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.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Jill Haworth
Actress -- via groups.google.com/group/alt.obituaries. She originated the role of Sally Bowles in the first Broadway production of "Cabaret." Some more detail here from the New York Times.
Gerry Rafferty
Singer/songwriter -- via news.stv.tv. An essential part of '70s musical culture, he was behind three big hits -- "Stuck in the Middle with You," later made immortal (or ruined, per your taste) by its use in a violent scene from Tarentino's film "Reservoir Dogs"; "Baker Street," "Get It Right Next Time" and "Right Down the Line."
Suchitra Mitra
Singer, composer, educator and actor -- via The Daily Star. She specialized in Rabindra Sangeet, the musical genre launched by legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore. Her rendition of the Bangladesh national anthem, "Amar Sonar Bangla Ami Tomai Bhalobashi," is especially prized by many.
Stanley Tolliver
Criminal and civil rights lawyer, and Renaissance man -- via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A nice tribute here as well --
Gil Garfield
The Cheers -- left to right, Bert Convy, Sue Allen and Gil Garfield.
Singer and artist -- via the L.A. Times. As a member of The Cheers, he had a hit in 1955 with the Leiber/Stoller novelty song "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots."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!
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