Archive for March, 2013

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Jack Lemmon

Posted in Westwood Memorial Park with tags , , , on March 7, 2013 by Cade

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February 8, 1925 – June 27, 2001

Confession time: I cried the day that Jack Lemmon died.

For someone who was just barely a quarter of a century old, it was like losing a celluloid grandfather. Jack was so likable on screen that I felt like I knew him.  And there were plenty of opportunities to get to know him on screen.  He starred in more than 60 films including the classics Some Like It Hot (with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, directed by eternal neighbor, Billy Wilder,) The Apartment (also directed by Wilder) and The Odd Couple (with perennial friend and co-star, Walter Matthau.)

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Bette Davis

Posted in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills with tags , on March 5, 2013 by Cade

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April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989

One of the biggest names in the golden era of Hollywood, Bette Davis carved a spectacular career for herself without the benefit of being beautiful (her words, not mine.) She accumulated 10 Academy Award nominations – nabbing 2 wins – over the course of 90 films.  Some of Davis’ most iconic films include All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?  She was often erratic on set and many considered her difficult to work with.  Her daughter wrote a book about how difficult their relationship was. Kim Carnes wrote a song about her eyes.

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Jim Morrison

Posted in Père Lachaise Cemetery with tags , , , on March 5, 2013 by Cade

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December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971

James Douglas Morrison, AKA “The Lizard King,” was a poet, songwriter and the lead singer of the influential American rock band, the Doors. Energetic, soulful and wild, he set the showmanship standard for many future frontmen.

And he LOOOOVED heroin.

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John Candy

Posted in Holy Cross Cemetery (CA) with tags , on March 4, 2013 by Cade

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October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994

John Candy was a comedic giant of the 1980’s. The Canadian actor created memorable roles on the sketch comedy show, SCTV, and found great success in films such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck and Spaceballs. The rotund actor was infinitely likable and beloved by audiences and costars alike.

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Tommy Dorsey

Posted in Kensico Cemetery with tags , on March 4, 2013 by Cade

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November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956

American trombonist and bandleader Tommy Dorsey not only gave the world Big Band era  hits like “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Marie” and “In the Blue of the Evening,” he also stole incorporated a number of huge stars into his band over the years.  Drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, as well as a little-known vocalist named Frank something-or-other all sat in with Tommy.  He also funded a young Glenn Miller’s first band.  So, he kind of was a big deal for a while. Dorsey may have been known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing” but his perfectionism and unsteady demeanor made him a chore to work with. Or so I’ve heard.

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Bing Crosby

Posted in Holy Cross Cemetery with tags , on March 2, 2013 by Cade

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May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977

Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby was a talented singer. His rich baritone voice epitomized the easy-going crooner of the 1940’s and ’50’s. He was a box office and record sales titan for more than two decades.

But, enough with the niceties.

Bing was also an incredibly…how to say it…”grumpy” individual. Rumors and stories of his abusive relationship with his family are numerous. Whether they’re true or not?  Not for me to say.  So, no need to dive into them here.

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