Child actor who became a long-time cocktail pianist -- via the Independent. A penetrating and thorough obit by the wonderful film historian Kevin Brownlow. He made his biggest impression in Josef von Sternberg's "Salvation Hunters" in 1925.
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.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Karl Fleming
Journalist -- via the L.A. Times. He covered all of the significant moments in the Civil Rights struggle -- and here's a very personal take on his life from Susan Estrich.
Carl Davis
Music producer -- via the Chicago Sun-Times. Known as the architect of the Chicago Sound, the hits he helped happen include "Duke of Earl," "Higher and Higher," "Monkey Time," "Oh Girl," "Turn Back the Hands of Time," and "Stay in My Corner." Trivia: He recorded Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) singing "Stand By Me," which was pressed, but never never released, due to Ali's subsequent conversion to Islam.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
R. Peter Straus
Radio executive -- via the New York Times. As head of WMCA, he pioneered talk radio, on-air editorials and political endorsements, and early rock 'n' roll.
Stuart Swanlund
Guitarist with the Marshall Tucker Band -- via Spinner. Active with them from 1985 to 1993.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Joan Roberts
Actress -- via theatermania.com. She originated the part of Laurey in the original production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!"
Ron Palillo
Actor -- via Yahoo News. Best remembered for his role as Arnold Horshack in the TV sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter."
Satwant Singh Kaleka
Sikh priest and president of the Skih Temple of Wisconsin -- via foxnews.com. He died trying to save the lives of his congregants from the attack of a racist killer.
Nan Merriman
Mezzo-soprano -- via triblive.com. A stellar career -- she sang for the Leigh/Olivier "romeo and Juliet," and extensively with Toscanini -- "Rigoletto," "Otello," "Falstaff," "Orfeo ed Eurydice." Also noted for her Dorabella in "Cosi Fan Tutte."
Monday, August 13, 2012
Joe Kubert
One of the comic book artist masters -- via nj.com. Best known for his work on "Hawkman" and "Sgt. Rock." We lived for Sgt. Rock every month down at the drugstore. THANKS, JOE!
Al Freeman Jr.
Actor and director on stage, in film and on television -- via Playbill. A solid and versatile pro, he worked extensively in theater at the beginning of his career, culminating in his role as Jamie in "Long Day's Journey into Night" in 1981. He was a long-time player on the soap opera "One Life to Live"; and he did many films, most notably in the role of Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee's "Malcom X."
He had to overcome two sets of stereotypes. He was old enough to have played some subservient "Negro" types early in his career; then, in the wake of growing opportunities for black actors, he was often typecast in the mold of the articulate, examplary "noble Negro" of the 1960s, in the wake of Sidney Poitier's dominant screen persona.
He was vastly more talented than that, and proved it often. Would have loved to see him do more work. Thanks, Al!
He had to overcome two sets of stereotypes. He was old enough to have played some subservient "Negro" types early in his career; then, in the wake of growing opportunities for black actors, he was often typecast in the mold of the articulate, examplary "noble Negro" of the 1960s, in the wake of Sidney Poitier's dominant screen persona.
He was vastly more talented than that, and proved it often. Would have loved to see him do more work. Thanks, Al!
Carlo Rambaldi
Oscar-winning special effects master -- via the New York Times. Also made memorable movie monsters and extraterrestrials in "Alien," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Dune," "Conan the Barbarian," and many more. He also did a lot of Bava films, including "Planet of the Vampires" and gialli (Italian slasher/horror films) such as "Twitch of the Death Nerve" and "Deep Red."
Friday, August 10, 2012
Mel Stuart
Film and TV producer and director -- via the BBC. Although primarily a documentary filmmaker, and an Emmy-winning one at that, he will be best remembered for his direction of "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
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