Friend Nancy Reagan summed it up best, "She was an extraordinary partner to Bob throughout his entire life, supporting both their family at home and Bob's selfless cause to entertain U.S. troops abroad. Together, they brought countless hours of laughter and cheer to Americans everywhere."
Legendary comedian, Bob Hope's wife died Monday, September 19, 2011, at the age of 102. The met in 1933 and were married on Feb. 19, 1934. She soon retired from her singing career and stayed home to raise their four children.
Friend Nancy Reagan summed it up best, "She was an extraordinary partner to Bob throughout his entire life, supporting both their family at home and Bob's selfless cause to entertain U.S. troops abroad. Together, they brought countless hours of laughter and cheer to Americans everywhere."
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James Arness, better known as Marshal Dillon in the classic TV show "Gunsmoke", died on Friday at his home. He was 88 years old. After graduating high school in 1942, he joined the Army as a rifleman. He had wanted to be a Navy flier, but his 6 foot 6inch height barred him from being a pilot. He took part in the landings at Anzio and was severely wounded, resulting in operations, honorable discharge, and leg trouble that would bother him the rest of his life. He had trouble walking for long periods and mounting a horse was difficult. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal and three Bronze Campaign Stars. He played supporting roles in many films (including the John Wayne films, "Island in the Sky" and "Big Jim McLain", and "The Farmer's Daughter") before playing the lead role as Marshall Matt Dillon on the long-running TV show, "Gunsmoke". He was made an honorary US Marshal for "in recognition of his unique contribution to the image and traditions of the U.S. Marshal's Service". Actress Dana Wynter died on Thursday, May 5, at the age of 79. Dark haired, dark eyed, and strikingly pretty, she is best remembered for her role in the B-film, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". She also played the sympathetic and kind secretary to Kenneth Moore in "Sink the Bismark!". Born in Germany, she grew up in England and Southern Rhodesia before coming to America. She started in New York on the stage and television, before moving to California to try movies. In the 1960s, she appeared on many TV shows, and in 1970, she appeared as Burt Lancaster's wife in the movie, "Airport". She is survived by her son, Mark. Here is a fantastic quote about her feeling of modern Hollywood stars versus the classic greats. "In my opinion, there aren't as many originals today. Everyone looks the same to me. Where are the Katharine Hepburns, Spencer Tracys, Clark Gables and Bette Davises of today? Those actors were instantly recognizable. Nowadays I have trouble separating one actor from another." Famous child star, Jackie Cooper, died Tuesday in California. He was 88 years old. As a child in the 1930s, he reigned with Shirley Temple as the most famous child stars. He is remembered as the little blonde-haired boy with the winning smile. Nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in the 1931 film, "Skippy" (which was directed by his uncle, Norman Taurog). Some of his other screen credits include "The Little Rascals", "The Champ", "Treasure Island", and "That Certain Age". After returning home from four years of Navy service during World War II, he had trouble finding worthwhile roles. Following the advise of actor friend John Garfield, he went to New York and worked on the stage, eventually starring in two hit comedies. He acted on Television and went on to become production head of Columbia Pictures' TV company. In the 1970s, he returned to acting and appeared as the Metropolis Daily Planet editor, Perry White, in Christopher Reeve's four "Superman" films. ELIZABETH TAYLOR 27 February 1932 - 23 March 2011 "People who know me well, call me Elizabeth. I dislike Liz." Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor died this morning, at age 79, after six weeks in Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Hospital for congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her four children. Known for her dark beauty and violet eyes, she was the winner of two Oscars and made over 50 films in a career which started in 1942 and went all the way through 2001. She starred in such films as Lassie Come Home, National Velvet, A Date With Judy, The V.I.P.s, and The Taming of the Shrew (the latter two with husband, Richard Burton). She also wrote a very fun book called "Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry". It shows many of the fabulous piece of jewelry in her personal collection and is filled with stories about each piece. Very fun and the photos are grand! To read a full obituary, click here to read the LATimes obituary or here to read the NYTimes obituary. JANE RUSSELL June 21, 1921 - February 28, 2011 You asked if I am a Christian. Yes, I am --- very much so! Jane Russell; star of "The Outlaw" (1943), "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "Paleface" (1948), and "Son of Paleface" (1952); died yesterday at her home in Santa Maria, California. She was 89 years old. A strong Christian, she joined with some friends to create the Hollywood Christian Group which held services and Bible Studies at different movie people's houses. In 1954, Jane, Connie Haines, Beryl Davis and Della Russell joined together for a Church benefit and sang a Gospel song. A representative of Coral Records heard them and asked if they would record the song, which ended up being a million-seller. The same year, Della Russell left the group and was replaced by Rhonda Fleming. (The video below is from a TV appearance that they made in 1954, singing their hit song, "Do, Lord".) The singing group, known as The Four Girls, spent three years performing together and touring the Country. They even recorded a hit album entitled Make a Joyful Noise. In 1957, Rhonda Fleming left the group to fulfill acting commitments and the others renamed the group Les Girls, continuing for the rest of the decade as a trio. During and after this time, Jane Russell also created and helped organizations that helped adopt children into the US and worked at getting the Bible put back into public school curriculum. Now she is with her Saviour in Heaven and truly happy. "Without faith, I never would have made it. I don't know how people can survive all the disasters in their lives if they don't have any faith, if they don't know the Lord loves them and cares about them and has another plan." Click here to read a bio from Pointing North. Yesterday, 9 May 2010 , singer Lena Horne died at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She was 92 years old. Lena Horne was a jazz and popular singer who appeared with popular bands, in films, nightclubs and on Broadway. She did many cameo appearances in well-known musicals such as "Ziegfeld Follies", "Till the Clouds Roll By" and "Thousands Cheer". She also had starring roles in the two most famous all-black musicals - "Cabin in the Sky" and "Stormy Weather" (the title song also became her signature song!). Click here to read an in-depth bio and obituary from The Guardian. Singer and actress Kathryn Grayson died at home, Wednesday, February 17, at the age of 88. Longtime secretary and companion Sally Sherman stated that "She just went to sleep and didn't wake up". Kathryn Grayson graced the MGM musical screen through the 1940s and '50s. Appearing with cinema stars such as Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, and Mario Lanza, Some of her best remembered films include Anchors Aweigh (with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra), Show Boat and Kiss Me Kate (both co-starring Howard Keel). Personally, I think her best two numbers were "Let Them Have Music" from Thousands Cheer and "Time After Time" from It Happened in Brooklyn. Read The Los Angeles Times Obituary. Read The Morning Call Obituary. |
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