June 2007 Film World Obituaries

TETSUO ISHIDATE Died Jun. 1, 2007

Japanese actor Tetsuo Ishidate died of an aneurysm at age 64. Mr. Ishidate appeared in numerous films and TV shows during his career. His credits "Pink Lady's Motion Picture," "Wife is 18 Years Old" and "Blood and Diamonds."

ROBERT CHESTERMAN Died Jun. 1, 2007

Documentary film producer Robert Chesterman died at age 75. Mr. Chesterman worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Company as a radio producer. After retirement he turned to film production. Mr. Chesterman produced the classical music documentaries "The Boast of Kings," "Duet for Life" and "McGill, Mahler and Montreal" among others.

JUAN JOSE GURROLA Died Jun. 1, 2007

Actor/director/writer Juan Jose Gurrola died of liver disease at age 71. Mr. Gurrola was a noted playwright in his native land. He began acting in the 1950s. International audiences may remember Mr. Gurrola as the second master faced by Alejandro Jodorowski's character in the cult classic "El Topo." Mr. Gurrola wrote, produced and directed a number of short films and documentaries.

AUDREY BOYES Died Jun. 1, 2007

Former actress Audrey Boyes died at age 92. Ms. Boyes acted on stage and screen before retiring in 1942. She appeared in the film "Banana Ridge." Ms. Boyes co-starred with Raymond Massey in the play "Idiot's Delight" in London. She retired after marrying a RAF officer.

KENTARO HANEDA Died Jun. 2, 2007

Japanese pianist and composer Kentaro Haneda died of liver cancer at age 58. Mr. Haneda was also the popular host of the Japanese TV show "Daimei no Nai Ongakukai." Mr. Haneda's music can be heard on the soundtracks of such movies as "Treasure Island," "Virus," "Space Adventure Cobra" and "Final Yamato."

BILL MAY Died Jun. 2, 2007

Actor Bill May died at age 63. Mr. May appeared in the movies "Lucky You" and "Dummy Hoy: A Deaf Hero."

CHARLES EVANS Died Jun. 2, 2007

Producer Charles Evans died at age 75. Mr. Evans was the brother of producer Robert Evans. Charles Evans was a successful businessman before turning to film. He produced the films as "Tootsie," "Showgirls" and "Monkey Shines."

LEROY COLEMAN Died Jun. 2, 2007

Art director and theme park designer Leroy Coleman died of natural causes at age 92. Mr. Coleman was art director on two of Sam Peckinpah's best films: "Ride the High Country" and "The Ballad of Cable Hogue." Mr. Coleman learned his craft coming up through the studio system in the 1930s and 40s. His other film credits include Elvis Presley's "Speedway" and Burt Kennedy's comedy Western "Support Your Local Sheriff." Mr. Coleman later went on to design theme parks. He was the principle designer and later president of Opryland in Nashville.

ANNA MINOT Died Jun. 2, 2007

Actress Anna Minot died at age 89. Ms. Minot was primarily a stage actress but she also worked in film and on TV. Ms Minot played the role of Martha Wilson on the soap opera "As the World Turns." She was a regular on the series from 1966 through 1970. Ms. Minot began working in US TV during the late 1940s. Her stage credits include four Broadway productions. Ms. Minot played James Russo's mother in the film "Condition Red." Other credits include "The Rosary Murders" and "A World Apart." Her first husband was actor Arthur Franz and her second was actor Joseph Warren.

RUSSELL SCHREMPP Died Jun. 2, 2007

Photographer and assistant cameraman Russell Schrempp died at age 94. Mr. Schrempp documented the building of the St. Louis arch in photographs. His work was used in the documentary film "Memorial to a Dream." Mr. Schrempp was an assistant cameraman to cinematographer Haskel Wexler on the biopic "Hoodlum Priest." He had a cameo in the film as a policeman. Mr. Schrempp also helped shoot the early Steve McQueen movie "The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery."

GORDON GOSTELOW Died Jun. 3, 2007

Australian actor Gordon Gostelow died just shy of his 82nd birthday. Mr. Gostelow appeared in nearly 70 films and TV shows during his career. Kids in the US may remember him from the Disney movie "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh." He played the recurring character Milo Clancey in the 1969 season of "Dr. Who." Mr. Gostelow's many TV credits include the series "Z Cars," "David Copperfield," "Softly, Softly" and "All Creatures Great and Small." Mr. Gostelow's film credits include the 1970 version of "Wuthering Heights," "The Idol" and "Nicholas and Alexandra."

CYNTHIA PALMER Died Jun. 3, 2007

Actress Cynthia Palmer died of undisclosed causes. Her age was not given. Ms. Palmer appeared in several films including "Inferno" and "Jackie's Back."

IVAN DARVAS Died Jun. 3, 2007

Award-winning Hungarian actor Ivan Darvas died of natural causes two weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. Mr. Darvas was one of the most respected actors in Hungary. He won Best Actor Awards from the Hungarian Film Critic's Awards and also Hungarian Film Week for his performance in 200's "Film." In 2003 Mr. Darvas was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hungarian Film Critic's Awards. Mr. Davras mad over 75 films since his debut in the late 1940s.

RAY ERLENBORN Died Jun. 4, 2007

Actor and sound effects man Ray Erlenborn died of a bacterial infection at age 92. Mr. Erlenborn began his career as a toddler, performing in Vaudeville and silent films. Mr. Erlenborn appeared in such silent films as "Ben Hur," "Tell It To the Marines" with Lon Chaney Sr., Charlie Chaplin's classic "City Lights" and Erich Von Stroheim's "The Wedding March." Mr. Erlenborn played Spike in the ten "Winnie Winkle" comedies opposite Ethelyn Gibson. Mr. Gibson also did voice and sound effects work for such TV shows and films as the original version of "Doctor Dolittle," "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and "Crusader Rabbit."

TIMOTHY FORD Died Jun. 4, 2007

Writer Timothy Ford died of undisclosed causes at age 55. Mr. Ford wrote an article entitled "The Yankee Bandit" for Gear Magazine about antique dealer turned bank robber Eddie Dodson. Mr. Dodson holds the record for the most banks robber in one day (6) and most bank robberies by a single individual (72). Mr. Ford's article is the basis for the film "The Electric Slide" which is currently in production. Eddie Dodson died of liver cancer in February 2003. Mr. Ford and Mr. Dodson were friends in LA during the 1970s. Living the fast life, Mr. Dodson's drug addiction got to the point that he began robbing banks to support his habit. Mr. Ford was able to come out of his own addiction and became an expert in the field. Mr. Ford worked ardently to help people in recovery through the 12-Step Program.

SOTIRIS MOUSTAKAS Died Jun. 4, 2007

Greek actor Sotiris Moustakas died of undisclosed causes at age 67. Mr. Moustakas was rehearsing for the play "Aristophanes" when he fell ill and was rushed to a hospital. Mr. Moustakas had a successful career as a stage and film actor in Greece. International audiences remember Mr. Moustakas for his film debut as the Village Idiot in "Zorba the Greek." Mr. Moustakas appeared in 75 films and TV shows during his career. His final film appearance is in the up-coming biopic "El Greco."

ROBERT REDD Died Jun. 5, 2007

Businessman and B-movie producer Robert Redd died at age 77. Mr. Redd collaborated with Larry Buchanan and S.F. Brownrigg on such B-Movie classics as "Zontar, The Thing From Venus," "High Yellow," "The Wild and the Naked," "Free, White and 21," "It Came From the Basement" and "She-Devils." Mr. Redd also worked on the sound for several of those Drive-In classics. Mr. Redd was the founder and co-owner of Tele-Print, Inc. Mr. Redd began his film career while serving his country in the US Air Force. He produced training films and documentaries while in the Air Force.

PETER SIMPSON Died Jun. 5, 2007

BAFTA-nominated producer Peter Simpson died of lung cancer at age 64. Mr. Simpson shared a Best British Film BAFTA nomination with Alan Scott for the movie "Regeneration." Mr. Simpson won the Canadian Genie Award for producing the TV series "The Eleventh Hour." He also received an honorary Genie Award in 2004 for his dedication to the production and distribution of Canadian films as well as for mentoring young artists. Mr. Simpson's many credits include the three "Prom Night" slasher films. He also produced the creepy little gem "Cold Comfort."

KANZE HIDEO Died Jun. 8, 2007

Japanese actor Kanze Hideo died of colon cancer at age 79. Mr. Hideo was a noted stage actor who performed in a form of Japanese theater known as Noh Dramas. Mr. Hideo appeared in 20 films during his career. He collaborated with director Kaneto Shindo on 12 films including the noted horror film "The Black Cat." Mr. Hideo also appeared in director Hiroshi Teshigahara's impressive debut film "Pitfall."

ADRIAN PINTEA Died Jun. 8, 2007

Award-winning Romanian actor Adrian Pintea died of several diseases at age 52. Mr. Pintea won the Best Actor award from the Romanian Union of Filmmakers for his work in "The Forest Woman." Mr. Pintea's many credits include "7 Seconds" with Wesley Snipes, "Mandroid," "H.P. Lovecraft's Lurking Fear," "Dracula the Impaler" with Billy Zane and "Vlad."

TONY ROMAN Died Jun. 8, 2007

Singer/composer/producer Tony Roman died of liver cancer at age 64. Mr. Roman started his first rock band at age 17. He later played piano for a number of other musicians and groups. Mr. Roman produced the films "Ladies Room" with John Malkovich and "Camping Sauvage." Tony Roman acted in several films including "Scanners III." He composed scores for such films as "Smoothtalker" and "Double Obsession."

JEANNE GLYNN Died Jun. 8, 2007

Emmy-nominated writer Jeanne Glynn died of cancer at age 75. Ms. Glynn was an actress who turned to writing. Her writing earned her five Emmy Award nominations. Ms. Glynn's nominations came for her work on "General Hospital," "The Guiding Light," "As the World Turns," "One Life to Live" and "Port Charles." Other writing credits include "Search For Tomorrow." Ms. Glynn appeared in the 1957 TV version of "Oedipus, the King" which starred Christopher Plummer. The show was part of the "Omnibus" TV series. Mr. Plummer reprised his role in a 1967 feature film.

FRANKIE ABERNATHY Died Jun. 9, 2007

Reality TV personality Frankie Abernathy died at age 25. Ms. Abernathy was part of the "Real World: San Diego" cast. She also appeared on the reunion show "2 Punk 4 This: The Real World San Diego Reunion." Ms. Abernathy suffered from cystic fibrosis. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

SEMBENE OUSMANE Died Jun. 9, 2007

Acclaimed director and novelist Sembene Ousmane died at age 84. Mr. Ousmane received worldwide honors and awards for his work. He was honored at Cannes, the Berlin, Moscow, Venice and San Francisco International Film Festivals. Mr. Ousemane was the first African (Senegal) director to gain international recognition for his work. Mr. Ousmane's credits include "Black Girl," "The Money Order," "God of Thunder," "The Curse" and "Outsiders." Mr. Ousmane fought against the Nazis with the Free French Forces during WWII.

BEN LANE Died Jun. 10, 2007

Emmy-nominated makeup artist Ben Lane died at age 95. Ben Lane was one of the founding members of the I.A.T.S.E. Hair and Makeup Guild Local 706 in 1937! Mr. Lane went from working as a makeup artist in 1934 to being the heard of the makeup departments of several movie studios including Columbia and Warner Brothers. Mr. Lane was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the TV mini-series "Salem's Lot." Mr. Lane's impressive work included turning actor Godfrey Cambridge into a White man for the satirical film "Watermelon Man." He began his career working on the epic classic "The Good Earth." Among Mr. Lane's many credits are "Annie Get Your Gun," "Oklahoma!," "The Man With the Golden Arm," "Bell, Book and Candle," "Pal Joey," the creepy "Mr. Sardonicus," "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Straight-Jacket," "Ship of Fools," "Cat Ballou," Sam Peckinpah's "Major Dundee," "King Rat," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," "Funny Lady" and "Annie."

WITARINA HARRIS Death announced Jun. 11, 2007

Former actress Witarina Harris died at age 101. The New Zealand actress appeared in the Universal Studios silent film "Under the Southern Cross." The film is also known as "The Devil's Pit." Ms. Harris appeared in the film under the name Witarina Mitchell. She is on the far left in the still from the movie.

MALA POWERS Died Jun. 11, 2007

Actress and teacher Mala Powers died of leukemia at age 76. Ms. Powers was nominated for a Golden Globe Award as Most Promising Newcomer for her performance as Roxanne in "Cyrano de Bergerac." She co-starred in the film with Jose Ferrer. He won an Oscar for his performance. Actress/director Ida Lupino cast Ms. Powers in the lead of her landmark movie "The Outrage." The 1951 film was one of the first US movies to deal with the crime of rape in a straightforward manner. Ms. Powers appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows during her career. Fans of 1950s Sci-Fi films will remember Ms. Powers from "The Colossus of New York" and "The Unknown Terror." Ms. Powers was also beloved by fans for her many B-Western roles. Ms. Powers shared her craft on the university level as an acting teacher.

DON HERBERT Died Jun. 12, 2007

Don Herbert was known to millions of kids as "Mr. Wizard." The decorated WWII bomber pilot exposed generations of children to the wonders of science through his various "Mr. Wizard" TV shows. Beginning in the early 1950s, Don Herbert was on TV performing experiments for kids of all ages. The point was to engage children's imaginations at an early age. Over the next 40 years he continued to help mold the minds of American youth.

BILL GLENN Died Jun. 11, 2007

Soap Opera director Bill Glenn died at age 74. Mr. Glenn directed episodes of "The Young and the Restless" for nine years. Other credits include "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Santa Barbara" and the Made for TV horror movie "House of Evil."

KARL KARLSON Died Jun. 12, 2007

Art director Karl Karlson died at age 92. Mr. Karlson was the art director on the Steve McQueen Cult Classic "The Blob." Mr. Karlson retired from a career as art director for a TV station in Biloxi Mississippi. Mr. Karlson served his country in the US Army during WWII.

JIM DEMAREST Died Jun. 12, 2007

Hawaiian TV children's show host Jim Demarest died at age 80 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Demarest was know to Hawaiian kids for playing Mr. Checkers on the "Checkers & Pogo" show. Mr. Demarest played the part for 11 years. He was the third actor to take on the role and held longer than anyone else. Mr. Demarest played a police captain in Steve McQueen's thriller "Bullitt." Mr. Demarest made frequent guest appearances on the TV shows "Hawaii 5-0" and "Magnum P.I."

JOSEPH TRUJILLO Died Jun. 13, 2007

22-year-old propmaker Joseph Trujillo was killed in a motorcycle accident. Mr. Truijillo had been a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local #44 for almost two years. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

HUMBERTO REYNOSO Died Jun. 14, 2007

Mexican wrestling legend Humberto Reynoso died at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Reynoso was beloved by millions as the wrestling hero "The Red Knight" (El Caballero Rojo). He played the character on wrestling impresario Martin Karadagian's long-running TV show "Titans of the Ring." Mr. Reynoso also appeared in the movie "Titans of the Ring." A number of comic books were written based on his character. Mr. Reynoso played the character from the show's inception in 1962 until 1991. In recent years, Mr. Reynoso had attended fan conventions and reunions of those be battled with in the ring for so many years.

ALEX THOMSON Died Jun. 14, 2007

Oscar-nominated cinematographer Alex Thomson died at age 78. Mr. Thomson was nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar for his lush work on John Boorman's "Excalibur." Mr. Thomson was honored by his peers in the British Society of Cinematographers with four Best Cinematography nominations. He won twice for Kenneth Branagh's spectacular 70mm "Hamlet" and Ridley Scott's "Legend." The other two nominations were for "Eureka" and "Excalibur." Mr. Thomson won a Daytime Emmy Award for lensing the "ABC Weekend Special" titled "The Gold Bug." Mr. Thomson was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Society of Cinematographers in 2002.

Alex Thomson worked his way up through the system beginning in the 1940s. First as a clapper loader on a number of films including Laurence Olivier's "Richard III" and John Huston's "Moulin Rouge." He was a camera operator and/or focus puller on such notable films as David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago," Roger Corman's "The Masque of Red Death," Truffaut's "Fahrenheit 451," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," the original version of "Casino Royale," "Far From the Madding Crowd," "The Man Who Would Be King," "Superman" and "The Seven Percent Solution." Future director Nicholas Roeg was cinematographer on many of these films. Mr. Thomson was his assistant and camera operator on nearly 20 films during this period of his career.

Mr. Thomson was cinematographer on 53 films. Fans of all genres have enjoyed Mr. Thomson's keen eye throughout the years. Horror movie fans appreciate his work in such films as "The Night Digger," "Raw Meat," "Dr. Phibes Rises Again," "The Cat and the Canary," "The Keep," "Leviathan" and "Alien 3." Director Michael Cimino used Mr. Thomson on his epics "The Year of the Dragon" and "The Sicilian." Other notable credits include "The Krays," "Labyrinth," "Cliffhanger" and "Demolition Man." Mr. Thomson was seriously injured on location filming "Jesus Christ Superstar." He was replaced by Douglas Slocombe. Mr. Thomson was unable to work for several years, returning to work on the 1978 film "The Class of Miss MacMichael." Mr. Thomson was working with director David Lean on pre-production of the film "Nostromo" when the director died of cancer in 1991.

GLENDON GABBARD Died Jun. 15, 2007

Actor and teacher Glendon Gabbard died at age 87. Mr. Gabbard taught theater and directed plays at the Eastern Illinois University. Mr. Gabbard was the widower of actress Lucina Paquet (Sin City) who passed away in May of last year. Mr. Gabbard appeared in the films "Blink," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Prelude to a Kiss." Mr. gabbard served his country in the US Navy during WWII.

CLAUDIA COHEN Died Jun. 15, 2007

Gossip columnist Claudia Cohen died of ovarian cancer at age 56. Ms. Cohen was the ex-wife of billionaire Ron Perelman. Ms. Cohen's writing career spanned four decades. She was a correspondent on the TV series "Live With Regis and Kelly."

JOE DI REDA Died Jun. 16, 2007

Actor Joe Di Reda died of melanoma at age 78. Mr. Di Reda began his acting career on stage during the late 1940s. He appeared in over 60 films and TV shows. Soap Opera fans will remember Mr. Di Reda for his role as Angel Moran in "General Hospital." Mr. Di Reda appeared in several of my personal favorites: "The Parallax View," "The Sand Pebbles" and Robert Aldrich's "Emperor of the North Pole." Mr. Di Reda's other credits include "The Andromeda Strain," "The Enemy Below" and "The Hindenburg."

DUARD SLATTERY Died Jun. 16, 2007

Ad-man turned filmmaker Duard Slattery died at age 83. Mr. Slattery wrote the hilarious spoof of modern art and Jackson Pollack titled "The Day of the Painter." The story was turned into a 1960 live action short film. Actor producer Ezra Baker received an Oscar for the hilarious short film. Mr. Slattery served his country in the European Theater as an infantryman in US Army during WWII.

THOMMIE WALSH Died Jun. 16, 2007

Tony-winning choreographer Thommie Walsh died of complications of lymphoma at age 57. Mr. Walsh worked primarily on Broadway. He was in the original production of "A Chorus Line." Mr. Walsh appeared as himself in several documentary films in the "Broadway" series. Mr. Walsh played Thaddeus in Norman Jewison's film version of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

WANDA DUNCAN Died Jun. 16, 2007

Writer Wanda Duncan died at age 82. Ms. Duncan wrote for a number of TV series with her late husband Robert L. Duncan. Her husband died in 1999. Her many credits include "Riverboat," "Bonanza," "Have Gun Will Travel," "Lost in Space," "The Time Tunnel," "Custer" and "Land of the Giants."

PATTIE DARCY Died Jun. 16, 2007

Singer Pattie Darcy died of undisclosed causes at age 54. Ms. Darcy was a backup singer for Cher for nearly 20 years. Ms. Darcy also sang backup for Bette Midler. She acted in the Bette Midler film "For the Boys." Ms. Darcy also performed in TV specials "Cher: Live in Concert From Las Vegas" and "Cher: The Farewell Tour."

JAGNA WRIGHT Died Jun. 16, 2007

Documentary director Jagna Wright died of cancer at age 57. Ms. Wright wrote and directed the documentary film "A Forgotten Odyssey," which dealt with the forced deportation into the Soviet Union of nearly two million Poles in 1940. After failing to raise interest in the project, Ms. Jagna took a digital camera and made the movie herself. She interviewed many survivors of the forced slavery. The film was shown on the History Channel in 2001.

GIANFRANCO FERRE Died Jun. 17, 2007

Italian fashion designer Gianfranco Ferre died of a brain hemorrhage at age 62. Mr. Ferre appeared as himself in the films "Catwalk" and Robert Altman's "Ready to Wear." He designed costumes for such films as "The Octopus" and "Please, Let the Flowers Live."

ROBERT V. WRIGHT Died Jun. 17, 2007

Writer Robert Wright died of acute bronchitis and pneumonia at age 88. Mr. Wright wrote for a number of TV shows during the 1960s and 70s. His credits include such films and TV shows as "Maverick," "Bonanza," "Lost in Space," "77 Sunset Strip," "Surfside 6," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "Gunsmoke," "The Wild Wild West," "Fantasy Island," "Laramie," "The Thousand Plane Raid" and "Little House on the Prairie."

ROSS TAYLOR Died Jun. 17, 2007

Emmy-winning sound editor and Foley artist Ross Taylor died at age 82. Mr. Ross won an Emmy at the 25th Emmy Awards for his work on the TV remake of John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony." Though not personally nominated, Mr. Ross was part of the sound editing team which received an Oscar nomination for "The Deep." Mr. Ross received a BAFTA nomination and the MPSE award for his work on "The Exorcist." Other credits include "Apocalypse Now!," "Urban Cowboy," "Star Wars" and "The China Syndrome."

ED FRIENDLY Died Jun. 17, 2007

Emmy-nominated producer Ed Friendly died of cancer at age 85. Mr. Friendly produced such TV shows as "Little House on the Prairie" and "Laugh-In." Mr. Friendly and George Schlatter co-created "Rowen & Martin's Laugh-In." The show was one of the most innovative and original series in TV history. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards. One for the mini-series "Backstairs at the White House" and another for the TV movie "Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion." Mr. Friendly was the executive producer of the 1969 TV series "Turn-On." The comedy show was famous for being cancelled after just one episode! Ed Friendly served his country as an infantry Captain in the US Army during WWII.

DEBBI DATZ-PYLE Died Jun. 17, 2007

Music contractor Debbi Datz-Pyle died of cancer at her home in California. Her age was not given. Ms. Datz-Pyle and her late business partner Patti Zimmitti founded the company "The Music Team." The pair contracted musicians for many of the top composers in the film and gaming industry. In 2000 Ms. Zimmitti also died of cancer.

GEORGES THURSTON Died Jun. 18, 2007

French-Canadian composer Georges Thurston died of colon cancer at age 55. Mr. Thurston was diagnosed in February of 2006. Georges Thurston was sometimes credited as Boule Noire. In addition to his 40-year- recording career, Mr. Thurston composed the score for the documentary "La Loi de la Ville."

BERNARD MANNING Died Jun. 18, 2007

Controversial British comedian Bernard Manning died of kidney disease at age 76. Mr. Manning was accused by the PC police in the UK of being racist and homophobic. The jokes I've heard by Mr. Manning are as funny as those of Richard Pryor and George Carlin. Thanks God we still have freedom of speech in the US. He was once banned from performing in a UK town for fear of inciting a race riot. His many credits include "The Great British Striptease," "Bernard Manning in Las Vegas" and the TV series "The Comedians."

RENEE WEDEL Died Jun. 19, 2007

Actress and acting teacher Renee Wedel died. Her age was not disclosed. Ms. Wedel was a former secretary of the Screen Actor's Guild. Ms. Wedel screen credits include "Alex and the Gypsy," "The Crazy World of Julius Vrooder" and "My Girl 2."

ANITA GUHA Died Jun. 19, 2007

Bollywood actress Anita Guha died of heart failure at age 74. Ms. Guha began her acting career in the 1950s. She appeared in such notable Indian films as "Purnima," "Gateway to India" and "Sanjog." Her greatest fame came from the 1975 film "Jai Santoshi Maa," in which she played the Hindu deity Santoshi Maa. Her performance lead some to believe she actually was the goddess.

HANK MEDRESS Died Jun. 19, 2007

Singer, composer and music producer Hank Medress died of cancer at age 68. Mr. Medress was the founder and a member of the singing group "The Tokens." Neil Sedaka was one of the original members also. He and Mr. Medress went to high school together. Mr. Medress was also the record producer of "The Chiffons," "Dawn" and "Tony Orlando & Dawn." "The Tokens" had the huge hit song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." That song can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "Matinee," "The Sandlot" and "Howard Stern's Private Parts" among others. The band performed the song on just about every major TV variety show of their era.

KLAUSJURGEN WUSSOW Died Jun. 19, 2007

German actor Klausjergen Wussow died at age 78. Mr. Wussow had spent much of the past few months in the hospital for various ailments including pneumonia. Mr. Wussow appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows in his native land. He was also a well respected stage actor. Mr. Wussow recently gained popularity for his role as Dr. Brinkmann in the TV series "Black Forest Clinic." He was the father of actors Alexander, Barbara and Benjamin Wussow.

ANTONIO AGUILAR Died Jun. 19, 2007

Mexican actor and recording artist Antonio Aguilar died of pneumonia at age 88. Mr. Aguilar was a prolific musician, releasing over 150 albums. He was also a prolific actor appearing in over 150 films! Mr. Aguilar appeared in the John Wayne film "The Undefeated." He played the title role in the 1970 biopic "Emiliano Zapata." He won the Primios ACE Best Actor award for his performance. In 1997 Mr. Aguilar received a Special Golden Ariel (Mexico's equivalent of the US Oscar) for his lifetime contribution to the Mexican film industry.

TOMMY EYTLE Died Jun. 19, 2007

Guyanese actor Tommy Eytle died at age 80. Mr Eytle was a noted stage actor in London. He appeared in over 30 films and TV shows during his career. Mr. Eytle's many credits include "EastEnders," "The Tommy Steele Story," "Naked Fury," "Danger Man," "Softly, Softly," "Born Free" and "Rumpole of the Bailey."

DAVID KULCZYCKI Died Jun. 20, 2007

Emmy-nominated sound editor David Kulczycki died of a heart attack at age 54. Mr. Kulczycki shared an Emmy-nomination for his work on the series "Hunter." His many film and TV credits include "Hudson Hawk," "The Last Action Hero," "Sommersby," "Waterworld," "Last Man Standing," "Alien: Resurrection," "X-Men 2," "I, Robot," "X-Men 3" and "Fantastic Four."

BOB WITTHANS Died Jun. 21, 2007

Actor Bob Witthans died at age 80. The Hawaii based actor appeared in a number of "Hawaii 5-0" episodes. His other credits include "Death Moon," "Magnum PI" and the "Mama Goes to Hawaii" episode of "Mam's Family."

SUZANNE HOLLAND Died Jun. 21, 2007

Writer Suzanne Holland died at the Actor's Fund Home. Her age was not given. Ms. Holland and her first husband Richard Holland were also a writing team. Their many credits include "General Hospital," "Young Doctor Malone," "The Nurses," "All My Children," "Santa Barbara" and "The Cosby Show." She and her late first husband were the head writers for the TV series "A World Apart."

GLENN WOLFE Died Jun. 23, 2007

Writer Glenn Wolfe died of lung cancer the day before his 81st birthday. Mr. Wolfe wrote a couple of episodes of the TV series "Perry Mason." He also wrote the screenplay for the Irene Papas film "The Steps."

LORRAINE RICHMOND Died Jun. 21, 2007

Script supervisor/producer/director Lorraine Richmond died of cancer at age 61. Ms. Richmond directed some episodes of the TV series "Ellen." She was an associate producer on the TV movie "The First Woman President." Ms. Richmond was a script supervisor for three decades working on such shows as "Maude," "Dear John" and "Love, Sidney."

WILLY HOLT Died Jun. 22, 2007

Oscar-nominated Art Director Willy Holt died at age 85. Though born in the US, Mr. Holt was a French citizen. He fought with the French Resistance during WWII and was sent to Auschwitz. Mr. Holt shared an Oscar nomination with Pierre Guffroy for his work on "Is Paris Burning?" Mr. Holt won the Cesar (France's highest film award) for his work on Louis Malle's "Au Revoir, Les Enfants." The UK honored Mr. Holt's work with a BAFTA nomination for the 1977 film "Julia." Mr. Holt's worked in various capacities in such films as "The Train," "The Day of the Jackal," "An Almost Perfect Affair," "The Lady in the Car With the Glasses and the Gun," "The Sergeant," "Rosebud" and "Love and Death." Mr. Holt occasionally acted. He appeared in a few films including "The Ninth Gate."

PAMELA COTTON Died Jun. 23, 2007

Producer Pamela Cotton died of a heart attack at age 52. Ms. Cotton was on an airplane flight when she died. Pamela Cotton was a coordinating producer on the TV series "7th Heaven." She worked as an assistant and production assistant on "Charmed" and "Nemesis."

NANCY BENOIT Died Jun. 23, 2007

Wrestling manager and WCW personality Nancy Benoit was murdered along with her seven year-old-son Daniel. Ms. Benoit was 43 years old. Ms. Benoit was murdered by her husband, wrestler Chris Benoit who later committed suicide. Nancy Benoit managed a number of wrestling acts including Ric Flair, Shane Douglas, The Sandman and the Steiner Brothers. Ms. Benoit appeared in a number of WCW and ECW productions under the name of Woman. She appeared in the documentary "Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

SALLY PARR Died Jun. 23, 2007

Actress Sally Parr died of Parkinson's disease at age 82. She worked primarily on stage. Ms. Parr co-starred in the poverty row Film Noir movie "The Sun Sets at Dawn." She also appeared in the 1950s TV series "Stars Over Hollywood."

CHRIS BENOIT Died Jun. 24, 2007

How can you murder your own child? Doing what I do for a living, I understand how adults can kill other adults. The murder of one's spouse is a horrific act in itself, but to take the life of your own small child still confuses and upsets me. I actually hope I do not live long enough to understand how such an act can take place. Wrestling champion Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and son Daniel before committing suicide. I won't begin to ponder why. I know folks are pointing to steroids as the culprit. My buddy, filmmaker Jeremy Benson is a wrestling fan. He too was disturbed by those looking for an easy answer in Roid Rage. Jeremy said that he think people don't want to accept the fact that Chris Benoit had it in him to do such a savage and terrible act. I guess the point is, if he could do this then we too are capable of such an act. Prayers of comfort and healing for those shattered by this selfish and senseless act.

WILLIAM HUTT Died Jun. 27, 2007

Award-winning Canadian actor William Hutt died of leukemia at age 87. Mr. Hutt won a Best Actor award for his work in "Great Performances: A Long Day's Journey Into Night." The Genie is Canada's highest film award. Mr. Hutt acted in the first 52 seasons of the revered Stratford Shakespeare Festival! His film and TV credits include "The Fixer," the remake of "The Shape of Things to Come" and "There Was a Crooked Man."

BRIAN FINCH Died Jun. 27, 2007

British screenwriter Brian Finch died one month shy of his 71st birthday. Mr. Finch was a prolific TV writer in the UK. He wrote 151 episodes to the long-running series "Coronation Street." Mr. Finch's other TV credits include "Masterpiece Theater: Goodnight Mister Tom," "All Creatures Great and Small," "Goodbye Mr. Chips" and "Heidi."

LEO BURMESTER Died Jun. 28, 2007

Actor Leo Burmester died of leukemia at age 63. Mr. Burmester was a renowned Broadway actor. He originated the role of the innkeeper Thenardier in the original production of "Les Miserables." Mr. Burmester appeared in a number of notable films. Fans of director John Sayles will remember Mr. Burmester's memorable performances in "Lone Star" and "Passion Fish." I've always liked his turn as Catfish De Vries in James Cameron's sci-fi film "The Abyss." He played Holly Hunter's father in "Broadcast News." Other credits include "The Devil's Advocate," "Honky Tonk Freeway," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Sweet Liberty," "Innocent Blood" and "A Perfect World."

JOEL SIEGEL Died Jun. 29, 2007

Film critic Joel Siegal died of colon cancer at age 63. Mr. Siegel was the film critic for the ABC television network. Mr. Siegel had a warm and humorous demeanor. His style didn't prevent him from reaming a subpar film. Mr. Siegel attracted the ire of Kevin Smith fans when he walked out of a screening of "Clerks 2" saying "This is the first time I've walked out on a movie in 30 f**king years!" Mr. Siegel worked for RFK and Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s. Mr. Siegel sat in as a co-host of "Siskel and Ebert & the Movies" during the time of Gene Siskel's illness and death. Mr. Siegel appeared as himself in such films and TV shows as "Hotel," "Deathtrap" and "The Tony Danza Show."

EDWARD YANG Died Jun. 29, 2007

Award-winning director Edward Yang died of colon cancer at age 59. Mr. Yang won the Best Director award at Cannes for his highly regarded film "Yi Yi." "Yi Yi" was nominated for a number of awards worldwide including the Best Foreign Film Cesar Award. Mr. Yang was one of the leaders of the Taiwanese New Wave movement. Other credits include "Desires," "A Brighter Summer Day" and "Taipei Story."

MARY BURNHAM Died Jun. 29, 2007

Writer and painter Mary Burnham died at age 85. When Ms. Burnham was 3 years old she appeared in 1925 the silent film "A Kiss for Cinderella." Ms. Burnham was credited in the film as Mary Christian. The movie was directed by Herbert Brenon, one of the first Best Director Oscar nominees in 1929.

WILL SCHAEFER Died Jun. 30, 2007

Composer Will Schaefer died at age 78. Mr. Schaefer contributed music to or composed scores for such films as Michael Ritchie's "Smile," "The Spongebob Squarepants Movie," "Gunsmoke," "The Flying Nun," "10," "Old Yeller," "The Shaggy Dog," "Hogan's Heroes" and "I Dream of Jeanie."

H. ROBERT MCBRIDE Died Jun. 30, 2007

Tavern owner, US Army-AirCorp veteran and one-time actor Bob McBride died at age 72. Mr. McBride appeared in goremeister Herschell Gordon Lewis's debut film "The Living Venus." Unlike Lewis's later films, this was not a horror film, but rather a nudie about the beginning of a "Playboy" type magazine. Harvey Korman starred in his film debut.