Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Tim Curry
From the BBC:
“Rocky
Horror star Tim Curry dies at 80”
English
actor Tim Curry, best known for playing the outlandish Frank-N-Furter in film
musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. Curry first
played the role on stage before the film version, which was released in 1975
and has remained a cult favourite. The actor also played fearsome clown
Pennywise in the 1990 TV version of Stephen King's It, and was Long John Silver
in 1996's Muppet Treasure Island. His other films included Annie, The Hunt for
Red October and Home Alone 2, and he was nominated for three Tony Awards on
Broadway.
Born
in Cheshire in 1946, Curry's first acting job after university was in the
original London production of groundbreaking rock musical Hair in 1968. In
1973, a fellow cast member, Richard O'Brien, asked Curry to audition for his
new musical, and cast him in the role of the flamboyant lingerie-clad
"sweet transvestite" Dr Frank-N-Furter. Curry first put his stamp on
the character of the riotous scientist on stage in the upstairs theatre at
London's Royal Court in 1973. The show's popularity snowballed and resulted in
a big-screen adaptation, which also starred Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and
O'Brien. It was not an immediate hit at cinemas but became a fan favourite and
holds the record for the longest-running theatrical release in film history.
Curry's
varied career also saw him appear on screen in 1982 musical film Annie as Miss
Hannigan's con-artist brother, 1985 murder mystery Clue, fantasy Legend
alongside Tom Cruise also in 1985, and 1995 gorilla thriller Congo. In 2012,
Curry had a major stroke and had to use a wheelchair. He concentrated on voice
acting and continued to appear at film conventions. He published his memoir,
titled Vagabond, last year. Grand Central Publishing said: "We are deeply
saddened by the passing of Tim Curry, a singular talent whose extraordinary
career left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. "We are honored
to have published his work and grateful for the stories, imagination, and joy
he shared with readers. "Our hearts are with his loved ones and countless
fans around the world."
The
Los Angeles Police Department told BBC News officers had responded to a death
investigation for an 80-year-old man at 23:23 local time on Tuesday.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Dolly Tributes
From Yahoo:
“Dolly
Parton tributes include Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Jane Fonda and Vince
Gill”
Stars
are paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee,
at 80. Parton was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond —
the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and
politics. Here is a roundup of notable reactions to Parton's death and legacy:
Dionne
Warwick, singer "The
Heavenly Father has made the decision to bring another of his children to him.
Dolly a true child of God is in the best hands now." — via statement
Paul
McCartney, singer-songwriter "Her
songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of
country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She
was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and,
most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. There was
no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song 'Let It Be' and, even
though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did
it." — via Instagram.
Jane
Fonda, actor and activist "I
never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern
gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see
through people right down to their true selves. She was many things … lyricist,
songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal
friend, who'd never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard
they'd have to cross their legs." — via Instagram.
Linda
Ronstadt, singer-songwriter "I
am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most
extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world
is a poorer place without her." — via statement
Bette
Midler, actor and singer "Our
beloved Dolly Parton has died. I am devastated, and I'm sure the nation will
mourn her as I do, and for many years to come. She had a voice of pure gold and
a heart to match. What a terrible, terrible loss." — via Instagram
Kelly
Clarkson, singer "Dolly
Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and
as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure
millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an
amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us." — via X
Melissa
Etheridge, singer-songwriter "Words
fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with
knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to
be as joyful and loving as she was. Her talent and gifts she gave us will live
on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us. May she
live in the stars of the night and in the light of our days." — via X
Kristin
Chenoweth, actor and singer "Like
the rest of the world, I'm immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several
occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to
sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost
one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible
to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you." — via X
Vince
Gill, musician "We
are all crushed here at our house. One of the most beautiful sounds I've ever
heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of 'I Will Always Love You' the
year we performed it on the CMA Awards." — via a statement
Maggie
Rogers, singer-songwriter "One
of the greatest songwriters of all time beautiful radiant butterfly human. I
played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire. I was so
wildly awe struck. thank you thank you a million times, dolly." — via
Instagram
Elizabeth
Banks, actor "This
is a really hard one today. Dolly Parton in show business is like the only
person to aspire to be. She is the most kind, the most loving, the most
talented, the most generous, the most inclusive, the most resilient, the most
gritty. She was undeniably a force of nature." — via Instagram
Kacey
Musgraves, singer "The
world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden." — via X
Blake
Shelton, singer and judge on 'The Voice' "I can say with absolute certainty that we are all
feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with
Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on 'The Voice.' I want everyone to
know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being
with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family.
Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly." — via X
Seth
MacFarlane, director and actor "The
news of Dolly Parton's passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary
experience of working with her on 'The Orville,' and it was a joy to discover
that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness,
generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet
assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine
love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a
dimmer place today without her." — via X
Reba
McEntire, singer and actor "Well,
I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater
side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on
earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart.
There will never ever be another you." — via X
Colman
Domingo, actor "Dolly
taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness.
What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We
will always love her." — via X
Ken
Burns, filmmaker behind the "Country Music" documentary miniseries "One of twelve children raised in a
cabin, Dolly Parton left home carrying nothing but songs to become the most
beloved figure in American music. She wrote 'I Will Always Love You' as a
goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Today it belongs to all of us." — via X
Dolly In Pictures
From the BBC:
“Dolly
Parton: A life in pictures”
Dolly
Parton, the country music superstar from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, rose
from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the
world.
(Dolly
Parton, bottom right, aged five)
Over
a career spanning more than 60 years, she sold more than 100 million records,
wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a lifetime
achievement honour.
Yet
she has always described herself first and foremost as a songwriter. "It's
my way of expressing myself. It's my therapy," she once said.
(Dolly
Parton upper right in the back and family at Christmas in 1960)
Dolly
Parton grew up in poverty in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon
River in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, the fourth of 12 children.
(Dolly
Parton, aged 14, at Sevier County High School in 1960)
She
performed on local radio and television as a child and recorded her first
single at 13.
(Dolly
Parton pictured in 1965)
After
moving to Nashville the day after graduating from Sevier County High School,
Dolly Parton scored her first solo hit with Dumb Blonde in 1966.
(Country
singer Dolly Parton and her collaborator Porter Wagoner perform onstage in
circa 1967.)
In
1967, country star Porter Wagoner invited Parton to join The Porter Wagoner
Show, giving her a regular role on his nationally syndicated television
programme as well as a place in his touring stage show.
Her
breakthrough came with the album Hello, I'm Dolly.
(Parton
performing at the Grand Ole Opry)
Dolly
Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 4, 1969.
She
has described the Opry as the "church of my heart" and said
performing there was a lifelong dream.
In
one remarkable 1973 writing session, Parton penned two of her signature hits –
Jolene and I Will Always Love You.
Having
written thousands of songs across her decades-long career, Parton said
songwriting was her greatest form of self-expression.
Known for her larger-than-life image, Dolly Parton combined rhinestones, wit and charm to sustain a career that crossed from country to mainstream pop.
She
headlined festivals and became a global star with albums such as Here You Come
Again.
(Kenny
Rogers performing with Parton in New York around 1985)
Parton
also became known for memorable collaborations, notably with Kenny Rogers,
whose duet Islands in the Stream became one of the defining hits of the 1980s.
While
Dolly Parton is best known for her decades-spanning music career, her work as
an actor has also left a lasting impression on film audiences.
(Workplace
comedy film 9 to 5 starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney
Coleman)
Parton's
breakout screen role came in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, where she
starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman.
Her
portrayal of Doralee Rhodes combined comic timing with warmth, helping to
redefine expectations of performers crossing over from music into film.
(Steel
Magnolias starred Parton, Shirley Maclaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia
Roberts and Daryl Hannah)
She
followed this with roles in films such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,
alongside Burt Reynolds, and Steel Magnolias.
The
latter featured an ensemble cast including Julia Roberts and Sally Field
alongside Sylvester Stallone.
In
these performances, Parton demonstrated a balance of humour and emotional
depth, often anchoring scenes with a distinctly understated presence.
In
1986 Dolly Parton opened Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,
near her birthplace.
It
became a major tourist attraction - one of the most visited regional theme
parks in the USA.
The
park's success helped fund Parton's charitable foundation and literacy
programme.
Through
her Imagination Library, founded in honour of her father who could not read,
Dolly Parton has given away more than 100 million free books to children around
the world.
Her
own book, Coat of Many Colours, was the 100 millionth book that programme
donated to the US Library of Congress collection.
A
council in Scotland announced it would dedicate a day to Dolly Parton every
year to mark the impact of her reading scheme.
Parton
personally donated millions to medical research and disaster relief.
The
singer also led several major disaster-relief efforts, most notably creating
the My People Fund after the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires which
distributed about $10m to families who lost homes.
She
lined up an all-star list of performers for a three-hour telethon to raise
money.
In
2024, she pledged $2m for Hurricane Helene relief in East Tennessee and
Appalachia, combining a personal donation with matching support from her
businesses and foundation.
(Parton
performed in the "legends slot" at Glastonbury in 2014)
Parton's
2014 Glastonbury Festival appearance quickly became one of the defining
"Legends" slot performances in the event's history.
Drawing
one of the festival's biggest-ever daytime crowds - estimated at more than
180,000 - she turned the Pyramid Stage into a mass singalong, with renditions
of Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You prompting scenes of near-universal
audience participation.
In
2019, Parton celebrated 50 years as an Opry member with a major televised
special called Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry.
The
event featured performances and tributes from other country artists.
Her
decades-spanning relationship with the Opry helped cement its status as both a
guardian of country music tradition and a stage for modern stars.
Parton
gradually began to step away from major touring, saying she no longer wanted to
spend long stretches on the road.
Instead,
she focused on selective live shows, new recording projects and screen
appearances including Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, Mountain Magic and Christmas
on the Square for Netflix.
(Dolly
Parton encouraged her fans to get the Covid vaccine during the pandemic)
In 2021, Parton publicly received a Covid-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, using the moment to encourage others to do the same.
She
sang an adapted version of her hit Jolene, singing: "Vaccine, vaccine,
vaccine, vaccine, I'm begging of you, please don't hesitate."
Parton's
2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame marked a characteristically
self-aware turn.
Having initially said she had not "earned" the honour, she later embraced it with humour - declaring "I'm a rock star now" - before performing her new song Rockin', written especially for the ceremony, a symbolic step toward her later rock album Rockstar.
In
2023, Parton delivered another headline-grabbing live moment when she performed
at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving halftime show, appearing in a
rhinestone-studded Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders outfit.
More
recently, Parton continued to balance personal loss with new creative work.
Following
the death of her husband Carl Dean in 2025, she released If You Hadn't Been
There in tribute, while also continuing development of Dolly: A True Original
Musical, the stage production based on her life and career.
In
early 2026, Parton gave a pre-recorded tribute speech for Ozzy Osbourne at the
BRIT Awards in Manchester, where Ozzy received a posthumous Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Her
speech was short but was one of the emotional highlights of the ceremony.
Parton
had been due to return to the stage for a short Las Vegas residency, but
announced this month that she was cancelling the run because of health issues,
telling fans she needed "a little more time to heal".
She
will remain a cultural icon remembered for her generosity and humour, as well
as her extraordinary songwriting - the craft at the heart of a catalogue that
has shaped modern country music and crossed generations.
Dolly Parton
Legendary
singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at age 80.
Parton's
career spanned decades and included Grammy wins, film roles and, later in life,
a musical inspired with her life titled “Dolly.”
Parton
was preceded in death by her Husband of more nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean,
who died in March 2025.
Monday, August 24, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Marion Stokes
Marion Stokes
Marion
Stokes was born Marion Butler on November 25, 1929 in Germantown, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
She
graduated the Philadelphia High School for Girls.
Stokes
worked as a librarian for the Free Library of Philadelphia for almost 20 years.
Stokes
started the taping project because she became convinced there was a lot of
detail in the news at risk of disappearing forever.
Family
outings with her Husband and Children were planned around the length of a VHS
tape.
Every
6 hours, when the tapes ran out, Stokes and her Husband switched them out.
Later
in life, when she was less agile, Stokes trained a Helper to do the task for
her.
The
Archives grew to about 71,000 tapes VHS and Betamax tapes (up to eight hours
each) stacked in her home and apartments she rented just to store them.
She
began recording the news non-stop in 1979 during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
Some of Stokes's tape collection consisted of
24/7 coverage of Fox, MSNBC, CNN, C-SPAN, CNBC, and other networks—recorded on
up to eight separate VCRs in her house.
Stokes's
final recording took place on December 14, 2012, as she was dying; it captured
coverage of the Sandy Hook School Massacre.
Stokes
bequeathed the entire tape collection to her son Michael Metelits, with no
instructions other than to donate it to a Charity of his choice.
After
considering potential Recipients, Metelits gave the collection to the Internet
Archive one year after Stokes's death.
Four
shipping containers were required to move the collection to Internet Archive's
headquarters in San Francisco, a move that cost her estate $16,000.
A
Documentary about her life, “Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project” was directed
by Matt Wolf and premiered in 2019.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Monday, August 17, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
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Friday, July 3, 2026
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