In Memoriam: Remembering The Famous Figures We Lost In 2016
We were forced to say goodbye to some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars in 2016. FANdemonium Network remembers the famous figures we’ve lost …
As we approach the end of the year it is a time to reflect, both on events and people that have made an impact. It’s a big thing in most of our lives that we have films and entertainment that can get us through tough times and help us to understand the bigger picture. We may have a perfect song or film that can sometimes lift our mood. This year we have all felt the loss of some pretty big names in the entertainment industry even though we might never have met them. This In Memoriam post will take a look at some of those who have affected our team here at FANdemonium Towers the most, celebrating their achievements as best we can.
It’s so hard to say goodbye…
Sir Ronnie Corbett (CBE).
Born in December 1930 and passed away in March this year.
Growing up I always remember sitting watching the shows my parents loved and the Two Ronnie’s Sketch show was one of them. They had amazing characters that would appear on a weekly basis and they would either have a miniseries, musical number or sketches using dialogue that showed the diversity of English dialects.
For someone of such small stature (4”11) he made a large impact on the television. I will miss him but also remember his comedy genius.
Caroline Aherne.
Born December 1963 and passed away in July this year.
British comedic actress Caroline Ahern might not be a name all of our readers are familiar with. Recently in the UK she had become known as the voice of Gogglebox, a show where ordinary people are filmed reacting to what they are watching on the TV. A lot of people will know her for her acting, but she also wrote, produced and directed countless episodes of stalwart British sitcoms. She was certainly a talented woman and had an amazing career that will be remembered for years to come.
Alan Rickman.
Born February 1946 and passed away in January this year.
Alan Rickman is someone most of the younger generation will remember from his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. I’m sure we all remember his intimidating personality and rich smooth voice.
The three roles that have always stuck out for me are Hans Gruber in Die Hard, The Metatron in Dogma and my favourite of all is the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. I am sure there is many a film or project that sticks in your mind as he has had a brilliant career encompassing drama, suspense as well as some overlooked comedic roles.
David Bowie.
Born January 1947 and passed away January this year.
David Bowie was born David Jones but changed his name in the 60’s to prevent being confused with Davy Jones from the Monkees. David Bowie became a household name. Bowie’s ever-changing musical direction and image influenced many generations of music artists.
He is undoubtedly a musical icon with ground breaking videos and mastery of music, but he also acted. A lot of people love and remember his portrayal of the Goblin King in Labyrinth. He will no doubt live on in his songs and in our minds.
Gordie Howe
Born March 31, 1928 passed away June 10, 2016
Gordie was born Gordon Howe in Canada and was one of the hockey greats for generations. He played hockey from 1946 – 1971 and the again 1973 – 1980. In 1972 he was inducted into the hockey hall of fame as a right winger. He played 26 seasons in the NHL and six seasons in the WHA (World Hockey Association). 23 time all star and spurred many great ones for generations, including Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky and Mario ‘Le Magnifique’ Lemieux just to name a couple.
He won The Stanley with the Red Wings for times and six Hart trophies as the leagues most valuable player and six Art Ross trophies as the leading scorer.
I had the privilege of meeting Gordie at the 49th National Hockey League All-Star Game on January 24, 1999, at the Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning. I was shaking and even crying (I think) after I got my picture with my idol.
My mom after seeing how moved I was, went over to say thank you to him. He was a little was polite and humble. My mom didn’t want a picture or an autograph. She just wanted to say thank you and shake the mans hand. He asked one of his people to get him a puck. He signed it and gave it to my mom for me. Thanking her, for being a fan after all these years.
He went that night and played in the game along with his two sons. I was blown away. The man was needing help walking, just hours before, but on the ice he was at home again. – Jenn
Number 9, may be gone, but he lives on in all the players that play the sport today.
Alan Thicke
Born March 1, 1947 passed away December 13, 2016.
Born Alan Willis Jeffery in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Alan was a songwriter, actor and hockey’s biggest fan.
Alan Thicke had a very successful career as a TV theme song composer, and had collaborated with his then wife Gloria Loring on quite a few projects. He was responsible for the theme for Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. He also wrote the original theme to Wheel of Fortune.
I know Alan, as most of you probably do to, from his starring role in Growing Pains, where he played patriarch Dr. Jason Seaver. I tuned in of course to see teen heart-throb Kirk Cameron, but the lasting impression on me is that of Alan’s character. He was a father to us all every week on the half hour sitcom. He was a dad in real life and on the show, and that resonated to us all that watched the show weekly.
When Alan moved to the US to pursue his acting career he looked to hockey to help him feel less homesick. The rumors are that he was partially responsible for the trade of Wayne Gretzky to the LA Kings from the Edmonton Oilers.
Alan played hockey until the end. He was playing the game he loved with his son, when he passed away. – Jenn
Anton Yelchin.
Born in March 1989 and passed away June this year.
This was probably the most shocking passing of the year for me and many others. Anton Yelchin, best known in his role of Ensign Pavel Andreievich Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek movies. He was tragically killed when his car had a fault which ended up pinning and killing him.
Anton was an amazing actor with a huge number of acting credits to his name by the time he hit his twenties. Three Star Trek films, voicing Clumsy Smurf in the two Smurf films, a starring role in the Fright Night remake, also Terminator Salvation showing his action side. The movie that shot him into my consciousness was Alpha Dog. He played a teenage boy who was kidnapped and held for ransom. His scenes with Justin Timberlake reduced me to tears. He had so much promise and potential and it’s heart-breaking to know he won’t ever light up the screen in another new role.
Ron Glass.
Born in July 1945 and passed away November this year.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/FilmMagic)
Ron Glass is a name some people will mainly know for his role on Joss Whedon’s Firefly as the mysterious Shepherd Book, a character that was religious, wise and compassionate, but Ron brought humour to the role and really made it his own.
He had numerous other credits over the years including guest appearances on Friends, CSI: NY, The Twilight Zone, Murder She Wrote, the original Hawaii Five-0 and Star Trek Voyager. He was also the voice of Randy Carmichael in the animated series Rug Rats and All Grown Up. His name may not spring immediately to mind but I bet you will know his face.
David Margulies.
Born February 1937 and passed away January this year.
David Margulies was born and lived his life in New York City. He acted in a wide variety of movies and tv shows over the years and some of the names are quite spectacular. I will always remember him as the Mayor of New York in the two Original Ghostbusters films as he tried to protect the city he loved and had to believe in the unbelievable. I am sure there will be many a program I watch and see his face pop into where I hadn’t seen it before.
George Gaynes.
Born May 1917 and passed away February this year.
George Gaynes was a name that we will forever associate with the lovable, clueless and clumsy Commandant Eric Lassard in the Police Academy series. A character that you loved as you always wondered how on earth he was in charge of a police academy.
George will also be known to some as Henry Warnimont from the 80’s TV series Punky Brewster where his character adopted a young girl and her dog after they were abandoned in a supermarket. His trademark was his voice, a deep grumpy and commanding sort of tone that was distinctive and one of a kind. I will miss the lovable tones of the commandant.
Jerry Doyle.
Born July 1956 and passed away July this year.
Jerry Doyle started acting late in life after stints as a jet pilot and a stockbroker. I will always remember him as Michael Garibaldi, the head of security on the deep space station Babylon 5. In a world of alien species with OTT hair Garibaldi was a fully fleshed out character and my personal favourite on the show. There was something about Jerry’s portrayal that made him the most easy to identify with.
Doris Roberts.
Born November 1925 and passed away April this year.
Doris Roberts has a career that spanned decades. She had 20 years on the stage before she started to appear on our screens in the fifties. Her known attributes that carried her through were her short stature, her ability to play motherly type figures as seen in her role in Everybody loves Raymond. She also played a key role as Mildred Krebs in the hit 80’s series Remington Steele. Doris will be remembered for her husky voice and her unforgettable lovable face.
Muhammad Ali.
Born January 1942 and passed away June this year.
A name that is known around the world, he was a heavyweight boxing champion and light heavyweight boxing Olympic gold medallist. He was known for his catchphrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and a strategy called the rope-a-dope where he absorbed blow after blow before he turned the tables and was able to knock out his exhausted opponents.
Muhammed Ali was an inspiration and Icon and even had a film made about his life and achievements. He truly is someone that will be remembered and held up as an example of what you can achieve if you have the focus and dedication.
Kenny Baker.
Born August 1934 and passed away August this year.
Photo Credit: StarWars.com
Kenny Baker was the tiny puppeteer who made a massive impact on the Star Wars franchise as the man inside astromech droid R2-D2. At 3 foot 8 inches he was able to fit inside the droid and pilot. He appeared in the 6 main films and consulted on the 7th. He appeared in many other films including an uncredited appearance in Willow (the movie I credit with getting me into the fantasy genre) and 1981 fantasy film Time Bandits as Fidget. Over recent years, with the rise of conventions and fans meeting the actors they love, Kenny Baker has been one of those actors who people have had fond memories of meeting, right up until a few weeks before he passed away.
Gene Wilder.
Born June 1933 and passed away August this year.
Gene wilder graced our screens for many years and is noted for his wild and slightly eccentric characters. His iconic turn as Willy Wonka in the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory captured the perfect balance of the sinister and playful sides of Roald Dahl’s master chocolate maker. He built up an extensive catalogue of work in both comedic and dramatic roles. These included Blazing Saddles, Haunted Honeymoon, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, Young Frankenstein, Stir Crazy, Hanky Panky, and my personal favourite See No Evil, Hear No Evil. He often collaborated with Mel Brooks and frequently starred alongside Richard Pryor.
He wasn’t born Gene Wilder but picked the name when he believed his given name ‘Jerry Silberman’ wouldn’t be appropriate for big roles like Hamlet. I hope that those who grew up watching and loving his movies will take the time to introduce a new generation to his work, it would be criminal for them to miss out.
Bill Nunn.
Born October 1953 and passed away September this year.
Bill Nunn racked up numerous film and television credits throughout the years, including being in all three of the original Spiderman films as Joseph ‘Robbie’ Robertson. He has worked with Spike Lee for many years and through his professionalism became a director favourite.
He was such a diverse actor he was able to play a broad spectrum of characters ranging from thugs and brutes to cuddly teddy bear types like Detective Eddie Souther in the 1992 comedy hit Sister Act.
Robert Vaughn.
Born November 1932 and Passed away November this year.
Robert Vaughn is probably best known for his portrayal of suave secret agent Napoleon Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. You can keep your Bonds and Bournes, Napoleon Solo was the first secret agent to sneak into my heart. He appeared in films and TV series through the years including a Man from U.N.C.L.E. film and appearances in The A Team, Perry Mason and Murder She Wrote.
In recent years he was a main character in Hustle, a British show about a group of Con Artists and he even appeared in Coronation Street. Proving age isn’t a factor he was working in the same year he passed at the age of 83.
Prince Rogers Nelson
Born June 1958 and passed away April this year.
I’ve tried to write this over and over again and I didn’t realize how hard it would be to put into words what Prince meant to me. I’m a huge music lover and there’s only one other thing that I love more than music and that’s the color purple. The reason I love it so much is because of him. I even had my mom buy me a raspberry purple colored beret when I was little, because I wanted to be that girl in the song that he singing about. Even though at the time I had no idea what he meant when he said “overcast days never turned me on but something about the clouds and her mixed.” Another reason I have an obsession with clouds is because of that line right there.
Did you know Purple is the color most often associated with royalty, magic, mystery? And let’s be honest that is the perfect way to describe Prince. His music took you on a sexual ride or made you want to be kissed or it would make you want to laugh in the Purple Rain. I truly hope that somewhere in the heavens he is doing just that, laughing in the Purple Rain along with David Bowie, Michael Jackson, & Whitney Houston.
There’s that song that says The Day the Music Died; I don’t truly believe the music ever dies. Music will always live on. So on April 21st every year going forward I will to listen to it to remember, I will listen to it to help forget he is gone , I will listen to it to remember the past, and I will smile as I share his music with my son.
Musical royalty indeed Prince Rogers Nelson may he forever rest in love and rest in peace. – Brina
Carrie Fisher.
Born October 21, 1956 Passed Away December 27, 2016
Carrie Frances Fisher was an American actress, writer, producer, and humorist. Fisher was the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She was known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars film series. Her other film roles included Shampoo (1975), The Blues Brothers (1980), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), The ‘Burbs (1989), and When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
“I want it reported that I drowned in moonlight, strangled by my own bra.”
Carrie Fisher was a true star. She championed for mental health, and wrote amazing books. She was more than a pretty face. I will always remember her as a Princess. When I was a kid and saw the original Star Wars movies, I only saw a princess.
As I got older and some would say wiser I saw that she was not only a princess, but a kick ass woman. She wasn’t your typical princess, she never needed rescuing. She was a true role model. She was back in action in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as not a princess, but a General. This was the role model all of us women needed.
The void she left in the world, will never be filled.
Debbie Reynolds.
Born April 1, 1932 Passed Away December 28, 2016
File photo – Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher pose in the press room at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA, USA, on January 25, 2015. Debbie Reynolds, who starred opposite Gene Kelly in the 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain, has died a day after the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, on December 28, 2016. Photo by Lionel Hahn/Sipa USA(Sipa via AP Images)
Born Mary Frances Reynolds; was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and humanitarian. She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film Three Little Words, and her breakout role was her first leading role, as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain (1952). Other successes include The Affairs of Dobie Gillis (1953), Susan Slept Here (1954), Bundle of Joy (1956 Golden Globe nomination), The Catered Affair (1956 National Board of Review Best Supporting Actress Winner), and Tammy and the Bachelor (1957), in which her performance of the song “Tammy” reached number one on the Billboard music charts. In 1959, she released her first pop music album, entitled Debbie.
Debbie passed away the day after Carrie, whilst making funeral arrangements. Debbie died of a broken heart.
