Clarence Clemons passed away today at the age of 69 six days after suffering a stroke according to Rolling Stone. The saxophonist was the best known member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, but to most people under 21 he will be remembered for playing on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. For me I will always remember as one of “The Three Most Important People in the World” in (my favorite movie) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
So today take some time to remember The Big Man and listen to a Bruce Springsteen album or Lady Gaga’s Born This Way or watch Bill & Ted’s to keep his Excellent Adventure alive!
James Arness passed away today at the age of 88 from natural causes according to his website. He was best known for playing Marshall Matt Dillon for 20 years on Gunsmoke, a show that is still airing on TV, 35 years after it ended. I know that because my dad is still watching every day.
So take some time today to honor a man that brought happiness to many peoples homes for 20 years and watch the show that made him a TV Legend.
UPDATE: James Arness wrote a goodbye letter to his fans for his website to post upon his death.
Hi friends,
I decided to write a letter to you for Janet (his wife) to post on our website in the event I was no longer here.
I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.
I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years.
I was honored to have served in the army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is.
Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails and gifts we received from you over the years. You are and always have been truly appreciated.
Jeff Conaway passed away today at the age of 60 after being in a coma for the last two weeks according to The LA Times. The actor was known for playing Bobby Wheeler on Taxi and Kenickie in Grease. While filming the latter he says he suffered a back injury that caused him a lot pain and he claimed that lead him to being addicted to painkillers. As we know from Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Rehab, those drugs f*cked him up. Well now he is out of pain and I am sure performing Greased Lightening in heaven as we speak.
While looking for video of him to post with this obit, I found one of his last interviews that was shot just weeks ago by What’s Up Orange County. He seemed happy and was looking forward to shooting Orson’s Last Dane in June where he would’ve played a mentally challenged man. Sadly just days before it was suppose to start filming Jeff had his last dance on Earth and starting his first dance up above.
So today take some time to honor him by watching Grease or Taxi and remember the Jeff Conaway we loved!
UPDATE: Here are few Tweets from the people who knew him: Marlu Henner: Doesn’t seem possible that my sweet, talented, handsome, loving friend/brother is gone. I will miss him so much. So many memories for 39 yrs.
Melissa Gilbert: Goodbye my friend Jeff. I will miss your smile but I am thankful to know that your struggle is over. Fly… Fly.. Fly..
Sidney Lumet passed away today at the age of 86 from Lymphoma according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was one of the greatest directors of our time and he will be remember for his movies 12 Angry Men, Serpico, Midnight on the Orient Express, Dog Day Afternoon, Network, The Wiz, Deathtrap, The Verdict, Running on Empty. Family Business, A Stranger Among Us, A and Night Falls in Manhattan, to name a few. So today remember him by watching one of his movies and then open your window and scream at the top of your lungs, “I’M AS MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!” Let him hear our yells in that big movie sound stage in the sky and let him know he has big impact on us and that he will live on even though his life has said “cut”.
Screen legend Jane Russell passed away today at the age of 89 according to KCOY. She was known for her roles in movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Gentlemen Marry Brunettes and The Outlaw, but the younger generations will remember her from the Playtex ads. What you might not know about her is she founded Women’s Adoption International Fund (WAIF) which “is responsible for placing over 40,000 hard to place children in permanent homes.” She is leaving behind an amazing legacy both in front and behind the cameras. So today take some time and watch one of her classic movies in her honor and keep her spirit alive.
