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 (CA) 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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Janet Leigh

Posted in Westwood Memorial Park with tags , on February 28, 2013 by Cade

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July 6, 1927 – October 3, 2004

In the history of the world, it is entirely likely that no one has become more famous for taking a shower.

Janet Leigh’s most notable role, obviously, was as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Legend has it that she was never again able to take a shower after making the movie.  True or not, it makes for a good yarn.

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Tony Curtis

Posted in Palm Valley View Memorial Park with tags , , on February 28, 2013 by Cade

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June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010

Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz) was a devilishly handsome man. His looks and his broad range certainly made him one of the biggest stars of the 1950’s and 60’s.  He garnered attention with Oscar nominated dramatic roles (The Defiant Ones) as well as classic comedic turns (Some Like It Hot1 alongside Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe – directed by Billy Wilder) as well as more than 100 other projects.  He was also an avid painter – something he continued to do later in life, claiming to enjoy it more than making movies.

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Billie Burke

Posted in Kensico Cemetery with tags , , on February 27, 2013 by Cade

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August 7, 1884 – May 14, 1970

Though a prolific stage, screen and radio actress, Mary William Ethelbert Appleton “Billie” Burke is remembered for two things:  1) she was married to legendary Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld and 2) she played Glinda the Good Witch in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz. Personally, I believe she should be remembered for her glorious birth name above all else.

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Moe Howard

Posted in Hillside Memorial Park with tags , , on February 26, 2013 by Cade

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June 19, 1897 – May 4, 1975

Larry, Moe and Curly.

Three names that almost anyone should recognize. The Three Stooges were a huge box office draw for more than 40 years.  Their manic slapstick was the stuff of male adolescent fantasy.  They eye-gouged and “wub-wub-wub”ed into the American pop-culture landscape and became a permanent fixture…even decades after all of them left us.  At the, and I use this term very loosely, grounded center of the trio, was always Moe (born Moses Horowitz.)  He was the “brains.” He was the leader, his trademark bowl haircut always jostling with every cartoonish reaction to his compatriots.

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John Ritter

Posted in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills with tags , , on February 26, 2013 by Cade

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September 17, 1948 – September 11, 2003

Few actors get to enjoy the kind of universal success that John Ritter did. Whether on television (Three’s Company, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter) or film (Problem Child, Noises Off, Sling Blade) Ritter was always charming.

Alas, charm can only get you so far.  And an undetected congenital heart defect will make sure you don’t get too far at all. Continue reading →

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