Writer, TV researcher and screenwriter -- via the Telegraph. She told the amazing but true story of India's Bandit Queen, Phoolan Devi, and turned it into an acclaimed film.
Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Giorgio Tozzi
Bass-baritone -- via Spinner. He was a great success and a regular at the Metropolitan Opera; he also achieved greatness on the Broadway stage. The amazing singing of Emile de Beque in the 1958 film version of "South Pacific"? Acted by Rossano Brazzi; VOICED by Tozzi.
Clarice Taylor
Stage, TV and screen actress -- via TheaterMania. She may be best remembered as Grandma Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" and Harriet on "Sesame Street," but she worked in many films, as well as originating the role of Addaperle in "The Wiz," and won an Obie for her one-woman Moms Mabley show.
James "Curley" Cooke
Guitarist and teacher -- via the Seattle Times. A blues master, he was an original member of the Steve Miller Band.
Roger Franklin
Actor -- via voy.com. He played the original Officer Krupke in "West Side Story"; he will be best remembered as the long-time Santa Claus at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Dana Brand
The ultimate Mets fan -- via the New York Times. A professor at Hofstra, he turned his lifelong obsession with the A-Mazin's into a wonderful blog and many books.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Jeremy Paul aka Jeremy Roche
TV writer -- via the Guardian. He wrote for many of the great British TV series of the day: "Upstairs, Downstairs," "Danger: UXB," "Lovejoy" and the the Granada "Sherlock Holmes" adventures. He also composed the wonderfully over-the-top "Countess Dracula," a wonderfully cheesy Ingrid Pitt vehicle.
David Stone
Radical film producer, innovative film programmer and drug counselor -- via the Guardian.
Jose Claudio Ribeira da Sila and Maria do Espirito Santo
Rubber tappers and environmental activists -- via HuffPo Green. They were murdered by as-yet unknown parties in Brazil.
Leonora Carrington
Painter and sculptor -- via the Telegraph. The last of the Surrealists, her life was a template of it.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Gil Scott-Heron
Port, musician, and writer -- via the Washington Post. Known today as "the godfather of hip hop," Scott-Heron slashed into prominence as a performer who would cut loose with brilliant streams of words against a background of jazz. His radical political statements made him a household word. Later, his career was slowed by drug addiction. Still, beautiful songs such as "I Think I'll Call It Morning" and "Lady Day and John Coltrane" were inspirational. A great soul.
Jeff Conaway
Actor -- via the New York Times. He will be best remembered as Kenickie in the film adaptation of "Grease," and Bobby in the TV comedy series "Taxi."
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