Hollywood Obituaries

[waltky]

Golden Screen Era Actress Maureen O'Hara passes on...

Maureen O’Hara, Actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Dies at 95
24 Oct.`15 - The actress was known for her fiery red hair and her performances in The Quiet Man and Miracle on 34th Street.

I guess everybody was in love with Maureen O’Hara,” Clint Eastwood said of Maureen O’Hara at the 2014 Governors Awards. An Irish-born actress and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1940s and 50s, Maureen O’Hara passed away today at the age of 95, per a statement from her family. “Maureen was our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend,” the statement read. “She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family as they celebrated her life listening to music from her favorite movie, The Quiet Man.”

by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images.​

The Dublin-born O’Hara first broke into motion pictures in 1939, with roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s Jamaica Inn and as Esmerelda, opposite Charles Laughton’s Quasimodo, in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Over her celebrated career, O’Hara worked with the greats of her time, including John Ford (most notably on the 1941 Best Picture winner How Green Was My Valley) and John Wayne, with whom she made five films, including 1952’s The Quiet Man. She is, perhaps, most widely remembered for her roles in two family films, The Parent Trap and Miracle on 34th Street.

O’Hara’s last film performance was in 1991, in director Chris Columbus’ Only the Lonely, where she played John Candy’s overbearing Irish mother. Last November, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented an honorary Oscar to Maureen O’Hara for her long and memorable career. Presenter Liam Neeson said of O’Hara, “For anyone anywhere around the world who loves movies, she is more than simply an Irish movie star, she is one of the true legends of cinema. A woman whose skill and range of talent is unsurpassed.”

Maureen O’Hara, Actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Dies at 95

 

[DarkFury]

95 is a good old age. I do hope she had the time to enjoy what her hard work brought us. I know I did.

 

[skye]

God Bless you and Rest in Peace lovely Maureen.....

I was a big fan.

 

[bodecea]

I heard she had some problems with elder abuse like Mickey Rooney did......how sad.

 

[Alex.]

I like this photo of her

R.I.P. Miss O'Hara

 

[tyroneweaver]

Had no idea she was living right here in Boise Idaho. No wonder she lived so long.

 

[tinydancer]

She was a legend in her own right. Oh my we are losing the great ones.

I never had to learn about a nipple piercing like Kylie. I never had to learn about a husband who took so many drugs in a brothel that Lamar and what's her name Khloe had to fly by his side. Who's the youngest? Smooching by TMZ with a dude 10 years her senior.

I'm going to say it.

I miss the old days of grace and class and wonder.

I miss the old days.

 

[waltky]

Uncle Ferd liked her Jane to Johnny Weismeuller's Tarzan...

... he thought she was a honey.

 

[skye]

Another fun movie was "The Parent Trap" (1961) with Hayley Mills

 

[waltky]

Haley Mills...

... now there's a honey...

... is she still alive?

 

[skye]

Haley Mills...

... now there's a honey...

... is she still alive?

yes she is!

 

[eagle1462010]

One of my favorites.

 

[Alex.]

Behind the scene with John Wayne they looked good together.

 

[waltky]

The Indian acting star who found global fame...

Saeed Jaffrey, Indian actor and Bollywood veteran, dies
16 November 2015 - Actor Saeed Jaffrey, a veteran of dozens of Bollywood and international films, has died at the age of 86. Tributes have poured in since Jaffrey suffered a brain haemorrhage in London.

Jaffrey starred in such acclaimed Indian films as Satyajit Ray's Shatranj ke Khiladi (The Chess Players) and more than 100 Bollywood productions. He also appeared in A Passage To India, Gandhi and The Man Who Would Be King, and earned a Bafta nomination for his role in 1985's My Beautiful Laundrette. The news of his death was announced on Sunday by his niece Shaheen Aggarwal on Facebook. She wrote: "Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away. Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoicing in the lap of his Heavenly Father, eternally." The actor collapsed at his London home from a brain haemorrhage and never regained consciousness, according to a statement from Jaffrey Associates.

Jaffrey is remembered for his roles in films including A Passage To India and Gandhi​

Born in Punjab in India in 1929, Jaffrey began his career as a theatre actor and was the first Indian to tour Shakespeare across the United States and to star in a major Broadway role, according to Jaffrey Associates. He became a household name in the UK after appearing in numerous TV dramas including Tandoori Nights, The Far Pavilions and Gangsters. His best-known roles included the Nawab of Mirat in the landmark 1980s series The Jewel In The Crown and Ravi Desai in the soap opera Coronation Street. On the big screen, he starred opposite Michael Caine and Sean Connery in 1975's The Man Who Would Be King and played Patel in Sir Richard Attenborough's Oscar-winning Gandhi in 1982.

Sir David Lean cast him as Hamidullah in 1984 epic A Passage to India, and Jaffrey was nominated for the best supporting actor Bafta for playing the laundrette-owning Nasser in My Beautiful Laundrette, which starred Daniel Day-Lewis. Jaffrey also wrote and starred in dozens of radio plays, winning the Prix Italia for his appearance alongside Sir Michael Redgrave in BBC Radio Four's The Pump. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1995 for his contributions to drama. The actor was married to actress-author Madhur Jaffrey with whom he had three children. They divorced in 1966.

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[waltky]

Character actor Robert Loggia passes...

Robert Loggia Dies at 85
Dec 4, 2015, Oscar-nominated actor Robert Loggia, who was known for gravelly voiced gangsters from "Scarface" to "The Sopranos" but who was most endearing as Tom Hanks' kid-at-heart toy-company boss in "Big," has died. He was 85.

Loggia's wife Aubrey Loggia said he died Friday at his home in Los Angeles after a five year battle with Alzheimer's. "His poor body gave up," she said. "He loved being an actor and he loved his life." A solidly built man with a rugged face and rough voice, Loggia fit neatly into gangster movies, playing a Miami drug lord in "Scarface," which starred Al Pacino; and a Sicilian mobster in "Prizzi's Honor," with Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner. He played wise guys in David Lynch's "Lost Highway," the spoofs "Innocent Blood" and "Armed and Dangerous," and again on David Chase's "The Sopranos," as the previously jailed veteran mobster Michele "Feech" La Manna.

An undated photo of Robert Loggia.​

It was not as a gangster but as a seedy detective that Loggia received his only Academy Award nomination, as supporting actor in 1985's "Jagged Edge." He played gumshoe Sam Ransom, who investigated a murder involving Glenn Close and Jeff Bridges. Loggia gave an endearing comic performance in Penny Marshall's 1988 "Big," when he danced with Tom Hanks on a giant piano keyboard. Hanks played an adolescent granted a wish to be big, overnight becoming a 30-something man who —— still mentally a boy —— eventually finds work at a toy company run by Loggia's character. A chance meeting in a toy store leads to the pair tapping out joyful duets of "Chopsticks" and "Heart and Soul" on the piano keys built into the floor.

Loggia also appeared in five films for comedy director Blake Edwards, including three "Pink Panther" films and the dark comedy "S.O.B." He also portrayed Joseph, husband of Mary, in George Stevens' biblical epic "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Asked in 1990 how he maintained such a varied career, he responded: "I'm a character actor in that I play many different roles, and I'm virtually unrecognizable from one role to another. So I never wear out my welcome." In 1966 Loggia had the rare opportunity for stardom, taking the lead role in the NBC television drama "T.H.E. Cat." He played a former circus aerialist and cat burglar who guarded clients in danger of being murdered. When the series was canceled after one season, however, the distraught Loggia largely dropped out of the business for a time.

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[waltky]

Veteran actor Harry Morgan passes away...

Harry Morgan, Colonel Potter on ‘M*A*S*H,’ Dies at 96
DEC. 7, 2011 - Harry Morgan, the prolific character actor best known for playing the acerbic but kindly Colonel Potter in the long-running television series “M*A*S*H,” died on Wednesday morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 96.

His son Charles confirmed his death, saying Mr. Morgan had been treated for pneumonia recently. In more than 100 movies, Mr. Morgan played Western bad guys, characters with names like Rocky and Shorty, loyal sidekicks, judges, sheriffs, soldiers, thugs and police chiefs. On television, he played Officer Bill Gannon with a phlegmatic but light touch to Jack Webb’s always-by-the-book Sgt. Joe Friday in the updated “Dragnet,” from 1967 to 1970. He starred as Pete Porter, a harried husband, in the situation comedy “Pete and Gladys” (1960-62), reprising a role he had played on “December Bride” (1954-59). He was also a regular on “The Richard Boone Show” (1963-64), “Kentucky Jones” (1964-65), “The D.A.” (1971-72), “Hec Ramsey” (1972-74), “You Can’t Take It With You” (1987) and “Blacke’s Magic” (1986).

Mr. Morgan, left, with Alan Alda in the mess tent in “M*A*S*H.” Mr. Morgan played Col. Sherman T. Potter.​

But to many fans he was first and foremost Col. Sherman T. Potter, commander of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit in Korea. With a wry smile, flat voice and sharp humor, Mr. Morgan played Colonel Potter from 1975 to 1983, when “M*A*S*H” went off the air. He replaced McLean Stevenson , who had quit the series, moving into the role on the strength of his performance as a crazed major general in an early episode. In an interview for the Archive of American Television, Mr. Morgan said of his “M*A*S*H” character: “He was firm. He was a good officer and he had a good sense of humor. I think it’s the best part I ever had.”

Colonel Potter’s office had several personal touches. The picture on his desk was of Mr. Morgan’s wife, Eileen Detchon. To relax, the colonel liked to paint and look after his horse, Sophie — a sort of inside joke, since the real Harry Morgan raised quarter horses on a ranch in Santa Rosa. Sophie, to whom Colonel Potter says goodbye in the final episode, was Mr. Morgan’s own horse. In 1980 his Colonel Potter earned him an Emmy Award as best supporting actor in a comedy series. During the shooting of the final episode, he was asked about his feelings. “Sadness and an aching heart,” he replied.

Harry Morgan was born Harry Bratsburg on April 10, 1915, in Detroit. His parents were Norwegian immigrants. After graduating from Muskegon High School, where he played varsity football and was senior class president, he intended to become a lawyer, but debating classes in his pre-law major at the University of Chicago stimulated his interest in the theater.

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[waltky]

Wayne Rogers dies at 82...

Wayne Rogers, Trapper John on 'M.A.S.H.,' dies at 82
31 Dec.`15 — Wayne Rogers, whose Trapper John McIntyre alongside Alan Alda's Hawkeye Pierce brought mischief, martinis and meatball surgery to the masses in the 1970s every week on "M.A.S.H.," has died.

The actor was surrounded by family when he died Thursday in Los Angeles of complications from pneumonia at age 82, his publicist and longtime friend Rona Menashe told The Associated Press. Rogers' army surgeon Trapper John was one of the most beloved characters — and half of one of the most beloved duos — in TV history, despite the actor's appearing in only the first three of the show's 11 seasons on CBS. The two skilled doctors, Hawkeye and Trapper, blew off steam between surgeries pulling pranks, romancing nurses and tormenting their tent-mate Frank Burns, with a seemingly endless supply of booze and one-liners at the ready.

In one classic moment, Trapper reaches out as though he's checking for rain and says, "Hmm, feels like it's going to martini," as Hawkeye promptly passes him a drink. And in another line that typified the show's ethos, Trapper answers a question with "How should I know? I dropped out of school to become a doctor." McIntyre was on "M.A.S.H." from 1972 to 1975, becoming one of many original cast members to leave the wildly popular show that went on until 1983. He was initially considered for Alda's character, but he preferred Trapper's sunnier disposition to Hawkeye's darkly acerbic personality. The characters were essentially equals when the show began, but it increasingly focused on Alda, which was a factor in Rogers' departure.

Wayne Rogers takes a tea-break at the Lipton Uplift Lounge amidst the hustle and bustle of Sundance in Park City, Utah. Rogers, whose “Trapper” John McIntyre on “M.A.S.H.” was among the most beloved characters on one of the most popular shows of all time, has died at age 82. Rogers’ publicist Rona Menashe says the actor died Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Los Angeles of complications from pneumonia.​

Two other actors played Trapper in other incarnations. Elliot Gould was same character in the "M.A.S.H." feature film that preceded the TV show, and Pernell Roberts played the title character in the 1980s spinoff drama "Trapper John, M.D." An Alabama native and Princeton University graduate, Rogers had parts on many short-lived shows early in his career, specializing in westerns like "Law of the Plainsman" and "Stagecoach West." He had a bit part in the 1967 film "Cool Hand Luke" with Paul Newman.

In the years after "M.A.S.H." he returned to TV regularly, including a recurring role in the early 1990s on "Murder, She Wrote." He moved beyond acting to see serious success later in life as a money manager and investor. In 1988 and 1990, he appeared as an expert witness before the House Judiciary Committee to speak in favor of maintaining the Glass-Steagall banking laws of the 1930s. In recent years he was a regular panelist on the Fox News stock investment show "Cashin' In." Rogers is survived by his wife Amy, two children, Bill and Laura, and four grandchildren.

Wayne Rogers, Trapper John on 'M.A.S.H.,' dies at 82

 

[waltky]

Yeoman Rand passed on in 2015 at 85...

'Star Trek' actress Grace Lee Whitney dies at 85
May 4, 2015 - -- Grace Lee Whitney of Star Trek died Friday at the age of 85 in her home in Coarsegold, Calif.

Whitney played Capt. Kirk's assistant Janice Rand during the first season of the original Star Trek series in 1966. She returned to the franchise in 1979 as part of the film Star Trek: The Motion Picture and titled her autobiography The Longest Trek. She made her last appearance as Rand in the 1991 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand on Star Trek: The Original Series, died on May 1 at the age of 85.​

She was dropped from the original show due to drug and alcohol abuse. After getting sober, Whitney dedicated her time to helping those with addictions. She was credited with helping thousands through the 12-step addiction recovery program. Her family said she would rather be remembered as a "survivor of addiction" than the Star Trek actress. "Grace experienced 35 years of sobriety through continuous fellowship with others and through God and Jesus," her family told NBC News.

'Star Trek' actress Grace Lee Whitney dies at 85

 

[waltky]

Wonder if he's any relation to Julianna Margulies?...

Best Mayor NYC Ever Had: Ghostbusters Actor David Margulies Has Died
January 13th, 2016 - A familiar face to many, David Margulies, a veteran actor from Brooklyn, passed away on Monday January 11, aged 78.

Instantly recognizable from his film and TV appearances, many will remember him for his role as the Mayor of New York City in the cult classic Ghostbusters and sequel Ghostbusters II. After graduating from City College of New York, Margulies debuted in 1973 in a theater revival of The Iceman Cometh, and paved a very successful Broadway career, also appearing in Conversations With My Father, Angels in America: Perestroika and Wonderful Town.

Margulies's career on the big-screen included appearances in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Brighton Beach Memoirs and A Most Violent Year with small screen parts on several TV shows including The Sopranos (as Tony Soprano's lawyer, Neil Mink), Northern Exposure, Law and Order, and Touched by an Angel. His wide array of friends, colleagues, and admirers posted tributes to the actor on Tuesday upon learning of his death. He was remembered as a tremendous actor and an even better man.

Margulies recently wrapped what would be his last role as Nobel-winning author Elie Wiesel for the upcoming TV movie Madoff, about the rise and fall of financier Bernie Madoff. RIP Mayor.

Best Mayor NYC Ever Had: Ghostbusters Actor David Margulies Has Died

 

[waltky]

'Grizzly Adams' passes away...

'Grizzly Adams' star Dan Haggerty dead at 74
Jan. 15, 2016 -- Dan Haggerty, the actor best known for his title role in The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams has died at the age of 74.

Haggerty's manager and close friend Terry Bomar confirmed the news with multiple outlets Friday explaining how the star was battling cancer in his spine since July. "He had cancer and had been fighting since July, and he had a great Thanksgiving and a great Christmas, and he died with his kids around him and people who love him," Bomar said in a statement.

Dan Haggerty waves to photographers at the 22nd Annual Golden Boot Awards in Los Angeles on August 7, 2004. The actor, best known for his role as "Grizzly Adams," has died at the age of 74 during a battle with cancer.​

Haggerty's daughter Megan according to Variety was using a crowdfunding campaign to help raise money for his against "this bear known as cancer." Megan however was only able to raise $10,500 of her $100,000 goal.

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, originally released in 1974 and was later made into a television series of the same name, featured Haggerty as a lovable outdoorsman who befriended a bear he raised as a cub. Haggerty also appeared in other television shows such as Charlie's Angelss in 1981 and The Love Boat in 1983. Including Megan, Haggerty is survived by his children, Dylan, Cody, Tracey and Don.

'Grizzly Adams' star Dan Haggerty dead at 74