RIP Gary Kurtz

September 24, 2018, 9:13 am

Fantha Tracks

September24, 2018

Star Wars Producer – Gary Kurtz

Gary Kurtz, Star Wars producer passed away on Sunday the 23rd of September at 4.47pm after living with Cancer for the last year.

In the 70s and 80s Gary Kurtz was a young film maker that revolutionized the Hollywood film industry at its core with his films like Star Wars, American Graffiti and The Empire Strikes Back. The agreements he closed altered the balance of power from the film studio to the directors and producers so they could, for the first time, make the films how they wanted to make them and control the process of the art of filmmaking.

In the mid 1960s Gary Kurtz was assistant director on a Monte Hellman western, Ride in the Whirlwind, starring Jack Nicholson, and went on to work on Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet with Basil Rathbone and Queen of Blood, with John Saxon, Basil Rathbone, and Dennis Hopper, and then on to another Monte Hellman western, The Shooting, starring Warren Oates and Jack Nicholson, and finally wore multiple hats as production manager, assistant director, and editor on the Harry Dean Stanton film The Hostage.

Then in 1966 Gary Kurtz joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served his country in Vietnam. This led him to experiences in his life that would later directly influence his film making skills and story telling ethos.

After leaving military service, Gary Kurtz moved into studio pictures, and became associate producer on Chandlerand Two-Lane Blacktop with Monte Hellman for Universal Pictures, both in 1971. Kurtz’s well-rounded skills in directing, editing, producing and storytelling made him the perfect partner for the young upcoming George Lucas when they first met through Francis Ford Coppola in 1971. This meeting led to a collaboration of these two film makers that lasted over a decade.

Gary Kurtz studied religion extensively in his early years. In the early stages of development on “Star Wars” he suggested to Lucas that he might give the film a sufficiently universal religion to help to give it more depth. That led to Kurtz working on the “Star Wars” screenplay and developing “The Force” which would go on to influence generations of fans. Lucasfilm was born under their banner, and went on to make some of Hollywood’s most successful films of all time.

Gary Kurtz developed a good relationship with Universal Pictures off the back of Two-Lane Blacktop in 1971. Following that, George Lucas and Gary Kurtz brought a two-film deal to Universal for American Graffiti and a sci-fi film that was to be Star Wars. American Graffiti was a low budget movie and cost only $777K which was less than Kurtz’s last movie Two-Lane Blacktop at $850K, but American Graffiti went on to take $140 Million world wide which made it the lowest cost to highest profit ratio film of all time and that record held until The Blair Witch Project in 1999. Kurtz now 33 years old went into re-negotiations with Universal Pictures to make the the second of the two film deal which was to be the Star Wars film. In the end Universal passed on the project because the script was not fully developed.

Gary Kurtz later closed a deal with 20th Century Fox to make Star Wars for $11 million, and off the back of this Kurtz and Lucas set up the Star Wars Corporation. Gary Kurtz became Vice President of the corporation looking after the development of the film and also the film’s other assets such as merchandising rights and products. Star Wars was to become a troublesome production which was complicated to finish. It pushed special effects technology and the art of filmmaking to the limit.

In order to finish the film on time, Kurtz set up a second unit and directed many pick up shots, most of the cockpit dog fighting scenes, and most of the Star Wars opening scene interior fight sequences on Princess Leia’s ship. He then went back to the US to work on the special effects miniature unit at ILM as they were struggling to complete many of the shots that were promised in England. At this point, George Lucas was not confident that they had a film to release, but in the end Star Wars was finally finished and unleashed to the world on May 25, 1977 and became one of the biggest films of all time bringing in over 1.1 Billion Dollars.

Kurtz and Lucas carried on their partnership but they both started to have desires to make different sequels to the successful films they had already released. So, it was decided that Gary Kurtz would make the Star Wars sequel The Empire Strikes Back and that Lucas would make the sequel to American Graffiti, More American Graffiti. Gary Kurtz would join up with long time friend Irvin Kershner to direct Empire, the film again pushed all limitations in filmmaking technology. The film had twice the number of sets that the first Star Wars film did and a budget match of $18,000,000.

Gary chose to film in icy Norway where he had served out his basic training in the U.S. Marine Corps. They filmed there during Norway’s coldest weather in over 25 years. The production then came back to its UK home in Elstree Studios, but disaster struck when the the large sound stage there caught fire during Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining. Gary Kurtz again just got on with what was needed to make the film happen and negotiated with the studio to have a new soundstage built using Lucasfilm funding. The agreement allowed them to use the stage rent free and once the filming of Empire was completed the new soundstage was to be sold back to the studio. This saved on the production budget and only pushed the filming back by a few days. In the end, the film, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was released on June 20th 1980.

At this time Gary Kurtz started to feel that Lucasfilm had become too corporate as he often said there were too many suits in the production office that was supposed to be full of artistic people. That started to damage the strength of the Lucas / Kurtz partnership. Gary Kurtz was asked to produce Revenge of the Jedi (Return of The Jedi) and turned it down as he felt the script was too limited and that most of what was in the script had already been seen in the first two films (i.e. Another Death Star and the sand planet). He had worked on the Star Wars films for many years now and wanted to continue with changing the direction of filmmaking.

Kurtz was living in the UKat this point and had made several interesting filmmaking friends there. He had been talking to Jim Henson about a big film featuring only puppets. This felt like a real challenge to him, which is exactly what he was searching for, so he joined up with Jim Henson to produce and second unit direct The Dark Crystal, a technical filmmaking masterpiece.

Gary Kurtz’s next big film was again not going to be easy. A long time friend, Walter Murch, had written the screenplay and was to Direct Return to Oz. Gary Kurtz Executive Produced it and it was critically acclaimed for its technical achievements with the room of mirrors. It was a very dark twist on the world of Oz and was released June 21st of 1985.

Gary Kurtz went on to produce more films such as Slipstream (1989) with Mark Hamill, The Steal (1995), 5-25-77 (2007) and stayed working in the industry developing projects around the world including the far east and China up until his death, at the age of 78.

Gary Kurtz was considered by many as a pioneer in the film industry and a master of the art of filmmaking. He found any opportunity to share his expansive knowledge of the film industry with budding filmmakers and those seeking knowledge. He was a real humanitarian and a gentleman; some have said that he is one of the gentlest souls in the film profession, modest and humble, and a very unique man.

Gary Kurtz’s art left lasting impressions on generations of adults and children across the world. We have him to thank for these wonderful memories that he made for us all. Gary Kurtz helped to create the force and it is with us always.

Gary Kurtz left behind Clare Gabriel ,Tiffany Kurtz, Melissa Kurtz, and Dylan Kurtz. Our thoughts are with his family.

KURTZ, Gary

Born: 7/27/1940, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Died: 9/23/2018, London, England, U.K.

Gary Kurtz’s westerns – assistant director, cameraman:

Ride in the Whirlwind – 1966 [assistant director]
The Shooting – 1966 [camerman]

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RIP Frank Parker

September 25, 2018, 9:56 am

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The Reporter

September 25, 2018

Frank Russell Parker passed away on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the age of 79 in Vacaville, from complications of Parkinson's and dementia. He was born July 1, 1939 in Darby, PA to Dorothy Ada Platner and Edward Wallace Parker. He was raised in Lansdowne, PA by his mother and step father Maurice Gordon. He spent many happy summers with his grandmother Mabel Green in upstate New York. He earned his BA in Acting from Carnegie Tech in 1962 and moved to Culver City. He married Nola Donelle Rajcok in 1981 and had three daughters, Candace Donelle and fraternal twins Danielle Dallas and Lindsay Kyle. In 2005, he married Mary Jean Dunning Garofalo and resided in Vacaville, until his death. His acting career spanned many years. He was in numerous films and television series throughout the 60's and 70's. He played roles on several soap operas during the 80's, most notably as Grandpa Shawn Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1983 until he retired in 2008. Frank was a people person; he touched many lives and was loved by everyone. He could light up a room with his singing voice and was known to burst into song at any moment. He was a ham and loved the spotlight. Above all, he was the most supportive, generous, kind man and father. Frank loved his family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Candi; mother-in-law, Dorothy Jean Wachsman Dunning, and former father-in-law, Robert Rajcok. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Danielle (Matthew) Buckles, Lindsay Parker (Travis Burbank) and their mother, Nola; his grandson, Jaxson Dale; sisters-in-law, Jo Dunning, Patricia Dunning; brother-in-law, Bob Dunning; former mother-in-law, Sharon Rajcok; sisters-in-law, Mary Rajcok, Andi Jurich; brothers-in-law, Robert Rajcok, Dale Espina, Kevin Fox; also, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In loving memory of Frank, a rosary will be held on Wednesday Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 350 Stinson Ave., Vacaville, CA 95688. Funeral service will be held in Los Angeles, CA at a later date. In Frank's honor, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary's Catholic Church at the above address. "It's never goodbye...it's always, 'I'll see ya later.'" Frank Parker.

PARKER, Frank (Frank Russell Parker)

Born: 7/1/1939, Danby, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Died: 9/16/2018, Vacaville, California, U.S.A.

Frank Parker’s westerns – actor:

Stay Away Joe – 1968 (Deputy Sheriff Hank Matson)

The Cowboys (TV) – 1974 (Herbert Mackey)

Little House on the Prairie (TV) – 1974 (Sean Hern)

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RIP Katyna Ranieri

September 26, 2018, 10:42 am

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She’s died Katyna Ranieri, widow of Riz Ortolani, the only Italian who sang at the Oscars

The artist died at the age of 93, shortly after celebrating her birthday with her family. She was the only Italian singer in history to perform in an Oscar ceremony, interpreting the song 'More' from the film 'Mondo cane', for which Ortolani received the statuette

Repubblica

September 3, 2018

The singer Katyna Ranieri, widow of the composer Riz Ortolani, died in Rome on the night of 2 September. He had just turned 93 on August 31, celebrating with her family on the day when she also celebrated her wedding anniversary with Ortolani, who was born in Pesaro and died in 2014. She leaves her daughter Rizia and her son Enrico. The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 5 at 15.30 in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesano (Church of the Artists) in Piazza del Popolo. The family invites the participants to avoid wearing mourning clothes.

Katyna Ranieri and Riz Ortolani were companions in life and art, in a loving and musical partnership. She, born in Follonica, finished second in San Remo, had achieved success as a singer in the 1950s and 1960s performing in the most exclusive stages of Italy, Latin America and the US, then in the 1970s concerts with big orchestras directed by her husband and tours in Italy, Japan, Austria, Germany, England, Korea.

She was the only Italian singer in the history of the Academy Awards to perform at an Oscar ceremony, singing the song “More” (theme of the film Mondo Cane ) for which Riz Ortolani received the Grammy award. Among her most famous interpretations: “Oh my Love” (recently revived in the movie Drive ); “Forget Tomorrow” from the movie The Yellow Rolls Royce; songs from the Fratello Sole Sorella Luna soundtrack. Katyna Ranieri was also the author of many lyrics of the songs composed by Riz Ortolani, hiding behind pseudonyms like Benjamin, Mae Kroville and others.

RANIERI, Katyna (Caterina Ranieri)

Born: 8/15/1927, Follonica, Grosseto, Italy

Died: 9/2/2018, Rome, Lazio, Italy

KATYNA, Ranieri’s western – singer:

Johnny West – 1965 [sings “Johnny West”]

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RIP Roger Robinson

September 28, 2018, 1:41 pm

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Tony-Winning Actor Roger Robinson, Celebrated August Wilson Interpreter, Dies at 78

Broadway.com

By Andy Lefkowitz

Septenber 28, 2018

Roger Robinson, a talented star of the New York theater scene whose four-decade Broadway career was capped by a Tony Award win for his performance in an August Wilson classic, died on September 26 in Escondido, CA. Robinson's death was confirmed by publicist Patty Onagan, who said the cause of death was a complicated heart condition. Robinson was 78.

Born on May 2, 1940 in Seattle, Washington, Robinson made his first off-Broadway appearance in Walk in Darkness (1963), later making his Broadway debut beside Al Pacino in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? (1969). He was seen again on Broadway shortly after in The Miser (1969), followed by later turns in Amen Corner (1983) and The Iceman Cometh (1985).

Robinson earned his first Tony nomination for his performance as Hedley in the Broadway-premiere production of Seven Guitars (1996) by August Wilson, a playwright who would remain a constant in Robinson's career.

In 2009, Lincoln Center Theater produced a new staging of Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by Bartlett Sher and featuring Robinson in the supporting role of Bynum Walker. The performance earned Robinson a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play; he also became the first African-American actor to win the Richard Seff Award, an honor presented by Actors' Equity to a veteran character actor 50 years of age or older for an exceptional performance. Over the course of his career, Robinson appeared in six productions of the 10 plays in Wilson's century cycle, which charts the African-American experience over each decade of the 20th century.

Robinson's additional stage credits include a Broadway performance in Drowning Crow (2004) and off-Broadway turns in Who's Got His Own (1966), The Trials of Brother Jero/The Strong Breed (1967), Do Lord Remember Me (1984), Of Mice and Men (1987) and The Middle of Nowhere (1988). In 2013, Robinson directed an off-Broadway production of Strawberry & Chocolate.

On-screen, Robinson earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his acclaimed performance in Brother to Brother (2004). He was also seen in a recurring turn as Mac Harkness in How to Get Away with Murder (2016-2018).

In a backstage interview following his Tony win, Robinson spoke with Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek about performing the work of August Wilson: "It's like a symphony—every note, every word has to be where August wrote it. It's precise. It calls for tremendous concentration, but it's also fun. It's like a challenge; every night you step out there to do it and hit those notes with everybody. It's a wonderful experience. I really am happy that I am an actor."

ROBINSON, Roger

Born: 5/2/1940, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Died: 9/26/2018, Escondido, California, U.S.A.

Roger Robinson’s western – actor:

This Is the West That Was (TV) - 1974

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RIP Yvonne Suhor

September 29, 2018, 8:23 am

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Yvonne Suhor, Art's Sake founder and 'Young Riders' star, dies

Orlando Sentinel

By Matthew J. Palm

September 28, 2018

Yvonne Suhor, who helped train countless local actors at her Art’s Sake Film Acting Studio in Winter Park, died Thursday. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 10 months ago, said her husband, actor Simon Needham.

Suhor’s passing came as a surprise to many — she had not wanted her illness to be known publicly, wrote her brother, Michael, as he paid tribute to his sister online. Suhor, who worked in television, film and theater, was 56.

“She was a vibrant, spirited soul who fiercely and compassionately guided so many performers to elevate their craft on stage, on screen, and as human beings,” actor Rob Ward wrote on Facebook. “I learned more in one semester as her teacher’s assistant and student than in all my other acting classes combined.”

Suhor was fondly remembered for her starring role for three seasons on ABC’s “The Young Riders” — a 1989-92 Western about the Pony Express. The large ensemble cast included Anthony Zerbe, Stephen Baldwin and Josh Brolin. Suhor’s character, Lou, disguised herself as a man to join the Pony Express riders and later shared a romance with The Kid, played by Ty Miller.

She also recurred on the sitcom “Brooklyn Bridge” and appeared on such popular TV shows as “Murder, She Wrote,” “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Northern Exposure.” She will guest in an upcoming episode of “Lodge 49” on AMC.

“She had a good career but set it aside to teach acting to hundreds of aspiring actors over the years,” her brother wrote. “She had the world before her and chose instead to share what she knew best so that she could improve the skills of others with her guidance.”

Suhor opened Art’s Sake in 1997 and in an interview described it as “a real hotbed of creativity with an amazing vein of love energy.”

Actors at the studio, many in the Play de Luna program for up-and-comers, were regulars at the Orlando Fringe Festival. Suhor herself was often lauded in the productions. In 2002, Sentinel theater critic Elizabeth Maupin praised her as “a gritty, compelling Denise, a brooding, antagonistic woman flying by the seat of her pants.” She also won praise for her 2003 role in the Fringe’s “How to Make Love to An Actor,” in which she starred opposite Needham.

Suhon and Needham had met at the Orlando Fringe.

Born and raised in a large family in New Orleans, Suhor had planned to become a teacher like her father, until a junior-college instructor encouraged her to act, according to her biography. She stuck with acting at Illinois State University, where she graduated with a degree in acting and directing.

She later worked with the well-known Steppenwolf Theater of Chicago, appearing in productions there such as its award-winning “The Grapes of Wrath.” She also toured Australia with Steppenwolf, in a production of “Lydie Breeze.” Suhon received a master of fine arts degree from the University of California.

In announcing her death, Art’s Sake said she died surrounded by family, friends and her cat, Jazzy. One of her last wishes was to be remembered with a party, the announcement said. Details will come at a later date.

On Facebook, friends paid tribute to her as a teacher and friend.

“She literally altered my life,” wrote actor Ame Livingson. “One of the first and, truly, best teachers of my life. You have marked my heart and opened my eyes. Forever a Goddess of art and love.”

“She taught me a lot, not only about what it means to be an actor, but what it means to be human,” wrote Cole NeSmith, an actor and founder of the Creative City Project’s Immerse arts festival.

In interview with fans of “The Young Riders,” she talked about her likes — crossword puzzles, modern dance, “Will & Grace” — and shared a glimpse of her philosophy of life.

“I’ve learned not to take things so seriously,” she said. “My spiritual views break down to how I deal with relationships: Give to self; share with others. Play a part in humanity. Heal your inner child and help to heal others. You can’t fix anyone, but you can be a role model. All the adversity that one goes through was God’s gift, and there for a reason, so embrace it.”

SUHOR, Yvonne

Born: 11/29/1965, New Orleans, Florida, U.S.A.

Died: 9/27/2018, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

Yvonne Suhor’s western – actress:

The Young Riders (TV) – 1989-1992 (Louis McCloud)

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RIP Andy Chmura

September 29, 2018, 7:42 pm

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Toronto Star

September 29, 2018

Andrzej "Andy" Chmura passed away suddenly on September 17, 2018. Born in Trani, Italy, of Polish descent, he grew up in London, U.K. Predeceased by his parents, Waclawa and Tadeusz. A loving stepfather, friend and "Grandy" to his family Stefan (Corinne), Nuan, Hugo and Anna Simonyi. Missed by good friends Stephen and Cathy Ford and their children. Remembered by his brother, Voy Chmura (Bogda) and their son Philip. A camera operator since 1972, Andy worked on 116 feature films and numerous TV productions. His true joy was racing his much-loved car "Ole Yeller" around Mosport. A talented woodworker, he was endlessly generous with his skills and expertise, often declaring, "I have just the right tool for that!" A Celebration of Andy's Life will be held Friday, October 5th, at 11:30 a.m. at The Olde Stone Cottage Pub, 3750 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON. Donations to Canadian Cancer Society appreciated.

CHMURA, Andy (Andrzej Maria Chmura)

Born: 2/2/1946, Trani, Italy

Died: 9/17/2018, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Andy Chmura’ western – cameraman:

By Way of the Stars (TV) - 1992-1993
Grey Own – 1999

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RIP Carlos Ezquerra

October 1, 2018, 7:03 am

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Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog Co-Creator Carlos Ezquerra Dies, Aged 70

Bleeding Cool

By Rich Johnston

October 1, 2018

Spanish comic book artist, Carlos Ezquerra, best known for co-creating 2000AD’s Judge Dredd, where he defined the character, has died, after being diagnosed with lung cancer ten years ago.

Born in 1947, Ezquerra started his career drawing westerns and war stories for Spanish publishers before he got work drawing girls’ romance titles in the UK. Moving to London, he was headhunted by Pat Mills and John Wagner to work on the IPC title Battle Picture Weekly, before designing Judge Dredd for the 1977 launch of 2000AD. The original launch story written by Wagner and drawn by Ezquerra was vetoed by the board of directors for being too violent and another story ran instead. Ezquerra returned to the character constantly through his career and the Judge Dredd that the world knows is his Judge Dredd.

He also co-created sci-fi western Strontium Dog with Wagner for Starlord, which was then merged with 2000AD, where he drew the series for decades and adapted Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat novels. The character Stogie from Robo-Hunter got the full name of Carlos Sanchez Robo-Stogie in tribute to him.

Away from 2000AD, he also collaborated with Garth Ennis at DC Comics on Bloody Mary, Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, War Stories, Hitman and Preacher as well as Just a Pilgrim for Wizard.

His legacy in the British comics industry is immense and fellow comic creators have been paying tribute. Here are just a few.

EZQUERRA, Carlos

Born: 11/12/1947, Zaragoza, Spain

Died: 10/1/2018

Carlos Ezquerra’s western – comicbook artist:

Strontium Dog – 1978-2006

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RIP Stelvio Cipriani

October 1, 2018, 8:28 am

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Maestro Stelvio Cipriani died: he scored the soundtrack for 'Anonymous Venetian'

The composer, among the most prolific in Italy, died in Rome at the age of 81

La Repubblica

October 1, 2018

Stelvio Cipriani is dead, a musician and composer of many successful film scores. In December 2017 he had been suffering from ischemia.

Born in Rome, he graduated in piano and musical composition at the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia and began working as a writer for light musical singers. After a few years he moved for a short time to the United States to perfect himself in jazz music. Back in Italy he began composing film music and in the seventies he became the most requested composer in the field of soundtracks. He also composed the music of many documentaries, including some pieces commissioned by the Holy See.

CIPRIANI, Stelvio

Born: 8/20/1937, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Died: 10/1/2018, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Stelvio Cipriani’s westerns – composer:

The Ugly Ones – 1966

The Stranger Returns – 1967

$20,000 on #7 - 1967

The Silent Stranger – 1968

The Law of Violence - 1969

The Beast - 1970

Blindman – 1971

The Boldest Job in the West – 1971

Finders Killers - 1971

Guns for Dollars – 1971

The Boldest Job in the West – 1972

The Magnificent West - 1972

Return of Halleluja - 1972

The Great Adventure – 1974

The Great Adventure – 1975

Seven Devils on Horseback - 1975

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RIP Marian Rees

October 1, 2018, 1:18 pm

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Marian Rees, Emmy-Winning and Trailblazing Producer, Dies at 90

The Hollywood Reporter
By Mike Barnes
October 1, 2018

Marian Rees, the two-time Emmy-winning producer and television pioneer who was known for tackling socially relevant issues in her telefilms, has died. She was 90.

Rees died Aug. 26 on BainbridgeIsland in Washington, publicist Richard Hoffman announced.

In a career spanning more than 50 years, Rees started out at Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin's Tandem Productions, where she was an associate producer on the pilots of All in the Family and Sanford & Son. In 1981, she formed her own independent production company, a move that was rare for a woman at that time. She was a mentor to many in the business.

Rees served as a vice president of the TV Academy and the Producers Guild of America — which honored her with the prestigious Charles B. FitzSimons Award — and was a two-time president of Women in Film.

Rees received her Emmys for producing the 1985 NBC special Love Is Never Silent (1985), starring Mare Winningham, Cloris Leachman and Sid Caesar, and the 1992 NBC telefilm Miss Rose White, starring Kyra Sedgwick.

After 17 years with Tandem, Rees was told that she would be happier elsewhere and fired in the early 1970s. She joined Tomorrow Entertainment, where she was involved in numerous productions including the TV movie Tell Me Where It Hurts, and then the NRW Company as a vice president. There, she executive produced 1981's The Marva Collins Story, a Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation starring Cicely Tyson.

She went out of her own in 1981 with Marian Rees Associates. "It was so much more important to me not only to tell the stories I wanted to tell, but also to own those movies," she said in a 2002 interview. "I knew enough to know that that's where the real security was."

Anne Hopkins, who had worked with Rees at Tandem, also joined the company.

To fund her productions, Rees mortgaged her home and persevered when CBS agreed to produce her company's first television film, 1982's Miss All-American Beauty, starring

Diane Lane

. She then produced 1983's Between Friends, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Carol Burnett for HBO.

In 1984, Rees rekindled her partnership with Hallmark and produced the landmark Emmy-winning Love Is Never Silent. The film was originally for CBS, but Rees had promised to hire deaf actors to portray the parents in the film, so Hallmark and Rees moved it to NBC, and it won the Emmy for outstanding drama/comedy special.

In the following years, Marian Rees Associates films garnered 11 Emmys and 38 nominations, two Golden Globes, a Humanitas Prize and the Peabody Award.

Rees and Hopkins produced 40 films — nine of which were Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations — before they closed Marian Rees Associates and moved to BainbridgeIsland.

Born Marian Jean Rees on Oct. 31, 1927, in Le Mars, Iowa, she attended the University of Iowaand majored in sociology. After graduation in 1952, she moved to Los Angeles and landed a job as a receptionist at NBC.

In 1955, she was hired by Tandem and was an associate producer on legendary TV tributes to Frank Sinatra and Ethel Barrymore as well as the Emmy-winning 1958 special An Evening With Fred Astaire.

In addition to her longtime companion Hopkins, survivors include her sister Natalie.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church on BainbridgeIsland.

REES, Marian

Born: 10/31/1927, Le Mars, Iowa, U.S.A.
Died: 8/26/2018, Bainbridge Island, Washington, U.S.A.

Marian Rees’ western – executive producer:

In Pursuit of Honor (TV) - 1995

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RIP Anthony Barnard

October 2, 2018, 4:57 pm

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Anthony Barnao, Veteran Casting Director, Dies at 65

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes
10/1/2018

He worked for CBS and on shows and films including 'Profiler' and 'Re-Animator.'

Anthony Barnao, a casting director, theatrical producer and acting teacher, died Sept. 11 in Smithtown, New York, publicist Ken Werther announced. He was 65.

The cause of death was brain cancer.

As director of casting for movies and miniseries at CBS, Barnao worked on pilots, series and telefilms including Face of a Stranger (1991) starring Gena Rowlands and Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997).

His Barnao Co. cast four seasons of NBC's Profiler (1996-2000) and the cult classic Re-Animator (1985), and, with Reuben Canon, the inaugural season of the La Jolla Playhouse for Des McAnuff that included Tony winner Big River.

He also taught acting in a private class and as an adjunct professor at EmersonCollege and Azusa Pacific.

Barnao graduated from SUNY Fredonia and studied in New York under famed Panamanian theater director Jose Quintero. He came to Los Angeles and spent four years as a theatrical agent, helping teenager Rob Lowe earn his SAG card.

Barnao founded and spent 10 seasons as producing artistic director for Los Angeles' Blue Sphere Alliance Theatre Company, for whom he directed the premiere of the Ovation Award-winning musical The Big Voice. He also was a founding member and trustee of the Immediate Theater in L.A.

Survivors include his sister, Maria, and nieces Elizabeth and Kristen.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Oct. 20 at The Federal NoHo on

Lankershim Boulevard

in North Hollywood.

BARNAO, Anthony

Born: 2/25/1953, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 9/11/2018, Smithtown, New York, U.S.A.

Anthony Barnao’s western – casting director:

BloodRiver (TV) – 1991

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RIP John M. Swyer

October 2, 2018, 5:15 pm

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John M. Dwyer, Set Decorator for ‘Star Trek’ Series and Movies, Dies at 83

HollywoodReporter

By Mike Barnes
10/2/2018

He received an Oscar nomination for 'Coal Miner's Daughter,' won an Emmy and dressed up 'Jaws,''Terminator 2,''Beverly Hills Cop' and 'Patriot Games.'

John M. Dwyer, the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning set decorator who worked on Jaws, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Coal Miner's Daughter, not to mention two series and six films in the Star Trek universe, has died. He was 83.

Dwyer died Sept. 15 of complications from Parkinson's disease at a hospital in Encinitas, California, his wife of 29 years, Anita, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Dwyer won his Emmy in 1981 for his set decorations for The Gangster Chronicles after being nominated two years earlier for his work on another acclaimed NBC miniseries, Centennial.

Dwyer received his Academy Award nom (shared with John W. Corso) for Michael Apted's Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), the Loretta Lynn biopic that starred Sissy Spacek, and his amazing résumé also included Two-Minute Warning (1976), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Rocky V (1989), Black Rain (1989), Patriot Games (1992), Larger Than Life (1996), Alien: Resurrection (1997) and Hollow Man (2000).

As a set dresser, he set up movies including The Eiger Sanction (1975), 9½ Weeks (1986) and Angel Heart (1987).

The 6-foot-6 Dwyer joined the original Star Trek for its second season in 1967, and the first episode on which he was employed was the legendary "The Trouble With Tribbles," where he got creative using puffy blobs of fur.

He went on to dress up sets for 38 installments of the NBC series, earning an Emmy nomination (shared with Walter M. Jefferies) in 1969 for their art direction and scenic design on the episode "All Our Yesterdays."

"In the original series we had to be really inventive, because we were dealing with stuff that nobody knew anything about," he said in "Designing the Final Frontier," a featurette for a Star Trek DVD. "There was no space shows, and we didn't have any money, so you had to scrounge; in effect, scrounge everything that you got."

Dwyer once noted that his budget was usually $500 per show, so he would squirrel away money from one episode to another when he could and picked through trash to use items like packing materials and plastic coffee lids for the Enterpriseand alien environments.

"I'm not a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, but I keep in touch with materials that are going around," he said in 2002. "On the original series, we were the first ones to use refractive Mylar, because it had just come out … and I went crazy with the stuff. In those days, nobody cared what you put on the set, so long as there was something that looked right. I'd take a piece of Masonite and cover it with some adhesive Mylar, put a two-by-four on the backside of it and hang it on a wall."

Dwyer returned to the franchise for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), directed by Leonard Nimoy, then was hired as set decorator, teaming with production designer Herman Zimmerman, for the syndicated Star Trek: The Next Generation the following year.

He stayed with that show for just a season but continued his Star Trek duty with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).

A native of Los Angeles whose father and grandfather worked in Hollywood, Dwyer attended MarshallHigh School. He declined a UCLA basketball scholarship to enlist in the U.S. Navy and spent time aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany during the Korean War.

After the service, Dwyer attended the Chouinard Art Institute in L.A. and began a stint at Universal Studios, where he often worked on several shows at the same time.

He got his first credits as a set decorator in 1966 for McHale's Navy and Tammy and went on to work on such TV shows as The Virginian, Mr. Terrific, Then Came Bronson, The Young Lawyers, Kojak, Ellery Queen and Night Gallery.

Dwyer retired in 2002 to Encinitas after 45 years in the business.

Survivors also include his son, Matthew.

DWYER, John M.

Born: 8/25/1926, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Died: 9/15/2018, Encinitas, California, U.S.A.

John M. Dwyer’s westerns – set decorator:

Laredo(TV) – 1966, 1967
The Virginian (TV) – 1966, 1967
Hec Ramsey (TV) – 1972, 1973
Female Artillery (TV) - 1973
Centennial (TV) – 1978, 1979
Little House on the Prairie (TV) – 1982
Outlaws (TV) - 1987

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RIP Marrissa O'Leary

October 4, 2018, 12:19 pm

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Marrissa O’Leary Dies: MGM TV Exec, Producer And Actress Was 61

Deadline Hollywood

By Dino-Ray Ramos
October 3, 2018

Known for her career as an actress and then as a VP at MGM Television Production Group, Marrissa O’Leary died October 2 in Palm Desert, CA, after a long battle with endometrial cancer, Deadline has learned. She was 61.

O’Leary was a performer and enjoyed all aspects of production, working with talent and protecting them. She acted in film and TV, and as a singer was a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and had a one-woman cabaret act that played to sold-out crowds throughout Los Angeles. In addition, her voice-over scream was used in Jaws 3-D.

She received her master’s degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine and worked as Brandon Tartikoff’s comedy development executive, as well as on various series and movies of the week with The Landsburg Company. She rose in the ranks and became VP Talent and Program Negotiations, then VP Business Affairs and Administration at MGM Worldwide Television Production Group.

She eventually created her own talent management and production company, Wackiland Productions. The company had a first-look deal with a division of Paramount and had the tagline: “Better living through giggles” — which was also her personal mantra. She was also a Board Member of the Hollywoodpolitical and social action group “Young Artists United.”

O’Leary is survived by her sister, Priscilla; as well as her beloved family of friends and clients. A private memorial has been planned. O’Leary was the COO of the Marina de Rey-based non-profit Hounds and Heroes, which will be the charity for her memorial fund.

O’LEARY, Marrissa (Marissa J. O’Leary)

Born: 1957, California, U.S.A.
Died: 10/2/2018, Palm Desert, California, U.S.A.

Marrissa O’Leary’s western – business affairs

The Young Riders (TV) – 1990-1992

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RIP Will Vinton

October 4, 2018, 7:47 pm

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Portland's Will Vinton, creator of famous Claymation characters, dies

KVAL 13

October 14, 2018

Will Vinton, the creator of some of the most beloved Claymation characters of the 1980s, like the California Raisins and the Domino’s Pizza Noid, has died.

He was 70 years old.

His family announced his death in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon.

They said he battled multiple myeloma, a cancer in white blood cells, for 12 years.

“We grieve heavily as our dad leaves a hole in our lives that will be impossible to fill,” they wrote in the post. “His wishes were for us to continue the projects he had started; we will try our best to do so.”

Vinton, who was born in McMinnville, has been called the Godfather of Portland animation, and last year he was the subject of the documentary “Welcome to My Daydream.”

Vinton built his animation studio from his basement into a multimillion dollar company, winning an OSCAR, Emmy and other awards along the way. Vinton eventually lost control of the company and was dismissed from the studio after Phil Knight (Nike) became a majority shareholder.

The company was reformed into Laika in 2005.

The family said a celebration of life will be held at No Vacancy Lounge at 235 S.W. 1st Avenue starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances should be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

VINTON, Will

Born: 11/17/1967, McMinnville, Oregon, U.S.A.

Died: 10/14/2018, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Will Vinton’s western - producer, artist, film editor, music editor, voice actor:

The Adventures of Mark Twain – 1985

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RIP Ted Rich

October 4, 2018, 7:58 pm

≫ Next: RIP Ed Kenney Jr.

≪ Previous: RIP Will Vinton

Ted Rich, Film Editor and Postproduction Veteran, Dies at 88

The Hollywood Reporter

By Carolyn Giardina

October 4, 2018

Ted Rich, the longtime film editor and postproduction executive who started out on I Love Lucy and segued to other television classics like Get Smart, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues and Dallas, has died. He was 88.

Rich, who received the Career Achievement Award from the American Cinema Editors two years ago, died Saturday in Los Angeles of heart failure, his son, Steven, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Rich assisted editor Bud Molin on the iconic I Love Lucy at Desilu Productions early in his career, and he went on to cut shows including I'm Dickens, He's Fenster; The Bill Dana Show; My Living Doll; The Wild, Wild West; McMillan & Wife; Get Smart; and My Favorite Martian.

Because of the increasing number of series originating at MTM Enterprises, Rich was hired for the then-new role of postproduction supervisor at Grant Tinker and Mary Tyler Moore's company. There, he supervised The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, Remington Steele, Lou Grant, WKRP in Cincinnati, The White Shadow, The Bob Newhart Show, Rhoda, Phyllis and Newhart.

Rich next headed postproduction at Lorimar, the home of Dallas, Knot's Landing, Falcon Crest and The Waltons. Lorimar was acquired by Warner Bros. in 1989, and he served as head of postproduction there until he retired.

In retirement, Rich started the early digital editing systems provider Creative Media Partners with his son, who now serves as a vice president at Sohonet.

Rich was born in the Philippines before his parents and their six children moved to Beverly Hills. He graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1948 and attended UCLA to study business administration.

During his days on I Love Lucy, he and Molin would be driven to Palm Springs to run dailies for the show's star and producer, Desi Arnaz.

"He was apt to say, 'Fellas, I feel like lunch. Let's go over to the club and get something to eat,'" Rich recalled in an article in the program for his ACE Career Achievement Award. "Afterward, he might say, 'I feel like a little golf.'"

They two would wait while he played, and the driver would be sent back to L.A. as Rich and Molin stuck around until Arnaz had finally gotten to watching the dailies.

In 1960, Rich became an editor on the Desilu legal sitcom Harrigan and Son, starring Pat O'Brien and Roger Perry, when the production company was based at Selznick Studios (now Culver Studios) on Cahuenga Boulevard and at RKO on Gower Street (now part of Paramount).

In addition to his son, survivors include his daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

RICH, Ted (Theodore Martin Rich)

Born: 12/2/1929, Manila, Philippines,

Died: 9/30/2018, Glendale, California, U.S.A.

Ted Rich’s western – film editor:

The Wild Wild West (TV) - 1967

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RIP Ed Kenney Jr.

October 6, 2018, 7:05 am

≫ Next: RIP Scott Wilson

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Hawaii singer Ed Kenney Jr. left legacy of song on Broadway and Waikiki stage

Star Advertiser

By Michael Sai

October 5, 2018

A Broadway leading man, successful Hawaii recording artist and songwriter, and Waikiki showroom headliner, Ed Kenney conveyed the spirit of his Hawaii home with a magnetism that had worldwide appeal.

Kenney died Friday at his home on Kauai. He was 85.

Born Edward Kamanaloha Kenney Jr., in Anahola, Kauai, to a Swedish-Irish father and Hawaiian-Chinese mother, Kenney proved himself to be a multi-talented entertainer at a young age, performing as a piano soloist at age 6 and singing solo tenor parts at 12. He attended Punahou School on a piano scholarship. There he expanded his repertoire to the stage, starring in school productions of “Gondoliers” and “The Student Prince.”

A Broadway leading man, successful Hawaii recording artist and songwriter, and Waikiki showroom headliner, Ed Kenney conveyed the spirit of his Hawaii home with a magnetism that had worldwide appeal.

Kenney died Friday at his home on Kauai. He was 85.

He continued to hone his acting skills at the University of Oregon, where he performed in “Brigadoon,” “Paint Your Wagon,” and other productions.

Kenney went to Broadway in 1955 and appeared in a non-singing role in “Shangri-La.” He next originated the role of Wang Ta in the original 1958 production of “Flower Drum Song.” Two years later, he originated the role of Mana, the Prince of Hawaii,” in Eaton “Bob” Magoon’s 1961 production of “13 Daughters.”

Kenney also worked with Magoon and Gordon Phelps to co-write “Numbah One Day of Christmas,” which he then recorded for Magoon’s record label, the Hawaiian Recording and Publishing Co. Kenney’s recording has been a perennially popular seasonal hit on island radio stations for more than 50 years.

Kenney released seven solo albums, including “My Hawaii,” a collection of 12 Hawaiian and hapa-haole songs he recorded for Columbia Records in 1959.

Returning to Hawaii in 1961, Kenney was a headliner at Duke Kahanamoku’s restaurant before bringing his act to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the old Halekulani Hotel, where he performed with his first wife, renowned hula dancer Beverly Noa.

He was also a regular on the TV version of “Hawaii Calls,” performing with Noa, Lani Custino and other Hawaiian entertainers.

Kenney returned to the local stage in 1989 to play King Keoki in Tommy Aguilar’s production of “13 Daughters” at the Hawaii Theatre.

In 1994, Kenney received the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kenney is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey, his son, prominent Honolulu chef and restaurateur Ed Kenney III; daughter-in-law Kristen; granddaughter Celia Kaleialoha Kenney; and grandson Duke Kenney.

KENNEY, Ed (Edward Kamanaloha Kenney Jr.,)

Born: 8/8/1933, Anahola, Kauai, Hawaii

Died: 10/5/2018, Kauai, Hawaii, U.S.A.

Ed Kenney’s western – actor:

Casey Jones (TV) – 1958 (Henry Wheelan)

↧

RIP Scott Wilson

October 6, 2018, 7:21 pm

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The Walking Dead star Scott Wilson has passed away at the age of 76.

ComicBook.com

By Brandon Davis
October 6, 2018

Wilson was confirmed to be returning to The Walking Dead during the New York Comic Con panel being held at MadisonSquareGarden. The details of the actors passing have not yet been revealed. The actor had been active on the comic con circuit around the country throughout the year, having retired the role of Hershel Greene on AMC's popular zombie show in its fourth season.

Wilson reprised the role of Hershel Greene in voice form for The Walking Dead's Robot Chicken special. His other recent roles include Hostiles, The OA, Damien, and Bosch. The 76-year-old actor's resume extends across dozens of impressive roles, with the first coming in 1967's In the Heat of the Night. He has, however, long been known for his 1980 role in The Ninth Configuration.

Tributes to the actor began to pop up across social media on Friday evening, including from his Bosch co-star Titus Welliver. Sources close to the situation have confirmed to ComicBook.com that early reports of the actors passing on Friday, October 6, 2018 are true.

Wilson was slated to appear at Walker Stalker Con in Atlantain late October, an event which brings together much of the The Walking Dead's former and present cast members.

The Walking Dead returns for its ninth season on Oct. 7, 2018 at 9 pm ET. Fear the Walking Dead will return in 2019 for its fifth season. For more updates and insider info all year long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.

I'm sure there will be a better obit later. Several actors he has worked with have posted the death on Twitter as well.

WILSON, Scott (William Delano Scott)

Born: 3/29/1942, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Died: 10/6/2018, U.S.A.

Scott Wilson’s westerns – actor:

Dead or Alive (TV) – 1988 (John ‘Red Jack’ Stillwater)
Young Guns II – 1990 (Governor Lewis Wallace)
Geronimo: An American Legend – 1993 (Redondo)
Tall Tale – 1995 (Zeb)
The Jack Bull (TV) – 1999 (Governor)
South of Heaven, West of Hell – 2000 (Clete Monroe)
Hostiles – 2017 (Cyrus Lounde)

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RIP Celeste Yarnall

October 9, 2018, 6:08 am

≫ Next: RIP Venantino Venantini

≪ Previous: RIP Scott Wilson

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

10/9/2018

She starred as a jungle goddess in 'Eve,' played opposite Elvis in 'Live a Little, Love a Little' and got Chekov's attention on 'Star Trek.'

Celeste Yarnall, who appeared opposite Elvis Presley in Live a Little, Love a Little, made a memorable appearance on Star Trek and donned a loincloth to play "the original flower child" in the jungle-set cult classic Eve, has died. She was 74.

Yarnall, a "scream queen" who was terrorized by a headless monster in Beast of Blood (1971), died Sunday at her home in Westlake Village, California, the website StarTrek.com reported. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2014 and turned to a crowdsourcing site to help pay her medical expenses.

Yarnall is known to Star Trek fans for her portrayal of Yeoman Martha Landon on the October 1967 episode "The Apple," in which Chekov (Walter Koenig) can't help but fall for her. (She appeared as herself — one of 42 Trek alums — in the 2018 sci-fi comedy Unbelievable!!!!! and was a regular on the convention circuit for years.)

While attending the 1967 Cannes Film festival, Yarnall was spotted by producer Harry Alan Towers, who was in search of a girl to star as the jungle goddess in his 1968 film. According to the actress, he yelled and pointed, 'Stop that girl! That's my Eve!'"

She took the role as the scantily clad Eve, who is the long-lost granddaughter of Christopher Lee's character, but later called the film “one of the worst movies of all time.”

In Live a Little, Love a Little, also released in 1968, Yarnall played Ellen, a girl at a party who reasons she and Presley can't hook up because he's a Sagittarius. Undeterred, he tries to woo her by singing "A Little Less Conversation."

The National Association of Theatre Owners liked what they saw and named her the “Most Promising New Star” of 1968.

A native of Long Beach, California, Yarnall was discovered by Rick and Ozzie Nelson while she walked past their studio offices on the way to an audition. She appeared on an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet in 1962 and then played college kids in Jerry Lewis' The Nutty Professor and Jack Lemmon's Under the Yum Yum Tree, both released in 1963.

In 1964, Yarnall became the 25th and last woman elected Miss Rheingold. She moved from Los Angeles to New York and made personal appearances for the brewer while modeling and doing commercials.

Yarnall played a vampire seductress in The Velvet Vampire (1971), produced by Roger Corman, and appeared in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), The Mechanic (1972) and Scorpio (1973) before concentrating on commercial real estate for years.

She reappeared in Fatal Beauty (1987), Driving Me Crazy (1991), Midnight Kiss (1993) and Born Yesterday (1993).

Yarnall's TV résumé also included Bonanza, Hogan’s Heroes, It Takes a Thief, Captain Nice, Mannix, Bewitched, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and the 1971 pilot for Columbo.

Survivors include her husband Nazim, daughter Cami and granddaughter Gaby.

YARNALL, Celeste (Celeste Jeanne Yarnall)

Born: 7/26/1944, Long Beach, California, U.S.A.

Died: 10/8/2018, Westlake Village, California, U.S.A.

Celeste Yarnall’s westerns – actress:

The Wild Wild West (TV) – 1965 (Miss Devine)

Bonanza (TV) – 1968 (Katie Kelly)

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RIP Venantino Venantini

October 9, 2018, 6:50 am

≫ Next: RIP Jon Maldonado

≪ Previous: RIP Celeste Yarnall

The actor Venantino Venantini has died

88 years. To his credit 150 films. The first, One day in the court

Last Time

October 9, 2018

Italian actor Venantino Venantini died last night at the hospital in Viterbo, Italy from postoperative consequences of a femoral surgery suffered last summer. The actor's sister, Rossana Venantini, reported to ANSA, who is also keen to remember that her brother "loved cinema and painting, he was a good actor but also a successful painter who participated in many exhibitions".

Born in Fabriano in 1930, he participated in 150 films. An athletic physicist, he made his debut in the cinema with an appearance in “Un giorno in pretura” under the direction of Steno. His first important part in 1961 with “Odissea nuda”, directed by Franco Rossi. He later performed in dozens of films, some of which became cult favorites like “Emanuelle near”, “Luca il contrabbandiere”, “Apocalypse domain” and” Paura nella città dei morti viventi”. He has been directed by such directors as Claude Lelouch, Ettore Scola, Luciano Salce. The funeral in Rome, in the church of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and of Jesus, will be held on October 12th.

VENANTINI, Venantino (Enrico Venantino Venantini)

Born: 4/17/1930, Fabriano, Marche, Italy

Died:10/9/2018, Viterbo, Lazio, Italy

Venantino Venantini’s westerns – actor:

Bandidos – 1967 (Billy Kane)

Hate is My God – 1969 (Sweetley)

Apache Woman – 1976

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RIP Jon Maldonado

October 9, 2018, 10:29 am

≫ Next: RIP Pegyy McCay

≪ Previous: RIP Venantino Venantini

Chicago Suburban Daily

October 9. 2018

Jon Maldonado, age 57, passed of natural causes on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Jon was born on Nov. 10, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. He resided in Libertyville, IL, where he volunteered to coach youth sports teams. He worked as a stuntman for 34 years and is well known for his work on The Dark Knight. He leaves his beloved wife of 38 years, Lisa (Iacobazzi) Maldonado; his daughter, Caitlin Maldonado; his son, Griffin Maldonado; his mother, Hilda Maldonado; his sister, Diana Maldonado; his brother, Dan Maldonado and loving extended family. Jon was a loving husband, father, and friend. Jon loved sports, classic rock music, solving puzzles and reading. In his last days he was surrounded by family watching his favorite teams; the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. A memorial for Jon will be held Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations to the Jon Maldonado Family Trust, at Chase Bank, are welcomed and appreciated to help with costs of services.

MALDONADO, Jon

Born: 11/10/1960, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Died: 10/3/2018 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Jon Malldonado’s westerns – actor, stuntman

The Last Outlaw – 1993 [stuntman]

The Desperate Trail – 1994 (Marvin)

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RIP Pegyy McCay

October 10, 2018, 6:14 am

≫ Next: RIP William Reynolds

≪ Previous: RIP Jon Maldonado

Beloved Days of Our Lives Soap Vet Peggy McCay Dead At 90

Soap Hub

By Hope Campbell

October 9, 2018

Actress Peggy McCay, who played Caroline Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1983 until 2016 passed away on Sunday.

According to Soap Opera News, McCay passed away in her sleep of natural causes the morning of October 7. She had been ill for some time and not appeared on DAYS for nearly two years.

McCay was just weeks short of her 91st birthday at the time of her passing, having been born on November 3, 1927 in New York City.

McCay graduated from New York’s Barnard College and went on to study acting with Lee Strasburg. She landed her first big role in 1951 on the soap opera Love of Life, playing Vanessa Dale, a role she remained in for the next four years.

She went on to appear in a variety of primetime televisions shows and in films, as well as soaps General Hospital and The Young Marrieds.

But, the role she is most known for is Brady matriarch Caroline on Days of Our Lives. She originated the role in 1983, left the part briefly, but then played her continuously for the next three decades.

McCay was nominated a combination of nine times for both primetime and daytime Emmys, and won the award in 1991 for The Trials of Rosie O’Neil. The actress was also an avid animal activist.

Soap Hub sends its condolences to McCay’s friends, family, and loved ones.

McCAY, Peggy (Margaret Ann McCay)

Born: 11/3/1927, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 10/7/2018

Peggy McCay’s westerns – actress:

The Adventures of Jim Bowie (TV) – 1957 (Malvina Creel/Nekeeta)

The Californians (TV) – 1957 (Bess Cooper)

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1958, 1970, 1971 (Flora, Beth Cooper, Pene Lynott)

The Alaskans (TV) – 1959 (Madeleine Rondolet)

Maverick (TV) – 1959, 1960 (Meliss ‘Missy’ Maybrook, Polly Goodin, Melissa Bouchet)

Lawman (TV) – 1961 (Cassie Nickerson)

Wide Country (TV) – 1962 (Milicent Price)