Notable Showbiz Deaths of 2024
This is a list of those notable entertainment figures who passed away in 2024. They are in order of date of death, except for the first entry, which will be the most globally high-profile death to date.
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To see the most recent additions first, select "Date Added" in the Sort by drop-down box; to view the list in reverse chronological order, toggle the "Ascending/Descending order" button next to the drop-down box.
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- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Louis Gossett Jr. was one of the most respected and beloved actors on stage, screen and television and was also an accomplished writer, producer and director. Off-screen, he was a social activist, educator, and author dedicated to enriching the lives of others. He was the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable performance as drill Sergeant Emil Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman".
Among his other awards were an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Fiddler in the groundbreaking ABC series "Roots", a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for "The Josephine Baker Story" and a Golden Globe for "An Officer and a Gentleman". He was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, one Academy Award, five Images Awards, two Daytime Emmy Awards and in 1992 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He received numerous other honors throughout his illustrious career.
His film debut was in the 1961 classic movie "A Raisin in the Sun" with Sidney Poitier. Other film credits include "The Deep," "Blue Chips," "Daddy's Little Girls," Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?," "Firewalker," "Jaws-3D," "Enemy Mine" and "Iron Eagle" 1-4, among many others. Television credits include "Extant," "Madam Secretary," "Boardwalk Empire," "Family Guy", and "ER", among dozens of others.
Gossett authored the bestselling autobiography "An Actor and a Gentleman", recounting the challenges and triumphs of his 50+ year career. Gossett was recognized as much for his humanitarian efforts as for his accomplishments as an actor. In 2006, he founded The Eracism Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating racism. The foundation provides young adults with tools to live a racially diverse and culturally inclusive life. Programs focus on fostering cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education and anti-violence initiatives.
Gossett was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and made his stage debut when he was 17 years old in "Take a Giant Step", which was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 by the New York Times. He had two sons and resided in Malibu until his death in Santa Monica, California, in 2024, aged 87.May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024
American actor ('Roots,' 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' 'Iron Eagle')
Notable Awards and Honors:- the first Black winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, received for his role in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' (1982)
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Special, 1998 ('In His Father's Shoes')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special, 1998 ('In His Father's Shoes') and Outstanding Special Class Special, 2003 (Opening Ceremony Salt Lake Paralympic Winter Games)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series, 1977 ('Roots')
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in Variety or Music, 1978 ('The Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series/Miniseries or a Special, 1979 ('Backstairs at the White House'), 1984 ('Sadat'), and 1987 ('A Gathering of Old Men')
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, 1981 ('Palmerstown, U.S.A.')
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, 1997 ('Touched by an Angel')
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, 2020 ('Watchmen')
- Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture, 1983 ('An Officer and a Gentleman')
- Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, 1992 ('The Josephine Baker Story')
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, 1984 ('Sadat')
- Additional Crew
- Actor
- Producer
Mickey Cottrell was born on 4 November 1944 in Springfield, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for My Own Private Idaho (1991), Volcano (1997) and Ed Wood (1994). He died on 1 January 2024 in Woodland Hills, California, USA.September 4, 1944 – January 1, 2024
Publicist ('Stalker,' 'Drugstore Cowboy,' 'Salt') / Actor ('My Own Private Idaho') / Producer ('Big River Man')- Writer
- Director
- Producer
American film historian and documentary writer-producer; frequent on-camera commentator and occasional bit-part actor. Author of the books 'Hollywood Gothic', the definitive chronicle of Bram Stoker's Dracula in its journey from page to stage to screen; 'The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror'; 'Screams of Reason: Mad Science and Modern Culture'; 'V Is for Vampire' and many others. With Elias Savada, co-author of 'Dark Carnival: The Secret World of Tod Browning'. Documentary projects include The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale (1999), a behind-the-scenes chronicle of the Academy Award-winning biopic 'Gods And Monsters', and 11 DVD documentaries for Universal Studio Home Video's classic horror and science fiction films. He resided in Los Angeles.June 21, 1952 – January 1, 2024
Film Historian / Author ('Hollywood Gothic: The Tangled Web of Dracula,' 'The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror,' 'Dark Carnival: The Secret World of Tod Browning')- Cinematographer
- Camera and Electrical Department
René Verzier was born in 1934 in Casablanca, French Morocco [now Morocco]. He was a cinematographer, known for Toby McTeague (1985), The Morning Man (1986) and The Vindicator (1986). He died on 1 January 2024 in Granby, Quebec, Canada.1934 – January 1, 2024
Cinematographer ('The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane,' 'Rabid,' 'Death Ship')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming, 1979 ('The Big Blue Marble')
- two Genie Award nominations for Best Achievement in Cinematography, 1987 ('Toby McTeague,' 'The Morning Man')
- Sound Department
Peter Berkos was born on 15 August 1922 in Cicero, Illinois, USA. He is known for Slap Shot (1977), Battlestar Galactica (1978) and Into the Night (1985). He was married to Sally Ann Berkos. He died on 2 January 2024 in Rancho Bernardo, California, USA.August 15, 1922 – January 2, 2024
Sound Editor ('Angels with Dirty Faces,' 'Touch of Evil,' 'The Sting,' 'Slap Shot,' 1978's 'Battlestar Galactica' series and film)
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Editing, 1973 ('Short Walk to Daylight')
- Special Achievement Academy Award recipient for sound effects, 1976 ('The Hindenburg')
- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Chris Karrer was born on 20 January 1947 in Kempten, Bavaria, Germany. He was an actor, known for Wunden und Narben (1981), Anatahan, Anatahan (1969) and Beat-Club (1965). He died on 2 January 2024 in Bavaria, Germany.January 20, 1947 – January 2, 2024
Musician (Amon Düül I; Embryo) / Composer ('San Domingo')- Writer
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Bridget Dobson was born on 1 September 1938 in Thiensville, Wisconsin. She was a writer and producer, known for Santa Barbara (1984), Guiding Light (1952) and General Hospital (1963). She was married to Jerome Dobson. She died on 3 January 2024 in Georgia, USA.September 1, 1938 - January 3, 2024
Writer ('General Hospital,' 'Guiding Light') / Series Creator ('Santa Barbara')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Drama Series, 1988 ('Santa Barbara')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Best Writing for a Drama Series, 1974 ('General Hospital')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Drama Series, 1976 and 1978 (both for 'Guiding Light')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Drama Series, 1986 ('Santa Barbara')
- Actress
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Additional Crew
Ayla Algan was born on 29 October 1937 in Istanbul, Turkey. She was an actress and assistant director, known for O da Beni Seviyor (2001), Harem Suare (1999) and Son Söz Benim (1970). She was married to Beklan Algan. She died on 4 January 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey.October 29, 1937 – January 4, 2024
Actress ('Oh Beautiful Istanbul,' 'Sidika') / Singer ("Bak Şu Adama Aşık Oldu")- Actress
- Soundtrack
Georgina Hale was an accomplished stage actress who made many memorable forays in cinema, most notably in the films of Ken Russell, especially her performance as Alma Mahler, in a wonderful and visually rich biopic on composer Mahler (1974) which she won a BAFTA (British Academy Award) for. Two other standout performances were in Russell's notorious The Devils (1971) and the Twiggy musical "The Boyfriend" in which she played Fay, camping it up, in a backstage lesbian sub plot. She made in-joke cameos in two further Russell films: Lisztomania (1975) and Valentino (1977). Unfortunately, roles dwindled after her BAFTA win, for some reason, and she made some bad movie choices such as The World Is Full of Married Men (1979) (the film version of Jackie Collins's novel of the same name) and McVicar (1980), as well as the occasional stunner such as Butley (1974), written by playwright Simon Gray.
She appeared in many of Gray's stage plays (many were filmed for British television with her in starring roles) and she continued to work in British theatre. She made many guest appearances in UK television series including: Upstairs, Downstairs (1971), The Protectors (1972), Lady Killers (1980), Minder (1979), Boon (1986), One Foot in the Grave (1990), Murder Most Horrid (1991), The Vicar of Dibley (1994), three episodes of Doctor Who (1963) and many many others. She starred in two television series: Budgie (1971) (a successful series in the 1970s) and, in the early 1990s, a cult children's series based around a witch-like figure called "T. Bag".
Most recently, she had appeared in a comic role in Preaching to the Perverted (1997) in which her character pointed out that sometimes one has to debase one's self to further one's career. This film didn't much further her career (at age 55, she did a Sharon Stone under-table leg trick) but it added to her growing reputation as one of the UK's favorite cult actresses. She died in 2024, aged 80.August 4, 1943 – January 4, 2024
Actress ('The Devils,' 'Castaway,' 'Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont')
Notable Awards and Honors:- BAFTA Film Award winner for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, 1974 ('Mahler')
- Lawrence Olivier Award nominee for Best Comedy Performance, 1981 ('Steaming')
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Glynis Johns was the daughter of actor Mervyn Johns. Best known for her light comedy roles and often playful flirtation, Glynis was born in South Africa while her parents were on tour there (her mother was a concert pianist) but was always proud of her Welsh roots and took delight in playing the female lead (opposite Richard Burton) in the classic Under Milk Wood (1971). She was probably best known for her role as the suffragette mother in Mary Poppins (1964) although she is probably best loved for her fishy roles in Miranda (1948) and Mad About Men (1954). She had earlier showed she could take on the serious roles as well as in Frieda (1947). Most recently seen (at the time of writing) in Superstar (1999). Johns died in 2024, aged 100, having never received the damehood she had richly deserved for decades. Predeceased by her only son, she was survived by a grandson,Thomas Forwood, and three great-grandchildren.October 5, 1923 – January 4, 2024
Actress ('The Court Jester,' 'The Sundowners,' 'Mary Poppins') / Singer ("Sister Suffragette," "Send in the Clowns") / Dancer
Notable Awards and Honors:- Academy Award nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, 1960 ('The Sundowners')
- Disney Legends inductee, 1998
- Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Performance, 1973 ('A Little Night Music')
- Golden Globe nominee for Best Actress - Drama, 1963 ('The Chapman Report')
- Laurence Olivier Award nominee for Actress of the Year in a New Play, 1977 ('Cause Célèbre')
- Tony Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical, 1973 ('A Little Night Music')
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
German actor Christian Oliver worked in the entertainment industry for more than 15 years, with, among others, Steven Soderbergh in The Good German; with Brian Singer and Tom Cruise in Valkyrie; and with the Wachowski sisters in Speed Racer. He also starred in Europe's Number One action series Alarm for Cobra 11 (RTL) for two years and had numerous other TV appearances in the US and Germany.March 3, 1972 – January 4, 2024
Actor ('The Baby-Sitters Club,' 'The Good German,' 'Speed Racer') / Producer ('Zipper,' 'Wrong Turn')- Actor
- Director
- Producer
David Soul achieved pop icon status as handsome, blond-haired, blue-eyed Detective Kenneth Hutchinson on the cult "buddy cop" TV series Starsky and Hutch (1975), Soul also had a very successful singing career recording several albums, with worldwide number one hit singles including "Silver Lady" & "Don't Give Up on Us Baby".
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, David Soul is the son of a minister who was at one time serving as the religious affairs advisor to the U.S. High Commission in Berlin. At 24 years of age, young Soul joined a North Dakota musical revue, was noticed by a keen-eyed talent scout, and signed to a studio contract. He went on to study acting with the Irene Daly School of The Actors Company, and with the Columbia Workshop in Hollywood. He first appeared on TV in small roles in shows including I Dream of Jeannie (1965), Flipper (1964) and All in the Family (1971). Regular TV work kept coming in for Soul including making masked appearances on The Merv Griffin Show (1962), as the popular singer known only as "The Covered Man."
In 1973, Soul was fortunate enough to be cast as one of the corrupt motorcycle cops in the Clint Eastwood thriller Magnum Force (1973), where his talents came to the attention of several TV execs who were looking for someone to play one of the lead roles in the upcoming Starsky and Hutch (1975) TV series. After four seasons, the show came to an end, yet Soul's talents were still in demand. He quickly went on to appear as the meek writer turned terrified vampire hunter Ben Mears in the chilling television mini-series Salem's Lot (1979), and then as Jake in the interesting television movie Homeward Bound (1980).
Several undemanding movies and TV series appearances followed for Soul. However in 1988 he scored rave reviews for his portrayal of real life, cold-blooded cop killer Michael Lee Platt in In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders (1988). It was considered highly controversial for its intense level of violence in a made for TV production.
David Soul remained very busy throughout the 1990s and beyond, in both film and on stage productions. He has toured internationally in several theater productions, including playing the narrator in the critically-acclaimed production of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, plus a successful UK tour performing in Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Fans of the original TV series were glad to see Soul back with Paul Michael Glaser doing a cameo appearance in the big-budget movie version of Starsky & Hutch (2004).
Throughout his life, Soul has continually championed social causes often utilizing his own funds to raise awareness on issues including the impact of the Vietnam War, the shutdowns in the US steel industry, animal welfare, world hunger and HIV education. Soul has for several years made his home in the United Kingdom, where he has appeared at the Edinburgh Festival, on several British TV shows and has become a keen soccer fan supporting English club, Arsenal FC.August 28, 1943 – January 4, 2024
Actor ('Magnum Force,' 'Starsky & Hutch,' 'Salem's Lot') / Singer ("Don't Give Up on Us," "Silver Lady")- Writer
- Additional Crew
- Producer
Tracy Tormé was born on 12 April 1959 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. He was a writer and producer, known for Fire in the Sky (1993), I Am Legend (2007) and Sliders (1995). He was married to Jennifer Marie Tormé and Robin Tormé. He died on 4 January 2024 in Escondido, California, USA.April 12, 1959 – January 4, 2024
Writer ('Saturday Night Live,' Star Trek: The Next Generation,' 'Fire in the Sky') / Producer ('I Am Legend') / Series Creator ('Sliders')- Writer
- Actor
Brian McConnachie was born on 23 December 1942 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. He was a writer and actor, known for Caddyshack (1980), Celebrity (1998) and Strange Brew (1983). He was married to Ann Crilly. He died on 5 January 2024 in Venice, Florida, USA.December 23, 1942 – January 5, 2024
Writer ('SCTV Network,' 'Saturday Night Live') / Actor ('Caddyshack,' 'Strange Brew,' 'Bullets Over Broadway')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Comedy-Variety or Music Series, 1979 ('Saturday Night Live')
- Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, 1982 ('SCTV Network')
- Pat McNamara was born on 22 July 1933 in New York City, New York, USA. He was an actor, known for Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Instinct (1999). He died on 5 January 2024 in Santa Monica, California, USA.July 22, 1933 – January 5, 2024
Actor ('The Silence of the Lambs,' 'The Daytrippers,' 'Fight Club') - Actor
- Additional Crew
Del Palmer was born on 3 November 1952 in Greenwich, London, England. He was an actor, known for Kate Bush: Experiment IV (1986), Kate Bush Live at Hammersmith Odeon (1981) and Queens of British Pop (2009). He died on 5 January 2024 in the United Kingdom.November 3, 1952 – January 5, 2024
Bass Guitarist / Sound Engineer (Kate Bush)- Actor
- Music Department
Tony Clarkin was born on 24 November 1946 in Birmingham, England. He was an actor, known for Magnum: Just Like an Arrow (1985), Magnum: When the World Comes Down (1986) and Magnum: Midnight (You Won't Be Sleeping) (1986). He died on 7 January 2024.November 24, 1946 – January 7, 2024
Guitarist / Songwriter (Magnum)- Composer
- Executive
- Soundtrack
Guy Bonnet was born in 1945 in Avignon, Vaucluse, France. He was a composer and executive. He died on 8 January 2024 in Montpellier, France.1945 – January 8, 2024
Singer / Songwriter (Eurovision Song Contest 1968 and 1970)- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Adan Canto is a Mexican-American actor and director. He left home at the age of 16 to pursue a career as a musician. Canto wrote for and produced several songs for film and television while living in Mexico City. He began acting in a handful of commercials in Mexico City and was soon cast in a television series called Estado de Gracia. Canto eventually turned to the stage after being cast as a lead for the adaptation of Pedro Almodovar's All About My Mother.
In 2013, Canto made his debut in American television, playing the role of Paul Torres on the Fox drama series, The Following. In 2015 Canto played real life politician Rodrigo Lara Bonia in Netflix drama series Narcos. In 2016, he was cast in the ABC political drama series, Designated Survivor, playing White House Chief of Staff Aaron Shore opposite Kiefer Sutherland, Natascha McElhone, and Maggie Q. Canto wrote and directed his first short film Before Tomorrow in 2014. His short film The Shot earned several festival awards for Best Narrative Short Film in 2020.December 5, 1981 – January 8, 2024
Actor ('X-Men: Days of Future Past,' 'Designated Survivor,' 'The Cleaning Lady')- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Ventura Pons was born on 25 July 1945 in Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He was a director and producer, known for Anita no perd el tren (2001), To Die (or Not) (2000) and What's It All About (1995). He died on 8 January 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.July 25, 1945 – January 8, 2024
Filmmaker ('Beloved/Friend,' Caresses,' 'Food of Love')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Goya Award nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay, 1995 ('What's It All About'), 1996 ('Actresses'), 2001 ('Anita Takes a Chance'), and 2007 ('Barcelona (A Map)')
- Composer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Gianfranco Reverberi was born on 12 December 1934 in Genoa, Liguria, Italy. He was a composer, known for Kick-Ass (2010), Boyhood (2014) and The Big Short (2015). He died on 8 January 2024 in Genoa, Liguria, Italy.December 12, 1934 – January 8, 2024
Composer ('Django, Prepare a Coffin,' 'Delirium,' 'Black Magic Rites')- Music Department
- Composer
- Sound Department
Rashid Khan was born on 1 July 1968 in Sahaswan, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India. Rashid was a composer, known for My Name Is Khan (2010), Omkara (2006) and Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). Rashid was married to Soma Khan. Rashid died on 9 January 2024 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.July 1, 1968 – January 9, 2024
Classical Musician / Vocalist / Composer- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
James Kottak was born on 26 December 1962 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He was an actor and composer, known for Kingdom Come: Do You Like It (1989), Warrant: Family Picnic (1995) and Kingdom Come: Get It On (1988). He was married to Athena Bass. He died on 9 January 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024
Drummer (Scorpions, Kingdom Come, Warrant)- Animation Department
- Art Department
- Director
Sadao Miyamoto was born on 16 May 1937. He was a director, known for Astro Boy (1963), Gatchaman The Movie (1978) and Gatchaman (1972). He died on 9 January 2024.May 16, 1937 – January 9, 2024
Animator (Mushi Productions) / Animation Director ('Gatchaman') / Storyboard Artist ('Peter Pan and the Pirates')- Make-Up Department
- Casting Director
- Actor
Karl Wesson was born on 30 September 1945 in Tempe, Arizona, USA. He was a casting director and actor, known for Southland Tales (2006), Van Helsing (2004) and Thelma & Louise (1991). He was married to Brenda. He died on 9 January 2024 in Salem, Utah, USA.September 30, 1945 – January 9, 2024
Makeup Artist ('Silent Night, Deadly Night') / Hair Stylist ('Thelma & Louise,' 'Blow')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series, 1995 and 1996 ('Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Special, 1993 ('Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series, 1997 ('Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman') and 2006 ('Six Feet Under')
- Editor
- Editorial Department
Jeanene Ambler was born on 15 February 1935. She was an editor, known for Quincy M.E. (1976), The Trials of Rosie O'Neill (1990) and Cagney & Lacey (1981). She was married to Earle C. Ross. She died on 10 January 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA.February 15, 1935 – January 10, 2024
Picture Editor ('Quincy, M.E.,' 'Cagney & Lacey,' 'The Trials of Rosie O'Neill')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Film Editing for a Series, 1983-83 ('Quincy, M.E.'), 1987 ('Cagney & Lacey'), 1992 ('The Trials of Rosie O'Neill'), and 1994 ('Christy')
- Actor
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Peter Crombie was born on 26 June 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Se7en (1995), My Dog Skip (2000) and The Blob (1988). He was married to Nadine Kijner. He died on 10 January 2024 in Palm Springs, California, USA.June 26, 1952 – January 10, 2024
Actor ('Seinfeld,' 'Se7en,' 'My Dog Skip')- Attractive, willowy brunette Tisa Farrow was born Theresa Magdalena Farrow on July 22, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of writer/director John Farrow and Maureen O'Sullivan and the sister of Mia Farrow. Tisa made her film debut in the obscure hippie counterculture drama Homer (1970). She gave an especially charming performance as sweet innocent "Jennifer" in the marvelously offbeat Some Call It Loving (1973). Farrow was impressive as the timid "Mouse" in the fun made-for-TV Carrie (1976) clone The Initiation of Sarah (1978) and solid as the spaced-out "Carol" in James Toback's fabulously gritty Fingers (1978). Tisa had small parts in both Manhattan (1979) and Winter Kills (1979). She ended her acting career with starring roles in three entertainingly trashy Italian exploitation features: feisty heroine "Anne Bowles" in Lucio Fulci's excellent horror classic Zombie (1979), spunky photojournalist "Jane Foster" in Antonio Margheriti's Vietnam action / adventure The Last Hunter (1980) and a standard woman-in-peril part in The Grim Reaper (1980).
Tisa Farrow called it a day as an actress after 1980, and went on to a successful career as a nurse in Vermont.July 22, 1951 – January 10, 2024
Actress ('Fingers,' 'Zombi 2,' 'Antropophagus') - Director
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Janusz Majewski was born on 5 August 1931 in Lwów, Lwowskie, Poland [now Lviv, Ukraine]. He was a director and writer, known for Mala matura 1947 (2010), Sublokator (1966) and Excentrycy, czyli po slonecznej stronie ulicy (2015). He was married to Zofia Nasierowska. He died on 10 January 2024 in Poland.August 5, 1931 – January 10, 2024
Director ('Lokis,' Hotel Pacific,' 'H.M. Deserters') / Screenwriter
Notable Awards and Honors:- Polish Film Award nominee for Best Film ('The Eccentrics: The Sunny Side of the Street')
- Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Actor
Conrad began his film career in 1970 as a stuntman. Since 1980, he has become one of the most sought after Second-Unit Directors, with scores of top films to his credit. Known to his friends and co-workers as Connie, he has endeavored to give back to the industry by serving as the President of the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures for four terms, serving on the Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild. During his five-year term was instrumental in forming the National Stunt and Safety Committee, which he chaired for several years. He was also among the first stunt coordinators invited into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. Additionally, Conrad serves on the Blue Ribbon Committee of the World Stunt Awards.May 1, 1948 – January 10, 2024
Stuntman ('The Howling,' 'Christine,' '21 Jump Street') / Stunt Coordinator ('The Jerk,' 'Airplane!,' 'Weekend at Bernie's') / Second Unit Director ('First Blood,' 'X-Men,' 'The Other Guys') / Director ('Busted Up')- Ruth Ashton was married to Jack Elmer Taylor and Ed Conklin. She died on 11 January 2024 in San Rafael, California, USA.April 20, 1922 – January 11, 2024
Broadcast Journalist (KCBS-TV)
The first female newscaster on television in Los Angeles and on the West Coast
Notable Awards and Honors:- Governors Award for career achievement, 1982
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Laurence Badie was born on 15 June 1928 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. She was an actress, known for A Flea in Her Ear (1968), My American Uncle (1980) and Au théâtre ce soir (1966). She died on 11 January 2024 in Morlaix, Finistère, France.June 15, 1928 – January 11, 2024
Actress ('Forbidden Games,' 'Muriel,' 'The Soft Skin')- Costume Designer
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Actress
April Ferry was born on 31 October 1932 in North Carolina, USA. She was a costume designer and actress, known for Maverick (1994), Elysium (2013) and Rome (2005). She was married to Stephen Robertson Ferry. She died on 11 January 2024.October 31, 1932 – January 11, 2024
Costume Designer ('Big Trouble in Little China,' 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles,' 'Donnie Darko,' 'Jurassic World,' 'Game of Thrones')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Academy Award nominee for Best Costume Design, 1994 ('Maverick')
- Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Costumes for a Series, 2006 ('Rome')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special, 1989 ('My Name Is Bill W.')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Costumes for a Series, 2007 ('Rome')
- Dana Ghia was born on 13 July 1932 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. She was an actress, known for So Young, So Lovely, So Vicious... (1975), Burn! (1969) and Smile Before Death (1972). She died on 15 January 2024 in Mori, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy.July 13, 1932 – January 11, 2024
Actress ('Burn!,' 'Seven Deaths in the Cat's Eye,' 'Free Hand for a Tough Cop') - Producer
- Actor
- Casting Director
Dyson Lovell was born on 28 August 1936 in Rhodesia. He was a producer and actor, known for Romeo and Juliet (1968), Merlin (1998) and Endless Love (1981). He died on 11 January 2024.August 28, 1936 – January 11, 2024
British producer ('Brother Sun, Sister Moon,' 'The Cotton Club,' 1990's 'Hamlet'), casting director (1974's 'Murder on the Orient Express'), and former actor (1968's 'Romeo and Juliet')- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Lynne Marta was born on 30 October 1945 in Somerville, New Jersey, USA. She was an actress, known for Footloose (1984), Joe Kidd (1972) and Three Men and a Little Lady (1990). She was married to Brick Huston. She died on 11 January 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA.October 30, 1945 – January 11, 2024
Actress ('Joe Kidd,' 'Help Me... I'm Possessed,' 'Footloose')- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Anne Nightingale was born on 1 April 1940 in Osterley, west London, England, UK. She was an actress and writer, known for The Life of Rock with Brian Pern (2014), Late Night in Concert (1982) and Home Before Midnight (1979). She was married to Binky Baker and Gordon Thomas. She died on 11 January 2024 in London, England, UK.April 1, 1940 – January 11, 2024
Broadcaster (BBC Radio 1)
BBC Radio 1's first female presenter and its longest serving broadcaster
Notable Awards and Honors:- Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a female radio presenter, 2010-2023
- Member of the Order of the British Empire appointee, 2002
- Actor
- Director
Yuri Solomin is an acclaimed Russian stage and film actor and director, internationally best known for his work with director Akira Kurosawa in the leading role as Arseniev in Russian-Japanese film Dersu Uzala (1975).
He was born Yuri Mefodievich Solomin on June 18, 1935, in Chita, Siberian Russia, Soviet Union. His father, Mefodi Viktorovich, was a cellist and violinist, his mother, Zinaida Ananievna, was a mezzo-soprano; both parents taught classical music at the House of Pioneers in Chita. In 1953, after graduating from Chita high school, young Yuri Solomin moved to Moscow. There he attended Shchepkin Theatrical School, studied acting under Vera Pashennaya, graduating in 1957 as an actor. That same year he became permanent member of the troupe at the Academic Maly Theatre in Moscow. Since 1988, Solomin has been Artistic Director of the Maly Theatre. He also was Russian Minister of Culture from 1990 to 1992.
Yuri Solomin played over 50 roles in films and on television, and also played about 60 roles in stage productions. He was elected president of Association of Russian Theatres, was designated People's Actor of the USSR, and received numerous awards and decorations from both the Soviet and Russian governments. He is living in Moscow, Russia.June 18, 1935 – January 11, 2024
Actor ('Dersu Uzala,' 'The Adjutant of His Excellency,' 'TASS Is Authorized to Declare...') / Director
Notable Awards and honors:- People's Artist of the Republic, 1977
- People's Artist of the USSR, 1988
- Actor
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Throughout the 1970s and a good part of the 1980s, Bill Hayes and his second wife, Emmy-winning Susan Seaforth Hayes, reigned as the Lunt and Fontanne of daytime soaps. Prior to this he had become a noted singer/actor on the Broadway stage and in night clubs. Born William Foster Hayes III in Harvey, Illinois, on June 5, 1925, and raised in the Midwest, his father was a bookseller (for 41 years). He got his talent from his dad who enjoyed singing and local community theater performing on the sly. Bill entered WWII as a naval airman, then studied at De Pauw University, where he met and married first wife Mary. They went on to have five children. He later received his master's degree at Northwestern. Blessed with a sturdy tenor, his interest in a professional career was piqued after happening upon a tour of "Carousel" in 1947. From singing telegrams to barbershop quartets to choir directing to jazz group vocals, Bill persevered musically until earning his first big break on TV. A lead singing/stooge role in Olsen & Johnson's zany burlesque revue "Funzapoppin'" in 1949 led to him joining the pair on their short-lived TV show and, ultimately, his resident crooning on Your Show of Shows (1950) starring Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca. In the meantime he also performed in vaudeville and broke into films with a supporting role in Stop, You're Killing Me (1952). Despite a wife and family to support, he left the show on his own volition for the chance to star in a new Broadway musical. "Me and Juliet" opened with moderate success in 1953 and lasted over a year, touring with the show in its aftermath. Bill also happened to record "The Ballad of Davey Crockett," which became a surprise #1 Billboard hit and sold over three million copies. A nightclub and TV-variety fixture in the late 1950s, he later managed to flex his vocal chords in such musicals as "Bye Bye Birdie" (national tour), "Brigadoon," "The Pajama Game" and "George M!" The 1960s were a slow, difficult time for Bill professionally and personally, which culminated in the breakup of his marriage. Luck and talent played a part when he was hired to join the cast of Days of Our Lives (1965) playing the role of Doug Williams. The character was originally a louse and con artist, but grew more reputable after his character fell in love with feisty troublemaker Julie Olson, played by Susan Seaforth. Their seesaw romantic relationship became one of daytime's top story lines of the 1970s. Off-screen the couple also ignited sparks and, despite their major age difference (she is 18 years his junior), they married on October 12, 1974. In 1984, after 14 years and two daytime Emmy nominations, he and Susan left the show due to their dwindling status. While Susan went on to join the cast of The Young and the Restless (1973) the following year, Bill refocused on his singing by performing on the cabaret circuit and recording a few albums. The couple returned on and off to their soap opera alma mater over the years, but in 1999 they became part of the regular cast again with a stronger story line. Bill is still performing on stage, more recently playing Beauregard in "Mame" and with his wife in productions of "A Christmas Carol," "Love Letters" and "Same Time, Another Year," which is a sequel to "Same Time, Next Year."June 5, 1925 – January 12, 2024
Actor ('Days of Our Lives,' 'The Cardinal') and singer ("The Ballad of Davy Crockett")
Notable Awards and Honors:- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series, 1975 and 1976 (both for 'Days of Our Lives')
- Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, 2018
- Writer
- Producer
Playwright and screenwriter, born in Devon, England, to Dudley Payne and his wife Joan (née Landamore) and educated at Denstone College and the (now defunct) Hornsey College of Art in London. Following his graduation in 1972, Payne began as a screen printer before moving up the ladder to writing scripts for BBC4. His predilection for crime stories resulted in his contributing episodic screenplays for Lovejoy (1986), Midsomer Murders (1997) and DCI Banks (2010). He also wrote twelve instalments of Minder (1979) and adapted two Dick Francis novels into made-for- television movies.
Payne became best known as the creator and principal writer of Pie in the Sky (1994), a popular, feel-good detective series, starring Richard Griffiths as Henry Crabbe. It aired for five seasons, from 1994 to 1997. The main story-line revolved around a reluctant, semi-retired policeman, who much preferred cooking and running his own restaurant to sleuthing, but found himself invariably blackmailed into solving cases by his politically-motivated, self-serving superior, Assistant Chief Constable Freddy Fisher (ably portrayed by Malcolm Sinclair ).
More recently, Payne authored several plays which were particularly well-received in France, translated into French by the actor and theatre producer Robert Plagnol and staged at the Theatre de Montparnasse (2007), the Theatre des Champs-Elysees (2008) and the Avignon Festival (2018).September 13, 1949 – January 12, 2024
TV Writer ('Minder,' 'Midsomer Murders') / Series Creator ('Pie in the Sky')- Actress
- Soundtrack
Jana Hlavácová was born on 26 March 1938 in Prague, Czechoslovakia [now Czech Republic]. She was an actress, known for Ucitel tance (1995), Konec básníku v Cechách (1993) and Veronika (1986). She was married to Ludek Munzar and Jirí Michný. She died on 13 January 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic.March 26, 1938 – January 13, 2024
Actress ('When the Woman Butts In,' 'Chalupáři,' 'How Poets Are Enjoying Their Lives')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Czech Lion Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress, 1995 ('The Dance Teacher')
- Tom Shales was born on 3 November 1944 in Elgin, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for ESPN: Those Guys Have All the Fun, The Larry Sanders Show (1992) and This Is MST3K (1992). He died on 13 January 2024 in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.November 3, 1944 – January 13, 2024
Television Critic ('The Washington Post,' 'Morning Edition') / Author ('Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, 1988
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Jo-El Sonnier was born on 2 October 1946 in Rayne, Louisiana, USA. He was an actor, known for Steel Magnolias (1989), Mask (1985) and True Detective (2014). He was married to Bobbye Weaver. He died on 13 January 2024 in Llano, Texas, USA.October 2, 1946 – January 13, 2024
Singer ("I've Been Around Enough to Know," "No More One More Time," "Tear-Stained Letter") / Accordionist / Songwriter
Notable Awards and Honors:- Grammy Award winner for Best Regional Roots Music Album, 2015 ('The Legacy')
- Grammy Award nominee for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, 1986 ("Zydeco Gris-Gris")
- Grammy Award nominee for Best Traditional Folk Album, 1998 ('Cajun Pride'), 2001 ('Cajun Blood'), and 2006 ('Cajun Mardi Gras!')
- Lovely, sweet-natured Joyce Randolph will forever be etched in the minds of "Golden Age" television viewers as the Bowery-like fourth party of the classic husband/wife quartet on the enduring TV family comedy The Honeymooners (1955) starring Jackie Gleason as the irrepressible hothead bus driver Ralph Kramden. As Thelma ("Trixie") Norton, the dressed-down, beleaguered wife of sewer worker Ed Norton (played by the adorably goofy Art Carney) and best friend to equally stern realist Alice Kramden (played by equally lovely Audrey Meadows), Joyce participated in nearly 100 episodes of the beloved show before it left the air in 1957.
Randolph's real last name was Sirola, being of Finnish descent. As a teenager, her interest in acting grew and she eventually found her way to become a part of the Wayne University Workshop. After high school graduation, Joyce found employment in retail at a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Detroit. Auditioning for a Workshop tour of the play "Stage Door" in Detroit, she won the part and traveled with the company. She followed that tour with another tour, a revival of "Abie's Irish Rose" that ran for a year.
At age 18, Joyce moved to New York City during war-time (1943) to try her luck. She made her Broadway debut in 1945 in the short-lived comedy "A Goose for the Gander" starring Gloria Swanson and Conrad Nagel at the Playhouse Theatre. She returned to Broadway with "Ladies Night at a Turkish Bath" in 1950. She also appeared in summer stock and once performed in the musical "No, No, Nanette" with Ms. Meadows.
She began on TV as early as 1946 at General Electric's experimental laboratory in Schenectady, NY. Having now changed her stage name from her christened name to the more inviting "Joyce Randolph," the actress began appearing on TV in 1950, finding parts on such regular programs as "The Colgate Comedy Hour," "Rocky King, Detective," "Buck Rogers," "The Clock," "I Cover Times Square" and "Famous Jury Trials." By sheer luck, Joyce was spotted in a Clorets chewing gum commercial by Gleason himself the following year and was asked to appear in a skit on the "Cavalcade of Stars," Gleason's variety show on the DuMont Network. He liked her, he cast her then as Trixie, and the rest is TV history.
Taking over the role played originally, and only once, by Elaine Stritch, when the part of Trixie was thought of as a burlesque girl, the skit format was changed to series form with The Honeymooners (1955). Caught in a terrible typecasting, Joyce would find it extremely hard obtaining other roles after the demise of the show. Interestingly, when "The Honeymooners" sketches were revived on a revamped Gleason variety show in the 1960s, the roles of Alice and Trixie were taken over by Sheila MacRae and Jane Kean. Only Carney remained. Joyce would later say she did not revive her Trixie role due to "personal and geographic reasons." Gleason had moved his company to Miami, Florida.
Joyce maintained her career for awhile on the musical stage, in commercials, and with a few solo appearances on such shows as "The Jack Benny Show," and "The Doctors and the Nurses," but eventually retired from acting altogether. She married Richard Lincoln Charles, a wealthy entrepreneur and marketing executive, on October 2, 1955, the day after The Honeymooners premiered. He died at age 74 in 1997. Their son, Randolph Richard Charles, born in 1960, followed in his father's, not his mother's, footsteps after attending Yale University. He became a marketing executive before taking over his father's business. Joyce is also the grand aunt of former Major League Baseball pitcher Tim Redding.October 21, 1924 – January 13, 2024
Actress and last surviving core cast member of 'The Honeymooners' - Editorial Department
- Editor
- Producer
Mo Henry was born on 19 April 1956 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an editor and producer, known for I Am Legend (2007), Starship Troopers (1997) and The Matrix (1999). She died on 14 January 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA.April 19, 1956 – January 14, 2024
Negative Cutter ('Heat,' 'The Matrix,' 'The Dark Knight')- Writer
- Producer
- Actor
Tom Johnson, who has already spent a full year using Zoom (remotely) to supervise the comedy writing staff on a daily, live show - yep - 365 days in a row, is an Emmy winning writer/producer/creative showrunner best known for The Jeselnik Offensive, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Talkshow with Spike Feresten, Stand-Up Nation with Greg Giraldo, Lopez Tonight, the Comedy Central Roasts of both David Hasselhoff and Roseanne, and run-on sentences. He is also a seasoned awards show writer, having run the writers rooms on The MTV Movie Awards, The MTV Video Music Awards, 6 Guys Choice Awards, The Scream Awards and The Video Game Awards. He has written and/or produced pilots for Marc Maron, Dan Savage, Nikki Glaser, Jim Norton, Anjelah Johnson and Joan Rivers. Tom has also had extensive experience in reality, sketch, prank, game, hidden camera and app-based live trivia shows. He was also a stand-up comic who was passed (approved) at the Comedy Cellar in '94 - - because that seems important now.July 25, 1968 – January 14, 2024
Television Writer ('The Daily Show') / Producer ('Martha & Snoop's Potluck Party Challenge') / Series Creator ('The Jeselnik Offensive')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program, 2001 and 2003 (both for 'The Daily Show')
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program, 2002 ('The Daily Show')
- Martin McCallum was a producer, known for Putting It Together (2010). Martin died on 14 January 2024 in Sydney, Australia.April 6, 1950 – January 14, 2024
British theatrical producer ('Les Misérables,' 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,' 'The Cripple of Inishmaan') and manager
Notable Awards and Honors:- Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Play, 2014 ('The Cripple of Inishmaan')
- Tony Award nomination for Best Revival of a Play, 2014 ('The Cripple of Inishmaan')
- Elisabeth Trissenaar was born on 13 April 1944 in Vienna, Austria. She was an actress and writer, known for The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979), Angry Harvest (1985) and Berlin Alexanderplatz (1980). She was married to Hans Neuenfels. She died on 14 January 2024 in Berlin, Berlin. Germany.April 13, 1944 – January 14, 2024
Actress ('The Stationmaster's Wife,' 'In a Year with 13 Moons,' 'Angry Harvest') - Actor
- Soundtrack
William O'Connell was born on 12 May 1929 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Paint Your Wagon (1969), Every Which Way But Loose (1978) and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976). He died on 15 January 2024 in Sherman Oaks, California, USA.May 12, 1929 – January 15, 2024
Actor ('Star Trek,' 'Paint Your Wagon,' 'Every Which Way But Loose')- Writer
- Director
- Actor
José Agustín was born on 19 August 1944 in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. He was a writer and director, known for Amor a la vuelta de la esquina (1986), La viuda de Montiel (1979) and Ya sé quién eres (Te he estado observando) (1971). He died on 16 January 2024 in Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico.August 19, 1944 – January 16, 2024
Novelist ('La Tumba') / Screenwriter ('5 de chocolate y 1 de fresa,' 'El apando')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Ariel Award nominations for Best Screenplay, 1979 ('La Viuda de Montiel') and 1986 ('Amor a la vuelta de la esquina')
- David Gail was born on 27 February 1965 in Tampa, Florida, USA. He was an actor, known for Savannah (1996), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) and The Round Table (1992). He died on 16 January 2024 in the USA.February 27, 1965 – January 16, 2024
Actor ('Savannah,' 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' 'Port Charles') - Music Department
- Composer
- Producer
Prolific British composer who has written scores for over four hundred film and television series. Very much of the old school of film composers, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and his scores reflect this classical training in their complexity. The trademark Johnson sound is the unusual use of strings with interesting chord combinations in frequent use. Perhaps the most famous themes that Laurie Johnson is best known for is The Professionals (1977) (1977-83) and The Avengers (1961) and The New Avengers (1976) soundtracks. These works combined classical orchestration with the "funky" sound of the time, often using wah-wah guitar and "walking" funk bass lines with a full orchestra playing along. Since 1974, Laurie Johnson has also jointly-owned the production companies that produced these programmes, the most famous being "Avengers Mark One Productions Ltd", who produced the shows mentioned earlier. Still working hard into his Seventies, Laurie Johnson lives in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, UK.February 7, 1927 – January 16, 2024
Composer ('Dr. Strangelove,' 'This Is Your Life,' 'The Avengers,' 'Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter,' 'The Professionals') / Arranger / Bandleader- José Lifante was born on 3 June 1943 in Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He was an actor, known for The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Tiempos duros para Drácula (1976) and Estudio 1 (1965). He was married to Elisenda Ribas. He died on 16 January 2024 in Madrid, Spain.June 3, 1943 – January 16, 2024
Actor ('Let Sleeping Corpses Lie,' 'National Heritage,' 'The Dog in the Manger') - Composer
- Music Department
- Actor
Peter Schickele is a renowned American composer. Inspired by the music of Spike Jones, as a young teenager, he also studied composition and music history at Juilliard. After graduating from Juilliard he asked himself what in the world he was going to do with a PhD in music history, and proceeded to rewrite it (history, that is) by discovering works by Johann Sebastian Bach's heretofore unknown 21st child, "last and by far the least", "a pimple on the face of music", P.D.Q. Bach. PDQ's music had its first public performance in 1965, and lectures by "Professor Schickele" (of the University of Southern North Dakota at Hoople, or "U of SND at H" for short) have delighted audiences ever since. Although the first ten PDQ Bach albums on Vanguard hold his most inspired work, only his latest five albums (on Telarc) have earned him proper recognition, with four of the five winning Grammy Awards in comedy. In 1993 he stopped touring with PDQ Bach to devote himself more fully to 'real' composing (which he's done all along, in spite of the spectre of PDQ Bach which often resulted in even his most serious work eliciting laughter) and his radio show "Schickele Mix". His weekly show (of which there have been 168 episodes) features an eclectic mix of music from many cultures and centuries; he's perfectly happy to illustrate a musical point using a "suite" that combines music of seeming opposites: Bach and the Beatles; Heavy Metal bands and Classical string quartets. You can find him on the radio or in New York City every week after Christmas performing P.D.Q. Bach at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center.July 17, 1935 – January 16, 2024
Composer / Musician / Parodist (P. D. Q. Bach)
Notable Awards and Honors:- four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, 1990-1993 (all for P. D. Q. Bach recordings)
- Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album, 1999 ('Schickele: Hornsmoke')
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Score From an Original Cast Show Album, 1970 ('Oh! Calcutta!')
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Album for Children, 1992 ('Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf / A Zoo Called Earth / Gerald McBoing Boing')
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Comedy Album, 1996 ('The Definitive Biography of P. D. Q. Bach')
- Grammy Award nominee for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, 2004 ('The Emperor's New Clothes')
- Writer
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Benedict Fitzgerald was born on 9 March 1949 in New York, USA. He was a writer and producer, known for The Passion of the Christ (2004), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and A Good Man Is Hard to Find. He was married to Krenz Mason. He died on 17 January 2024 in Marsala, Sicily, Italy.March 9, 1949 – January 17, 2024
Screenwriter ('Wise Blood,' 'The Passion of the Christ') / Producer ('Evil')- Casting Director
- Producer
- Casting Department
Nancy Green-Keyes was born in Rhode Island, USA. She was a casting director and producer, known for The Notebook (2004), The Family Man (2000) and Of Mind and Music (2014). She died on 17 January 2024 in Santa Monica, California, USA.ca. 1955 – January 17, 2024
Casting Director ('Rush Hour,' 'The Family Man,' 'The Notebook,' 'My Sister's Keeper') / Producer ('Of Mind and Music')- Music Department
- Actress
- Composer
Toni Stern was born on 4 November 1944 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an actress and composer, known for The Karate Kid (1984), The Lake House (2006) and Invincible (2006). She was married to Jerry Rounds. She died on 17 January 2024 in Santa Ynez, California, USA.November 4, 1944 – January 17, 2024
Musician / Lyricist ("It's Too Late," "It's Going to Take Some Time," "Where You Lead")- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Lee Doo-yong was born on 24 December 1942 in Seoul, South Korea. He was a director and writer, known for Cheongsongeuro ganeun kil (1990), Ppong (1986) and The Hut (1981). He died on 19 January 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.December 24, 1942 – January 19, 2024
Director ('Bruce Lee Fights Back from the Grave,' 'The Last Witness,' 'Mulberry') / Screenwriter- Actress
- Soundtrack
Ewa Podles was born on 26 April 1952 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. She was an actress, known for Cendrillon (2011), Il Trittico (2009) and Sam na sam (1977). She was married to Jerzy Marchwinski. She died on 19 January 2024 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.April 26, 1952 – January 19, 2024
Singer (Handel, Rossini, Shostakovich)- Composer
- Soundtrack
Marlena Shaw was born on 22 September 1939 in New Rochelle, New York, USA. She was a composer, known for The Italian Job (2003), The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) and Forces of Nature (1999). She died on 19 January 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.September 22, 1942 – January 19, 2024
Singer ("California Soul," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "It's Better than Walking Out")
Notable Awards and Honors:- Grammy Award nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Performance by a Duo Or Group, 1989 ("Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" with Joe Williams)
- Mary Weiss was the lead singer of the 1960s girl group The Shangri-Las, four New York City Catholic schoolgirl friends that included her older sister Betty and a couple of classmates, twins Mary Ann and Margie Ganser. Mary was only 15 when the newly-formed group was discovered by Red Bird Records producer/songwriter George "Shadow" Morton in 1964. Although the Shangri-Las began the year being photographed in chiffon dresses and high heels, Morton soon cultivated a biker-chick/bad girl image for them, with the group usually appearing live clad in tight pants and black leather vests. Their songs featured melodramatic music and lyrics dealing with such themes as love lost, death, and general teenage angst, and often included sound effects, such as seagulls along the beach in 1964's "Remember (Walking in the Sand)", their first hit, and roaring motorcycles, as can be heard in their signature song from that same year, the biker epic "Leader of the Pack." Incidentally, both tracks featured a young session pianist by the name of Billy Joel.
The small Red Bird label eventually folded in late 1966 due to financial problems and the group signed with Mercury Records, but changing musical tastes and litigation over bad contracts led to the group's demise in 1968. Mary went on to work as a secretary for an architectural firm in midtown Manhattan and eventually became a successful commercial interior designer and furniture installer in New York City. She has maintained a very low profile, appearing only twice for group reunions in 1977 and 1989. Her first marriage ended in divorce after 11 years, but she is currently happily wed to a paralegal, although she has never had any children. She and her second husband now live in Babylon, Long Island.
After nearly 40 years out of the musical spotlight, Mary has contemplated retiring completely from her current career and made a step in that direction with the 2007 release of her first solo CD, "Dangerous Game", which she has supported with limited touring and an appearance on Conan O'Brien's late night show, both times backed by Reigning Sound, the band that she recorded the CD with as well.December 28, 1948 – January 19, 2024
Singer (The Shangri-Las) - Robert Whitman was born on 23 May 1935 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. He was a director, known for Robert Whitman Performances from the 1960s (2006), Prune. Flat. (1965) and Letter from New York (1990). He was married to Sylvia Palacios, Simone Forti and Mia Ellen Lahanas. He died on 19 January 2024 in Warwick, New York, USA.May 23, 1935 – January 19, 2024
Performance Artist ('American Moon,' 'Bathroom Sink,' 'Prune Flat') - Actor
- Additional Crew
David Emge was born in 1946 in Evansville, Indiana. Emge studied drama at the University of Evansville and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While attending college David got drafted and served in the army during the Vietnam war. He began his acting career on stage at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in 1971. Emge made his film debut in the lowbrow comedy "The Booby Hatch." In addition, he briefly lived in Washington, D.C., where he performed in dinner theater. Emge moved to New York City in 1976. David was working as a chef at a New York City restaurant when he was cast as the meek and bumbling helicopter pilot Stephen in George Romero's outstanding "Dawn of the Dead." Emge went back to acting in live theater following his "Dawn of the Dead" stint. David Emge has acted in only two other movies to date: he's grotesquely malformed freak Half Moon in "Basket Case 2" and activist reporter Robert in "Hellmaster."September 9, 1946 – January 20, 2024
Actor (1978's 'Dawn of the Dead,' 'Basket Case 2,' 'Hellmaster')- Additional Crew
- Actress
- Music Department
Eleanor Fazan was born on 29 May 1929 in Nairobi, Kenya. She was an actress, known for Willow (1988), Hot Fuzz (2007) and Lassiter (1984). She was married to Stanley Myers. She died on 20 January 2024.May 29, 1929 – January 20, 2024
Choreographer ('The Ruling Class,' 'Willow,' 'Hot Fuzz')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Officer of the Order of the British Empire appointee, 2013
- Director
- Producer
- Actor
Norman Jewison was an award-winning, internationally acclaimed filmmaker who produced and directed some of the world's most memorable, entertaining and socially important films, exploring controversial and complicated subjects and giving them a universal accessibility. Some of his most well-known works include the pre-glasnost political satire The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, the original The Thomas Crown Affair, the groundbreaking civil rights-era drama In the Heat of the Night (winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture), the first rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, the futuristic cult hit Rollerball, hit musical comedy-drama Fiddler on the Roof, the romantic comedy Moonstruck, the courtroom drama ...And Justice For All, the military drama A Soldier's Story, the labor movement picture F.I.S.T., the war dramas The Statement and In Country, and the masterfully told story of Reuben 'Hurricane' Carter, The Hurricane, among many others.
Jewison was personally nominated for four Oscars and received three Emmy Awards; his films received 46 nominations and won 12 Academy Awards. In 1999, Jewison received the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Academy Awards.
In Canada, his life's work has been recognized with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, and he was named a Member of the Order of Canada, an Officer of the Order of Ontario and a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honour. In 2010, Jewison was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America.
Jewison was committed to advancing the art of storytelling and filmmaking, both through his groundbreaking films, and through his creation of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) in 1986, which opened its doors in Toronto in 1988. The CFC is a charitable cultural organization which drives the future of Canadian storytelling.July 21, 1926 – January 20, 2024
Film Director / Producer ('In the Heat of the Night,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Moonstruck,' 'The Hurricane')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Academy Award nominations for Best Director in 1967 ('In the Heat of the Night'), 1971 ('Fiddler on the Roof'), and 1987 ('Moonstruck')
- Academy Award nominations for Best Picture in 1966 ('The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming'), 1971 ('Fiddler on the Roof'), 1984 ('A Soldier's Story'), and 1987 ('Moonstruck')
- BAFTA Film Award nomination for Best Film from Any Source, 1967 ('In the Heat of the Night')
- BAFTA UN Award nomination in 1966 ('The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming') and win in 1967 ('In the Heat of the Night')
- David di Donatello Award winner for Best Foreign Film, 1973 ('Jesus Chris Superstar')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Children's Special, 2002 ('Walter and Henry')
- Golden Globe nominations for Best Director - Motion Picture, 1968 ('In the Heat of the Night'), 1972 ('Fiddler on the Roof'), and 2000 ('The Hurricane')
- Governor General's Performing Arts Award recipient for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, 2003
- Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award recipient, 1999
- Officer (1989) and Companion (1992) of the Order of Canada
- Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Made for Television Movie, 2002 ('Dinner with Friends')
- Special Achievement Genie Award recipient, 1988
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Gary Graham was born on 6 June 1950 in Long Beach, California, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Robot Jox (1989), Star Trek: Enterprise (2001) and The Jackal (1997). He was married to Becky Hopkins, Diane Patricia Vaughan, Caren Leslie Williams and Susan Lavelle. He died on 22 January 2024 in Spokane Valley, Washington, USA.June 6, 1950 – January 22, 2024
Actor ('Hardcore,' 'All the Right Moves,' 'Robot Jox,' TV's 'Alien Nation,' 'Star Trek: Enterprise')- Composer
- Producer
- Music Department
His father, a fine furrier, died as a soldier in the Second World War in Smolensk, Russia, the year he was born. Frank and his two older siblings, Hertha and Heinz, grew up with their mother in simple but sheltered circumstances. His mother Cilli, who worked as a teacher, noticed Frank's voice and had him sing in the church choir. His musical ability became apparent early on; Frank got his first guitar at the age of 12. After graduating from school, he apprenticed as a chef. This career took him from Saarbrücken via Lindau to Ettelbruck in Luxembourg. His love for rock'' n'' roll was also awakened here. Through the stationed American GI's and their parties he became aware of bands like the "Drifters", Elvis Presley and Bill Haley. Now Frank Farian hung up his chef's hat and decided to form his own rock band. He took all of his savings and bought various equipment for his band, which didn't even exist yet. He changed his name from Franz to Frankie and finally to Frank.
In 1961, his five-piece band "Frank Farian and the Shadows" was put together and they toured the bars. Two years later, in 1963, the first self-produced record was released with a print run of 1,000 copies. The "Schatten" had their first highlight in 1964. They were one of only three German groups to appear at the international rock festival in the Starclub in Hamburg. In 1967 Frank Farian got his first record deal with Ariola. The band later broke up and Farian decided to remain solo as an artist and producer. He now devoted himself more to the more lucrative hit business. This also led to an appearance on the ZDF hit parade in 1969. In 1971 a production contract was signed with Hansa-Berlin, which still exists today. Farian had his big breakthrough in 1976 with the start of the group "Boney M." The single "Daddy Cool" hit like a bomb. The hit was placed in the charts not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. "Sunny" also became a huge success and Boney M's debut album "Take The Heat Of Me" proved to be an absolute top seller. But the nerve-wracking and strenuous work also left its mark.
Farian suffered a heart attack at the age of just 36, but that didn't stop him from producing one mega-success after another. "Boney M." had 38 top ten hits between 1975 and 1988, including 15 No.1 placements in Germany, 22 top ten hits in England, five of which were No.1 placements. Three titles by Boney M. grace the all-time bestseller list in England: "Mary's Boychild", "Rivers Of Babylon" and "Brown Girl In The Ring". Frank Farian didn't just concentrate on "Boney M.", in 1977 he helped the group "Eruption" into the top ten. In 1978, Farian's entry into the Guinness Book of Records followed: 175,000 singles of "Mary's Boychild" sold in just one day and 2.2 million within four weeks, which was a world record. He was also awarded the "Carl Allen Award" and Queen Elizabeth II received "Boney M." as the most successful pop group in England. Frank Farian's name was now in high demand on the international music scene. Big stars produced in his Rosbach studio, including Stevie Wonder, who recorded his global hit "I just called to say I love you" with Farian in 1982.
His instinct for talent and trends is also undisputed. He discovered, among others, Terence Trent D''Arby and helped him launch his career. In 1988, Farian achieved another milestone. With Milli Vanilli's "Girl you know it's true", the single and album were number one on the charts for six weeks. Milli Vanilli even reached platinum in the USA. In 1989 they received a Grammy for "Best New Act". Farian was honored with two 10x platinum diamond LPs in 1991 for Milli Vanilli and "Boney M." albums. This award made him the most successful producer in pop history. In the same year the Milli Vanilli scandal broke out. It turned out that the two actors had never sung themselves; Milli Vanilli was purely a studio production. The fans were outraged. Farian didn't allow himself to be irritated any further and devoted himself to new projects, including the formation "La Bouche" from 1994 and the group "No Mercy", with which he also celebrated global success. In 1997, Farian was awarded the "Echo" for his life's work.
It made its debut as a car in 2004 with the title "Stupid This Bohlen". The book is Farian's answer to Bohlen's "Behind the Scenes". The title is a reference to Michael Moore's "Stupid White Man", which accuses George W. Bush of not telling the truth. All proceeds from "Stupid This Bohlen" will go to the Nordhoff/Robbins Foundation, which aims to help autistic children with music therapy.July 18, 1941 – January 23, 2024
Record Producer (Boney M., Milli Vanilli, No Mercy) / Songwriter / Singer- Composer
- Music Department
- Actress
With her sweet, captivating voice, quirky yet insightful songwriting and bubbly, upbeat, free-spirited hippie persona, pop and folk singer/songwriter Melanie totally epitomized the whole "flower power" counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
She was born Melanie Anne Safka on February 3, 1947, in Queens, New York, and grew up in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. She made her first public appearance at age four, singing "Gimme a Little Kiss" on the radio show "Live Like A Millionaire." She began singing in Greenwich Village folk clubs while attending New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts and initially signed to Columbia Records in 1967. Her debut single, "Beautiful People", was a flop in America but a hit in the Netherlands. Melanie subsequently left Columbia Records and signed with Buddah Records. Her song "Bobo's Party" was a #1 hit in France in 1969. Melanie also sang "Birthday of the Sun" at the Woodstock music festival in 1969.
In 1970 she had a Top 10 hit with "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)." A powerful cover of The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday", and "Peace Will Come (According to Plan)" likewise did well. In 1971 she scored her greatest smash success with the cute, catchy and funny "Brand New Key"; the song peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts for three weeks, sold over three million copies, was featured on the soundtrack of the film Boogie Nights (1997) and has been covered by such artists as Deana Carter, Cher, Rasputina and The Dollyrots (the British comedy folk group The Wurzels had a 1976 #1 UK hit with a parody version of "Brand New Key" called "Combine Harvester".) The follow-up songs "Ring the Living Bell" and "The Nickel Song" were also successful. Melanie was awarded Billboard's #1 Top Female Vocalist in 1972. She had her last Top 40 hit with "Bitter Bad" in 1973. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1989 for writing the lyrics to the song "The First Time I Loved Forever" for the TV series Beauty and the Beast (1987). Her children Leilah, Jeordie and Beau-Jarred are all musicians. Almost all of her albums have been produced by her husband, Peter Schekeryk. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and continues to record the occasional album and perform live all over the world.February 3, 1947 – January 23, 2024
Singer / Songwriter / Musician ("Brand New Key," "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," "What Have They Done to My Song Ma")
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics, 1989 ("The First Time I Loved Forever" from 'Beauty and the Beast')
- Charles Osgood was born on 8 January 1933 in The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. He was an actor, known for Horton Hears a Who! (2008), CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley (1979) and A Science Odyssey (1998). He was married to Jean Crafton and Theresa Audette. He died on 23 January 2024 in Saddle River, New Jersey, USA.January 8, 1933 – January 23, 2024
Newscaster / Host ('CBS News Sunday Morning') / Commentator ('The Osgood File') / Narrator ('Horton Hears a Who!')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, 2013 and 2015 (both for 'CBS News Sunday Morning')
- News & Documentary Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Interview/Interviewer, 1999, and Outstanding Feature Story - Long Form, 2002 (both for 'CBS News Sunday Morning')
- News & Documentary Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2017
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Margaret Riley was born on 9 December 1965 in California, USA. She was a producer, known for Love & Other Drugs (2010), Bombshell (2019) and An Invisible Army. She died on 23 January 2024 in Brentwood, California, USA.December 9, 1965 – January 23, 2024
American producer ('Love & Other Drugs,' 'Bombshell') and talent manager (Mark Ruffalo)- Actress
- Soundtrack
Margo Smith was born on 9 April 1939 in Dayton, Ohio, USA. She was an actress, known for Bloedbroeders (2008), House Calls (1979) and Stuck in the Past (2007). She was married to Richard Cammeron and Ken Smith. She died on 22 January 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee, USA.April 9, 1942 – January 23, 2024
Singer / Songwriter / Musician ("There I Said It," "Take My Breath Away," "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You")
"The Tennessee Yodeler"- Actor
- Producer
Herbert 'Cowboy' Coward was born on 21 August 1938 in Haywood County, North Carolina, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Deliverance (1972), Ghost Town: The Movie (2007) and Hillbilly Blood (2013). He was married to Dorothy Eileen Ledford. He died on 24 January 2024 in Haywood County, North Carolina, USA.August 21, 1938 – January 24, 2024
Actor ('Deliverance,' 'Ghost Town: The Movie') / TV Personality ('Moonshiners')- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Rod Holcomb was born on 28 May 1943 in San Francisco, California, USA. He was a director and producer, known for ER (1994), China Beach (1988) and The Six Million Dollar Man (1974). He was married to Jane Lucille Brackman, Suellen Maclean and Sandra Lavonne Avakian. He died on 24 January 2024 in Los Angeles, USA.May 28, 1943 – January 24, 2024
Television Director ('Battlestar Galactica,' 'The Greatest American Hero,' 'ER') / Producer ('The Six Million Dollar Man,' 'Moonlight')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, 2009 ('ER' series finale "And in the End...")
- Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, 1988 ('China Beach' pilot), 1995 ('ER' pilot "24 Hours"), and 1997 ('ER' episode "Last Call")
- Actress
- Producer
A "military brat", Jesse Jane grew up on military bases and was somewhat of a tomboy. She combined her love of sports with her long training in dance and became a top cheerleader in high school. After graduation she began doing TV commercials, including one for the "Hooters" restaurant chain. She won several "Hawaiian Tropics" beauty contests and managed to snag a role in Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding (2003). She was named "Miss Photogenic" by the American Dreams Pageant, and soon afterwards embarked on a career as a top bikini model. Her desire to break into the film business led her to sign a contract with adult-film production company Digital Playground. The films the company put her in have proved extremely popular, as has her line of sex toys. Her films have been nominated for numerous AVN awards, as has she herself, and in 2004 AFW put her on the cover of its directory.July 16, 1980 – January 24, 2024
Pornographic Actress ('Pirates,' 'Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge') / Presenter ('Night Calls')- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Enrique Liporace was born on 10 June 1941 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was an actor and director, known for Bolivia (1999), La cola (2012) and La señora Ana Luce sus Medallas (1967). He died on 27 January 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.June 10, 1941 – January 27, 2024
Actor ('Time for Revenge,' 'Last Days of the Victim,' 'Bolivia')- Actress
- Sound Department
- Additional Crew
Sreela Majumdar was born in 1958 in India. She was an actress, known for In Search of Famine (1981), Target Kolkata (2013) and Mon Mayuree (1990). She was married to SNM Abdi. She died on 27 January 2024 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.c. 1958 – January 27, 2024
Actress ('Ek Din Pratidin,' 'Akaler Shandhaney,' 'Khandhar')- Composer
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Lillebjørn Nilsen was born on 21 December 1950 in Oslo, Norway. He was a composer and actor, known for Blücher (1988), Framing Mom (2016) and Himmel og helvete (1969). He was married to Mairead Imlach, Svendsen, Kari and Gerberg, Shari. He died on 27 January 2024 in Norway.December 21, 1950 – January 27, 2024
Singer / Songwriter / Musician (The Young Norwegians, "Barn av regnbuen," "Tanta til Beate")- Music Department
- Composer
- Soundtrack
John Henry Kreitler was born on 6 February 1948 in Tillamook, Oregon, USA. He was a composer, known for Passions (1999), Material Girls (2006) and Melrose Place (1992). He was married to Patsy Meyer. He died on 28 January 2024 in Covington, Kentucky, USA.February 6, 1948 – January 28, 2024
American composer of television daytime dramas ('Another World,' 'Guiding Light,' 'As the World Turns')
Notable Awards and Honors:- eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series
- two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Original Song
- another 25 Daytime Emmy Award nominations
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Jandira Martini was born on 10 July 1945 in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. She was an actress and writer, known for The Clone (2001), Felicidade (1991) and Written in the Stars (2010). She died on 29 January 2024 in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.June 10, 1945 – January 29, 2024
Actress ('O Clone,' 'Olga') / Screenwriter ('Romeo and Juliet Get Married')- Actress
- Additional Crew
During the 1950s and 1960s bosomy, scintillating, dark-haired Tunisian leading lady Sandra Milo played bored patricians, manipulative mistresses and other enticing ladies of questionable morals with typical sensuous flare in scores of Italian and French productions.
Born Elena Liliana Greco in Tunis on March 11, 1933, Sandra made her film debut at age 20 co-starring tauntingly alongside Alberto Sordi in Lo scapolo (1955) and renamed herself. For the next full decade, she unleashed her fiery figure on a number of tempted male players in scores of saucy comedies, feisty costumers and steamy melodramas. Such films included Nero's Mistress (1956), The Adventures of Arsène Lupin (1957), The Mirror Has Two Faces (1958) [The Mirror Has Two Faces], Toto in the Moon (1958) [Toto in the Moon], General Della Rovere (1959) [General della Rovere], and the period comedy romp The Green Mare (1959) starring the great French actor Bourvil, which served as the inspiration to the bawdy classic "Tom Jones."
Ms. Milo appeared to fine advantage in two of Fellini's greatest masterpieces - 8½ (1963) and Juliet of the Spirits (1965). She personified the aloof Italian temptress opposite Europe's most virile, passionate leading men -- Vittorio Gassman, Marcello Mastroianni, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Sorel, etc.
Leaving films in 1968, Sandra was little seen on camera and did not return to the big screen until over a decade later, now sporadically appearing as severe-looking blondes. Primarily filming in Italy well into her octogenarian years, such movies have included the comedy Riavanti... Marsch! (1979), the dramedy Grog (1982), the musical fantasy Cindy - Cinderella '80 (1984), the comedy Camerieri (1995), the romantic dramedy Incantato (2003), the comedies Sleepless (2009), Happy Family (2010), Una notte agli studios (2013), There's No Place Like Home (2018) and Free - Liberi (2020).March 11, 1933 – January 29, 2024
Actress ('Classe tous risques,' '8½,' 'Juliet of the Spirits')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Special David di Donatello Award recipient for her career, 2021
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Editorial Department
Hinton Battle was born on 29 November 1956 in Neubrücke, Germany. He was an actor, known for Dreamgirls (2006), Quantum Leap (1989) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997). He died on 30 January 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA.November 29, 1956 – January 30, 2024
Actor / Singer / Dancer ('The Wiz,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'Miss Saigon')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, 1975 ('The Wiz') and 1984 ('The Tap Dance Kid')
- Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1981 ('Sophisticated Ladies'), 1984 ('The Tap Dance Kid'), and 1991 ('Miss Saigon')
- Actress
- Soundtrack
An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations for an exceptional 10 Tony nominations. She recently starred in The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway (2015), following the acclaimed production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the summer of 2014. She starred in the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer's Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Chita's first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry's Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002 and is the first Hispanic woman ever chosen to receive this award. On November 6, 2015, Great Performances aired their special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin' To Do, a retrospective on her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Chita's current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente.January 23, 1933 – January 30, 2024
Actress / Singer / Dancer ('West Side Story,' 'Chicago,' 'Kiss of the Spider Woman')
Notable Awards and Honors:- the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor (2002) and a Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)
- Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, 1984 ('The Rink') and 1993 ('Kiss of the Spider Woman')
- Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, 1981 ('Bring Back Birdie') and 2015 ('The Visit')
- Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, 2003 ('Nine')
- Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, 1984 ('The Rink') and 1993 ('Kiss of the Spider Woman')
- Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical, 1976 ('Chicago'), 1981 ('Bring Back Birdie'), 1986 ('Jerry's Girl'), 2006 ('Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life'), and 2015 ('The Visit')
- Tony Award nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1961 ('Bye Bye Birdie') and 2003 ('Nine')
- Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2018
- Special Effects
- Make-Up Department
- Additional Crew
Mike Trcic was born on 28 September 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He is known for Jurassic Park (1993), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and In the Mouth of Madness (1994). He died on 30 January 2024 in Clarksdale, Arizona, USA.September 28, 1960 – January 30, 2024
American sculptor, puppeteer, and special effects artist ('Evil Dead II,' 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day,' 'Jurassic Park')- Annie Belle was born Annie Brilland on December 10, 1956 in Paris, France. Belle comes from a family of engineers and first developed an interest in acting while attending the Rue Blanche acting school in Paris. Annie acted in her first film while still in her teens in 1974. Among the notable directors that Belle starred in movies for are Jean Rollin, Joe D'Amato, Massimo Dallamano, and Ruggero Deodato. Known for her slender figure, porcelain complexion, and close-cropped hairstyle, Annie was especially memorable as the haughty Lisa in Deodato's brutal and controversial House on the Edge of the Park (1980). After acting in her last film in 1989, Belle received a college degree in psychology and subsequently went on to become a social worker for people diagnosed with mental illness.December 10, 1956 – January 31, 2024
French actress ('Lèvres de Sang,' 'The House on the Edge of the Park,' 'Absurd') - Music Department
- Sound Department
- Soundtrack
June 25, 1932 – January 31, 2024
American recording engineer (The Monkees, Carole King's 'Tapestry') and music recording mixer ('All of Me')- Joe Madison was born on 16 June 1949 in Dayton, Ohio, USA. He was married to Sharon L. Moore. He died on 31 January 2024 in Washington, D.C., USA.June 16, 1949 – January 31, 2024
Radio Talk Show Host (SiriusXM Urban View, WOL-AM, WWRC-AM) / Civil Rights Activist - Writer
- Director
- Animation Department
Mark Gustafson was born on 19 September 1959 in Portland, Oregon. He was a writer and director, known for Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022), Claymation Easter (1992) and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011). He died on 1 February 2024.September 19, 1959 – February 1, 2024
Animator / Director ('Claymation Easter,' 'Fantastic Mr. Fox, 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, 2022 ('Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio')
- BAFTA Film Award for Best Abimated Feature Film, 2022 ('Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio')
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less), 1992 ('Claymation Easter')
- Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less), 1989 ('Meet the Raisins!'), 1991 ('Claymation Comedy of Horrors'), and 1999 ('The PJs')
- Cinematographer
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Production Manager
Pasha Kapinos was born on 8 October 1975. He was a cinematographer and production manager, known for The Last Warrior: Root of Evil (2021), Soulless 2 (2015) and Hardcore Henry (2015). He died on 1 February 2024.October 8, 1975 – February 1, 2024
Cinematographer ('Hardcore Harry,' 'Kitchen. The Last Battle,' ' The Last Warrior: Root of Evil')- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Carl Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A famous and successful football star at San Diego State, he played with the Oakland Raiders and retired from the sport in 1974, in order to give full attention to his goal: to be a real actor.
Weathers first played small parts in two blaxploitation flicks, Friday Foster (1975) (in which he played "Yarbro") and Bucktown (1975) (playing "Hambone"), both made in 1975 and directed by Arthur Marks. However, his big break came the following year when producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff chose him to play "Apollo Creed" in the blockbuster "sleeper" Rocky (1976) (real-life boxing legend Ken Norton was originally signed for the part, but it eventually went to Weathers). He went on to play "Creed" in three other "Rocky" movies, and the characters' adversarial relationship eventually evolved into a warm friendship. After Creed's death in Rocky IV (1985), Weathers met with producer Joel Silver and agreed to play an important supporting role in Predator (1987), an action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The following year, Silver produced Action Jackson (1988), a first starring role for Weathers, but it performed poorly at the box office and was panned by the critics.
During the 1990s, Weathers starred in four In the Heat of the Night (1988) two-hour TV specials that were much better received by critics and viewers alike. In 1996, he played the part of "Chubbs Peterson" in the blockbuster Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore (1996). He returned to his "action roots" in two TV-movies with Hulk Hogan: Assault on Devil's Island (1997) and Assault on Death Mountain (1999).
In addition to his acting career, Weathers is also a member of the Big Brothers Association and the U.S. Olympic Committee, handling the career of athletes of various sports such as gymnastics, wrestling, swimming and judo.January 14, 1948 – February 1, 2024
Actor ('Rocky,' 'Predator,' 'The Mandalorian') / Television Director ('Silk Stalkings') / Professional Football Player (Oakland Raiders)
Notable Awards and Honors:- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, 2021 ('The Mandalorian')
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Wilhelmenia Fernandez was born on 5 January 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She was an actress, known for Diva (1981), Someone to Watch Over Me (1987) and La Bohème (1980). She was married to Ormon Fernandez and Andrew William Smith . She died on 2 February 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.January 5, 1949 – February 2, 2024
American soprano ('Diva,' 'Carmen Jones,' 'Aida')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, 1992 ('Carmen Jones')
- Composer
- Music Department
- Actor
Wayne Kramer is a songwriter, producer and composer whose reputation writing music for television and film risks supplanting his legend as one of music's stellar guitarists. Rolling Stone Magazine recognizes him as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time and highlights from recent composing and playing can be heard in the upcoming Will Ferrell comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" for Sony Pictures. His signature song "Edge of the Switchblade" runs at the end title credits for the film.
On television, Wayne's 2003 title theme for Fox Sports Network's extreme sports program 5-4-3-2-1 was a bona fide hit and he now has three others running there - Spotlight, In My Own Words and Under the Lights. He has been building a catalog of cues for their network library throughout 2005 and 2006.
Wayne's songs have been featured in a wide array of shows, including MTV's Jackass series, Judging Amy for 20th Century Fox TV and Chris Carter's Fox series Millenium. Additionally, his songs are regularly heard in NFL, NBA and MLB Playoff events, as well as BMX extreme videos and many Food Network productions.
Wayne's songs can be heard in various feature films including Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous, the Ramones' Rock 'n' Roll High School, October Films' action film Detour, Mary Harron's I Shot Andy Warhol and Pump Up the Volume starring Christian Slater. His current film scoring work includes composing a jazz score for the full-length feature documentaries "The Narcotics Farm" and "Votergate."
Wayne founded the MC5, widely recognized as the prototype for punk rock and heavy metal. In 1969, they released the ridiculously controversial album Kick Out The Jams on Elektra Records, which included the hit of the same name. After leaving Elektra, they released two albums on Atlantic Records, Back In The USA, produced by Bruce Springsteen's manager Jon Landau, and the critically hailed High Time. Between world tours, Wayne wrote scores for the Caroline Films feature Gold and The Living Theatre's film production of Paradise Now.
Wayne spent the'80s in New York City, where he teamed up with the infamous Johnny Thunders for a short-lived, but headline grabbing, punk rock supergroup Gang War. Soon after, Wayne co-wrote the acclaimed R&B musical The Last Words of Dutch Schultz with Mick Farren, then he co-founded the revolutionary acid funk outfit Was (Not Was) with David and Don Was.
Wayne moved to Los Angeles in 1994, signed with Epitaph Records and recorded four records in as many years: The Hard Stuff (1995), followed by Dangerous Madness (1996), Citizen Wayne (1997) and a live album LLMF (1998). He also produced and co-wrote the album Full Circle with John Sinclair and His Blues Scholars and produced a retrospective collection for Rhino Records entitled The Big Bang: Best of the MC5 as well as the punk compilation Wayne Kramer Presents: Beyond Cyberpunk for MusicBlitz.
Wayne launched MuscleTone Records in 2001. Its flagship release for 2002 was his own album Adult World. In 2003, he music-directed a performance for the DVD entitled Sonic Revolution: A Celebration of the MC5. A 30-minute documentary of that reunion performance was produced by MuscleTone Records in partnership with Levi's Vintage Clothing and was broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom in 2004. The hour-long edit of the concert is now a broadcast staple for Trio Networks in the USA.
Wayne runs the label, tours the world as a musician, speaker and activist. He regularly writes with, and produces, upstart rock `n' roll bands.April 30, 1948 – February 2, 2024
Guitarist (MC5) / Songwriter ("Kick Out the Jams") / Composer ('Eastbound & Down')- Actor
- Soundtrack
Ian Lavender attended Bournville Technical College in the West Midlands, and then studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He graduated in 1967. Acting on the stage at Canterbury followed, and his first television work was the ATV play "Flowers At My Feet" in 1968. He then became the youngest cast member of Dad's Army (1968), working with veterans Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier and John Laurie.
Much of Lavender's subsequent television work came in the form of comedy roles. He is also an accomplished stage actor, having performed in repertory and at the West End. He loves cricket, golf and gardening.February 16, 1946 – February 2, 2024
Actor ('Dad's Army,' 'Carry On Behind,' 'EastEnders')
Last surviving main cast member of 'Dad's Army'- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Sadhu Meher was born in 1939 in Orissa Province, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Ankur: The Seedling (1974), Abhilasha (1983) and Byomkesh Bakshi (1993). He died on 2 February 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.1939 or 1940 – February 2, 2024
Actor ('Bhuvan Shome,' 'Ankur,' 'Charachar') / Director- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Don Murray is an American actor. He is best known for playing Governor Breck, the authoritarian ruler in the science fiction film "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972).
Murray was born in 1929 to Dennis Aloisius Murray and his wife Ethel Cook. Dennis worked as a dance director and stage manager, while Ethel was a singer. Ethel Cook served as a performer for the Ziegfeld Follies (1907-1931), an elaborate theatrical revue production in Broadway.
Murray attended the East Rockaway High School in East Rockaway, a village of Nassau County, New York. During his high school years, Murray served as a member of the school's football team, its track team, and its glee club. He graduated in 1947, at the age of 18. He later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, New York. He graduated in 1951.
Murray made his Broadway debut in 1951, when cast as Jack Hunter in a stage version of the play "The Rose Tattoo" (1951) by Tennessee Williams (1911-1983). In the play, Hunter is a sailor and the boyfriend of Rosa Delle Rose, the daughter of the play's female protagonist.
Murray's stage career was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States military. He registered as a conscientious objector during the Korean War (1950-1953), as he was a member of the Brethren Church. The Brethren Church is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, which strictly adheres to pacifism and non-violence. Murray was assigned to alternative service in Europe. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1954, and resumed his acting career.
In 1956, Murray made his film debut in the romantic drama film "Bus Stop". The film was an adaptation of a 1955 theatrical play by William Inge (1913-1973). Murray was cast in the role of Beauregard "Beau" Decker, a naive, overly enthusiastic, and socially inept cowboy from Montana. The film depicts Beau's infatuation with young singer Cherie (played by Marylin Monroe), which causes him to first kidnap her and then coerce her into marrying him. He is tragically unaware that Cherie barely knows him, and that his love is unrequited. The film was a box office success, and Murray was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1956, however the Oscar for that year was won by rival actor Anthony Quinn (1915-2001) for his role in Lust for LIfe.
Murray's successful debut helped him receive offers for more film roles. He was cast as Charlie Samson in the drama film "The Bachelor Party" (1957). Samson is the film's main character, a hard-working bookkeeper who struggles with the temptation to cheat on his wife. He was then cast as morphine-addict Johnny Pope in "A Hatful of Rain" (1957), a film about the then-innovative topic of drug addiction.
In 1958, Murray played in his first Western film, "From Hell to Texas". In the film, he was cast as Tod Lohman, an impoverished ranch hand who is suspected of murdering the son of a powerful cattle baron. The film deals with Lohman being hunted by the cattle baron's other son and his mercenaries, who seek revenge.
Murray's second Western film was "These Thousand Hills" (1959). The film depicts the rags-to-riches story of Albert Gallatin "Lat" Evans (played by Murray). But as Lat grows richer, he becomes a colder and harsher man. Leading him to betray his own lover, to alienate his only friend, and to marry a banker's daughter for her money.
Murray was also cast in a lead role in the war film "Shake Hands with the Devil" (1959), which depicts the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). During the 1960s, Murray continued to appear regularly in films, often cast in period dramas. He played Wild Bill Hickok in the The Plainsman (1966), and ambitious ruler Justinian in "The Viking Queen" (1967).
In 1968, Murray gained a co-starring role in the Western television series "The Outcasts" (1968-1969). He played the character Earl Corey, an American Civil War veteran and formerly wealthy slave owner. In the series, Corey was cheated out of his wealth by a treasonous brother, and started making a living as a bounty hunter. He teams up with fellow bounty hunter Jemal David (played by Otis Young), an African-American freedman. The two men are not friends, but they are both social outcasts and need each other's skills to gain a profit. The series was considered groundbreaking for featuring an interracial team of characters, but was criticized for being overly violent. The series lasted only 26 episodes.
In 1972, Murray played the major role of Governor Breck in"Conquest of the Planet of the Apes". Breck is the authoritarian ruler of a human civilization using apes as a slave force, and he is the owner of the film's heroic protagonist Caesar. He eventually fails to defeat a slave revolt, and gets captured alive by his own slave. The film earned 9.7 million dollars in theatrical rentals at the North American box office.
Murray was offered the role of Breck in the film's immediate sequel, "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973), but he refused to return. He reportedly felt that there was no fun in playing the tyrant twice. A character called Governor Kolp (played by Severn Darden) was introduced in the film as Breck's replacement.
In 1975, Murray starred in the thriller film "Deadly Hero", as the villainous protagonist Officer Lacy. In the film, Lacy is a veteran police officer of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) who has been demoted for violent tendencies and being overly trigger-happy. While on duty, Lacy kills the common mugger "Rabbit" (played by James Earl Jones) and briefly gains a heroic reputation. But a female witness to the death has seen that Lacy is a cold-blooded murderer, and that Rabbit was killed after disarming himself and surrendering to Lacy. Lacy decides to kill the witness in order to protect his reputation. The film was a box-office flop as film critics blamed its overly pessimistic attitude toward law enforcement. Among the few critics who actually liked the film was Gene Siskel (1946-1999), writing for the newspaper "Chicago Tribune".
In the late 1970s, Murray was reduced to mostly appearing in television films. In 1979, Murray had a career comeback when cast in the major role of Sid Fairgate in the soap opera "Knots Landing" (1979-1993). Fairgate was depicted as the owner of used car dealership Knots Landing Motors, and pater familias to a large family. Murray played this role until 1981, when he left the series due to a salary dispute. His character was written out as having died during a surgery.
During the 1980s, Murray had few appearances in theatrical films. They included the romantic drama "Endless Love" (1981), the mystery film "I Am the Cheese" (1983), the post-apocalyptic science fiction film "Radioactive Dreams" (1985), the time-travel film "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1986), the spy film "Scorpion" (1986), the reincarnation-themed fantasy film "Made in Heaven" (1987), and the ghost film "Ghosts Can't Do It" (1989).
In 1989, Murray gained a new co-starring role in the comedy-drama television series "Brand New Life" (1989-1990), playing the character of wealthy lawyer Roger Gibbons. In the series Gibbons marries novice court reporter Barbara McCray (played by Barbara Eden). Each of them has three children from previous marriages, and they now struggle to raise 6 kids. The series' creator and show-runner was young screenwriter Chris Carter (1956-), and its themes were mostly based on the old sitcom "The Brady Bunch" (1969-1974). The series was not successful, and only a pilot and 5 regular episodes were ever broadcast.
Murray next had a recurring role in the short-lived comedy-drama television series "Sons and Daughters" (1991), concerning the struggles of a single mother who tries to maintain the peace between the members of a large extended family. The series only lasted for 13 episodes, but 6 of them remained unaired at the time of its cancellation.
For the rest of the 1990s, Murray had guest star roles in various television series, and appeared in a hand full of television films. During the early 2000s, he had roles in three theatrical films: the romantic comedy "Internet Love" (2000), the stalker-themed thriller "Island Pray" (2001), and the comedy film "Elvis is Alive" (2001). In 2001, the 72-year-old Murray went into retirement.
Murray returned to acting in 2017, when offered the recurring role of insurance-company executive Bushnell Mullins in the third season of the mystery series "Twin Peaks" (1990-1991, 2017). Mullins was the boss of insurance agent Douglas "Dougie" Jones, one of several doppelgangers to FBI agent Dale Cooper (the series' main protagonist). The season was critically praised but there were no plans for a fourth season.
In 2019, Murray reached his 90th year and was still appearing in some films and on television into 2021.July 31, 1929 – February 2, 2024
Actor ('Bus Stop,' 'Advise & Consent,' 'Peggy Sue Got Married')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, 1956 ('Bus Stop')
- BAFTA Film Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer to Film, 1956 ('Bus Stop')
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special, 1994 ('ABC Afterschool Specials: Montana Crossroads')
- Music Department
- Actor
- Composer
Aston Barrett was born on 22 November 1946 in Kingston, Jamaica. He was an actor and composer, known for Moonfall (2022), Dark Summer (1994) and Marley (2012). He was married to Angela. He died on 3 February 2024 in Miami, Florida, USA.November 22, 1946 – February 3, 2024
Musician (Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Upsetters) / Recording Engineer ('Exodus') / Record Producer / Arranger- Born in Mexico City on the 18th of August, 1944, Helena Rojo has an extensive career in theater, film and television acting, in both domestic and international productions (notably collaborating with Werner Herzog in "Aguirre, the Wrath of God", as well as Arturo Ripstein in "Fox Trot").
She began her career in the 60's as a model whilst studying drama, and in 1968 made her cinematic debut in "El Club de los Suicidas" ("The Suicide Club"), followed in the same year with "Los Amigos" ("Friends"). In 1974 she made her first television appearance as Isaura in the telenovela "Extraño en su Pueblo" ("Stranger in Your Town").
Throughout the 70's and 80's she worked with some of the most renowned and prolific directors in Mexico, including Jorge Fons, Rafael Corkidi, Marcela Fernández Violante and Alberto Bojórquez.
The role that garnered her the most national acclaim was that of Luciana Duval in "El Privilegio de Amar" ("The Privilege of Love"), as well as Juliana in "Abrazame Muy Fuerte" ("Big Hug"), for which she also won a TV y Novelas award for Best Supporting Role. She also appeared prominently in "Ramona", which was widely regarded as the telenovela of the year in 1999.
More recently, in 2006 she appeared in "Vidas de Fuego", a show-within-a-show featured on the US comedy/drama series "Ugly Betty", portraying Patricia Rivera.August 18, 1944 – February 3, 2024
Actress ('Aguirre, the Wrath of God,' 'Black Than the Night,' 'El Privilegio de Amar,' 'Cuidado con el ángel,' 'Amor real')
Notable Awards and Honors:- Silver Ariel Award for Best Supporting Actress, 1972 ('Fin de fiesta')
- Silver Ariel Award for Best Actress, 1980 ('Misterio')
- Silver Ariel Award nominations for Best Actress, 1973 ('Los Cachorros') and 1992 ('Muerte ciega')
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
James Dixon was born on 6 March 1937 in Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for It's Alive (1974), Is There Sex After Death? (1971) and It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987). He was married to Margaret Mary Gibney. He died on 5 February 2024 in Santa Monica, California, USA.March 6, 1937 – February 5, 2024
American actor ('Black Caesar,' 'It's Alive,' 'Q: The Winged Serpent')- Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Actor
Mickey Gilbert was born on 17 April 1936 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an assistant director and actor, known for The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Waterworld (1995) and The Blues Brothers (1980). He was married to Yvonne Yrigoyen. He died on 5 February 2024 in Camarillo, California, USA.April 17, 1936 – February 5, 2024
American stunt performer ('Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' 'The Sting,' 'The Blues Brothers'), stunt double (Robert Redford, Gene Wilder), stunt coordinator ('Silver Streak,' 'The Fall Guy,' 'The Last of the Mohicans'), and second unit director ('City Slickers,' 'Waterworld,' 'Elf')- Actor
- Soundtrack
Michael was born in Nottingham where he was educated at Becket Roman Catholic Grammar School, West Bridgeford in Nottingham where he was known as Jimmy - his real name is Michael James - and where he was caned some 130 times. While that might have been a record, the one that went into the record books was scoring 60 of the under-13 football team's 120 goals in a season. In between canings and scoring goals, he acquired a great love of literature and the English language from a teacher at Becket Grammar School which he left at 17 with an A level in philosophy and became an accountant with the coal board. Before he took his accountancy finals, he left the Coal Board and went to work in the Nottingham Fish Market where the language he learned was a revelation to him.October 29, 1935 – February 5, 2024
Actor ('Nicholas and Alexandra,' 1979's 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' 'Doctor Who')
Notable Awards and Honors:- BAFTA TV Award nominee for Best Actor, 1971 ('The Wednesday Play,' 'Biography')
- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Born July 8, 1961, Toby Keith Covel was the second child of Joan and Hubert Keith ("H. K.") Covel. He was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, and grew up with his brother Tracy and sister Tonnie in Moore, Oklahoma. After graduating from Moore High School, he didn't go on to college, but went to work in the Oklahoma oil fields with his father. He later met and married Tricia Lucas, whose child, Shelley Reeve, he adopted. He later had two children with Tricia -- daughter Krystal (born 1985, married in 2011) and son Stelen (born in 1997).
When Krystal was born, the Oklahoma oil industry had collapsed; leaving Toby, Tricia, and their two daughters in financial troubles. Touring with his band, the Easy Money Band, he got them all out of debt. After signing a deal at Mercury Records, his debut album "Toby Keith", which contained his first chart topper, "Should've Been a Cowboy", finally established him as a professional singer-songwriter. He then left Mercury for a period of three years. Coming back in 1997, he released his final studio album for Mercury, "Dream Walkin".
A year after his first Greatest Hits compilation came out from Mercury, he and producer James Stroud, left the label. He then signed a deal with DreamWorks Records, headed by his producer. Since releasing his fifth album, "How Do You Like Me Now?!", and its title track (written by Toby and Chuck Cannon); the then-DreamWorks, now-Showdog Tunes-signed singer and BMI-affiliated songwriter saw success like never before.
That success can be measured with at least five more studio albums since "How Do You Like Me Now?", more #1 singles, Academy of Country Music Awards (including two "Entertainer of the Year" awards) and other kinds of awards, and another Greatest Hits compilation (including songs from albums "How Do You Like Me Now?", "Pull My Chain", and "Unleashed", and a cover of "Mockingbird" with his daughter Krystal, who released her debut album in December 2011). He opened his own record label, the aforementioned Showdog Tunes.
Tragically, Toby Keith died after a battle with cancer at age 62 on February 5, 2024 in his beloved native Oklahoma.July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024
American country music singer-songwriter and musician ("Should've Been a Cowboy," "How Do You Like Me Now?!," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)," "Beer for My Horses," "As Good as I Once Was"), as well as record producer and occasional actor
Notable Awards and Honors:- Grammy Award nominations for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, 1997 ("I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying"), 2003 ("Beer For My Horses"), and 2004 ("Hey Good Lookin'" and "Pancho & Lefty")
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song, 2003 ("Beer for My Horses")
- Grammy Award nominations for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, 2005 ("As Good as I Once Was") and 2010 ("Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song)")