Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Arnold Richardson
Fly fishing expert -- via flyfishingfrenzy.com. He appears briefly as Norman Maclean in the film A" River Runs through It."
Szeto Wah
Activist who fought for Hong Kong's independence from both Britain and China -- via the New York Times.
Pioneer Press: "The lesser-known deaths of 2010"
In the spirit of Obit Patrol, Richard Chin gives us a round-up of the deaths of people (and a few animals) in 2010 who, though not celebrities in the strict sense of the word, made contributions or stirred attention during their lifespans.
Richard Curtis Wooters
Medical examiner -- via the Des Moines Register. He is lauded in his obituary for his compassion, tact and professional dedication; he also overcame a debilitating addiction during the course of his life.
Pat Harrison
Restaurateur -- via the Montgomery Advisor. It was "only" a hamburger joint, but he seems to have inspired much loyalty and affection.
Anne Francis
Actress of stage, film, radio and television -- via the L.A. Times. An extremely good performer whose beauty sometimes overshadowed her dramatic talents. She started off in radio ("Let's Pretend"), and played the young Gertrude Lawrence's character in "Lady in the Dark" on Broadway. She moved into movies, and will probably be remembered best as Altaria in "Forbidden Planet."
However, she was memorable in supporting roles in films such as "Bad Day at Black Rock," "Battle Cry" and "Blackboard Jungle." She went on to do lots and lots of television; my dearest memory of her will be as the sexy, ironic, tough private eye in the short-lived TV series "Honey West."
Her character was an early feminist icon -- plus, she had a pet ocelot named Bruce, tear-gas earrings, a lipstick transmitter, and much, much more.
However, she was memorable in supporting roles in films such as "Bad Day at Black Rock," "Battle Cry" and "Blackboard Jungle." She went on to do lots and lots of television; my dearest memory of her will be as the sexy, ironic, tough private eye in the short-lived TV series "Honey West."
Her character was an early feminist icon -- plus, she had a pet ocelot named Bruce, tear-gas earrings, a lipstick transmitter, and much, much more.
Pete Postlethwaite
Stage and film actor -- via the New York Times. Here's an amazing and detailed tribute, full of clips, from the Guardian, on his achievements. A thinking, feeling actor who brought complete professionalism to every role.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Hideko Takamine
Film actress and essayist -- via Japan Times. She began her career at the age of 5 in 1929, and was referred to as "Japan's Shirley Temple." Her career spanned seven decades; her greatest work was with directors Kinoshita and Naruse, most notably in "Floating Clouds" and "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs."
Alvin H. Marill
Film historian -- via Legacy.com. This indefatigable researcher and compiler authored the mighty "Movies Made for Television 1964-2004" in five volumes, in addition to many other projects!
Brenda Starr
Fictional reporter -- via the Washington Post. Although she could be postulated as an early feminist icon, Starr served alternately as a damsel in distress and romantic heroine. Her comic-strip adventures referred to her during much of her life as a "girl reporter," as though that was a remarkable anomaly.
Although she rose (or sank, depending on your point of view) to the post of editor, got married to the dashing Basil St. John, had a child, got divorced, and paged through several romances, she was always glamorous, globe-trotting Brenda -- even though serious issues occasionally crept into the strip. Goodbye, Brenda, we'll miss you.
Although she rose (or sank, depending on your point of view) to the post of editor, got married to the dashing Basil St. John, had a child, got divorced, and paged through several romances, she was always glamorous, globe-trotting Brenda -- even though serious issues occasionally crept into the strip. Goodbye, Brenda, we'll miss you.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Nick Santo aka Nick Santamaria
Lead singer of the doo-wop group The Capris -- via rock-the-jukebox.com. Their biggest hit: 1961's
There a Moon Out Tonight."
There a Moon Out Tonight."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Kodachrome
Color photographic film -- via the New York Times. The 75-year-old product was deemed the most superior for slides and film; its richness of color, long-lasting quality in dark storage and unique quality of light captured makes it an irreplaceable medium for amateurs and artists alike.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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