FEBRUARY 2002 FILM WORLD OBITUARIES

HILDEGARD KNEF Died Feb. 1, 2002

Actress Hildegard Knef died of a lung infection at age 76. Hildegard Knef was a German actress who enjoyed limited success in America. She appeared in Billy Wilder’s interesting misfire "Fedora." She also starred in the 1952 remake of the erotic silent film "Alurane." Ms. Knef caused a stir in Germany when she appeared nude in the film "The Story of a Sinner." She was condemned by the Catholic Church for her actions. She pointed her own finger back at the church’s inaction when she said: "I can't understand all that tumult - five years after Auschwitz!"

EARL ROWE Died Feb. 1, 2002

"Beware of the Blob, it creeps and leaps, and glides and slides!" I believe that’s how the Burt Bacharach theme song to the classic 1950s Sci-Fi film "The Blob" went. Mr. Rowe played the town’s sheriff. Mr. Rowe also appeared in the excellent made for TV film "Attica" about the uprising in the New York prison which resulted in numerous guards and prisoners being killed by New York national guardsmen. Mr. Rowe also appeared in several TV series such as "Kojak."

JERRY SULLIVAN Died Feb. 1, 2002

Mr. Sullivan’s one film credit was in one of the most infamous films in American history: Michael Cimino’s "Heaven’s Gate."

IRISH McCALLA Died Feb. 1, 2002

B-Movie actress Irish McCalla starred in the cult film "She Demons." I say it when I was six and hated it. My opinion of the film hasn’t changed. She also appeared in the horror film "Hands of a Stranger" about a pianist who loses his hands in an auto accident. His hands are replaced by the hands of a murdered criminal. The poor guy turns homicidal. Ms. McCalla was one of his sexy victims. Ms. McCalla was best known for her role on the TV series "Sheena: Queen of the Jungle."

RAYMOND GEROME Died Feb. 2, 2002

French actor Raymond Gerome appeared in nearly 50 films. His credits include "Night of the Generals" with Peter O’Toole, "Tropic of Cancer" and "Day of the Jackal."

MENDE BROWN Died Feb. 2, 2002

Writer/producer Mende Brown made several films in the late 1960s and early 70s. My favorite of his films is "…And Millions Will Die!" The film dealt with a crazed former Nazi who is developing a biological weapon. Mr. Brown died of a heart attack at age 81.

AL LEWIS Died Feb 3, 2002

No, not Grandpa Munster! This Al Lewis was a screenwriter. He wrote "Our Miss. Brooks" and "Ma and Pa Kettle" among others. He also wrote the ground breaking 1960s TV series "Julia" in which a black actress was in the lead role. Diahann Carrol starred as the single-mom/nurse.

HANS PAESTCH Died Feb. 3, 2002

French actor Hans Paestch appeared in over 30 films during a 60-year career. One of his last films was ">Run, Lola, Run."

GEORGE NADER Died Feb. 4, 2002

Michael Medved’s book "The Golden Turkey Awards" voted "Robot Monster" as in one of the worst films ever made. The film dealt with a monster (a man in an ape suit with a fish bowl on his head), which is controlled by a TV that sends messages with bubbles! Beefcake actor George Nader ‘s career never really recovered from that film. After a promising start as a leading man, Nader was relegated to lessor roles. He moved to Europe and had some success under the name Jerry Cotton.

BAXTER WARD Died Feb. 4, 2002

Mr. Ward was a TV newsman in Los Angeles. His one film credit was as a reporter in the 1957 Sci-Fi film "Kronos."

ANNALEE WHITMORE Died Feb. 5, 2002

Writer Annalee Whitmore committed suicide after a long illness. Ms. Whitmore wrote "Andy Hardy Meets the Debutante" and "Babes in Arms" among others.

CLIFF ROQUEMORE Died Feb. 5, 2002

Mr. Roquemore produced two of Rudy Ray Moore’s blaxploitation films" "Petey
Wheatstraw" and "The Human Tornado." Mr. Roquemore died of cancer.

GUY STOCKWELL Died Feb. 6, 2002

Guy was the brother of actor Dean Stockwell. His credits include Alejandro Jodorowski’s horror film "Santa Sangre," "Tobruk," "The War Lord" and the cult classic "It’s Alive."

BERT CONWAY Died Feb. 7, 2002

Mr. Conway served during WWII. He was another actor who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. He turned to the stage. His film credits include "Little Big Man" and "The Best Years of Our Lives." He was also in the great modern western "Rancho Deluxe" with Jeff Bridges. He played Judge Keene in the TV film "Helter Skelter." Mr. Conway also appeared in a couple of cool gangster films" "Capone" and "The Spikes Gang."

ELLEN DEMMING Died Feb. 7, 2002

Ms. Demming was a regular on the soap opera "The Guiding Light" for 21 years! Talk about a steady gig.

BOB WOOLER Died Feb. 8, 2002

Mr. Wooler was the DJ at the Cavern Club in Liverpool England. He witnessed the birth of the Beatles. Mr. Wooler appeared as himself in the documentary "The Complete Beatles."

ELISA BRIDGES Died Feb. 8, 2002

Ms. Bridges was Playmate of the Month in December 1994. The popular pin-up appeared in several direct to video "Playmate Videos." Despite repeated claims by Playboy magazine that Ms. Bridges died of natural causes, it was finally revealed that Ms. Bridges died of a drug overdose. Hey folks, Drugs will kill you! Prayers for her family and friends.

JAMES HAGER Died Feb. 8, 2002

James Hager won the Best Documentary Oscar for his film "The Man Who Skied Down Everest." The film chronicled Japanese Yuichiro Miura’s attempt to ski Mt. Everest. Anyone who has seen the film knows that he fell most of the way.

TRACEY ROBERTS Died Feb. 8, 2002

Ms. Roberts’ influence in the film world went beyond the 13 films she acted in. Ms. Roberts was a highly respected acting teacher whose clientele included many of today’s best actors.

ISABELLE HOLLAND Died Feb. 9, 2002

Ms. Holland wrote the book "The Man Without a Face." Mel Gibson directed and starred in the film version of Ms. Holland’s book.

BARRY FOSTER Died Feb. 11, 2002

Mr. Foster appeared in over 50 films during his long career. Credits include "The Battle of Britain" and "The Wild Geese." Mr. Foster’s most famous role was as the psycho killer in Alfred Hitchcock’s "Frenzy." Two of Mr., Foster’s children are actresses.

PAULINE TRIGERE Died Feb. 13, 2002

Ms. Trigere was a world-renowned fashion designer. Her one film credit was for "Breakfast at Tiffanys."

DICK KLEINER Died Feb. 13, 2002

Dick Kleiner was an author and long time Hollywood columnist. He wrote, "Please Don’t Shoot My Dog" with "Our Gang" actor Jackie Cooper. The title refers to an incident that happened to Mr. Cooper as a child. He was unable to cry on cue while filming an "Our Gang" episode. The director took Mr. Coopers dog around the corner and fired a gun. The little boy began crying and the director got his shot. Try pulling that one today!

WAYLON JENNINGS Died Feb. 13, 2002

Country music legend Waylon Jennings died of diabetes related illness at age 64. On Feb. 3, 1959, Waylon Jennings drew straws with "The Big Bopper" for a seat on the plane rented by Buddy Holly. Waylon lost and lived to tell about it. Mr. Jennings went on to become one of the biggest stars in the country music field. Mr. Jennings appeared in and/or composed music for over 20 films and TV shows. He sang the theme song for "The Dukes of Hazard." Say hi to Buddy.

HOWARD K. SMITH Died 15, 2002

Newsman Howard K. Smith witnessed most of the great events of the last half century. He was a voice of unbiased reason and morality in an industry filled with political syncopates. Mr. Smith came ion America’s living room and reported the news. Mr. Smith appeared in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" "The Man," "The Best Man" and "The Candidate." Mr. Smith appeared in 9 episodes of the TV Sci-Fi series "V." Mr. Smith’s calm and reasoned presence will be missed.

KEVIN (TOD) SMITH Died Feb. 15, 2002

Kevin Smith was best know for his role as Ares on "Xena Warrior Princess" and "Hercules." Mr. Smith had some success in Australia and New Zealand for his "John Lawless" movies. Mr. Smith died of a skull fracture suffered in a fall on a movie set in China. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

LUCILLE LUND Died Feb. 15, 2002

I defy you to find a film as kinky and twisted as Edgar Ulmer’s horror classic "The Black Cat." Along with Tod Browning’s "Freaks," "The Black Cat" is about the only universal horror film from the 1930s that still packs a punch. Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff do battle with each other in a satanic power struggle. Lucille Lund plays Lugosi’s wife and daughter. Karloff stole the wife and married the daughter. Lugosi wants revenge. He is also sexually drawn to his daughter because she looks just like his wife. Karloff has the wife in suspended animation in the dungeon. If you get the chance, catch this one on video.

BYRNE PIVEN Died Feb. 18, 2002

Byrne Piven was the second actor/acting coach to pass on this month. Mr. Piven’s list of students read like a who’s who of young Hollywood actors. Mr. Piven appeared in "Being John Malkovich," "Madison" and "E=mc2." He appeared in "Very Bad Things" with his son Jeremy Piven (Black Hawk Down).

LEV KULIDZHANOV Died Feb. 18, 2002

Russian director/producer/writer/actor Lev Kulidzhanov was responsible for many films from the 1950s through the 90s. His 1972 film "Starlit Minute" was about one of my favorite subjects: space exploration.

GIUSTANO DURANO Died Feb. 18, 2002

Italian actor Giustano Durano appeared in numerous films over a 45-year career. He won the Silver Ribbon as Best Supporting Actor for "Life is Beautiful" in his home country.

FREDRIC STEINKAMP Died Feb. 20, 2002

Film editor Fredric Steinkamp helped several great directors achieve their vision. Steinkamp edited seven films for Sydney Pollack. Three of Steinkamp’s four Oscar nominations were for Pollack’s films. Steinkamp won the Best Editing Oscar for the 1967 racing film "Grand Prix." Steinkamp’s credits are amazing. He edited "They Shoot Horse, Don’t They?," "Charly," Billy Wilder’s "Fedora," "Three Days of the Condor," "The Yakuza," "The Firm," "Scrooged," "Out of Africa," "Tootsie," "Hide in Plain Sight," "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and "Against All Odds." In addition to his Oscar, Mr. Steinkamp was nominated for four "Eddies" by the "America Cinema Editors." That organization gave Mr. Steinkamp the lifetime achievement award in 2001.

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM Died Feb. 20, 2002

Six-year-old Australian actress Sophie Cunningham was killed in a car accident. Ms. Cunningham appeared in two films including "The Season." She appeared in numerous print ads. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

DALE EUNSON Died Feb. 20, 2002

Writer Dale Eunson was the father of actress Joan Evans. Mr. Eunson wrote the script for "Saber Jet" and the play "How to Marry a Millionaire." He later wrote for the TV series "Leave it to Beaver" and "Little House on the Prairie."

STEPHEN LONGSTREET Died Feb. 20, 2002

Writer Stephen Longstreet was primarily a novelist. He did write numerous screenplays though. His scripts include "The Helen Morgan Story" and one of the earliest films in Clint Eastwood’s career: "The First Traveling Saleslady." Mr. Longstreet was 94.

JOHN THAW Died Feb. 21, 2002

British actor John Thaw appeared in "The Bofurs Gun," the Vincent price horror film "Dr. Phibes Rises Again," "Cry Freedom" and Richard Attenbourough’s biopic "Chaplin." Mr. Thaw is most closely identified to his TV role "Inspector Morse." Mr. Thaw was nominated for several British Oscars (BAFTA) for his work on the "Inspector Morse" series and the film "Cry Freedom." Mr. Thaw won three times.

HAROLD PRUETT Died Feb. 21, 2002

Harold Pruett died young. The actor worked in Hollywood from his early teen years. He had a recurring role on the TV series "Party of Five." Other credits include "Sybil," "Parker Lewis Can’t Lose" and "Embrace of the Vampire."

BARBARA VALENTIN Died Feb. 22, 2002

German sex kitten Barbara Valentin was billed as the German Jayne Mansfield. Ms. Valentin was also the lover of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury in the mid 1980s. While Ms. Valentin appeared in such classics as "Love, Vampire Style" and "Prison Camp Girls," she also appeared in some good films such as Fasbinder’s "Berlin-Alexanderplatz."

CHUCK JONES Died Feb. 22, 2002

Master animator Chuck Jones died of congestive heart failure at age 89. Mr. Jones creates such characters as Road Runner, Wile E.Coyote, Marvin Martian, Pep Le Pew, and Sam Sheepdog. While Mr. Jones didn’t create Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig he did keep them alive and well for millions of kids of all ages to enjoy. Mr. Jones received an Honorary Oscar in 1996, and won an Oscar for Best Short Subject: Cartoon for "Dot and the Line" in 1966. He shared that Oscar with Les Goldman.

ALICE WALLACE Died Feb. 23, 2002

Ms. Wallace was a model turned Goldwyn Girl. She appeared as beautiful scenery in several films during the 1940s including "The Girl From Jones Beach" with Ronald Reagan and Gary Gray.

MEL STEWART Died Feb. 24, 2002

I first noticed Mel Stewert in the Bill Cosby/Sidney Poitier comedy "Lets Do it Again" when I was an usher at the Memphian Theater in Memphis. Mr. Stewert played the trainer of ‘boxer’ J.J. Walker. The movie still makes me laugh. Mr. Stewert was a jazz musician in addition to being an excellent actor. He played Henry Jefferson on "All in the Family." Mr. Stewert appeared in "Turn On" the shortest running TV series of the 1960s. The show was pulled after one episode because of humor that was ahead of its time. In one scene, a buxom young woman is about to be executed by a firing squad. The captain of the guard says to the woman, "This may be unusual, but the firing squad has a last request!" Mr. Stewart made his film debut in the gritty crime drama "Odds Against Tomorrow" with Henry Belafonte and Ed Begley Sr.. The movie was ahead of its time in that a black man was portrayed as the leader of a gang of white criminals. I enjoyed Mr. Stewart’s work. Mr. Stewart died of Alzheimer’s disease.

OSKAR SALA Died Feb. 26, 2002

Mr. Sala was a physicist and musician. He invented an electronic instrument called the trautonium. Alfred Hitchcock hired Mr. Sala to use the trautonium to create the bird sounds for his classic horror film "The Birds."

LAWRENCE TIERNEY Died Feb. 26, 2002

Tough-guy actor Lawrence Tierney died of pneumonia just shy of his 83rd birthday. Mr. Tierney played Joe Cabot in Tarantino’s debut film "Reservoir Dogs." The
Hollywood tough guy lived his life off screen much like he did on. He was a strange bird according to most that knew and worked with him. Mr. Tierney became a major star in 1945 when he played the title role in "Dillinger." He played a small role in a 1991 TV version of "Dillinger." Other credits include "Back to Bataan," "Born to Kill," "Kill or be Killed," "Such Good Friends," "Andy Warhol’s Bad," "Gloria," "Prizzi’s Honor," and Jimmy Cagney’s final film "Terrible Joe Moran." "OK ramblers! Lets get rambling."

TONY YOUNG Died Feb. 26, 2002

Tony Young was a good looking tough guy who acted in films and o TV during the 60s, 70s and 80s. His credits include "Chrome and Hot Leather," "Tuff Turf" with the late Catya Sassoon, "Play it as it Lays" with Tuesday Weld and "Black Gunn." Mr. Young appeared as a guest star on numerous TV series. He died of lung cancer. I need to quit smoking.

SPIKE MILLIGAN Died Feb. 27, 2002

British comedian Spike Milligan was an irreverent funnyman. He starred in "The Goon Show" with Peter Sellers and Henry Seacombe. I enjoyed Mr. Milligan’s performance in Richard Lester’s "The Three Musketeers." Milligan played M. Bonancieux, the husband of Raquel Welch. The scene in which he anticipates her return from the palace is a hoot. Mr. Milligan appeared in over 60 films. Mr. Milligan once called Prince Charles a "little groveling bastard" on live TV. My favorite quote from Mr. Milligan was the politically incorrect statement that… "World peace could be a possibility...if it weren't for all those damned foreigners!"

HELMUT ZACHARIAS Died Feb. 28, 2002

Mr. Zacharias was a German composer and actor. He received the German "Bambi" Lifetime Achievement award in 1995. He was one of the best violinists in the world. His son Stephen is also a noted film composer. Mr. Zacharias died of a lung infection at age 82.

MARY STUART Died Feb. 28, 2002

Multi-Emmy nominated actress Mary Stuart died of complications from a stroke at age 75. Ms. Stuart was nominated for three Daytime Emmys and a regular Emmy for her work on "Search for Tomorrow." Though she appeared in a number of feature films Ms. Stuart was best known as an actress on soap operas. She appeared on "The Guiding Light," "One Life to Live" and amazingly, the entire 35-year-run of "Search for Tomorrow."

JANUARY 2002 FILM WORLD OBITUARIES

JULIA PHILLIPS Died Jan. 1 2002

Julia Phillips, one of the most colorful and successful producers in Hollywood during the 70s died of cancer on Jan. 1, 2002. She had the balls to play with the big boys. She produced "Taxi Driver," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and the Best Picture Oscar Winner from 1973, "The Sting." After a while, the boys didn't like this girl playing on their playground. She sank into cocaine addiction from which she recovered. She wrote the autobiographical book "You'll Never Eat Lunch in this Town Again." Apparently she won't. Her book is a great read for an inside look at the seamy 70s in Hollywood. We've lost a brassy lady.

CATYA SASSOON Died Jan. 1, 2002

Daughter of Vidal Sassoon. She began her career as a model. Rolling Stone Magazine once said she "defined the word nubile." Ms. Sassoon appeared in a number of B-movies including "Angelfist" "Tuff Turf" "Bloodfist: Die Trying" and "Bloodfist: Ground Zero." She died of a heart attack brought on by an overdose of hydromorphone and cocaine at age 33.

BENJAMIN LUM Died Jan. 1, 2002

Hawaiian born actor with numerous TV and film credits. Mr. Lum appeared in "Another 48 Hour." His TV credits include "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "NYPD Blue" and "Married With Children." Mr. Lum died of cancer at age 49.

MEG WYLLIE Died Jan. 1, 2002

Veteran actress Meg Wyllie died at age 84 of heart failure. She had nearly 100 TV and film credits. Ms. Wyllie appeared in "Dragnet" as Tom Hanks’ mother. She was also in "The Last Starfighter," "Lipstick" and Alfred Hitchcock’s "Marnie." Ms. Wyllie also appeared in the first (rejected) TV pilot of  "Star Trek" in 1965.

DAN FOSTER Died Jan. 2, 2002

Mr. Foster acted in bit parts during the late 1940s and early 50s. He appeared in Nicholas Ray’s excellent take on Bonnie and Clyde: "They Live By Night." He also appeared in "Singing in the Rain" and "The People Against O’Hara."

BIBI OSTERWALD Died Jan. 2, 2002

Actress who's film career spanned the years 1948 to 1997. Her credits include "As Good As It Gets" "The World of Henry Orient" "The Tiger Makes Out " (a very funny movie) and "Caddyshack II." She was a regular on the TV series "Bridget Loves Bernie" and "General Hospital."

JUAN GARCIA ESQUIVEL Died Jan. 3, 2002

The 73 year old composer died of a Stroke. Sr. Esquivel provided music for "Four Rooms" The Big Lebowski and "Bevis and Butt-Head Do America" among other films.

ALFRED HEINEKEN Died Jan. 3, 2002

Beer baron who designed the family’s famous beer bottle and label logo also produced one film: "The Spitting Image."

MICKEY DORA Died Jan. 3, 2002

Hungarian born Mickey Dora was a world famous surfer. He appeared in numerous "Beach" movies in the 60s. Credits include "Beach Party," "Muscle Beach Party," "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "How To Stuff a Wild Bikini" (I can think of several ways! ) Mr. Dora died of pancreatic cancer.

WARREN STEIBEL Died Jan. 3, 2002

The Beck-Fernandez murders shocked the nation in the 40s. The notorious Lonely Hearts killers were a strange pair, as any true crime buff knows. Their story became the subject of the 1969 film "The Honeymoon Killers" with Tony Lo Bianco (The French Connection) and Shirley Stoler. It is a minor b-movie classic. Warren Steibel produced the film. He was also the producer of the TV news discussion show "Firing Line."

BILL PARKER Died Jan. 4, 2002

Longtime film editor. Mr. Parker was nominated for an Emmy award in 1972 for his work on "Survival of Spaceship Earth." He worked on many of the "Columbo" TV movies and had a few feature film credits including "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" with John Lone.

MARILYN PUTNAM Died Jan. 4, 2002

Hollywood wardrobe designer who helped cloth some of the best films of the 70s. Her credits include "The Godfather" "The Godfather Part II" "Alice's Restaurant" "Annie Hall" "Raging Bull" and "Kramer vs. Kramer."

RAMIRO PUERTA Died Jan. 4, 2002

Award winning director of the short films "Crucero/Crossroads" and "Two Feet, One Angel." Mr. Puerta died of cancer in Toronto where he had become a film festival programmer.

BOB VAUGHN Died Jan. 4, 2002

Mr. Vaughn was a cinema organist during the silent film era. He played the music for Lon Chaney Sr.'s "Phantom of the Opera" and played the world premiere of "Flesh and the Devil."

MARIO NASCIMBENE Died Jan. 6, 2002

Italian composer Mario Nascimbene died at age 88. Mr. Nascimbene scored several of my favorite fantasy animation films including "One Million Years B.C." and "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth." He was the musical director on Ray Harryhausen’s masterpiece "Jason and the Argonauts." He scored over 300 films and TV shows. In 1991 he was honored with a Career David Award at the David di Donatello Awards.

NAUGHTIA CHILDS (MEGAN SERBIAN) Died Jan. 7, 2002

Like Shauna Grant and Savanna before her, apparently adult film actress Megan Serbian a.k.a. Naughtia Childs found life in porn unbearable. She allegedly committed suicide. Ms. Serbian went off a 4th floor apartment balcony in LA. Even though there is an official ruling of suicide, the LAPD has an open homicide investigation going in the case. Apparently Ms. Serbian's landing (feet first) and the distance from the ledge are a bit inconsistent with a jump. Prayers for her family and friends.

AVERY SCHREIBER Died Jan. 7, 2002

Crazy haired comedian Avery Schreiber died of a heart attack on January 7, 2002. He was half of the comedy of Burns and Schreiber whose greatest success took place during the 60s and 70s. They were famous for the "Huh?...Yeah...Huh?...Yeah..." routine. You'd know what I was talking about if you ever heard it. Schreiber was also the Doritos guy for a while.

My favorite cinematic vision of him was in Ringo Starr's over looked prehistoric comedy "Caveman." In one scene Schreiber is involved in a fight with a rival tribe. He falls in a fire and runs away from the camera screaming with his loin cloth on fire. Blue flames shoot out as he passes gas through the burning clothes. Great low brow comedy. He made me laugh.

ASTRID HENNING-JENSEN Died Jan. 7, 2002

Ms. Henning-Jensen was a Danish film director who began her career as an actress. She directed over 20 films. Her 1959 film "Paw" was nominated for the Best Foreign Film Oscar. Her films dealt with women's and children's issues. Her debut film, "Palle Alene I Verden" (1949) won the special jury prize at Cannes.

JAMES PATRICK DOYLE Died Jan. 8, 2002

Musician who composed the new score in 1998 for the 1914 version of "The Wizard of Oz."

PETER LEVATHES Died Jan. 9, 2002

20th Century Fox vice president in charge of world wide production during the 50s and 60s. Though uncredited, he was one of the executive producers of "The Sound of Music" "Cleopatra" "Something's Got To Give" (Marilyn Monroe's last unfinished film) and "Tender is the Night." Mr. Levathes was the executive producer of the excellent 1949 TV documentary series on WWII "Crusade in Europe."

BILL McCUTCHEON Died Jan. 10, 2002

Best known as "Uncle Wally" on Sesame Street from 1984 through 1992. He made his debut along side Pia Zadora in "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians." His last notable performance was as Shirley MacLaine's husband in 1989's "Steal Magnolias."

HENRI VERNEUIL Died Jan. 11, 2002

French director of nearly 40 films. Mr. Verneuil also wrote most of his films. Credits include "Night Flight to Moscow" "The Night Caller" "The Lions Are Loose" and "Gangster Boss."

LESLIE EBERHARD Died Jan. 12, 2002

Mr. Eberhard was TV writer and producer. He wrote and produced "Saved By the Bell" and "USA High." He also wrote for "Frasier" and "The John Larroquette Show." He died of Cancer.

STANLEY UNWIN Died Jan. 12, 2002

British actor and comedian Stanley Unwin died at the age of 90 in London. He appeared in the children's film "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang."

MIKE MARMER Died Jan. 12, 2002

Emmy Award winning TV writer. According to IMDB he won an Emmy in 1972 for
"The Carol Burnett Show." He also wrote for "Get Smart" according to IMDB. Marmer, along with Stan Burns created one of my favorite shows from way back when, "Lance Lot Link" about secret agent chimps. The newspaper listed a ton of other shows that he wrote for, but I have yet to confirm it. The 76 year old Marmer died of cancer.

ERNEST PINTOFF Died Jan. 12, 2002

Pintoff won the Best Short Subject Cartoon Oscar in 1963 for his 3 minute film "The Critic." He went on to direct several feature films and numerous TV series. His feature films included "Who Killed Mary What's Her Name?" "Lunch Wagon Girls" "St. Helens" and the anti-war compilation film "Dynamite Chicken." His TV work includes just about every recognizable drama from the 70s and 80s.

TED DEMME Died Jan. 13, 2002

Film director Ted Demme, 37 year old nephew of Jonathan Demme died of a cocaine induced heart attack while playing basketball. Demme had directed feature films as well as TV movies and music videos. He last movie was last year's drug epic Blow. He also directed "The Ref," "Life," "Beautiful Girls" and "Snitch." He won an Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Made For Television Movie: "A Lesson Before Dying." His widow is Amanda Scheer Demme, who was the musical supervisor on 20 films starting with "The Ref."

REGGIE MONTGOMERY Died Jan. 13, 2002

Known more as a stage actor and the first African-American clown for the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, Mr. Montgomery also acted in four theatrical films and one TV movie. He appeared in "Joe the King," "Malcolm X," "Hanging With the Homeboys," "Weeds" and "The Colored Museum" for PBS. He also appeared in several TV series including HBO’s "OZ."

BUNNY ALLEN Died Jan. 14, 2002

One of the last "Great White Hunters," Bunny Allen's fame as an outdoors man led to a few movie jobs. He was Clark Gable's stunt double in "Mogambo." John Huston sought him out as a location manager for "The African Queen." Mr. Allen was also location manager for 1950s "King Solomon's Mines."

JEREMY HAWK Died Jan. 15, 2002

South African born actor appeared in many British films. His credits include a couple of the "Carry On.." series. He also appeared in "Perry Mason: The Case of the Desperate Deception" and "Panic."

JOSE MARIA SANCHEZ SILVA Died Jan. 15, 2002

Spanish writer, director and cinematographer. Mr. Silva had numerous European film credits. I’m afraid the only one I recognized was his camera operator credit on Sergio Leone’s "A Fist Full of Dollars."

ALFONSO DEL REAL Died Jan. 16, 2002

Spanish actor with over 80 credits in Spanish films during his 40 year career.

IVAN FOXWELL Died Jan. 16, 2002 

Mr. Foxwell was a British film producer. His credits include "The Quiller Memorandum" and "The Colditz Story."

RON TAYLOR Died Jan. 16, 2002

An actor on stage, screen and television, Taylor was also a noted musician whose play "It Ain’t Nothin But The Blues" garnered four Tony Nominations in 1999. Taylor’s feature film debut was as "Big Black Guy" in 1983's "Trading Places." Other big screen credits include "Who’s That Girl?" "Relentless" "A Rage in Harlem" and "Amos and Andrew." His small screen work includes providing the voice of blues singer ‘Bleeding Gums Murphy’ on "The Simpsons" and ‘Coach Wingate’ in David Lynch’s "Twin Peaks." He also had recurring roles in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "City of Angels." Taylor was only 49. He died of an apparent heart attack.

CAMILO JOSE CELA Died Jan. 17, 2002

Winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1989. Mr. Cela was a Spanish novelist who acted in about 10 movies from 1949 till 1998. He also wrote dialogue for several films and TV mini series based on his works. The best known film adaptation of his work was the Argentinean film "The Beehive" (1982) in which he also appeared. He was an outspoken critic of Generalissimo Francisco Franco during the dictator's life.

QUEENIE LEONARD Died Jan. 17, 2002

Born Pearl Walker, "Queenie Leonard" was a singer who appeared in nearly 50 films from 1931 to 1964. Her credits include "Moonlight Sonata" "The Lodger" "And Then There Were None" "The Notorious Landlady" and John Wayne's great safari film "Hatari." Ms. Leonard lent her vocal talents to Disney for two animated films: "Alice in Wonderland" and "101 Dalmatians." She also appeared without credit in numerous movies such as the great ghost story "The Uninvited" and her final film "My Fair Lady."

CARRIE HAMILTON Died Jan. 20, 2002

Carrie Hamilton, daughter of Carol Burnett died of cancer at age 38. She was a regular on the TV series fame during the 1986-87 season. She starred with her mother in the TV film "Hostage" in which she played the kidnapper. Her feature film credits include "Shag" with Bridget Fonda and Phoebe Cates. Folks like me who grew up watching her mother's variety show on TV remember watching Carrie grow up as her mother would occasionally bring her out at the end of the show to wave at the crowd. Prayers for her Mom and family at this time would be appreciated and helpful.

HAROLD KASKET Died Jan. 20, 2002

British actor who’s career spanned 5 decades. He appeared in 2 "Pink Panther" films. Other credits include "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone," "Nine Hours to Rama" about the assassination of Gandhi, the hilarious "The Mouse That Roared" and Ray Harryhausen’s "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad." Mr. Kasket found his casket.

TOM VAN BEEK Died Jan. 20, 2002

Mr. Van Beek was a Dutch actor who’ career went back to 1969. His film credits include one of my favorite films, Paul Verhoven’s WWII epic Soldier of Orange. He also appeared in A Bridge Too Far.

ISSAC GRAND Died Jan. 21, 2002

Mr. Grand made cameo appearances in a couple of little films called "Star Wars" and "Return of the Jedi."

PEGGY LEE Died Jan. 21, 2002

One of the ballsiest women in show business. This platinum blond torch singer
was an all around talent. She sang, danced and acted. 1955 was especially good to Ms. Lee. She was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in the Jack Webb bio film "Pete Kelly's Blues." That same year she provided the voices for 'Darling,' 'Peg' and the Siamese cats in Disney's classic "Lady and the Tramp." She sang the show stopping number "He's a Tramp (But I Love Him)" in that movie. While Disney profited from her work, she didn't. In a classic case of David vs. Goliath, Ms. Lee took on Disney in court over royalties and won. You go girl. I still get goose-bumps when I hear he hit record "Fever." She lived a full 81 years which were full of triumph and tragedy. May she rest in peace. Plato said the unexamined life is not worth living. Ms. Lee lived a life worth living.

ADOLFO MARSILLACH Died Jan. 21, 2002

Spanish actor, writer and director who traded being a lawyer (that's an idea! ) for the lights of the stage. He acted in 45 films in Spain and won the Goya Award (the Spanish Oscar) as Best Supporting Actor in the 1988 film "Esquilache." He directed one film and wrote three screenplays. He true love was the stage though as he was one of the preeminent persons in the Spanish theater community.

PETER BARDENS Died Jan. 22, 2002

Rock/New Age Keyboardist Peter Bardens died of lung cancer. While he jammed with just about everybody dating back to the 60s, his connection to the movies was slight. A member of Van Morrison's band THEM, Bardens appeared as himself in the 1980 Rockumentary "Van Morrison in Ireland." Mr. Bardens also provided the music for Israeli filmmaker Doron Djerassi's 1998 short film "Hemshech Mas'otav Shel Antonius BlocK" (Continuing Adventures of Antonius Block) based on the main character in Ingmar Bergman's classic film "The Seventh Seal." Mr. Bardens was 57.

SHELDON ALLMAN Died Jan. 22, 2002

Near the end of Richard Brook's classic true-crime film "In Cold Blood," Robert Blake as killer Perry Smith talks to the prison pastor about how he both hated and loved his father. He will be executed in a matter of minutes. Blake is chilling as he talks in a matter-of-fact manner about this relationship. Raindrops are hitting the cell window. The shadow of the water rolling down the window washes across Blake's face giving the illusion of tears the killer can't shed. It is powerful filmmaking. Sharing the screen with Blake in the small but powerful role of Rev. Jim Post was actor and songwriter Sheldon Allman. Allman appeared in 12 movies including "Hud" with Paul Newman, "Nevada Smith" with Steve McQueen and "The Sons of Katie Elder" with John Wayne. All of these films are favorites of mine and were made all the better by Mr. Allman's presence. He also made appearances in numerous TV series during the 60s and 70s. However, Mr. Allman will be best remembered as the lyricist of one of the all-time great cartoon theme songs. "George, George, George of the Jungle, friend to you and me! Watch out for that tree!!" Mr. Allman also wrote the theme song for TV's talking horse "Mr. Ed." I thank him for entertaining me. Prayers to his family and friends.

JOHN MCGRATH Died Jan. 22, 2002

Mr. McGrath was a writer/producer and actor. He wrote "The Bofurs Gun" and "The Billion Dollar Brain."

HENRY ESCALANTE Died Jan. 23, 2002

Hollywood stuntman and bit actor. Mr. Escalante doubled for Johnny Weissmuller (my wife's object of lust! ) Escalante also appeared in "Creature From the Black Lagoon" (or the 'monster with the pretty nails' as my 4 year old daughter calls it.) According to IMDB, Mr. Escalante appeared in 11 movies. The newspaper listed many more in which he was an uncredited stuntman. I hope his last fall was a safe one.

STUART BURGE Died Jan. 24, 2002

British director best know for his stage work. My first exposure to Shakespeare was Burge's 1970 version of "Julius Caesar" with Charlton Heston, Jason Robards, John Gielgud and Roddy McDowell. His best film was the 1965 Laurence Olivier version of "Othello" which also starred Maggie Smith and Derek Jacobi. Both are worth seeing, though "Julius Caesar" isn't up to par with the Brando version.

T.M. YAKUTIS Died Jan. 25, 2002

Mr. Yakutis was a production designer on many animated shorts during the 60s. He was the production designer on "The Pink Panther" cartoon TV series. Mr. Yakutis died of lymphoma.

MARIA CARMEN PRENDES Died Jan. 27, 2002

Ms. Prendes appeared in nearly 50 films during her lengthy career. She died of heart and respiratory failure.

ASTRID LINDGREN Died Jan. 28, 2002

Swedish author Astrid Lindgren died at age 94. She was a children's author who created numerous characters in series of books. Her best known creation was Pippi Longstocking. 56 movies and TV shows were made of her work from 1947 to the present. I was dragged to a couple of Pippi Longstocking movies with my kid sister back in the early 70s. The ones I saw were horrible, but by then I was already sneaking into R-rated movies and was not in the mood to baby-sit my bratty little sister. Ms. Lindgren worked for children's causes throughout her life. She outlived her husband and children.

HAROLD RUSSELL Died Jan. 29, 2002

One of my all time favorite movies is William Wyler's "The Best Years of Our Lives." The American classic follows three GIs from different stations in life re-adjusting to life after WWII. Harold Russell was a GI who lost both of his hands during the war. The vet was cast in a lead role in Wyler's film and won two Oscars that year. Russell won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and a special Oscar on behalf of all disabled vets. Russell only made a few films after "Lives." In fact his second movie was 1980s "Inside Moves" with John Savage, which dealt with Vietnam vets adjusting to life after traumatic war experiences. Russell got into a tussle with the Academy when he auctioned off his Oscar in the early 90s to help pay his ailing wife's medical bills. He died of a heart attack. May he rest in piece.

BARBARA TOWNSEND Died Jan. 29, 2002

Ms. Townsend began acting on TV in 1948. Her film credits include "The George McKenna Story," "Hard To Kill" and "One Good Cop." Ms. Townsend died of ovarian cancer.

STRATFORD JOHNS Died Jan. 29, 2002

Veteran British actor Stratford Johns appeared in nearly 50 films in 50 years. His credits include Ken Russell’s gonzo horror film "The Lair of the White Worm," "The Wild Geese II," "A Night to Remember," Peter Seller’s final film "The Fiendish Plot of Fu Manchu" and "Cromwell." Mr. Johns died of heart failure.

EDWARD JEWESBURY Died Jan. 30, 2002

Mr. Jewesbury was a member Of Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Players. He had numerous film and TV credits spanning a 50 year period. His credits include "Dungeons and Dragons," "Henry V," "Richard III," "Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein" and Sacco and Vanzetti.

EVELYN SCOTT Died Jan. 31, 2002

TV actress best known for her five year role on "Peyton Place" (1965-69). In addition to several other roles and guest appearances on various TV series, Ms. Scott acted in four films during the 50s. She had a lead role in "The Wicked Woman." She also appeared uncredited in Susan Hayward’s Oscar winner "I Want to Live" about the execution of Barbara Graham.