HUFF - 2004-2005 [TV; 4 episodes]; TILT - 2005 [TV]; JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED - 2005 [TV; Voice only]; THE HUNT FOR THE BTK KILLER - 2005 [TV Movie]; BOUNTY HUNTERS - 2005 [TV Movie]; FIREWALL - 2006; LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN - 2006; NUMB3RS - 2006 [TV]; WILD SEVEN - 2006; 13 GRAVES -2006 [TV Movie]; RISE: BLOOD HUNTER - 2007; DRAGON WARS: D-WAR - 2007; ARMY WIVES - 2007 [TV]; CLEANER - 2007; GRANPA'S CABIN - 2007 [Short]; DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - 2007 [TV]; WOULD BE KINGS - 2008 [TV mini-series]; EXPECTING LOVE - 2008; JACK AND JILL VS. THE WORLD - 2008; TOUCHING HOME - 2008; THE SIMPSONS - 2008 [TV; Voice only]; HEROES - 2007-2008 [TV; 10 episodes]; THICK AS THIEVES - 2009; GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST - 2009; MIDDLE MEN - 2009; EXPECTING LOVE - 2009 [TV]; THE BANNEN WAY - 2010; RED PRINCESS BLUES - 2010 [Short]; RED PRINCESS BLUES: CAST OF CHARACTERS - 2010 [Short]; THE TRIAL - 2010; KALAMITY - 2010; GIRL WALKS INTO A BAR - 2011; THE DESCENDANTS - 2011; CSI: NY - 2011 [TV]; KILLER ON THE LOOSE - 2011 [Short]; ALCATRAZ - 2012  [TV; 4 episodes]; TRANSFORMERS PRIME - 2012 [TV Short]; THE SOUL MAN - 2012 [TV]; HOTEL NOIR - 2012; SOMEWHERE SLOW - 2013; OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN - 2013; BREAKING BAD - 2013 [TV]; COFFEE, KILL BOSS - 2013; IRONSIDE - 2013 [TV}; INTRUDERS - 2014 [TV]; AUTOMATA - 2014; THE BIFFLE MURDER CASE - 2015 [Short]; THE BRIDGE PARTNER - 2015; TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - 2014-2015 [TV; Voice only; 4 episodes]; RUN FAST - 2015 [Short]; BACKSTROM - 2015 [TV]; SURVIVOR - 2015; CHILDRENS HOSPITAL - 2015 [TV]; TOO LATE - 2015; YOU'LL BE FINE - 2015 [TV]; THE PROGRAM - 2015 [Short]; THE ADVENTURES OF BIFFLE AND SHOOSTER - 2015; HOME - 2015 [Short]; LONDON HAS FALLEN - 2016; THE CONFIRMATION - 2016; THE AMERICAN SIDE - 2016; BUS DRIVER - 2016; DIVORCE - 2016 [TV]; SMALL TOWN CRIME - 2017; SMALL CRIMES - 2017; THE CASE FOR CHRIST - 2017; I'M DYING UP HERE - 2017 [TV]; TWIN PEAKS - 2017 [Cable Series; 10 episodes]; ACTS OF VENGEANCE - 2017; WHAT THEY HAD - 2018; DAMSEL - 2018; THE BIG TAKE - 2018; BIGGER - 2018; LAST MAN STANDING - 2012-2018 [TV; 10 episodes]; NASTY - 2018 [Short]; PHIL - 2019; EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE - 2019 [Netflix Movie]; AMAZING STORIES - Date N/A [TV; his final acting role]. It should be noted that Robert Forster was a very smart man and was a member of the Triple Nine Society, a high-IQ organization for persons whose IQ is in the 99.9th percentile. Here's what he had to say about being an actor: "Step #1 is you've got to have a good attitude, Step #2 is accept all things, deliver excellence to whatever is offered, give it your best shot. And rule #3 is never quit. It's not over 'til it's over." Robert Forster died from complications of brain cancer and was 78 years-old.) - 10/11/19
ARTHUR MARKS (Director/Producer/Screenwriter/Actor: Those of us who love Blaxploitation & Exploitation Films of the '70s owe a great deal of gratitude to Arthur Marks. He directed & produced many of the best ones, as well as being an important Writer/Producer/Director on many TV series from the '50s to the '80s. Mr. Marks started his career as an actor in films of the 1930's. His credits as an actor included [all Theatrical Films]: THE GOOD EARTH - 1937; BOYS TOWN - 1938; GOOD NEWS - 1947; EROS PERVERSION - 1979 [A softcorn porn version of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night'!]. Mr. Marks credits as a Director included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI - 1947 [Assistant Director only]; JUNGLE JIM - 1948 [Assistant Director only]; KING OF THE CONGO - 1952 [Assistant Director only]; THE GREAT ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN KIDD - 1953 [Assistant Director only]; THE PRIDE OF THE FAMILY - 1953 [TV; Assistant Director of 4 episodes only]; THE PEPSI COLA PLAYHOUSE - 1953 [TV; Assistant Director of 5 episodes only]; DRUMS OF TAHITI - 1954 [Assistant Director only]; JUNGLE MAN-EATERS - 1954 [Assistant Director only]; THE SHRIKE - 1955 [Assistant Director only]; TREASURY MEN IN ACTION - 1955 [TV; Assistant Director of 5 episodes only]; THE MAN BEHIND THE BADGE - 1955 [TV; Assistant Director of 4 episodes only]; WARNER BROTHERS PRESENTS - 1955 [TV; Assistant Director only]; CASABLANCA - 1955-1956 [TV; Assistant Director of 8 episodes only]; THE 20TH CENTURY-FOX HOUR - 1956 [TV; Assistant Director of 3 episodes only]; BROKEN ARROW - 1956 [TV; Assistant Director of 3 episodes only]; STEVE CANYON - 1959 [TV; 3 episodes]; PERRY MASON - 1958-1966 [TV; 76 episodes; also Assistant Director of 17 episodes from 1957 - 1958 and Associate Producer/Producer of 145 episodes from 1959 - 1966]; I SPY - 1968 [TV]; MY FRIEND TONY - 1969 [TV]; TOGETHERNESS - 1970; CLASS OF '74 - 1972; BONNIE'S KIDS - 1972 [also Writer]; MANNIX - 1972 [TV]; THE ROOMMATES - 1973 [also Screenwriter]; DETROIT 9000 - 73 [also Producer]; THE NEW PERRY MASON - 1973 [TV]; LINDA LOVELACE FOR PRESIDENT - 1975; BUCKTOWN - 1975; A WOMAN FOR ALL MEN - 1975; FRIDAY FOSTER - 1975 [also Producer/Story Writer]; J.D.'S REVENGE - 1976 [also Producer]; THE MONKEY HU$TLE - 1976 [also Producer]; STARSKY AND HUTCH - 1978 [TV]; THE DUKES OF HAZZARD - 1980 [TV]. Arthur Marks also was an Editorial Assistant on HALLUCINATION GENERATION - 1966; was an Assistant Cameraman on LUST WEEKEND -1967; Produced two episodes of GUNSMOKE in 1967; was in charge of Lighting on PUTNEY SWOPE - 1969; was the Executive in Charge of Production on WONDER WOMEN - 1973; Presented THE CANDY SNATCHERS - 1973; Executive Produced THE ZEBRA KILLER - 1973; Executive Produced/wrote the Story for THE CENTERFOLD GIRLS - 1974 [he was also the Executive in Charge of Production]; wrote the Teleplay for one episode of TV's CHiPS - 1978; and wrote the Story for one episode of TV's MURDER, SHE WROTE in 1987. In the '70s, Arthur Marks ran the independent releasing company General Film Corporation [GFC], which released many of the '70s films mentioned here. Marks was also married his wife, Phyllis Marie Lehman, in 1948 and they had a long, happy life together until his death; an amazing 71 years! They had four children together and two of them, Beau & Paul Marks have a healthy life in films and on TV, being involved in various capacities on films such as JAWS 2 [1978]; COMMANDO [1985]; PREDATOR [1987]; and TV Series such as THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR. [1993 - 1994] and THE SHIELD [2002 - 2008]. The entire Marks Family have filmmaking in their blood because Arthur's father, Dave Marks, was involved in films since the 1930's [Arthur's grandparents were also involved in filmmaking during the birth of Silent Movies at the beginning of the 20th Century!]; Dave even worked as a Production Manager on his son's BONNIE'S KIDS [1972], before passing away in 1997 at the age of 97. Arthur Marks will always be near and dear to my heart, thanks to his '70s Exploitation & Blaxploitation films that I saw in theaters. They all entertained me and delivered what they promised. Arthur Marks passed away of undisclosed causes and was 92 years-old.) - 11/13/19
MICHAEL J. POLLARD (Actor: I have to say this: While I am not surprised to hear about Pollard's [real name: Michael John Pollack Jr.] death, what did come as surprising is the total lack of Press his death received, especially here in the States. I find that unforgivable, since Pollard turned in so many memorable performances in films and on TV, especially his groundbreaking role as "C.W. Moss" in BONNIE AND CLYDE [1967], in which he was nominated for both an Academy Award® and Golden Globe® for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. But I guess that wasn't important enough news here in the U.S., as his death was basically ignored by the Press. But I'm here to celebrate Michael J. Pollard's career so we don't forget his many memorable performances. There was no one quite like him, a cherub-faced actor known for his twitchy, strange acting and a voice that can best be described as the Uncle no one talks about over Thanksgiving dinner. He was a unique person that no one should overlook, an actor with a special blend of creepiness and an air on fun; two things that don't often blend together unless you are Michael J. Pollard. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: OMNIBUS - 1958 [TV]; THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR -1958 [TV Movie]; THE DUPONT SHOW OF THE MONTH - 1959 [TV]; IT HAPPENED TO JANE - 1959; LUX PLAYHOUSE - 1959 [TV]; FIVE FINGERS - 1959 [TV]; ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - 1959 [TV]; THE MANY LOVES OF DOBIE GILLIS - 1959 [TV]; STARTIME - 1960 [TV]; SUNDAY SHOWCASE - 1960 [TV]; WORLD WIDE '60 - 1960 [TV]; LOOK UP AND LIVE - 1960 [TV]; WINDOW ON MAIN STREET - 1962 [TV]; THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - 1962 [TV]; HEMINGWAY'S ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG MAN - 1962; GOING MY WAY - 1963 [TV]; THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES - 1963 [TV]; THE STRIPPER - 1963; SUMMER MAGIC - 1963; ROUTE 66 - 1963 [TV]; THE LUCY SHOW - 1964 [TV]; CHANNING - 1964 [TV]; GUNSMOKE - 1964 [TV]; THE BAILEYS OF BALBOA - 1965 [TV]; HONEY WEST - 1965 [TV]; BRANDED - 1965 [TV]; LOST IN SPACE - 1966 [TV]; THE VIRGINIAN - 1966 [TV]; THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! - 1966; THE WILD ANGELS - 1966; I SPY - 1966 [TV]; STAR TREK - 1966 [TV]; ENTER LAUGHING - 1967; THE GIRL FROM U.N.C.L.E. - 1967 [TV]; CAPRICE - 1967; BONNIE AND CLYDE - 1967 [Nominated for both an Academy Award® and Golden Globe® for Best Actor in a Supporting Role]; THE DANNY THOMAS HOUR - 1967 [TV]; CIMARRON STRIP - 1967 [TV]; JIGSAW - 1968; THE SMUGGLERS - 1968 [TV Movie]; HANNIBAL BROOKS - 1969; LITTLE FAUSS AND BIG HALSY - 1970; THE LEGEND OF FRENCHIE KING - 1971; MORBIDNESS - 1972; DIRTY LITTLE BILLY - 1972 [If you have never seen this film, I suggest you do. A really strange Western with a scummy, standout performance by Pollard as Billy The Kid]; MOVIN' ON - 1974 [TV]; SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY - 1974 [a.k.a BLOOD FOR BLOOD; VENGEANCE IS MINE; KILLING MACHINE]; GET CHRISTIE LOVE! - 1974 [TV]; THE FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE - 1975 [Directed by Lucio Fulci, Pollard turns in a very moving performance as an alcoholic who tries giving up the booze for a better life]; BETWEEN THE LINES - 1977; MELVIN AND HOWARD - 1980; CANDY THE STRIPPER - 1983 [MFHV]; THE FALL GUY - 1984 [TV]; HEATED VENGEANCE - 1984; GEORGE BURNS COMEDY WEEK - 1985 [TV]; SIMON & SIMON - 1986 [TV] THE AMERICAN WAY - 1986; LEO & LIZ IN BEVERLY HILLS - 1986 [TV; 6 episodes]; THE PATRIOT - 1986; AMERICA - 1986; ROXANNE - 1987; AMERICAN GOTHIC - 1987 [one of my favorite of Pollard's crazy performances]; CRIME STORY - 1988 [TV]; SCROOGED - 1988; SEASON FOR FEAR - 1989; FAST FOOD - 1989; NIGHT VISITOR - 1989; SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND - 1989; STUCK WITH EACH OTHER - 1989 [TV Movie]; NEXT OF KIN - 1989; HEARTSTOPPER - 1989; SUPERBOY - 1989 [TV]; TANGO & CASH - 1989; WHY ME? - 1990; I COME IN PEACE - 1990 [a.k.a. DARK ANGEL]; THE YOUNG RIDERS - 1990 [TV]; NASTY BOYS - 1990 [TV]; ENID IS SLEEPING - 1990; DICK TRACY - 1990; WORKING TRA$H - 1990 [TV Movie]; THE ARRIVAL - 1990; PARADISE - 1991 [TV]; JOEY TAKES A CAB - 1991; ANOTHER YOU - 1991; THE ART OF DYING - 1991; MOTORAMA - 1991; THE TOXIC CRUSADERS - 1991 [TV; Voice only; 13 episodes]; EERIE, INDIANA - 1992 [TV]; SPLIT SECOND - 1992; THE RAY BRADBURY THEATRE - 1992 [TV]; ARIZONA DREAM - 1993; BLOSSOM - 1993 [TV]; SKEETER - 1993; TALES FROM THE CRYPT - 1993; [Pay Cable Series]; WINGS - 1995 [TV]; MAD DOG TIME - 1996; TOXIC CRUSADERS: THE MOVIE - 1997 [MFHV; Voice only]; THE ODYSSEY - 1997 [TV mini-series]; STIR - 1997; MERCHANTS OF VENUS - 1998; THE UNKNOWN CYCLIST - 1998; L.A. DOCTORS - 1998 [TV]; TUMBLEWEEDS - 1999; THE DEBTORS - 1999; BECKER - 1999 [TV]; JACK & JILL - 2000 [TV]; FOREVER LULU - 2000; DANNY AND MAX - 2000; OUT OF THE BLACK - 2001; BACKFLASH - 2001 [DTV]; HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES - 2002; REMEMBERING NIGEL - 2009; SUNBURNT ANGELS - 2011; THE WOODS - 2012; THE NEXT CASSAVETES - D/NA [In Post-Production at the time of his death. His final acting role].  Pollard was a hippie most of his life and he had this to say about it: "Hippies. They make them out to be bad. I'm not bad. I love everybody. Well, I like everybody." If there seems to be a gap of missing years in his resumé, it was because he was battling alcohol and drug abuse, which he managed to conquer, but his career took a major hit during that time, relegating him to minor or secondary roles in films and TV and his career never rebounded. Michael J. Pollard passed away from cardiac arrest and was 80 years-old. Farewell, Michael. I will always remember you.) - 11/20/19
ROBERT WALKER JR. (Actor: Robert Walker Jr., the son of actors Robert Walker and Jennifer Jones, had a face that was instantly recognizable. Most TV fans will recognize him as "Charlie Evans" on the original STAR TREK episode "Charlie X" [1966], but readers of this site know him for the many horror and exploitation films he appeared in, as well as appearing in such famous films as ENSIGN PULVER [1964], THE WAR WAGON [1967] and EASY RIDER [1969]. But Walker was mainly a TV actor, appearing on many TV series as a guest star diring the '60s, '70s & '80s before retiring from show business in 1993 {he came out of retirement in 2017 as a favor to a friend]. Robert Walker Jr.'s credits as an actor included [TV Series unless marked with a "TF" for Theatrical film]: FIRST PERFORMANCE - 1957; THE UNFORESEEN - 1959; GOLDEN SHOWCASE - 1961; ROUTE 66 - 1962; NAKED CITY - 1962; THE DUPONT SHOW OF THE WEEK - 1962; THE HOOK - 1963 [TF]; THE ELEVENTH HOUR - 1963; THE CEREMONY - 1963 [TF]; BEN CASEY - 1962-1964; DR. KILDARE - 1964; BOB HOPE PRESENTS CHRYSLER THEATRE - 1964; ENSIGN PULVER - 1964 [TF]; THE DEFENDERS - 1962-1965; MR. NOVAK - 1965; THE BIG VALLEY - 1965; THE TOUCHING AND THE NOT TOUCHING - 1965 [TF]; THE TRIALS OF O'BRIEN - 1966; STAR TREK ["Charlie X" - 1966]; COMBAT! - 1966; THE ROAD WEST - 1966; 12 O'CLOCK HIGH - 1966; THE MONROES - 1967; THE TIME TUNNEL - 1967; THE HAPPENING - 1967 [TF]; THE INVADERS - 1967; THE WAR WAGON - 1967 [TF]; BONANZA - 1967; THE F.B.I. - 1966-1968; THE SAVAGE SEVEN - 1968 [TF]; EVE - 1968 [TF]; KILLERS THREE - 1968 [TF]; AGILOK & BLUBBO - 1969 [TF from West Germany]; EASY RIDER - 1969 [TF]; YOUNG BILLY YOUNG - 1969 [TF]; THE MAN FROM O.R.G.Y. - 1970 [TF]; THE ROAD TO SALINA - 1970 [TF]; BEWARE! THE BLOB - 1972 [TF]; MARCUS WELBY, M.D. - 1972; DON JUAN [OR IF DON JUAN WERE A WOMAN] - 1973 [TF]; HEX - 1973 [TF; a.k.a. THE SHRIEKING]; COLUMBO - 1974; THE SPECTRE OF EDGAR ALLAN POE - 1974; DEATH IN SPACE - 1974 [TV Movie]; CANNON - 1974; GONE WITH THE WEST - 1974 [TF]; THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - 1975; POLICE WOMAN - 1976; THE PASSOVER PLOT - 1976 [TF]; QUINCY M.E. - 1977; EVIL TOWN - 1977 [TF]; THE NEXT STEP BEYOND - 1978; THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - 1978; CHARLIE'S ANGELS - 1979; BEULAH LAND - 1980 [TV mini-series]; CHiPS - 1982; ANGKOR: CAMBODIA EXPRESS - 1982 [TF]; OLIVIA - 1983 [TF]; THE MAKING OF A MALE MODEL - 1983 [TV Movie]; THE DEVONSVILLE TERROR - 1983 [TF]; MATT HOUSTON - 1983; HAMBONE AND HILLIE - 1983 [TF]; SIMON & SIMON - 1985; RIPTIDE - 1985; DALLAS - 1985-1986 [3 episodes]; THE FALL GUY - 1984-1986; DRAGNET - 1989; MURDER, SHE WROTE - 1987-1990; FATAL CHARM - 1990 [MFHV]; IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT - 1991; L.A. LAW - 1991; THE NEW ADAM-12 - 1991; THE NEW LASSIE - 1991; SANTA BARBARA - 1992; F.B.I.: THE UNTOLD STORIES - 1993; LOCK IT UP DOG - 2017 [Short]; BEYOND THE DARKNESS - 2018 [TF; his final acting role]. Robert Jr. became the stepson of movie mogul David O. Selznick when his mother divorced Robert Sr. and married Selznick. It really didn't help him to get many roles, because when he starred as Ensign Pulver, who was previously played by Jack Lemmon, he was harshly judged by critics [I believe quite unfairly] and he never got many starring roles in major motion pictures again. His half-sister, Mary Jennifer Selznick, committed suicide at age 20 by jumping from a twenty-two story building in Los Angeles in 1976. Robert Walker Jr. died of undisclosed causes and was 79 years-old.) - 12/05/19
DANNY AIELLO (Actor: Let me preface this obituary by saying that I loved Danny Aiello. He was one of those rare actors that immediately improved anything he appeared in, be it a Movie, TV Series or on Stage. Born Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. in New York City, Mr. Aiello's first gained my attention for his role in Spike Lee's DO THE RIGHT THING [1989], the best film about race relations in the United States that has yet to be beaten. Before that, he was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor for his role in MOONSTRUCK [1987] and won a Daytime Emmy Award® in 1981 for his role in the ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL "A Family Of Strangers." Mr. Aiello appeared in films of many genres because he could do anything, be it drama, horror, comedy or action. His credits as an actor included [Theatrical Film unless marked with a "TV" for TV Series]: BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY - 1973; THE GODFATHER PART II - 1974; THE GODMOTHERS - 1975; THE FRONT - 1976; KOJAK - 1976 [TV]; THE ANDROS TARGETS - 1977 [TV; 3 episodes]; HOOCH - 1977; FINGERS - 1978; ON OUR OWN - 1978 [TV]; THE LAST TENANT - 1978 [TV Movie]; BLOODBROTHERS - 1978; LOVEY: A CIRCLE OF CHILDREN PART 2 - 1978 [TV Movie]; DEFIANCE - 1980; HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT - 1980; FORT APACHE THE BRONX - 1981; CHU CHU AND THE PHILLY FLASH - 1981; GEMINI - 1982 [TV Movie]; ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL 1980-1982 [TV; "A Family Of Strangers" - 1980: Winner of a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming - Performers; "The Unforgivable Secret" - 1982]; NURSE - 1982 [TV]; A QUESTION OF HONOR - 1982 [TV Movie]; BLOOD FEUD - 1983 [TV Movie]; 3-2-1- CONTACT - 1983 [TV]; OLD ENOUGH - 1984; ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA - 1984 [Director Sergio Leone was such a big fan of Aiello, he named his character "Police Chief Aiello"]; TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE - 1984 [TV]; THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO - 1985; THE STUFF - 1985 [A really good horror film, directed by the late Larry Cohen, about consumerism]; THE LUCY ARNEZ SHOW - 1985 [TV]; THE PROTECTOR - 1985 [Aiello was teamed with Jackie Chan in this critically-panned action film, which was ruined by the producers, who re-edited it before it reached U.S. theaters. The Hong Kong edit of the film {in which Chan directed much of the footage} is the one to see. It's quite good.]; KEY EXCHANGE - 1985; MADONNA: POPPA DON'T PREACH - 1985 [Music Video]; LADY BLUE - 1985-1986 [TV; Series Regular; 14 episodes]; RADIO DAYS - 1987; THE HUSTLER OF MONEY - 1987 [TV Short]; SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - 1987 [TV]; DADDY - 1987; MAN ON FIRE - 1987; NIGHT HEAT - 1987 [TV]; THE PICK-UP ARTIST - 1987; MOONSTRUCK - 1987 [Academy Award® nominee for Best Supporting Actor]; ALONE IN THE NEON JUNGLE - 1988 [TV Movie]; THE THIRD SOLUTION - 1988; WHITE HOT - 1988 [Awful movie, but Aiello is a hoot!]; THE JANUARY MAN - 1989; DO THE RIGHT THING - 1989 [My favorite Aiello performance; he steals the film in my opinion]; SHOCKTROOP - 1989; THE PREPPIE MURDER - 1989 [TV Movie]; HARLEM NIGHTS - 1989; JACOB'S LADDER - 1990; THE CLOSER - 1990; HE AIN'T HEAVY - 1990 [Short]; ONCE AROUND - 1991; HUDSON HAWK - 1991 [Vilified when originally released, the film has become a cult item today; "Looks like you won't be attending that hat convention in July." is a line in the film that always makes me laugh.]; 29TH STREET - 1991; DEATH MASK - 1992; RUBY - 1992; MISTRESS - 1982; THE CEMETERY CLUB - 1993; THE PICKLE - 1993; ME AND THE KID - 1993; LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL - 1994 [Probably my second favorite Aiello performance, right behind DO THE RIGHT THING]; READY TO WEAR - 1994; SAVE THE RABBITS - 1994 [Short; also Writer]; POWER OF ATTORNEY - 1995 [MFHV]; TWO MUCH - 1995; LEIBERMAN IN LOVE - 1995 [Short]; BROTHERS' DESTINY - 1995 [TV Movie]; CITY HALL - 1996; 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY - 1996 [a really overlooked film with another excellent Aiello performance]; MOJAVE MOON - 1996; THE LAST DON - 1997 [TV mini-series]; BRING ME THE HEAD OF MAVIS DAVIS - 1997; DELLAVENTURA - 1997-1998 [TV; Series Regular; 14 episodes; also Executive Producer]; A BROOKLYN STATE OF MIND - 1998; WILBUR FALLS - 1998; THE LAST DON II - 1998 [TV mini-series]; 18 SHADES OF DUST - 1999; MAMBO CAFE - 2000; DINNER RUSH - 2000; PRINCE OF CENTRAL PARK - 2000; OFF KEY - 2001; MAIL ORDER BRIDE - 2002; ZEYDA AND THE HITMAN - 2004; THE FOOL - 2005 [Short]; BROOKLYN LOBSTER - 2005; LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN - 2006; THE LAST REQUEST - 2006; A BROKEN SOLE - 2006; STIFFS - 2010; CAPONE: THE REHEARSAL - 2011 [Short; also Producer]; HENRY & ME - 2014 [Voice only]; REACH ME - 2014; FIELDERS CHOICE - 2017 [TV]; DIFFICULT PEOPLE - 2017 [TV]; THE NEIGHBORHOOD - 2017; LITTLE ITALY - 2018; THE BIG SAVE - 2019; MAKING A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL - 2019; ONE MOMENT - D/NA; HEREAFTER MUSICAL - D/NA [Short; his final acting role]. Mr. Aiello also Executive Produced the following: SHORTY - 2003 [Documentary]; UNCONVENTIONAL - 2004 [Documentary]; CELEBRITY TASTE MAKERS - 2012 [TV]; and BROKEN DREAMS BLVD. - 2017 [TV Movie]. Danny Aiello also enjoyed singing, especially the standards, and released his first music CD in 2004, titled "I Just Wanted To Hear The Words". He was also involved in Stage work and won awards for appearing in HURLYBURLY, directed by Mike Nichols in 1988. He also appeared in WHEELBARROW CLOSERS in 1976, directed by his old friend, actor Paul Sorvino. Here's what Danny Aiello had to say about his acting style: "I was 40 when I did my first movie. I didn't know what the hell I was doing. My interpretation of acting at the time, because I didn't know how to build a character, was pure energy. People call me an instinctive actor. I used to consider that an insult early on, only because I had never studied. Now... I love it." Danny Aiello died of an undisclosed infection and was 86 years-old. I will miss his smile. It was so infectous, that it would always make me smile along with him. Sleep well, you smooth-talking devil. Sleep well.) - 12/12/19