Oscar-winning actor -- via the New York Times. His astonishing talent was never rewarded as fully as it should have been. He was blackballed for identifying studio bigwig David Begelman as a crook in 1977. Nonetheless, his work memorializes him. He had significant roles in "Picnic" and "The Naked and the Dead"; he played Joe Clay in the original TV broadcast of "Days of Wine and Roses." He was magnificent in "Underworld U.S.A.," "P.T. 109," "The Best Man," "Charly," "Three Days of the Condor," "The Pilot," and, finally, as Uncle Ben in the Raimi "Spiderman" trilogy. (On the corny side, he was "Rod Brown of the Rocket Rangers" in an early live-TV sci-fi show, and guest villain "Shame" in the 60's "Batman" TV show.) A talented guy with integrity -- a rare combo.
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.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Michael Hart
Creator of the ebook and founder of Project Gutenberg -- via arstechnica.com. He dreamed of making literature available, freely, electronically, to people around the world. Then he made the dream come true.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
George Kuchar
Avant-garde filmmaker -- via mubi.com. With his brother Mike, he created hundreds of wacky, fascinating lo-fi films.
Kante Manfila
Bandleader, guitarist and singer -- via the Independent. Best known as the leader of Les Ambassadeurs.
Martin Sperzel
Singer -- via newsfromme.com. Part of the inimitable Sportsmen Quartet, best known for their long stint on radio's "Jack Benny Show."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Eve Brent aka Eve Brent Ashe aka Jean Leiws aka Jean Ann Ewers
Film, TV and radio actress -- via the Hollywood Reporter.
Wardell Quezergue Sr. aka The Creole Beethoven
Composer, bandleader, producer and arranger -- via nola.com. He wrote "It Ain't My Fault" and "A Creole Mass"; he did the arrangements for hits such as "Mr. Big Stuff," "Iko Iko," "Big Chief" and "Chapel of Love"; he worked with Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Dr. John and B.B. King, among many others.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Salvatore Licitra
Tenor -- via the L.A. Times. Very sad -- the remarkable singer died at the age of 43 from injuries in street accident a few days ago. He rose to fame unexpectedly, most notably as a last-minute replacement for Pavarotti in a production of "Tosca" at the Met in 2002. A great voice, lost too soon.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Rod Garrett
Urban planner and landscape designer -- via the New York Times. He created Black Rock City, the temporary development that is created each year for the Burning Man festival.
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