Massive icons like Aretha Franklin or Donna Summer will certainly continue to get their own threads when they pass, but I figured it might be worth having a place to honor lesser-known celebrities who have left us, especially because we can’t see status updates (which is where a lot of those announcements were made on here previously).
 

But the great actor Ian Holm has died at 88:

 

 

Edited July 6, 20205 yr by Faulkner

Obi Ndefo Dies: ‘Dawson's Creek' & ‘Stargate SG-1' Actor Was 51

I remember him in Stargate SG-1 and DS9. I had no idea about his 2019 accident and the loss of his legs.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/obi-ndefo-dies-dawson-s-creek-stargate-sg-1-actor-was-51/ar-AA1pOhNr?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=7531b069be134df28f5427111f87fb64&ei=10

James Darren, Teen Idol Actor in ‘Gidget,’ Singer and Director, Dies at 88

https://variety.com/2024/film/news/james-darren-gidget-moondoggie-star-trek-1236127756/



Singing scene from DS9 with James Darren and Rene Auberjonois

 

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by applcin

In the Olympic Games thread, you can find the original story of what happened to Rebecca Cheptegei as she was still clinging to life but tragically, she has now succumbed to her injuries due to a violent attack by her partner. As much as people assume that DV is discussed, there hasn’t been nearly enough discussion of this issue in a comprehensive way. 
 

UGANDAN OLYMPIC MARATHONER REBECCA CHEPTEGEI DIES AFTER FIRE ATTACK

Wow, long COVID. R.I.P. to a giant of music.

 

 

 

Edited September 7, 20241 yr by janea4old

The GOAT:

free link. ny times mentions him as an early black actor in soaps.

 james earl jones obit

32 minutes ago, Vee said:

The GOAT:

Okay. Even at 93, I was not expecting this. This one hurts. Rest well to a wonderful, legendary (it gets thrown around, but he was!) actor with one of the most distinctive voices in cinema history. 💔 That voice MADE Darth Vader.

The most recognizable voice on the planet.

RIP

RIP James Earl Jones.

Love Field of Dreams and Star Wars.

RIP James Earl Jones and thank you for your contributions to the entertainment industry.

I know James Earl Jones career was in many mediums but to me he will forever be King Jaffe Joffer and Mufasa.

Watching a young James Earl Jones recite the alphabet on Sesame Street (from 1978!) is an experience! Click on the video and give a listen. ETA: One of the responses says this was actually from 1969. So...whichever year, it's still awesome!

Edited September 9, 20241 yr by Wendy

Hopefully people remember that James Earl Jones won two Tony awards out of four nominations. August Wilson who was one of America’s best playwrights had James Earl Jones as the original Troy Maxon in the iconic play Fences. Maybe it’s the nature of the business nowadays but it feels like with James Earl Jones passing away, the list of actors who excel in every media and has a legacy of moving performances across decades is suddenly very very short. R.I.P. Sir.

https://variety.com/2024/film/news/james-earl-jones-dead-darth-vader-lion-king-1236138656/

An example of how mesmerizing James Earl Jones was as a performer. Sorry but there are certain things you can do only on a stage.

 

I was such a kid that it did not occur to me until I was older that James Earl Jones was the voice to the villain of my favorite sci-fi film series Star Wars. 

For me, and what was a good representation for me as a young black man, it was his portrayal of King Jaffe Joffer. Ragal. A lion in his ferociousness and with his son a bit of softie. And...glasses. But yet, his eyes held you. His presence was strong AND different to what little I saw of black people on tv growing up. And do I even need to mention his voice? It makes me bittersweet to think it was a similar presence I thought to a character I did in community theater that I did not understand then, but I see now. 

 

He's done so much stuff. From Star Wars to Roots to Conan to as mentioned Sesame Street. 

 

He was a vibe. A Goat. And lived a full life and will surely be missed. RIP.