Every year for two decades I wrote a column for TVWeek magazine at the end of each year, saluting those in show business who had passed on. It was an interesting exercise as it brought to light just how many recognized personalities had died in the past 12 months. In keeping with that tradition I offer the 2010 list of luminaries who are gone:
Chuck Davis, 75 – Vancouver’s unofficial historian. His Vancouver book is one of the best reference books on the history of this city. He loved Vancouver and documented everything about it. Chuck had been a broadcaster,a historian, a writer and one of the nicest individuals you could meet.
Paul Carson, 60 – Sportscaster extraordinaire. His legacy is his promotion of new talent. Many of the best known voices on radio and television today were influenced if not mentored by Paul. He was an excellent broadcaster himself and, like me, collected vintage rock and roll. The city is a little darker with his passing.
Fred Foy, 89 – The voice who introduced The Lone Ranger in the 1940s and 1950s. Foy’s breathless cry of “Hi-Yo, Silver!” became the best-known introduction in radio history and one of the most imitated and parodied broadcast monologues ever. I loved Fred’s voice and will never forget his introduction to the radio series and later the TV series. He brought the legendary cowboy to life with his incredible voice. In many ways he was an inspiration for me and for others to get into the magic of radio. It truly was theatre of the mind.
Click on the picture above to watch TCM Remembers, a moving tribute to those who have left us.
Other notable exits:
John Forsythe, 92 – The actor best known for his role in the television series Dynasty and the voice of Charlie on Charlie’s Angels.
Johnny Maestro, 70 – Lead singer of the Crests who brought the world the monster hit Sixteen Candles.
Robert Culp, 79 – Best known for his role opposite Bill Cosby in the TV series I Spy and the movie Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.
Fess Parker, 85 – He was Davy Crockett for Walt Disney studios.
Peter Graves, 83 – Best known for his role in the series Mission Impossible and the movie Airplane.
Corey Haim, 38 – This Canadian born actor was featured in movies such as The Lost Boys.
Pernell Roberts, 81 – One of the main family characters in the television series Bonanza.
Jean Simmons, 80 – Jean was an outstanding actress and appeared in films such as Guys and Dolls and the TV series Thorn Birds.
Carl Smith, 82 – Country music hall of fame artist.
Blake Edwards, 88 – Husband to Julie Andrews but an outstanding movie producer of such hits as The Pink Panther series and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Leslie Nielsen, 84 – His career began in Hollywood as a leading actor and he turned to comedy films in later years in such hits as Airplane and Naked Gun.
Tony Curtis, 85 – This versatile actor was featured in over 100 films including Spartacus, Sweet Smell of Success and the unforgettable cross dresser in Some Like It Hot.
Rue McLanahan, 76 – most recognized for her role in the TV series Golden Girls.
Dennis Hopper, 74 – Dennis began his career with the late James Dean and created memorable roles in movies such as Easy Rider and Blue Velvet.
Dino De Laurentiis, 91 – Movie producer of such hits as the remake of King Kong, Flash Gordon and Serpico.
James McArthur, 72. Son of America’s first lady of theatre, Helen Hayes, but best remembered as Danno on the longest running detective TV series Hawaii 5-0 .
Tom Bosley, 83 – Remember Mr. Cunningham on Happy Days? He was loved by all he worked with.
Barbara Billingsley, 94 – The model mom on the television series Leave It To Beaver.
Solomon Burke, 70 – Considered among the best R & B singers in history.
Stephen J. Cannell, 69 – Put Vancouver on the map when he built North Shore Studios and produced the series 21 Jump Street. Also produced The A-Team and The Rockford Files.
Eddie Fisher, 82 – Father of Carrie Fisher and pop singer of the pre-rock 50s who charted tons of pop hits. He was married to Carrie’s mom Debbie Reynolds and also to Elizabeth Taylor.
Jimmy Dean, 81 – The sausage king was better known in the 60s for his cross over country hits Big Bad John, P.T. 109 and the Vancouver inspired hit Steel Men.
Art Linkletter, 97 – Early TV star with network shows Houseparty and People are Funny. Also created Kids Say The Darnedest Things that Bill Cosby reprised in recent years.
Lena Horne, 92 – Played the Cave Theatre Restaurant in Vancouver at the height of her singing career with the movie Stormy Weather giving her a signature tune.
Lynn Redgrave, 67 – One of the famous Redgrave acting family, she is best remembered for her role in the film Georgy Girl.
Dixie Carter, 70 – This television actress is best remembered for her role in the TV series Designing Women.
There were many others but I picked these from the long list of celebrities who have passed on.