Following news of O.J. Simpson’s passing, many are learning about his career in football and entertainment.
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Bruce Kessler, who directed episodes of shows including The Monkees, It Takes a Thief, The Rockford Files, McCloud and The Commish when he wasn’t driving race cars, designing boats or circling the globe in a yacht, has died. He was 88.
Kessler died Thursday at his home in Marina del Rey after a brief illness, his brother, author and columnist Stephen Kessler, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Survivors also include his wife, actress Joan Freeman, perhaps best known as the love interest of Elvis Presley’s character in Roustabout (1964). She and Kessler were together for 54 years and married for 33.
Kessler served as second-unit director on Howard Hawks’ Red Line 7000 (1965), an action film about stock cars that starred James Caan, before embarking on a three-decade career as a director for television.
His credits included The Flying Nun, Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., Get Christie Love!, Baretta, Switch, CHiPs, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero,...
Kessler died Thursday at his home in Marina del Rey after a brief illness, his brother, author and columnist Stephen Kessler, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Survivors also include his wife, actress Joan Freeman, perhaps best known as the love interest of Elvis Presley’s character in Roustabout (1964). She and Kessler were together for 54 years and married for 33.
Kessler served as second-unit director on Howard Hawks’ Red Line 7000 (1965), an action film about stock cars that starred James Caan, before embarking on a three-decade career as a director for television.
His credits included The Flying Nun, Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., Get Christie Love!, Baretta, Switch, CHiPs, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Charles Dierkop, best known for his roles in The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Police Woman, died Sunday at a Sherman Oaks Hospital. He was 87.
He reportedly suffered from a heart attack and a case of pneumonia.
The Wisconsin-born character actor got his start in an uncredited role opposite Paul Newman in The Hustler. He reunited with him as Flat Nose Curry in the 1969 flick Butch Cassidy and as a bodyguard in the Best Picture Oscar-winning 1973 movie The Sting.
He found steady work in TV, with roles in episodes of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Mannix, Kung Fu, The F.B.I., The Andy Griffith Show, Star Trek, Batman, Adam-12, It Takes a Thief, Love, American Style and Mission: Impossible.
Dierkop played Detective Pete Royston from 1974-78 as a series regular opposite Angie Dickinson on NBC’s Police Woman, a spinoff of Police Story.
He reportedly suffered from a heart attack and a case of pneumonia.
The Wisconsin-born character actor got his start in an uncredited role opposite Paul Newman in The Hustler. He reunited with him as Flat Nose Curry in the 1969 flick Butch Cassidy and as a bodyguard in the Best Picture Oscar-winning 1973 movie The Sting.
He found steady work in TV, with roles in episodes of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Mannix, Kung Fu, The F.B.I., The Andy Griffith Show, Star Trek, Batman, Adam-12, It Takes a Thief, Love, American Style and Mission: Impossible.
Dierkop played Detective Pete Royston from 1974-78 as a series regular opposite Angie Dickinson on NBC’s Police Woman, a spinoff of Police Story.
- 2/28/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Kandel, the prolific screenwriter whose work over four decades in television spanned Sea Hunt to Star Trek, Batman to Barnaby Jones and Mannix to MacGyver, has died. He was 96.
Kandel died Oct. 21 of natural causes in his Boston apartment, his daughter Elizabeth Englander told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kandel also wrote multiple episodes of such shows as The Millionaire, The Rogues, Gidget, I Spy, Ironside, The Wild Wild West, It Takes a Thief, Dan August, The New Mike Hammer, Mission: Impossible, Room 222, The Magician, Medical Center, Cannon, Hawaii Five-o and Hart to Hart.
Plus, he co-created Iron Horse, a 1966-68 drama from ABC and Screen Gems that starred Dale Robertson, as a gambler turned railroad baron, Gary Collins and Ellen Burstyn.
“His résumé reads like a Baby Boomer’s dream list of must-see TV,” Tom Weaver wrote in his 2005 book, Earth vs. the Sci-Fi Filmmakers.
Kandel had a hand...
Kandel died Oct. 21 of natural causes in his Boston apartment, his daughter Elizabeth Englander told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kandel also wrote multiple episodes of such shows as The Millionaire, The Rogues, Gidget, I Spy, Ironside, The Wild Wild West, It Takes a Thief, Dan August, The New Mike Hammer, Mission: Impossible, Room 222, The Magician, Medical Center, Cannon, Hawaii Five-o and Hart to Hart.
Plus, he co-created Iron Horse, a 1966-68 drama from ABC and Screen Gems that starred Dale Robertson, as a gambler turned railroad baron, Gary Collins and Ellen Burstyn.
“His résumé reads like a Baby Boomer’s dream list of must-see TV,” Tom Weaver wrote in his 2005 book, Earth vs. the Sci-Fi Filmmakers.
Kandel had a hand...
- 11/13/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lew Palter, the veteran character actor and admired CalArts School of Theater faculty member who portrayed the department store magnate Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic, has died. He was 94.
Palter died May 21 of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Catherine Palter, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New York native played one of the Supreme Court justices in First Monday in October (1981), starring Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh and Barnard Hughes, and he donned a robe for stints on The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law as well.
Plus, he portrayed an LAPD detective on the 1976-77 CBS series Delvecchio, starring Judd Hirsch.
Palter joined CalArts in 1971 and served as an acting teacher and director at the Santa Clarita school until his retirement in 2013, but he also conducted private workshops and taught around the country and around the world, including in Edinburgh and at Carnegie Mellon and UCLA.
Palter died May 21 of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Catherine Palter, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New York native played one of the Supreme Court justices in First Monday in October (1981), starring Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh and Barnard Hughes, and he donned a robe for stints on The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law as well.
Plus, he portrayed an LAPD detective on the 1976-77 CBS series Delvecchio, starring Judd Hirsch.
Palter joined CalArts in 1971 and served as an acting teacher and director at the Santa Clarita school until his retirement in 2013, but he also conducted private workshops and taught around the country and around the world, including in Edinburgh and at Carnegie Mellon and UCLA.
- 6/26/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carol Locatell, who had a memorable turn as the foulmouthed mother Ethel Hubbard in Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning and worked alongside Burt Reynolds in three films, has died. She was 82.
Locatell died April 11 at her home in Sherman Oaks after a long battle with cancer, her husband, songwriter and record producer Gregory Prestopino, told The Hollywood Reporter. They were together for 50 years.
Locatell moved from Los Angeles to New York in the mid-1980s to shake up her career, and from her first audition there she landed a part on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, which premiered in 1986. She then appeared in The Shadow Box in 1994 and in The Rose Tattoo a year later.
She first met Reynolds when she auditioned for him for a role in Simon’s Chapter Two at his dinner theater in Jupiter, Florida. She worked with him in Paternity...
Locatell died April 11 at her home in Sherman Oaks after a long battle with cancer, her husband, songwriter and record producer Gregory Prestopino, told The Hollywood Reporter. They were together for 50 years.
Locatell moved from Los Angeles to New York in the mid-1980s to shake up her career, and from her first audition there she landed a part on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, which premiered in 1986. She then appeared in The Shadow Box in 1994 and in The Rose Tattoo a year later.
She first met Reynolds when she auditioned for him for a role in Simon’s Chapter Two at his dinner theater in Jupiter, Florida. She worked with him in Paternity...
- 4/18/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Coolio‘s cause of death has been revealed more than six months after he was found dead at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.
The rapper, 59, died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
The coroner’s report also included cardiomyopathy, asthma and phencyclidine, or Pcp, as contributors to his death.
According to the CDC, cardiomyopathy is a “collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle” that can make its ability to pump blood more difficult.
Coolio’s spokesperson said the rapper went to the bathroom at a friend’s house. When he didn’t come out, the friend called for help. Once responders arrived, Coolio was pronounced dead.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
Several musicians and celebrities paid tribute following the announcement of his death, including Weird Al Yankovic, Ice Cube and Michelle Pfeiffer.
The rapper, 59, died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
The coroner’s report also included cardiomyopathy, asthma and phencyclidine, or Pcp, as contributors to his death.
According to the CDC, cardiomyopathy is a “collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle” that can make its ability to pump blood more difficult.
Coolio’s spokesperson said the rapper went to the bathroom at a friend’s house. When he didn’t come out, the friend called for help. Once responders arrived, Coolio was pronounced dead.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
Several musicians and celebrities paid tribute following the announcement of his death, including Weird Al Yankovic, Ice Cube and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- 4/7/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Rapper Coolio, who helped define the sound of the 1990s, died in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2022, at the age of 59, his manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed to Rolling Stone at the time. (Popsugar previously reached out to Coolio's rep for confirmation but did not hear back.)
On April 6, nearly seven months after his death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Coolio died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. The coroner's report, which is available online, also noted cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma, and recent phencyclidine (Pcp) use as other significant contributors to his death.
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pa, in 1963. He later moved to the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, home to many other notable rappers including members of the group N.W.A, Kendrick Lamar, and Roddy Ricch. Coolio released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief," in 1994, and the following year, he released the seminal "Gangsta's Paradise.
On April 6, nearly seven months after his death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Coolio died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. The coroner's report, which is available online, also noted cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma, and recent phencyclidine (Pcp) use as other significant contributors to his death.
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pa, in 1963. He later moved to the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, home to many other notable rappers including members of the group N.W.A, Kendrick Lamar, and Roddy Ricch. Coolio released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief," in 1994, and the following year, he released the seminal "Gangsta's Paradise.
- 4/7/2023
- by Kelsey Garcia
- Popsugar.com
Sharon Acker, best known as Lee Marvin’s unfaithful wife in the 1967 film Point Blank, died March 16 in a Toronto residential home. She was 87 and her death was confirmed by daughter Kim Everest, a casting director.
Acker had a long and varied resume in film, television, and the stage. In 1956, she played the teacher Mrs. Stacey on a CBC adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. She then joined the Stratford Shakespeare Festival company, starring as Anne Page opposite future Star Trek costar William Shatner in a production of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
In addition to Point Blank, her film credits include Lucky Jim (1957). Acker also was in Don’t Let the Angels Fall (1969), which played in competition at Cannes. She was selected by the Motion Picture Exhibitors of Canada as their Film Star of Tomorrow that year,
Her memorable TV roles included a 1976-77 CBS adaptation of Executive Suite, playing...
Acker had a long and varied resume in film, television, and the stage. In 1956, she played the teacher Mrs. Stacey on a CBC adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. She then joined the Stratford Shakespeare Festival company, starring as Anne Page opposite future Star Trek costar William Shatner in a production of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
In addition to Point Blank, her film credits include Lucky Jim (1957). Acker also was in Don’t Let the Angels Fall (1969), which played in competition at Cannes. She was selected by the Motion Picture Exhibitors of Canada as their Film Star of Tomorrow that year,
Her memorable TV roles included a 1976-77 CBS adaptation of Executive Suite, playing...
- 4/1/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sharon Acker, the Canadian actress who portrayed Lee Marvin’s unfaithful wife in the 1967 neo-noir classic Point Blank and the right-hand woman Della Street opposite Monte Markham on a rebooted Perry Mason in the 1970s, has died. She was 87.
Acker died March 16 in a retirement home in her native Toronto, her daughter Kim Everest, a casting director, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Star Trek fans know Acker for her January 1969 turn as Odona, a desperate woman from an overpopulated planet, on the third-season episode “The Mark of Gideon.”
She also starred on a 1976-77 CBS adaptation of Executive Suite, playing the wife of Mitchell Ryan‘s Dan Walling. (Acker and Ryan assumed the parts performed by William Holden and June Allyson in the 1954 MGM film directed by Robert Wise.)
In John Boorman’s Point Blank, Acker’s character takes up with John Vernon’s Mal Reese after he shoots Walker (Marvin...
Acker died March 16 in a retirement home in her native Toronto, her daughter Kim Everest, a casting director, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Star Trek fans know Acker for her January 1969 turn as Odona, a desperate woman from an overpopulated planet, on the third-season episode “The Mark of Gideon.”
She also starred on a 1976-77 CBS adaptation of Executive Suite, playing the wife of Mitchell Ryan‘s Dan Walling. (Acker and Ryan assumed the parts performed by William Holden and June Allyson in the 1954 MGM film directed by Robert Wise.)
In John Boorman’s Point Blank, Acker’s character takes up with John Vernon’s Mal Reese after he shoots Walker (Marvin...
- 4/1/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gordon Pinsent, a prolific Canadian actor who gained international recognition in 2006 for his performance alongside Julie Christie in Sarah Polley’s drama “Away From Her,” died Saturday. He was 92 years old.
Pinsent’s death was confirmed to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation through a statement released by his family. No further details about his death are available at this time.
“Gordon Pinsent’s daughters, Leah and Beverly, and his son, Barry, would like to announce the passing of their father peacefully in sleep today with his family at his side,” reads a note written on behalf of Pinsent’s family by his son-in-law, Peter Keleghan. “Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose and culture to his last breath.”
With more than 150 film and television acting credits, Pinsent’s career spanned seven decades and made him a household name in his native country. His role as a husband losing his...
Pinsent’s death was confirmed to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation through a statement released by his family. No further details about his death are available at this time.
“Gordon Pinsent’s daughters, Leah and Beverly, and his son, Barry, would like to announce the passing of their father peacefully in sleep today with his family at his side,” reads a note written on behalf of Pinsent’s family by his son-in-law, Peter Keleghan. “Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose and culture to his last breath.”
With more than 150 film and television acting credits, Pinsent’s career spanned seven decades and made him a household name in his native country. His role as a husband losing his...
- 2/26/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Gordon Pinsent, one of Canada’s most iconic actors, has died. He was 92 and died in his sleep Saturday, his family confirmed.
“Gordon Pinsent’s daughters Leah and Beverly, and his son Barry, would like to announce the passing of their father peacefully in sleep today with his family at his side,” said a note written on behalf of Pinsent’s family by his son-in-law, actor Peter Keleghan.
“Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose, and culture to his last breath.”
Pinsent’s career spanned dozens of films and TV projects over six decades, including Away From Her, Due South, The Red Green Show, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, The Grand Seduction and The Shipping News, The Forest Rangers, Quentin Durgens, M.P., the original Street Legal and Republic of Doyle, among others.
In the U.S., where he lived in Los Angeles for six years, he...
“Gordon Pinsent’s daughters Leah and Beverly, and his son Barry, would like to announce the passing of their father peacefully in sleep today with his family at his side,” said a note written on behalf of Pinsent’s family by his son-in-law, actor Peter Keleghan.
“Gordon passionately loved this country and its people, purpose, and culture to his last breath.”
Pinsent’s career spanned dozens of films and TV projects over six decades, including Away From Her, Due South, The Red Green Show, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, The Grand Seduction and The Shipping News, The Forest Rangers, Quentin Durgens, M.P., the original Street Legal and Republic of Doyle, among others.
In the U.S., where he lived in Los Angeles for six years, he...
- 2/26/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We hear that Netflix has preemptively picked up scribe Greg Russo’s spec script Seismic for six figures.
The thriller from the Mortal Kombat co-writer follows a single mother who fights to reunite with her missing son amid chaos after the Earth’s surface is decimated by a mysterious attack.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen & Dan Levine are producing for 21 Laps alongside Adam Kolbrenner for Lit Entertainment Group. Max Gains is overseeing for 21 Laps. and Patrick White is overseeing for Lit.
New Line’s Mortal Kombat opened to a robust 23.3 million stateside in April 2021 as theaters were finding their footing as part of a day-and-date HBO Max theatrical strategy during the pandemic. The pic went on to make about 84M worldwide.
Russo wrote Robotech for Sony with James Wan directing and Heatseekers for Paramount with Timur Bekmambetov attached to direct and Michael Bay and Chris Morgan producing. Other recent work...
The thriller from the Mortal Kombat co-writer follows a single mother who fights to reunite with her missing son amid chaos after the Earth’s surface is decimated by a mysterious attack.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen & Dan Levine are producing for 21 Laps alongside Adam Kolbrenner for Lit Entertainment Group. Max Gains is overseeing for 21 Laps. and Patrick White is overseeing for Lit.
New Line’s Mortal Kombat opened to a robust 23.3 million stateside in April 2021 as theaters were finding their footing as part of a day-and-date HBO Max theatrical strategy during the pandemic. The pic went on to make about 84M worldwide.
Russo wrote Robotech for Sony with James Wan directing and Heatseekers for Paramount with Timur Bekmambetov attached to direct and Michael Bay and Chris Morgan producing. Other recent work...
- 2/13/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Henry Silva, who starred in Johnny Cool, fought Frank Sinatra in The Manchurian Candidate and was one of Sinatra’s fellow thieves in Ocean’s 11, among dozens of screen roles spanning a half-century, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, CA. He was 95.
An actor whose distinctive face often led to typecasting as the heavy, his 130-plus film and TV credits also include The Bravados, starring Gregory Peck (1958); Cinderfella, with Jerry Lewis (1960); the Rat Pack-led Western Sergeants 3 (1962); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979); Love and Bullets with Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland and Rod Steiger (1979); the Burt Reynolds pics Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1982); Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy (1990); Steven Seagal’s first film Above the Law (1988); and Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai with Forest Whitaker (1999).
Along with the title role opposite Elizabeth Montgomery in Johnny Cool...
An actor whose distinctive face often led to typecasting as the heavy, his 130-plus film and TV credits also include The Bravados, starring Gregory Peck (1958); Cinderfella, with Jerry Lewis (1960); the Rat Pack-led Western Sergeants 3 (1962); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979); Love and Bullets with Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland and Rod Steiger (1979); the Burt Reynolds pics Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1982); Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy (1990); Steven Seagal’s first film Above the Law (1988); and Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai with Forest Whitaker (1999).
Along with the title role opposite Elizabeth Montgomery in Johnny Cool...
- 9/16/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Destroyer’s last album, 2020’s Have We Met, was recorded mostly at Dan Bejar’s kitchen table — whispered phantasmagorias woven after his family was asleep. Bejar’s latest, Labyrinthitis, is an apt insomniac’s companion as well — but this time it’s for lonely dancers who linger on the floor until the sun comes up, high on adrenaline… or something else.
The Vancouver singer-songwriter has spent his career happily swerving between sounds and moods, from the Bowie-esque (2001’s Streethawk: A Seduction) to the meta-yacht (2011’s Kaputt) to the acerbic Springsteenian...
The Vancouver singer-songwriter has spent his career happily swerving between sounds and moods, from the Bowie-esque (2001’s Streethawk: A Seduction) to the meta-yacht (2011’s Kaputt) to the acerbic Springsteenian...
- 3/25/2022
- by Brenna Ehrlich
- Rollingstone.com
Veteran actor Gavin MacLeod, who starred in lead roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat, has passed away. He was 90.
MacLeod died early Saturday morning in the company of his loved ones and caretakers, his nephew Mark See told TMZ. The actor had been in and out of the hospital for months with varying illnesses, but an official cause of death has not been reported.
More from TVLineThe L Word: Generation Q Season 2 Sets August Premiere Date -- Watch TeaserTV Ratings: Hell's Kitchen, Good Doctor Lead Quiet Memorial DayOutlander Season 6: Claire and Jamie Smolder in First Photos -- Plus,...
MacLeod died early Saturday morning in the company of his loved ones and caretakers, his nephew Mark See told TMZ. The actor had been in and out of the hospital for months with varying illnesses, but an official cause of death has not been reported.
More from TVLineThe L Word: Generation Q Season 2 Sets August Premiere Date -- Watch TeaserTV Ratings: Hell's Kitchen, Good Doctor Lead Quiet Memorial DayOutlander Season 6: Claire and Jamie Smolder in First Photos -- Plus,...
- 5/29/2021
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Gregory Sierra, who was a key part of two major 1970s sitcoms as Julio Fuentes on Sanford and Son and Sgt. Miguel “Chano” Amenguale on Barney Miller, has died. He was 83.
Sierra died Jan. 4 in Laguna Woods, California, from cancer, according to a family spokesman. His death just became public today.
Born in New York’s Spanish Harlem, Sierra worked with the National Shakespeare Company and in the New York Shakespeare Festival. He also appeared in off-Broadway plays and was a standby on Broadway for The Ninety Day Mistress in 1967.
Moving to Los Angeles, Sierra had guest appearances on such shows as It Takes a Thief, Medical Center, The High Chaparral, Mod Squad, The Flying Nun and Kung Fu.
In films he was also a supporting actor in Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Getting Straight (1970), Papillon (1973), The Towering Inferno (1974) and the Orson Welles project The Other Side of the Wind.
Sierra died Jan. 4 in Laguna Woods, California, from cancer, according to a family spokesman. His death just became public today.
Born in New York’s Spanish Harlem, Sierra worked with the National Shakespeare Company and in the New York Shakespeare Festival. He also appeared in off-Broadway plays and was a standby on Broadway for The Ninety Day Mistress in 1967.
Moving to Los Angeles, Sierra had guest appearances on such shows as It Takes a Thief, Medical Center, The High Chaparral, Mod Squad, The Flying Nun and Kung Fu.
In films he was also a supporting actor in Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Getting Straight (1970), Papillon (1973), The Towering Inferno (1974) and the Orson Welles project The Other Side of the Wind.
- 1/23/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynn Kellogg, an actress and singer who originated the role of Sheila in the first Broadway production of “Hair,” died on Nov. 12, according to the New York Times. She was 77.
Her publicist, Timothy Philen, told the New York Times that Kellogg’s cause of death was Covid-19. According to Kellogg’s husband, John Simpers, Kellogg was infected at a recent gathering at a Branson, Mo. theater, where most of the people in attendance were not wearing masks. Kellogg had previously been diagnosed with a non-life-threatening form of leukemia, which made her more susceptible to the virus.
Kellogg was born on April 2, 1943 in Appleton, Wis., as one of four children. She attended the University of Wisconsin, but dropped out after one year. In 1964, she made her television debut on the series “The Edge of Night.”
In the original 1968 Broadway production of “Hair,” Kellogg played Sheila, who transforms from a debutante into...
Her publicist, Timothy Philen, told the New York Times that Kellogg’s cause of death was Covid-19. According to Kellogg’s husband, John Simpers, Kellogg was infected at a recent gathering at a Branson, Mo. theater, where most of the people in attendance were not wearing masks. Kellogg had previously been diagnosed with a non-life-threatening form of leukemia, which made her more susceptible to the virus.
Kellogg was born on April 2, 1943 in Appleton, Wis., as one of four children. She attended the University of Wisconsin, but dropped out after one year. In 1964, she made her television debut on the series “The Edge of Night.”
In the original 1968 Broadway production of “Hair,” Kellogg played Sheila, who transforms from a debutante into...
- 11/14/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Lynn Kellogg-Simpers, who played the original Sheila in the 1968 Broadway production of Hair, has died at 77. She had non-terminal leukemia complicated by Covid-19, according to her husband, John Simpers.
He said she had recently attended a gathering in a theater in Branson, Missouri. Many in attendance were not wearing masks.
In addition to Broadway, Kellogg-Simpers’s television appearances include the daytime series The Edge of Night, The Beverly Hillbillies, It Takes a Thief” and Mission: Impossible.”.
She also had a supporting role in the Elvis Presley film, Charro!
A talented singer, Kellogg-Simpers appeared on The Johnny Cash Show and entertained Vietnam War troops. She also toured as a folk musician.
Late in her career, she developed the Sunday morning series Animals, Animals, Animals starring Hal Linden, which won a Peabody Award and a Daytime Emmy for outstanding children’s informational series.
He said she had recently attended a gathering in a theater in Branson, Missouri. Many in attendance were not wearing masks.
In addition to Broadway, Kellogg-Simpers’s television appearances include the daytime series The Edge of Night, The Beverly Hillbillies, It Takes a Thief” and Mission: Impossible.”.
She also had a supporting role in the Elvis Presley film, Charro!
A talented singer, Kellogg-Simpers appeared on The Johnny Cash Show and entertained Vietnam War troops. She also toured as a folk musician.
Late in her career, she developed the Sunday morning series Animals, Animals, Animals starring Hal Linden, which won a Peabody Award and a Daytime Emmy for outstanding children’s informational series.
- 11/14/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
At 86, Oscar-Winning Composer Dave Grusin Is Ready to Tour Again When the Covid-19 Pandemic Subsides
Oscar-winning composer, Grammy-winning arranger, jazz pianist and bandleader, pioneer in the digital recording world: Dave Grusin could retire on his laurels. But at 86, he’s itching to get back on the road and perform again.
“Oh, if they ever let us,” he tells Variety from his Montana ranch. “Not to have anything to do, it’s disconcerting to say the least.” Adds Grusin’s longtime bandmate, guitarist Lee Ritenour: “He’s gotten used to it, traveling the world and being appreciated. I think he enjoys that.”
And yet, if the pandemic continues to torture artists throughout 2021, there are still all those Grusin soundtracks to appreciate: the fragile beauty of “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” (1968), the atmospheric colors of “Three Days of the Condor” (1975), the hymn-like simplicity of “On Golden Pond” (1981), the delightfully upbeat “Tootsie” (1982), the Mexican folk influences of “The Milagro Beanfield War” (1987), the late-night jazz of “The Fabulous Baker Boys...
“Oh, if they ever let us,” he tells Variety from his Montana ranch. “Not to have anything to do, it’s disconcerting to say the least.” Adds Grusin’s longtime bandmate, guitarist Lee Ritenour: “He’s gotten used to it, traveling the world and being appreciated. I think he enjoys that.”
And yet, if the pandemic continues to torture artists throughout 2021, there are still all those Grusin soundtracks to appreciate: the fragile beauty of “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” (1968), the atmospheric colors of “Three Days of the Condor” (1975), the hymn-like simplicity of “On Golden Pond” (1981), the delightfully upbeat “Tootsie” (1982), the Mexican folk influences of “The Milagro Beanfield War” (1987), the late-night jazz of “The Fabulous Baker Boys...
- 11/6/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Billy Goldenberg, the Emmy-winning composer and songwriter, died Monday night at his home in New York City. He was 84.
Goldenberg wrote the themes for such 1970s TV series as “Kojak,” “Harry O” and “Rhoda,” composed the pilot scores for “Night Gallery” and “Columbo,” and won Emmys for the TV-movie “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” and miniseries “The Lives of Benjamin Franklin,” “King” and “Rage of Angels.”
He expanded his 1975 “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” song score, with lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman, into the score of the 1978 Broadway musical “Ballroom,” directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett of “A Chorus Line” fame. It earned eight Tony nominations including Best Musical.
Reminiscing Wednesday about their collaboration on “Ballroom,” Alan Bergman told Variety: “Billy was one of the rare composers who was also a dramatist. Lots of people can write melodies, but you could tell Billy the situation, what the characters were feeling,...
Goldenberg wrote the themes for such 1970s TV series as “Kojak,” “Harry O” and “Rhoda,” composed the pilot scores for “Night Gallery” and “Columbo,” and won Emmys for the TV-movie “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” and miniseries “The Lives of Benjamin Franklin,” “King” and “Rage of Angels.”
He expanded his 1975 “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” song score, with lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman, into the score of the 1978 Broadway musical “Ballroom,” directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett of “A Chorus Line” fame. It earned eight Tony nominations including Best Musical.
Reminiscing Wednesday about their collaboration on “Ballroom,” Alan Bergman told Variety: “Billy was one of the rare composers who was also a dramatist. Lots of people can write melodies, but you could tell Billy the situation, what the characters were feeling,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Carol Lynley, best known for her role in the 1972 film “The Poseidon Adventure,” died at her Pacific Palisades home Tuesday after suffering a heart attack, according to her friend, actor Trent Dolan. She was 77.
Lynley began her career as a child model, appearing on the cover of Life magazine at the age of 15, before starring in Disney’s “The Light in the Forest” and the independent film “Holiday for Lovers.” Shortly after, she secured a breakout role in the 1958 Broadway play “Blue Denim” and its subsequent film adaptation, in which she played 15-year-old Janet Willard tasked with figuring out how to undergo an illegal abortion.
The play, written by James Leo Herlihy, received immediate criticism for its laissez-faire attitude toward abortion, leading to a revised ending in the film that sees Janet go through with her pregnancy. Despite the controversy, the role earned Lynley a nomination for a Golden...
Lynley began her career as a child model, appearing on the cover of Life magazine at the age of 15, before starring in Disney’s “The Light in the Forest” and the independent film “Holiday for Lovers.” Shortly after, she secured a breakout role in the 1958 Broadway play “Blue Denim” and its subsequent film adaptation, in which she played 15-year-old Janet Willard tasked with figuring out how to undergo an illegal abortion.
The play, written by James Leo Herlihy, received immediate criticism for its laissez-faire attitude toward abortion, leading to a revised ending in the film that sees Janet go through with her pregnancy. Despite the controversy, the role earned Lynley a nomination for a Golden...
- 9/6/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Jennings, a retired Hollywood talent agent and casting director, was killed in a household fire on Bainbridge Island in Washington State on April 18, his family announced Tuesday. He was 81.
Jennings’ notable clients during his long career included Julian Fellowes, Burl Ives, Lee Van Cleef and Gene Simmons.
Along with partner Walter Beakel, he founded the boutique talent agency Beakel and Jennings in 1976.
Also Read: Peggy Lipton of 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 72
Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1937, Jennings grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and later attended Hanover College in Indiana before serving in the Marine corps. He began his career in Hollywood in the late 1950s as an agency assistant to Bing Crosby at Artists Agency Corporation, later moving on to General Artists where he assisted Bill Sargent with the cult music series “The Teenage Music International.”
Following his departure from General Artists in the early ’60s,...
Jennings’ notable clients during his long career included Julian Fellowes, Burl Ives, Lee Van Cleef and Gene Simmons.
Along with partner Walter Beakel, he founded the boutique talent agency Beakel and Jennings in 1976.
Also Read: Peggy Lipton of 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 72
Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1937, Jennings grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and later attended Hanover College in Indiana before serving in the Marine corps. He began his career in Hollywood in the late 1950s as an agency assistant to Bing Crosby at Artists Agency Corporation, later moving on to General Artists where he assisted Bill Sargent with the cult music series “The Teenage Music International.”
Following his departure from General Artists in the early ’60s,...
- 5/15/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Michele Carey, Elvis Presley‘s former costar in Live a Little, Love a Little, has died. She was 75.
The actress, who retired in 1986, passed away on Nov. 21, according to spokesperson Michael Anthony, who confirmed the news on her Facebook page on Saturday.
“Today I have the saddest task, one I had never hoped to do during my lifetime, and that is to report to the many friends and fans of Michele Carey that what you have read online is terribly true,” the post read.
“Michele passed away on November 21st with her family by her side at the tender age...
The actress, who retired in 1986, passed away on Nov. 21, according to spokesperson Michael Anthony, who confirmed the news on her Facebook page on Saturday.
“Today I have the saddest task, one I had never hoped to do during my lifetime, and that is to report to the many friends and fans of Michele Carey that what you have read online is terribly true,” the post read.
“Michele passed away on November 21st with her family by her side at the tender age...
- 12/3/2018
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Celeste Yarnall, a busy episodic TV and film actress primarily of the 1960s and ’70s and remembered by fans of the original Star Trek series for her one-time appearance as Yeoman Martha Landon, died October 7 at her home in Westlake Village, CA. She was 74.
Her death followed a battle with ovarian cancer and was first reported on the website StarTrek.com. In 2014 and 2015, Yarnall wrote several guest columns for the website about her diagnosis.
Yarnall, a familiar presence in later years on the Star Trek convention and autograph circuit, also has a firm, if small, place in Elvis Presley history: In 1968’s Live a Little, Love a Little, the actress — beautifully decked out in a glittery silver mini-dress and, briefly, a white fur coat — played a party-goer who draws Presley’s single-minded attention. He sings “A Little Less Conversation” to her in perhaps the film’s most memorable scene, a...
Her death followed a battle with ovarian cancer and was first reported on the website StarTrek.com. In 2014 and 2015, Yarnall wrote several guest columns for the website about her diagnosis.
Yarnall, a familiar presence in later years on the Star Trek convention and autograph circuit, also has a firm, if small, place in Elvis Presley history: In 1968’s Live a Little, Love a Little, the actress — beautifully decked out in a glittery silver mini-dress and, briefly, a white fur coat — played a party-goer who draws Presley’s single-minded attention. He sings “A Little Less Conversation” to her in perhaps the film’s most memorable scene, a...
- 10/9/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ralph Woolsey, an Emmy-winning cinematographer who worked on such series as Batman and It Takes a Thief and films including The Iceman Cometh and The Great Santini, has died. He was 104. The American Society of Cinematographers, which gave him its career award in 2003, said he died March 23 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.
The Asc described Woolsey as a consummate technician whose Hollywood career paralleled the birth and early evolution of television cinematography, including the transition from black-and-white to color. Among the many series he shot were Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip — for which he earned Emmy noms in 1959 and 1960, respectively — Batman and Mister Roberts. He won the 1968 Emmy for It Takes a Thief, starring Robert Wagner.
Born on New Year’s Day 1914, in Oregon, the first movies Woolsey saw were silent. He began his career while a student at the University of Minnesota, making conservation...
The Asc described Woolsey as a consummate technician whose Hollywood career paralleled the birth and early evolution of television cinematography, including the transition from black-and-white to color. Among the many series he shot were Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip — for which he earned Emmy noms in 1959 and 1960, respectively — Batman and Mister Roberts. He won the 1968 Emmy for It Takes a Thief, starring Robert Wagner.
Born on New Year’s Day 1914, in Oregon, the first movies Woolsey saw were silent. He began his career while a student at the University of Minnesota, making conservation...
- 4/10/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Soon-Tek Oh, a pioneering figure in Asian-American theater who voiced Fa Zhou in two “Mulan” films and acted with Roger Moore in “Man with the Golden Gun,” has died. He was 85.
The Korean-American actor died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long fight with Alzheimer’s, according to actor Chil Kong. Kong co-founded the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble in Los Angeles under Oh’s guidance.
In addition to his voice credits in “Mulan,” Oh acted in numerous television series throughout his career, beginning in the ’60s with credits on series like “It Takes a Thief” and “I Spy” and spanning through the ’90s with repeat appearances on shows including “Hawaii Five-o,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” He also acted in “Magnum, P.I.,” “Cagney & Lacey,” and “Hill Street Blues” and the mini-series “East of Eden.”
In 1974, Oh appeared as Lieutenant Hip in “Man With the Golden Gun.” In the film, Hip...
The Korean-American actor died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long fight with Alzheimer’s, according to actor Chil Kong. Kong co-founded the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble in Los Angeles under Oh’s guidance.
In addition to his voice credits in “Mulan,” Oh acted in numerous television series throughout his career, beginning in the ’60s with credits on series like “It Takes a Thief” and “I Spy” and spanning through the ’90s with repeat appearances on shows including “Hawaii Five-o,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” He also acted in “Magnum, P.I.,” “Cagney & Lacey,” and “Hill Street Blues” and the mini-series “East of Eden.”
In 1974, Oh appeared as Lieutenant Hip in “Man With the Golden Gun.” In the film, Hip...
- 4/7/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
One of the toughest lives led by the offspring of a celebrity couple is probably Courtney Wagner’s. The daughter of the late Natalie Wood and actor Robert Wagner, she has been reeling from her mother’s death for more than 30 years. Natalie Wood was famous for West Side Story, Gypsy¸ and From Here to Eternity – the latter of which she won a Golden Globe for. Robert Wagner is also relatively well known as an actor, playing in television shows such as Switch, Hart to Hart, and It Takes a Thief. He also played in a few famous films, most
Five Things You Didn’t Know about Courtney Wagner...
Five Things You Didn’t Know about Courtney Wagner...
- 2/6/2018
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
By Dean Brierly
“It Takes a Thief,” the iconic adventure/espionage series that many consider Robert Wagner’s defining role, has had an interesting if somewhat checkered DVD release history. As reported in Cinema Retro back in 2010, the first digital presentation of Alexander Mundy’s nefarious exploits appeared in July of that year courtesy of the German company Polyband, which released all 16 season one episodes in a pair of three-disc sets, followed up with a four-disc set featuring 12 of the 26 season two episodes, but then inexplicably ended its release program. These Region 2 sets, which have English as well as German audio options, are still available at Amazon Germany.
In October 2010, Australia’s Madman Entertainment jumped into the fray, putting out the complete first season in a five-disc set, and subsequently issuing seasons two and three as seven-disc sets. These Region 4 sets are now out of print.
Meanwhile, American fans clamoring...
“It Takes a Thief,” the iconic adventure/espionage series that many consider Robert Wagner’s defining role, has had an interesting if somewhat checkered DVD release history. As reported in Cinema Retro back in 2010, the first digital presentation of Alexander Mundy’s nefarious exploits appeared in July of that year courtesy of the German company Polyband, which released all 16 season one episodes in a pair of three-disc sets, followed up with a four-disc set featuring 12 of the 26 season two episodes, but then inexplicably ended its release program. These Region 2 sets, which have English as well as German audio options, are still available at Amazon Germany.
In October 2010, Australia’s Madman Entertainment jumped into the fray, putting out the complete first season in a five-disc set, and subsequently issuing seasons two and three as seven-disc sets. These Region 4 sets are now out of print.
Meanwhile, American fans clamoring...
- 3/31/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cinema Retro columnist Tom Lisanti co-authored (with Louis Paul) the book "Femme Fatales: Women in Espionage Films and Television, 1962-1973" for McFarland publishers. The book has just been issued in a softcover edition, revised and updated. Here is Tom Lisanti's story behind the creation of the book.
It was a long time coming, fifteen years in fact, but McFarland and Company finally released a soft cover edition of the very popular and well-received Film Fatales: Women in Espionage Film & Television, 1962-1973 by Louis Paul and myself. The book profiles 107 dazzling women (Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, Dahlia Lavi, Carol Lynley, Elke Sommer, and Sharon Tate, among them) who worked in the swinging sixties spy genre on the big and small screens. Some include interviews with these sexy spy gals. This new edition contains some profile revisions and updates and a few new photos.
The idea for this book was all Louis Paul’s.
It was a long time coming, fifteen years in fact, but McFarland and Company finally released a soft cover edition of the very popular and well-received Film Fatales: Women in Espionage Film & Television, 1962-1973 by Louis Paul and myself. The book profiles 107 dazzling women (Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, Dahlia Lavi, Carol Lynley, Elke Sommer, and Sharon Tate, among them) who worked in the swinging sixties spy genre on the big and small screens. Some include interviews with these sexy spy gals. This new edition contains some profile revisions and updates and a few new photos.
The idea for this book was all Louis Paul’s.
- 2/6/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The director that epitomized the 1970’s, Joseph Sargent, has sadly passed away. (1925-2014)
With a career lasting 50 years, Sargent brought to the big screen such thrilling cinema as The Taking Of The Pelham One Two Three, MacArthur, White Lightning and Colossus: The Forbin Project.
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay made the following statement upon learning of the passing of director Joseph Sargent:
“When it comes to directing Movies for Television, Joe’s dominance and craftsmanship was legendary – for the past 50 years. With eight DGA Awards nominations in Movies for Television, more than any other director in this category, Joe embodied directorial excellence on the small screen. He was unafraid of taking risks, believing in his heart that television audiences demanded the highest quality stories – whether chronicling uncomfortable historic events like the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study in Miss Evers’ Boys, or compelling personal stories about inspiring individuals like...
With a career lasting 50 years, Sargent brought to the big screen such thrilling cinema as The Taking Of The Pelham One Two Three, MacArthur, White Lightning and Colossus: The Forbin Project.
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay made the following statement upon learning of the passing of director Joseph Sargent:
“When it comes to directing Movies for Television, Joe’s dominance and craftsmanship was legendary – for the past 50 years. With eight DGA Awards nominations in Movies for Television, more than any other director in this category, Joe embodied directorial excellence on the small screen. He was unafraid of taking risks, believing in his heart that television audiences demanded the highest quality stories – whether chronicling uncomfortable historic events like the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study in Miss Evers’ Boys, or compelling personal stories about inspiring individuals like...
- 12/23/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Glen A. Larson, the television writer-producer who created Battlestar Galactica, among many other hits series, died on Friday at the age of 77. Larson's son told The Hollywood Reporter that he died of esophageal cancer at UCLA Medical Center.
Larson's incredibly fruitful television career came after a stint in the 1950s pop group the Four Preps. After working as a story editor and producer on It Takes a Thief, he created his first show with the western Alias Smith and Jones, followed by The Six Million Dollar Man. In 1976, Larson introduced Quincy,...
Larson's incredibly fruitful television career came after a stint in the 1950s pop group the Four Preps. After working as a story editor and producer on It Takes a Thief, he created his first show with the western Alias Smith and Jones, followed by The Six Million Dollar Man. In 1976, Larson introduced Quincy,...
- 11/15/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Glen A. Larson, Creator of TV’s 'Quincy M.E.,' 'Magnum, P.I.' and 'Battlestar Galactica,' Dies at 77
Glen A. Larson, the wildly successful television writer-producer whose enviable track record includes Quincy M.E., Magnum, P.I., Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider and The Fall Guy, has died. He was 77. Larson, a singer in the 1950s clean-cut pop group The Four Preps who went on to compose many of the theme songs for his TV shows, died Friday night of esophageal cancer at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, his son, James, told The Hollywood Reporter. Larson also wrote and produced for such noteworthy series as ABC’s It Takes a Thief, starring his fellow Hollywood High
read more...
read more...
- 11/13/2014
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The towering actor who played the mercenary assassin Jaws in a pair of Roger Moore-era 007 movies and the enigmatic alien in one of the most famous episodes of The Twilight Zone died today. Richard Kiel would have turned 75 on Saturday. His agent of 35 years, Steven Stevens Sr, told Deadline that Kiel died this afternoon at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, CA. The 7-foot-2 actor with the crooked smile got his start in early-1060s TV, appearing in such series as Laramie, Thriller and The Rifleman. He appeared in the 1962 sci-fi feature The Phantom Planet before landing the chilling Twilight Zone role. In “To Serve Man,” he played a representative of an advanced, giant alien race called the Kanamits, who alight on Earth amid what seems to be peace and good will. Kiel delivers a mysterious encrypted book to a meeting of the United Nations, and the episode soars from there.
- 9/11/2014
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline
Davina McCall's Sport Relief documentary attracted 3.65 million on Thursday evening, overnight data reveals.
BBC One's Beyond Breaking Point achieved an audience share of 17.3% at 9pm on a quiet Thursday night.
The One Show was the most-watched programme outside of news and soaps with 4.44m (21.8%) at 7pm. Later, Holiday Hit Squad brought in 3.10m (14.6%), and Question Time was seen by 2.35m (21.8%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure cooked with 2.14m (10.1%) at 8pm, while the second part of The Worricker Trilogy - Turks & Caicos - starring Bill Nighy appealed to 2.29m (11.5%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Ade Edmondson's new series Ade at Sea interested 2.63m (12.4%) at 8.30pm, followed by documentary Dangerous Dogs with 1.97m (9.3%) at 9pm (269,000/1.7% on +1).
Channel 4's Hoarder Next Door fascinated 1.47m (6.9%) at 8pm (166k/0.8%). Inside Rolls-Royce gathered 2.13m (10.1%) at 9pm (361k/2.3%) and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown amused 982k (6.1%) at 10pm (221k...
BBC One's Beyond Breaking Point achieved an audience share of 17.3% at 9pm on a quiet Thursday night.
The One Show was the most-watched programme outside of news and soaps with 4.44m (21.8%) at 7pm. Later, Holiday Hit Squad brought in 3.10m (14.6%), and Question Time was seen by 2.35m (21.8%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure cooked with 2.14m (10.1%) at 8pm, while the second part of The Worricker Trilogy - Turks & Caicos - starring Bill Nighy appealed to 2.29m (11.5%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Ade Edmondson's new series Ade at Sea interested 2.63m (12.4%) at 8.30pm, followed by documentary Dangerous Dogs with 1.97m (9.3%) at 9pm (269,000/1.7% on +1).
Channel 4's Hoarder Next Door fascinated 1.47m (6.9%) at 8pm (166k/0.8%). Inside Rolls-Royce gathered 2.13m (10.1%) at 9pm (361k/2.3%) and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown amused 982k (6.1%) at 10pm (221k...
- 3/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Celebrity Juice returned for its new series with over a million viewers on Thursday night, according to early data.
ITV2's comedy panel show brought in 1.14 million viewers (7.1%) at 10pm, following the recent Ant & Dec special (135,000/1.6% on +1).
Earlier, The Big Reunion continued with 331k (1.6%) at 9pm.
BBC One's Holiday Hit Squad jointly topped the ratings overall outside of soaps with 3.44m (16.7%) at 8pm, along with Famous, Rich & Hungry at 9pm, also with 3.44m (16.6%). Question Time interested 2.34m (22.1%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, the Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure brought in 2.15m (10.4%) at 8pm, followed by the film My Week With Marilyn with 1.37m (7.0%) at 9pm.
ITV's coverage of Tottenham's Europa League loss to Benfica scored 3.13m (15.3%) at 7.45pm.
On Channel 4, The Hoarder Next Door gathered 1.66m (8.0%) at 8pm (163k/6.8% on +1), while Live From Space entertained 1.40m (6.8%) at 9pm (178k/1.2%). How To Be a Billionaire was seen by 618k (4.2%) at...
ITV2's comedy panel show brought in 1.14 million viewers (7.1%) at 10pm, following the recent Ant & Dec special (135,000/1.6% on +1).
Earlier, The Big Reunion continued with 331k (1.6%) at 9pm.
BBC One's Holiday Hit Squad jointly topped the ratings overall outside of soaps with 3.44m (16.7%) at 8pm, along with Famous, Rich & Hungry at 9pm, also with 3.44m (16.6%). Question Time interested 2.34m (22.1%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, the Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure brought in 2.15m (10.4%) at 8pm, followed by the film My Week With Marilyn with 1.37m (7.0%) at 9pm.
ITV's coverage of Tottenham's Europa League loss to Benfica scored 3.13m (15.3%) at 7.45pm.
On Channel 4, The Hoarder Next Door gathered 1.66m (8.0%) at 8pm (163k/6.8% on +1), while Live From Space entertained 1.40m (6.8%) at 9pm (178k/1.2%). How To Be a Billionaire was seen by 618k (4.2%) at...
- 3/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Birds of a Feather came out on top for its current series finale on Thursday outside of soaps, according to overnight figures.
The recently-renewed ITV sitcom dropped over 500,000 viewers from its last episode in mid-February, amusing 4.81 million (12.9%) at 8.30pm (116k/0.5% on +1).
On BBC One, Holiday Hit Squad returned with 3.18m (14.3%) at 8pm, followed by Diy Sos with 4.26m (19.1%) at 9pm. Question Time interested 2.61m (23.5%) at 10.35pm.
BBC Two's Permission Impossible gathered 1.25m (6.1%) at 7pm, while the Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure cooked with 2.10m (9.4%) at 8pm. New period drama 37 Days appealed to 2.21m (9.9%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, The Hoarder Next Door fascinated 1.22m (5.5%) at 8pm (221k/1.0%), and The Floods that Foiled New Years brought in 1.71m (7.7%) at 9pm (312k/2.0%).
Channel 5's It Takes a Thief To Catch a Thief intrigued 1.20m (5.4%) at 8pm (127k/0.6%). The Hotel Inspector was seen by 1.03m (4.6%) at 9pm (132k/0.8%) and 70 Stone and Almost Dead attracted 974k (6.1%) at 10pm.
The recently-renewed ITV sitcom dropped over 500,000 viewers from its last episode in mid-February, amusing 4.81 million (12.9%) at 8.30pm (116k/0.5% on +1).
On BBC One, Holiday Hit Squad returned with 3.18m (14.3%) at 8pm, followed by Diy Sos with 4.26m (19.1%) at 9pm. Question Time interested 2.61m (23.5%) at 10.35pm.
BBC Two's Permission Impossible gathered 1.25m (6.1%) at 7pm, while the Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure cooked with 2.10m (9.4%) at 8pm. New period drama 37 Days appealed to 2.21m (9.9%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, The Hoarder Next Door fascinated 1.22m (5.5%) at 8pm (221k/1.0%), and The Floods that Foiled New Years brought in 1.71m (7.7%) at 9pm (312k/2.0%).
Channel 5's It Takes a Thief To Catch a Thief intrigued 1.20m (5.4%) at 8pm (127k/0.6%). The Hotel Inspector was seen by 1.03m (4.6%) at 9pm (132k/0.8%) and 70 Stone and Almost Dead attracted 974k (6.1%) at 10pm.
- 3/7/2014
- Digital Spy
The year now ending marks another 12-month period of losing talents who have given television viewers entertainment or information ... and some of those passings, even more sadly, came as major and untimely shocks. Zap2it remembers:
Paul Walker: The actor best-known for the "Fast & Furious" movies had career roots in such TV shows as "Who's the Boss?" "Highway to Heaven" and "Touched by an Angel."
James Gandolfini: He projected so much older as mobster Tony Soprano, many were surprised to learn the three-time Emmy winner only was in his 30s and 40s when he played the part.
Cory Monteith: As Finn Hudson on "Glee," the Canadian-born performer touched fans of all ages both in life and afterward.
Jean Stapleton: Forever TV's top "dingbat," the "All in the Family" actress earned three Emmys as lovably daffy Edith Bunker.
Jonathan Winters: The improvisation genius who inspired his...
Paul Walker: The actor best-known for the "Fast & Furious" movies had career roots in such TV shows as "Who's the Boss?" "Highway to Heaven" and "Touched by an Angel."
James Gandolfini: He projected so much older as mobster Tony Soprano, many were surprised to learn the three-time Emmy winner only was in his 30s and 40s when he played the part.
Cory Monteith: As Finn Hudson on "Glee," the Canadian-born performer touched fans of all ages both in life and afterward.
Jean Stapleton: Forever TV's top "dingbat," the "All in the Family" actress earned three Emmys as lovably daffy Edith Bunker.
Jonathan Winters: The improvisation genius who inspired his...
- 12/31/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Reaffirming that every old action show is destined to live again (not so fast, Street Hawk), big-screen remakes of The Rockford Files and It Takes A Thief are edging ever closer to joining the yellowing TV Guide that is the modern box office. As we first relayed last year, Vince Vaughn is both producing and starring in the Rockford update, with Vaughn taking over the James Garner role of a downtrodden P.I. who prefers talking his way out of trouble, and bringing his own talent for just talking and talking, until you surrender yourself to be arrested or killed ...
- 10/30/2013
- avclub.com
Universal Pictures has plans to bring the 1968 ABC series It Takes a Thief to the big screen, Variety reports. Hollywood newcomer Greg Russo has come aboard to provide the screenplay. Robert Wagner, Malachi Throne and Fred Astaire starred in the original show, which ran for 66 episodes and followed cat burglar Alexander Mundy (Wagner) as he agrees to work for the United States Secret Intelligence Agency in exchange for his release from prison. It's quite likely that the studio has hopes of turning the 60's spy series into a franchise, similar to what Paramount Pictures did with Mission: Impossible and what Warner Bros. is aiming for with their upcoming The Man From U.N.C.L.E. . John Davis and Joseph Singer are attached to produce.
- 10/30/2013
- Comingsoon.net
At first blush, “Hannibal” looks like the conceptual twin of CBS timeslot rival “Elementary,” a series that seeks to leverage a brilliant literary character to sell a moody procedural. It’s also a little like “It Takes a Thief,” only here substituting a serial killer. Stick with the series through a handful of episodes, though, and it’s clear that showrunner Bryan Fuller has brought a semi-hypnotic quality to this prequel adaptation of Thomas Harris’ Hannibal Lecter character — ungainly and messy, but at times visually arresting, and thanks in large part to the central trio of Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy and Laurence Fishburne, quite interesting. Bon appetit.
Granted, NBC’s Thursday lineup is a devalued piece of real estate, and sustaining the show for any length of time seems like a high-wire act. As A&e’s “Psycho” precursor “Bates Motel” demonstrates, the benefits associated with such a well-known property can...
Granted, NBC’s Thursday lineup is a devalued piece of real estate, and sustaining the show for any length of time seems like a high-wire act. As A&e’s “Psycho” precursor “Bates Motel” demonstrates, the benefits associated with such a well-known property can...
- 3/28/2013
- by Brian Lowry
- Variety Film + TV
Malachi Throne, who played Robert Wagner's boss Noah Bain in the 1960s series "It Takes a Thief" among many other roles during a long career, according to multiple sources. He was 84. "Supernatural" and "Justified" actor Jim Beaver, posted news of Throne's death on his Facebook page Thursday, writing, "My good friend Malachi Throne died last night. One of the finest actors and finest people I've been fortunate enough to know." Theatre West, a Los Angeles-based theater company, also noted Throne's death, writing, "Theatre West says goodbye to our good friend and...
- 3/15/2013
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Malachi Throne is dead. The character actor, most known for his memorable appearances on "Star Trek" and "Batman," died Wednesday, Mar. 13. after succumbing to cancer. He was 84.
Friend and "Justified" actor Jim Beaver appears to have been among the first to break the news to the public, via his Facebook page. "My good friend Malachi Throne died last night. One of the finest actors and finest people I've been fortunate enough to know," he wrote.
Throne's agent, Annette Robinson, confirmed the actor's passing to The Huffington Post, saying the actor had been battling cancer for some time and that he had died peacefully in his sleep.
Throne acted in more than 90 different television shows over a span of five decades; he first appeared on "The DuPont Show of the Month" in 1959. Fans will remember him as Robert Wagner's boss Noah Bain on the series "It Takes a Thief" and as False Face on "Batman,...
Friend and "Justified" actor Jim Beaver appears to have been among the first to break the news to the public, via his Facebook page. "My good friend Malachi Throne died last night. One of the finest actors and finest people I've been fortunate enough to know," he wrote.
Throne's agent, Annette Robinson, confirmed the actor's passing to The Huffington Post, saying the actor had been battling cancer for some time and that he had died peacefully in his sleep.
Throne acted in more than 90 different television shows over a span of five decades; he first appeared on "The DuPont Show of the Month" in 1959. Fans will remember him as Robert Wagner's boss Noah Bain on the series "It Takes a Thief" and as False Face on "Batman,...
- 3/15/2013
- by Youyoung Lee
- Huffington Post
London, Jan 19: Robert Wagner has declined to be interviewed by detectives as part of a fresh investigation into the death of his wife Natalie Wood three decades ago.
Wagner, who is best known for starring in the television shows 'It Takes a Thief' and 'Switch', was interviewed by authorities soon after Wood's drowning in 1981.
But the actor is the only person who was on the yacht the night she died, who has not spoken to detectives as part of the latest inquiry, according to investigators - despite repeated requests, the Daily Mail reported.
Blair Berk, an attorney for Wagner and his family, said the actor had cooperated.
Wagner, who is best known for starring in the television shows 'It Takes a Thief' and 'Switch', was interviewed by authorities soon after Wood's drowning in 1981.
But the actor is the only person who was on the yacht the night she died, who has not spoken to detectives as part of the latest inquiry, according to investigators - despite repeated requests, the Daily Mail reported.
Blair Berk, an attorney for Wagner and his family, said the actor had cooperated.
- 1/19/2013
- by Lohit Reddy
- RealBollywood.com
Amazon has released their early Black Friday Deals Week schedule beginning Monday, November 19 and running through Monday, November 26 and I have added the entire list in its state below and will be updating as more and more titles are added it to it and considering the limited number of Blu-ray titles included I have to assume this thing is going to get beefed up. There are some notable titles beginning with the Gold Box Deal on Saturday, November 24 where the Blu-ray edition of the recently released amazon asin="B006U1J5ZY" text="Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection" will be on sale. The price has not yet been announced, but as of right now it sits at $149.99 and I wouldn't be surprised if it drops under $100 on that day so stay tuned. Additional titles on sale throughout the eight day sale include X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: The Last Stand,...
- 11/17/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Fran Drescher is getting some new company for the third season of her TV Land series "Happily Divorced." "Dynasty" star Joan Collins and "It Takes a Thief" star Robert Wagner have signed on to guest star on the sitcom, TV Land said Tuesday. Singer Cyndi Lauper and "Entourage" actress Debi Mazar also will be aboard for the upcoming season, which begins production Oct. 1 for a Nov. 28 premiere date. Also read: Fran Drescher Officiates Same-Sex Wedding (Video) Collins will play a fictionalized version of herself, who takes Peter -- the gay ex-husband of...
- 9/18/2012
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Some screenwriting news has hit from Variety, who report that Disney’s hired Joe Gazzam to write what, right now, is only described as “an untitled family adventure set in Hawaii.” Though not a known name, Gazzam has reportedly done some rewrite work on 21 Jump Street and Step Up 4, while another script, It Takes a Thief, is moving forward with Universal. Needless to say, a successful stint here could do some pretty good things for his career. Monsterfoot Productions and Scott Sanders Productions will throw their support behind the film.
Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Paramount’s picked up rights to Status Update, which was presented as a pitch from Sascha Rothchild and Randi Barnes, who will possibly write the feature film that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are producing through Fake Empire. As you can more or less gather from their title, the film will be “a high school comedy that utilizes social media,...
Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Paramount’s picked up rights to Status Update, which was presented as a pitch from Sascha Rothchild and Randi Barnes, who will possibly write the feature film that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are producing through Fake Empire. As you can more or less gather from their title, the film will be “a high school comedy that utilizes social media,...
- 4/12/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
AMC is preparing to develop a TV series adaptation of Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s new produced comic book, “Thief of Thieves”.
According to Deadline, the show will be a series of heist stories, described by Kirkman as follows: “Much like The Walking Dead brought horror to television in a unique and groundbreaking way, I feel Thief of Thieves can do the same thing for heist stories, showing the humanity of all the characters, including the criminals.”
The story “centers on master thief Conrad Paulson who, while attempting to reconcile with his estranged wife and son, vows to walk the straight and narrow, only to discover he’s completely addicted to the thrill of stealing. Now he must feed his addiction by stealing only what has been stolen, as the Thief of Thieves.”
The comic is being written by Nick Spencer, with artwork created by Shawn Martinbrough. Chic Eglee...
According to Deadline, the show will be a series of heist stories, described by Kirkman as follows: “Much like The Walking Dead brought horror to television in a unique and groundbreaking way, I feel Thief of Thieves can do the same thing for heist stories, showing the humanity of all the characters, including the criminals.”
The story “centers on master thief Conrad Paulson who, while attempting to reconcile with his estranged wife and son, vows to walk the straight and narrow, only to discover he’s completely addicted to the thrill of stealing. Now he must feed his addiction by stealing only what has been stolen, as the Thief of Thieves.”
The comic is being written by Nick Spencer, with artwork created by Shawn Martinbrough. Chic Eglee...
- 4/12/2012
- by Robert Falconer
- CinemaSpy
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: April 3, 2012
Price: Blu-ray $24.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
The high-definition debut of the 1953 disaster movie Titanic is timed for the 100-year anniversary of the day the fated ship sank.
Long before Kate and Leo rode the classic cruise liner, Clifton Webb (Stars and Stripes Forever), Barbara Stanwyck (Double Indemnity) and Robert Wagner (TV’s It Takes a Thief) played Titanic passengers.
In the earlier film, Webb and Stanwyck played unhappily married Mr. and Mrs. Sturges. When the ship hits an iceberg, their custody battle for their two children, who are also on board, is the least of their worries.
Directed by Jean Negulesco (How to Marry a Millionaire), the drama movie won an Oscar for its screenplay and was nominated for art direction.
For the Blu-ray, the classic film was remastered and comes with these special features:
commentary by film critic Richard Schickelcommentary by cinematographer Michael D. Lonzo,...
Price: Blu-ray $24.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
The high-definition debut of the 1953 disaster movie Titanic is timed for the 100-year anniversary of the day the fated ship sank.
Long before Kate and Leo rode the classic cruise liner, Clifton Webb (Stars and Stripes Forever), Barbara Stanwyck (Double Indemnity) and Robert Wagner (TV’s It Takes a Thief) played Titanic passengers.
In the earlier film, Webb and Stanwyck played unhappily married Mr. and Mrs. Sturges. When the ship hits an iceberg, their custody battle for their two children, who are also on board, is the least of their worries.
Directed by Jean Negulesco (How to Marry a Millionaire), the drama movie won an Oscar for its screenplay and was nominated for art direction.
For the Blu-ray, the classic film was remastered and comes with these special features:
commentary by film critic Richard Schickelcommentary by cinematographer Michael D. Lonzo,...
- 3/8/2012
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
There are many figures of speech regarding thieves, and few if any are flattering, which makes you wonder how It Takes a Thief came to be one of the final entries of the spy serial dramas of the late 1960s. Spies enjoy a more flattering image thanks to the likes of James Bond, portrayed less as serial liars and thieves and more as honorable men living lives of danger and intrigue. Apparently, working indulging in those behaviors while working for the government instead of for your own profit makes all the difference – and therein lies the premise of It Takes a Thief: the world’s finest thief recruited to work for a government agency to steal top secret information, weapons, items, and more from a politicaly bad guy of the week. The series had a strong run for three seasons with Robert Wagner as the titular thief, pulling off...
- 1/1/2012
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.