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In Memoriam: Harve Presnell (1933-2009)
Filed under: Obits
Actor, singer and Broadway star Harve Presnell died July 1, 2009 at the age of 75. Born September 14, 1933, Presnell started his career on stage, playing prominent roles on Broadway in shows such as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, before moving into film work in the late 1960s. Perhaps best known as the domineering father-in-law to William H. Macy's sheepish wannabe kidnapper in Fargo, Presnell enjoyed a career resurgence in the 1990s and became one of the more recognizable character actors of the last two decades.Presnell's performance in Fargo was one of those that made even cinephiles wonder, who is this guy? Playing Wade Gunderson, the gruff and obstinate father of the film's kidnap victim, he complemented the desperate ambition of Macy's Jerry Lundegaard and the smalltown sensibleness of Frances McDormand's Marge Gunderson. That same year, he appeared in several other movies, including The Whole Wide World, Larger Than Life and The Chamber, rekindling a film career that stagnated in 1976.
Karl Malden Dies at 97
Filed under: Obits
Karl Malden, an Oscar- and Emmy-winning actor and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, died of natural causes today in Los Angeles at the age of 97. His long life and successful career were virtually free of scandal or controversy, and as an actor he was by all accounts a consummate professional. He and his wife, Mona, who survives him, were married for 70 years, which might literally be a show-business record. Malden was born Mladen George Sekulovich in Chicago, the son of a Serbian father and Czech mother. He changed his name for obvious reasons when he went into acting (after working alongside his father in the steel mills), but often found a way for someone to mention the name "Sekulovich" in his films, as a tribute to his roots. He appeared in 21 Broadway productions between 1937 and 1957, including the premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire in 1947. He and several other cast members from the show, including Marlon Brando, reprised their roles for the 1951 film version, and Malden won an Oscar for best supporting actor. He was later nominated for On the Waterfront, in which he also appeared with Brando. Overall, he appeared in some 50 films, 19 in the 1960s alone.
In the 1970s, he earned four Emmy nominations as the star of The Streets of San Francisco, where he played an experienced cop working with rookie Michael Douglas. Malden also appeared in American Express TV commercials throughout the '70s ("Don't leave home without it"), an oft-parodied but long-remembered campaign that worked because of his familiar, trustworthy face. His bulbous nose, perhaps the most recognizable thing about him, was the result of sports injuries in his youth, and Malden joked about it frequently. He later won an Emmy for his work in the 1984 miniseries Fatal Vision.
Michael Jackson's Bond with Sci-Fi and Comics
Filed under: Music & Musicals, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fandom, Obits
One of the things us genre fans remember most about Michael was his love of sci-fi and fantasy. It oozed out of almost everything he touched, and as visionary filmmakers like James Cameron and George Lucas began making advancements in special effects during the 1980s, Jackson was right there, incorporating his talents into the most memorable music videos of our generation. Here, SciFi Squad's Mike Moody remembers Jackson's love of sci-fi and comics, and points to some really great content from around the web as all of us come together today to mourn the loss of a pop-culture legend.
Michael Jackson, the king of pop, whose music left an indelible mark on the popular music landscape, died yesterday at the age of 50. It seemed there was little about Jackson's life that didn't make the news or tabloids throughout his long career, with the possible exception of his love of science fiction and comic books.
Jackson was a huge comic book fan, and even considered buying Marvel Comics in the 1990s. MTV Splashpage looks at Jackson's history with comics, and notes that the pop star owned a giant collection of superhero books, costumes and statues that recently went up for auction. Comics Alliance has a rundown on Jackson's 5 greatest moments in comics, including his last public trip to a comic shop and the fate of his Moonwalker comic.
Read more at SciFi Squad
BREAKING: Michael Jackson Dies, According to Reports
Filed under: Fandom, Newsstand, Obits
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TMZ is reporting that Michael Jackson has died of cardiac arrest. Paramedics were called to his home this afternoon after the singer stopped breathing. When they arrived, he had no pulse and after repeated attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. Jackson's songs were featured on a number of different movie soundtracks over the years, and as an actor he appeared in the film The Wiz and the Francis Ford Coppola-directed Captain EO, among others. Of course we'll never forget his extended music video/short film for Thriller, directed by John Landis (who later directed his video for Black or White), as well as the other countless videos that helped shape our culture. Though he's had his share of problems and controversy over the years, it's sad to hear that one of the great pop-culture icons of our generation has passed on. He was 50.UPDATE: The LA Times now confirms through law enforcement officials that Jackson passed away after arriving at the hospital in a deep coma.
Feel free to share you favorite Michael Jackson memories in the comments section ...
Michael Jackson Photos
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 1972 file photo, The Jackson 5, from left, Tito, Marlon, Michael, Jackie and Jermaine perform during the "Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)
AP
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 1977 file photo, Diana Ross, center, as Dorothy, Michael Jackson, right, as Scarecrow, and Nipsey Russell as Tinman perform during filming of the musical "The Wiz" in New York. Ted Ross, portraying the Lion, is partly hidden behind Russell. (AP Photo, file)
AP
Singer Michael Jackson (C) and sisters LaToya (L) and Janet Jackson walk over to greets fans during a lunch break at a pretrial hearing in Santa Maria, California in this August 16, 2004 file photo. Pop giant Michael Jackson, who took to the stage as a child star and went on to set the world dancing to the thumping rhythms of his music for decades, died on June 25, 2009, TMZ website reported. He was 50. There was no official confirmation of the reported death and spokespersons for Jackson could not be reached for comment. REUTERS/Ed Souza/Pool/Files (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH)
Reuters
FILE - In this undated file photo, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, front right, Marlon Jackson, front left, Tito Jackson, back left, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine, back right, are shown in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)
AP
FILE - In this Friday, April 30, 2004 file picture, Michael Jackson, center, surrounded by security, uses his hand to block the view of cameras as he arrives for his expected indictment on charges related to child molestation at a courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif. (AP Photo/Pool, Hector Mata)
AP
FILE - In this 1972 file photo, singer Michael Jackson at age 13, the youngest member of the singing group Jackson Five, sings in his home in Encino, Ca. (AP Photo, file)
AP
U.S. pop star Michael Jackson performs "We are the World" during the World Music Awards at Earl's Court in London in this November 15, 2006 file photo. Pop giant Michael Jackson, who took to the stage as a child star and went on to set the world dancing to the thumping rhythms of his music for decades, died on June 25, 2009. TMZ website reported. He was 50. There was no official confirmation of the reported death and spokespersons for Jackson could not be reached for comment. REUTERS/Kieran Doherty/Files (BRITAIN ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Reuters
SANTA MARIA - MARCH 24: (FILE PHOTO) Singer Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on day 19 of his child molestation trial March 24, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson
Getty Images
SANTA MARIA, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: (FILE PHOTO) Singer/songwriter Michael Jackson waves to fans as he arrives for court on September 17, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson
Getty Images
SANTA MARIA, CA - AUGUST 16: (FILE PHOTO) Defendant Michael Jackson with sisters LaToya Jackson (L) and Janet Jackson exit the Santa Maria courthouse for break during the evidentiary hearing in the Michael Jackson child molestation case August 16, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, receiving CPR in the ambulance, according to reports. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Jackson
Getty Images
Farrah Fawcett Dies After Battle with Cancer
Filed under: Obits
Farrah Fawcett, one of the original Charlie's Angels cast members and the best-selling pinup girl in history, died this morning in Santa Monica, Calif, three years after being diagnosed with cancer. Actor Ryan O'Neal, with whom she'd had an on-again/off-again relationship for nearly 30 years, was at her side. Fawcett was 62. The Corpus Christi native and University of Texas at Austin alumnus had become relatively famous in the early 1970s doing modeling and guest spots on various TV shows, but it was her role as one of the three sexy crime fighters in Charlie's Angels, in 1976, that made her a superstar. The iconic poster of her in a red swimsuit sold 12 million copies -- the most ever for a poster -- and adorned teenage boys' bedrooms all across America. When she appeared mostly nude in Playboy in 1995, at age 48, it became the magazine's bestselling issue of the 1990s.
She left Charlie's Angels after a year to pursue a movie career that never materialized, but she earned critical respect and Emmy nominations in made-for-TV movies throughout the 1980s, including The Burning Bed and Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story. Her theatrical films included Logan's Run, The Cannonball Run, The Apostle, and Dr. T and the Women. Her last role was in the 2004 comedy The Cookout.
Fawcett and O'Neal have a son, Redmond, born in 1985.
[Via: Associated Press and Variety.]
R.I.P. Dom DeLuise
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family Films, Obits
Wow. Leave it to one friend's muted Facebook status to tip me off to the fact that actor Dom DeLuise passed away yesterday at the age of 75.Most of us probably grew up watching his comedic work, whether it was live-action -- Blazing Saddles, The Muppet Movie, The Cannonball Run -- or animated -- An American Tail, The Secret of NIMH, All Dogs Go to Heaven. He also frequently appeared on the small screen, eventually garnering a Golden Globe nomination and a Daytime Emmy for his live-action and animated TV work, respectively. He also authored several children's books and cookbooks in his spare time.
According to Popeater, he is survived by his wife of 54 years and three sons. No cause of death has been given at the time of this posting.
Who's Your Favorite Dirty Old Lady on Film?
By now you've probably heard -- Maude-Golden Girl Bea Arthur passed away over the weekend at the age of 86. In honor of the great actress and comedian, EW called up old co-star Rue McClanahan for her thoughts. During the discussion, she said: "And she [Arthur] told some pretty raunchy jokes, live on stage. In fact, a couple that were just a bit too much for me! [Laughs.] But boy she could tell a dirty joke. Oh my God, she was funny!"This is what makes her passing right now all the more unfortunate -- one of the greats has left us just as the dirtiness of the silver set, particularly the Golden Girls themselves, dips into a Renaissance already mourning the loss of Estelle Getty. Lenora Claire recently brought us the wonder of Golden Gals Gone Wild. Meanwhile, Betty White jumped from her woman-without-morals role on Boston Legal to the dirty ol' Grandma Annie in the upcoming Sandra Bullock romcom The Proposal. One view of the trailer and it is obvious that White is easily the one reason the film might be worth a view or two.
These are the women who tought us the ever-important lesson that age isn't all bridge clubs and shopping sprees to spoil the grandkids. Nor is it something that eradicates every lascivious whim of youth, perversions and obscenities melting away for sugary, batty niceness (even if Ellen Albertini Dow made a wonderful career out of it).
So I thought we could take a moment on this Monday to give some love to the old ladies who defy expectations, whether they're spinning a dirty joke with the best of 'em, or delivering shocker line for comedic effect (like Jessamine Milner in Blazing Saddles). Which surprising old women stick in your memory banks? The killers of Arsenic and Old Lace? The saucy dentured neighbor in Yes Man? That other famous Maude, the one who loved Harold? Or maybe Nedra Volz from Moving Violations? Weigh in below!
RIP, J.G. Ballard
Filed under: Obits
After a long battle with prostate cancer, British novelist J. G. Ballard passed away in his home in west London on Sunday at the age of 78. Ballard might not have been a big name in Hollywood, nor lent his time to the world of Tinsel and screenwriting, but his novels did make for two radically different and unforgettable films.First, there was Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun -- the story of Ballard's expat childhood in China and his experiences in an internment camp when the Japanese invaded during World War II. This also happens to be the film that truly kicked off Christian Bale's career (he played the young, fictionalized version of the writer). Ballard once wrote: "In many ways my entire fiction is the dissection of a deep pathology that I had witnessed in Shanghai and later in the postwar world."
This notion adds a whole other dimension to the other notable film made from his work: David Cronenberg's Crash, which saw James Spader, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Deborah Kara Unger, and Rosanna Arquette explore the world of sexual energy bred out of car crashes. Roger Ebert said of the film: "It downloads gigabytes of information about sex, it discovers our love affair with cars, and it combines them in a mistaken algorithm. The result is challenging, courageous and original--a dissection of the mechanics of pornography."
J.G. Ballard, you will be missed.
Perhaps with his passing, Ballard's work will now get new life in Hollywood. Is there any you'd like to see on the big screen?
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
Noted Clothing-Eschewer Marilyn Chambers Dies at 56
Filed under: Obits
You probably knew Marilyn Chambers best as the model who appeared on an Ivory detergent box in the early 1970s, or from her starring roles in Angel of H.E.A.T. and David Cronenberg's Rabid. Or perhaps you remember her as a 2004 vice presidential candidate, running with Charles Jay on the Personal Choice Party ticket and receiving almost a thousand votes. I'm kidding, of course. You remember Marilyn Chambers as a porn star, titillating millions in such films as Behind the Green Door and Insatiable. She passed away over the weekend, in California, 10 days before her 57th birthday.
Chambers' career began wholesomely, with the Ivory gig and some other modeling jobs, as well as a few small-ish roles in movies, including the 1970 Barbra Streisand/George Segal comedy The Owl and the Pussycat, which sounds like porn but isn't. But it was gettin' naked and doin' it that made her a star, and though she found some mainstream work later on, it never approached the success she had in the porn biz. And besides, you might not consider Cronenberg's Rabid -- in which Chambers gets an emergency skin graft that mutates into a phallic stinger under her arm that turns people into zombies -- to be very "mainstream" anyway.
Her most recent work was in a yet-to-be-released indie film called Solitaire. She also did voice work for a spoof called Porndogs, joining several other legendary adult-film stars in providing voices for the animals who make up the bulk of the cast.
Indie Roundup: A Champion Falls, 'Paper Heart,' Yoga Doc Scores Big
Filed under: Documentary, Independent, Deals, Box Office, Distribution, Obits, Cinematical Indie, Trailers and Clips
In this week's edition of Indie Roundup, we begin by noting the sad and untimely passing of one of the great champions of independent film, Wouter Barendrecht. The founder of Fortissimo Films, an international sales and production company, Barendrecht died unexpectedly last weekend from heart failure while in Thailand.
Eugene Hernandez at indieWIRE writes: "Perhaps his greatest professional achievement is the invaluable role he played as a tireless champion of Asian cinema and as a stalwart supporter of independent, queer and international film. On a personal note, his friendships with so many members of the worldwide film community are also hard to overlook." He was just 43.
Deals. Overture Films has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Nicholas Jasenovec's Paper Heart, which debuted at Sundance. In his review, Eric D. Snider said the film, which stars and was co-written by Charlyne Yi, "combines elements of reality and fiction in an amusing, meta-referential way, though one's enjoyment of it may ultimately come down to one's enjoyment of Yi as a performer." Yi's real-life boyfriend, Michael Cera, is featured. Overture plans to release Paper Heart in New York and Los Angeles on August 7 and expand it a week later, according to indieWIRE.
Box Office. Kate Churchill's documentary Enlighten Up!, advertised as "a skeptic's journey into the world of yoga," exercised its right to be the highest per-screen earner among indies, grossing $16,161 at the one theater where it played, per Box Office Mojo. (Check out the trailer, embedded below.) Fashion doc Valentino: The Last Emperor continued to draw good crowds, earning $14,196 per screen at four locations, while Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel helped Matt Aselton's Gigantic become the top performer among new releases, reaping $10,294 for a film that's received mixed reviews.
After the jump: Film festivals around the country.
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Michael Bay Trashes Megan Fox, Talks 'Transformers 3' and 3D_thumbnail.jpg)
First Look: Stewart, Fanning and More Are 'The Runaways'
Actor Needed to Crush Hearts of Innocent Little Kids
500 Days of ... Jenny Beckman?
Karl Malden Dies at 97
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