In Passing… Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

 

Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze passed away on September 14, 2009 from pancreatic cancer. Swayze was born in Houston, TX and grew up pursuing athletic skills such as ice skating, ballet, and gymnastics, as well as acting skills. In 1972 he moved to New York City and appeared in a production of “Grease” before appearing as “Ace” in “Skatetown, U.S.A.” From there he went on to star in such movies as “The Outsiders,” and “Red Dawn,” and in the TV series, “North and South.” Stardom was officially achieved with the romantic hits “Dirty Dancing,” and “Ghost.” Showing that he’s a fighter as well as a lover, he starred in “Next of Kin,” “Roadhouse,” and “Point Break.” Following that he played a transvestite in “To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.” He then took roles in smaller films such as “Black Dog” and “Donnie Darko.” For the past year he has been fighting the cancer as well as starring in the A&E series, “The Beast.” Swayze was 57 years of age at passing.

 

Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

 

 

For more information, check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000664/

In Passing… Walter Cronkite (1916-2009)

 

Anchorman, journalist, and broadcaster Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr. passed away on July 17, 2009. Cronkite was born in Missouri but at the age of 10 moved to Texas. He became part of the Boy Scouts and later edited his high school and college newspaper. In 1935 he dropped out and became a radio announce in Oklahoma City. From there he joined the United Press in 1937 and covered World War II, becoming one of eight journalists selected to fly along with a “bombing raid.” He also covered the Nuremberg Trials. In 1950 he joined CBS and worked as in anchor in various capacities. April 1962 Cronkite took over for Douglas Edwards and for the next 19 years became head anchorman for the CBS Evening News, reporting on the Kennedy Assassination, Vietnam War, Watergate, the Space program, and the Iran Hostage Crisis. Dan Rather took his spot as he left but continued to be politically active in journalism and other media. He passed away cerebral vascular disease at the age of 92 years.

 

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

 

For more information, check out his Wiki page at:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite

In Passing… Karl Malden (1912-2009)

 

Actor Karl Malden passed away on July 1, 2009. Born Miaden George Sekulovich in Chicago, IL he was raised in Gary, IN. His father worked in the steel mills and as a milkman while his mother was a seamstress and actress. With a father who had a passion for music and acting, he quickly picked up singing and drama. He took bit parts here and there and at the age of 22 changed his name to Karl Malden. After working in the steel mills for 3 years he left and went to what would become DePaul University and took acting classes on a full scholarship where he later met his wife Mona Greenberg. He graduated in 1937 and without money or a job, moved back to his hometown. Later he traveled to the Big Apple, appearing on Broadway and meeting Elia Kazan. World War II called him into action, having him serve as a noncommissioned officer in the 8th Air Force. Returning from the War he met up with Kazan and began acting again, meeting up with then unknown Marlon Brando. His first film role was as Red in “They Knew What They Wanted” (1940) while his first TV role was on an episode of the “Ford Theatre Hour” (1949). Malden is more notable for appearing in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” (won an Oscar for) “On the Waterfront,” “One-Eyed Jacks,” and “Patton.” He starred in the TV series “The Streets of San Francisco” with Michael Douglas (1972-1977). And for 21 years he did ads for American Express, reminding you to “never leave home with it.” He died from natural causes at the age of 97.

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

For more information check out his IMDB page at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001500/

In Passing… Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

 

 

Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Michael Jackson passed away yesterday, June 25, 2009. Born Michael Joseph Jackson in Gary, Indiana he was the seventh in line with brothers Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Randy and sisters La Toya and Janet. The Jackson siblings got into music and at the age of 5, Michael began showing his talent. He joined the band his brothers started and the group became known as the Jackson 5. In 1966 they won a local talent show with young Michael leading a cover of James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” and from there they toured the MidWest in a string of black clubs and venues, often opening for stripteases and other adult acts. The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1968 and their first four hits (two of which were “ABC” and “I’ll Be There’) went straight to number one. In 1978 Michael starred as Scarecrow in “The Wiz” where he met and teamed-up with Quincy Jones who agreed to produce his album, “Off the Wall.” The album was released in 1979 and gave Jackson his first two solo hits: ‘Rock with You,” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” 1982 brought the release of “Thriller,” which is in the top five best-selling albums of all time. “Thriller” contained the hits “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track “Thriller” (which included the voice of Vincent Price). A video for “Thriller” was made by director John Landis who would go on to direct other Jackson videos. Jackson then became friends with Paul McCartney, singing duet on “Say, Say, Say” and “The Girl is Mine,” but the friendship dissolved once Jackson bought half of the Beatles catalog in an auction. In 1987 “Bad” was released, giving the singles “Bad,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Dirty Diana.” He went to the White House, obtained several awards, and was proclaimed “The Artist of the Decade.”

Sadly while the 1980’s crowned him “The King of Pop,” his kingdom began slowly slipping away; his celebrity status quickly overshadowed his career in music. Charges of child abuse and molestation began plaguing him. His skin seemed to become whiter each year. He married Lisa Marie Presley and divorced her in less than two years. Following that he married his dermatologist’s nurse Deborah Rowe with whom he had a son and daughter. They married and divorced in 1999. Afterward there was the debacle with his label, child abuse charges, losing the Neverland ranch and leaving the United States. Jackson was poised for a comeback beginning in the UK this summer. He was 50 years of age at the time of death.

Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

For more information check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001391/

In Passing… Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009)

 

Actress Farrah Fawcett passed away today. Born Farrah Leni Fawcett in 1947 in Corpus Christi, TX, she grew up attending Catholic schools and attended University of Texas in Austin from 1966-1969 where she posed in the “10 Most Beautiful Coeds” from the college for Cashbox magazine. Hollywood literally called and she answered, moving to L.A. at the end of her junior year. She first appeared in a French comedy, “Love is a Funny Thing,” as Patricia. From there she appeared in “Mayberry R.F.D.,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “The Flying Nun,” “The Partridge Family,” and “Harry O.” Her fame rocketed after having roles on “The Six Million Dollar Man” (she also married its star, Lee Majors) and became even more famous for playing Jill Monroe on the female detective show, “Charlie’s Angels.” She was a sex symbol for the 1970’s and 1980’s and picked up films and TV shows/movies here and there, last notably being on “Spin City,” and “The Guardian.” In 1982 she divorced Lee Majors and began a relationship with actor Ryan O’Neal which has been on-and-off. In the past few years her health declined, suffering from anal cancer. She was 62 years of age.

Thoughts and prayers for her family and friends.

For more information check out her IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000396/

In Passing… Ed McMahon (1923-2009)

 

Actor, producer, comedian, and entertainer Ed McMahon passed away early this morning. Born Edward Peter Leo McMahon Jr. in Detroit in 1923, McMahon grew up in Lowell, MA attending Catholic schools. At the age of 15 he was a bingo caller in Maine, followed by 3 years spent as a carnival barker. From there he joined the Marine Corps and served as a flight instructor and test pilot. He put himself through college as a pitchman for veggie slicers and earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1949. Then, he returned to active service and flew 85 missions in Korea. Afterwards he remained in Active Reserve and retired at the rank of Colonel in 1966. In 1957 he was paired with Johnny Carson as announcer and host for the TV game show, “Who Do You Trust?” This lasted for five years. When Jack Paar left NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” Carson took his place bringing McMahon with him. The two were side-by-side from 1962 until the last show in 1992. In 1983 McMahon hosted “Star Search,” until 1986. Following “The Tonight Show” McMahon has starred in various TV movies and films such as “Burke’s Law,” “Baywatch,” “The Tom Show,” etc. In the past few years, however, his health has declined as well as his personal assets; in March 2008 he was recovering from a broken neck and subsequent injuries from a 2007 fall and in June 2008 his home fell behind in payments with Donald Trump having to buy his home so it could be “rented to him.” Troubles aside, McMahon has earned his place in American culture; his star on the Walk of Fame is on 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Jack Nicholson referred to him in “The Shining,” and “Weird Al’s” parody of “Who’s Johnny?” was “Here’s Johnny,” citing McMahon’s signature phrase from “The Tonight Show.” McMahon was 86 years of age at passing.

 

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

 

For more information, check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0573012/

In Passing… David Carradine (1936-2009)

 

Actor, musician, producer, and director David Carradine was found dead in his Bangkok hotel room. His father was actor John Carradine and his half-brothers were Keith and Robert Carradine and Michael Bowen. David Carradine has been acting in television and film since 1963 when he was on “Armstrong Circle Theatre.” His first film role was as Cal Dodge in “Taggart” (1964). In 1972 he took the role of Kwai Chang Caine in the TV series “Kung Fu” (1972-1975) which is the role he’s most identified with. His other film work includes “Death Race 2000,” the “Kill Bill” movies and most recently “Crank 2.” He has worked with such directors as Roger Corman, Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman, and Quentin Tarantino. Aside from acting he was a musician having recorded 60 tracks in multiple genres and sung in several films. He was 72 years of age.

It’s still early for details but as of this writing the story is that Carradine committed suicide by hanging himself in his hotel room.

Thought and prayers to his family and friends.

For more information, check out his IMDB page at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001016/

Or visit webpage at:
http://david-carradine.com/

In Passing… Bea Arthur (1922-2009)

 

 

Actress and comedienne Bea Arthur passed away from cancer on April 25^th. Arthur was born Bernice Frankel in New York City. She began on the stage until she was in Sid Caesar’s “Caesar Hour” in the fifties. From there she split time between stage and TV, notably playing Yente the Matchmaker in the original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Her TV breakthrough came in 1971 when she starred as Maude Findlay, Edith Bunker’s cousin, in “All in the Family.” Viewers were so crazy about her character that in 1972 “Maude” had her own series. In 1985 Arthur, along with Estelle Getty, Betty White, and Rue McClanahan, was part of the hit NBC series, “The Golden Girls,” which ran for seven seasons. Afterwards Arthur retired to her California ranch occasionally appearing on TV or film over the next 17 years. Bea Arthur was 86 years of age.

 

Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends

 

 

For more information, check out her IMDB page at:

 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0037735/

In Passing… Natasha Richardson (1963-2009)

 

Broadway, theatre, TV, and film actress Natasha Richardson passed away on March 18, 2009. Richardson was the daughter of director Tony Richardson and actress Vanessa Redgrave, as well as wife to actor Liam Neeson and mother to their two sons Michael and Daniel. Natasha was a little girl when she was on extra in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1968). She had parts on TV in “Ellis Island” and “Oxbridge Blues” before having her film debut as Mary Shelley in “Gothic” (1986). She is more widely known for playing Patty Hearst in “Patty Hearst” (1988). During “Anna Christie” she met Liam Neeson. The two worked on “Nell” and were married after. While Richardson did TV and film roles, she primarily worked in theatre and has won a Tony award for Lead Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk Award for Lead Actress in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award. She has won awards in TV and film as well. She dies from an epidural hematoma. She was 46.

 

Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

 

For more information check out her IMDB page at:

 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001670/

In Passing… Ron Silver (1946-2009)

 

Film and television actor Ron Silver passed away on Sunday in New York City. Silver began acting in theatre in 1971. His first role was appearing on the “Mac Davis Show.” From there his TV career would include “Rhoda,” “The Rockford Files,” “Dear Detective,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Chicago Hope,” “Veronica’s Closet,” and “The West Wing.” His film appearances include “Timecop,” “The Arrival,” and “Ali. He died from esophageal cancer. He was 62.

 

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

 

For more information check out his IMDB page at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798779/