Breaking News
Boo The Pomeranian — once dubbed “World’s Cutest Dog” — has died.
Boo’s owner posted the news Friday night, saying, “With deepest sadness I wanted to share that Boo passed away in his sleep early this morning and has left us to join his...
Boo The Pomeranian "World"s Cutest Dog" Dies
Showing posts with label Dies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dies. Show all posts
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Boo The Pomeranian "World"s Cutest Dog" Dies
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Steve Buscemi Wife of 30 Years Dies ... Funeral Held at Family Home
Steve Buscemi‘s wife died earlier this week, and the funeral was a moving funeral at their NYC home … TMZ has learned.
We’re told Jo Andres died either last Monday or over last weekend. On Monday, friends and family began arriving at their Brooklyn home. It appears the funeral...
Steve Buscemi Wife of 30 Years Dies ... Funeral Held at Family Home
Monday, December 31, 2018
Walk Off the Earth Mike "Beard Guy" Taylor Dies ... Band Announces Sudden Passing
Breaking News
A member of Canadian pop band Walk off the Earth died this weekend just as the group was about to play a New Year’s Eve show and embark on an international tour.
WotE announced Mike ‘Beard Guy’ Taylor‘s passing Sunday on their official social media pages, ...
Walk Off the Earth Mike "Beard Guy" Taylor Dies ... Band Announces Sudden Passing
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Dynamite Kid Ex-WWE Superstar Dies at 60
Breaking News
The Dynamite Kid — one half of the famed British Bulldogs tag team duo — has died, his family announced Wednesday.
The wrestler — real name Tommy Billington — had been battling health issues for years though his exact cause of death has not been ...
Dynamite Kid Ex-WWE Superstar Dies at 60
Dynamite Kid Ex-WWE Superstar Dies at 60
Breaking News
The Dynamite Kid — one half of the famed British Bulldogs tag team duo — has died, his family announced Wednesday.
The wrestler — real name Tommy Billington — had been battling health issues for years though his exact cause of death has not been ...
Dynamite Kid Ex-WWE Superstar Dies at 60
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Roy Clark Dies; Country Music Legend Was 85
Roy Clark, a legend in the world of country music and the former host of Hee Haw, died this morning at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He was 85 years old.
A representative for the Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner tells TMZ Clark passed away after having recently contracted pneumonia — and that he ultimately passed due to complications from the illness.
Clark had been in the spotlight for decades.
He started performing all the way back at the age of 14 and was one of the first artists to land singles on both the pop and country charts.
Adept at the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and many other instruments, Clark was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was born in Virginia and was introduced to the music industry by his father, who saw exceptional talent in his young son.
“I was subjected to different kinds of music before I ever played,” Clark once said, adding of his father:
“Dad said, ‘Never turn your ear off to music until your heart hears it because then you might hear something you like."”
Sound advice, right?
Clark eventually went on tour with such stalwarts as Hank Williams and Grandpa Jones, dropping out of school when he could no longer keep up with the demands of both his burgeoning career and his studies.
“Music was my salvation, the thing I loved most and did best,” Clark said. “Whatever was fun, I’d go do that.”
After winning a banjo competition in 1950, Clark was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
However, it wasn’t until 1960, when Clark performed with Wanda Jackson, that his career truly took off.
After opening for Jackson in Las Vegas, he launched his own headlining tour, remaining on the road for 345 consecutive nights… and earning him his very own show in Sin City.
In 1962, Clark released his debut album, “The Lightning Fingers of Roy Clark.”
This album spawned his first hit, “The Tips of My Fingers,” which included an orchestra and strings section.
In 1963, Clark appeared on both The Tonight Show and American Bandstand, showing off a sense of humor and personality that not many fans even knew existed.
“Humor is a blessing to me,” said Clark. “My earliest recollections are of looking at something and seeing the lighter side. But it’s always spontaneous. I couldn’t write a comedy skit for someone else.”
This point of view and this talent helped Clark become the host of Hee Haw, a country music variety show.
He helmed the program for 24 years and his guests included Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks and Loretta Lynn.
Clark is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years, and his five children.
Although an exact date and time has not yet been announced, a memorial is expected to be held in the coming days in Tulsa.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Stan Lee Dies; Marvel Comics Creator Was 95
Stan Lee, arguably the best known comic book creator of all-time, passed away Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
He was 95 years old.
Lee’s daughter confirmed this very sad piece of news to TMZ.
The website writes that Lee was rushed from his home in Hollywood Hills to the aforementioned facility, although it’s unclear at this time what medical condition prompted the emergency.
The legendary writer, however, had suffered numerous illnesses over the last year or so, including a semi-recent bout of pneumonia and a number of vision issues.
He had receded from the public eye for most of 2018 as a result.
Lee started out in the comic business back in 1939.
Along with Jack Kirby, he co-founded Marvel in 1961 via the introduction of The Fantastic Four.
He went on to create Spider-Man, Black Panther, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Iron Man and The Avengers, among many other notable, memorable and beloved characters.
Lee was always revered in the comic book universe, but he became a true pop culture icon about a decade ago after the success of the first Iron Man movie.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has basically taken over the movie world in that time and Lee has made a cameo in every Marvel film to date.
In 2009, the Walt Disney Co. bought Marvel Entertainment for $ 4 billion.
Three years later, The Avengers grossed $ 1.52 billion worldwide take and two years after that, Lee acknowledged his important role not just in the entertainment industry — but in the world as a whole.
“I used to think what I did was not very important,” he told the Chicago Tribune in April of 2014, adding at the time:
“People are building bridges and engaging in medical research, and here I was doing stories about fictional people who do extraordinary, crazy things and wear costumes.
“But I suppose I have come to realize that entertainment is not easily dismissed.”
A native of Manhattan, Lee wrote, art-directed and edited most of Marvel’s series and newspaper strips.
He also wrote a monthly comics’ column, “Stan’s Soapbox,” signing off with his signature phrase, “Excelsior!”
Lee played a vital role as Marvel transitioned into TV during the 1980s, serving as narrator on animated series like Incredible Hulk and X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, and executive producing the 1990s animated series Spider-Man.
In 2002, Lee published an autobiography, Excelsior! The Amazing Life of Stan Lee.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse will be the next installment of the Marvel film franchise and will be released next month; it’s very safe to assume there will be a dedication to Lee in the credits.
The writer’s survivors include a daughter, J.C., and younger brother, Larry Lieber, who works as a writer and artist for Marvel. Another daughter, Jan, died in infancy.
Lee’s wife, Joan, was a hat model whom he married in 1947. She passed away last year.
Said J.C. to TMZ shortly after confirming her dad’s death:
“My father loved all of his fans. He was the greatest, most decent man.”
May he rest in peace.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Beverly McClellan Dies; The Voice Finalist Was 49
Beverly McClellan, a beloved contestant on The Voice who advanced to the final four back on Season 1, died on Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was 49 years old.
The artist was on Team Christina Aguilera back during her run on the NBC singing competition and her death was confirmed by her publicist via the following statement:
“It is with great sadness I have to share the news that we lost Beverly today.
“She was a wonderful, funny, complicated, and incredibly talented young woman who touched millions with her voice and her huge heart. I am honored to have been her manager and her friend.
“Please keep her spirit alive by sharing her music and all the wonderful memories you have of her.”
McClellan, who became a fan favorite after belting out “Piece of My Heart” for her blind audition, was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing
McClellan had been battling stage 4 endometrial cancer for approximately a year.
She had recently been sent to a California hospital to receive treatment after her health took a turn for the worse.
The singer’s family had been running a GoFundMe page titled “Beverly Mitchell Will Beat Cancer” and the latest update was posted on October 22.
It reads as follows:
Hi everyone please continue to share. We received the bill today for incidentals and we owe $ 10,099.00 as of today.
As you all may have already heard Beverly broke her femur while at CHIPSA, only 3 days into her treatments. And the Benefit, did not raise enough to cover it all.
Please share and share again! Bev needs your help in covering the hospital bills. As you all have seen this is working and she is making major strides.
We appreciate any and all donations. Peace, Love and Light!
Nakia, another semifinalist on season 1 of The Voice, Tweeted his thoughts on McClellan upon learning this sad piece of news.
“I am absolutely heartbroken. My dear friend & fellow S1 @NBCTheVoice alum, @beverlyshane has died.” he wrote, adding:
“Truly a unique soul with a beautiful heart, full of passion & an amazing talent. This was us singing @xtina’s Beautiful on tour.”
Prior to her death, the aforementioned GoFundMe page had raised $ 31,850 to assist with Beverly’s medical bills.
“She depends on her talents for income, and needless to say, she cannot sing or play at gigs during these trying times,” wrote a previous entry on this page, concluding:
“Her summer and fall tours have been canceled and hopefully rescheduled for next year.
“Beverly has a beautiful heart and beautiful music; on many, many occasions has donated her performances for the benefit and fundraising of others in need – recently for #marchforourlives.”
May Beverly McClellan rest in peace.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
James Karen, Actor You Know From Everything, Dies at 94
James Karen, a veteran actor with an extensive big screen resume, passed away this week at his home in Florida, according to multuple outlets.
He was 94 years old.
Karen died with over 200 movies to his credit, but he’s probably best known for his role as the developer Mr. Teague in the modern horror classic Poltergeist.
The long-time star also appeared in Return of the Living Dead, Invaders from Mars, China Syndrome, and Wall Street — among MANY other films.
One of the best known character actors of all-time, Karen once joked that nobody knew his name, yet everybody knew his face because he “did so much damn work.”
Actually, he may not have been joking about that.
Mostly known for his work in the movie world, Karen also played a key part on the finale of Little House on the Prairie and he worked with director Oliver Stone on three occasions:
1. As Lynch, the office manager at Jackson Steinem, where Charlie Sheen’s stockbroker character works, in Wall Street.
2. As Secretary of State William Rogers in Nixon.
2. As a Miami Sharks executive in Any Given Sunday.
Karen was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and served in the United States Air Force during World War II.
Following a stint on Broadway, Karen moved to the land of television when he starred as Dr. Burke on As the World Turns and was the original Lincoln Tyler on All My Children.
Along with starring in thousands of commercials, Karen also worked as the TV and radio spokesman (“Why pay more?”) for Pathmark, an East Coast supermarket chain that was liquidated in 2015.
On the personal front:
Karen was married to the late Susan Reed, the beloved folk singer and zither player, from 1958 until their divorce in 1967.
The couple shared a son named Reed, whose godfather is the legendary Buster Keaton, a very close friend of Karen’s throughout his adult life.
In the horror genre, other notable movies in which Karen played a part include:
Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster, Poltergeist, Invaders from Mars, The Willies, The Unborn, Piranha, Apt Pupil and Mulholland Drive.
And other television roles include:
Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, Dallas, The Golden Girls, L.A. Law, Murphy Brown and The Waltons.
In the cult classic The Return of the Living Dead, Karen starred as the manager of a medical warehouse who inadvertently releases a gas that re-animates the dead.
He said it was the most fun he ever had in making a movie, saying in 2006 that he had some say in how the character died:
“It was the deal where he figures out he’s becoming a zombie and decides to incinerate himself in the crematorium.
“He kisses his wedding ring as he goes in. It was a very emotional scene, but it also got me out of being one of the rain-drenched zombies milling around outside the place at the end of the film.
“I didn’t really want to do all that muddy stuff.”
The Hollywood Reporter first confirmed Karen’s death.
May he rest in peace.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Jon James McMurray, Canadian Rapper, Dies During Airplane Stunt
Jon James McMurray, a rapper well known and well respected in his native country of Canada, died Saturday while filming a stunt for his latest music video.
He was 34 years old.
The musician’s management team has confirmed the sad news, saying McMurray lost his life after plunging to the ground while walking on the wing of a plane.
“He died filming a project he had been working on for months,” reads this team’s statement, adding:
“His final act included performing an airplane stunt that included rapping while walking on the wing. He had trained intensely for this stunt.
“However, as Jon got further out onto the wing of the plane, it caused the small Cessna to go into a downward spiral that the pilot couldn’t correct.
“Jon held onto the wing until it was too late, and by the time he let go, he didn’t have time to pull his chute. He impacted and died instantly.”
What a tragedy.
The incident took place in Vernon, British Columbia.
McMurray, who was also an accomplished skier, pursued music after a back injury prevented him from continuing his ski career.
He released an album titled Rex Leo in 2016.
Jon was an incredibly passionate person and was always smiling. He filled everyone around him with positivity, and never spoke poorly about another person. He truly had a heart of gold,” the statement continues.
“Jon would want to be remembered as a beacon of light to follow your dreams, and would want everyone to continue to be inspired through his music and life message.”
According to Newsweek, McMurray’s previous stunt performances involved numerous serious injuries — including seven surgeries, two of which were for a fractured neck and broken back.
Rory Wayne Bushfield, a skier who was featured in McMurray’s video, paid tribute to the late rapper on Instagram Monday.
He wrote the following:
The sun is not as bright today as it was yesterday when it was shinning on my homies last moments.
Jon James Mcmurray, my very best, dearest and oldest friend passed yesterday evening in a skydiving accident.
He was living his ultimate dream, free and full. May he Rest In Peace. I’m gonna miss him so much.
Thanks for all the lessons over the years fee. You where such a good man, you brought up everyone around you and I promise to try my best to live as free as you did.
Jon is survived by his parents, Doug McMurray and Jen McMurray, his wife, Kali James, and his brother Jarred McMurray.
A GoFundMe account has been set up in the rapper’s honor to help fund his celebration of life, as well as to help get his material “out there to the world in the right way.”
“We lost Jon James McMurray yesterday,” the page reads.
“He touched and lifted so many people in his brief stay here. He also documented everything he did relentlessly.
“His close friends and family want to make something incredible with what fee left us. It’s what he would have wanted most of all.”
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Here"s How Roseanne Barr"s Character on "The Conners" Dies
Spoiler alert … Roseanne Barr’s character on “The Conners” was killed off by an opioid overdose. The series premiere of the ‘Roseanne’ spin-off jumped right into Barr’s death … with writers wrapping up her storyline a…
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Paul Allen Dies; Microsoft Co-Founder Was 65
Paul Allen, the multi-billionaire who co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates in 1975, died on Monday afternoon at his home in Seattle.
He was 65 years old.
Allen, who was worth around $ 20 billion around the time of his passing, lost his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a disease he announced had returned two weeks ago.
“Some personal news: Recently, I learned the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma I battled in 2009 has returned,” Allen Tweeted on October 1, addingat the time:
“I’ve begun treatment & my doctors are optimistic that I will see a good result. Appreciate the support I’ve received & count on it as I fight this challenge.”
The wildly successful businessman’s Vulcan Inc. confirmed the sad news today, writing on Twitter:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of @PaulGAllen, our founder and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts.
All of us who worked with Paul feel an inexpressible loss today.
Allen’s sister, Jody, also released a statement.
She said Paul was “a remarkable individual on every level,” adding in full:
While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.
Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern.
For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends.
At this time of loss and grief for us – and so many others – we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day.
Allen and Gates were both college dropouts.
They came up with the idea for Microsoft in Albuquerque, designing software together for the nascient personal computer revolution.
Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1983 and resigned shortly thereafter, but still was an active member of the board until the year 2000.
Allen was also a prominent figure in the professional sports world.
He had owned the Seattle Seahawks since 1997 and the Portland Trail Blazers since 1988. He was also the co-owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC.
Over the years, Allen donated over $ 2 billion to charity.
He was never married and left behind no children.
Said Vulcan CEO, Bill Hilf, of Allen:
“All of us who had the honor of working with Paul feel inexpressible loss today.
“He possessed a remarkable intellect and a passion to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems, with the conviction that creative thinking and new approaches could make profound and lasting impact.
“Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short – and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world.”
May Paul Allen rest in peace.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Emmy Winner Dies After Falling Off Balcony on Set of Mr. Rogers Movie
A crew member on the set of Tom Hanks’ upcoming Mr. Rogers movie died after suffering a heart attack and falling off a balcony. James Emswiller, who won an Emmy in 2015, was taking a smoke break when the coronary struck as he stood on the…
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Scott Wilson Dies; The Walking Dead Star Was 76
Scott Wilson, a veteran actor of the small screen and big screen, has passed away from complications related to Leukemia.
He was 76 years old.
Wilson had an extensive resume to his name at the time of his death, one that included well over 50 movie credits.
But he’s likely best known at this point for his long-running role on The Walking Dead of Hershel Greene.
In both the comic books on which the AMC drama is based, along with television series itself, Hershel was introduced by saving the life of Carl Grimes, the son of Rick Grimes, after the boy is shot by one of Hershel’s neighbors.
During his stint on the program, Greene served as the moral center of his group of survivors.
Wilson appeared on 37 episodes of The Walking Dead, debuting in 2011 and leaving in 2014.
Scott’s rep, Dominic Mancini, spoke to TMZ and confirmed the cause of death fo the celebrity gossip website
He added that Wilson was “a national treasure, a calm voice, and a gentle spirit to everyone who came in contact with him.”
He reportedly passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
At The Walking Dead’s panel at New York Comic-Con just this week, showrunner Angela Kang said that Scott (along with former stars Sonequa Martin-Green and Jon Bernthal) would be returning for the upcoming ninth season.
It premieres this Sunday, October 7.
(This announcement took fans by surprise, considering Hershel was decapitated in the season four episode Too Far Gone, only to have his head turned into a zombie and then killed again in the later episode After.)
While most modern TV fans know Wilson well from this role, he arrived to The Walking Dead after many decades in the entertainment industry.
Wilson’s career got underway in 1967 when he landed a role in the classic film, “In the Heat of the Night.”
He went on to appear in a multitude of other iconic movies, such as “In Cold Blood,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Dead Man Walking.”
Scott earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for playing Captain Billy Cupshaw in the 1980 film, “The Ninth Configuration.”
His other recent television roles include Hostiles, The OA, Damien and Bosch.
Tweeted Titus Welliver, the lead actor in the final show listed above, upon learning of Wilson’s passing:
Scott Wilson has departed. I am heartbroken. We are fewer. Go easy into the light brother.
Wilson’s survivors include his wife, Heavenly, an artist and attorney.
No memorial plans have been announced.
May the beloved actor rest in peace.
"The Walking Dead" Actor Scott Wilson Dies at 76
Scott Wilson — a veteran actor with more than 50 movie credits, but best known recently for his role as Hershel Greene on “The Walking Dead” — has died … TMZ has learned. Scott’s rep, Dominic Mancini, tells us he died due to complications from…
Friday, September 28, 2018
Jefferson Airplane Co-Founder Marty Balin Dies at 76
Marty Balin — one of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane — died Thursday, according to his rep. The legendary Bay Area musician’s family confirmed his passing, but isn’t releasing a cause of death. Balin’s best known for forming the…
Monday, September 24, 2018
Al Matthews Dies: Actor Famous for "Aliens" Role Was 75
Actor Al Matthews, best known for his memorable role in the film Aliens, has died.
The iconic actor had retired to Spain, which is where he passed away.
He was 75.
75-year-old Al Matthews passed away at his home, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais.
Matthews’ home was located in Orihuela Costa, in the Spanish Mediterranean province of Alicante.
He had retired to Spain in 2005.
Responders found Matthews when a neighbor called emergency services.
An autopsy is expected for the late actor.
Matthews is, of course, best known for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 classic, Aliens.
In the science fiction film, he starred alongside living legend Sigourney Weaver.
He delivered a truly famous line.
“Alright sweethearts, what are you waiting for, breakfast in bed? A day in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm,” he said on screen.
The quote continues: “Every meal’s a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! I love the corps!”
That may have been Matthews’ most famous role, but was far from the only one. In fact, he appeared in over 30 films.
Matthews portrayed a fire chief in Superman III.
He played General Tudor in the cult classic The Fifth Element.
He also enjoyed success in the United Kingdom, where he had a role on the UK series, Grange Hill.
And speaking of his work across the pond, in 1975, his song, “Fool,” reached #16 on the UK Singles chart.
Despite his retirement, Matthews reprised his legendary role as Sgt. Apone in the 2013 video game, Aliens: Colonial Marines.
Perhaps part of what made Matthews’ role in Aliens so iconic and powerful — aside from his acting skills — was that he had been a real life marine in Vietnam.
“I spent six years in the United States Marine Corps;” Matthews shared on his personal website. “I hold thirteen combat awards and decorations, including two purple hearts.”
He reveals: “I was the first black Marine in the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam to be meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.”
That is one hell of an achievement.
His website blurb concludes: “I served with Kilo Battery, Fourth Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, of that I am very proud.”
Rest in peace, Al Matthews.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
"The X-Files" Actor Peter Donat Dies at 90
Peter Donat — who appeared on several popular TV shows during is 50-year career and played Mulder’s father on “The X-Files” — has died … according to his wife. He reportedly died Monday at his home in Point Reyes Station, California from…
Friday, September 7, 2018
Mac Miller Dies; Rapper and Ex-Boyfriend of Ariana Grande Was 26
Shocking news out of the music world today, as TMZ reported moments ago that Mac Miller has passed away.
The widely-acclaimed hip hop artist, whose real name was Malcolm James McCormick, was just 26 years old.
Though details about Miller’s passing are scarce at the moment, TMZ is reporting that the cause of death appears to be a drug overdose.
Miller’s body was found at his home in San Fernando Valley after authorities were contacted by a friend of the rapper’s.
He was reportedly pronounced dead on the scene.
Though a respected figure on the hip hop scene since the release of his 2011 mixtape “Best Day Ever” and 2012 debut album, Blue Slide Park, Miller is perhaps best known for his romantic relationship with singer Ariana Grande.
Miller and Grande began dating in 2016.
The relationship was often described as a whirlwind romance, and the engagement rumors that circulated on multiple occasions were tellingly never denied by either party.
Miller dedicated his 2016 album The Divine Feminine to his then-girlfriend and stated in the press that Grande taught him to reflect on the important role that women had played in his life and development.
Sadly, in May of 2018, Grande and Miller broke up.
According to Grande, his substance abuse played a role in her decision to end the relationship.
Shortly after the split, Miller was arrested for a DUI hit and run after he crashed his G-Wagon and fled the scene on foot.
He was later apprehended at his home and blew twice the legal limit on a breathalyzer test.
When fans blamed Grande for the Miller’s downward spiral, she pushed back on social media.
“I am not a babysitter or a mother and no woman should feel that they need to be,” she tweeted.
“I have cared for him and tried to support his sobriety & prayed for his balance for years.”
Grande added:
“Of course I didn’t share about how hard or scary it was while it was happening but it was.”
According to TMZ, in the months following the breakup and Grande’s subsequent engagement to Pete Davidson, friends were instructed not to mention the situation in Miller’s presence.
Miller seems to have struggled with substance abuse his entire life, to the point that premature death was a subject that was often on his mind and one that he addressed frequently in his music.
He delved into great detail about his addiction to promethazine and codeine (a combination known as “purple drank”) on his 2014 album Faces.
Addressing his substance abuse issues in a 2012 interview, Miller had this to say:
“I’d rather be the corny white rapper than the drugged-out mess who can’t even get out of his house.
“Overdosing is just not cool. You don’t go down in history because you overdose. You just die.”
A profile of Miller was published by Vulture on Thursday and contained this tragically illuminating quote about the rapper’s mindset in his final days:
“A lot of times in my life I’ve put this pressure to hold myself to the standard of whatever I thought I was supposed to be, or how I was supposed to be perceived.”
He added:
“And it creates pressure.”
Mac Miller was scheduled to begin a nationwide tour next month.
His final Instagram post features a portion of his song “So It Goes,” which features the lyrics:
“Nine lives, never, die, f-ck a heaven, I’m still gettin’ high.”
Our thoughts go out to Miller’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds Dies; Hollywood Icon Was 82
Sad news out of Hollywood today, as a bonafide screen legend is no longer with us.
Several media outlets are now reporting that Burt Reynolds died at his home in Florida on Thursday.
The actor was 82 years old.
Sources say Reynolds was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
His death was confirmed moments ago by his agent, Todd Eisner.
“No comment, just heartbreaking,” Eisner said in a press release.
Known for such iconic films as The Longest Yard, Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, and Boogie Nights, Reynolds amassed more than 200 film and television credits over the course of his 60-year career.
A committed craftsman to the very end, Reynolds was in the process of filming Quentin Tarantino’s forthcoming Once Upon a Time In Hollywood at the time of his death.
He recently wrapped filming on Defining Moments, which is set for release in December.
Though the commercial peak of Reynolds’ career came in the 1970s, when he starred in a string of blockbusters, he enjoyed a renaissance later in life.
It was his work in the latter half of his career – culminating in an Oscar nomination for Boogie Nights in 1998 – that earned him the lasting respect of the acting world.
Of course, any discussion of Reynolds’ career would be incomplete without acknowledging what might have been.
Among the jobs he famously turned down:
Han Solo in Star Wars, John McClane in Die Hard, R.P. McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Garrett Breedlove in Terms of Endearment were some of the many roles Reynolds passed on at the peak of his career.
“I was interested in having a good time,” Reynolds wrote in his 2015 memoir, But Enough About Me.
“I didn’t open myself to new writers or risky parts because I wasn’t interested in challenging myself as an actor.
“As a result, I missed a lot of opportunities to show I could play serious roles. By the time I finally woke up and tried to get it right, nobody would give me a chance.”
But even without those now-iconic roles on his resume, the highlights of Reynolds’ career are staggeringly impressive.
The number one box office draw each year from 1978-1982, the Michigan native had four films in theaters at once in ’78.
Throughout the history of the film industry, only a handful of actors have enjoyed such popular success for so long as Burt Reynolds.
And today millions of fans are mourning the loss of a true film legend.
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