Posts Tagged ‘entertainment’
Fred Willard, R.I.P.
Willard’s considerable talent as an improve style comedian kept him working and relevant for half a century in movie roles as well as stand-up. His unique specialty was small parts with scene-stealing performances. I thought his ability to play a dim-wit was sheer genius.
Kenny Rogers, R.I.P.
Country music star Kenny Rogers has died at age 81. It’s a shame ill health forced cancellation of the last shows of his 2018 farewell tour. He was a guy who began with absolutely nothing but a voice and steely determination. That earned him not only hit records, but also Grammy and CMA Awards and worldwide recognition. He developed his hit song “The Gambler” into a series of television movies. And who can forget his duet with Dolly Parton, “Islands in the Stream”, which he didn’t especially like until Parton came into the studio. She gave an emotional tribute upon hearing the news.
I always liked his voice, which was soft and easy with an underlying layer of gravel — you hear the latter on “the chorus of Ruby”. There was no “Texas twang” but there was just a gentle touch of the South. He was also quite an accomplished photographer. Rogers was a multi-talented man who worked hard doing what he was good at, had a rather messy personal life — five wives and five children, I believe — and probably achieved more than he had ever dreamed possible.
Kirk Douglas, R.I.P.
The last living icon of the Golden Age of movies has died, aged 103. The actor portrayed heroes and heels with equal passion and flair. He received many awards, both for his career as an actor, and for his humanitarian works.
Don Imus, R.I.P.
Don Imus made fame and fortune with his mouth, and that same mouth cost him much of it. He had little filter between what he thought and what he said. It made for interesting radio listening, but sometimes disaster. I was an occasional listener and found him entertaining, but can’t claim to have been a faithful fan. He was very intelligent, and by all accounts a loyal friend, but he clearly enjoyed courting controversy. He was a shock jock before Howard Stern was a twinkle in this father’s eye. Most of all, he was sort of crazy and a complete originalist.
Oscar week…
I didn’t waste more than three seconds contemplating the dwindling in importance Oscars, but I found this piece on Jimmy the Raven quite interesting and well-worth a couple of minutes to read it. I will henceforth refer to the hollywood snots, not as bird-brained, which is an insult to a very intelligent avian actor, but as just plain stupid and unaware.
As it turned out, sore losers were featured, along with category winners. Even the critics were displeased. Would it have seemed better with a host? Aren’t you glad you watched something else last night?
Charles Aznavour, R.I.P.
In my youth I spoke French well enough to enjoy listening to the man many called the Sinatra of France. He wrote many of his own songs, everything from love songs to political and cultural protests. He was rather humble about his talents, and his looks. The latter was justified; not the former.
