Obituaries for 2024

[Gefn]

'Star Trek' Star Gary Graham Dead at 73

Gary Graham -- famous from 'Star Trek: Enterprise' -- has died ... according to his loved ones.

The veteran TV actor passed away Monday -- an announcement that was delivered by his ex-wife, Susan Lavelle, who didn't offer a cause of death or any other details about the circumstances. She did, however, have a touching remembrance for her husband.

She noted his current wife, Becky, was by his side and added -- "Gary was funny, sarcastic sense of humor but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee. This was sudden so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief. Fly high into the heavens Gar!"

Gary is perhaps most recognizable from his time on 'STE' ... where he played Ambassador Soval from 2001 to 2005 for a total of 12 episodes. However, another major claim to fame of his came from the late '80s show 'Alien Nation' ... on which he was the co-lead.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/23/star-trek-star-gary-graham-dead-dies/

[Gefn]

'Star Trek' Star Gary Graham Dead at 73




https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/23/star-trek-star-gary-graham-dead-dies/

He was fantastic in "Alien Nation" I wish that show hadn't been cancelled after one season.

Plus he was a Vulcan. Rest In Peace, Sir. I enjoyed both of your shows.

[Ghost Bear]

He was fantastic in "Alien Nation" I wish that show hadn't been cancelled after one season.

Plus he was a Vulcan. Rest In Peace, Sir. I enjoyed both of your shows.

Yes, when ST: Enterprise was new, I remember recognizing the actor playing the Vulcan ambassador as the same actor from Alien Nation. I thought he did a really good job on that show.

By the way, in addition to the 22 original episodes of Alien Nation, Fox also produced five TV movies that included all of the actors from the series and continued the story of the series.  I did a search on YouTube, and there is a playlist that has the entire series and the five movies available to watch for free.

[mountaineer]

Charles Osgood, veteran CBS newsman and longtime host of "Sunday Morning," dies at 91
January 23, 2024 / 1:21 PM EST / CBS News

Award-winning journalist Charles Osgood, who anchored "CBS Sunday Morning" for 22 years and was host of the long-running radio program "The Osgood File," died Tuesday at home in New Jersey.  He was 91.

The cause of death was dementia, his family said.

Osgood, a gifted news writer, poet and author, spent 45 years at CBS News before retiring in September 2016. Osgood began anchoring "CBS Sunday Morning" in 1994. During his run on the show it reached its highest ratings levels in three decades, and three times earned the Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Morning Program. ...

Often referred to as CBS News' poet-in-residence, Osgood was called "one of the last great broadcast writers" by Charles Kuralt, whom Osgood succeeded as host of the Sunday morning magazine program in 1994. But he did more than carry on a great American oral tradition; he could also play piano, organ, banjo, violin, and was an accomplished composer and lyricist who could also sing along. He employed his many talents inside and outside CBS, sometimes performing with professional orchestras such as The New York Pops, The Boston Pops and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

"To say there's no one like Charles Osgood is an understatement," said "Sunday Morning" executive producer Rand Morrison. "He embodied the heart and soul of 'Sunday Morning.' His signature bow tie, his poetry … just his presence was special for the audience, and for those of us who worked with him. At the piano, Charlie put our lives to music. Truly, he was one of a kind – in every sense."  ...

[Free Vulcan]

He was fantastic in "Alien Nation" I wish that show hadn't been cancelled after one season.

Plus he was a Vulcan. Rest In Peace, Sir. I enjoyed both of your shows.

STE is my fav (though Strange New Worlds isn't far behind) and I thought he always did great with that character. Really elevated the show IMO.

[Ghost Bear]

Charles Osgood, veteran CBS newsman and longtime host of "Sunday Morning," dies at 91
January 23, 2024 / 1:21 PM EST / CBS News

This would have made my wife very sad. She loved watching "Sunday Morning", largely because of Charles Osgood (and Charles Kuralt before him). When Osgood retired from the show she pretty much stopped watching it.

[jmyrlefuller]

Melanie Safka, singer of that rollerskate song "Brand New Key," "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," dies at 76

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/melanie-dead-brand-new-key-singer-woodstock-1235886892/

[deb]

Melanie Safka, singer of that rollerskate song "Brand New Key," "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," dies at 76

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/melanie-dead-brand-new-key-singer-woodstock-1235886892/

“Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” is a phenomenal song! RIP

[Smokin Joe]

Melanie Safka, singer of that rollerskate song "Brand New Key," "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," dies at 76

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/melanie-dead-brand-new-key-singer-woodstock-1235886892/

I always loved her voice, for some reason. "Sing along with me, in Austrian..." (Look What They Done to My Song Ma)
RIP Melanie, and thanks.

[Gefn]

Melanie Safka, singer of that rollerskate song "Brand New Key," "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," dies at 76

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/melanie-dead-brand-new-key-singer-woodstock-1235886892/

I actually had the single of "Brand NewKey" at one time. Rest In peace.

[Fishrrman]

I saw Melanie at Woodstock (she was on the Friday lineup).
RIP.

[deb]

I saw Melanie at Woodstock (she was on the Friday lineup).
RIP.

Respect!

[verga]

Melanie Safka, singer of that rollerskate song "Brand New Key," "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," dies at 76

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/melanie-dead-brand-new-key-singer-woodstock-1235886892/

Brand new Key was my youngest sisters favorite song. RIP

[jmyrlefuller]

Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies at 91



Among Rivera's many leading roles on Broadway included Anita in West Side Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma in Chicago, and the title character in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/chita-rivera-dead-showstopping-legend-broadway-musicals-1235810582/

[mountaineer]

Quite a career!

[mystery-ak]

Carl Weathers dead: Actor who starred in Rocky movies and The Mandalorian dies at 76
By
Luke Gentile
February 2, 2024 3:05 pm



Former NFL linebacker-turned-action icon Carl Weathers died Thursday. He was 76.

The Hollywood star, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, died “peacefully” in his sleep, according to a report citing a statement released by the Weathers family.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the statement read. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”

“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

This is a developing story.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2834420/carl-weathers-dead-actor-who-starred-in-rocky-movies-and-the-mandalorian-dies-at-76/

[Timber Rattler]

Well that sucks.  I really liked him and every role he played.

[Free Vulcan]

RIP Dillon

[jmyrlefuller]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jycuiQ04J_Q

[Gefn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jycuiQ04J_Q

For what it is worth, I liked this movie. Also liked the Happy Gilmore movie as well.

Thank you for posting @jmyrlefuller

[jmyrlefuller]

Toby Keith has died at 62.

https://people.com/toby-keith-dead-62-following-stomach-cancer-diagnosis-8559372

[Gefn]

Toby Keith has died at 62.

https://people.com/toby-keith-dead-62-following-stomach-cancer-diagnosis-8559372

Just saw this - rest in peace. Awfully young.

[mountaineer]

He was a patriot. Lots of stories out there about his support for our soldiers.

https://twitter.com/calbanks_euhoun/status/1754846311105417661

[Wingnut]

Gonna miss Toby.  But his music lives on.

[mountaineer]

Don't let the old man in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5AWImplfE

[Lando Lincoln]

RIP Mr. Keith.

[Free Vulcan]

RIP sir. Thanks for the music, and standing up for this country and soldiers in song, and not backing down from all the flak.

[verga]

Toby Keith has died at 62.

https://people.com/toby-keith-dead-62-following-stomach-cancer-diagnosis-8559372

RIP, saw him in concert once. Great show.

[Ghost Bear]

Thanks for sharing.  I'm not that familiar with his music, but that was really a nice song.

Radio station that I listen to played that song this morning. To me it had the same feel as Johnny Cash's "Hurt": a dying man knowing the end is coming, but still trying to fight it. Very sad.

[libertybele]

He was a patriot. Lots of stories out there about his support for our soldiers.

https://twitter.com/calbanks_euhoun/status/1754846311105417661

RIP Toby Kieth. 

 I have tears after watching this. I've heard this song numerous times but this video really touched me enough more so now than it ever has realizing the enormous sacrifices our military has made only to have our gov't tear apart our Republic with corruption from within.

[berdie]

I had read not to long ago that he was doing well so this came as a shock to me. RIP Toby.

[Wingnut]

RIP Toby Kieth. 

 I have tears after watching this. I've heard this song numerous times but this video really touched me enough more so now than it ever has realizing the enormous sacrifices our military has made only to have our gov't tear apart our Republic with corruption from within.

I remember how triggered the liberal snowflakes were when he released this song.  Piss on them then and even more now!

[GtHawk]

Thanks for sharing.  I'm not that familiar with his music, but that was really a nice song.

I bet you know this song of his, even if you didn't associate his name with it, it resonated with how Americans felt at the time.


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

RIP Toby and thank you for the music

[libertybele]

I remember how triggered the liberal snowflakes were when he released this song.  Piss on them then and even more now!

Amen!

[Wingnut]

I had not heard that song before.

Seriously?  What the hell were you listening too back then? 

[AllThatJazzZ]

Don't let the old man in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5AWImplfE

@mountaineer

The story behind the song...

https://www.cmt.com/news/t8yhrg/toby-keiths-dont-let-the-old-man-in-the-story-behind-the-song

[Smokin Joe]

R.I.P. Mr. Keith, and thanks from the grateful in this country.

[jmyrlefuller]

Mojo Nixon, rockabilly wild child, dies at 66

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/mojo-nixon-18654698.php


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knc9LKjukSQ

[libertybele]

Rock, easy listening, classical, pretty much anything BUT country.

I enjoy Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Rock 'n Roll, Blues, Classical (mostly piano) Country, not especially thrilled with rap; I listen to just about anything other than Jazz.

[jmyrlefuller]

Bob Edwards, longtime public radio host, dies at 76

From 1979 to 2004, Edwards was the host of Morning Edition, NPR's morning drive time show, becoming one of radio's most-listened-to personalities of the era. After being controversially forced out of his position, he accepted a job in satellite radio, hosting a similarly themed morning newsmagazine, which ran until 2014 with highlights being syndicated to public radio affiliates as Bob Edwards Weekend.

Edwards died February 10.

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/165681524/bob-edwards-dead-npr-host

[Timber Rattler]

So why was Edwards "controversially forced out of his position"?  The obit throws that out there but doesn't elaborate, which is annoying.

[jmyrlefuller]

So why was Edwards "controversially forced out of his position"?  The obit throws that out there but doesn't elaborate, which is annoying.

The general opinion is that NPR pulled a demographic move. Edwards was still popular—he had more listeners than Howard Stern in the same time slot if that gives you any idea—but NPR decided they didn't like being tied to him. So they pulled a "rubber room" strategy: they didn't fire him, but they gave the hosting duties to two younger anchors and reassigned him to a much smaller "correspondent" role, forcing him to quit.

He didn't do anything wrong. The controversy came when NPR fans (yes, they exist) got upset. But, because it was morning drive and NPR is pretty much the only show of its kind, the listeners stayed. Edwards got a gig at satellite radio and stayed there for the next decade until he got to retire on his terms.

[mountaineer]

A moment of silence, please.

William ‘Bill’ Post, inventor of Pop-Tarts, dead at 96
By Social Links for Allie Griffin
Published Feb. 14, 2024, 1:57 a.m. ET


William “Bill” Post — the man who created the beloved toaster treat Pop-Tarts — died on Saturday, his family announced. He was 96.

Post, a Michigan native and son of immigrants who worked his way up from a truck washer to a senior vice president, brightened millions of Americans’ mornings with the sweet pastry that hit the shelves in 1964.

The great-grandfather is often credited with inventing the breakfast treat, though he would always say it was a team effort, according to his obituary.  ...

More at NY Post (no relation)

[Cyber Liberty]

A moment of silence, please.More at NY Post (no relation)

My Father worked at Kellogg's in Battle Creek for years, and we got some of the first ones in a market test.  Pop Tarts took off almost immediately.  I still eat them now and then....

We got Froot Loops that way too. 

[Timber Rattler]

The general opinion is that NPR pulled a demographic move. Edwards was still popular—he had more listeners than Howard Stern in the same time slot if that gives you any idea—but NPR decided they didn't like being tied to him. So they pulled a "rubber room" strategy: they didn't fire him, but they gave the hosting duties to two younger anchors and reassigned him to a much smaller "correspondent" role, forcing him to quit.

He didn't do anything wrong. The controversy came when NPR fans (yes, they exist) got upset. But, because it was morning drive and NPR is pretty much the only show of its kind, the listeners stayed. Edwards got a gig at satellite radio and stayed there for the next decade until he got to retire on his terms.

Thanks!

[mountaineer]

My Father worked at Kellogg's in Battle Creek for years, and we got some of the first ones in a market test.  Pop Tarts took off almost immediately.  I still eat them now and then....

Every once in a while, I get a real hankerin' for a Pop Tart. Doesn't even matter whether it's frosted.

[Lando Lincoln]

Don Gullett, Reds HOF pitcher for Cincinnati Big Red Machine dies at 73

https://www.wcpo.com/sports/baseball/reds/don-gullett-hofer-and-pitcher-for-the-big-red-machine-dies-at-73

[Polly Ticks]

Don Gullett, Reds HOF pitcher for Cincinnati Big Red Machine dies at 73

https://www.wcpo.com/sports/baseball/reds/don-gullett-hofer-and-pitcher-for-the-big-red-machine-dies-at-73

He reported for Spring Training to a Higher Authority.

[jmyrlefuller]

David Libert, whose musical exploits ranged from The Happenings to Alice Cooper, dies at 81

Libert began his career as a founding member of The Happenings, the group led by vocalist Bob Miranda to this very day that was one of the most successful cover bands in American history. The Libert/Miranda formula involved injecting previous hit songs with a New Jersey pop sound (so much so that another more famous New Jersey pop band, The Four Seasons, would later poach The Happenings' guitarist John Paiva).

Libert left The Happenings in 1970 as its chart success had waned to enter the music management business, managing bands such as The Rare Earth and the original Alice Cooper Band and serving as an agent for Parliament-Funkadelic and The Runaways.

https://bestclassicbands.com/david-libert-obituary-happenings-alice-cooper-2-20-24/
(note: this link apparently has a sketchy ad redirecting to a fake malware alert but it's the only one I can find right now)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDKIs0v120s

[jmyrlefuller]

Randy Sparks, of New Christy Minstrels, dies at 90

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/arts/music/randy-sparks-new-christy-minstrels-dead.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM3_hD6Mr5g