Tag Archives: Celebrity/musician deaths

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

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Donna Summer 1948 – 2012

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Whether you liked disco music or not, you have to respect the music of Donna Summer. I sure did. I never liked dance or pop music too much, but I always liked her. Throughout the years of your life, I’m sure you would hear her hit song, “Hot Stuff”, pretty much every where you go. That song is everywhere, even to this day. You will still hear it on the radio. You would hear it in TV commercials, TV shows, and big screen movies. Donna Summer has been a huge inspiration for all of our lives, love her or dislike her. Even if you never bought her music and even you hate disco. Donna Summer will always be with you. It doesn’t matter what genre of music you mostly like to listen to, whether you mostly listen to rock n’ roll, metal, or country. Donna Summer will always be a part of you in some way. That is how powerful this artist really is. She influences everybody. In my eyes, she’s not just the Queen of Disco. She is the Queen of Music, all around.

Donna Summer, was born in and grew up in Boston, Mass. She has been singing ever since she was a little girl. Like most pop stars, she got her start performing in Church choirs. During high school, she performed in school musicals and she was considered popular. In high school, she was a bit of a trouble maker, though. She would go to parties instead of going home after school. Just before graduation, she left school, to be in a blues rock band called, Crow, in New York City. Then she moved to Munich, Germany to be part of musicals there for a while.

In the 1970’s, Donna Summer got her first record deal while singing back up vocals for the classic rock band, Three Dog Night. She released her first album, “Lady of the Night”, which was recorded in Germany. The album was not released in the U.S., but the song, “The Hostage”, got a strong following in Europe. The song was sent to Casablanca records, hoping for a U.S. release. The president of that label, Neil Bogart, said he would release the song if the song was a longer version so Summer recorded a 17 minute long version of the song, which the song titled was changed to, “Love to Love You Baby”. Donna Summer was then, signed to Casablanca Records. Her hit song, “Hot Stuff”, didn’t come out ’til late 1979, which the song is considered her anthem. The song was from her album, “Bad Girls”, which became her best selling album ever.

Over the years, Donna Summer continued to make music, release albums, and perform live. Donna Summer passed away of cancer, she was 63 years old.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Adam Yauch 1964 – 2012

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Like most fans in the music world, I am very heart broken hearing about the death of Adam Yauch (better known as MCA) of the Beastie Boys. I’ve listened to the Beastie Boys for years. I’ve been a huge fan of them from way back and still am a huge fan of them now. No matter what you think of the Beastie Boys, love ’em or hate ’em. They were geniuses. They wrote incredible songs, and they are very talented live performers. They were such an inspiration to me. I never saw the Beastie Boys live, but I’ve always bought their albums.

Adam’s earlier life, he was born in and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He taught himself how to play bass guitar during high school, and right away he formed the Beastie Boys, with members: John Berry, Kate Schellenbach, and Michael Diamond. The band started off playing hardcore punk music before changing their sound to hip hop. When Yauch turned 22, that’s when he changed the Beastie Boys genre to hip hop music, as a trio. The band released their first album, “License To Ill”, under Def Jam Records.

The band were very successful over the years. Selling millions of records, making lots of hit music videos (which most of them were directed by Yauch himself), they won a few awards, and now they were just inducted into the, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Adam Yauch was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Yauch passed away today at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Kev

Celebrity/musician deaths

RIP: Jonathan Frid 1924 – 2012

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Jonathan Frid, a Canadian born actor, served in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. He graduated from McMaster University in 1948 and was accepted at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Frid was a stage & theater actor for most of his life, but he is most famous for playing the original, Barnabus Collins, on the TV show, “Dark Shadows”. Over the years, Frid continued to attend “Dark Shadows”, fan convention events.

Jonathan Frid, died of natural causes, he was 87 years old.

Kev