On 9/27/2024 at 3:26 PM, DramatistDreamer said:

A seminal talent and a giant of the theatrical world.

 

TCM tributes are always marvelous.

 

Oh damn, this is all too much. R.I.P. to Mr. Kristofferson, his performances on stage and onscreen were always full of heart.

Damn, folks are peacing out this weekend. R.I.P. sexy man.

 

23 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

 

Nooooooooooo. I loveee this man. 

May he rest in peace. Oh my god.

😔

The recently departed Dame Maggie Smith is perhaps best known for playing sharp-tongued, formidable women in "Downton Abbey", "Gosford Park" and the Harry Potter movies. But for those who would like to see a different aspect of her immense talent I can highly recommend "The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne". 

In it Maggie plays a lonely spinster who makes a meagre living giving piano lessons. It's a brilliant performance, worlds away from the Dowager Countess of Grantham. And the fact that she shares scenes with the magnificent Dame Wendy Hiller (in one of her last performances) doesn't exactly hurt either.  

Kris Kristofferson was such a fascinating figure. He had his demons, but he was extremely charismatic, witty, and never succumbing to going Hollywood or showbiz in spite of all the years he was a heavy presence. I can see why he became something of a sex symbol in the '70s, even if I don't think he was the right fit for that ill-advised remake of A Star is Born. He and Ellen Burstyn are a good match in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, even if I preferred the portions of the film when she was on her own.

He was best served in his films with Alan Rudolph, especially the one-of-a-kind Trouble in Mind. 

I didn't know until watching the recently uploaded Letterman interview he did back in 1984 that he and Streisand reunited in a music video (her first).

 

Edited September 30, 20241 yr by DRW50

This was not a good weekend at all.

RIP Dame Maggie Smith, Drake Hogestyn and Kris Kristofferson 

And worse yet: sad news from the world of sports:

 

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NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ

— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024

Broadway star Gavin Creel has died at 48 after being diagnosed with rare aggressive form of sarcoma just this July:

 

Breaking News: Gavin Creel, a sly and charming Tony-winning musical theater actor, has died at 48. https://t.co/BV4hGmq2ks

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 30, 2024

 

Edited September 30, 20241 yr by Faulkner

A tribute to Gavin Creel from Tuc Watkins:

 

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And from his Hello, Dolly co-star Bette Midler:

 

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BarbraStreisand

The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was  developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born. 

In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, “Evergreen."

For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, “Lost Inside Of You.”  He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.  

My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible

He had his controversies, but still:

 

 

23 hours ago, Faulkner said:

 

 

BarackObama
Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time. But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court. Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.

Edited October 1, 20241 yr by janea4old