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Celebrating 25 Years Of The West Wing

In Memoriam: Entertainment Industry Celebrity Deaths

Kromm

By Kromm
in Everything Else TV

Mr. Sparkle
Message added by Mr. Sparkle,

Reminder:

This thread is for deaths of celebrities in the entertainment business only. No notices about politicians, please. 

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Bastet

Bastet

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(edited)
On 5/15/2022 at 4:28 PM, SunnyBeBe said:

If you get a chance check out the Memorial service for Naomi Judd on CMT!  Lots of tributes including Oprah, Bono, Bette Middler, and more.  Dynamic musical performances, heartfelt words…..her children and husband speak, honesty.  It’s the most touching ceremony I’ve ever seen.  As painful as her loss is…..this farewell was a blessing.

I've only seen clips, but it was indeed lovely from what I saw.

What I have watched in full is the documentary series they filmed during their 2010 reunion tour.  Insightful, and extra heartbreaking in hindsight having learned the depression really took hold afterward, and the only thing that stopped Naomi from ending her life then was the thought of a family member finding her body -- imagine the toll it took to fight another decade against the disease to the point that thought was obliterated.

Hearing Naomi tell Wynonna "I think we've got a generational curse running in our family that's contaminated the DNA" and sharing about learning her great grandfather took his two little boys (one of whom was her grandfather) with him into a room and locked the windows and turned on the gas heater and hung himself in front of them through the lens of "I couldn't fathom what kind of pain he was in.  That's our blood; what kind of pain does a parent have to be in to do that?" is excruciating.  Then we get to how even more shit filtered down, to the point she says she understands her mom didn't love her because she couldn't; she's trying to reverse the curse, to apologize for the things she turned around and did to Wynonna and Ashley.  It's agonizing. But important.

Given how I struggle with depression and anxiety, the more I read and watch about Naomi's more severe, treatment-resistant version, I keep going back to Reba McEntire's tweet after Naomi's death, in which she concluded "Rest in peace.  Finally".  It was clearly known to be brutal in Naomi's brain, and all the medication, therapy, love, and appreciation in the world couldn't penetrate it in the end.

My heart aches anew for Wynonna and Ashley having marinated in this.  The three all had such complicated relationships with each other, and of course Naomi and Wynonna had their particular dynamic (unhealthy enmeshment, estrangement, all within the context of an incredible bond forged from Wynonna being the first baby and then them having toured together all those years) while Naomi and Ashley had theirs (some of the same resentments, but missing the performance duo connection and also having been open with their shared experience with depression so severe inpatient treatment was at times needed). 

The sisters have dealt with a lot, and this is going to be the hardest yet; I think they're inevitably going to process rather differently, but I hope they can fundamentally hold tight to each other.

I met Ashley briefly at a Feminist Majority Foundation event in 1999, and she was memorably approachable.  I didn't learn all that much more about her humanitarian work until she suffered that horrible accident in a Congolese rain forest and in posting about it centered the bonobo she was there to help, the locals who got her out, the surgeons who saved her leg, and the union insurance providing ongoing care; I've been an admirer ever since.  That she had to become a family spokesperson too soon and talk to the world about something she'd have preferred never to discuss but had to since it would become public knowledge has given me additional respect and empathy for her.

Edited by Bastet
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Bastet
Bastet

Piss up a rope, Val Kilmer.  If your physical illness got so bad that your life utterly sucked and no end to that suffering was in sight, so that suicide was or seemed to be the best of the available

wilsie
wilsie
BetterButter
BetterButter

Olivia Newton-John Has Died At 73

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Llywela

Llywela

(edited)

Oh damn, Kay Mellor has died! The name may not mean much to American ears, but she has been an absolute giant of the British TV industry for the last few decades.  She created some amazing stuff. May she rest in peace.

Edited by Llywela
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SuprSuprElevated

SuprSuprElevated

On 5/16/2022 at 5:12 PM, Browncoat said:

She had such a lovely voice.  My local station recently showed the episode where they were looking for a husband for Charlene's daughter, Andylina (who was an infant).  She sang "There Is A Time":  A gorgeous song.

 

Lucky lady, dying in her sleep at 81.

darling.jpg

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Peace 47

Peace 47

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I’ve been catching up on the posts in this thread from the past few days, and just in light of the fact that there has been some extensive discussion of Naomi Judd’s death by suicide, I think it may be important to share that if you are in crisis, there are telephone and web resources to provide immediate help.  

In the U.S., you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at:  1-800-273-8255.  Google also has a list of resources for people in other countries, as well.  It’s my understanding that research has shown that providing these types of resources when suicide is being discussed is a recommended best practice to offer support to people in crisis who may be reading about this issue.

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MissAlmond

MissAlmond

(edited)

Actress Marnie Schulenburg who played Alison Stewart on As the World Turns and Jo Sullivan on One Life to Live has died, age 37.

https://deadline.com/2022/05/marnie-schulenburg-dead-actress-as-the-world-turns-obituary-one-life-to-live-actress-was-37-1235027507/ (updated by Deadline with ATWT reunion video)

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/marnie-schulenburg-dead-as-the-world-turns-1235149801/

https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/marnie-schulenburg-dead-as-the-world-turns-1235271277/

Edited by MissAlmond
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ElleryAnne

ElleryAnne

Damn. According to the articles, her daughter is only two years old, and was only five months old when Marnie received the cancer diagnosis.  Not that there's ever a good time to receive a cancer diagnosis, but that timing is just devastating.

FUCK CANCER.

 

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magicdog

magicdog

3 hours ago, praeceptrix said:

Rosmarie Trapp, 93, the last surviving daughter of Baron Georg Johannes von Trapp has died.

Sad when even the younger children from the Von Trapp Family grow old and die!  

According to a local news outlet in VT, they say she used to have her own newspaper column called Rosemary's Corner!  Apparently she wrote to them so often, they decided to give her her own space!  Apparently only her brother Johannes is left in that generation.

47 minutes ago, Domestic Assassin said:

RIP Vangelis

Vangelis was my introduction to electronic music!  When Chariots of Fire came out, the soundtrack was everywhere!  The main theme used as a metaphor for hard work and training!  Even in spoofs!  

Rest well dear Vangelis!

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ElleryAnne

ElleryAnne

He'll probably always be best remembered for Chariots of Fire, but my personal favorite of his is Conquest of Paradise, from 1492.  It's majestic and expansive, yet also a bit eerie.

 

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Hiyo

Hiyo

Quote

RIP Vangelis

His songs were great. I discovered this gem when it was used in an episode of General Hospital in the early 90s...

 

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Anduin

Anduin

29 minutes ago, Leeds said:

I defy anyone of a certain age not to immediately start humming the theme tune on hearing this sad news.

I live near the beach. I should run on it in slow motion in his honour. Only, it's been some years since I last ran. Falling over and hurting myself is not the appropriate action. Sadly, I'll have to cancel the beach run.

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meowmommy

meowmommy

2 hours ago, Leeds said:

I defy anyone of a certain age not to immediately start humming the theme tune on hearing this sad news.

I'm not humming it, but as soon as I saw the name Vangelis, that song started playing on the 24/7 turntable in my head and is still playing.

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Bookish Jen

Bookish Jen

13 hours ago, meowmommy said:

I'm not humming it, but as soon as I saw the name Vangelis, that song started playing on the 24/7 turntable in my head and is still playing.

One of our local PBS channels recently broadcasted "Chariots of Fire." I wish I would have watched it.

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Cinnabon

Cinnabon

On 5/19/2022 at 8:32 PM, meowmommy said:

I'm not humming it, but as soon as I saw the name Vangelis, that song started playing on the 24/7 turntable in my head and is still playing.

This was a Jeopardy question today!

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SusanM

SusanM

Oh c'mon!  I mean I am getting somewhat used to losing celebrities I like who are well into their golden years now, but jeeze - Ray Liotta?  I still remember him from his Another World days.  This really sucks.

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Yogisbooboo64

Yogisbooboo64

(edited)

WHAT THE FUCK?!

Okay, I'm gutted....god.  Along with the late, great Dennis Farina, Ray was one of my crushes.  Two Italian dudes who were not only hot looking, but great actors.  

My mouth is actually agape, I have no words.

RIP, Ray...say hello to Dennis and Frank Vincent (another crush) for me.  

I'ma watch Goodfellas this weekend, damn.

Edited by Yogisbooboo64
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MissAlmond

MissAlmond

(edited)
54 minutes ago, SusanM said:

Ray Liotta?  I still remember him from his Another World days. 

Yep. Joey Perrini, Angie's little brother.  Yet another actor (first spotted) from my soap opera days gone. Damn. R.I.P. Mr. Liotta. 

Edited by MissAlmond
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Zella

Zella

21 minutes ago, Yogisbooboo64 said:

WHAT THE FUCK?!

Okay, I'm gutted....god.  Along with the late, great Dennis Farina, Ray was one of my crushes.  Two Italian dudes who were not only hot looking, but great actors.  

My mouth is actually agape, I have no words.

RIP, Ray...say hello to Dennis and Frank Vincent (another crush) for me.  

I'ma watch Goodfellas this weekend, damn.

I always had a big crush on Ray Liotta too. 

A lot of the recent celebrity deaths haven't particularly bothered me, though it is of course sad when anyone passes, but this one really hurts. 

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Bastet

Bastet

(edited)

Liotta's death was obviously completely unexpected, as he died (in his sleep) in the Dominican Republic, where he was in the middle of shooting a film.

He's obviously played more memorable roles, but I most associate him with the charming, underrated gem Corrina, Corrina (with Whoopi Goldberg and little Tina Majorino in one of her first films).  It was nice seeing him as something other than a tough guy. 

He was also really powerful (and won an Emmy) as a guest star on ER -- a stand-out episode in a show that was getting rather long in the tooth.

He did a great job in his signature roles, don't get me wrong, I am just way more drawn to different ones.  But going back to one of those, here's a lovely tweet from his Goodfellas co-star Lorraine Bracco:

Edited by Bastet
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Bastet

Bastet

Upon reading about Andy Fletcher's death, my first thought was, "How sad, he was only 60."  And then my second was, "Wait, hold up - the Depeche Mode guys are 60?!"  Another reminder I am getting old.

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Zella

Zella

1 hour ago, Bastet said:

Liotta's death was obviously completely unexpected, as he died (in his sleep) in the Dominican Republic, where he was in the middle of shooting a film.

He's obviously played more memorable roles, but I most associate him with the charming, underrated gem Corrina, Corrina (with Whoopi Goldberg and little Tina Majorino in one of her first films).  It was nice seeing him as something other than a tough guy. 

He was also really powerful (and won an Emmy) as a guest star on ER -- a stand-out episode in a show that was getting rather long in the tooth.

He did a great job in his signature roles, don't get me wrong, I am just way more drawn to different ones.  But going back to one of those, here's a lovely tweet from his Goodfellas co-star Lorraine Bracco:

I think the first thing I saw him in as a kid was Operation Dumbo Drop, and though as an adult I automatically think of Henry Hill, I still have a soft spot for that movie because of him. He was also really delightfully goofy when he showed up as a guest star on Just Shoot Me. He played himself but very against type, and his episode was one of my favorites. 

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Sarahsmile416

Sarahsmile416

1 hour ago, Bastet said:

Liotta's death was obviously completely unexpected, as he died (in his sleep) in the Dominican Republic, where he was in the middle of shooting a film.

He's obviously played more memorable roles, but I most associate him with the charming, underrated gem Corrina, Corrina (with Whoopi Goldberg and little Tina Majorino in one of her first films).  It was nice seeing him as something other than a tough guy. 

He was also really powerful (and won an Emmy) as a guest star on ER -- a stand-out episode in a show that was getting rather long in the tooth.

He did a great job in his signature roles, don't get me wrong, I am just way more drawn to different ones.  But going back to one of those, here's a lovely tweet from his Goodfellas co-star Lorraine Bracco:

I always associated him with Corrina Corrina as well - a favorite movie of mine when I was in high school. This truly fits me - he was one of the few actors where I would watch him in almost anything as long as he was in it.    

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kittykat

kittykat

Field of Dream and Corinna Corinna we're my two Ray connections as well.  When I was old enough to finally see Goodfellas I was all why Shoeless Joe gangster man? He had a range he doesn't get enough credit for.  More known for dramatic roles but the man could drop a zinger as well.  He also had a funny recurring on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

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Vermicious Knid

Vermicious Knid

It's a bad day to be a celebrity.

Quote

He's obviously played more memorable roles, but I most associate him with the charming, underrated gem Corrina, Corrina (with Whoopi Goldberg and little Tina Majorino in one of her first films).  It was nice seeing him as something other than a tough guy. 

A small scene from this was filmed around the corner from my house. I only know because they had to send notices to everyone in the area and that block had to have all their cars out of sight. It was just the school bus pulling up to the corner and the kid getting off. Takes up all of 30 seconds in the movie but they spent hours filming. Most of the houses in the neighborhood were built in the 20s and 30s so I guess somebody thought it would be good for a film set in the 50s.

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Prairie Rose

Prairie Rose

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(edited)

I just caught Field of Dreams on AMC last week. Ray Liotta was perfect as Shoeless Joe Jackson. He was great in everything I saw him in, including more obscure films and TV shows like John Q with Denzel Washington and NBC's Shades of Blue with Jennifer Lopez. I even liked the Chantix commercials he did a few years back.

As others have mentioned, the role that first put him on the map was that of Joey Perrini on the long-defunct NBC soap opera Another World, which taped in NYC. He was on the show from 1978 to 1981, at which point he relocated to LA. What was really nice is that even after he became famous, he never lost touch with his soap roots. He divulged in an interview I read years back that he did a talk show spot in the CBS building in NYC to promote one of his movies. Once the spot was done, he went off in search of As the World Turns actress Kathleen Widdoes - who had played his mother on AW - to say hi. Unfortunately, she had the day off. Victoria Wyndham, who became the longest-running performer on AW, recalled to Soap Opera Digest that one day she heard someone calling her name on the streets of NYC. It turned out to be none other than Ray Liotta, in town visiting long after he had achieved movie fame. He wanted to catch up on all things AW with Ms. Wyndham. 

Here is Ray Liotta in his first big role:

tumblr_nw0ta8fckX1uhtqeso5_1280.jpg

Ray-Liotta-Another-World.jpg

g2x_H5K6YDJvQgGwMd1t0RzYBHATLXSaB0hQeNqlmTo.jpg

another-world-ray-liotta-428x570.jpg

Edited by Prairie Rose
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Peace 47

Peace 47

I remember a few years back (like in 2018-2019) that there were some articles about a small number of U.S. tourists who died or were sickened at Dominican resorts under unexplained circumstances.  The deaths were generally chalked up to “natural causes,” even though two of those deaths were a couple that both died of pulmonary edema and respiratory failure in their room, which seemed strange.  Vox had an article at the time that contained speculations about everything from pesticide exposure to contaminated minibar alcohol, but I don’t think anything ever came of it and no tests showed anyone was poisoned by environmental factors.

When I heard that Ray Liotta had died in his sleep, it made me think of those other cases, but I haven’t really seen anyone talking about it.  Maybe there is nothing to it:  millions of Americans visit the DR every year for work and play, and some of them will unfortunately die while there; Liotta was a bit older with a history of smoking behind him.  It’s not exactly shocking.

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GreekGeek

GreekGeek

This was truly shocking!

Most of Ray Liotta's iconic roles have already been mentioned, but I first sat up and took notice of him in Something Wild, starring Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels. It seems like a pretty run of the mill "manic pixie dream girl shakes up a guy's dull life" comedy until Liotta appears. He was equal parts scary and gorgeous.

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