Archive for Highgate Cemetery West

Bob Hoskins

Posted in Highgate Cemetery with tags , on September 9, 2024 by Cade

October 26, 1942 – April 29, 2014

Iconic character actor, tough-guy-with-a-heart, and all-around beloved personality, Bob Hoskins, quite accidentally stumbled into show business. A mediocre student, Hoskins worked a number of odd jobs in his native London (and abroad) before giving a go at a small part in a production of Romeo and Juliet. The bug hadn’t fully bitten yet, but when Bob accompanied an actor friend to an audition and – while waiting – was handed a script and told “You’re next!” He complied, auditioned, and got the part.

A lauded 40 year career followed.

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Ian Holm

Posted in Highgate Cemetery with tags , on January 15, 2024 by Cade

September 12, 1931 – June 19, 2020

Prolific Shakesperean actor, Sir Ian Holm, did not become a household name overnight, but his award-winning, nearly six decade career should be the envy of any aspiring thespian. Born in Essex, England, Holm secured a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the age of 19. From RADA, it was a certain jump to a long tenure at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Performances on stage and television built up his reputation and, by 1967, he had won a Tony award for his role in Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming on Broadway. More roles followed, including the voice of Frodo Baggins in the BBC’s radio production of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings – a sign of legendary things to come.

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George Michael

Posted in Highgate Cemetery with tags , on December 25, 2023 by Cade

June 25, 1963 – December 25, 2016

From the years 1987 to 1992, there were 2, maybe 3, entertainers in the world more famous than George Michael. As one half of the ubiquitous ’80s English pop-duo, Wham!, Michael was already a household name when he launched his solo career. Wham! spawned a Gold album (Fantastic), a 6x Platinum album (Make it Big) and 11 Top-10 singles in the UK (6 in the US). George was the primary songwriter for the group and never hid his ambitions to be a solo artist.

In 1987, with bandmate Andrew Ridgeley’s blessing, Michael recorded his first foray into post-Wham! superstardom: A duet with Aretha Franklin called “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”. As was the trend, the song hit #1 in both the US and the UK. Later that year, he released his first solo album, Faith, and his meteoric rise hit the stratosphere.

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Jean Simmons

Posted in Highgate Cemetery with tags , on November 20, 2023 by Cade

January 31, 1929 – January 22, 2010

British actress Jean Simmons was most widely known for her award-winning roles in classic films like Elmer Gantry and Guys and Dolls, as well as her appearance in other unforgettable movies like 1960’s epic Spartacus. She appeared in the noir classic, Angel Face, opposite Robert Mitchum and was well-represented later in her career on television in everything from The Odd Couple to her monumental turn in the 1983 miniseries, The Thorn Birds.

She was not, however it may sound, the singer and bass player for the American rock band, KISS.

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