Kim "Hatchet Face" McGuire, 1955-2016

 

Kim McGuire as Hatchet Face in Cry-Baby

Rest in Peace, Gene Wilder

Legendary actor Gene Wilder has passed away at age 83.

 

Mr. Wilder was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as Jerome Silberman. (He began using the name Gene Wilder in his acting career at age 26.) He began his professional acting career after a stint in the army, studying under Lee Strasberg and getting accepted into the famed Actors Studio. Gene began touring the country as part of an acting troupe when he met Anne Bamcroft, who introduced him to her husband Mel Brooks. Years later, Mel called Gene to offer him his first big theatrical role- that of Leo Bloom in the comedy classic The Producers. It would be the first of many collaborations between the two legends.

Gene would go on to accept the role that would make him beloved by children around the world- that of Willy Wonka. He had originally declined the role, but later changed his mind. He agreed to make the film as long as he could make his grand entrance with a cane and limp, only to surprise everyone with an acrobatic somersault. Producers agreed and he made cinematic history.

In addition to his collaborations with Mel Brooks, Gene also began a comedic partnership with Richard Pryor, appearing in several films with his fellow legend. During this period he would also meet and marry Gilda Radner, becoming a legendary comedic duo. Sadly, he would lose Gilda to cancer in 1989.

Gene then went into semi-retirement, raising money for cancer research and opening support centers for women seeking help with their cancer fights. A true legend, he will never be forgotten by his millions of fans.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Rest in Peace, Prince

Famed musical artist and sometimes actor Prince has passed away at age 57.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson, but known as just "Prince" or temporarily as an unpronounceable symbol was born in Minneapolis, displaying a precocious knack for song writing. His debut album was a huge success, leading to him building a massive empire which included a music label and film producing. His biggest movie hit was Purple Rain, which spawned a mega hit soundtrack.

A string of box office disasters led to Prince retiring from filmmaking, though he still contributed to movie soundtracks, the most notable being Batman. His death at such a relatively young age is a shock to his fans worldwide. He may have been extremely eccentric, but he was also extremely talented without a doubt. His loss is a huge one for the music world.

Rest in Peace, George Martin

George Martin, who signed and produced for The Beatles before embarking on a career scoring films has passed away at age 90.

Born in 1926 in London, Sir Martin attended the Guildhall School of Music and drama before joining record label EMI. He mostly produced novelty and comedy albums until he was approached by Brian Epstein, who had an interesting new band he was promoting- The Beatles. Martin soon found himself at the center of the biggest music phenomenon the world had seen and became known as one of the greatest music producers ever. He put his musical talents to work on the big screen, scoring films such as Yellow Submarine and Live and Let Die.

Sir Martin, by now known as the "fifth Beatle", continued to work on various film and Beatle related projects right up until recently. His talents will truly be missed and remembered by a grateful world.

Rest in Peace, George Gaynes

George Gaynes, who was best known for his roles in the Police Academy franchise and television's Punky Brewster has passed away at age 98.

Mr. Gaynes was born in Helsinki in 1917, though his family immigrated to the United States when he was quite young. Mr. Gaynes got his start on Broadway, acting mostly in musical comedies. He didn't make the transition to film until 1963 when he starred in PT109. Alternating between stage, screen and television, he didn't become a recognized name in show business until 1984's Police Academy, where he played the addled Commander Lassard who often found himself the butt of the cadets' jokes. That same year he found even greater success as the old codger Henry Warnimont who adopts the troublesome orphan Punky Brewster.

His other roles were in such critically acclaimed films as Tootsie and lesser efforts such as the unreleased original version of Fantastic Four.

Mr. Gaynes leaves behind his wife of over fifty years and two children. His work- and the laughs it provided- will live on in the hearts of his millions of fans around the world.

Rest in Peace, Abe Vigoda

Abe Vigoda, famed character actor, has passed away at age 94. Mr. Vigoda had taken on a legendary status on the Internet, after false rumors of his demise had spread quickly on the then newly accessible information superhighway. He had made his name years before, however, taking on legendary roles in The Godfather and Barney Miller.

Mr. Vigoda got his start on Broadway, starring in numerous plays throughout the 1960’s. It was his breakout performance as Sal Tessio in The Godfather. He gained even greater fame in the show Barney Miller, in which he played the ever grumpy, one foot in the grave detective Phil Fish. It was undoubtedly Mr. Vigoda’s strong performance as an aging detective who possibly should have retired decades prior that led to the false reports of his death that would eventually surface. Abe had a marvelous sense of humor about the situation and often appeared on late night programs, allegedly to remind the world that he was still alive.

Mr. Vigoda stayed quite active up until the end, dying peacefully in his sleep. Many people had assumed he was immortal, certain to outlive us all. It was his larger than life persona that made us wish that were true. Mr. Vigoda will certainly be missed.

Rest in Peace, David Bowie

David Bowie, the English singer, reknowned for his flamboyant stage act has passed away at age 69.

While Mr. Bowie is best known for his music, he did have a vibrant career in film, starring in Jim Henson's Labyrinth, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. His vast catalog of songs have been used in over 400 films, too numerous to mention here.

Mr. Bowie passed away due to cancer, leaving behind his wife Iman, two children and his millions of fans worldwide.