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---------------2010---------------

Art Clokey
1921 - 2010

The creator of popular stop motion animated characters, Gumby and Pokey, died January 8. He was 88. His character, Gumby, took on a life of his own, eventually becoming a popular Saturday Night Live character portrayed by Eddie Murphy in the 1990s. His surviving son continues his second animation classic, David and Goliath.

---------------2009---------------

Edward Woodward
1930 - 2009

British actor Woodward died November 16 after a long bout with prostate cancer. He was 79. Perhaps best known in America as ex-secret agent Robert McCall in "The Equalizer". He is survived by his wife and four children.

Ken "Ober" Oberding
1957 - 2009

Game show host Ober died November 15 at his Santa Monica home. He was 52. The cause is unknown at the time of this writing. The Massachusetts native hosted several game shows as well as radio shows. He was also a producer on the hit comedy "New Adventures of Old Christine" but he is perhaps best known as host of MTV's "Remote Control".

Irving Penn
1917 - 2009

The famed photographer died in his Manhattan home October 8. He was 92.The younger brother of director Author Penn (The Miracle Worker), the New Jersey native is perhaps best known for his fashion photography that graced many pages of Vogue for more than 40 years. In the 1950's he branched out to photograph some of the world's most famous celebrities such a Truman Capote. After serving in the US Military, he began to travel extensively and photographed many local peoples along the way. He is survived by one son and daughter.

Steve Ferguson
1949 - 2009

Founding member of famed music group NRBQ, guitarist Ferguson lost his battle with lung cancer October 6. He was 60. The Louisville, Kentucky native was internationally respected for his inventive guitar playing, songwriting, and wildly recognizable dress. He had a successful solo career post NRBQ that showcased is incredible playing. He was also a notable local Louisville mainstay with his band Midwest Creole Ensemble.

Henry Gibson
1935 - 2009

The actor best known for his comedic roles on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In died September 16 of cancer. He was 73. Born James Bateman, Gibson took his stage name after studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He appeared on Laugh-In for three seasons. He went on to star in such films as The Long Goodbye and Nashville, in which he earned a Golden Globe nomination. He is survived by three sons and two grandchildren.

Mary Travers
1936 - 2009

The female voice from the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary died September 16 from Leukemia. She was 72. Born in Louisville, KY, her family moved to Greenwich Village where she met and began performing with folk legend Pete Seeger. By the early 1960's, Travers teamed with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey who went on to make such hits as If I Had A Hammer, Leavin' On A Jet Plane, and Puff the Magic Dragon.

Patrick Swayze
1952 - 2009

The actor, singer, and consummate dancer lost his 20 month battle to pancreatic cancer September 14. He was 57. Swayze was a star football player and ballet dancer until injuries turned his eye to acting in 1978. Early roles include The Outsiders but it was his performance in Dirty Dancing that made his a household name. He earned an Oscar nomination for Ghost opposite Demi Moore. He continued acting on A&E's The Beast after his diagnosis between chemotherapy treatments. The show was not renewed. He leaves behind his wife, Lisa, of 34 years.

Jim Carroll
1950 - 2009

The author, poet, and musician died September 11 of a heart attack. He was 59. Best known for his auto-biographic Basketball Diaries, Carroll detailed his teenage years as a basketball player and heroin addict. In the early 1980's, he fronted his band with some success and collaborated with well-known musicians such as Lou Reed and Boz Scaggs. By the 1990's Carroll focused on his writing and spoken word engagements.

Jim Dickinson
1941 - 2009

Master pianist, songwriter, and producer, Dickinson died August 15 of complications after triple bypass surgery. He was 67. As a musician, he was favored for his bluesy, Memphis piano with such artists as The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and more. As a producer he had hits with Mudhoney and The Replacements. His sons, Cody and Luther, are rising stars with their band North Mississippi Allstars. He is survived by his sons and wife.

Lester William "Les Paul" Polfuss
1915 - 2009

The renown guitarist and inventor who changed the course of modern music died August 13 from a long bought with pneumonia. He was 94. The Wisconsin native began his career at age 10 as a self-taught guitarist. By 13 he had built his own broadcasting and recording gear. In the 1950's he paired with the Gibson Guitar Company to market the first solid body electric guitar that bears his name. He also invented multi-track recording, a major breakthrough in audio advancement; The two combined to change the musical spectrum for generations. During his career, Paul, sometimes with then-wife Mary Ford, earned 22 gold records and was a member of the Grammy Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Inventor Hall of Fame, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

Frank McCourt
1930 - 2009

The Angela's Ashes Pulitzer prize winning author died July 19 from meningitis and melanoma. He was 78. Born in America, McCourt's parents took the family back to their native Ireland where they fell on hard times that would become the basis for McCourt's most famous autobiographical novel. He returned to the U.S. and taught high school English until he retired. He wrote two other novels afterward, Tis and Teacher Man. He is survived by a daughter, two grandsons, and a brother.

Karl Malden
1912 - 2009

Malden died from natural causes at his home in California. He was 97. Born Mladen George Sekulovich, Malden made a seven decade career as an actor, winning an Academy award for his role A Streetcar Named Desire. He was perhaps best known as Lt. Mike Stone in the 1970's hit TV series Streets of San Fransciso and in the 1980's playing himself as spokesman for American Express. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, two daughters and sons-in-law, three grandchildren and four gret-grandchildren.

Fred Travalena
1949 - 2009

The funny man, impersonator, and Vegas mainstay died June 28 after a seven year battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was 66. The Special Forces veteran moved to LA 30 years prior to start his career. Since then he's earned the names "Man with a Thousand Faces" and "Mr. Everybody" because of the multiple, and strikingly good impersonations. He received a star o the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

Michael Jackson
1958 - 2009

The King of Pop died of cardiac arrest just hours after Farrah Fawcett . He was 50. A child star performing with his brothers, in the Jackson 5, Jackson rose to super-stardom with 1982's Thriller. His celebrity often overshadowed by suspicions of child molestation, he married twice; the first to Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' daughter. He leaves behind 3 children.

Farrah Fawcett
1947 - 2009

One of America's most beautiful icons, Mary Farrah Leni Fawcett died June 25, 2009 after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 62. Her trial with the disease was documented and aired to some estimated 9 million viewers before her death. Rising to fame in the 1970's starring in Charlie's Angels, the Texas native married and divorced 6 Million Dollar Man Lee Majors. She spent the rest of her life with long-time companion Ryan O'Neal,with whom she had a son, Redmond, both of whom survive her.

James Baker Hall
1935 - 2009

The well-known Lexington native writer, photographer, and educator died of a respiratory illness June 25, 2009. He was 74. Having been a contemporary and close colleague of many well known writers (Larry McMurtry) and photographers (Minor White), Hall was named Kentucky's Poet Laureate in 2001. During his career he also received the 1967 O. Henry Prize, 1983 Pushcart Prize, and the Southern Arts Council Fellowship in 1993 among others. He is survived by author wife Mary Ann Taylor-Hall.

Tim Krekel
1951 - 2009

Beloved Louisville musician and songwriter, Krekel died at his home June 23, 2009 after a short bout with cancer. He was 58. His final recording, Bail Out Blues, was released in January. Lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett in the 1970's, Krekel left to start a solo career that saw him write a number of hits and tour widly with the likes of Delbert McClinton and Kris Kristofferson.

Edward (Ed) Leo Peter McMahon Jr.
1923 - 2009

McMahon, famous for his role as The Tonight Show side-kick and commercial salesman, died June 23, 2009 from a multitude of health problems. He was 86. After he left the Marine Corps as a Colonel in 1966, McMahon began his career in television and eventually landed his iconic role beside Johnny Carson. Near the end of his life, McMahon was plagued with financial problems that somewhat overshadowed his successes. He is preceeded in death by one son and is survived by his wife, three daughters, one son and eight grandchildren.

David Carradine
1936 - 2009

In Bangkok while shooting his latest film Stretch, Carradine was found dead June 4 in his Bangkok hotel room of an apparent self-inflicted hanging. He was 74. He was from a well-known acting family; his father, John, three brothers - Keith, Bruce, Robert - nephew Ever and niece Martha Plimpton. His career started in the 1960's and he earned four Golden Globe nominations along the way. He starred as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970's hit TV series "Kung Fu" and as the leader of a group of assassins in the highly popular cult films "Kill Bill I and II". He was married five times and leaves behind two daughters.

Koko Taylor
1928 - 2009

Grammy winning blues icon Taylor died June 3 of complications following gastrointestinal surgery. She was 80. Only four weeks prior she had accepted a record 29th Handy Blues Award in her native Memphis. Taylor had spent over 50 years in her adopted town of Chicago where she was discovered by Willie Dixon who authored her biggest hit Wang Dang Doodle. She is survived by her husband, daughter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Donald "Eans" Evans
1961 - 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Evans died May 8, 2009 at his Mississippi home after a short bought with cancer. He was 48. Joining the famed southern rock band in 2001, Evans continued to tour until his 2008 diagnosis. He is survived by his wife and two childen.

Mickey Carroll
1920 - 2009

The last living munchkin from "The Wizard of Oz", Carroll died May 7, 2009. He was 89. Oz was the only film the native of St. Louisian appeared in but he had performed for many years in Vaudeville and radio prior to his famed "Follow the yell-brick road" anthem. in 2007, Carroll and the six remaining munchkin actors received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Dominick "Dom" DeLuise
1933 - 2009

Funny man, actor, author, and chef, DeLuise died May 4, 2009 of respiratory and kidney failure as a result of cancer. He was 75. For more than four decades, DeLuise entertained audiences in such films as Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs as well as his self-titles television series in the 1960's and again in the 1980's. He is survived by his wife, actress Carol Arthur, and three actor sons; Peter, David, and Michael.

Bea Arthur
1922 - 2009

Beloved for her sassy and risque roles in 1970's Maude and 1980's The Golden Girls, Bernice Frankel "Bea Arthur" died from cancer April 25, 2009. She was 86. Since the early 1940's, the award-winning actress, singer, and dancer had starred in off-Broadway plays before finding her niche in Television. After her long run as Dorothy Zbornak on the extremely popular Golden Girls, Arthur returned to the stage where she sang and danced her way through a one-woman play based on her life. She is survived by two sons, two grandchildren, and one sister.

Natasha Richardson
1963 - 2009

Third generation acting royalty, Richardson died March 18 after a fall while skiing in Montreal. She was 45. The Tony Award winning daughter of Academy Award winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, Richardson split her time between stage and screen, earning her Tony for the 1998 revival of "Cabaret". Richardson met and married her second and current husband actor Liam Neesan while filming "Nell". They spilt their time between homes in London and the US. She is survived by Neeson, their two sons, Michael and Daniel, her mother, and sister Joely Richardson.

John Updike
1932 - 2009

The two time Pulitzer Prize winning author of some 50 novels died January 27 from lung cancer. He was 76. Updike is best known for his Rabbit series --Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest-- won Pultizers. A studious writer, he got his started in 1954. He regularly wrote for the New York Times Review of Books and The New Yorker. He also dabbled in art and literary criticism. He was sometimes criticized for the way he portrayed women in his works and was known as a "chronicler of suburban adultery" though he was a church going, upstanding fellow. he is survived by his second wife, four children and four grand-children.

Andrew Wyeth
1917 - 2009

One of America's greatest painters, and our executive producer's most beloved artist, Andrew Wyeth died in his sleep January 16. He was 91. He was the middle of a phenomenal three generation family of artists; patriarch N.C. Wyeth, siblings Andrew, Nathaniel and Henrietta, and Andrew's two sons Jaime and Nicholas. The often reclusive realist was criticized by the art world for work they felt was more illustration than fine art, even calling it "dry". Undeterred, he continued to celebrate the ordinary, the emotional elements, focusing on his home surroundings of Pennsylvania and Maine. He is survived by his wife (married in 1940) and both sons.

Ricardo Montalban
1920 - 2009

The Mexican film star turned Hollywood icon died January 14. He was 88. MGM lured Montalban to Hollywood in the 1940's. He starred opposite such greats as Esther Williams and Lena Horne on stage and screen. The 1970's made his a a household name, first as the spokesman for the Chrysler Cordoba with his memorable "Corinthian leather" slogan, and again as Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island. For a younger generation, he may be best known as Khan in the Star Trek film The Wrath of Khan. He continued to perform into his 80's. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Actress Georgiana Young. They are survived by their four children.

Don Galloway
1937 - 2009

The Brooksville, Kentucky native died in Reno, Nevada January 8 after a lengthy stay in the hospital. He was 71. Galloway got his start in the early days of television working in soap operas, notably General Hospital, and as Sgt. Ed Brown on Ironside. He went on to star in many shows such as Dallas, Mork and Mindy, and Murder She Wrote. Perhaps his best known theatrical role came in The Big Chill. He last appeared in 1995's The Doom Generation. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky. He is survived by four children and will be buried in Kentucky.

---------------2008---------------

Eartha Kitt
1927 - 2008

The legendary voice behind "Santa Baby", Cat Woman character, and actress of stage and screen died Christmas Day after a battle with colon cancer. She was 81. The sultry voiced "sex kitten" fought for her place in the world from the beginning as a bi-racial child in the south. A growing-up she often talked about with little affection. She overcame all obstacles to become one of America's most beloved voices for six decades. She won two Emmy's and was nominated for many others including several Grammys. She is survived by one daughter.

Harold Pinter
1930 - -2008

The British Nobel Laureate playwright died of cancer Christmas Eve. He was 78. One of them most influential playwrights of his time, Pinter never shied away from political commentary in his writing. He wrote 32 plays, one novel, and 22 screenplays, among them "The French Lieutenant's Woman". Pinter is survived by one son from his first marriage and his second wife.

Van Johnson
1916 - 2008

"The boy next door" actor and dancer that rose to fame during World War II, Johnson died of natural causes December 12. He was 92. The actor was prolific for MGM in the 1940's and 1950's staring in such films as The White Cliffs of Dover and Brigadoon. Johnson was often linked to other male actors which eventually caused his marriage to actress Eve Abbott to fail. He is survived by one daughter.

Bettie Page
1923 - 2008

Secretary turned model, Page died December 11 of a heart attack nine days prior. She never regained consciousness. She was 85. The 1950's pin-up queen was admired by millions of men and vilified by just as many women for her racy poses. After becoming a born again Christian, Page was rarely seen in public again and even more rarely talked about her fame. She is survived by two siblings.

Odetta
1930 - 2008

Folk legend Odetta Holmes Zadock Felious died December 2 of heart failure. She was 77. A classically trained vocalist and civil rights activist, Odetta is often credited with spurring the explosive folk music scene of the 1950's and 1960's that made others, such as Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, household names. She recorded her first album in 1954 and was awarded a National Medal of Arts by President Clinton in 1999. A Kennedy Center Honoree in 2004, she was awarded the Living legend Award by the Library of Congress one year later.

Miriam "Mama Africa" Makeba
1932 - 2008

Activist and singer Zenzile Miriam Makeba died of a heart attack November 10 in Italy just as she finished singing the song she is perhaps best known for, Pata Pata. She was 76. A native of South Africa, Makeba was exiled in 1960 for speaking out against Apartheid. She was a "citizen of the world" for 30 years before being allowed back into the country in the 1990's. In the meantime, she kept her traditional folk music alive and made a name for herself as a performer. She won a Grammy in 1965 for Best Folk Recording with Harry Belafonte and made headlines again when she toured with Paul Simon during his Graceland heyday in 1987. She was predeeded in death by her only daughter in 1985

Mitch Mitchell
1947 - 2008

Legendary drummer of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitchell died Wednesday November 12 from suspected natural causes. He was 61. The Englishman first met Hendrix, who died in 1970, in a dank bar just four years earlier. He was a third of the power trio that included bassist Noel Redding who died in 2003. The trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Mitchell had just completed the last of a west coast tour for the Experience Hendrix Tour which paired him and other notable musicians with a younger generation who had been influenced by Hendrix such as Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. During his career, Mitchell also played with the likes of Lennon, Clapton, and a host of other legends.

Michael Crichton
1942 - 2008

Bestselling author, producer, director, and doctor, Crichton died suddenly on November 4 after his battle with cancer. He was 66. His training as a medical doctor at Harvard prepared him for some of his best work such as the hit television series ER and The Andromeda Strain. But he is equally known for his huge hit Jurassic Park in 1990 which went on to become a multi-million dollar franchise.

Jimmy Carl Black
1938 - 2008

Founding member and drummer of Frank Zappa's art rock band The Mothers of Invention, James Inkanish, Jr., died November 1 of cancer. He was 70. To quote his website "Jimmy died peacefully...[he] says hi to everybody and doesn't want anybody to be sad."

Studs Terkel
1912 - 2008

The Pulitzer Prize winning author, historian, and radio-show host died at his Chicago home, Halloween, October 31. He was 96. Terkel earned a law degree in 1934. A damaged ear drum kept him from serving in WW II. His left-leaning politics that got him blacklisted during the McCarthy era though he still managed to work as a disc jockey where he interviewed virtually everyone who came to his studio. By the 1960's, oral histories had grabbed his attention for which he has often been credited as elevating to an art. A credit he always denied. He published his first book in 1967. Many books followed, all fueled by his passion for telling the common person's story. He is survived by one son, Dan.

Tony Hillerman
1925 - 2008

Writer and Native American advocate Hillerman died October 26 of Pulmonary failure. He was 83. Born during the Dust Bowl in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, he was raised on the territorial lands of the Potawatomie tribe where he no doubt first embraced his love of Native American ways. He went on to serve in Europe during World War II then practice 17 years as a journalist before turning his talents to novel writing. He died in his beloved Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Levi Stubbs
1936 - 2008

Lead singer of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Tops, Stubbs died in his sleep at his home in Detroit. He was 72. One of Motown's biggest acts, Stubbs' smooth baritone led the Four Tops to stardom with hits like "Reach Out I'll Be There " and "Bernadette." He is preceded in death by founding members Lowrance Payton and Obie Benson; only Abdul Fakir remains of the original group. Stubbs is survived by his wife, Clineice, and five children.

Paul Newman
1925 - 2008

Screen legend Paul Newman lost his battle with cancer on September 26. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, he won for The Color of Money and was awarded two others; an honorary Oscar for his acting achievements, and the Humanitarian award for his charity work. Other notable Newman films include Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. An avid race car driver, beer drinker, and practical joker, Newman stumbled into a very successful business, Newman's Own, because of one such practical joke. The business proved anything but funny and all proceeds from the highly successful endeavor go to various charities. He was married to actress Joann Woodward for more than half a century, a rarity among Hollywood celebs. He directed her in several films for which she also garnered Academy Awards. Paul Newman is preceded in death by his only son, Scott, and survived by his wife and five daughters.

Richard Wright
1943 - 2008

Founding member and keyboardist of the rock band Pink Floyd, Wright died Monday September 15 of cancer. He was 65. Forming the band with Wright was Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason. They met in college and began playing in 1965. Wright would leave the band in 1985 after a rift with Waters and guitarist David Gilmore, though he returned a few years later. The quartet, minus Barrett, performed together after 25 years for Live 8 in 2005. Wright's last recordings can be found on Gilmore's solo album On an Island from 2006.

David Foster Wallace
1962 - 2008

Author of the 1996 classic Infinite Jest, Wallace committed suicide in his home by hanging September 12. He was 46. He developed a cult following in the 1980's but after Infinite Jest was awarded the Genius Grant by the MacArthur Foundation and, in 2005, Infinite Jest was named by Time Magazine to the 100 Best English-Language novels since 1923. He is survived by his wife.

Don LaFontaine
1940 - 2008

Recognized for his dramatic movie promo phrase "In a world where...", voiceover artist LaFontaine died in Los Angeles September 2, 2008 from complications of a collapsed lung. He was 68. With more than 5000 trailers spanning a 33 year career, he was an audio engineer before becoming one of the most recognized voices in history. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Jerry Wexler
1917 - 2008

One of the most profound influences in music, Wexler died August 15, 2008 in his home of congestive heart failure. He was 91. Journalist, turned record producer, Wexler help0ed define the sounds of the 1950's through the 1980's, even coining the term Rhythm and Blues. He worked with legends Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Bob Dylan among many , many others. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

LeRoi Moore
1961-2008

The saxophonist and founding member the Dave Matthews Band died August 19 of complications from injuries he suffered in an all-terrain vehicle accident. He was 46.

Issac Hayes
1942 - 2008

Soul singer, self-taught musician, movie score master, and ground-breaking icon Hayes was found dead in his home Sunday, August 10. He was 65. Originally dreaming of being a doctor, Hayes' life changed when he won a ninth grade singing contest. He was hired by Stax records in 1964 as a session pianist for stars such as Otis Redding before he hooked up with David Porter and wrote hits such as Soul Man and Hold On, I'm Coming. By 1969 he hit the airwaves with his first LP Hot Buttered Soul - a sound that paved the way for the Urban Soul sound of the 1970's. Older fans remember him as the Grammy and Academy Award winner of the Theme from Shaft but younger people perhaps know him best as the voice and inspiration of Chef on South Park. Hayes was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie Mac" McCullough
1958 - 2008

Mac died Saturday, August 9, in Chicago after being hospitalized for nearly three weeks. The cause was complications from pneumonia. He was 50. Starting as a stand-up comedian, Mac moved to acting where he excelled, staring in his Fox series The Bernie Mac Show which earned three Peabody Awards. He played several movie roles and may be most remembered for his outstanding role in Ocean's Eleven. Mac leaves behind his wife of 32 years, one daughter, and one granddaughter.

Estelle Getty
1923 - 2008

Best known as Sophia Petrillo on the highly successful 1980's TV show Golden Girls, Getty died July 22, 2008 of Lewy body dementia. She was 84. After acting in bit parts in theater while working as a secretary for nearly 50 years, she was finally nominated for an Emmy, seven times in fact, for her role in Golden Girls. She won in 1988. She is survived by two sons and three Golden Girls who will miss her very much.

George Carlin
1937 - 2008

Counterculture funny man Carlin died June 22 of heart failure. He was 71. Perhaps best known for his 1970's skit seven words you can never say on TV; the cutting edge crack landed him first in jail and then on the steps of the Supreme Court. Carlin remained edgy throughout his career, appearing on The Tonight Show 130 times and hosting the first Saturday Night Live. He recorded 23 albums, won 4 Grammys, filmed 14 HBO specials, appeared in a few movies, and wrote 3 best selling books. Last week he was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor which will now be given posthumously. The world's a far less funny place now.

Cyd Charisse
1921 - 2008

Her legs were once insured for 1 million dollars - dancing partner to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, Tula Ellice Finklea "Cyd Charisse" died at her home June 17 of a heart attack. She was 87. As a child, she learned to dance to overcome the effects of Polio then went on to star in films such as Singin' in the Rain, Brigadoon, and The Band Wagon. She is survived by her husband, actor Tony Martin and son Nico Charisse, Jr.

Otha Elias "Bo Diddley" Bates McDaniel
1928 - 2008

Rock and Roll founder Bo Diddley died June 2 of heart failure. He was 79. Creating one of the most recognizable rhythms in history, Diddley also penned many well known hits like I'm A Man, Who Do You Love, and Before You Accuse Me. His success was often overshadowed by his more flamboyant counterparts of the 1950's era but the next generation rocker, including the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, credited Diddley for his influence. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Harvey Korman
1927 - 2008

The multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor and comedian died May 29 of heart failure. He was 81. Best known for his myriad roles on the Carol Burnett Variety Show, Korman also starred in his own television variety show as well as films such as History of the World, Part I and Blazing Saddles. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Sydney Pollack
1935 - 2008

Filmmaker and actor Pollack died in his California home May 26 after a short bought with cancer. He was 73. Best known for his Oscar winning films that include Out of Africa, Tootsie, and Absence of Malice, he was working as an actor when encouraged to direct by legendary Burt Lancaster. His last screen performance was in Michael Clayton which was nominated for seven Oscars. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and six grandchildren.

Dick Martin
1922 - 2008

Half of the successful 1960's comedy duo of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In fame, Thomas Richard "Dick" Martin died May 24 of respitory failure. He was 86. His often edgy and risque comedy raised eyebrows during the counter-culture revolution but made American's laugh all the same. His show with Rowan launched the careers of many famous celebrities among them Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, and JoAnn Woorley. Martin is proceeded in death by his comedy partner Dan Rowan and survived by his wife and two children.

Cornell Capa
1918 - 2008

Founder of the International Center of Photography in New York City, Capa died of Parkinson's Disease May 23. He was 90. Brother to famous war photographer, Robert, Cornell focused rather on "opening the door to worlds that people would not have seen otherwise." He leaves behind no immediate survivors.

Robert Rauschenberg
1925 - 2008

Perhaps America's most influential artist from the 20th century died May 12, 2008 of heart failure. He was 82. Rauschenberg redefined what being an artist, meant by working in more than one medium - he was a painter, photographer, printmaker, choreographer, performer, set designer, and composer, often combining more than one medium into a single piece. See the New York Times for an outstanding expose on the artist.

Eddy Arnold
1918 - 2008

Eddy Arnold was one of country music's first popular stars with an astonishing 86 million records sold in his lifetime. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Arnold's heyday between 1945-1954 saw 57 consecutive singles, 19 of which hit No. 1. He died May 8, 2008. He was 89. He is survived by two children.

Danny Federici
1950 - 2008

E Street Band keyboardist Federici died of Melanoma April 17. He was 58. Known as "the silent one", for 40 years he was friends and musical companion to Bruce Springsteen, staying active as a session player during the E Street Band layoffs with Joan Armitrading, Graham Parker, and others. His last performance was a guest appearnace with Springsteen in Indianapolis March 20. He is surviced by his wife and three kids.

Charlton Heston
1923 - 2008

Heston died April 5. He appeared in 85 films, including Ben-Hur, for which he won the Best Actor Oscar. Heston announced in 2002 that he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and though no cause of death was given, his symptoms were consistent with that diagnosis. Heston is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lydia Clarke, and their two children.

Richard Widmark
1915-2008

Widmark died March 24. He was 93 and had been ill for some time. His career spanned 50 years and some 70 films, including 1974's Kiss of Death, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Abby Mann
1928-2008

Known as a script writer with a social conscience, Mann died March 27. He was 80. The cause of death was not given. Mann won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1961 for Judgment at Nuremberg.

Arthur C. Clark
1917 - 2008

A visionary and science fiction writer of more than 100 books, Clark died in his Sri Lankan home March 18 of breathing complications as a result of post-polio syndrome. He was 90. Perhaps best known for his book, and subsequent movie with director Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Clark was equally as well known for championing telecommunications, specifically those using satellites. The winner of numerous literary awards, the British born writer leaves behind no wife or children.

Anthony Minghella
1954 - 2008

Director of films such as Truly Madly Deeply, Cold Mountain, and The English Patient, Minghella died after surgery on March 18 of a brain hemorrhage. He was 54. The British screenwriter turned director completed some 11 films before his death earning a total 12 Oscars while nominated for an additional 24. He died soon after the completion of his last film, Alexander McCall Smith's, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. He is survived by a wife and two children, Max and Hannah

Jeff Healey
1967 - 2008

One of the most gifted, and unconventional guitarists to ever pick up the instrument, Healey died of cancer March 2 in Toronto, Canada. He was 41. The disease that took his life was also responsible for robbing his sight as a child. He took up guitar at 3, laying it across his lap and created a unique style. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Two time Oscar nominee Roy Scheider died February 10, 2008 in Little Rock, AR from Myeloma. Best known for his role in the 1975 Spielberg blockbuster Jaws, Scheider garnered the two Oscar noms for his performances in All That Jazz and The French Connection. Scheider was 75.
Roy Scheider
1933 - 2008

Heath Ledger
1979 - 2008

Daring actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his NYC apartment January 22, 2008. He was 28. The Australian-born actor turned down less challenging roles for more focused characters in films like Monster's Ball and Brokeback Mountain in which he played a closeted gay cowboy that earned him an Oscar nomination. He will appear as The Joker in the latest Batman film slated for a summer 2008 release. He is survived by a two year old daughter.

Allan Melvin
1923 - 2008

Known as "Sam The Butcher" on the Brady Bunch, Melvin died January 17, 2008 of cancer. He was 84. The lovable character actor also had starring roles as Archie Bunker's friend in All in the Family and Sgt. Bilko's sidekick on the Phil Silvers Show. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Suzanne Pleshette
1937-2008

Perhaps most recognized as Bob Newhart's first television wife, Suzanne Pleshette lost her battle with lung cancer January 20, 2008. She was 70. The actress of many film and television roles, for a younger generation she is best known as Karen's mother on Will & Grace. Pleshette was preceded in death by husband, actor Tom Poston

Singer/songwriter John Stewart died January 20, 2008 of a brain aneurysm or massive stroke in the same San Diego hospital in which he was born. He was 68. A member of the legendary Kingston Trio, Stewart rose to songwriting fame when he authored the Monkey's 1967 hit Daydream Believer, the same year he left the Kingston Trio. He went on to record some 45 solo recordings most notably Gold in 1979. He is survived by his wife and four children.

John Stewart
1939 - 2008

---------------2007---------------

Oscar Peterson
1925 - 2007

Legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson died December 23 of kidney failure at his home in Montreal Canada. He was 82. One of the most memorable pianists and jazz innovators of his time, Peterson inspired contemporaries and future generations alike. From the Montreal Gazette on his life, "growing up poor, fighting off tuberculosis, quitting school at 14 to pursue his music, enduring systemic racism... playing Carnegie Hall at 24... selling countless recordings, winning eight Grammy awards..." 'nuff said.

Dan Fogelberg
1952 - 2007

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Dan Fogelberg died December 16 from prostate cancer. He was 56. Fogelberg's recording career began in 1972 launching two decades of platinum sellers and hits like Same Old Lang Syne and Leader of the Band. His last release of original material came just before his diagnosis in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Jean.

Ike Turner
1931 - 2007

R&B singer/songwriter Ike Turner died December 12 in his California home. He was 76. Turner rose to fame in 1959 with a hit featuring his then-wife, soulful singer Tina. The pair went on to have several more hits including Proud Mary, which was a Grammy winner for Creedence Clearwater Revival. Turner's life was marred by drug abuse and the stigma of spouse abuse when ex-wife Tina released her autobiography I, Tina. Turner managed to clean up and start making music again, earning another Grammy for his solo work in 2007. He is survived by two sons.

Kevin Dubrow
1955 - 2007

DuBrow, lead singer for heavy metal glam rock band Quiet Riot was found dead in his Las Vegas home November 25. He was 52. No cause of death was released though no foul play was suspected and, having celebrated his birthday one month earlier, was reportedly in good health.

Dick Wilson
1916 - 2007

Best known as Mr. Whipple, the cantankerous grocery store owner with a penchant for Charmin bathroom tissue, Wilson (born Riccardo DeGuglielmo) died November 19. He was 91. The British born character actor is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Norman Mailer
1923 - 2007

Two time Pulitzer Prize winning author Norman Mailer died of acute renal failure November 10, 2007. He was 84. A life built on opinions, Mailer was always in the thick of it; from Vietnam to political campaigns, women's liberation movement, and more. He led a rambunctious lifestyle that included six wives, one of which he stabbed at a party while drunk. He is survived by 9 children.

George Osmond
1917 - 2007

Patriarch of sibling performers The Osmonds, George Osmond died of natural causes November 6, 2007. He was 90. Preceded in death by wife, Olive, in 2004, they had 9 children; 7 became performers including popular duo Donny and Marie. He is survived by 9 children, 55 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

Robert Goulet
1934 - 2007

Awaiting a lung transplant for a rare pulmonary disease, crooner Robert Goulet died October 30, 2007. He was 73. A mainstay of television in the 50's and 60's, Goulet received critical acclaim for his work in theater early in his career followed by hit songs and successful stints in Las Vegas. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Porter Wagoner
1927 - 2007

Grammy winner Porter Wagoner died October 28, 2007 of Lung Cancer. He was 80. A Grand Ole Opry member since 1957, Wagoner also hosted a self-titled television show for more than 20 years. He made 21 year old Dolly Parton his singing partner in 1970 and produced a number of hits with her. His last album was released this summer. He is survived by three children.

Deborah Kerr
1921 - 2007

Scottish born actress Deborah Kerr died October 16, 2007. She was 86. Starring in some 50 films, she is perhaps best known for her roles as Anna in The King and I with Yule Brenner and From Here To Eternity with Burt Lancaster. She is survived by three children.

Joey Bishop
1918 - 2007

The last surviving member of entertainment 's famed Rat Pack that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. Dean Martin and Peter Lawford, Bishop died October 17, 2007 of multiple causes. He was 89. Born Joseph Abraham Gottlieb, Bishop made a name for himself as a comedian and actor, hosting The Tonight Show and other talk shows and game shows over the decades.

Marcel Marceau
1923- 2007

French mime Marcel Marceau died September 23. He was 84. At the end of World War II, in which he was part of the French Resistance, Marceau studied dramatic arts. By 1947 he had revived the antiquated art of mime and formed a troupe, the only one of its kind in Europe. He never stopped performing. He is survived by four children,

Alice Ghostley
1926 - 2007

Beloved character actress Alice Ghostley lost her long battle with colon cancer September 22. She was 81. Ghostley is perhaps best known as Bernice on Designing Women, and Esmeralda, the bumbling witch maid from Bewitched. Her credits include To Kill A Mockingbird, The Graduate, Grease, and many, many other screen, television, and stage performances. She is survived by her sister, Gladys.

Madeleine L'Engle
1918-2007

Celebrated author Madeleine L'Engle died September 7, 2007 after a long illness. She was 88. Best known for A Wrinkle In Time, in which she borrowed 19th century novelist Edward George Bulwer-Lytton's most famous line, "It was a dark and stormy night", L'Engle crafted more than 60 books of poetry, prayer, and children's and juvenile fiction, many of which were somewhat autobiographical. She is survived by a son and daughter.

Luciano Pavarotti
1935-2007

Famous, and sometimes infamous, Italian opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti died September 6, 2007 of pancreatic cancer. He was 71. Pavarotti is credited with making opera somewhat hip, even being called a "rock star" by some for his efforts to bring opera into the mainstream. He is perhaps best known for his work with the Three Tenors that included himself, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.

John Scott
1940-2007

Nationally renowned New Orleans sculptor John Scott died September 1, 2007 of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 67. A John D. MacArthur Fellowship awardee and art professor at Xavier University since 1965, Scott was forced to relocate to Houston after hurricane Katrina destroyed his studio where he remained until his death. He is survived by his wife, a son, four daughters, and six grandchildren.

Max Roach
1924-2007

Legendary drummer, Max Roach, died in his sleep August 15, 2007. He was 83. A drummer's drummer, Roach heavily influenced the Jazz of the 1940's and 1950's with his innovative rhythms; a trait that virtually created the Bebop style that became synonymous with The Beat Generation. A self-taught player, Roach got his big break at 16 when he sat in on a three night stint for an ailing Duke Ellington drummer. He went on to collaborate with such legendaries as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Clifford Brown. Roach is survived by five children.

Merv Griffin
1925-2007

Mervyn Edward Griffin, Jr. died August 12, 2007 from prostate cancer. He was 82. The long-time entertainment staple started his career as a radio singer before making a name for himself as the consummate game show guru with hits such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. His self titled talk show ran an impressive 20 years. Griffin is survived by a son and two gradnchildren.

Ingmar Bergman

1918-2007

Famed director, Ingmar Bergman, died at his island home in Faro, Sweden July 30, 2007. He was 89. A pioneer in the filming industry, Bergman leaves behind more than 50 films such as The Seventh Seal which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1957. Colleague, Woody Allen, from a 1988 tribute quoted in the New York Times, said Bergman was "the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera." 'nuff said.

Charles Lane
1905-2007

"Grumpy character actor" Charles Gerstle Levison aka Charles Lane died July 9. He was 102. Lane started in film just after "talkies" were invented. He proceeded to appear in a number of well-known television shows such as I Love Lucy, Petticoat Junction, F Troop, and The Beverly Hillbillies among many others. His career wasn't limited to TV; he also appeared in such films as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, You Can't Take It With You and, perhaps most notably, It's A Wonderful Life in which he played Old Man Potter's rent collector. His last film was Disney's 1995 remake of The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. He is survived by one son.

Doug Marlette
1949-2007
Doug Marlette, Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, died July 10, 2007 from injuries received in a car accident. He was 57. Marlette is perhaps best known for his popular syndicated cartoon strip Kudzu. He won the Pulitzer in 1988 and has won nearly every award possible for his field including the Neiman Fellowship at Harvard University - the only cartoonist to do so. He turned to novel writing with The Bridge in 2001 followed by Magic Time in 2006. He is survived by his wife and son.

Beverly Sills
1929-2007

Known as "America's Diva" Beverly Sills died July 2, 2007 from inoperable lung cancer. She was 78. A coloratura soprano and opera star around the globe, Sills made an impact outside the genre with her girl-next-door appeal and generous spirit. She made regular guest appearances on TV, even hosting her own talk show for a time, and for two years she was a contributing correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning. Sills was also the general director of the New York City Opera for 10 years before becoming chairwoman of the Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera. Perhaps her most important roll was her unwavering advocacy for the arts throughout her life. She is survived by 2 children, 3 stepchildren, and a brother.

June 2007
was a sad month for the arts

*Tony Thompson, 31, lead singer for Hi-5
*Larry Hamlin, 58, founder of National Black Theater Festival
*Marly De Oliveira, 69, poet
*Robert Tracy, 52, dance writer
*John Moriarty, 69, poet and philosopher
*Pamman, 87, novelist
*Pavel Rammel, 85, singer, actor, comedian, author

*Martin Weber, 102, graphic designer
*Liz Claiborne, 78, clothing designer

more notable passings

David Halberstam: 1934 - 2007

Pulitzer Prize winner and one of America's most treasured authors and journalists, David Halberstam, died in a California car crash Monday, April 23, 2007. He was 73. A Harvard graduate, Halberstam rose to prominence as a journalist covering the Vietnam War for the New York Times and is perhaps best known for his book, of which he wrote 20, The Best and The Brightest, about the foreign policies of the John F. Kennedy administration. Halberstam is survived by his wife and daughter. Listen to NPR's extensive coverage of this tragic death at npr.org

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.: 1922 - 2007
One of the 20th century's most influential authors, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., died April 11, 2007 from irreversible brain trauma caused by a recent fall. He was 84. Vonnegut wrote more than a dozen novels, among them Cat's Cradle and Hocus Pocus. He also produced a string of short stories and plays. His humor and noted skepticism were prominent aspects of his writing, though friends, such as author Gay Talese, declared, "He was not a mean man. And boy, that's saying something for writers." In World War II Vonnegut was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. Held underground as a prisoner of war, he survived the Allied Forces' firestorm on Dresden. That experience inspired his most noted work, Slaughterhouse Five, which garnered international attention and started his career. He is survived by wife, photographer Jill Krementz, and seven children.

Don Ho: 1930 - 2007
Famed Hawaiian singer of "Tiny Bubbles", Donald Tai Loy Ho, died Saturday, April 14, 2007 of heart failure. He was 76. Born of Dutch, Chinese, Portuguese, German, and Hawaiian heritage, Ho entertained visitors to the Hawaiian Islands for nearly 40 years, wowing them with comedy, music, and his pineapple sweet charm. Ho's career began in 1964 in his father's Waikiki bar called Honey's. He went on to record numerous albums and appear on well known TV shows such as The Tonight Show, The Bob Hope Show, and his own Don Ho specials. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Art pioneer, Sol Lewitt, died April 9, 2007 in New York from complications of cancer. Lewitt was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor who was highly influenced by photographer Eadweard Muybridge (best known for his stop action photography of a running horse). His work was often simple shapes and simple colors which drew its share of criticizm early on. Lewitt believed that the thought process, rather than the artist or how the work was created, was the most important aspect of the artwork. He began exhibiting in the 1960's and by the 1980's was presenting retrospectives in some of the nation's largest and finest galleries and museums. Sol Lewitt was 78.

Solomon (Sol) Lewitt: 1928-2007

Brad Delp: 1951-2007
Bradley (Brad) Delp, lead singer of Boston died March 9 of carbon monoxide poisoning. He was 55. Known for his kindness and incredible vocal range, Delp fronted such chart-topping singles as More Than A Feeling, Peace of Mind, and Don't Look Back. With over 17 million copies sold, Boston's 1976 self-titled album is still one of the biggest selling albums of all time. A long awaited summer tour of the band with Delp at the helm has been canceled indefinitely. Brad Delp is survived by his fiance and two children

Ross Zirkle: 1955-2007

Respected University of Kentucky art professor and noted printmaker Ross Zirkle died March 12. He was 52. Zirkle was diagnosed with stage IV cancer last summer yet continued working until the end. Area artists donated artwork to help with medical expenses and taught those classes he was unable to attend. In the fall of 2006 Zirkle put together 46 works at the Art Depository in Nicholasville for what would be his final exhibit Putting my Affairs in Order. A public memorial for the beloved colleague is being planned

Michael Brecker: 1949-2007

Winner of 11 Grammys during a 30 year career, jazz legend Michael Becker lost his battle with MDS and Leukemia on January 13, 2007. He was 57. Without losing his unique jazz styling, the tenor sax man moved seamlessly between genres, often appearing with pop greats like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell. Along with his brother, Randy, Michael formed the highly successful Brecker Brothers and eventually embraced a solo career in 1987. He is survived by his wife, two children, his brother Randy, and sister Emily. michaelbrecker.com

Denny Doherty: 1940-2007

1/4 of the 1960's pop phenom Mamas and Papas, Doherty, 66, died after a short illness in January leaving Michelle Phillips the last remaining member of the band. With a string of hits like Monday, Monday, California Dreamin' and Dedicated to the One I Love, The Mamas and The Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

---------------2006---------------

James Brown: 1933-2006

James Brown, affectionately known as the "Godfather of Soul" and "The hardest working man in show business", died December 26, 2006 after being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was 73. His revolutionary hits began with R&B group the Famous Flames' "Please, Please, Please" in 1956, followed by a string of solo hits like "Out of Sight", "(Get Up, I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine", "(I Got You) I Feel Good", and "Say It Out Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud". He was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was presented the Grammy award for lifetime achievement in 1992. He also took home Grammys in 1965 with "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and 1987's "Living In America". Brown is credited with influencing at least two generations of performers that followed.

Gordon Parks, 1963 "American Gothic" 1942

Gordon Parks: 1912-2006

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchannan Parks was a groundbreaking photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director. He rose to notoriety with his many photo essays in Life magazine as well as directing the 1971 hit film Shaft. The Kansas native who died one year ago at age 93 is being memorialized during this one year anniversary of his passing across his home state. One of those memorials in planning at Wichita State University is the Gordon Parks Center for Creativity