2007

DENNY DOHERTY-was the other “papa” in the 1960’s folk rock group The Mamas & The Papas. He sang on all their biggest hits and was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also well known in Canada for the children’s show THEODORE TUGBOAT. He died Jan. 19th at age 66.

LARKIN FORD (aka WILL WEST)-was a character actor who was the last surviving member of the cast of jurors in the original TV production of 12 ANGRY MEN. He appeared in other TV shows and had a small role in Larry Cohen’s Q. He died Jan. 13th at age 87.

WALTER CHO TAT-WAH-was a legend in Hong Kong cinema. Besides being an assistant director Tat-Wah acted in over 400 movies! (his last was in 1996) He died Jan 13th in England at age 92.

RON CAREY-actor well known for his portrayal of the cocky, short police officer Levitt on TV’s BARNEY MILLER. from 1976-1982. Carey was also in the movies HIGH ANXIETY, THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART I (both by Mel Brooks), THE OUT OF TOWNERS, DYNAMITE CHICKEN, FATSO and others. He died Jan. 16th of a stroke at age 72.

CHARLES KNOX ROBINSON-was an actor/playwright who appeared in many TV shows and movies including THE SINGING NUN, THE SAND PEBBLES, A TIME TO SING, THE BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN and DEATH WISH 4:THE CRACKDOWN. He died July 22 at age 74.

BRIAN EATWELL-was a production designer who’s work included THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES and PHIBES RISES AGAIN, Nicolas Roeg’s WALKABOUT and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, Richard Lester’s THE THREE and FOUR MUSKETEERS, THE ONION FIELD and THE LAST REMAKE OF BEAU GESTE (directed by Marty Feldman). He also acted in the 1983 movie AMERICAN DREAMERS. He died Jan. 20th at age 67.

THOMAS LOIZEAUX-was the cinematographer who shot john Waters’ notorious DESPERATE LIVING and later was second unit director on such Hollywood productions as SYRIANA, WEDDING CRASHERS, LADDER 49, GODS & GENERALS, SOMETHING THE LORD MADE and GUARDING TESS. He also filmed the recent “Yellow Book” commercial featuring David Carridine. He died Jan. 20th, age 61.

TUDOR GATES-was a playwright and TV & movie screenwriter. His TV work included episodes of THE AVENGERS, THE SAINT and THE SWEENEY. He co-wrote Roger Vadim’s BARBARELLA and the Hammer vampire film THE VAMPIRE LOVERS. He died Jan. 24th, age 76.

MARSHALL ROGERS-was a comic book artist best known for his work for DC drawing Batman in “Detective Comics” and The Sandman. At Marvel he drew The Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange. He left comics in the ‘90’s to work on video game designs but later return to do work for both companies. He died March 24th at age 57. Cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

HERMAN STEIN-was a composer who as a member of the Univeral Pictures Music staff contributed music to around 200 films but is best known for his scores to many of the most famous horror and science fiction films of the 1950’s. They include IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, THIS ISLAND EARTH, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, THE MOLE PEOPLE, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN and TARANTULA. In the 1930’s and ‘40’s he composed for Jazz orchestras including Count Basie. His other movies included CITY BENEATH THE SEA, ABBOTT & COSTELLO GO TO MARS, SIGN OF THE PAGAN,ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE KEYSTONE KOPS, MAN IN THE SHADOW and THE THING THAT WOULDN’T DIE. He also composed music for TV shows and commercials. He died March 15th at age 91.

ARNOLD SKAALAND-was a former professional wrestler who worked as a manager/promoter for The WWF for many years. Known as “The Golden Boy” in his grappling days Skaaland acted as manager to champion Bruno Sammartino during both his title reigns. He later served the same capacity for champion Bob Backlund which provided his most infamous moment when he “threw in the towel” as challenger The Iron Sheik had him in the “camel clutch”. With this action he ended Backlund long run as champion. Skaaland also served as referee for a memorable match in Japan between Fred Blassie and Rikidozan. For being a good Vince McMahon toady Skaaland was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1994.

RICHARD JENI- was a stand-up comic, originally from Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, NY, who starred in the short lived sit-com PLATYPUS MAN. He appeared numerous times on “The Tonight Show” and had his own specials on ShowTime and HBO. His website has gone dark and the story is still developing. More information will be made available when we hear it. He committed suicide on March 10th.

BETTY HUTTON-was an actress and singer who starred in many popular Hollywood musicals including ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. In 1952 she walked out of her Paramount contract in a despute. She worked in nightclubs and on the stage and had a short lived TV show after that. In the 1970’s a reporter found her cooking and cleaning for a rectory in Rhode Island. She later made a comeback starring on Broadway in the musical ANNIE. .She died March 11 at age 86.

GARETH HUNT-was a British actor best known to American audiences for his for his roles in TV’s THE NEW AVENGERS (with Patrick Macnee & Joanna Lumley) and UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS. He was also in BLOODBATH AT THE HOUSE OF DEATH (with Vincent Price), FIERCE CREATURES and others. He died of cancer on at age 65 on March 14th.

ARNOLD DRAKE-was best known as a comic book writer who co-created DOOM PATROL and DEADMAN for DC comics. He created THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY at Marvel. Others comics he worked on included THE X-MEN, LITTLE LULU and one featuring Jerry Lewis! Some also created him with writing the first “graphic novel” “It Rhymes With Lust” in 1950. He also wrote the screenplays for the movies 50,000 BC, THE FLESH EATERS and WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR?. He died March 12th at the age of 83.

BRAD DELP-was the lead singer for Boston who’s hits included “More Than A Feeling”, “Peace of Mind” and “Long Time”. He committed suicide on March *th at the age of 55.

ERNIE LADD-was a professional wrestler and former football player. Originally drafted by the now defunct AFL San Diego team out of Grambling College “The Big Cat” played with four NFL teams. When his knees failed him he turned to pro-wrestling. He wrested for the WWF, NWA and many independent promotions including the upstart IWA in the late ‘70’s. His interviews were priceless! He died at age 55 of colon cancer.

JOHN INMAN-was an actor best known to American audiences for playing the gender challenged “Mr.Humphries” on the BBC’s ARE YOU BEING SERVED?. He died of Hepatitis A on March 8th. He was 72.

ANDY SIDARIS-was a movie director best know for his nudity action movies like SAVAGE BEACH, FIT TO KILL and BULLETS BOMBS AND BABES. He also directed many episodes of ABC’s THE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS. In 1969 he won a Emmy for directing the 1969 Olympics. Working in TV, he directed episodes of KOJAK and THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES. He died March 7th of throat cancer. He was 76.

BAD NEWS ALLEN COAGE-was a former Olympic competitor, the first American to ever win a medal in judo (he won the Bronze) better known to pro wrestling fans as Bad News Allen and Bad News Brown. He also was the first wrestler to use the moniker “Ultimate Warrior”. He died suddenly on at age 63.

BOBBY ROSTENGARDEN-was a Jazz drummer who played with Duke Ellington, Igor Stravinsky, Arlo Guthrie and Dick Hyman. He was one of the original drummers on THE TONIGHT SHOW and later led the band on the short lived late night DICK CAVETT SHOW (where he once accompanied Jimi Hendrix). Rosengarden, originally from Illinois, died on Feb. 27th of kidney failure. He was 82. His son Neil is a composer and trumpet player.

2006 continued

Boyd Magers' "Western Clippings" reports that Keith Larsen, who starred in television's "Brave Eagle", "Northwest Passage", and "The Aquanauts", died on December 13, 2006, in Santa Barbara, California, at age 82. Larsen also starred in the science fiction films "Women of the Prehistoric Planet" and "The Omegans", and wrote, directed and starred in the off-beat horror film "Night of the Witches".

BOBBY DOYLE-66-was a member of The Shades who did “You Cheated” (it was later covered by The Shields). He later replaced David Clayton Thomas as lead singer in Blood Sweat & Tears (Thomas came back later on). He died (of lung cancer) July 30 2006 at the age of 66.

ROBERT SCHAEFER-wrote for many TV shows including THE ADVENTURES OF WILD BILL HICKOK, LASSIE and THE LONE RANGER. He died Dec. 30th at age 80.

LOIS HALL-was a actress who appeared in movies starting in 1948 with EVERY GIRL SHOULD MARRY (with Cary Grant). Other roles were in LOVE HAPPY (The Marx Brothers’ “last” movie), MY BLUE HEAVEN, CARRIE, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and many Westerns. She also appeared in several serials and on TV. She fell ill while working on David Fincher’s new movie THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON and died on Dec. 21st at the age of 80.

DON FERRIS-was a pianist and conductor who work with Dean Martin, Ozzie Nelson, Red Skelton, David Rose and Bob Hope. He wrote the song “You’re My Living Doll” that was used in Bert I. Gordon’s ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE. He died Dec. 21st at the age of 86.

FRANK CAMPANELLA-6’5” character actor was seen in over 100 movies and dozens of TV shows. Movies he appeared in include: DICK TRACY (Warren Beatty version), OVERBOARD, PRETTY WOMAN, BEACHES and THE FLAMINGO KID. He was the older brother of actor Joe Campanella. His first acting role was as the villain Mook The Moon Man on an episode of CAPTAIN VIDEO AND HIS VIDEO RANGERS in 1949! Born in NYC, Campanella died Dec. 30 at age 87.

SNEAKY PETE KLEINOW-was a well-known steel guitar player in the rock band The Flying Burrito Brothers as well as a busy session musical in the 1970’s. He also found time to do special effects and stop motion animation for TV (GUMBY & FRIENDS, THE OUTER LIMITS) and movies (THE SEVEN FACES OF DR. LAO, THE BROTHERS GRIMM). He died Jan. 6th of Alzheimer’s.

A.I. “BUZZ” BEZZERIDES-was a novelist and screenwriter. His book “The Long Haul” was made into the movie “They Drive By Night” starring George Raft, Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino. He wrote several movies including JUKE GIRL that featured future president Ronald Reagan as a trucker. He also created the TV western THE BIG VALLEY.

YVONNE DeCARLO-Hollywood scarlet who became known to a whole new audience in the 1960’s when she portrayed Lily Munster, wife to Herman on the TV horror comedy THE MUNSTERS for two seasons. She repeated her role in the feature length MUNSTER GO HOME in 1966 and again in a TV reunion THE MUNSTERS REVENGE in 1981. She was one of the stars of the Tony winning Broadway musical FOLLIES in 1971. Unfortunately her later post-Munsters movies weren’t as successful. She gained fame in Hollywood for her starring role in the now cult film SALOME-WHERE SHE DANCED in 1945 after several bit roles. Others movies that followed included: SONG OF SCHEHERAZADE, SLAVE GIRL, DESERT HAWK, FRONTIER GAL, BLACK BART, RIVER LADY, McCLINTOCK, THE POWER, SILENT SCREAM and AMERICAN GOTHIC. Originally from Canada and born Peggy Yvonne Middleton, DeCarlo (who claimed in a 1987 autobiography to have had affairs with Howard Hughes, Burt Lancaster, Robert Stack, Robert Taylor & Billy Wilder) died Jan. 10th at age 84 in LA.

E. HOWARD HUNT-Former CIA agent who masterminded the failed Watergate break-in that eventually brought about President Richard Nixon’s resignation died Jan. 14th at age 88. In a book to be published in April he says Lyndon Johnson was behind the assassination of JFK in 1963. Many people believe Hunt himself had a hand in it.

ALICE COLTRANE-was a Jazz pianist for nearly 40 years who died Jan. 12th at age 69. She was the widow of legendary sax player John Coltrane (who died in 1967).

RAY DANNIS-was the star of the 1966 horror-comedy THE UNDERTAKER AND HIS PALS. He was also in TV Mikels’ THE CORPSE GRINDERS, AGENT FROM H.A.R.M., THE CHAPMAN REPORT, THE BLACK KLANSMAN (also by Mikels), 3 NUTS IN SEARCH OF A BOLT and THE SEVERED ARM. He died Dec. 28th at age 85.

SCOTT “BAM-BAM” BIGELOW-was a professional wrestler for around 20 years. He worked for the major promotions like WWF, NWA, WCW and ECW as well as many independents. Known for the tattoo flames on his shaved head, Bigelow once “feuded” with pro footballer Lawrence Taylor and the two fought each other on a Wrestlemania Pay Per View event in 1995. Bigelow, who was diabetic, died Jan. 19th at age 45. The cause of death was pending at the time of this writing.

2006 goes on...

Woah! I feel bad! Lol! Yes. James Brown, The Godfather Of Soul, died on Christmas Day! He joins a list of luminaries who have passed on this special day. The list includes WC Fields, Joan Blondell, Dean Martin, Charlie Chaplin, Billy Martin and Denver Pyle. I’m sure there are more. I saw Brown at The Lonestar Cafe in NYC in the mid-'80's before he made his comeback performing a song in one of those Rocky sequels. He was pretty amazing. His band included a horn section and three female singers all crammed on to a fairly small stage. He did his whole act. I'm glad I got to see him at least once!

On Dec. 18th Joe Barbera died at the age of 95. He was one half of the cartoon production team of Hanna-Barbera. Together they produced a huge amount of animated classics including Tom & Jerry, Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, Huckleberry Hound and many others. William Hanna died in 1991. Much of The Cartoon Network’s sister station Boomerang consists of their cartoons.

Also recently departed is the writer Chris Hayward at the age of 81. He started writing the pun filled scripts for Jay Ward’s “Rocky and His Friends” (later called “The Bullwinkle Show”) where developed the character “Dudley Do-Right”. Later he wrote and/or produced episodes of GET SMART and also co-created THE MUNSTERS. He worked on other TV shows including BARNEY MILLER.

EMMETT KELLY JR.-was the son of one of the most recognizable clowns in the world. Following in his famous father’s footsteps he was a clown for over 40 years. He died on Nov. 30th at age 83.

KEVIN McCLORY-was an Irish actor, producer, screenwriter and director who was the executive producer of NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, the second screen adaptation of THUNDERBALL that brought Sean Connery back to the James Bond role after 12 year absence. McClory had in fact co-written an original screenplay that was supposed to feature the Bond character. Ian Fleming wound up adapting it to for his novel and lawsuits ensued. McClory started his career as an assistant director to John Huston on THE AFRICAN QUEEN, MOULIN ROUGE and later MOBY DICK. He was an Associate Producer of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. He was 80.

DON DOHLER-was a low budget filmmaker and founder of the SFX magazine “Cine-Magic” in the early ‘80’s. His unusual B-movies included ALIEN FACTOR, NIGHTBEAST and FIEND. He died of cancer on Dec. 2 at age

JAY McSHANN-was a jazz pianist and orchestra leader who gave Charlie Parker his first job. He was around 90.

MARTIN NODELL-was a comic book writer who co-created (with Bill Finger) the original Green Lantern (The 1940 Allen Scott version). He retired from the comic world in the early ‘50’s and went into advertising where he helped design “The Pillsbury Doughboy”. He died on Dec. 9th at 91.

MICHAEL GILDEN-was a dwarf actor whose film appearances included PULP FICTION and STAR WARS IV: RETURN OF THE JEDI. One of his last roles was on TV’s NCIS. He committed suicide on Dec. 5th. He was 44.

Tom McManamon-was the guitar player for The Popes, the band that backed Shane MacGowan in his post-Pogues solo career. He also played with Joe Strummer, Sinead O’Connor, U2 and others. He died of liver failure on Dec. 20th. He was 39.

Kyoko Kishida-was a Japanese actress. Her films included the international art house hit WOMAN IN THE DUNES. She died Dec. 17th at the age of 76.

Denis Payton-was a founding member of the ‘60’s Rock and Roll group “The Dave Clark Five” for which he played guitar, saxophone and harmonica. He died Dec. 18th after a long illness. He was 63.

Don Jardine-was a professional wrestler who worked mainly as the masked “Spoiler” in the ‘60’s & ‘70’s. He wrestled throughout the US and Canada (where he was born), He also used the names Original Super Destroyer, The Super Destroyer and The Enforcer. I saw him main event at Madison Square Garden in the mid-seventies without his mask. He died Dec. 18th of leukemia. He was 66.

Mike Evans-actor best known for his role as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jefferson’s" died of throat cancer on Dec. 14th. He was 57. He was in other TV shows of the time including RICH MAN POOR MAN, THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO and LOVE AMERICAN STYLE. He also co-created the TV series GOOD TIMES.

Peter G. Spelson-was an independent actor/producer/director who’s first movie was the seldom seen Sci-Fi film THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN (which he produced & starred in). He was 77.

2006

PHYLLIS KIRK-was an actress best known for being menaced by Vincent Price in the 195's 3-D horror film HOUSE OF WAX. She was also in the TV show THE THIN MAN and appeared in the movies JOHNNY CONCHO with Frank Sinatra and THE SAD SACK with Jerry Lewis. Originally from NJ, she was 79.

ARTHUR HILL-was a motion picture andTV actor best known for the lead role in the TV series OWEN MARSHALL COUNSELOR AT LAW from 1971-74. Some movie appearances inclued HARPER, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, THE CHAMP,THE UGLY AMERICAN and A BRIDGE TOO FAR. Originally from Canada he died in LA at 84.

ADRIENNE SHELLY-was an actress/writer/director best known for her starring roles in the Hal Hartley movies THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH and TRUST. She directed the movies, I'LL TAKE YOU THERE,SUDDEN MANHATTAN and the yet to be releashed WAITRESS. Other movie roles include FACTOTUM, THE ROAD KILLERS, HEXED and GRIND. She was murdered by a illegal immigrant handyman at her Manhattan office who then tried to make her death look like a suicide. She was 40.

LEONARD SCHRADER-was a screenwriter who was Oscar naminated for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. He co-wrote MISHIMA, BLUE COLLAR, YAKUZA and OLD BOYFRIENDS with his writer-director brother Paul. He died of heart failure at 62.

PAUL MAURIAT-was a French conductor and musician who had a US Number 1 hit in 1968 with the instrumental "Love Is Blue" in 1968. He was 81.

BASIL POLEDOURI-was a movie composer who wrote the scores for many Hollywood movies in the '80's and '90's including THE BLUE LAGOON, ROBO-COP, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, CONAN THE DESTROYER, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER and FREE WILLY. He won an Emmy for the music from the TV mini-series LONESOME DOVE. He was 61.

MARIAN MARSH-was a 1930's movie actress who was in Howard Hughes's HELL'S ANGELS and co-starred with John Barrymore in SVENGALI. She was also in FIVE STAR FINAL (with Edward G. Robinson & Boris Karloff),THE MAD GENIUS(with Barrymore & Karloff),THE BLACK ROOM (with Karloff)and CRIME & PUNISHMENT(with Peter Lorre). She later made many forgettable "B" films for studios like Republic and retired in 1959. She was 93.

MILTON SELTZER-Actor who was a very familiar face on TV in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s including a reoccurring role on GET SMART and two episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. He also appeared on the stage and in movies including the horror film BLOOD AND LACE. He was 88.

IRVING LIPPMAN-was film director and director of photographer who began his career in 1922 filming a Fatty Arbuckle short and did his last work on the TV show THE LOVE BOAT.

GARY GRAVER-was a director of photography who shot Orson Welles' yet to be released THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND. He shot nearly 200 hundred low budget films including most of Al Adamson’s output, Ron Howard’s first directorial feature GRAND THEFT AUTO, the infamous THE TOOLBOX MURDERS, many Fred Olen Ray features, DEATHSPORT and a lot of stuff I never heard of. He also found time to direct around a hundred (mostly direct to video) features (sometimes under a pseudonym)! He had quite a resume'! He died of cancer at age 68.

TIGER CONWAY SR.- was an African American professional wrestler from 1947-1967. He helped break down racial barriers in some Southern promotions. He feuded with such “luminaries” as Mad Dog Vachin, Don Leo Jonathan, Tony Borne and Dick Steinborn. His son Tiger Conway Jr. was a pro wrestler in the 1980’s. He was 74.

JEREMY SLATE-was an actor who appeared in many TV shows and co-wrote and starred in the ‘60’s biker film HELL’S ANGELS ’69. He appeared with Elvis in GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!, was in THE BORN LOSERS (the movie that introduced Tom Laughlin’s “Billy Jack” character) and was a regular on the soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIVE for 8 years. He last appeared on an episode of MY NAME IS EARL. He was 80.

PHILIPPE NOIRET-was a prolific French actor in around 150 films including CINEMA PARADISO,IL POSTINO,THE GRANDE BOUFFE,Hitchcock's TOPAZ and many others. He died of cancer at age 76.

ANITA O’DAY-was a Jazz singer who played with Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton and others and was a solo performer for 32 years despite drug and alcohol problems and several brushes with the law. She was 87.

ROBERT JR. LOCKWOOD-was a blues guitar player who learned to play at age 11 when Blues legend Robert Johnson moved in for a while with Lockwood’s mother. Originally from Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, Lockwood moved to Chicago in the early 1950’s and played with Little Walter, Sunnyland Slim, Roosevelt Sykes and other blues greats. As a solo performer he later on moved to Cleveland and played there for decades and was Grammy nominated twice. He was 91.

DAVE COCKRUM-was a popular comic book artist for almost three decades. At DC he helped re-vamp The Legion of Super Heroes and at competitor Marvel he co-created The New Uncanny X-Men. He died of complications from Diabetes at age 63.

LEON ROTH-was a publicist who produced several movies including the strange horror film I DISMEMBER MAMA. He was 87.

2006

DAN Q. KENNIS-co-produced the TV bio of Major League Baseball Player Roy Campanella called IT'S GREAT TO BE ALIVE (based on Campanella's autobiography; Paul Winfield played Campanella). He also helped form the film company "Independent International" with Sam Sherman & Al Adamson and produced Adamson's infamous SATAN'S SADISTS.

AUDREY CAMPBELL-died June 8th-was "Madame Olga" in the "Olga" trilogy in 1964. She was also in other films including Joe Sarno's SIN IN THE SUBURBS and THE SEXPERTS. She was 76.

ARTHUR FRANZ-died June 17th-Familiar character actor of TV and movies of the '50's. He co-starred with Ronald Reagan & Nancy Davis in HELLCATS OF THE NAVY" but was more identified with his horror & Sci-Fi appearances including ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE INVISIBLE MAN, FLIGHT TO MARS, INVADERS FROM MARS, THE FLAME BARRIER and MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS. His most interesting role is the lead in THE SNIPER(1952). He was 86.

Syd Barrett-1946-2006

Christian Drake died on July 9th. He acted in numerous movies and TV shows from the late ‘40’s till 1958 when he became a real estate agent. He was “Bob The Hunter” in the TV series SHEENA OF THE JUNGLE and starred in FOREVER MY LOVE, the first Japanese movie with an American in the lead role. He was 83.

June Ormond-Legendary filmmaker who along with her husband Ron and son Tim made exploitation classics like FORTY ACRE FEUD, GIRL FROM TOBACCO ROAD, THE MONSTER AND THE STRIPPER, THE BURNING HELL and 39 STRIPES. After a near fatal airplane crash she and her husband began producing Christian films. She died on July 16 at 94.

Edward Tobolowsky-died on July 20th at age 86. He was mainly a lawyer who once won a Supreme Court decision involving film classification in Texas but in the 1960’s was an Executive Producer for Azalea Films over-seeing Larry Buchanan “classics” like MARS NEEDS WOMEN and ZONTAR-THE THING FROM VENUS.

Sam White-was a director of commercials and early TV programs who went on to direct the film WHITE COMMANCHE (with William Shatner and Rosanna Yanni). He was the brother of Jules White who worked on many Three Stooges shorts. When he died on August 5th he was only several months shy of his 100th birthday!

Ken Richmond-was a 6’5” wrestler who for a couple of decades was the gong ringer at the beginning of every J. Arthur Rank Film Production. He also had a role in Jules Dassin’s NIGHT AND THE CITY (which coincidently was about pro-wrestling). He was 80.

Sam X. Abarbanel-was a publicist and writer who produced the low budget “classic” PREHISTORIC WOMEN in 1950. He died on Aug. 9, age 92.

Nicolas Webster-was an award winning documentary film maker and also took time to direct the ultra-crazy seasonal favorite SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (sometimes called Pia Zadora’s film debut) in 1964. He also made the Sci-Fi space film MISSIONS MARS (starring Darren McGavin & Nick Adams) and the speculation film MANBEAST: MYTH OR MONSTER. He died on Aug. 12 at 94.

JUMPIN’ GENE SIMMONS-Aug. 29th-(69)-was a Rockabilly musician who began his 50-year music career backing up Elvis. Later he was the lead singer in The Bill Black Combo. He had a hit with “Haunted House” in 1964.

JOSEPH STEFANO-Aug. 25th-(84)-Screenwriter and author best known for writing the script for Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO. He also wrote the sequel PSYCHO 4:THE BEGINNING. His other credits include many episodes of THE OUTER LIMITS and the films THE BLACK ORCHID, THE UNKNOWN, THE KINDRED, SNOWBEAST and others. He directed one film THE GHOST OF SIERRA DE COBRE in 1964.

S. JOHN LAUNER-Sept. 8th-(87)-was a familiar character actor in films and TV. Films include: THE CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN, THE WEREWOLF, I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF and JAIL HOUSE ROCK. He was seen on many many TV shows including 5 episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE and a reoccurring role as a judge on PERRY MASON.

JOHNNY SEKKA-Sept. 14-(74)-originally from Senegal Sekka was an international actor who appeared in many stage productions before his varied film & TV career that included roles in UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT, FEVER PITCH, ROOTS: THE NEXT GENERATION and BABYLON 5:THE GATHERING.

MICKEY HARGITAY-Sept. 17th-(80)-Born in Hungry bodybuilder Hargitay was Mr. Universe of 1955. In 1958 he married Jayne Mansfield and turned actor to co-star with her in WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUDSON, PROMISES PROMISES and THE LOVES OF HERCULES. Their marriage only lasted a few years but Hargitay appeared in a few other “post-Jayne” movies including the very whacked out BLOODY PIT OF HORROR before he quit acting. Their daughter Mariska appears on LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT where her father made his first (and last) acting appearance in 30 years.

GERAL BRACH-Sept. 9th-(79)-French screenwriter who wrote 9 movies directed by Roman Polanski including: THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, REPULSION, CUL-DE-SAC, WHAT? and TESS. His other films include QUEST FOR FIRE, NAME OF THE ROSE, THE BEAR, THE LOVER and JEAN DE FLORETTE.

ROBERT EARL JONES-Sept.7th-(96)-Veteran Broadway actor who appeared in 20 films including portraying Joe Louis in SPIRIT OF YOUTH and WILD RIVER, THE STING and WITNESS. He was the father of James Earl Jones.

SVEN NYKVIST-Sept.-(89)-cinemaphotographer who shot nearly all of Ignmar Bergman’s films beginning in 1954. He won Oscars for two Bergman films (CRIES & WHISPERS and FANNY & ALEXANDER). His non-Swedish output included PRETTY BABY, HURRICANE, CHAPLIN, ANOTHER WOMAN and many more.

BOZ BURRELL-Sept. 21-()-was the original bass player in Bad Company and also replaced Greg Lake in King Crimson.

HERB RUDLEY-Sept. 9th-(89)-was a successful Broadway actor who became a familiar film and TV character actor was in the all star horror film THE BLACK SLEEP and played Eve Arden’s husband in the popular 1960’s sit-com THE MOTHERS IN LAW.

EDWARD ALBERT-Sept. 25th-(55)-the son of Eddie Albert (who died in 2005 at age 99) made his film debut at age 11 acting opposite Anthony Perkins in THE FOOL KILLER and later won a Golden Globe for his role CACTUS FLOWER. Though he never achieved anything equal to his father’s fame he made 126 film and TV appearances. He had lung cancer.

TETSURO TAMBA-Sept. 25th-(84)-Veteran Japanese actor was in many productions including "Suna no Utsuwa" (The Castle of Sand), "Ansatsu" (The Assassin) and "Tasogare Seibei" (The Twilight Samurai), The Bushido Blade, Message From Space and many others.

JAMIE LYONS-Sept. 25th-(57) was the singer with the ‘60’s rock band Rock Explosion who’s biggest hit was “Little Bit Of Soul”, which reached No. 2 in 1967. The Ramones covered it on their 1983 album “Subterranean Jungle”.

TAMARA DOBSON-Oct. 2nd-(59)-6’ 2” actress best known for her title role in CLEOPATRA JONES and it’s sequel THE CASINO OF GOLD. Other movies included FUZZ, COME BACK CHARLESTON BLUE, NORMAN IS THAT YOU? and CHAINED HEAT. She also co-starred in the Saturday morning kids Sci-Fi show JASON OF STAR COMMAND. She died of complications from pneumonia and multiple sclerosis.

STANLEY Z. “ZACK” CHERRY-Sept. 27th-(74)-directed episodes of many ‘60’s TV shows including THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, FLIPPER and GILLIGAN’S ISLAND. He also wrote the feature film BUNNY O’HARE.

Last Of 2005

Rawls died Friday at age 72 after a long battle with cancer. Not only did he make over 30 albums and have a number one hit "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" but he even opened for The Beatles once at Crosley Field in Cincinnati! RIP...

Wow! I just read that Chifton James the originally drummer for Bo Diddley died on Feb. 16 at the age of 69. He played on all of Diddley's classic recordings including "Bo Diddley", "I'm A Man" "Diddy Wah Diddy" and "Who Do You Love". Then I read that Carl Bunch who was the drummer in Buddy Holly's last touring band is very sick! Yipes! Hope Charlie Watts got a check up recently!

2005 into 2006

Saturday, November 19, 2005
A friend in Tokyo just called me to tell me lengendary guitarist LINK WRAY died at the age of 76! I'm glad I saw him a few years when he played the now defunked TRAMMPS in NYC. The Woggles and Southern Culture On The Skids were also on the bill. I can't find anything about it yet in English. All I found was an article in Danish!

Owed T'AlexStupid heart, cupid heartWhere will ya go from hereMagnetic ring, magnetic drawOoh, whatcha got me intoEye of ah wolf, chrome crawLeavin' ya now, I'll write cha, maTakin' ah putt up t' Carson CityWell, if y' hear me howlin' - W'hell, Sittin' pretty, Tastin' nitty grittyPuttin' on in t' Carson CitySparks, tattoos, 2 tat, 'n ah tootHelmets, crosses, 'n a patch t' bootEngine hot, pipes burn whiteGlad ah'm not … home t'nightFive miles back Ah took ah spillThought I almost paid m' billMakin' m' putt ta Carson CityParty time with the Jones by nameAww, it's a shame - say, it's a pityGotta putt outta Carson City----------Captain BeefheartRIP:Alex St. Clair Snouffer-1942-2006

RICHARD FLEISCHER-died March 24 at the age of 89. He began his career in 1944 directing short films. He made three interesting film noir features in the early '50's: TRAPPED, ARMORED CAR ROBBERY and THE NARROW MARGIN before graduating to big budget Hollywood films like 200,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, THE VIKINGS, COMPULSION, BARABBAS, FANTASTIC VOYAGE, DOCTOR DOLITTLE, THE BOSTON STRANGLER, CHE, TORA! TORA! TORA! SOYLENT GREEN, MANDINGO, THE JAZZ SINGER, CONAN THE DESTROYER, RED SONJA, AMITTYVILLE 3-D and many others. The most amazing fact for me however was that he was the son of the great Max Fleischer who co-created the great original Popeye cartoons (and GULLIVER'S TRAVELS).

Still Going:2005

Director Richard Cuhna died on Sept. 18th at the age of 83. Although his film directing career was short (only 6 movies from 1958-64) his first 4 are Z-movie "classics" : SHE DEMONS, GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWN, MISSLE TO THE MOON (actually a re-make of CATWOMEN OF THE MOON) and FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER. Though he competed with Roger Corman during the late '50's drive-in craze his movies were just a little more sleazy and violent than AIP's. He made only two other movies GIRL IN ROOM 13 and DOG EAT DOG (with Jayne Mansfield & Cameron Mitchell) in which he received co-directing credit. He was also the director of photography on BLOODLUST!, THE SILENT WITNESS and the TV show BRANDED. Originally from Honolulu, Cunha retired in 1980 after years of making commercials and industrial films for Columbia Pictures.

TOMMY BOND-Sept. 24-(79)-was “Butch”, the bully who was always picking on Alfalfa in OUR GANG and LITTLE RASCALS comedy shorts. He was Jimmy Olsen in the serials THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN and ATOM MAN VS. SUPERMAN. Other movies appearances include: LIBELED LADY, the FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS series, TOKYO JOE, ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY, BEDTIME FOR BONZO and CALL ME MISTER. He was also a member of the later and less successful kid group “The Gas House Kids”. He retired from acting in 1951 and worked behind the scenes in various production and direction capacities. He retired for good in 1991. He may have been in a 2004 movie called BOB’S NIGHT OUT, the first movie made for 80 year olds (??).

ROGER BRIERLEY-Sept. 23-(70)-was an English stage, film and TV actor. Some films include PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (mini-series), SUPERMAN 2, THE WICKED LADY, A VERY BRITISH COUP, YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES, EAST OF IPSWICH, JINNAH and many TV roles. He died of a heart attack.

JOHN McCABE-Sept. 30-(84)-was a Shakespeare scholar and biographer who wrote “Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy”, considered by many to be the definitive bio of the great comedy team. He also ghost wrote James Cagney’s “autobiography” “Cagney on Cagney”. In addition to three more books aboyt Stan & Ollie he also penned bios of Charlie Chaplin and George M. Cohan.

NIPSEY RUSSELL-Oct. 2-(in his 80’s)-Night club stand up comedian known for his rhyming jokes. Very popular in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s through his appearances on variety, talk and game shows. He was a regular on several TV shows including CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? and repeated his role in the 1994 theatrical re-make. His few movie appearances included THE WIZ, NEMO, WILDCATS and POSSE. Originally from Atlanta, he died of cancer.

RONNIE BARKER-Oct. 4-(76)-was one half of the British comedy team “The Two Ronnies” and starred in the long running BBC comedy OPEN ALL HOURS.

MIKE GIBBONS-Oct. 4-(56)-was the drummer for BADFINGER (and The Iveys) and played on all their hit records and albums. Hr follows fellow band members Pete Ham (who hanged himself in 1975) and Tom Evans (who hanged himself in 1983). He died in his sleep.

SERGIO CITTI-Oct. 11-(72)-Italian director and writer who also worked as second unit director on several Pier Paolo Pasolini films. Some of his films include BEACH HOUSE, BAWDY TALES and WE FREE KINGS. He died of a heart attack.

DENNIS MURPHY-Oct. 11-(73)-was a movie screenwriter and author. His most famous novel "The Sergeant" was made into a 1971 movie (which he scripted) with Rod Steiger. He also wrote the screenplays for EYE OF THE DEVIL and THE TODD KILLINGS. He died of cancer.

BRUCE jOHNSON-Sept. 27-(66)-wrote and/or produced several TV shows including GOMER PYLE, MORK & MINDY, ALICE and some I never heard of!

TOM GILL-Oct. 17-(92)-drew "The Lone Ranger" comic book from 1950-1970. He also drew a BONANZA comic book. He later taught at The School of Visual Arts in NYC.

BAKER KNIGHT-Oct. 15(72)-wrote over "1,000" songs including the Elvis Presley hit "The Wonder of You". His songs were also recorded by Ricky Nelson, Paul McCartney, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. HIs daughter is actress Tuesday Knight.

JOHN LARCH-Oct. 16-(91)-Familiar TV and movie actor, he was Billy Mumy's dad in the classic TWILIGHT ZONE episode "It's A Good Life". He was many other TV shows including a regular character on DYNASTY. Some movie appearances include ILLEGAL, WRITTEN ON THE WIND, THE WRECKING CREW, PLAY MISTY FOR ME and DIRTY HARRY.

REGGIE "THE CRUSHER" LISOWSKI-Oct.23-(79)-was a pro wrestler in the AWA & WWA promotions for many many years often teamed with "his cousin" Dick The Bruiser. He was featured in the seldon seen wrestling movie cleverly titled THE WRESTLER. He died of a brain tumor.

And More 2005

BOB DENVER-Sept. 2-(70)-was of course Gilligan , the dim witted second mate on GIILIGAN’S ISLAND and beatnik Maynard G. Kreds on DOBIE GILLIS. He co-starred in several other TV shows, DUSTY’S TRAIL, THE GOOD GUYS and THE FAR OUT SPACE NUTS. He reprised his “little buddy role” on Two “Gilligan” cartoons shows and 3 made for TV reunions (all the original cast participated except for Tina Louise). Other movies appearances include TAKE HER SHE’S MINE, WHO’S MINDING THE MINT?, DID YOU HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE TRAVELLING SALES WOMAN?, SCAMPS, HIGH SCHOOL USA and BACK TO THE BEACH. He had cancer.

HERBERT J. WRIGHT-Aug. 24-(59)-was a TV and movie writer/producer/director. He directed the movies SUPERTANKER, BIG COUNTRY, MARS AND BEYOND and episodes of the TV series WAR OF THE WORLDS. He worked on other TV series in various capacities including MCCLOUD, NIGHT GALLERY, HUNTER, SPACE RANGERS and STAR TREK:THE NEXT GENERATION (he created “The Ferengi”).

RONN DAYTON-Aug. 27-(72)-was an actor who had roles in ROBIN AND THE 7 HOODS, BIKINI BEACH, PYJAMA PARTY, BEACH BLANKET BINGO, HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI, DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE, THUNDER ALLEY and HELLES BELLES.

CLARENCE “GATEMOUTH” BROWN-Sept. 11-(81)-legendary singer/guitarist whose 50 year career combined blues, jazz and country music. His hits included “Okie Dokey Stomp” and “Ain’t That Dandy”. He won a Grammy in 1982. He recorded albums with Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Bonnie Riatt and Roy Clark but dissed most of his blues contemporaries like BB King and Albert Collins. Tragically, he died at his brother’s house because Hurricane Katrina had destroyed his.

ROBERT WISE-Sept. 15-(91)-Award winning director of CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE, THE BODY SNATCHER, BORN TO KILL, BLOOD ON THE MOON, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, I WANT TO LIVE!, WEST SIDE STORY, THE HAUNTING, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE SAND PEBBLES, THE ANDROMEDIA STRAIN, STAR TREK:THE MOTION PICTURE and many more. He also produced many of his movies. Before directing his first film he was an editor cutting many films including the 1939 version of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, CITIZEN KANE and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS. His last film was the musical ROOFTOPS in 1989. Originally from Indiana, he died in LA of heart failure.

SID LUFT-Sept. 16-(89)-was a producer/showman whose second wife was Judy Garland. He produced her “comeback film” A STAR IS BORN and their daughter is singer Lorna Luft (who later wrote a tell all book about her parents that became a TV movie). He had been previously married to actress Lynn Bari. His widow is Camille Keaton (star of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE).

JOHN BROMFIELD-Sept.19-(83)-Actor known to TV audiences in the late ‘50’s for two Westerns he starred in: SHERIFF OF COCHISE and US MARSHALL. He retired to in the early ‘60’s to become a commercial fisherman. Movies include SORRY WRONG NUMBER, RING OF FEAR, REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, MAN-FISH, and CURUCU-BEAST OF THE AMAZON. He died of kidney failure.

MALCOM XERXES-Sept. 13-(40)-was an English born, Canada based TV stuntman (LA FEMME NIKITA, RELIC HUNTER) and sometime actor (WHEN THE BULLET HIT THE BONE, H20). A suicide.

CONSTANCE MOORE-Sept. 16-(85)-was an actress in films of the late ‘30’s & ‘40’s. She co-atarred with Buster Crabbe in BUCK ROGERS and was WC Fields’ daughter in YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN. She also appeared in CHARLIE McCARTHY-DETECTIVE and THE 13TH LETTER. She retired after doing two early ‘60’s TV shows WINDOW ON MAIN STREET and THE YOUNG MARRIEDS.

WILLIE HUTCH-Sept. 21-(59)-was a singer/songwriter/record producer for Motown who wrote The Jackson 5 hits “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “I’ll Be There”. He also worked with The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. Cause of death was not disclosed.

SADAMASA ARIKAWA-Sept. 23-(80)-created SFX for many Japanese Sci-Fi films including GODZILLA, THE MYSTERIANS, THE H-MAN, BARAN, BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE, THE HUMAN VAPOR, DAGORA, GHIDRAH-THE 3 HEADED MONSTER, KING KONG ESCAPES, DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, YOG-MONSTER FROM SPACE, GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN, RODAN, GORATH, ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE and many more. He also produced an ULTRAMAN show in the 1970’s.

More In 2005

ALEXANDER GOLITZEN-July 27-(97)-was a Hollywood art director who shared in three Academy Awards wins for THE PHANTON OF THE OPERA (1943), SPARTACUS and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Born in Moscow, he fled the revolution and eventually landed in Seattle, Washington. He was nominated several other times. In 1939 producer Walter Wanger hired him and a few years later became unit art director at Universal Pictures where he would remain for the next 30 years. He was especially busy in the 50’s (and worked many times for Jack Arnold).

His other films include Hitchcock’s FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT, COBRA WOMAN, SALOME WHERE SHE DANCED, THE CLIMAX, Lang’s SCARLETT STREET, Max Ophuls’ LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN, THE GLENN MILLER STORY, THE BLACK SHIELD OF FALWORTH, SIGN OF THE PAGAN, REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, THIS ISLAND EARTH, TARANTULA, THE MOLE MEN, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, THE DEADLY MANTIS, MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES, MAN IN THE SHADOW, Welles’ TOUCH OF EVIL, THE MONOLITH MONSTERS, THE THING THAT COULDN’T DIE, CAPE FEAR, 3 1950’S Abbott & Costello features: GO TO MARS, MEET THE KEYSTONE KOPS and MEET THE MUMMY, entries into the “Ma & Pa Kettle” and “Francis The Talking Mule” series, the first episode of TV’s THE TWILIGHT ZONE (“Where Is Everybody?”) and many many more. God bless him!

JAMES BOOTH-August 13-(68)-English actor who appeared in ZULU, THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS, NINETY DEGREES IN THE SHADE, MACHO CALLAHAN, THAT’LL BE THE DAY PERCY’S PROGRESS, BRANNIGAN, AIRPORT ’77 and others. He was “Ernie Niles” on TV’s TWIN PEAKS and also wrote the screenplays for the action films PRAY FOR DEATH, AVENGING FORCE & AMERICAN NINJA 2.

EVA RENZI-Aug. 16-(61)-Germany actress whose movies included FUNERAL IN BERLIN, THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE, NIGHT OF THE ASSASSIN and others.

VASSAR CLEMENTS-Aug. 16-(77)-legendary fiddle player who when not pursuing his own solo career found time to play with such diverse musicians as Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the GratefulDead, Bruce Hornsby, Hank Williams Jr., The Byrds, Woody Herman, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Monkees. He can be seen in Robert Altman’s NASHVILLE. Playing since the age of 7, Clements gave his last concert in February. He died of lung cancer.

TONINO DELLI COLLI-Aug. 17-(82)-was a legendary Italian cinematographer who worked with Fellin, Pasolini, Sergio Leone and Louis Malle. Films he shot include CAPTAIN MORGAN, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, RO GO PA G, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY, GHOSTS-ITALIAN STYLE, SPIRITS OF THE DEAD (“William Wilson” segment), ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, PIGPEN, THE DECAMERON, SEVEN BEAUTIES, SALO, TALES OF ORDINARY MADNESS, GINGER & FRED, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, FELLINI’S INTERVISTA (in which he appeared as himself), LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL and many others. His wife may have been actresss Alexandra Delli Colli who starred in ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST and DR. BUTCHER MD. He died of a heart attack.

BROCK PETERS-Aug. 23-(78)-African American actor of stage, films and TV. He was Tom Robinson in TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD and appeared in over 60 films including CARMEN JONES (his film debut), PORGY & BESS, THE L SHAPED ROOM, THE PAWBROKER, THE INCIDENT, SOYLENT GREEN, SLAUGHTER’S BIG RIP-OFF, ROOTS:THE NEXT GENERATIONS, STAR TREK 4:THE VOYAGE HOME, STAR TREK 6: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, ALLIGATOR 2:THE MUTATION and others. On TV he had a reoccurring role on DEEP SPACE NINE, was on several soap operas and did voice- overs for several cartoon shows. Originally from NYC, he died of cancer in LA.

MEL WELLES-Aug.19-(81)-Character actor and sometimes director best known to most movie fans as “Gravis Muchnik”, the plant store owner in Roger Corman’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other roles were in THE SILVER CHALICE, ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY, SPY CHASERS, KISMET, ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS, HOLD THAT HYPNOTIST, THE UNDEAD, ROCK ALL NIGHT, THE 27TH DAY, THE BROTHERS KARAMOZOV, HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTAL, THE SHE-BEAST, DR. HECKYL & MR HYPE and others. He is also credited with directing 3 movies: MANEATER OF HYDRA, LADY FRANKENSTEIN and JOYRIDE TO NOWHERE. He made many TV appearances as well. Also originally from NYC, Welles died in Norfolk, Va. of heart failure.

JAY JACKSON-Aug. 16-(86)-was a popular announcer in early TV on the shows PHILCO TELEVISION PLAYHOUSE, LUX VIDEO THEATER, 20 QUESTIONS and TIC TAC DOUGH. He also appeared in the classic THE HONEYMOONERS episode “The $99,000 Answer”.

MICHAEL SHEARD-Aug. 31-(65)-English actor who was Admiral Ozzel in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. He made over 40 movie appearances and played Hitler 5 times! He was the star of the long running BBC TV show GRANGE HILL. Other films include FORCE 10 FROM NAVARONE, LES MISERABLES, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, GREEN ICE, HIGH ROAD TO CHINA and others.

MEREDITH NICOLSON-Aug. 18-(92)-was a cinematographer on three of director Richard Cunha’s low budget horror movies (SHE DEMONS, MISSLE TO THE MOON and FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER). He later went into TV working on shows like GET SMART, MY THREE SONS, THE FUGITIVE, BATMAN, THE INVADERS and MASH. Other feature film work includes two late period Edgar Ulmer films BEYOND THE TIME BARRIER and THE AMAZING TRANSPARENT MAN, THE DEVIL’S HAND and ESCAPE FROM HELL’S ISLAND.

LOULIE JEAN NORMAN-August 2-()-was an operatic soprano who sang the “word-less lyrics” on the theme of the original STAR TREK TV show. (There were words written for the theme but they weren’t used) She made several albums with her husband arranger/composer GORDON JENKINS and sang back up vocals for ELVIS, SINATRA, HENRY MANCINI, SPIKE JONES and others. She dubbed DIAHANN CARROLL’S singing in PORGY & BESS (despite the fact that Carroll was a singer) and did the same for JULIET PROWSE in GI BLUES and STELLA STEVENS in TOO LATE BLUES.

Not Alive In 05

BURR DeBENNING-May 26-(66)-was an actor best known for his starring role in THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN. He was a regular on the soap operas SEARCH FOR TOMORROW and SANTA BARBARA.. His other movie appearances include CITY BENEATH THE SEA, ST. IVES, ALIEN ZONE, CRUISING, WOLFEN, ARMED RESPONSE, THE GAME, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET:THE DREAM CHILD and many ohters. In addition he appeared on many TV shows.

JIM APARO-July 19-(72)-was a comic book artist who worked nearly 4 decades for DC on such popular titles as AQUAMAN, THE PHANTOM STRANGER, THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, THE SPECTRE, BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS. He co-created the title BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS. His last work was on the GREEN ARROW series. Before joining DC he worked for several years at Charlton Comics (with future DC artist/editor in chief DICK GIORDANO). He died after a short illness.

GERALDINE FITZGERALD-July 17-(91)-Irish born actress who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in WUTHERING HEIGHTS and despite several clashes with Hollywood studios also appeared in DARK VICTORY, WATCH ON THE RHINE and NOBODY LIVES FOREVER. She later achieved success on the stage and made few film appearances. They include THE PAWNBROKER, HARRY & TONTO, ARTHUR and EASY MONEY. Originally from Dublin, she was also a part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theater. Her son is director Michael Lindsey-Hogg. She died of Alzheimer’s disease.

GAVIN LAMBERT-July-17-(80)-Before becoming an Oscar nominated screenwriter Lambert founded the journal SEQUENCE while attending Oxford (one of his classmates was future director Lindsey Anderson). He later edited SIGHT & SOUND magazine. He wrote and directed the film ANOTHER SKY in 1955, then went to Hollywood and met Nicolas Ray and co-wrote Ray’s BITTER VICTORY in ’57. In 1960 he was nominated for the co-writing the screen adaptation of DH Lawrence’s SONS & LOVERS. He also adapted his own novel INSIDE DAISEY CLOVER to the screen. He was later again nominated for the screenplay of I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN. Other films he worked on include THE ROMAN SPRING OF MRS. STONE, WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO?, LIBERACE:BEHIND THE MUSIC and a 1980’s TV version of SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH. He also penned bios of Anderson, director George Cukor and Natalie Wood.

EDWARD BUNKER-July 19-(71)-over came a violent criminal past that included being listed on The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list and a 17-year stint in San Quentin to become a screenwriter, novelist and actor. His novel NO BEAST SO FIERCE was turned into the 1978 film STRAIGHT TIME (which he adapted) starring Dustin Hoffman and he was “Mr. Blue” in RESERVOIR DOGS. He also adapted his novel ANIMAL FACTORY and wrote the screenplay for RUNAWAY TRAIN. Others films he appeared in include THE LONG RIDERS, THE RUNNING MAN, FEAR, MIRACLE MILE TANGO & CASH, ANIMAL FACTORY and THE LONGEST YARD (remake). He suffered from cancer and diabetes and died after an operation.

LORD ALFRED HAYES-July 20-(77)-Professional wrestler who later was a manager and then TV announcer for The WWF during its heyday in the 1980’s. Originally from Cumberland, England, Hayes was a major heel in Florida, St. Louis and other circuits during his career. He died after suffering a stroke.

ALAN BARRY-July-13-(72)-was an Irish actor who played “Superintendent Foley” on the BBC TV show BALLYKISSANGEL. Other roles were in THE NIGHT OF THE PROWLER, CAPTAIN NEMO AND THE UNDERWATER CITY, HENNESSEY, AND THE BAND PLAYED ON, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER and THE TALE OF SWEENEY TODD. FORD RAINEY-July 25-(98)-Veteran character actor of TV and movies. He made his movie debut in WHITE HEAT and followed that with roles in THE ROBE, THE HUMAN JUNGLE, 3:10 TO YUMA, JOHN PAUL JONES, THE SAND PEBBLES, THE ANDERSONVILLE TRIAL, THE TRAVELLING EXECUTIONER, THE NAKED ZOO, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, THE BIONIC WOMAN, THE CELLER, HALLOWEEN 2 and others. He was seen on numerous TV episodes of THE RICHARD BOONE SHOW, PERRY MASON, THE OUTER LIMITS and BONANZA. He played the President of the US on episodes of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA and LOST IN SPACE. and had reoccurring roles on the shows NED & STACEY and THE KING OF QUEENS as well as several soap operas. Rainey who hailed from Idaho and once understudy for Fredric March died after a series of strokes.

DAVID JACKSON-July 35-(71)-English actor best known for playing Olag Gan on the British Sc-Fi TV show BLAKE’S 7. Other films include 10 RILLINGTON PLACE, BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY’S TOMB, KILLER’S MOON and THE EDGE OF DARKNESS, plus many TV appearances. He died of a heart attack.

RED SMITH-(72)-Aug. 3-was a songwriter-record producer and owner of Keyman Records. With his partner Cliff Goldsmith (who died in 1991) he wrote and produced for the singing group THE OLYMPICS who's biggest recording was the top ten hit WESTERN MOVIES in 1958. His other songs include BABY HULLY GULLY and the often covered HARLEM SHUFFLE. He died of a heart attack.

MATTHEW McGRORY-(32)-Aug. 9-was a seven foot two actor who appeared in Tim Burton's BIG FISH. His other appearances include BUBBLE BOY, MEN IN BLACK 2, HOUSE OF A THOUSAND CORPSES and THE DEVIL'S REJECTS. He died of natural causes while working on a film bio of wrestler Andre The Giant.

BARBARA BEL GEDDES-(82)-Aug. 8-was a stage-TV-film actress who was nominated for an Academy Award for I REMEMBER MAMA. She also starred in one of the all time classic episodes of TV's ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS, "Lamb To The Slaughter". (She was in 3 other episodes too) She also appeared in Hitchcock's VERTIGO and BLOOD ON THE MOON, CAUGHT, PANIC IN THE STREETS, THE 5 PENNIES, THE TODD KILLINGS and OUR TOWN. In addition she was on the TV show DALLAS for 11 years. Originally from NYC her last appearance was in the documentary OBSESSED WITH VERTIGO in 1997.

CARLO LITTLE-(67)-Aug. 6-was a rock drummer who turned down a job with the then unknown ROLLING STONES but went on to be a succesful session musician. He was the regular drummer for British cult rocker SCREAMIN' LORD SUTCH and once gave drum lessons to Keith Moon. He also played in THE HOOCHIE KOOCHIE (which also featured Long John Baldry & Rod Stewart).

TERUO ISHII-(81)-Aug. 12-was a prolific Japanese film director. Some of his movies include: THE SUPER GIANT series, ATOMIC RULERS OF THE SEA, INVADERS FROM SPACE, THE ABASHIN PRISON series, THE EXECUTIONER, THE STREETFIGHTER'S LAST REVENGE and THE KARATE INFERNO. He died of lung cancer.

More 2005

BRUCE MALMUTH-July 1-(71)-Brooklyn born director of the NIGHTHAWKS (with Sylvester Stallone) and HARD TO KILL (with Steven Seagal). He also made PENTATHLON (with Dolph Lundgren), WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? and THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE. He also acted in his own movies and some by others (including THE KARATE KID). He started out directing radio broadcasts of THE NEW YANKEES baseball games. He later won an Emmy for his baseball documentary BASEBALLS OR SWITCHBLADES?. He died of cancer.

EVAN HUNTER-July 6-(78)-wrote novel THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE and other titles. Under the name Ed McBain he created the "87th Precint" series. He also wrote the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's THE BIRDS and worked on several TV series including IRONSIDES. He died of cancer.

BASIL KIRCHIN-June 18-(78)-scored the the music for THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES, THE SHUTTERED ROOM and THE MUTATIONS. ERNEST LEHMAN-July 2-(89)-was a Hollywood screenwriter who adapted stories forsuch high profile films as WEST SIDE STORY, THE KING & i, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (which he also produced). He also wrote NORTH BY NORTHWEST and FAMILY PLOT for Alfred Hitchcock.Other films include SABRINA, HELLO DOLLY and BLACK SUNDAY (1977). He was nominated for Academy Awards four times and in 1991 was the first screenwriter given an honorary Oscar.

ED KELLEHAR-May 14-(61)-was a screenwriter who penned the low budget horror films SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED, INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS and VOODOO DOLLS. Originally from Queens NY, he died from a brain disease in Las Vegas. He also wrote several stage plays.

DORAN MICHAEL CANNON-March 12-(68)-was the screenwriter of Otto Preminger's much lambasted SKIDOO and Robert Altman's BREWSTER McCLOUD.He also adapted a version of BRAVE NEW WORLD for TV and was a staff writer on KNOT'S LANDING. He directed one film SQUARE ROOT OF ZERO.

ED BISHOP-(72)-June 8-starred in the British Sci-Fi TV show UFO! He appeared in many other films (sometimes without credit) including LOLITA,THE WAR LOVER, THE MOUSE ON THE MOON, BATTLE BENEATH THE EARTH, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE,2001:A SPACE ODDYSSEY, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, PETS, TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING, THE LORDS OF DISCIPLINE and others. He was also the voice of "Capt. Blue" on Gerry Anderson's puppet show CAPTAIN SCARLETT AND THE MYSTERIONS and did voices for the STAR TREK animated series. He appeared in many TV shows in the UK and US. Although based in England and usually thought of as an English actor, Bishop was born in Brooklyn, raised in New York State and served in The US army. He died of a virus.

RON RANDELL-June 11-(86)-Austrailian born actor of films and TV going back to the early '40's he played Bulldog Drummond and The Lone Wolf in several productions and later starred in Allan Dwan's low budget Sci-Fi THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN ALIVE. He was also in KISS ME KATE (as Cole Porter), CAPTIVE WOMEN, I AM A CAMERA, THE SHE-CREATURE, THE GIRL IN BLACK STOCKINGS, KING OF KINGS, THE LONGEST DAY, FOLLOW THE BOYS, EXPOSED and others.He starred in several Broadway productions including THE BROWNING VERSION and BENT. He died from complications of a stroke.

EDWARD "EDDIE" SMITH-June 9-(81)-was a Hollywood stuntman who co- founded The Black Stuntmen's Association in 1967. Some movies he performed stunts for or was stunt coordinator for include MASH, DR. BLACK-MR. HYDE, DIRTY HARRY, BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES, BLAZING SADDLES, EARTHQUAKE, SCARFACE and LIVE AND LET DIE. His idea for the association came when he saw a white stuntman being made up to resemble black actor Eddie "Rochester" Anderson in IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD. He asked director Stanley Kramer why he didn't use a black stuntman and Kramer replied "Find me one!". He also had bit roles in a few movies. His son Bo Smith is an actor.

KEVIN HAGEN-July 9-(77)-actor seen mainly on TV in the 60's and '70's in many TV shows.He was the benevolent Dr. Baker on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and the little people chasing bad guy in LAND OF THE GIANTS. He was in several made for TV movies and was a regular on the soap opers GENERAL HOSPITAL. His theatrical movies incude THE SOUL OF NIGGER CHARLEY and Larry Cohen's THE AMBULANCE. He died of cancer.

2005 continued

Prolific low budget movie music composer Jaime Mendoza-Nava died May 31 at the age of 79 in Los Angeles of complications from diabetes. A child prodigy who led a children's orchestra when he was 11 years old, he was born in La Paz, Bolivia and when he was only in his 20's led The National Symphony.

He migrated to the US in 1953 and worked for Walt Disney Studios writing music for THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB and ZORRO. Soon after he began writing musical scores for a variety of films including ORGY OF THE DEAD (script by Ed Wood), TV Mikels' THE BLACK KLANSMEN, Al Adamson's THE FEMALE BUNCH, THE CUT-THROATS, THE WITCHMAKER, BLOOD LEGACY, THE BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN, THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK, THUNDER COUNTRY,GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE, GARDEN OF THE DEAD, ALOHA BOBBY & ROSE, A BOY & HIS DOG, THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN, THE BOYS IN COMPANY C, VAMPIRE HOOKERS, THE LEGEND OF ALFRED PACKER, PSYCHO FROM TEXAS and many others. He also wrote the US/Korea Martial Arts co-production LOS ANGELES STREETFIGHTER.

The greatest ventriloquist of all time PAUL WINCHELL died this past Friday June 24th at the age of 82. He voiced two of the most famous "dummies" Jerry Mahoney & Knuckle Head Smiff. He was also the voice of "Tigger" in Winnie The Pooh cartoons from 1968 to 1999. He appeared on TV as early as 1947 and hosted several of his own shows including the children's show "Winchell-Mahoney Time". He also occasionally acted in straight roles but more impoirtantly he held 30 patents as inventor including one for the artificial heart.Originally from New York City, Winchell donated both of his original Mahoney and Sniff dummies to The Smithsonian Institude.

LORNA THAYER-June 4-(86)-was an actress best known as the waitress in the chicken salad scene with Jack Nicolson in FIVE EASY PIECES. She had roles in the Roger Corman produced THE BEAST WITH A MILLION EYES, WOMAN'S PRISON, I WANT TO LIVE!, THE TRAVELLING EXECUTIONER, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, DEAD MAN TELL NO TALES, CISCO PIKE, SKYJACKED, RHINOCEROUS, REVENGE OF THE CHERRLEADERS, THE ALIENS ARE COMING, BUDDY BUDDY, NOTHING IN COMMON and FRANKIE & JOHNNY, her last in 1991. Many of her movie appearances were uncredited. She also acted on the stage and guested on many TV shows.

ROBERT CLARKE-June 11-(85)-produced,directed and starred in the low budget horror movie THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON. He began his career as a contract player for RKO. Some early roles were in THE FALCON IN HOLLYWOOD, THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE, ZOMBIES ON BROADWAY, THE BODY SNATCHER, BEDLAM, SAN QUENTIN, BAND OF ANGELS and OUTRAGE. By the early '50's he was appearing in low budget features (or un-billed in bigger faetures) like Edgar Ulmer's THE MAN FROM PLANET X, HARD FAST & BEAUTIFUL, CAPTIVE WOMEN, Jerry Warren's THE INCREDIBLE PETRIFIED WORLD, THE ASTOUNDING SHE-MONSTER and others. In 1959, frustrated by his roles he made SUN DEMON and earned himself a place in "bad movie history". In the 60's he appeared on the soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL and DRAGNET and kept appearing in junk like TERROR OF THE BLOODHUNTERS, SECRET FILE HOLLYWOOD and FRANKENSTEIN'S ISLAND (again for Warren). He married one of the singing King Sisters and was a featured player on their long running TV show in the 1960's. HIs last few movies in the '90's were for Fred Olen Ray. In 1996 he published his autobiography "To B or Not To Be". I've worn a "Hideous Sun Demon" t-shirt for many years and had it on just a week before Clarke passed away....

2005

I just read that actress Teresa Wright died the other day. She was 86. If you grew up in the NYC area (where she was born) in the '60's & '70's and were a New York Yankeees fan you might be familiar with Miss Wright as she played Mrs. Lou Gehrig in PRIDE OF THE YANKEES. (Gary Cooper of course played "The Iron Horse") The film was a staple of the local TV station that broadcasted their games. (Ironicly that station now airs the rival Mets games!) They always showed it when a game was rained out under the appropriate title of "Rain Out Theater".

She was the only actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in her first three movie roles (THE LITTLE FOXES, MRS.MINIVER,PRIDE OF THE YANKEES). She is also one of the 10 actors/actresses who was nominated twice in the same year. Her other movies include CASANOVA BROWN (also with Cooper), THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, Marlon Brando's film debut THE MEN, SOMEWHERE IN TIME and THE RAINMAKER (her last in 1997).

I also wanted to mention the passing of Sandra Dee who died Feb. 20th at the age of 62. She made her last movie appearance in 1983 in the rarely seen LOST directed by Al Adamson!

Actor Jason Evers died March 13 of heart failure. He was 83. Although a familiar TV actor, Evers had a small but varied film career marked by his best known role as the head transplanting doctor (under his real first name Herb) in THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE! who kept his lover's head alive while searching for "the perfect body" to attach it to.

His other films include HOUSE OF WOMEN, TARZAN'S JUNGLE REBELLION (with Ron Ely in the lead), THE ILLUSTRATED MAN, THE GREEN BERETS, ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES, FER-DE-LANCE, A PIECE OF THE ACTION, CLAWS and BARRACUDA . He made his last film in 1981 but continued working in TV though the '80's. After a 9 year absence from films he returned in 1990 for a scene in Frank Henenlotter's BASKETCASE 2 (which also features an in joke on BRAIN).

Originally fron NYC, He was seen as a regular or semi-regular on the TV shows WRANGLER, CHANNING and THE GUNS OF WILL SONNETT (as the wayward gun slinging son of Walter Brennan).

Here's an interesting link I found:
http://www.thaiflyingclub.com/linke...tainarchie.html

RIP DALE MESSICK creator of the syndicated newspaper comic strip BRENDA STARR, which she wrote and drew for over 30 years. She died April 5 2005 at the age of 98....

On and On...

JIM CAPALDI-Jan. 28-(60)-was the drummer for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducted TRAFFIC with Steve Winwood, Chris Wood & Dave Mason. He played on all 11 of their albums until the group's demise in 1974. He also wrote most of the lyrics for theri most popular songs. He later was a solo act and released a number albums, some with his own group THE CONTENDERS. He and Winwood re-united in 1993 as Traffic for a tour that included an appearance at WOODSTOCK. He died of cancer.

ERIC CROSS-Died March 10th 2004-(101)-was a cinematographer who shot early HAMMER FILMS like THE MYSTERY OF MARY CELESTE (with Bela Lugosi).

ERWIN HILLIER-Jan. 10-(93)-was also an English cinematographer (born in Berlin) who worked on many films and was a cameraman on Fritz Lang's M and MurNau's TABU. His films include THE DAM BUSTERS, SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL, THE QUILLER MEMORANDUM, EYE OF THE DEVIL, THE SHOES OF A FISHERMAN and VALLEY OF THE GWANGI.

JOHN VERNON-Feb. 2-(72)-Canadian born actor best known to American audiences as Dean Wormer in ANIMAL HOUSE (he also played the same role on ABC's DELTA HOUSE. He was also the star of the popular CBC detective series WOJECK. Among his many film roles:THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES, HERBIE GOES BANANAS, AIRPLANE 2, THE BLUE AND THE GREY, CURTAINS, CHAINED HEAT,SAVAGE STREETS,ERNEST GOES TO CAMP, KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE,I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA, FAMILY OF COPS. In addition he did much voice over work including The Sub Mariner in the cheapo '60's cartoon series.His real name was Aldolphus Agopsowicz. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

MERLE KILGORE-Feb.6-(70)-was singer, songwriter, producer and actor who co-wrote the often covered RING OF FIRE. He also acted in some movies including COAL MINERS'S DAUGHTER, NASHVILLE and NEVADA SMITH.

DAN O'HERILHY-Feb. 18-(85)-was a Oscar nominated actor who worked in films for over 50 years. He was the title character in Luis Bunuel's THE ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE and played villians in HALLOWEEN 3:THE SEASON OF THE WITCH and ROBOCOP and it's sequel. Other film appearances include FAIL SAFE, THE CABINET OF CALAGARI, 100 RIFLES, THE LONG HOT SUMMER, THE PEOPLE, MACARTHUR, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, THE DEAD and his last THE RAT PACK (as Joe Kennedy). Originally from Ireland, O'Herilhy also appeared in many TV programs (including a reoccuring one on TWIN PEAKS) and a number of commercials.

BRIAN KELLY-Feb. 18-(73)-was Porter Ricks on the 1960's TV FLIPPER (Chuck Connors had played the role in the movie). He was also in AROUND THE WORLD UNDER THE SEA, THE COMPANY OF KILLERS and DRIVE HARD DRIVE FAST. Injuries from a motorcycle accident sidelined his carreer for a time. He was the executive producer of Ridley Scott's BLANDERUNNER. He died of pneumonia.

More From 2004

DAYTON ALLEN-was a voice actor on many cartoons. His most famous include DEPUTY DAWG and both HECKLE & JECKLE. Originally from NYC he died Nov. 24 of a stroke. He was 85.

HARRY LAMPERT-created the original version of the DC comic book superhero "The Flash" in the 1940's. He started out as an inker for The Fleischer Bros. Studio. He later wrote many gag cartoons and instructional books about the card game Bridge. From NYC, he died Nov. 13 of cancer. He was 88.

ROBERT LANG-was a British stage actor and director who appeared in many films including OTHELLO, A WALK WITH LOVE AND DEATH, THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD, SAVAGE MESSIAH, NIGHT WATCH, SHOUT AT THE DEVIL, THE MEDUSA TOUCH, THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY, KING LEAR, THE TRIAL, FOUR WEDDINGS & A FUNERAL and others. He died Nov. 6 of cancer. He was 70.

NORMAN ROSE-was an actor and narrator who appeared in movies including THE JOE LOUIS STORY, PINOCCHIO IN OUTER SPACE, THE ANDERSON TAPES, THE FRONT, MESSAGE FROM SPACE, RADIO DAYS and others. He was also seen in several soap operas and TV shows. He died Nov. 12. He was 87.ED WATERS-was a TV and film writer. His movie credits include Roger Corman's SORORITY GIRL, THE CAPER OF THE GOLDEN BULLS, THE MEANEST MEN IN THE WEST and THE INTRUDER WITHIN. On TV he wrote episodes of COMBAT!, THE FBI, MANNIX, KUNG-FU and BARETTA. He died Oct. 6. He was 74.

TERRY MELCHER-was a record producer and songwriter. He produced records for The Byrds (including "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn, Turn, Turn), Ry Cooder, Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Beach Boys (he co-wrote their later Brian Wilson-less hit "Kokomo"). He was also excutive producer of THE DORIS DAY SHOW from 1968-72, which starred his mother. He became linked with mass murderer Charles Manson (who also had Beach Boy connections) through a house he rented to Manson victim Sharon Tate. Some say Melcher was the real target of Manson's maddness for having turned down Manson for a record contract! He died Nov. 20 of a long illness. He was 64.

KATHERINE VICTOR-Oct. 22-(81)-Actress know for her low budget movie appearances, most notably as the lead in Jerry Warren’s THE WILD WORLD OF BATWOMAN. Originally born Katena Ktenavena in Hell’s Kitchen in NYC, she made her screen debut (as Katina Vea) in the whacked out MESA OF LOST WOMEN in 1953. Warren used her in the added American scenes of two of his infamous “paste-up” jobs: the Lapland produced INVASION OF THE ANIMAL PEOPLE and the Mexico made CURSE OF THE STONE HAND. She also starred in his “original” productions TEENAGE ZOMBIES and CREATURE OF THE WALKING DEAD. She even came out of a 20-year acting retirement for a role in his last movie the confused FRANKENSTEIN’S ISLAND. Other weirdness includes CAPE CANAVERAL MONSTERS, HOUSE OF BLACK DEATH and an episode of TV’s BEN CASEY! She was in Fred Olen Ray’s FUGITIVE RAGE in 1996 and the 2002 obscurity SUPERGUY: BEHIND THE CAPE, though outside of acting she worked in the animation field for almost 40 years doing projects for Walt Disney, Don Buth and Hanna-Barbera.

JIMMY TAPP-Nov. 23-(86)-was a Canadian news broadcaster and game show host who voiced the title character in the 1960’s cartoon THE MIGHTY HERCULES (“Olympia!”).He died one week after being inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

PHILIPPE de BROCA-Nov. 26-(71)-French filmmaker best known in the US for the cult hit KING OF HEARTS. He began his career as an assistant director for Claude Chabrol and Jean Luc Godard.

SHOGO SHIMADA-Nov. 27-(98)-was a veteran Japanese actor who performed in Japan’s New National Theater from 1923 to1987 (the year it was disbanded). Some movie appearances include ZATOICHI AND THE CHEST OF GOLD, TIDAL WAVE, THE CHALLENGE and DOOMED MEGAPOLIS.

LARRY BUCHANAN-The man who made ZONTAR-THE THING FROM VENUS, MARS NEEDS WOMEN, DOWN ON US has left us. Larry Buchanan died in Tucson, Arizona of complications from a collapsed lung on Dec. 8th.
He was 81. As recently as three weeks ago he was finishing up what will become his final film THE COPPER SCROLL OF MARY MADAGLENE, a bio of Jesus Christ. (His version of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST perhaps?). Buchanan was a big time conspiracy buff and and made several films about The Kennedy Assassination and Marilyn Monroe. He made THE TRIAL OF LEE HARVEY OSWALD (a fictional "What If" story) before it was done on TV and his DOWN ON US (aka BEYOND THE DOORS) tells the story of how the CIA killed off Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. His most notorius films were a bunch he for AIP-TV in the '60's. A most of them were remakes of Roger Corman classics from the '50's but a couple like MARS NEEDS WOMEN were kind of original. His STRAWBERRIES NEED RAIN is said to be "Bergmanesque".

JOHN DREW BARRYMORE-Nov. 29-(72)-son of the legendary actor John Barrymore (The Great Profile). He also acted under the name John Barrymore Jr. His mother was actress Delores Costello and he was the father of actress Drew Barrymore. Movies include: THE SUNDOWNERS, QUEBEC, Joseph Losey’s THE BIG NIGHT, Fritz Lang’s WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS, HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL, NEVER LOVE A STRANGER, THE NIGHT THEY KILLED RASPUTIN, THE TROJAN HORSE (as Ulysses), PONTIUS PILATE (as both Judas & Jesus), THE KEELER AFFAIR, THE CLONES and BABY BLUE MARINE (an uncredited role and his last, in 1976). After the Fifties he made most of his movies in European productions. He appeared on many TV shows including RAWHIDE, THE WILD WILD WEST and KUNG –FU. The cause of death was not announced but he’d suffered from drug, alcohol and mental problems for most of his later life.

MARIA PERSCHY-Dec. 2-(66)-Austrian born actress who made many films in several different genres but many horror fans known her for her appearances in the films of Jess Franco & Paul Naschy. Movies include: John Huston’s FREUD, THE MAD EXECUTIONERS, OPERATION HONG KONG, KISS KISS KILL KILL, WITCH WITHOUT A BROOM, ISLE OF LOST WOMEN, THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU, MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE, HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE, HOUSE OF PSYCHOTIC WOMEN, SHIP OF ZOMBIES, THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK and many other European productions. She was also a regular on the soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1977. She died of cancer.

FRANCES CHANEY-Dec. 5-(89)-a radio actress (GANGBUSTERS, TOPPER, TERRY & THE PIRATES) who film career was cut short when she was placed on The Hollywood Blacklist along with her husband author Ring Lardner Jr. (One of the so called “Hollywood Ten”). She later understudied fo many famous actress’ in Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. In the ‘60’s she was a regular on the TV soap opera THE EDGE OF NIGHT. Her few movie appearances include THE SEVEN-UPS, WHEN HARY MET SALLY and PAINT IT BLACK. Originally from The Ukraine, she died of Alzheimer’s disease in her Manhattan home.

BOB HANEY-Nov. 25-(78)-was a long time comic book writer for DC Comics beginning in 1956. He co-created the original Teen Titans, The Doom Patrol and Metamorpho. He also had a long stint the Batman team-up comic The Brave & The Bold. He also wrote scripts for Superman and Aquaman cartoons in the ‘60’s and produced several shows for Rankin-Bass including THUNDER CATS. He worked at DC till the mid ‘80’s and later wrote books on carpentry though he appeared at several San Diego comic cons. He died of complications of a stroke.

WILLIAM SACKHEIM-Dec.6-(84)-was an Emmy winning television producer who co-wrote the first RAMBO movie. Shows he produced included THE FLYING NUN, GIDGET and DELVECCIO. He’s also credited with hiring a young Steven Spielberg to direct an episode of the TV movie pilot NIGHT GALLERY. He also produced the big screen movies THE IN-LAWS, PACIFIC HEIGHTS and THE HARD WAY. He died of a degenerate brain disease.

CARL ESMOND-Dec. 3-(97)-Viennese born actor who began his career in Germany and settled in Hollywood where he made many feature films and TV programs. He played Victor Lazlo in a TV production of CASABLANCA in the early ‘50’s and also guest starred in TV shows including 77 SUNSET STRIP, MAVERICK, McMILLAN & WIFE and others. His feature films include THE DAWN PATROL (his US debut), MINISTRY OF FEAR, WALK A CROOKED MILE, FROM THEEARTH TO THE MOON, CATMAN OF PARIS, HITLER, THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE, AGENT FOR H.A.R.M. and MY WICKED WICKED WAYS (a TV bio of Errol Flynn; his last film in 1985).

2004 goes on...

DOROTHY HART-(82)-was a supporting actress in several films in the late ‘40’s & ‘50’s. She was Jane in TARZAN’S SAVAGE FURY in 1952 (Lex Barker was Tarzan). She also appeared in GUNFIGHTERS, THE NAKED CITY, I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI and others. A former model from Cleveland, Ohio she later worked for The United Nations. She died July 11th of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

JIMMIE SKAGGS-(59)-character actor of TV and films, best known for his roles in the original PUPPETMASTER and GHOST TOWN. He had roles in LETHAL WEAPON, DRAGNET, PINK CADILLAC, CAGE, OBLIVION, CUTTHROAT ISLAND, GANG RELATED, OBLIVION 2, HOLLOW MAN and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. He died July 6th of lung cancer.

VIRGINIA GREY-(87)-began her career as a child actress as Eva in the 1927 version of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN. She was in many movies in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s including ANOTHER THIN MAN, THE BIG STORE (with The Marx Bros.), TARZAN’S NEW YORK ADVENTURE, HOUSE OF HORRORS (with Rondo Hatton), SWAMP FIRE (with Johnny Weissmulller & Buster Crabbe), Cecil B. DeMille’s UNCONQUERED, WHO KILLED DOC ROBBIN?, JUNGLE JIM, UNKNOWN ISLAND, MEXICAN HAYRIDE (with Abbott & Costello), TARGET:EARTH, THE ROSE TATTOO, ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, Sam Fuller’s THE NAKED KISS, AIRPORT and many others. She also appeared on many TV programs. She died July 31st of heart failure.

YUMIO WATANABE-(74)-Japanese actor in many films including LONE WOLF & CUB, THE STREETFIGHTER, BULLET TRAIN,TOKYO DEEP THROAT and others. He died Aug. 4th.

PETER WOODTHORPE-(72)-English actor of films and TV, he was the voice of “Gollum” in Ralph Bashki’s animated version of THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Other roles included EVIL OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE SKULL, THE BLUE MAX, THE MIRROR CRACK’D, THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. He was also a regular on the TV show INSPECTOR MORSE for several seasons. He died Aug. 12.

HUGH MANNING-(83)-was an English film actor who also appeared a number of times on THE AVENGERS TV show. Some of his movies include THE DAMBUSTERS, OUR MAN IN HAVANA, QUARTERMASTER & THE PIT, THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD and THE ELEPHANT MAN. He died Aug. 18th, one day shy of his 84th birthday.

DONALD PETRIE, SR.-(83)-8 time Emmy winning TV director originally from Canada who started his career on early TV’s STUDIO ONE. Other shows include WAY OUT!, GREAT GHOST TALES, THE DEFENDERS, EAST SIDE/WEST SIDE, IRONSIDE, MARCUS WELBY MD and others. Some of his movies include THE SPY WITH THE COLD NOSE, THE IDOL, HEC RAMSEY, THE NEPTUNE FACTOR, SYBIL, THE BETSY, FORT APACHE THE BRONX, SIX PACK, ROCKET GIBRALTAR, COCOON: THE RETURN and many others. Both his sons became directors. He died Aug. 23rd of cancer.

DAVID MYERS- (90)-was the cinematographer on THX-1138, George Lucas’ first movie. He also shot WOODSTOCK, Joe Cocker’s MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN, ELVIS ON TOUR, Neil Young’s JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST, RUST NEVER SLEEPS and HUMAN HIGHWAY, WATTSAX, THE MYSTERIOUS MONSTERS and others.

SUZANNE FARMER-was an actress who made numerous appearances in films in the 1930's (many uncredited). She may be familiar to horror fans as she co-starred in THE DEVIL BAT (1941) with Bela Lugosi. She was also in three classic 3 Stooges shorts: DISORDER IN THE COURT, YES, WE HAVE NO BONANZA and WHAT'S THE MATADOR?. Long since retired, she was the widow of actor Sidney Blackmer and was in the news in the 1980's when she fought being evicted from an apartment complex that Donald Trump wanted to buy. She died Aug. 27 of pneumonia.

SUSAN PERETZ-(59)-was an actress and acting coach. Some of her movies appearances included DOG DOG AFTERNOON, MELVIN & HOWARD, HONKY TONK MAN, SWING SHIFT, OH GOD,YOU DEVIL, POLTERGEIST 2, RETRIBUTION and LOOSE CANNONS. She died Aug. 27 of breast cancer.

WILLIAM PIERSON (78)-played "Marko The Mailman" in both the stage version and movie STALAG 17. He was a regular on the TV sit-com THREE'S COMPANY and also appeared in FUN WITH DICK & JANE and CORVETTE SUMMER. He died Aug. 27 of natural causes.

MICHAEL MILGROM-was a property master on many films and also appeared in some films including TWILIGHT ZONE:THE MOVIE, HEART LIKE A WHEEL, PROJECT X and THE POSTMAN. He was art director on the low budget SPECTRE OF EDGAR ALLEN POE.

CATLIN CLARKE-(52)-actress best known for her role in the sword & scorcery film DRAGONSLAYER. Some of her other films include CROCIDILE DUNDEE, PENN & TELLER GET KILLED, THE BIG PICTURE, JOE THE KING and NEVER AGAIN. She also appeared on TV. She died Sept. 9 of cancer.

KENNETH BUTTREY-(59)-was a session drummer who played with Dylan (JOHH WESLEY HARDIN), Neil Young (TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT), Jimmy Buffet (the song MARGERITTAVILLE) and many others. He also played in the bands "Area Code 615" and "Barefoot Jerry". He died Sept. 12 of cancer.

BRUCE PALMER-(58)-founding member of the Canadian rock band "Buffalo Springfield" with Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay in 1966.He played on their first two albums but due to a drug bust and problems with US imigration he quit the band and was replaced by Jim Messina (the band broke up soon after though). He released one solo album "The Cycle Is Complete" which also featured the recently deceased Rick James. He later played in some of Young's non-Crazy Horse bands including "Trans". He died Oct. 4 of a heart attack.

JANET LEIGH-(77)-American actress who will always be remembered best for her performence as the doomed Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO. Her shower death scene is one of the most famous scenes in film history. She co-starred with Frank Sinatra in the original version of THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (directed by John Frankenhiemer) and was Charlton Heston's wife in Orson Welles' TOUCH OF EVIL. She appeared in several films with her third husband Tony Curtis including HOUDINI, THE VIKINGS and THE BLACK SHIELD OF FALWORTH. Other movies include Anthony Mann's THE NAKED SPUR, Jack Webb's PETE KELLY'S BLUES, BYE BYE BIRDIE, HARPER, NIGHT OF THE LEPUS, John Carpenter's THE FOG (with daughter Jamie Lee Curtis) and HALLOWEEN H20 (also with Curtis).

RODNEY DANGERFIELD-(83)-self depreciating stand-up comic known for his signature line "I don't get no respect". Although he made his first TV appearance in 1948 (on Ed Sullivan's "Toast Of The Town") and made 70 appearances on "The Tonight Show" his career didn't take off until 1975 when he appeared several times on "Saturday Night Live". He was in Harry Hurwitz's seldon seen THE PROJECTIONIST in 1971 but later starred in the bigger budgeted mainstream films CADDYSHACK, EASY MONEY, BACK TO SCHOOL, the animated ROVER DANGERFIELD, LADYBUGS and MEET WALLY SPARKS. He was also featured in Oliver Stone's NATURAL BORN KILLERS as the father of Juliette Lewis' character (I've read his character was originally suppose to be played by Lawrence Tierney who was fired before filming started...). Dangerfield who's real name was Jack Cohen and was from Babylon, NY died Oct. 5 after open heart surgery.

RUSS MEYER-(82)-Trendsetting director/cinematographer who made the first "nudie" film to gross over a million dollars (the 3-D lensed THE IMMORTAL MR. TEAS in 1959). He went on to make many unique "adult" features, usually featuring cartoonish violence and volupuous woman. They include: LORNA, FANNY HILL, MUDHONEY, FASTER PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!, CABIN LAW CABIN, VIXEN!, BALCKSNAKE, SUPERVIXENS, UP, BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE SUPER VIXENS and two major studio releases: BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS and THE SEVEN MINUTES. He also started the film WHO KILLED BAMBI? starring The Sex Pistols but filming ceased after one day. It later evolved into THE GREAT ROCK AND ROLL SWINDLE. He died Sept. 18 of pneumonia.

JACQUES LEVY-(69)-from NYC, directed both the stage and film versions of the controversial OH! CALCUTTA. He also collaborated on songs with Bob Dylan (he was also assistant director on Dylan's RENALDO & CLARA), Roger McGuinn and others. He died Sept. 30 of cancer.

JULIUS HARRIS-Oct. 17-(81)-African-American actor in more than 70 films & TV programs. He was the villain “Tee Hee” in LIVE AND LET DIE. Other film appearances include BLACK CAESER, SUPERFLY, KING KONG (1976 version), FRIDAY FOSTER, SHAFT’S BIG SCORE, LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR, CRIMEWAVE, DARKMAN, MANIAC COP 3 and SHRUNKEN HEADS. On TV he was seen in RICH MAN,POOR MAN, THE BLUE AND THE GREY and many TV shows.

SHEILA KEITH-Oct. 14-(84)-English actress (born in Scotland) known for her memorable appearances in several horror films directed by Pete Walker: FRIGHTMARE, HOUSE OF WHIPCORD, HOUSE OF LONG SHADOWS, HOUSE OF MORTAL SIN (better known as THE CONFESSIONAL). She began her career on the London stage.

GIL MELLE-Oct. 28-(73)-Jazz baritone sax player and songwriter who composed the scores for many films including THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, KILLDOZER, THE SAVAGE IS LOOSE, EMBRYO, THE SENTINEL, STARSHIP INVASIONS and many others. He also wrote the themes to the TV shows NIGHT GALLERY, COLUMBO and THE NIGHT STALKER. Besides leading his own band, Melle was a painter and designed album covers for other jazz artists including Miles Davis & Sonny Rollins.

PEGGY RYAN-Oct.30-(80)-was an actress and dancer who was Donald O’Connor’s dancing partner in at least 12 movies in the 1940’s. She made her last movie in 1953 but seen frequently on the TV series HAWAII 5-0 from 1968-76 as Steve McGarrett’s secretary.

TERRY KNIGHT—Nov. 1-(61)-was the manager of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD in the 1970’s. He also produced their early hit albums. A dispute later led to the band dropping him. In the ‘60’s he lead the group “Terry And The Pack” (Leslie West was the guitar player). He was stabbed to death in Temple, Texas.

RUSTY ALLEN-Nov. 1-(60)-was the star of HG Lewis’ nudist film DAUGHTER OF THE SUN in 1962. She also starred in the 1965 exploitation movie THE SEXPERTS. She acted with Elvis in GIRL HAPPY and had a small role in the western BLACK SPURS.

MAE MADISON-Nov. 1-(89)-was an early talkies actress who made most of her film appearances in the 1930’s. They include several Busby Berkley musicals, SMART MONEY, THE MAD GENIUS with John Barrymore (and Boris Karloff), THE BIG STAMPEDE and SO BIG!.

ED KEMMER-Nov. 11 (may have died earlier)-(83)-was the star of the early sci-fi TV show SPACE PATROL (he starred in the radio version too). He starred in two favorite low budget ‘50’s sci-fi movies, Bert I. Gordon’s EARTH VS. THE SPIDER and Richard Cunha’s GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWN. He also appeared in 7 soap operas and many TV programs. Serving in WW2, his plane was shot down on D-Day and he was interred in the POW camp that was the basis for the film THE GREAT ESCAPE (Kemmer did escape once but was recaptured). He was awarded several metal including two battle stars and a Purple Heart.

2004 continued

JOHN SEELY-Apr. 23-(77)-was composer of numerous TV series including "The Donna Reed Show" and "Dennis The Menace". He composed the music for "Gumby" and "Davey & Goliath" (both created by Art Clokey) and the religious oriented "Insight". He also worked on many Warner Bros. cartoons and did the music for Robert Clarke's low budget wonder THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON.

ANTHONY AINLEY-May 3-(72)-British actor well known to Dr. Who fans as the second actor to play The Time Lord's ultimate arch nemesis "The Master" (the first actor Roger Delgado was killed in a car crash). He was also in the films INSPECTOR COUSTEAU, NAKED EVIL, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR, BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW, THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT and others. His father and brother were also actors.

ALAN KING-May 9-(77)-Funny but sometimes abrasive stand up comic who appeared on many variety shows including 93 times on "The Ed Sullivan Show". He acted in films (THE ANDERSON TAPES, JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, I, THE JURY and many others), produced some (WOLFEN, IVAN THE TERRIBLE) and wrote several books.

NEAL FREDERICKS-(35)-was the cinematographer on THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. He worked on many low budget films including LAUGHING DEAD and OUT OF SYNCH. He was killed in a plane crash while filming a movie near Key West, Florida on Aug. 16th.

EUGENE ROCHE-(75)-character actor who was in films & TV shows and movies and was familiar to TV audiences for his appearance as a dishwasher in an Ajax commercial in the 1970’s. He was a semi-regular on ALL IN THE FAMILY. Movies include: SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5, FOUL PLAY and OH GOD! YOU DEVIL. He died July 28th.

SAM EDWARDS-(89)-was a prolific TV actor who also found time to appear in nearly 40 films including:12 O’CLOCK HIGH, HELLO DOLLY, ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE. He died July 28th.

Laura Betti-(70)-Italian actress of over 70 films. He was in Fellini’s LA DOLCE VITA, Bava’s HATCHET FOR A HONEYMOON & TWIST OF THE DEATH NERVE, A MAN CALLED SLEDGE (directed by actor Vic Morrow), Pasolini’s THE CANTERBURY TALES and SALO, Bertolucci’s 1900 and others. She died July 31st. of a heart attack.

WILLIAM A. MITCHELL-was a food scientist and inventor for Generals Foods for over 35 years who invented “Pop Rocks”. He also held 70 patents. He died July 26 at the age of 92.

FRANK MAXWELL-(88)-was an actor in many TV shows (ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS, THE OUTER LIMITS, THE MUNSTERS, many others) and was a regular on the soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL from 1978-1990. Some of his movies include LONELYHEARTS, THE INTRUDER (with Johnny Cash as a psycho), Corman’s THE HAUNTED PALACE and THE WILD ANGELS, DAUGHTER OF THE MIND, MR. MAJESTYK and others. He also had regular roles on the TV shows THE FELONY SQUAD, THE SECOND HUNDRED YEARS and RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE. Originally from The Bronx, he died on Aug. 4.

DAVID RAKSIN-(90)-film composer who’s most famous composition was the theme from LAURA (1944). His other films: NIGHT KEY, SUEZ, MR. MOTO’S LAST WARNING, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE GORILLA, THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, DR. RENAULT’S SECRET, THE UNDYING MONSTER, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, the 1948 serial SUPERMAN, FORCE OF EVIL, SUDDENLY, THE BIG COMBO, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, THE ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU and many more. He wrote music for several TV shows including WAGON TRAIN. Originally from Philadelphia, Raksin died of heart failure on Aug. 9.

STANLEY SHPETNER-(79)- was the producer of the short lived GREEN HORNET TV show in 1966. He also served as producer on THE SIXTH SENSE TV series and several TV movies. He produced and wrote the films THE BONNIE PARKER STORY and THE LEGEND OF TOM DOOLEY. He died on June 22 of Parkinson’ s disease.

TOM ROWE-(82)-scripted the US/Japan Sci-Fi co-production THE GREEN SLIME. He died June 15th.

CHRIS ALCAIDE-(81)-character actor who was in tons of TV show episodes and some movies including Fritz Lang's THE BIG HEAT, Roger Corman's GUNSLINGER and CARNIVAL ROCK and DAY OF THE BAD MAN. He died of cancer June 30th.

NORIAKI YUASA-(70)-known as "The Father of Gamera", he directed Japan's biggest rival to Godzilla in 7 of it's first 8 movies (he was in charge of the SFX on the one he didn't direct). He made several other movies including UCHU KAIJU GAMERA in 1980 but worked mainly in TV after Daiei (Toho Studio's main rival) went belly up. He died in Japan on June 14th of a stroke.

ACQUANETTA-(83)-exotic B-movie actress who made 10 movies from 1942 to 1953. Best known to horror fans as the ape girl in CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN and JUNGLE WOMAN. She also appeared in DEAD MAN'S EYES (with Lon Chaney), TARZAN AND THE LEOPARD WOMAN (with Johnny Weissmuller) and THE LOST CONTINENT. She retired in the early '50's and made only one film appearance after that in 1980's THE LEGEND OF GRIZZLY SMITH. She was born in Wyoming to Native American parents but was raised by adoptive parents. She died of Alzhiemer's Disease on Aug. 16th.

ELMER BERNSTEIN-(82)-Film composer of over 250 scores starting in 1951. He wrote the music for two notorious low budget films in the '50's: CAT WOMAN OF THE MOON and ROBOT MONSTER, mostly because he was blacklisted for a short time. He also wrote the theme to TV's GUNSMOKE. Some of his most famous scores include THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, TRUE GRIT, ANIMAL HOUSE and many more. He won an Oscar for THROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and was nominated 14 times. He died on Aug. 18th after a lengthy illness.

GEORGE KIRGO-(78)-wrote for many TV shows including MARY TYLER MOORE, LOVE AMERICAN STYLE and GET CHRISTIE LOVE!. He co-wrote one of Howard Hawks last films RED LINE 7000 and Elvis' SPINOUT.

2004

I like to keep up on the passings of people who don't get much press. This is a compilation of obits I've collected for the last couple of years.



2004:

Paul Atkinson-(died April 1)-(age 58)-was the guitar player for THE ZOMBIES and played on their biggest hits: "She's Not There", "Tell Her No" and "Time of The Season". When the group originally split in '67, he became a music executive signing bands like ABBA, JUDAS PRIEST, MR. MISTER and PATTY SYMTH and later "discovering" BRUCE HORNSBY.He died in Californa of liver and kidney disease.



Niki Sullivan-(Apr. 6)-(66)-was the rhythm guitarist in "The Crickets" with Buddy Holly and played on such classic songs as "That'll Be The Day" and "Oh Boy". He left the group shortly before it's break-up and briefly recorded for Dot Records in 1958. He died in his sleep at his home in Missouri.



Joseph Zimmerman-(Apr. 1)-(92)-invented the first telephone answering machine in 1948! It used a 78 rpm record and recorded a 30 second message! He also held many other patents.



Rene Laloux-(Mar. 14)-(74)-was a French writer/director responsible for the incredible animated movie FANTASTIC PLANET (1973). He directed several other films and shorts but none had the international impact of FP.



On April 15th 2004 manga artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama died at age 69. Yokoyama was best known in North America for his creations Tetsujin 28 go (Gigantor) and Giant Robo. Earlier today Yokoyama's house caught fire, leading to his death at approximately 10:30pm Tokyo Time. He died at Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital. Information for the funeral service is pending. Yokoyama was born in 1934, in Kobe. He began writing manga in high school. In 1956, he began "Tetsujin 28 go" in Shonen Magazine. His life work, the 60 volume retelling of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, won the Manga Artists Association award in 1991.Other works by Yokoyama include Otenba Tenshi, Babel II, and Magical Witch Sally.



New York born screenwriter Nelson Gidding died on May 8th at the age of 85 of natural causes. A POW during WW 2 he later wrote screenplays for several films directed by Robert Wise: I WANT TO LIVE! (Oscar nominated), ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW, THE HINDENBURG, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN and the classic ghost story THE HAUNTING. Gidding started out in early TV on shows like "Inner Sanctum" and "Douglas Fairbanks Presents". Other films include THE HELEN MORGAN STORY, SKULLDUGGERY, Irwin Allen's BEYOND THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, THE MISFIT BRIGADE, JOURNEY OF HONOR and the idiotic THE MUMMY LIVES, his last in 1993.



HUBERT SELBY JR.-Apr. 26-(75)-wrote the novels "Last Exit To Brooklyn" and "Requiem For A Dream" after a stint in the Merchant Marines and drug addiction. Both books became successful cult favorites.



ALBERT PAULSEN-Apr. 25-(78)-was an Emmy winning actor who was seen on Broadway, movies and TV. He made numerous TV show apperances in the '60's, '70's and '80's ranging from THE MAN FROM UNCLE, COMBAT!, THE ODD COUPLE and the soap opera General Hospital. Movie appearance include CHE!, SEARCH FOR THE GODS, THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN and EYEWITNESS.



CONNIE CEZON-Mar. 26-(78)-was an actress best known for her appearances in several late period Three Stooges shorts including "Corny Casanovas". She was also in two episodes of THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW and had a re-occuring role on TV's PERRY MASON. Her last role was an uncredited bit in Jerry Lewis' THE ERRAND BOY (1961).

FRED KARLIN-Mar. 26-(67)-Composed music for 130 movies & TV movies and won an Academy Award for the song "For All We Know" which was a big hit for The Carpenters. He also wrote several highly reguarded books on movie music.

ROBERT BURNS-(57)-was art director on many horror films, most notably THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and RE-ANIMATOR. Other films include THE HILLS HAVE EYES, THE HOWLING, DON’T GO NEAR THE PARK, BLOOD SONG, MICROWAVE MASSACRE and PLAY DEAD. He died May 31.

NINO MANFREDI-(83)-was an Italian actor who made over 100 films in his native country. He also directed several. He died June 4th.

MILDRED VAN DORN-(94)-Early talkies actress who made a handful of films from 1929-34. She was in two shorts with Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, CLOSE RELATIONS and HOW’VE YOU BEEN? (Arbuckle’s entire talkie career consisted of only 6 short films!) and the seldom seen IRON MAN (with Jean Harlow; directed by Tod Browning. She appeared in other shorts directed by Mack Sennett and WILD COMPANY, an early talkie that featured Bela Lugosi. Originally from NYC, she died June 5th.

ALOHA PORTER (94)-played the devil in the 1935 version of DANTE’S INFERNO and some shorts directed by the above-mentioned Fatty Arbuckle. She died June 1st.

DONALD TRUMBULL-(95)-was a special effects artist who started his career working as a rigger on THE WIZARD OF OZ. He later did SFX on STAR WARS, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, LIFEFORCE and SPACEBALLS. He is the father of Douglas Trumbull. He died June 9th.

DANNY DARK-(65)-was a DJ who was the voice of Clark Kent/Superman on the ‘70’s cartoon series SUPERFRIENDS. He died June 15th.

ARTHUR KENNARD-(77)-was known as “The Spook Agent” in Hollywood as he represented Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr. He died on June 26th. Some of his other clients included Mary Astor, Raymond Burr and Sebastian Cabot.

BOB MURPHY-(79)-long time TV & radio announcer for The New York Mets died of cancer on Aug. 2nd. After stints in Boston and Baltimore, Murphy joined The Mets at their inception in 1962 and remained with them until last year when he retired due to illness.

FAY WRAY-(97)-Actress best known for her role as “Ann Darrow”, the woman terrorized by a giant ape in the original KING KONG. She made nearly 100 films beginning in 1923. Some her most famous include DOCTOR X (with Lionel Atwill), THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME (with her KK co-star Robert Armstrong), THE VAMPIRE BAT (again with Atwill and Dwight Frye), MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSECUM (with Atwill again!). She appeared on ‘50’s TV and had her last film role in 1958. She made one last isolated TV appearance in 1980’s GIDEON’S TRUMPET. Originally from Canada, she died on Aug. 7th in Manhattan where she lived for many years.

JERRY GOLDSMITH-(75)-well known film & TV composer who wrote his for score in 1948 (TV's STUDIO ONE) and went on to wrote over 300 scores! His film work included PLANET OF THE APES, PATTON, RIO LOBO, CHINATOWN, THE OMEN, ALIEN, GREMBLINS, RAMBO, several later STAR TREKs and many many more. His TV work included such classics as HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, THRILLER and THE MAN FROM UNCLE. Although nominated 17 times for Oscars he won only once (for THE OMEN). He had uncredited cameos in the movies GREMBLINS 1 & 2. He died July 21 of cancer.

ILLINOIS JACQUET-(81)-Blues/Jazz saxaphonist with nearly 300 compositions to his name. He had many hits in the '40's & '50's including "Black Velvet". He played with many "jazz giants" including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald. He's the subject of the 1994 film bio TEXAS TENOR. He died July 22 of a heart attack.

GEORGINE DARCY-(68)-was a dancer best known as "Miss Torso" in Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW. She also had roles in DON'T KNOCK THE TWIST and WOMEN AND BLOODY TERROR. Originally from Brooklyn she died on July 19 of natural causes.

IRVIN S. YEAWORTH JR.-(78)-was the director of the cult film classic THE BLOB. He also made THE 4-D MAN and DINOSAURUS (all three were produced by JACK H. HARRIS). He later made mainly religious shorts. He died in Jordan in a car accident