Chrissy Teigen’s adored bulldog — who’d been with her and her family since the first year she began dating John Legend — “has gone on to the pup heavens.” Chrissy shared the sad news Wednesday, saying Puddy had passed after being by her side for…
Showing posts with label Beloved. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beloved. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
John Mahoney Dies; Beloved Sitcom Star Was 77
John Mahoney, a veteran actor likely best remembered by most television viewers for his long-time role on the sitcom Frasier, died Sunday in Chicago.
He was 77 years old.
According to Mahoney’s publicist, the star had been under hospice care at the time of his passing, although his exact cause of death is unknown at this time.
It appears as if he had been suffering from a serious illness and those close to Mahoney knew the end was near.
A native of Blackpool, England, Mahoney broke through in the United States via his role of Martin Crane on the aforementioned series.
He portrayed the father of Frasier and Niles Crane from 1994 through 2004, starring from the premiere up through the finale as a gruff, yet lovable former police officer.
It was Martin’s injury and his need for full-time care on the program that prompted Frasier to move back to Seattle, where he lived with his cantankerous (and hilarious) parent.
Mahoney studied at Quincy University in Illinois and then spent three years in the United States Army, receiving his citizenship in 1959 after moving to America at the age of 19.
After Frasier ended, Mahoney showed up in a variety of shows and films, most notably as Walter Barnett on Season 2 of In Treatment and, more recently, as Rusty Banks on Hot in Cleveland.
He appeared on this latter sitcom for a total of six episodes of three years.
Mahoney was nominated for two Golden Globes and two Emmy Awards over the course of his impressive career.
In 1986, Mahoney won Broadway’s Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in John Guare’s The House of Blue Leaves.
“The theater is my brothers, my sisters, my father, my mother, my wife,” he explained back in the 1980s. “It is everything to me.”
Mahoney also enjoyed a strong career as a voice actor, featuring in numerous animated movies including Antz, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and The Iron Giant.
Throughout his life, People Magazine writes, Mahoney traveled to and from Los Angles and New York for various work projects, yet remained loyal to his home in Oak Park, Illinois.
It’s a cliche, but he was as down to Earth as they come.
“It is quiet here,” he once said of Illinois, adding:
“I get bored out of my mind in L.A. It’s such an industry town. Here I have old friends who aren’t in the business.
“I can walk to all sorts of good places where the waiters and waitresses don’t want me to read their screenplays.”
The veteran actor never got married and did not have any children.
He left an indelible impression on the theater world and TV world, however.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Sue Grafton Dies; Beloved Mystery Writer Was 77
For millions of readers, the alphabet now ends with “y.”
Perhaps that’s a fitting tribute to a woman who devoted her life to entertaining the masses with perplexing mysteries.
Sue Grafton, the author best known for the Kinsey Milhone “alphabet mysteries” has passed away at the age of 77.
She had reportedly been battling cancer.
Grafton came to readers’ attention in 1982 with the first Milhone book, A Is for Alibi.
It took her five years to write the book, and sales were sluggish at first.
Grafton didn’t publish the second book in the series until, B Is for Burglar until 1985.
Shortly after the book hit stores, a glowing review in Newsweek forever altered the course of Grafton’s life and career:
“It just undid me,” the author said in an interview.
“‘Gosh, someone’s paying attention.’ Then I started doing a book a year.”
Yes, from 1985 on, Grafton has published a new Milhone mystery every single year.
Her latest, Y is for Yesterday was released in August of this year.
In one of her final interviews, Grafton stated that she was looking forward to completing the series:
“I think it will be interesting to have a day and a week and a month and a year that isn’t already spoken for,” she said.
“The last, actually, 38 years, I’ve known exactly what I’m doing next. And this is a little moment of freedom – if I can come up with a storyline for Z is for Zero, which remains to be seen.”
Sadly, readers will never find out what Grafton had in store for the series’ conclusion.
Her loved ones say the author abhorred the ideas of ghostwriters and adaptations, and they’ll honor her wishes to be the only one at the helm of the Milhone series.
News of Grafton’s passing was made public today, via a loving tribute posted on social media by her daughter Jamie:
“I am sorry to tell you all that Sue passed away last night after a two year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, including her devoted and adoring husband Steve,” the post reads.
“Although we knew this was coming, it was unexpected and fast. She had been fine up until just a few days ago, and then things moved quickly.
“Sue always said that she would continue writing as long as she had the juice. Many of you also know that she was adamant that her books would never be turned into movies or TV shows, and in that same vein, she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name.
“Because of all of those things, and out of the deep abiding love and respect for our dear sweet Sue, as far as we in the family are concerned, the alphabet now ends at Y.”
Tributes from tens of thousands of readers have made Grafton one of day’s top trending topics on Twitter.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Kim Jong-Hyun Dies; Beloved Pop Singer Was 27
Sad news today out of the music world:
Kim Jong-Hyun, the lead singer of the Korean pop band SHINee, has unexpectedly passed away.
He was 27 years old.
According to a multitude of news outlets, the artist was found unconscious in an apartment in Seoul early on Monday.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reports Jong-Hyun was discovered and then taken to a nearby hospital … where he was later pronounced dead.
“We are sorry to be the bringer of such tragic, heart-breaking news,” reads a statement from the South Korean entertainment company that represents Jong-Hyun and his fellow musicians, adding:
“On December 18th, SHINee’s Jonghyun left us very suddenly. He was discovered unconscious at a residence in Chungdam-Dong, Seoul and was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead.
“Our sadness cannot compare to the pain of his family, who had to say goodbye to a son and a brother.
“But we have spent a long time with him, and SHINee members and SM Entertainment staff are all in deep mourning and shock.”
Concluded this statement of mourning:
“As per the wish of the family, the funeral will be held quietly with his relatives and company colleagues.
“Once again we show our deepest condolences to Jonghyun on his last journey.”
No cause of death has been announced, but investigators are reportedly looking into whether Jong-Hyun took his own life.
This presumption is partly based on reports that Jong-Hyun sent recent text messages to his sister that read as follows:
“Please let me go. Tell me I did well. Final farewell.”
The singer also last posted on Instagram a series of lyrics from the Dear Cloud song Beside You.
According to Koreaboo, the words below translate to:
I had a thought while curling up in a dark room alone/ When you might regret letting go of everyone. Have the sighs and the restless wounds stopped by now. I pray only that you aren’t hurting. I hope only that you will be happy.
Please don’t try to be alone in the darkness/ Don’t torture yourself/ Don’t torture you.
Jonghyun (as the name is sometimes written) captioned the picture:
“I pray you aren’t hurting.”
SHINee is a boy band that was formed in 2008 by SM Entertainment.
The group is responsible for a string of number-one hits in South Korea, while it also became quite popular in Japan.
Known for his songwriting role in the group, Jonghyun launched a solo career in 2015.
He debuted his album. “Story Op. 1,” that same year and released his follow-up, “Story Op 2,” which featured his song “Lonely,” this past April.
We send our condolences to his loved ones.
May Jonghyun rest in peace.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Carrie Fisher"s Beloved Dog Gary Caught in Emotional Tug of War
Carrie Fisher’s French bulldog, Gary, is one of the most popular pooches on the planet, but his public appearances have upset Carrie’s family … TMZ has learned. As you’ll recall … when Fisher died, Gary went to her assistant, Corby…
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Chuck Low Dies; Beloved Goodfellas Actor Was 89
You may not immediately recognize the name Chuck Low, but if you’re a fan of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 cinematic classic Goodfellas, then you’ll almost certainly recognize his face.
Low memorably portrayed the hapless wig shop proprietor Morrie, a man whose pursuit of organized crime as a hobby led to disastrous consequences.
It’s being reported today that Low passed away September 18 at the age of 89.
But despite the many travails endured by his most famous character, Low is probably best remembered for his ability to find the humor in what’s since become an iconic role.
As many fans of his best-loved performance are learning today, Low was a one-of-a-kind character in real life, as well – an outsize personality who lived the kind of story one might find in a film by the director who put him on screen.
Despite never demonstrating any Hollywood ambitions, Low began working as an actor in the 1983 Scorsese-Robert DeNiro collaboration King of Comedy.
Low, a Manhattan real estate developer became friends with DeNiro after renting an apartment to the screen legend.
DeNiro was so impressed by Low’s easy charm and boundless energy that he convinced his landlord to give acting a shot at the age of 55.
Low went on to appear in several more films with DeNiro, including Once Upon a Time in America, The Mission and Sleepers.
But it was in Goodfellas that Low made his most lasting impression, delivering some of the film’s most oft-quoted lines such as “What am I? A schmuck on wheels?”
A scene in which DeNiro chokes Low with a phone cord, knocking off his vaunted wig in the process, is frequently cited as the film’s comedic high point.
Low reportedly passed away at nursing home.
As a 30-year military veteran, he was buried with full military honors.
Low is the third prominent Godfellas collaborator to pass away in the past year.
Actor Frank Vincent died last month, and esteemed cinematographer Michael Ballhaus passed back in April.
Our thoughts go out to the Low family during this difficult time.
The actor may not have been a household name, but he left behind a body of work that will be enjoyed by film buffs for generations to come.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Nelsan Ellis Dies; Beloved True Blood Star Was 39
Shocking and sad news today out of Hollywood:
Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his standout role on True Blood, has died at the age of 39.
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer confirmed the shocking passing Saturday morning on Instagram, sharing a photo of Ellis along with the following caption:
“Just got word that we lost @nelsanellisofficial. My heart breaks for his kids and family. #RIPNelsanEllis. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp”
The two had starred together in the James Brown biopic Get On Up.
The actor’s manager, Emily Gerson Saines, has also confirmed the death in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that reads as follows:
“Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.”
The former HBO star was born in Harvey, Illinois and then moved to Alabama after his parents got divorced.
He attended Juilliard and wrote a semi-autobiographical play titled Ugly that was performed at the famous school and later took home the Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.
In 2008, Ellis won a 2008 Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for role as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood.
The character was a flamboyant, proud, brave gay man in Louisiana and Ellis was a prominent part of the drama’s main cast since the opening episode.
Off screen, he embraced the responsibility that came along with such a groundbreaking role, telling Vibe Magazine of gay marriage a few years ago:
“I support it.
“I think anybody should… I have my religious views, but I don’t choose to oppress them on anybody.
“I think in this country, anybody can do whatever they want to do as long as it’s not hurting anybody else or violating the laws of society.
“If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. If two women want to get married they should get married. It’s not hurting me. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so.
“Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it.
“Let gay people get married.”
In response to the news of his passing, HBO has released the following statement:
“We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis.
“Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.”
Added True Blood creator Alan Ball, just moments ago:
“Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.”
Along with this memorable part, Ellis appeared on episodes of Elementary and Without a Trace.
On the big screen, he co-starred in such films as The Help, Secretariat and Little Boxes.
We expect to hear plenty more statements to be released in the coming hours as more and more television stars learn of Ellis’ death.
We send our condolences to his loved ones.
May Nelsan Ellis rest in peace.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Joan Lee Dies; Beloved Wife of Stan Lee Was 93
Joan Lee, the long-time wife of Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles.
She was 93 years old.
While Lee’s exact cause of death is unknown at this time, she suffered a stroke early in the week and was hospitalized as a result.
“I can confirm the sad news that Joan Lee passed away this morning quietly and surrounded by her family,” a spokesperson for Stan Lee and his family said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“The family ask that you please give them time to grieve and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Joan Lee was a former British hat model who married the comic book legend way back on December 5, 1947.
They had two children together, a daughter named Joan Celia, who was born in 1950; and a daughter named Jan, who tragically died three days after her birth in 1953.
Wrote Marvel in a statements of its own, paying tribute to its founder’s beloved wife of 69 years:
“We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Joan Lee.
“We lost a member of the Marvel family today and our thoughts and prayers go out to Stan and his daughter Joan in this difficult time.”
Just last year, Lee admitted that when he met Joan, he realized that she was “the girl I had been drawing all my life.”
She reportedly served as the inspiration behind Gwen Stacy, the first love of Spider-Man’s Peter Parker, who was portrayed on the big screen by Emma Stone in 2012.
“Stan has always said I have a cartoon face,” Joan Lee said in an interview in 2002. “I never felt that was kind of complimentary!”
Talking with passion and excitement about his wife with The Hollywood Reporter several months ago, Lee said the following:
“I’m a nut for English accents! She said, ‘May I help you?’ And I took a look at her, and I think I said something crazy like, ‘I love you.’
“I don’t remember exactly. But anyway, I took her to lunch… I think I proposed at lunch.”
In 1981, Stan and Joan moved from New York City to California so the former could work on developing Marvel television and movie projects.
Joan did voice work on a pair of 1990s animated Marvel shows, Fantastic Four (as Miss Forbes) and Spider-Man (as Madame Web). She also made a cameo in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse.
That’s her and her famous husband featured in a scene from last year’s blockbuster above.
“My mother is so out-of-the-box and talented,” Joan Celia told The Huffington Post in 2015.
She then said of her parents:
“It’s like watching a love story. It’s been such a joy. And I’ve gone into the world, and I’ve travelled, and I’ve done my art, but I’ll tell you:
“I’ve never found anything better than my parents – and their talent and genius, and their love story.”
Wow. How amazing and special.
We send our condolences to Joan Celia and Stan Lee and we hope Joan is resting in peace.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
John Blackwell Jr. Dies; Beloved Prince Drummer Was 43
John Blackwell Jr., a musician best known for having toured with Prince as the artist’s main drummer for over a decade, passed away on Tuesday.
He was 43 years old.
The exact cause of death is unknown at this time, but Blackwell was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year after falling ill and undergoing a number of tests in Japan.
The popular drummer’s wife, Yaritza, who updates her husband’s social media accounts, shared the news Tuesday on Instagram via an image of her grasping his hand.
She wrote that he died “peacefully” in her company and added:
“Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support.”
Last July, his wife set up a GoFundMe account to cover Blackwell’s medical expenses; it has raised over $ 78,000 to date.
According to USA Today, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office in Tampa has been asked for further information on Blackwell’s passing, but has not yet responded to this request
Blackwell took to stages around the world alongside Prince for 15 years.
He was well known and beloved for his unique style of drumming, having graduated from Berklee College of Music before being recruited by Prince in 2000 to play in his band New Power Generation.
Blackwell also performed with Patti LaBelle, Justin Timberlake and Cameo, among other big-time artists and singers.
He tragically lost an arm over the last year, as he underwent various surgeries in an attempt overcome his diagnosis.
In the fall of 2016, Blackwell told Tampa TV station WTSP-TV that Prince was like a father figure to him. The two friends were extremely close.
He said another close acquintence had recently told him that he could just imagine Prince calling for him to play as part of his band up in heaven.
“I can hear Prince now say, ‘I’ll just call John.’ No, you ain’t! I don’t want to do that gig. Not yet,” Blackwell, who took up drumming at the age of three, said at the time.
In response to his passing, many others within the world of music expressed their sadness and sent their condolences on social media.
To wit, Sheila E. wrote “My beautiful friend John Blackwell passed away 2day Plz keep his family in prayer. He was amazing manLuv u my brother,” along with the following picture:
Added Travis Barker:
“Rest In Peace #JohnBlackwell Your legend will live 4ever. One of the best to ever pick up drumsticks. Prayers to family and friends.”
And Morris Day: “We lost another brother… John Blackwell made his transition today!!! Our prayers go out to his wife and family!”
We share these sentiments and we send our best wishes to Blackwell’s family.
May he rest in peace.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Denis Johnson Dies; Beloved Author Was 67
Denis Johnson, the acclaimed author best known for such contemporary classics as Jesus’ Son, Angels, Tree of Smoke, and Train Dreams, has passed away at the age of 67.
Widely regarded as one of the top literary talents of his generation, Johnson deftly transformed the images and sensations of his troubled early life into searing and inimitable works of fiction and poetry.
News of his death was confirmed this morning by Jonathan Galassi, president of publishing house Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
“Denis was one of the great writers of his generation,” Galassi said in a statement issued today.
“He wrote prose with the imaginative concentration and empathy of the poet he was.”
Born in Munich, Germany in 1949, but raised primarily in the US, Johnson endured several tumultuous years as a drifter and addict before sobering up and focusing on his passion for the written word.
In 1984, earned an MFA from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, where he studied under such literary icons as Raymond Carver.
Not long after leaving the program, the prolific Johnson began churning out distinctive poetry and short stories that quickly made his name a sort of byword for underground literary cool.
Johnson won the National Book Award in 2012 for his sprawling Vietnam epic Tree of Smoke.
The book was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize, as was Johnson’s 2012 novella, Train Dreams.
But it’s the short story collection Jesus’ Son for which Johnson will likely be best remembered.
With a title taken from the infamous Lou Reed song “Heroin”, the book delves deep into the lives of dissolute junkies and transients – men and women living lives not unlike Johnson’s in his young adulthood.
The collection was adapted into an acclaimed 1999 film starring Billy Crudup, Jack Black, and Denis Leary.
In 2006, Jesus’ Son was cited by The New York Times as one of the most important literary works of the past 25 years.
Within minutes of the news of his death Johnson’s name became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter due to a deluge of tributes from friends, fans and the many fellow writers on whom his work served as a profound influence.
Johnson is survived by three children.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Roger Moore Dies; Beloved James Bond Star Was 89
Roger Moore, the veteran actor best known for portraying James Bond on the big screen in the 1970s and 1980s, died in Switzerland on Tuesday.
He was 89 years old.
According to the star’s children, who released a statement confirming their father’s death on Twitter, Moore lost his life to a “short but brave battle with cancer.”
Reads the opening of this statement, which was written by Moore’s three kids and shared on Moore’s official social media account:
“With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.”
It continues:
The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone.
We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.
And it concluded as follows:
The affection our father felt whenever he walked on to a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him hugely and kept him busy working into his 90th year, through to his last appearance in November 2016 on stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundation of the building just a short distance from where he was born.
Thank you Pops for being you, and for being so very special to so many people.
A private funeral for Moore will be held in Monaco.
The death comes nearly a year after Moore lost his stepdaughter Christina Knudsen to cancer. She was 47 years old at the time.
Moore took over the iconic character of James Bond in 1973’s Live and Let Die.
Overall, he played Agent 007 seven times (more than any other actor), concluding with his role in A View to a Kill in 1985.
His James Bond resume is comprised in total by the following films:
– Live and Let Die (1973)
– The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
– The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
– Moonraker (1979)
– For Your Eyes Only (1981)
– Octopussy (1983)
– A View to a Kill (1985)
On the television side, Moore was best known for the shows Persuaders and The Saint.
But it’s as Bond (James Bond) that Moore will be most fondly remembered.
“Anyone watching could sense that Moore’s Bond cared more about the gadgets and the girls than the mission,” Jason Horowitz wrote for the Washington Post, adding:
“Moore seemed to know that trying to control the mission was futile. You just had to go with it and smile…
“In Moore’s movies, there is none of the realistic grit or psychological tension bookended by [Sean] Connery and Daniel Craig, or the trying-too-hard of Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton.
“Who else but Moore could accidentally inhale some treasure out of a belly dancer’s belly button, make a funny face and then get into a fist/karate-chop fight?
“Sure, he sometimes missed the face of a guy who nevertheless went flying from the phantom punch.
“But once you bought in, that was a whole lot better than watching the expensive explosions that have destroyed many latter-day Bond movies.”
Moore became a Goodwill Ambassador in 1991 and eventually became as loved and respected for his work with children’s charities as for his work on the big screen.
We send our condolences to his friends, family members and loved ones.
May Roger Moore rest in peace.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Michael Parks Dies; Beloved Film & TV Actor Was 77
You may not recognize the name Michael Parks, but if you’re a longtime fan of film and television, you’ve almost certainly seen his work.
Over the source of his nearly sixty years in the industry, Parks racked up an astonishing 147 credits.
A favorite of such modern auteurs as Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch, and Kevin Smith, Parks passed away last night at the age of 77.
His agent confirmed the news in a press release issued just moments ago.
One of Hollywood’s most highly-regarded “actor’s actors” Parks was praised throughout his career for his tremendous versatility.
Perhaps the best example of Parks’ ability to transform himself for his roles can be found in Tarantino’s Kill Bill films.
In the first installment, Parks plays grizzled Texas sheriff Earl McGraw.
In Vol. 2, he plays an aged pimp (and the title character’s mentor) named Esteban Vihaio.
Tarantino, a longtime fan of Parks’, worked with the actor on 2000’s From Dusk Till Dawn, and says he was floored by his ability to disappear into roles without the help of prosthetics or other gimmickry.
Tarantino also cast Parks in both Death Proof and Django Unchained.
Though he had been working in television since earning a role on Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1958, Parks’ best-known work in that medium was likely his recurring role on the David Lynch cult classic Twin Peaks.
One of the millions who grew up enjoying Parks’ role in 17 different TV series was Kevin Smith, who says he was honored to cast Parks in two of his most recent films:
“Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I’ve ever known. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much,” Smith tweeted moments ago.
In addition to acting, Parks was an accomplished singer, releasing eight albums acclaimed solo albums over the course of a 40-year career.
Within moments of the news of his death, Parks became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, as tributes poured in from family, friends, and fans.
Parks is survived by his wife of 20 years, Oriana Parks.
Christoper Boykin Death: Ex-Wife of Beloved Reality Star Speaks Out
The ex-wife of Christoper Boykin released a statement in the wake of this former reality star’s surprising death.
As previously reported, Boykin died on Tuesday at the age of 45, with sources now confirming he passed away from a heart attack.
This isn’t shocking for someone who stood six feet, six inches tall and weighed well over 300 pounds.
But it doesn’t make Boykin’s death any easier for his friends, family members and loved ones to deal with.
The former U.S. Navy member and bodyguard of professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek rose to fame in 2006 when he debuted on the MTV reality series Big & Rob.
The show lasted until 2008, chronicling the wacky lives of its two main stars as they played pranks on each other, engaged in various forms of hijinks and generally just had a great time together.
Boykin went on to make appearances on other MTV programs, such as Fantasy Factory, and solidified his reputation as a good friend to those in the rap community.
His death has clearly left a void in the lives of many.
“My heart is broken,” Dyrdek wrote on Twitter last night in response to the awful news, following this message up with a few more:
“I don’t want to write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you.
“We truly were brothers that lived an unexpected unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly.
“You will forever be in my heart.”
On Wednesday morning, meanwhile, Shannon Turley took to her ex-husband’s Twitter account to express her sadness over Boykin’s death.
The two were parents to a nine-year old daughter named Isis.
“This is Shannon, Big Black’s ex-wife,” Turley. “I’m heartbroken to tell you of Black’s passing. He’s everything to me and Isis and we will miss him.”
Boykin and Turley divorced in 2009.
Known to the public and also to those close to him as “Big Black,” Boykin posted numerous photos of his little girl on his Facebook page over the years.
He most recently shared one last August, just as she was starting a new school year.
“3rd Grade Ice you growing too fast,” he wrote as a caption to the sweet image.
Rapper Chanel West Coast was also saddened by Boykin’s death.
“RIP @bigblack1972,” she wrote on Instagram after learning the news, adding:
“My heart is crushed hearing this news. I’ll never forget all the times you made me laugh. So many epic memories with you.
“You put smiles on a lot of people’s faces and you will be missed dearly by SO many.
“My prayers go out to your family and loved ones. Keep them laughing up in heaven.”
Steelo Brim (of the series Ridiculousness) also shared a touching post on his Instagram:
“My brain can’t truly comprehend this. As soon as we met we became friends. Genuine, Funny, Family Man, just an Overall Great guy.
“May God Rest his soul and he make everyone in heaven smile like he did on earth! LOVE!”
And, finally, MTV released the following statement as a tribute to Big Black:
MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing.
He was a long time and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.
RIP.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Charlie Murphy Dies; Beloved Comic Was 57
Charlie Murphy, the brother of Eddie Murphy, who’s perhaps best known for his appearances on the iconic Comedy Central sketch series Chappelle’s Show, has passed away at the age of 57.
The news was confirmed today in a statement from Murphy’s publicist.
Sources close to the comic say he passed in a New York City hospital while undergoing chemo.
Murphy had been battling leukemia for an undisclosed period of time.
Murphy racked up more than 50 film and television credits during his more than 30 years in the industry, but it was his performance on Chappelle’s Show that made him a household name to a new generation of comedy fans.
In two of the show’s most famous sketches, Murphy recounted real-life tales of encounters with Rick James and Prince, respectively.
In both cases, Murphy both narrated and helped to reenact the experiences, which included a memorable basketball game against the Purple One and a years-long conflict with James.
Murphy went on to host the show’s “lost episodes” alongside co-star Donnell Rawlings, following Dave Chappelle’s abrupt departure in 2005.
In addition to his time on Chappelle’s show, Murphy appeared in a number of beloved film and television comedies, including CB4, The Boondocks, and the culishly adored Adult Swim series Black Jesus.
An accomplished standup comic, Murphy toured the US with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, George Lopez and D.L. Hughley just months before his death.
Though it’s only been moments since news of Murphy’s death was announced, the comic is already the number one trending topic on Twitter, with numerous legends of entertainment paying tribute to a man that many consider one of the great comedic minds of his day.
Many have sadly noted that the three stars of what are arguably Chappelle’s most beloved sketches (Murphy, Prince, and James) have all passed on.
Just last week, Murphy paid tribute to Prince on social media, tweeting:
“Can’t believe it’s been almost a year!? RIP to the Purple One.”
Murphy is survived by three children.
He was married to Tisha Taylor Murphy from 1997 until her death from cancer in 2009.
J. Geils Dies; Beloved Rock Star Was 71
You may not recognize the name John Warren Geils Jr., but if you spent any time listening to rock radio in the 1980s, you’ve almost certainly heard the music that he recorded with his eponymous J. Geils Band.
The band released a string of Top 40 singles in the early part of the decade including “Give it to Me,” “Must of Got Lost,” “Love Stinks,” “Freeze Frame” and, most memorably, “Centerfold” in 1981.
Last night, the world learned that Geils had passed away at his home in Groton, Massachusetts.
Sources close to the situation say Geils’ body was discovered by police officers performing a well-being check.
He was 71.
Authorities have stated that a “preliminary investigation indicates that Geils died of natural causes.”
A police investigation is underway, but foul-play is not suspected.
The gifted guitarist formed the J. Geils Band with two friends while attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
After experiencing some early success with experimental blues-rock, the band switched to a more radio-friendly sound, and exploded almost instantly into one of the most popular bands in America.
Along with original bandmates Danny Klein and Richard Salwitz and vocalist Peter Wolf, Geils charted with five singles before the band broke up in 1985.
Despite officially parting ways, the band came back together several times over the years for reunion tours.
Most recently, Geils and company served as the opening act for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band during their North American tour in 2015.
Geils never stopped recording, releasing three solo albums in the 2000s.
During this period, Geils also fulfilled a lifelong dream of investing in and restoring antique cars.
In 2009, town of Groton – where Geils moved in 1982 – named December 1 J. Geils Day.
Tributes to Geils from fans, friends and fellow performers began to flood social media within minutes of the news of his death.
“All our love and sympathy to the family and friends of John Warren Geils Jr. The J. Geils Band remain one of greatest bands of all time,” wrote Stevie Van Zandt.
We’re sure there are many, many fans who would agree.
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