January 21, 1922 – January 22, 1994
Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas was probably best know as the lollipop-chomping title character in the popular CBS drama Kojak. Of course, he did a lot of other things, including co-starring roles in The Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes and – as supervillain, Ernst Blofeld – in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He also was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance opposite Burt Lancaster in The Birdman of Alcatraz. Continue reading
March 5, 1958 – March, 10 1988
You would think being the younger brother of a world-famous singing trio would be the greatest. And, to a point, you would be right. Andrew Roy Gibb enjoyed the coattails of his famous brothers (multi-Platinum Disco kings, The Bee Gees) and rode them to a pretty successful solo career of his own. He scored a number of huge hits in the late 1970’s including “I Just Want To Be Your Everything” and “Shadow Dancing” and was able to work alongside his talented brothers. Of course, Andy also enjoyed cocaine. Continue reading
May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987
Władziu Valentino Liberace was a slightly eccentric and subtly flamboyant pianist and entertainer. He was known for his modest costumes and occasional use of candelabras and jewels. Liberace was not even remotely sparkly. And, despite all of his obvious understated-ness, he was still known to many as “Mr. Showmanship.” I guess I just don’t see it. Continue reading
December 8, 1936 – June 3, 2009
He was Caine. He was Bill. He was the Barefoot Legend.
A prominent pop-culture figure, actor and martial artist David Carradine’s career spanned decades in television, film and even music. He is probably best known for his role in the TV series, Kung Fu, and to younger audiences, as the titular boss/revenge target in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies.
November 10, 1977 – December 20, 2009
A performer most of her short life, Brittany Murphy moved to California from New Jersey at the age of 13. She found roles in both television and movies with her breakout role being the character Tai in 1995’s Clueless. Murphy went on to star in a number of other box office successes such as 8 Mile, Sin City, Girl, Interrupted and Just Married (with one-time boyfriend, Ashton Kutcher.) She also did some notable voice-over work (King of the Hill, Happy Feet) and had a pretty decent singing career.
May 8, 1940 – December 31, 1985
Sometimes you are just born into show business. Eric “Ricky” Nelson was certainly that. At the age of 9, he began playing himself on the long-running radio and television show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, alongside his mother and father and brother, David. During the run of the show, and well after it ended, Ricky became a very successful musician. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had over 50 singles on the Billboard charts during his career.
March 20, 1906 – June 3, 1975
July 18, 1909 – October 2, 1994
Oswald Nelson and Harriet Hilliard were married in 1935. Harriet was a singer in Ozzie’s band (he also sang and played saxophone) and the two began a foray into show business that would entertain millions for decades. Their biggest success was by way of the 1940’s radio program The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet which followed the Nelsons and their two sons, David and Ricky (portrayed by actors until 1949). The popularity of the show and the dawn of a newfangled medium led, of course, to the 14-year running television sitcom of the same name – this time, with each of the four Nelsons portraying him/herself as America watched the family grow up on a box in their living rooms.
October 12, 1942 – February 23, 1995
The Temptations were a lot of things. Groundbreaking. Unpredictable. Entertaining. And a total mess. David Melvin English, AKA Melvin Franklin, was the foundation of the group, both vocally and temperamentally. His mellow bass vocals became one of the Temptations’ most recognizable features. Franklin and long-time friend, Otis Williams, were the only two original members to never leave the group. Continue reading
October 1, 1927 – October 19, 2010
Thomas Edward Bosley was a beloved television star who will be forever remembered as “Mr. C.” Bosley, of course, played Howard Cunningham on the long-running ABC comedy Happy Days, but he was also known for Broadway (Fiorello!) and other television roles (Father Dowling Mysteries). Tom also had an extensive voice over career thanks to his distinctive, husky voice.
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.
Celebrity Graveland 