In Memoriam: Entertainment Industry Celebrity Deaths

[Inquisitionist]

One of my favorites with Jan Hooks:  Brenda the Waitress, with Alec Baldwin.

 

RIP, Ms. Hooks.

[ParadoxLost]

That's so sad.  She was so fabulous on SNL, among the best.  Hopefully they'll do a bit of a tribute on SNL this weekend.  Somehow I don't think they'll go to the lengths they did for Gilda, Hartman, or Farley but I'm hoping for more than a dedication.

 

At least Bill Hader is hosting this week, I've seen him do interviews about how underrated the women of SNL have been and mention Jan Hooks specifically.  So maybe something in the monologue.

[Kromm]

Well, damn.  Jan Hooks is gone.

Eek, young.

 

Or at least young-ish.

[UYI]

She's with Dixie, Alice, Meshach, and Ray now. RIP, Jan. :'( 

 

[Portia]

Here's how long I've been a fan of Jan Hooks: I remember her on the Turner Broadcasting Network sketch comedy series, The Bill Tush Show, in the early '80s. She was very young but already a standout talent. Tammy Jean? Anyone, anyone?

My very favorite thing she did on SNL were the Sweeney Sisters musical sketches with Nora Dunn.

[Cobalt Stargazer]

My very favorite thing she did on SNL were the Sweeney Sisters musical sketches with Nora Dunn.

 

I couldn't find the Sweeney Sisters, Portia, but here's Jan's Kathie Lee Gifford.

 

 

[Snowprince]

 

I couldn't find the Sweeney Sisters, Portia, but here's Jan's Kathie Lee Gifford.

Not the best quality, but here you go;

 

http://vimeo.com/34046077

[Inquisitionist]

There must be copyright issues with the Sweeney sisters' songs, as I don't recall ever seeing a video posted.  That Shatner episode was really strong from start to finish. 

[UYI]

Jan and Phil as Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker:

 

https://screen.yahoo.com/church-chat-jim-tammy-faye-000000956.html

[bosawks]

The Sweeney Sisters are among my all time favorite SNL skits.

 

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley forever!

[UYI]

Here's how long I've been a fan of Jan Hooks: I remember her on the Turner Broadcasting Network sketch comedy series, The Bill Tush Show, in the early '80s. She was very young but already a standout talent. Tammy Jean? Anyone, anyone?

My very favorite thing she did on SNL were the Sweeney Sisters musical sketches with Nora Dunn.

 

 

Look what I just found:

 

[Portia]

Wow, I feel like it's my birthday! Thanks for all the great Jan Hooks clips, everyone! I had never found a decent Tammy Jean or Sweeney Sisters clip in the past, so those vids are very much appreciated. In that Tammy Jean sketch she was, what, 23? Sometimes I feel like I hallucinated the Tush show because no one else in the world seems to remember it. That show also launched the prolific Terry and Bonnie Turner.

I love the Sweeney Sisters more than life itself, and it breaks my heart that no good clips are available, though the one above is the best I've seen. Nearly every Christmas, my husband and I have a moment where we look at each other meaningfully and then say, in unison, "BELLS." (We've known each other a loooong time.)

I still can't believe Jan Hooks is gone. The only explanation I've read is "serious illness." Is it morbid to ask if anyone has heard anything more specific?

Edited October 10, 2014 by Portia

[Inquisitionist]

I still can't believe Jan Hooks is gone. The only explanation I've read is "serious illness." Is it morbid to ask if anyone has heard anything more specific?

 

Whatever the illness was, Hooks was very private about it.  Not even TMZ seems to have a clue. 

 

It was so cool seeing Jan as Jenna Maroney's mother, Verna, in 30 Rock a few times in recent years.  Perfection,

[ParadoxLost]

Thanks for all the great Jan Hooks clips, everyone! I had never found a decent Tammy Jean or Sweeney Sisters clip in the past, so those vids are very much appreciated.

 

Yahoo screen has a bunch on SNL clips.  They've been adding since she passed away. 

Edited October 10, 2014 by ParadoxLost

[WendyCR72]

Tonight's SNL Classic was devoted to the '80s cast/Jan Hooks. (At 10:00 p.m.) It was nice seeing some of that stuff again, although the reason is still sad.

[joelene]

So sad about Jan Hooks. First came across her on 3rd Rock as Vicki Dubcek. YouTube has a bunch of HQ sketches with her. I floved the Lifetime parody show "Attitudes."

Edited October 13, 2014 by joelene

[BizBuzz]

WOW, don't know where I have been, evidently under a rock, cause I just found out about Jan.  How incredibly sad.

 

I first knew her from Pee Wee's Big Adventure - "There's no basement at the Alamo!" - and fell in love with anything she ever did since.  My fave character on SNL was Sinead O'Connor, albeit I couldn't really tell you anything she did that I didn't like.  Tammy Faye Baker was another one I absolutely loved. 

 

She was in a little known movie I just saw again about 3 weeks ago, Simon Birch as an uptight Sunday School Teacher.  Wowzers, again, she was a powerful performer.

 

RIP Jan - you will be missed.

 

BTW - Wikipedia says Cancer was involved, don't know how reliable that is.

[BetterButter]

Actress Elizabeth Pena Dies at 55

[AntiBeeSpray]

Actress Elizabeth Pena Dies at 55

 

Too young :(. RIP Mrs. Pena.

[Cobalt Stargazer]

Damn, another unidentified illness. :-(

[merylinkid]

Damn.   

 

She is survived by two teenage children.   My heart breaks for them.   Teenage years suck, losing your mom only makes them suck harder.

[Inquisitionist]

If you haven't seen Lone Star, please rent it NOW.  Elizabeth Pena and Chris Cooper are both terrific in it.

[Snowprince]

I wish I was familiar with more of her work. I only remember her from I Married Dora. 55 is much too young to leave us. May her rest be peaceful.

[Portia]

So sad about Elizabeth Pena; I recognized her name immediately. Lone Star blew my mind. It was my first introduction to both Pena and Cooper. 

[MulletorHater]

I was so sorry to hear about Elizabeth Pena.  To me, she will always be poor, put-upon Rosie from La Bamba.  She and Esai Morales had incredible chemistry.  Although I've seen her other work, that movie is my favorite.

[honybr]

I too was sad to hear about Elizabeth Pena.  I loved her as Gloria's mother on Modern Family.

[CherryMalotte]

It looks like actress Misty Upham's body has been found.  Very sad...from everything I read it sounds like she had left CA to help care for her ill father and had trouble adjusting to her new meds.  I feel so badly for that family. 

[Inquisitionist]

Horrible news about Misty.  Do you know why she was taking medication?  Another must-rent movie is Frozen River.

[AntiBeeSpray]

Very sad news :(.

[Cobalt Stargazer]

HELL.

[Cobalt Stargazer]

Horrible news about Misty.  Do you know why she was taking medication?  Another must-rent movie is Frozen River.

 

Her father said she's bipolar, and had episodes of depression and anxiety. I'm hoping this turns out to be false, it'd be like Robin Williams all over again.

[Inquisitionist]

EW reports that Misty Upham's family has confirmed her death.

 

After a body was found in Auburn, Washington yesterday—eight days after actress Misty Upham was reported missing—a family spokeswoman has confirmed the body to be that of the 32-year-old actress.

 

If this next part is true, how doubly awful:

 

Local filmmaker Tracy Rector, a friend of Upham’s, said that the Auburn Police Department was less than helpful in the search process: “The family wants everyone to know that the Auburn police did not help with this situation at all,” she told THR. “They refused to help. When she disappeared on Oct. 5, the family knew something was seriously wrong—it was out of character for her to be gone so long without being in touch—and they repeatedly went to the police, who insisted there was no cause for concern.” According to Rector, Upham’s uncle led the search party.

[AntiBeeSpray]

Shame on those police officers. I hope the family sues, big time.

[giovannif7]

Tangential, since their TV history involves mainly their four-week variety series in 1975 and various guest singing appearances on other shows over the years - but Tim Hauser of the Manhattan Tranfer has passed away.

 

[dalek]

RIP Lynda Bellingham, best known in the U.S. for her roles in All Creatures Great and Small and Dr Who.

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29685903

[Ohwell]

I didn't know her name but her face is familiar.  RIP.

[merylinkid]

Oscar de la Renta has died.   He was 82.    

[BetterButter]

R.I.P. Gerard Parkes, Doc from Fraggle Rock

[Wings]

Funny how so many think we rest when we die.  RIP. Seriously?  I don't believe that but it matters not;  Different beliefs.  I hate the thought that when we die it is over and we rest!  NO way, baby!!!! We continue!  Anyone out there that is with me or is everyone Christian here! ???? 

[ChiCricket]

I'm agnostic now, but I still say R.I.P. (when someone dies)and Bless You (when someone sneezes) out of pure habit.

Edited October 21, 2014 by ChiCricket

[Wings]

Well, if you think we rest then you do.  I don't.  Just an opinion.  When someone sneezes I say, "stop it!"  It is so silly to say bless you on so many levels.  But that is just me. 

Edited October 22, 2014 by wings707

[AntiBeeSpray]

Ben Bradlee, former Washington post editor has passed away.

 

link to his obituary

 

He was 93 years old.

RIP good sir.

[Ohwell]

RIP, Ben Bradlee.  The Watergate would be just another high-priced place for the rich, if not for you and your crew. 

[Cobalt Stargazer]

Ben Bradlee, former Washington post editor has passed away.

 

I just saw a thing about All The President's Men on some channel yesterday. 

 

Rest well, Mr. Bradlee.

 

Edited due to Portia gently correcting me. :-)

Edited October 22, 2014 by Cobalt Stargazer

[Portia]

 

I just saw a thing about All The King's Men[ on some channel yesterday. 

 

Rest well, Mr. Bradlee.

I'm a huge Robert Penn Warren fan, but I think you mean All the PRESIDENT'S Men?  :-)

[Cobalt Stargazer]

I'm a huge Robert Penn Warren fan, but I think you mean All the PRESIDENT'S Men?  :-)

 

Well, hell. They are both movies, but I have no idea how I conflated that. :-)

[Aquarius]

Elizabeth Pena's cause of death released.

 

http://www.people.com/article/elizabeth-pena-cause-of-death-alcohol-abuse-modern-family

 

So sad.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Aquarius

[Inquisitionist]

Ugh, that really blows.

[AntiBeeSpray]

Ugh, that really blows.

 

Yea it does :(. So sad.

[Rick Kitchen]

Rip, Jack Bruce.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/25/showbiz/cream-jack-bruce-bass/index.html