https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnByuUqMeko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vgapiQek7I
Stan Lee passed away today at the age of 95 according to CBS News and what a life he lead. You do not need to be a comic book nerd to know who he was. At least one of the characters he created touched your life at some point. Whether it was Spider-man, The Hulk, one of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men or Deadpool. We all watched or read one of them at one point in our lives.
Today, we remember the man who made us feel like children no matter how old he was. Just like the Hulk, the creator of Marvel comics smashed life.
Now he is with his wife of 69 years, Joan, who passed away in July 2017.
Bill Daily passed away yesterday at the age of 91. His son, J Patrick Daily, told Variety, “He loved every sunset, he loved every meal — he just decided to be happy about everything.”
The actor is still a staple on our televisions thanks to his shows always being in syndication. He won our hearts over as Major Roger Healey on I Dream of Jeannie. Less than two years after that sitcom ended, he became next-door neighbors with Bob Newhart.
He continued acting up until the late ’90s, even a few more times with Newhart. Newhart had this to say about his friend, “Bill Daily & I go back to Chicago in the 50’s. He and I were both trying to get into standup. Later, he joined the Bob Newhart Show. He was our bullpen guy – you could always go to him. He was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I will miss him dearly.”
Today, let’s honor him by watching him with some of his greatest roles. Remember him with the joy that he brought us for over 60 years.
https://youtu.be/qa4i3joy2DU
Burt Reynolds passed away today at the age of 82 from cardiac arrest according to Us Weekly.
Reynolds started his career out as a stuntman and wound up becoming a legendary actor. When he first started out, he did several small guest star roles on television, but then he became the go-to movie star thanks to films like Smokey and the Bandit, The Cannonball Run, The Longest Yard, Deliverance, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and many more.
Then in the latter part of last century, he went back to his TV roots and starred in Evening Shade and Out of This World. He also guest-starred on shows like Cybill, The Golden Girls and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Then in this century, he continued to do both. He even had a few more movies in the works. The last movie he will be remembered for is The Last Movie Star that got him a lot of press recently. A movie that almost seemed like it was loosely based on him. A washed-up actor who was still revered to a few and forgotten by some
He and his mustache will never be forgotten. And not just because he was the first nude male centerfold, but because he was one of the greatest actors of his time. Today, honor him by watching one of his many many films. There is one for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtUWs6muGzg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFt1FRG4_VM
https://youtu.be/kveJrr2HrY4
Aretha Franklin passed away this morning at the age of 76 from pancreatic cancer in her beloved home of Detroit. Her family told WDIV, “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”
The statement continued: “We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
The Queen of Soul demanded our R-E-S-P-E-C-T and she got it with a voice that could tame the wildest of beasts. Because the power of her vocals made you stand up and take notice. Like a lion’s roar, she commanded an audience with it. Which is why people of all ages have adored her throughout her 60+ year career.
Today, let’s belt out her songs like Think, I Say a Little Prayer, Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and so on. Let our voices make her journey on the Freeway of Love up to heaven be so much easier. Then when she gets there George Michael will meet her at the Pearly Gates and they will sing their duet I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).
Just days after there were reports that Warner Bros wants to reboot The Facts of Life, we get some very sad news. Charlotte Rae passed away today at the age of 92 after a year-long battle with bone cancer according to Entertainment Weekly. She revealed the diagnosis in April 2017.
Kids in the ’70s and ’80s grew up with her as Mrs. Garrett on Diff’rent Strokes and then its spinoff The Facts of Life. Kids wanted to have a caring older woman like her in their life because she was loving and pretty hip because she covered for her kids when they got in trouble.
Before she landed the role that made her a household name in 1978, she had already been acting for over 25 years on the stage, on the big screen and the little one too. In fact, she never really stopped. Her last scripted TV appearance was on Girl Meets World in 2014. A year after that she was seen on the big screen in the not-so-kid-friendly Ricki and the Flash.
Even in her later years, she still had her spunk and her humor. It was always fun to see her do interviews because she was seemed a little naughtier than her television sweet persona.
Even though her girls left Eastland, she still kept in touch with them. They remembered their friend on social media. Mindy Cohn wrote, “it’s with a heavy heart & lots of tears (but a smile as i think of her) that I now move through the world without this incredible force of a woman being in it. she was my champion, a teacher, a proud example of the tenacity and perseverance needed to live as a creative, along with your talent and gifts. i love you char. as I send sympathies to larry and the rest of the family, I wish you the happiest of homecomings. #ripcharlotterae 💔 #ohwhatalife #mwah #tilwemeetagain #thankyou.” While Kim Fields said, “You all already know my heart is heavy yet…. sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears… and yeah, smiles…. #charlotterae #ripcharlotterae.” Julie Piekarski added, “I am so sad for the loss of Charlotte. What a blessing to have known her, worked with her, and been mentored by her. My sympathy goes out to the family. #restinpeace #rip #saddness #loss #angel.”
The last surving original cast member from Diff’rent Strokes, Todd Bridges tweeted, “Different Strokes would not have been the same without you #CharlotteRae. You were loved by everyone on our show and you were loved by everyone on the facts of life will miss you ‘My heart is full of Pain’ Rest in peace my friend.”
Rae is the second actor to pass away from The Facts of Life in a month. Roger Perry, who played Charles Parker, passed away on July 12th.
Today as they remember their friend, let’s remember her too by watching one of her many enjoyable roles. I will be rewatching Hair tonight and think even in her 90’s, she still has life like that song.
