Remembering Hollywood stars & Famous Celebrities

The Daily News Kernel
January - December, 2001

I need to make this short. The server has been down for quite some time. We spent more time than we should have trying to get it back. In the end, we had to jump ship and switch servers. Hopefully this will make things better and more interactive. We have big plans for the site. Stay tuned for more updates. Thanks for your patience and we will be back with an update soon.

At times like these, it seems pointless to single out a few deaths when so many have died, vut we will carry on. We have a few people that deserve a mention as they spent so much of their life entertaining us.

Isaac Stern, the master violinist who saved Carnegie Hall from the wrecking ball, died of heart failure Saturday, September 22nd. He was 81. Stern was one of the last great violinists of his generation and helped advance the careers of generations of musicians who followed, including Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman and Yo-Yo Ma.

Troy Donahue, the all-American teen pinup of the 1950s and '60s who shot to stardom opposite Sandra Dee in A Summer Place, died Sunday September 2nd of complications from a heart attack. He was 65. He starred in such films as Parrish (1961), Rome Adventure (1962) and My Blood Runs Cold (1964) before segueing to TV in the early '60s series Surfside 6 and Hawaiian Eye. He also had a bit part in 1974's The Godfather, Part II, as well as a small part in John Waters' Cry-Baby.

Justin Wilson, 87, the Cajun chef whose down-home humor and "ga-ron-tee" of authentic bayou cuisine delighted television audiences, died Wednesday September 5th in Baton Rouge, La. Mr. Wilson was the host of several cooking shows on public television, including "Cookin' Cajun," "Louisiana Cookin' " and "Easy Cooking."

Dorothy McGuire, 85, a soft-voiced actress who lent dignity and inner strength to films including "Gentlemen's Agreement" and "Friendly Persuasion," died Thursday September 13th in Santa Monica. She had broken her leg three weeks earlier and then developed heart failure. She became a star in her first film, "Claudia." Her other films included "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," "The Spiral Staircase," the sequel "Claudia and David," "The Enchanted Cottage," "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Till the End of Time," "Mister 880," "A Summer Place," "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," "Swiss Family Robinson," "Susan Slade," "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and the mom in "Old Yeller."

``Frasier'' executive producer David L. Angell was remembered at a memorial service Monday, September 17th for his ability to make people laugh. Angell, a 54-year-old Rhode Island native, and his wife, Lynn, 52, were on one of the hijacked Los Angeles-bound airliners that brought down the World Trade Center September 11th, 2001.

Approximately 6,000 people died on September 11th, 2001 in the terrorist strike. We must also remember them.

"There here!" or back or we're here or back. We have had some server problems for a while and haven't been able to post. Now that we can add to the site, we must report some rather sad losses is in the entertainment world.

First, most have heard by now of Aaliyah's death by airplane. There is a lot of controversy from the Pilot's cocaine possesion to a severel hundred pound overweight payload. Aaliyah was in Romeo Must Die and was to apear in The Matrix II and III and Queen of the Damned. Aaliyah was 22 years old and died on Saturday, August 25th, 2001.

Also, voicemaster Lorenzo Music died of Bone and Lung Cancer on August 4th, 2001. He was not only the voice of Garfield but also Tummi from The Gummi Bears, Dr. Peter Venkman in The Real Ghostbusters and Dunder in Talespin. Lorenzo was 64 at the time of his death.

Mr. Belvedere will be missed. We lost Christopher Hewett on August 3rd of this year to complications from diabetes. As everyones' favorite butler, aside from Benson, he entertained us for years with one of the most commonly heard phrases of the 80's - "Wesley." If the math works out, it looks like he was on the show from the age of 64 to 70. Did he seem that old? Who would have thought? He was 80 when he died.

For the first time ever we are going to report a birth here on Death and Popcorn, or a rebirth. Total Movie is back. Yee-friggin-ha. I can't even tell you how excited I am. It looks like Total Movie and InsideDVD got together and made Total Movie and Entertainment. Every issue comes with a DVD full of news, trailers, special features and a short film. How can you beat that? Please support this phenomenal conglomeration and subscribe. Total Movie is getting a second chance. Don't let it die again. Please, please, please and thank you.

On a separate and equally as exciting note, we are proud to announce a new member in the Death and Popcorn family. Up to date, there has only been two of us running the site and you can probably tell as we often fall behind. Please join me in welcoming a long time friend and an asset to the site, introducing Peachtree. Thanks, Peach and welcome to the family.

Four-time Grammy winning tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, long one of jazz insiders' best-kept secrets, died Saturday, June 30th, of heart failure following a long bout with emphysema. He was 64.

Also on Saturday, Nasvhille guitarist Chet Atkins, whose pioneering fingerpicking style accompanied the likes of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, influenced the Beatles and helped transform the entire genre of country music, died in his Tennessee home after a long bout with cancer. He was 77.

Lets all take a moment to bow our heads. All of the Grumpy Old Men have died. We lost Burgess Meredith in 1997. Walter Matthau left us in 2000, and now Jack Lemmon has died in 2001. It is sad to know that there won't be any more Matthau/Lemmon buddy movies anymore. I know some say that they were tired of them but I can never get enough and now I really won't be able to. Sigh.

Sorry meathead but Archie Bunker has died. There is no other way to say it. Carroll O'connor has passed away at the age of 76. Also, John Lee Hooker, the Blues legend who played Street Slim in the Blues Brothers, died of natural causes the same day at the age of 83.

Take a breath. Ok. It's been awhile since we have posted an update. Part of the reason is we are preparing the Orvilles. We tried compiling everything in May and realized we hadn't given some films a shot so we have been watching all kinds of movies that we missed throughout 2000. They were supposed to be our next post but fate has decided we must report some sad news first and a lot of it. Actress Anne Haney died on May 26th. Hank Ketchum, creator of Dennis the Menace, died on May 31st and What's My Line's Arlene Francis followed on June 1st. Imogene Coca died on June 2nd, and Anthony Quinn suffered respetory failure on June 3rd. That was a rough weekend. Hopefully we will be death free for a few days and we can get the Orvilles up.

Here is evidence of that "Famous People Die in Threes" theory. Three deaths, three days in a row: May 11th - Douglas Adams, May 12th - Perry Como and May 13th - Jason Miller. Jason Miller is probably best know for his role as Father Damien Karras in The Exorcist . Aside from that, he is a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, a director, and father of Speed 2:Cruise Control and Lost Boys' Jason Patric. We are sorry to see him go.

Well, two updates in one day. When you deal in death, that is not a good thing. Perry Como wasn't an actor, but he was involved in television specials and has been in a few films. More than anything, he was simply an icon and deserves a mention. Here's to you Perry, have a good rest.

(5/12/01 - 11:45 AM CST)

It's a sad, sad world when someone like Douglas Adams can die before he turns 50. I suspect there are a lot of unhappy sci-fi fans out there, me included. Who hasn't read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and why not? Our condolences to his family.

(4/23/01 - 18:45 PM CST)

Jack Haley Jr., son of the Tin Man as well as many other things died Saturday, April 21st. He was 67.

(4/20/01 - 11:15 PM CST)

It is a late update but Tackleberry is dead. David Graf died Saturday, April 7th of a heart attack. Although the Police Academy films went about 4 sequels too many, he played the overzealous commando cop in every one.

On a separate note, The Orvilles are coming, I promise. We hit a snag. Thanks for your patience.

(4/11/01 - 10:15 PM CST)

Let's start with the bad news. Beatrice Straight has died. You might remember her from her role in Poltergeist . When is the last time you saw that gem of a film. That is one of those scariest ever but often forgotten films. Think of the main theme. Those kids singing. Can you get creepier? I love it.

Well, Easter, taxes and The Orvilles are due soon. 4 days. We are going to be busy for awhile. I am sure I will see you all back here on Sunday night. In the mean time, go see a movie and if you notice something for the site, keep it in mind for next years awards or better yet, go rent a movie and then drop us an e-line.

(4/7/01 - 12:05 PM CST)

You know, it is amazing how quickly rumours begin. The news that Keanu Reeves died had already spread through half of the office before I was able to stop it with the real news. Does this remind anyone of the story that was going around about Jerry O'connell's death. As you know by his prolific movie making since Joe's Apartment and the time of his "death," he's still out there. So, on to my point. Keanu Reeves is not dead, but is grieving for the loss of his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Syme. Syme, 28, died when she lost control of her Jeep Cherokee, struck three parked cars and was tossed from the sport utility vehicle as it overturned. She was alone behind the wheel of the Jeep at 6:15 a.m. on Monday the 2nd, when she was killed near Highway 101 outside Hollywood. She wasn't wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. Syme was an actress who had a small role in the 1997 David Lynch film Lost Highway.

(4/6/01 - 12:30 AM CST)

There is now a list of movies on The Seance page from Y2K. Step up and let us know if there's anything worth mentioning. Only eleven days 'til death and taxes.

(4/1/01 - 10:12 PM CST)

We've been on the web for about a month now and it looks like we are going to have to shut down. We just don't have the time or the user response to maintain a site of this magnitude. It was fun while it lasted though.

If you read this far, please disregard the above statement. I have been informed that this is a rather sad attempt at an April Fool's Day Joke and you shouldn't believe everything you read or hear on a day like today. Speaking of April 1st, did anyone catch the commercial put out by thetruth.com about tobacco companies recalling cigarettes because they are unhealthy. It was brilliant. If you don't catch it, and it isn't on thetruth.com, you can find it at AdCritic.com. They usually have most of the commercials on the air.

One last update. We've decided to post the winners for The Orville on April 15th. We figure there are two things you can't avoid in life, death and taxes, so why not combine them on the same day. By the way, I would like someone to note what I just said so that when I die some day on April 15th someone can say "It's so weird. It's like he know," or "How ironic," or at the very least play the Alanis Morissette song at my funeral. It's not too late to vote for The Orville. I know you will be busy running around looking for 1040s and W-2s, but drop by The Seance and commune with the dead. This session is limited to the films of 2000, but there are many to mention and only so many awards.

Lastly, we have the list of oscar winners we promised...

  Best Picture: "Gladiator"
  Best Actor: Russell Crowe ("Gladiator")
  Best Actress: Julia Roberts ("Erin Brockovich")
  Best Director: Steven Soderbergh ("Traffic")
  Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro ("Traffic")
  Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden ("Pollock")
  Best Original Screenplay: Cameron Crowe ("Almost Famous")
  Best Adapted Screenplay: Stephen Gaghan ("Traffic")
  Best Cinematography: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
  Best Editing: "Traffic"
  Best Costume Design: "Gladiator"
  Best Visual Effects: "Gladiator"
  Best Original Score: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
  Best Song: 'Things Have Changed' ("Wonder Boys")
  Best Sound: "Gladiator"
  Best Sound Editing: "U-571"
  Best Foreign Language Film: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
  Best Art Direction: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
  Best Make-Up: "The Grinch"

That is "Gladiator" (5), "Traffic" (4), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (4), and the rest of the films sitting at one each. Special deserving congratulations go to Marcia Gay Harden, Cameron Crowe and U-571. If you want to test your home theatre sound system, pop in U-571 and see if you don't duck when a couple bolts go zinging across the room.

(3/29/01 - 6:30 AM CST)

The Oscars are over. There were some upsets and there were some expecteds and there were some it figures but over all, I am not too annoyed with the results. I will say that Steve Martin did an excellent job as host and I can see him coming back again and again. He may replace Billy Crystal as almost permanent host. After seeing him on the show, you have to wonder why so many people doubted his abilities to host. As far as the results go, you can go to Oscars.com to find out who won or hang out here for a couple days and we will get a list posted. Also, there is one other thing I wanted to mention. Every year we see the Short -- Animated, Short -- Live Action, and Short -- Documentary categories and we have no idea what the films are. If you drop in on AtomFilms, you can view them for yourself.

On a totally different note and a sad one, Bozo the Clown from Chicago's channel 9 has hung 'em up. He has retired after 41 years. The creators of the show said that he will step out to make way for a modern version of the carrot-topped character. Chicago's version of the small-scale circus, featuring Bozo and various sidekicks such as Cooky and Oliver O. Oliver, debuted on Chicago's WGN-TV in 1960 and later aired nationally via WGN-TV's cable channel. The show has now stopped production and will air its last special on Aug. 26.

(3/23/01 - 6:30 AM CST)

Talk about waking up to some depressing news. William Hanna has died. One of the greatest animators of all time is gone. He was a part of everyone's life at one time or another, guaranteed. Just think of his Wacky Races, pitting Speed Buggy against Dasterdly and Muttly against Grape Ape against Scooby Doo in a bizarre race to the finish. You can't help but smile and know that you will miss him.

On a happier subject, The 73rd Annual Academy Awards are on this Sunday, March 25th. I have to so I am very excited although I am fairly sure that I will find constant disappointment in those the Academy picks. I can already tell you that Ed Harris is going to get passed on his brilliant performance as Jackson Pollock and Almost Famous has already won best picture in my book and it wasn't even nominated. I await the decision.

(3/17/01 - 9:50 AM CST)

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Are you wearing green? Are you even Irish? This is the day when the food coloring market gets a big boost. Nothing like green food, I tell ya.

Well, we did a lot of work lately and things are starting to shape up. We still need a lot of feedback from you. Just about every page now asks for a leg up in one way or another. If you have a second, check out The Grave Site, Lucky 13, Virgin Deaths, or Seance to add your own information to out little site. Everyone has something to contribute so check it out, send something in, and check back to see it on the page. We look forward to hearing from you.

(3/7/01- 1:00 AM CST)

Well, it's been a busy while and we've neglected the page, but we're back to let you know, we can really shake 'em down. Moving on. We've made some changes to the opening page, more thematic if you will. We have also compiled a list of movies from 2000 to choose from for The Orville nominations. You will see those on the Seance page soon. Talk back to us. We want to hear from you; feedback, information, chat, whatever.

Here is some depressing news for many. I received my last issue of TOTAL MOVIE Magazine today. For those of you who have checked it out, you will know that it is the greatest magazine ever published. For those who haven't, you've missed out on a magazine that wasn't really given a fair chance and was discontinued after only 4 masterful issues. I will mourn the loss if this periodical. What other magazine comes with a DVD? I am sad now. I will catch you all later.

(2/22/01 - 6:00 PM CST)

It's time for the Orvilles, or at least the nominations, and we need your help. Check out the Seance page for your chance to be a part of the 1st Annual Orville Deadenbacher Awards.

On a separate note, the March 2001 issue of "Maxim" has a list of what they consider to be the 100 greatest movie moments of all time. Next time you are at the store, flip over to page 110 and see if you agree.

(2/18/01 - 6:30 PM CST)

In a shocking and saddening bit of news today, Dale Earnhardt was killed in what seemed like a moderate and typical crash at Daytona International Speedway. In the last lap of the 500 mile race, Earnhardt was in third, following his son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. His car got loose and slid up the track into Ken Schrader, turning the car so that it struck the wall head-on at approximately 180 MPH. He was knocked unconscious and had to be cut from the vehicle. Earnhardt was immediately raced to nearby Halifax where he was pronounced dead from injuries to the base of the skull.

Dale Earnhardt is a seven time NASCAR Champion and has appeared in BASEketball and Stroker Ace. His presence will be missed by all.

(2/17/01 - 11:00 PM CST)

Well, we have news. The nominees for The 73rd Annual Academy Awards have been announced. Below is a complete list. Check out Oscars.com for a very comprehensive breakdown of each nominee. Also, we have included a list of The 21st Annual Golden Raspberry Awards or "The Razzies" which take a look at the worst of 2000. Stay tuned for the 1st Annual Orville Deadenbacher Award Nominations.

On the side, is anyone else as annoyed as I am that Jack Black didn't get nominated not only for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar,but he was also overlooked for the same spot at the Golden Globes. If you want to laugh, check him out in High Fidelity and you will agree with me.

Worst Picture: Battlefield Earth, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, Little Nicky, The Next Best Thing.

Worst Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Beach), Adam Sandler (Little Nicky), Sylvester Stallone (Get Carter), Arnold Schwarzenegger (The 6th Day), John Travolta (Battlefield Earth and Lucky Numbers)

Worst Actress: Kim Basinger (Bless the Child), Melanie Griffith (Cecil B. Demented), Madonna (The Next Best Thing), Bette Midler (Isn't She Great), Demi Moore (Passion of Mind)

Worst Screen Couple: Any two actors (Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2), Richard Gere and Winona Ryder (Autumn in New York), Madonna and either Rupert Everett or Benjamin Bratt (The Next Best Thing), Arnold Schwarzenegger and Arnold Schwarzenegger (as Adam Gibson and his clone in The 6th Day), John Travolta and anyone sharing the screen with him (Battlefield Earth)

Worst Supporting Actor: Stephen Baldwin (The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas), Barry Pepper (Battlefield Earth), Keanu Reeves (The Watcher), Arnold Schwarzenegger (The 6th Day), Forest Whitaker (Battlefield Earth)

Worst Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette (Little Nicky), Joan Collins (The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas), Thandie Newton (Mission: Impossible 2), Kelly Preston (Battlefield Earth), Rene Russo (The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle)

Worst Remake or Sequel: Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, Get Carter, Mission: Impossible 2

Worst Director: Joe Berlinger (Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2), Steven Brill (Little Nicky), Roger Christian (Battlefield Earth), Brian DePalma (Mission to Mars), John Schlesinger (The Next Best Thing)

Worst Screenplay: Battlefield Earth, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Little Nicky, The Next Best Thing