Actress and songwriter -- via the L.A. Times. A one-time girlfriend of abysmally bad cult movie director Ed wood, she appeared in his "Glen or Glenda?" and "Jail Bait." Later, she co-wrote "Rock-a-Hula-Baby" and many other songs for Elvis films. She laso founded a record company, Dee Dee and launched the career of Johnny Rivers and Tanya Tucker.
She wrote other hits, such as "Someone to Tell It To"
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, May 10, 2011
Gustavo Kouri Flores
Physician, teacher and researcher -- via the juventudrebelde.co.cu. He fought the spread of tropical diseases, especially dengue fever.
Arthur Laurents aka Arthur Levine
Playwright, screenwriter and director -- via the New York Times. For the stage, he wrote the book for "West Side Story," "Gypsy" and "Anyone Can Whistle." For the screen, he wrote "Rope," "The Way We Were" and "The Turning Point."
James "Deacon" Anderson
Singer, songwriter and steel guitarist -- via the Port Arthur News. He co-wrote the famous "Ragg-Mopp."
Bobby "Bull" Thompson
Outfielder for the Rangers in 1978 -- via the Charlotte Observer, Jack Morris, Bill Schenley and groups.google.com/group/alt.obituaries, in that order.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Osama's obit: the backstage story from the Times
Via Steve Miller at obituaryforum.blogspot.com, and Lauren Kirchner at the Columbia Journalism Review. Kirchner interviewed NYT obit writer Kate Zernike about the mechanics of producing an updated obituary on a controversial and despised figure at the last minute on a Sunday night.
'Last post' is blogger's farewell
Derek K. Miller, blogger, pens his own obituary. It's very moving and well-done.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thomas Sidney Downing
General-store owner and a nice guy -- via the Anniston Star. Kudos to writer Laura Camper for the wonderfully well-written piece!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Claude Stanley Choules
Last combat veteran of World War II -- via MSNBC. His experience made him a pacifist.
Marian Mercer
Actress in a splendid variety of roles -- via the New York Times. A wry comedian, she specialized in sassy, energetic and arch roles. She won a Tony for her work in the original production of "Promises, Promises." She did improv, Shakespeare, Williams, TV commercials, all with impeccable, crisp professionalism.
Jackie Cooper aka John Cooper Jr.
Actor, director and producer in film and television -- via TMZ. Best known as a child actor in part of the Our Gang series, and in a string of films with Wallace Beery ("The Champ," "Treasure Island"). On growing up, he worked on TV and eventually began producing and packaging shows. Later, he directed many TV episodes. He had one last memorable series of outings as editor Perry White in the original Superman feature film series.
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