Search the Community

Norah Baring, Alfred Hitchcock's leading lady in his 1930 film "Murder!" will be 99 on January 1 2006. I think the only problem we have here is this - does this lady pass the famouseness test? I'm not 100 per cent certain she does. But if we think so, we could have a very good candidate for next year. It's perhaps one for debate. So here are the pros and cons as I see them. The pros: 1 She is a Htichcock leading lady. There were around 50 of them and they all exist as a movie sub-genre in themselves. 2 She is British and will be natural fodder for a Daily Telegraph obit. 3 She starred in Hitchcock's second talkie, very early in his career and will be seen as something of a pioneer. (Anny Ondra, wife of Deathlist success Max Schmeling, was his first and received numerous obits when she died in 1987, despite making only a handful of British films and retiring in 1951.) 4 Virtually all Hitchcock leading ladies get an obit in the broadsheets. 5 In "Murder!", she is a devastatingly stunning brunette (rare for Hitchcock, who famously cast blondes). Her uniqueness to the obit writers is again enhanced. The cons: 1 She retired from films in 1934! (Although this could make her more of an enigma for obit writers). 2 We have no idea of her health although one very poorly put together website is following her longevity with interest, along with other ancient movie stars - http://www.totalblowhole.com/new-4688533-4676.html. Opinions gratefully sought.

http://www.wikitruth.info/index.php?title=...d:Brian_Peppers Surely he must be a good shout?

What does everyone think about the idea that the late performer Roy Castle contracted lung cancer through passive smoking? Did he really suck that much in through his trumpet, or was it something to do with tap dancing in working mens clubs in the 50s/60s/70s?

I remember Derek Bond as one of the first members of the 'Tonight' team with Cliff Michelmore and Fyfe Robertson in the mid-50s. He soon decided that his career would flourish better elsewhere. Born 26th January 1920, so presumably is ageing appropriately somewhere! Does anyone else remember him?

former NASCAR driver Benny Parsons to be treated for lung cancer http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/raci...s.ap/index.html would very likely pass the fame test in the US, not so sure he would in the UK. Anyone on this side of the ocean heard of him?

I was sorry to hear that Barbara Kelly died, she of 'What's my Line' fame, and I think, Criss Cross Quiz many years ago. Although I may be wrong on that.

I searched and couldn't find mention of Robert Anton Wilson, counter culture godfather and friend of Tim Leary. Could be an 'early doors' bidder for 2007. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anton_Wilson Quote: "On June 22, 2006, Huffington Post blogger Paul Krassner reported that Robert A. Wilson is currently under hospice care at home with friends and family. [1] On 2 October 2006 Douglas Rushkoff reported that Wilson was in severe financial trouble.[2] As of 3 October the front page of rawilson.com contains an appeal for funds. Slashdot, Boing Boing, and the Church of the Subgenius also picked up on the story, linking to Rushkoff's appeal. [3] [4] These efforts succeeded beyond expectation and raised over USD 80,000 which will support him for at least 6 months.[citation needed]"

Saw a TV programme last night about child stars & was shocked at the state of Jack Wild. He's only about 50 but looks much older. He's had his tongue & larynx removed due to cancer. Doesn't look like he'll make old bones. Anyone know of any other former child stars in a bad way?

This thread is the place to discuss Joseph Barbera.

Remember that little annoying guy from the 60's ( and 70's) Charlie Drake? Has he ran out of breath yet or is he still going?

if so, this looks HIGHLY promising... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10492861/

.

Scouting through the internet news pages, I keep coming up with storys about a 'pop diva' called Brenda Fassie. However, I can't seem to find any news about her outside of African (mainly South African) web sites. So, out of interest I am posting this topic just to see if anyone else has actually heard of her - perhaps I'm getting old and she is the best thing since the Spice Girls? Anyway, famous or not, she doesn't look like she is going to be singing any more! http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/...1521329,00.html DWB

The anti-smoking campaigner Allen Carr, has been diagnosed with lung cancer He says: "This has come as a shock but I remain very upbeat.” He might as well start smoking again.

Robert Altman, aged 81, revealed at the Oscars on Sunday night that he'd had a heart transplant 10 years ago. Is his lifetime achievment a sign of his impending demise?

Ferenc Puskás,born in 1927 the legendary Hungarian Footballer, is almost certain to die during 2006. His family have just put all his medals and memorobilia up for sale to pay for his continuing care for advanced Alzheimers. He was injured and did not play a part in the infamous "Battle of Berne" during the 1954 World Cup. This did not stop the Brazilians stabbing him with a broken bottle during the post match punch up. A superb all round player - better than Best in my opinion. The national stadium in Hungary is named after him.

I think the actor Jack Palance is a ' good bet ' for this year. Not sure of his age, but he he definitely clocking up the years now....This could be one to watch out for and I am surprised he's not on the list....could he be nominated for next years list ?

Paul Ableman, not exactly a household name and I'm struggling to find an internet link that bring up issues of his health. If anyone else sees one please patch in a link. I have a hunch he and his family will be more bothered about his health than his writing from now on. Should get some broadsheet obit attention when he goes.

Surely poor Rose doesn't have long left? 84, I believe and still institutionalised after her lobotomy.

Red Auerbach, NBA Hall of Fame Coach (Boston Celtics), passed away at the age of 89.

This thread is the place to discuss Byron Nelson.

Apparently on the way out: http://www.nbc4.tv/entertainment/9623024/detail.html Don't know if he'd pass the "fame test" - I'd certainly heard of him. If he makes it through the year, a good bet for '07.

Just wondering if anyone else had heard of Kevin Smith? He played Ares in the tv show Xena. He had been cast in a supporting role in Tears of the Sun, alongside Bruce Willis, and many believed this role would have made him a hollywood star. Unfortunately he died in 2002 after falling from a prop tower on the set of another film. He fell into a coma and died from severe head injuries. This seemed like an appropriate place to mention him seeing as how it's a forum about dead people.

Red Buttons put in 2006

Ta Mok, 80, one of only two surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge being held in detention, is in a coma. He was hospitalised on June 29th with heart, lung and respiratory problems, but recently his health took a turn for the worst, and his doctors are very pessimistic about his chances for a recovery. Ta Mok