Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Merry Christmas! - 12th Day of Christmas...
Ah, I can't believe the horrific year of our Lord, 2006, is truly over and done with - at last...The year of such horrendous things as The Apprentice; Dancing With The Stars; an umpteenth American Idol; The Biggest Loser; Loft Story; "Occupation Double"; overpasses collapsing; Canadian Idol (aka cloning) & Eva Avila; André Boisclair; Hezbollah versus Israël; Nancy Pelosi, Rona Ambrose; Rona Entrepôt/Réno-Dépôt; the SPCA, Hazina the Hippo & Telus; North Korea defiance; South Korea alliances; Stéphane Dion; Stephen Harper; another bad year at the movies overall; the re-opened and re-shut inconclusively Boulder case; Boulder being labeled the most intelligent US town of all (still laughing at that one here); Okinawa and the realignment of US troops in Japan (they're needed elsewhere, eh?); the insipid Samantha; Mad-onna on a cross (and garbed in orange, the color of sacrifice) singing what is arguably her greatest song ever Live To Tell ; the 12 million children dead in Africa she sang in remembrance of; about 16,000 deaths in Iraq throughout 2006; Lord Knows how many in Afghanistan and elsewhere... Expect some more in 2007 now...
Hmm... One could almost sing all of the preceding to the tune of this B.J. classic -
Add to that the untimely demises (aren't they all) of Dana Reeve, Claude Jade, Sandy West, Miriam Engelberg, Tamara Dobson, Edward Albert, Daniel Smith (only 20), Bruce Gary, Arthur Lee, Soraya, Mako, Philippe Noiret, Dan Curtis, Richard Fleischer, Scott Brazil, June Pointer, Gene Pitney, Nikki Sudden, Claydes Charles Smith, Wilson Pickett, Mickey Spillane, Mike Douglas, Anthony Franciosa, Claude Blanchard, James Brown, Peter Benchley, Dave Cockrum, Martin Nodell, Wendy Wasserstein, Arthur Bloom, William Styron, William Cowsill, Robert Altman, Buck Owens, Betty Comden, Betty Friedan, Fernand Gignac, Marc Favreau aka Sol, Maureen Stapleton, Georgia Gibbs, Peter Wagler (18), Anastasia de Sousa (18 too), Glenn Ford, Gerald Ford, George Preston, Ann Richards, Freddy Fender, Anna Politskovkaya, Don Knotts, Red Buttons, Al Lewis, Lou Rawls, Darren McGavin, Jack Palance, Jack Warden, Jack Wild, Chris Penn, Bill Cardoso, Octavia E. Butler, Andre Waters, Corey Lidle, Steve Irwin, Dennis Weaver, Alexander Litvinenko, Anita O'Day, Ernie Rizzo, Shelley Winters (a second Poseidon Adventure star, on the year of the remake's release... Hmm...), Ed Bradley, Bobby Hachey, Laura Gainey (only 25 for her part)...
None more untimely as that of João Jacinto Borges Pimentel, verily... Pardon - you ask why? You DARE ask "why"? Why, cause I say so, of course! THAT'S WHY!
Why? Another why? Or is it "how so"...? Well - suffice it to say, I am privy to certain details that you have not the slightest beginnings of an idea about - hence...!
On 2006, there were many actually who showed their "true colours" - colors that were immediately deemed not to be beautiful at all! If you think that my preceding paragraph puts me in that category as well - alongside Michael Richards, Mel Gibson, Don Goldwater and, heaven forbid, a quack such as Dr Bradley Schwartz (him or any quack is the same crap in my eyes... Since March 22nd, 2006, 4h54pm to be real precise...) - then you just wait, pals, until you read the following paragraphs...!!!
In this horrendous year of two thousand and six, we saw worse than injustices and untimely demises - we saw human imbecility at its very worst and most pathetic as well...
Canada's environment minister, Rona Ambrose, declaring that all of Canada's engagements towards the Kyoto protocol will be met - except their actual concrete achievements that are required in order to consider any sort of engagement readily met in any way, shape or form? Such nonsense usually comes out of a blonde - but this is a brunette and a politician at that, so it is self-explanatory still, somehow, in the end... Hassidic Jews refuse to see impure female cops approach them - and so, the "recommendation" was passed along to all sensuous lady cops to call on their male counterparts whenever they need to give a speeding ticket to an Hassidic Jew or something... Sure, let's waste the few available ressources unnecessarily on the Hassidic Jews and let the dangerous criminals roam free in the meantime - because twice as many cops are required to deal with the simplest of cases for very archaic reasons... Note to the Hassidics: they say that there's nothing to fear but fear itself - it also goes for other venial, capital or deadly sins... In this case, I would say that you don't have to fear the objects of lust - only the lust that's in your hearts and minds already!
And then there was the most ridiculous of all suggestions - to rename the Christmas Tree in a highly-frequented public place the "Tree of Festivities" and refer to Winter Solstice instead of Christmas Time, in order to avoid offending a MINORITY...! Or a bunch of minorities, really, in the melting pot here...
How can anyone be "offended" by the expression "Merry Christmas" indeed? Focus on the "merry" part, nincompoopish unbelieving oafish fools and just ENJOY IT... Otherwise, if you persist in feeling "offended", we might strive to truly offend thee...
I mean... What's next? Split up classes in public schools with Feng Shui for Asian students, crescent shaped desks for Muslim students and let's just crucify the lone Christian student left while we're at it...?
One can never please everyone - haven't you learned that yet?
Whoever suggested to rename the Christmas Tree and reference the Winter Solstice instead of what the majority identifies with, should be firrrrred...! (Note that I am impersonating Donald Trump and not that execrable VKM here...!)
Speaking of "rassslin", sports entertainment and sports in general... Unlike years past, I have cut myself even further away from sports events, not even bothering to watch the "big finales" whether they are the World Series (I am not alone, apparently; this past year's so-called "classic" had the lowest ratings ever on whatever network it was that bothered to carry it, I am told...) the Super Bowl or the damnable Stanley Cup Finals... I cannot even readily recall who the hell it was that won the World Series (wait - it was cats versus birds, that I do recall... Tigers versus Orioles? No - impossible! Cardinals, that's it! Think religion... And logic was not observed as the birdies actually trounced the kitties - proving once more that faith rules! Right, faithful fans and true believers? Right on! :)
I cannot remember a single score of significance - most probably because none had any intrinsic significance whatsoever, ultimately! I still prefer to see the damnable Canadiens lose all or most of their games, of course... Some things never change - old habits die hard - blahblahblah! Scouring through insignificant scoreboards, on the web, I came across this summary: the Green Devil wrestlers split a triangular at home, losing to Crestwood 38-32 and defeating Riceville 39-25. The Green Devil wrestlers...?!? And they topped Riceville... Probably only because Snap, Crackle and Pop were not in town, that day...! After all, if such losers as Green Devil wrestlers had a good year in 2006, tis no wonder that I had such a crummy one then! Me and other genuine good peeps...
And speaking of scouring things on the web - try googling or asking Jeeves about "year reviews for 2006" and you will see how widespread the nasty attitude that the French call nombrilisme really is... In other words, it is the "me, myself and I" that rules around the globe - no wonder I didn't get aaaaaaaaaaall the condolences that I expected to receive from my, oh, I think easily over a thousand "friends" overall, either offline, online, in-between the lines, on the waterline, stepping over the line, walking the line, treading a thin red line or even sniffing a line, whatever their borderlines are...
One last note, about the ever-crucial gossipy side of 2006 now... In brief, Sandra Oh's divorced; the battle of the queers is on - Carson Daly versus Ryan Seacrest; the battle of the high society hoes is on too - Britney Spears versus Paris Hilton (that friendship didn't last long - were they Care2 "friends" too?); the battle of the womanizers is on as well - Donald Trump versus Rosie O'Donnell (...); Lindsay Lohan patched things up with the strippers, somehow, but Renee Zellwegger never will succeed at the same task with the British people... She has been cast as Beatrix Potter, and it is an outrage for most true Brits that R.Z. was picked over a dozen more suitable British-born actresses! (It could have been worse; they could have cast Schwarzenegger as Sir Winston Churchill! But I digress...)
Lohan, on the other end, is a natural to play a stripper - hence, even though she insulted them, she is embraced by them nonetheless...!
And these are the "most fascinating people of 2006"...?!?
Sheesh - maybe the following types or "study-cases" are better off...
DAVID LETTERMAN'S TOP TEN (for the last show of 2006):
Top Ten Signs You Are Not One of the Most Fascinating People of 2006:
10. "You're 37, but you still answer the phone, 'Hello, Mommy?'"
9. "Only person who'll interview you is Barbara Walters' nephew, Duane Walters."
8. "You spend your paycheck on strippers and Slim Jim's."
7. "Favorite topic of conversation? Thumbtacks."
6. "Al Gore told you to stop drinking on and on."
5. "Proudest day was when you unscrambled 'dgo' in the 'Jumble.'"
4. "Your catchphrase is 'Can't, I'm allergic.'"
3. "The public adores you -- 'the public' being your garage full of raccoons."
2. "You convened the Iraq Study Group to determine the state of your underpants."
1. "You're in charge of onions at Taco Bell."
Aye - those who identify with each of the ten categories here should count their blessings! Well - maybe not number 8...! ;)
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Here's a more thorough list of still only some of the dearly beloved departed ones...
Arts figures who died in 2006 include Robert Altman, Shelley Winters
Wed Dec 20, 12:30 PM
By Polly Anderson
(AP) - In films such as "Nashville," Robert Altman constructed a complex world, interweaving a large ensemble of players, famous and unknown, to portray human beings in all their wisdom and folly.
When Altman died in November at age 81, he was celebrated for his vivid characters, his realistic use of overlapping dialogue, his pungent blend of humour and drama, his stubborn independence from Hollywood norms.
Katherine Dunham, who died in May at 96, was another artistic independent. As a dancer and choreographer, she brought African and Caribbean influences to America's European-dominated dance world. She also was an activist who, in her 80s, staged a hunger strike to protest to protest U.S. policy toward Haitian refugees.
They are just two of the exceptional artists and entertainers who died in 2006.
The frank, outspoken Shelley Winters went from blond bombshell to socially conscious, Oscar-winning dramatic actress and author of well-received memoirs.
Don Knotts had a bug-eyed face, puny physique and squeaky voice - great ingredients for a funnyman - and added a perfect sense of comic timing to create Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show."
In her plays such as "The Heidi Chronicles" and "The Sisters Rosensweig," Wendy Wasserstein portrayed the contradictions of the modern woman seeking to juggle life, love and fulfilment.
Singer Lou Rawls could be smooth - expressing aching regret in "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing" - or gritty, conjuring up the biting winter wind of Chicago in his riveting "Dead End Street."
Buck Owens put out a string of country hits - "Act Naturally" was even covered by the Beatles. Jane Wyatt was America's mom on "Father Knows Best." Novelist William Styron depicted the human torment of slavery and the Holocaust in "The Confessions of Nat Turner" and "Sophie's Choice."
German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was ranked alongside Maria Callas as a giant of the opera and concert stage. Gerald Levert, gone too soon at age 40, sang passionate R&B love songs. Mickey Spillane created tough guy detective Mike Hammer.
Television brought us phenomenally popular producer Aaron Spelling, crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, who combined love of nature and keen showmanship, and Ed Bradley of "60 Minutes," who interviewed everyone from Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh to music legend Lena Horne.
Here, a roll call of some of the notables in the arts and popular culture who died in 2006. (Cause of death cited for younger people if available.)
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JANUARY:
Raul Davila, 74. Played Hector Santos on "All My Children" in the 1990s. Jan. 2.
Lou Rawls, 72. Velvet-voiced singer of such hits as "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing." Jan. 6.
Jack Mabley, 90. Longtime Chicago newspaperman; wrote thousands of columns. Jan. 7.
Don Stewart, 70. Actor ("Guiding Light.") Jan. 9.
Shelley Winters, 85. The forceful, outspoken star who won two Oscars ("The Diary of Anne Frank".") Jan. 14.
Wilson Pickett, 64. Fiery soul music pioneer ("Mustang Sally.") Jan. 19.
Anthony Franciosa, 77. Hollywood actor ("A Face in the Crowd.") Jan. 19.
Janette Carter, 82. Country performer; last surviving child of the Carter Family. Jan. 22.
William Rubin, 78. Director of painting and sculpture at Museum of Modern Art. Jan. 22.
Fayard Nicholas, 91. With brother Harold, he wowed the tap dancing world, inspiring dancers from Fred Astaire to Savion Glover. Jan. 24.
Chris Penn, 40. Actor ("Reservoir Dogs"); brother of Sean. Jan. 24. Enlarged heart; multiple medications.
Endesha Ida Mae Holland, 61. Her autobiographical play "From the Mississippi Delta" told how the civil rights movement inspired her. Jan. 25.
Gene McFadden, 56. R&B singer, songwriter ("Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.") Jan. 27. Cancer.
Arthur Bloom, 63. TV news director who helped found "60 Minutes"; his stopwatch used for its ticking image. Jan. 28.
Nam June Paik, 74. Avant-garde artist credited with inventing video art, combining multiple TV screens with sculpture, music, live performers. Jan. 29.
Wendy Wasserstein, 55. Playwright who celebrated women's lives ("The Heidi Chronicles.") Jan. 30. Lymphoma.
Moira Shearer, 80. British ballerina and actress whose debut film, "The Red Shoes," created a sensation. Jan. 31.
FEBRUARY:
Al Lewis, 82. Grandpa on "The Munsters." Feb. 3.
Reuven Frank, 85. Former NBC News president; helped early newscasts adopt more visual approach. Feb. 5.
Franklin Cover, 77. Actor; played the white neighbour on "The Jeffersons." Feb. 5.
Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, 80. Comic actor in John Wayne films. Feb. 6.
Akira Ifukube, 91. Japanese composer; added menacing music to Godzilla films. Feb. 8.
Phil Brown, 89. Luke Skywalker's loving, doomed Uncle Owen in "Star Wars." Feb. 9.
J Dilla, 32. Hip-hop producer for such artists as A Tribe Called Quest. Feb. 10. Complications of lupus.
Juan Soriano, 85. Mexican painter and sculptor. Feb. 10.
Peter Benchley, 65. His 1974 novel, "Jaws," made millions think twice about stepping into the water. Feb. 11.
Jockey Shabalala, 62. Member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Feb. 11.
Rickie Layne, 81. Ventriloquist whose dummy, Velvel, had a Yiddish accent. Feb. 11.
Andreas Katsulas, 59. Character actor; one-armed man in 1993 film "The Fugitive." Feb. 13. Lung cancer.
Shoshana Damari, 83. Israel's beloved "queen of Hebrew music." Feb. 14.
William Cowsill, 58. Lead singer of The Cowsills family singing group. Feb. 17.
Ray Barretto, 76. Grammy-winning Latin jazz percussionist. Feb. 17.
Richard Bright, 68. Enforcer Al Neri in "Godfather" movies. Feb. 18.
Curt Gowdy, 86. Sportscaster; called 13 World Series, 16 All-Star games, first Super Bowl. Feb. 20.
Bruce Hart, 68. Lyricist ("Sesame Street" theme.) Feb 21.
Anthony Burger, 44. Gospel music pianist. Feb. 22. Suspected heart attack.
Dennis Weaver, 81. Chester on "Gunsmoke"; the cop hero in "McCloud." Feb. 24.
Don Knotts, 81. Won five Emmys for "The Andy Griffith Show." Feb. 24.
Octavia E. Butler, 58. First black woman to gain prominence as science fiction writer ("Kindred.") Feb. 24.
Darren McGavin, 83. Tough-talking actor; grouchy dad in "A Christmas Story." Feb. 25.
Bill Cardoso, 68. Writer who coined "gonzo" to describe Hunter Thompson's journalism. Feb. 26.
Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott, 97. Wrote "God Is My Co-Pilot" about his war exploits. Feb. 27.
MARCH:
Jack Wild, 53. Oscar-nominated for "Oliver!"; hero of TV series "H.R. Pufnstuf." March 1. Cancer.
Dana Reeve, 44. Actress-singer; devoted herself to husband Christopher Reeve after he was paralyzed. March 6. Lung cancer.
Ali Farka Toure, about 66. Famed African musician; two-time Grammy winner. March 7.
Gordon Parks, 93. Life photographer, then Hollywood's first major black director ("Shaft," "The Learning Tree.") March 7.
Anna Moffo, 73. Opera soprano hailed for her glamorous looks as much as her singing. March 10.
Peter Tomarken, 63. Host of 1980s game show "Press Your Luck." March 13.
Maureen Stapleton, 80. Oscar-winning actress who excelled on stage, screen, and television. March 13.
Ann Calvello, 76. "Roller Derby Queen" known for intimidating rivals, teammates. March 14.
David Blume, 74. Record producer, songwriter ("Turn Down Day.") March 15.
Narvin Kimball, 97. Last founding member of New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band. March 17.
Oleg Cassini, 92. His designs helped make Jacqueline Kennedy the most glamorous first lady in history. March 17.
Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., 78. Producer of television documentaries on freedom, American presidency. March 21.
Sarah Caldwell, 82. Hailed as first lady of opera for her adventurous productions. March 23.
Buck Owens, 76. Flashy rhinestone cowboy who shaped country music with hits like "Act Naturally." March 25.
Richard Fleischer, 89. Film director ("20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.") March 25.
Nikki Sudden, 49. British musician, a cult favorite. March 26.
Dan Curtis, 78. TV producer, director ("The Winds of War.") March 27.
Britt Lomond, 80. Played dastardly Capitan Monastario in 1950s TV series "Zorro." March 22.
Henry Farrell, 85. Wrote "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?", spurring a horror genre. March 29.
John McGahern, 71. Irish novelist ("That They May Face the Rising Sun.") March 30.
Gloria Monty, 84. Producer who turned "General Hospital" into a pop sensation. March 30.
Jackie McLean, 73. Jazz saxophonist ("Jackie's Bag.") March 31.
APRIL:
Gene Pitney, 66. Singer with a string of hits ("Town Without Pity.") April 5.
Allan Kaprow, 78. Artist who pioneered the unrehearsed form of theater called a "happening." April 5.
Vilgot Sjoman, 81. Swedish director; explicit films such as "I Am Curious (Yellow)" stirred controversy. April 9.
June Pointer, 52. Youngest of hitmaking Pointer Sisters ("I'm So Excited.") April 11. Cancer.
Raj Kumar, 77. One of India's most beloved movie stars. April 12.
Dame Muriel Spark, 88. British novelist ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.") April 13.
Morton Freedgood, 93. Best-selling author ("The Taking of Pelham One Two Three") under pen name John Godey. April 16.
Scott Brazil, 50. Emmy-winning producer-director ("Hill Street Blues.") April 17. Lou Gehrig's, Lyme disease complications.
Henderson Forsythe, 88. Won Tony for role as sheriff in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." April 17.
Ellen Kuzwayo, 91. South African author ("Call Me Woman.") April 19.
Elaine Young, 71. Real estate agent to Hollywood stars. April 20.
Alida Valli, 84. Italian actress; co-starred in 1949 classic "The Third Man." April 22.
William P. Gottlieb, 89. Took well-known photos of jazz greats. April 23.
Phil Walden, 66. Capricorn Records co-founder; launched careers of Otis Redding, Allman Brothers. April 23.
Jane Jacobs, 89. Author; greatly influenced urban planning. April 25.
"Pem" Farnsworth, 98. She helped husband Philo invent television. April 27.
Jay Bernstein, 69. Hollywood publicist, manager; helped turn Farrah Fawcett into household name. April 30.
Pramoedya Ananta Toer, 81. Indonesian author, democracy advocate. April 30.
MAY:
Jay Presson Allen, 84. Adapted "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" for stage, screen. May 1.
Johnny Paris, 65. Had hits ("Red River Rock") with Johnny & the Hurricanes. May 1.
Louis Rukeyser 73. Public TV host known for commonsense commentary on business. May 2.
Karel Appel, 85. A founder of influential COBRA art group. May 3.
Soraya, 37. Grammy-winning Colombian-American singer ("Solo Por Ti.") May 10. Breast cancer.
Val Guest, 94. British director, screenwriter ("The Quatermass Xperiment.") May 10.
Frankie Thomas, 85. Hero of 1950s TV show "Tom Corbett, Space Cadet." May 11.
Ted Berkman, 92. Author, screenwriter ("Bedtime for Bonzo.") May 12.
Johnnie Wilder Jr., 56. Soulful lead singer of R&B band Heatwave ("Always and Forever.") May 13.
Lew Anderson, 84. Gave "Howdy Doody Show" viewers a tearful goodbye as final Clarabell the Clown. May 14.
Stanley Kunitz, 100. Former U.S. poet laureate, Pulitzer winner. May 14.
Mary Ritts, 95. With husband, created the Ritts Puppets act seen on children's TV shows. May 14.
Cheikha Rimitti, 83. Algerian singer who works dealt boldly with sexuality and oppression; admired by fans of world music. May 15.
Dan Q. Kennis, 86. Producer of oddball films. ("I Spit on Your Corpse!") May 17.
Cy Feuer, 95. Co-producer of Broadway smashes ("Guys and Dolls.") May 17.
Freddie Garrity, 69. Lead singer of 1960s British band Freddie and the Dreamers ("I'm Telling You Now.") May 19.
Katherine Dunham, 96. Choreographer who brought African influences to U.S. dance. May 21.
Billy Walker, 77. Grand Ole Opry star ("Charlie's Shoes.") May 21.
Marshall Fishwick, 82. Pioneer in the study of popular culture. May 22.
Ian Copeland, 57. Rock entrepreneur who represented The Police, Go-Go's. May 23. Melanoma.
Robert Giaimo, 86. Connecticut congressman who helped create national endowment for the arts. May 24.
Henry Bumstead, 91. Oscar-winning production designer ("To Kill a Mockingbird.") May 24.
Desmond Dekker, 64. Brought Jamaican ska music to wide audience ("Israelites.") May 25.
Paul Gleason, 67. Actor; the bad guy in "Trading Places." May 27.
Alex Toth, 77. Comic and cartoon artist ("Space Ghost.") May 27.
Arthur Widmer, 92. Won Academy Award for developing technology for special effects. May 28.
Robert Sterling, 88. Actor; appeared in the ghostly 1950s comedy series "Topper." May 30.
Shohei Imamura, 79. Japanese director twice honored with the top prize at Cannes ("The Ballad of Narayama.") May 30.
Ralph Epperson, 85. North Carolina radio station owner who championed mountain music. May 31.
JUNE:
Rocio Jurado, 61. Powerful-voiced singer-actress; beloved figure in Spain and Latin America. June 1.
Vince Welnick, 55. Grateful Dead keyboard player in the 1990s; also with the Tubes ("White Punks on Dope.") June 2. Suicide.
Johnny Grande, 76. An original member of Bill Haley and His Comets ("Rock Around the Clock.") June 3.
Billy Preston, 59. Exuberant keyboardist and singer ("Nothing From Nothing"); played with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. June 6. Heart infection; kidney failure.
Arnold Newman, 88. Photographer who revealed the souls of artists and politicians. June 6.
Hilton Ruiz, 54. Jazz pianist, composer. June 6. Injured in a fall.
Ingo Preminger, 95. Producer of "M-A-S-H"; Otto's brother. June 7.
Barbara Epstein, 76. She edited the original U.S. version of "The Diary of Anne Frank." June 16.
Vincent Sherman, 99. Hollywood filmmaker ("The Adventures of Don Juan.") June 18.
Claydes Charles Smith, 57. Lead guitarist for Kool & the Gang ("Joanna," "Celebration.") June 20.
Aaron Spelling, 83. TV impresario whose stylish shows ("Beverly Hills 90210") were wildly popular. June 23.
Lyle Stuart, 83. Publisher of such oddities as "The Anarchist Cookbook." June 24.
Arif Mardin, 72. Grammy Award-winning producer; worked with Aretha Franklin. June 25.
Lennie Weinrib, 71. Actor, writer ("H.R. Pufnstuf.") June 28.
George Page, 71. Creator, host of PBS series "Nature." June 28.
Lloyd Richards, 87. Theater director ("A Raisin in the Sun"). June 29.
JULY:
Irving Green, 90. Co-founder of Mercury Records; promoted Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington. July 1.
Jan Murray, 89. Comic who tickled fans of 1950s game show "Treasure Hunt." July 2.
Benjamin Hendrickson, 55. Daytime Emmy winner for "As the World Turns." July 3. Suicide.
Hugh Stubbins Jr., 94. Architect; his skyscraper Citigroup Center is a New York icon. July 5.
Kasey Rogers, 80. Actress ("Strangers on a Train.") July 6.
Syd Barrett, 60. Co-founder of Pink Floyd ("The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.") July 7.
June Allyson, 88. Hollywood movies' "perfect wife." July 8.
Milan B. Williams, 58. One of the original members of the Commodores ("Three Times a Lady.") July 9. Cancer.
Bill Miller, 91. Frank Sinatra's longtime pianist. July 11.
Barnard Hughes, 90. Actor who won Tony for "Da." July 11.
Red Buttons, 87. Actor-comedian; won Oscar with a dramatic turn in "Sayonara." July 13.
Carrie Nye, 69. Stage actress ("Half a Sixpence.") July 14.
Harold R. Scott Jr., 70. Stage actor and director ("Paul Robeson.") July 16.
Mickey Spillane, 88. Macho mystery writer who wowed millions of readers. July 17.
Jack Warden, 85. Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor who played gruff characters. ("Heaven Can Wait.") July 19.
Mako, 72. Japan-born actor nominated for Oscar ("The Sand Pebbles") and Tony ("Pacific Overtures.") July 21.
Jessie Mae Hemphill, 71. Blues musician; won several W.C. Handy Awards. July 22.
AUGUST
Bob Thaves, 81. Created quirky comic strip "Frank & Ernest." Aug. 1.
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, 90. Soprano who won global acclaim. Aug. 3.
Arthur Lee, 61. Singer, songwriter for the 1960s band Love ("Forever Changes.") Aug. 3. Leukemia.
Mike Douglas, 81. Affable TV talk show host and singer ("The Men in My Little Girl's Life.") Aug. 11.
Mazisi Kunene, 76. First poet laureate of a democratic South Africa. Aug. 11.
Bruno Kirby, 57. Character actor ("When Harry Met Sally," "City Slickers.") Aug. 14.
Johnny Duncan, 67. Country singer ("She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime.") Aug. 14.
Walter Sullivan, 82. Novelist ("A Time to Dance"), authority on Southern literature. Aug. 15.
Walter E. Jagiello, 76. Singer known as "Lil' Wally the Polka King." Aug. 17.
Joseph Hill, 57. Vocalist, songwriter for reggae group Culture ("Natty Never Get Weary.") Aug. 19.
Joe Rosenthal, 94. Associated Press photojournalist who took picture of flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Aug. 20.
Bruce Gary, 55. Rock drummer with The Knack ("My Sharona"), session man. Aug. 22. Lymphoma.
Maynard Ferguson, 78. Jazz trumpeter known for his soaring high notes. Aug. 23.
Joseph Stefano, 84. Writer of "Psycho" screenplay. Aug. 25.
Ed Benedict, 94. Animator who put life into Fred Flintstone, Yogi Bear. Aug. 28.
Naguib Mahfouz, 94. First Arab writer to win Nobel Prize in literature; a symbol of liberalism in the face of Islamic extremism. Aug. 30.
Glenn Ford, 90. Actor who played strong, thoughtful protagonists ("The Blackboard Jungle," "Gilda.") Aug. 30.
SEPTEMBER:
Gyorgy Faludy, 95. Poet, translator considered one of Hungary's greatest literary figures. Sept. 1.
Willi Ninja, 45. Dancer immortalized in "Paris Is Burning." Sept. 2. AIDS complications.
John Conte, 90. Actor ("The Man With the Golden Arm.") Sept. 4.
Steve Irwin, 44. Television's irrepressible "Crocodile Hunter." Sept 4. Sting ray attack.
Robert Earl Jones, 96. Actor; father of James Earl Jones. Sept. 7.
Daniel Smith, 20. Anna Nicole Smith's son whose sudden passing made headlines worldwide. Sept 10. Lethal combination of drugs.
Bennie Smith, 72. St. Louis guitarist, played with stars like Chuck Berry. Sept. 10.
Pat Corley, 76. Actor; Phil the barkeep on "Murphy Brown." Sept. 11.
Joseph Hayes, 88. Author of the novel "The Desperate Hours," also wrote Tony-winning play, Hollywood screenplay based on it. Sept. 11.
Mickey Hargitay, 80. Actor, bodybuilder; husband of Jayne Mansfield, father of actress Mariska Hargitay. Sept 14.
Oriana Fallaci, 76. Italian journalist noted for probing interviews with powerful people. Sept. 15.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford, 84. Her marriage to Peter Lawford lent Hollywood glamour to the Kennedy dynasty. Sept. 17.
Danny Flores, 77. Played saxophone and shouted "tequila!" on 1950s hit "Tequila!" Sept. 19.
Joe Glazer, 88. Singer-songwriter who rallied union loyalists ("The Mills Weren't Made of Marble.") Sept. 19.
Elizabeth Allen, 77. Actress; nominated for Tony for "Do I Hear a Waltz?" Sept. 19.
Sven Nykvist, 83. Oscar-winning Swedish cinematographer; worked with Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen. Sept. 20.
Edward Albert, 55. Actor ("Butterflies Are Free.") Sept. 22. Lung cancer.
Sir Malcolm Arnold, 84. British composer; won Oscar for "Bridge on the River Kwai." Sept. 23.
Etta Baker, 93. Influential blues guitarist; recorded with Taj Mahal. Sept. 23.
Maureen Daly, 85. Noted for 1942 coming-of-age novel "Seventeenth Summer." Sept. 25.
Ralph Story, 86. Host of 1950s quiz show "The $64,000 Challenge." Sept. 26.
"Uncle Josh" Graves, 79. His bluesy playing adorned hundreds of bluegrass, country records. Sept. 30.
Prentiss Barnes, 81. Singer with the Moonglows ("Ten Commandments of Love.") Sept. 30.
Isabel Bigley, 80. Won Tony for role in "Guys and Dolls." Sept. 30.
OCTOBER:
Tamara Dobson, 59. Actress; played Cleopatra Jones in two blaxploitation films. Oct. 2. Multiple sclerosis, pneumonia.
Heinz Sielmann, 89. Zoologist, documentary filmmaker ("Vanishing Wilderness.") Oct. 6.
Jerry Belson, 68. Emmy-winning comedy writer ("The Tracey Ullman Show.") Oct. 10.
Gillo Pontecorvo, 86. Directed "The Battle of Algiers," 1966 epic on Algerian uprising against the French. Oct. 12.
Freddy Fender, 69. Texas' "Bebop Kid"; sang the smash country ballad "Before the Next Teardrop Falls." Oct. 14.
Herbert B. Leonard, 84. TV producer ("Naked City.") Oct. 14.
Sid Davis, 90. Produced quirky educational films warning youngsters of the dangers of drugs, running with scissors. Oct. 16.
Lister Sinclair, 85. Broadcaster and playwright, considered one of Canada's renaissance men. Oct. 16.
Christopher Glenn, 68. CBS correspondent, announcer; voice of children's program "In the News." Oct. 17.
Miriam Engelberg, 48. Graphic author; found improbable humor in her fight with cancer ("Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person.") Oct. 17.
Spoony Singh, 83. His Hollywood Wax Museum gave tourists the next best thing to a real celebrity. Oct. 18.
Phyllis Kirk, 79. Actress who was stalked by Vincent Price in the horror film "House of Wax." Oct. 19.
Jane Wyatt, 96. Actress who for six years on "Father Knows Best" was one of TV's favorite moms. Oct. 20.
Sandy West, 47. Her drumming fueled the influential '70s rock band the Runaways ("Cherry Bomb.") Oct. 21. Lung cancer.
Arthur Hill, 84. Character actor; had title role in the early 1970s series "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law." Oct. 22.
Lawrence W. Levine, 73. Cultural historian ("Black Culture and Black Consciousness.") Oct. 23.
Marijohn Wilkin, 86. Country songwriter ("The Long Black Veil.") Oct. 28.
NOVEMBER:
Buddy Killen, 73. Nashville songwriter ("I May Never Get to Heaven") and producer; helped launch Dolly Parton's career. Nov. 1.
William Styron, 81. Pulitzer-winning novelist ("The Confessions of Nat Turner.") Nov. 1.
Florence Klotz, 86. Tony-winning costume designer ("Follies.") Nov. 1.
Paul Mauriat, 81. Conductor whose "Love Is Blue" topped U.S. charts in 1968. Nov. 3.
Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, 98. Her memoir on life with 11 siblings, "Cheaper by the Dozen," inspired several films. Nov. 4.
Ed Bradley, 65. The TV journalist who created a distinctive, powerful body of work on "60 Minutes." Nov. 9.
Ellen Willis, 64. Feminist author; New Yorker's first rock critic. Nov. 9. Lung cancer.
Marian Marsh, 93. Doll-faced actress; the milkmaid mesmerized by John Barrymore in "Svengali." Nov. 9.
Jack Palance, 87. Hollywood heavy ("Shane") who turned successfully to comedy, winning Oscar for "City Slickers." Nov. 10.
Gerald Levert, 40. Fiery R&B singer ("Casanova"); son of O'Jays singer Eddie Levert. Nov. 10.
Ruth Brown, 78. Grammy and Tony-award-winning singer ("Teardrops in My Eyes.") Nov. 17.
Jeremy Slate, 80. Actor ("Hell's Angels '69." Nov. 19.
Robert Altman, 81. Caustic Hollywood director ("Nashville.") Nov. 20.
Robert Lockwood Jr., 91. Mississippi Delta blues guitarist ("I Got to Find Me a Woman.") Nov. 21.
Philippe Noiret, 76. French actor "Il Postino" ("The Postman"). Nov. 23.
Betty Comden, 89. Her collaboration with Adolph Green produced "On the Town," "Singin' in the Rain." Nov. 23.
Anita O'Day, 87. One of the most respected jazz vocalists of the 1940s. Nov. 23.
William Diehl, 81. Best-selling novelist ("Primal Fear.") Nov. 24.
Robert McFerrin Sr., 85. First black man to sing solo at the Metropolitan Opera; father of Bobby McFerrin. Nov. 24.
Dave Cockrum, 63. Comic book illustrator who in the 1970s overhauled the X-Men. Nov. 26.
Robert "H-Bomb" Ferguson, 77. A bluesman and pianist who urged listeners to "rock baby rock." Nov. 26.
Bebe Moore Campbell, 56. Best-selling author ("Brothers and Sisters.") Nov. 27. Brain cancer.
Don Butterfield, 83. Tuba player who performed with such stars as Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Sinatra. Nov. 27.
Leon Niemczyk, 82. Polish actor (Roman Polanski's "Knife in the Water.") Nov. 29.
Perry Henzell, 70. Filmmaker whose "The Harder They Come" introduced Jamaican pop culture to global audience. Nov. 30.
DECEMBER:
Claude Jade, 58. French actress. ("Topaz," "Stolen Kisses."). Dec. 1. Cancer.
Jay "Hootie" McShann, 90. Jazz pianist and bandleader who helped refine the blues-tinged Kansas City sound. Dec. 7.
Martha Tilton, 91. Big band singer ("And the Angels Sing," "I'll Walk Alone.") Dec. 8.
Georgia Gibbs, 87. Hitmaking 1950s singer ("Kiss of Fire," "Dance With Me, Henry.") Dec. 9.
Martin Nodell, 91. Created the comic book superhero Green Lantern. Dec. 9.
Peter Boyle, 71. The curmudgeonly father on "Everybody Loves Raymond." Dec. 12.
+++
Arts figures who died in 2006 include Robert Altman, Shelley Winters
Wed Dec 20, 12:30 PM
By Polly Anderson
(AP) - In films such as "Nashville," Robert Altman constructed a complex world, interweaving a large ensemble of players, famous and unknown, to portray human beings in all their wisdom and folly.
When Altman died in November at age 81, he was celebrated for his vivid characters, his realistic use of overlapping dialogue, his pungent blend of humour and drama, his stubborn independence from Hollywood norms.
Katherine Dunham, who died in May at 96, was another artistic independent. As a dancer and choreographer, she brought African and Caribbean influences to America's European-dominated dance world. She also was an activist who, in her 80s, staged a hunger strike to protest to protest U.S. policy toward Haitian refugees.
They are just two of the exceptional artists and entertainers who died in 2006.
The frank, outspoken Shelley Winters went from blond bombshell to socially conscious, Oscar-winning dramatic actress and author of well-received memoirs.
Don Knotts had a bug-eyed face, puny physique and squeaky voice - great ingredients for a funnyman - and added a perfect sense of comic timing to create Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show."
In her plays such as "The Heidi Chronicles" and "The Sisters Rosensweig," Wendy Wasserstein portrayed the contradictions of the modern woman seeking to juggle life, love and fulfilment.
Singer Lou Rawls could be smooth - expressing aching regret in "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing" - or gritty, conjuring up the biting winter wind of Chicago in his riveting "Dead End Street."
Buck Owens put out a string of country hits - "Act Naturally" was even covered by the Beatles. Jane Wyatt was America's mom on "Father Knows Best." Novelist William Styron depicted the human torment of slavery and the Holocaust in "The Confessions of Nat Turner" and "Sophie's Choice."
German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was ranked alongside Maria Callas as a giant of the opera and concert stage. Gerald Levert, gone too soon at age 40, sang passionate R&B love songs. Mickey Spillane created tough guy detective Mike Hammer.
Television brought us phenomenally popular producer Aaron Spelling, crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, who combined love of nature and keen showmanship, and Ed Bradley of "60 Minutes," who interviewed everyone from Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh to music legend Lena Horne.
Here, a roll call of some of the notables in the arts and popular culture who died in 2006. (Cause of death cited for younger people if available.)
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JANUARY:
Raul Davila, 74. Played Hector Santos on "All My Children" in the 1990s. Jan. 2.
Lou Rawls, 72. Velvet-voiced singer of such hits as "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing." Jan. 6.
Jack Mabley, 90. Longtime Chicago newspaperman; wrote thousands of columns. Jan. 7.
Don Stewart, 70. Actor ("Guiding Light.") Jan. 9.
Shelley Winters, 85. The forceful, outspoken star who won two Oscars ("The Diary of Anne Frank".") Jan. 14.
Wilson Pickett, 64. Fiery soul music pioneer ("Mustang Sally.") Jan. 19.
Anthony Franciosa, 77. Hollywood actor ("A Face in the Crowd.") Jan. 19.
Janette Carter, 82. Country performer; last surviving child of the Carter Family. Jan. 22.
William Rubin, 78. Director of painting and sculpture at Museum of Modern Art. Jan. 22.
Fayard Nicholas, 91. With brother Harold, he wowed the tap dancing world, inspiring dancers from Fred Astaire to Savion Glover. Jan. 24.
Chris Penn, 40. Actor ("Reservoir Dogs"); brother of Sean. Jan. 24. Enlarged heart; multiple medications.
Endesha Ida Mae Holland, 61. Her autobiographical play "From the Mississippi Delta" told how the civil rights movement inspired her. Jan. 25.
Gene McFadden, 56. R&B singer, songwriter ("Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.") Jan. 27. Cancer.
Arthur Bloom, 63. TV news director who helped found "60 Minutes"; his stopwatch used for its ticking image. Jan. 28.
Nam June Paik, 74. Avant-garde artist credited with inventing video art, combining multiple TV screens with sculpture, music, live performers. Jan. 29.
Wendy Wasserstein, 55. Playwright who celebrated women's lives ("The Heidi Chronicles.") Jan. 30. Lymphoma.
Moira Shearer, 80. British ballerina and actress whose debut film, "The Red Shoes," created a sensation. Jan. 31.
FEBRUARY:
Al Lewis, 82. Grandpa on "The Munsters." Feb. 3.
Reuven Frank, 85. Former NBC News president; helped early newscasts adopt more visual approach. Feb. 5.
Franklin Cover, 77. Actor; played the white neighbour on "The Jeffersons." Feb. 5.
Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, 80. Comic actor in John Wayne films. Feb. 6.
Akira Ifukube, 91. Japanese composer; added menacing music to Godzilla films. Feb. 8.
Phil Brown, 89. Luke Skywalker's loving, doomed Uncle Owen in "Star Wars." Feb. 9.
J Dilla, 32. Hip-hop producer for such artists as A Tribe Called Quest. Feb. 10. Complications of lupus.
Juan Soriano, 85. Mexican painter and sculptor. Feb. 10.
Peter Benchley, 65. His 1974 novel, "Jaws," made millions think twice about stepping into the water. Feb. 11.
Jockey Shabalala, 62. Member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Feb. 11.
Rickie Layne, 81. Ventriloquist whose dummy, Velvel, had a Yiddish accent. Feb. 11.
Andreas Katsulas, 59. Character actor; one-armed man in 1993 film "The Fugitive." Feb. 13. Lung cancer.
Shoshana Damari, 83. Israel's beloved "queen of Hebrew music." Feb. 14.
William Cowsill, 58. Lead singer of The Cowsills family singing group. Feb. 17.
Ray Barretto, 76. Grammy-winning Latin jazz percussionist. Feb. 17.
Richard Bright, 68. Enforcer Al Neri in "Godfather" movies. Feb. 18.
Curt Gowdy, 86. Sportscaster; called 13 World Series, 16 All-Star games, first Super Bowl. Feb. 20.
Bruce Hart, 68. Lyricist ("Sesame Street" theme.) Feb 21.
Anthony Burger, 44. Gospel music pianist. Feb. 22. Suspected heart attack.
Dennis Weaver, 81. Chester on "Gunsmoke"; the cop hero in "McCloud." Feb. 24.
Don Knotts, 81. Won five Emmys for "The Andy Griffith Show." Feb. 24.
Octavia E. Butler, 58. First black woman to gain prominence as science fiction writer ("Kindred.") Feb. 24.
Darren McGavin, 83. Tough-talking actor; grouchy dad in "A Christmas Story." Feb. 25.
Bill Cardoso, 68. Writer who coined "gonzo" to describe Hunter Thompson's journalism. Feb. 26.
Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott, 97. Wrote "God Is My Co-Pilot" about his war exploits. Feb. 27.
MARCH:
Jack Wild, 53. Oscar-nominated for "Oliver!"; hero of TV series "H.R. Pufnstuf." March 1. Cancer.
Dana Reeve, 44. Actress-singer; devoted herself to husband Christopher Reeve after he was paralyzed. March 6. Lung cancer.
Ali Farka Toure, about 66. Famed African musician; two-time Grammy winner. March 7.
Gordon Parks, 93. Life photographer, then Hollywood's first major black director ("Shaft," "The Learning Tree.") March 7.
Anna Moffo, 73. Opera soprano hailed for her glamorous looks as much as her singing. March 10.
Peter Tomarken, 63. Host of 1980s game show "Press Your Luck." March 13.
Maureen Stapleton, 80. Oscar-winning actress who excelled on stage, screen, and television. March 13.
Ann Calvello, 76. "Roller Derby Queen" known for intimidating rivals, teammates. March 14.
David Blume, 74. Record producer, songwriter ("Turn Down Day.") March 15.
Narvin Kimball, 97. Last founding member of New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band. March 17.
Oleg Cassini, 92. His designs helped make Jacqueline Kennedy the most glamorous first lady in history. March 17.
Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., 78. Producer of television documentaries on freedom, American presidency. March 21.
Sarah Caldwell, 82. Hailed as first lady of opera for her adventurous productions. March 23.
Buck Owens, 76. Flashy rhinestone cowboy who shaped country music with hits like "Act Naturally." March 25.
Richard Fleischer, 89. Film director ("20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.") March 25.
Nikki Sudden, 49. British musician, a cult favorite. March 26.
Dan Curtis, 78. TV producer, director ("The Winds of War.") March 27.
Britt Lomond, 80. Played dastardly Capitan Monastario in 1950s TV series "Zorro." March 22.
Henry Farrell, 85. Wrote "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?", spurring a horror genre. March 29.
John McGahern, 71. Irish novelist ("That They May Face the Rising Sun.") March 30.
Gloria Monty, 84. Producer who turned "General Hospital" into a pop sensation. March 30.
Jackie McLean, 73. Jazz saxophonist ("Jackie's Bag.") March 31.
APRIL:
Gene Pitney, 66. Singer with a string of hits ("Town Without Pity.") April 5.
Allan Kaprow, 78. Artist who pioneered the unrehearsed form of theater called a "happening." April 5.
Vilgot Sjoman, 81. Swedish director; explicit films such as "I Am Curious (Yellow)" stirred controversy. April 9.
June Pointer, 52. Youngest of hitmaking Pointer Sisters ("I'm So Excited.") April 11. Cancer.
Raj Kumar, 77. One of India's most beloved movie stars. April 12.
Dame Muriel Spark, 88. British novelist ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.") April 13.
Morton Freedgood, 93. Best-selling author ("The Taking of Pelham One Two Three") under pen name John Godey. April 16.
Scott Brazil, 50. Emmy-winning producer-director ("Hill Street Blues.") April 17. Lou Gehrig's, Lyme disease complications.
Henderson Forsythe, 88. Won Tony for role as sheriff in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." April 17.
Ellen Kuzwayo, 91. South African author ("Call Me Woman.") April 19.
Elaine Young, 71. Real estate agent to Hollywood stars. April 20.
Alida Valli, 84. Italian actress; co-starred in 1949 classic "The Third Man." April 22.
William P. Gottlieb, 89. Took well-known photos of jazz greats. April 23.
Phil Walden, 66. Capricorn Records co-founder; launched careers of Otis Redding, Allman Brothers. April 23.
Jane Jacobs, 89. Author; greatly influenced urban planning. April 25.
"Pem" Farnsworth, 98. She helped husband Philo invent television. April 27.
Jay Bernstein, 69. Hollywood publicist, manager; helped turn Farrah Fawcett into household name. April 30.
Pramoedya Ananta Toer, 81. Indonesian author, democracy advocate. April 30.
MAY:
Jay Presson Allen, 84. Adapted "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" for stage, screen. May 1.
Johnny Paris, 65. Had hits ("Red River Rock") with Johnny & the Hurricanes. May 1.
Louis Rukeyser 73. Public TV host known for commonsense commentary on business. May 2.
Karel Appel, 85. A founder of influential COBRA art group. May 3.
Soraya, 37. Grammy-winning Colombian-American singer ("Solo Por Ti.") May 10. Breast cancer.
Val Guest, 94. British director, screenwriter ("The Quatermass Xperiment.") May 10.
Frankie Thomas, 85. Hero of 1950s TV show "Tom Corbett, Space Cadet." May 11.
Ted Berkman, 92. Author, screenwriter ("Bedtime for Bonzo.") May 12.
Johnnie Wilder Jr., 56. Soulful lead singer of R&B band Heatwave ("Always and Forever.") May 13.
Lew Anderson, 84. Gave "Howdy Doody Show" viewers a tearful goodbye as final Clarabell the Clown. May 14.
Stanley Kunitz, 100. Former U.S. poet laureate, Pulitzer winner. May 14.
Mary Ritts, 95. With husband, created the Ritts Puppets act seen on children's TV shows. May 14.
Cheikha Rimitti, 83. Algerian singer who works dealt boldly with sexuality and oppression; admired by fans of world music. May 15.
Dan Q. Kennis, 86. Producer of oddball films. ("I Spit on Your Corpse!") May 17.
Cy Feuer, 95. Co-producer of Broadway smashes ("Guys and Dolls.") May 17.
Freddie Garrity, 69. Lead singer of 1960s British band Freddie and the Dreamers ("I'm Telling You Now.") May 19.
Katherine Dunham, 96. Choreographer who brought African influences to U.S. dance. May 21.
Billy Walker, 77. Grand Ole Opry star ("Charlie's Shoes.") May 21.
Marshall Fishwick, 82. Pioneer in the study of popular culture. May 22.
Ian Copeland, 57. Rock entrepreneur who represented The Police, Go-Go's. May 23. Melanoma.
Robert Giaimo, 86. Connecticut congressman who helped create national endowment for the arts. May 24.
Henry Bumstead, 91. Oscar-winning production designer ("To Kill a Mockingbird.") May 24.
Desmond Dekker, 64. Brought Jamaican ska music to wide audience ("Israelites.") May 25.
Paul Gleason, 67. Actor; the bad guy in "Trading Places." May 27.
Alex Toth, 77. Comic and cartoon artist ("Space Ghost.") May 27.
Arthur Widmer, 92. Won Academy Award for developing technology for special effects. May 28.
Robert Sterling, 88. Actor; appeared in the ghostly 1950s comedy series "Topper." May 30.
Shohei Imamura, 79. Japanese director twice honored with the top prize at Cannes ("The Ballad of Narayama.") May 30.
Ralph Epperson, 85. North Carolina radio station owner who championed mountain music. May 31.
JUNE:
Rocio Jurado, 61. Powerful-voiced singer-actress; beloved figure in Spain and Latin America. June 1.
Vince Welnick, 55. Grateful Dead keyboard player in the 1990s; also with the Tubes ("White Punks on Dope.") June 2. Suicide.
Johnny Grande, 76. An original member of Bill Haley and His Comets ("Rock Around the Clock.") June 3.
Billy Preston, 59. Exuberant keyboardist and singer ("Nothing From Nothing"); played with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. June 6. Heart infection; kidney failure.
Arnold Newman, 88. Photographer who revealed the souls of artists and politicians. June 6.
Hilton Ruiz, 54. Jazz pianist, composer. June 6. Injured in a fall.
Ingo Preminger, 95. Producer of "M-A-S-H"; Otto's brother. June 7.
Barbara Epstein, 76. She edited the original U.S. version of "The Diary of Anne Frank." June 16.
Vincent Sherman, 99. Hollywood filmmaker ("The Adventures of Don Juan.") June 18.
Claydes Charles Smith, 57. Lead guitarist for Kool & the Gang ("Joanna," "Celebration.") June 20.
Aaron Spelling, 83. TV impresario whose stylish shows ("Beverly Hills 90210") were wildly popular. June 23.
Lyle Stuart, 83. Publisher of such oddities as "The Anarchist Cookbook." June 24.
Arif Mardin, 72. Grammy Award-winning producer; worked with Aretha Franklin. June 25.
Lennie Weinrib, 71. Actor, writer ("H.R. Pufnstuf.") June 28.
George Page, 71. Creator, host of PBS series "Nature." June 28.
Lloyd Richards, 87. Theater director ("A Raisin in the Sun"). June 29.
JULY:
Irving Green, 90. Co-founder of Mercury Records; promoted Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington. July 1.
Jan Murray, 89. Comic who tickled fans of 1950s game show "Treasure Hunt." July 2.
Benjamin Hendrickson, 55. Daytime Emmy winner for "As the World Turns." July 3. Suicide.
Hugh Stubbins Jr., 94. Architect; his skyscraper Citigroup Center is a New York icon. July 5.
Kasey Rogers, 80. Actress ("Strangers on a Train.") July 6.
Syd Barrett, 60. Co-founder of Pink Floyd ("The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.") July 7.
June Allyson, 88. Hollywood movies' "perfect wife." July 8.
Milan B. Williams, 58. One of the original members of the Commodores ("Three Times a Lady.") July 9. Cancer.
Bill Miller, 91. Frank Sinatra's longtime pianist. July 11.
Barnard Hughes, 90. Actor who won Tony for "Da." July 11.
Red Buttons, 87. Actor-comedian; won Oscar with a dramatic turn in "Sayonara." July 13.
Carrie Nye, 69. Stage actress ("Half a Sixpence.") July 14.
Harold R. Scott Jr., 70. Stage actor and director ("Paul Robeson.") July 16.
Mickey Spillane, 88. Macho mystery writer who wowed millions of readers. July 17.
Jack Warden, 85. Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor who played gruff characters. ("Heaven Can Wait.") July 19.
Mako, 72. Japan-born actor nominated for Oscar ("The Sand Pebbles") and Tony ("Pacific Overtures.") July 21.
Jessie Mae Hemphill, 71. Blues musician; won several W.C. Handy Awards. July 22.
AUGUST
Bob Thaves, 81. Created quirky comic strip "Frank & Ernest." Aug. 1.
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, 90. Soprano who won global acclaim. Aug. 3.
Arthur Lee, 61. Singer, songwriter for the 1960s band Love ("Forever Changes.") Aug. 3. Leukemia.
Mike Douglas, 81. Affable TV talk show host and singer ("The Men in My Little Girl's Life.") Aug. 11.
Mazisi Kunene, 76. First poet laureate of a democratic South Africa. Aug. 11.
Bruno Kirby, 57. Character actor ("When Harry Met Sally," "City Slickers.") Aug. 14.
Johnny Duncan, 67. Country singer ("She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime.") Aug. 14.
Walter Sullivan, 82. Novelist ("A Time to Dance"), authority on Southern literature. Aug. 15.
Walter E. Jagiello, 76. Singer known as "Lil' Wally the Polka King." Aug. 17.
Joseph Hill, 57. Vocalist, songwriter for reggae group Culture ("Natty Never Get Weary.") Aug. 19.
Joe Rosenthal, 94. Associated Press photojournalist who took picture of flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Aug. 20.
Bruce Gary, 55. Rock drummer with The Knack ("My Sharona"), session man. Aug. 22. Lymphoma.
Maynard Ferguson, 78. Jazz trumpeter known for his soaring high notes. Aug. 23.
Joseph Stefano, 84. Writer of "Psycho" screenplay. Aug. 25.
Ed Benedict, 94. Animator who put life into Fred Flintstone, Yogi Bear. Aug. 28.
Naguib Mahfouz, 94. First Arab writer to win Nobel Prize in literature; a symbol of liberalism in the face of Islamic extremism. Aug. 30.
Glenn Ford, 90. Actor who played strong, thoughtful protagonists ("The Blackboard Jungle," "Gilda.") Aug. 30.
SEPTEMBER:
Gyorgy Faludy, 95. Poet, translator considered one of Hungary's greatest literary figures. Sept. 1.
Willi Ninja, 45. Dancer immortalized in "Paris Is Burning." Sept. 2. AIDS complications.
John Conte, 90. Actor ("The Man With the Golden Arm.") Sept. 4.
Steve Irwin, 44. Television's irrepressible "Crocodile Hunter." Sept 4. Sting ray attack.
Robert Earl Jones, 96. Actor; father of James Earl Jones. Sept. 7.
Daniel Smith, 20. Anna Nicole Smith's son whose sudden passing made headlines worldwide. Sept 10. Lethal combination of drugs.
Bennie Smith, 72. St. Louis guitarist, played with stars like Chuck Berry. Sept. 10.
Pat Corley, 76. Actor; Phil the barkeep on "Murphy Brown." Sept. 11.
Joseph Hayes, 88. Author of the novel "The Desperate Hours," also wrote Tony-winning play, Hollywood screenplay based on it. Sept. 11.
Mickey Hargitay, 80. Actor, bodybuilder; husband of Jayne Mansfield, father of actress Mariska Hargitay. Sept 14.
Oriana Fallaci, 76. Italian journalist noted for probing interviews with powerful people. Sept. 15.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford, 84. Her marriage to Peter Lawford lent Hollywood glamour to the Kennedy dynasty. Sept. 17.
Danny Flores, 77. Played saxophone and shouted "tequila!" on 1950s hit "Tequila!" Sept. 19.
Joe Glazer, 88. Singer-songwriter who rallied union loyalists ("The Mills Weren't Made of Marble.") Sept. 19.
Elizabeth Allen, 77. Actress; nominated for Tony for "Do I Hear a Waltz?" Sept. 19.
Sven Nykvist, 83. Oscar-winning Swedish cinematographer; worked with Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen. Sept. 20.
Edward Albert, 55. Actor ("Butterflies Are Free.") Sept. 22. Lung cancer.
Sir Malcolm Arnold, 84. British composer; won Oscar for "Bridge on the River Kwai." Sept. 23.
Etta Baker, 93. Influential blues guitarist; recorded with Taj Mahal. Sept. 23.
Maureen Daly, 85. Noted for 1942 coming-of-age novel "Seventeenth Summer." Sept. 25.
Ralph Story, 86. Host of 1950s quiz show "The $64,000 Challenge." Sept. 26.
"Uncle Josh" Graves, 79. His bluesy playing adorned hundreds of bluegrass, country records. Sept. 30.
Prentiss Barnes, 81. Singer with the Moonglows ("Ten Commandments of Love.") Sept. 30.
Isabel Bigley, 80. Won Tony for role in "Guys and Dolls." Sept. 30.
OCTOBER:
Tamara Dobson, 59. Actress; played Cleopatra Jones in two blaxploitation films. Oct. 2. Multiple sclerosis, pneumonia.
Heinz Sielmann, 89. Zoologist, documentary filmmaker ("Vanishing Wilderness.") Oct. 6.
Jerry Belson, 68. Emmy-winning comedy writer ("The Tracey Ullman Show.") Oct. 10.
Gillo Pontecorvo, 86. Directed "The Battle of Algiers," 1966 epic on Algerian uprising against the French. Oct. 12.
Freddy Fender, 69. Texas' "Bebop Kid"; sang the smash country ballad "Before the Next Teardrop Falls." Oct. 14.
Herbert B. Leonard, 84. TV producer ("Naked City.") Oct. 14.
Sid Davis, 90. Produced quirky educational films warning youngsters of the dangers of drugs, running with scissors. Oct. 16.
Lister Sinclair, 85. Broadcaster and playwright, considered one of Canada's renaissance men. Oct. 16.
Christopher Glenn, 68. CBS correspondent, announcer; voice of children's program "In the News." Oct. 17.
Miriam Engelberg, 48. Graphic author; found improbable humor in her fight with cancer ("Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person.") Oct. 17.
Spoony Singh, 83. His Hollywood Wax Museum gave tourists the next best thing to a real celebrity. Oct. 18.
Phyllis Kirk, 79. Actress who was stalked by Vincent Price in the horror film "House of Wax." Oct. 19.
Jane Wyatt, 96. Actress who for six years on "Father Knows Best" was one of TV's favorite moms. Oct. 20.
Sandy West, 47. Her drumming fueled the influential '70s rock band the Runaways ("Cherry Bomb.") Oct. 21. Lung cancer.
Arthur Hill, 84. Character actor; had title role in the early 1970s series "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law." Oct. 22.
Lawrence W. Levine, 73. Cultural historian ("Black Culture and Black Consciousness.") Oct. 23.
Marijohn Wilkin, 86. Country songwriter ("The Long Black Veil.") Oct. 28.
NOVEMBER:
Buddy Killen, 73. Nashville songwriter ("I May Never Get to Heaven") and producer; helped launch Dolly Parton's career. Nov. 1.
William Styron, 81. Pulitzer-winning novelist ("The Confessions of Nat Turner.") Nov. 1.
Florence Klotz, 86. Tony-winning costume designer ("Follies.") Nov. 1.
Paul Mauriat, 81. Conductor whose "Love Is Blue" topped U.S. charts in 1968. Nov. 3.
Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, 98. Her memoir on life with 11 siblings, "Cheaper by the Dozen," inspired several films. Nov. 4.
Ed Bradley, 65. The TV journalist who created a distinctive, powerful body of work on "60 Minutes." Nov. 9.
Ellen Willis, 64. Feminist author; New Yorker's first rock critic. Nov. 9. Lung cancer.
Marian Marsh, 93. Doll-faced actress; the milkmaid mesmerized by John Barrymore in "Svengali." Nov. 9.
Jack Palance, 87. Hollywood heavy ("Shane") who turned successfully to comedy, winning Oscar for "City Slickers." Nov. 10.
Gerald Levert, 40. Fiery R&B singer ("Casanova"); son of O'Jays singer Eddie Levert. Nov. 10.
Ruth Brown, 78. Grammy and Tony-award-winning singer ("Teardrops in My Eyes.") Nov. 17.
Jeremy Slate, 80. Actor ("Hell's Angels '69." Nov. 19.
Robert Altman, 81. Caustic Hollywood director ("Nashville.") Nov. 20.
Robert Lockwood Jr., 91. Mississippi Delta blues guitarist ("I Got to Find Me a Woman.") Nov. 21.
Philippe Noiret, 76. French actor "Il Postino" ("The Postman"). Nov. 23.
Betty Comden, 89. Her collaboration with Adolph Green produced "On the Town," "Singin' in the Rain." Nov. 23.
Anita O'Day, 87. One of the most respected jazz vocalists of the 1940s. Nov. 23.
William Diehl, 81. Best-selling novelist ("Primal Fear.") Nov. 24.
Robert McFerrin Sr., 85. First black man to sing solo at the Metropolitan Opera; father of Bobby McFerrin. Nov. 24.
Dave Cockrum, 63. Comic book illustrator who in the 1970s overhauled the X-Men. Nov. 26.
Robert "H-Bomb" Ferguson, 77. A bluesman and pianist who urged listeners to "rock baby rock." Nov. 26.
Bebe Moore Campbell, 56. Best-selling author ("Brothers and Sisters.") Nov. 27. Brain cancer.
Don Butterfield, 83. Tuba player who performed with such stars as Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Sinatra. Nov. 27.
Leon Niemczyk, 82. Polish actor (Roman Polanski's "Knife in the Water.") Nov. 29.
Perry Henzell, 70. Filmmaker whose "The Harder They Come" introduced Jamaican pop culture to global audience. Nov. 30.
DECEMBER:
Claude Jade, 58. French actress. ("Topaz," "Stolen Kisses."). Dec. 1. Cancer.
Jay "Hootie" McShann, 90. Jazz pianist and bandleader who helped refine the blues-tinged Kansas City sound. Dec. 7.
Martha Tilton, 91. Big band singer ("And the Angels Sing," "I'll Walk Alone.") Dec. 8.
Georgia Gibbs, 87. Hitmaking 1950s singer ("Kiss of Fire," "Dance With Me, Henry.") Dec. 9.
Martin Nodell, 91. Created the comic book superhero Green Lantern. Dec. 9.
Peter Boyle, 71. The curmudgeonly father on "Everybody Loves Raymond." Dec. 12.
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Nota Bene:
As it can be expected, this list and much more data on the subject is to be readily found on the lugubrious blog...
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As it can be expected, this list and much more data on the subject is to be readily found on the lugubrious blog...
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Even Miss Polly Anderson forgot on her list the names of
Anicée Alvina
and
Adrienne Shelly
But so did I, obviously...
:(
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Anicée Alvina
and
Adrienne Shelly
But so did I, obviously...
:(
+++
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