Well it's like this, lots of you folks have said you love the bulletins the
most. So we figured, why not preserve them for posterity? Here they are,
special for you:
December 31, 2000
Former Senator and savings and loan scandal bad boy, Alan Cranston, has
left the planet. Alan was a December 31, 2000 death making him the O.B.E.
equivalent of Baby New Year. We're certain many of Cranston's friends are
taking it kinda hard, especially Kato.
December 26, 2000
Two-time Oscar winner actor Jason Robards died at the age of 78. With a
stage, film, and TV career spanning more than 50 years passed away after
fighting a long battle with cancer.
Robards received the Navy Cross (the second highest decoration in the U.S.
Navy) for his service in World War II.
Fittingly, Robard's was last seen as the dying father of a character
played by Tom Cruise in the 1999 film "Magnolia." He won his first Academy
Award as best supporting actor in the 1976 Watergate drama "All the
President's Men." He won a second best supporting actor Oscar for his
role as Dashiell Hammett in the film "Julia."
Robards was also well known for his memorable interpretations of Eugene
O'Neill characters in such plays as "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's
Journey Into Night."
Robards received the Navy Cross (the second highest decoration in the U.S.
Navy) for his service in World War II.
One of the Guys at the O.B.E. had the distinct pleasure of seeing the 1985
revival of "The Iceman Cometh" starring Robards, and attended a small
dinner with him afterwards. In fact, Robards spit a bit of food on him
and the good manners to totally ignore it - dick...
In 1978 Jason starred in a TV movie called "A Christmas to Remember." In
2000, he made his last holiday appearance. Well folks... the Iceman
Goeth... buh bye...
December 26, 2000
We seemed to have missed this one on December 10, 2000 but it appears the
Bishop of Rockville Center, New York, James McHugh croaked. Yup, he was
no major celeb but his passing hit the AP as he was outspoken on several
topics and he was on someone's list. So, the rules being the rules... He
is now Bishop James McPU.
December 23, 2000
A sad day indeed folks... first Victor Borge now Billy Barty. Mr. Barty,
the 3' 10" giant of this business we call 'show' died Saturday of heart
failure. He was 76.
With a career that spanned over 60 years, Billy appeared in his first
Hollywood feature at the age of three and continued to work in the
industry until his death. His body of work included, Radio, Broadway,
Feature Films and Television. Some of his characters included the wizard
in the movie ''Willow'' (1988), a German spy in ''Under the Rainbow''
(1981), a stalker in ''Foul Play'' (1978), and an agent in ''Day of the
Locust'' (1975).
In 1957, Barty founded Little People of America, an advocacy group for
others with dwarfism. He also began a non-profit foundation that bears his
name to help improve the quality of life for little people, the term he
said he preferred.
We at the OBE would rather remember him for what we knew him best; of
course that being the role of Hugo on the Kroft Supershow 'Dr.
Shrinker'... at least the whole 16 episodes it lasted.
On his foundation's Web site, Barty says: ''The name of my condition is
Cartilage Hair Syndrome Hypoplasia, but you can just call me Billy.'' We
at the OBE will just call him dead.
December 23, 2000
It seems that our old (91 to be exact) pal Victor Borge has died. You may
recall that Victor used to play classical music in odd and often comical
ways. In addition, he did that schtick with the punctuation marks on
Sesame Street. Here's a quote about Victor from CNN..."Borge performed
100 or more nights a year, sometimes as pianist and sometimes as
conductor, usually as a clown but sometimes in dead earnest." Now we
understand the dead part, but who the hell is Earnest?
December 23, 2000
JOHN LINDSAY
Former NYC mayor John Lindsay croaked. Mr. Lindsay was a two term Mayor
of NYC in the 60's and 70's. John's campaign slogan was "He's fresh, and
everyone else is tired." We're guessing he ain't so fresh anymore.
POPS STAPLES
Patriarch of the gospel group The Staple Singers, Pop Staples has been
removed.
ROB BUCK
Guitarist for the pop band 10,000 Maniacs died of liver failure. The band
has filed papers to officially change its name to 9,999 Maniacs.
December 21, 2000
Mr. Hearst was the son of a newspaper magnate and the father of the
kidnapped broad. In reality, he's famous because of his dad and his
daughter. Granted, he was stinking rich. The last estimate of his worth
was 1.8 billion. That's billion, with a "B". Now he's dead, with a "D".
December 7, 2000
Mr. Klemperer put in amazing performances on both stage and screen.
Werner also performed narration with almost every major symphony orchestra
in the US. Furthermore, Werner performed in several Operas. All these
things reflect that Mr. Klemperer was a brilliant and accomplished actor.
Too bad the only thing we'll all remember for is…..HOGAN! HOGAN!!!!!!!
November 10, 2000
Author, L. Sprague de Camp, has died. Mr. de Camp was well known in the
science fiction and fantasy community for his ground breaking works. In
addition, he penned the famous "Conan the Barbarian." From "Conan the
Barbarian" to L. Sprague the nonagenarian.
November 5, 2000
Former Louisiana Governor and a fella who penned over 400 songs and
recorded over 50 albums, Jimmie Davis, has died. Among the numbers Davis
wrote and performed were "You are my Sunshine" and "It Makes No
Difference Now." In fact, it really doesn't make a difference now.
October 31, 2000
It is with sadness and our condolences to his family that we report the
death of David G. As some of you may recall, David took both first and
second place in the 1999 O.B.E.
We were informed about two weeks ago that David was diagnosed with brain
cancer earlier this year. He had been going through a painful (for both
he and his family) battle with the cancer. We just found out that he lost
that battle earlier this week.
David played in a bunch of pools and is known in the "Dead Pool
Community," if there is such a thing, as a master of the game. He had a
knack for winning these things and really enjoyed playing them. By all
accounts, he was a hell of a nice guy too.
No witty remarks. No smart ass wise cracks. Just our sincere thoughts to
David's family.
October 31, 2000
Comedian and former "Tonight Show" host Steve Allen is caput.
In recent years Mr. Allen often spoke out against dirty or off-color
comedy, often called "working blue." Funny thing is, that's the only way
Steve's gonna be working from now on.
October 19, 2000
Singer and actress, Julie London has kicked the bucket. London had a
bunch of billboard hits in the 1950's and appeared in a good many films.
In addition, she was married to Jack Webb of "Dragnet" fame and was a
regular on the 1970's TV series Emergency.
We see London, we see France... Actually, we don't see London anymore.
October 18, 2000
Gwen Verdon, a broadway staple from the 1950's through the 1970's has
taken her last curtain call. Gwen's credits include "Damn Yankees,"
"Sweet Charity," "Redhead," "Chicago," and "New Girl in Town." Uh, new
girl in ground is more like it.
October 17, 2000
Granted, Governor of Missouri isn't quite a celebrity but.... Mr.
Carnahan went down in a plane piloted by his son, Roger. Interestingly,
Mel, who is running for the U.S. Senate, will remain on the ballot going
once again to prove, politics is truly a strange profession.
October 7, 2000
Regarding Richard Farnsworth...Don't know if you folks ever saw "The Straight Story," but this fella was
swell. There was a certain shot.......unfortunately, it went right
through Richard's head. What a downer.
September 28, 2000
Seems our old pal Pierre Trudeau has kick the Canadian bucket. You may
recall that Pierre was Prime Minister up in Canada a few years back. The
thing we can't seem to get outta our heads though is that he dated Barbara
Streisand. Maybe he died of embarassment.
September 28, 2000
Star of "Soap" and "Empty Nest," Richard Mulligan has died of cancer.
Mulligan played the quirky dad of Billy Crystal's character on "Soap" and
played Dr. Harry Weston on "Empty Nest." Richard latest work was in the
made for TV picture "Dog's Best Friend." We've got a snesking suspicion
that Richard is about to become worm's best friend too.
September 23, 2000
Journalist Carl Rowan has died. Rowan's work as a natioanlly syndicated
journalist and author has spanned several decades. In addition to his
journalistic accomplishments, Carl created Project Excellence, an
organization designed to help and encourage black youth to finish school
and go on to college.
What we'll miss most about this guy is his work on that Laugh-In show.
September 15, 2000
Emmy award winner Beah Richard is a goner just days after getting the Emmy
for her guest appearance on "The Practice." The old gal was so sick at
the time, the Emmy was delivered to her at her home. Some of her other
works include "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Drugstore Cowboy," "The
Great White Hope," and "Hurry Sundown." Hey Beah, sundown's here.
August 25, 2000
Seems your pals at the O.B.E. missed one. Kevin M. has Carl Barks on his
list. Carl was a Disney animator who is credited with creating the Donald
Duck we know and love. According to the AP Carl is no longer drawing. In
fact, Carl is no longer breathing.
Thanks to Kevin M. for helping us out!!!
August 12, 2000
Actress Loretta Young is dead. Loretta appeared in tons of films most
notably one called "The Farmer's Daughter." Did ya ever here the one
about the farmer's daughter? She's dead.
August 6, 2000
Here's one for you. Actor Sir Alec Guinness has died. We could go on at
length about the depth and breadth of a career like Guinnesses but why
bother when all you really want us to say is something like Obi-Gone
Kenobi.
August 4, 2000
Horse racing legend Fred Hooper is dead. Mr. Hooper was the winner of the
1945 Kentucky Derby and went on the become an influential breeder and a
well known figure in horse racing.
Fred appeared on a coupla player's lists which, of course, makes him post
worthy to the O.B.E. Both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch were quoted as
"being very sad to hear of Mr. Hooper's second demise."
July 28, 2000
Who? Yeah, that's what we said too. But one of the Death Watchers had
Gordie Solie, wrestling anouncer on their lists. His obit hit the AP. A
rule is a rule. He counts! So, Gordie Solong.
July 17, 2000
Chief Bernie Whitebear, an advocate for Indian rights, has died. Is Chief
Whitebear really a celebrity? Probably not! But, Ron H. had him on his
list and the Chief's obituary is in the AP and those are the rules.
Take it from us, Whitebear can't jump.
July 1, 2000
Actor Walter Matthau has died. Matthau Had a swell movie career with hits
like The Bad News Bears, Kotch, The Fortune Cookie, and The Odd Couple
(with Jack Lemmon). The only thing odd about that couple now is that one
of 'em ain't breathing.
June 19, 2000
Actress Nancy Marchand has died. Nancy recently gained renewed
recognition for her role as Livia Soprano in the HBO serioes "The
Sopranos." We don't wanna spoil next season for any of you, but we're
pretty certaina Livia's gonna croak.
June 16, 2000
Jim Hurd, former Planar Systems CEO died of leukemia on June 14, 2000.
Planar is the company that came up with the flat-panel electroluminescent
display. Ya know, those cool flat screens. Uh, laptops folks. Mike R.
had Jim on his list rocketing Mike R. into a strong lead.
Oh, almost forgot......First the flat screen, then the flat line.
June 10, 2000
Hafez Assad is dead. Looks like the leader of Syria had some uh, syriaous health problems.
If you're wondering what that does to the standings.....well, you'll have to check it out.
June 4, 2000
Yeah, we know there is no such thing as a celebrity hockey player, but one
of the Death Watch players had him on their lists.
Maurice "the Rocket" Richard played hockey. He won a bunch of Stanley
cups. And, after all that, it wasn't until 78 years of age that he needed
a good icing.
June 1, 2000
We saw that this fella croaked but missed that one of our players, Bill B., had him.
So, we neglected to do an obit and bulletin as he really wasn't all that famous. Anyway....
Bob Casey, former Gov. of Pennsylvania is now simply former.
June 1, 2000
Latin Jazz great Tito Puente closed the show on early on June 1, 2000.
Puente broke onto the scene in the 1950's and went on to define Latin Jazz
for the next 50 years.
Tito, finito!
May 26, 2000
We've been away on business and have been a bit remiss in our duties. In
our absence the following occured:
Sir John Gielgud just didn't feel good.
Barbara Cartland was departin'.
and
Jean-Piere Rampel: Gone, we fear, as well.
May 8, 2000
Businessman, author, producer, actor, and son of Douglas Fairbanks,
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is dead. Douglas tried his hand in many things and
was sucessful in most of them. Douglas' film career was a bit sluggish
with the silents but picked up when he began appearing in the talkies.
His first big success in film was in "Little Ceaser".......
Funeral, Funeral
May 3, 2000
Well, seems the Archbishop of New York has became, shall we say, the
Ex-bishop of New York. Although a cardinal, we're told he more resembles
a blue bird right about now.
April 26, 2000
Famed Broadway producer, David Merrick, has exited stage left. Merrick
produced many of the greats including ''Oliver!,'' ''Carnival,''
''Fanny,'' ''Look Back in Anger,'' ''Becket,'' ''Irma La Douce,'' ''Play It Again, Sam,''
''A Taste of Honey,'' ''Stop the World -- I Want to Get Off,''
''Cactus Flower,'' and ''Hello Dolly.''......Well, goodbye David.
April 16, 2000
Sadly, author and illustrator Edward Gorey has died. Gorey is known for
his morbidly funny illustrations and writings. We really liked this guy.
You might know Ed's work from the PBS show "Mystery." He drew the
introduction to the show. He also wrote funny little rhymes about death
and he illustrated them too!
G is for Gorey who'll never come back. H is for Ed's heart which suffered
attack.
April 11, 2000
Larry Linville, the actor known for his portrayal Maj. Frank Burns on the
television show "M*A*S*H," died 4/10 of complications from pneumonia.
Linville suffered from cancer, had a lung removed, and was generally
picked on by B.J. and Hawkeye.
April 9, 2000
Claire Trevor, who won an Oscar for her performance in "Key Largo," has
thrown her hat in the ring for "Best Actress no Longer to be Breathing"
In "Key Largo" Claire played the drunk, washed up singer Gaye Dawn. In one
scene she sings "Moanin' Low" to get E.G. Robinson to give her a drink she
craves. More recently she was heard once againing moanin' low but it
stopped rather abruptly.
April 8, 2000
Sylvan Rodriguez got on the air in January of 1999 and told his Texas
audience that he had cancer. Then, each night on the news (he was a news
anchor ya know) he'd update his viewers on his progess. Well, we've got
an update, he's dead.
Two folks had poor 'ol Sylvan on their lists. As The Guys are on a bit of
a holiday, the page won't be updated until tomorrow. Don't fret kids, it
ain't like Sylvan's gonna come back or anything.
April 5, 2000
Author and a fella who really dug eating "magic" mushrooms, Terence
McKenna, died of a brain tumor on April 3, 2000. McKenna is best known for
his book "The Invisible Landscape: Mind, Hallucinogens, and the I Ching"
but he also wrote "Food of the Gods." Guess what that was about. Can't
wait to read his next one, "Food for the Worms."
March 28, 2000
Author Alex Comfort died on Sunday. Mr. Comfort is best known for
authoring "The Joy of Sex," "More Joy of Sex," and "The New Joy of Sex."
Alex had suffered a series of strokes in the past nine years and, based on
his works, had experienced numerous strokes prior to that. Think about it.
March 27, 2000
Well, the talk of the morning isn't how much like Medusa Annette Benning
looked last night (at the Oscars) but that British Rock-n-Roller, Ian Dury,
kicked the bucket. Dury, along with The Blockheads, cut some pretty popular
stuff in the late seventies and early eighties. Dury's first big break
was supplied thanks to Stiff Records. Although Dury later left Stiff for
Polydor, at heart, he remains a Stiff guy (ewww, we said remains).
March 16, 2000
Yup, your pal and ours Bobb McKittrick has died. Who the hell was he?
Who the hell knows! But, he was on four lists in this years O.B.E. Seems
McKittrick was the line coach for the San Francisco 49ers. And, unlike
Tony Bennet, Bobb left not only his heart in San Francisco, but a few
tumorous bile ducts as well.
March 13, 2000
Seems the Jackie's brother, Mack, has died. Mack was a pretty swell
athlete in his own right, winning a silver medal in track in the 1936
Olympics Games. Mack did this 11 years before Jackie broke the race
barrier in baseball. First Mack, then Jackie. First Jackie, now Mack.
David G. picked good 'ol Mack to hit the eternal sack and hit he did. New
stats, obits, etc.. should be posted in about a day.
March 11, 2000
John Colicos, who will be best remembered as the villain Count Baltar in
the TV science fiction series "Battlestar Galactica," has died at the age
of 71 after a series of heart attacks.
For you real theatre-folks here are some other tid-bits: at age 22, John
became the youngest actor to play King Lear at London's Old Vic. He also
portrayed Winston Churchill in the London and New York productions of the
play "The Soldiers." His first screen success was in the role of Cromwell
in the 1970 film "Anne of a Thousand Days."
To tweek one of John's lines from the end of an early Galactica,
"They have NOW heard the last of Baltar." And to think this guy used to
pal around with Lorne Greene - wow - what a life.
March 9, 2000
We weren't gonna post this one but so many of you have made a stink about
the guy (not to mention the stink we're betting the man himself will be
making shortly) that we said "what the heck." Here goes:
Charles Gray, best known as the narrator in that silly cult picture "The
Rocky Horror Picture Show" is dead. Gray also played Blofeld in the James
Bond movie "Diamonds are Forever." Diamonds yes, actors no. Dig?
February 13, 2000
Man, ya go away for a day or two and everybody up and dies. Ain't that
always the way.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the American blues singer and pianist is no longer
screaming. Dig?
February 13, 2000
Sorry for the delay in these reports but the Guys are on a little holiday.
Anyway, here's the poop.
Former Dallas Cowboy's coach Tom Landry is dead. Landry is known for
leading Dallas to 5 Superbowls. Tom always wore a dark business suit and
felt hat. He paced back and forth as the games unfolded. Tom always had
a cold, emotionless face on those sidelines. Dark suit, emotionless face,
seems Tom was ready for this moment for years.
Cartoonist Charles Schulz has died. Schulz, of course, created the best
known comic strip in the world, "Peanuts". This little strip spawned TV
specials, movies, advertising campaigns, ice shows, plays and tons of
merchandising. But kids, it wasn't always easy for Charles. His first
three strips, Cashews, Almonds, and Macadamias never really took off.
These two deaths have resulted in a ton of score changes in the Death
Watch. You'll all have to check in later today as we are sending this
message out from a secret remote location and will be unable to update the
page until later tonight. Remember, lose lips sink ships and tumors ain't
too good for football coaches or cartoonists.
February 10, 2000
Yup, seems Jim Varney has died. Varney was well known for his voice-over work but is
best known as that dumbass, baseball cap wearing Ernest in all those stupid
"Ernest Goes..." movies. Well this time Ernest friggin' went and he won't be back.
February 8, 2000
Rapper Big Pun (short for Big Punisher) died yesterday. Now get this, Big
Pun was in fact big. Hell no, the guy was HUGE! Pun, real name Chris
Rios weighed almost 700 pounds! According to the AP report "his fans and
loved ones were crushed." How could anyone close to the guy not feel
crushed, ya know?
February 8, 2000
Magician Doug Henning, the long-haired fella who brought magic back
to the limelight in the 70's has died from liver cancer at the age of 52.
Henning is survived by his wife, Debbie, and his overbite, Karl.
February 8, 2000
NFL star Derrick Thomas died today in a hospital where he was being
treated for injuries from a car crash that paralyzed him from the
chest down. The Chiefs announced that Thomas had a heart attack and
efforts to resuscitate him failed.
Thomas was a nine-time Pro Bowl player and one of the game's best pass
rushers. Thomas holds the NFL one-game record of seven sacks and ranks ninth on the
career list.
What a waste of an education, eh?
February 5, 2000
Carl Albert, former congressman from Oklahoma has died. Albert twice
stood next in succession for the presidency, once when Spiro Agnew
resigned and once when Nixon resigned (Uh, that made him Speaker of the
House kids). Albert retired in 1976. They used to call Carl "The Little
Giant from Little Dixie," now they just call him "The Dead Guy from
Oklahoma."
Doris Kenner-Jackson, one of the Shirelles, has died at the age of 58.
"Who?", you say. Come on man! "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,"
"Soldier Boy," "Baby It's You," "Dedicated to the One I Love," and
"Tonight's The Night." are classics. By the way, tonight is not the
night. Friday night was the night and breast cancer was the cause.
January 27, 2000
Tennis great Don Budge is dead. Yup, Don Budge. Hey, Don Budge. Don
Budge. The damn guy just won't budge.
January 19, 2000
Bettino Craxi, the Socialist premier of Italy from 1983 and 1987 has died.
You may remember when Bettino refused to cough up the bastards responsible
for the Achille Lauro hijacking and the death of wheel chair bound Leon
Klinghoffer.
Craxi was born in Milan, the son of a Sicilian lawyer. Craxi dropped out
of the University of Milan for the world of politics. Craxi dropped out of
the world of politics into the world of exile (for corruption). Finally,
Craxi just plain friggn' dropped out!
Better check the page kids. The deaths of Lamarr and Craxi really have
started this game rolling.
January 19, 2000
Actress Hedy Lamarr, known for her exotic pale skin, dark hair, and almond
eyes has died. Note however, her skin remains pale and is also kinda cold
now.
January 12, 2000
It appears that hall of fame pitcher Bob Lemon will not be at old timers day this year.
The seven-time 20-game winner and former manager has dropped. Yup, Lemon dropped.
January 7, 2000
Cartoonist Don Martin of MAD Magazine fame has died of cancer at the age
of 68. We can't speak for you folks, but the Guys at the O.B.E. fondly
remember laughing their asses off at some of this fella's work. Don was
the guy who loved to draw wild looking characters getting maimed, crushed,
and otherwise destroyed in a variety of wacky cartoon fashions. The
cartoons were usually accentuated with onomatopoeia such as SPLOP, PLOIT,
etc. So in Don's honor we give you his parting perceptions....
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
January 6, 2000
NFL Hall of Famer, Tom Fears, whose record of 18 catches in a game still
stands, died January 4, 2000. Not only could Tom catch a football, but
apparently he caught a pretty nasty cold too.
January 2, 2000
We've already had our first celebrity check out. Retired Admiral
Elmo Zumwalt Jr. pushed out to the enternal sea earlier today. Elmo is
known for reforming the Navy while Admiral in the 1970's, playing a major
role in the Vietnam conflict, and shaking when you tickled his tummy.
Mike R. had Elmo Zumwalt on his list making him the first player to hit in
the 2000 O.B.E.