Actor -- via the Guardian. AKA Audrey Steinberg. Simply put, he was in everything. Immediately recognizable, he usually played either extremely pleasant or rather suspicious people. Here's a bit of a partial list: "Clockwork Orange," "Love and Death," The Wicker Man," "Lifeforce," and an insane amount of television.
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.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
"Diamond" Dave Somerville
Lead singer of doo-wop greats The Diamonds -- via the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Trivia: He had a role on an episode of "Star Trek" (Matson in "The Conscience of the King," credited as "David-Troy") and co-wrote "(The Legend of) The Unknown Stuntman," which became the theme song for the TV series "The Fall Guy."
Somerville as Troy as Matson in "Star Trek." |
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
Michael Masser
Songwriter, composer, and producer -- via the Desert Sun . Wrote tons of hits, such as the "Theme from 'Mahogany'," "The Greatest Love of All," "Touch Me in the Morning," and such.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Richard Fire
Playwright, screenwriter, and actor; long-time member of Chicago's Organic Theater -- via Dignity Memorial. Co-wrote and -performed "Bleacher Bums" and "E/R," the latter of which morphed into the hit TV series. Also wrote "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer."
Roger Rees
Actor and director -- via the New York Times. Rose to fame as the title character in the epic RSC stage adaptation of Dickens's "Nicholas Nickleby," for which he also won a Tony. Also Tony-nominated for his direction of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Well-known in America for his roles on TV shows such as "Cheers" and "The West Wing." (Not to mention his cult-TV appearance in the one-season sci-fi/superhero drama "M.A.N.T.I.S.")
Jon Vickers
One of the great tenors of the 20th Century -- via the BBC. Essentially a heldentenor, and the most prominent one between Melchior and Heppner, Vickers's huge voice, presence, energy, and acting ability made him the go-to guy for Wagnerian opera in the second half of the century. (He refused to play Tannhauser on moral grounds.) Also a definitive Peter Grimes, and excellent in Verdi and others as well. Big, warm, sunny tone really expressed the character within. My first Enee in "Les Troyens," and still my favorite.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Roy C. Bennett
Songwriter -- via Billboard. AKA Israel Brodsky. With lifelong composing partner Sid Tepper, write such hits as "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" and "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane."
Omar Sharif
Actor -- via the BBC. AKA Michel Demetri Chalhoub. Best known for his work in classic films such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," "Monsieur Ibrahim," and "Juggernaut"; was not averse to comedy in "Top Secret!" Also a legendary bridge player.
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