Veteran actress Elizabeth MacRae, best known for appearing in soap operas such as General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, has died. She was 88. According to her obituary at CityViewNc.com, MacRae passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A cause of death was not provided. Born on February 22, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina, MacRae later moved to Fayetteville with her family and then to Washington D.C., where she attended Holton-Arms, an independent college-preparatory school for girls. After graduating, MacRae decided to pursue an acting career, moving to New York City in 1956 to study with Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio. She gained experience playing various characters in off-Broadway and summer-stock productions. She landed her first television role in 1958 in the courtroom series The Verdict Is Yours. From there, MacRae would appear in numerous TV dramas and sitcoms, including 77 Sunset Strip, Burke’s Law, Dr. Kildare,...
- 5/29/2024
- TV Insider
Elizabeth MacRae, who played girlfriends of Gomer Pyle and Festus Haggen on television and a woman who seduces Gene Hackman’s surveillance expert in The Conversation, has died. She was 88.
MacRae died Monday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was raised, her family announced.
MacRae showed up as Lou-Ann Poovie on 15 episodes of the CBS comedy Gomer Pyle: Usmc during its final three seasons (1966-69). She was signed to work just one episode, “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” on the Jim Nabors starrer but impressed producers enough to stick around for more.
Earlier, she portrayed April Clomley, the girlfriend of deputy marshal Festus (Ken Curtis), on CBS’ Gunsmoke on four installments from 1962-64.
In The Conversation (1974), written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, MacRae played Meredith, who dances with Hackman’s Harry Caul in his apartment, sleeps with him and then swipes one of his audiotapes. The actress was among...
MacRae died Monday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was raised, her family announced.
MacRae showed up as Lou-Ann Poovie on 15 episodes of the CBS comedy Gomer Pyle: Usmc during its final three seasons (1966-69). She was signed to work just one episode, “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” on the Jim Nabors starrer but impressed producers enough to stick around for more.
Earlier, she portrayed April Clomley, the girlfriend of deputy marshal Festus (Ken Curtis), on CBS’ Gunsmoke on four installments from 1962-64.
In The Conversation (1974), written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, MacRae played Meredith, who dances with Hackman’s Harry Caul in his apartment, sleeps with him and then swipes one of his audiotapes. The actress was among...
- 5/29/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lynn Loring, who appeared as a young actress on Search for Tomorrow, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The F.B.I. before becoming one of the highest-ranking female executives in Hollywood at the time, has died. She was 80.
Loring died Dec. 23 at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center after a series of chronic illnesses, her son, Chris Thinnes, told The Hollywood Reporter. Her family chose not to make public her death until now.
Loring also acted in a few movies, including Elia Kazan’s Splendor in the Grass (1961), Pressure Point (1962) and, alongside then-husband Roy Thinnes, Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969).
When she was 7, Loring joined the new CBS soap opera Search for Tomorrow in September 1951 for the first of its 35 seasons. She would portray Patti Barron, daughter of Mary Stuart’s Joanne Gardner, for a decade until she graduated from the Calhoun School for Girls and entered Barnard College...
Loring died Dec. 23 at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center after a series of chronic illnesses, her son, Chris Thinnes, told The Hollywood Reporter. Her family chose not to make public her death until now.
Loring also acted in a few movies, including Elia Kazan’s Splendor in the Grass (1961), Pressure Point (1962) and, alongside then-husband Roy Thinnes, Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969).
When she was 7, Loring joined the new CBS soap opera Search for Tomorrow in September 1951 for the first of its 35 seasons. She would portray Patti Barron, daughter of Mary Stuart’s Joanne Gardner, for a decade until she graduated from the Calhoun School for Girls and entered Barnard College...
- 4/2/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jackie Loughery, who parlayed a victory in the first Miss USA pageant into an acting career that included a prominent role opposite future husband Jack Webb in the 1957 military drama The D.I., has died. She was 93.
Loughery died Friday in Los Angeles, Webb biographer Dan Moyer told The Hollywood Reporter. “She was like a mother to me and called me her kid,” he said.
The Brooklyn native also served as Johnny Carson’s assistant on a game show and appeared in the Western comedy Pardners (1956), starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis; the melodrama Eighteen and Anxious (1957), starring William Campbell; and the political drama A Public Affair (1962), starring Edward Binns.
And for television, Loughery portrayed the niece of the title character (Edgar Buchanan) on the 1955-56 syndicated Western series Judge Roy Bean.
Loughery played a cautious shop owner named Annie who is romanced by a tough U.S. Marine drill sergeant...
Loughery died Friday in Los Angeles, Webb biographer Dan Moyer told The Hollywood Reporter. “She was like a mother to me and called me her kid,” he said.
The Brooklyn native also served as Johnny Carson’s assistant on a game show and appeared in the Western comedy Pardners (1956), starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis; the melodrama Eighteen and Anxious (1957), starring William Campbell; and the political drama A Public Affair (1962), starring Edward Binns.
And for television, Loughery portrayed the niece of the title character (Edgar Buchanan) on the 1955-56 syndicated Western series Judge Roy Bean.
Loughery played a cautious shop owner named Annie who is romanced by a tough U.S. Marine drill sergeant...
- 2/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Glynis Johns, remembered by movie audiences as Mrs. Banks from Mary Poppins and by Broadway devotees as the first person to sing Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” on a national stage, died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living home in Los Angeles. She was 100.
Her death was announced by her manager and publicist Mitch Clem. “Today’s a sad day for Hollywood,” Clem said in a statement. “She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”
A Tony winner (Best Actress/Musical) for her performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 Broadway cast of the Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler A Little Night Music, Johns both debuted and, due to her widespread acclaim, helped popularize what would become perhaps Sondheim’s most beloved and well-known songs with “Send in the Clowns.”
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, the Welsh Johns made her West End debut in 1931 at age...
Her death was announced by her manager and publicist Mitch Clem. “Today’s a sad day for Hollywood,” Clem said in a statement. “She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”
A Tony winner (Best Actress/Musical) for her performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 Broadway cast of the Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler A Little Night Music, Johns both debuted and, due to her widespread acclaim, helped popularize what would become perhaps Sondheim’s most beloved and well-known songs with “Send in the Clowns.”
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, the Welsh Johns made her West End debut in 1931 at age...
- 1/4/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H" was a New Hollywood sensation upon its release in 1970. It announced Altman as one of the most exciting filmmakers in Hollywood, and turned Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland into A-list movie stars. Several of the supporting cast — namely Robert Duvall, Sally Kellerman, and Tom Skerritt — got a career boost as well. So when Larry Gelbart sold CBS on the idea of a sitcom adaptation of the material two years later, these actors were far too prominent to reprise their roles in the series (it's worth noting that television was considered small time in relation to movies back then).
Gary Burghoff was a different story. As Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, the diminutive Burghoff didn't pop on your first viewing of the movie. He darted to and fro in the background, but never strayed too far from his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (Roger Blake). Radar didn't participate in the company's shenanigans,...
Gary Burghoff was a different story. As Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, the diminutive Burghoff didn't pop on your first viewing of the movie. He darted to and fro in the background, but never strayed too far from his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (Roger Blake). Radar didn't participate in the company's shenanigans,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Elaine Devry, an actress who appeared in such films as The Atomic Kid and A Guide for the Married Man and on dozens of TV shows after becoming the fourth of Mickey Rooney’s eight wives, has died. She was 93.
Devry died Sept. 20 in her home in Grants Pass, Oregon, according to a notice placed on a local funeral home website.
Devry married Rooney in Las Vegas in November 1952 and made her first onscreen acting appearances the next year in the Rooney-starring comedy film A Slight Case of Larceny and on an episode of the Ronald Reagan-hosted CBS anthology series General Electric Theater.
In the Republic Pictures sci-fi comedy The Atomic Kid (1954), directed by Leslie H. Martinson, she was introduced as “Elaine Davis (Mrs. Mickey Rooney),” and her character, a nurse, marries her husband’s Barnaby “Blix” Waterberry at the end of the movie.
In A Guide for the Married Man...
Devry died Sept. 20 in her home in Grants Pass, Oregon, according to a notice placed on a local funeral home website.
Devry married Rooney in Las Vegas in November 1952 and made her first onscreen acting appearances the next year in the Rooney-starring comedy film A Slight Case of Larceny and on an episode of the Ronald Reagan-hosted CBS anthology series General Electric Theater.
In the Republic Pictures sci-fi comedy The Atomic Kid (1954), directed by Leslie H. Martinson, she was introduced as “Elaine Davis (Mrs. Mickey Rooney),” and her character, a nurse, marries her husband’s Barnaby “Blix” Waterberry at the end of the movie.
In A Guide for the Married Man...
- 10/22/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Goddard, the actor who made a lasting impression on young sci-fi fans as the daring, forever impatient Major Don West on CBS’ 1965-68 series Lost In Space, died of pulmonary fibrosis Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts. He was 87.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
- 10/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Goddard, who played Major Don West, the hot-tempered pilot of the Jupiter 2, on the 1960s CBS adventure series Lost in Space, has died. He was 87.
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nehemiah Persoff, an actor who went from the uncredited role of a cab driver in On The Waterfront‘s iconic “coulda been a contender” scene to become one of the busiest character actors in television and film for five decades, died Tuesday at a rehabilitation facility in San Luis Obispo, California. He was 102.
Persoff had retired from acting in recent decades after suffering a stroke and other health issues. His death was reported to Deadline by a family friend.
Born in Jerusalem, Palestine, Persoff and his family moved to the United States in 1929, and after serving in the U.S. Army in World War II he relocated to New York to pursue a career in theater. He became a member of the famed Actors Studio in the late 1940s, studying with Elia Kazan, who would pay him a reported 75 to play the silent cab driver in Waterfront.
Persoff was also performing...
Persoff had retired from acting in recent decades after suffering a stroke and other health issues. His death was reported to Deadline by a family friend.
Born in Jerusalem, Palestine, Persoff and his family moved to the United States in 1929, and after serving in the U.S. Army in World War II he relocated to New York to pursue a career in theater. He became a member of the famed Actors Studio in the late 1940s, studying with Elia Kazan, who would pay him a reported 75 to play the silent cab driver in Waterfront.
Persoff was also performing...
- 4/6/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Arlene Dahl, who starred in the 1959 sci-fi classic Journey to the Center of the Earth and many other films along with TV roles and also was an influential beauty and astrology writer, has died. She was 96.
Her son, actor Lorenzo Lamas, posted the news on social media but did not provide details.
“Mom passed away this morning in New York,” Lamas wrote. “She was the most positive influence on my life.” See his full post below.
Dahl was born on August 11, 1925, in Minneapolis. By the time Dahl landed her signature role as Professor Carla Göteborg in Henry Levin’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, she already had appeared in more than 20 features — from 1947’s My Wild Irish Rose to 1957’s She Played with Fire. Her credits from the era also include The Bride Goes Wild — her first film under an MGM contract — The Outriders, The Diamond Queen, Inside Straight,...
Her son, actor Lorenzo Lamas, posted the news on social media but did not provide details.
“Mom passed away this morning in New York,” Lamas wrote. “She was the most positive influence on my life.” See his full post below.
Dahl was born on August 11, 1925, in Minneapolis. By the time Dahl landed her signature role as Professor Carla Göteborg in Henry Levin’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, she already had appeared in more than 20 features — from 1947’s My Wild Irish Rose to 1957’s She Played with Fire. Her credits from the era also include The Bride Goes Wild — her first film under an MGM contract — The Outriders, The Diamond Queen, Inside Straight,...
- 11/29/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Juli Reding, an actress known for turns in films including Tormented and Mission in Morocco, along with numerous guest-starring TV appearances, has died. She was 85.
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
She died September 16 in Springfield, Mo, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
Reding made more than 20 film and TV appearances between the 1950s and ’80s and was perhaps best known for Tormented, a horror pic from filmmaker and VFX artist Bert I. Gordon. It was featured in the fourth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
In the feature, she portrayed Vi Mason, the former flame of jazz musician Tom Stewart’s (Richard Carlson), who comes back to haunt him after he lets her fall to her death.
Reding signed a contract with Warner Bros. in the 1950s and would appear over the years in motion pictures including The Helen Morgan Story, Cowboy, Darby’s Rangers, Vice Raid,...
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
She died September 16 in Springfield, Mo, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
Reding made more than 20 film and TV appearances between the 1950s and ’80s and was perhaps best known for Tormented, a horror pic from filmmaker and VFX artist Bert I. Gordon. It was featured in the fourth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
In the feature, she portrayed Vi Mason, the former flame of jazz musician Tom Stewart’s (Richard Carlson), who comes back to haunt him after he lets her fall to her death.
Reding signed a contract with Warner Bros. in the 1950s and would appear over the years in motion pictures including The Helen Morgan Story, Cowboy, Darby’s Rangers, Vice Raid,...
- 10/7/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sam Riddle, an original “Boss Radio” DJ on Khj Los Angeles who also produced and narrated Star Search and many other TV shows, died Monday at his home in Palm Desert, CA. He was 85. Riddle’s family said had been battling Lewy body dementia.
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
Riddle was one of Khj’s original Boss Jocks during the mid-1960s and went on to host local TV shows including Hollywood A Go Go, 9th Street West, Boss City and Sounds of Now. He also co-hosted Get It Together with Mama Cass and Sam Riddle at the turn of the 1970s. The 2021 HBO documentary Tina includes Riddle announcing the first big TV appearance of Ike and Tina Turner.
Born on December 12, 1937 in Fort Worth, Texas, Riddle served in the Air Force reserves during the Vietnam War. He got his radio start with DJ gigs in Texas,...
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
Riddle was one of Khj’s original Boss Jocks during the mid-1960s and went on to host local TV shows including Hollywood A Go Go, 9th Street West, Boss City and Sounds of Now. He also co-hosted Get It Together with Mama Cass and Sam Riddle at the turn of the 1970s. The 2021 HBO documentary Tina includes Riddle announcing the first big TV appearance of Ike and Tina Turner.
Born on December 12, 1937 in Fort Worth, Texas, Riddle served in the Air Force reserves during the Vietnam War. He got his radio start with DJ gigs in Texas,...
- 9/28/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Nathan Jung, best known for his portrayal of Genghis Khan in the original Star Trek series, died April 24 at age 74. The location and cause of death has not been disclosed by his friend and attorney, Timothy Tau.
Jung began his acting career in 1969 with a role as Genghis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of the original Star Trek.
From that launching pad, he went on to numerous guest shots on some of the biggest television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including M*A*S*H*, Starsky & Hutch, CHiPs, General Hospital, Manimal, Riptide, Hunter, Sanford and Son, and Kung Fu.
In the 1990s, he had stints on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Martial Law and Burke’s Law.
Jung also can claim to be one of the few actors who worked with both Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon Lee. Opposite Bruce, Jung appeared on a 1969 episode of Here Comes the Brides.
Jung began his acting career in 1969 with a role as Genghis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of the original Star Trek.
From that launching pad, he went on to numerous guest shots on some of the biggest television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including M*A*S*H*, Starsky & Hutch, CHiPs, General Hospital, Manimal, Riptide, Hunter, Sanford and Son, and Kung Fu.
In the 1990s, he had stints on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Martial Law and Burke’s Law.
Jung also can claim to be one of the few actors who worked with both Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon Lee. Opposite Bruce, Jung appeared on a 1969 episode of Here Comes the Brides.
- 5/1/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Nathan Jung, the actor who appeared in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” “The A-Team” and “Kung Fu,” has died. He was 74.
Jung died on April 24, his close friend and attorney, Timothy Tau, confirmed to Variety. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jung kicked off his acting career in 1969 with his role as Ghengis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series.” From there, taking advantage of his tall stature, his television resume exploded with roles on the biggest shows from the 1970s and ’80s. Jung appeared on “M*A*S*H*,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “CHiPs,” “General Hospital,” “Manimal,” “Riptide” and “Hunter.” He also held roles in “Sanford and Son,” in which he played Helen Funai’s cousin, Saburyo, and “Kung Fu,” in which he plaed the Dark Rider. In the ’90s, he had stints on “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Martial Law” and “Burke’s Law.
Jung died on April 24, his close friend and attorney, Timothy Tau, confirmed to Variety. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jung kicked off his acting career in 1969 with his role as Ghengis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series.” From there, taking advantage of his tall stature, his television resume exploded with roles on the biggest shows from the 1970s and ’80s. Jung appeared on “M*A*S*H*,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “CHiPs,” “General Hospital,” “Manimal,” “Riptide” and “Hunter.” He also held roles in “Sanford and Son,” in which he played Helen Funai’s cousin, Saburyo, and “Kung Fu,” in which he plaed the Dark Rider. In the ’90s, he had stints on “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Martial Law” and “Burke’s Law.
- 5/1/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Crown” benefited from vote-splitting at the Golden Globe Awards last year but could suffer from the same phenomenon now. Emma Corrin is the overwhelming frontrunner to win Best TV Drama Actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana. Her co-star Olivia Colman is also nominated, having won this category for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II last year over “The Morning Show” co-leads Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. At the Screen Actors Guild Awards last year, however, Colman was nominated in a combined lead-and-supporting race opposite her co-star Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret; they lost to Aniston, who was nominated alone there, without Witherspoon.
It had been 18 years since the Globes nominated a pair from the same show in drama actress. Edie Falco and Lorraine Bracco were nominated together three years consecutively for the first three seasons of “The Sopranos.” Falco won the first and fourth years, but they...
It had been 18 years since the Globes nominated a pair from the same show in drama actress. Edie Falco and Lorraine Bracco were nominated together three years consecutively for the first three seasons of “The Sopranos.” Falco won the first and fourth years, but they...
- 2/24/2021
- by Riley Chow
- Gold Derby
Tanya Roberts, who famously played a Bond girl in 1985’s A View to Kill and later had a recurring role as Midge Pinciotti on That ’70s Show, died Monday, January 4th, The New York Times reports. She was 65.
Roberts’ partner, Lance O’Brien, confirmed her death, although it came after a bizarre bout of confusion Monday when her death was prematurely announced. Roberts’ publicist, Mike Pingel, had told several media outlets that Roberts had died, only to retract that statement several hours later. Speaking with The New York Times Monday,...
Roberts’ partner, Lance O’Brien, confirmed her death, although it came after a bizarre bout of confusion Monday when her death was prematurely announced. Roberts’ publicist, Mike Pingel, had told several media outlets that Roberts had died, only to retract that statement several hours later. Speaking with The New York Times Monday,...
- 1/5/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Giler was also a screenwriter on films including ‘Alien3’ and ‘The Money Pit’.
David Giler, a producer and writer on the Alien franchise, has died aged 77. He had been suffering from cancer and died at his home in Bangkok on December 19.
Walter Hill, his long-time producing partner with whom he co-wrote the story for Aliens and screenplay for Alien3, said: “If you knew David, you knew he was special.
“The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have...
David Giler, a producer and writer on the Alien franchise, has died aged 77. He had been suffering from cancer and died at his home in Bangkok on December 19.
Walter Hill, his long-time producing partner with whom he co-wrote the story for Aliens and screenplay for Alien3, said: “If you knew David, you knew he was special.
“The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have...
- 12/22/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
David Giler, a writer and producer known for his work on each film in the “Alien” franchise, died at his Bangkok home on Dec. 19. He was 77 years old.
His longtime friend, “Alien” producer Walter Hill, said in a statement, “If you knew David, you knew he was special. The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have his close and deep friendship for nearly 50 years.”
Giler got his first major writing credit in 1962 when he wrote the teleplay for an episode of ABC’s “The Gallant Men.” Throughout the 1960s he continued to write episodes for series including “Burke’s Law” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”
Having written the screenplay for 1970’s “Myra Breckinridge,” Giler also got the chance to try his hand at production, though he remains uncredited...
His longtime friend, “Alien” producer Walter Hill, said in a statement, “If you knew David, you knew he was special. The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have his close and deep friendship for nearly 50 years.”
Giler got his first major writing credit in 1962 when he wrote the teleplay for an episode of ABC’s “The Gallant Men.” Throughout the 1960s he continued to write episodes for series including “Burke’s Law” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”
Having written the screenplay for 1970’s “Myra Breckinridge,” Giler also got the chance to try his hand at production, though he remains uncredited...
- 12/21/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
David Giler, a writer, producer or both on some of the most high-profile films of the 1970s and ’80s, from the controversial Myra Breckinridge to the immensely popular Alien franchise, died of cancer Dec. 19 at his home in Bangkok. He was 77.
His death was announced by spokesman Jeff Sanderson.
“If you knew David, you knew he was special,” said director Walter Hill, his longtime writing and producing partner. “The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have his close and deep friendship for nearly 50 years.”
Giler’s screenwriting credits include The Parallax View (1974), Fun With Dick And Jane (1977) and The Money Pit (1986). He has writing or story credits for both Aliens (1986) and Aliens 3 (1992), and was a producer of the original Alien (1979) and its seven sequels, up to 2017’s...
His death was announced by spokesman Jeff Sanderson.
“If you knew David, you knew he was special,” said director Walter Hill, his longtime writing and producing partner. “The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have his close and deep friendship for nearly 50 years.”
Giler’s screenwriting credits include The Parallax View (1974), Fun With Dick And Jane (1977) and The Money Pit (1986). He has writing or story credits for both Aliens (1986) and Aliens 3 (1992), and was a producer of the original Alien (1979) and its seven sequels, up to 2017’s...
- 12/21/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lyle Waggoner, the 1960s and ’70s heartthrob known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show and TV’s Wonder Woman and later founded the set trailer business Star Waggons, has died peacefully Tuesday at his home after battling an illness, according to TMZ, which was first to report his death. He was 84.
In 1965, Waggoner tested for the title role in the 20th Century Fox/ABC series Batman but lost the job to Adam West. Instead, he landed a guest role on the Western series Gunsmoke in 1966.
More from DeadlineNotable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo GalleryTim Conway Dies: 'Carol Burnett Show' & 'McHale's Navy' Standout Was 85Cbs Lands Digital Multicast Rights To 'The Carol Burnett Show'
A year later, he began a seven-year stint on The Carol Burnett Show, first as an announcer. Producers later began to incorporate him into the show as a comedy sketch partner...
In 1965, Waggoner tested for the title role in the 20th Century Fox/ABC series Batman but lost the job to Adam West. Instead, he landed a guest role on the Western series Gunsmoke in 1966.
More from DeadlineNotable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo GalleryTim Conway Dies: 'Carol Burnett Show' & 'McHale's Navy' Standout Was 85Cbs Lands Digital Multicast Rights To 'The Carol Burnett Show'
A year later, he began a seven-year stint on The Carol Burnett Show, first as an announcer. Producers later began to incorporate him into the show as a comedy sketch partner...
- 3/17/2020
- by Denise Petski and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Edd Byrnes, star of the 1950s and ’60s TV hit “77 Sunset Strip” who went on to co-star in the 1978 smash “Grease,” has died, the actor’s son, Logan Byrnes, confirmed Thursday via Facebook. He was 87.
Byrnes died at his home in Santa Monica, according to Logan Byrnes, who is a news anchor for Kusi-tv San Diego.
Byrnes became a comedic sensation as the co-star of the ABC detective drama “77 Sunset Strip,” starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as a hip L.A. private detective. Byrnes played Kookie, the parking lot attendant with a habit of running his comb through his slick hair. His character, Gerald Kookson III, introduced a host of early ’60s slang into mainstream primetime culture.
The series was among a slew of slick action-dramas that the fledgling Warner Bros. Television division produced for the Big Three networks in the late 1950s and early ’60s.
The Kookie character...
Byrnes died at his home in Santa Monica, according to Logan Byrnes, who is a news anchor for Kusi-tv San Diego.
Byrnes became a comedic sensation as the co-star of the ABC detective drama “77 Sunset Strip,” starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as a hip L.A. private detective. Byrnes played Kookie, the parking lot attendant with a habit of running his comb through his slick hair. His character, Gerald Kookson III, introduced a host of early ’60s slang into mainstream primetime culture.
The series was among a slew of slick action-dramas that the fledgling Warner Bros. Television division produced for the Big Three networks in the late 1950s and early ’60s.
The Kookie character...
- 1/9/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Lisa Seagram, who appeared on such TV shows as Batman, The Beverly Hillbillies, Bewitched and Burke's Law in the 1960s, has died. She was 82.
Seagram died Feb. 1 at an assisted care facility in Burbank after a nine-year battle with dementia, her daughter Chela Fiorini told The Hollywood Reporter.
Seagram portrayed Lila, the attractive red-headed accomplice of Milton Berle's villainous Louie the Lilac, on the third season of ABC's Batman. Earlier, she appeared as Edythe Brewster — the bride of Frank Wilcox's oil baron John Brewster, the guy who made Jed (Buddy Ebsen) a millionaire — on CBS' The Beverly ...
Seagram died Feb. 1 at an assisted care facility in Burbank after a nine-year battle with dementia, her daughter Chela Fiorini told The Hollywood Reporter.
Seagram portrayed Lila, the attractive red-headed accomplice of Milton Berle's villainous Louie the Lilac, on the third season of ABC's Batman. Earlier, she appeared as Edythe Brewster — the bride of Frank Wilcox's oil baron John Brewster, the guy who made Jed (Buddy Ebsen) a millionaire — on CBS' The Beverly ...
- 2/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Actress Lisa Seagram, who appeared on such TV shows as Batman, The Beverly Hillbillies, Bewitched and Burke's Law in the 1960s, has died. She was 82.
Seagram died Feb. 1 at an assisted care facility in Burbank after a nine-year battle with dementia, her daughter Chela Fiorini told The Hollywood Reporter.
Seagram portrayed Lila, the attractive red-headed accomplice of Milton Berle's villainous Louie the Lilac, on the third season of ABC's Batman. Earlier, she appeared as Edythe Brewster — the bride of Frank Wilcox's oil baron John Brewster, the guy who made Jed (Buddy Ebsen) a millionaire — on CBS' The Beverly ...
Seagram died Feb. 1 at an assisted care facility in Burbank after a nine-year battle with dementia, her daughter Chela Fiorini told The Hollywood Reporter.
Seagram portrayed Lila, the attractive red-headed accomplice of Milton Berle's villainous Louie the Lilac, on the third season of ABC's Batman. Earlier, she appeared as Edythe Brewster — the bride of Frank Wilcox's oil baron John Brewster, the guy who made Jed (Buddy Ebsen) a millionaire — on CBS' The Beverly ...
- 2/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hey, Bold And The Beautiful fans. We've got some major casting news for you guys in this new article, and it sounds like it could result in a major twist for the Hope stolen baby storyline. It turns out that the producers have decided to bring on the mother of Reese's accomplice Florence! That's right, guys. They're about to make this a family affair. According to the folks over at People.com, the Bold And The Beautiful producers have hired veteran actress Denise Richards to come on and portray Florence's mother Shauna Fulton. The Shauna character is a long term contract role. That means we can expect to see a lot Shauna as well as Florence in the future. Really, it just sounds like they're going to drag this storyline out even more. The official description that's been attached to the new Shauna Fulton character reads like this, "Shauna is a fun-loving,...
- 2/23/2019
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Mary Ann Mobley died Tuesday at her home in Beverly Hills. She was 77. The Mississippi native was crowned the state's first Miss America in 1959. She capitalized on her success in the pageantry world by making a name for herself as an actress in Hollywood. Mobley made her TV debut on Burke's Law in 1963. She later appeared in theatrical productions of Guys and Dolls and the King and I. Mobley shared the screen with Elvis Presley twice in 1965, in Girl Happy and Harum Scarum. Though she was successful on the big screen, Mobley continued to work on the small screen, too. She was a regular on Circus with the Stars, and she appeared in Diff'rent Strokes, Falcon Crest, Fantasy Island and Love Boat. Some of her...
- 12/10/2014
- E! Online
Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple,. Jr. died Friday of natural causes at his Los Angeles home. He had just turned 91 the day before. Born Lorenzo Semple III in Westchester, New York, the writer's uncle was playwright Philip Barry ("The Philadelphia Story"). Semple studied at Yale before driving an ambulance in the Mideast during World War II, earning the Croix de Guerre, followed by a stint in the Army, emerging with a Bronze Star. He started out his career writing short stories for the Saturday Evening Post and Time, and after finishing his degree in drama at Columbia, he wrote several plays, several of which were mounted and acquired by Hollywood. He was mentored by TV producer Aaron Spelling ("Burke's Law"). And he created the original campy "Batman" TV series starring Adam West, which spawned a 1966 movie which he also wrote. Semple moved to Hollywood during "Batman," where he wrote screenplays (along with...
- 3/30/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Bentley Gregg (John Forsythe, "Bachelor Father," 1957-62, CBS/NBC/ABC): Though he had plenty of female friends, attorney Gregg also was responsible enough to raise his niece.
Bill Davis (Brian Keith, "Family Affair," CBS, 1966-71): Bringing up his orphaned nieces and nephew usually didn't cramp the romantic life of civil engineer Davis.
Amos Burke (Gene Barry, "Burke's Law" and "Amos Burke, Secret Agent," ABC, 1963-66): Crime solver Burke lived the high life very visibly, which was of natural appeal to many women. ("Burke's Law," with Barry again, had a mid-'90s revival on CBS.)
Tom Corbett (Bill Bixby, "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," ABC, 1969-72): With much input from his young son, widower Corbett often played the game of love.
Remington Steele (Pierce Brosnan, "Remington Steele," NBC, 1982-87): Even if in the end he was a one-woman man -- that woman being detective agency boss...
Bill Davis (Brian Keith, "Family Affair," CBS, 1966-71): Bringing up his orphaned nieces and nephew usually didn't cramp the romantic life of civil engineer Davis.
Amos Burke (Gene Barry, "Burke's Law" and "Amos Burke, Secret Agent," ABC, 1963-66): Crime solver Burke lived the high life very visibly, which was of natural appeal to many women. ("Burke's Law," with Barry again, had a mid-'90s revival on CBS.)
Tom Corbett (Bill Bixby, "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," ABC, 1969-72): With much input from his young son, widower Corbett often played the game of love.
Remington Steele (Pierce Brosnan, "Remington Steele," NBC, 1982-87): Even if in the end he was a one-woman man -- that woman being detective agency boss...
- 7/23/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Retro-active: The Best From Cinema Retro's Arcives
As someone who has written extensively about the spy craze of the 1960s, I'm ashamed to admit I'd never seen an episode of Honey West. The series premiered in 1965 but lasted a mere one season, a casualty of high ratings from its time slot rival Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Thus, I had no preconceived notions when Vci's complete series arrived for review. The 4 DVD set consists of all thirty episodes. I have not watched all of them, but I've seen enough to get a general taste of the show- and I love it. It's been said that Honey West was the first kick-ass female action hero on TV, but in fact, that honor probably goes to the character of Cathy Gale on The Avengers. Nevertheless, Honey had great influence despite the brevity of her series. In fact, its amazing how loyal...
As someone who has written extensively about the spy craze of the 1960s, I'm ashamed to admit I'd never seen an episode of Honey West. The series premiered in 1965 but lasted a mere one season, a casualty of high ratings from its time slot rival Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Thus, I had no preconceived notions when Vci's complete series arrived for review. The 4 DVD set consists of all thirty episodes. I have not watched all of them, but I've seen enough to get a general taste of the show- and I love it. It's been said that Honey West was the first kick-ass female action hero on TV, but in fact, that honor probably goes to the character of Cathy Gale on The Avengers. Nevertheless, Honey had great influence despite the brevity of her series. In fact, its amazing how loyal...
- 7/13/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Los Angeles — Elaine Stewart, a leading lady in a series of films in the 1950s, including "Brigadoon," and star of the 1970s game shows "Gambit" and "High Rollers," has died. She was 81.
Her agent Fred Wostbrock told the Los Angeles Times that Stewart died Monday at her home in Beverly Hills after a long illness.
Stewart was born Elsy Steinberg. Her first starring role came in the 1953 crime drama "Code Two." She also appeared in the films "The Adventures of Hajji Baba," "The Tattered Dress" and "Night Passage."
In the 1960s, she was in several TV shows including "Bat Masterson," "Burke's Law" and "Perry Mason."
Stewart is survived by her husband, the game show producer Merrill Heatter, and two children.
Her agent Fred Wostbrock told the Los Angeles Times that Stewart died Monday at her home in Beverly Hills after a long illness.
Stewart was born Elsy Steinberg. Her first starring role came in the 1953 crime drama "Code Two." She also appeared in the films "The Adventures of Hajji Baba," "The Tattered Dress" and "Night Passage."
In the 1960s, she was in several TV shows including "Bat Masterson," "Burke's Law" and "Perry Mason."
Stewart is survived by her husband, the game show producer Merrill Heatter, and two children.
- 6/28/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Actress Tura Satana has died of heart failure at the age of 72.
The star passed away in Reno, Nevada on Friday night, her longtime manager, Siouxzan Perry, tells the New York Times.
Born in 1938, Satana began her career as a teenage model before moving into acting.
She appeared in several TV shows, including Burke's Law, The Greatest Show On Earth, Hawaiian Eye, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E..
The beauty landed her first big screen role in 1963's Irma La Douce, and became most well-known for her turn in Russ Meyer’s 1965 film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!.
Satana once famously dated Elvis Presley - but turned down a proposal from the musician. She went on to wed a retired Los Angeles police officer in 1981. He died in 2000.
In more recent years, she appeared in 2008's Sugar Boxx and voiced a character in 2009's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto.
Satana is survived by two daughters from a previous relationship.
The star passed away in Reno, Nevada on Friday night, her longtime manager, Siouxzan Perry, tells the New York Times.
Born in 1938, Satana began her career as a teenage model before moving into acting.
She appeared in several TV shows, including Burke's Law, The Greatest Show On Earth, Hawaiian Eye, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E..
The beauty landed her first big screen role in 1963's Irma La Douce, and became most well-known for her turn in Russ Meyer’s 1965 film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!.
Satana once famously dated Elvis Presley - but turned down a proposal from the musician. She went on to wed a retired Los Angeles police officer in 1981. He died in 2000.
In more recent years, she appeared in 2008's Sugar Boxx and voiced a character in 2009's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto.
Satana is survived by two daughters from a previous relationship.
- 2/6/2011
- WENN
Actor best known for her roles in Exodus and the Broadway musical Cabaret
The producer-director Otto Preminger had an eye for blue-eyed blondes, casting two complete unknowns, the 19-year-old Jean Seberg in Saint Joan (1957) and the 15-year-old Jill Haworth in Exodus (1960), with mixed results. In Preminger's rambling, all-things-to-all-people saga about the birth of Israel, Haworth, who has died aged 65, played Karen Hansen, a young Danish-Jewish girl searching for her father, from whom she was separated during the second world war. She falls in love with a radical Zionist (Sal Mineo), but is killed during a raid and buried in the same grave as an Arab, a symbol of reconciliation between the two peoples. Despite a phoney accent and the fact that she had never acted previously, Haworth was cute and touching in the significant role.
She then appeared in two more of Preminger's overstretched epics on huge subjects: The Cardinal...
The producer-director Otto Preminger had an eye for blue-eyed blondes, casting two complete unknowns, the 19-year-old Jean Seberg in Saint Joan (1957) and the 15-year-old Jill Haworth in Exodus (1960), with mixed results. In Preminger's rambling, all-things-to-all-people saga about the birth of Israel, Haworth, who has died aged 65, played Karen Hansen, a young Danish-Jewish girl searching for her father, from whom she was separated during the second world war. She falls in love with a radical Zionist (Sal Mineo), but is killed during a raid and buried in the same grave as an Arab, a symbol of reconciliation between the two peoples. Despite a phoney accent and the fact that she had never acted previously, Haworth was cute and touching in the significant role.
She then appeared in two more of Preminger's overstretched epics on huge subjects: The Cardinal...
- 1/13/2011
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Rue McClanahan, the veteran actress who won an Emmy for playing the saucy Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on "The Golden Girls," died early Thursday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital of a stroke. She was 76.
She had undergone treatment for breast cancer in 1997 and later lectured to cancer support groups on "aging gracefully." She had heart bypass surgery last year.
"Golden Girls" ran from 1985-92 on NBC and was a hit from the beginning, starting off at No. 1 in the Nielsens. The foursome -- which also included Bea Arthur, Betty White and Estelle Getty -- delighted audiences.
McClanahan earned four Emmy noms for "Golden Girls," winning in 1987. She also was nominated for three Golden Globes for her performance as the sex-crazed Blanche.
She also played Blanche in three other series: one episode each of "Nurses" and "Empty Nest" -- both of which preceded "Golden Girls" -- and as a regular on "The Golden Palace,...
She had undergone treatment for breast cancer in 1997 and later lectured to cancer support groups on "aging gracefully." She had heart bypass surgery last year.
"Golden Girls" ran from 1985-92 on NBC and was a hit from the beginning, starting off at No. 1 in the Nielsens. The foursome -- which also included Bea Arthur, Betty White and Estelle Getty -- delighted audiences.
McClanahan earned four Emmy noms for "Golden Girls," winning in 1987. She also was nominated for three Golden Globes for her performance as the sex-crazed Blanche.
She also played Blanche in three other series: one episode each of "Nurses" and "Empty Nest" -- both of which preceded "Golden Girls" -- and as a regular on "The Golden Palace,...
- 6/3/2010
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fess Parker, who starred as the racoon-skinned Davy Crockett in "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier," becoming a lifelong star to young Baby Boomers, has died of natural causes, according to reports. He was 85.
Parker also delighted young viewers with his performances in "Old Yeller" and "Daniel Boone." In more recent years, he attained a second stardom as a winery owner of the sprawling Doubletree resort along beachfront Santa Barbara, Calif., and the Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos, Calif.
He was hugely popular among kids in the late 1950s, starring in such Disney films as "The Great Locomotive Chase," "Westward Ho the Wagons!" and "The Light in the Forest." He was named a Disney legend in 1991.
His appeal peaked with the nationwide Davy Crockett craze as little tykes bought the coon-skinned caps and belted out the popular refrains of "Davy Crockett." He went on to star in...
Parker also delighted young viewers with his performances in "Old Yeller" and "Daniel Boone." In more recent years, he attained a second stardom as a winery owner of the sprawling Doubletree resort along beachfront Santa Barbara, Calif., and the Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos, Calif.
He was hugely popular among kids in the late 1950s, starring in such Disney films as "The Great Locomotive Chase," "Westward Ho the Wagons!" and "The Light in the Forest." He was named a Disney legend in 1991.
His appeal peaked with the nationwide Davy Crockett craze as little tykes bought the coon-skinned caps and belted out the popular refrains of "Davy Crockett." He went on to star in...
- 3/18/2010
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Academy director Bruce Davis concedes decision may have caused upset, but maintains the actor's best work was on TV
The man in charge of the "in memoriam" sequence at Sunday night's Oscars has apologised for the hurt caused to friends and family of Farrah Fawcett by the exclusion of the actor. However, Bruce Davis said he stood by the decision, which was taken on the grounds that Fawcett's notable work had taken place mainly on the TV, rather than in movies.
"There's nothing you can say to people, particularly to family members, within a day or two of the show that helps at all," said Davis, the executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "They tend to be surprised and hurt, and we understand that and we're sorry for it."
Fawcett's family issued a statement following the snub declaring they were "deeply saddened" and "bereft with...
The man in charge of the "in memoriam" sequence at Sunday night's Oscars has apologised for the hurt caused to friends and family of Farrah Fawcett by the exclusion of the actor. However, Bruce Davis said he stood by the decision, which was taken on the grounds that Fawcett's notable work had taken place mainly on the TV, rather than in movies.
"There's nothing you can say to people, particularly to family members, within a day or two of the show that helps at all," said Davis, the executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "They tend to be surprised and hurt, and we understand that and we're sorry for it."
Fawcett's family issued a statement following the snub declaring they were "deeply saddened" and "bereft with...
- 3/10/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
'In every category, you're going to miss some wonderful people,' Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive director says.
By Larry Carroll
Farrah Fawcett
Photo: Keystone/ Getty Images
Two days after fans of Farrah Fawcett began complaining that the late "Charlie's Angels" star had been overlooked by the Oscars, an Academy Awards representative is speaking for the first time about the omission, and revealing that it was done on purpose.
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis, speaking on behalf of the committee who assembles the Oscar's yearly "In Memoriam" segment, told The Associated Press that it was a difficult decision to omit Fawcett and that they expected some controversy. "[The committee] was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we'd get the most comments on," Davis said, also naming the veteran actor whose 1963-66 series "Burke's Law...
By Larry Carroll
Farrah Fawcett
Photo: Keystone/ Getty Images
Two days after fans of Farrah Fawcett began complaining that the late "Charlie's Angels" star had been overlooked by the Oscars, an Academy Awards representative is speaking for the first time about the omission, and revealing that it was done on purpose.
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis, speaking on behalf of the committee who assembles the Oscar's yearly "In Memoriam" segment, told The Associated Press that it was a difficult decision to omit Fawcett and that they expected some controversy. "[The committee] was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we'd get the most comments on," Davis said, also naming the veteran actor whose 1963-66 series "Burke's Law...
- 3/9/2010
- MTV Music News
Elegant star of Us TV series from the 1950s onwards
For any regular television viewer in the 1960s and 70s, the elegant actor Gene Barry, who has died aged 90, was inescapable. Most prominent was his portrayal of the Los Angeles police captain Amos Burke in 81 episodes of Burke's Law (1963-66). No ordinary cop, Burke was an immaculately dressed, jet-setting millionaire bachelor who left his Beverly Hills mansion in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce to investigate a murder. Barry as Burke, a wisecracking, sophisticated ladies' man, was the nearest thing on TV to Cary Grant.
Each episode – bursting with Hollywood guest stars, one of whom was revealed as a murderer – allowed Burke to deliver an aphorism such as "never drink martinis with beautiful suspects: Burke's Law", or "never ask a question unless you already know the answer. Burke's Law".
Before playing Burke, Barry had triumphed in the western TV series Bat Masterson (1958-...
For any regular television viewer in the 1960s and 70s, the elegant actor Gene Barry, who has died aged 90, was inescapable. Most prominent was his portrayal of the Los Angeles police captain Amos Burke in 81 episodes of Burke's Law (1963-66). No ordinary cop, Burke was an immaculately dressed, jet-setting millionaire bachelor who left his Beverly Hills mansion in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce to investigate a murder. Barry as Burke, a wisecracking, sophisticated ladies' man, was the nearest thing on TV to Cary Grant.
Each episode – bursting with Hollywood guest stars, one of whom was revealed as a murderer – allowed Burke to deliver an aphorism such as "never drink martinis with beautiful suspects: Burke's Law", or "never ask a question unless you already know the answer. Burke's Law".
Before playing Burke, Barry had triumphed in the western TV series Bat Masterson (1958-...
- 1/21/2010
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Elegant, impeccably dressed, Gene Barry, who died on Wednesday, always brought a touch of class to his many television and stage roles. The veteran actor died of unknown causes at a Los Angeles retirement home, according to his son, Fredric James Barry. He was 90.
In a career that spanned over six decades, Barry came to fame as the star of the television series "Bat Masterson" (1958-61) and "Burke's Law" (1963-65) and later originated the role of Georges on Bro...
In a career that spanned over six decades, Barry came to fame as the star of the television series "Bat Masterson" (1958-61) and "Burke's Law" (1963-65) and later originated the role of Georges on Bro...
- 12/11/2009
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
"It's Burke's Law." That was the opening tag for one of three successful TV series that starred Gene Barry, one of the classiest actors to appear on screen. On Wednesday, TV star Gene Barry died at at 90 of undetermined causes. He was living in an L.A. rest home, but I will remember Gene Barry as the man who made Burke's Law, Bat Masterson and The Name of the Game memorable TV entertainment.
Barry was also well-known as the original star of the 1953 version of The War of the Worlds, and when Steven Spielberg remade the film in 2005 with Tom Cruise, he gave Gene a quick cameo. In addition to being a versatile leading man -- capable of playing a bad guy, a bon vivant, cops, spies, gentlemen, gunslingers, and magazine publishers -- Gene Barry also was a song and dance man. In 1984, he was one of the toasts of...
Barry was also well-known as the original star of the 1953 version of The War of the Worlds, and when Steven Spielberg remade the film in 2005 with Tom Cruise, he gave Gene a quick cameo. In addition to being a versatile leading man -- capable of playing a bad guy, a bon vivant, cops, spies, gentlemen, gunslingers, and magazine publishers -- Gene Barry also was a song and dance man. In 1984, he was one of the toasts of...
- 12/11/2009
- by Allison Waldman
- Aol TV.
Barry played the title role in the Bat Masterson TV series.
Actor Gene Barry has died at age 90. He was best known for starring in three popular TV series in the 1950s and 1960s: Bat Masterson, Burke's Law and The Name of the Game. He also starred in the feature film War of the Worlds and made a cameo appearance in Steven Spielberg's recent remake. Click here for more...
Actor Gene Barry has died at age 90. He was best known for starring in three popular TV series in the 1950s and 1960s: Bat Masterson, Burke's Law and The Name of the Game. He also starred in the feature film War of the Worlds and made a cameo appearance in Steven Spielberg's recent remake. Click here for more...
- 12/11/2009
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Actor Gene Barry has died at the age of 90.
The star passed away of unknown causes on Wednesday in a care home in Woodland Hills, California.
Barry appeared in several Broadway plays and musicals before starring in the sci-fi hit Invaders From Mars in 1953 and 1955's Soldier of Fortune with Clark Gable.
He also appeared in the War of the Worlds in 1953 and made a cameo in the 2005 remake.
But he was best known for his small-screen work, including his roles on Bat Masterson, Burke's Law, and The Name of the Game.
He is survived by his three children, Michael, Fredric and Elizabeth.
The star passed away of unknown causes on Wednesday in a care home in Woodland Hills, California.
Barry appeared in several Broadway plays and musicals before starring in the sci-fi hit Invaders From Mars in 1953 and 1955's Soldier of Fortune with Clark Gable.
He also appeared in the War of the Worlds in 1953 and made a cameo in the 2005 remake.
But he was best known for his small-screen work, including his roles on Bat Masterson, Burke's Law, and The Name of the Game.
He is survived by his three children, Michael, Fredric and Elizabeth.
- 12/11/2009
- WENN
Ricardo Montalban, who became a household name for his performance as the wish-granting Mr. Roarke on "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. The actor was 88.
Montalban's death was announced at a meeting of the city council by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death.
Although he was best known as the charming Roarke on ABC's 1978-84 hit series, Montalban was also a gifted character actor who won an Emmy for his portrayal of a Sioux chief in the miniseries "How the West Was Won."
Montalban's suave manner and patriarchal dignity became his trademarks, and for a period in his late career, he served as the TV pitchman for Chrysler. His dignified intonation -- "rich Corinthian leather" with his regal rolling of the "R's" -- caught viewers' favor and was widely repeated.
Montalban could also play the most dastardly villains,...
Montalban's death was announced at a meeting of the city council by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death.
Although he was best known as the charming Roarke on ABC's 1978-84 hit series, Montalban was also a gifted character actor who won an Emmy for his portrayal of a Sioux chief in the miniseries "How the West Was Won."
Montalban's suave manner and patriarchal dignity became his trademarks, and for a period in his late career, he served as the TV pitchman for Chrysler. His dignified intonation -- "rich Corinthian leather" with his regal rolling of the "R's" -- caught viewers' favor and was widely repeated.
Montalban could also play the most dastardly villains,...
- 1/14/2009
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aaron Spelling, the amazingly prolific television producer whose hits ranged from Charlie's Angels to 7th Heaven, died Friday after suffering a stroke last Sunday; he was 83. Spelling passed away at his Los Angeles home, where he had been resting since his stroke on June 18, for which he was briefly hospitalized. Born in Dallas, Spelling was the fourth son of immigrant Jews and grew up in poverty on the self-proclaimed "wrong side of the tracks," ostracized in his early years because of his religion and orthodox parents. After serving in World War II, he enrolled and later graduated from Southern Methodist University, quickly moving to Hollywood, where he worked briefly as a bit-player actor (he was a gas station attendant in an episode of I Love Lucy) and married the actress Carolyn Jones (later of The Addams Family fame) in 1953; they later divorced in 1964. Spelling found greater success as a writer for such shows as Playhouse 90, and soon was hired as a producer by Dick Powell for Four Star Productions, and his first hit was the crime drama Burke's Law, starring Gene Barry. After Powell passed away, Spelling teamed with actor-producer Danny Thomas, with whom he scored a major hit in The Mod Squad in 1969. At the dawn of the 70s, Spelling signed an exclusive contract with ABC, a network his programming would come to dominate for the next decade; former ABC programming chief Leonard Goldberg joined him as a producing partner in 1972. The two produced innumerable television films (including The Boy in the Bubble, starring heartthrob John Travolta) before striking series gold with action shows SWAT, Starsky & Hutch and The Rookies, as well as the acclaimed Emmy-winning drama Family. It was a trio of huge hits, however, that cemented Spelling's fame and success: the Saturday night revolving guest-cast shows The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, and the phenomenally popular Charlie's Angels, which launched the careers of Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith (among others) and single-handedly invented "jiggle television," shows featuring beautiful women in revealing clothing. Other shows followed -- Hart to Hart, Hotel, Vega$, and TJ Hooker among them -- before Spelling struck gold again in the 80s with Dynasty, a pop-culture phenomenon that challenged the popular soap Dallas and for one season was the number one show in the country. Oftentimes, his Los Angeles mansion, which he bought in 1983 with second wife Candy Spelling and boasted 123 rooms, a bowling alley, swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, screening room and four 2-car garages, was compared to the excesses of Dynasty's fictional denizens. When the quintessential 80s show was cancelled, Spelling found himself for the first time without a series on the air, which he said caused him to fall into a major depression. Nevertheless, after a year Spelling was back, this time with the teen soap Beverly Hills 90210, which helped launch the fledgling Fox network as well as his daughter Tori Spelling's acting career, a circumstance she would later affectionately spoof in her own comedy series, So NoTORIous. Spinoff Melrose Place quickly followed, as well as a number of other California-set series that were less memorable. Still, even into the new century, Spelling found himself with two hits on the WB network: the witchy fantasy Charmed, which ended only last season, and religious family drama 7th Heaven, which after a brief cancellation earlier this year was resurrected by the new CW network for the upcoming fall season. Though derided for his shows' superficiality, Spelling preferred to call his hits "mind candy," and his success and endurability was also marked by acclaimed programming that included the TV films The Best Little Girl in the World and the Emmy-winning AIDS drama And the Band Played On. Spelling also produced a number of feature films, including Soapdish, California Split, and Mr. Mom. Spelling is survived by his wife Candy, daughter Tori, and son Randy Spelling. --Mark Englehart, IMDb staff...
- 6/25/2006
- IMDb News
Aaron Spelling, the amazingly prolific television producer whose hits ranged from Charlie's Angels to 7th Heaven, died Friday after suffering a stroke last Sunday; he was 83. Spelling passed away at his Los Angeles home, where he had been resting since his stroke on June 18, for which he was briefly hospitalized. Born in Dallas, Spelling was the fourth son of immigrant Jews and grew up in poverty on the self-proclaimed "wrong side of the tracks," ostracized in his early years because of his religion and orthodox parents. After serving in World War II, he enrolled and later graduated from Southern Methodist University, quickly moving to Hollywood, where he worked briefly as a bit-player actor (he was a gas station attendant in an episode of I Love Lucy) and married the actress Carolyn Jones (later of The Addams Family fame) in 1953; they later divorced in 1964. Spelling found greater success as a writer for such shows as Playhouse 90, and soon was hired as a producer by Dick Powell for Four Star Productions, and his first hit was the crime drama Burke's Law, starring Gene Barry. After Powell passed away, Spelling teamed with actor-producer Danny Thomas, with whom he scored a major hit in The Mod Squad in 1969. At the dawn of the 70s, Spelling signed an exclusive contract with ABC, a network his programming would come to dominate for the next decade; former ABC programming chief Leonard Goldberg joined him as a producing partner in 1972. The two produced innumerable television films (including The Boy in the Bubble, starring heartthrob John Travolta) before striking series gold with action shows SWAT, Starsky & Hutch and The Rookies, as well as the acclaimed Emmy-winning drama Family. It was a trio of huge hits, however, that cemented Spelling's fame and success: the Saturday night revolving guest-cast shows The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, and the phenomenally popular Charlie's Angels, which launched the careers of Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith (among others) and single-handedly invented "jiggle television," shows featuring beautiful women in revealing clothing. Other shows followed -- Hart to Hart, Hotel, Vega$, and TJ Hooker among them -- before Spelling struck gold again in the 80s with Dynasty, a pop-culture phenomenon that challenged the popular soap Dallas and for one season was the number one show in the country. Oftentimes, his Los Angeles mansion, which he bought in 1983 with second wife Candy Spelling and boasted 123 rooms, a bowling alley, swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, screening room and four 2-car garages, was compared to the excesses of Dynasty's fictional denizens. When the quintessential 80s show was cancelled, Spelling found himself for the first time without a series on the air, which he said caused him to fall into a major depression. Nevertheless, after a year Spelling was back, this time with the teen soap Beverly Hills 90210, which helped launch the fledgling Fox network as well as his daughter Tori Spelling's acting career, a circumstance she would later affectionately spoof in her own comedy series, So NoTORIous. Spinoff Melrose Place quickly followed, as well as a number of other California-set series that were less memorable. Still, even into the new century, Spelling found himself with two hits on the WB network: the witchy fantasy Charmed, which ended only last season, and religious family drama 7th Heaven, which after a brief cancellation earlier this year was resurrected by the new CW network for the upcoming fall season. Though derided for his shows' superficiality, Spelling preferred to call his hits "mind candy," and his success and endurability was also marked by acclaimed programming that included the TV films The Best Little Girl in the World and the Emmy-winning AIDS drama And the Band Played On. Spelling also produced a number of feature films, including Soapdish, California Split, and Mr. Mom. Spelling is survived by his wife Candy, daughter Tori, and son Randy Spelling. --Mark Englehart, IMDb staff...
- 6/24/2006
- IMDb News
Aaron Spelling, a onetime movie bit player who created a massive number of hit series, from the vintage Charlie's Angels and Dynasty to Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place, died Friday, his publicist said. He was 83. Spelling died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke June 18, according to publicist Kevin Sasaki. Spelling's other hit series included The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Burke's Law, The Mod Squad, Starsky and Hutch, T.J. Hooker, Matt Houston, Hart to Hart and Hotel. He kept his hand in 21st-century TV with series including 7th Heaven and Summerland. He also produced more than 140 television movies. Among the most notable: Death Sentence (1974), Nick Nolte's first starring role; The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976), John Travolta's first dramatic role; and The Best Little Girl in the World (1981), which starred Jennifer Jason Leigh.
- 6/24/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.