Pierce, who grew up in Arkansas and made his films mostly in that state, died Friday at a Dover nursing home, according to Wayne Anglin of Anglin Funeral Home at Dover. A cause of death could not be obtained.
Pierce was born in Hammond, Ind., but moved to southwest Arkansas with his family as a child, according to a daughter, Amanda "Amy" Squitiero. He grew up in Hampton, Ark., and as an adult lived in nearby Texarkana, where he ran an advertising agency. But it was his 1972 low-budget movie that gained him fame.
"He really did change the face of filmmaking," Arkansas Film Commissioner Christopher Crane told the Texarkana Gazette. "With his model, many filmmakers became successful with the drive-in creature feature, so to speak."
The director of the 1999 box-office docudrama "The Blair Witch Project," Daniel Myrick, cited Pierce's film as an influence in an interview with the Tulsa World.
"We just wanted to make a movie that tapped into the primal fear generated by the fact-or -fiction format, like 'Legend of Boggy Creek,'" he told the newspaper in 1999. "That was one of my favorites; it freaked me out when I was a little kid. I was beside myself with fear for weeks after seeing that thing."
"Boggy Creek" was based on a local legend of a Sasquatch-like creature in Fouke, a town southwest of Texarkana, where retailers still capitalize on the fame of what was called the Fouke Monster.
Squitiero said her father's autobiographical notes indicate "Legend of Boggy Creek" was made for $160,000 but ultimately made $25 million after it became a cult hit.
Director and producer Harry Thomason, whose credits include the TV sitcom "Designing Women," grew up next door to Pierce in Hampton.
"Charlie was one of the greatest storytellers in the world," Thomason said. "He had remarkable success when you think of it."
Thomason also praised "Bootleggers," Pierce's follow-up film, as "a very intelligent script with great acting."
Pierce's additional directing credits include "The Town That Dreaded Sundown," "Winterhawk," "The Winds of Autumn," "Grayeagle," "The Norseman," "The Evictors" and "Sacred Ground."
He was also a screenwriter for the 1983 film "Sudden Impact," starring Clint Eastwood.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gq2DZRkOkBQ7xwnsM7RdriRdQUlwD9E9GQ5G0
August 05, 1922 - February 20, 2010
Born 87 years ago in New York, Sandy Kenyon passed away peacefully at his
home on February 20, 2010. After serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corp in
WWII, Sandy moved back to New York to pursue his career in acting, finally
moving to Los Angeles in the 1950's.
Sandy will always be remembered for his passion as an actor and director. He
will live on forever in the memories of his family and friends, his theater
company and the hundreds of movies, television programs and stage plays he
was a part of.
Sandy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charlotte Blaugrund Kenyon. He is
survived by his step-daughter, Janie Short and her children, Ben & Lindsey
of Fort Smith, AR., and his step-son Stewart Given and his wife, Susan
Levitt Given of Santa Monica. Memorial services will be a family gathering
at sea.
Redbone singer and guitarist Lolly Vegas dies at 70
March 5, 2010 4:46 pm
Lolly Vegas, 70, the lead singer and guitarist for Redbone, a Native
American rock band that had a million-selling hit in 1974 with the
bouncy "Come and Get Your Love," died in his sleep Thursday at his home
in Reseda.
He had lung cancer and had been in poor health since suffering a stroke
15 years ago, said the band's manager, Michael Stone.
Redbone rode the tight, driving style of "Come and Get Your Love" to No.
5 on Billboard's pop singles chart, but most of the band's songs had
less of a dance feel and more of a swamp-rock sound. The band first
gained notice with "Maggie" in 1970 and "The Witch Queen of New Orleans"
in 1971.
In concert, Redbone often dressed in traditional Native American attire,
and some of the group's songs, including "We Were All Wounded at Wounded
Knee," emphasized the members' Indian background.
Vegas was born Oct. 2, 1939, in Coalinga, Calif., and grew up in Fresno.
He and his brother Pat, a singer and bassist, were session musicians who
performed together as Pat and Lolly Vegas in the 1960s at Sunset Strip
clubs and on the TV variety show "Shindig!"
The brothers also were prolific songwriters whose "Niki Hoeky" was
covered by Aretha Franklin, Bobbie Gentry and P.J. Proby.
In addition to his brother Pat, Vegas is survived by his wife, Risa; his
mother, Eloise Vasquez; two other brothers, Ramon and Rudy; and three
sisters, Linda, Marie and Theresa.
A viewing is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Lorenzen
Mortuary, 19300 Sherman Way, Reseda. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, with a benediction planned at 7:30 p.m. at Lorenzen
Mortuary.
The funeral will be held March 18 at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L St.,
Fresno.
--Claire Noland
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