Obituaries for 2022

[rustynail]

I am refraining from speaking ill of the dead.

Is there a photo of the corpse?

[Kamaji]

David Birney dead at 83: Star of St Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie passes away after Alzheimer's battle

By JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
3 May 2022

David Birney - an actor best known for his work on St Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie - has died at 83 after a battle with Alzheimer's.

The longtime thespian passed away at his home in Santa Monica on Friday his lifer partner Michele Roberge told the New York Times.

He had battled Alzheimer's for five years before succumbing aged 83 on April  29.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10779039/David-Birney-dead-83-St-Bridget-Loves-Bernie-star-battled-Alzheimers.html

[jmyrlefuller]

Mike Hagerty, sitcom character actor, dies at 67.

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/mike-hagerty-dead-obit-1349248/

(This guy.)

[Free Vulcan]

Mike Hagerty, sitcom character actor, dies at 67.

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/mike-hagerty-dead-obit-1349248/

(This guy.)

Always like him. Did some really funny parts and characters.

[Gefn]

Country Star Mickey Gilley Dead at 86

Mickey Gilley -- a mega country star in the '70s and '80s -- has died ... this according to his own Texas community, which officially made the announcement.

The singer and founder of the "world's biggest honky tonk" died Saturday surrounded by loved ones -- sad news that the mayor of Pasadena, TX broke this weekend via the city's official Facebook page. Jeff Wagner writes, "It was my great honor to know this man most of my life. Mickey was a true musical talent who charted 42 singles in the Top 40 Country Charts over a span of two decades." The exact circumstances of his death weren't revealed.

Wagner went on to give a nod to Gilley for putting Pasadena on the map via the John Travolta flick, "Urban Cowboy," and added ... "We were so honored to have Mickey perform at our State of the City in February, 2020. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with Mickey's family, his loved ones and his fans." He attached photos of the event mentioned.

Gilley will probably be best remembered for launching Gilley's Club -- a dance hall that rose to prominence after it was heavily featured in 'UC' ... and which went on to become a tourist attraction for country fans everywhere.

https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/07/country-star-mickey-gilley-dead-dies-urban-cowboy/

[Smokin Joe]

So long Mickey!

I heard him and Jerry Lee Lewis down at that club in Pasadena back in '80.

[Bigun]

So long Mickey!

I heard him and Jerry Lee Lewis down at that club in Pasadena back in '80.

I last saw him perform in Branson, Missouri 10 or so years ago. He and his sidekick Joey Riley put on one of the best shows I saw there.  Strangely enough, I have never entered his honky tonk and I live relatively close to it.

[Kamaji]

‘The Big Lebowski’ actor Jack Kehler dead at 75

By Nika Shakhnazarova
May 10, 2022

Jack Kehler, best known for his role in “The Big Lebowski,” has died aged 75.

His son, Eddie Kehler, revealed the heartbreaking news to Deadline on Monday, explaining his beloved father died of complications of leukemia.

The actor, who starred as The Dude’s landlord Marty in the 1998 classic, died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/10/the-big-lebowski-actor-jack-kehler-dead-at-75/

[verga]

‘The Big Lebowski’ actor Jack Kehler dead at 75

By Nika Shakhnazarova
May 10, 2022

Jack Kehler, best known for his role in “The Big Lebowski,” has died aged 75.

His son, Eddie Kehler, revealed the heartbreaking news to Deadline on Monday, explaining his beloved father died of complications of leukemia.

The actor, who starred as The Dude’s landlord Marty in the 1998 classic, died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/10/the-big-lebowski-actor-jack-kehler-dead-at-75/

LOVED that movie R.I. P.

[mountaineer]

Bob Lanier, Basketball Hall Of Famer, Dies at 73
by Anthony Farris
May 11, 2022
Outkick

One of the NBA’s most notable big men, Bob Lanier, has passed away at the age of 73. Lanier, an eight-time All-Star, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, died Tuesday following a short illness.

After being drafted first overall in 1970, Lanier played 14 NBA seasons, compiling averages of 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. His pro career began with the Detroit Pistons (1970-80), before finishing with the Milwaukee Bucks (1980-84). He still ranks third in Pistons history in both points and rebounds. Lanier was named MVP of the 1974 All-Star Game.

Though Lanier’s illness wasn’t specified, The Athletic reported in 2019 that the former center was being treated for a form of bladder cancer. ...

[Kamaji]

‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Sex and the City’ actor Bruce MacVittie dead at 65

By Nika Shakhnazarova
May 13, 2022

Beloved actor Bruce MacVittie, best known for his roles in “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City,” has died. He was 65.

MacVittie died in a Manhattan hospital on Saturday, his wife, Carol Ochs, confirmed to the New York Times on Thursday.

No cause of death was disclosed.

MacVittie became widely recognized for his role as Danny Scalercio on “The Sopranos,” as well as his recurring guest appearances on “Law & Order” and “As The World Turns.”

His career kickstarted on broadway, working as Al Pacino’s understudy in the 1983 production “American Buffalo.” He later took over the lead role.

*  *  *

Source:  https://pagesix.com/2022/05/13/the-sopranos-star-bruce-macvittie-dead-at-65

[txradioguy]

R.I.P. Fred Ward. The star of "The Right Stuff" "Remo Williams" and Tremors" was 79.

[mountaineer]

‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Sex and the City’ actor Bruce MacVittie dead at 65

I remember him from L&O. A versatile actor.

[txradioguy]

I remember him from L&O. A versatile actor.

That's where I always see him too.

[Kamaji]

R.I.P. Fred Ward. The star of "The Right Stuff" "Remo Williams" and Tremors" was 79.

NY Post Obit:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/13/fred-ward-short-cuts-and-tremors-actor-dead-at-79/

[sneakypete]

I remember him from L&O. A versatile actor.

@mountaineer

I am a big Law and Order fan. ALL series.

I have even looked him up on the web and also IMDB,and still don't remember seeing him in anything. There is even a short clip of him and Briscoe in a bar on one web page,and I still don't recognize him.

Yet there is something in IMDB that says he starred in several episodes.

His publicist must REALLY suck!

[mountaineer]

@sneakypete The episode that immediately comes to mind is the guy who killed someone over a weird painting of a woman without hands. I'll try to remember the others.

He also played a crooked lawyer in the episode where Jamie's friend and fellow ADA was fixing cases, and her friend killed a bail bondsman.

[Kamaji]

Randy Weaver Dies

In the infamous Ruby Ridge standoff, federal agents killed his wife and son.

JOE LANCASTER
5.13.2022

Randy Weaver died Wednesday, just three months shy of what would have been the 30th anniversary of the 1992 standoff that thrust him into the national spotlight. He was 74.

*  *  *

Source:  https://reason.com/2022/05/13/randy-weaver-dies/

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete The episode that immediately comes to mind is the guy who killed someone over a weird painting of a woman without hands. I'll try to remember the others.

@mountaineer

Don't trouble yourself. It doesn't matter. I was just curious to see if he was one of my favorites,and I can tell from the photo he wasn't.

[GtHawk]

RIP Mr. Ward, I thoroughly enjoyed your work from the serious to the comedic you always delivered.

[Fishrrman]

Another article about Randy Weaver:
http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=63087

[sneakypete]

Another article about Randy Weaver:
http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=63087

@Fishrrman

His suffering finally ends.

This was a man whose only wish was to live a life of peace and quiet while raising his family.

Unfortunately,he was seen as an easy target to frame for federal felonies,so they tricked him into committing a felony that should have resulted in nothing more than a fine and probation,at MOST.

But,NOOOOOO,he was the appointed fall guy for federal crimes committed by federal officers of the law.

[Smokin Joe]

@Fishrrman

His suffering finally ends.

This was a man whose only wish was to live a life of peace and quiet while raising his family.

Unfortunately,he was seen as an easy target to frame for federal felonies,so they tricked him into committing a felony that should have resulted in nothing more than a fine and probation,at MOST.

But,NOOOOOO,he was the appointed fall guy for federal crimes committed by federal officers of the law.

The entrapment was so they could try to use the charges as leverage to get him to snitch on his neighbors.

He refused to to be a spy for the Feds--regardless of what anyone thinks of the claimed beliefs of the neighbors, it was an honorable choice.

That's when the Feds decided to make an example of him.

[MajorClay]

David Birney dead at 83: Star of St Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie passes away after Alzheimer's battle

By JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
3 May 2022

David Birney - an actor best known for his work on St Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie - has died at 83 after a battle with Alzheimer's.

The longtime thespian passed away at his home in Santa Monica on Friday his lifer partner Michele Roberge told the New York Times.

He had battled Alzheimer's for five years before succumbing aged 83 on April  29.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10779039/David-Birney-dead-83-St-Bridget-Loves-Bernie-star-battled-Alzheimers.html

Darn,
my 83 Y/o mom has Alxheimers.  not fun

[mountaineer]

Rosmarie Trapp, Whose Family Inspired ‘Sound of Music,' Dies
Rosmarie was the first daughter of Austrian naval Capt. Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp, and a younger half-sibling to the older von Trapp children portrayed on stage and in the movie
By Lisa Rathke • Published 6 mins ago   • Updated 5 seconds ago   

Rosmarie Trapp, whose Austrian family the von Trapps was made famous in the musical and beloved movie “The Sound of Music,” has died.

She died Friday at the age of 93 at a nursing home in Morrisville, Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge announced. Her brother Johannes is president of the Stowe resort.

Rosmarie was the first daughter of Austrian naval Capt. Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp, and a younger half-sibling to the older von Trapp children portrayed on stage and in the movie. The family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 and performed singing tours throughout Europe and America. They settled in Vermont in the early 1940s and opened a ski lodge in Stowe. ...More at NBC Boston

[mountaineer]

Vangelis, Oscar-winning ‘Chariots of Fire’ composer, has died aged 79
19 May 2022, 20:22 | Updated: 19 May 2022, 20:28

The Greek composer Vangelis, who wrote the music for Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner, has died aged 79.

Athens News Agency reported that he died on Wednesday, in a French hospital where he was being treated. No cause of death was given.

Born Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou in 1943, near the city of Volos in Greece, Vangelis didn’t study music in the traditional sense, but grew up surrounded by the sound of Greek folk songs and Orthodox Christian hymns. He started to play the piano aged four, but claimed he had no formal training and never learned to read music.

Aged 20 he formed his first band, The Forminx, a pop and rock band with Vangelis on organ and keys. A few years later, the band split and Vangelis shortly formed a new band, Aphrodite’s Child, bringing western pop music to Greece and reaching the UK Top 30. Vangelis’ most successful band venture was with his friend Jon Anderson, lead singer of the ‘prog rock’ group Yes. ...

More at ClassicFM

[Gefn]

Vangelis, Oscar-winning ‘Chariots of Fire’ composer, has died aged 79
19 May 2022, 20:22 | Updated: 19 May 2022, 20:28More at ClassicFM

Chariots of Fire theme is probably in the top ten most recognizable movie themes of all time, I would think.

Rest In Peace

[Gefn]

@mountaineer

I am a big Law and Order fan. ALL series.

I have even looked him up on the web and also IMDB,and still don't remember seeing him in anything. There is even a short clip of him and Briscoe in a bar on one web page,and I still don't recognize him.

Yet there is something in IMDB that says he starred in several episodes.

His publicist must REALLY suck!

I think he was Lilly Tomlin’s boyfriend in an old movie from the 80s. That’s how I knew him
@sneakypete
@mountaineer

[sneakypete]

I think he was Lilly Tomlin’s boyfriend in an old movie from the 80s. That’s how I knew him
@sneakypete
@mountaineer

@Gefn


Well,that means he must have been a good actor.

[Gefn]

John Aylward Dies: ‘ER’ & ‘The West Wing’ Actor Was 75

John Aylward, an actor best known for his portrayals of Dr. Donald Anspaugh on ER and former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin on The West Wing, died this week at his home in Seattle. He was 75.

Aylward’s death overnight Monday was confirmed by his wife Mary Fields to his longtime agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs. He had been in declining health, according to Fields.

“I was shocked. He was a wonderful actor and a phenomenal human being,” Stubbs told Deadline. “He was a dream client, a friend and a dream person.”

https://deadline.com/2022/05/john-aylward-dead-er-west-wing-actor-1235028354/

[Gefn]

Longtime New Yorker writer, editor Roger Angell dies

NEW YORK -- Roger Angell, the celebrated baseball writer and reigning man of letters who during an unfaltering 70-plus years helped define The New Yorker’s urbane wit and style through his essays, humor pieces and editing, has died. He was 101.

Angell died Friday of heart failure, according to The New Yorker.

Advertisement

"No one lives forever, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that Roger had a good shot at it," New Yorker Editor David Remnick wrote Friday. “Like the rest of us, he suffered pain and loss and doubt, but he usually kept the blues at bay, always looking forward; he kept writing, reading, memorizing new poems, forming new relationships.”

Heir to and upholder of The New Yorker’s earliest days, Angell was the son of founding fiction editor Katharine White and stepson of longtime staff writer E.B. White. He was first published in the magazine in his 20s, during World War II, and was still contributing in his 90s, an improbably trim and youthful man who enjoyed tennis and vodka martinis and regarded his life as “sheltered by privilege and engrossing work, and shot through with good luck.”

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/longtime-yorker-writer-editor-roger-angell-dies-84868639

[Kamaji]

Colin Cantwell, Creator of ‘Star Wars’ Death Star, X-Wing dies at 90

By Associated Press
May 22, 2022

Colin Cantwell, the man who designed the spacecraft in the “Star Wars” films, has died. He was 90.

The Hollywood Reporter reported Sunday that Sierra Dall, Cantwell’s partner, confirmed that he died at his home in Colorado on Saturday.

Cantwell designed the prototypes for the X-wing Starfighter, TIE fighter and Death Star.

He also worked on films including “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “WarGames.”

Cantwell was born in San Francisco in 1932. Before working on Hollywood films, Cantwell attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he got a degree in animation. He also attended Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/22/creator-of-star-wars-death-star-x-wing-colin-cantwell-dies-at-90/

[mystery-ak]

Goodfellas star Ray Liotta, 67, dies in his sleep in Dominican Republic where he was filming Dangerous Waters

     Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo
     The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas

By Hannah Parry For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:12 EDT, 26 May 2022 | Updated: 12:19 EDT, 26 May 2022

Ray Liotta dies in his sleep in the Dominican Republic aged 67. The Goodfellas star was in the Caribbean to film Dangerous Waters when he passed away, Deadline reports.

Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo.

The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas. and more recently has appeared in The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10857987/Goodfellas-star-Ray-Liotta-dies-sleep-Dominican-Republic-aged-67.html?ito=push-notification&ci=wxAThDXnCR&cri=XDWPiM8XfQ&si=5Cnti7PcZgTi&xi=206ca90f-81bb-4a6b-ad33-c14a3dd376be&ai=10857987

[mystery-ak]

Carbon monoxide?

[Gefn]

Carbon monoxide?

No! No! gutted. Rest In Peace

[GtHawk]

I'm going to miss Mr. Liotta, loved his work, RIP Sir the Lord took you too soon.

[Kamaji]

Goodfellas star Ray Liotta, 67, dies in his sleep in Dominican Republic where he was filming Dangerous Waters

     Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo
     The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas

By Hannah Parry For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:12 EDT, 26 May 2022 | Updated: 12:19 EDT, 26 May 2022

Ray Liotta dies in his sleep in the Dominican Republic aged 67. The Goodfellas star was in the Caribbean to film Dangerous Waters when he passed away, Deadline reports.

Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo.

The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas. and more recently has appeared in The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10857987/Goodfellas-star-Ray-Liotta-dies-sleep-Dominican-Republic-aged-67.html?ito=push-notification&ci=wxAThDXnCR&cri=XDWPiM8XfQ&si=5Cnti7PcZgTi&xi=206ca90f-81bb-4a6b-ad33-c14a3dd376be&ai=10857987

Wow.  He was still relatively young.

[catfish1957]

No! No! gutted. Rest In Peace

His Goodfellas performance was a classic.  His laughing meme will live in perpetual infamy.  RIP.

[mystery-ak]

His Goodfellas performance was a classic.  His laughing meme will live in perpetual infamy.  RIP.

[DB]

I even liked his beer commercials...

[mountaineer]

Depeche Mode keyboard player Andy Fletcher dies aged 60

    Band Depeche Mode announced the death of keyboardist Andy Fletcher, 60
    Fletcher co-founded the group with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore in 1980
    Their hits included Enjoy The Silence, Personal Jesus and Just Can't Get Enough
    The band scored 54 songs on the UK Singles Charts in their 40-year career

By Stewart Carr For Mailonline
Published: 15:46 EDT, 26 May 2022 | Updated: 15:56 EDT, 26 May 2022
Full story

[Kamaji]

Depeche Mode keyboard player Andy Fletcher dies aged 60

    Band Depeche Mode announced the death of keyboardist Andy Fletcher, 60
    Fletcher co-founded the group with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore in 1980
    Their hits included Enjoy The Silence, Personal Jesus and Just Can't Get Enough
    The band scored 54 songs on the UK Singles Charts in their 40-year career

By Stewart Carr For Mailonline
Published: 15:46 EDT, 26 May 2022 | Updated: 15:56 EDT, 26 May 2022
Full story

Wow.  That's really young.  What did he die of?

[Gefn]

@Kamaji

According to Sky, 

Fletcher's cause of death is not yet clear.

https://news.sky.com/story/depeche-mode-andy-fletcher-keyboardist-and-founding-member-of-80s-pop-group-dies-aged-60-12622139

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Ray Liotta died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting the film Dangerous Waters. Liotta was 67 years old and leaves behind a daughter, Karsen. He was engaged to be married to Jacy Nittolo.

[Fishrrman]

RIP Mr. Liotta.
If one is gonna go, that's the way to go.

[DCPatriot]

RIP Mr. Liotta.
If one is gonna go, that's the way to go.

I can still 'hear' him... "KAREN!!  WHAT DID YOU DO??  KAREN!!     


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voDqfVthTpA

[Free Vulcan]

Goodfellas star Ray Liotta, 67, dies in his sleep in Dominican Republic where he was filming Dangerous Waters

     Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo
     The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas

By Hannah Parry For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:12 EDT, 26 May 2022 | Updated: 12:19 EDT, 26 May 2022

Ray Liotta dies in his sleep in the Dominican Republic aged 67. The Goodfellas star was in the Caribbean to film Dangerous Waters when he passed away, Deadline reports.

Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen and his fiancé Jacy Nittolo.

The star's career breakout came in Martin Scorsese classic Goodfellas. and more recently has appeared in The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10857987/Goodfellas-star-Ray-Liotta-dies-sleep-Dominican-Republic-aged-67.html?ito=push-notification&ci=wxAThDXnCR&cri=XDWPiM8XfQ&si=5Cnti7PcZgTi&xi=206ca90f-81bb-4a6b-ad33-c14a3dd376be&ai=10857987

He was a funny guy.

[Kamaji]

Alan White, longtime drummer for prog rock’s Yes, dead at 72

By Associated Press
May 27, 2022

SEATTLE — Alan White, the longtime drummer for progressive rock pioneers Yes who also played on projects with John Lennon and George Harrison, has died. He was 72.

White’s death was announced on his Facebook page by his family. The post said he died at his Seattle-area home Thursday after a brief illness. Just days earlier Yes had announced that due to health issues White would not take part in the band’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic album “Close to the Edge.”

White joined Yes in 1972, replacing original drummer Bill Bruford. In a band noted for frequent lineup changes, White was a constant and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes in 2017.

Though he didn’t play on “Close to the Edge,” he performed on every subsequent Yes studio album over nearly five decades, including the band’s latest release, “The Quest,” which came out last year.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/27/alan-white-longtime-drummer-for-prog-rocks-yes-dead-at-72/

[catfish1957]

Alan White, longtime drummer for prog rock’s Yes, dead at 72

By Associated Press
May 27, 2022

SEATTLE — Alan White, the longtime drummer for progressive rock pioneers Yes who also played on projects with John Lennon and George Harrison, has died. He was 72.

White’s death was announced on his Facebook page by his family. The post said he died at his Seattle-area home Thursday after a brief illness. Just days earlier Yes had announced that due to health issues White would not take part in the band’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic album “Close to the Edge.”

White joined Yes in 1972, replacing original drummer Bill Bruford. In a band noted for frequent lineup changes, White was a constant and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes in 2017.

Though he didn’t play on “Close to the Edge,” he performed on every subsequent Yes studio album over nearly five decades, including the band’s latest release, “The Quest,” which came out last year.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/05/27/alan-white-longtime-drummer-for-prog-rocks-yes-dead-at-72/

Great drummer from among the best Prog Bands of all time.  So saddening to see rock and roll members of my youth  die off in increasing higher frequency. 

Here is one from his 2nd album with Yes.  Just one tune out of a plethora of legendary performances by this band.   


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOz5w8Lb1m4

[Cyber Liberty]

Great drummer from among the best Prog Bands of all time.  So saddening to see rock and roll members of my youth  die off in increasing higher frequency. 

Here is one from his 2nd album with Yes.  Just one tune out of a plethora of legendary performances by this band.   


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOz5w8Lb1m4

I really liked that album!  Especially The Gates of Delirium.  "Soon" was part of the side, and was released as a single.  Wasn't Patric Moraz on that album?  He was a replacement for Rick Wakeman.