Rick Aiello, 65 - July 26, 2021
Actor Rick Aiello died of pancreatic cancer at a hospital in Warwick, New Jersey, on July 26, 2021. Aiello was born on September 21, 1955. He was the son of actor Danny Aiello. He worked in various jobs, including bartender and club manager, before embarking on an acting career. He made his film debut in the 1984 horror thriller "Silent Madness." He was featured as Officer Long in Spike Lee's 1989 film "Do the Right Thing" starring his father, Danny. His other film credits include "Harlem Nights" (1989), "Downtown" (1990), "The Closer" (1990), "One Good Cop" (1991), "Switch" (1991), "Jungle Fever" (1991), "29th Street" (1991), "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" (1992), "Me and the Kid" (1993), "Minotaur" (1994), "Endangered" (1994), "Clockers" (1995), "Power of Attorney" (1995), "A Brooklyn State of Mind" (1998), "Other Voices" (2000), "One Eyed King" (2001), "She Hate Me" (2004), "Jimmy Whispers Returns to Mulberry Street" (2004), "Remedy" (2005), "Brooklyn Lobster" (2005), "The Gentleman" (2007), "Sex and the City" (2008), "Destination Fame" (2012), "Reach Me" (2014), and "Nobody's Perfect" (2016). Aiello appeared in the telefilms "Perry Mason: The Case of the Musical Murder" (1989), "The Preppie Murder" (1989), "Murder in Paradise" (1990), "K-9000" (1990), "Parker Kane" (1990), "Knights of the Kitchen Table" (1990), "Brothers' Destiny" (1995), "Hollywood Confidential" (1997), and "The Don's Analyst" (1997). His other television credits include episodes of "21 Jump Street,” "L.A. Law,” "The Fifth Corner,” "Tales from the Crypt,” "Angel Street,” "Dark Justice,” "Renegade,” "Marker,” "Strange Luck" in the recurring role of Frankie from 1995 to 1996, "NYPD Blue,” "Diagnosis Murder,” "High Incident,” "Dellaventura" as Teddy Naples from 1997 to 1998, "Clueless,” "Early Edition,” "18 Wheels of Justice,” "Walker, Texas Ranger,” "V.I.P.,” "100 Centre Street,” "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” "The Sopranos" in the recurring role of Ray-Ray D'Abaldo in 2007, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and "Ugly Betty." Aiello married Arelene Ann Urichich in 1990 and is survived by her and two children.
Maria Andipa, 92 - April 12, 2021
Greek-British actress and singer Maria Andipa, who was also known as Maria Andtippas, died at a hospital in London, England, on April 12, 2021. Andipa was born in Jerusalem to Greek parents on May 30, 1928. She settled in England in the 1950s where she was a singer and actress. She appeared in a handful of films including "The Iron Petticoat" (1956), "Room 43" (1958), "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" (1960), the 1963 James Bond film "From Russia with Love,” and "Foreigners" (1972). Andipa appeared on television in episodes of "The Case Before You,” "They Met in the City,” "About Religion,” "Maigret,” "The Avengers,” "Crane,” and "Redcap.” She was also seen in productions of "Children of the Sun" (1961), "The Bacchae" (1962), and "A Really Good Jazz Piano" (1964). She was also noted as a painter and opened the Andipa Gallery in Knightsbridge, London, in 1967. Andipa was married to director Donald Cammell from 1954 until their divorce in 1959.
Michael Apted, 79 - January 7, 2021
British film director Michael Apted, who helmed the features "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "Gorillas in the Mist,” died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2021. Apted was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, on February 10, 1941. He studied law and history at Downing College, Cambridge. He began working in television as a trainee for Granada Television in Manchester. He was a researcher and assistant to director Paul Almond, helping select 14 seven-year-old children to appear in the 1963 current affair series "World in Action.” The children were featured in the 1964 documentary "Seven Up!” Apted directed subsequent features following the children at seven-year intervals. They include "7 Plus Seven" (1970), "21 Up" (1977), "28 Up" (1984), "35 Up" (1991), "42 Up" (1998), "49 Up" (2005), "56 Up" (2012), and "63 Up" (2019). Apted also directed episodes for the series "The Headliners,” "Coronation Street,” "Escape,” "City '68,” "Big Breadwinner Hog,” "Parkin's Patch,” "The Sinners,” "The Lovers,” "ITV Sunday Night Theatre,” "Thirty-Minute Theatre,” "Follyfoot.” "ITV Playhouse,” "Childhood,” "Black and Blue,” "Shades of Greene,” "Play for Today,” "My Life and Time,” and "Crossroads.” He helmed television productions of "Joy" (1972), "High Kampf" (1973), "Haunted: Poor Girl" (1974), "P'tang Yang, Kipperbang" (1982), "The Long Way Home" (1989), "Always Outnumbered" (1998), and "Nathan Dixon" (1999). He directed his first feature film, "The Triple Echo,” in 1972. His other films include "Stardust" (1974), "The Squeeze" (1977), "Agatha" (1979), "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1979) earning Sissy Spacek an Academy Award for her performance as Loretta Lynn, "Continental Divide" (1981) starring John Belushi, "Gorky Park" (1983), "Firstborn" (1984), "Critical Condition" (1987), "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988) starring Sigourney Weaver, "Class Action" (1991), "Thunderheart" (1992), "Blink" (1992), "Nell" (1994) starring Jodie Foster, "Extreme Measures" (1996), the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough" (1996), "Enigma" (2001), "Enough" (2002), "Amazing Grace" (2006), "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (2010), "Chasing Mavericks" (2012), and "Unlocked" (2017). Apted was director of the documentary films "Bring on the Night" (1975), "Incident at Oglala" (1992), "Moving the Mountain" (1994), "Inspirations" (1997), "Me & Isaac Newton" (1999), "The Power of the Game" (2007), and "Bending the Light" (2014). Apted served as president of the Directors Guld of America from 2003 to 2009, and was secretary-treasurer since 2011. He married actress Jo Proctor in 1966 and they had two children before their divorce. Their son, Paul Apted, became a sound editor and died of colon cancer in 2014. Another son, Jim Apted, survives him. He was married to screenwriter Dana Simpson from 1998 until their divorce in 2009, and is survived by their son John. Apted married producer Paige Simpson in 2014 and is survived by her and a daughter, Lily Mellis Apted, from another relationship.
John Arndt, 93 - December 16, 2021
Actor John Arndt died in Huntington Beach, California, on December 16, 2021. Arndt was born in Winona, Minnesota, on November 17, 1928, and moved to Culver City, California, with his family as an infant. He played basketball in high school and at Loyola University of Los Angeles from 1948 to 1952. He served in the U.S. Navy after graduating. He later served as head coach at Loyola from 1961 to 1968. Arndt was featured in the recurring role of Engineer Fields in several episodes of the original "Star Trek" series from 1966 to 1967. Arndt was also seen in episodes of "The Lieutenant,” "Rawhide,” "Mission: Impossible,” "Gunsmoke,” "Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” "The New Leave It to Beaver,” "Murder, She Wrote,” and "Diagnosis Murder.” Arndt appeared in small roles in the films "The Apple Dumpling Gang" (1975), "Gus" (1976), "The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again" (1979), "Amy" (1981), and "The Deadly Spawn" (1983). He is survived by his second wife, Joan, whom he married in 1971, and six children.
Francoise Arnoul, 90 - July 20, 2021
French actress Francoise Arnoul died in Paris, France, on July 20, 2021. She was born Francoise Gautsch in Constantine, Algeria, on June 3, 1931. She moved to Paris with her family in 1945 and studied drama under Andree Bauer-Therond. She appeared frequently in films from the late 1940s, and became a popular cinema sex symbol in France. Her films include "Rendezvous in July" (1949), "Sin and Desire" (1949), "We Will All Go to Paris" (1950), "Quay of Grenelle" (1950), "Mon Ami le Cambrioleur" (1950), "The Red Rose" (1951), "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" (1951), "Mammy" (1951), "Le Desir et l'Amour" (1952), "The Forest of Farewell" (1952), Henri Verneuil's "Forbidden Fruit" (1952), "Adieu Paris" (1952), "The Lovers of Toledo" (1953), "Companions of the Night" (1953), "Girls' Dormitory" (1953), "Tempest in the Flesh" (1954), "Storm" (1954), "The Bed" (1954), "The Sheep Has Five Legs" (1954), "The Lovers of Lisbon" (1954), Jean Renoir's "French Cancan" (1955), "If Paris Were Told to Us" (1956), "People of No Importance" (1956), "Plucking the Daisy" (1956), "Paris, Palace Hotel" (1956), "Le Pays d'Ou Je Viens" (1956), "No Sun in Venice" (1957), "Therese Etienne" (1958), "Illegal Cargo" (1958), Henri Decoin's "La Chatte" (1958), "Asphalt" (1959), "Beast at Bay" (1959), "Le Chemin des Ecoliers" (1959), "The Cat Shows Her Claws" (1960), Jean Cocteau's "Testament of Orpheus" (1960), "Danger in the Middle East" (1960), "La Morte-Saison des Amours" (1961), "Tales of Paris" (1962), Jlien Duvivier's "The Devil and the Ten Commandments" (1962), "Vacances Portugaises" (1963), "Daggers Drawn" (1964), "Lucky Jo" (1964), "The Sleeping Car Murder" (1965), "Congress of Love" (1966), and "The Sunday of Life" (1967). Arnoul's career went into decline as Brigitte Bardot became the preeminent sex symbol out of France in the 1950s. She continued her career in films and television, often in character roles. Her later films include "Espanolas en Paris" (1971), "Dialogues of Exiles" (1975), "Violette & Francois" (1977), "Last Exit Before Roissy" (1977), "Black-Out" (1977), "Bobo Jacco" (1979), "Night Patrol" (1984), "Cautatorii de Aur" (1986), "Nuit Docile" (1987), "Voir l'Elephant" (1990), "Les Annes Campagne" (1992), "Heavy Weather" (1996), "After Sex" (1997), "Thanks for the Gesture" (2000), "On the Shore" (2011), and "Le Cancre" (2016). Arnoul was seen on television in productions of "La Guepe" (1965), "The Little Theatre of Jean Renoir" (1970), "La Mort d'un Enfant" (1974), "Burning Daylight" (1975), "Le Passager Clandestin" (1975), "L'Automate" (1981), "Les Brus" (1981), "Mon Enfant, Ma Mere" (1981), "Vivre Ma Vie" (1982), "Un Garcon de France" (1985), "L'Herbe Rouge" (1985), "La Garconne" (1988), "Billard a l'Etage" (1996), "Une Patronne de Charme" (1997), "Duval: Un Mort de Trop" (2001), and "Le Voyageurs de la Toussaint" (2007). Her other television credits include episodes of "Treize Contes de Maupassant,” "Le Train Bleu s'Arrete 13 Fois,” "L'Inspecteur Mene l'Enquete,” "Les Heritiers,” "Messieurs les Jures,” "Mon Meilleur Noel,” "Cinema 16,” "V Comme Vengeance,” "Nouvelles de Marcel Ayme,” "Les Cinq Dernieres Minutes,” "L'Histoire du Samedi,” and "The School Teacher.” She penned the 1995 autobiography "Animal Doue de Bonhheur.” Arnoul was married to producer and publicist Georges Cravenne in 1956 and they separated in 1960. She was the companion of director Bernard Paul from 1964 until his death in 1980.
Jean-Paul Belmondo, 88 - September 6, 2021
French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, who starred in such international hits as "Breathless" and "That Man from Rio,” died at his home in Paris, France, on September 6, 2021. Belmondo was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, on April 9, 1933. He was a boxer in his youth with several amateur bouts in the late 1940s. He briefly served in French North Africa for his National Service. He began training as an actor and attended the Conservatoire of Dramatic Arts for three years in the early 1950s. He began his professional acting debut on stage with the Theatre de l'Atelier in Paris in 1953, and toured in repertory productions. He was featured in the 1956 short film "Moliere.” He had a small role in the 1957 film "On Foot, on Horse, and on Wheels" which was cut before its release. He made his feature debut in the sequel "A Dog, a Mouse, and a Sputnik" (1958). He became a popular actor in French cinema, with roles in "Les Copains du Dimanche" (1958), "Be Beautiful But Shut Up" (1958), "Youthful Sinners"(1958), "Un Drole de Dimanche" (1958), "An Angel on Wheels" (1959), and "A Double Tour" (1959). Belmondo starred opposite Jean Seberg in Jean-Luc Godard's French New Wave classic "Breathless" in 1960, earning international acclaim. He continued to appear in "Classe Tours Risques" (1960), "Seven Days... Seven Nights" (1960), "Trapped by Fear" (1960), "Love and the Frenchwoman" (1960), "Lettere di Una Novizia" (1960), "Two Women" (1960) with Sophia Loren, "The Love Makers" (1961), Godard's "A Woman Is a Woman" (1961), "Leon Morin, Priest" (1961), "Famous Love Affairs" (1961), "Man Called Rocca" (1961), "Un Coeur Gros Comme Ca" (1961), "Riviera-Story" (1961), Philippe de Broca's swashbuckler "Cartouche" (1962), "A Monkey in Winter" (1962), "Le Doulos" (1962), "Beach Casanova" (1962), "The Shortest Day" (1963), "Mare Matto" (1963) opposite Gina Lollobrigida, "Sweet and Sour" (1963), "Magnet of Doom" (1963), "Banana Peel" (1963), the adventure film "That Man from Rio" (1964), "Greed in the Sun" (1964), "Backfire" (1964) reuniting with Jean Seberg, "Male Hunt" (1964), the war drama "Weekend at Dunkirk" (1964), "Crime on a Summer Morning" (1965), "Pierrot le Fou" (1965), "Up to His Ears" (1965), "Tender Scoundrel" (1966), "Is Paris Burning?" (1966), Louis Malle's "The Thief of Paris" (1967), "Casino Royale" (1967), "Ho! Criminal Face" (1968), "The Brain" (1969) starring David Niven, Francois Truffaut's "Mississippi Mermaid" (1969) opposite Catherine Deneuve, "God Chose Paris" (1969), "Love Is a Funny Thing" (1969), the gangster film "Borsalino" (1970) with Alain Delon, "Swashbuckler" (1971), "The Burglars" (1971), "Scoundrel in White" (aka "Dr. Popaul") (1972) the first film made by his own production company Cerito Films, "Scoumoune" (1972), "The Inheritor" (1973), "Le Magnifique" (1973), "Stavisky" (1974), "The Night Caller" (1975), "Incorrigible" (1975), "The Hunter Will Get You" (1976), "Body of My Enemy" (1976), "Animal" (1977) opposite Raquel Welch, "Cop or Hood" (1979), "Le Guignolo" (1980), "The Professional" (1981), "Ace of Aces" (1982), "Le Marginal" (1983), "The Vultures" (1984), "Happy Easter" (1984), "Hold-Up" (1985), "The Loner" (1987), "Itinerary of a Spoiled Child" (1988) earning a Cesar Award, "Stranger in the House" (1992), "One Hundred and One Nights" (1995), "Les Miserables" (1995), "Desire" (1996), "Half a Chance" (1998), "Maybe" (1999), "Actors" (2000), and "Amazon" (2000). Belmondo appeared on television in productions of "The Three Musketeers" (1959) as D'Artagnan, "Kean" (1988), "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1990), "Tailleur Pour Dames" (1993), "La Puce a l'Oreille" (1997), "Frederick ou le Boulevard du Crime" (1999), and "Ferchaux" (2001). Belmondo suffered a stroke in 2001 and had difficulty walking and speaking in its aftermath. He made his final film appearance in 2008's "A Man and his Dog" and retired from acting soon after. He received a lifetime achievement honor at the 42nd Cesar Awards in 2017. He married Elodie Constantin in 1952 and they had three children before separation in 1965 and divorce in 1968. He is survived by their son and daughter. Their oldest daughter, Patricia, was killed in a fire in 1993. Belmondo was involved with actresses Ursula Andress, Laura Antonelli, and Maria Carlos Sotto Mayor before meeting dancer Natty Tardivel in 1989. They lived together for over a decade before marrying in 2002. They divorced in 2008 and he is also survived by their daughter.
Walter Bernstein, 101 - January 23, 2021
Screenwriter Walter Bernstein, who survived the Hollywood Blacklist to write such films as "Fail Safe" and "The Front,” died of pneumonia in Manhattan, New York, on January 23, 2021. Bernstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 20, 1919. He studied French for six months at the University of Grenoble after graduating high school. He attended Dartmouth College after returning to the United States, where he became involved with the Young Communist League. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1940 and was drafted into the U.S. Army the following year. He was a correspondent on the staff of the Army newspaper "Yank,” reporting on the European front during World War II. Many of his articles and stories from the war were published in "The New Yorker" magazine and collected in the 1945 book "Keep Your Head Down.” Bernstein moved to Hollywood in 1947 to work on Robert Rossen's 1949 film "All the King's Men.” He also co-scripted the 1948 film "Kiss the Blood Off My Hands" for Universal. His political affiliations resulted in him being blacklisted by Hollywood studios during the McCarthy era in the early 1950s. He wrote for television during the decade, often uncredited, including episodes of "The Philco Television Playhouse,” "Danger,” "You Are There,” "Profiles in Courage,” and "The DuPont Show of the Month" adaptation of "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" in 1958. He returned to films as screenwriter for Sidney Lumet's 1959 feature "That Kind of Woman" starring Sophia Loren. He was uncredited for his work on "The Wonderful Country" (1959), "The Magnificent Seven" (1960), and "The Train" (1964). Bernstein scripted the films "Heller in Pink Tights" (1960), "A Breath of Scandal" (1960), "Paris Blues" (1961), the nuclear thriller "Fail Safe" (1964), "The Money Trap" (1965), and "The Molly Maguires" (1970) which he also produced. He worked with director Martin Ritt on the 1976 film "The Front" starring Woody Allen and set during the Hollywood Blacklist. He shared an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He appeared in a cameo role in Allen's 1977 film "Annie Hall.” He continued to write such films as "Semi-Tough" (1977), "The Betsy" (1978), "An Almost Perfect Affair" (1979), "Yanks" (1979) earning a BAFTA Award nomination, "Little Miss Marker" (1980) which he also directed, "The House on Carroll Street" (1987), "The Couch Trip" (1988), and "Kunstler" (2021). He wrote television productions of "Women & Men 2: In Love There Are No Rules" (1991) which he also directed, "Doomsday Gun" (1994), "The Affair" (1995), "Miss Evers' Boys" (1997) earning an Emmy Award nomination, "Durango" (1999), "Fail Safe" (2000) also serving as executive producer, and "Hidden" (2011). Bernstein's memoir, "Inside Out: A Memoir of the Blacklist,” was published in 1996. He was also a visiting instructor in dramatic writing at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Bernstein was married to Marva Jaffe Spelman from 1941 until their divorce in 1951, and they had two children. He was married to Barbara Lane from 1952 until their divorce in 1959. He was married to actress Judith Braun from 1960 until their divorce in 1984, and they had three sons, including director Andrew Bernstein and journalist Jake Bernstein. He married literary agent Gloria Colliani Loomis in 1988 and she also survives him.
Frank Birney, 83 - June 1, 2021
Actor Frank Birney died at his home in Studio City, California, on June 1, 2021. Birney was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1937. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and trained as an actor at the Academy of Dramatic Art and HB Studios. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and spent several years teaching in Zambia. He performed on stage in Minneapolis after returning to the United States before settling in Los Angeles in the late 1970s. He appeared in numerous telefilms including "Corey: For the People" (1977), "Portrait of a Stripper" (1979), "Portrait of an Escort" (1980), "The Babysitter" (1980), "Miracle on Ice" (1981), "Return of the Rebels" (1981), "Pray TV" (1982), "The Jerk, Too" (1984), "Mr. and Mrs. Ryan" (1986), "The Betty Ford Story" (1987), "Angel of Death" (1990), "Don't Touch My Daughter" (1991), "The Heroes of Desert Storm" (1991), "Trouble Shooters: Trapped Beneath the Earth" (1993), "Yesterday's Target" (1996), "Norma Jean & Marilyn" (1996), "Inferno" (1998), "The Christmas Wish" (1998), and "Mother Fakers" (2014). His many television credits include episodes of "Bosom Buddies,” "Code Red,” "Fantasy Island,” "Dallas,” "Crisis Counselor,” "Quincy, M.E.,” "AfterMASH,” "Jennifer Slept Here,” "Knight Rider,” "The Dukes of Hazzard,” "Dreams,” "Cover Up,” "Otherworld,” "Three's a Crowd,” "George Burns Comedy Week,” "Night Court,” "Highway to Heaven,” "Hill Street Blues,” "Knots Landing,” "The Golden Girls,” "Simon & Simon,” "Perfect Strangers,” "Freddy's Nightmares,” "Shannon's Deal,” "L.A. Law,” "Generations,” "Ferris Bueller,” "Rachel Gunn, R.N.,” "Almost Home,” "Diagnosis Murder,” "ABC Afterschool Specials,” "Mad About You,” "Public Morals,” "Profiler,” "Charmed,” "7th Heaven,” "Providence,” "City of Angels,” "Roswell,” "Six Feet Under" in the recurring role of Walter Kriegenthaler in 2001, "The Guardian,” "The Practice" in the recurring role of Judge Warren West from 1998 to 2004, "Boston Legal" in the recurring role of Judge William Howe from 2004 to 2007, "Castle,” "The Office,” "Acting Out,” "Matchmakers,” "Eagleheart,” "Rizzoli & Isles,” "Hart of Dixie,” "Clued-Less,” "Mr. Box Office,” "The Haunted Hathaways,” "The Eric Andre Show,” "Key and Peele,” "Franklin & Bash,” "New Girl,” "F#@K I Love U,” "Silicon Valley,” "Hidden America with Jonah Ray,” "Angie Tribeca,” "Life in Pieces,” "Scream Queens,” "Grimm,” "Great News,” "The Mick,” "Animal Kingdom,” "Room 104,” "Fresh Off the Boat,” "Arrested Development,” and "Kidding.” Birney was seen in the films "The Clonus Horror" (1979), "Fear No Evil" (1981), "Modern Problems" (1981), "Mr. Mom" (1983), "Bad Guys" (1986), "Critters 2" (1988), "Lucky Stiff" (1988), "C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D." (1989), "Jennifer 8" (1992), "The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them" (1992), "Dave" (1993), "Reflections on a Crime" (1994), "Mafia!" (1998), "Power Play" (2003), "Wicked Lake" (2008), and "The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards" (2015). He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Betty G. Birney, and three children.
Ray Boyle/Dirk London, 98 - January 6, 2022
Actor Ray Boyle, who was billed as Dirk London when appearing as Morgan Earp on television's "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" in the 1950s, died in North Hollywood, California, on January 6, 2022. Boyle was born in Lisbon, North Dakota, on June 28, 1923. He began his acting career in the early 1950s as Shane in the Republic serial "Zombies of the Stratosphere" (1952). He appeared in small roles in the films "Bad for Each Other" (1953), "Ride Clear of Diablo" (1954), "Prisoner of War" (1954), "Return from the Sea" (1954), "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" (1954), "Battle Stations" (1956), "The Lonely Man" (1957), "Ambush at Cimarron Pass" (1958), "The Purple Gang" (1959), and The Runaway" (1961). Boyle appeared frequently on television in the 1950s, often under the screen name Dirk London. He was seen in episodes of "The Web,” "Celanese Theatre,” "Captain Video and His Video Rangers" as Luny O'Brien" in 1952, "Gang Busters,” "Death Valley Days,” "Danger,” "The Mickey Rooney Show,” "Crossroads,” "The Millionaire,” "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin,” "Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” "Omnibus,” "Robert Montgomery Presents,” "The 20th Century-Fox Hour,” "The Big Story,” "Studio One,” "Tales of the Texas Rangers,” "Navy Log,” "The Gray Ghost,” "Harbor Command,” "Target,” "Lawman,” "Goodyear Theatre,” "Highway Patrol,” "Lock Up,” "The DuPont Show with June Allyson,” "Gunsmoke,” "Perry Mason,” and "The Lawbreakers.” He was featured as Morgan Earp, the brother of Hugh O'Brian's title character, in the western series "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" from 1956 to 1961. He largely retired from the screen in the early 1960s. Boyle later served as production designer on L.Q. Jones’ cult horror and science fiction films "The Brotherhood of Satan" (1971) and "A Boy and His Dog" (1975). He was married to Virginia Rose Cree from 1947 until their divorce in 1952. He married actress Jan Shepard in 1954 and she survives him.
Leslie Bricusse, 90 - October 19, 2021
British composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse, who wrote the popular James Bond theme songs "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice" and won an Academy Award for "Doctor Dolittle,” died in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, on October 19, 2021. Bricusse was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England, on January 29, 1931. He attended University College School in London and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He headed the Footlight Revue Club while in college. He co-wrote, directed, and performed in the musicals "Out of the Blue" and "Lady at the Wheel,” which appeared on the West End in the 1950s. He also performed with Beatrice Lillie at the Globe Theatre. He wrote several films including "Charley Moon" (1956), "Bachelor of Hearts" (1958), "The Swingin' Maiden" (1963), "The Very Edge" (1963), and "Three Hats for Lisa" (1967). He teamed with Anthony Newley for the 1961 musical "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off,” and earned three Tony Award nominations when it appeared on Broadway in 1963. It was adapted for a film in 1966, and provided a hit song for Sammy Davis, Jr., with "What Kind of Fool Am I?” Bricusse collaborated with composer Cyril Ornadel on the 1963 musical "Pickwick." He and Newley also wrote the theatrical production "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd" (1965), sharing a Tony nomination. The musical included the hit songs "Who Can I Turn To,” "A Wonderful Day Like Today,” and "Feeling Good.” He wrote the lyrics for the title songs for the James Bond films "Goldfinger" (1964) which was a hit for Shirley Bassey, and "You Only Live Twice" (1967) which was recorded by Nancy Sinatra. He was screenwriter, composer, and lyricist for the 1967 film "Doctor Dolittle" (1967), earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Music Score and receiving an Academy Award for Best Original Song, "Talk to the Animals.” He shared an Oscar nomination with John Williams for the score of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1969) starring Peter O'Toole. He scripted the 1970 film "Scrooge" starring Albert Finney. He received an Oscar nomination for the song "Thank You Very Much" and shared a nomination for Best Original Song Score. Bricusse and Newley wrote the music for the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The received an Academy Award nomination for Best Music, Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score which included the hit songs "Pure Imagination" and "The Candy Man.” Bricusse was composer and lyricist for the 1976 television production of "Peter Pan.” He was lyricist for the song "Can You Read My Mind" for the 1978 "Superman" film. He and George Tipton wrote the opening theme for the 1980 television comedy series "It's a Living.” He shared the Oscar for Best Original Song Score for 1982's "Victor/Victoria" with Henry Mancini. He also received Academy Award nominations for the song "Life in a Looking Glass" from "That's Life" (1986) with Henry Mancini, and "Somewhere in My Memory" from "Home Alone" (1990) and "When You're Alone" from "Hook" (1991) with John Williams. He and Newley wrote additional lyrics for the 1986 telefilm production of "Babes in Toyland.” He wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the 1989 musical "Sherlock Holmes: The Musical.” He received another Tony nomination for his musical version of "Jekyll & Hyde" in 1997. Bricusse was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989. He wrote the 2015 memoir "Pure Imagination: A Sorta-Biography.” Bricusse married actress Yvonne Romain in 1958 and is survived by her and their son, Adam.
Allan Burns, 85 - January 30, 2021
Television writer and producer Allan Burns, who was the creator of the series "The Munsters" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died of complications from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia at his home in Los Angeles, California, on January 30, 2021. Burns was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 18, 1935. He moved to Honolulu with his family in his youth, where he attended high school. He attended the University of Oregon from 1953 until dropping out two years later. He moved to Los Angeles where he worked at NBC as a page. He began working for Jay Ward in the early 1960s, helping write and animate the cartoon series "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,” "Dudley Do-Right,” "Super Chicken,” "Tom Slick,” and "George of the Jungle.” He was co-creator of the Quaker Oats cereal mascot Cap'n Crunch. Burns also wrote episodes of the series "Father of the Bride" and "Fractured Flickers.” He soon began teaming with Chris Hayward to create the offbeat series "The Munsters" (1964) and "My Mother the Car" (1965). They also wrote for the comedy series "He & She" and won an Emmy Award in 1968. They were also story consultants and writers for the spy spoof "Get Smart" in 1968, and Burns wrote two episodes of "Love, American Style.” He began working with James L. Brooks in 1969, scripting and producing episodes of "Room 222.” He and Brooks developed "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" for MTM Productions in 1970. They shared five Emmy Awards for writing and producing the series and an additional six nominations. They also wrote episodes of the spin-off shows "Phyllis,” "Rhoda" receiving two Emmy nominations, and "Lou Grant" earning two more Emmy nomination. He and Brooks created the comedy series "Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers" in 1974. Burns wrote and sometimes produced episodes of "The Duck Factory" starring Jim Carrey, "The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd,” "Eisenhower & Lutz" also directing an episode, "FM,” and "Cutters.” He directed an episode of the short-lived "Automan" series. Burns wrote several films including "A Little Romance" (1979) earning an Academy Award nomination, "Butch and Sundance: The Early Years" (1979), "Second Time Lucky" (1984), and "Just the Way You Are" (1984). He produced, directed, and scripted the 1986 film "Just Between Friends.” Burns married Joan Bailey in 1964 and is survived by her and their two children.
Kathy Burns, 86 - May 12, 2021
Kathy Burns, the wife of science fiction and horror fixture Bob Burns, died of complications from diabetes on May 12, 2021. She was involved in horror and science fiction fandom in the 1950s along with then-fiancé Bob Burns. The two married in 1956 and they frequently assisted their friend, special effects artist Paul Blaisdell, on some of Roger Corman's cult science fiction films including "It Conquered the World" (1956), "Not of This Earth" (1957), and "Invasion of the Saucer Men" (1957). Bob served in the U.S. Army at a base in San Antonio, Texas, later in the decade. A local station was airing vintage horror films on the weekly "Shock Theatre" and Bob and Kathy became the hosts. Bob frequently applied makeup to Kathy, transforming her into Miss Shock, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Hideous Hag, and other ghastly creatures. They returned to Los Angeles after his discharge where she worked in the offices at Universal Studios. Bob became a noted gorilla performer and starred as Tracy the Gorilla in the 1975 children's series "The Ghost Busters.” He also became a mentor to developing special effects artists. He accumulated a host of props, costumes, and other memorabilia from horror and science fiction films that he displayed in what became known as Bob's Basement. The couple began a long-standing tradition of decorating their home for Halloween from the late 1960s. Their numerous friends, including many noted fellow special effects artists, would assist in creating the extravaganzas that were inspired by such films as "Forbidden Planet,” "The Time Machine,” "The Exorcist,” "Alien,” and "The Thing.” A video of their achievements, "Bob Burns' Hollywood Halloween,” was released in 2011. Kathy was a part of Bob's memoirs, "It Came from Bob's Basement,” written with John Michlig in 2001, and "Monster Kid Memories,” written with Tom Weaver in 2005. Bob and Kathy were profiled in the 2012 documentary "Beast Wishes.” They both had cameo roles in the films "King Kong" (2005) and "The Lovely Bones" (2009). The couple were frequent guests at monster and nostalgia conventions for many years. She is survived by her husband.
Anne Buydens, 102 - April 29, 2021
German-American philanthropist Anne Buydens, who was the widow of actor Kirk Douglas, died at her home in Beverly Hills, California, on April 29, 2021. She was born Hannelore Marx in Hanover, Germany, on April 23, 1919. She attended school in Switzerland and went to Paris during World War II. She spoke several languages and she worked for a French film distributor adding German subtitles during the occupation. She became a Belgian citizen following her marriage to Albert Buydens. She served as producer for the NBC television program "Paris Cavalcade of Fashion" in 1948 and was a location scout for John Huston's 1952 film "Moulin Rouge.” She and her husband divorced in 1953. She met Kirk Douglas in Paris while serving as a publicist for his film "Act of Love" (1953). She soon became Douglas' publicist and they married in May of 1954. The couple had two sons together, producer Peter Douglas and actor Eric Douglas, who died in 2004. Buydens became a U.S. citizen in 1959 and was active in philanthropy. The couple started the Douglas Foundation in 1964, donating nearly $120 million to various institutions. She appeared on television in episodes of "This Is Your Life,” "The Jack Benny Program,” "What's My Line?,” and "The Merv Griffin Show.” She served as a producer for her husband's films "Scalawag" (1973) and "Posse" (1975). She and her husband co-wrote the 2017 memoir "Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood.” She and Douglas remained together until his death in February of 2020 at the age of 103.
Ralph Carmichael, 94 - October 18, 2021
Composer Ralph Carmichael, who scored the 1958 film "The Blob" and became a pioneer in contemporary Christian music, died in Camarillo, California, on October 18, 2021. Carmichael was born in Quincy, Illinois, on May 27, 1927. He attended Southern California Bible College, where he worked with vocals groups and bands. He became head of the college's music department in the early 1950s. Despite some criticism from fundamental religious groups, his band earned acclaim after appearing on the local Los Angeles television program "Campus Christian Hour.” He began writing incidental music for such television series as "December Bride,” "I Love Lucy,” "Bonanza,” and "The Frankie Laine Show.” He also served as music director for "The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show.” He worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from the early 1950s, and scored many of their films. His film credits include "Mr. Texas" (1951), "Oiltown, U.S.A." (1953), "Souls in Conflict" (1954), "Wiretapper" (1955), "The Persuader" (1957), the science fiction classic "The Blob" (1958) starring Steve McQueen, "The Heart Is a Rebel" (1958), the horror film "4D Man" (1959), "Shadow of the Boomerang" (1960), "The Restless Ones" (1965), "Sea of Souls" (1965), "Lucia" (1966), "For Pete's Sake!" (1966), "The Cross and the Switchblade" (1970) starring Pat Boone, "The Late Liz" (1971), and "Joni" (1979). Carmichael also scored the television series "O.K. Crackerby!" and "My Mother the Car" in the mid-1960s. Carmichael worked as an arranger and conductor for Nat King Cole in the early 1960s including his classic 1960 album "The Magic of Christmas" and his 1962 recording of "The Christmas Song.” He collaborated with Cole on nine studio projects prior to the singer's death in 1965. He also wrote and arranged material for such stars as Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Anita Bryant, Ella Fitzgerald, and Roger Williams. He formed his own record and publishing companies to promote Christian artists in the late 1960s including Andraé Crouch, the Continental Singers, and Cliff Richard. He wrote over 300 gospel songs including the standards "The Savior Is Waiting,” "There Is a Quiet Place,” "Reach Out to Jesus,” and "He's Everything to Me.” He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1985. His autobiography, "He's Everything to Me,” was published in 1986. Carmichael was married to Evangeline Otto from 1948 until their divorce in 1964. He is survived by his wife, Marvella Price, and three children.
Nino Castelnuovo, 84 - September 6, 2021
Italian actor Nino Castelnuovo died in Rome, Italy, on September 6, 2021. Castelnuovo was born in Lecco, Italy, on October 28, 1936. He worked as a mechanic and house painter before moving to Milan. He soon began training as an actor at the Piccol Teatro. He began his career as a mime on the RAI children's television show "Zurli il Mago del Giovedi" in 1957. He made his film debut in a small role in Pietro Germi's "The Facts of Murder" (1959). He was also seen in the films "The Hunchback of Rome" (1960), Luchino Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers" (1960), "The Angel Wore Red" (1960), "La Garconniere" (1960), "Everybody Go Home!" (1960), "A Day for Lionhearts" (1961), "Day by Day, Desperately" (1961), "The Shortest Day" (1963), and "The Eye of the Needle" (1963). He co-starred with Annette Funicello in the 1962 Disney film "Escapade in Florence" and played opposite Catherine Deneuve in Jacques Demy's "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" in 1964. Castelnuovo remained a popular actor in the films "The Cavern" (1964), "The Double Bed" (1965), "The Reward" (1965) with Max von Sydow and Yvette Mimieux, "Made in Italy" (1965), "A New World" (1966), "Andremo in Citta" (1966), "Massacre Time" (1966), Agnes Varda's "The Creatures" (1966) again opposite Catherine Deneuve, "On My Way to the Crusades, I Met a Girl Who..." (1967), "Code Name, Red Roses" (1968), "Psychout for Murder" (1969), "Amore e Rabbia" (1969), "The 5-Man Army" (1969) starring Peter Graves, "Diary of a Telephone Operator" (1969), "The Divorce" (1970), "Wife by Night" (1971), "Colpo Grosso... Gossissimo... Anzi Probabile" (1972), "The Bloodstained Lawn" (1973), "A Pain in the Ass" (1973), "Un Amour de Pluie" (1974), "Strip Nude for Your Killer" (1975), "Strip First, Then We Talk" (1975), "That Malicious Age" (1975), "La Collegiale" (1975), and the science fiction film "Star Odyssey" (1979). Castelnuovo was also seen in television productions of "I Promessi Spossi" (1967), "L'Ospite Segreto" (1967), "Il Mestiere di Vincere" (1968), "Addio Giovinezza!" (1968), "Three Coins in the Fountain" (1970), "Il Bivio" (1972), "Sul Filo della Memoria" (1972), "Il Socio" (1972), "Vino e Pane" (1973), "La Voce della Tortora" (1974), "Corpo 36" (1974), "L'Acqua Cheta" (1974), "Lo Strano Caso di Via dell' Angeletto" (1975), "Ritratto di Donna Velata" (1975), "Signora Ava" (1975), "A Casa, Una Sera..." (1976), "La Gatta" (1978), "Elective Affinities" (1978), "Un Delitto" (1984), "A Viso Coperto" (1985), "Affari di Famiglia" (1986), "Vida Privada" (1987), "Quattro Storie di Donne" (1989), "Nando dell' Andromeda" (2000), "Con Gli Occhi dell'Assassino" (2001), and "Tutti i Sogni del Mondo" (2003). His other television credits include episodes of "Chi?" as Commissario Cremonesi from 1976 to 1977, "I Racconti Fantastici di Edgar Allan Poe" as William Wilson in 1979, "Luigi Ganna Detective,” "Tutti Insieme Tempestosamente" as Ettore Randolfi in 1981, "Lasciamoci Cosi,” "Amico Mio,” "Il Maresciallo Rocca,” "Una Donna per Amico,” "Un Prete Tra Noi,” "Incantesimo" as Dr. Ernesto Longhi in 2003, "Our Land,” and "Tuscan Passion" as Alberto Savio from 2013 to 2015. He performed frequently on stage and in television commercials, notably as a spokesman for Olio Cuore in the 1980s. He returned to the big screen to appear as the archaeologist D'Agostino in Anthony Minghella's 1996 Academy Award nominated film "The English Patient.” His later films include "Senza la Parola Fine" (2003), "Il Sottile Fascino del Peccato" (2010), and "The Legacy Run" (2016). Castelnuovo was married and divorced from actress Danila Trebbi and is survived by their son, Lorenzo. He married actress Maria Cristina Di Nicola in 2010 and she also survives him.
Raymond Cavaleri, 74 - July 19, 2021
Juvenile actor Raymond Cavaleri died in West Hills, California, on July 19, 2021. Cavaleri was born in Syracuse, New York, on January 17, 1947. He moved to California with his family as an infant. He made his television debut in his teens, and was seen in episodes of "The Roaring 20's,” "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,” "Thriller,” "Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” "Dennis the Menace,” "Going My Way,” "Mr. Novak,” "Combat!,” and "Bracken's World.” He appeared in the films "R.P.M." (1970) and "Lepke" (1975). Cavaleri quit acting to become a talent agent, founding Cavaleri & Associates in 1981. He was a founder of the Los Angeles theatre groups the Cheherazade Ensemble and the Camille Ensemble. Cavaleri served as producer for the 2009 film "The Hitmen Diaries: Charlie Valentine.” He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara Beaver Cavaleri, and two sons.
Shaaron Claridge, 82 - September 15, 2021
Police radio dispatcher Shaaron Claridge, whose voice was heard frequently on the "Adam-12" television series, died in Minden, Nevada, on September 15, 2021. She was born Shaaron Lee Cooper in Los Angeles, California, on October 1, 1938. She worked at the Van Nuys division of the Los Angeles Police Department as a radio dispatcher from the 1960s. She was heard in most episodes of "Adam-12" from 1968 until 1975, though was only seen once. She was also a police dispatcher voice for the series "Dragnet,” "Sarge,” "Lou Grant,” "The Rockford Files,” and "Columbo.” Claridge was a dispatcher voice in the films "The Boatniks" (1970), "The New Centurions" (1972), and "Blue Thunder" (1983). She was married to Frank Claridge in 1963 though they later divorced. She married Rodney Snead in 1980 and he survives her.
Jacques d'Amboise, 86 - May 2, 2021
Ballet dancer and actor Jacques d'Amboise, who was featured in the 1954 film "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” died of complications from a stroke at his home in Manhattan, New York, on May 2, 2021. He was born Joseph Ahearn in Dedham, Massachusetts, on July 28, 1934. He studied dance with George Balanchine's School of American Ballet as a child. He began performing with the Ballet Society in 1946 and joined the New York City Ballet in 1949. He soon began dancing lead roles and was promoted to principal dancer in 1953. Balanchine created over twenty ballet roles for him including "Western Symphony" (1954), "Stars and Stripes" (1958), "Episodes" (1959), "Movements for Piano and Orchestra" (1963), "Jewels" (1967), "Who Cares" (1970), and "Robert Schumann's Davidsbundlertanze" (1980). D'Amboise also choreographed 17 ballets for the company. He danced in the 1957 Broadway production of "Shinbone Alley.” D'Amboise starred as Ephraim Pontipee in the 1954 film musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He was also seen in the films "Carousel" (1956), "The Best Things in Life Are Free" (1956), "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1967), and "Off Beat" (1986). He performed on television in productions of "Sunday in Town" (1954), "Holiday" (1956), "Cloak and Dagger" (1957), "Stravinsky at 80" (1962), and "The Flood" (1962). He was a guest on episodes of "The Martha Raye Show,” "The Arthur Murray Party,” "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,” "The Voice of Firestone,” "Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall,” "The Hollywood Palace,” "The Bell Telephone Hour,” "The Mike Douglas Show,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” and "The Ed Sullivan Show.” He retired from the New York City Ballet in 1984. D'Amboise founded the National Dance Institute in 1976 to promote dance to children. His work was featured in the 1983 Oscar and Emmy Award winning documentary. He was recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995 and the National Medal of Arts in 1999. He was married to dancer Carolyn George from 1956 until her death in 2009 and is survived by their four children, including dancer and choreographer Christopher d'Amboise and dancer and actress Charlotte d'Amboise.
Ken Danziger, 76 - December 12, 2021
British-American actor Ken Danziger died of cancer at his home in Santa Monica, California, on December 12, 2021. Danziger was born in Essex, England, on January 12, 1945. He came to the United States with his mother in his teens. He studied drama at El Camino College and continued his education in England at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He began his career on stage with Joan Littlewood's Stratford East Theatre Company. He performed in radio plays with the BBC and with the Los Angeles Theatre Works. He performed frequently on stage in Los Angeles. He was seen on television in episodes of "Columbo,” "Cagney & Lacey,” "Tales of the Gold Monkey,” "Night Court,” "The Twilight Zone,” "MacGyver,” "Comedy Factory,” "The Tracey Ullman Show,” "Matlock,” "Falcon Crest,” "Simon & Simon,” "Life Goes On,” "Just the Ten of Us,” "Monsters,” "The New Adam-12,” "The Munsters Today,” "Empty Nest,” "Who's the Boss?,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Room for Two,” "Getting By,” "Married... with Children,” "Weird Science,” "Melrose Place,” "ER,” "Shadow,” "The Nanny,” "Nash Bridges,” "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” and "Bull.” His other television credits include the telefilms "Between Two Women" (1986), "Jack Reed: Badge of Honor" (1993), and "A Boyfriend for Christmas" (2004). Danziger appeared in the films "Yellowbeard" (1983), "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1986), "The Couch Trip" (1988), "Warlock" (1989), "The Runnin' Kind" (1989), "Over the Line" (1992), "Stargate" (1994), and "The Holiday" (2006). He was a voice performer in the films "The New Age" (1994), "101 Dalmatians" (1996), "Quest for Camelot" (1998), "Shrek" (2001), "Flushed Away" (2006), "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" (2006), and "Eragon" (2006). Danziger is survived by his wife of 42 years, Tina Scott.
Desmond Davis, 95 - July 3, 2021
British film director Desmond Davis, who was noted for helming the 1981 version of "Clash of the Titans,” died in England on July 3, 2021. Davis was born in Wandsworth, London, England, on May 24, 1926. He studied at the Regent Street Polytechnic School of Photography and Cinematography. He began working in films at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith as a clapper loader in his teens on "It's in the Bag" (1944) and "Don't Take It to Heart" (1944). He served in the British Army in the South East Asia Command with the Army Film and Photographic Unit from 1945 to 1949. Davis resumed his career in films after his discharge, working as a clapper loader or focus puller for such films as "The Interrupted Journey" (1949), "The Happiest Days of Your Life" (1950), "Blackout" (1950), "The African Queen" (1951), "The Frightened Man" (1952), "The Big Frame" (1952), "Murder Will Out" (1952), "Deadly Nightshade" (1953), "The Steel Key" (1953), "Colonel March Investigates" (1953), "Love in Pawn" (1953), "Escape by Night" (1953), "The Embezzler" (1954), "The Gilded Cage" (1955), "Murder on Approval" (1955), and "Two Grooms for a Bride" (1955). He was a second unit photographer for the television series "The Adventures of Big Man" in 1956. He graduated to camera operator for the films "Bond of Fear" (1956), "Passport to Treason" (1956), "Breakaway" (1956), "High Terrace" (1956), "You Pay Your Money" (1957), "Hour of Decision" (1957), "Stranger in Town" (1957), "Kill Me Tomorrow" (1957), "The Heart Within" (1957), "The Surgeon's Knife" (1957), "Strangers' Meeting" (1957), "Thunder Over Tangier" (1957), "The Strange Case of Dr. Manning" (1957), "Professor Tim" (1957), "High Hell" (1958), "Tread Softly Stranger" (1958), "Black Tide" (1958), "The Crawling Eye" (1958), "Make Mine a Million" (1959), "The Giant Behemoth" (1959), "Friends and Neighbours" (1959), "Faces in the Dark" (1960), "Scream of Fear" (1961), "A Taste of Honey" (1961), "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" (1962), "Freud" (1962), and "Tom Jones" (1963). Davis made his debut as a director with the 1964 film "Girl with Green Eyes.” He directed and wrote the films "The Uncle" (1966), "Time Lost and Time Remembered" (1966), and "A Nice Girl Like Me" (1969), and helmed 1967's "Smashing Time.” He was best known for directing the 1981 mythological fantasy "Clash of the Titans,” featuring the final stop-motion effects work of the legendary artist Ray Harryhausen. His final film, "Ordeal by Innocence,” was released in 1984. He worked frequently in television from the 1970s, directing episodes of "Follyfoot,” "Wessex Tales,” "Play for Today,” "The New Avengers,” "Wings,” "Centre Play,” "Eustace and Hilda,” "BBC2 Playhouse,” "The Agatha Christie Hour,” "The Chief,” and "Screen One.” Davis also directed television productions of "The Spirit of Adventure: Night Flight" (1979), "Measure for Measure" (1979), "The Man of Destiny" (1981), "The Adventures of Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1982), "Russian Night... 1941" (1982), "The Country Girls" (1983), "The Sign of Four" (1983), "Camile" (1984), "Love with a Perfect Stranger" (1986), "Freedom Fighter" (1988), and "The Man Who Lived at the Ritz" (1989). He married Shirley Smith in 1959 and they had a son before their subsequent divorce.
Nathalie Delon, 79 - January 21, 2021
French actress Nathalie Delon died of cancer in Paris, France, on January 21, 2021. She was born Francine Canovas in Oujda, then the French Protectorate of Morocco, on August 1, 1941. She moved to Paris in 1962 and met actor Alain Delon at a nightclub. The two began an affair despite his long engagement with actress Romy Schneider. The two married in secret in August of 1964 and went to the United States. She co-starred with her husband in Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 film "Le Samouraï,” though they divorced soon after. Nathalie continued her film career in "Tender Moment" (1968), "The Sisters" (1969), "Army of Shadows" (1969), "The Hand" (1969), "When Eight Bells Toll" (1971) with Anthony Hopkins, "Easy Down There!" (1971), "Bluebeard" (1972) starring Richard Burton, "Repeated Absences" (1972), "Le Sex Shop" (1972), "The Monk" (1972), "Profession: Adventures" (1973), "The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot" (1973), "First Time with Feeling" (1974), "Hold-Up, Instantanea de Una Corrupcion" (1974), "The Romantic Englishwoman" (1975), "Doctor Justice" (1975), "A Whisper in the Dark" (1976), "Une Femme Fidele" (1976), "Fire in the Water" (1977), "Seagulls Fly Low" (1978), "Eyes Behind the Stars" (1978), "Gli Ultimi Angeli" (1978), "Der Mann im Schilf" (1978), "Le Temps des Vacances" (1979), "La Bande du Rex" (1980), and "They Call It an Accident" (1982) which she also produced, directed and scripted. She also directed and wrote the 1987 film "Sweet Lies.” She appeared on television in the 1979 telefilm "Efficax" and episodes of "Her Ladyship the Judge" and "Histoires de Vohyous.” She largely retired from the screen in the 1980s. She made a brief return to the screen twenty years later to appear in "This Night" (2008) and "Mensch" (2009). Delon memoir, "Pleure Pas, c'est Pas Grave" ("Don't Cry, It's Okay"), was published in 2006. She was married to Guy Barthelemy from 1959 until their divorce in 1963 and is survived by their daughter, Nathalie. She and Alain Delon were married from 1964 until their divorce in 1969 and she is survived by their son, actor Anthony Delon.
Leo De Lyon, 95 - September 18, 2021
Actor Leo De Lyon, who was noted as the voice of Spook and the Brain on the cartoon series "Top Cat" in the early 1960s, died in California on September 18, 2021. He was born Irving Levin in Paterson, New Jersey, on April 26, 1925. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1940s and appeared on "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1947. He was featured in the short-lived DuMont Network television comedy series "It's a Business" in 1952. He was also a pianist and music director. He performed on such series as "The Milton Berle Show,” "Captain Kangaroo,” "Cavalcade of Stars,” "The Ken Murray Show,” "The Blue Angel,” "Stage Show,” "The Jackie Gleason Show,” "Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium,” "The Jimmy Dean Show,” "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show,” "The New Phil Silvers Show,” "Arrest and Trial,” "My Mother the Car,” "Bewitched,” "Words and Music,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "Spotlight,” "The Dean Martin Show,” and "The Incredible Hulk.” He was featured in the films "Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding!" (1967) and "They Call Me Bruce" (1982). De Lyon was the voice of Spook and the Brain on the prime-time animated series "Top Cat" from 1961 to 1962. He also voiced roles in the cartoons "The Flintstones,” "Paw Paws,” "The Real Ghostbusters,” "The Smurfs,” and "Foofur.” He was the voice of the Woggle-Bird in the 1967 animated telefilm "Jack and the Beanstalk" and voiced Flunkey the Baboon in Disney's "Jungle Book" (1967). He reprised his roles as Spook and the Brain in the animated telefilm "Top Cat and the Beverly Hills Cats" in 1988.
Glen Denning, 94 - May 11, 2021
Actor Glen Denning, who starred in the juvenile science fiction series "Space Patrol" in the early 1950s, died in Oxnard, California, on May 11, 2021. He was born Franklin Feltch Mullen on March 31, 1927. He performed on radio in the 1940s in such series as "Family Theater" and "NBC University Theater.” Denning was featured as Commander Kit Corry on the first several months of the science fiction series "Space Patrol" in 1950 before his character was replaced by his brother, Commander Buzz Corry, played by Ed Kemmer. He also appeared in episodes of "Robert Montgomery Presents,” "Lights Out,” "Kraft Theatre,” and "I Led Three Lives.” Denning appeared in a handful of films in the 1950s including "Fighter Squadron" (1948), "Three Secrets" (1950), "Stop That Cab" (1951), "Battle Cry" (1955), "Strategic Air Command" (1955), and "Battle Hymn" (1957).
Jo-Carroll Dennison, 97 - October 18, 2021
Model and actress Jo-Carroll Dennison, who was Miss America of 1942, died in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California, on October 18, 2021. Dennison was born in Florence, Arizona, on December 16, 1923. The family was on route to California at the time of her birth and later settled in Tyler, Texas. Dennison won the Miss Texas pageant and was crowned Miss America in September of 1942, winning both the talent and swimsuit competitions. She spent much of her reign supporting the country's war efforts during World War II. She soon went to Hollywood where she signed with 20th Century Fox. Dennison was featured in such films as "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), "The Gang's All Here" (1943), "Ladies of Washington" (1944), "Something for the Boys" (1944), "Winged Victory" (1944), "State Fair" (1945), "The Missing Lady" (1946), "The Jolson Story" (1946), "Beyond the Purple Hills" (1950), "Prehistoric Women” (1950), "Pickup" (1951), and "A Millionaire for Christy" (1951). She appeared on television in episodes of "Dick Tracy" as Breathless Mahoney in 1950, "Stars Over Hollywood,” "Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok,” "Hollywood Opening Night,” "The Adventures of Kit Carson,” and "The Abbott and Costello Show.” Dennison largely retired from acting in the early 1950s. She was married to comedian Phil Silvers from 1945 until their divorce in 1950. She was married to television producer Russell Stoneham from 1954 until their divorce in 1981, and is survived by their two children.
Joan Didion, 87 - December 23, 2021
Author Joan Didion, who received the 2005 National Book Award for Nonfiction for "The Year of Magical Thinking,” died of complications from Parkinson's disease at her home in Manhattan, New York, on December 23, 2021. Didion was born in Sacramento, California, on December 5, 1934. Her father served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and she moved often in her youth. She later attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1956. She won an essay contest from "Vogue" magazine and began working as a research assistant. She worked at "Vogue" for seven years, rising to associate feature editor. She wrote her first novel, "Run, River,” which was published in 1963. Writer John Gregory Dunne assisted her in editing her novel and they married the following year. The couple relocated to California soon after and wrote many magazine assignments together. A collection of her magazine pieces, "Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” was published in 1968. The novels "Play It as It Lays" (1970) and "A Book of Common Prayer" (1977) followed. Another collection of magazine articles, "The White Album,” was published in 1979. She wrote the book-length essay "Salvador" in 1983, following a trip she and her husband made to El Salvador. The novel "Democracy" followed in 1984 and the nonfiction work "Miami” was published in 1987. Her book of essays, "After Henry,” was released in 1992 and the romantic thriller "The Last Thing He Wanted" was published in 1996. Didion's other works include "Political Fictions" (2001), "Where I Was From" (2003), "Fixed Ideas: America Since 9.11" (2003), "The Year of Magical Thinking" (2005) which she adapted for a play in 2007, "We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live: Collected Nonfiction" (2006), "Blue Nights" (2011), "South and West: From a Notebook" (2017), and "Let Me Tell You What I Mean" (2021). Didion and her husband worked together scripting several films including "The Panic in Needle Park" (1971) adapting James Mills novel, "Play It as It Lays" (1972) adapted from her novel, "A Star Is Born" (1976), "True Confessions" (1981) based on Dunne's novel, a segment of the telefilm "Women and Men: Stories of Seduction" (1990), the telefilm "Broken Trust" (1995) and "Up Close & Personal" (1996) starring Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. Didion co-wrote the 2012 film "As It Happens" with Todd Fields. She was the subject of the 2017 Netflix documentary "Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” directed by her nephew, Griffin Dunne. Didion was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1981. She and John Griffin Dunne were married until his death by a sudden heart attack in December of 2003. Their daughter, Quintana Roo Dunne, died of acute pancreatitis in August of 2005. She examined their deaths and her reaction to them in the books "The Year of Magical Thinking" and "Blue Nights.”
Nick Dimitri, 88 - October 20, 2021
Actor and stuntman Nick Dimitri died on October 20, 2021. Dimitri was born on December 27, 1932. He served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s and was a bodybuilder. He became part of Mae West's Last Vegas Muscleman Revue in the late 1950s. He also became involved in film and television as an actor and stuntman. He was noted for his fight scenes and dying on camera, reportedly being killed 86 times on screen in a single year. His numerous film credits include "Li'l Abner" (1959), "Kid Galahad" (1962), "Island of Love" (1963), "Palm Springs Weekend" (1963), "4 for Texas" (1963), "A Chance to Live" (1963), "The Train" (1964), "Harlow" (1965), "The Last Moment" (1966), "Murderers' Row" (1966), "The Reluctant Astronaut" (1967), "In Cold Blood" (1967), "In Like Flint" (1967), "The Ambushers" (1967), "Planet of the Apes" (1968), "Massacre Harbor" (1968), "The Molly Maguires" (1970), "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970), "Darker Than Amber" (1970), "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970), "C.C. & Company" (1970), "Support Your Local Gunfighter" (1971), "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972), "Grave of the Vampire" (1972), "Hammer" (1972), "Sweet Jesus, Preacherman" (1973), "The Student Teachers" (1973), "Cleopatra Jones" (1973), "Black Caesar" (1973), "Coffy" (1973), "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973), "The Don Is Dead" (1973), "That Man Bolt" (1973), "Hell Up in Harlem" (1973), "Black Eye" (1974), "99 and 44/100% Dead!" (1974), "Black Samson" (1974), "The Klansman" (1974), "Earthquake" (1974), "The Towering Inferno" (1974), "Lepke" (1975), "Rollerball" (1975), "The Four Deuces" (1975), "Hard Times" (1975) notably battling Charles Bronson's character at the film's climax, "Adios Amigo" (1975), "The Master Gunfighter" (1975), "No Way Back" (1976), "Death Journey" (1976), "Futureworld" (1976) as a Robot Boxer, "Scorchy" (1976), "St. Ives" (1976), "The Next Man" (1976), "Silver Streak" (1976), "Mister Billion" (1977), "Sorcerer" (1977), "The World's Greatest Lover" (1977), "The Driver" (1978), "F.I.S.T." (1978), "Any Which Way You Can" (1980), "The Nude Bomb" (1980), "Bustin' Loose" (1981), "They Call Me Bruce" (1982), "Vice Squad" (1982), "The Sword and the Sorcerer" (1982), "My Favorite Year" (1982), "48 Hrs." 1982), "Sudden Impact" (1983), "City Heat" (1984), "Commando" (1985), "Fright Night" (1985), "Rainy Day Friends" (1985), "The Longshot" (1986), "Foxtrap" (1986), "Raw Deal" (1986), "Eye of the Tiger" (1986), "Million Dollar Mystery" (1987), "The Couch Trip" (1988), "The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad!" (1988), "Twins" (1988), "Cage" (1989), "Glory" (1989), "Turner & Hooch" (1989), "Kill Me Again" (1989), "Total Recall" (1990), "Masters of Menace" (1990), "Out for Justice" (1991), "Toy Soldiers" (1991), "Stone Cold" (1991), "Mobsters" (1991), "Aces: Iron Eagle III" (1992), "Newsies" (1992), "Unlawful Entry" (1992), "Hitz" (1992), "Rapid Fire" (1992), "Fist of Honor" (1993), "Last Action Hero" (1993), "The Fugitive" (1993), "Every Breath" (1994), "Ice" (1994), "True Lies" (1994), "Direct Hit" (1994), "Prehysteria! 3" (1995). "Panther" (1995), "Flipping" (1996), and "Down 'n Dirty" (2000). He worked frequently in television serving as a stunt double for William Smith on the western series "Laredo" and Gary Raymond for the war series "The Rat Patrol" in the mid-1960s. His other television credits include episodes of "The Betty Hutton Show,” "Sea Hunt,” "Surfside 6,” "Cheyenne,” "77 Sunset Strip,” "Maverick,” "The Virginian,” "Rawhide,” "Route 66,” "Branded,” "Get Smart,” "The Monkees,” "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” "Mod Squad,” "Mission: Impossible,” "Bearcats!,” "Search,” "Emergency!,” "Chase,” "Mannix,” "Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” "The Streets of San Francisco,” "Kojak,” "Faraday and Company,” "The Rockford Files,” "Planet of the Apes,” "Matt Helm,” "The Six Million Dollar Man,” "City of Angels,” "Police Story,” "Buck Rogers in the 25 Century,” "Matt Houston,” "Switch,” "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” "The A-Team,” "The Fall Guy,” "The New Mike Hammer,” "Grandpa Goes to Washington,” "Hart to Hart,” "The Dukes of Hazzard,” "When the Whistle Blows,” "B.J. and the Bear,” "Beauty and the Beast,” "Knight Rider,” "Hardcastle and McCormick,” "Hill Street Blues,” "The Yellow Rose,” "Airwolf,” "Spencer: For Hire,” "Cheers,” "Hunter,” "MacGyver,” "Magnum, P.I.,” "The Bold and the Beautiful,” "Mancuso, FBI,” "Father Dowling Mysteries,” "Hardball,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Falcon Crest,” "L.A. Law,” "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,” "Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” His other television credits include the telefilms and mini-series "Vanished" (1971), "The Night Stalker" (1972), "The Night Strangler" (1973), "The Norliss Tapes" (1973) as Angie Dickinson's undead husband, "Stunt Seven" (1979), "The Man in the Santa Claus Suit" (1979), "For the Love of It" (1980), "More Wild Wild West" (1980), "Tales from the Hollywood Hills: Pat Hobby Teamed with Genius" (1987), "Frank Nitti: The Enforcer" (1988), "Original Sin" (1989), "Dangerous Passion" (1990), and "Back to Back" (1996). He largely retired from the screen in the late 1990s. Dimitri married actress Christina Cummings in 1982 and she survives him.
Richard Donner, 91 - July 5, 2021
Director and producer Richard Donner, who helmed the 1976 horror film "The Omen" and 1978's "Superman,” died in Los Angeles, California, on July 5, 2021. He was born Richard Schwartzberg in New York City on April 24, 1930. He graduated in high school before serving in the U.S. Navy, where he was an aerial photographer. He attended New York University briefly before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Donner later appeared on television in episodes of "The Eleventh Hour,” "Sam Benedict,” "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” and "Lassie,” but was encouraged to work behind the camera by director Martin Ritt. He served as his assistant and directed commercials at Desilu Productions. He scripted episodes of the "Men of Annapolis" series in 1957. He worked for numerous television series, helming episodes of "Zane Grey Theatre,” "The DuPont Show with June Allyson,” "The Loretta Young Show,” "Wanted: Dead or Alive,” "Route 66,” "The Tall Man,” "Wagon Train,” "The Detectives,” "The Rifleman,” "Have Gun - Will Travel,” "Sam Benedict,” "The Eleventh Hour,” "Combat!,” "The Doctors and the Nurses,” "The Lieutenant,” "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters,” "The Twilight Zone" including the classic episodes "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" and "From Agnes - With Love,” "Mr. Novak,” "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” "Gilligan's Island,” "Perry Mason,” "The Trials of O'Brien,” "12 O'Clock High,” "Get Smart,” "The F.B.I.,” "The Fugitive,” "It's About Time,” "Jericho,” "The Wild Wild West,” "The Felony Squad,” "Danger Island,” "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour,” "The Interns,” "Sarge,” "Bearcats!,” "The Sixth Sense,” "Cade's County,” "Circle of Fear,” "Banyon,” "Ironside,” "The Bold Ones: The New Doctors,” "Cannon,” "The Streets of San Francisco,” "Lucas Tanner,” "Sons and Daughters,” "Petrocelli,” "Kojak,” "Bronk,” and "Tales from the Crypt" also serving as executive producer. He also produced the spin-off films "Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight" (1995), "Bordello of Blood" (1996), and "Ritual" (2002), and the animated series "Tales from the Cryptkeeper" (1993-1994). His other television credits include the telefilms "Hernandez" (1973), "Nightside" (1973), "Stat!" (1973), "A Shadow in the Streets" (1975) which he also produced, "Sarah T. - Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic" (1975), and "Two-Fisted Tales" (1992). He was executive producer of the telefilms "The Omen" (1995), "W.E.I.R.D. World" (1995), and "Matthew Bleackheart: Monster Smasher" (2002), and the 1997 television series "Perversions of Science.” Donner made his directorial film debut with 1961's "X-15,” and helmed "Salt and Pepper" (1968) and "London Affair" (1970). He directed the 1976 horror classic "The Omen" starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. He directed 1978's "Superman: The Movie" starring Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. He filmed much of the sequel, 1980's "Superman II" at the same time, but was fired by executive producers Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind and replaced as director by Richard Lester. Donner refused credit on the released film but his version, "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut,” was eventually released in 2006. He continued to direct, and often produce, such films as "Inside Moves" (1980), "The Toy" (1982) starring Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason, the medieval fantasy "Ladyhawke" (1985) starring Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, the popular juvenile adventure "The Goonies" (1985), the hit action comedy "Lethal Weapon" (1987) starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, "Scrooged" (1988) starring Bill Murray, "Lethal Weapon 2" (1989), "Radio Flyer" (1992), "Lethal Weapon 3" (1992), "Maverick" (1994), "Assassins (1995), "Conspiracy Theory" (1997), "Lethal Weapon 4" (1998), "Timeline" (2003), and "16 Blocks" (2006). Donner also served as executive producer for the films "The Final Conflict" (1981), "The Lost Boys" (1987), "Delirious" (1991), "Free Willy" (1993), "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" (1995), "Free Willy 3: The Rescue" (1997), "Double Tap" (1997), "Made Men" (1999), "Any Given Sunday" (1999), "X-Men (2000), "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009), and "Black & White in Colors" (2012). Donner collaborated with DC comics writer Geoff Johns to write Superman stories for "Action Comics,” which were collected in the 2009 releases "Last Son" and "Escape from Bizarro World.” His authorized biography, "You're the Director... You Figure It Out: The Life and Films of Richard Donner,” by James Christie, was released in 2010. He married film producer Lauren Shuler in 1986 and they merged their respective production companies to form Shuler-Donner Productions. He is survived by her.
Mary Ann Edwards, 89 - July 31, 2021
Actress Mary Ann Edwards, who was featured in the 1956 film "Giant,” died in Valencia, California, on July 31, 2021. Edwards was born in Georgetown, Texas, on December 27, 1931. She was a majorette and rodeo queen in high school. She majored in drama at the University of Texas and performed on stage. She was selected as a winner for a talent contest sponsored by "Modern Screen Magazine" in 1952 and appeared on an episode of the "Colgate Comedy Hour" the following year. She also appeared in an episode of "Cowboy G-Men" and the films "Son of Sinbad" (1955) and "The FBI Story" (1959). She was best known for her role as Adarene Clinch in the 1956 epic "Giant" starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. She later worked as a talent agent and was a weather girl on television in Las Vegas. She became a volunteer for numerous civic causes in Southern California and was a co-founder of the local theatre group known as the Calabasas Players. Edwards was married to Ralph Stirling Hodges from 1954 until their subsequent divorce. She was married to James P. Hart from 1963 until his death in 2010, and is survived by their son.
Harvey Evans, 80 - December 24, 2021
Actor and dancer Harvey Evans, who performed in Broadway productions of "West Side Story" and "Hello, Dolly!,” died at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, on December 24, 2021. He was born Harvey Hohnecker in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 7, 1941. He moved to New York City in his teens in 1955 and was soon appearing in such musicals as "New Girl in Town" (1957), "West Side Story" (1957), "Redhead" (1959), "Gypsy" (1959), "Hello, Dolly!" (1964), "Anyone Can Whistle" (1964), "George M!" (1968), "Our Town" (1969), "The Boy Friend" (1970), "Follies" (1971), "Sextet" (1974), "Barnum" (1980), "Sunset Boulevard" (1994), "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1997), and the revival of "Oklahoma!" (2002). Evans appeared in small roles in the films "Reunion in Reno" (1951), "Silk Stockings" (1957), "The Pajama Game" (1957), "The Girl Most Likely" (1957), "West Side Story" (1961), "Experiment in Terror" (1962), "Mary Poppins" (1964), "The Bank Shot" (1974), "Ravagers" (1979), "Enchanted" (2007), and "Silver Tongues" (2011). He was seen on television in episodes of "The Judy Garland Show,” "The Bob Hope Show,” "Loving,” and "Cheers.” He also appeared in television productions of "Dames at Sea" (1971), "Annie, the Women in the Life of a Man" (1970), and "Applause" (1973). Evans made his final appearance as a Gimbels security guard in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of "West Side Story.”
Graeme Ferguson, 91 - May 8, 2021
Canadian filmmaker Graeme Ferguson, who was co-inventor of the IMAX theater system, died of cancer at his home in Norway Point, Ontario, Canada, on May 8, 2021. Ferguson was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on October 7, 1929. He graduated from Victoria College, University of Toronto, in 1952. He moved to New York in the late 1950s and worked as an independent filmmaker. He directed the 1962 film "The Seducers" and was producer, director and writer for "The Virgin President" in 1968. Ferguson joined with Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr, and William Shaw to found the Imax Corporation in 1967. They developed a system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, projectors and theaters which would bring a new sense of immersion and scope to the cinematic experience. Their first experimental film, "Polar Life,” was directed by Ferguson for Expo '67 in Montreal. He served as a producer, director, and cinematographer for many subsequent documentaries including "North of Superior" (1971), "Man Belongs to the Earth" (1974), "Ocean" (1977), "Nishnawbe-Aski: The People & the Land" (1977), "Hail Columbia!" (1982), "The Dream Is Alive" (1985), "Blue Planet" (1990), "Journey to the Planets" (1993), "Destiny in Space" (1994), "Into the Deep" (1994), "L5: First City in Space" (1996), "Mission to Mir" (1997), "Deep Sea" (2006), "Under the Sea 3D" (2009), and "Hubble" (2010). He was executive producer for the 2016 film "A Beautiful Planet.” Ferguson was president of IMAX until 1990 and the company was sold to become a public corporation in 1994. He was married to Betty Ramsaur from 1959 until their divorce in 1974 and is survived by their two children. He married Phyllis Wilson in 1982 and she predeceased him in March of 2021.
Siegfried Fischbacher, 81 - January 13, 2021
German-American magician and animal trainer Siegfried Fischbacher, who was half of the popular Las Vegas duo Siegfried and Roy, died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 13, 2021. He was 75. Fischbacher was born in Rosenheim, Germany, on June 13, 1939. He began practicing magic as a child and moved to Italy to work at a hotel in 1956, He was performing on the German luxury liner TS Bremen under the stage name Delmare when he first met Roy Horn. Horn soon became an assistant for his act and they added a cheetah to their performances. They began performing at cabarets and theaters throughout Europe in 1964 and were known as Siegfried & Roy when appearing in Paris at the Lido and Folies-Bergere. The duo arrived in Las Vegas in 1967, performing at the Tropicana, the Stardust, and the MGM Grand. They opened their own show, "Beyond Belief,” at the Frontier hotel in 1981, and had great success making their rare white tigers and lions disappear in a magical act. They began performing at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in 1990 and signed a contract for life with the casino in 2001. They became among the highest-paid entertainers in Las Vegas history. The duo lived together at a mansion compound called the Jungle Palace, which also contained a habitat and breeding ground for the white tigers and other exotic animals. They wrote two books, "Siegfried and Roy: Mastering the Impossible" (1992) and "Siegfried & Roy's Gift for the Ages" (2000), and were the subject of a 3-D Imax documentary, "Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box,” in 1999. They starred in a television special, "Siegfried and Roy,” in 1980, and were guests on such series as "The Merv Griffin Show,” "Live... And in Person,” "Vicki!,” "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” "Larry King Live,” "E! True Hollywood Story,” "The Barbara Walters Summer Special,” "Entertainment Tonight,” "Good Morning America,” and "20/20.” Siegfried appeared in cameo roles in the films "Lookin' to Get Out" (1982), "Vegas Vacation" (1997), "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), and "Showboy" (2002). He served as co-executive producer for the short-lived animated television series "Father of the Pride" in 2004. They were performing an act at the Mirage in October of 2003 when Montecore, a royal white Siberian tiger, attacked Roy on stage and badly injured him. Horn underwent multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation before he was able to walk and talk. Fischbacher assisted him in his rehabilitation and the duo resumed performing in 2006. Siegfried and Roy retired in April of 2010. Roy Horn died on May 8, 2020.
Larry Gelman, 90 - June 7, 2021
Character actor Larry Gelman died of complications from injuries he received from a fall on June 7, 2021. Gelman was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 3, 1930. He began his long career in television in the mid-1960s and appeared in episodes of "I Dream of Jeannie,” "Mission: Impossible,” "Run for Your Life,” "Occasional Wife,” "The Monkees,” "Batman,” "Get Smart,” "My Three Sons,” "Mannix,” "Nanny and the Professor,” "The Flying Nun,” "The Doris Day Show,” "The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” "The Carol Burnett Show,” "Nichols,” "Needles and Pins,” "The Odd Couple" in the recurring role of Oscar and Felix's poker playing pal Vinnie from 1970 to 1974, "Harry O,” "The Bob Newhart Show" in the recurring role of Dr. Bernie Tupperman from 1972 to 1976, "ABC Afterschool Specials,” "Rhoda,” "Maude" in the recurring role of Hubie Binder from 1976 to 1978, "Kojak,” "Quincy, M.E.,” "Free Country" as Leo Gold in 1978, "CHiPs,” "The Love Boat,” "Insight,” "The Righteous Apples,” "Laverne & Shirley,” "Mork & Mindy,” "Eight Is Enough" in the recurring role of Officer Bernstein from 1977 to 1981, "One Day at a Time,” "Barney Miller" in several guest roles including his Emmy-nominated performance as Edward Sellers in the 1977 episode "Good-Bye, Mr. Fish: Part 2,” "The Facts of Life,” "Archie Bunker's Place,” "Amanda's,” "It Takes Two,” "Lottery!,” "Whiz Kids,” "The Duck Factory,” "ABC Weekend Specials,” "Jessie,” "Days of Our Lives,” "Simon & Simon,” "Amazing Stories,” "Hill Street Blues,” "Remington Steele,” "You Again?,” "Our House,” "Cagney & Lacey,” "Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” "What a Country,” "Tales from the Darkside,” "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!,” "Mr. Belvedere,” "Grand Slam" as Irv Schlosser in 1990, "In the Heat of the Night,” "Night Court,” "Doogie Howser, M.D.,” "Jake and the Fatman,” "Dangerous Women,” "On Our Own,” the animated "Freakazoid!" in a voice role, "Kirk,” "Weird Science,” "Touched by an Angel,” "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” "The Steve Harvey Show,” "Oliver Beene,” "ER,” and "Sonny with a Chance.” His other television credits include the telefilms "Gidget Gets Married" (1972), "One of Our Own" (1975), "The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case" (1976), "Raid on Entebbe" (1976), "Almost Heaven" (1978), "The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal" (1979), "Topper" (1979), "The Last Fling" (1987), and "McBride: Fallen Idol" (2006). Gelman was featured in the films "The Busy Body" (1967), "Funny Girl" (1968), "The Christian Licorice Store" (1971), "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972), "Your Three Minutes Are Up" (1973), "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975), "Tunnel Vision" (1976), "Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood" (1976), the adult version of "Alice in Wonderland" (1976) as the White Rabbit, "Slumber Party '57" (1976), "In MacArthur Park" (1976), "Chatterbox!" (1977), "Prime Time" (1977), "Rabbit Test" (1978), "The Frisco Kid" (1979), "Delta Fox" (1979), "Wholly Moses!" (1980), "O'Hara's Wife" (1982), "Dreamscape" (1984), "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985), "The Naked Cage" (1986), "The Check Is in the Mail..." (1986), "Rich Girl" (1991), "Mr. Saturday Night" (1992), "Deadly Exposure" (1993), "Angel's Tide" (1995), "Fox Hunt" (1996), "Today I Vote for My Joey" (2002), "Wasabi Tuna" (2003), "Old Dogs" (2009), "Tales from the Catholic Church of Elvis!" (2009), and "North Blvd" (2018). He provided the voice of Albert Einstein in the video games "Command & Conquer" in the early 2000s. George was married to Trudy Moss from 1967 until their divorce in 1982. He later married Barbara Gelman, who survives him.
Nicholas Georgiade, 88 - December 19, 2021
Actor Nicholas Georgiade, who was best known for his role as Agent Rico Rossi in television's "The Untouchables,” died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 19, 2021. Georgiade was born in New York City on March 25, 1933. He joined the U.S. Army in 1948 and served for four years. He boxed while in the service and continued while attending Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1957. Georgiade performed on stage and was discovered by Lucille Ball while appearing in a little theatre production in Hollywood. He began working and training with the Desilu Workshop Theater. He appeared frequently on television with roles in episodes of "State Trooper,” "Playhouse 90,” "Whirlybirds,” "The Millionaire,” "Hawaiian Eye,” and "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse.” Georgiade was originally cast as a gangster in the 1959 pilot for "The Untouchables,” but assumed the role of Agent Enrico Rossi for the subsequent series. He remained as the right-hand man to Robert Stack's Eliot Ness throughout the series’ four seasons, ending in 1963. He continued to appear in episodes of "The Doctors and the Nurses,” "Combat!,” "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters,” "I Spy,” "Daniel Boone,” "Run Buddy Run,” "Batman,” "Hondo,” "Mannix,” "The Felony Squad,” "Get Smart,” "Insight,” "Hawaii Five-O,” "Mission: Impossible,” "Mod Squad,” "The Rockford Files,” "Delvecchio,” "Kojak,” "Vega$,” "Quincy, M.E.,” "T.J. Hooker,” "The Equalizer,” and "Crime Story.” His other television credits include the telefilms "Poor Devil" (1973) and "Kojak: The Prince of Justice" (1987), and the mini-series "Lucky Chances" (1990). He was seen in occasional films including "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963), "The Age of Violence" (1964), "Hang 'Em High" (1968), "The Young Runaways" (1968), "Eye for an Eye" (1971), "Stacey" (1973), "Seven" (1979), "Delta Pi" (1984), "Picasso Trigger" (1988), "Indecent Proposal" (1993), "Fit to Kill" (1993), and "Three Days to Vegas" (2007). Georgiade married Anita Khanzadian (later known as Anita Raffi) in 1956 and they later divorced. He was married to actress and model Davee Decker from 1964 until their subsequent divorce. He was married to Alicia Razaf from 1977 until her death in 2017. His survivors include his daughter, Anastazia Julie Georgiade, from another relationship.
Sam Haggin, 86 - April 21, 2021
Actor Sam Haggin died in Deadwood, South Dakota, on April 21, 2021. Haggin was born in Gayville, South Dakota, on July 18, 1934. He moved to California to pursue a career in films as a stuntman and actor. He worked on such series as "The Big Valley,” "Hogan's Heroes,” "M*A*S*H,” "CHiPs,” "Columbo,” "Little House on the Prairie,” "The Dukes of Hazzard,” "Wonderbug,” "Falcon Crest,” "Knight Rider,” and "Dynasty.” He was married to Karol Haggin from 1967 until her death in 1986 and is survived by their daughter, Felicia.
Bridget Hanley, 80 - December 15, 2021
Actress Bridget Hanley, who starred as Candy Pruitt on the television series "Here Come the Brides" from 1968 to 1970, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California, on December 15, 2021. Hanley was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 3, 1941. She studied drama for two years at the San Francisco College for Women and graduated from the University of Washington. She appeared in numerous theatrical productions while in college. She appeared frequently on television from the mid-1960s with roles in episodes of "Hank,” "Gidget,” "The Farmer's Daughter,” "Summer Fun,” "Love on a Rooftop,” "Bewitched,” "Occasional Wife,” "Iron Horse,” "I Dream of Jeannie,” "The Second Hundred Years,” the unsold pilot "Mad Mad Scientist,” "The Flying Nun,” "The Odd Couple,” "The Interns,” and "Nanny and the Professor.” Hanley starred as Candy Pruitt in the series "Here Come the Brides" from 1968 to 1970, the love interest of Bobby Sherman's character Jeremy Bolt. She was Wanda Reilly Taylor, a foil to Barbara Eden's Stella Johnson, on the comedy series "Harper Valley P.T.A." from 1981 to 1982. She also appeared in episodes of "Cade's County,” "Circle of Fear,” "This Is the Life,” "Love, American Style,” "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law,” "The Rookies,” "Welcome Back Kotter,” "Insight,” "Spencer's Pilots,” "Emergency!,” "How the West Was Won,” "CHiPs,” "Mama's Family,” "Riptide,” "Ohara,” "Jake and the Fatman,.” "Trial by Jury,” "Simon & Simon,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Columbo,” "The New Adam-12,” and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.” Her other television credits include the telefilms "Bell, Book and Candle" (1976), "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (1979), "Reward" (1980), and "Malibu" (1983). Hanley also appeared in the 1984 film "Chattanooga Choo Choo.” She largely retired from the screen in the early 1990s but continued to work on stage. She was married to producer and director E.W. Swackhamer from 1969 until his death in 1994, and is survived by their two daughters.
Monte Hellman, 91 - April 20, 2021
Film director Monte Hellman, who directed Jack Nicholson in the offbeat 1966 westerns "The Shooting" and "Ride in the Whirlwind,” died of complications from a fall at his home in Palm Desert, California, on April 20, 2021. He was born Monte Himmelbaum in New York City on July 12, 1929. He moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of five. He graduated from Stanford University in 1951 and attended graduate school at the University of California at Los Angeles, but left before finishing. He began directing for local theatre before becoming associated with low-budget director Roger Corman in the late 1950s. Hellman made his directorial debut with the 1959 horror film "Beast from Haunted Cave" which was produced by Roger's brother, Gene Corman. He worked on several films with Corman, directing the pre-title sequence for "Creature from the Haunted Sea" (1961) and portions of "The Terror" (1963). He worked with Jack Nicholson on the films "Back Door to Hell" (1964) and "Flight to Fury" (1964) which were shot in the Philippines. Hellman directed Nicholson in a pair of existential westerns, "The Shooting" (1966) and "Ride in the Whirlwind" (1966). He edited Corman's films "The Wild Angels" (1966) and "Target: Harry" (1969) and the 1968 film "Head" starring the Monkees. He helmed the offbeat 1971 road film "Two-Lane Blacktop" starring James Taylor and Warren Oates. He was featured in the 1971 film "The Christian Licorice Store.” He directed "Cockfighter" (1974), "Shatter" (1974), "China 9, Liberty 37" (1978), and completed "Avalanche Express" (1979) after the death of its original director, Mark Robson. He was editor for "The Killer Elite" (1975) and "Sudden Death" (1977), and was a second-unit director for Sam Fuller's "The Big Red One" (1980) and "RoboCop" (1987). Hellman directed the 1988 film "Iguana" and the 1989 Christmas slasher "Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out!" (1989). He appeared in small roles in the films "Someone to Love" (1987) and "L.A. Without a Map" (1998). He produced Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, "Reservoir Dogs,” in 1991. He returned to directing with the "Stanley's Girlfriend" segment of "Trapped Ashes" (2006), "Road to Nowhere" (2010), and the "Vive L'Amour" segment for "Venice 70: Future Reloaded" (2013). Hellman was featured in several documentary films including "Plunging on Alone: Monte Hellman's Life in a Day" (1986), "Warren Oates: Across the Border" (1993), "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood" (2003), and "Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel" (2011). Hellman was married and divorced from Emma Webster and actress Barboura Morris. He was married to actress Jaclyn Hellman from 1962 until their divorce in 1971 and is survived by their son and daughter. He was married to actress Laurie Bird from 1974 until their divorce in 1975.
Bob Herron, 97 - October 10, 2021
Actor and stuntman Bob Herron, who appeared in hundreds of films from the early 1950s, died of complications from a fall in Thousand Oaks, California, on October 10, 2021. Herron was born in Lomita, California, on September 23, 1924. He served in the U.S. Navy where he was a boxing champion. He began helping his stepfather, Ace Hudkins, as a horse wrangler on movie sets in 1946. He appeared in numerous films and television productions, including many westerns, from the early 1950s. Herron performed stunts and appeared in small roles in the films "Winchester '73" (1950), "The Flame and the Arrow" (1950), "Rocky Mountain" (1950), "Raton Pass" (1951), "Only the Valiant" (1951), "Along the Great Divide" (1951), "The Red Badge of Courage" (1951), "Ten Tall Men" (1951), "The Golden Horde" (1951), "The Sniper" (1951), "The Battle at Apache Pass" (1952), "Red Ball Express" (1952), "The Story of Will Rogers" (1952), "The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima" (1952), "Yankee Buccaneer" (1952), "Operation Secret" (1952), "Cattle Town" (1952), "Serpent of the Nile" (1953), "Column South" (1953), "The Charge at Feather River" (1953), "Wings of the Hawk" (1953), "Gun Fury" (1953), "Invaders from Mars" (1953) as a Martian, "Prisoners of the Casbah" (1953), "The Man from Alamo" (1953), "River of No Return" (1954), "Four Guns to the Border" (1954), "Saskatchewan" (1954), "Magnificent Obsession" (1954), "Destry" (1954), "Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops" (1955), "The Far Horizons" (1955), "To Hell and Back" (1955), "Lady Godiva of Coventry" (1955), "The Court Jester" (1955), "The Man from Bitter Ridge" (1955), "Come Next Spring" (1956), "The Rawhide Years" (1956), "Santiago" (1956), "Walk the Proud Land" (1956), "The Vagabond King" (1956), "Away All Boats" (1956), "The Burning Sky" (1956), "Pillars of the Sky" (1956), "The Mole People" (1956) as a Mole Person, "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "Utah Blaine" (1957), "The Big Land" (1957), "Man Afraid" (1957), "The Monolith Monsters" (1957), "The Deep Six" (1958), "Darby's Rangers" (1958), "Ride a Crooked Trail" (1958), "The Perfect Furlough" (1958), "Auntie Mame" (1958), "Rio Bravo" (1958), "Gidget" (1959), "The Big Fisherman" (1959), "Westbound" (1958), "Born Reckless" (1958), "Cry Tough" (1959), "The FBI Story" (1959), "Ice Palace" (1960), "The Unforgiven" (1960), "Who Was That Lady?" (1960), "Elmer Gantry" (1960), "Seven Ways from Sundown" (1960), "Spartacus" (1960), "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond" (1960), "The Great Impostor" (1960), "The Absent Minded Professor" (1961), "Portrait of a Mobster" (1961), "Battle at Bloody Beach" (1961), "Love in a Goldfish Bowl" (1961), "Francis of Assisi" (1961), "Man-Trap" (1961), "The Errand Boy" (1961), "Six Black Horses" (1962), "Lonely Are the Brave" (1962), "Escape from Zahrain" (1962), "The Wild Westerners" (1962), "Black Gold" (1962), "The Spiral Road" (1962), "The Chapman Report" (1962), "Taras Bulba" (1962), "40 Pounds of Trouble" (1962), "Drums of Africa" (1963), "PT 109" (1963), "The Slime People" (1963) as a Slime Person, "Mary, Mary" (1963), "Gunfight at Comanche Creek" (1963), "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963), "Kings of the Sun" (1963), "A Distant Trumpet" (1964), "Kisses for My President" (1964), "Bullet for a Badman" (1964), "Sex and the Single Girl" (1964), "Love Has Many Faces" (1965), "Major Dundee" (1965), "My Blood Runs Cold" (1965), "Girl Happy" (1965), "In Harm's Way" (1965), "The Sword of Ali Baba" (1965), "Shenandoah" (1965), "Cat Ballou" (1965), "The Great Race" (1965), "Ship of Fools" (1965), "Morituri" (1965), "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965), "The War Lord" (1965), "The Rare Breed" (1966), "The Chase" (1966), "The Chase" (1966), "The Silencers" (1966), "Harper" (1966), "Gunpoint" (1966), "Stagecoach" (1966), "What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?" (1966), "An American Dream" (1966), "Beau Geste" (1966), "The Appaloosa" (1966), "Texas Across the River" (1966), "Not with My Wife, You Don't" (1966), "Hot Rods to Hell" (1966), "Tobruk" (1967), "In Like Flint" (1967), "Chuka" (1967), "Rough Night in Jericho" (1967), "Counterpoint" (1967), "Journey to Shiloh" (1968), "Speedway" (1968), "In Enemy Country" (1968), "With Six You Get Eggroll" (1968), "Ice Station Zebra" (1968), "Mackenna's Gold" (1969), "The Wild Bunch" (1969), "The Great Bank Robbery" (1969), "A Time for Dying" (1969), "Paint Your Wagon" (1969), "Gaily, Gaily" (1969), "Zig Zag" (1970), "The Grasshopper" (1970), "They Call Me Mister Tibbs!" (1970), "The Moonshine War" (1970), "Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came" (1970), "There Was a Crooked Man..." (1970), "Raid on Rommel" (1971), "Shaft" (1971), "The Steagle" (1971), "$" (1970), "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid" (1972), "Prime Cut" (1972), "The Groundstar Conspiracy" (1972), "Joe Kidd" (1972), "Soylent Green" (1973), "Dillinger" (1973), "Oklahoma Crude" (1973), "Cleopatra Jones" (1973), "American Graffiti" (1973), "Slaughter's Big Rip-Off" (1973), "The Don Is Dead" (1973), "Blazing Saddles" (1974), "The Bank Shot" (1974), "Uptown Saturday Night" (1974), "Black Samson" (1974), "99 and 44/100% Dead!" (1974), "Earthquake" (1974), "Lepke" (1975), "Breakout" (1975), "Death Race 2000" (1975), "Doc Savage" (1975), "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975), "Hearts of the West" (1975), "The Hindenburg" (1975), "No Deposit, No Return" (1976), "Silent Movie" (1976), "Shadow of the Hawk" (1976), "Swashbuckler" (1976), "Obsession" (1976), "Rocky" (1976), "Silver Streak" (1976), "The Enforcer" (1976), "Rollercoaster" (1977), "Mr. Billion" (1977), "The Domino Principle" (1977), "Local Color" (1977), "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" (1977), "Convoy" (1978), "The Fifth Floor" (1978), "California Suite" (1978), "Movie Movie" (1978), "The Frisco Kid" (1979), "More American Graffiti" (1979), "1941" (1979), "The Black Hole" (1979), "The Nude Bomb" (1980), "The Island" (1980), "Cheech and Chong's Next Movie" (1980), "Melvin and Howard" (1980), "Any Which Way You Can" (1980), "The Sword and the Sorcerer" (1982), "Poltergeist" (1982), "The Toy" (1982), "Hysterical" (1983), "Cujo" (1983), "City Heat" (1984), "Johnny Dangerously" (1984), "Pale Rider" (1985), "The Goonies" (1985), "Explorers" (1985), "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985), "Weird Science" (1985), "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" (1986), "Howard the Duck" (1986), "Thrashin'" (1986), "52 Pick-Up" (1986), "Three Amigos!" (1986), "The Kindred" (1987), "The Untouchables" (1987), "Dragnet" (1987), "Prince of Darkness" (1987), "No Man's Land" (1987), "Sunset" (1988), "Red Heat" (1988), "The Seventh Sign" (1988), "Betrayed" (1988), "License to Drive" (1988), "Messenger of Death" (1988), "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" (1988), "Pet Cemetery" (1989), "Grave Secrets" (1989), "Loverboy" (1989), "Johnny Handsome" (1989), "Dark Angel" (1990), "Another 48 Hrs." (1990), "Dick Tracy" (1990), "L.A. Story" (1991), "Timebomb" (1991), "Defenseless" (1991), "Child's Play 3" (1991), "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" (1992), "Batman Returns" (1992), "Sneakers" (1992), "True Lies" (1994), "Batman Forever" (1995), "Steal Big Steal Little" (1995), "Retroactive" (1997), "Metro" (1997), "Shadow Conspiracy" (1997), "Liar Liar" (1997), "L.A. Confidential" (1997), "Buddy" (1997), "Leave It to Beaver" (1997), "Mousehunt" (1997), "Hard Rain" (1998), "Lethal Weapon 4" (1998), "Small Soldiers" (1998), "BASEketball" (1998), "Second Chances" (1998), "Bedazzled" (2000), "The Long Ride Home" (2003), and "Be Cool" (2005). Herron also worked as a stuntman and actor for the television series "Cheyenne,” "Sugarfoot,” "Bronco,” "Dragnet,” "Tales of Wells Fargo,” "Hawaiian Eye,” "Gunsmoke,” "Temple Houston,” "Run for Your Life,” "Laredo,” "It's About Time,” "Mannix,” "I Spy,” "I Dream of Jeannie,” "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” "Star Trek" as Kahless in the 1969 episode "The Savage Curtain,” "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” "Mission: Impossible,” "The Green Hornet,” "The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.,” "Batman,” "The Invaders,” "Dundee and the Culhane,” "The Guns of Will Sonnett,” "Ironside,” "The Wild Wild West" as Ross Martin's stunt double from 1965 to 1968, "Get Smart,” "Here Come the Brides,” "Bonanza,” "Bearcats!,” "Banacek,” "Police Story,” "Cannon,” "Columbo,” "Petrocelli,” "Kung Fu,” "The Magician,” "Little House on the Prairie,” "Marcus Welby, M.D.,” "The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” "Delvecchio,” "Baa Baa Black Sheep,” "The Streets of San Francisco,” "McCloud,” "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” "Logan's Run,” "The Rockford Files,” "The Six Million Dollar Man,” "Kojak,” "Wonder Woman,” "240-Robert,” "Charlie's Angels,” "Walking Tall,” "Magnum, P.I.,” "Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” "Knight Rider,” "Remington Steele,” "Whiz Kids,” "The New Mike Hammer,” "The Dukes of Hazzard,” "Matt Houston,” "Street Hawk,” "T.J. Hooker,” "Highway to Heaven,” "Airwolf" as Ernest Borgnine's stunt double from 1984 to 1986, "Amazing Stories,” "Hotel,” "The A-Team,” "MacGyver,” "Dallas,” "Equal Justice,” "Matlock" as Andy Griffith's stunt double, "Hunter,” "Rescue 911,” "Tales from the Crypt,” "Baywatch,” "Mancuso, FBI,” "They Came from Outer Space,” "Father Dowling Mysteries" as Tom Bosley's stunt double from 1990 to 1991, "The Wonder Years,” "In the Heat of the Night,” "Viper,” "Melrose Place,” "Diagnosis Murder,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” "Nowhere Man,” "Buddy Faro,” "The X-Files,” "The District,” "Reno 911!,” and "Chuck.” His other television credits include the telefilms "The Silent Gun" (1969), "The Over-the-Hill Gang" (1969), "The Feminist and the Fuzz" (1971), "The Neon Ceiling" (1971), "Adventures of Nick Carter" (1972), "Twice in a Lifetime" (1974), "The Day the Earth Moved" (1974), "Target Risk" (1975), "The Last Day" (1975), "The Last Survivors" (1975), "Katherine" (1975), "McNaughton's Daughter" (1976), "Stunt Seven" (1979), "Flatbed Annie & Sweetiepie: Lady Truckers" (1979), "Annihilator" (1986), "Peter Gunn" (1989), "Jake Spanner, Private Eye" (1989), "Letter to My Killer" (1995), "Aces 'N' Eights" (2008), and "Love's Christmas Journey" (2011). Herron largely retired from films in 2011.
Dwayne Hickman, 87 - January 9, 2022
Actor Dwayne Hickman, who starred in the 1960s comedy series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” died of complications from Parkinson's disease in Los Angeles, California, on January 9, 2022. Hickman was born in Los Angeles on May 18, 1934. He was the younger brother of child actor Darryl Hickman. He began his career in film in the late 1930s as an extra in "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) and "Men of Boys Town" (1941) which featured his brother Darryl. He continued to appear in small roles in the films "Captain Eddie" (1945), "The Hoodlum Saint" (1946), "The Return of Rusty" (1946), "Faithful in My Fashion" (1946), "The Secret Heart" (1946), "The Son of Rusty" (1947), "Heaven Only Knows" (1947), "Her Husband's Affairs" (1947), "My Dog Rusty" (1948), "Rusty Leads the Way" (1948), "The Boy with Green Hair" (1948), "The Sun Comes Up" (1949), "Rusty Saves a Life" (1949), "Mighty Joe Young" (1949), "Rusty's Birthday" (1949), and "The Happy Years" (1950). He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in the early 1950s. He continued his acting career on television with roles in episodes of "The Lone Ranger,” "Public Defender,” "The Loretta Young Show,” "Lux Video Theatre,” "The Stu Erwin Show,” "Waterfront,” "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” and "Men of Annapolis.” He starred as Chuck MacDonald in the comedy series "The Bob Cummings Show" from 1955 to 1959. He was subsequently cast in the lead role for "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" series, starring with Bob Denver as sidekick Maynard G. Krebs, from 1959 to 1963. He later reprised his role in the telefilms "Whatever Happened to Dobie Gillis?" (1977) and "Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis" (1988). Hickman also appeared in episodes of "The Greatest Show on Earth,” "Valentine's Day,” "Wagon Train,” "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show,” "The Tonight Show with Jack Paar,” "Combat!,” "Vacation Playhouse,” "Ironside,” "Insight,” "The Flying Nun,” "My Friend Tony,” "The Hollywood Squares,” "Mod Squad,” "Love, American Style,” "Karen,” "Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” "Match Game,” "You Don't Say,” "Ellery Queen,” "Super Password,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Hi Honey, I'm Home,” and "Clueless" in the recurring role of Tripp Mariens from 1996 to 1999. His other television credits include the telefilms "We'll Take Manhattan" (1967), "Missy's Men" (1968), "My Dog, the Thief" (1969), "Don't Push, I'll Charge When I'm Ready" (1971), "High School U.S.A." (1983), and "Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three Hour Tour in History" (2001). Hickman was the voice of Mr. Magoo's nephew in the 1959 animated film "1001 Arabian Nights.” He also appeared in the films "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!" (1958), the comedy western "Cat Ballou" (1965) as Jed, "Ski Party" (1965), "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" (1965), "Sergeant Dead Head" (1965), "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine" (1965) with Vincent Price,” "Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding!" (1967), "Cops n Roberts" (1995), "A Night at the Roxbury" (1998), and "Angels with Angles" (2005). He began directing for television in the late 1980s, helming episodes of "Duet,” "Charles in Charge,” "Open House,” "Designing Women,” "Get a Life,” "Head of the Class,” "Harry and the Hendersons,” and "Sister, Sister.” He was briefly entertainment director for Howard Hughes' Landmark Hotel in Las Vegas. He became an acclaimed artist of houses and landscapes. His autobiography, "Forever Dobie: The Many Lives of Dwayne Hickman,” was published in 1994. Hickman was married to actress Carol Christensen from 1963 until her death in 1972, and is survived by their son, Albert. He was married to Joanne Papile from 1977 until their divorce in 1981. He married actress Joan Roberts in 1983 and is also survived by her and their son, John.
Sally Ann Howes, 91 - December 19, 2021
British actress Sally Ann Howes died in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on December 19, 2021. Howes was born in St. John's Wood, London, England, on July 20, 1930. She was the daughter of comedian and variety star Bobby Howes and actress Patricia Malone. She performed on stage in school productions until being recommended for the juvenile role in the 1943 film "Thursday's Child.” She appeared in several more films for Ealing Studios as a child including "The Halfway House" (1944), the anthology horror film "Dead of Night" (1945) as Sally O'Hara, "Pink String and Sealing Wax" (1945), "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" (1947), "Anna Karenina" (1948), and "My Sister and I" (1948). She signed with the Rank Organisation in 1948. She continued to appear in such films as "The History of Mr. Polly" (1949), "Fools Rush In" (1949), "Stop Press Girl" (1949), and "Honeymoon Deferred" (1951). Howes began performing in musical theater, appearing in a stage production of "Fancy Free.” She also starred in a BBC production of "Cinderella" on television in 1950. She starred in the musical "Paint Your Wagon" in London's West End with her father, Bobby Howes, in 1953. Howes appeared frequently on television with roles in productions of "The Golden Year" (1951), "Bet Your Life" (1952), "Paint Your Wagon" (1954), "Romance in Candlelight" (1955), "The Gift of the Magi" (1958), "The Fifth Column" (1960), and "Jane Eyre" (1961). She hosted the 1961 special "Sally Ann Howes Variety Show.” She made her Broadway debut as a replacement for the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" from 1958 to 1959. She also appeared in productions of "Kwamina" (1961), the revival of "Brigadoon" (1963) earning a Tony Award nomination, and "What Makes Sammy Run?" (1964). She starred in a television version of "Brigadoon" in 1966. She was also seen in episodes of "Buick-Electra Playhouse,” "Sunday Showcase,” "Play of the Week,” "Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall,” "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,” "The Garry Moore Show,” "The United States Steel Hour,” "The Bell Telephone Hour,” "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” "Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre,” "The Voice of Firestone,” "Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium,” "I've Got a Secret,” "The Jack Paar Program,” "The Match Game,” "Password,” "To Tell the Truth,” "The Ed Sullivan Show,” "Journey into Fear,” "Mission: Impossible,” "Dream Girl of '67,” "The Dean Martin Show,” "Bracken's World,” "The Pat Boone Show,” "The Eamonn Andrews Show,” "You Don't Say,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "The Virginian,” "Marcus Welby, M.D.,” "The Hollywood Palace,” "The Joey Bishop Show,” "The Rosey Grier Show,” "This Is Tom Jones,” "The Hollywood Squares,” "The Mike Douglas Show,” "The Bob Braun Show,” "The Harry Secombe Show,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "The Good Old Days,” and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show.” She starred in the 1957 comedy film "Paradise Lagoon" (aka "The Admirable Crichton") with Kenneth More, and was Truly Scrumptious opposite Dick Van Dyke's Caractacus Potts in the 1968 fantasy "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Her final film was the 1980 horror feature "Death Ship.” Howes' other television credits include productions of "Prudence and the Chief" (1970), "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1972), "Female Artillery" (1973), "A Little Night Music" (1990), and "Secrets" (1992). She continued to perform on stage in England and the United States in productions of "The Sound of Music,” "The King and I,” and "A Little Night Music.” She premiered her one-woman show "From This Moment On" in 1990. Howes returned to Broadway to appear in the musical drama "James Joyce's The Dead" in 2000. She was married to Maxwell Coker from 1950 until their divorce in 1953. She was married to composer Richard Adler from 1958 until their divorce in 1966. She adopted his two sons, Andrew and Christopher, a Broadway lyricist who died in 1984. She was briefly married to Andrew Morgan Maree from 1969 until their divorce in 1970. Howes was married to Douglas Rae from 1972 until his death in September of 2021.
Jackie Lane, 79 - June 23, 2021
British actress Jackie Lane, who was featured as Dodo Chaplet, a companion to William Hartnell's "Doctor Who" in 1966, died in England on June 23, 2021. Lane was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England, on July 10, 1941. She aspired to be an actress from an early age. She studied with local drama groups and spent two years working with the Library Theatre in Manchester. Lane performed on BBC radio and was featured in a 1958 production of "Wonderful Things.” She was featured in a 1962 television production of "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" and starred as Rosemary Gray in the soap opera "Compact" in 1963. She also appeared in episodes of "Coronation Street,” "Juke Box Jury,” "The Protectors,” and "The Villains.” She was best known for her role as Dodo Chaplet who traveled time and space alongside the first Doctor, William Hartnell, in the popular science fiction series "Doctor Who.” Lane subsequently quit acting and operated an antiques store for several years. She later managed the voiceover agency Ad Voice until her retirement in 2000.
Georgie Jean LaRue, 93 - July 28, 2021
Child actress and singer Georgie Jean LaRue, who performed in a pair "Our Gang" shorts in 1937, died in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 18, 2021. LaRue was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 14, 1928. She performed as a singer and dancer with Jan Garber's orchestra as a child. She was cast by Hal Roach Studios to appear in the "Our Gang" comedy short "Reunion in Rhythm" (1937) when Spanky and the gang put on a musical revue. LaRue performs opposite Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer in the final number, singing "I'm Going to Hollywood.” She sings the number "That Foolish Feeling in My Heart" in "Our Gang Follies of 1936" (1937). She subsequently retired from show business. LaRue's second marriage was to pianist and arranger Ken Lane from the mid-1970s until his death in 1996.
Gunnel Lindblom, 89 - January 24, 2021
Swedish actress Gunnel Lindblom, who worked frequently with director Ingmar Bergman, died in Brottby, Sweden, on January 24, 2021. Lindblom was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, on December 18, 1931. She began performing on the local stage in her teens and joined the Gothenburg City Theatre Acting School in 1950. She made her film debut in Gustaf Molander's 1952 production of "Karlek.” She began working with director Ingmar Bergman at the Malmo City Theatre in 1953. Linblom appeared in many of Bergman's films including "The Seventh Seal" (1957), "The Virgin Spring" (1957), "Wild Strawberries" (1957), and "The Silence" (1963). Her other films include "Flickan i Regnet" (1955), "Krut Och Karlek" (1956), "The Song of the Scarlet Flower" (1956), "Good Friends and Faithful Neighbors" (1960), "Winter Light" (1963), "My Love Is Like a Rose" (1963), "Ar Du Inte Riktigt Klok?" (1964), "Loving Couples" (1964), "Rapture" (1965), "Dance of the Heron" (1966), "Hunger" (1966), "Yngsjomordet" (1966), "The Vicious Circle" (1967), "The Girls" (1968), "The Father" (1969), "Brother Carl" (1971), "Scenes from a Marriage" (1974), "Misfire" (1978), "Sally and Freedom" (1981), "Behind the Shutters" (1984), "Capita Escalaborns" (1991), "Expectations" (1997), "Passing Darkness" (2000), and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2009) as Isabella Vanger. She directed several films including "Paradistorg" (1977) produced by Bergman, "Sally and Freedom" (1981), and "Sommarkvallar Pa Jorden" (1987). She appeared on television in productions of "The Venetian" (1958), "Rabies" (1958), "Skuggornas Klubb" (1959), "Ovader Pa Sycamore Street" (1959), "Masen" (1959), "Den Respektfulla Skokan" (1960), "A Glass of Water" (1960), "Benjamin" (1960), "Brollopet Pa Seine" (1961), "Smutsiga Hander" (1963), "Och Har du en Ros..." (1963), "Miss Julie" (1965), "Onkel Vanja" (1967), "The Lie" (1970), "Scenes from a Marriage" (1973), "Offret" (1974), "Frihet ar det Basta Ting" (1974), "Trapatronerna" (1984), "Guldburen" (1991), "Hedda Gabler" (1993), "Kaspar i Nudadalen" (2001) as Isabell, "Spoksonaten" (2007), and "Millennium" (2010). Lindblom was married to physician Sture Helander from 1960 until their divorce in 1970, and they had three children together. She was married to Danish director Frederik Dessau from 1981 until their divorce in 1986.
Ann Miles, 81 - July 8, 2021
Actress and stuntwoman Ann Miles died in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on July 18, 2021. She was born Lorena Ann Eastham in Malvern, Arkansas, on February 10, 1940. She performed trick bareback riding in rodeos in her teens. She performed high dives on horseback from a forty-foot tower into a twenty-foot tank in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from 1958 to 1966. She appeared on the television series "What's My Line?,” "To Tell the Truth,” and "Who Do You Trust" during her appearances. She worked as a Playboy Bunny in New Orleans and New York City in the mid-1960s. She began performing on stage with the touring production of the musical "Carnival.” Miles also performed stunts on the hidden-camera series "Candid Camera" and the police drama "McCloud.” She worked as a model and appeared in commercials. She was Elaine May's stunt double in the 1969 film "A New Leaf" and appeared in 1972's "Rivals.” She appeared in the 1973 telefilm "Deadly Visitor.” She was the stunt double for Linda Blair's Regan MacNeil, performing the possessed girl's backbend spiderwalk down a flight of stairs, in William Friedkin's horror classic "The Exorcist" (1973). The scene was initially deleted, but was restored for the 2000 director's cut of the film. Miles subsequently graduated from the Wilfred Academy with a cosmetology license and became a hairstylist. She worked in the hair department for several Broadway productions and the 1980 film "Union City.” Her autobiography, "Spiderwalk: The High Life and Daring Stunts of a Small-Town Girl from Arkansas,” was released in 2018.
Yvette Mimieux, 80 - January 17, 2022
Actress Yvette Mimieux, who starred in the 1960 science fiction classic "The Time Machine,” died at her home in Los Angeles, California, on January 17, 2022. Mimieux was born in Los Angeles on January 8, 1942. Her father was an immigrant from France and her mother was born in Mexico. She worked as a model and was horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills when manager Jim Byron noticed her and suggested a career in movies. She took lessons in singing and dancing and performed in local theatre before signing a contract with MGM in 1959. She was seen on television in episodes of " Yancy Derringer,” "One Step Beyond,” and "Mr. Lucky.” She was featured in the 1960 film "Platinum High School" with Mickey Rooney. Mimieux starred as Weena, the naive Eloi girl of the future, in George Pal's "The Time Machine" (1960) opposite Rod Taylor. She starred with Connie Francis, Dolores Hart, and Paula Prentiss in 1960's "Where the Boys Are" and was mentally challenged Clara Johnson in 1962's "Light in the Piazza.” She was featured as the Princess in "The Dancing Princess" segment of George Pal's "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" (1962). Mimieux also appeared in the films "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1962), "Diamond Head" (1962), "Toys in the Attic" (1963) as the wife of Dean Martin's character, "Looking for Love" (1964), "Joy in the Morning" (1965), "The Reward" (1965), the Disney comedy "Monkeys, Go Home!" (1967), "The Caper of the Golden Bulls" (1967), "Dark of the Sun" (1968), "Three in the Attic" (1968), "The Picasso Summer" (1969), "The Delta Factor" (1970), "Skyjacked" (1972), "The Neptune Factor" (1973), "Jackson County Jail" (1976), the Disney science fiction film "The Black Hole" (1979), and "Circle of Power" (1981). Mimieux starred opposite Richard Chamberlain in a two-part episode of the television medical series "Dr. Kildare" in 1967, and was Vanessa Smith in the drama series "The Most Deadly Game" from 1970 to 1971. She starred in the telefilms "The Desperate Hours" (1967), "Death Takes a Holiday" (1971), "Black Noon" (1971), "Hit Lady" (1974) which she also wrote, "The Legend of Valentino" (1975) as Natacha Rambova, "Bell, Book and Candle" (1976), "Snowbeast" (1977), "Ransom for Alice!" (1977), "Outside Chance" (1978), "Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell" (1978), "Disaster on the Coastliner" (1979), "Forbidden Love" (1982), "Night Partners" (1983), "Obsessive Love" (1984) which she also produced and wrote, "The Fifth Missile" (1986), "Perry Mason: The Case of the Desperate Deception" (1990), and "Lady Boss" (1992). She starred as Shane Bradley in the department store drama "Berrenger's" in 1985 and appeared in episodes oof "The Love Boat" and "Lime Street.” Mimieux was a guest on the series "The Bob Hope Show,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "The Dick Cavett Show,” "The David Frost Show,” and "The Mike Douglas Show.” She largely retired from acting in the early 1990s. She later worked in real estate, traveled, painted, and studied archaeology. Mimieux married Evan Harland Engber in 1959 but kept the marriage secret from the public for two years. They later divorced. She was married to Stanley Donen from 1972 until their divorce in 1985. She married photographer and businessman Howard Ruby in 1986 and he survives her.
Sharyn Moffett, 85 - December 23, 2021
Child actress Sharyn Moffett, who appeared in the 1945 horror classic "The Body Snatchers,” died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 2021. Moffett was born in Alameda, California, on September 12, 1936. Her parents were singer Bob Moffett and dancer Gladyce Roberts. Her younger brother, Gregory Moffett, also became a child actor. Sharyn appeared with the Three Stooges in the 1942 short film "Even as IOU.” She starred as Gretchen Anstey in the 1944 film "My Pal Wolf" and was Georgina Marsh in 1945's "The Body Snatcher" with Boris Karloff. Her other films include "The Falcon in San Francisco" (1945), "A Boy, a Girl and a Dog" (1946), "Child of Divorce" (1946), "The Locket" (1946), "Banjo" (1947), "The Judge Steps Out" (1948), "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948) as the younger daughter of Cary Grant and Myrna Loy's characters, "Rusty Leads the Way" (1948), and "Her First Romance" (1951). Moffett moved to New York City in the early 1950s and made her final appearance in an episode of NBC's "Fireside Theatre" in 1955. She was married to James Forrest from 1955 until his death in 2011 and they served as church ministers for over fifty years. She is survived by their three children.
Doug Mossman, 88 - May 18, 2021
Actor Doug Mossman, who was featured as Moke in the early 1960s detective series "Hawaiian Eye,” died in Ewa, Hawaii, on May 2021. Mossman was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on April 7, 1933. He graduated from the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theater Arts in 1958. He was featured as Moke, the security guard, in the television series "Hawaiian Eye" from 1959 to 1963. He was featured in various roles in the "Hawaii Five-O" series from 1968 to 1979, notably in the recurring role of Detective Frank Kamana from 1974 to 1976. He also appeared in the 1970 telefilm "Lost Flight,” and episodes of "My Three Sons,” "The Brian Keith Show,” "The MacKenzies of Paradise Cove,” "The Jeffersons,” "Hart to Hart,” "Magnum, P.I.,” "Jake and the Fatman,” "One West Waikiki,” "Wind on Water,” "Hawaii,” and the reboot of "Hawaii Five-O" in 2011. Mossman also appeared in the films "I Sailed to Tahiti with an All Girl Crew" (1968) and "Inferno in Paradise" (1974). He was an entertainer and host for Chuck Machado's Luau at the Outrigger Waikiki from 1979 to 1990 and was general manager of Waikiki's IMAX Theaters from 1991 to 1999.
Scott Allen Nollen, 58 - August 13, 2021
Film historian Scott Allen Nollen died in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, on August 13, 2021. Nollen was born in Harlan, Iowa, on April 2, 1963. He was interested in films and literature from an early age. He was educated at the University of Iowa, earning a master's degree in 1988. He began writing articles and books about actors and films in the late 1970s. His numerous books include "The Boys: The Cinematic World of Laurel and Hardy" (1989), "Boris Karloff: A Critical Account of His Screen, Stage, Radio, Television and Recording Work" (1991), "Robert Louis Stevenson: Life, Literature and the Silver Screen" (1994), "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at the Cinema: A Critical Study of the Film Adaptations" (1996), "Boris Karloff: A Gentleman's Life" (1999), "Robin Hood: A Cinematic History of the English Outlaw and His Scottish Counterparts" (1999), "Jethro Tull: A History of the Band, 1968-2001" (2001), "The Cinema of Sinatra: The Actor, on Screen and in Song" (2003), "Louis Armstrong: The Life, Music and Film Career" (2004), "Warners Wiseguys: All 112 Films that Robinson, Cagney and Bogart Made for the Studio" (2007), "Abbott and Costello on the Home Front: A Critical Study of the Wartime Films" (2009), "Jilly! Sinatra's Right Hand Man" (2009), "Paul Robeson: Film Pioneer" (2010), "Three Bad Men: John Ford, John Wayne, Ward Bond" (2013), "Black Diamond: The Real Illusion" (2013), "Glenda Farrell: Hollywood's Hardboiled Dame" (2014), "The Making and Influence of 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang'" (2016), "Takashi Shimura: Chameleon of Japanese Cinema" (2019) and, with his wife, Yuyun Yuningsih Nollen, "Chester Morris: His Life and Career" (2019). He produced, directed, and starred in the 2005 independent film "Lofty,” and co-scripted the documentary films "Kreating Karloff" (2006) and "Finnigan's War" (2013). He was a federal archivist, filmmaker, and lecturer for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) from 1991. He contributed to the National Film Registry website from 2014. He married Yuyun Yuningsih in 2017 and settled in Bandung, West Java, with her and his stepson.
Erin O’Brien, 87 - May 20, 2021
Actress and singer Erin O'Brien died in Seattle, Washington, on May 20, 2021. O'Brien was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 17, 1934. She sang with the Long Beach Philharmonic as a child and performed with the local "Al Jarvis Show" on television for three years. She won first prize on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts" on CBS and soon began performing regularly on Steve Allen's "The Tonight Show" in 1956. She entertained the troops with Bob Hope's USO tour in 1957. She also sang on the variety series "The Ray Anthony Show,” "The George Gobel Show,” "The Frank Sinatra Show,” "The Eddie Fisher Show,” "The Bob Hope Show,” "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show,” "The Liberace Show,” "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” and "The Mike Douglas Show.” O'Brien also embarked on an acting career, appearing in episodes of "Colt .45,” "Cheyenne,” "Sugarfoot,” the "77 Sunset Strip" pilot "Girl on the Run" in 1958, "Maverick,” "The Bob Cummings Show,” "The United States Steel Hour,” "Five Fingers,” "Tombstone Territory,” "Death Valley Days,” "The Aquanauts,” "Bat Masterson,” "The Asphalt Jungle,” "Laramie,” "King of Diamonds,” "Perry Mason,” and "The Danny Kaye Show.” She was featured in several films including "Onionhead" (1958) opposite Andy Griffith, "John Paul Jones" (1959), and "In Like Flint" (1967). She retired from the screen in the late 1960s. O'Brien was married to Jimmy Fitzgerald from 1951 until their divorce in 1963, and is survived by their three sons. She is also survived by her second husband, Iraqi-born actor Kanan Awni, whom she married in 1964, and their two daughters.
Denis O'Dell, 98 - December 30, 2021
British film producer Denis O'Dell, who produced the Beatles' 1964 film "A Hard Day's Night,” died at his home in Almeria, Spain, on December 30, 2021. He began working in films in the 1940s and was an assistant director for "Adventure for Two" (1943), "The Lamp Still Burns" (1943), "On Approval" (1944), "So Well Remembered" (1947), "So Evil My Love" (1948), "Woman Hater" (1948), "The Perfect Woman" (1949), "The Gay Lady" (1949), "Diamond City" (1949), "They Were Not Divided" (1950), "The Inheritance" (1950), "Tom Brown's Schooldays" (1951), "Valley of the Eagles" (1951), "A Christmas Carol" (1951), "The Frightened Bride" (1952), "The Hundred Hour Hunt" (1952), "Mother Riley Meets the Vampire" (aka "Vampire Over London") (1952) starring Bela Lugosi, "The Pickwick Papers" (1952), "Wicked Wife" (1953), "The Adventures of Sadie" (1953), "Svengali" (1954), "The Lady" (1955), "The Prisoner" (1955), and "Desert Patrol" (1958). He served as an associate producer for the films "It's a Wonderful Life" (1956), "The Ship Was Loaded" (1957), "Strange Affection" (1957), "Tread Softly Stranger" (1958), "The Playboy of the Western World" (1962), and "The Long Ships" (1964). He was also producer for the 1959 television adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the television series "Rendezvous" from 1959 to 1961. O'Dell began his association with the Beatles when he was associate producer for their 1964 film "A Hard Day's Night.” He also produced the 1967 comedy film "How I Won the War" starring John Lennon and the Beatles’ 1967 telefilm "Magical Mystery Tour.” O'Dell produced other films including "The Bedford Incident" (1965), "Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die" (1966), "The Deadly Affair" (1967), "Petulia" (1968), "The Magic Christian" (1969), "The Offence" (1973), "Juggernaut" (1974), "Royal Flash" (1975), "Robin and Marian" (1976), "The Ritz" (1976), "Cuba" (1979), and "Heaven's Gate" (1980). O'Dell largely moved to Spain by the early 1980s. He was credited as a supervising producer for Peter Jackson's 2021 three-part documentary series "The Beatles: Get Back.” O'Dell is survived by his wife, Donna, two daughters and two sons.
Patti Palmer, 99 - January 15, 2021
Singer Patti Palmer, the first wife of comedian Jerry Lewis, died in a nursing home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 15, 2021. She was born Esther Calonico on November 20, 1921. Palmer met Lewis while performing as a singer with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra in the 1950s. She also performed with the Ted Fio Rito orchestra. Palmer appeared on television in episodes of "The Colgate Comedy Hour,” "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” and "The Wayne and Shuster Hour.” She and Lewis were married from 1955 until their divorce in 1980. She is survived by five of their sons, Gary, Ronald, Scott, Christopher, and Anthony. Another son, Joseph, died in 2009.
Ina Poindexter, 89 - August 3, 2021
Actress Ina Poindexter died in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 3, 2021. She was born Ina Claire Klutts in Covington, Tennessee, on February 7, 1932. She was crowned Miss Tipton County in 1946 and later modeled for a local department store. She moved to Los Angeles to visit an old high school friend, actress Leigh Snowden, after the death of her husband, Clarence Poindexter, in an automobile accident in 1955. She took acting classes and appeared on stage with the Pasadena Playhouse. She was named a WAMPAS Baby Star of 1955 and appeared in a small role in the 1956 film "Giant.” She was also seen on television in episodes of "The Colgate Comedy Hour,” "My Favorite Husband,” and "The Millionaire.” She left acting and returned to Tennessee following her marriage to Barret Ashley in 1958. She settled in Dyersburg until his death in 2004. She was also predeceased by her son from her first marriage, Tarry Poindexter, in 2011. She is survived by a daughter from her first marriage and two daughters with Ashley.
Sidney Poitier, 94 - January 6, 2022
Iconic actor Sidney Poitier, who in 1964 became the first black leading actor to earn an Academy Award, died of complications from prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 6, 2022. Poitier was born in Miami, Florida, on February 20, 1927. His parents were Bahamian farmers who lived on Cat Island and were in Miami on business when Poitier was born. He was raised on Cat Island and returned to the United States in his teens. He soon moved to New York City where he worked at various jobs while aspiring to be an actor. He joined the U.S. Army from 1943, working with psychiatric patients at a Veteran's Administration hospital. He was discharged for medical reasons in 1944. Poitier was rejected by the American Negro Theatre in his first audition due to his accent and script-reading abilities. He worked for several years on changing his speech patterns, modeling them after radio announcer Norman Brokenshire. He made his Broadway debut in the short-lived production of "Lysistrata" in 1946 and was featured in the revival of "Anna Lucasta" in 1947. He made his credited film debut in 1950's "No Way Out” as Dr. Luther Brooks, who treats a bigoted white criminal played by Richard Widmark. He appeared on television in episodes of "CBS Television Workshop,” "Omnibus,” "Pons Theater,” and "The Philco Television Playhouse.” He continued to appear in such films as the film adaptation of Alan Paton's "Cry, the Beloved Country" (1951), "Red Ball Express" (1952), "Go Man Go" (1954), "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "Good-bye, My Lady" (1956), "Edge of the City" (1957), "Something of Value" (1957), "Band of Angels" (1957), "The Mark of the Hawk" (1957), and "Our Virgin Island" (1958). He and Tony Curtis starred as two escaped convicts chained together in Stanley Kramer's "The Defiant Ones" in 1958, earning both men nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He starred with Dorothy Dandridge in the 1959 film adaptation of "Porgy and Bess.” Poitier returned to Broadway to star in "A Raisin in the Sun" in 1959 and earned a Tony Award nomination. He reprised the role of Walter Lee Younger in the 1961 film version. He appeared in the films "All the Young Men" (1960), "Paris Blues" (1961), and "Pressure Point" (1963). His role as Homer Smith, an ex-soldier who helps a group of nuns build a chapel, in the 1963 film "Lilies of the Field" earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, becoming the first black actor to receive the award. Poitier was also seen in the films "The Long Ships" (1964), the Biblical epic "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965), "The Bedford Incident" (1965), "The Slender Thread" (1965), "A Patch of Blue" (1965) with Elizabeth Hartman and Shelley Winters, and the western "Duel at Diablo" (1966) with James Garner. He starred as a school teacher Mark Thackeray in London's East End in 1967's "To Sir with Love.” He was Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs, investigating a murder in Mississippi with a bigoted Southern police chief played by Rod Steiger in 1967's "In the Heat of the Night.” He reprised the role in the sequels "They Call Me Mister Tibbs!" (1970) and "The Organization" (1971). Poitier also starred in the 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" as the fiancé of a young white woman who is invited to meet her parents, played by Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. He directed the 1968 Broadway production of "Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights.” He provided the original story and starred in the 1968 film "For Love of Ivy" and was a black revolutionary in the 1969 film "The Lost Man" opposite Joanna Shimkus, who later became his wife. He starred as the otherworldly John Kane in the 1971 film "Brother John,” and also served as executive producer. Poitier made his film directorial debut and starred in the title role of the 1972 western film "Buck and the Preacher" with Harry Belafonte and Ruby Dee. He directed and appeared in the films "A Warm December" (1973), "Uptown Saturday Night" (1974) with Bill Cosby and Harry Belafonte, and "Let's Do It Again" (1975) and "A Piece of the Action" (1977) both with Cosby. He also directed the films "Stir Crazy" (1980) starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, "Hanky Panky" (1982), "Fast Forward" (1985), and "Ghost Dad" (1990) starring Cosby. He also appeared in the films "The Wilby Conspiracy" (1975), "Shoot to Kill" (1988), "Little Nikita" (1988), "Sneakers" (1992) with Robert Redford, and "The Jackal" (1997). Poitier earned Emmy Award nominations for his role as Thurgood Marshall in the 1991 mini-series "Separate But Equal" and as Nelson Mandela in 1997's " Mandela and de Klerk.” He also appeared in television productions of "Children of the Dust" (1995), "To Sir, with Love II" (1996) reprising his role as Mark Thackeray, "Free of Eden" (1998), "David and Lisa" (1998), "The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn" (1999), and "The Last Brickmaker in America" (2001). Poitier was a guest on the television programs "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” "ABC Stage 67,” "The Joey Bishop Show,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "Soul!,” "The Dick Cavett Show,” "The New Bill Cosby Show,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "The Mike Douglas Show,” "Good Morning America,” "The Oprah Winfrey Show,” "Larry King Live,” "Tavis Smiley,” and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!.” He was recipient of a 2001 Grammy Award for his spoken word album "The Measure of a Man" and was given an Honorary Academy Award in 2001 for his overall contribution to American cinema. He was recipient of the Kennedy Center Honor in 1995 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2009. He was a dual citizen of the United States and the Bahamas and served as Bahamas' ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2007. He was author of three autobiographical books, "This Life" (1980), "The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography" (2000), and "Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter" (2008). He wrote the 2013 suspense novel "Montaro Caine.” Poitier was married to Juanita Hardy from 1950 until their divorce in 1965, and is survived by their four daughters. He had a relationship with actress Diahann Carroll for almost a decade before marrying actress Joanna Shimkus in 1976. He is also survived by her and their two children.
Norma Pratt, 90 - August 19, 2021
Actress Norma Pratt, who was featured in the 1984 cult classic "The Toxic Avenger,” died in Bridgewater, New Jersey, on August 19, 2021. She was born Norma L. Hoch in Newark, New Jersey, on September 16, 1930. She performed frequently on the local stage. She appeared in a handful of films in the 1980s including "Under the Rainbow" (1981), "Stuck on You!" (1982), "The Survivors" (1984), and Troma's "The Toxic Avenger" (1984) as Mrs. Haskell. Pratt also appeared in the 1992 telefilm "Fool's Fire.” She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ralph Pratt, and three sons.
Lois Ranson, 99 - July 4, 2021
Actress Lois Ranson, who appeared in a handful of films in the early 1940s, died on July 4, 2021. Ranson was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 7, 1921. She began her film career in the late 1930s, appearing in small roles in "Winter Carnival" (1939) and "What a Life" (1939) starring Jackie Cooper as Henry Aldrich. She signed with Republic Pictures soon after and starred as Betty Higgins in the 1939 comedy "Money to Burn" with James Gleason and Lucile Gleason. She continued in the role in three more Higgins Family comedies, "Grandpa Goes to Town" (1940), "Earl of Puddlestone" (1940), and "Meet the Missus" (1940). Ranson also appeared in the films "The Crooked Road" (1940), "Grand Ole Opry" (1940), "Under Texas Skies" (1940), "Friendly Neighbors" (1940), "Cheers for Miss Bishop" (1941), "Petticoat Politics" (1941), "Angels with Broken Wings" (1941), and "Pierre of the Plains" (1942). Ranson's final film appearance was opposite Buster Crabbe (as Billy the Kid) in the PRC western "The Renegade.” She subsequently abandoned her film career.
John Richardson, 86 - January 5, 2021
British actor John Richardson, who starred in the cult Hammer films "She" and "One Million Years B.C.,” died from complications of COVID-19 in England on January 5, 2021. Richardson was born in Worthing, Sussex, England, on January 19, 1934. He began performing on stage in repertory companies after serving in the Merchant Navy. He appeared in small roles in the films "A Night to Remember" (1958), "Bachelor of Hearts" (1958), "The Captain's Table" (1959), "Operation Amsterdam" (1959), "The 39 Steps" (1959), "Sapphire" (1959), "The Heart of a Man" (1959), and "The League of Gentlemen" (1960). He starred as Dr. Andreas Gorobec opposite Barbara Steele in Mario Bava's classic Italian horror thriller "Black Sunday" in 1960, and was featured in the 1961 swashbuckler "Pirates of Tortuga.” He returned to England to appear in small roles in "Tender Is the Night" (1962) and "Lord Jim" (1965). Richardson starred as Leo Vincey in the 1965 Hammer fantasy "She" with Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, and Christopher Lee. He was Killikrates in the 1968 feature "The Vengeance of She" starring Olinka Berova in the title role. He co-starred with Raquel Welch in Hammer's 1966 prehistoric hit "One Million Years B.C.” He returned to Italy where he appeared in spaghetti westerns and thrillers. His credits include "The Tough One" (1966), "On My Way to the Crusades, I Met a Girl Who..." (1967), "John the Bastard" (1967), "Encrucijada Para una Monja" (1967), "Execution" (1968), "A Candidate for a Killing" (1969), "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" (1970) with Barbra Streisand during a brief foray in Hollywood, "Frankenstein '80" (1972), "Torso" (1973), "Anna: The Pleasure, the Torment" (1973), "The Tree with Pink Leaves" (1974), "La Bellissima Estate" (1974), Umberto Lenzi's horror film "Eyeball" (1975), "Reflections in Black" (1975), "Duck in Orange Sauce" (1975), "4 Billion in 4 Minutes" (1976), "Nine Guests for a Crime" (1977), "Canne Mozze" (1977), Alfonso Brescia's science fiction feature "Cosmos: War of the Planets" (1977), "Battle of the Stars" (1978), "Paradiso Blu" (1980), "Happy Birthday, Harry" (1980), "Murder Syndrome" (1981), "Scuola di Ladri - Parte Seconda" (1987), and Michele Soavi's horror film "The Church" (1989). He retired from acting in the 1980s and had a successful career as a photographer. Richardson was married to actress Martine Beswick from 1967 until their divorce in 1973.
Jimmie Rodgers, 87 - January 18, 2021
Singer Jimmie Rodgers, who was noted for the hit songs "Honeycomb" and "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine,” died of complications from kidney disease in Palm Desert, California, on January 19, 2021. Rodgers was born in Camas, Washington, on September 18, 1933. He learned to play the piano and guitar as a child and soon began performing locally. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He joined violinist Phil Clark's band the Melodies while stationed in Nashville. He was a winning contestant on Arthur Godfrey’s television talent show. He soon signed a recording contract with Roulette Records. He scored a major hit with his 1957 recording of "Honeycomb" and continued with such popular songs as "Kisses Sweeter than Wine,” "Oh-Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again,” "Secretly,” "Are You Really Mine,” and a version of "Waltzing Matilda” over the next two years. In 1960, he left Roulette for Dot Records following a financial dispute. Rodgers was a popular television guest, performing on such variety programs as "The Arthur Murray Party,” "Shower of Stars,” "The Eddie Fisher Show,” "The Gisele MacKenzie Show,” "The Big Record,” "The Red Skelton Hour,” "The Ed Sullivan Show,” "The Bob Crosby Show,” "Juke Box Jury,” "Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall,” "The Patti Page Oldsmobile Show,” "The George Burns Show,” "The Milton Berle Show,” "This Is Your Life,” "The Garry Moore Show,” "The Voice of Firestone,” "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show," "About Faces,” "The Dick Clark Show,” "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,” "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show,” "The Lawrence Welk Show,” "The Ray Anthony Show,” "Hootenanny,” "The Steve Allen Playhouse,” "The Linkletter Show,” "Bandstand,” "Shindig!,” "Hollywood a Go Go,” "The Clay Cole Show,” "Swingin' Country,” "Where the Action Is,” "The Lloyd Thaxton Show,” "Pat Boone in Hollywood,” "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” "American Bandstand,” "The Joey Bishop Show," "The John Gary Show,” "The Carol Burnett Show,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "Kraft Music Hall,” "Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters,” "The Andy Williams Show,” "The Johnny Cash Show,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "The Des O'Connor Show,” "The Everly Brothers Show,” "The Mike Douglas Show, "The David Frost Show,” "The Midnight Special,” "Sha Na Na,” and "Hee Haw.” He was host of "The Jimmie Rodgers Show" in 1959 and "The Folk World of Jimmie Rodgers" from 1963 to 1965. Rodgers was featured in an episode of the television crime drama "Checkmate" in 1961, and appeared in the films "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" (1961) and "Back Door to Hell" (1964). His career suffered a major blow when he suffered traumatic head injuries on December 1, 1967, when the car he was driving in Los Angeles was stopped by an off-duty police officer. He had a fractured skull which required several surgeries. His injuries were initially attributed to a beating with a blunt instrument but the officer claimed that Rodgers was pulled over for erratic driving, and hit his head after a fall. He sued the City of Los Angeles for $11 million, claiming that he had been beaten by the police. He eventually accepted a $200,000 settlement from the Los Angeles City Council to avoid further court action. Rodgers’ career never recovered following his injuries. He made a brief return to television as host of a summer variety series in 1969. He largely retired by the end of the decade and made rare public performances. His voice continued to be heard in the 1970s when his earlier hits were used in jingles for Honeycomb breakfast cereal and SpaghettiOs. He wrote his autobiography, "Dancing on the Moon: The Jimmie Rodgers Story,” in 2010. He was married to Colleen McClatchey from 1957 until their divorce in 1969 and is survived by their two children. He was married to Trudy Ann Buck from 1970 until their divorce in 1978, and is survived by their two children. He married Mary Louise Biggerstaff in 1978 and is also survived by her and their daughter.
Jeanine Ann Roose, 84 - December 31, 2021
Child actress Jeanine Ann Roose, who as featured in the 1946 film classic "It's a Wonderful Life,” died of an abdominal infection in Valley Village, California, on December 31, 2021. Roose was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 24, 1937. She began her career at the age of eight as Little Alice Harris on "The Jack Benny Program" on radio in 1945. She was also featured as the character on radio's "The Fitch Bandwagon" and "The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show" from 1946 to 1954. Her other radio credits include the "Lux Radio Theatre" production of "I Remember Mama" and an episode of "Mr. President.” Roose made her sole film appearance as young Violet Bick, who is played by Gloria Grahame as an adult, in the 1946 holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" starring James Stewart. She left show business after attending the University of California at Los Angeles. She later worked as a Jungian psychoanalyst and was author of the 1976 book "Behavioral Systems and Nursing.” She married Dr. Eugene Auger in 1964 and they later divorced. Roose was subsequently married to Dr. James Silber until his death in 2010. She is survived by her son from her first marriage.
Richard Rush, 91 - April 8, 2021
Film director Richard Rush, who received an Oscar nomination for his work on the 1980 film "The Stunt Man,” died in Los Angeles, California, on April 8, 2021. Rush was born in New York City on April 15, 1929. He graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles' film program. He worked for the U.S. military to produce television programs to support the country's involvement in Korea. He then opened a production company to create commercials and industrial films. He sold his company to finance his first feature film, "Too Soon to Love" in 1960. He continued to make such films as "Of Love and Desire" (1963), the spy spoof "A Man Called Dagger" (1966), the biker film "Hells Angels on Wheels" (1967) starring Jack Nicholson, "Thunder Alley" (1967), "The Fickle Finger of Fate" (aka "The Cups of San Sebastian") (1967), "Psych-Out" (1968), and "The Savage Seven" (1968). He directed the 1970 film “Getting Straight,” starring Elliott Gould and Candice Bergen, for Columbia, and the buddy cop film "Freebie and the Bean" (1974). His next film, "The Stunt Man" (1980), starred Peter O'Toole and Steve Railsback and earned Rush Academy Award nominations for his direction and screenplay. He scripted the 1990 film "Air America,” though Roger Spottiswoode served as director. Rush's final film, the 1994 erotic thriller "Color of Night,” starred Bruce Willis. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Claude Roberts, and a son, Anthony.
Robert Sacchi, 89 - June 23, 2021
Actor Robert Sacchi, whose resemblance to Humphrey Bogart earned him roles in films and television, died at a hospital in Sherman Oaks, California, on June 23, 2021. Sacchi was born in Rome, Italy, on March 27, 1932. He came to the United States with his family as an infant, settling in the Bronx, New York. He attended Iona College and earned a master's degree from New York University. He began his film career in the early 1970s with roles in "The French Sex Murders" (1972), "Pulp" (1972), "Across 110th Street" (1972), and "Shhh" (1975). His resemblance to Bogart led to his performance as the film icon in touring productions of Woody Allen's play "Play It Again, Sam" in the early 1970s. He starred as Sam Marlow in the 1980 film "The Man with Bogart's Face.” His other films, often as Bogart or a lookalike, include "E. Nick: A Legend in His Own Mind" (1984), "Funland" (1987), "Another Chance" (1988), "Cold Heat" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990), "The Erotic Adventures of the Three Musketeers" (1992), "The Naked Truth" (1992), and "Blast from the Past" (1999). He appeared on television in episodes of "Fantasy Island,” "Sledge Hammer!,” "Simon & Simon,” "Rin Tin Tin: K-9 Cop,” "Burke's Law,” "Tales from the Crypt,” "Pointman,” "Cybill,” and "Oh Baby.” Sacchi also impersonated Bogart in advertisements and in Phil Collins’ 1990 music video for "I Wish It Would Rain Down.” He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peruvian artist Angela De Hererera, and their two children. He is also survived by six children from his previous marriage.
Mort Sahl, 94 - October 26, 2021
Comedian Mort Sahl, who was noted for his social and political satire, died at his home in Mill Valley, California, on October 26, 2021. Sahl was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 11, 1927. He later moved to Los Angeles with his family and wrote for the high school newspaper. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating, although he had difficulty adjusting to military authority. He was discharged in 1947 and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1950. He tried to start a career as a stand-up comic in the early 1950s but had little success. He was co-founder of an experimental theater, writing and staging one-act plays, but was unable to develop enough of an audience to sustain it. He moved to Berkeley, California, with a girlfriend where he began performing comedy routines at the hungry i nightclub. His satirical style earned him good reviews and growing audiences and he was soon performing at clubs around the country. His acts were of a more improvisational nature than many of his contemporary comedians who preferred well-rehearsed routines. He made his television debut with a spot on "The Tonight Show" in 1955. He was also a guest on such variety and talk shows as "The NBC Comedy Hour,” "The George Gobel Show,” "The Eddie Fisher Show,” "The Big Party,” "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show,” "What's My Line,” "The Mort Sahl Show" special in 1961, "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” "The Jerry Lewis Show,” "That Was the Week That Was,” "Missing Links,” "The Match Game" "The Regis Philbin Show,” "The Ed Sullivan Show,” "ABC's Nightlife,” "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” "The Hollywood Palace,” "The Hollywood Squares,” "The Joey Bishop Show,” "Allen Ludden's Gallery,” "The Irv Kupcinet Show,” "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,” "Playboy After Dark,” "The David Frost Show,” "The Dick Cavett Show,” "The Helen Reddy Show,” "The Dean Martin Show,” "Celebrity Sweepstakes,” "The Mike Douglas Show,” "Dinah!,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "Late Night with David Letterman,” "D.C. Follies,” and "Tavis Smiley.” Sahl acted in several films including "In Love and War" (1958), "All the Young Men" (1960), "Johnny Cool" (1963), "Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding!" (1967), "Don't Make Waves" (1967), the telefilm "Inside the Third Reich" (1982), "Nothing Lasts Forever" (1984), and "Max Rose" (2013). He was also featured on television in episodes of "Pursuit,” "Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” "Playhouse 90,” Boris Karloff's "Thriller,” the "ABC Stage 67" production of "The People Trap,” "Ironside,” "Love, American Style,” "Emergency!,” and "The Snoop Sisters.” Sahl became one of the first comedians to record a comedy album, "Mort Sahl at Sunset,” in 1955. He was co-host of "The 31st Annual Academy Awards" in 1959 and also hosted the first Grammy Awards ceremony. He was featured on the cover of "Time" magazine and the subject of an article in "The New Yorker.” He also wrote jokes for President John Kennedy in the early 1960s. The aftermath of Kennedy's assassination in 1963 damaged Sahl's career when he began promoting conspiracy theories during his comedy routines. He staged something of a comeback in the 1970s. He performed on off-Broadway in the one-man show "Mort Sahl's America,” and was the subject of the documentary film "Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition" in 1989. Sahl's autobiography, "Heartland,” was published in 1976. He was the subject of James Curtis' 2017 biography "Last Man Standing: Mort Sahl and the Birth of Modern Comedy.” Sahl was married to Sue Babior from 1955 until their divorce in 1957. He was married to "Playboy" model and actress China Lee from 1967 until their divorce in 1991. Their son, Mort Sahl, Jr., died in 1996. He was married to Kenslea Ann Motter from 1997 until their divorce in 2009.
Paul Salata, 94 - October 16, 2021
Football player and actor Paul Salata died in Newport Beach, California, on October 16, 2021. Salata was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 17, 1926. He played football in college with the University of Southern California. He played professional football with the San Francisco 49ers from 1949 to 1950 and the Baltimore Colts in 1950. He played in Canada with the Calgary Stampederes in 1952 and the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1953. He worked in construction after retiring from football. Salata also appeared in small roles in numerous films including "Father Was a Fullback" (1949), "Angels in the Outfield" (1951), "Just This Once" (1952), "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), "Stalag 17" (1953), "The Kid from Left Field" (1953), "The Egyptian" (1954), "The Desperate Hours" (1955), "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "The Joker Is Wild" (1957), "Omar Khayyam" (1957), "The Sad Sack" (1957), "The Buccaneer" (1958), "The Hangman" (1959), "Don't Give Up the Ship" (1959), "Heller in Pink Tights" (1960), and "Blueprint for Robbery" (1961). He was featured on television in an episode of "The Rebel" in 1960.
Stephen Sondheim, 91 - November 26, 2021
Composer Stephen Sondheim, whose works include the musicals "West Side Story,” "Company,” and "Sweeney Todd,” died of cardiovascular disease in Roxbury, Connecticut, on November 26, 2021. Sondheim was born in New York City on March 22, 1930. He studied piano and organ and as a child wrote a musical while in high school. He also studied musical theatre with family friend Oscar Hammerstein II. He continued to study music at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1950. He subsequently trained with composer Milton Babbitt in New York City. He scripted episodes of the television comedy series "Topper" in 1953 and composed incidental music for the Broadway play "The Girls of Summer" in 1956. Sondheim wrote the lyrics for Leonard Bernstein's score for the hit 1957 musical "West Side Story.” He was also lyricist for Jule Styne on "Gypsy" in 1959. He provided music and lyrics for the hit comedy "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in 1962. He had less success with the short-lived 1964 musical "Anyone Can Whistle.” He contributed lyrics for Richard Rodgers' music for "Do I Hear a Waltz?" in 1965. He wrote both music and lyrics for subsequent Broadway productions and earned Tony Awards for his scores for "Company" (1970), "Follies" (1971), "A Little Night Music" (1973), and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (1979). Sondheim received additional Tony nominations for "Pacific Overtures" (1975), "Merrily We Roll Along" (1981), and "Sunday in the Park with George" (1984) sharing the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama with James Lapine. He also earned Tonys for scoring "Into the Woods" (1988) and "Passion" (1994). He also scored the musicals "Assassins" (1990) and "Bounce" (2003). His songs were featured in several stage revues including "Side by Side by Sondheim" (1976), "Putting It Together" (1992), and "Sondheim on Sondheim" (2010). He also wrote the non-musical film mystery "The Last of Sheila" (1973) and the play "Getting Away with Murder" (1996). He wrote several songs for the 1990 film "Dick Tracy" and received an Academy Award for "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man).” He received numerous Grammy Award nominations during his career and was recipient of eight Grammys. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1983 and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993. Sondheim was recipient of a Tony Special Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008. He wrote two volumes of autobiographies that collected his lyrics, "Finishing the Hat: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes" (2010) and "Look, I Made a Hat: Collected Lyrics (1981-2011) with Attendant Comments, Amplifications, Dogmas, Harangues, Digressions, Anecdotes and Miscellany" (2011). He was subject of the 2013 HBO documentary "Six by Sondheim.” He was named to the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2014 and was recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Sondheim married Jeffrey Romley in 2017 and he survives him.
D.J. Sullivan, 86 - December 23, 2021
Actress D.J. Sullivan, who was noted for her role in the "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!" films, died at a care home in San Diego, California, on December 23, 2021. She was born Donna Jean Sullivan in Spokane, Washington, on November 14, 1935. She trained as an actor and singer in her youth and performed in plays while in high school. She married in the early 1950s and moved to San Diego with her husband in 1956, where they had three children. Her interest in pursuing a career in acting soon ended the marriage. She began performing on stage with San Diego's Old Globe Theater. She was soon appearing in commercials and worked in the office of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists labor union. She trained young actors at the San Diego Junior Theatre and her own Sullivan Players. She was featured as Mrs. Williams in the 1978 cult comedy horror film "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!” She also appeared in the sequels "Return of the Killer Tomatoes!" (1988), "Killer Tomatoes Strike Back!" (1991), and "Killer Tomatoes Eat France!" (1992). Sullivan's other films include "Going Ape!" (1981) and "Happy Hour" (1986). She appeared on television in the telefilms "Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby" (1976), "In the Deep Woods" (1992), "Accidental Meeting" (1994), and "Wounded Heart" (1998). She was also seen in episodes of "Dallas,” "Murder, She Wrote,” "Renegade,” "Vanishing Son,” "Pensacola: Wings of Gold,” "Cover Me: Based on the True Life of an FBI Family,” and "Point Pleasant.” Sullivan suffered from declining health in her later years and retired from acting and teaching in 2015. She is survived by her three children.
Bertrand Tavernier, 79 - March 25, 2021
French film director Bertrand Tavernier died of complications from pancreatitis in Sainte-Maxime, France, on March 25, 2021. Tavernier was born in Lyon, France, on April 25, 1941. He was interested in cinema from an early age. He worked as an assistant director for the 1960 short "Wen Kummert's?" and the features "Maciste, Gladiator di Sparta" (1964) and "A Question of Honour" (1966). Tavernier directed segments of the films "Les Baisers" (1964) and "Chance at Love" (1964). He directed and frequently wrote numerous films including "The Clockmaker of St. Paul" (1974) the first of several starring Philippe Noiret, "Let Joy Reign Supreme" (1975), "The Judge and the Assassin" (1976), "Spoiled Children" (1977), the 1980 science fiction "Death Watch" starring Romy Schneider and Harvey Keitel, "A Week's Holiday" (1980), "Coup de Torchon" (1981), "A Sunday in the Country" (1984), "'Round Midnight" (1986) starring jazz musician Dexter Gordon, "Beatrice" (1987), "Life and Nothing But" (1989) winning a BAFTA Award, "Daddy Nostalgia" (1990), "Lest We Forget" (1991), "L.627" (1992), "Revenge of the Musketeers" (1994), "Fresh Bait" (1995), "Captain Conan" (1996), "It All Starts Today" (1999), "Safe Conduct" (2002), "Holy Lola" (2004), "In the Electric Mist" (2009), "The Princess of Montpensier" (2010), and "The French Minister" (2013). He also helmed the documentaries "Philippe Soupault" (1982), "Mississippi Blues" (1983), "Lyon, Inside Out" (1988), "The Undeclared War" (1992), "The Other Side of the Tracks" (1997), "Les Enfants de Thies" (2001), and "Histoires de Vies Brisees: Les 'Double Peine' de Lyon" (2001). Tavernier directed the television documentary series "Journeys Through French Cinema" in 2017. He was also noted as a film critic and historian, writing reviews for "Cahiers du Cinema,” "Positif,” and "Cinema.” He co-wrote the encyclopedic "30 ans de Cinema Americain" in 1970 with Jean-Pierre Coursodon, which was updated in 1991 to include 50 years of American films. He wrote the interview books "Amis Americains" (2008) and "Le Cinema Dans le Sang" (aka "Cinema in the Blood") (2014). He was married to screenwriter Claudine “Colo” O'Hagan from 1965 until their divorce in 1981. He is survived by their son, actor and director Nils Tavernier, and daughter, novelist and screenwriter Tiffany Tavernier. He married Sarah Thibau in 2005 and she also survives him.
Mikis Theodorakis, 96 - September 2, 2021
Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, who scored the films "Zorba the Greek" and "Z,” died of heart problems at his home in Athens, Greece, on September 2, 2021. Theodorakis was born on the Greek island of Chios on July 29, 1925. He was interested in music as a child and taught himself to write songs. He later studied music in Patras and Pyrgos and gave his first concert in 1942. He went to Athens where he became a reserve member of the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) during World War II. He participated with the leftist army during the Greek Civil War later in the decade. He was arrested and exiled several times during this period. He continued to study music when possible and graduated from the Athens Conservatoire in 1950. He went to Paris in 1953 where he studied musical analysis at the Conservatory. He began composing symphonic works and scored the ballets "Greek Carnival" (1953), "Le Feu aux Poudres" (1958), "Les Amants de Teruel" (1958), and "Antigone" (1959). He also began scoring films including "The Barefoot Battalion" (1953), "Eva" (1953), "The Golgotha of an Orphan" (1954), "Night Ambush" (aka "Ill Met by Moonlight") (1957), "Honeymoon" (1959), "Faces in the Dark" (1960), "The Shadow of the Cat" (1961), "A Neighborhood Named 'The Dream'" (1971), "Myrtle" (1961), "Golgotha of an Innocent" (1961), "Les AZmants de Teruel" (1962), "Phaedra" (1962), "Electra" (1962), "Five Miles to Midnight" (1962), "The Great Sacrifice" (1962), and "Betrayed Love" (1962). Theodorakis returned to Greece in 1960 where his compositions mixed symphonic elements with popular songs. He remained active in leftist politics and was founder of the Lambrakis Democratic Youth after the assassination of Gregoris Lambrakis in 1963. He was elected to the Greek Parliament the following year. He earned acclaim for his music for the 1964 film "Zorba the Greek" which included the "Zorba Dance" theme. Theodorakis' music was also heard in the films "The Roundup" (1965), "Storm" (1965), "Angels Without Wings" (1965), "Devil at My Heels" (1966), "The Day the Fish Came Out" (1967), "Walls" (1968), and "A Member of the Firing Squad" (1969). The military took complete control of Greece in April 1967 and Theodorakis was a leader of the resistance. The Regime of the Colonels published Army Decree No. 13, which banned the playing or listening to his music. He was arrested several months later and spent much of the next two years in jail or exile. An international movement of composers demanded his freedom and Theodorakis was released and went into exile in Paris in April of 1970. Costa-Gavras' acclaimed film, "X,” which detailed the killing of Lambrakis and the later coup featured music from Theodorakis and the soundtrack became a hit record. He became an international symbol of the resistance to the Greek military junta and met with such world figures as Salvador Allende, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Francois Mitterand, and Willy Brandt. He continued to score such films as "The Trojan Women" (1971), "Biribi" (1971), Costa-Gavras' "State of Siege" (1972), Sidney Lumet's "Serpico" (1973), "Rehearsal" (1974), "Order: Kill Makarios" (1975), "Letter from Marusia" (1975), and "Kinder der Sonne" (1975). He returned to Greece after the fall of the Colonels in July of 1974. His "Canto General,” including text by Pablo Neruda, was completed in 1974 and expanded in 1981. He remained active politically, serving in the Greek Parliament from 1981 to 1986 and 1989 to 1993. He was a minister in the government of Constantine Mitsotakis from 1990 to 1992. He also continued to do his compositions and concert tours. He wrote several notable symphonies in the early 1980s and was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1983. He composed his first opera, "Kosta Karyotakis" ("The Metamorphosis of Dionysos") in 1985, followed by "Medea" (1990), "Elektra" (1993), "Antigone" (1996), and "Lysistrata" (2001). He also composed music for several more ballets including a dance adaptation of "Zorba the Greek" in 1988. He created the "Canto Olympico" for the Olympic Games of Barcelona in 1992. He wrote five volumes of his autobiography, "The Ways of the Archangel,” from 1986 to 1995. His later film credits include "Iphigenia" (1977), "Kostas" (1979), "O Asymvivastos" (1979), "The Man with the Carnation" (1980), "Les Clowns de Dieu" (1986), "Misioni Pertej Detit" (1988), "Mist" (1990), "Beware of Greeks... Bearing Guns" (2000), "Tenussian Vacuvasco" (2000), and "The Seventh Sun of Love" (2001). He retired from giving concerts in 1997 due to health problems. He remained active in retirement writing arrangements for his scores and articles about culture and politics. Theodorakis was married to Myrto Altinoglou from 1953 until his death and is survived by their son and daughter.
Jay Varela, 83 - June 24, 2021
Actor Jay Varela died on June 24, 2021. Varela was born on July 7, 1937. He appeared frequently on television from the early 1970s with roles in episodes of "The Man and the City,” "Monty Nash,” "Nichols,” "Medical Center,” "Mannix,” "Apple's Way,” "Nakia,” "Cannon,” "Police Story,” "Columbo,” "Kojak,” "The Streets of San Francisco,” "Baretta,” "Serpico,” "Most Wanted,” "McMillan & Wife,” "Delvecchio" as Sgt. Rivera from 1976 to 1977, "Switch,” "The Incredible Hulk,” "The White Shadow,” "Dear Detective,” "Sword of Justice,” "240-Robert,” "The Ropers,” "Quincy, M.E.,” "B.J. and the Bear,” "Dallas,” "Herbie, the Love Bug,” "The Greatest American hero,” "Tales of the Gold Monkey,” "ABC Afterschool Specials,” "The Fall Guy,” "T.J. Hooker,” "Knots Landing,” "Tales of the Unexpected,” "Cagney & Lacey,” "Houston Knights,” "Falcon Crest" in the recurring role of Miguel Aviles from 1988 to 1989, "Snoops,” "A Peaceable Kingdom,” and "Judging Amy" in the recurring role of Oscar Ortiz. Varela was also seen in the telefilms "The Underground Man" (1974), "The Gun" (1974), "The Missiles of October" (1974), "Mallory: Circumstantial Evidence" (1976), "The City" (1977), "Once an Eagle" (1977), "Killer on Board" (1977), "Condominium" (1980), and "Missing Pieces" (1983). He appeared in a handful of films including "House Made of Dawn" (1972), "The Unholy Rollers" (1972), "Kid Blue" (1973), "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing" (1973), and "In the Mood" (1987). Varela was later a teacher at Ventura College in California for over a decade.
Isela Vega, 81 - March 9, 2021
Mexican actress Isela Vega Durazo, who starred in Sam Peckinpah's 1974 film "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia,” died of cancer at her home in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 9, 2021. Vega was born in Hermosillo, Mexico, on November 5, 1939. She began modeling in the late 1950s and made her film debut in 1960's "Verano Violento.” Her films include "The Rage" (1962), "S.O.S. Conspiración Bikini" (1967), "Don Juan 67" (1967), "Mujeres, Mujeres, Mujeres" (1967), "Por Mis Pistolas" (1968), "Las Sicodelicas" (1968), "The Bed" (1969), "El Matrimonio es Como el Demonio" (1969), "Diabolical Pact" (1969), "cuernos Debajo de la Cama" (1969), "El Deseo Llega de Noche" (1969), "Las Golfas" (1969), "Las Impuras" (1969), "Enigma de Muerte" (1969), "Madame Death" (1969) with John Carradine, "The Piranhas Mate by Lent" (1969), "Prohibido" (1970), "El Oficio Mas Antiguo del Mundo" (1970), "La Buscona" (1970), "Las Reglas del Juego" (1971), "Eye for an Eye" (1971), "The Wild Season" (1971), "La Hora Desnuda" (1971), "La Primavera de los Escorpiones" (1971), the horror film "Fear Chamber" (1971) with Boris Karloff, "End of the Party” (1972), "Basuras Humanas" (1972), "El Festin de la Loba" (1972), and "Volvere a Nacer" (1973). She made her U.S. debut in the Sam Fuller western "The Deadly Trackers" (1973) starring Rod Taylor and Richard Harris. Vega starred with Warren Oates in Sam Peckinpah's 1974 classic "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.” She continued to appear in films in Mexico in the United States including "El Llanto de la Tortuga" (1975), "Celestina" (1976), "Drum" (1976), "El Hombre e los Hongos" (1976), "La India" (1976), "Joshua" (1976), "Acto de Posesion" (1977), "The Black Widow" (1977), "Maria, la Santa" (1977), "Casa de Citas" (1978), "Red Gold" (1978), "Las Carinosas" (1979), "Munecas de Medianoche" (1979), "Nana" (1979), "Las Tentadoras" (1980), "Navajeros" (1980), "Bordello" (1981), "La Pulqueria" (1981), "Las Siete Cucas" (1981), "El Macho Bionico" (1981), "Barbarosa" (1982) starring Willie Nelson and Gary Busey, "Una Gallina Muy Ponedora" (1982), "Las Apariencias Enganan" (1983), "Las Glorias del Gran Puas" (1984), "San Judas de la Frontera" (1984), "Manosas Pero Sabrosas" (1984), "In 'n Out" (1984), "Lovers of the Lord of the Night" (1986) which she also directed and wrote, "El Secuestro de Lola" (1986), "Dos Chichimecas en Hollywood" (1986), "The Bloody Monks" (1988), "Las Borrachas" (1989), "Salvajes" (1989), "Los Desmadrados" (1989), "The Reporter" (1990), "Discriminacion Maldita" (1990), "En Legitima Defensa" (1992), "Manhattan Meregue!" (1995), "Herod's Law" (1999), "Pink Punch" (2004), "Como Tu Me Has Deseado" (2005), "Fuera del Cielo" (2006), "Mujer Alabastrina" (2006), "Cobrandor: In God We Trust" (2006), "Meet the Head of Juan Perez" (2008), "Crepusculo Rojo" (2008), "Tear This Heart Out" (2008), "To Love" (2009), "Chilango Chronicles" (2009), "Mas Alla del Muro" (2009), "I Miss You" (2010), "Hell" (2010), "Private Perez" (2011), "Los Inabaptados" (2011), "The Hours with You" (2014), "El Jeremias" (2015), "American Curious" (2018), "Mas Sabe el Diablo por Viejo" (2018), "If I Were You" (2018), "Island of the Dolls" (2018), "Guatemala 1982" (2018), "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" (2019), and "Cindy Le Regia" (2020). Vega appeared on television in productions of "The Rhinemann Exchange" (1977), "The Streets of L.A." (1979), and "The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory" (1987). Her other television credits include episodes of "The Greatest American Hero,” "The Yellow Rose,” "Rituals,” "Code Name: Foxfire,” "Stingray,” "Senora Tentacion,” "Los Padres de Hoy y del Manana,” "Gente Bien" as Meredes Figueroa in 1997, "Conan the Adventurer,” "Ramona,” "Amor Descarado,” "Pasion,” "Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real,” "Mujeres Asesinas,” "Terminales" as Emma Diaz in 2008, "El Pantera,” "Nina de Mi Corazon" as Belen in 2010, "Italian Bride" as Eloisa from 2014 to 2015, "Yago,” "El Chema,” "Erase Una Vez,” "Hoy Voy a Cambiar,” "Sin Tu Mirada,” "Como Dice el Dicho,” "Like, la Leyenda" as Eduarda in 2018, and "The House of Flowers” as Victoria Aguirre from 2019 to 2020. Vega is survived by a son with singer Alberto Vazquez and a daughter with actor Jorge Luke.
Ken Wales, 83 - August 21, 2021
Actor and film producer Ken Wales died of complications from Alzheimer's disease on August 21, 2021. Wales was born in Salem, Indiana, on August 13, 1938. He attended acting school and made his film debut in a small role in 1958's "Torpedo Run.” He was also seen in the films "It Started with a Kiss" (1959), "The Gazebo" (1959), "Tall Story" (1960), "Where the Boys Are" (1960), "Cry for Happy" (1961), "Operation Bottleneck" (1961), "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1962), "Experiment in Terror" (1962), "A Ticklish Affair" (1963), "Advance to the Rear" (1964), "Honeymoon Hotel" (1964), "The Great Race" (1965), "What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?" (1966), "Gunn" (1967), "The Party" (1968), "Darling Lili" (1970), and "The Prodigal" (1983). He was also seen on television in episodes of "Flight" and "Hazel.” Wales also began serving as a producer in the late 1960s, with such credits as "Gunn" (1967), "Waterhole #3" (1967), "The Party" (1968), "Darling Lili" (1970), "Wild Rovers" (1971), "The Tamarind Seed" (1974), "Islands in the Stream" (1977), "Revenge of the Pink Panther" (1978), "The Prodigal" (1983), "Door to Door" (1984), "Amazing Grace" (2006), "Alone Yet Not Alone" (2013), and "Captive" (2015). He produced the 1981 television mini-series "East of Eden,” sharing an Emmy Award nomination, and the series "Cagney & Lacey" and "Christy.” Wales, his wife Susan, and Ted Baehr co-authored the 2007 book "The Amazing Grace of Freedom: The Inspiring Faith of William Wilberforce.”
Lina Wertmuller, 93 - December 9, 2021
Italian film director Lina Wertmuller, who became the first female director to receive an Academy Award nomination with "Seven Beauties" in 1977, died in Rome, Italy, on December 9, 2021. She was born Arcangela Felice Assunta Wertmuller von Elgg Spanol von Braueich in Rome on August 14, 1928. She graduated from the Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica Silvio D'Amico in 1951 and began working on stage. She travelled throughout Europe producing avant-garde plays and joined Maria Signorelli's puppet troupe in 1951. She began working in films in the early 1960s after meeting actor Marcello Mastroianni and director Federico Fellini, who would become her mentor. She worked as an assistant on his 1963 classic "8 1/2.” Wertmuller made her debut as a director and screenwriter with 1963's "The Basilisks.” She directed episodes of the television series "Il Giornalino di Gian Burrasca" in 1964. She continued to make such films as "Let's Talk About Men" (1965), the musical comedy "Rita the Mosquito" (1966) starring Giancarlo Giannini, "Don't Sting the Mosquito" (1967), and the spaghetti western "The Belle Star Story" (1968) under the pseudonym Nathan Wich. She gained international acclaim for her films in the 1970s, many starring Giannini. Her films include "The Seduction of Mimi" (1972), "Love & Anarchy" (1973), "All Screwed Up" (1974), "Swept Away" (1974), "Seven Beauties" (1975) earning Academy Award nominations for her direction and screenplay, and "A Night Full of Rain" (1978) for Warner Bros. She was noted for the often-lengthy official titles for her films, notably 1978's "Un Fatto di Sangue nel Comune di Siculiana fra Due Uomini per Causa di Una Vedova. Si Sospettano Moventi Politici. Amore-Morte-Shimmy. Lugano Belle. Tarantelle. Tarallucci e Vino,” which entered a spot in the "Guinness Book of Records" for longest film title. It was released internationally by the shortened titles "Blood Feud" and "Revenge.” Wertmuller continued her career with the films "A Joke of Destiny, Lying in Wait Around the Corner Like a Bandit" (1983), "Sotto... Sotto" (1984), "Camorra (A Story of Streets, Women and Crime)" (1985), "Summer Nights with Greek Profile, Almond Eyes and Scent of Basil" (1986), "Up to Date" (1989), "Saturday, Sunday and Monday" (1990), "Ciao, Professore!" (1992), "The Nymph" (1996), "The Blue Collar Worker and the Hairdresser in a Whirl of Sex and Politics" (1996), "Ferdinando e Carolina" (1999), and "Too Much Romance... It's Time for Stuffed Peppers" (2004). She also directed television productions of "E Una Domenica Sera di Novembre" (1981), "Il Decimo Clandestino" (1989), "Vivaldi" (1993), "Francesca and Nunziata" (2001), "Mannaggia alla Miseria!" (2009), and "Carmen" (2010). She was the subject of Valerio Ruiz's 2015 biographical film "Behind the White Glasses.” Wertmuller was recipient of an Honorary Academy Award for her work in 2020. She was married to production designer Enrico Job from 1965 until his death in 2008, and is survived by their daughter, actress Maria Zulima Job.
Betty White, 99 - December 31, 2021
Legendary actress and comedian Betty White, who starred on television's "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls,” died at her home in Brentwood, California, on December 31, 2021. White was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on January 17, 1922. She moved to Alhambra, California, with her family as an infant and later settled in Los Angeles. She performed on stage in high school, graduating in 1939. She soon began working as a model and performed on the local stage. She served with the American Women's Voluntary Services and participated in events for the troops before they were deployed overseas during World War II. She worked in radio from the late 1940s in such series as "Blondie,” "The Great Gildersleeve,” and "This Is Your FBI.” She hosted her own radio show, "The Betty White Show,” and was co-host with Al Jarvis of the live television variety show "Hollywood on Television" from 1949 to 1953. White was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Actress in 1951. She was co-founder of the television production company Bandy Productions in 1952. She hosted and produced her own daily variety series "The Betty White Show" from 1952 to 1954. She starred as the title character in the comedy series "Life with Elizabeth" from 1953 to 1955, and was Vickie Angel in ABC's "Date with the Angels" from 1957 to 1958. The latter series was revamped as a new version of "The Betty White Show" in its final thirteen episodes when it proved unsuccessful for the network. She also appeared in episodes of "The Millionaire,” "The United States Steel Hour,” "That's Life,” "Petticoat Junction,” "O'Hara, U.S. Treasury,” "The Odd Couple,” "Lucas Tanner,” and "Ellery Queen.” White became a regular guest on television talk shows and game shows, appearing in episodes of "The Eddie Albert Show,” "Make the Connection,” "I've Got a Secret,” "Masquerade Party,” "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar,” "Candid Camera,” "Your First Impression,” "To Tell the Truth,” "The Steve Allen Playhouse,” "Get the Message,” "That Regis Philbin Show,” "The Price Is Right,” "What's This Song?,” "Call My Bluff,” "Chain Letter,” "What's My Line?,” "Girl Talk,” "Snap Judgment,” "Win with the Stars,” "Liar's Club,” "It Takes Two,” "The Match Game,” "He Said, She Said,” "The Pet Set" which she created and hosted from 1971 to 1972, "I've Got a Secret,” "It's Your Bet,” "Joanne Carson's VIPs,” "Baffle,” "Password,” "Showoffs,” "The Magnificent Marble Machine,” "You Don't Say,” "The Rich Little Show,” "Celebrity Sweepstakes,” "The Diahann Carroll Show,” "Cos,” "Stumpers!,” "The Sonny and Cher Show,” "The Jacksons,” "The Cross-Wits,” "Tattletales,” "Circus of the Stars,” "The Carol Burnett Show,” "The Jim Nabors Show,” "The Hollywood Squares,” "Donny and Marie,” "The Mike Douglas Show,” "The Bob Braun Show,” "Dinah!,” "Chain Reaction,” "The Toni Tennille Show,” "Password Plus,” "The Regis Philbin Show,” "Madame's Place,” "Just Men" earning a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Game Show Host in 1983, "Go,” "Trivia Trap,” "Late Night with David Letterman,” "The Merv Griffin Show,” "Body Language,” "Family Feud,” "Celebrity Double Talk,” "Sally Jessy Raphael,” "The $25,000 Pyramid,” "This Is Your Life,” "The $100,000 Pyramid,” "The Will Shriner Show,” "Win, Lose or Draw,” "Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon,” "The New Hollywood Squares,” "The Pat Sajak Show,” "The Arsenio Hall Show,” "A Conversation with...,” "Later with Bob Costas,” "Night of 100 Stars,” "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” "One on One with John Tesh,” "The Howard Stern Show,” "Vicki!,” "Maury,” "Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” "The Martin Short Show,” "Intimate Portrait,” "The Wayne Brady Show,” "Biography,” "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” "The Bonnie Hunt Show,” "Larry King Live,” "The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” "The Oprah Winfrey Show,” "Inside the Actors Studio,” "The Barbara Walters Summer Special,” "The Wendy Williams Show,” "The View,” "The Daily Show,” "Live with Kelly and Ryan,” "Piers Morgan Live,” "Late Show with David Letterman,” "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” "Katie,” "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” "Larry King Now,” "The Queen Latifah Show,” "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” "Extra with Billy Bush,” "The Talk,” "Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” "Conan,” "Valeri's Home Cooking,” "The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and "Celebrity Page.” White starred as the aggressive and cynical Sue Ann Nivens, the Happy Homemaker, on the hit series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" from 1973 to 1977. She starred as Joyce Whitman on the short-lived comedy series "The Betty White Show" from 1977 to 1978. Her other television credits include the telefilms "Vanished" (1971), "With This Ring" (1978), "Snavely" (1978), "The Best Place to Be" (1979), "Before and After" (1979), "The Gossip Columnist" (1980), "Stephanie" (1981), "Eunice" (1982), "Alf Loves a Mystery" (1987), "Chance of a Lifetime" (1991), "A Weekend in the Country" (1996), "Noddy: Anything Can Happen at Christmas" (1998) as Mrs. Santa Claus, "The Retrievers" (2001), "Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt" (2003), "Stealing Christmas" (2003), "Annie's Point" (2004), and "The Lost Valentine" (2011). She also appeared in episodes of "Best of the West,” "Love, Sidney,” "Fame,” "Hotel,” "St. Elsewhere,” "The Love Boat" in the recurring role of Betsy Boucher from 1981 to 1985, "Who's the Boss?,” "Mama's Family" in the recurring role of Ellen Harper Jackson from 1983 to 1986, "D.C. Follies,” "Matlock,” "Santa Barbara,” "Days of Our Lives,” "One to Grow On,” and "Carol & Company.” White starred as the naive Rose Nylund on the series "The Golden Girls" from 1985 to 1992. She also appeared in the role in episodes of "Nurses" and "Empty Nest" and the spin-off "The Golden Palace" from 1992 to 1993. She was Sylvia Schmidt in the series "Bob" in 1993, and was Shirley Wallace in "Maybe This Time" from 1995 to 1996. She was also seen in episodes of "Diagnosis Murder,” "The Naked Truth,” "The John Larroquette Show,” "Suddenly Susan,” "L.A. Doctors,” "Ally McBeal,” "Ladies Man" as Mitzi Stiles from 1999 to 2001, "The Ellen Show,” "Yes, Dear,” "Providence,” "That '70s Show" in the recurring role of Grandmother Bea Sigurdson from 2002 to 2003, "I'm with Her,” "The Practice" in the recurring role of Catherine Piper in 2004, "Everwood,” "My Wife and Kids,” "Malcolm in the Middle,” "Complete Savages,” "Joey,” "Ugly Betty,” "Boston Legal" reprising her role as Catherine Piper from 2005 to 2008, "My Name Is Earl,” "3rd Rock,” the soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" as Ann Douglas from 2006 to 2009, "The Middle,” "Community" in the recurring role of Professor June Bauer in 2010, "The Client List,” "Save Me,” "WWE Raw,” "The Soul Man,” "Crowded,” "Bones" in the recurring role of Dr. Beth Mayer from 2015 to 2017, "Young & Hungry,” and "Fireside Chat with Esther.” She was a voice actor in the animated telefilm "The Story of Santa Claus" (1996) and the series "The Lionhearts" (1998) as Dorothy. She starred as Elka Ostrovsky in the series "Hot in Cleveland” from 2010 to 2015, and was producer and host of the hidden camera series "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" from 2012 to 2014. She was a long-time hostess of the Tournament of Roses Parade for NBC. She became the oldest host of "Saturday Night Live" at the age of 88 in 2010, earning an Emmy Award. White won Emmy Awards for her work on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1975 and 1976, for "The Golden Girls” in 1986, and for "The John Larroquette Show" in 1996, and received an additional 15 nominations. She voiced roles in "Hercules,” "The Wild Thornberrys" as Grandma Sophie Hunter, "Teacher's Pet,” "King of the Hill,” "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy,” "Gary the Rat,” "Father of the Pride,” "Family Guy,” "The Simpsons,” "Higglytown Heroes,” "Glenn Martin, DDS,” "Pound Puppies" as the voice of Agatha McLeish,” "SpongeBob SquarePants,” and "Forky Asks a Question.” White appeared in a handful of films during her career including the political drama "Advice & Consent" (1962) as Senator Bessie Adams, "Hard Rain" (1998), "Dennis the Menace Strikes Again!" (1998) as Martha Wilson, "Holy Man" (1998), "Lake Placid" (1999) as the foul-mouthed alligator enabler Mrs. Delores Bickerman, "The Story of Us" (1990), "Bringing Down the House" (2003), "The Third Wish” (2005), "Love N' Dancing" (2009), "The Proposal" (2009) as the grandmother of Ryan Reynolds’ character, and "You Again" (2010). She was a voice actress in the animated films "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale" (2000), "Ponyo" (2008), "The Lorex" (2012), "Toy Story 4" (2019), and "Trouble" (2019). She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995. She was a leading animal welfare advocate throughout her life. She wrote the 2011 autobiography "If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)" and earned a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording of the book in 2012. She starred in the 2012 television special "Betty White's 90th Birthday Party.” She was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2010 and from the Daytime Emmys in 2015. She was subject of the PBS documentary "Betty White: First Lady of Television" in 2018. A documentary film about her life, "Betty White: Celebration,” was scheduled to air posthumously on her 100th birthday. White was briefly married to talent scout Lane Allen from 1947 until their divorce in 1949. She met "Password" host Allen Ludden in 1961 and they married in 1963. The couple remained together until his death from stomach cancer in June of 1981.
Cara Williams, 96 - December 9, 2021
Actress Cara Williams, who starred in the television comedy series "Pete and Gladys" in the early 1960s, died of a heart attack in Beverly Hills, California, on December 9, 2021. She was born Bernice Kamiat in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, on June 29, 1925. She began performing as a child and moved to Hollywood with her mother after her parents’ divorce. She attended the Hollywood Professional School and soon began appearing in small roles in films under the name Bernice Kay. She was seen in the films "Wide Open Town" (1941), "Girls' Town" (1942), "Happy Land" (1943), "Sweet and Low-Down" (1944), "In the Meantime, Darling" (1944), "Laura" (1944), "Something for the Boys" (1944), "Don Juan Quilligan" (1945), "The Spider" (1945), "Boomerang!" (1947), "Sitting Pretty" (1948), "The Saxon Charm" (1948), "Knock on Any Door" (1949), "The Girl Next Door" (1953), "We Go to Monte Carlo" (1953), "The Great Diamond Robbery" (1954), "Meet Me in Las Vegas" (1956), "The Helen Morgan Story" (1957), "The Defiant Ones" (1958) receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Billy's mom, "Never Steal Anything Small" (1959) with James Cagney, "The Man from the Diner's Club" (1963), "Doctors' Wives" (1971), "The White Buffalo" (1977), and "The One Man Jury" (1978). Williams appeared frequently on television with roles in episodes of "Theatre of Romance,” "The Clock,” "The Philco Television Playhouse,” "The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre,” "The Web,” "Starlight Theatre,” "The Billy Rose Show,” "Suspense,” "Robert Montgomery Presents,” "Armstrong Circle Theatre,” "Broadway Television Theatre,” "Steve Randall,” "Matinee Theatre,” "The Joseph Cotten Show: On Trial,” "Lux Video Theatre,” "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre,” "Date with the Angels,” "Naked City,” "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse,” "Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and "Zane Grey Theatre.” She starred as Gladys Porter opposite Harry Morgan in the comedy series "Pete and Gladys" from 1960 to 1962. The series was a spin-off of the earlier comedy "December Bride" which featured Morgan but not Williams. She received an Emmy Award nomination for her role in 1962. She starred as Cara Bridges Wilton opposite Frank Aletter in the short-lived comedy series "The Cara Williams Show" from 1964 to 1965. Her other television credits include episodes of "Jackie Gleason: American Scene Magazine,” "The Red Skelton Hour,” "Valentine's Day,” "Rhoda" in the recurring role of Mae in 1974, "Medical Center,” and "Visions.” She was also seen in the telefilms "The Ashes of Mrs. Reasoner" (1976) and "In Security" (1982). She largely retired from the screen by the early 1980s. She later worked in interior design and was a champion poker player. Williams was married to Alan Gray from 1945 until their divorce in 1947 and is survived by their daughter, Cathy Gray. She was married to actor John Drew Barrymore from 1952 until their divorce in 1959, and is survived by their son, actor John Blythe Barrymore. She was married to actor Asher Dann from 1964 until his death in 2018.