Patrick Macnee, (1922-2015), aged 93. Another great veteran (like his friend the recently departed Christopher Lee, also 93). A confession: I have never seen THE AVENGERS as I didn't begin watching television until the late Sixties, but Macnee was iconic as John Steed opposite all those ladies: Cathy Gale, Emma Peel, Tara King, Purdey ... He later moved to America and had a long career in television. One fascinating fact about his fascinating life is that he was reared by his lesbian mother and her female partner ...
Roger Rees, (1944-2015), aged 71. Welsh actor who was principally a man of the theatre, spending years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but later had a lot of television (THE WEST WING) and cinema credits. He made his name with the RSC's famous production of THE ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKELBY, a stage marathon that was a huge success in London and New York, earning him Olivier and Tony awards.
Andy Griffith, (1926-2015), aged 86. We know Andy from his role as Lonesome Rhodes in Kazan's 1957 drama A FACE IN THE CROWD (which also introduced the young Lee Remick). Andy of course had a long career in television with his ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW and so much more, which never aired here.
Andy Griffith, (1926-2015), aged 86. We know Andy from his role as Lonesome Rhodes in Kazan's 1957 drama A FACE IN THE CROWD (which also introduced the young Lee Remick). Andy of course had a long career in television with his ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW and so much more, which never aired here.
Laura Antonelli, (1941-2015), aged 73. Italian actress who had lots of successes in the 1970s. I know her mainly from Visconti's L'INNOCENTE in 1976 where she is ravishing in those period outfits and the perfect centre of Visconti's drama - see review of it at the "Popular Posts" sidebar, right.. She was also effective in Bolognini's grimy funny GRAN BOLLITO.
So sad to lose so many wonderful performers all at once.
ReplyDeletePatrick Macnee lead a full, seemingly quite happy and long life so it wasn't much of a surprise.
I knew Omar had been ailing, I had read a few items about his supposed drunkenness and confused state which had a very Rita Hayworth vibe before her Alzheimer's diagnosis prior to his own being announced. Seems his heart attack was unexpected but better than he continue to just waste away.
The real shocker was Roger Rees, I hadn't heard he was ill-such an engaging presence.
I completely missed Laura Antonelli's passing, I've only seen a few of her films but what a knockout she was.
Indeed. Roger Rees was happily 'out' and married, survived by his husband.
ReplyDeleteAndy Griffith died again??? (He previously passed away in 2012.)
ReplyDeleteOuch! How come I saw it was 2015 .... ?
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