Celebrities Who Died In 2020
A lot had happened in 2020 that broke a lot of hearts. Aside from the unfortunate natural phenomenon and other disheartening events, we also bid farewell to some of our most beloved Hollywood celebrities. We started the year with a huge heartbreak when we lost the great NBA star, Kobe Bryant.
From here, everything just seemed to go downhill, and as if in a blink of an eye, several beautiful souls departed from our living world.
However, despite mourning their demises, why don’t we just celebrate the life that they had shared with us? From celebrities themselves to other famous individuals who had successfully made a name for themselves, they should be given all the credits for the contributions that they had made in their fields.
These celebrities had left a considerable legacy that would be forever treasured and cherished. Sure, someone might come to try to imitate their works, but as they said, nothing could beat the original—they would always remain unmatched.
Try not to cry as we remember our favorite celebrities who took their final bow in 2020.
Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells is best known as an American actress. To her credit, she also got involved in many other different endeavors. Some may not know, for example, that Dawn got crowned Miss Nevada in 1959. Later on, she represented her state in the Miss America 1960 pageant. Other than this, the actress was also a Humanitarian.
For several years, Dawn managed and operated the Wishing Wells Collections, an organization focused on helping those with limited mobility by providing clothing. She was also the founder of the Idaho Film and Television Institute, a non-profit educational organization. Furthermore, Dawn also gave her support to the Denver Foundation. She helped raise funds for both the disabled and disadvantaged of West Virginia. She was indeed an adventurous soul with a heart that always seemed ready to give and help.
Alto Reed
Alto Reed was born on May 16, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. He is best known as a saxophonist. However, he was also involved in The Silver Bullet Band with Bob Seger, Drew Abbott, Charlie Allen Martin, Rick Manasa, and Chris Campbell and toured with them for more than four decades.
His exceptional skills certainly deserve some credit for allowing him to perform with many other musicians. For example, he got to play with The Ventures, Spencer Davis, and Robin Gibb. A few of his most incredible performances would include his saxophone solo in Old Time Rock and Roll. Fans will also never forget his saxophone introduction to Turn the Page as well. On May 19, 2012, Reed became part of the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame in Windsor, Ontario. He truly is a legend that the music industry won’t just be forgetting anytime soon.
Pierre Cardin
Avante-Garde fashion designer Pierre Cardin was born on July 2, 1922. As a designer, Pierre gained popularity for his particular preference for geometric shapes and motifs. He was also quite experimental. He preferred the unisex fashion, rather than just focusing on the female form.
However, out of all his fashion milestones, Pierre was popularly given credit for introducing bubble dress to the fashion industry in the 1950s. He also entered the business world by partnering with American Motors Corporation. With this, America was able to see its first cars with a special trim package created by a famous French fashion designer. In 1970 he visited the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to try on Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit. After this, he started designing spacesuits for the agency. Although Cardin is no longer with us in this world, we are sure that his legacy will continue to live on.
Armando Manzanero
Armando Manzanero, known for being a Mexican-Mayan musician, was born in the year 1935. As a skilled musician, Armando was knowledgeable in almost all the fields of music. That included singing, composing, and producing. Generally, people saw him as a premier Mexican romantic composer of the postwar era, making him one of the most successful musicians of Latin America.
Manzanero started his career early. In 1950, when he was just 15, he composed one of his first masterpieces, Nunca en el Mundo or known as Never in the World. That song, alone, was translated to at least twenty-one versions in various languages. True to his title, he was able to compose more than four hundred songs. One of the earliest awards to his credit would be the Excellence Award at the 1993 Lo Nuestro Awards. Just recently, he earned the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award. Needless to say, fans will dearly miss him.
Tony Rice
Tony Rice, born in the year 1951, was best known for his involvement and influence in the bluegrass music industry. His professional career started with his involvement with The Bluegrass Alliance. However, he spent a big part of his career with The New South, one of the most progressive bluegrass groups out there. He was in the band alongside J.D. Crowe, Jerry Douglas, Skaggs, and Bobby Slone. After he met David Grisman, he left New South and joined Grisman’s all-instrumental group, expanding his playing beyond bluegrass. He also left the band and pursued a solo career. Occasionally he played and collaborated with some other famous musicians. To credit him for being one of the most significant pillars and personalities in the bluegrass music industry, he got inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2013. That way, his music, and legacy will live on forever.
Nick McGlashan
Nick McGlashan is an American television personality best known for being a part of the reality show Deadliest Catch, which aired from 2005 to 2013. Nick appeared as a deck boss in the show’s earlier seasons and has since been a permanent fixture in the series.
He did leave the show in its 13th season but came back shortly. It is no surprise that he would be a part of the show as he has worked on the boat since he was just 13. Furthermore, Bruce Landford, his father, was also a fisherman. Being one of the show’s most tenured members, he has gained an impressive amount of fans and an even more remarkable credit score. His following was even more evident on his social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. According to reports, Nick had a net worth of around $200,000 at his passing.
Phil Niekro
Philip Niekro is an American athlete widely recognized in the baseball industry. He played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball. He also received credit for obtaining 318 wins in his career, the biggest number of wins by a knuckleballer. With this, he ranks 16th on MLB’s all-time wins list. Together with his brother, Joseph Niekro, they achieved 539, solidifying their legacy in baseball history.
After his professional baseball career, he continued his passion by managing the all-women Colorado Silver Bullets baseball team. In addition to that, he also became a member of the board of directors for Kiz Toys, reviewing product design and developments. He was also the advisor of the company on the KizSport baseball line. Philip truly is a legend to the baseball world. Considering the significance of his achievements, we can be sure that his name and legacy will live on for a long time.
Jon Huber
Professional American wrestler Jon Huber is a prominent name in the world of wrestling. However, many of you may recognize him more for his ring names Luke Harper and Mr. Brodie Lee. He started wrestling as a backyard wrestler using the ring name Huberboy #2 and eventually got formal training.
The wrestler ultimately made his debut for Roc City Wrestling in 2003, still using Huberboy #2. He unmasked soon after and started working as Brodie Lee for Rochester Pro Wrestling. It is no wonder that he is famous in the field as he has accumulated a large number of awards and recognitions to his credit. He won some of the championships like the JAPW New Jersey State Championship, NEW Heavyweight Championship, and NWA Southern Television Championship. The professional wrestling world and his fans surely won’t be forgetting him any time soon.
John ‘Ecstasy’ Fletcher
John Fletcher, commonly known as Ecstasy, was the lead singer and co-founder of the hip hop group Whodini. The band made its name with unforgettable songs such as Magic’s Wand. If you didn’t know, the song earned the credit of being the first rap song that came with a video.
Fletcher, along with the group, released six albums, two of which went gold. Some of their most famous songs would be Friends, Freaks Come Out at Night, Five Minutes of Funk, and The Haunted House of Rock. In the year 2012, the group was presented with the Icon Award by the Underground Music Awards. With that, we can fully say that the group made some remarkable changes in the music industry. Their contribution is something that the music industry won’t immediately, and we safely say that Fletcher’s legacy will continue to live on.
Leslie West
Born on the year 1945 in New York City, Leslie West was best known for his involvement in the rock music industry. He is also a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter whose name cannot get separated from the hard rock band Mountain. That is because he was the band’s founding member as well as one of the band’s lead vocalists.
Throughout their career, the band managed to produce a number of hit songs, including Long Red and Mississippi Queen. Mountain is one of the bands that earned credit and recognition for influencing heavy metal music development. That might be because West is commonly associated with the Gibson Les Paul Jr., P-90, and Sunn Amplifiers — equipment widely used with rock music. The group had a significant influence on the rock music industry, which many fans and artists will never truly forget.
Stella Tennant
Stella Tennant was a British model and fashion designer born in December of 1970. With such exceptional talent, she was able to work with some of the most prestigious brands in the industry, such as Dior, Calvin Klein, and Burberry, just to name a few.
In 2012, she got inducted into the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame as Model of the Year. Aside from having an eye for fashion, the model also had a heart for the environment. She was involved in a movement that promoted using less energy. Also, she supported a campaign to wanted to reduce fashion’s effect on the environment. She loved the fashion industry, and it is evident that it loved her back to the same degree. The fashion industry would indeed feel her absence, but it will forever be grateful that it once had Tennant.
Kevin Greene
Former American football star Kevin Greene was an exceptional athlete, loved by many of his fans. He played as a linebacker and a defensive end for more than three professional teams in his career. He has a record of 160 sacks to his credit, ranking him third among all the NFL career sack leaders.
In 2016 he became a Gold Jacket when the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him. Despite his popularity as a football player, he also pursued other endeavors such as wrestling, making a few appearances in the World Championship Wrestling. Later football contracts required him to stop, and so his professional wrestling career came to an end. He also tried coaching linebackers at one point. However, more than being a fantastic player, Greene was also a loving husband and father. He even quit his professional career to spend time with his family. The sports world will never be the same again with his passing, but it would surely remember him fondly.
K.T. Oslin
Some of you may not be familiar with K. T. Oslin, but the country music industry will forever remember her name. During her career, she was able to get four number 1 hits and accumulated many sought-after awards to her credit.
In 2018, she became part of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Some of her most famous songs are Come Next Monday and Hey Bobby. These are songs that are still played and loved today. In her career, she did more than gracing us with her presence and giving us beautiful tunes. She also inspired many in more ways than one. Her songs inspired musicians with their dreams, and her success aided in empowering strong women already in their middle-aged years. We will miss her charm and country music, but we would treasure her and her works for a long time.
Jeremy Bulloch
Jeremy Bulloch was a renowned English actor whose Hollywood career spanned an impressive six decades. During his heydays, he gave life to many characters such as Boba Fett and Commander Bill Huxley. In the beginning, he planned to become a sportsman, but he chose to go into acting. For this, fans, creators, and Hollywood, in general, are exceedingly grateful.
The roles he played are those that can never be done quite well by another. It was roles that seemed to be made just for him. While he entertained people on screen, he didn’t remain untouchable. He often got invited to conventions, and often, he gave in to their request. He made and gave time investments to make people happy. Not only did he devote himself to his craft, but he also dedicated his love to the people who made his success possible — his fans.
Jeannie Morris
American sports journalist and author Jeannie Morris was a great, empowering woman. One might even say that she defied several odds throughout her life and career. For starters, Jeannie became the first American woman to cover sports areas that men had exclusively reported during the time. However, despite her exceptional performance as a journalist, professionals refused to give her the credit she deserved solely because of her gender.
Fortunately, as time went on and as her perseverance endured, people started recognizing her extraordinary contributions. From putting her works in the women’s section, they moved it to the sports section, where it truly belonged. It might not seem like a big deal, but her progress marked a significant win for women in the sports journalism industry. We can genuinely say that Jeannie’s efforts and contributions paved the way for many women in the industry today, and for that, we will forever remember her.
Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking was an American dancer and choreographer. She made her professional performing debut early and got involved in Giselle’s production at only 12 years old. At the age of 19, Ann made her Broadway debut in the musical Cabaret. Later on, Ann went to share her talent with Hollywood for more than four decades. The star accumulated many roles and recognition to her credit in her career. One of which is the Tony Award for Best Choreography for the 1996 revival of Chicago.
In 2001, the Florida State University gave her an honorary doctorate for her contribution to the arts. Her heart was beautiful, and she was not only able to display this on stage. Other than dancing and choreographing, she also helped the Marfan Foundation. The stage, the spotlight, and Broadway, in general, would miss her, but they will continue to remember her lovingly.
Edgardo del Villar
Edgardo Del Villar was a Mexican television and radio anchor born in 1973. He was a news anchor for the Telemundo network. His name, however, is also associated with shows like Las Noticias, Un Nuevo Día, and Noticias Telemundo. Edgardo was known to be a bright and jolly person who, whenever he was present, made the room and the people light up. That did not just involve his family, friends, and colleagues. He also extended it to his fans. With his talent and personality, it was no wonder he gained a following. To some degree, he even kept in contact with his admirers through social media.
He made a lot of contributions to the media field in the course of his career. Although the legendary presenter has already passed, the industry and his supporters will forever remember his contributions and his legacy.
Charley Pride
Charley Frank Pride was born on March 18, 1934, and was best known as an American singer. But aside from his musical career, he was also a professional baseball player. Although he loved music since he was a kid, one of his dreams was to become a professional baseball player — something that he was able to fulfill. In 1952, he was able to play for the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro American League. While he was fulfilling his dreams in baseball, his talent in music got discovered. Country stars encouraged him to join the music business. In 1966, his first RCA Victor single was released. With credit to his amazing talent, he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since the legendary Elvis Presley. In his career, he had 30 number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Truly, the music industry is saddened by his departure, but it will continue to treasure his name and his contributions.
Carol Sutton
Carol Sutton was born in 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was best known as an American actress. Ever so talented, she was an actress in theater, film, and TV. Despite being capable in all the ways of acting, she seemed to love theater to a much higher degree. She devoted most of her career to theater acting. Later on, she served as an acting teacher in her hometown. As for her acting career, she appeared in films like Monster’s Ball, Ray, and Steel Magnolias. In the span of her career, she made a name for herself and was able to get a number of awards and recognitions. In 2012, she was awarded a New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award. The industry would surely miss her. Of course, it will continue to remember her for all her wonderful contributions to the industry.
Dame Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor was born on August 7, 1937, and was best known as an English actress. Windsor was such a talented actress and individual, not least because she was able to land a lot of roles and awards to her credit. She was best known for her appearances in the Carry On films as well as EastEnders. The Carry On franchise consisted of a large number of projects that lasted for a few decades. On the other hand, EastEnders is a soap opera that airs to this day. Windsor dedicated a good portion of her life to Hollywood. She shared her talent for the masses to see and smiled not only for the camera but for her fans as well. Surely, her absence will be felt. There will always be a hole that only Windsor could fill. Despite that, she left us with a lot of things we can remember her by, and the industry will remember it for years to come.
Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister
Tommy Debo Lister was born on June 24, 1958, and was best known as an American actor. With his amazing skills, he was, to his credit, able to acquire a good number of roles as well as recognitions. He has accumulated at least 200 roles. One of his most notable characters was that of Deebo in the comedy film, Friday. Another was his role as president Lindberg in the science-fiction action film, The Fifth Element. Other than being an actor, he was also a professional wrestler. Lister appeared in the wrestling movie, No Holds Barred. This movie was financed by the World Wrestling Federation. Hollywood will surely notice his absence. The industry will surely miss him. However, he has left us with a lot of things to remember him by. He and his work will be remembered for a long time.
Jason Slater
Jason Slater was born on March 8, 1971, and was best known as an American songwriter and musician. He joined and shared his talents with a few bands. He served as the bassist and backup vocalist for Third Eye Blind, one of the first bands he joined. He later joined the rock band, Snake River Conspiracy, as their bassist and songwriter. Among the other bands he joined are Band of Flakes, Revenge of the Triads, and Brougham. Aside from being a songwriter and musician, he can also take credit as a successful record producer. Some of the songs that he produced are Operation: Mindcrime II and Hooray for Dark Matter. Truly, he had many a great contribution to the music industry. It would feel his absence, no doubt. Despite this, his name along with his work won’t easily be forgotten. His name and work will be remembered for a long time.
Arnie Robinson Jr.
Arnie Paul Robinson Jr. was born on April 7, 1948. He was best known as an American athlete. He accomplished a lot in life. His most notable achievement was when he won a gold medal in the long jump in the 1976 Olympics and 1971 Pan American Games. Other than being in the athletic world, he was also, to his credit, involved in the academe. He was the head track coach at Mesa College in San Diego and, later on, taught physical education courses. Robinson was inducted into the USATF National Track and Field Hall of Fame in the year 2000. Truly, Robinson gave so much, not only to the athletic world. He will be missed. We can’t thank him enough for sharing his talents and knowledge. His students and everyone else who was able to witness his efforts and perseverance won’t be forgetting him soon.
Natalie Desselle-Reid
Natalie Ann Desselle-Reid was born on July 12, 1967, in Alexandria, Louisiana. She was best known as an American actress. Her acting career started in 1996 when she was in the movie Set it Off. After this, she started accumulating roles to her credit. Among her roles include that of Jenny Jackson in Def Jam’s How to Be a Player and Tammy in Madea’s Big Happy Family. She was an amazing actress in her own right. Her light shone and was seen by those who watched her. Other than this, she was also a wonderful friend. She was deeply and greatly loved. Truly, her absence will be felt. There will always be a gap that only Natalie could fill. Despite that, she left us with a lot of things we can remember her by. Hollywood will be thanking her for years to come.
Chuck Yeager
Charles Elwood Yeager was born on February 13, 1923. He is best known as a record-setting test pilot. He became the first-ever pilot in history who exceeded the speed of sound in level flight. He was also a United States Air Force officer and flying ace. On October 12, 1944, he attained “ace in a day” status. He accumulated a lot of awards, decorations, and recognitions in his career. Aside from this, it is important to note that he was also a loving husband and father. He always named his planes after his wife and at one time he said “any airplane I name after you always brings me home.”
Not all heroes wear capes, this is something that we’ve learned from the life of Yeager. From breaking records to saving the world in his own way, the man truly deserves a lot of credit. We thank him for all his contributions. He will not be forgotten.
David L. Lander
David L. Lander, the beloved Laverne & Shirley cast, passed away on December 4, 2020, he was 73. His battle ended in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where his wife Kathy, daughter Natalie, and son-in-law Jared were by his bedside during his departure.
Born on June 22, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Lander started his career at 10 years old. He entered High School for the Performing Arts where he studied drama. His love for performing became more serious when he enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh to finish his degree. Here was where he met Michael McKean. Their bond changed their careers forever, and they were both tapped for a role in Laverne & Shirley as Squiggy and Lenny, a show that lasted for eight seasons in 1976. Lander’s filmography includes over 120 films: 101 Dalmatians: The Series, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Used Cars, to name a few.
Whitney Collings
Whitney Collings departed the world of the living on Thursday, December 3, 2020. She was 33. The Bad Girls Club star was rushed to a hospital near her hometown, Boston, but the reason for the incident has not been given.
Whitney Collings was best known for her 12-episode appearance in Oxygen’s reality series, Bad Girls Club, a show that aired for three seasons. Created by Jonathan Murray, the show revolves around belligerent women who were mandated to live under the same roofing, hoping to change their outlook and unruly behavior. The Sharp Shooter, Collings infamous nickname, was fired after she was involved in an altercation with her co-star. Surprisingly, even for her bad girl image, Collings studied biology and physics at Salem State University, a profile from Boston Herald claimed. As of January 2019, Collings moved to Florida and worked for a cigarette company.
Warren Berlinger
Fans of Warren Berlinger received unfortunate news when the actor kicked the bucket on December 2, 2020. He was 83. Elizabeth Berlinger Tarantini, his daughter, stated that the actor took his last breath at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia, California, without revealing the cause of his death.
Born on August 31, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York. Berlinger launched his career at 11 after he trained at New York’s Professional Children’s School. At 17, he graced the 1955 Broadway production, A Roomful of Roses, where he starred alongside Betty Lou Keim, who became his wife in real life. He received a lot of credit for his performance in Blue Denim, a show that won him a Theatre World Award. Although he portrayed numerous roles on television and in theater, his daughter mentioned that his favorite role was that of J. Pierrepont in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Rafer Johnson
The gold-medalist passed away on December 2, 2020. He was 86 at the time. The Olympian was at his place in Sherman Oaks when he kicked the bucket, a report from the University of California, Los Angeles claimed.
Rafer Lewis Johnson was born on August 18, 1934, in Hillsboro, Texas. He first competed in the decathlon in 1954 at UCLA, and after a year, he won a gold medal in the Pan American Games. Johnson made waves in his track and field career when he won silver in the 1956 Olympics and a remarkable gold medal at the same event in 1960. Aside from his athletic career, he also entered the world of show business where he, to his credit, was able to land roles in memorable films such as The Six Million Dollar Man, Licence to Kill, and Mission: Impossible.
Hugh Keays-Byrne
Hugh Keays-Byrne became popular for playing the main villain in the Mad Max movie franchise. But late last year, December 1, Toecutter left his fans shocked when Director Brian Trenchard-Smith wrote on a Facebook post that the actor passed away at 73.
Hugh was born on May 18, 1947, in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, British Raj in India. In 1973. He hired a moving company and relocated to Australia to become a film and TV actor there. His roles were mostly that of antagonists. Aside from embodying Toecutter in Mad Max, he was cast again as Immortan Joe for Mad Max: Fury Road, where he was nominated as Best Villain in the 2016 MTV Movie Awards. The former grossed $8,750,000 in domestic revenue despite its paltry $200,000 budget, while the latter made $368.2 million worldwide with its production budget of $150 million. Rest in peace, Hugh.
Pat Patterson
WWE Hall of Famer’s first gay superstar bid goodbye at the age 79. The news was announced by WWE, where Patterson was named as a “true trailblazer of the industry”, according to a report by People Magazine.
His real name was Pierre Clermont, and he was born on January 19, 1941. He was a World Wrestling Federation Champion and an NDA World Tag Team Champion. His wrestling career was launched in 1958 in Montreal where he was known as Pretty Boy. He eventually joined WWE in the 1970s. Pat once mentioned that he only spoke French when he moved to the U.S. One of his memorable matches was in 1981 with Sgt. Slaughter — the match, to both Patterson’s and Slaughter’s credit, had been awarded by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter as the Match of the Year. Upon his retirement, he continued to work for the WWE as a commentator and confidante for WWE CEO Vince McMahon.
Abby Dalton
A representative of Abby Dalton told Deadline that the Emmy-nominated actress had passed away on November 23, 2020. She was 88 at the time. The cause of her death was not reported. Gladys Marlene Wasden, her birth name, was born on August 15, 1932, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The actress gained fame when she starred in the film, Falcon Crest, as Julia Cumson. Roger Corman, a writer-producer, helped launch her career in 1957 by debuting her in his film, Rock All Night. Afterwhich, she was cast for several Corman films, including Carnival Rock, Teenage Doll, and Dopestreet.
In 1959, Dalton played Jackie Cooper’s girlfriend in his Hennesey series. It was a role for which she received a lot of credit. This supporting role gave her an Emmy nomination in 1961. She got married twice, the first was to Joe Mondragon, which ended in divorce, and then to Jack David Smith, with whom she shares three children.
Tony Hsieh
People reported that the Former CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, had passed away on November 27, 2020. He was 46 at the time. He was known as an American Internet entrepreneur and a venture capitalist. Hsieh was born on December 12, 1973, in Illinois. In 1999, he put investment money in an online shoe platform owned by Nick Swinmurn, Shoesite.com. The site later rebranded itself and changed its name to Zappos, derived from the Spanish word ‘zapatos’. The company did minimal revenue in its first year but was able to gross $70 million in 2003. A year later, its revenue had grown tremendously to $183 million. Hsieh sold it to Amazon for $1.2 billion on Halloween in 2009.
Aside from Zappos, Hsieh co-founded LinkExchange, an advertising network he created with his friend, Sanjay Madan, in 1996. It was so successful that Microsoft expressed interest and eventually bought it for $265 million in 1998.
David Prowse
David Prowse, who was best known for playing Darth Vader in Star Wars, passed away on the 28th of November, 2020. He was 85 at the time. Thomas Bowington wrote on Twitter the sad news. David Charles Prowse was born on July 1, 1935, in Bristol England. He was raised by his mother and reportedly never met his biological father. He started as a bodybuilder and weightlifter before he was cast to play Darth Vader in the fourth, fifth, and sixth Star Wars movie. Indeed, he was, to his credit, very successful in his body-building career and he was able to win more than a few weightlifting titles in the ‘60s. Aside from being a well-known villain, Prowse reportedly helped Christopher Reeve when the young actor was chosen to be Superman.
Prowse was a good husband to Norma E. Scammell, his wife of almost 60 years, from 1963 until his last day on Earth. The two share three children.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, a world-renowned Argentine football player, kicked the bucket on November 25, 2020. The Argentina Football Association was among the first to share the news in a tweet. His full name is Diego Armando Maradona and he was born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of eight, he already showed the potential to become a football player. When he joined Las Cebollitas, the boy’s team won 136 succeeding matches and a national championship. At age 16, he became the youngest Argentine player on the national team. Although he was too young to play in the 1978 World Cup, he led the Junior World Cup championship the following year.
Maradona often took credit for being among the top football players of the 1980s and was considered one of the greatest of all time. He led various teams from Italy, Spain, and Argentina, and won the 1986 World Cup with the latter.
David Dinkins
David Dinkins, New York’s first black mayor, passed away on November 23, 2020, at the age of 93, a month after his wife. “An enormous loss to our city…” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted. David Norman Dinkins was born on July 10, 1927, in Trenton, New Jersey. After high school, he enlisted to serve the Marines. Later on, he enrolled at Howard University to get a degree in mathematics. In 1953, he joined the British Law School and began his journey to politics. This was around the same time he married Joyce Burrows, the New York state assemblyman’s daughter.
In 1989, he ran for mayor and was able to beat Rudy Giuliani by a 47,000 vote difference, which was considered the closest margin in New York office election history. He opted out of re-election and became a professor at Columbia University instead. Sometime in 2013, he released his memoir, A Mayor’s Life: Governing New York’s Gorgeous Mosaic, which he wrote with Peter Knobler.
Hal Ketchum
Hal Ketchum, at the age of 67, departed the world of the living on November 23, 2020. Andrea, his wife, posted the sad news. Hal Michael Ketchum was an established artist, born on April 9, 1953, in Greenwich, New York. His notable hits were Small Town Saturday Night and Past the Point of Rescue.
In 1994, Ketchum became a member of Grand Ole Opry, where he played drums at the age of 15 before playing the guitar. He also made appearances in Heartbreak Hotel and Maverick, both were films shown in 1988 and 1994 respectively. According to his personal manager, Tracie Ferguson, In 2010, Ketchum hired a moving company and relocated to Texas to play in theaters and different venues such as Eddie’s Attic and The Birchmere before his last performance on the Gruene Hall’s stage. The man and his music will be sorely missed.
Ed Murray
Bill Murray’s older brother and golf enthusiast, Ed Murray, passed away on November 23, 2020. He was believed to be 76. Ed was considered to be the inspiration behind Caddyshack’s lead character, a sports movie written by Brian Doyle-Murray in 1980, a film that Bill starred in. Ed was born on September 7, 1944, in Wilmette, Illinois. He was the eldest amongst the nine children of Edward and Lucille Murray.
Ed often took credit for introducing gold to the Murray family. At 10, he started caddying at the Indian Hills Country club and later received the Evans scholarship at Northwestern University in1963. Bill and Ed, together with their four brothers, were all part of the Caddie Hall of Fame in 2015. Aside from golf, the six brothers solidified their bond when they established their own chain, Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant.
John Gilbert Getty
Paul Getty’s grandson and heir, John Gilbert Getty, passed away at the age of 52 on November 20, 2020. Getty was a distinguished musician in the U.S. who loved rock and roll. Although there was always a degree of mystery surroundinghis wife’s identity, they were blessed with a daughter, Ivy, who was born in 1996. Aside from leaving hisdaughter, father, and siblings, John also abandoned several homes in Los Angeles, California, including the one he recently bought in Hollywood Hills West for a whopping $3.9 million, Los Angeles Times claimed. He was born in 1968 to his parents: Gordon and Ann Getty.
Ivy Getty posted a heart-wrenching tribute on Instagram where she mentioned that she was proud to have John as her father. In 2015, Forbes calculated the fortune of the Getty family and it was declared to be around $5 billion.
Ben Watkins
Ben Watkins, MasterChef Junior contestant, departed the world of the living at the very young age of 14, on November 16, 2020. In a statement published by People, his grandmother Donna Edwards and uncle Anthony Edwards stated that Ben had gone “home to be with his mother,“ who together with Ben’s father, passed away in 2017. The aspiring chef was born in September 2006 to Michael Watkins and Leila Edwards. In 2018 he immediately established himself as one of the fan favorites in MasterChef Junior.
Although he was eliminated before the finals, Gordon Ramsay, the host of the show, claims to have been thoroughly impressed with the young man’s cooking skills. Ramsay paid tribute to his former contestant on Twitter, while their family’s lawyer and GoFundMe campaign manager, Trent McCain, tweeted that Ben received an “outpouring love and support” for three years.
John Shimooka
It looks like professional surfer John Shimooka would go down in history as a record-holding international wave rider after his untimely death on November 16, 2020. John was known for his passion for surfing, as well as the wonderful vibe he gives off whenever he’s in a room with people. Reportedly, he is often the crowd favorite and the life of an event, and his unfortunate passing has left a big hole in the surfing community. Known and loved as “Shmoo” in the industry, John can be given credit for influencing and inspiring thousands of today’s generation to pick up the passion for surfing. Other than his vibrant enthusiasm and flame for riding the tides, he’s also a talented commentator, a seasoned black belter in Jiu-jitsu, and the General Manager of Partnerships in Surfing NSW. At the age of 51, John lived a life filled with purpose and is one person that the community will surely never forget.
DJ Spinbad
Professionally renowned WHTZ DJ, remixer, and producer, Chris Sullivan, known in the industry as DJ Spinbad, made sure that he’d never be forgotten through his amazing mixtapes and albums. On the fateful day of November 10, Chris, unfortunately, passed away at the young age of 46, leaving a well-lived professional career in disc jockeying. Chris gave the world countless fire mixtapes and albums dating all the way back to 1995, starting with Rock the Casbah. The enviable degree of passion he had for spinning tracks didn’t stop there though since he went on to release a number of other hits, from Clueless to Live in India. When it came to his career as a producer, he was just as good. He produced an album in the Fabric Live series, which could easily be described as amazing. The world just lost one talented mixer and DJ, but rest assured, wherever Chris is right now, he’d be carrying the party with him.
Mo3
Rappers always have a special place in the music industry with their amazing contribution to the field of music and Mo3 is one of them. Born as Melvin A. Noble, Mo3 would go on and make a name for himself in the field of rapping. Growing up in a rough area of North Dallas, Mo3 isn’t a stranger when it comes to living under poor conditions. From sleeping on a patio to having noodles every night, he’s lived through it all. These wouldn’t stop the up-and-coming rapper from reaching his dreams, though, since these experiences are what he credits to his success. The rapper would hit it big in 2014 with his first-ever mixtape, Shottaz, and the rest is history. From living paycheck to paycheck, to acquiring a net worth of $1 million, Mo3 is one king whose reign was cut short on November 11 at 28 years old. Although gone, his influence and music will still be remembered for ages.
Tommy Heinsohn
It’s safe to say that the Celtics wouldn’t be the same without one of their most prominent former players and beloved coach, Tommy Heinsohn. Heinsohn was a former professional basketball player back in 1956 for the Boston Celtics, a team for whom he played a lengthy 9 years. After his career on-court, his love for the sport would give him the opportunity to coach for the same team from 1969 to 1978. To put into perspective just how instrumental Heinsohn was for the Celtics, he was nicknamed “Mr. Celtic” at one point for his loyalty to the team. Unfortunately, Heinsohn ran out of gas in his lengthy 86 years of existence. As a player, he was able to bag eight NBA Championship Titles, six NBA-All-Star titles, and NBA Rookie of the Year in 1957. Don’t even begin with his long list of achievements as a coach. Throughout his life, Heinsohn truly lived out the Celtics motto: ubuntu.
Alex Trebek
Known as the host of the long-running hit game show, Jeopardy!, George Alexander Trebek will surely never be forgotten. For 37 long seasons, Trebek was loyal to the show since its 1984 revival up to his unfortunate passing in 2020. Born on July 22, 1940, in Ontario, Canada, Trebek built his career by first improving his speaking skills at an English Debate Society. He then graduated from the prestigious University of Ottawa with a degree in philosophy, and from then on, Trebek hit it big in the broadcast industry. Before being the face of Jeopardy!, Trebek initially started working for CBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Eventually, he went and started a new life in the United States, working for NBC as a host for game show, The Wizard of Odds. He was later offered the role of host for Jeopardy, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ken Spears
It’s rare to not have seen Scooby-Doo during childhood since it’s practically a cultural icon. Ken Spears, the cartoon’s co-creator, deserves a ton of credit for having introduced to us this beloved, mystery-solving dog. Before rising into fame, Spears lived a quiet life in New York City and Los Angeles with his father, Harry Spears. What’s not well-known about Spears was that he once worked in the Navy but left around the time before he made it big. He was hired by Hanna-Barbera Productions as a sound-editor and slowly made his way into the writing department with Joe Ruby. Soon enough, their masterpiece, Scooby-Doo Where Are You!, would come to life. From Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, Captain Caveman, and Jabberjaw, Spears would solidify his career in the cartoon business with fresh ideas that made millions laugh. His life and career was well-lived, with 80 long years of bringing laughter to many.
Bert Belasco
A nice soul is hard to find nowadays and it’s even more heartbreaking to see someone as good and pure as Bert Belasco get taken so suddenly. Known for playing Charles Whitmore in the BET Sitcom, Let’s Stay Together, Bert was a rising star with multiple projects to his credit. Bert’s other notable projects in the film industry include For Prophet, Starting Under, Dash 4 Cash, and Our Bnb Life. His long list of projects goes to show how talented and skilled he was when it came to excelling in his field. Numerous reports mentioned that Bert was a kind soul and was very easy to work with on-set. His kind personality can easily be seen in his numerous shows, which is another reason why he’s a fan favorite. Although his life was short-lived, his kindness would continually touch others to become kinder and live everyday with smile.
Elsa Raven
For almost nine decades, Elsa Rabinowitz, who is better known as Elsa Raven, was recognized as a veteran character actress in the industry. With multiple movie appearances in TV shows, Raven is without a doubt one of the most recognizable character actresses. Among her list of movie and TV appearances are Back to the Future, Titanic, and In the Line of Fire. Raven had been in Hollywood’s limelight ever since 1970. She was never given the opportunity to play the lead role, but her arm-length CV was the envy of many. Despite her many minor roles in film, Raven is still best known for her memorable — although fleeting — part in Back to the Future as the “Save the clock tower” lady. She was entertaining the world until the age of 91. Raven would finally rest on November 2, 2020, having lived a good life filled with smiles, recognition, and contentment.
Eddie Hassell
Thirty-year-old actor Eddie Hassell died in his home state on November 1, leaving a lifelong legacy of multiple feats. Hassell was raised in Corsica, Texas, on July 16, 1990. In the 2000s and 2010s, he held various minor roles. The most striking one was Clay’s character in 2010’s film The Kids Are All Right, which featured Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore. The movie got some credit at the Oscars in 2011. He also made appearances on popular television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Southland, Bones, and many more. Climbing Hollywood’s ladder, he portrayed Phil Nance alongside Lake Bell and Leighton Meester on NBC’s sci-fi series, Surface. In 2013, Hassell shared with Elle that he was either surfing or skateboarding when he was not acting. With a board, Hassell was into anything: wakeboarding, sailing, and more. When Hassell was asked about his idea of a relaxing day, he said it was hanging out with his family on the beach and surfing perfect waves.
Luis Troyano
He was a fighter even in his last moments. Great British Bake Off star, Luis Troyano, passed away at 48 last November 3. Born and brought up in Stockport, England, Troyano’s parents are both Spanish and have had a significant impact on his culinary skills. For many fans and family, Luis was a brilliant guy with an extraordinary passion for baking. Besides making it to the finals of 2014’s Great British Bake Off, he has also written a fantastic book called Bake It Great, which was published in 2015. He taught cooking classes and exhibited his talent in several shows worldwide. Over the years, Luis collaborated with major labels, including Co-operative, Kenwood, Franke, and Bosch. Before he became famous, he started with small investments to try out simple recipes that weren’t perfect. With time and practice, his baking improved, and the world recognized his unique take on patterns and design. Anyone can attest that Luis’s baking was utterly one of a kind.
Sean Connery
Multi award winning Scottish actor Sean Connery is definitely one of the many Hollywood legends we’ll never forget. The actor, who was at his 90th year, spending time in the Bahamas, passed peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2020. He was a highly creative actor with an impressive streak of achievements. In fact, he was the very first artist to play the infamous British secret agent James Bond on film and has starred in seven of them. The last of which is in the film Never Say Never Again. During the height of his career, and with his exceptional performances as Bond, he managed to catch the attention of other renowned filmmakers, eventually landing him in more film projects. Hence, we must give credit to these directors and producers for giving him all the opportunities to explore his artistry and craft.
Nikki McKibbin
Katherine Nicole McKibbin, also known as Nikki McKibbin, is best known for winning third place in the debut season of American Idol. On October 28, 2020, at the age of 42, she came to a final and eternal rest. Before attaining a great degree of success, the celebrity founded and ran Angelfire Productions, a karaoke company. However, she decided to let this go after winning a spot in the season to focus on her music career. She signed a contract with RCA Company and 19 Management and joined the Dallas rock band Downside for some time. In 2007, she announced her own solo album, Unleashed. Years later, she formed her own band, Love Stricken Demise, and released their EP, Psychotrip. Aside from music, McKibbin also appeared on numerous reality TV shows, from Fear Factor, Battle of the Network Reality Stars, to Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.
Herb Adderley
Professional athletes surely make a great impact on history, so the iconic Herb Adderley definitely left his fans devastated over the news of his passing. Adderley died on October 30, 2020, at 81 years old. He earned a degree in the Michigan State University and was also the co-captain and star halfback of the university’s football team. For his professional career, he was a part of six different championship teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Specifically, he played as a halfback offense and a cornerback of these teams from 1961 to 1971. One significant feat many people do not know about is that he is the only player to appear in four of the first six Super Bowls. In the year 1980, Adderley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Leanza Cornett
As a representative of her country, and as someone who was given the chance to serve the nation and do what was good of all, it is a no brainer that Leanza Cornett did her part for America. Crowned Miss America in 1993, she fulfilled her pageantry duties and eventually became a full-time celebrity thereafter. On October 28, 2020, Miss America Organization confirmed the passing of the beauty queen with an accompanying statement that shared how much of a beautiful spirit she was. They expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and asked the public for utmost respect. During her career, she was given the credit for portraying the role of Ariel in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid. She hosted shows like Entertainment Tonight and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?. This figure of beauty and brains certainly made the most out of her life.
Jeremy Orr
Among the list of celebrities who have passed in recent years is the famous National Football League wide receiver, Jeremy Orr. He was 85 at the time of his death, and this was confirmed by the Associated Press. During his prime, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts. As an athlete, he was a star who led the NFL in yards per reception on three separate occasions. This was according to Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts owner who was a good friend of the man. Irsay reminisced about Orr’s Corner in the south end zone at the memorial stadium of Baltimore, stating that it was sacred ground. Before his professional debut and before he made it to the roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Orr played for the University of Georgia, where he earned his degree. He earned his first Super Bowl win with the Colts when they won against the Dallas Cowboys in 1971.
BILLY JOE SHAVER
Billy Joe Shaver is a hitmaker whose album Honky Tonk Heroes made it to the top charts in the early ‘70s. He has worked with equally iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson. In 2007, Shaver made headlines not for his music but for some allegations which he was found innocent. The singer had to face a case and consult his lawyers during an altercation with a man in a bar near his Waco home. His case gathered massive support from his friends in the industry, including Robert Duvall. He was eventually proven innocent. Shaver went back to writing songs and got inspiration from the ordeal. Shaver, later on, wrote about this experience in his song Wacko from Waco. On October 28 of 2020, Shaver suffered a stroke and died in his hometown of Waco, Texas. The man was such a presence onstage that even legendary country-singer Willie Nelson once referred to him as the “greatest living songwriter.”
JERRY JEFF WALKER
The music of crooner Jerry Jeff Walker is remembered just like a loving companion in times of sorrow. His voice is known to impart a deep sense of sadness and mixed feelings. In the span of his career, Walker has recorded more than 30 long plays. He is known for his 1971 song Mr. Bojangles, a popular song for its fun yet melancholic lyrics. Although Walker’s fame was at its highest peak from the ‘70s to the ‘80s, the singer never came to a point when he stopped making music. Walker continued singing and writing songs up to the 2000s and was also included in an all-star band organized by fellow singer Nanci Griffith.
As Walker aged, he could have had enjoyed his retirement fund and insurance. But his heart was still in performing. He was still active in the industry. He made appearances in TV shows such as Late Night with David Letterman to perform his classic hits.
MARGE CHAMPION
Marge Champion is truly a champion in her own right. As a dancer, model, and ballerina, Champion held a strong portfolio when it came to her career. As someone who came from a family of dancers, it was inevitable that Champion followed her parents’ path. Her father was a dance coach who taught her ballet and music. At age 14, she was already earning. She got the role of a dance model for Walt Disney Studios for three animated features. Her parents might have set aside investment money for her education. Marge eventually married Gower Champion, and they became a Hollywood dancing couple in the ‘50s. The Champions performed in the Hollywood musical Give a Girl A Break and Mr. Music.
For all her significant contributions, Marge was inducted into the National Museum of Dance’s Hall of Fame. She was also given a lifetime award in New York. Champion lived a full life during her retirement, living between her house in Manhattan and a farm in Stockbridge.
TONY LEWIS
Tony Lewis is best known for being the lead vocalist of pop-rock bank The Outfield. Popular for their hit song Your Love, Lewis’ band has made headlines for more than a decade. Lewis, who grew up in the United Kingdom, gained a certaindegreeof stardom in the United States rather than in his homeland. Despite this, the band continued to make songs and conduct tours within the U.S, making each of them earn more. They are a favorite for their infectious pop songs that are easy to remember and sing. However, as Lewis started thinking of growing his career, he left the band and focused on his solo path as a singer. In 2018, Lewis released his first album entitled Out of the Darkness under Madison Records. He was still active for the past couple of years, making a few appearances at fund-raising concerts in 2020.
DOREEN MONTALVO
Doreen Montalvo dedicated her life to the performing arts. It was practically all she ever did — and she was amazing at it. She rose to fame for her Broadway performance in the musical In The Heights. Her skills made her a sought-after artist, which gave her more opportunities to earn an income and do investment planning. She proved that she has a lot of things to offer when it comes to performing. Aside from performing on Broadway, Montalvo has also appeared in a couple of television shows including Law & Order and The Good Wife. In 2020, Montalvo had a role in Mrs. Doubtfire, which released only three episodes before it was paused because of the events of 2020.
Montalvo still had a few projects she was working on before she passed away. Her talent will be seen in the upcoming film adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story set to be released in 2021.
JAMES REDFORD
James Redford played wore hats in his life. He was a filmmaker, philanthropist, and environmentalist. As a director, he takes creditfor the 2001 movie Cowboy Up and The Big Picture, which was released on HBO. Redford was inspired to become a documentarist after his own liver transplant experience way back in 1993. His first transplant failed, leading him to get another one. His goal was to increase awareness of organ donation and transplantation. This motivated him to found the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness.
But just as we thought Redford has done his part in making a difference, he launched another social venture. Redford was also known for his love for the environment. Redford co-founded with his father a group for environmental issues called Redford Center. This center encourages teen students to make documentaries about environmental issues in the hope that more people become aware of them.
VAUGHN MCCLURE
Vaughn McClure lived his life doing what he loved the most—and that is to make reports for his favorite team. He was known by many sports fans as an ESPN reporter covering the Atlanta Falcons. The highlight of his career was in 2017 when he covered the team for the Super Bowl LI. Both fans and co-workers on ESPN saw him as a great help in terms of getting updates on Falcon’s games. He became a source for updates about the team, which many fans appreciated. McClure, who is highly regarded as a man who is passionate about journalism, was also hailed by many athletes as a professional who dedicated his career to sports journalism. The Chicago native earned his degree from Northern Illinois University in 1994. He’s gone, but he’ll surely be missed, especially since only a few sports journalists were at his level.
CONCHATA FERRELL
Conchata Ferrell is a well-loved actress best known in the early 2000s. Fans of the hit show CBS’ Two and a Half Men would be familiar with Conchata Ferrell’s portrayal of housekeeper Berta. Ferrell, who played the bad-tempered yet comical role for the whole twelve seasons, is a three-time Emmy nominee. She appeared in all of 200 episodes of the show, making her one of the series regular and a fan-favorite. In 2005 and 2007, Ferrell was given credit for her good acting chops in the sitcom. She was recognized for her role was received Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy nominations, which elevated her career as a notable actress. Ferrell also received a nomination for L.A Law for her role of Susan Bloom.
Before getting into television, Ferrell’s job involved stage acting and astounding theater performances. She has already made a name in theater before accepting roles for television, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Grace and Frankie.
JOE MORGAN
Joe Leonard Morgan has been all over the baseball industry. He has played for various teams in Major League Baseball like Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies for more than two decades before throwing in the towel. He got his Hall of Fame title when he was a key member for Cincinnati Reds Big Red Machine. Morgan was also hailed as National League Most Valuable Player two times. He earned the title of being one of the greatest baseball players.
After he retired from the sport, Morgan ventured into being a broadcaster. He found love in being a presenter for sports news instead of going back to playing. However, while working as a sports journalist, he had to face various issues in his health. It left him with a dent in his medical insurance. Despite this, the player was able to save up money for himself, which was valued at $6 million. He got this from his playing days as a successful baseball player.
WHITEY FORD
Another baseball player on our list who was equally great and popular was Edward Ford, also known as Whitey Ford. Known as The Chairman of the Board during his active years, Ford spent 16 years with Major League Baseball. He donned the New York Yankees jersey for years which earned him 10 All-Star recognition. He never jumped to other teams and stayed loyal and faithful to his team despite a few offers to transfer. Ford also earned the title of 6-time champion for the World Series.
All these accolades may have earned him multi-millions investment money and savings. As he embraced his senior years, Ford had to go through medication for his Alzheimer’s disease while he lived his life in retirement. He had huge cash to spend on during his treatment. Even when he has long been retired and was no longer playing baseball, Ford’s heart has always been with his team. He would always watch games of the Yankees, which might have helped in remembering his good old days in the field.
DESIREE S. ANZALONE
Desiree S. Anzalone could have enjoyed a full life ahead of her if only she had more time. Known as the great-granddaughter of famous I Love Lucy classic couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Sr., Anzalone was a woman who had a great interest in art. She loves photography, singing, modeling, and playing the guitar with her father. Anzalone was also remembered to be a lover of 60’s and 70’s music.
At age 25, Anzalone found out about her rare health condition. It did not make her give up and doubt her destiny. Instead, she fought her battle while being an inspiration to many. While making use of her insurance for treatment, she dedicated her life to spreading awareness about her illness. She also promoted health information for early diagnosis and management. She is remembered as a sweet and thoughtful lady who has a big heart for other people whom she has motivated and empowered in her journey.
TOM KENNEDY
Any fan of classic game shows in Hollywood would recognize the best game show master of all time. Tom Kennedy is one of the best-known game show hosts in the 1950s. His superb hosting of the shows Name That Tune and Split Second has gotten many avid audiences yearning for more episodes. Kennedy was a sought-after game show host as offers kept on piling up for Kennedy up to the ’80s. Maybe it was due to his impressive wit topped with good knowledge on the subjects that Kennedy has long been a favorite choice when it comes to game shows. All his shows also garnered a big audience nationally.
While being a game show host was what he was known for, Kennedy tried his luck with being a talk show host. He veered from the usual game show set-up and decided to be a serious talk show host who can interview and do meaningful feature stories. In 1970, he got his show entitled The Real Tom Kennedy Show, giving him a higher degree of celebrity stardom. Kennedy would continue working as a host until he retired in the early 2000s to focus on his family and health.
ANTHONY GALINDO IBARRA
Anthony Galindo Ibarra was a known as El Papi Joe, is a former Menudo band member. Ibarra received international fame for his stint with the Puerto Rico-based band. They had a high-flying career as a band in the ‘70s, with famous alum Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa. It was a time when Ibarra was able to amass huge sums of money following their international fame that sold over 20 million records worldwide. Menudo also became one of the most popular boy bands of all time. Ibarra and his bandmates toured the world for their international fans. It would not come as a surprise if Ibarra made use of his money management knowledge to set up businesses for himself with his earnings.
He could have also spent his earning on real-estate and other investments with his millions sitting in his fatback accounts. When Menudo announced their disbandment, Ibarra went on for a solo career, although it did not quite go well. As a solo artist, Ibarra struggled to find permanent singing gigs. After his fame with Menudo, Ibarra had to face professional and personal setbacks, leading him to suffer from health conditions. His family was able to support him during this ordeal.
JOHNNY NASH
One of the most successful Jamaican personalities who made it big in the Hollywood music industry was Johnny Nash. The Jamaican artist gained stardom for his hit song I Can See Clearly Now. After its release in 1972, Nash was able to land an international record deal, paving the way for him to put reggae on the mainstream. Even then, he still wanted to prove his talent to the world and believed that more talents were waiting to be given big breaks. That was when he decided to open a business.
As he was able to save up some investment money, Nash put up the JAD Records label and relocated back to Jamaica. Nash became a mover of reggae and has opened opportunities for reggae icons Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh to start with their careers. Bob Marley later loosened his tie with the record label and went on his way to be one of the best reggae icons in the world. In 1986, Nash released his studio album Here Again before finally leaving the music business. He may have left the music industry upon retirement, but his work paved the way for many to reach a larger audience through his vision. He lived his retirement years in Texas with his family.
EDDIE VAN HALEN
The rock band Van Halen will not be where it is now if not for its main singer and guitarist Eddie Van Halen. As a co-founder of the band, he was able to clinch the title of being one of the best guitarists in the world. His distinct and unique style has caught many guitar enthusiasts globally and made him an icon. Van Halen made a name for himself when he released the song Eruption, which showed off his impressive guitar skills. Van Halen’s guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s iconic Beat It song also made him a name in pop culture. He became an instant hit which came with Jackson’s popularity.
As a musician, Van Halen was able to gift his only son Wolfgang a certain degreeof talent in playing the bass. Wolfgang joined the band in 2006 as their bassist. Even when Van Halen has been battling with his health condition for more than five years, the musician still kept his interest in music, attending a couple of concerts now and then. Wolfgang recently paid tribute to his father as the one who inspired and motivated him to be a bassist. Growing up, Wolfgang remembered how he was being taught by his father.
Clark Middleton
Clark Middleton’s passion for acting has passed on to more than twenty generations of aspiring actors in New York City. Middleton, who started his career by attending acting classes, has given back to the community by lending his knowledge of the craft to budding artists. He first tested the entertainment waters in the theatre. Some of his notable acting credits come from films such as Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Taking Woodstock, Hide Your Smiling Faces, and Birdman. The actor made quite a number of appearances in several television shows, including Law & Order, Twin Peaks, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The sixty-three-year-old actor embraced his craft wholeheartedly during his thirty years in the industry.
Middleton married his wife Elissa Meyers in 2006. The Snowpiercer actor’s most recent project was the 2019 film Gutterbee where he portrayed the character Luke Kenneth Hosewall.
Kenzo Takada
Kenzo Takada is one of the most remarkable designers that has forged a legacy in the fashion industry. Hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun, Takada has stirred trends ever since he established his eponymous brand Kenzo in 1965. The moment he stepped on the ship off to Paris, the fashion mogul created ripples of revolutionary products for the masses, but his creative juices flowed beyond clothing lines. Takada is equally known for his homeware pieces. He created his lifestyle brand K3 to showcase his luxury designs. Other than that, he ventured into the world of fragrances and went to launch several perfume lines throughout his career.
He must have thought that if people poured investments on their choices of clothes, they would allocate as much attention to their fragrance and lifestyle needs as well. Considered a pioneer designer in the industry, Takada has inspired generations of budding artists and fashion enthusiasts.
Bob Gibson
Rare is it to find someone else in the world of baseball who can throw a pitch as good as Bob Gibson. The Cardinals’ flamethrower for seventeen seasons made pitchers stand frozen on their feet, especially with his fastballs. He bagged the Most Valuable Player award in the 1964 World Series against the New York Yankees. Gibson has several more accolades credited to his name. Among the list is the Cy Young Award for the best pitcher and the National League’s Most Valuable Player, which he both received in 1968. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the year 1981.
Following his retirement from professional baseball in 1975, Gibson offered his knowledge in the game as a pitching coach for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Cardinals. The Cardinal Hall of Famer has been married twice and bore three children named Chris, Annette, and Renee.
DJ Cookie Monsta
Tony Cook is one of the pioneer disk jockeys of the dubstep genre in 2010. He is best known for his stage name DJ Cookie Monsta. The famed DJ’s passion for music can be traced to his roots back in childhood. The young Tony spent most of his time coming up with music on Music 2000 while using his brother’s Playstation. His love for the craft continued to become evident even when he was working on his college degree. After meeting fellow dubstep producer Flux Pavilion, Cook went on to join his independent label Circus Records.
His collaboration with the record label opened more doors of opportunity for the young DJ. He released his first album Ginger Pubes/Blurgh!, in July of 2019. Some of his notable singles are Time to Party, You Can Do It, Best Mode, and Ginger Pubes.
Archie Lyndhurst
The British actor Archie Lyndhurst is best known for his performance in the television sitcom So Awkward. Ever since his portrayal of the character Ollie Coulton aired on television, Archie became a face to remember. If you think his name sounds familiar, then you are definitely right. He is the only son of the renowned former child star, Nicholas Lyndhurst, who is most notable for the television show Only Fools and Horses. Archie did not waste his time any longer and proceeded to follow his father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry. He was only eleven years old when he first tried his hand at acting.
Some of Archie’s acting credits come from roles in films like Bad Education, Our Ex-Wife, Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s, and Little Crackers. The young actor expanded his interests and ventured into voice acting for the Final Fantasy XIV game.
Bonni Lou Kern
Disney made the world a whole lot brighter when they aired the children’s show The Mickey Mouse Club in the 50s. Actress Bonni Lou Kern was among the generation of kids whose lives were touched by Disney’s magic. She was credited as one of the Mousketeers on the television show since 1955. Her most notable performance on the show was in the episode titled Save Bonni Lou Kern! She was only fourteen years of age when she was first featured on the small screen. She also appeared in Save The Wonder Mouseketeers.
Outside of The Mickey Mouse Club, Kern ventured into the world of puppeteering. She became a muppeteer for The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, and The Muppet Show. In the 1960s, the former Mouseketeer tied the knot in Hawaii to Harol Carr.
Helen Reddy
The song I Am Woman was brought to the world by famed musician Helen Reddy. The 1970s feminist anthem imprinted Reddy’s name in the music industry. She received a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance thanks to her hit single. Some of her notable songs include I Can’t Say Goodbye to You, Ain’t No Way To Treat A Lady, Leave Me Alone, and Somewhere In The Night. Reddy expanded her horizons and explored other interests. She entered the world of acting. Some of her acting credits come from films like Airport 1975 and Pete’s Dragon. The former earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Her acting career moved to television and the theater. She appeared in shows like Fantasy Island, Diagnosis: Murder, The Love Boat, and The Jeffersons. Her theater credits include Call Me Madam, Shirley Valentine, and Anything Goes.
Mac Davis
Mac Davis is one musician that gave a myriad of hit songs to the whole world. He began his career in the industry as a songwriter. He was credited for penning several songs that prominent singers performed, including The King of Rock and Roll himself. Elvis Presley’s songs A Little Less Conversation, In The Ghetto, and Memories came to life thanks to the brilliant mind Davis. He also collaborated with other artists such as Nancy Sinatra, Kenny Rogers & The First Edition, Dolly Parton, and Bobby Goldsboro.
After spending ample time creating songs behind the spotlight, Davis has decided to step up his game and perform his songs. Gifted with a voice that fits perfectly for the country genre, he went on to produce his hit singles One Hell of a Woman, Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me, and Stop and Smell the Roses.
Jay Johnstone
Jay Johnstone began his career in professional baseball in 1966. He became an outfielder for the California Angels. Over the years, he became a good and highly versatile player with Two World Series under his belt. His first one was in 1978 with the New York Yankees, while his second was in 1981 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His second World Series, in particular, was only made possible partly due to a two-run home run against the Yankees at the time. He eventually retired from the sport on October 6, 1985. Outside of the sport, he was known to prank many of his peers. Some of them recalling stories about him pranking Tommy Lasorda of the Dodgers.
Outside of his professional career, Johnstone made a name for himself as a sports announcer, commentator, and writer. He once hosted the blooper show, The Lighter Side of Sports, and was a commentator for the Yankees from 1989 to 1990. He also wrote three books and made cameo appearances in movies such as The Naked Gun and Solid Gold.
Yuko Takeuchi
Yuko Takeuchi began acting in 1996 when she was discovered during her high school years. She took her first roles in Japanese television dramas such as Asuka, Mukodono, and Pride. Takeuchi subsequently moved into the big screen, with one of her first movies being the 1998 horror film Ring, which became iconic. She then starred as the main character in Yomigaeri, Be with You, Midnight Eagle, Sidecar ni Inu, and Spring Snow. Outside of her native Japan, she became known for her role as Keiko Arahida in the series, FlashForward. Recently, she was cast as the main character in the female-led adaptation of Sherlock Holmes called Miss Sherlock.
Due to her performances over her career, she garnered numerous awards and nominations. She won a Kinema Junpo Award as Best Actress and a Japan Academy Prize as Best Supporting Actress. She was nominated multiple times in both Blue Ribbon Awards and Japan Academy Prize as Best Actress.
Keith Hufnagel
Keith Hufnagel made his start as a skateboarder in New York City on the Brooklyn Banks. He became professional after moving to California and became associated with groups such as Thunder Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, and Real Skateboards. However, he became known for his founding of the skateboard fashion brand HUF as a small boutique in San Francisco, back in 2002, with his wife, Anne Freeman.
One of the pioneers of streetwear carried many rare brands of sneakers, clothing, and skateboards. In particular, the brand Supreme was carried by HUF. Through the brand, he often worked with fellow skateboarders and artists for creative input and inspiration. He also collaborated with prominent shoe brands such as Nike and Adidas for limited-edition shoes. His company also started to put Hufnagel’s name on many of its products, especially shoes. They were among the first to do so and turned the company into one of the most recognizable streetwear brands out there.
Michael Lonsdale
Initially drawn into painting, Michael Lonsdale became enamored in acting instead, making his start in theater in 1955 at age 24. Due to his ancestry and upbringing, he was fluent in both English and French. It made him very versatile for productions in theater and film, mostly in Britain and France. He became known to global audiences for his role in the 1973 movie The Day of the Jackal and as Hugo Drax in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker. In France, he became an acting icon. He appeared in countless plays, TV shows, documentaries, and movies throughout his entire career.
For his more than 60 years in acting, he garnered several prestigious awards, including a César Award in 2011 for the movie Of Gods and Men, where he was cast as a monk. He was also a recipient of the Medal of the City of Paris.
Pamela Hutchinson
Known as part of the vocal group, The Emotions, Pamela Hutchinson was the youngest to join after replacing her older sister, Jeanette. Comprised of Pamela, Wanda, and Sheila, the trio appeared into the national spotlight with their debut album So I Can Love You, which reached number 43 on the Billboard Charts. The album’s title track reached number 3 in Billboard’s R&B category. However, it was their collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire that made them a pop icon. It won them a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Their album Rejoice became their most successful, reaching number 1 on the charts, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Other albums like Sunbeam and Flowers reached the Gold certification.
While Pamela became prominent at their height during the 1970s, she left the group and would rejoin them much later in 2000.
Christopher ‘Kentucky’ Ellis
A long-time fan favorite, Christopher Ellis, known as Kentucky, was a mechanic that appeared on the Discovery TV series Street Outlaws. He first appeared in 2013, at the first season of the show, and became endearing to many fans of their fans. He had recurring appearances on the series for five years until 2018. Before Street Outlaws, he had already established himself as a mechanic for the streetcar company Midwest Street Cars Automotive in Oklahoma City. It was said that he had a knack for fixing. He got the nickname ‘Kentucky’ because he originally hailed from Kentucky before moving to Oklahoma.
Among his fans, he became known to be a passionate car enthusiast. His Instagram page is filled with countless photos and videos of him showcasing streetcars across the Midwest. Later posts saw him posing among cars showcased in the Discovery TV series.
Sei Ashina
Igarashi Aya or most notable known as Sei Ashina started her professional career as a model. She posed for magazines like CanCam and Pinky. She made her acting debut in the 2002 television series The Tail of Happiness and appeared in more TV shows such as Stand Up!!, Kamen Rider Hibiki, Jutema-I Hakemono, and Yae no Sakura. Moving to the big screen, she was cast in the 2007 movie Silk from a pool of 800 applicants. Other film credits of hers included Kamui Gaiden, Tale of Genji: A Thousand Year Enigma, Perfect World, and Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven Senki, where she starred as the villain Hime. She got a lead role in the 2010 series Nanase: The Psychic Wanderers and an ongoing role in Aibo: Tokyo Detective Duo.
Her acting and modeling career made her a highly sought-out talent. She was an artist under the talent company Honripo.
Toots Hibbert
Frederick “Toots” Hibbert is the singer and songwriter of the band Toots and the Maytals. He was considered to be one of the prominent figures in the Reggae genre. Toots was known for his electrifying presence on stage and is one of the singers who brought the sound of Jamaica on the international scene. For his fans and contemporaries, he was dubbed as the James Brown of Reggae.
Among Toots and the Maytals biggest hits were 54-46 That’s My Number, Monkey Man, and Do The Reggay. The songs Sweet and Dandy and Pressure Drop were added to the soundtrack for the film, The Harder They Come, which brought reggae to America. To his credit, Hibbert won the Grammy for the best reggae album back in 2005, where he collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton, The Roots, Bootsy Collins, Shaggy, and Keith Richards. His final album was entitled Got to be Tough.
Stevie Lee
Stevie Lee Richardson, or Stevie Lee as he was more commonly known, began his career as a pro-wrestler back in 2002. He went by the name of Puppet the Psycho Dwarf in NWA: Total Nonstop Action. He later created the Half-Pint Brawlers, wherein his investments paid off since Spike TV took it up and aired it in 2010. Stevie Lee also appeared in the movies Jackass 3D and Oz The Great And Powerful alongside James Franco and Mila Kunis.
He also appeared in the hit TV series American Horror Story and American Horror Story: Freak Show. Among his other projects involved a stunt where he pulled a gun on one of his fellow TNA wrestlers. This movie was number one at the box office a decade ago. Though of small stature, Stevie Lee’s huge personality earned him a following both on stage and on screen.
Aaron Grissom
Aaron Grissom is a renowned chef who was one of the contestants for Top Chef Season 12. He also appeared in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. His career took off after his appearance on TV with rumors that he traveled the world as a chef. He cooked for celebrities who were on tour, just like in the case of Billie Eilish. He was also a chef for Bow & Truss, which is located in North Hollywood.
Grissom was not only great in the kitchen, but he was also a selfless individual who gave one of his kidneys to his friend, Yu Nanakornphanom. The two worked together in one of Grissom’s investments, Moshi Moshi. According to Yu, Grissom said that he would give his kidney to his partner after the former shared his diabetic condition. The Top Chef contestant was living in Mexico during the pandemic then went back to Washington.
Diana Rigg
Diana Rigg is no stranger to the limelight as she started her career as an actress back in the 1960s. She rose to fame playing the seductive and witty Emma Peel in the British TV show, The Avengers. She got nominated twice in the Emmys for her role. A few decades later, Riggs gained a new following, and the audience fell in love with her portrayal of Lady Olenna Tyrell in the series Game of Thrones, which ran from 2013 to 2017.
Rigg has an extensive acting career between the 60s and now. Among these was her portrayal of a Bond Girl alongside George Lazenby. Other films included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Assassination Bureau, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Hospital, and Theatre of Blood. Among the TV shows that add to her credit for being a British star include Bleak House, The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries, Mother Love, and You, Me, and the Apocalypse.
Xavier Ortiz
Xavier Ortiz rose to fame as a part of the Mexican band Garibaldi, which became famous back in the 90s. The singer did not rely solely on his music to make a name for himself since he has also dabbled in acting. While he was still with the group, Ortiz shot the film Donde Quedo La Bolita. Later on, he had appeared in three telenovelas. He was also among the cast of Journey from the Fall as well as P.S Your Cat is Dead.
Ortiz has also worked as a dentist/surgeon, plus he considered himself an entrepreneur as well. He put his investment money in a restaurant bar called La Santa Bar, which he opened at Guadalajara in Mexico. He married one of his bandmates, Patricia Manterola, with whom he spent 15 years. Ortiz also took to the theaters, where his on-stage presence was quite welcome.
Lou Brock
Lou Brock is a legendary professional baseball player who suited up for the Chicago Cubs. He first started his career in 1961 and caught the eyes of the fans for his extraordinary speed and base running. He was later traded to the St. Louis Cardinals three years later. He became the team’s left fielder and eventually led them to the World Series championship from 1964 to 1967.
One of the highlights of his career was breaking the record for hits plateau wherein he got 3,000. He stopped playing when he was 40 and was later inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame. He was earning an average of $2 million in the St. Louis Cardinals, and together with his other earnings, put him in a good position during his retirement. He has certainly kept his investment money to help him live comfortably.
Kevin Dobson
Kevin Dobson made a name for himself on TV when he starred in several TV shows like the two most prominent, Kojak and Knots Landing. Before he decided to make a career out of acting, Dobson was a soldier and railroad conductor. He tried his hand in acting back in the latter part of the 1960s, and his perseverance landed him several roles such as in One Life to Live, The Doctors, Emergency!, The Mod Squad, as well as Cannon. However, it was in Kojak that landed his first-ever starring role as Detective Bobby Crocker. He played the role with Telly Savalas, who played Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The show ran for five seasons.
He became part of Knots Landing when it aired for its fourth season, then went back to reunite with the cast for a film about the same TV show. His investments were mostly on improving his craft as an actor. He became a staple in many soap operas, which included Days of Our Lives. He also appeared in House of Lies, Hawaii Five-O, and Anger Management.
Bruce Williamson
Bruce Williamson Jr. was a child prodigy when it comes to singing gospel songs, which he used by making a career out of his voice. He became part of the Motown group, which ran for several years. During his younger years, he was dubbed as The Little Boy with The Big Voice. When he became a professional singer and joined the band The Temptations, his nickname changed to Big Sexy.
To his credit, his new nickname certainly matched him and his charming personality, which he turned on while he was on stage. According to his mom, Bruce knows how to captivate the audience with his gospel songs and big booming voice that they could not help but get hooked every time he performed. He sang Back to Front and Still Here and even get to tour the world with his new bandmates. Although the band had several members before, for them, Williamson stood out the most.
Cliff Robinson
Cliff Robinson had a stellar career in the NBA, where he suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers right after he got his college degree. He played for the team until 1997 then became part of the Phoenix Suns. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he played from 2001 to 2003, then moved on to the Golden State Warriors up to 2005. His last team was with the New Jersey Nets until he retired from the basketball court in 2007.
Among the highlights of his career were being an NBA All-Star and being part of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. His highest salary was when he was part of the Detroit Pistons, earning $8.42 million. After his basketball career, Robinson stepped back into the limelight when he became part of the Survivor: Cagayan reality show, which was shot in the Philippines.
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman stunned Hollywood with his strong acting chops that landed him numerous box-office hits. He is not just passionate about acting but also in directing. He worked to get a degree in Directing, which he achieved in 2000. Boseman had already worked as an actor before his move to Los Angeles. He appeared in several TV shows like Third Watch, Law & Order, CSI: NY, and even ER. While he was acting, he honed his skills as a playwright, with one play performed in Chicago.
He captured a recurring role in Lincoln Heights, then made his first film debut in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, followed by Persons Unknown, 42, and The Kill Hole. He is best remembered for bringing to life the character of King T’Challa in the Black Panther and part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle’s rise to stardom was difficult as he had to find a way to step outside of his father’s shadow, Steve Earle. Although he dropped out of school when he was young, he learned the ropes through his dad. He also struggled with addiction like his father. Thankfully, by the time he launched his first solo album, he was already sober. Earle became part of the Swindlers, which was a band formed by the children of famous singers. It was here where Earle showed his skills in songwriting and which became his stepping stone to his growing career.
There was a usual theme to his songs which were mostly about his life experiences. Among these were Mama’s Eyes, Am I That Lonely Tonight, and Absent Fathers. Those who knew him to know that he was a kind soul but was quite private. It would have helped if he had investment planning during his heyday to help him secure his finances for the unexpected.
Jack Sherman
Jack Sherman was a former guitarist of the alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band already made a name for itself with songs like Under the Bridge, Give It Away, and Californication when Sherman became part of the group as a replacement for Hillel Slovak. He was fired when Hillel Slovak asked to rejoin the band, but it wasn’t the end of his career. To his credit, he was part of Bob Dylan’s Knocked Out Loaded. He also collaborated with Feargal Sharkey of the Undertones and other artists.
Sherman was disappointed when the Red Hot Chili Peppers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without him. It was because he wasn’t a current or even part of the founding members. The remaining crew of the band includes Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante.
Frankie Banali
Frankie Banali was best known for his career as a drummer for the band Quiet Riot. He became part of the band DuBrow, which was composed of Dana Strum, Chuck Wright, Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, and Kevin Dubrow. The group changed their name to Quiet Riot after the original band members split up. Banali is well known for his drum intros which you will be familiar with when you listen to the song Cum on Feel the Noize, L. A. Woman, and Mony Mony.
Banali took on the reigns of being the band’s manager in 1994, but they disbanded in 2003 after they released three albums. DuBrow and Banali reunited to reform Quiet Riot and were able to release one last album called Rehab. In 2010, Banali put his investments once more in reforming Quiet Riot, this time with Wright and Grossi. They released 10. Banali was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History for his contribution to playing heavy metal drums.
Chi Chi DeVayne
Chi Chi DeVayne rose to stardom when she appeared in Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2016. She was also included in the Season 3 Drag Race All Stars just two years after. Born as Zavion Davonport, DeVayne had to work several jobs to be able to support himself. It was in RuPaul’s Drag Race when she shot to fame. In one interview, he claimed that he was always a performer even when he was young.
His mother put a lot of her investment money on him to let him hone his skills in gymnastics and was even part of a dance group when he was young. He decided to try competing in the Drag race, taking on the name Chi Chi DeVayne which was inspired by the movie, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. Although he finished fourth in the competition, he caught the attention of the audience and the judges with her lip-sync performance being one of the best in the history of Drag Race.
Todd Nance
Todd Nance was the founding drummer of the Southern rock band, Widespread Panic, formed in Athens. He performed with Michael Houser, one of the founding members of the band. To them, Nance was a great songwriter and professional collaborator who also did the heavy lifting for them. He left the band in 2014 but found himself back with the group to play for them in 2016.
He used his investment money for a side project with Widespread, and he even started his band called Barbara Cue. Those who knew Nance stated that he was a funny, adventurous, and kind soul with his energy pushing Widespread to where they were now. For more than three decades, Nance was the driving force of the band and as well as being behind the wheels of their van when they go on tours.
Ben Cross
Ben Cross was a multitalented man who could act and sing with grace. He has an extensive career in film and theater at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
He made his film debut way back in the 1976 World War II film A Bridge Too Far. The most popular and most known role he played was in Chariots of Fire (1981) as Harold Abrahams, who plans to overcome anti-Semitism and class bias. Cross further starred in plenty of miniseries like Twist of Fate, The Citadel, The Far Pavilions, and most notably in Captain Nemo in the 1997 film 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. He also starred as the father of Spock in the Star Trek reboot in 2007. While he was indeed a talented actor, he also branched onto music and helped composed an album for the Bulgarian Singer Vasil Petrov. He passed away in 2020, and his legacy will remain historic in film and music.
Linda Manz
Linda Manz is renowned for her contributions in movies like Days of Heaven and Out of Blue and has departed at the age of 58 years old. Manz was only 15 years old when she starred in Days of Heaven which also guest elite Hollywood actors like Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, and Sam Shepard.
She went on to star in other critically acclaimed films like Wanderers (1979), Out of The Blue (1980), Gummo (1997) and had a final supporting role in David Fincher’s The Game. Manz revealed in a 1997 interview that she stepped away from Hollywood due to the pressure of upcoming young actors and being lost in the shuffle. She also wanted to settle and focus on raising her kids. Manz married Bobby Guthrie, a camera operator, in 1985 and had three children together. She ditched acting altogether and worked as a part-time orchard caretaker.
Ash Christian
The late producer founded his New York-based production company called Cranium Entertainment in 1985. Ash Christian was an Emmy Award-Winning producer and actor who passed away at just 35 years old. Cranium entertainment was home to many classics like Hurricane Bianca, Little Sister, and Coin Heist. Christian dabbled in theater and co-produced the Broadway Next to Normal, which won three Tony Awards.
He began his career in directing at just the mere age of 14 years old and pursued acting two years later in Los Angeles. He then directed, produced, and starred in his first feature film Girls (2006), and gained recognition as one of the people to look out for in the film industry. Christian won his Emmy alongside his producing partner Anne Clements and executive producers Lauralee Bell and Scott Martin in the daytime program for mI Promise.
Reni Santoni
Reni Santoni has what we call a very long and diverse film career, having 100 movie credits listed on IMDb that included his iconic role in Dirty Harry (1971), in which he played detective Chico Gonzalez alongside an on-screen partner, Eastwood’s Harry Callahan. He started his career in Broadway and helped co-wrote Raisin’ Hell in the Son and had his big-screen debut in Rod Steiger’s The Pawnbreaker back in 1964.
Santoni broadens mediums and also appeared in numerous TV shows including Miami Vice, Hawaii Five-O, and NYPD Blue. He also acted in four episodes in the hit sit-com Seinfield as Poppie, a pizza chef with a bladder disorder. He also starred in other notable films like Eddie Murphy’s Doctor Dolittle (1998) and Sylver Stallone’s Cobra (1986). Santoni is now at eternal rest and lived a long and prosperous life at 81 years.
Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland was a veteran actress born in July 1916 who succumbed in her sleep at the ripe age of 104. The two-time Oscar winner who notoriously played Melanie Wilkes in the all-time classic film Gone With The Wind. Along with Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable, she won her first Oscar for Best Actress in her role To Each His Own and three years later in the same category for The Heiress. She was born in Tokyo with her younger sister Joan Fontaine who was also a famous actress.
Their mother decided to move to California after finding out that her father cheated on their housekeeper. She started her career in Midsummer Night’s Dream, where she made a contract with Warner Bros. in 1935. Everything was history from then on. She appeared in a catalog including her eight films with Errol Flynn, and the duo became one of the greatest Hollywood’s ever seen.
Regis Philbin
Born on August 25, 1931, Philbin was a longtime television host born in the Bronx and earned a sociology degree in 1953 at the University of Notre Dame. Before his career in the entertainment industry, he served in the navy. He became a writer then earned a spot in front of the camera in 1961 with a local talk show in San Diego called The Regis Philbin Show. He then became a known and charismatic sidekick for Joey Bishop on The Joey Bishop Show.
Philbin won many accolades for his talent at hosting these include a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding talk show host for Live! in 2001 and 2011. He became a host for the popular game show ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’ and won again for best talk show host. Sadly, he passed away in July 2020 at age 88, just a month before his birthday.
Peter Green
Peter Green co-founded Fleetwood Mac along with Mick Fleetwood and was the drummer in the band around 1967. Green was a guitarist and lived a prosperous life till he passed away at age 73. Peter Green was the core foundation of the band. He was an integral part of the band’s success and music. While Green was in the band, they released great albums of three and made chart-topping hits including, Black Magic Woman and Oh Well.
Due to pressure of fame and mental instability, it was best for him to leave the band. Reportedly, he suffered from schizophrenia and spent the majority of his time in hospitals around the 70s. He has honored a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside McVie and Fleetwood as well as Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Jeremy Spencer, and so much more who joined Fleetwood Mac after Green’s departure.
Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya
Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya is a renowned Russian Olympic figure skater who passed away in Moscow at the young age of 20 years old. Alexandrovskaya was born in Russia and obtained Australian citizenship back in 2016. She was, to a huge degree, a very talented young woman who won competitions alongside her skating partner, Harley Windsor. They won the junior title together in 2017.
She retired back in February 2020 because of the injuries she had, thus ending her long-time partnership with Windsor. They competed in many games together so it was not a surprise when Windsor spoke about the issue and stated that he was ‘devastated’ to hear the passing of his skiing partner. They won many awards together, most notably the 2017 CS Tallinn Trophy champion, 2017 CS Nebelhorn Trophy bronze medalist, and a two-time Australian national champion in 2017 and 2019.
Naya Rivera
Naya successfully established her career when she accepted the credit role of Hillary Winston in the 1991 sitcom, The Royal Family. That was where she earned a Young Artist Award at the age of five, after doing a lot of commercials before that. She then had multiple television appearances until she got her first role as the lesbian teenager in Glee, Santana Lopez. This role got her multiple awards like the SAG Award, and various other nominations, even in the Grammys.
Naya then decided to sign under Columbia Records as a solo artist back in 2011 and released her single, Sorry, in 2013. Because of her talent, she also garnered two ALMA Awards as a singer.
But her life wasn’t simply about being talented, but also kind in heart. She had been a philanthropist, raising charitable causes for LGBT rights, women’s rights, and immigrant’s rights. Naya also spoke against racism. Her legacy will always remain.
Grant Imahara
One of the most talented presenters on television, Grant Imahara was well-known for the visual effects he designed for big franchises like Star Wars and The Matrix. Not only was he a great TV presenter and host, but he was also a well sought-after electrical engineer and roboticist.
At the start of his career, Grant was hired by Lucasfilm’s THX Division as part of their visual effects division. To some degree, he became famous for the robots he’s built for big films. Eventually, he joined the cast of MythBusters, where they test out myths and ideas using scientific methods to prove their validity.
After that, Grant appeared in various reality shows that were focused on science and robots, like Battlebots. He competed on the show with his self-made robot, Deadblow. Grant then came back on the show as a judge in 2018.
Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston started her career with the help of a fashion photographer who got her into commercials. Entering the world of acting, she got cast in the romantic comedy, Mischief. She then appeared on numerous projects after that, even in her husband John Travolta’s film, Battlefield Earth, where she won the 21st Golden Raspberry Awards for her role.
She also appeared in Maroon 5’s music video She Will Be Loved. Kelly filmed romantic scenes with the band’s vocalist, Adam Levine. She appeared in various TV shows and films, including Peter Markle’s The Tenth Circle in Lifetime, and Jerry Maguire.
The late actress married her husband, John, in the year 1991, after her divorce from her previous husband, Kevin Gage. The couple owns multiple investments and share three wonderful children, Ella, Benjamin, and their late son, Jett. Although she’s now gone, she will always be remembered for the characters she played in film.
Zindzi Mandela
Zindzi Mandela is the daughter of the late Nelson Mandela. She published her collection of poems in the book, Black As I Am. Zindzi also published several other books, including Somehow We Survive: An Anthology of South African Writing. She was also a diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Denmark before her passing.
Zindzi achieved varying degrees of success in her professional career. In her personal life, Zindzi had four children with her first husband Zwelibanzi Hlongwane. She married her second husband, Molapo Motlhajwa, in March of 2013. Due to her fame and her parents’ legacy, Zindzi was portrayed by several actresses in films that featured Nelson Mandela’s life story. These actresses were Refilwe Pitsoe in Mrs. Mandela, Bonnie Henna in Invictus, and Xoliswa Sithole in Mandela. Although her father was larger than life, Zindzi can proudly say that she was able to be an inspiration to others in her own way.
Galyn Görg
This actress was mostly known for her dancing. She started her career with it. Galyn loved to dance and she trained in different and diverse styles in the Roland Dupree Academy and the Alvin Ailey Summer Program. Aside from her love for dancing, Galyn went on to learn acting, too, and honed her skills in different theater studios and sketch comedy troupes. Her work in films and music videos reached many parts of the world including New Zealand, Canada, and Italy.
But the most famous credit role she had was in the 1994 series, M.A.N.T.I.S., where she played Lt. Leora Maxwell. Several projects came her way after that. She was specially cast in episodes of the 1995 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hang Time. Galyn also appeared in Ray Parker Jr’s Music Video for his song I Still Can’t Get Over Loving You in 1983.
Nicole Thea
With over 111,000 followers on Instagram, the late British dancer, YouTuber, and Instagram Influencer, Nicole Thea, was well-known for her dance choreographies on Instagram. She started doing this in 2014 and founded her career since then. Her biggest platform was YouTube, where she shared various content for her fans. From dance videos to vlogging videos that were about makeup and interview videos, Nicole, to her credit, easily garnered the heart of her fans by sharing her life as an inspiration.
Nicole’s boyfriend, Global Boga, was expecting a baby with the YouTube personality. They both met in a dance rehearsal and according to Boga, he immediately fell in love with her. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old influencer and her unborn child both died of a heart attack just a few weeks before she was supposed to give birth. She will definitely be missed by her thousands of fans.
Lil Marlo
Hip-hop rapper Lil Marlou used his music to convey the story of his life. He started his rapping career in 2017 with close friend, Lil Baby. He released two of his official projects entitled 2 The Hard Way and The Wire. The inspiration for his music was said to be his own life experiences, which he once shared pushed him into rapping. He used to live wild on the streets and lived dangerously.
Over the course of three years, he released more of his music and collaborated with various artists. Some of his projects were 9th War God, Control The Streets, and Enough Echo. Lil Mario dropped his last project 1st and 3rd on the 14th of February. It included 14 tracks and featured personalities like Lil Baby and Future. He passed away later in 2020 and, to some degree, his music became the legacy he left this world.
Nick Cordero
Canadian actor Nick Cordero is best known for his impressive film investments and his contributions to live theatre. Born in 1978, he came to the United States to perform in The Toxic Avenger. He entered the Broadway production of Rock of Ages, and two years later, he played a mobster in the stage production of Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway. His portrayal gained him notoriety and several accolades under his belt. Cordero also graced the small screen with his Blue Bloods and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit appearances.
His impressive work earned him several accolades and nominations. Cordero was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. All of the nominations and citations are for his performance in Bullets Over the Great White Way. His fans will never forget his singing voice and acting abilities, as well as his humble heart.
Carl Reiner
Carl Reiner’s long career straddled the line between sincere and outlandish, with partnerships with comic heavyweights such as Mel Brooks and Steve Martin. Reiner notably appeared with Sid Caesar after getting his start on Broadway. His performance led to a successful run as the producer and co-star of the iconic hit program, The Dick Van Dyke Show. He started his directing career on that program, which led to comedy classics such as Oh God!. His partnership with Martin resulted in other comedic successes, including Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid and All of Me.
Reiner’s acting tenure lasted much longer than his directing. He voiced Carl in Toy Story 4 and starred in shows such as Ally McBeal and Two and a Half Men. He also had a role in Ocean’s Eleven and its two sequels, which, to some degree, introduced him to younger generations. Reiner ruled the roost as one of the greatest comic icons of all time after more than seven decades in the industry.
Jas Waters
Jas Waters’s penchant for audacious and genuine creativity earned her a permanent seat in the writers’ room. She was involved in a slew of shows, including NBC’s award-winning series This Is Us. She also contributed to The Missing Piece: Finding The Better Part Of Me: A Love Journey, and co-authored The Art & Science of Respect. She diversified her talent, honed her directing skills for almost a decade, and soon earned credits for numerous films such as Spiderman and Hardball.
Adding to her investments, Waters made an appearance on VH1’s reality show Gossip Game during her career. She also co-created TV shows like ER and MTV’s The Real World. Beyond the limelight, she wrote columns for Vibe Magazine and ran her entertainment blog, FlyLifestyle.com. She was also involved in the music videos of several hip-hop artists. Given her unique abilities and talents, Jas Fly will always be a name to remember.
Bonnie Pointer
Bonnie Pointer, an essential member of the influential R&B group, The Pointer Sisters, was a core part of the trio during its early years. Their genre was a rare blend of skilled melodic lines, New Orleans ridges, and retro-friendly elements. Their first record as a quartet was released in 1973 and went gold, thanks to the singles Yeah We Can Can and Wang Dang Doodle’s success.
The triumphant process did not end there. The group was nominated for a Grammy Award ten times and won three. Bonnie, later on, quit the Pointer Sisters to pursue a solo career and showcase her vocal talents in dance-oriented R&B. She released her first solo single, Heaven Must Have Sent You, which reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1979. Bonnie’s contributions to the music scene will forever mark her life and career investments.
Chiranjeevi Sarja
Chiranjeevi Sarja is one of Kannada cinema’s most talented and well-known actors. Born into a family of movie stars, he was the grandson of the late Shakti Prasad and the nephew of Arjun Sarja. Before entering the limelight, he worked as an assistant director alongside his uncle, Arjun. His breakthrough was in the film Vayuputra, for which he earned the Innovative Film Award for Best Debut (Male). He rose to prominence due to his outstanding performances in films such as Dandam Dashagunam and Ram-Leela.
In 2017, he was cast in an anthology film, Happy New Year. This was followed by a series of notable roles such as in Amma I Love You and Seizer. His most recent movie was Shivarjuna, where he co-starred with Amrita Iyengar and Akshata Srinivas. His impeccable career investments left a void in the Kannada film scene, where he was highly respected.
Donald ‘Reche’ Caldwell
Reche Caldwell was a former professional football player in the United States. Born as Donald Caldwell, he went to Jefferson High School, where he played in three sports for the Jefferson Dragons (football, basketball, and baseball). After graduation, he earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida, where he continued his football career.
The San Diego Chargers drafted Caldwell in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and he played for the team for four seasons. Before the 2006 season, Caldwell signed with the New England Patriots. He soon joined the Washington Redskins on a one-year deal and, after a year, signed another one-year deal with the St. Louis Rams in 2008. Caldwell played in seventy-one games in the NFL, beginning twenty-nine and eleven touchdowns over his six-year tenure. His sports achievements and investments are too impressive to be forgotten.
Kurt Thomas
Kurt Thomas appeared destined for success in his chosen sport, with just the right combination of competitive attitude and physical prowess. Thomas’s talent and ability were recognized by the time of the 1976 Olympics. However, it was the invention of the Thomas flair that cemented his standing in the profession.
Thomas won the gold medal in floor routine at the 1978 World Championships, making him one of the greatest American gymnasts of all time. Thomas’s dominance was on display at the 1979 World Championships, where he received six titles, with gold in the floor routine and high bar. Thomas chose to retire and devote his time to professional trips, training, and an acting gig. Overall, Thomas won a total of 12 big international titles. Thomas’s electrifying shows and explosive flair undoubtedly raised the bar for future gymnasts. His signature Thomas flair will, to some degree, always be a symbol of his ingenuity and confidence.
Chris Trousdale
Hollywood Actor Chris Trousdale was a former member of the boy band Dream Street. He started his Broadway career traveling with Les Misérables, and after a good run, he migrated to New York City to join the Broadway production of Glee. He appeared in famous plays such as The Wizard of Oz and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular while still in New York.
His desire to enthrall viewers caught the eye of two producers in New York City who were forming a boy band. He soon joined Dream Street, and they released their self-titled debut album, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. The record went on to sell one million copies throughout the United States. He left the band to pursue a solo career while still completing his Professional Performing Arts School degree. His most recent social media promotion was for a summer song that was released a year ago.
Mary Pat Gleason
Mary Pat Gleason was a consistently working character actress with over 100 shows since the 1980s. She appeared on both TV and in film. Though you might not recognize Gleason’s face, you’ve probably seen her before. She has over 100 TV credits on her biography, primarily for unforgettable appearances on famous TV programs.
One of her longest runs was on the soap opera Guiding Light. Despite this, Gleason’s cameos on the comedy show Murphy Brown and Friends have left an indelible mark. She had numerous recurring roles later in her career, including multi-episode roles on The Middleman and Desperate Housewives. She continued her rom-com run in A Cinderella Story while making numerous portrayals in films. Her contributions to Hollywood will always be remembered. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 70, and her one-woman play, Stopping Traffic, is reportedly being used by mental health programs as a teaching aid.
Gregory Tyree Boyce
Tyree had a short Hollywood career, with just two credits to his name, but his film debut was a big one. Gregory Tyree Boyce appeared in the widely awaited 2008 movie version of the novel Twilight. He portrayed Tyler Crowley, who nearly runs Bella over with his swerving van until Edward Cullen comes to the rescue, stopping the car in its path with only his fist. After ten years, he co-starred in the short film Apocalypse with Trevor Jackson.
Despite his short filmography, he expressed a desire to return to Hollywood in a 2017 Instagram post after being overcome with nostalgia when fans remembered him from his breakout performance. Outside acting, Gregory was a chef who had plans of opening a restaurant called West Wings. His mother claims that he invented wing flavors inspired by west coast rappers. The actor left behind his ten-year-old child, Alaya.
Andre Harrell
Andre Harrell of Uptown Records is regarded as one of the most significant links between hip-hop and R&B. Harrell gained some degree of prominence as half of the early-80s hip-hop duo, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The team dressed in suits and ties and released hits like Genius Rap and A.M./P.M.
He founded Uptown Records, which aimed for an upscale market that included hip-hop fans and upper-middle-class young adults. As a result, the label was able to ride the wave and carve out a profitable niche. It partnered with industry giant MCA in 1988, and during the golden age of CDs, it became a pillar of success. In 1995, Harrell was appointed chief executive officer of Motown and stayed there for two years. He also worked as a film director, producing films such as Strictly Business and Honey. Harrell shared in the development and creation of some of the most influential artists to emerge in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Fred Willard
Actor Fred Willard rose from the 1960s entertainment scene to become a revered veteran. He is primarily remembered for his buttoned-up characters with no sense. His followers saw him playing character roles after he developed a massive fanbase in the cutting-edge spoof, Fernwood 2-Night. His supporting appearances in “mockumentary” films highlighted his remarkable ability to create iconic middle American personalities.
Two of his most admired Guest-directed appearances include Best in Show and For Your Consideration. His appearance as a clownish TV analyst in the show earned him an award for Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Willard’s guest appearances on Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family even drew him widespread praise. He remained a regular late-night performer due to his improv humor investments, and he continued to work regularly well into the new millennium. Willard will always be remembered for the wonderful characters he played.
Lynn Shelton
Lynn Shelton worked in Hollywood as an actress and journalist, among other things. Shelton had to make up for a lot of lost ground because she didn’t think she would thrive until she realized later in life that she could produce movies. Shelton started her career as an editor before releasing her first feature film as a director, We Go Way Back — the film was delivered on a shoestring budget.
After Humpday premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Shelton’s career rose to a certain degree. The film was purchased by Magnolia Pictures for release and was screened in the Director’s Fortnight category at Cannes. Her TV credits include Master of None, Shameless, and New Girl. She also worked as an executive producer on Little Fires Everywhere and directed Maron’s latest comic specials, End Times Fun and Too Real. She is best remembered for her contagious laugh and her strong sense of community that inspired many.
Phyllis George
The Texas beauty queen transformed the look of sportscasting during her run on TV in the 1970s. She then ignited the Kentucky government as the state’s first lady. Phyllis George made her debut after winning Miss America’s crown in front of an unprecedented 80 million viewers on TV. On her way to stardom, she was also prepping for sitcoms, shooting toothpaste advertisements, and hosting The New Candid Camera.
She hit her stride, interviewing top male players. Six months later, she joined sports icons Brent Musburger and Irv Cross as co-hosts of The NFL Today. Their synergy was instantaneous, and the program was a massive success. Ms. George, to some degree, used her position as the first lady to collect private funds for the restoration of an unfinished governor’s mansion and to sell the state’s crafts and quilts. She indeed paved the way for other women.
Corey La Barrie
Corey La Barrie is a well-known social media sensation and influencer. Widely recognized for his Instagram account, which has over 191k fans. He consistently shares humorous and conceptual images. When it comes to his online presence, Corey joined Twitter in May and currently has 152.1k followers. He also has a YouTube channel that he shares with Crawford Collings. Corey & Crawford has 103k subscribers and over 3.95 million views.
Over the years, Corey has accrued 335,000 subscribers and partnered with a slew of various YouTubers. One of his most famous videos featured him and his friends pranking David Dobrik by locking his Tesla’s wheels. Following that, he and Jarrad launched two more hugely successful YouTube channels, including the Labarre Brothers. Unknown to many, he also diversified his investments by putting up his own clothing line. Corey undeniably made a considerable contribution to the social media scene.
Mary Pratt
Mary Pratt is a trailblazing woman who was the pitcher of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She threw left-handed and was the last surviving member of 1943 Rockford Peaches. Their team was the inspiration for the 1992 sports film, A League of Their Own. Unfortunately, Mary passed away, but her stories and energy will always be missed. She was born on November 30, 1918, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but she grew up in Massachusetts. Likewise, she went to North Quincy High School and got a degree at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
While in college, Mary was able to showcase her athletic abilities. She participated in several sports there, such as volleyball, tennis, sailing, basketball, lacrosse, softball, and archery. Mary is a graduate of physical education and was a teacher in Quincy until 1986. Moreover, she served as the coach of many sports teams.
Pavle Jovanovic
Pavle Jovanovic, who hails from Serbia, is a renowned American bobsledder. He started competing in 1997 and became one of the greatest pushers in bobsledding. Pavle was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey. He was only 20 years old when he started joining bobsled competitions. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, he ranked number seven both in the four-man event and two-man event. Pavle had many achievements as an Olympian, which he considered investments. Furthermore, he won a bronze medal at the 2004 FIBT World Championships in Königssee.
Sad to say, he passed away on May 3, 2020. The bobsledding community is definitely suffering from a great loss. The passion and dedication that Pavle displayed in bobsledding will always be appreciated. Pavle is a legend and an athlete who has always been driven, focused, and meticulous. He’s gone but won’t be forgotten.
Jerry Stiller
One of the classic legendary comedians in the world is Jerry Stiller. He is best known for his role in Seinfield. He earned an Emmy Award nomination for his exceptional performance in the comedy series. Additionally, Jerry appeared with his son in films like The Heartbreak Kid, Heavyweights, Zoolander, and Hot Pursuit. Jerry was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 8, 1927. Jerry majored in drama at the Syracuse University. He often portrayed blue-collared men for most of his career, but the people who knew him always thought of him as an academic. Indeed, Stiller had a degree in Speech and Drama.
He had a successful career and appeared in many films like The Independent, Hairspray, Excuse Me for Living, and My 5 Wives. While he has already departed from this world, we are sure that he is proud of his kids. They have their respective careers now, and one of them is following in his footsteps.
Betty Wright
Betty Wright’s music career lasted for more than six decades. Her career began in the 1950s and she became one of the biggest superstars during her time. Among her hit songs is Tonight Is the Night and No Pain (No Gain). Betty, born and raised in Miami, got her first record deal at only 12 years old. From there, her career went on, and she released 10 top 20 hit songs. Betty won a Grammy Award for the song Where is the Love. This was her first win out of six Grammy nominations. As a child with a fantastic career, we bet that she did not need cash loans.
The Clean Up Woman singer sadly departed from this world. She was a legacy in her own right and will always be remembered for her whistle register — indeed, this was one of the things she did so flawlessly that made her a star.
Cady Groves
Cady Groves, born on July 30, 1989, is the youngest among seven kids. She is an American songwriter and singer who gave us a slew of remarkable songs such as Love Actually, Oh Darlin, and This Little Girl. Growing up, she was well-provided and did not have student loan problems in school. In fact, when she chose to pursue music, her parents insisted that she finish college first.
The singer launched her first EP in 2009, A Month of Sundays. The following year, she released her second EP, The Life of a Pirate. That same year, she signed a contract with RCA Records and went on tour with Good Charlotte, Third Eye Blind, and All Time Low. Later on, she left RCA and signed a new contract with Vel Records. Her remarkable career was thriving, but at the age of only 30 years old, she succumbed.
Sam Lloyd
Sam Lloyd was born in November 1963, in Weston, Vermont. He was the nephew of Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc in the Back to the Future film franchise. In 1990, Sam played Lance Armstrong in the TV series City. He appeared in various films like Double Rush (as Barkley) and Desperate Housewives (as Dr. Albert Goldfine), and has had recurring roles in The PET Squad Files. Moreover, he made appearances in other TV shows, including The Brothers Solomon, Flubber, Rising Sun, Coach, Mad About You, and The Middle. With his wealth, he did not need to take out a mortgage to pay his bills.
Sam passed away at the age of 56. Regardless, he will always be the former member of the acapella group, The Blanks. He also appeared on Scrubs as The Worthless Peons. He is not just a prominent actor but also a notable singer.
Matty Simmons
Matty Simons was a TV and film producer, an Executive Vice President of Diner’s Club (the first credit card company), and a newspaper reporter for New York World-Telegram and Sun. The producer gained recognition after he served as the CEO of Twenty-First Century Communications. Matty is a native of Brooklyn, and apart from his work as a producer, he owned and ran many businesses. Along with his partner, they founded National Lampoon and Weight Watchers magazines. The magazine has now expanded into theater, film, radio, and records. Matty’s kids are among the editorial staff of the business.
Another job that Matty enjoyed was that of an author. He had written seven books, and St. Martin’s Press published the last one in 2012 — Fat, Drunk, and Stupid: The Making of Animal House. Matty lost his battle but his legacy will remain and be passed on for generations.
Ashley Ross
Ashely Ross was an outstanding actress and a TV reality star. She was born on October 21, 1984, as Ashley Minnie Ross. She was raised and born in Tennessee and studied at DeVry University. Ashley started her career as the main lead of the famous reality series, Little Women: Atlanta. She was among the original six cast members and had been in the series for more than five seasons. The celebrity created a lot of income from her professional work. After four years of working, she made quite a number of investments for herself and her family.
Regrettably, she passed away at the young age of 34. Her workmates describe her as generous, kind, and the most loving person one could meet. The legacy she left in Little Women will stay forever, especially since she displayed professionalism and extraordinary skill. Ashley enjoyed her career very well.
Peter Beard
The American artist, writer, diarist, and photographer worked and lived in Kenya, Montauk, and New York City. His subjects were often animals in Africa, and his journals frequently contained the images he captured. In 1960, his collection was published and displayed. Peter started making photographs and kept a diary as a young boy. After he graduated from Pomfret School, he originally planned to take a medical degree but later on switch to art history. He graduated from a Business Administration course at Yale University.
Peter worked with huge magazines, including Elle and Vogue. Along with his wife, Nejma Beard, they started The Peter Beard Studio and Archive. It was a major source of artwork for Peter. The Archive became a collection of published and unpublished visual and written material from the life of an artist. Woefully, Peter passed away on April 19, 2020.
Brian Dennehy
One of the legendary actors of film, television, and stage was Brian Dennehy. Over the course of his successful career, he won many accolades. The awards he received include an Olivier Award, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, and six Primetime Emmy nominations. Brian has over 180 film credits both in stage productions and TV. Some of his works include Gorky Park, Knight Cups, F/X, First Blood, Romeo + Juliet, Presumed Innocent, and Knight of Cups. For his outstanding role in Death of a Salesman as Willy Loman, he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Brian is named the foremost living entrepreneur. In 2010, he attained an honorable American Theater Hall of Fame. Truly, he is an epitome of an iconic actor, and the legacy he imparted in many actors is massive. Unfortunately, he found his eternal rest on April 15, 2020.