Obituaries for 2023

[sneakypete]

I was never a fan of Sinead O'Connor.  Because of that, I did not much pay attention to anything she did when she was younger. She tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on SNL in the 90s.  She was against the child abuse perpetrated by the priests in the Catholic church and I suppose she blamed the hierarchy for protecting the men preying upon children.


@jafo2010

I admired the hell out of her for that. Very few people in show biz would have had the courage to do that,and it needed to be done by people in the public eye to draw attention to it.

Her youngest son committed suicide a few months ago, and she cherished him, and I suppose she did not want to live without him.  Sad really.

I am GUESSING her entire life had more sadness than joy. Damn shame because she had an amazing voice and put her whole heart into everything she did.

[mystery-ak]

Paul Reubens, legendary actor and comedian known as Pee-wee Herman, dead at 70

Paul Reubens dead: Pee-wee Herman actor was 70
By Nadine DeNinno   
July 31, 2023 12:56pm

Paul Reubens, the actor who made millions around the world laugh with his Pee-Wee Herman character, has died. He was 70.

“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement on his official Instagram account read.

The cause of death was cancer, according to the statement.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”



more
https://nypost.com/2023/07/31/paul-reubens-dead-pee-wee-herman-actor-was-70/

[jmyrlefuller]

Paul was an interesting character.

He originally created Pee-Wee with a crude streak and sly, wink-and-a-nod dirtiness. But once he got his Saturday morning show, he took it dead-seriously and made Pee-Wee clean as a whistle. I vaguely remember seeing it as a kid.

Then, immediately after the show ended... he ended up getting busted in that porno movie theater...

He knew his audience.

[Kamaji]

Paul was an interesting character.

He originally created Pee-Wee with a crude streak and sly, wink-and-a-nod dirtiness. But once he got his Saturday morning show, he took it dead-seriously and made Pee-Wee clean as a whistle. I vaguely remember seeing it as a kid.

Then, immediately after the show ended... he ended up getting busted in that porno movie theater...

He knew his audience.

[catfish1957]

Paul was an interesting character.

He originally created Pee-Wee with a crude streak and sly, wink-and-a-nod dirtiness. But once he got his Saturday morning show, he took it dead-seriously and made Pee-Wee clean as a whistle. I vaguely remember seeing it as a kid.

Then, immediately after the show ended... he ended up getting busted in that porno movie theater...

He knew his audience.

Hmmmm...

Remember watching this with my young son in the day, and remember seeing plenty of almost subliminal double entrende' sexual references during the show.  Of course it was so masked the kiddos were oblivious to it.  Miss Yvonne's cleavage included.

[Lando Lincoln]

Paul was an interesting character.

He originally created Pee-Wee with a crude streak and sly, wink-and-a-nod dirtiness. But once he got his Saturday morning show, he took it dead-seriously and made Pee-Wee clean as a whistle. I vaguely remember seeing it as a kid.

Then, immediately after the show ended... he ended up getting busted in that porno movie theater...

He knew his audience.

He was remarkable in that he created a truly unique and memorable character.

[Free Vulcan]

I seen him in a number of varied roles from serious to funny to near psychotic. Sometimes I didn't even know it was him till halfway thru the show. He was a pretty talented and versatile actor.

[mountaineer]

I liked to watch Pee-Wee's Playhouse long after my childhood years. In fact, I quoted him just yesterday (not knowing, of course, that he was to die soon). We had a church potluck yesterday featuring smoked pork, so people brought side dishes, including cornbread. One little girl piled three pieces of cornbread on her plate, proclaiming, "I love cornbread!"

I replied, "Why dontcha marry it?"

She and the little girls with her just looked at me like I was nuts.

[Gefn]

rest in peace pee wee

[Kamaji]

Mark Margolis, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Scarface’ actor, dead at 83

By Nadine DeNinno
August 4, 2023

Mark Margolis, an Emmy nominee for playing the silent-but-deadly, bell-ringing Mexican cartel boss Hector “Tio” Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” has died. He was 83.

The prolific actor’s passing was confirmed by his manager, Robert Attermann.

“Over the years, Mark has not only dazzled audiences with his exceptional performances he was also an incredibly kind man was a great sense of humor who loved his family,” Attermann told The Post.

“His dedication to his craft is evident in the numerous memorable roles he brought to life, captivating audiences with his remarkable range and skill. Beyond Mark’s on-screen achievements, his genuine and approachable demeanor has made him a pleasure to work with. As both an actor and a person, Mark’s enduring excellence and amiable nature have left an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to collaborate with him and know him. He will certainly be missed.”

His son, actor and Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis, told The Hollywood Reporter he died Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a short illness.

Margolis’ scene-stealing acting career began in the 1970s in supporting roles in “Going in Style” (1979) and “Dressed to Kill” (1980).

As a character actor playing mobsters and baddies, his biggest early role was in 1983’s “Scarface” as mobster Alberto the Shadow opposite Al Pacino’s Tony Montana.

But it was “Breaking Bad” for which Margolis will never be forgotten. As cartel leader Hector “Tio” Salamanca, Margolis rarely spoke a word, as his character had suffered a nearly-fatal stroke that rendered him speechless.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/mark-margolis-breaking-bad-and-scarface-actor-dead-at-83/

[catfish1957]

Mark Margolis, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Scarface’ actor, dead at 83

One of about 20 from the B/B & BCS series' thqt provided epic flawless performances.  RIP.

[sneakypete]

Mark Margolis, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Scarface’ actor, dead at 83

By Nadine DeNinno
August 4, 2023

Mark Margolis, an Emmy nominee for playing the silent-but-deadly, bell-ringing Mexican cartel boss Hector “Tio” Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” has died. He was 83.

He just flat "ate the scenery UP every time he walked in front of a camera!

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/mark-margolis-breaking-bad-and-scarface-actor-dead-at-83/

[jmyrlefuller]

James Larkin dies at 74.

Who's James Larkin, you might ask?

To his supporters, a "pioneering co-founder" of the New Times newspapers and "award-winning publisher" in the alternative media scene.
https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/jim-larkin-pioneering-co-founder-of-phoenix-new-times-dead-at-74-16810276

In reality, he was waist-deep in the sex trade.
https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/backpage-exec-james-larkin-dies-by-suicide-a-week-before-trial/

[Cyber Liberty]

James Larkin dies at 74.

Who's James Larkin, you might ask?

To his supporters, a "pioneering co-founder" of the New Times newspapers and "award-winning publisher" in the alternative media scene.
https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/jim-larkin-pioneering-co-founder-of-phoenix-new-times-dead-at-74-16810276

In reality, he was waist-deep in the sex trade.
https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/backpage-exec-james-larkin-dies-by-suicide-a-week-before-trial/

The New Times was the paper to get when one is looking for musical instruments, and the Back Page was loaded with escorts and hookers.

News was always far left wing.

[Kamaji]

John Gosling, The Kinks keyboardist, dead at 75

By Tracy Wright, Fox News
August 7, 2023

John Gosling, a keyboardist for The Kinks, died on Friday. He was 75.

Members of the legendary British rock group paid tribute to the piano player on social media following his death.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John’s wife and family,” the band wrote alongside a black-and-white video of Gosling.

Ray Davies, a founding member of the group, shared, “Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John.”

Lead guitarist Dave Davies wrote, “I’m dismayed deeply upset by John Gosling’s passing. He has been a friend and important contributor to the Kinks music during his time with us. Deepest sympathies to his wife and family. I will hold deep affection and love for him in my heart always. Great musician and a great man.”

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/07/john-gosling-the-kinks-keyboardist-dead-at-75/

[Ghost Bear]

William Friedkin Dies: Oscar-Winning ‘French Connection’ Director & ‘Exorcist’ Nominee Was 87

William Friedkin, who won as Oscar for directing The French Connection, scored a nomination for The Exorcist and also helmed The Boys in the Band, To Live and Die in L.A., Rules of Engagement and others, died today in Los Angeles. He way 87.

His death was confirmed by Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, a friend of Friedkin’s wife, producer and ex-studio chief Sherry Lansing.

Excerpted, more at link: https://deadline.com/2023/08/william-friedkin-dead-the-exorcist-french-connection-director-1235456451/

[Gefn]

John Gosling, The Kinks keyboardist, dead at 75

By Tracy Wright, Fox News
August 7, 2023

John Gosling, a keyboardist for The Kinks, died on Friday. He was 75.

Members of the legendary British rock group paid tribute to the piano player on social media following his death.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John’s wife and family,” the band wrote alongside a black-and-white video of Gosling.

Ray Davies, a founding member of the group, shared, “Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John.”

Lead guitarist Dave Davies wrote, “I’m dismayed deeply upset by John Gosling’s passing. He has been a friend and important contributor to the Kinks music during his time with us. Deepest sympathies to his wife and family. I will hold deep affection and love for him in my heart always. Great musician and a great man.”

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/07/john-gosling-the-kinks-keyboardist-dead-at-75/

Dang! Always liked The Kinks, had all their records when I was a teen and all. Rest In Peace.

[Gefn]

William Friedkin Dies: Oscar-Winning ‘French Connection’ Director & ‘Exorcist’ Nominee Was 87

William Friedkin, who won as Oscar for directing The French Connection, scored a nomination for The Exorcist and also helmed The Boys in the Band, To Live and Die in L.A., Rules of Engagement and others, died today in Los Angeles. He way 87.

His death was confirmed by Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, a friend of Friedkin’s wife, producer and ex-studio chief Sherry Lansing.

Excerpted, more at link: https://deadline.com/2023/08/william-friedkin-dead-the-exorcist-french-connection-director-1235456451/

The Exorcist had to be the most scary movie I have ever seen. Rest In Peace, Sir.

[libertybele]

The Exorcist had to be the most scary movie I have ever seen. Rest In Peace, Sir.

I have to agree; the Exorcist was the scariest movie I've ever seen as well.  I was terrified for weeks and slept with a crucifix for a long time.  I'd never, ever see it again.

[Fishrrman]

I've never seen The Exorcist.

But the best Friedkin film that I HAVE seen was "Sorcerer" (based on "The Wages of Fear").
You should try to watch this one if you can find it.

It's "on the net", if you know where to look...

[bigheadfred]

I would put The Exorcist at number two behind Alien. Alien creeped me out more. The Shining didn't translate well from book to screen, but reading the book kept the bedroom light on.

[Lando Lincoln]

I would put The Exorcist at number two behind Alien. Alien creeped me out more. The Shining didn't translate well from book to screen, but reading the book kept the bedroom light on.

I saw The Exorcist and Alien in the theater when they were first released. Both were shocking. I guess I was prepared for The Exorcist because Alien shocked me more.

[berdie]

I would put The Exorcist at number two behind Alien. Alien creeped me out more. The Shining didn't translate well from book to screen, but reading the book kept the bedroom light on.

The Exorcist still scares me. Alien didn't phase me. BUT...if you read the Shining the movie will make ya laugh. Without a doubt one of the scariest books I've ever read.

[GtHawk]

The Exorcist still scares me. Alien didn't phase me. BUT...if you read the Shining the movie will make ya laugh. Without a doubt one of the scariest books I've ever read.

I still recall seeing the Exorcist at the drive-in, remember those?, a friend and and I went in my car. It was a late showing and close to midnight when it let out, we were spooked like everyone else and that night we had the heaviest fog I could recall and I forgot to turn the headlights on until I was half a mile down the road. Yeah definitely spooked me a lot more than other horror movies , maybe because of the whole Satan and evil component.

[mystery-ak]

I've never seen The Exorcist...devils scare me.. ..but I have seen Aliens so many times I have lost track , not because I loved the movie but because I had two boys and their father who loved it..

[Gefn]

I would put The Exorcist at number two behind Alien. Alien creeped me out more. The Shining didn't translate well from book to screen, but reading the book kept the bedroom light on.

Alien didn't scare me until the thing came out of John Hurt's stomach

[Polly Ticks]

Alien didn't scare me until the thing came out of John Hurt's stomach

What an odd twist the Obituaries thread has taken.   

[GtHawk]

What an odd twist the Obituaries thread has taken.   

Ah, Spaceballs, leave it to Mel Brooks to make something scary funny.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otJ2rXMuLno

[Kamaji]

Carmen Xtravaganza, ‘Paris is Burning’ star and NYC ballroom icon, dead at 62

By Erin Keller
August 7, 2023

Carmen Xtravaganza, an NYC ballroom icon who was featured in the 1990 documentary “Paris is Burning,” has died. She was 62.

The House of Xtravaganza — which emerged from New York’s underground ballroom scene and for which Carmen held the position of house mother at various times — announced the news of her death Friday in an Instagram statement.

“Throughout the 1980s, Carmen reigned on the runways as one of the House of Xtravaganza’s ‘impossible beauties.’ Her presence and talent left an indelible mark on the House Ballroom scene,” the statement read.

A cause of death was not shared, but according to a 2022 GoFundMe page, Carmen had been battling Stage 4 lung cancer.

Born in Andalusia, Spain, on April 9, 1961, Carmen moved to the US by the age of 16 and underwent sex reassignment surgery at 18.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/07/carmen-xtravaganza-paris-is-burning-star-dead-at-62/

[DB]

I saw The Exorcist and Alien in the theater when they were first released. Both were shocking. I guess I was prepared for The Exorcist because Alien shocked me more.

The director's cut of The Exorcist is even better.

[sneakypete]

The director's cut of The Exorcist is even better.

@DB

I was fine with  Alien,but it would have taken a gun in my back to get me to go see The Exorcist,or any similar movie. Not even sure the gun in my back would work. I might try  to  take from  you and shoot you for even trying to perpetuate an outrage like that on me.

It ain't like I don't already  have  enough  trouble sleeping.

[Kamaji]

Rodriguez, musician and ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ star, dead at 81

By Alexandra Klausner
August 9, 2023

Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, the Detroit, Michigan, singer-songwriter whose unusual rise to fame was documented in the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man,” has died. He was 81.

The musician’s death was confirmed on his website Wednesday. His cause and location of death has not been revealed.

“It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today,” read the statement on his website.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters — Sandra, Eva and Regan — and to all his family. Rodriguez was 81 years old. May His Dear Soul Rest In Peace,” the statement continued.

The Bob Dylan-inspired crooner, better known as Rodriguez, struggled to sell copies of his first two records “Cold Fact” and “Coming From Reality” in the 1970s and he supported himself by working on a Chrysler assembly line.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/09/rodriguez-singer-in-searching-for-sugar-man-dead-at-81/

[Gefn]

Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80

Guitarist-songwriter-singer Robbie Robertson, who led the Canadian-American group the Band to rock prominence in the 1970s and worked extensively with Bob Dylan and Martin Scorsese, has died. He was 80.

According to an announcement from his management, Robertson died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long illness.

In a statement, Robertson’s manager of 34 years, Jared Levine, said “Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina. Robertson recently completed his fourteenth film music project with frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support the building of their new cultural center.”

https://variety.com/2023/music/news/robbie-robertson-dead-the-band-1235692172/

[Gefn]

it's been a bad year for musicians
 

[sneakypete]

Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80




https://variety.com/2023/music/news/robbie-robertson-dead-the-band-1235692172/

@Gefn

I really like the fact that his ex-wife and her husband were invited to the funeral,and obviously felt welcome or they would't have gone. Shows class.

[berdie]

Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80




https://variety.com/2023/music/news/robbie-robertson-dead-the-band-1235692172/

I liked The Band and hate this news.

[Fishrrman]

"Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80"

The Band was about the only "band" I liked. Sad to see another one gone.

Robbie's passing leaves Garth Hudson as the only surviving member of The [original] Band. And Garth was also the oldest member, born in 1937 (Robbie was the youngest).

But Garth was somewhat more "conservative" than the other 4 members -- perhaps that has contributed to his longevity.

[Kamaji]

Johnny Hardwick, voice of Dale Gribble on ‘King of the Hill,’ dead at 64

By Jack Hobbs
August 10, 2023

Actor Johnny Hardwick, who was best known as the voice of Dale Gribble on “King of the Hill,” died Tuesday at the age of 64.

Hardwick was found in his Texas home by law enforcement officers after they were called to perform a welfare check on the voice actor, reports TMZ.

According to the outlet, Hardwick was pronounced dead at the scene though police have yet to issue an official cause of death.

However, police did report that they do not suspect any foul play.

The Post reached out to Hardwick’s reps for comment.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/10/king-of-the-hill-star-johnny-hardwick-dead-at-64/

[catfish1957]

Johnny Hardwick, voice of Dale Gribble on ‘King of the Hill,’ dead at 64

By Jack Hobbs
August 10, 2023

Actor Johnny Hardwick, who was best known as the voice of Dale Gribble on “King of the Hill,” died Tuesday at the age of 64.

Hardwick was found in his Texas home by law enforcement officers after they were called to perform a welfare check on the voice actor, reports TMZ.

According to the outlet, Hardwick was pronounced dead at the scene though police have yet to issue an official cause of death.

However, police did report that they do not suspect any foul play.

The Post reached out to Hardwick’s reps for comment.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/10/king-of-the-hill-star-johnny-hardwick-dead-at-64/

RIP Rusty Shackleford.

[berdie]

He was the funniest character on KOFH...partly because of his voice.

[Gefn]

Rest in Peace Dale.


I own all 12 seasons of King of the Hill. You gave me a lot of pleasure, Sir

[Gefn]

off topic, quite disturbing they had to do the welfare check on him.....

[Cyber Liberty]

off topic, quite disturbing they had to do the welfare check on him.....

He was all alone!

[jmyrlefuller]

The guy who did the Cha-Cha Slide dies at 58

Legally known as William Perry Jr. (no relation to the Bears football legend, though both had ties to the city of Chicago) and professionally as "DJ Casper" and "Mr. C The Slide Man," his line-dance track the Cha-Cha Slide—a record that explicitly explains every step to its dancers, making it ideal for novices—has become a staple at school dances and wedding receptions for the past 20 years.

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/dj-casper-cha-cha-slide-dies/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZv62ShoStY

[sneakypete]

Cancer doesn't discriminate or pick favorites.

Any of us can get hit with it at any time.

[Kamaji]

Former NFL player, Cal great Sean Dawkins dead at 52

By David Russell   
August 11, 2023

Wide receiver Sean Dawkins, who spent nine seasons in the NFL after a standout collegiate career at Cal, died at 52.

No cause of death has been announced.

“Rest in peace, Sean Dawkins,” Colts owner Jim Irsay posted on X, formally known as Twitter. “I am shocked and saddened. My prayers and condolences to Sean’s family.”

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/11/nfl-player-cal-football-star-sean-dawkins-dead-at-52/

[Kamaji]

Shelley Smith, supermodel-turned-actor known for ‘The Associates’ and game shows, dead at 70

By Patrick Reilly
August 12, 2023

Shelley Smith, a supermodel-turned-actor known for her role alongside Martin Short in the sitcom “The Associates,” has died at the age of 70.

Smith died on Aug. 8 at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital after going into a coma caused by cardiac arrest, her husband Michael Maguire confirmed in a Facebook video.

“Shelley lived an incredible life! We are all heartbroken, but we are also so fortunate to have been touched by this beautiful, intelligent, compassionate and incredible soul,” an emotional Maguire said as he held back tears.

“Life is so short. Make every second count and fill every second with love.”

Smith was born Oct. 25, 1952, in Princeton, New Jersey, and graduated from Connecticut College.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/08/12/shelley-smith-supermodel-turned-actor-dead-at-70/

[mountaineer]

James Larkin dies at 74.

Why Kamala Harris Won't Be Asked About the Suicide of a Newspaperman She Persecuted
When it comes to conflicts with people engaged in unpopular or disfavored speech, too many journalists side with the feds.
Matt Welch | 8.9.2023 8:03 AM

The sitting vice president, shortly before moving to Washington, D.C., successfully scapegoated through heavily publicized if legally unsuccessful pimping prosecutions a career newspaperman who last week shot himself to death at age 74 rather than sit through yet another prostitution-facilitation trial that he insisted to his dying days was an attack on free speech.

Yet the chances of Kamala Harris being asked this week—or any week—about the late James Larkin, or her starring role in the demonization of his and Michael Lacey's online classified advertising company Backpage as "the world's top online brothel," are vanishingly small. That's because people have a natural revulsion toward anything associated—however falsely—with child prostitution or sex trafficking, true. But it also stems from something far less excusable: When it comes to conflicts between the feds and those from the professionally unpopular corners of the free speech industry, journalists have been increasingly taking the side of The Man. ...

Far too often, journalists reserve their free speech defenses for people they actually like. And man, did they not like Jim Larkin and Mike Lacey. ...Reason magazine

[jmyrlefuller]

Thomas C. Jones, Broadway lyricist, dies at 95

Jones's biggest success was The Fantasticks, a musical that ran off-Broadway for a record 42 years, and he also had success with the two-hander I Do! I Do! Both musicals produced memorable show tunes, including "Try to Remember" from the former, and "My Cup Runneth Over" from the latter.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/tom-jones-creator-of-the-fantasticks-dies-at-95

"Try to Remember" as performed by one of its original actors, Jerry Orbach:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uGlL0xafP8

[jmyrlefuller]

Legendary hockey announcer Rick Jeanneret dies at 81

https://www.wivb.com/news/rick-jeanneret-legendary-sabres-broadcaster-dies-at-81/

51 years with the Buffalo Sabres, and never once got to call a Stanley Cup victory. @DCPatriot @verga

As Rick himself would say... roll the highlight film

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