Re: The high profile person recently died thread

[MikeInFla]

Former WWF(E) announcer Howard Finkel. Always loved his intros.


WWE is saddened to learn that Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69.
When considering the greatest ring announcers in the history of sports and sports-entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to name one better than Howard Finkel. A native of Newark, NJ, “The Fink” — a label that had been attached affectionately to Howard over the years — made his ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 for WWE’s predecessor, WWWF.
By 1979, Finkel was the full-time ring announcer for WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first — and eventually longest-serving — employee. Finkel’s distinctive voice was instantly recognizable, and for more than two decades Superstars such as The Ultimate Warrior, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and more would have a title victory marked by The Fink’s signature call, “and NNNEEEWWW World Champion!” 

[MikeInFla]

Veteran actor Brian Dennehy died Wednesday night from natural causes that were not coronavirus-related, his daughter announced Thursday. He was 81.
"Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends," Elizabeth Dennehy posted in a statement on Twitter.

[Black Rider]

Having all the people I grew up watching is sad. Of course he was in First Blood but I really liked him in Silverado and Never Cry Wolf.

[crucifyd]

Mike Curtis, first defensive captain of Seattle Seahawks, dies at 77
https://komonews.com/sports/seahawks/mike-curtis-first-defensive-captain-of-seattle-seahawks-dies-at-77

[MikeInFla]

Tom Lester -- best known for playing Eb Dawson on the '60s sitcom "Green Acres" -- has died of complications from Parkinson's Disease ... TMZ has learned.

We're told the longtime actor died Monday morning in Nashville at the home of his fiancee and longtime caregiver, Jackie

After moving to Hollywood from Mississippi in the mid-60s, he began acting in plays and soon landed an audition for the Eb character on "Green Acres." He beat out 400 other actors for the part, as the story goes, because he was the only one who could milk a cow in real life thanks to his farming background.

Along with starring as the young farmhand on the show for all 6 seasons, Lester appeared on its sister series "Petticoat Junction" and also had a few crossover guest spots as Eb on "The Beverly Hillbillies."

After "Green Acres" ... Tom went on to land supporting roles in 2 popular animal movies -- "Benji" in 1974 and "Gordy" way later in 1994. He also had a guest spot on "Knight Rider" in the '80s.

Lester's last acting credit's for a 2014 comedy called "Campin' Buddies."

He was the last surviving regular cast member of "Green Acres."

Tom was 81.

[MikeInFla]

Don Shula, the longtime Miami Dolphins coach and architect of the only perfect season in NFL history, died at his South Florida home Monday morning, according to the team.
"Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years," the team said in a statement. "He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene."
The 90-year-old is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, and children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike.
Though he spent several seasons in the NFL as a player -- for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins -- and served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and head coach of the Colts, he is best known for his quarter century at the helm of the Miami Dolphins.

[MikeInFla]

Brian Howe, the singer who fronted the British rock supergroup Bad Company for eight years, has died aged 66. He had a heart attack at his Florida home.
Howe’s manager Paul Easton said: “It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon.”
After Rodgers left to form another supergroup with Jimmy Page, the Firm, Bad Company recruited Howe in 1986, and he went on to perform on four subsequent albums.
The band was at a low ebb when Howe joined, having fallen from their peak 70s popularity with platinum-selling albums such as their self-titled debut, Straight Shooter, and Run With the Pack. But after helping to steer them away from the poppier sound of flop album Fame and Fortune, he returned them to success with 1990’s Holy Water, another platinum-seller in the US.

[Black Rider]

Shula is one of the last of that classic era of NFL. 
I enjoy the Brian Howe years of Bad Company. Sad to hear he's gone.

[oldschooldoom]

Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy dies at 75 from COVID-19 complications

https://www.today.com/popculture/roy-horn-siegfried-roy-dies-75-covid-19-complications-t181196?cid=sm_npd_td_fb_ma

[alldatndensum]

Brian Howe, the singer who fronted the British rock supergroup Bad Company for eight years, has died aged 66. He had a heart attack at his Florida home.
Howe’s manager Paul Easton said: “It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon.”
After Rodgers left to form another supergroup with Jimmy Page, the Firm, Bad Company recruited Howe in 1986, and he went on to perform on four subsequent albums.
The band was at a low ebb when Howe joined, having fallen from their peak 70s popularity with platinum-selling albums such as their self-titled debut, Straight Shooter, and Run With the Pack. But after helping to steer them away from the poppier sound of flop album Fame and Fortune, he returned them to success with 1990’s Holy Water, another platinum-seller in the US.

While many would disagree, this is THE era of Bad Company to listen to.  I loved the albums with Howe.  I saw them and Damn Yankees in a dual headlining show at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville many years ago.  The show had the best sound I have ever heard, and the crowd actually SAT to watch the show.  It was awesome.  I am so saddened to hear of Howe' passing.

[alldatndensum]

Not a great week for music.  Today, Little Richard has died at age 87 at his home here in Tennessee.

https://www.tmz.com/2020/05/09/little-richard-dead-died-87-rock-music/

[MikeInFla]

I love all eras of Bad Co. But the only one I ever saw in concert was the Brian Howe version and they were awesome. I saw them on every tour they did with Brian for a total of 5 or 6 times. 

And RIP Little Richard. 

[MikeInFla]

Funny man Jerry Stiller passed away at age 92.

here is one of my favorite clips


Jerry Stiller, the shorter half of the famed husband-and-wife comedy team Stiller & Meara who was the father of the famous (Ben Stiller) and the fictitious (Seinfeld nebbish George Costanza), has died. He was 92. 
"I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes," Ben Stiller tweeted. "He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad."
Stiller played another dad, the basement-dwelling Arthur Spooner, on the long-running CBS sitcom The King of Queens.

[Staybrite]

I loved Jerry Stiller on King of Queens.  He made Kevin James funnier than he is alone.  Talented actor, the world is a sadder place without him.

[oldschooldoom]

Fred Willard, Master of Comic Cluelessness, Dies at 86

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fred-willard-dead-fernwood-2-night-everybody-loves-raymond-waiting-huffman-actor-was-86-1129655

[oldschooldoom]

Ken Osmond, ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Star Who Played Eddie Haskell, Dies at 76

https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-osmond-dead-leave-it-to-beaver-eddie-haskell-dies-actor-1234609639/

[MikeInFla]

Ken Osmond, ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Star Who Played Eddie Haskell, Dies at 76

https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-osmond-dead-leave-it-to-beaver-eddie-haskell-dies-actor-1234609639/

Oh man, one of my all time favorite shows. I have his autobiography "Eddie" and it is a pretty good read detailing his life on the show and after. I'll have to read it again. That just leaves Jerry and Tony now.

[MikeInFla]

I always enjoyed seeing him on other shows. He always played the same kind of character. When he was college age he appeared in The Munsters and as a dare went into the house. (Could not find a clip). I also remember him on Happy Days.

[Hidgxx]

Phil May  75 lead vocalist of Pretty Things, died a few days ago

[MikeInFla]

Days after WWE wrestling star Shad Gaspard went missing in waters off Venice Beach, officials say a body has been found in the area, but they have not confirmed the identity of the deceased.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the area near Lifeguard Tower 26 at Venice Beach at about 1:46 a.m. Wednesday after being contacted by LAPD, the fire department said.

The body was found between Venice Beach pier and the lifeguard headquarters, and there were no signs of foul play. No information on the body’s sex, age or race has been revealed.

Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Titus Tyler said: “At this stage, because of sensitivity, I don’t want to disclose that.”

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County lifeguards said on Twitter that the body matches the description of Gaspard.

A post reads: “#PierIC at 2:19AM @lacolifeguards @LACOFD @LAPDHQ respond to #VenicePier to a report of a body along the shoreline that matches the description of Sunday’s missing swimmer. Crews on-scene extricate from the water and transfer to @lacountymec”

[Athanasius]

Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias died Tuesday.

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/ravi-zacharias-death-cancer-rzim-apologist.html

[oldschooldoom]

Richard Herd, ‘Seinfeld’ Actor Who Played Mr. Wilhelm, Dies at 87 from cancer

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/richard-herd-seinfeld-actor-who-played-mr-wilhelm-dies-at-87/ar-BB14CTEX

[MikeInFla]

Guitarist Bob Kulick passes away at age 70.

Guitarist Bob Kulick, who recorded and toured with artists such as Kiss, Meat Loaf and Lou Reed, has reportedly died at the age of 70.
His brother Bruce revealed the news on Facebook.
"I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick," Bruce wrote. "His love of music, and his talent as a musician and producer should always be celebrated. I know he is at peace now, with my parents, playing his guitar as loud as possible. Please respect the Kulick Family’s privacy during this very sad time."

[oldschooldoom]

Anthony James, Actor in 'Unforgiven' and 'In the Heat of the Night,' Dies at 77 of cancer

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/anthony-james-actor-in-unforgiven-and-in-the-heat-of-the-night-dies-at-77/ar-BB14Jnfs?li=BBnb2gj

[oldschooldoom]

Second on the left in the picture below, very sad to hear that J.R. Smalling passed away on June 1, 2020.
J.R. played a major part in KISS' rise to success and will forever be immortalized as the man who created the famous concert intro, "You wanted the best, and you got it. The hottest band in the land, KISS!"

http://bravewords.com/news/kiss-original-road-manager-j-r-smalling-passes

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