Actor -- via the Miami Herald. The last of the classic Western film actors. Carey's namesake was a silent film cowboy who made a series of films with a young John Ford. (Carey Sr. is probably best remembered as President of the Senate in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.") Ford used him in 10 films; he appeared in 11 with John Wayne. His specialty was Westerns -- he also appeared in classics such as "Rio Bravo," "Red River," and "Pursued."
He was nearly always the freckled-faced kid -- the naive and excitable young man who saved the day or lost it impetuously. One could do much worse than play cowboy for a living!
NEW: I am afraid that the New York Times, in its obit, mischaracterizes him as a "sidekick" to John Wayne. He was not a companion in the sense of a Gabby Hayes; he was simply part of the so-called John Ford stock company. (P.S. John Wayne was not in "Wagon Master.") He could and did have a fine acting career that was not dependent on the Duke for its success.
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.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Gerry Anderson
Animator, puppeteer, producer -- via the Guardian. He created several key fantasy/adventure/sci-fi TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Thunderbirds," "Space: 1999," "UFO," "Fireball XL5," and "The Protectors."
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Book review: "How They Croaked"
How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous
Georgia Bragg, illus. Kevin O’Malley
Walker and Company, 2011
O death where is thy sting . . .and whence comes our
fascination with thee? Who knows. We are often drawn to the unknowable;
mysteries frustrate us.
As someone who has made a hobby of blogging obituaries of
the obscure but worthy, I can testify that studying death, dying, memory, and
reputation is a way of controlling and channeling the fearful impulses that range
around the prospect of demise.
Georgia Bragg’s first non-fiction title for children tackles
that very topic – introducing us to the deaths and postmortem fates of the
corpses of 19 historical figures. Bragg’s sardonic, informal prose keeps the
tone light, as do Kevin O’Malley’s gleefully grim illustrations. They allow
young readers to absorb the gruesome details with fascination without boring
them with technical talk.
“How They Croaked” is not just a book (extremely late)
celebrity gossip. Bragg succeeds in contextualizing each person in his or her
historical context; relates information about medicine and health in different
historic ages; includes useful sidebars on everything from “What to do with Old
Mummies,” “Cupping,” “Gout,” and “Cremation 101.”
Is this book too morbid for kids? Actually, it’s pitched
perfectly at them (I found it first at a school book fair), giving insights and
offering a friendly yet scientifically sound approach toward thanatology.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Ray Colllins
Original vocalist for the Mothers of Invention -- via Variety. He started off as a falsetto back-up singer for doo-wop groups. In 1964, he formed the Soul Giants with Zappa, Jimmy Carl Black, and Roy Estrada. They quickly became the Mothers. Roy sang lead on "Freak Out!", "Absolutely Free," and my personal fave, "Cruising with Ruben & the Jets." Zappa's comic focus rubbed Collins the wrong way and he split the band.
Jerri Bird aka Jerine Bettybea Newhouse Bird
Peace activist and facilitator -- via the Washington Post.
Charles Durning
Honored actor in film, on TV and on stage -- via the Washington Post. A former boxer, he survived both D-Day and the massacre at Malmedy in World War II. Greatest stage work includes "That Championship Season," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Death of a Salesman," and "Inherit the Wind." TV: "Evening Shade," "Rescue Me," "Attica," "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom." Film: "The Sting," "Home for the Holidays," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Tootsie," "The Muppet Movie," "Hudsucker Proxy."
Monday, December 24, 2012
Jack Klugman
Actor -- via the New York Times. A stronger precis than you might expect; he appeared in "Days of Wine and Roses," "12 Angry Men," and "Gypsy"; and he did his share of anthology television, including "Playhouse 90," "Kraft Television Theatre," and "Naked City"; and he tied Burgess Meredith for the most starring roles on "The Twilight Zone" (4). He will still be typed as TV's Oscar Madison on "The Odd Couple" and Quincy, M.E.
Frank Beardsley
Chief warrant officer; patriarch of large family noted in "Yours, Mine, and Ours" -- via the New York Times.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
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