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.
Critic, publisher, editor, and arts advocate -- via the New York Times. AKA Edit Deak. This obit by William Grimes is a model. It is clear, concise and comprehensive; beyond that, it is evocative, a short story in and of itself. The best obituarists summon up spirits, emitting poetry on deadline.
Journalist; one of the New York legends who was everywhere and covered everything -- via the New York Times. A quintessential newshound. He was one of those guys who, if you were on his beat and who wasn't, was always up your ass, as it were -- a priceless quality in a journalist but not so much fun for others to be around, as I've observed in the trade. He started in newspapers, of course, then moved into radio. He was perhaps the first TV reporter in New York City. He covered the Andrea Doria, for heaven's sake (1956), Woodstock, the big 1965 blackout, and on and on. He was smart as a whip, he wrote his own stuff, he made his own award-winning documentaries. He could interview and moderate. He innovated, he did tough stories, and most importantly, he believed in what he was doing and he pursued it ardently. He was a force for good.
Master of xiangsheng, or comic "crosstalk" -- via CGTN. The comedian was part of a comic wordplay tradition unique to China, and essentially untranslatable -- the closest analog in English would be Abbott and Costello-type routines.
Comedian, comedy writer, actor, screenwriter, and archivist -- via Business Wire. AKA William Szathmary. Best remembered for his many appearances as "Jose Jimenez." He started off at the bottom -- working East Coast clubs right after WWII as a double act with Gene Wood. He really made it as a writer, graduating up to "The Steve Allen Show" (the ur-"Tonight" show), where he created his memorable persona Jose Jimenez in 1959. This character was wildly popular for years; Dana substantially stopped doing it in 1970 out of respect for cultural sensitivities. He wrote one of the best episodes of "All in the Family," "Sammy's Visit." Later in life, he helped assemble the American Comedy Archives -- interviews with key comedy figures.
Oscar-winning director ("Rocky'') -- via the L.A. Times. Overlooked due to his inconsistently profitable output, nonetheless he made some great films, including "Save the Tiger" and the original "Karate Kid" franchise.
