Anne Whitfield has sadly passed away at the age of 85.
The actress was best known for her role as Susan Waverly in the classic holiday film White Christmas, which just celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Keep reading to find out more…
Anne “passed away on February 15, 2024, surrounded by family at Valley Memorial Hospital after suffering an unexpected accident while on a walk in her neighborhood,” according to her obituary.
The obit added, “Through the kindness of neighbors who provided expert medical support, family had the gift to say goodbye and express love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish.”
After her breakout role at age 15 in White Christmas, Anne starred mostly on television shows for the remainder of her acting career. Her other credits include The Six Million Dollar Man, The Donna Reed Show, and The Untouchables.
We’re sending our thoughts and condolences to Anne‘s loved ones during this difficult time.
The actress was best known for her role as Susan Waverly in the classic holiday film White Christmas, which just celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Keep reading to find out more…
Anne “passed away on February 15, 2024, surrounded by family at Valley Memorial Hospital after suffering an unexpected accident while on a walk in her neighborhood,” according to her obituary.
The obit added, “Through the kindness of neighbors who provided expert medical support, family had the gift to say goodbye and express love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish.”
After her breakout role at age 15 in White Christmas, Anne starred mostly on television shows for the remainder of her acting career. Her other credits include The Six Million Dollar Man, The Donna Reed Show, and The Untouchables.
We’re sending our thoughts and condolences to Anne‘s loved ones during this difficult time.
- 3/1/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Andre Roussimoff, popularly known as Andre the Giant was regarded as ‘the Eighth Wonder of the World’ due to his great size. Although he is mostly known for his contributions to the wrestling world since the World Wide Wrestling Foundation (Wwwf) promoter Vincent McMahon booked him as a ‘special attraction’, he famously played the character of a giant named Fezzik in the 1987 movie The Princess Bride.
Recently, The Princess Bride actress Robin Wright shed some light on her relationship with Andre the Giant, and the incident she recounted from her days on the movie’s set could not be more heartwarming.
Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride
Robin Wright on How Andre the Giant Helped Her During the Filming of The Princess Bride
After making his USA acting debut in a two-part episode of the 1976 TV series The Six Million Dollar Man, French wrestler Andre the Giant...
Recently, The Princess Bride actress Robin Wright shed some light on her relationship with Andre the Giant, and the incident she recounted from her days on the movie’s set could not be more heartwarming.
Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride
Robin Wright on How Andre the Giant Helped Her During the Filming of The Princess Bride
After making his USA acting debut in a two-part episode of the 1976 TV series The Six Million Dollar Man, French wrestler Andre the Giant...
- 3/1/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
Anne Whitfield, who appeared in the beloved holiday classic White Christmas and on dozens of TV shows, from Father Knows Best, 77 Sunset Strip and Perry Mason to That Girl, Ironside and Emergency!, has died. She was 85.
Whitfield died Feb. 7 at a hospital in Yakima, Washington, after suffering an “unexpected accident” while on a walk in her neighborhood, family members announced.
“She was a powerhouse in life, and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her,” they wrote.
Whitfield was 15 and had done lots of acting on the radio when she was cast as Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Dean Jagger’s Major Gen. Thomas F. Waverly — “The Old Man” — in the Michael Curtiz-directed Paramount musical White Christmas (1954). The film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
She got to watch White Christmas with her family on the...
Whitfield died Feb. 7 at a hospital in Yakima, Washington, after suffering an “unexpected accident” while on a walk in her neighborhood, family members announced.
“She was a powerhouse in life, and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her,” they wrote.
Whitfield was 15 and had done lots of acting on the radio when she was cast as Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Dean Jagger’s Major Gen. Thomas F. Waverly — “The Old Man” — in the Michael Curtiz-directed Paramount musical White Christmas (1954). The film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
She got to watch White Christmas with her family on the...
- 2/29/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul D’Amato, known for portraying Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken alongside Paul Newman in Slap Shot, passed away on Monday.
His cause of death is attributed to a prolonged struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain condition similar to Parkinson’s disease. D’Amato was 76 years old.
His longtime partner, Marina Re, confirmed his death on social media with a lengthy tribute.
In part, the tribute read the following, “He may have played tough bad guys, but a sweeter, kinder, more compassionate man. does not exist. Whether skiing down the slopes, riding his motorcycle, skating on the ice, rollerblading through the village, or kayaking on the lake, he lived life to the fullest.”
D’Amato’s extensive resume featured appearances on popular television shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, along with numerous stage performances.
He was also involved in...
His cause of death is attributed to a prolonged struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain condition similar to Parkinson’s disease. D’Amato was 76 years old.
His longtime partner, Marina Re, confirmed his death on social media with a lengthy tribute.
In part, the tribute read the following, “He may have played tough bad guys, but a sweeter, kinder, more compassionate man. does not exist. Whether skiing down the slopes, riding his motorcycle, skating on the ice, rollerblading through the village, or kayaking on the lake, he lived life to the fullest.”
D’Amato’s extensive resume featured appearances on popular television shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, along with numerous stage performances.
He was also involved in...
- 2/22/2024
- by Frank Yemi
- Monsters and Critics
Paul D’Amato, the actor who played the gloriously vicious Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken opposite Paul Newman in Slap Shot, died Monday after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain condition that is similar to Parkinson’s disease. D’Amato was 76.
The news was shared online by his longtime partner (and fellow actor) Marina Re.
D’Amato got the role in Slap Shot in part because he could hold his own on the ice. He played college hockey at Emerson and also for a team called The Reds in a Burlington, Vt, league in 1975.
But D’Amato also had screen presence, going toe to toe with Newman as his character’s wild-eyed nemesis from the Syracuse Bulldogs who earned his nickname through his scalpel-like skills with a hockey stick. Newman’s Reggie Dunlop called out McCracken by name during a pregame radio interview, referring to him as the...
The news was shared online by his longtime partner (and fellow actor) Marina Re.
D’Amato got the role in Slap Shot in part because he could hold his own on the ice. He played college hockey at Emerson and also for a team called The Reds in a Burlington, Vt, league in 1975.
But D’Amato also had screen presence, going toe to toe with Newman as his character’s wild-eyed nemesis from the Syracuse Bulldogs who earned his nickname through his scalpel-like skills with a hockey stick. Newman’s Reggie Dunlop called out McCracken by name during a pregame radio interview, referring to him as the...
- 2/21/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Travis Knight just may have the power.
The Laika CEO and part-time filmmaker is in early talks to direct the long-in-the-works live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe for Amazon MGM Studios, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Knight isn’t coming alone. Chris Butler, a longtime Knight and Laika collaborator who wrote and co-directed ParaNorman and wrote Kubo and the Two Strings, among other projects, has been brought on to rewrite the script. Over the years the project had drafts from David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee.
Escape Artists’ Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, who have been with the projects for decades, are producing along with Mattel’s Robbie Brenner.
Amazon MGM had no comment.
Hollywood has long been trying to get the toy line centered on Prince Adam, the young man who becomes the muscular He-Man once he gets the Power Sword in his hands and says the words,...
The Laika CEO and part-time filmmaker is in early talks to direct the long-in-the-works live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe for Amazon MGM Studios, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Knight isn’t coming alone. Chris Butler, a longtime Knight and Laika collaborator who wrote and co-directed ParaNorman and wrote Kubo and the Two Strings, among other projects, has been brought on to rewrite the script. Over the years the project had drafts from David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee.
Escape Artists’ Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, who have been with the projects for decades, are producing along with Mattel’s Robbie Brenner.
Amazon MGM had no comment.
Hollywood has long been trying to get the toy line centered on Prince Adam, the young man who becomes the muscular He-Man once he gets the Power Sword in his hands and says the words,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This is going to stun anyone who grew up on 21st century superhero cinema (which kicked off in 2000 with Bryan Singer's "X-Men" and only now seems to be on the wane), but what if I told you that in the 1970s, there were television series dedicated to the Hulk, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man, and they weren't the main small-screen pop cultural obsessions for sci-fi/fantasy fans? Not even close.
This is because every kid in America was crazy about "The Six Million Dollar Man."
Based on the novel "Cyborg" by Martin Caidin, "The Six Million Dollar Man" starred Lee Majors as astronaut Steve Austin, who's saved from certain death after the crash of an experimental aircraft when he is transformed into an experimental superhuman being via bionic implants. As the show's opening credits reminded us every week, these scientists made Majors "bigger, stronger, faster." He was as powerful as a bulldozer,...
This is because every kid in America was crazy about "The Six Million Dollar Man."
Based on the novel "Cyborg" by Martin Caidin, "The Six Million Dollar Man" starred Lee Majors as astronaut Steve Austin, who's saved from certain death after the crash of an experimental aircraft when he is transformed into an experimental superhuman being via bionic implants. As the show's opening credits reminded us every week, these scientists made Majors "bigger, stronger, faster." He was as powerful as a bulldozer,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Carl Weathers, the former NFL player who made his mark in Hollywood as the boxer Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films and with appearances in such other projects as Predator, Happy Gilmore and The Mandalorian, has died. He was 76.
Weathers died Thursday in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, his manager, Matt Luber, announced in a statement.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” he said. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”
The charismatic Weathers portrayed Detective Beaudreaux on the 1991-93 syndicated cop show Street Justice; the chief of police Hampton Forbes on the final two seasons of CBS’ In the Heat of the Night in 1992-94; a caricature of himself on episodes of Fox...
Weathers died Thursday in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, his manager, Matt Luber, announced in a statement.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” he said. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”
The charismatic Weathers portrayed Detective Beaudreaux on the 1991-93 syndicated cop show Street Justice; the chief of police Hampton Forbes on the final two seasons of CBS’ In the Heat of the Night in 1992-94; a caricature of himself on episodes of Fox...
- 2/2/2024
- by Mike Barnes and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Best known to horror fans for playing Dillon in John McTiernan’s original action-horror classic Predator, acting legend Carl Weathers has passed away this week at the age of 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Carl Weathers appeared in more than 70 films and television shows throughout his career, which began all the way back in the early 1970s. Weathers of course rose to prominence as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies between 1976 and 1985, which were directly followed by his co-starring role in the...
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Carl Weathers appeared in more than 70 films and television shows throughout his career, which began all the way back in the early 1970s. Weathers of course rose to prominence as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies between 1976 and 1985, which were directly followed by his co-starring role in the...
- 2/2/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Tributes have been pouring in for Carl Weathers, the former college American Football player who starred in the Rocky films, as well as Predator and The Mandalorian, following his death on February 1. He was 76.
Weathers passed away in his sleep at home on Thursday.
Speaking on Instagram, Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone said he was “so torn up” at the news.
”Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success… When he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realised how great,” said Stallone.
”I never...
Weathers passed away in his sleep at home on Thursday.
Speaking on Instagram, Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone said he was “so torn up” at the news.
”Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success… When he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realised how great,” said Stallone.
”I never...
- 2/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Carl Weathers, the former American Football player who stared in the Rocky films opposite Sylvester Stallone and also earned notable credits in Predator and later in life The Mandalorian, has died. He was 76.
Weathers passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday. He was born in New Orleans on January 14 1948, and stood out as a keen athlete in his youth, playing for San Diego State University in the team’s invincible season in 1968 when they won all 11 games.
He studied drama at the institution and moved into acting in the 1970s, getting his first film credit on Clint Eastwood...
Weathers passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday. He was born in New Orleans on January 14 1948, and stood out as a keen athlete in his youth, playing for San Diego State University in the team’s invincible season in 1968 when they won all 11 games.
He studied drama at the institution and moved into acting in the 1970s, getting his first film credit on Clint Eastwood...
- 2/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Rod Holcomb, the Emmy-winning ER director, who also helmed episodes of Lost, China Beach, Wolf and The Six Million Dollar Man, has died. He was 80.
Holcomb passed away on Jan. 24 in Los Angeles, after battling a long illness, the Directors Guild of America shared on Friday.
“The DGA deeply mourns the passing of Rod Holcomb — a visionary director whose impact on television direction and the creative rights of television directors cannot be overstated,” DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter said in a lengthy statement. “Rod’s influence as a pilot director on shows like China Beach and ER among many others, resonated deeply with directors and audiences alike, leaving a cultural imprint. His pioneering use of Steadicam and other techniques brought a more cinematic style to television, helping establish a visual aesthetic that continues today.
She continued, “Yet his legacy stretches far beyond the lens. By dedicating himself to guild service...
Holcomb passed away on Jan. 24 in Los Angeles, after battling a long illness, the Directors Guild of America shared on Friday.
“The DGA deeply mourns the passing of Rod Holcomb — a visionary director whose impact on television direction and the creative rights of television directors cannot be overstated,” DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter said in a lengthy statement. “Rod’s influence as a pilot director on shows like China Beach and ER among many others, resonated deeply with directors and audiences alike, leaving a cultural imprint. His pioneering use of Steadicam and other techniques brought a more cinematic style to television, helping establish a visual aesthetic that continues today.
She continued, “Yet his legacy stretches far beyond the lens. By dedicating himself to guild service...
- 1/26/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rod Holcomb, an Emmy-winning TV director of “ER,” “Lost” and other series, died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 80.
Holcomb was best known for directing both the pilot and the series finale of “ER,” winning an Emmy for that farewell episode in 2009. He was nominated four four Primetime Emmys over his career, and also nominated for three DGA awards — winning one in 1995 for the “ER” pilot. Holcomb directed 21 pilots over his career, with the remarkable track record of 15 going to series.
“Every good director will elevate the material on the page. His job is to elevate it visually, to give it the weight of an art form,” Holcomb told Variety in 2011. “In a way, it’s easier to determine with a show that you know very well as a viewer, and if you know the contours and the voice of the show, then you can more easily answer some key questions.
Holcomb was best known for directing both the pilot and the series finale of “ER,” winning an Emmy for that farewell episode in 2009. He was nominated four four Primetime Emmys over his career, and also nominated for three DGA awards — winning one in 1995 for the “ER” pilot. Holcomb directed 21 pilots over his career, with the remarkable track record of 15 going to series.
“Every good director will elevate the material on the page. His job is to elevate it visually, to give it the weight of an art form,” Holcomb told Variety in 2011. “In a way, it’s easier to determine with a show that you know very well as a viewer, and if you know the contours and the voice of the show, then you can more easily answer some key questions.
- 1/26/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Rod Holcomb, an Emmy-winning ER director who also helmed Battlestar Galactica, The Six Million Dollar Man, China Beach and dozens of other shows and was a longtime Directors Guild negotiating committee menber, has died. He was 80.
The DGA said Holcomb died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long illness.
“The DGA deeply mourns the passing of Rod Holcomb — a visionary director whose impact on television direction and the creative rights of television directors cannot be overstated,” DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter said in a statement. “Rod’s influence as a pilot director on shows like China Beach and ER among many others, resonated deeply with directors and audiences alike, leaving a cultural imprint. His pioneering use of Steadicam and other techniques brought a more cinematic style to television, helping establish a visual aesthetic that continues today.”
Holcomb helmed hundreds of TV episodes during his 40-year career, scoring four career Emmy...
The DGA said Holcomb died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long illness.
“The DGA deeply mourns the passing of Rod Holcomb — a visionary director whose impact on television direction and the creative rights of television directors cannot be overstated,” DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter said in a statement. “Rod’s influence as a pilot director on shows like China Beach and ER among many others, resonated deeply with directors and audiences alike, leaving a cultural imprint. His pioneering use of Steadicam and other techniques brought a more cinematic style to television, helping establish a visual aesthetic that continues today.”
Holcomb helmed hundreds of TV episodes during his 40-year career, scoring four career Emmy...
- 1/26/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The sci-fi action TV series The Six Million Dollar Man was so incredibly popular when it was running on ABC back in the 1970s, it’s shocking that the franchise hasn’t received a revival outside of a few TV movies that aired in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s not for a lack of trying – in fact, an update called The Six Billion Dollar Man has been making its way through development hell for almost thirty years at this point. Mark Wahlberg has been attached to star in the project since 2014… and during a recent interview with Collider, Wahlberg expressed hope that The Six Billion Dollar Man will finally be going into production soon.
Inspired by Martin Caidin’s 1972 novel Cyborg (which received three sequels), The Six Million Dollar Man had the following synopsis: After a severely injured test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear-powered bionic limbs and implants, he serves as an intelligence agent.
Inspired by Martin Caidin’s 1972 novel Cyborg (which received three sequels), The Six Million Dollar Man had the following synopsis: After a severely injured test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear-powered bionic limbs and implants, he serves as an intelligence agent.
- 12/13/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Jack Hogan, an actor who starred in ABC’s Combat! for 111 episodes, died Dec. 6 of natural causes at his home in Bainbridge Island, Wash. He was 94 years old.
The news was confirmed to Variety by his son West.
More from TVLineAnna 'Chickadee' Cardwell, Daughter of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo's Mama June, Dead at 29Hilary Duff Remembers Late Lizzie McGuire Producer Stan Rogow: 'Thank You for All of the Lizzie Adventures'Ryan O'Neal, Oscar Nominee and Peyton Place Star, Dead at 82
Hogan played Pfc William G. Kirby on Combat!, starring alongside Rick Jason, Vic Morrow and Pierre Jalbert. The show...
The news was confirmed to Variety by his son West.
More from TVLineAnna 'Chickadee' Cardwell, Daughter of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo's Mama June, Dead at 29Hilary Duff Remembers Late Lizzie McGuire Producer Stan Rogow: 'Thank You for All of the Lizzie Adventures'Ryan O'Neal, Oscar Nominee and Peyton Place Star, Dead at 82
Hogan played Pfc William G. Kirby on Combat!, starring alongside Rick Jason, Vic Morrow and Pierre Jalbert. The show...
- 12/11/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
When we talk about classic TV shows from the '70s, it's hard not to mention "The Six Million Dollar Man." Airing for five seasons on ABC, the show focuses on astronaut Steve Austin who is gravely injured in a spaceship crash. He then undergoes a government surgery that replaces his body parts with machine parts, making him part man, part cyborg. With the new powers afforded him by these upgrades, Steve goes to work for the Office of Scientific Information, battling evil forces.
The show ran for 99 episodes and inspired six TV movies. Mark Wahlberg has even been attached to star in a big-screen adaptation of the show for years now, with the project stalling out at various points. But Lee Majors was the man responsible for originally bringing the character to life. 50 years removed from the show's premiere on network television, Majors and several other of the show's...
The show ran for 99 episodes and inspired six TV movies. Mark Wahlberg has even been attached to star in a big-screen adaptation of the show for years now, with the project stalling out at various points. But Lee Majors was the man responsible for originally bringing the character to life. 50 years removed from the show's premiere on network television, Majors and several other of the show's...
- 12/11/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
The film fills the gap left by ’Deadpool 3’.
Universal Pictures has given the 2024 release calendar its summer season opener, pushing back Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy from March 1 to May 3 2024.
The film fills the gap left by Deadpool 3, which has been pushed back from May 3 to July 26 2004 as Marvel Studios aims to complete production following strike disruption.
Gosling, who has earned awards buzz for playing Ken in Barbie, stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who returns to the business when the star of a tentpole directed by his ex Jody Moreno goes missing.
Universal Pictures has given the 2024 release calendar its summer season opener, pushing back Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy from March 1 to May 3 2024.
The film fills the gap left by Deadpool 3, which has been pushed back from May 3 to July 26 2004 as Marvel Studios aims to complete production following strike disruption.
Gosling, who has earned awards buzz for playing Ken in Barbie, stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who returns to the business when the star of a tentpole directed by his ex Jody Moreno goes missing.
- 11/15/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The film fills the gap left by ’Deadpool 3’.
Universal Pictures has given the 2024 release calendar its summer season opener, pushing back Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy from March 1 to May 3 2024 Memorial Day weekend.
The film fills the gap left by Deadpool 3, which has been pushed back from May 3 to July 26 2004 as Marvel Studios aims to complete production following strike disruption.
Gosling, who has earned awards buzz for playing Ken in Barbie, stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who returns to the business when the star of a tentpole directed by his ex Jody Moreno goes missing.
Universal Pictures has given the 2024 release calendar its summer season opener, pushing back Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy from March 1 to May 3 2024 Memorial Day weekend.
The film fills the gap left by Deadpool 3, which has been pushed back from May 3 to July 26 2004 as Marvel Studios aims to complete production following strike disruption.
Gosling, who has earned awards buzz for playing Ken in Barbie, stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who returns to the business when the star of a tentpole directed by his ex Jody Moreno goes missing.
- 11/15/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Previously we’ve covered the iconic Six Million Dollar Man on Gone But Not Forgotten. It’s only right that we also showcase Steve Austin’s equally amazing bionic co-hart. The Bionic Woman, who was as popular as The Six Million Dollar Man and was an important piece of TV history for a number of reasons. It would give women, girls, and guys a new perspective on just how powerful a woman could be, not only in a robotically enhanced strength but also in their character. Jamie Sommers was something special, and not even a TV death could keep her down. On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten, listen close as we tell the story of The Bionic Woman.
The Bionic Woman herself was introduced in Season 2 of The Six Million Dollar Man already an important part of Steve Austin’s life. Jaime Sommers and Steve had a relationship...
The Bionic Woman herself was introduced in Season 2 of The Six Million Dollar Man already an important part of Steve Austin’s life. Jaime Sommers and Steve had a relationship...
- 10/23/2023
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
This month has been full of sad reports of celebrity passings… and unfortunately, today is no different. It has been brought to our attention that Lara Parker, best known for starring in the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows and the 1975 horror classic Race with the Devil, has passed away at the age of 84. Her daughter confirmed to Variety that she died in her sleep at her home in the Topanga Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles on October 12th.
If you’re not familiar with Parker’s work on Dark Shadows, Variety has the information: “From 1967 to 1971, the Memphis native starred in Dark Shadows as the central antagonist Angelique Bouchard. Set in the fictional setting of Collinsport, Maine, the series follows the town’s founding family, the Collins family. In the show, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) spurns the besotted Angelique after a brief dalliance with her, unaware that she is a witch.
If you’re not familiar with Parker’s work on Dark Shadows, Variety has the information: “From 1967 to 1971, the Memphis native starred in Dark Shadows as the central antagonist Angelique Bouchard. Set in the fictional setting of Collinsport, Maine, the series follows the town’s founding family, the Collins family. In the show, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) spurns the besotted Angelique after a brief dalliance with her, unaware that she is a witch.
- 10/17/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Lara Parker, who played fan-favorite witch Angelique Bouchard on “Dark Shadows,” has died at 84.
Kathryn Leigh Scott, her co-star on the 1960s gothic soap opera, posted the news to Facebook on Monday.
“I have sad news . . . my beautiful, beloved friend Lara Parker passed away Thursday, October 12. I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her,” Scott wrote.
“She graced our lives with her beauty and talent, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives. Family meant more than anything to Lara, and they have wanted these few days since her passing to themselves. Rest in peace, my cherished friend,” Scott concluded.
The actress died in her sleep at her home in Topanga Canyon, her daughter said.
The series ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971 and spawned several follow-up movies from creator Dan Curtis.
Parker, along with other surviving “Dark Shadows” stars, made cameos...
Kathryn Leigh Scott, her co-star on the 1960s gothic soap opera, posted the news to Facebook on Monday.
“I have sad news . . . my beautiful, beloved friend Lara Parker passed away Thursday, October 12. I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her,” Scott wrote.
“She graced our lives with her beauty and talent, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives. Family meant more than anything to Lara, and they have wanted these few days since her passing to themselves. Rest in peace, my cherished friend,” Scott concluded.
The actress died in her sleep at her home in Topanga Canyon, her daughter said.
The series ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971 and spawned several follow-up movies from creator Dan Curtis.
Parker, along with other surviving “Dark Shadows” stars, made cameos...
- 10/16/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Lara Parker, who found the role of a lifetime at just 28 years old when she was cast by Dark Shadows producer Dan Curtis as the beautiful, vengeful and altogether evil witch Angelique Bouchard Collins, died October 12 in her sleep in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer. She was 84.
Her death was announced by producer Jim Pierson of Dan Curtis Productions, on behalf of Parker’s family.
“I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her,” said her Dark Shadows co-star and longtime friend Kathryn Leigh Scott in a statement. “She graced our lives with her beauty, talent and friendship, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives.”
Parker, who also authored four popular Dark Shadows-related novels from 1998-2016, arrived on the supernatural soap opera in 1967, not long after Canadian actor Jonathan Frid had been cast as vampire Barnabas Collins. Frid...
Her death was announced by producer Jim Pierson of Dan Curtis Productions, on behalf of Parker’s family.
“I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her,” said her Dark Shadows co-star and longtime friend Kathryn Leigh Scott in a statement. “She graced our lives with her beauty, talent and friendship, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives.”
Parker, who also authored four popular Dark Shadows-related novels from 1998-2016, arrived on the supernatural soap opera in 1967, not long after Canadian actor Jonathan Frid had been cast as vampire Barnabas Collins. Frid...
- 10/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Patrick Duffy is paying tribute to his former Step By Step costar Suzanne Somers following the news of her death on Sunday.
“As with everyone who knew her, I was stunned yesterday by the news that my dear and deep friend Suzanne had passed,” began Duffy in a statement to People. “For that brief moment it was unbelievable. But indeed she has passed. She beautifully passed through my life on this leg of her endless journey. My task now is to remain on the roadside as she continues on.”
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“As with everyone who knew her, I was stunned yesterday by the news that my dear and deep friend Suzanne had passed,” began Duffy in a statement to People. “For that brief moment it was unbelievable. But indeed she has passed. She beautifully passed through my life on this leg of her endless journey. My task now is to remain on the roadside as she continues on.”
More from TVLineHow to Watch Monday Night Football Without Cable - Stream Cowboys vs.
- 10/16/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Suzanne Somers, best known for her TV work in Three’s Company and Step by Step, died Sunday following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 76.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15,” Somers’ publicist confirmed Sunday. “She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.
More from TVLineJoanna Merlin, Law & Order: Svu Judge, Dead at 92Patrick Duffy Mourns His Step by Step Wife Suzanne Somers: 'You Made Quite a Ripple, My Friend'Piper Laurie, 3-Time Oscar Nominee and Twin Peaks Alum, Dead at 91
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan,...
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15,” Somers’ publicist confirmed Sunday. “She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.
More from TVLineJoanna Merlin, Law & Order: Svu Judge, Dead at 92Patrick Duffy Mourns His Step by Step Wife Suzanne Somers: 'You Made Quite a Ripple, My Friend'Piper Laurie, 3-Time Oscar Nominee and Twin Peaks Alum, Dead at 91
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan,...
- 10/15/2023
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Suzanne Somers, the star of sitcoms “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step” and author of several self-help, health and wellness books, died Sunday morning at the age of 76.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” her publicist R. Couri Hay wrote in a statement to People.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
A cause of death was not given.
After several small roles on TV shows like “The Rockford Files” and “The Six Million Dollar Man,” Somers landed the role of Chrissy Snow on ABC’s sitcom “Three’s Company...
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” her publicist R. Couri Hay wrote in a statement to People.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
A cause of death was not given.
After several small roles on TV shows like “The Rockford Files” and “The Six Million Dollar Man,” Somers landed the role of Chrissy Snow on ABC’s sitcom “Three’s Company...
- 10/15/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The list of things you can call "all-American" and not mean it in a bad way grows smaller and smaller as time marches ever onward, but today the title solemnly fits: we lost a true all-American star in Dick Butkus. The trailblazing football player and Hall of Fame inductee, widely considered one of the best linebackers who ever lived, has died at the age of 80. The Butkus family released a statement earlier today announcing that Butkus had passed "peacefully in his sleep overnight." George H. McCaskey, the Chairman of Butkus' career-long team, the Chicago Bears, released his own statement shortly after memorializing Butkus thusly:
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."
In their touching obituary,...
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."
In their touching obituary,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ryan Coleman
- Slash Film
Dick Butkus, a Hall of Famer who was among the greatest, most respected and most feared players in NFL history and also had a long acting career in TV, film and commercials, died overnight in his sleep at his Malibu home. He was 80.
His family confirmed the news on social media.
After back-to-back All-America seasons at the University of Illinois, Butkus was picked No. 3 overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. A fearsome force on the field and rather gentle giant off of it, he spent his entire injury-shortened nine-season career with the club, redefining the linebacker position in the process.
Dick Butkus circa 1965
Active from 1965-73, Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and ’70s and was selected for the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. A six-time All-nfl selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and...
His family confirmed the news on social media.
After back-to-back All-America seasons at the University of Illinois, Butkus was picked No. 3 overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. A fearsome force on the field and rather gentle giant off of it, he spent his entire injury-shortened nine-season career with the club, redefining the linebacker position in the process.
Dick Butkus circa 1965
Active from 1965-73, Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and ’70s and was selected for the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. A six-time All-nfl selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and...
- 10/5/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Dick Butkus, one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history who played eight seasons for the Chicago Bears before turning to a career as an actor and sports commentator, died Thursday in Malibu. He was 80 years old.
The Butkus family released a statement through the Chicago Bears organization, confirming his death.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support,” the statement reads.
A Chicago native, Butkus was drafted by his hometown team in 1965 after a breakthrough college football career that saw him lead the University of Illinois to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963. During his time with the Bears, Butkus twice won defensive player of the year, appeared in eight Pro Bowls and was named to first-team All-Pro five times.
The Butkus family released a statement through the Chicago Bears organization, confirming his death.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support,” the statement reads.
A Chicago native, Butkus was drafted by his hometown team in 1965 after a breakthrough college football career that saw him lead the University of Illinois to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963. During his time with the Bears, Butkus twice won defensive player of the year, appeared in eight Pro Bowls and was named to first-team All-Pro five times.
- 10/5/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
At the time, it seemed like a bit of a stretch. These days, audiences might have laughed at the audacity of the premise. But in 1976, when ABC wanted to capitalize on the amazing success of The Six Million Dollar Man by introducing The Bionic Woman, the show was an instant hit. Lindsay Wagner, who originated the role on an episode of The Six Million Dollar Man as a back-door pilot, could hardly believe it when The Bionic Woman rocketed into the Top 5 of the Nielsen ratings during its very first season. Over time, though, she’s come to understand and accept that overnight success; speaking at a fan event a few years back, she talked about why she believes the show became so iconic. (Click on the media bar below to hear Lindsay Wagner) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lindsay_-Wagner_Bionic_woman_iconic_.mp3
The post Lindsay Wagner...
The post Lindsay Wagner...
- 9/29/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Sad news to report as it was announced that David McCallum died this morning at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 90. The actor was best known for playing Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, as well as Ilya Kuryakin on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
- 9/25/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The 70s were a time when television would seem to try anything at least once. Science Fiction was one of the main genres where this was very true. Thanks to the success of series like Star Trek, and Lost in Space there was a deluge of, off beat and actually good genre TV (as we explored on last week’s Land of the Lost episode). Typically it was with some sort of toy tie-in or angle to get children to watch and/or buy something. And just wait until Star Wars happened.
But, the early 70s would find a new kind of hero to grab the hearts and minds of kids across the country and he’d bring with him some of the coolest toys around. Because, he was literally made up of metal and plastic himself.
The Six Million Dollar Man would jump into television history with a premise that was brilliant,...
But, the early 70s would find a new kind of hero to grab the hearts and minds of kids across the country and he’d bring with him some of the coolest toys around. Because, he was literally made up of metal and plastic himself.
The Six Million Dollar Man would jump into television history with a premise that was brilliant,...
- 9/4/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Back in the 1970s, The Six Million Dollar Man was truly a phenomenon, scoring huge ratings, a spinoff in The Bionic Woman, comic books, and a generation of young boys who wouldn’t move without making the show’s signature sound effect. At the time, though, star Lee Majors had no idea how big the show had become. At a fan event a few years ago, Majors admitted he didn’t know the true reach of the show until after he’d finished working on it. (Click on the media bar below to hear Lee Majors) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lee_Majors_Sx_Million_Dollar_Man_Success_.mp3
The Six Million Dollar Man is currently streaming on Peacock.
The post At The Time, Lee Majors Didn’t Know How Big Being Bionic Was appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The Six Million Dollar Man is currently streaming on Peacock.
The post At The Time, Lee Majors Didn’t Know How Big Being Bionic Was appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 8/29/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
In the 1970s, robotics was all the rage for a while on primetime TV, as The Six Million Dollar Man and its spin-off, The Bionic Woman, were both hit shows. Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner starred in the two series, and they often worked together on crossover episodes. However, even though they were America’s bionic darlings, they didn’t become all that friendly while shooting their series. Speaking at a fan event a few years ago, Wagner recalled that she and Majors really didn’t start bonding until their series were finished and they made a few TV movies together. (Click on the media bar below to hear Lindsay Wagner) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lindsay_Wagner_Lee_Majors_bionic_.mp3
The Bionic Woman is available on DVD, and The Six Million Dollar Man is currently streaming on Peacock and available on DVD.
The post Lindsay Wagner Didn...
The Bionic Woman is available on DVD, and The Six Million Dollar Man is currently streaming on Peacock and available on DVD.
The post Lindsay Wagner Didn...
- 7/27/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
While Lee Majors made plenty of movies, he achieved his greatest success as a TV star, starring in a number of long-running series, including The Big Valley, The Virginian, and The Six Million Dollar Man. But while everyone seems to remember the famous lines from The Six Million Dollar Man’s opening, At a fan event a few years ago Majors said it was actually his follow-up series, The Fall Guy, that remains his favorite. (Click on the media bar below to hear Lee Majors) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lee_Majors_The_Fall_Guy_.mp3
The Fall Guy is currently streaming on Prime Video and available on DVD.
The post Why Lee Majors Really Fell For ‘Fall Guy’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The Fall Guy is currently streaming on Prime Video and available on DVD.
The post Why Lee Majors Really Fell For ‘Fall Guy’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 7/21/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Lew Palter, a veteran actor and teacher who portrayed Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic, has died at the age of 94.
Palter died on May 21st of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter told The Hollywood Reporter.
In Titanic, Palter portrayed Straus, a U.S. Congressman and co-owner of Macy’s department store. He and his wife, Ida, perished on the sinking ship after refusing to board a lifeboat because there were women and children who had yet to be saved. In one of the film’s final scenes, Palter’s character embraces his wife (played by Elsa Raven) in their stateroom as water rushes in.
Wendy Rush, the wife of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush who died last week on a dive in a submersible to the wreck of the Titanic, is a great-great-granddaughter of the Strauses — as is the singer King Princess.
Earlier on in his career,...
Palter died on May 21st of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter told The Hollywood Reporter.
In Titanic, Palter portrayed Straus, a U.S. Congressman and co-owner of Macy’s department store. He and his wife, Ida, perished on the sinking ship after refusing to board a lifeboat because there were women and children who had yet to be saved. In one of the film’s final scenes, Palter’s character embraces his wife (played by Elsa Raven) in their stateroom as water rushes in.
Wendy Rush, the wife of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush who died last week on a dive in a submersible to the wreck of the Titanic, is a great-great-granddaughter of the Strauses — as is the singer King Princess.
Earlier on in his career,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Lew Palter, who played Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic and a Supreme Court justice in First Monday in October, has died. He was 94.
Palter died of lung cancer May 21 at his Los Angeles home. CalArts, where Palter was a longtime faculty member, shared news of his death on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime #calartstheater faculty Lew Palter has passed away. Lew retired from @CalArts in 2013, having served our community since 1971 as an acting teacher, director, and mentor.”
Among his students at CalArts was Cecily Strong, said it was Palter who encouraged her to try out for improv/sketch comedy group The Groundlings, leading to her breakout role on SNL.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same,” said CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston in a statement. “He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect,...
Palter died of lung cancer May 21 at his Los Angeles home. CalArts, where Palter was a longtime faculty member, shared news of his death on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime #calartstheater faculty Lew Palter has passed away. Lew retired from @CalArts in 2013, having served our community since 1971 as an acting teacher, director, and mentor.”
Among his students at CalArts was Cecily Strong, said it was Palter who encouraged her to try out for improv/sketch comedy group The Groundlings, leading to her breakout role on SNL.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same,” said CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston in a statement. “He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Rich, the former child actor who played Nicholas Bradford on the ABC comedy “Eight is enough,” died from the “effects of Fentanyl,” according to an autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
The report listed his death as accidental. He was found dead on January 7 at his home in Los Angeles.
TMZ obtained the full autopsy report and first broke the news Friday, reporting that Rich overdosed on a “powerful opioid” and had “non-toxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam” in his system.
Rich was best known for his role as the youngest son in the longrunning ‘70s ABC sitcom. His first acting role came when he was just eight years old, debuting in “The Six Million Dollar Man.”
Also Read:
Adam Rich, Child Actor on ‘Eight Is Enough,’ Dies at 54
Rich had admitted to dealing with drug issues for much of his life, but tweeted about his...
The report listed his death as accidental. He was found dead on January 7 at his home in Los Angeles.
TMZ obtained the full autopsy report and first broke the news Friday, reporting that Rich overdosed on a “powerful opioid” and had “non-toxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam” in his system.
Rich was best known for his role as the youngest son in the longrunning ‘70s ABC sitcom. His first acting role came when he was just eight years old, debuting in “The Six Million Dollar Man.”
Also Read:
Adam Rich, Child Actor on ‘Eight Is Enough,’ Dies at 54
Rich had admitted to dealing with drug issues for much of his life, but tweeted about his...
- 6/25/2023
- by Mason Bissada
- The Wrap
Eight Is Enough alum Adam Rich‘s death has been ruled an accident due to the effects of fentanyl, according to the Los Angeles County Medical-Examiner Coroner’s office via Associated Press.
Rich was found dead at his home on Jan. 7. Family members had confirmed the news to TMZ, but did not reveal a cause of death at that time.
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Rich was best known for playing Nicholas Bradford,...
Rich was found dead at his home on Jan. 7. Family members had confirmed the news to TMZ, but did not reveal a cause of death at that time.
More from TVLineWWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair and Mick Foley Pay TributeAnother World's Nancy Frangione Dead at 70Ahsoka Pays Tribute to Ray Stevenson in Series Premiere: 'For Our Friend, Ray'
Rich was best known for playing Nicholas Bradford,...
- 6/24/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
In the early days of television, the “Big Three” networks ruled the small screen. ABC is the baby, entering the new medium a little behind its competitors, and finding new and creative ways to find success against two mighty opponents.
ABC found its earliest success with two programs that had begun on radio, “The Lone Ranger,” which was the network’s first big hit, and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” a sitcom loosely based on the life of the real-life Nelson family. The latter remained on the air for 14 seasons, and was the longest-running prime-time comedy for decades, and the longest-running live action sitcom until 2021. However, ABC still struggled against the firmly established NBC and CBS, and found innovative ways to compete.
In 1954, ABC and Walt Disney struck an unprecedented deal: the network helped finance the filmmaker’s ambitious Disneyland Park, while Disney produced a weekly TV show for the network.
ABC found its earliest success with two programs that had begun on radio, “The Lone Ranger,” which was the network’s first big hit, and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” a sitcom loosely based on the life of the real-life Nelson family. The latter remained on the air for 14 seasons, and was the longest-running prime-time comedy for decades, and the longest-running live action sitcom until 2021. However, ABC still struggled against the firmly established NBC and CBS, and found innovative ways to compete.
In 1954, ABC and Walt Disney struck an unprecedented deal: the network helped finance the filmmaker’s ambitious Disneyland Park, while Disney produced a weekly TV show for the network.
- 5/10/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
CinemaCon might not be a huge fan convention like San Diego Comic-Con, but that doesn't mean it lacks major surprises. Case in point, the unexpected presence of "The Fall Guy" during Universal Pictures' panel at the event. Even though it's not slated to be released until 2024, Universal and the mad lads at 87North Productions certainly had enough juicy footage of David Leitch's upcoming action-thriller, itself an adaptation of the 1980s ABC series of the same name.
So, how exactly did they kick off this surprise reveal? With a five-minute stunt show, of course. According to /Film's Ben Pearson, who attended Universal's panel at CinemaCon, the show consisted of performers doing all sorts of cool and dangerous stunts. Wanna know just how dangerous? These dudes are dropping out of the ceiling, riding around on motorcycles, doing parkour, and handling all sorts of dangerous weapons. Simply saying that stunt performers deserve award recognition is one thing,...
So, how exactly did they kick off this surprise reveal? With a five-minute stunt show, of course. According to /Film's Ben Pearson, who attended Universal's panel at CinemaCon, the show consisted of performers doing all sorts of cool and dangerous stunts. Wanna know just how dangerous? These dudes are dropping out of the ceiling, riding around on motorcycles, doing parkour, and handling all sorts of dangerous weapons. Simply saying that stunt performers deserve award recognition is one thing,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Westerns hold a nostalgic place in television history. Dominating the primetime airwaves, more than 100 original TV Western series aired between 1949 and 1969. Shows such as The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, and The Rifleman had a faithful following, tuning in each week to witness the fast-paced, gun-slinging, horse-riding action. The Big Valley, starring prominent actors Barbara Stanwyck, Lee Majors, and Linda Evans, ran for four seasons in the mid-’60s. Despite its immense popularity, the TV series ended abruptly. Why was The Big Valley canceled?
‘The Big Valley’ was a big deal ‘The Big Valley’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Contributor
In 1964, The Big Valley premiered on ABC, becoming one of the first Westerns to showcase a woman as the lead. The controversial move proved popular among viewers, and the series reignited the career of Stanwyck, an iconic big-screen actor. She portrayed the formidable matriarch of the wealthy Barkley family, tasked with running her late husband’s California ranch.
‘The Big Valley’ was a big deal ‘The Big Valley’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Contributor
In 1964, The Big Valley premiered on ABC, becoming one of the first Westerns to showcase a woman as the lead. The controversial move proved popular among viewers, and the series reignited the career of Stanwyck, an iconic big-screen actor. She portrayed the formidable matriarch of the wealthy Barkley family, tasked with running her late husband’s California ranch.
- 4/16/2023
- by Rita DeMichiel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Rick Springfield was a massive music star in the ’80s, but even he had to bow to his record label’s demands. In 1975, executives shelved one of his albums for being too “suggestive.” But the “Jessie’s Girl” singer’s previously unreleased classic rock songs will soon go public.
Rick Springfield found success with pop-rock songs and albums Rick Springfield performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Feb. 18, 2023, in Las Vegas | Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive
Springfield began his music career at 13 years old when he learned to play the guitar. As a teen, he performed in various bands and finally found success with the pop-rock group Zoot. Despite releasing a handful of songs, the band broke up in 1971.
Springfield soon launched his solo career with his debut single, “Speak to the Sky.” He also released a few albums with Columbia Records, including 1973’s Comic Book Heroes and 1974’s Mission: Magic!
Rick Springfield found success with pop-rock songs and albums Rick Springfield performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Feb. 18, 2023, in Las Vegas | Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive
Springfield began his music career at 13 years old when he learned to play the guitar. As a teen, he performed in various bands and finally found success with the pop-rock group Zoot. Despite releasing a handful of songs, the band broke up in 1971.
Springfield soon launched his solo career with his debut single, “Speak to the Sky.” He also released a few albums with Columbia Records, including 1973’s Comic Book Heroes and 1974’s Mission: Magic!
- 4/1/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Big Valley was one of the last prominent TV shows of the Western craze that swept Hollywood for decades. Waning viewer interest in the genre cut the four-season drama short. Yet even with a truncated run, the show launched several Big Valley cast members to stardom and embedded itself in the public consciousness via syndication.
Without The Big Valley, audiences might never have gotten iconic shows like The Six Million Dollar Man. There are actors still working today whose careers benefitted from appearances in the Western series. But are any main cast members from The Big Valley still alive?
The Western series was a big hit in syndication ‘The Big Valley’ cast portrait | Bettmann via Getty Images
The Big Valley was a primetime drama that aired on ABC from Sept. 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. While each episode wore the traditional Western genre trappings, the plot’s core was the multi-generational family drama of the wealthy Barkleys.
Without The Big Valley, audiences might never have gotten iconic shows like The Six Million Dollar Man. There are actors still working today whose careers benefitted from appearances in the Western series. But are any main cast members from The Big Valley still alive?
The Western series was a big hit in syndication ‘The Big Valley’ cast portrait | Bettmann via Getty Images
The Big Valley was a primetime drama that aired on ABC from Sept. 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. While each episode wore the traditional Western genre trappings, the plot’s core was the multi-generational family drama of the wealthy Barkleys.
- 3/9/2023
- by Agustin Mojica
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Perry Mason is back on the case. Season 2 of HBO’s reimagined take on the classic legal drama premieres Monday, March 6, with Matthew Rhys again stepping into the title role. The Americans star has said he didn’t watch Raymond Burr’s iconic take on the character before season 1, which aired in 2020. But for many TV viewers, Burr is Perry Mason. The actor played the crusading defense attorney from 1957 to 1966, and again in a series of TV movies from the mid-80s through the early ‘90s.
Burr’s run as Perry Mason ended with this death in 1993. But are any other original Perry Mason cast members still alive?
‘Perry Mason’ star Raymond Burr died in 1993 Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, right, and Ray Collins as Lt. Arthur Tragg ‘in ‘Perry Mason’ | CBS via Getty Images
The Canadian-born Burr had a long career in Hollywood, including roles in classic films such...
Burr’s run as Perry Mason ended with this death in 1993. But are any other original Perry Mason cast members still alive?
‘Perry Mason’ star Raymond Burr died in 1993 Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, right, and Ray Collins as Lt. Arthur Tragg ‘in ‘Perry Mason’ | CBS via Getty Images
The Canadian-born Burr had a long career in Hollywood, including roles in classic films such...
- 3/5/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Long ago, before the Marvel Cinematic Universe's gargantuan interconnecting list of films and Disney+ shows, there existed Universal Television's "The Incredible Hulk" series. Although it seems quaint in comparison to today's mega-budget superhero fare, Kenneth Johnson's science-fiction drama hybrid was a major ratings hit and was one of the earliest success stories regarding a live-action comic book adaptation. The popularity of the series, as well as the strange legal tension between Marvel Comics and its licensing partners, is why Stan Lee rushed to create a She-Hulk before Johnson could.
In the '70s, Marvel Comics had sold the rights to a handful of its characters to the separate company of Universal Television. Besides the Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Namor, and the Human Torch were also on the studio's bracket. Johnson, who had already found success with Universal's "The Bionic Woman," initially wasn't interested in adapting any of these...
In the '70s, Marvel Comics had sold the rights to a handful of its characters to the separate company of Universal Television. Besides the Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Namor, and the Human Torch were also on the studio's bracket. Johnson, who had already found success with Universal's "The Bionic Woman," initially wasn't interested in adapting any of these...
- 2/25/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Before Chris Evans grabbed a star-spangled shield and donned the mantle of Captain America, and even before the late, great, B-movie maestro Albert Pyun directed the straight-to-video 1990 "Captain America" movie, there was Universal's failed "Captain America" feature-length television film, which aired in 1979. Now a footnote in the history of superhero cinema, director Rod Holcomb's "Captain America" fits neatly next to the studio's 1978 "Dr. Strange" adaptation as similar attempts at seeing how Marvel's comic book characters could (extremely loosely) translate to low-budget, live-action TV material. Unfortunately for Holcomb, the project was a bit of an embarrassment.
Holcomb had already directed three episodes of Universal Television's "The Six Million Dollar Man" before taking on the task of adapting "Captain America," but the director was frightened that the production ended his career before it barely even began. The film starred Reb Brown, also known in B-movie circles from "Yor, the Hunter from the Future,...
Holcomb had already directed three episodes of Universal Television's "The Six Million Dollar Man" before taking on the task of adapting "Captain America," but the director was frightened that the production ended his career before it barely even began. The film starred Reb Brown, also known in B-movie circles from "Yor, the Hunter from the Future,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
On Dec. 20, 2022, the acting world lost a star whose career lasted over 50 years. Quinn K. Redeker was best known for his work on two big daytime dramas, One Life to Live and The Young and the Restless. However, his career was far more diverse than many realize. Although he was a celebrated actor, there were other things he did in Hollywood that meant even more to him. Here are some facts you may not know about Redeker and everything he achieved.
Quinn Redeker became a daytime drama star
The Y&r Family sends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Quinn Redeker who blessed Y&r with his talents in two memorable roles. pic.twitter.com/EFe7Prf5WX
— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) January 9, 2023
According to Deadline, Quinn Redeker died of natural causes on Dec. 20, 2022, at the age of 86. His daughter, Arianne Raser, announced his death in January.
Quinn Redeker became a daytime drama star
The Y&r Family sends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Quinn Redeker who blessed Y&r with his talents in two memorable roles. pic.twitter.com/EFe7Prf5WX
— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) January 9, 2023
According to Deadline, Quinn Redeker died of natural causes on Dec. 20, 2022, at the age of 86. His daughter, Arianne Raser, announced his death in January.
- 2/12/2023
- by Kira Martin
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Films and television shows based on comic books are ubiquitous nowadays. In the 1970s, however, superhero fare wasn't exactly the drama mine it is now. We had the light and entertaining "Wonder Woman" TV series with Lynda Carter, and the campy and comedic "Batman" series with Adam West was in the rearview mirror. Comics were still mostly for kids, and we were years away from seeing Michael Keaton dramatically don the Batsuit. The genre wasn't taken particularly seriously.
In the mid-1970s, Universal got the rights to some of Stan Lee's Marvel comic book characters, including the Hulk. Though the resulting TV series "The Incredible Hulk" produced a two-hour pilot and had five subsequent seasons, not everyone was on board with the idea of a show about a man who gets mad and turns into a hulking green dude. Series writer, producer, and creator Kenneth Johnson wasn't interested at all at first,...
In the mid-1970s, Universal got the rights to some of Stan Lee's Marvel comic book characters, including the Hulk. Though the resulting TV series "The Incredible Hulk" produced a two-hour pilot and had five subsequent seasons, not everyone was on board with the idea of a show about a man who gets mad and turns into a hulking green dude. Series writer, producer, and creator Kenneth Johnson wasn't interested at all at first,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Hubert G. Wells, a longtime Hollywood animal trainer whose many credits include the original Doctor Dolittle, Out of Africa, Babe: Pig in the City and, in 1970, the bizarre kids tv series Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp, died Dec. 25 of natural causes at his home in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 88.
His death was announced on social media by friends and animal training colleagues.
Born in Hungary, Hubert Geza Wells defected to the West following Russia’s crushing of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956.
“Eight years later I moved to California with my Indian leopard and golden pointer,” Wells, the author of the 2017 memoir Lights, Camera, Lions, wrote, referring to the dog-and-leopard show he staged on the East Coast. “A job awaited us, a two-part T.V. show for the Disney Studios. In the following years my animals and, at times, myself as a stunt double, appeared in over 150 films, T.V. shows and commercials.
His death was announced on social media by friends and animal training colleagues.
Born in Hungary, Hubert Geza Wells defected to the West following Russia’s crushing of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956.
“Eight years later I moved to California with my Indian leopard and golden pointer,” Wells, the author of the 2017 memoir Lights, Camera, Lions, wrote, referring to the dog-and-leopard show he staged on the East Coast. “A job awaited us, a two-part T.V. show for the Disney Studios. In the following years my animals and, at times, myself as a stunt double, appeared in over 150 films, T.V. shows and commercials.
- 1/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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