Category Archives: Celebrity/musician deaths

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Larry Hagman 1931 – 2012

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I used to love watching, “Dallas” re-runs when I was younger. I was pretty obsessed with the show, and J.R. Ewing has always been my favorite TV character. He’s one of the most badass villains out there. I wish NETFLIX would get the rights to make this show streamable, ’cause I would re-watch it again. J.R. Ewing, was the shit. He was a pretty tough dude, who you wouldn’t want to mess with.

Larry Hagman was born in Weatherford, Texas. His mother was a, Broadway actress, and his father was a lawyer. After Larry graduated high school, he was turned on into acting in drama because his mother was into it. He started taking drama classes and then started taking comedy roles on the stage, in which he got good feedback on. Hagman’s acting career didn’t start until he moved to Dallas, Texas, appearing in small roles in plays and he even had a role in “South Pacific”, with his mother, Mary Martin.

At age 25, Hagman made his TV debut in a show called, “Decoy”. After starring as guest appearances in TV series, he finally got himself a big TV role, in “I Dream of Jeannie”, in which he plays an astronaut who falls in love with a 2,000 year old genie. In 1977 Hagman was offered two big roles, one was, “”The Waverly Wonders”, and the other was, “Dallas”. He obviously, picked Dallas, in which he played J.R. Ewing. A character that made him an iconic star.

After “Dallas”, Hagman continued to have small roles in different shows and he appeared in a large number of big screen movies. He had a cameo in “Superman: The Movie”, and he also played a role, in the film, “Nixon”.

Larry Hagman, maybe gone, but his legacy will live on forever. He was 81 years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Mitch Lucker (singer of Suicide Silence) 1984 – 2012

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I’m not really into this kind of metal music. I love metal, but not the death and hardcore kind of stuff. I thought I would pay my respects, anyway. Mitch Lucker, singer of the deathcore band, Suicide Silent, was killed in a Motorcyle accident. I don’t know much about Suicide Silence, but it’s always sad when someone from the music industry passes. I’ll send my deepest sympathy, to the rest of the guys in Suicide Silence, and to the metal community. Mitch Lucker, was just 28 years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Natina Reed 1979 – 2012

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I’m not into this kind of music but I feel this is worth posting as a way to send out my condolences. R&B singer and rapper, Natina Reed, who is most famous for the R&B group, Blaque, and for starring in the movie, “Bring It On”, was killed in a hit and run, while walking on a highway in Atlanta, Georgia. Her wikipedia doesn’t have much in her bio, but she was killed two days before her birthday, which her birthday is today actually. Too bad she won’t be around to see it. Hit run accidents are horrible, and I wish people would be more careful and learn how to drive better. Get them to learn that they don’t own the road for themselves. She was too young to go and still had a whole life ahead of her. She has a 10 year old son who is going to grow up without his mother. I do remember, Blaque, they played their songs on pop radio, all the time. I’m sure you’ve heard of them too. Even if you’re not into this type of music at all, you should still pay your respects. Natina, was 32 years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Sammi Kane Kraft 1992 – 2012

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I thought this was a pretty sad story, that I thought that this is worth an obit on here! Sammi Kane Kraft, who is most famous for playing the role of Amanda Whurlitzer in the “Bad News Bears” remake starring, Bill Bob Thornton. The role of Amanda Whurlitzer was originally played by Tatum O’ Neal in the original, 1976, film. Sammi Kane was hired for the role because, as a real life baseball player herself, she threw an impressive 75 mph fastball while as a pitcher, during a casting call. While acting for the film, Billy Bob Thornton, wasn’t just her coach for the movie, he was also her coach behind the scenes, as he gave her a few acting tips for the role as well.

Sammi Kane was killed in a car wreck in Los Angeles, but she wasn’t the driver. It was drunk driving related, and the driver, Molly Kate Adams, was arrested. Before Sammi Kane’s death, she just enrolled herself at Santa Montica College. She was also a musician, guitarist, and singer/songwriter who would regularly play out at small venues. Sammi Kane’s role in “Bad News Bears” remake, was her only big movie role. She was 20 years old.

Read the full story, here.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Michael Clarke Duncan 1957 – 2012

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Michael Clarke Duncan is an actor who I’ve always respected. While he is most famous for his role as John Coffey in “The Green Mile” a Stephen King adapted film directed by Frank Darabont, he was great in many other roles too. He was a good guy who had a very positive career, which is probably the main reason why I respected him so much. Most actors turned their careers in a negative direction, but not with Michael. Michael always seemed friendly, down to earth and immediately likeable the moment you set eyes upon him. Plus, he was one talented actor. Again, he may have been popular for his role in “The Green Mile” but he is very underrated in his other work too. I remembered him in “Armageddon”, “The Scorpion King”, Tim Burton’s “Planet of the Apes”, “Daredevil”, and “Sin City”.

Michael was born and grew up in, Chicago. He always had dreams of acting, but since he was living in a single parent household (his father left them), he had to give up acting classes in college, so he can take care of his ill mother. He started off working jobs by digging ditches for People’s Gas Company and was a bouncer for several night clubs in Chicago. In 1979, he also participated in the Disco Demolition Night, at Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

Later on, Michael moved to Los Angeles to try to get some acting gigs in commercials, while he continued to work as a bouncer at clubs in L.A. At this time, Michael was a bodyguard for Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Martin Lawrence, and Notorious B.I.G. After rapper Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed in 1997, that’s when Michael stopped working for security and being a bodyguard for good. The next year later, he was casted for a role as Bear, in the film, “Armageddon”. That was the film which helped him get the role as John Coffey for “The Green Mile”, in which he won an Academy award for. After “The Green Mile”, Michael’s film career kept getting better and better, he kept starring in movie roles and doing voice overs for animated films.

Earlier this summer, Michael was taken to a hospital due to a heart attack. Michael passed away yesterday morning in Los Angeles. He is survived by his fiance, Omarosa, who he planned to marry later this year. Michael Clarke Duncan was 54 years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Neil Armstrong 1930 – 2012…

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I wasn’t even born yet, when Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon on July 21st, 1969, but I wish I was. So I never got to see it live on TV back then, but I’m sure my family members did though! I do have a strong interest in Science, as it was one of the classes in School that I was pretty good at. He is a legend and a hero, indeed. An inspiration for everyone.

Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. As a child Neil had an interest in flying airplanes so his father would take him to the, Cleveland Air Races. When he was six years old, he experience his first flight in Warren Ohio, when he and his father flew the, Trimotor. When Neil turned 15, he began taking flying lessons after receiving his flying certificate. In 1947, Neil began studying aerospace, when he was a member of, Purdue University. In January of 1949, Neil joined the Navy so he can further his flight training. He witnessed action during the Korean War, and was part of it in 1951. After the Navy, Neil returned to Purdue college in which he got a degree in auronautical engineering. After college, he decided to become a test pilot at the, Edwards Air Force Base. This is where he flew with famous major general, Chuck Yeager. Although they once flew together, their flying didn’t go as well, as they had trouble landing.

Finally, Neil decided that he wanted to become an astronaut in 1958. He was selected for the US Airforce’s Man In Space Soonest, program. In 1960, he was chosen to be pilot consultant for the, Boeing X-20 Dyna- Soar, which is a military space plane. Armstrong did not join NASA until, Sept. 1961. Long before Apollo 11, Neil flew Gemini 8, and Gemini 11. He also served as back up commander for Apollo 8. On Dec. 23, 1968, Neil was offered to be the post of commander for Apollo 11.

In July of 1969, would be the month that would change world history forever. Neil would become the first man to step on the moon. NASA picked him to be the first ’cause they have seen that he didn’t have a huge ego. Millions around the world watched Neil take his first step on the moon live on TV, on that historic day of July 21st, 1969, which uttered the famous catchphrase, “One Small Step”. During interviews, Neil claimed that outer space, was pitch black dark, and all you can see was of course, the Sun and Earth. Neil continues to inspire people to this day.

On Aug. 25th of 2012, Neil Armstrong passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was 82 years old.

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Tony Scott 1944 – 2012

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Today is a sad day for Hollywood, because legendary film maker, Tony Scott, committed suicide by jumping off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in, Los Angeles. Now, most everyone have seen his flicks over the years with iconic films such as “Beverly Hills Cop II”, “Top Gun”, “Days of Thunder”, “The Last Boy Scout, “True Romance”, “Man on Fire”, “The Taking of Pelham 123”, “Crimson Tide”, “Enemy of the State”, etc. He has worked with Tom Cruise two times, and worked with Denzel Washington, 5 times.

Tony got his start in film making at the age of 16, when he starred in Ridley Scott’s short film, “Boy and Bicycle”. Tony then followed his brother’s footsteps in film directing after. Tony got his start in film directing doing TV commercials first through Ridley’s company, Ridley Scott’s Associates. Tony originally wanted to make documentaries first, but his brother Ridley, urged Tony to make films. In 1983, Tony had interest in adapting Anne Rice’s legendary vampire book, “Interview with the Vampire” to the big screen, but the film was already in development. So Tony made his directorial debut with the vampire film, “The Hunger” instead which stars David Bowie and Susan Sarandon.

Tony’s final projects before his death were he produced, “The A-Team” movie with Ridley, and he also was executive producer for “The Good Wife”. He also executive produced, a TV mini series called, “Coma”, which is set to air later this year. His final directed film was, “Unstoppable”, which starred Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. Tony Scott was 68 years old, he is survived by his wife Donna and their two sons.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Jon Lord 1941 – 2012

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I was a huge fan of Deep Purple, especially the earlier days, with the original lineup of: Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice, and of course, Jon Lord. Jon Lord is a pianist, Hammond organ player and a keyboard player. He was one of the founding members of Deep Purple in the early 70’s. He was the one who helped get the band formed.

Jon was born in Leicester, England. At the age of 5, he studied classical piano. His influences range from Bach to popular Medieval music. Later on in the years, he started listening to the blues, being inspired by Hammond blues organists: Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Brother Jack McDuff, and he was also inspired by the piano rock icon, Jerry Lee Lewis. In late 1967, Lord started to listen to rock music after seeing, Vanilla Fudge live, ’cause they were known for playing organ rock. As Lord got older, he studied acting and drama in London, while there, he played piano and the organ at clubs as a session musician. Lord’s first band before Deep Purple was, the Bill Ashton Combo, which is a jazz ensemble. Then he went on to join, the Art Woods.

In 1967, Jon Lord formed Deep Purple, after former Searchers drummer, Chris Curtis had plans in forming a supergroup called, the Roundabout. Ritchie Blackmore wanted the band name to be changed to, Deep Purple, in which the band name stuck even to this day. Jon Lord was leader of the band for a while since he was the one who helped form the band, but he gave up being leader later on and continued to play organ for them. Lord was organist of Deep Purple from 1968 – 1976. Later in the years, Lord rejoined Deep Purple in 1984 and continued to play with them up until sometime in 2012. In between the years, he hasn’t been with Deep Purple, Lord was also member of Whitesnake for quite some time, and he started his own, classical composing career.

Jon Lord died of cancer, he was 71, years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths, Stallone news

RIP: Sage Moonblood Stallone 1976 – 2012

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This is really sad news. I’m sure Sylvester, had to pull out of San Diego Comic Con today, when he heard the news that his son, Sage Stallone, has passed away. My heart goes out to Sly and his family. I’m pretty sure, Sly is very heartbroken and emotional about this news. Sage is mostly famous for his role as Rocky Jr., in “Rocky V” and he also co-starred with Sly in the film, “Daylight”.

Sage did not have a very big movie career. He was mostly a big fan of horror films. I believe, he even started his own horror film production company. He directed a few horror films and starred in several of them. Sage is the son of actress, Sasha Czach, who Sly was once married to.

Read more on the story, here.

I’m pretty sure the entire Stallone family is devastated, not just Sly, again, my heart goes out to them. Will this affect Sly’s movie career? Maybe a little bit, but not bad. I’m sure Sage would want his father to keep going.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Andy Griffith 1926 – 2012

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Andy Griffith, was a childhood hero of mine. I’m sure he was a childhood hero for most people as well. While he is mostly famous for the TV shows, “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock”, he was a multi talented man who did it all. He was a stand up comedian, actor, director, producer, singer, etc. He was also the one who helped launch the acting career of, Ron Howard (he started off as actor, he is now director full time). As a child, I would watch, “The Andy Griffith” show all the time. It was one of my favorite shows as a kid.

Andy was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. He shares the same birthday with, Marilyn Monroe. Andy grew up listening to music. As a student at Mount Airy High School, he grew interest in arts and studied acting at the schools, drama program. Andy also learned how to sing and play the trombone, by Ed Mickey who was a minister. After Andy graduated high school in 1944, he was offered a role in, “The Lost Colony” by Paul Green. In college, he continued to study both music and acting in drama.

In 1953, Andy released his first vinyl record titled, “What It Was, Was Football”, which is a monologue of a college football game. He also continued to star in various plays and musicals. In 1957 he made his acting debut in, “A Face In the Crowd”, in which the film is about a power hungry country boy who becomes a television host, and uses the show as a gateway to political power.

In 1960, he was hired to play a county Sheriff, for the show “Make Room For Daddy”, which the “Andy Griffith Show” spun off from there. The show was a huge hit and lasted for 8 seasons. Even though Andy left the show to star in “Matlock”, the “Andy Griffith Show” continued to be a big hit. “Matlock” was also a very successful show as it lasted for, 9 Seasons.

Andy Griffith legacy continues to inspire everyone to this day. Griffith died at his home in North Carolina. He was 86 years old.

Kev