Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
By: Walter McBride Jan. 01, 2015
Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent.
Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.
Tony-winner and premier actress of the American stage Marian Seldes, 86, died peacefully at her home on October 6, after an extended illness. Her brother Timothy Seldes made the announcement. In a statement, Mr. Seldes said, "It is with deep sadness that I share the news that my dear sister Marian Seldes has died. She was an extraordinary woman whose great love of the theater, teaching and acting was surpassed only by her deep love for her family."
With a career that spanned 60 years, Seldes was the consummate actress and was happiest in the theater. She was honored to be in the theater and her focus and hard work resulted in extraordinary performances that became touchstones for those who worked with her and saw her on stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1948 in the Robinson Jeffers adaptation of MEDEA directed by John Gielgud and starring Judith Anderson in the title role.
Marian Seldes attending the Vineyard Theatre Gala Honoring Actress Marian Seldes at the Rainbow Room in New York City. February 9, 2009
Marian Seldes on stage for The Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for DEUCE at the Music Box Theatre in New York City. May 6, 2007
Marian Seldes attending the Vineyard Theatre Gala Honoring Actress Marian Seldes at the Rainbow Room in New York City. February 9, 2009
Marian Seldes attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance for 'Born Yesterday' in New York City.
Film and stage legend and two-time Tony Award winner Lauren Bacall, passed away on August 12 at the age of 89. The legendary actress suffered a massive stroke and died at home (New York City's famous Dakota Building) according to a family member.
Her career as a leading lady took off when she starred in the Humphrey Bogart film To Have and Have Not (1944). The film made Bacall an overnight success and featured one of the most famous lines in film history, "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and... blow." Following her first collaboration with Bogart, the couple became romantically involved and married on May 21, 1945.
Lauren Bacall in New York City, December 1, 1981
Lauren Bacall attends the Opening Night Party for 'Women Of The Year' in New York City, March 29, 1981
Lauren Bacall attends the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, June 1, 1997
Phyllis Frelich, the Tony-award winning actress, passed away at the age of 70, on April 10. Born on February 29, 1944 in Devils Lake, North Dakota, Frelich was born to deaf parents and was the oldest of nine deaf children. She attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf and graduated in 1962.
Frelich's stage work includes Sganarelle and Songs From Milk Wood at The National Theater of the Deaf. She was also seen in Big River and Prymate on Broadway. Frelich won the 1980 Tony award for Best Actress in a Play for her work as Sarah Norman in Children of a Lesser God.
Phyllis Frelich attending the Opening Night Gypsy Robe Ceremony of the Roundabout Theatre Company and Deaf West Theatre production of BIG RIVER The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at the American Airlines Theatre, New York City. July 24, 2003
On June 11, legendary actresses of stage and screen, Ruby Dee died at the age of 91. According to sources, the actress was at her home in New Rochelle, NY, surrounded by family members when she passed away.
Dee is perhaps best known for her starring role in the 1960s film "A Raisin in the Sun", as well as her appearances in the SPIKE Lee films "Do the Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever." She was most recently seen on the big screen in "American Gangster", in which she took on the role of the mother of Denzel Washington's character. Dee made several appearances on Broadway, earning two Drama Desk Awards for her performance in 1971's Boesman and Lena and 1973's Wedding Band. Among her theater credits are the original production of A Raisin in the Sun, Checkmates, Purlie Victorious, The Smile of the World, A Long Way from Home, Anna Lucasta and South Pacific.
Ruby Dee attending the Crystal Apple Awards at Gracie Mansion in New York City. July 6, 1991
Ruby Dee arriving for the Opening Night Performance of FINIAN'S RAINBOW at the St. James Theatre in New York City. October 29, 2009
On December 9, actress and former Miss America, Mary Ann Mobley, passed away in Beverly Hills, CA following a long battle with breast cancer. She was 75.
Mobley was crowned MISS AMERICA 1959, the first Mississippian to achieve this honor, winning the national talent award. After serving her reign as Miss America 1959, Mobley embarked on what has been a long career in both film and television. She has been active in many charitable causes and was awarded the Outstanding Young Woman of the Year Award in 1966 by Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. Mobley appeared in several movies, including two with Elvis Presley in 1965, Girl Happy and Harum Scarum; and on such television shows as Fantasy Island, Custer, Mission: Impossible and The Love Boat. She landed a recurring role on the show Falcon Crest and played Maggie McKinney/Drummond inDiff'rent Strokes during the series' final season, replacing Dixie Carter.
Mary Ann Mobley on March 1, 1981 in New York City.
Kate O'Mara was a prolific stage and screen actress. She was most well known for her role of Caress Morrell in the popular soap opera Dynasty. On March 30, O'Mara passed awar today in a Sussex, England nursing home following a brief illness. She was 74.
O'Mara was born in 1939. Besides Dynatsy, O'Mara also appeared in Doctor Who, Howard's Way, Family Affairs, Absolutely Fabulous, and more. Her stage credits are also just as long, ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary works. O'Mara has appeared in Macbeth, King Lear, Duet for One, As You Like It, Who's Afriad of Virgina Wolf, and Of Mice and Men, to name a few.
Kate O'Mara on the set of 'Dynasty' in Los Angeles California on September 16, 1986
On June 26, Mary Rodgers Guettel died at her home in Manhattan after a long illness, according to her son Alec Guettel. She was 83 years old. An accomplished author, screenwriter and composer, Mary Rodgers' earliest professional credits included serving as Assistant to the Producer of Leonard Bernstein's New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts. Her Broadway career began as composer of the 1959 musical ONCE UPON A MATTRESS starring Carol Burnett, later broadcast to great success on network television and revived repeatedly. More than 400 productions of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS are presented annually in the U.S. and Canada and a 1997 Broadway production starring Sarah Jessica Parker earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical Revival. ABC-TV presented a new version of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS on "The Wonderful World of Disney" in late 2005 (subsequently released on DVD), once again starringCarol Burnett-this time as the wicked Queen Aggravain, with Tracy Ullman as Princess Winnifred.
As a composer, her additional theatre credits include HOT SPOT starring Judy Holliday, THE MAD SHOW, WORKING, and THE GRIFFIN AND THE MINOR CANON. Her television credits include Once Upon a Mattress, Three to Make Music (written with her sister Linda and starring Mary Martin), Feathertop, and Marlo Thomas' Free to Be...You and Me. She also composed the scores for several productions featuring the legendary Bil BairdMarionettes, including DAVY JONES' LOCKER and PINOCCHIO, and several musicals for Theatreworks/USA. Her musicals have been celebrated in a revue, HEY, LOVE.
Mary Rodgers Guettel at the Opening Night of the Roundabout Theatre Company's Production of Speech & Debate at the Black Box Theatre in New York City. October 29, 2007
Mary Rodgers Guettel at the Opening Night of the Roundabout Theatre Company's Production of Speech & Debate at the Black Box Theatre in New York City. October 29, 2007
Mary Rodgers Guettel attending the "South Pacific" Opening Night Performance After Party at Tavern On The Green Restaurant in New York City. April 3, 2008
Broadway legend Elaine Stritch died July 17, at home in Birmingham, MI. The star was 89 years old. Stritch made her professional stage debut in 1944 and her Broadway debut in the comedy Loco in 1946. Notable Broadway credits include her Tony Award nominated roles in the original production of William Inge's 1955 play Bus Stop, Noël Coward's 1961 musical Sail Away, Stephen Sondheim's 1970 musical Company, which includes her performance of the song "The Ladies Who Lunch", the 1996 revival of the Edward Albee play A Delicate Balanceand her 2001 Tony Award winning one-woman show Elaine Stritch at Liberty.
Stritch became known as a singer with a brassy, powerful voice, most notably originating on Broadway the role of Joanne in Company (1970). After over a decade of successful runs in shows in New York, Stritch moved in 1972 to London, where she starred in the West End production of Company. She then starred in several West End productions, including Tennessee Williams' Small Craft Warnings in 1973 and the Neil Simon play The Gingerbread Lady in 1974. On television, she starred with Donald Sinden in the ITV sitcom Two's Company, which ran from 1975 to 1979 and earned Stritch a BAFTA Award nomination.
Elaine Stritch attending an after performance reception for 'Elaine Stritch: 'Movin' Over And Out' her final engagement ever at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City on 4/2/2013
Elaine Stritch attending the Opening Night Performance of 'Ann' starring Holland Taylor at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in New York City on 3/7/2013
Elaine Stritch attends the 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me' screening at The Paley Center For Media on February 19, 2014 in New York City.
Elaine Stritch with Rob Bowman at the Piano performing 'Movin' Over And Out' her final engagement ever at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City on 4/2/2013
Shirley Temple Black passed away at the age of 85, on February 10. The film and television actress, singer and dancer began her film career in 1932 at the age of three, and in 1934 found international fame in Bright Eyes, a feature film designed specifically for her talents. She received a special Juvenile Academy Award in February 1935 for her outstanding contribution as a juvenile performer to motion pictures in 1934, and film hits such as Curly Top and Heidi followed year after year during the mid-to-late 1930s. Licensed merchandise that capitalized on her wholesome image included dolls, dishes, and clothing.
Her box office popularity waned as she reached adolescence, and she left the film industry in her teens. She appeared in a few films of varying quality in her mid-to-late teens, and retired completely from films in 1950 at the age of 22. She was the top box-office draw four years in a row (1935-38) in a Motion Picture Herald poll.
Shirley Temple Black attends the book party for Shirley Temple Black 'Child Star' on October 25, 1988 at B. Dalton Book Store in New York City.
Shirley Temple Black attends the book party for Shirley Temple Black 'Child Star' on October 25, 1988 at B. Dalton Book Store in New York City.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE veteran Jan Hooks passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2014, after battling a serious illness. She was 57. Hooks appeared as part of SNL's main cast from 1986 to 1991 alongside stars Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey and Dennis Miller. Among her most famous bits were her impressions of Sinead O'Connor,Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Jodie Foster and more, plus her role as 'Candy Sweeney' of the Sweeney Sisters with Nora Dunn.
Among her other TV credits are Designing Women, 3rd Rock from the Sun -- which earned her an Emmy nod in 1998 -- The Martin Short Show, The Simpsons, the movie Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and most recently, 30 Rock.
Jan Hooks (Saturday Night Live) on August 1, 1988 in New York City.
America's Poet Laureate Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86, on May 28. She died in a Winston-Salem, North Carolina hospital while recovering from an "unexpected ailment". She died surrounded by her family.
Angelou has received more than 30 honorary degrees from universities worldwide. She is perhaps best known for her 1969 book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", which tells of her life up to the age of seventeen, and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
Maya Angelou at the celebration of Quincy Jones' 50th year in music at the Roseland in New York, 1995.
Maya Angelou attending The Abyssinian Development Corporation's (ADC) Tenth Annual Renaissance Day of Commitment Leadership Breakfast at City College in Harlem, New York City..June 15, 2004.
Michelle Obama & Maya Angelou onstage during the BET Honors 2012 at the Warner Theatre on January 14, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Actress, singer and stage veteran Polly Bergen died on September 20, at 84 of natural causes. The star was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing.
A Columbia recording artist in the 1950s, Bergen appeared on Broadway in SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS, FOLLIES, (for which she received a Tony nomination as Best Featured Actress in a Musical), CABARET, LOVE LETTERS, FIRST IMPRESSIONS, CHAMPAGNE COMPLEX and JOHN MURRY ANDERSON'S ALMANAC. Her film credits include the original Cape Fear (1962) opposite Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum, three Dean Martinand Jerry Lewis comedy films in the early 1950s including At War with the Army, That's My Boy and The Stooge; Cry-Baby and Move Over, Darling.
Polly Bergen performing at the "Nothing Like A Dame: A Party For Comden And Green" at the Laura Pels Theatre on June 15, 2009 in New York City.
Polly Bergen & Elaine Stritch attending the Primary Stages 23rd Anniversary Gala.honoring Jack O'Brien and Daryl Roth at a Private Club in New York City..November 12, 2007.
Actress Luise Rainer passed away at the age of 104, on December 30. She is survived by her daughter, Francesca Knittel-Bowyer, who revealed to the BBC that her mother had died of pneumonia at her home in London.
The actress was the longest-lived person ever to receive an Academy Award and the first to win back-to-back Academy Awards. Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Jason Robards and Tom Hanks are the only other actors to win consecutive Oscars. Rainer's training began in Germany from the age of 16 by leading Austrian stage director Max Reinhardt. After a few years, she became recognized as a "distinguished Berlin stage actress", acting with Reinhardt's Vienna theater ensemble. Critics "raved" about her stage and film acting quality, leading MGM to sign her to a three-year contract and bring her to Hollywood in 1935. A number of filmmakers anticipated she might become another Greta Garbo, MGM's leading female star.
Luise Rainer in New York City 1981
Luise Rainer in New York City. 1982
Luise Rainer in NYC, February 16, 1983
Comedy legend Joan Rivers died on September 4, at the age of 81. She was long a fixture on the New York scene, with numerous standup appearances, benefit appearances, and a long association with the theatrical community. She was a constant presence at opening nights and special events, and never hesitated to express her love for theatre and live entertainment.
Her Broadway credits include Fun City, Broadway Bound and Sally Marr...and her escorts, for which she received a Drama Desk Nomination as Outstanding Actress in a Play and a Tony Nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
Joan Rivers attending the Joan Rivers hosted book party in honor of authors, Alan Shayne and Norman Sunshine's new book, 'Double Life: A Love Story from Broadway to Hollywood at the 21 Club in New York City.
Joan Rivers attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance for 'Kinky Boots' at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City on 4/3/2013
Beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams passed away on August 11, at the age of 63. After studying theatre at Julliard, Mr. Williams rose to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series "Mork & Mindy." Williams went on to establish a successful career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting, winning an Oscar for his supporting role in Good Will Hunting. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.
His film career included The World According to Garp; Good Morning, Vietnam; Dead Poets Society; Awakenings; The Fisher King; Good Will Hunting; Popeye; Hook; Aladdin; Mrs. Doubtfire; Jumanji; The Birdcage; Night at the Museum; and Happy Feet.
The Imperial and Music Box Theater pay tribute to Robin Williams as Broadway dims the lights to honor his life and career on August 13, 2014 in New York City.
Robin Williams pictured in New York City in 1985.
Robin Williams attends the 'Bengal Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo' Meet & Greet during Rehearsals at The New 42nd Street Studios in New York City.
Robin Willams with playwright Rajiv Joseph & director Moises Kaufman during the Broadway Opening Night Curtain Call for 'Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo' at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.
Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg with Billy Crystal on May 1, 1990 in New York City.
David Brenner, Richard Belzer, Pat Benatar, Robin Williams and Neil Giraldo on August 17, 1982 in New York City.
Legendary stand-up comedian and long time Tonight Show favorite, David Brenner passed away at the age of 78 on Saturday, March 15th after a battle with cancer. According to the comic's official web site Brenner died peacefully at his home in New York City surrounded by his family at his side. In Brenner's final request he asked that one hundred dollars in small bills be placed in his left sock, "just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going."
Brenner was a writer, director or producer of 115 television documentaries and headed the documentary units of Westinghouse Broadcasting andMetromedia, winning nearly 30 awards including an Emmy, before moving to comedy.
David Brenner in New York City, September 15, 1986
Mickey Rooney, who spent nearly his entire life in the show business, died on April 6 at 93, after being in ill health for quite some time. He appeared on Broadway in Sugar Babies (opposite fellow MGM legend Ann Miller) and The Will Rogers Follies.
A four-time Oscar-nominee for Babes in Arms, The Human Comedy, The Bold and the Brave and The Black Stallion (as well as the winner of a 1939 Academy Juvenile Award), Rooney was American's biggest box office attraction at one point in the late 1930s. Brash, charming and exuberant, he was acclaimed for his skills as an actor as well as a song and dance man. With Garland, he starred in such films asBabes in Arms, Strike Up the Band, Girl Crazy and Babes on Broadway. He also played the title role in the Andy Hardyfilms. Rooney, who has appeared in literally hundreds of films and TV shows, has also appeared on screen in Boys Town, Young Tom Edison, Words and Music, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Requiem for a Heavyweight and Babe: Pig in the City, among many others.
Mickey Rooney in New York City..September 1979.
Mickey Rooney at The Sands Expo in Las Vegas in January of 1996.
British actor, director, and producer Richard Lord Attenborough, best known for the Academy Award-winning film, Ghandi died at age 90, on August 24.
Early in his acting career, he appeared in the original cast of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap (1952) on the West End as Detective Sergeant Trotter, opposite his wife Sheila Slim. His career included more than 70 screen appearances, earning 31 awards and an additional 16 nominations across many awards organizations. He won British Academy Awards for Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964) and Guns at Batasi (1964), as well as Golden Globe Awards for The Sand Pebbles (1966) and Dr. Dolittle (1967).
Richard Attenborough in New York City. January 10, 1986.
Richard Attenborough attending the Gala Screening of CLOSING THE RING at the Toronto International Film Festival held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto Canada. September 14, 2007
Christopher Plummer and Richard Attenborough attending the Gala Screening of CLOSING THE RING at the Toronto International Film Festival held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto Canada. September 14, 2007
Gerald "Gerry" Goffin, the legendary lyricist who, with songwriting partner (and first wife) Carole King, was responsible for some of the greatest popular hits of the 20th Century, died at his home of natural causes on Thursday, June 19, 2014. The announcement was made by his wife Michele Goffin.
Carole King said in a statement: "Gerry Goffinwas my first love. He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come. His legacy to me is our two daughters, four grandchildren, and our songs that have touched millions and millions of people, as well as a lifelong friendship. He will be missed by his wonderful wife Michele, his devoted manager, Christine Russell, his five children, and six grandchildren."
Gerry Goffin attends the Broadway Opening Night of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on January 12, 2014 in New York City.
Actor and playwright Matthew Cowles passed away in his home on May 22nd at 69 years old.
Cowles was born in 1944 and his career spanned both the stage and screen. His Broadway roles include Malcolm (1966), The Time of Your Life (1969), and Sweet Bird of Youth (1975). His movie credits include The Juror (1996), American Loser (2007), Shutter Island (2010), and many more. His most recent short film, Family on Board (2014), is currently in post-production. Television credits include The Bold and Beautiful, All My Children, and more.
Matthew Cowles attending the Opening Night performance for Vanessa Redgrave in THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING at the Booth Theatre in New York City. March 29, 2007
Matthew Cowles attending the Opening Night performance for Vanessa Redgrave in THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING at the Booth Theatre in New York City. March 29, 2007
Oscar de la Renta passed away at 82, on October 20. The news came just after Peter Copping was named Creative Director of the fashion house but de la Renta was to maintain a very active role. De la Renta told WWD, "I'm very happy Peter has agreed to join us. He is a great talent and along with our shared design sensibilities, we both have a deep curiosity about the wider world, from music and art to architecture and gardens. Our industry has not always done the best job when it comes to changes in design leadership. My hope is that, in leading this selection, and actively participating in the transition, I can ensure the right design future for our company and brand."
De la Renta has been battling cancer and died from complications in his home in Kent, Connecticut. The news came via close friend of the designer, Rosanna Rivera, Editor in Chief of Ritmo Social, a prestigious magazine in the Dominican Republic.
Oscar de la Renta attending the CARTIER presents an Evening Where East meets West. A celebration of Le Baiser du Dragon honoring New Yorkers for Children at the Cartier Mansion. May 6, 2003
Actor James Garner, best known for his roles as 'Maverick' and Jim Rockford in the TV series, 'The Rockford Files' passed away at the age of 86, on July 19.
Garner's career spanned more than five decades and included such popular roles as Bret Maverick in the 1950s western-comedy series, Maverick, and Jim Rockford in the 1970s detective drama, The Rockford Files. His began his acting career in 1954 with a non-speaking role in the Broadway play The Caine Mutiny Court Martial. The actor starred in more than fifty films including The Great Escape (1963), Paddy Chayefsky's The Americanization of Emily (1964), Grand Prix (1966), Blake Edwards' Victor Victoria (1982), Murphy's Romance (1985) for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and The Notebook (2004).
James Garner attending the ABC TV Network 2004 - 2005 Upfront Announcement party at Cipriani's Restaurant in New York City. May 18, 2004
James Garner attending the ABC TV Network 2004 - 2005 upfront announcement party at Cipriani's Restaurant in New York City. May 18, 2004.
Oscar, Tony and multi-award winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead at his apartment in Manhattan's West Village, on February 2. He most recently appeared on stage in 2012's revival of Death of a Salesman, for which he received a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Play. The show marked his return to Broadway for the first time since his critically acclaimed, Tony-nominated performance in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night in 2003. He also received a Tony Award nomination in 2000 for his performance in Sam Shepard's True West.
His Off-Broadway credits included The Seagull at the NYSF/Delacorte Theatre (dir: Mike Nichols), Othello, The Merchant of Venice, Shopping and f-ing, Defying Gravity and The Author's Voice. As co-artistic director of theLAByrinth Theatre Company, he has directed productions of Stephen Adly Guirgis' Jesus Hopped the A Train, Our Lady of 121st Street, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and The Little Flower of East Orange, and also starred in and directed Jack Goes Boating. He won the 2005 Academy Award and Golden Globe Award, among other honors for Capote. His film credits also include Boogie Nights, Happiness, Magnolia, The Talented Mr. Ripley, State and Main, Almost Famous, Cold Mountain, Charlie Wilson's War (dir: Mike Nichols), Doubt (Academy Award nomination), Jack Goes Boating, Moneyball, The Ides of March, The Master and, the Hunger Games among others.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman attending th Sixty-Ninth Annual Drama League Awards Luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. May 9th 2003
Phillip Seymour Hoffman during the 68th Annual Theatre World Awards at the Belasco Theatre in New York City on June 5, 2012.
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Phillip Seymour Hoffman during the Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for "Death Of A Salesman" at The Barrymore Theatre New York City on 3/15/2012.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance for 'The Mother F**ker with the Hat' in New York City.
British actor Bob Hoskins, best known for his role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? passed away at the age of 71, on April 29. The actor's agent, Clair Dobbs releassed a statement from the family which revealed he died following a bout of pneumonia.
Hoskins appeared in such films as The Long Good Friday (1980), Mona Lisa (1986), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Mermaids (1990), Hook (1991), Nixon (1995), A Christmas Carol (2009), Neverland (2011), and his final role in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).
Bob Hoskins photographed in New York City in June of 1988.
Radio legend Casey Kasem passed away on June 15 at 82. He was the original voice of the American Top 40 countdown, which he founded back in the 70s. He hosted AT 40 until 2004 and continued to work on the radio until he retired in 2009.
Kasem had been suffering from both advanced Parkinson's disease and dementia. His wife Jean moved him to a nursing home in Santa Monca just a few months ago, which added fire to a fued between her and Kasem's three children from a previous marriage.
Casey Kasem attends the N.A.T.P.E. Convention on January 25, 1999 in New Orleans.
Actor Richard Kiel, best known as the steel-toothed villain 'Jaws' in the James Bond film franchise, passed away on September 10, at the age of 74.
Kiel portrayed the towering villain Jaws in the James Bond movies The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979) as well as the video game Everything or Nothing. He also had cameos in many other James Bond video games.
Richard Kiel at the Video Software Dallas Convention on May 23. 1995 in Dallas Texas.
Acclaimed director, producer, writer, and performer Mike Nichols passed away on November 19, at age 83.
Mike Nichols was among the most celebrated people in the history of show business, one of only a handful of people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Mike Nichols has won more Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play than any other individual. His six nods were for Barefoot in the Park (1964), Luv and The Odd Couple (1965), Plaza Suite (1968), The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1972), The Real Thing (1984), and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman (2012). He has also won in other categories for directing the musical Monty Python's Spamalot (2005), and for producing Annie (1977) and The Real Thing (1984) under the company he founded, Icarus Productions, making it a total of nine Tony Award wins. He also received eight additional nominations.
Mike Nichols attends the Richard Avedon Book Parky at the NYC Public Library on 9/27/1996 in New York City.
Mike Nichols attending the STELLA by STARLIGHT black tie gala celebrating the legacy of Stella Adler and the presentation of the 2004 Stella Adler Studio of Acting Awards. The evening was held at the Grand Ballroom in the Pierre Hotel in New York City. November 8, 2004
Mike Nichols arriving for the Opening Performance of TWELFTH NIGHT at shakespeare in The Park with a Gala Dinner Honoring Mike Nichols & Susan Lyne. June 25, 2009
Oscar winning Austrian actor Maximilian Schell died at age 83, on February 1. Schell, a fugitive from Adolf Hitler, passed away at an Innsbruck hospital after suddenly suffereing from unnamed, serious illness.
Best known for his performance in JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG, Schell received the Academy Award in 1961 for his performance, and the film boasted fine performances from its all-star cast, including his co-star Abby Mann.
Maximillian Schell attending The Drama League Awards on May 11, 2001 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.
James Rebhorn passed away on Friday, March 21, at the age of 65. Rebhorn is most known for his role in the Showtime drama Homeland. His agent, Dianne Busch, told The Hollywood Reporter, "He died from melanoma, which had been diagnosed in 1992. He fought it all this time. He died Friday afternoon at his home in New Jersey, where he had been receiving hospice care for a week and a half."
Rebhorn's career spanned both the screen and stage. Some of his film credits include Meet the Parents, Real Steel, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and The Odd Life of Timothy Green. In terms of theatre, Rebhorn was a regular at the Roundabout Theatre Company in NYC. He's last role with them was as a father with Alzheimer's in Too Much, Too Much, Too Many (2013). He also starred on Broadway in Our Town (1988), Twelve Angry Men (2004), and Prelude to a Kiss (2007), among others.
James Rebhorn attends the Meet & Greet for the Roundabout Theatre Company Production of 'Too Much Too Much Too Many' at their Rehearsal Studios on October 10, 2013 in New York City.
Film, television and stage actor Eli Wallach, whose career spanned more than six decades, beginning in the late 1940s, died on June 24th at the age of 98. Wallach received a BAFTA Award, Tony Award and Emmy Award for his work, and received an Honorary Academy Award at the 2nd Annual Governors Awards, presented on November 13, 2010.
In 1945 he made his Broadway debut and won a Tony Award in 1951 for his performance alongside Maureen Stapleton in the Tennessee Williams play The Rose Tattoo. His other theater credits include Mister Roberts, The Teahouse of the August Moon, Camino Real, Major Barbara, Luv, and Staircase, co-starring Milo O'Shea, which was a serious depiction of an aging homosexual couple. He last starred on stage as the title character in Visiting Mr. Green.
Eli Wallach photographed at the 1998 Drama League Awards held at the Plaza Hotel on May 8th, 1998.
Eli Wallach photographed in NYC in September1985.
Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson photographed at the Drama League Awards at the Plaza Hotel in NYC on May, 8 1998.
Legendary 1950s crooner Jerry Vale died at the age of 83, on May 18. In a statement to the The Associated Press, Vale's attorney Harold J. Levy shared that the singer passed away in his Palm Desert home surrounded by family and friends.
Vale, who birth name was Genaro Louis Vitaliano, launched his music career as a singer in New York supper clubs during his teenage years. He was signed to a recording deal with Columbia Records and changed his name to Jerry Vale. Among his biggest hits was 1956's "You Don't Know Me."
Jerry Vale attends Opening Night of "Forum" in New York City at the St. James Theater, Party held at Marriott Marquee Hotel on April 18th, 1996.
Jerry Vale attends Opening Night of "Forum" in New York City at the St. James Theater, Party held at Marriott Marquid Hotel on April 18th, 1996.
Geoffrey Holder, the 1975 Tony Award -winning director and costume designer of The Wiz, passed away on October 5 at the age of 84.
Geoffrey Holder was a multi-talented stage and film artist who directed and designed the original Broadway production of The Wiz for which he won two 1975 Tony Awardsâ for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design. In 1978, Mr. Holder directed and choreographed the Broadway musical Timbuktu!, receiving a 1978 Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
Geoffrey Holder attending the Opening Night Performance of the New Broadway Dance Musical Hot Feet featuring the Music of Earth, Wind and Fire at the Hilton Theatre on 42nd Street in New York City. April 30, 2006
Geoffrey Holder attending the Broadway Opening Night Revival Performance of PROMISES,PROMISES at the Broadway Theatre in New York City. April 26, 2010
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