Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Great Shakespearian actor -- via the Guardian. One of the great voices in the theater, he played all the kings and many of the knaves. His Coriolanus is the best. (Talented family: his uncle Leslie Howard, and his uncle wrote "Whiskey Galore.")
Actress and singer -- via the L.A. Times. AKA Maria Castenada. She was in such classics as "Flying Down to Rio," "Mutiny on the Bounty," and "Fort Apache."
Singer and songwriter -- via TMZ. AKA Lesley Sue Goldstein. Her big hits were "It's My Party" and "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows," tha latter Marvin Hamlisch's first big hit. She worte some of the songs for the movie "Fame" as well.
Actor -- via Variety. AKA Louis Robert Gendre. The epitome of the dashing Frenchman on film and television, Jourdan actually had quite a good range as a performer. His film debut was derailed by World War II; he fought in the Resistance. He began as a juvenile lead, most notably in "Three Coins in the Fountain" and "Gigi"; he specialized in villains later in films such as "Octopussy" and "Swamp Thing."
Volunteer security guard -- via the Daily Forward. Thanks to his presence, the murder of 80 people celebrating a bat mitzvah by a lone terrorist was prevented.