I recognized the name have seen him in a number of shows. I particularly remember him in The Sharpe serious with Sean Bean.
The Rest In Peace & Remembrance Thread #2
- Thread starter sandersidle
- Start date
I recognized the name have seen him in a number of shows. I particularly remember him in The Sharpe serious with Sean Bean.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
'Honey West,' 'Forbidden Planet' Star Dies At 80
BOB THOMAS, Associated Press
3:48 pm CST January 3, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- Actress Anne Francis, who was the love interest in the 1950s science-fiction classic "Forbidden Planet" and later was sexy private eye in "Honey West" on TV, has died at age 80.
Francis died Sunday at a Santa Barbara nursing home, said Bill Guntle, a funeral director McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary in Santa Barbara.
Francis, who had surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, died of complications of pancreatic cancer, her daughter, Jane Uemura, told the Los Angeles Times.
Francis, a stunningly beautiful blonde with a prominent beauty mark, appeared opposite such stars as Spencer Tracy, Paul Newman, Robert Taylor and Glenn Ford in some of the most popular films of the 1950s. But "Forbidden Planet" and "Honey West" made her reputation.
"Forbidden Planet" was hailed in Leonard Maltin's "2006 Movie Guide" as "one of the most ambitious and intelligent films of its genre."
A science-fiction retelling of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," the 1956 film had Leslie Nielsen and other space travelers visiting a planet where expatriate scientist Walter Pidgeon, his daughter (Francis) and their helper, Robby the Robot, built a settlement.
Before filming began, the actors held a meeting and agreed "to be as serious about this film as we could be," Francis said in a 1999 interview.
"We could have hammed it up, but we wanted to be as sincere as we could," she said.
In "Honey West," which aired from 1965 to 1966, Francis' private detective character - who kept a pet ocelot, a wildcat - was a female James Bond: sexy, stylish and as good with martial arts as she was with a gun.
She was nominated for an Emmy for the role, which lasted 30 episodes.
"A lot of people speak to me about Honey West," Francis recalled. "The character made young women think there was more they could reach for. It encouraged a lot of people."
After a childhood career in New York radio and television and on the Broadway stage, Francis arrived in Hollywood when she landed a movie contract at MGM. She later went to 20th Century-Fox, then returned to MGM, and the two big studios afforded her the chance to act opposite the biggest male stars of the day.
In "Blackboard Jungle," the landmark 1955 film about an idealistic teacher (Ford) in a violent city school, Francis played his pregnant wife who is targeted for harassment by one of his students.
Among her other films: "Bad Day at Black Rock" with Tracy and Robert Ryan, "Rogue Cop" with Taylor, "The Rack" with Newman, "A Lion Is in the Streets" with James Cagney, and "Hook, Line and Sinker" opposite Jerry Lewis.
When her movie career declined, Francis became active in television, appearing in dozens of series, including "Mission Impossible," ''The Virginian," ''My Three Sons," ''Ironside," ''Gunsmoke," ''The Twilight Zone," ''Charlie's Angels," ''The Golden Girls," ''Home Improvement" and "Nash Bridges."
Her name was Ann Marvak when she was born Sept. 16, 1930, in Ossining, N.Y.
By age 5 she was working as a model, and by 11 she was appearing on daytime radio serials, winning the nickname the Little Queen of Soap Operas. She also had some small roles on Broadway.
After her first MGM contract, during which she attended studio school with Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Powell and Natalie Wood, she returned to New York. There, she took part in television's Golden Age, acting in such acclaimed dramatic series as "Studio One" and "U.S. Steel Hour" before returning to Hollywood.
Francis' early marriage to actor Bam Price ended in divorce.
In addition to Jane, Francis and her second husband, Robert Abeloff, had another daughter, Maggie, before divorcing. She also is survived by a grandson.
BOB THOMAS, Associated Press
3:48 pm CST January 3, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- Actress Anne Francis, who was the love interest in the 1950s science-fiction classic "Forbidden Planet" and later was sexy private eye in "Honey West" on TV, has died at age 80.
Francis died Sunday at a Santa Barbara nursing home, said Bill Guntle, a funeral director McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary in Santa Barbara.
Francis, who had surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, died of complications of pancreatic cancer, her daughter, Jane Uemura, told the Los Angeles Times.
Francis, a stunningly beautiful blonde with a prominent beauty mark, appeared opposite such stars as Spencer Tracy, Paul Newman, Robert Taylor and Glenn Ford in some of the most popular films of the 1950s. But "Forbidden Planet" and "Honey West" made her reputation.
"Forbidden Planet" was hailed in Leonard Maltin's "2006 Movie Guide" as "one of the most ambitious and intelligent films of its genre."
A science-fiction retelling of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," the 1956 film had Leslie Nielsen and other space travelers visiting a planet where expatriate scientist Walter Pidgeon, his daughter (Francis) and their helper, Robby the Robot, built a settlement.
Before filming began, the actors held a meeting and agreed "to be as serious about this film as we could be," Francis said in a 1999 interview.
"We could have hammed it up, but we wanted to be as sincere as we could," she said.
In "Honey West," which aired from 1965 to 1966, Francis' private detective character - who kept a pet ocelot, a wildcat - was a female James Bond: sexy, stylish and as good with martial arts as she was with a gun.
She was nominated for an Emmy for the role, which lasted 30 episodes.
"A lot of people speak to me about Honey West," Francis recalled. "The character made young women think there was more they could reach for. It encouraged a lot of people."
After a childhood career in New York radio and television and on the Broadway stage, Francis arrived in Hollywood when she landed a movie contract at MGM. She later went to 20th Century-Fox, then returned to MGM, and the two big studios afforded her the chance to act opposite the biggest male stars of the day.
In "Blackboard Jungle," the landmark 1955 film about an idealistic teacher (Ford) in a violent city school, Francis played his pregnant wife who is targeted for harassment by one of his students.
Among her other films: "Bad Day at Black Rock" with Tracy and Robert Ryan, "Rogue Cop" with Taylor, "The Rack" with Newman, "A Lion Is in the Streets" with James Cagney, and "Hook, Line and Sinker" opposite Jerry Lewis.
When her movie career declined, Francis became active in television, appearing in dozens of series, including "Mission Impossible," ''The Virginian," ''My Three Sons," ''Ironside," ''Gunsmoke," ''The Twilight Zone," ''Charlie's Angels," ''The Golden Girls," ''Home Improvement" and "Nash Bridges."
Her name was Ann Marvak when she was born Sept. 16, 1930, in Ossining, N.Y.
By age 5 she was working as a model, and by 11 she was appearing on daytime radio serials, winning the nickname the Little Queen of Soap Operas. She also had some small roles on Broadway.
After her first MGM contract, during which she attended studio school with Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Powell and Natalie Wood, she returned to New York. There, she took part in television's Golden Age, acting in such acclaimed dramatic series as "Studio One" and "U.S. Steel Hour" before returning to Hollywood.
Francis' early marriage to actor Bam Price ended in divorce.
In addition to Jane, Francis and her second husband, Robert Abeloff, had another daughter, Maggie, before divorcing. She also is survived by a grandson.
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
I loved her, she was a sparkling, beautiful gal and a great actress. I was so young, but do remember watching her with awe may she RIP!
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Old man 'Seinfeld' actor Bill Erwin dies at 96
Jan 4, 1:39 PM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Character actor Bill Erwin, whose nearly seven-decade Hollywood career included his memorable role as the grumpy old man on television's "Seinfeld," has died. He was 96.
Erwin, also known for his role as Arthur the bellman in the 1980 fantasy film "Somewhere in Time," died the morning of Dec. 29 at his home in suburban Los Angeles' Studio City, his son Mike Erwin said Tuesday from his Jacksonville, Ore., home.
He died of age-related causes, his son said.
"He just ran out of gas," Mike Erwin said. "He was happy to the end."
Erwin's death was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Erwin's Hollywood career dates back to 1941, when he appeared in the movie "You're in the Army Now." His scores of credits include roles on "The Twilight Zone,""Gunsmoke,""Perry Mason,""The Golden Girls,""Growing Pains,""Wagon Train,""The Rifleman,""The Jeff Foxworthy Show,""Who's the Boss?" and "My Name is Earl."
But his old man character Sid Fields on "Seinfeld," which got him an Emmy nomination in 1993, is perhaps his most memorable role.
Erwin studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and performed in stage productions around Los Angeles through the decades. He also dabbled as a cartoonist and his work was published in The New Yorker, Playboy and Los Angeles magazine.
Besides his son Mike, Erwin is survived by son Timothy Erwin, and daughters Lindsey Thomas Erwin and Kelly Erwin, all of Los Angeles; and his sister Mary Gene Cosper in San Angelo, Texas.
Plans for a public memorial service in Los Angeles were incomplete.
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Gerry Rafferty, singer of "Baker Street", is dead
Tuesday, January 04, 2011, 3:45 PM
Plain Dealer staff By Plain Dealer staff
Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish pop singer who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Baker Street" and "Stuck in the Middle With You," has died in London of complications from liver failure, according to news reports. He was 63.
"Baker Street," released in 1978, was perhaps his biggest hit. But he also is remembered for "Stuck in the Middle With You," released in 1972 by his band Steelers Wheel. That song enjoyed a revival in 1992 when Quentin Tarantino used it on the soundtrack to hit film Reservoir Dogs.
Jan 4, 1:39 PM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Character actor Bill Erwin, whose nearly seven-decade Hollywood career included his memorable role as the grumpy old man on television's "Seinfeld," has died. He was 96.
Erwin, also known for his role as Arthur the bellman in the 1980 fantasy film "Somewhere in Time," died the morning of Dec. 29 at his home in suburban Los Angeles' Studio City, his son Mike Erwin said Tuesday from his Jacksonville, Ore., home.
He died of age-related causes, his son said.
"He just ran out of gas," Mike Erwin said. "He was happy to the end."
Erwin's death was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Erwin's Hollywood career dates back to 1941, when he appeared in the movie "You're in the Army Now." His scores of credits include roles on "The Twilight Zone,""Gunsmoke,""Perry Mason,""The Golden Girls,""Growing Pains,""Wagon Train,""The Rifleman,""The Jeff Foxworthy Show,""Who's the Boss?" and "My Name is Earl."
But his old man character Sid Fields on "Seinfeld," which got him an Emmy nomination in 1993, is perhaps his most memorable role.
Erwin studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and performed in stage productions around Los Angeles through the decades. He also dabbled as a cartoonist and his work was published in The New Yorker, Playboy and Los Angeles magazine.
Besides his son Mike, Erwin is survived by son Timothy Erwin, and daughters Lindsey Thomas Erwin and Kelly Erwin, all of Los Angeles; and his sister Mary Gene Cosper in San Angelo, Texas.
Plans for a public memorial service in Los Angeles were incomplete.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Gerry Rafferty, singer of "Baker Street", is dead
Tuesday, January 04, 2011, 3:45 PM
Plain Dealer staff By Plain Dealer staff
Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish pop singer who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Baker Street" and "Stuck in the Middle With You," has died in London of complications from liver failure, according to news reports. He was 63.
"Baker Street," released in 1978, was perhaps his biggest hit. But he also is remembered for "Stuck in the Middle With You," released in 1972 by his band Steelers Wheel. That song enjoyed a revival in 1992 when Quentin Tarantino used it on the soundtrack to hit film Reservoir Dogs.
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Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
'Bullitt' director Peter Yates dies at 81
Jan 10, 2:02 PM (ET)
By JILL LAWLESS
LONDON (AP) - British filmmaker Peter Yates, who sent Steve McQueen screeching through the streets of San Francisco in a Ford Mustang in "Bullitt," has died at the age of 81.
Yates was nominated for four Academy Awards - two as director and two as producer - for the cycling tale "Breaking Away" and the backstage drama "The Dresser."
A graduate of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Yates directed stage greats including "Dresser" star Albert Finney and Maggie Smith as well as creating one of the film world's most memorable action sequences - the much-imitated car chase in the 1968 police thriller "Bullitt."
A statement from Yates' agent, Judy Daish, said he died Sunday in London after an illness.
Born in Aldershot, southern England in 1929, Yates trained as an actor, performed in repertory theater and did a stint as a race-car driver before moving into film. He began as an editor and then became an assistant director on films including Tony Richardson's "A Taste of Honey" and J. Lee Thompson's "The Guns of Navarone."
His first film as a director was the frothy 1963 musical "Summer Holiday" starring Cliff Richard - a singer billed, optimistically, as the "British Elvis."
Yates also directed "Robbery," based on the real 1963 heist known as the "Great Train Robbery," which marked him as a talented director of action sequences.
He then went to Hollywood for "Bullitt," and went on to make well-received films including the war thriller "Murphy's War," with Peter O'Toole, and the tense crime drama "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" starring Robert Mitchum.
Nothing if not varied, his 1970s movies included crass comedy "Mother, Jugs and Speed," starring Bill Cosby and Raquel Welch, and the critically derided but commercially successful undersea thriller "The Deep."
In 1979, Yates hit another creative high with "Breaking Away," a deft coming-of-age story about a cycling-mad teenager in small-town Indiana. It was nominated for five Oscars, including best director and best picture - giving Yates two nominations, as he was also a producer on the film.
Yates received two more nominations for "The Dresser," a 1983 adaptation of Ronald Harwood's play about an aging actor and his assistant, which he directed and co-produced.
In recent years Yates had worked mostly in television. His last theatrical feature was 1999's "Curtain Call," which starred Michael Caine and Smith as a pair of theatrical ghosts.
Yates is survived by his wife, Virginia Pope, a son and a daughter.
Monday's statement said a private family funeral would be held.
Jan 10, 2:02 PM (ET)
By JILL LAWLESS
LONDON (AP) - British filmmaker Peter Yates, who sent Steve McQueen screeching through the streets of San Francisco in a Ford Mustang in "Bullitt," has died at the age of 81.
Yates was nominated for four Academy Awards - two as director and two as producer - for the cycling tale "Breaking Away" and the backstage drama "The Dresser."
A graduate of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Yates directed stage greats including "Dresser" star Albert Finney and Maggie Smith as well as creating one of the film world's most memorable action sequences - the much-imitated car chase in the 1968 police thriller "Bullitt."
A statement from Yates' agent, Judy Daish, said he died Sunday in London after an illness.
Born in Aldershot, southern England in 1929, Yates trained as an actor, performed in repertory theater and did a stint as a race-car driver before moving into film. He began as an editor and then became an assistant director on films including Tony Richardson's "A Taste of Honey" and J. Lee Thompson's "The Guns of Navarone."
His first film as a director was the frothy 1963 musical "Summer Holiday" starring Cliff Richard - a singer billed, optimistically, as the "British Elvis."
Yates also directed "Robbery," based on the real 1963 heist known as the "Great Train Robbery," which marked him as a talented director of action sequences.
He then went to Hollywood for "Bullitt," and went on to make well-received films including the war thriller "Murphy's War," with Peter O'Toole, and the tense crime drama "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" starring Robert Mitchum.
Nothing if not varied, his 1970s movies included crass comedy "Mother, Jugs and Speed," starring Bill Cosby and Raquel Welch, and the critically derided but commercially successful undersea thriller "The Deep."
In 1979, Yates hit another creative high with "Breaking Away," a deft coming-of-age story about a cycling-mad teenager in small-town Indiana. It was nominated for five Oscars, including best director and best picture - giving Yates two nominations, as he was also a producer on the film.
Yates received two more nominations for "The Dresser," a 1983 adaptation of Ronald Harwood's play about an aging actor and his assistant, which he directed and co-produced.
In recent years Yates had worked mostly in television. His last theatrical feature was 1999's "Curtain Call," which starred Michael Caine and Smith as a pair of theatrical ghosts.
Yates is survived by his wife, Virginia Pope, a son and a daughter.
Monday's statement said a private family funeral would be held.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Actor David Nelson of famous TV family dies at 74
Jan 12, 2:36 AM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - David Nelson, who starred on his parents' popular television show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," died Tuesday, a family spokesman said. He was 74.
Nelson died at his home in the Century City area of Los Angeles after battling complications of colon cancer, said family spokesman and longtime Hollywood publicist Dale Olson.
Nelson was the last remaining member of the Nelsons TV family, which included actor/bandleader Ozzie, his singer wife, Harriet Hilliard and his teen idol brother Rick. The show originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," then ran for 320 episodes on TV from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" with some of the story lines taken from the stars' own lives. David Nelson also directed and produced numerous episodes of the show throughout its run.
The show was shot in the Nelson family home in the Hollywood foothills, which remains a popular attraction for visitors on Hollywood celebrity bus tours.
Born in New York City, David attended Hollywood High School and the University of Southern California.
His film credits included "Peyton Place,""The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker,""The Big Circus,""Day of the Outlaw,""30,""The Big Show," 'Love and Kisses and "Swing Out, Sweet Land." In 1976, he costarred with his mother in "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."
His television credits included "Up In Smoke,""The Love Boat,""High School USA," and "A Family For Joe." Directing credits included "O.K. Crackerby,""Childish Things,""Easy To Be Free,""Ozzie's Girls,""Death Screams,""Last Plane Out,""Goodnight Beantown" and "A Rare Breed."
Nelson also was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; and seven grandchildren. A service will be held Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary.
Jan 12, 2:36 AM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - David Nelson, who starred on his parents' popular television show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," died Tuesday, a family spokesman said. He was 74.
Nelson died at his home in the Century City area of Los Angeles after battling complications of colon cancer, said family spokesman and longtime Hollywood publicist Dale Olson.
Nelson was the last remaining member of the Nelsons TV family, which included actor/bandleader Ozzie, his singer wife, Harriet Hilliard and his teen idol brother Rick. The show originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," then ran for 320 episodes on TV from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" with some of the story lines taken from the stars' own lives. David Nelson also directed and produced numerous episodes of the show throughout its run.
The show was shot in the Nelson family home in the Hollywood foothills, which remains a popular attraction for visitors on Hollywood celebrity bus tours.
Born in New York City, David attended Hollywood High School and the University of Southern California.
His film credits included "Peyton Place,""The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker,""The Big Circus,""Day of the Outlaw,""30,""The Big Show," 'Love and Kisses and "Swing Out, Sweet Land." In 1976, he costarred with his mother in "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."
His television credits included "Up In Smoke,""The Love Boat,""High School USA," and "A Family For Joe." Directing credits included "O.K. Crackerby,""Childish Things,""Easy To Be Free,""Ozzie's Girls,""Death Screams,""Last Plane Out,""Goodnight Beantown" and "A Rare Breed."
Nelson also was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; and seven grandchildren. A service will be held Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary.
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
WOW> the last one from this family "Ozzie and Harriet" I do remember when Ricky died in the plane crash. So the big C took him too, may he RIP~
I do remember when Ricky died in the plane crash. So the big C took him too, may he RIP~
I saw this on HLN earlier today. I was saddened to hear of David's passing. Rest in peace, David.
That must be who my grandma was trying to remember. She said she read in the paper that some actor died, but couldn't remember who it was. Gosh, 47 is awful young to die. May he rest in peace.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Oscar-nominated British actress Susannah York dies
Jan 16, 7:00 AM (ET)
By GREGORY KATZ
LONDON (AP) - British actress Susannah York, one of the leading stars of British and Hollywood films in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has died in London at the age of 72.
York died of cancer Saturday at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Her son, the actor Orlando Wells, said York was an incredibly brave woman who did not complain about her illness and a "truly wonderful mother." He said she went into the hospital on Jan. 6 after experiencing shoulder pain.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
With its tongue-in-cheek sensuality and gentle sendup of the British aristocracy, the film is remembered as an early landmark in '60s cinema, and York's unmistakable presence added to its appeal. Her long blond hair, stunning blue eyes and quick-witted repartee brought her a string of excellent roles.
York was nominated for an Oscar for the 1969 classic "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and also starred in "A Man for All Seasons" and other classic films from that era.
She acted with major stars like Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, George C. Scott and many others, stirring some controversy with her daring portrayal of a lesbian in the 1968 drama "The Killing of Sister George."
In 1972 York won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her film work tailed off as London's "Swinging Sixties" era faded into cultural history, but she did play Superman's mother in several of the films.
She moved on to television and stage work, earning a number of accolades and awards throughout her long career. She made appearances in several successful TV shows including "The Love Boat" in the U.S. and "Holby City" in Britain.
Her stage work continued for much of her career and included several one-woman shows.
Wells said his mother was incredibly versatile throughout her working life.
"There was the glamorous Hollywood aspect - she has worked with everyone from John Huston to Sydney Pollack - as well as the big commercial films like Superman," he said.
Wells said his mother also had a passion for writing.
"She wrote two children's books, which is great for her grandchildren and something we will pass on to them," said Wells.
York was born in London and studied at the storied Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which has tutored many of Britain's top actors throughout the years.
York had two children - son Orlando and daughter Sasha - with her husband, Michael Wells, before they divorced. She is survived by her children and several grandchildren.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Playwright Romulus Linney dies at 80
Jan 16, 10:49 AM (ET)
NEW YORK (AP) - A playwright whose work ranged from stories set in Appalachia to the Nuremberg trials has died in New York. Romulus Linney was 80.
Linney's wife Laura Callanan said the playwright died Saturday at his home in Germantown, N.Y., north of Poughkeepsie (poh-KIHP'-see). The cause was lung cancer.
Linney, father of actress Laura Linney, wrote more than 30 plays. Among them were works about historical figures like the poet Lord Byron and adaptations of stories like Charles Dickens'"A Christmas Carol."
He had one play on Broadway, with most of his work appearing off-Broadway and in regional theater.
Callanan said he had been working on a novel at the time of his death, and had completed the libretto for an opera.
Linney's first two marriages ended in divorce. He is also survived by another daughter, Susan Linney.
Jan 16, 7:00 AM (ET)
By GREGORY KATZ
LONDON (AP) - British actress Susannah York, one of the leading stars of British and Hollywood films in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has died in London at the age of 72.
York died of cancer Saturday at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Her son, the actor Orlando Wells, said York was an incredibly brave woman who did not complain about her illness and a "truly wonderful mother." He said she went into the hospital on Jan. 6 after experiencing shoulder pain.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
With its tongue-in-cheek sensuality and gentle sendup of the British aristocracy, the film is remembered as an early landmark in '60s cinema, and York's unmistakable presence added to its appeal. Her long blond hair, stunning blue eyes and quick-witted repartee brought her a string of excellent roles.
York was nominated for an Oscar for the 1969 classic "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and also starred in "A Man for All Seasons" and other classic films from that era.
She acted with major stars like Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, George C. Scott and many others, stirring some controversy with her daring portrayal of a lesbian in the 1968 drama "The Killing of Sister George."
In 1972 York won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her film work tailed off as London's "Swinging Sixties" era faded into cultural history, but she did play Superman's mother in several of the films.
She moved on to television and stage work, earning a number of accolades and awards throughout her long career. She made appearances in several successful TV shows including "The Love Boat" in the U.S. and "Holby City" in Britain.
Her stage work continued for much of her career and included several one-woman shows.
Wells said his mother was incredibly versatile throughout her working life.
"There was the glamorous Hollywood aspect - she has worked with everyone from John Huston to Sydney Pollack - as well as the big commercial films like Superman," he said.
Wells said his mother also had a passion for writing.
"She wrote two children's books, which is great for her grandchildren and something we will pass on to them," said Wells.
York was born in London and studied at the storied Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which has tutored many of Britain's top actors throughout the years.
York had two children - son Orlando and daughter Sasha - with her husband, Michael Wells, before they divorced. She is survived by her children and several grandchildren.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Playwright Romulus Linney dies at 80
Jan 16, 10:49 AM (ET)
NEW YORK (AP) - A playwright whose work ranged from stories set in Appalachia to the Nuremberg trials has died in New York. Romulus Linney was 80.
Linney's wife Laura Callanan said the playwright died Saturday at his home in Germantown, N.Y., north of Poughkeepsie (poh-KIHP'-see). The cause was lung cancer.
Linney, father of actress Laura Linney, wrote more than 30 plays. Among them were works about historical figures like the poet Lord Byron and adaptations of stories like Charles Dickens'"A Christmas Carol."
He had one play on Broadway, with most of his work appearing off-Broadway and in regional theater.
Callanan said he had been working on a novel at the time of his death, and had completed the libretto for an opera.
Linney's first two marriages ended in divorce. He is also survived by another daughter, Susan Linney.
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I'm surprised, too. I was so shocked and saddened. I loved Andrew and I loved that John Dye, himself, seemed to be just as lovely as the character he played.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Rock promoter Kirshner dies in Florida at age 76
Jan 18, 4:50 PM (ET)
By OSKAR GARCIA
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Rock promoter Don Kirshner, whom Time magazine once dubbed the "Man With the Golden Ear," died Monday in a Florida hospital, a close friend and business associate said. He was 76.
Promoter Jack Wishna told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Kirshner was in a hospital in Boca Raton being treated for an infection.
"Donny Kirshner would take a kid off the street, bring him up to his office in the Brill Building and turn him into Neil Diamond, Carole King, James Taylor, on and on," Wishna said. "I haven't spoken to anyone in the music business that Donny hasn't either discovered, promoted, or touched in some way.
"I've never seen anybody like this in my life," he said.
Kirshner was behind "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" in 1972, and gave national exposure to musicians including Billy Joel and The Police. The show also boosted careers of comics including Billy Crystal, Arsenio Hall and David Letterman.
Paul Shaffer, Letterman's musical director, used to give a deadpan performance during his imitation of Kirshner on Saturday Night Live. Shaffer and Kirshner worked together on the short-lived sitcom, A Year at the Top, according to Shaffer's manager.
Pop singer Tony Orlando, whom Kirshner hired for $50 a week to record demos, said his mentor was like the Thomas Edison of music.
"Every dream I ever had as a kid, he was my genie," Orlando told AP.
Orlando said Kirshner was responsible for so many careers, "it would make your head spin."
"This was not just a song guy, this was a man who created the cornerstones of American pop music as we know it today," Orlando said. "Without Donny Kirshner, the music we know of today would not be the same. He was a game-changer, and I tell you that me and my family feel this tremendous loss for this man."
There was no phone number listed for a Don Kirshner in Boca Raton.
The show also featured artists Kirshner helped launch including Prince, The Eagles, Lionel Richie and Ozzy Osborne.
The Brill Building was a hit factory - notable for attracting songwriters, agents and others as tenants. More than 160 of its tenants were in the music industry by the early 1960s, according to New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Wishna said Kirshner was a mentor who knew the art of discovering talent and cared about the artists he worked with.
"He was a father to these people even though some of them were three or four years younger than him," Wishna said.
Wishna said Kirshner was a pioneer who developed a system for singer-songwriters to share in the profits of selling music.
Howard Kramer, curatorial director at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said Kirshner will be most remembered for "nurturing and developing an early, unprecedented amount of artists, mostly songwriters, and also a television pioneer for bringing live rock 'n' roll to television."
Kirshner also ran three labels, Dimension Records, Colgems Records and Kirshner Records.
Before he died, Kirshner was chief creative officer of Rockrena, a company launching this year to find and promote talent online.
Jan 18, 4:50 PM (ET)
By OSKAR GARCIA
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Rock promoter Don Kirshner, whom Time magazine once dubbed the "Man With the Golden Ear," died Monday in a Florida hospital, a close friend and business associate said. He was 76.
Promoter Jack Wishna told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Kirshner was in a hospital in Boca Raton being treated for an infection.
"Donny Kirshner would take a kid off the street, bring him up to his office in the Brill Building and turn him into Neil Diamond, Carole King, James Taylor, on and on," Wishna said. "I haven't spoken to anyone in the music business that Donny hasn't either discovered, promoted, or touched in some way.
"I've never seen anybody like this in my life," he said.
Kirshner was behind "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" in 1972, and gave national exposure to musicians including Billy Joel and The Police. The show also boosted careers of comics including Billy Crystal, Arsenio Hall and David Letterman.
Paul Shaffer, Letterman's musical director, used to give a deadpan performance during his imitation of Kirshner on Saturday Night Live. Shaffer and Kirshner worked together on the short-lived sitcom, A Year at the Top, according to Shaffer's manager.
Pop singer Tony Orlando, whom Kirshner hired for $50 a week to record demos, said his mentor was like the Thomas Edison of music.
"Every dream I ever had as a kid, he was my genie," Orlando told AP.
Orlando said Kirshner was responsible for so many careers, "it would make your head spin."
"This was not just a song guy, this was a man who created the cornerstones of American pop music as we know it today," Orlando said. "Without Donny Kirshner, the music we know of today would not be the same. He was a game-changer, and I tell you that me and my family feel this tremendous loss for this man."
There was no phone number listed for a Don Kirshner in Boca Raton.
The show also featured artists Kirshner helped launch including Prince, The Eagles, Lionel Richie and Ozzy Osborne.
The Brill Building was a hit factory - notable for attracting songwriters, agents and others as tenants. More than 160 of its tenants were in the music industry by the early 1960s, according to New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Wishna said Kirshner was a mentor who knew the art of discovering talent and cared about the artists he worked with.
"He was a father to these people even though some of them were three or four years younger than him," Wishna said.
Wishna said Kirshner was a pioneer who developed a system for singer-songwriters to share in the profits of selling music.
Howard Kramer, curatorial director at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said Kirshner will be most remembered for "nurturing and developing an early, unprecedented amount of artists, mostly songwriters, and also a television pioneer for bringing live rock 'n' roll to television."
Kirshner also ran three labels, Dimension Records, Colgems Records and Kirshner Records.
Before he died, Kirshner was chief creative officer of Rockrena, a company launching this year to find and promote talent online.
Desertwind
Head of the Day Shift
Thank's Dynamo1 a legend for sure. I think he also promoted the "Stones" and presented them at times, and geez, how many others besides the ones you posted. You think these guys will live forever, may he RIP~
