WALTER SMYTH Died Nov. 1, 2003
Minister, founder of Youth for Christ and associate of Billy Graham, Walter Smyth died at age 91. Mr. Smyth headed the development of World Wide Pictures during the 1950s. Among other films, the company produced the movie "Two a Penny" with Cliff Richard and featuring Billy Graham’s 1967 Crusade in London.
FERNANDO VIZCAINO CASAS Died Nov. 2, 2003
Famed Spanish novelist and attorney Fernando Vizcaino Casas died of cancer at age 77. Mr. Casas wrote 40 books during his lifetime, selling over 4 million copies. Mr. Casas’ movie credits include screenplays, additional dialogue and stories for a number of films including "Strange Marriage," "The Young Lovers" and "Las Autonosuyos." Mr. Casas appeared in two films and provided songs for yet another.
RAYMOND G. STOREY Died Nov. 2, 2003
Production designer/producer/actor/art director Raymond G. Storey died of cancer at age 75. Mr. Storey won an Emmy Award for Best Production Design in the TV mini series "East of Eden." Mr. Story appeared in small roles in Ray Harryhausen’s "It Came From Beneath the Sea" and the direct to video movie "Dark Stories: Tales From Beyond the Grave." Mr. Storey worked as an Art Director and Production Designer on a number of films including "More American Graffiti," "Beach Ball," "Splash Too," "Parent Trap III," "Baby… Secret of the Lost Legend," "A Distant Thunder" and "Baywatch." Mr. Storey produced one film, the 1974 horror film "The House on Skull Mountain."
DINO ALEXANDER DE LAURENTIIS Died Nov. 3, 2003
Dino Alexander De Laurentiis, grandson of famed producer Dino De Laurentiis died of melanoma at age 31. Mr. De Laurentiis’ credits include post production supervisor on "Dragonheart: A New Beginning," assistant to the producer on "Black Dog" and "Die Hard 3." He was also visual effect associate producer on the upcoming "The World of Tomorrow."
KEN GAMPU Died Nov. 4, 2003
South African actor Ken Gampu died at age 74. Mr. Gampu was one of the first Black South African actors to be featured in Hollywood films. A long time personal favorite of mine is Cornel Wilde’s "The Naked Prey." The tale of an American guide stripped of everything and hunted by a group of native Africans is still a thrilling film. Mr. Gampu is extremely menacing as the leader of the warriors tracking down Mr. Wilde. Mr. Gampu also had memorable roles in "The Wild Geese," "Zulu Dawn," "The Gods Must Be Crazy" and "A Reasonable Man." Other credits include "Dingaka," the remake of "King Solomon’s Mines," "Jake Speed," "American Ninja 4" and "The Air Up There."
STEPHEN BATES Died Nov. 5, 2003
Conductor/composer/lyricist Stephen Bates died of AIDS related lymphoma at age 50. Though Mr. Bates worked primarily in the theater, he did contribute songs to television. He wrote over 20 songs including the theme song for the children’s TV show "Barney and Friends." He was also the musical director for a fictional AIDS ball on the soap opera "General Hospital." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
BOBBY HATFIELD Died Nov 5, 2003
Bobby Hatfield was, with Bill Medley, one half of the greatest Blue Eyed Soul group ever. The Righteous Brothers had a string of hits during the 1960s that landed them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Hatfield's death was triggered by acute cocaine intoxication at age 63. The singing due were in Michigan to begin a tour. Their version of the song "Unchained Melody" was featured in the films "Ghost" and "Baby it’s You." The Righteous Brothers appeared in "Beach Ball," "A Swinging Summer" and "Shindig" among others. Their hit songs include "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling", "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" and "Rock and Roll Heaven." The later was a comeback hit for the band in 1974. If I remember the chorus correctly" "If there’s a Rock and Roll Heaven, You know they’ve got a hell of a band." I guess that band just added another great singer. Those drugs will kill you folks! Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
DOROTHY FAY RITTER Died Nov. 5, 2003
Dorothy Ritter, the widow of actor/singer Tex Ritter and mother of the late TV actor John Ritter died at age 88 after a long illness. Under the name Dorothy Fay, Mrs. Ritter appeared in a number of B-movie Westerns, often with Buck Jones. She appeared in "The Philadelphia Story," "Lady Br Good," "Law of the Texan" and "Trigger Pals" among others. Mrs. Ritter is survived by her son Tom who is an attorney.
HAL ENGLAND Died Nov. 6, 2003
Actor Hal England died of heart failure at age 71. Mr. England was best known as a stage actor who appeared in on Broadway in "Love Me a Little," "Conversations at Midnight" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Mr. England’s film credits include the Clint Eastwood Western "Hang ‘Em High," Brian DePalma’s turkey "The Bonfire of the Vanities" and "Going Under." Mr. England was a frequent guest star on numerous TV series including "Wonder Woman," "Charlie’s Angels," "Quantum Leap" and "Bewitched," in which he played Samantha's cousin Waldo.
JUST BETZER Died Nov. 6, 2003
Oscar winning producer Just Betzer died of a coronary at age 59. Mr. Betzer won the Best Foreign Film Oscar for "Babette’s Feast." The Danish producer also won the BAFTA Best Foreign Film award for "Babette’s Feast." Mr. Betzer produced nearly 40 films during his lengthy career. Mr. Betzer produced films in both his home country and the United States. Other credits include "Winterborn," "Assassination," "And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird," "Nobody’s Perfect," "The Misfit Brigade" and the erotic "The Girl in a Swing" with Meg Tilly.
JUANJO MENENDEZ Died Nov. 7, 2003
Spanish stage and film actor Juanjo Menendez died at age 74 from Alzheimer’s Disease. Mr. Menendez was a beloved comedic actor in his native land. Mr. Menendez achieved his greatest success during the 1960s and 70s. He appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. He appeared in Carol Reed’s "The Running Man" with Laurence Harvey and Lee Remick. Other credits include Luis Bunuel’s "Tristiana" with Catherine Deneuve and Fernando Rey."
EDUARDO PALOMO Died Nov. 8, 2003
Mexican leading man Eduardo Palomo died of a heart attack at age 41. Mr. Palomo was the lead in the popular Mexican soap opera "Wild Heart." Mr. Palomo appeared in the NBC mini-series "Kingpin." Other credits include the upcoming "A Day Without a Mexican" and the TV series "Ramona." Mr. Palomo provided the voice of Tarzan as an adult in the Spanish language version of Disney’s animated film "Tarzan." Mr. Palomo won the Silver Ariel (Mexico’s equivalent to the Academy Awards) as Best Supporting Actor for his work in the 1991 film "Benjamin’s Woman." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
BOB GRANT Died Nov. 8, 2003
British comedic actor Bob Grant died at age 71. Mr. Grant was the star of the British comedy TV series "On the Buses." The series inspired three films including "On the Buses," "Mutiny on the Buses" and "Holiday on the Buses." Mr. Grant played a letch bus driver who liked to eye the young girls and hit on his busty conductress. The Dom Deluise film "Lotsa Luck" was inspired by the series. Mr. Grant was also a writer for the TV series "On the Buses." Other credits include "Till Death Do Us Part" and "Sparrows Can’t Sing."
HENRY ROBERTS Died Nov. 8, 2003
Dancer Henry ‘Phace’ Roberts died at age 92. Mr. Roberts was a member of the dance team "The Copasetics." He was a world famous tap dancer who performed for 78 years! His film and TV credits include Francis Ford Coppola’s underrated "The Cotton Club," "Cabin in the Sky," Stormy Weather" and "The Ed Sullivan Show."
IRV "KUP" KUPCINET Died Nov. 9, 2003
TV/radio/print newsman Irv Kupcinet died of pneumonia at age 91. Mr. Kupcinet was a long time journalist for the Chicago Sun Times and hosted a TV show in Chicago for 27 years. Mr. Kupcinet appeared in small parts in Otto Preminger’s films "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Advise and Consent." Mr. Kupcinet was the father of murdered actress Karyn Kupcinet. Uninformed conspiracy theorists have claimed that Ms. Kupcinet’s murder was related to the assassination of JFK. Claims about Ms. Kupcinet formed the basis of the character played by Sally Kirkland in Oliver Stone’s "JFK." The claims concerning Ms. Kupcinet have been easily disproved, yet her murder remains unsolved.
ART CARNEY Died Nov. 9, 2003
Oscar and Emmy winning actor Art Carney died at age 85 after a long illness. Art Carney was best known as the lovable doofus Ed Norton opposite Jackie Gleason’s Ralph Kramden on the classic TV series "The Honeymooners" and "The Jackie Gleason Show." Art Carney’s career underwent resurgence in the 1970s when he won the Best Actor Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance in Paul Mazursky’s "Harry and Tonto." Mr. Carney was nominated eleven times for Emmy Awards, winning seven! Carney won his long battle with alcohol during this time and appeared in a number of fine films. A personal favorite of mine is "Going in Style." Carney co-starred with George Burns and Lee Strasberg as three pensioners who decide to rob a bank to supplement their fixed income. "Going in Style" is a sweet little film with good humor and rich performances. Carney co-starred with James Cagney in Cagney’s final film, the Made for TV boxing film "Terrible Joe Moran." Carney was also a standout as the stubborn Harry Truman (not the president) in the true life "St, Helens," about the volcanic eruption in 1980. Other credits include Robert Benton’s "The Late Show" with Lily Tomlin, "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" with Burt Reynolds, "The Star Wars Holiday Special," the curio "Movie, Movie," "House Calls," "Firestarter" and "The Last Action Hero." Mr. Carney served his country during WWII and was wounded storming the beaches on D-Day. Thanks for the laughs, and for the tears.
FRED J. BROWN Died Nov. 9, 2003
Oscar nominated Sound Effects Editor Fred J. Brown died at age 68. Mr. Brown was nominated for an Oscar for his work on "Rambo: First Blood Part 2." He won an Emmy Award for the TV version of John Steinbeck’s "The Red Pony." Mr. Brown was nominated for a BAFTA Award for "The Exorcist." Among Mr. Brown’s other credits include "Elmer Gantry," Martin Scorsese’s "Boxcar Bertha," "Hickey and Boggs," Sam Peckinpah’s "The Killer Elite" and "Convoy," "The Deep," Steven Speilberg’s "1941," "The Last Starfighter," John Milius’ "Red Dawn," Walter Hill’s "Extreme Prejudice" and Michael Apted’s "Thunderheart." You can access an excellent interview with Mr. Brown by Loyola Marymount professor Roger Pardee if you CLICK HERE. Professor Pardee has a lengthy list of credits in the sound effects world also. He had the honor of delivering a eulogy for Mr. Brown at the memorial service.
CYLA WIESENTHAL Died Nov. 10, 2003
The wife of famed Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal has died at age 95. A Holocaust survivor, Cyla Wiesenthal is survived by her husband and daughter. Mrs. Wiesenthal was portrayed by actress Renee Soutendijk in the TV movie "Simon Wiesenthal: Murderers Among Us," which starred Ben Kingsley as her husband.
NIKOLAI VOLKOV Died Nov. 10, 2003
Veteran Russian actor Nikolai Volkov died of leukemia at the age 69. Mr. Volkov was nominated as Best Actor in 2001 by the Russian Nika Awards for his performance in Vitaley Melinikov's "The Garden was Full of Moonlight."
MARGARET ARMEN Died Nov. 10, 2003
Pioneer TV scriptwriter Margaret Armen died of a heart attack at age 82. Ms. Armen was one of the first women to achieve success as a scriptwriter for TV. Ms. Armen’s credits include "Dick Powell’s Zane Gray Theater," "The Rifleman," "The Rebel," "Star Trek," "Land of the Lost," "Flamingo Road" and "Barnaby Jones."
DON TAYLOR Died Nov. 11, 2003
British writer/director Don Taylor died of cancer at age 67. Mr. Taylor was a famed director in the British theater scene. He wrote and directed a number of TV films for the BBC. He may be best known for his adaptation of the Thebian Plays for the BBC. His credits include "Antigone," "Oedipus at Colonus," "Oedipus the King," "Two Gentlemen of Verona," "The Crucible" and "In Hiding."
ROBERT BROWN Died Nov. 11, 2003
Veteran British character actor Robert Brown has died at age 85. Mr. Brown appeared in over 60 films and TV shows. He is best know as the second "M" in the James Bond series. He replaced Bernard Lee as the head of MI6. Brown portrayed "M" in the films "Octopussy," "A View to a Kill," "The Living Daylights" and "License to Kill." Mr. Brown portrayed Admiral Hargreaves in the Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me." Point of Trivia: Both Bernard Lee and Robert Brown appeared in Carol Reed’s classic Noir thriller "The Third Man." Among Mr. Brown’s numerous film credits are "The Man Who Never Was," "Helen of Troy," "A Hill in Korea," "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," "Billy Budd," "The Masque of Red Death," "Operation Crossbow," "Demons of the Mind" and "Warlords of Atlantis."
ARTHUR TRUGMAN Died Nov. 11, 2003
Back in 1968, the flame of my desire for the female form was ignited by two things: my brother’s hidden stash of Playboys and the body-painted go-go dancers on "Rowen and Martin’s Laugh In." The "Laugh In" dancers were Goldie Hawn and Judy Carne. Each week they would do the Watusi or the Boogaloo while wearing bikinis. Their bodies were painted with funny comments. Ah, young lust! The lucky guy who painted Ms. Hawn and Ms. Carne week after week was Arthur Trugman. Mr. Trugman was a graphic artist for NBC. He died from complications following a stroke at age 75. Thanks for the memories.
STEFANO ROLLA Died Nov. 12, 2003
Writer/director/ assistant director Stefano Rolla was killed during a car bomb attack on the Italian military headquarters in Iraq. Mr. Rolla was among the 27 people killed in the blast. Mr. Rolla was 65. Mr. Rolla was preparing to shoot a documentary about the peacekeeping forces. Mr. Rolla became an assistant director in the early 60s. He worked on a number of films before turning to writing and directing his own films. Among his films as an assistant director are "Sacco and Vanzetti," Dario Argento’s "Deep Red" and the Terrence Hill/Henry Fonda comedy Western "My Name is Nobody." Mr. Rolla wrote the script for the Jack Palance war film "Legion of the Damned." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends and for all the families of those who died with him.
PENNY SINGLETON Died Nov. 12, 2003
Actress Penny Singleton died at age 95 after suffering a stroke two weeks ago. Ms. Singleton played Blondie Bumstead in a series of films based on the comic strip "Blondie." Ms. Singleton appeared in 29 "Blondie" films during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Ms. Singleton is also well known as the voice of Jane Jetson on the animated TV series "The Jetsons." Ms. Singleton’s non "Blondie" credits include "After the Thin Man" with William Powell and Myrna Loy, "The Best Man" with Henry Fonda, the TV series "The Twilight Zone" and "Death Valley Days."
JONATHAN BRANDIS Died Nov. 12, 2003
Actor Jonathan Brandis died of at age 27. He was found at home by friends. L.A. County Coroner's office has ruled his death suicide by hanging. Mr. Brandis delivered a standout performance in the Stephen King mini-series "It." Brandis played ‘stuttering Bill’ as a child. Richard Thomas played the character as an adult. Mr. Brandis was nominated for five Young Artist Awards, winning Best Youth Actor Leading Role in a Television Series for his work on the TV series "Seaquest." Mr. Brandis took over Barret Oliver’s role as Bastian in the sequel to "The Never Ending Story." "The Never Ending Story: II" was Mr. Brandis first leading role. He had appeared in a number of films before that including "Fatal Attraction," "Stepfather II" and "Ghost Dad." Mr. Brandis’ other credits include "Ladybugs," "Sidekicks," "Outside Providence," "Hart’s War" and "The Year That Trembled." In addition to his many acting roles on TV and in film, Mr. Brandis wrote an episode for the TV series "Seaquest." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
BILL SMILLIE Died Nov. 12, 2003
Character actor, WWII Veteran and prospector Bill Smillie died at age 81. Mr. Smillie had a long career as a character actor on stage, screen and TV. He was born is Scotland, yet he served aboard a US Navy destroyer during WWI! Mr. Smillie’s credits include appearances in "Die Hard 2," "Dead Solid Perfect," "The Philadelphia Experiment," "When Time Ran Out," "Starsky and Hutch" and "The West Wing." Mr. Smillie was the president of the Prospector’s Club of California who we thank for his picture.
KAY E. KUTER Died Nov. 12, 2003
Character actor and director Kay Kuter died of pulmonary problems at age 78. Mr. Kuter is best known to TV fans for his recurring role as Newt Kiley on "Petticoat Junction" and its spin-off "Green Acres." Mr. Kuter appeared in over 100 films and TV shows. He also appeared in nearly 200 stage productions and was a prolific stage director. Mr. Kuter’s credits include "Annabelle’s Wish," "Love Field," "Gross Anatomy," "The Last Starfighter," "Watermelon Man," "The Mole People," "Guys and Dolls" and "Sabrina."
WHITFIELD COOK Died Nov. 12, 2003
Writer Whitfield Cook died at age 84. Mr. Cook adapted Patricia Highsmith’s novel "Strangers on a Train" for Alfred Hitchcock. He also wrote the screenplay for Hitchcock’s "Stage Fright." That script was nominated for an Edgar Award. Mr. Cook wrote a number of scripts for the anthology TV series "Climax." Other credits include the TV series "Front Row Center" and "Life With Father." Mr. Cook also wrote and directed the Broadway play "Violet."
KELLIE WAYMIRE Died Nov. 13, 2003
Trekweb.com has reported that actress Kellie Waymire has died of undisclosed causes at age 35. Ms. Waymire appeared on a number of TV series including "Seinfeld," "Six Feet Under," "Wolf Lake," "Enterprise," "Star Trek Voyager," "Friends," "NYPD Blue," "Judging Amy," "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal." Ms. Waymire’s film credits include "Playing By Heart," "Sunset Strip" and "Something More." Ms. Waymire was best known for her roles as a prostitute during season two of "Six Feet Under" and as Crewman Elizabeth Cutler on "Enterprise." Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.
KELLY WAYMIRE UPDATE
The LA Coroner's office reported that Ms. Waymire died of an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, probably related to mitral valve prolapse(MVP). Ms. Waymire had been diagnosed with MVP as a teen.
JANIS ROTHBARD CHASKIN Died Nov. 13, 2003
Producer Janis Chaskin died of cancer at age 55. Ms. Chaskin was a story editor on the 1994 film "Blink." She was an associate producer and/or executive producer on such New Line films as "Frequency," "In Love and War," "Secondhand Lions," "Delta of Venus" and the upcoming "It’s Not Unusual."
FRANK ISAACS Died Nov. 14, 2003
Emmy winning Special Effects wiz Frank Isaacs died of cancer. Mr. Isaacs won an Emmy for his work on the mini-series "Dune." Mr. Isaacs’ credits include "Metalstorn: The Destruction of Jared-Syn," "Cyber Tracker," "Evil Spawn," "The Lady in White," "The Power Within" and "Hologram Man."
GENE ANTHONY RAY Died Nov. 14, 2003
What a terrible month for young actors. Gene Ray Anthony is the third young actor to die in as many days. In a radio interview this weekend, actress Debbie Allen stated that actor/dancer Gene Anthony Ray had died. According to the website FameForever.com, Mr. Ray died on November 15 at age 41. "Fame" actor Lee Curreri informed FameForever.com that Mr. Anthony died from the onset of a stroke. Mr. Ray shone in his performance as Leroy in the movie "Fame." His audition scene is one of the great scenes in modern film musicals. I never saw the TV series myself, but Mr. Ray’s popularity carried over from the big screen to the small. He played Friday to Michael York’s Robinson Crusoe in the Made for TV film "Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday." Other credits include "Out of Sync" and "Eddie." Mr. Ray was also the associate choreographer on "Eddie." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
DOROTHY LOUDON Died Nov. 15, 2003
Tony Award winning actress Dorothy Loudon died of cancer at age 70. Ms. Loudon won a Tony Award for her work in "Annie." Ms. Loudon’s film and TV credits include "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," "Garbo Talks," "A&E Biography," "The Garry Moore Show" and "Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall."
DAVID HOLT Died Nov. 15, 2003
I have always relished the final scene of the 1938 version of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Tom plays a trick on his foppish cousin Sidney Sawyer. The little brat reacts as usual and whines "Aunt Polly!" Rather than coddle the spoiled brat as she had done during the rest of the film, Aunt Polly promptly slaps Sidney hard across the face. Gotta love it. Actor David Holt was the child actor who perfectly captured all things rotten in his portrait of the uber-brat Sidney in "Tom Sawyer." Mr. Holt died of congestive heart failure at age 76. Groomed to be a star by Paramount, David Holt instead became a respectable supporting player. In addition to his role in "Tom Sawyer," Mr. Holt appeared in "The Courage of Lassie," "The Last Days of Pompeii," "Beau Geste," "The Pride of the Yankees" and "The Big Broadcast of 1937."
MARGARET TRIGG Died Nov. 15, 2003
Actress Margaret Trigg died at age 39 of undisclosed causes. Ms. Trigg began her career doing stand-up in New York. She made a number of TV appearances on such shows as "The Jon Stewart Show," "Girl's Night Out," "Conan O'Brien" and "Homicide." Ms. Trigg had a starring role on the short-lived, Jim Henson TV series "Aliens in the Family." Ms. Trigg appeared in two films: "R.O.T.O.R" and "Dream House."
FELDMA CULLEN Died Nov. 15, 2003
Irish actress Feldma Cullen died at the age of 55. Ms. Cullen was a renowned stage actress in her native country. She had a long association with the Abbey Theater appearing in a large number of productions. Ms. Cullen appeared in the film "The Abduction Club" and the Made for TV movie "Her Own Rules."
JOSIAH CHILD Died Nov. 15, 2003
Boston Financier Josiah Child died of a heart attack at age 77. Mr. Child was a history buff with a deep admiration for the late Mohandas K. Gandhi. Mr. Child was responsible for helping Sir Richard Attenborough obtain funding for the film. Attenborough had tried for 20 years to get backing for his script. Mr. Child traveled the world helping raise the money. Director Attenborough thanked Mr. Child during his acceptance speech when "Gandhi" won the Best Picture Oscar. Mr. Child founded International Film Investors and Screen Development Ltd., which also financed Roland Joffe’s "The Killing Fields."
ALBERT NOZAKI Died Nov. 16, 2003
Oscar nominated Art Director Albert Nozaki died at the age of 91. Mr. Nozaki shared an Oscar nomination for his work on Cecil B. Demille’s "The Ten Commandments." Mr. Nozaki is best known for his fantastic design work on the 1953 version of "War of the Worlds." Mr. Nozaki created the memorable Martian space ships and the creatures for the classic film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel. Other film credits include several George Pal films: "When Worlds Collide," "Houdini" and "Robinson Crusoe on Mars." He worked on the classic comedy "Sullivan’s Travels." His work can also be seen in the Elvis Presley vehicles "Blue Hawaii" and "Loving You." Mr. Nozaki was born in Japan. He grew up in California. Like many Japanese Americans, Nozaki spent WWII in the internment camp at Manzanar. Mr. Nozaki’s brilliant career was cut short by a degenerative eye disease, which lead to total blindness.
DON GIBSON Died Nov. 17, 2003
Country music legend Don Gibson died in Nashville at age 75. Mr. Gibson wrote hundreds of songs, which were recorded by many of the top names in Country and Pop music. He may be best known for the songs "Sweet Dreams," "Oh Lonesome Me" and "I Can’t Stop Loving You." "Sweet Dreams" was recorded by Patsy Cline and became her theme song. The song title also was the title of the Cline bio-pic starring Jessica Lange. Mr. Gibson’s songs also were used in the film "Michael" and "Heartbreak Ridge."
MICHAEL KAMEN Died Nov. 18, 2003
Multi Award winning composer Michael Kamen died at age 55 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Mr. Kamen was nominated for two Oscars along with Bryan Adams and Robert John Lange for their work on "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and "Dan Juan Demarco." The trio won a Grammy for their song from "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Mr. Kamen was nominated for an Emmy for his score on the outstanding HBO mini-series "From the Earth to the Moon." He won an astounding eleven BMI Film Music Awards between 1988 and 2002! Mr. Kamen also received two ASCAP Awards and won the BAFTA (British Academy Award) once. Mr. Kamen provided music or orchestration for over 100 films and TV series. In addition to his massive film music output, Mr. Kamen was the co-founder and leader of the New York Rock and Roll Ensemble. He also worked with Kate Bush, Queensryche, Metallica, Pink Floyd and Aerosmith. Among Mr. Kamen’s numerous film credits are a number of my personal favorites. He provided songs for the dated, but fun rock and roll Western "Zachariah." "Zachariah" has one of the coolest movie posters ever! Mr. Kamen played the synthesizer on the great Christian rock musical "Godspell." There are so many great films in his resume that it is hard to pick out the best. Other credits include Tobe Hooper’s "Lifeforce," Mark Lester’s "Stunts," David Cronenberg’s "The Dead Zone," "Highlander," all four "Lethal Weapon" movies, all three "Die Hard" movies, "Mona Lisa," "Pink Floyd’s The Wall," "License to Kill," "The Krays," "Mr. Holland’s Opus," "X Men" and "Open Range." It is sad that such a talent lost his battle so young. We are fortunate that he left an enormous output of work during his short lifetime.
PATRICIA BRODERICK Died Nov. 18, 2003
Writer/producer Patricia Broderick died of cancer at age 78. Ms. Broderick was the widow of actor James Broderick and the mother of actor Matthew Broderick. She wrote and produced the 1996 film "Infinity," which was directed by and starred her son Matthew. She also worked on the script of her son’s Civil War film "Glory." He late husband starred in a number of films and TV shows during the 1960s and 70s including "Alice’s Restaurant."
VIVIAN BONNELL Died Nov. 18, 2003
Actress Vivian Bonnell died of diabetes at age 79. Ms. Bonnell’s film credits include "Ghost." She had a bit part as one of Whoopie Goldberg’s psychic customers in that film. Other film credits include "For Pete’s Sake" with Barbra Streisand and Michael Sarrazin, the Huddy Ledbetter biopic "Leadbelly," "Teachers," "California Dreaming," "Elvis and Me," "The Josephene Baker Story" and "Amazon Women on the Moon." Among her many TV credits are "Sanford and Son," "Married With Children," "Moesha," "Happy Days," "Good Times," "The Jeffersons" and "St. Elsewhere." Ms. Bonnell was a Calypso singer from Antiqua. She recorded under the name Enid Mosier. She was in the original Broadway cast of "House of Flowers" with Diahann Carroll.
GILLIAN BARGE Died Nov. 19, 2003
British actress Gillian Barge died of cancer at age 63. Ms. Barge had a lengthy stage career in England where she appeared in comedies and dramas alike. Ms. Barge appeared in a number of British TV movies and mini-series. Her film credits include "Charlotte Gray," "The Discovery of Heaven" and the upcoming "Love Actually" where she plays one of Hugh Grant’s cabinet members.
LORIS AZZARO Died Nov. 20, 2003
Designer Loris Azzaro died of cancer at age 70. Mr. Azzaro designed the costumes for the TV concert film "Berliner Philharmoniker - Berliner Waldbühne 1996: Italian Night." Mr. Azzaro appeared in the film "Duos sur Canapé" as a designer. He designed clothes for such actresses as Sophia Loren and Raquel Welch.
JIM SIEDOW Died Nov. 20, 2003
Actor Jim Siedow died at age 83 at home in Houston, Texas. You might not know Mr. Siedow’s name, but if you are a fan of horror films chances are he scarred the bejezzus out of you in his most famous film "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Mr. Siedow played Drayton Sawyer, the father of the homicidal clan. Any character who sired and raised Leatherface had to be a twisted character. I can’t tell you how disturbing is the scene in which Mr. Siedow’s character torments the girl played by Marilyn Burns as he drives her home for dinner. What is amazing about Mr. Siedow's performance is not only the perfect depiction of insanity, but the degree of humor he brought to the part. His performance in the first sequel was over the top, but then again, the entire sequel was over the top! Jim Siedow appeared in the first sequel "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" and a few other films. He appeared in an episode of Steven Speilberg's TV series "Amazing Stories." Mr. Siedow served his country in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He was a frequent performer on stage in his hometown of Houston. I spoke with his wife Ruth. She is very appreciative of the many fans who loved her husband’s work and for the prayers of comfort that many people are sending up to heaven on her family’s behalf. Mrs. Siedow laughed as she said "We were married 57 years in September. 57 years and still talking!" Thanks to Mr. Siedow for 30 years of pure terror and for his service to his country. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
KEREM YILMAZER Died Nov. 20, 2003
For the second time this month a member of the film community has been killed by terrorists. Turkish actor Yerem Kilmazer was one of 27 people killed in the double bombings in Istanbul. Mr. Kilmazer was one of Turkey’s leading actors. He was driving near the HSBC bank when the terrorist bomb exploded. Mr. Yilmizer appeared in a number of Turkish films as a leading man.
ROBERT ADDIE Died Nov. 20, 2003
British actor Robert Addie died of lung cancer at age 43. Mr. Addie played Mordred in John Boorman’s excellent version of the King Arthur legend "Excaliber." His other film and TV credits include "Robin of Sherwood," "Merlin," "A Knight in Camelot," "Mary, Mother of Jesus," "Captain Jack" and "Intimacy." Mr. Addie also had a successful stage career.
BOYCE HOLLEMAN Died Nov. 21, 2003
Actor/attorney/state legislator Boyce Holleman died of bladder cancer at age 79. Mr. Holleman was a state legislator and district attorney in his native Mississippi. Mr. Holleman appeared in a number of films and TV shows including the TV series "In the Heat of the Night" and "I’ll Fly Away." Mr. Holleman’s film credits include the horror film "The Beast Within," one hit wonder Brian Bosworth’s "Stone Cold," Steve Martin’s "A Simple Twist of Fate" and "Cries of Silence."
LUCY ANDERSON HERRMANN Died Nov. 21, 2003
Lucy Anderson Herrmann died of a stroke at age 82. Ms. Herrmann was the second wife of famed composer Bernard Herrmann. She was married to Mr. Herrmann from 1949 through 1965. She was sometimes referred to as ‘Lucy 2’ as she was the cousin of Herrmann’s first wife, screenwriter Lucy Fletcher. According to Ms. Herrmann’s close friend Bruce Crawford, Ms. Herrmann had suffered a debilitating stroke one month before her death. The photo by Mark Montgomery shows Ms. Herrmann with Bruce Crawford and producer Arnold Kunert at the luncheon following the presentment of Ray Harryhausen’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ms. Herrmann was married to the composer during his most prolific period of creative achievement. Ms. Herrmann was a source on Mr. Crawford’s highly regarded radio documentary about the music and life of Bernard Herrmann. She was also a frequent guest at Mr. Crawford’s Omaha Film Events. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.
CHRISTOPHER DOWNES Died Nov. 21, 2003
Theatrical dresser Christopher Downes died of cancer at the age of 70. Mr. Downes was one of those rare behind the scenes little people who himself became a celebrity. The play and film "The Dresser" is believed to have been based in part on his life. Mr. Downes was dresser for a number of famed actors including Maggie Smith and her then husband Robert Stephens. Mr. Downes worked with Mr. Stephens on the films "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and Billy Wilder’s "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes." Mr. Downes made a cameo appearance in the latter. Mr. Downes was also a theatrical critic.
DAVID STERN III Died Nov. 22, 2003
Novelist David Stern III died at age 94. Mr. Stern wrote "Francis the Talking Mule." His characters became the subject of a movie series, which starred Donald O’Connor. Mr. Stern was a captain in the US Army during WWII when he came up with the idea for Francis. Seven films were made using his characters. Mr. Stern also wrote the script for Roger Corman’s campy "Swamp Woman."
PATRICIA BURKE Died Nov. 23, 2003
British actress Patricia Burke died at age 86. Ms. Burke was a stage actress who was a member of the Old Vic Company with such greats as Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson. Ms. Burke’s film credits include "The Trojan Brothers," "The Lisbon Story," "While I Live," "Forbidden," "The Happiness Of Three Women" and "The Day The Fish Came Out."
BILL STRUTTON Died Nov. 23, 2003
Novelist turned scriptwriter Bill Strutton died at age 80. Mr. Strutton was a prolific TV writer in England during the 1950s and 60s. He contributed to 14 TV series including the sci-fi cult classic "Dr. Who." Mr. Strutton created the creature the Zarbi for the "Dr. Who" series. He also wrote for Roger Moore’s series "The Saint." Other credits include "The Avengers," "Ivanhoe," "Riptide," "Top Secret," "The Protectors" and "Paul Temple." A member of the Australian Navy during WWII, Mr. Strutton spent four years in a German POW camp when he was captured during the fall of Crete.
MICHAEL SMALL Died Nov. 24, 2003
Composer Michael Small died at age 64. Mr. Small composed the scores to a number of the best films of the 1970s. He had a long professional relationship with director Alan J. Pakula, having composed the scores for nine of Mr. Pakula’s films. Those films include the great political thriller "The Parallax View," "Klute," "Comes a Horseman" and "Consenting Adults." Other credits include "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Marathon Man," "Black Widow," "The Stepford Wives," "Audrey Rose," "Pumping Iron," "Going in Style," "Mountains of the Moon" and "Brighton Beach Memoirs."
WARREN SPAHN Died Nov. 24, 2003
Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn died at age 82. Warren Spahn was a grown man! He had guts and determination that is rarely or ever seen in modern professional sports. Mr. Spahn is the winningest left-handed pitcher in the history of the game. Spahn spent the bulk of his 18-year career with the Milwaukee Braves. Spahn appeared as himself in the 1949 baseball film "The Kid from Cleveland." He also did a cameo on the WWII TV series "Combat!"
JORGE STAHL JR. Died Nov. 24, 2003
Mexican cinematographer Jorge Stahl Jr. died of a respiratory illness at age 82. Mr. Stahl shot nearly 200 films during his lengthy career. Among his credits was one of my first movie memories "The Beast of Hollow Mountain." That was probably one of his lessor works, but it was one of my favorite monster movies as a small child. Other credits include "Garden of Evil" for Henry Hathaway, Henry King’s "The Sun Also Rises" and Luis Bunuel’s "Death in the Garden." Mr. Stahl was nominated for 10 Ariel Awards (Mexico's version of the Academy Award), winning four.
TUN TUN Died Nov. 24, 2003
Indian actress Tun Tun died at age 76. Tun Tun was a prolific singer and comedienne appearing in over 100 Bollywood films. Tun Tun began her career as a singer. She was soon overshadowed by other singers. Tun Tun was a heavy woman. She turned to comedy, using her weight to her advantage and continued her career as a comedienne.
FRANCIS CREIGHTON Died Nov. 24, 2003
Actor/director/teacher Francis Creighton died at age 48. Mr. Creighton appeared in Whit Stillman’s excellent films "Metropolitan" and "Barcelona." He directed and appeared in the horror comedy "Malibu Beach Vampires." He co-wrote that film with his brother John Falotico, who also appeared in the movie. Mr. Creighton had a radio interview show while in college. In addition to his film work, Mr. Creighton was a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
JACQUES FRANCOIS Died Nov. 25, 2003
French actor Jacques Francois died at age 83. No cause of death was listed though it was reported he had suffered from respiratory problems. Mr. Francois appeared in nearly 120 films during his 60-year career. While a majority of his work was in French films, he did appear in a number of international and American productions. Mr. Francois film credits include Fred Zinneman’s "The Day of the Jackal," William Freidkin’s "," "Le Jouet" which was remade in the US as "The Toy," "The Barkleys of Broadway" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and as Aramis in the 1953 French version of "The Three Musketeers"
MARY QUEENY Died Nov. 25, 2003
Egyptian film pioneer Mary Queeny died of a heart attack at age 90. Ms. Queeny and her late husband Ahmed Galal set up a production company in 1944 and produced nearly 50 films. Ms. Queeny acted in a number of them. The couple was responsible for establishing Egypt as a film center in the Middle East. The couple were also mentors to a number of young filmmakers. Ms. Queeny’s son Nader is a movie director.
ANNELIESE ROMER Died Nov. 25, 2003
German stage and screen actress Anneliese Romer died at age 81 following a lengthy illness. Ms. Romer was a well-respected stage actress in Berlin. She appeared in a few films and TV series during the 1950s and 60s. Her film credits include "The Girl From Flanders" with Maximilian Schell.
MEYER KUPFERMAN Died Nov. 26, 2003
Composer Meyer Kupferman died of heart failure at age 77. Mr. Kupferman composed seven operas, 12 symphonies, nine ballets, seven string quartets, 10 concertos among hundreds of other works. Mr. Kupferman’s music was featured in the films "Black Like Me," "Hallelujah the Hills," "Truman Capote’s Trilogy" and "Fearless Frank" among others.
LIONEL NGAKANE Died Nov. 26, 2003
South African actor/director Lionel Ngakane died at age 75. Mr. Ngakane was one of the founding members of the Federation of PanAfrican Filmmakers. He appeared in the films "Cry the Beloved Country" with Sidney Poitier, "Duel in the Jungle" with Dana Andrews and Jean Crain, "Two Gentlemen Sharing" and the TV series "Quartermass and the Pit." Mr. Ngakane also directed films. His 1962 debut documentary film "Vukani" was an exploration of the evils of Apartheid. He also directed the documentary "Nelson Mandela" and was a technical advisor on "A Dry White Season," which starred Marlon Brando and Donald Sutherland.
GORDON REID Died Nov. 26, 2003
Scottish actor Gordon Reid died of a heart attack while performing onstage during a production of Beckett’s "Waiting for Godot." Mr. Reid was 64. Mr. Reed was a regular on the TV series "The Casebook of Dr. Finlay." His other film and TV credits include "The Others" with Nicole Kidman, "Leon the Pig Farmer," "Lovejoy," "Poirot" and "Mansfield Park."
JAMES CARTER Died Nov. 26, 2003
Singer James Carter died of a stroke at age 77. Mr. Carter recorded the song "Po Lazarus" while serving on a chain gang at Parchman Prison in Mississippi. The song was chosen for the Coen Brother’s film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Mr. Carter was tracked down after the movie became a hit. He attended the Grammy Awards that year.
WILL QUADFLIEG Died Nov. 27, 2003
Famed German theater actor Will Quadflieg died of a pulmonary embolism at age 89. Mr. Quadflieg was one of Germany’s leading theater actors following WWII. He is best known in the film world for his performance as the title character in Peter Gorski’s 1960 version of "Faust." Other film credits include "Lola Montes," the last film by director Max Ophuls. In that film, Mr. Quadflieg played composer Franz Liszt. In 1995, Mr. Quadflieg was awarded an Honorary Bambi Award. The Bambi is the German Film Industry’s highest award.
EDMUND HARTMANN Died Nov. 28, 2003
Writer/producer Edmund Hartmann died of natural causes at age 92. Mr. Hartmann had a long and distinguished career in both film and TV. Mr. Hartmann wrote a number of scripts for comedian Bob Hope including "Paleface" and "Sorrowful Jones." Mr. Hartmann’s film scripts include the Sherlock Holmes films "The Scarlet Claw" and "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon." He also wrote the adventure film "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." He also wrote a number of Abbott and Costello films including "Abbott and Costello In Society" and "Ride Em Cowboy." Mr. Hartmann also produced the films "Abbott and Costello In Society" and "Ghost Catchers." He became a TV producer and writer in the 1960s. His most famous and successful TV series were "My Three Sons" and "Family Affair." He also produced the Henry Fonda TV series "The Smith Family" which ran from 1971 to 1972. He was president of the Writer’s Guild of America during the 1950s.
TERRY LESTER Died Nov. 28, 2003
Actor Terry Lester died of undisclosed causes at age 53. Mr. Lester was best known to soap opera fans for his work on such shows as "Santa Barbara" (picture at right with co-star Nancy Grahn), "As the World Turns" and especially "The Young and the Restless." Mr. Lester was also a regular on the Saturday morning sci-fi show "Ark II." His film and TV movie credits include "Airport," "Airport 1975," "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park," "Barbary Coast" and "Blade in Hong Kong." Mr. Lester was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "The Young and the Restless." He also garnered three Soap Opera Digest Awards’ nominations for the same series.
NORMAN BURTON Died Nov. 29, 2003
Actor Norman Burton was killed in an automobile crash. He was 79 years old. The first James Bond film I saw in the theaters was "Diamonds are Forever." Being a red-blooded 13 year-old, I was paying more attention to Lana Wood and Jill St. John than to Norman Burton. Mr. Burton played CIA operative Felix Leiter in the film. Mr. Burton had a lengthy career in film and TV. His film credits include the 1960s trash classic "Valley of the Dolls," "Planet of the Apes" (as an ape) and "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (as a human). Other credits include "Fuzz" with Burt Reynolds, the Oscar winning "Save the Tiger," Irwin Allen’s disaster hit "The Towering Inferno" and Michael Crighton’s brutal sci-fi crime film "The Terminal Man" with George Segal. Mr. Burton appeared in two of my favorite films from the 70s. Both starred Michael Sarrazin: the erotic thriller "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud" and the hilarious "Gumball Rally." Another trash classic starring Mr. Burton is "Scorchy." That film boasts a very sexy Connie Stevens fighting badguys in her underwear. Mr. Burton also portrayed General George S. Patton in the mini-series adaptation of Herman Wouk’s "War and Rememberance." Mr. Burton did guest roles in over 20 TV shows during the 60s through the 80s. Mr. Burton actd in a number of theatrical productions. He taught 'method acting' in Lakeside, California.
JOE STONE Died Nov. 29, 2003
Newspaperman, detective and scriptwriter Joe Stone died of a heart attack at age 90. Mr. Stone had a long and illustrious career as a journalist. He was the brother of actor Milburn Stone, Doc on "Gunsmoke." At his brother’s insistence, Joe Stone tried his hand at scriptwriting. He wrote four scripts for the TV series "Gunsmoke." His brother Milburn won an Emmy for his performance in one of those scripts.
BERT F. BALSAM Died Nov. 29, 2003
Actor Bert F. Balsam has passed. Mr. Balsam was an active supporter of Temple Shalom For The Arts. He appeared in Milos Forman’s "Man on the Moon."
ETHAL WINANT Died Nov. 29, 2003
Producer and pioneering female TV executive Ethal Winant died from
complications following a heart attack at age 81. The Emmy and Peabody Award winning producer was the first woman to hold an executive position at a TV network. She was an executive with CBS and later NBC. Ms. Winant won a Special Emmy Award for "Playhouse 90." Her film and TV producer credits include "Ronin," "George Wallace" and "Andersonville." Ms. Winant was also a casting director for the TV series "The Wild, Wild West" and "The Twilight Zone." She personally cast the series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." She was in part responsible for the NBC mini-series "Shogun" and "Murder in Texas."
GERTRUDE EDERLE Died Nov. 30, 2003
Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Cannel, died at age 98. Ms. Ederle swam the 21-mile English Channel on August 6, 1926. She became a major celebrity in Europe and the United States for her feat. Ms. Ederle’s swim was measured at 35 miles. She appeared as herself in the 1927 film "Swim Girl, Swim." She also appeared in archived footage in the 1950 documentary "Fifty Years Before Your Eyes." She was a member of the 1924 Olympic Team.
EARL BELLAMY Died Nov. 30, 2003
I can’t imagine anyone who watched TV during the 1960s and 70s not recognizing the name of Earl Bellamy. The ubiquitous director of film and TV directed over 1,500 TV episodes! He also had a lengthy career as a film director and assistant director. Workhorse Earl Bellamy died of a heart attack at age 80. Mr. Bellamy shared the DGA Best Director Award with Fred Zinnemann for the classic "From Here to Eternity." Mr. Bellamy was the assistant director on the film. Mr. Bellamy was awarded the Golden Boot Award from the Motion Picture and Television Fund for his work in Westerns. Mr. Bellamy was an assistant director on over 40 films including the Judy Garland/Frederick March version of "A Star is Born," "From Here to Eternity," "Born Yesterday," "Salome" and "Sirocco." He directed the movies "Walking Tall: Part II," "Sidewinder 1," "Munsters Go Home," "Three Guns for Texas" and others. However, Mr. Bellamy spent most of his career as a TV director, helming both Made for TV movies and TV series episodes. There weren’t many TV series in the 1960s and 70s that he didn’t contribute too. Among his small screen credits are "V: The Mini Series," "Starsky and Hutch," "I Spy," "M*A*S*H,"S.W.A.T.," "ChiPS," "Hart to Hart," "Marcus Welby M.D.," "Then Came Bronson," "The MOD Squad," "The F.B.I.," "Get Smart," "The Munsters," "The Virginian," "The Andy Griffith Show," "McHale’s Navy," "Rawhide," "Perry Mason" and "Wagon Train." The list goes on!
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