 |
| SEE #8 |
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| ANNETTE IN THE 2-PIECE |
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| SEE #7, #11, & #16. |
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| RAY HARRYHAUSEN WITH MODEL FROM 7TH VOYAGE |
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| JOAN FONTAINE |
Okay, we know that you're consumed with two burning questions right now:
1. Why did I bet the rent on Denver?
2. What's happening with the It Came From Dallas show this month?
We
can't help you with #1, but the answer to #2 is: nothing. The annual
show you can't live without is taking a break in '14 (it's in
turnaround, back in development, getting retooled, etc.) Look for it to
return, like James Bond, in the first quarter of 2015. We will keep
you updated, and in the meantime, we'll feature some highlights from
previous shows on upcoming blogs (keep checking back).
Meanwhile,
not too late to take our annual look back at some of those
entertainment professionals we lost in 2013 -- the famous and
not-so-famous-but-notable. The list includes two Hitchcock blondes, a
special effects pioneer, a WWII icon, a '60s cult icon, a '70s cult
icon, the mack daddy of film critics, and more.
1. PATTY
ANDREWS (1/30, age 94)
Last
surviving member of The Andrews Sisters, who kept our spirits high
during WWII on radio, records, USO appearances, and movies like Abbott
& Costello's BUCK PRIVATES and Hope & Crosby's ROAD TO RIO.
"He was the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B!!!"
2. DALE
ROBERTSON (2/27, age 90)
Oklahoman WWII vet, in movies from '48, who starred in SON OF SINBAD ('55), and countless westerns, including TV series Tales of Wells Fargo (1957-59), Iron Horse ('66-68), and the 1982 season of Dallas.
3. VAN CLIBURN (2/27, age 78)
Time magazine called him "The Texan Who Conquered Russia" when he beat'em at their own game by winning the 1958 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23. New York gave him the only ticker-tape parade ever for a classical musician. He played for many foreign countries and every president from Harry Truman to Obama. Awards included the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His Van Cliburn Foundation in Ft. Worth holds the Quadrennial Competition. Cliburn had bone cancer. For another DFW notable see #19.
3. VAN CLIBURN (2/27, age 78)
Time magazine called him "The Texan Who Conquered Russia" when he beat'em at their own game by winning the 1958 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23. New York gave him the only ticker-tape parade ever for a classical musician. He played for many foreign countries and every president from Harry Truman to Obama. Awards included the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His Van Cliburn Foundation in Ft. Worth holds the Quadrennial Competition. Cliburn had bone cancer. For another DFW notable see #19.
4. ROGER
EBERT (4/4, age 70)
Before hosting Sneak Previews
with Gene Siskels on PBS and its later incarnations ('78-'06) and
winning the first Pulitzer Prize for Film Criticism, Chicago-based Ebert
wrote X-rated screenplays for Russ Meyer-- BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE
DOLLS ('70), UP! ('76) and BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE ULTRAVIXENS ('79).
He bridged the gap between high-brow film analysis and the populist
kind with his upraised thumb, which he actually trademarked. He kept
writing even after losing his jaw to cancer; his last reviews were of
MUD and TO THE WONDER. Ebert did a lot to create the cults for such
films as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, INFRA-MAN and THE LAST HOUSE ON THE
LEFT (which was odd considering his later rants against movie
misogyny). One of his trips to Dallas was the 1981 USA Film Festival.
5. ANNETTE
FUNICELLO (4/8, age 70)
Before Britney, Justin, and Ryan, there was the first Mousketeer superstar, who went from Disney Tv shows and movies starting in the late '50s to American International Pictures' BEACH PARTY series, with Frankie Avalon and guest stars like Buster Keaton and Vincent Price. Walt insisted to AIP boss Sam Arkoff that Annette always wear a one-piece (note the compromise). After shows like Fantasy Island and 1988's reunion flick BACK TO THE BEACH with Avalon (and a Stevie Ray Vaughn cameo) Annette retired, later announcing her struggle with MS. She lost it last year. Thanks, Annette.
Before Britney, Justin, and Ryan, there was the first Mousketeer superstar, who went from Disney Tv shows and movies starting in the late '50s to American International Pictures' BEACH PARTY series, with Frankie Avalon and guest stars like Buster Keaton and Vincent Price. Walt insisted to AIP boss Sam Arkoff that Annette always wear a one-piece (note the compromise). After shows like Fantasy Island and 1988's reunion flick BACK TO THE BEACH with Avalon (and a Stevie Ray Vaughn cameo) Annette retired, later announcing her struggle with MS. She lost it last year. Thanks, Annette.
6. JONATHAN
WINTERS (4/11, age 87)
Hugely influential comedian who did his best work on TV but still fondly remembered for IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD and THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING... in the '60s.
Robin Williams considered him a mentor and got him cast in Mork & Mindy as his dad. Winters did commercials in Dallas; his 1956-58 TV variety show was the first series shown via videotape.
Hugely influential comedian who did his best work on TV but still fondly remembered for IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD and THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING... in the '60s.
Robin Williams considered him a mentor and got him cast in Mork & Mindy as his dad. Winters did commercials in Dallas; his 1956-58 TV variety show was the first series shown via videotape.
7. DEANNA
DURBIN (4/20, age 91)
Universal Studio's answer to MGM's Judy Garland. Durbin was immensely popular as America's favorite singing daughter from 1937's THREE SMART GIRLS. She grew tired of Hollywood and walked away from a smashing career in 1948 to settle in France. In the years since she only granted one interview.
Universal Studio's answer to MGM's Judy Garland. Durbin was immensely popular as America's favorite singing daughter from 1937's THREE SMART GIRLS. She grew tired of Hollywood and walked away from a smashing career in 1948 to settle in France. In the years since she only granted one interview.
8. RAY
HARRYHAUSEN (5/7, age 92)
Almost impossible to overestimate this genius' vast influence on the cinematic special effects that dominate modern movies. Ray didn't invent stop-motion animation, but what an art he took it to! He called his complex and painstaking integration of live and animated footage "Dynamation". He started animating WWII propaganda films, then George Pal's Puppetoon series, then teamed with his mentor Willis O'Brien on 1949's still-impressive MIGHTY JOE YOUNG. He shared an FX Oscar with O'Brien for that (although he did most of the work), and amazingly was never nominated again, finally winning an overdue Honorary Oscar in 1992 for his body of work. That body includes BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (the first in color), MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (arguably his masterpiece), ONE MILLION YEARS BC, GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD and more, ending with the original CLASH OF THE TITANS ('81). References and in-jokes to his films, many of which he also produced/wrote, still abound, especially in Pixar films. Harryhausen did a Dallas showcase/booksigning in 2006. Thanks, Ray.
Almost impossible to overestimate this genius' vast influence on the cinematic special effects that dominate modern movies. Ray didn't invent stop-motion animation, but what an art he took it to! He called his complex and painstaking integration of live and animated footage "Dynamation". He started animating WWII propaganda films, then George Pal's Puppetoon series, then teamed with his mentor Willis O'Brien on 1949's still-impressive MIGHTY JOE YOUNG. He shared an FX Oscar with O'Brien for that (although he did most of the work), and amazingly was never nominated again, finally winning an overdue Honorary Oscar in 1992 for his body of work. That body includes BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (the first in color), MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (arguably his masterpiece), ONE MILLION YEARS BC, GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD and more, ending with the original CLASH OF THE TITANS ('81). References and in-jokes to his films, many of which he also produced/wrote, still abound, especially in Pixar films. Harryhausen did a Dallas showcase/booksigning in 2006. Thanks, Ray.
9. JEAN
STAPLETON (5/31, age 90)
Famous as Edith Bunker on All In The Family ('71-'78, multiple awards), Stapleton was a serious New York stage actress who made her film debut in 1958's DAMN YANKEES! Norman Lear saw her repeat the role in a 1970 TV redo, and the rest was history. Her other film appearances included KLUTE ('71), and MICHAEL ('96, Austin).
Famous as Edith Bunker on All In The Family ('71-'78, multiple awards), Stapleton was a serious New York stage actress who made her film debut in 1958's DAMN YANKEES! Norman Lear saw her repeat the role in a 1970 TV redo, and the rest was history. Her other film appearances included KLUTE ('71), and MICHAEL ('96, Austin).
10. ESTHER
WILLIAMS (6/6, age 91)
Swimming champion turned stunning queen of MGM's water-ballet musicals -- ZEIGFELD FOLLIES, NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER, MILLION DOLLAR MERMAID, ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU, et.al. She made her debut messing with Mickey Rooney's head in ANDY HARDY'S DOUBLE LIFE ('42). Best of her "dry" roles was '56's THE UNGUARDED MOMENT. Quit movies in the '60s to sell her swimsuit line and support the Republican Party. Husband #2 was Fernando Lamas, famously parodied by Billy Crystal.
Swimming champion turned stunning queen of MGM's water-ballet musicals -- ZEIGFELD FOLLIES, NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER, MILLION DOLLAR MERMAID, ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU, et.al. She made her debut messing with Mickey Rooney's head in ANDY HARDY'S DOUBLE LIFE ('42). Best of her "dry" roles was '56's THE UNGUARDED MOMENT. Quit movies in the '60s to sell her swimsuit line and support the Republican Party. Husband #2 was Fernando Lamas, famously parodied by Billy Crystal.
11. JAMES
GANDOLFINI (6/19, age 51)
You might have first noticed this New Jersey actor beating up Patricia Arquette in TRUE ROMANCE ('93) or getting thrown down a flight of stars by John Travolta in GET SHORTY ('95). But everybody noticed him as wiseguy-with-a-heart Tony in The Sopranos ('99-'07). He won 3 Emmys and a Golden Globe for the role, but wanted to expand afterward, as Leon Panetti in ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) and the romantic comedy ENOUGH SAID (2013). That last was released posthumously, as will be his final appearance in THE DROP this year. Died of a heart attack in Italy. Film debut: THE LAST BOY SCOUT (1991).
You might have first noticed this New Jersey actor beating up Patricia Arquette in TRUE ROMANCE ('93) or getting thrown down a flight of stars by John Travolta in GET SHORTY ('95). But everybody noticed him as wiseguy-with-a-heart Tony in The Sopranos ('99-'07). He won 3 Emmys and a Golden Globe for the role, but wanted to expand afterward, as Leon Panetti in ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) and the romantic comedy ENOUGH SAID (2013). That last was released posthumously, as will be his final appearance in THE DROP this year. Died of a heart attack in Italy. Film debut: THE LAST BOY SCOUT (1991).
12. RICHARD
MATHESON (6/23, age 87)
Pop quiz - what do THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, I AM LEGEND, SOMEWHERE IN TIME, REAL STEEL, DUEL, THE BOX, and many classic episodes of Twilight Zone have in common? They were all based on stories and/or screenplays by this prolific writer of novels, short stories and film/TV scripts. If you're a baby boomer, you read or watched scores of them. LEGEND was the third official version of Matheson's influential 1954 novel (Charlton Heston's OMEGA MAN is another); its countless rip-offs and derivatives include NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and much of today's vampire and zombie fiction.
Pop quiz - what do THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, I AM LEGEND, SOMEWHERE IN TIME, REAL STEEL, DUEL, THE BOX, and many classic episodes of Twilight Zone have in common? They were all based on stories and/or screenplays by this prolific writer of novels, short stories and film/TV scripts. If you're a baby boomer, you read or watched scores of them. LEGEND was the third official version of Matheson's influential 1954 novel (Charlton Heston's OMEGA MAN is another); its countless rip-offs and derivatives include NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and much of today's vampire and zombie fiction.
13. JIM
KELLY (6/29, age 67)
Martial arts star of 1973's ENTER THE DRAGON (with the huge Afro) and other '70s exploitation/blaxploitation flicks like THREE THE HARD WAY and BLACK BELT JONES.
14. CORY MONTEITH (7/13, 31)
Finn Hudson on 88 episodes of TVs Glee (like the other "kids", a bit past 18), Monteith struggled with drug addiction for years and died, after mixing booze and heroin, in Vancouver (he was born in Alberta). Films include FINAL DESTINATION 3 ('06) and MONTE CARLO.
Martial arts star of 1973's ENTER THE DRAGON (with the huge Afro) and other '70s exploitation/blaxploitation flicks like THREE THE HARD WAY and BLACK BELT JONES.
14. CORY MONTEITH (7/13, 31)
Finn Hudson on 88 episodes of TVs Glee (like the other "kids", a bit past 18), Monteith struggled with drug addiction for years and died, after mixing booze and heroin, in Vancouver (he was born in Alberta). Films include FINAL DESTINATION 3 ('06) and MONTE CARLO.
15. DENNIS
FARINA (7/22, age 69)
Former New York cop who went from set security to on-screen actor with THIEF (1981), specializing in cops and wise guys. He had his own series with Crime Story ('86-88) and replaced Jerry Orbach on Law & Order. Memorable in MANHUNTER, MIDNIGHT RUN, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, SNATCH, THAT OLD FEELING, OUT OF SIGHT,
and especially GET SHORTY ("I.e., e.g., ____ you!). Heart attack.
Former New York cop who went from set security to on-screen actor with THIEF (1981), specializing in cops and wise guys. He had his own series with Crime Story ('86-88) and replaced Jerry Orbach on Law & Order. Memorable in MANHUNTER, MIDNIGHT RUN, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, SNATCH, THAT OLD FEELING, OUT OF SIGHT,
and especially GET SHORTY ("I.e., e.g., ____ you!). Heart attack.
16. EILEEN
BRENNAN (7/28, age 80)
Great character actress who started in Laugh-In ('68) and was memorable as Genevieve the waitress in THE LAST PICTURE SHOW ('71) and Oscar-nominated as Goldie Hawn's D.I. in PRIVATE BENJAMIN ('80), and the subsequent series. Also in TEXASVILLE, THE STING, CLUE, MURDER BY DEATH, many TV roles.
Great character actress who started in Laugh-In ('68) and was memorable as Genevieve the waitress in THE LAST PICTURE SHOW ('71) and Oscar-nominated as Goldie Hawn's D.I. in PRIVATE BENJAMIN ('80), and the subsequent series. Also in TEXASVILLE, THE STING, CLUE, MURDER BY DEATH, many TV roles.
17. MICHAEL
ANSARA (7/31, age 91)
Character actor of Syrian descent who was one of those all-purpose ethnics in Hollywood movies and TV from the early '50s, playing scores of American Indians, East Indians, Asians, Latinos and Middle Easterners. Known for playing Cochise in series Broken Arrow (56-58) and as the Vulcan leader Kang in Star Trek episode "Day of the Dove", which he repeated many years later on ST: Deep Space 9 and ST: Voyager. His wife from '58 - '74 was Barbara Eden.
Character actor of Syrian descent who was one of those all-purpose ethnics in Hollywood movies and TV from the early '50s, playing scores of American Indians, East Indians, Asians, Latinos and Middle Easterners. Known for playing Cochise in series Broken Arrow (56-58) and as the Vulcan leader Kang in Star Trek episode "Day of the Dove", which he repeated many years later on ST: Deep Space 9 and ST: Voyager. His wife from '58 - '74 was Barbara Eden.
18. KAREN
BLACK (8/8, age 74)
Cult actress since the '60s who was Oscar-nominated for FIVE EASY PIECES ('70). Made her film debut in Coppola's YOU'RE A BIG BOY NOW ('66), went on to EASY RIDER, AIRPORT '74, DRIVE HE SAID, NASHVILLE, DAY OF THE LOCUST, FAMILY PLOT ('76, as the final Hitchcock blonde), many others. Since the '80s she appeared in countless low-budget horror, exploitation and indie films, including a cameo in Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES.
Cult actress since the '60s who was Oscar-nominated for FIVE EASY PIECES ('70). Made her film debut in Coppola's YOU'RE A BIG BOY NOW ('66), went on to EASY RIDER, AIRPORT '74, DRIVE HE SAID, NASHVILLE, DAY OF THE LOCUST, FAMILY PLOT ('76, as the final Hitchcock blonde), many others. Since the '80s she appeared in countless low-budget horror, exploitation and indie films, including a cameo in Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES.
19. AUGUST
SCHELLENBERG (8/15, age 77)
Canadian-born half-Mohawk actor who settled in Dallas for the last phase of his career. Emmy-nominated as Sitting Bull in HBO's BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE (2007). Movies and TV from early '70s, including BLACK ROBE ('91), MISSIONARY MAN (Dallas) , THE NEW WORLD, FREE WILLY, Walker Texas Ranger, many more. At our next ICFD show, we'll commemorate other local industry folks we lost since our last show.
Canadian-born half-Mohawk actor who settled in Dallas for the last phase of his career. Emmy-nominated as Sitting Bull in HBO's BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE (2007). Movies and TV from early '70s, including BLACK ROBE ('91), MISSIONARY MAN (Dallas) , THE NEW WORLD, FREE WILLY, Walker Texas Ranger, many more. At our next ICFD show, we'll commemorate other local industry folks we lost since our last show.
20. ELMORE
LEONARD (8/20, age 87)
OK, now what do JOE KIDD, 3:10 TO YUMA, JACKIE BROWN, OUT OF SIGHT, GET SHORTY, and the current series Justified have in common? All adapted from the works of prolific pulp writer Leonard, famous in the '50s for his westerns, and in recent decades, darkly funny crime/noir fiction, and that's just some of 'em. Check out the 1957 original 3:10 TO YUMA sometime, with Glenn Ford.
OK, now what do JOE KIDD, 3:10 TO YUMA, JACKIE BROWN, OUT OF SIGHT, GET SHORTY, and the current series Justified have in common? All adapted from the works of prolific pulp writer Leonard, famous in the '50s for his westerns, and in recent decades, darkly funny crime/noir fiction, and that's just some of 'em. Check out the 1957 original 3:10 TO YUMA sometime, with Glenn Ford.
21. JULIE
HARRIS (8/24, age 87)
An acclaimed stage actress who made some notable film appearances, in MEMBER OF THE WEDDING ('52, Oscar nomination), as James Dean's girlfriend in EAST OF EDEN ('55), and the psychic in the original THE HAUNTING ('63). Also was the cinema's first Sally Bowes in I AM A CAMERA ('55, remade 17 years later as the musical CABARET). TV series: Knots Landing ('79).
An acclaimed stage actress who made some notable film appearances, in MEMBER OF THE WEDDING ('52, Oscar nomination), as James Dean's girlfriend in EAST OF EDEN ('55), and the psychic in the original THE HAUNTING ('63). Also was the cinema's first Sally Bowes in I AM A CAMERA ('55, remade 17 years later as the musical CABARET). TV series: Knots Landing ('79).
22. TOM
CLANCY (10/1, age 66)
Although not a military veteran, Clancy's espionage novels were acclaimed bestsellers and became the Jack Ryan film series -- HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER ('90), PATRIOT GAMES, A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (also ex.producer), and current JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. He also wrote and produced a successful video game series.
Although not a military veteran, Clancy's espionage novels were acclaimed bestsellers and became the Jack Ryan film series -- HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER ('90), PATRIOT GAMES, A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (also ex.producer), and current JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. He also wrote and produced a successful video game series.
23. HAL
NEEDHAM (10/25, age 82)
Hal started as a TV/movie stuntman/stunt director in the 1950's, then moved up to director in the '70s, scoring big with action comedies -- SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, THE VILLAIN, HOOPER, MEGAFORCE, et. al.
Hal started as a TV/movie stuntman/stunt director in the 1950's, then moved up to director in the '70s, scoring big with action comedies -- SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, THE VILLAIN, HOOPER, MEGAFORCE, et. al.
24. PAUL
WALKER (11/30, age 40)
A star worldwide for the FAST & FURIOUS series, Walker started as a child actor and model. Minutes after leaving an event for his charity Reach Out Worldwide, he and pal Roger Rodas hit a tree less than a mile away at about 120 mph in the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Rodas was driving. Both died instantly. He first came to notice in such early hits as SHE'S ALL THAT, PLEASANTVILLE and VARSITY BLUES (1999, Austin). Walker was halfway through filming F&F #7 and has two other posthumous films coming out. Expect some CGI work to "complete" his role, as it will for Phillip Seymour Hoffman's final HUNGER GAMES role.
A star worldwide for the FAST & FURIOUS series, Walker started as a child actor and model. Minutes after leaving an event for his charity Reach Out Worldwide, he and pal Roger Rodas hit a tree less than a mile away at about 120 mph in the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Rodas was driving. Both died instantly. He first came to notice in such early hits as SHE'S ALL THAT, PLEASANTVILLE and VARSITY BLUES (1999, Austin). Walker was halfway through filming F&F #7 and has two other posthumous films coming out. Expect some CGI work to "complete" his role, as it will for Phillip Seymour Hoffman's final HUNGER GAMES role.
25. ELEANOR
PARKER (12/9, age 91)
When this beautiful actress, famous as The Baroness in THE SOUND OF MUSIC ('65) passed away, there were quips that she must have watched NBC's live TV version the week before. She was Oscar-nominated for CAGED ('50, the prototype women-in-prison flick), DETECTIVE STORY and INTERRUPTED MELODY, and was memorable in MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM and THE NAKED JUNGLE.
When this beautiful actress, famous as The Baroness in THE SOUND OF MUSIC ('65) passed away, there were quips that she must have watched NBC's live TV version the week before. She was Oscar-nominated for CAGED ('50, the prototype women-in-prison flick), DETECTIVE STORY and INTERRUPTED MELODY, and was memorable in MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM and THE NAKED JUNGLE.
26. TOM
LAUGHLIN (12/12, age 82)
Actor/director/producer/indie maverick Laughlin had small roles in such '50s films as SOUTH PACIFIC and TEA AND SYMPATHY, and starred in Robert Altman's first feature, THE DELINQUENTS ('57). By the '60s, he was directing and starring in his own independent features. One of those was 1967's BORN LOSERS, in which he debuted the character of Billy Jack. It was the 1971 hit sequel, BILLY JACK, that made Laughlin a bona fide cult star of the '70s. He sued Warners to gain complete control over the film and won, re-releasing it himself in '73 and raking in $40 million -- making it one of the most successful indies ever. 1974's TRIAL OF BILLY JACK followed, then BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON (which really exists, although never released). Laughlin dropped out of sight soon after, though he tried for a comeback in 1986 with RETURN OF BILLY JACK (never completed). He distributed the JACK quadrilogy himself on home video, and was a published/web psychologist, Jungian philosopher and Montessori educator. Delores Taylor, his costar in JACK, was his wife for 60 years. BTW, his hapkido moves in JACK were doubled by Master Bong Soo Han. "I...just...go...BERSERK!!!"
Actor/director/producer/indie maverick Laughlin had small roles in such '50s films as SOUTH PACIFIC and TEA AND SYMPATHY, and starred in Robert Altman's first feature, THE DELINQUENTS ('57). By the '60s, he was directing and starring in his own independent features. One of those was 1967's BORN LOSERS, in which he debuted the character of Billy Jack. It was the 1971 hit sequel, BILLY JACK, that made Laughlin a bona fide cult star of the '70s. He sued Warners to gain complete control over the film and won, re-releasing it himself in '73 and raking in $40 million -- making it one of the most successful indies ever. 1974's TRIAL OF BILLY JACK followed, then BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON (which really exists, although never released). Laughlin dropped out of sight soon after, though he tried for a comeback in 1986 with RETURN OF BILLY JACK (never completed). He distributed the JACK quadrilogy himself on home video, and was a published/web psychologist, Jungian philosopher and Montessori educator. Delores Taylor, his costar in JACK, was his wife for 60 years. BTW, his hapkido moves in JACK were doubled by Master Bong Soo Han. "I...just...go...BERSERK!!!"
27. PETER
O'TOOLE (12/14, age 81)
Irish-born O'Toole was an unknown when he was cast in the lead of 1962's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, and had that not been the year of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, he would have won the Oscar hands down for his complex portrayal (try to imagine Brando in the role. Nearly happened). He was nominated seven more times (GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, THE RULING CLASS, MY FAVORITE YEAR, etc.) and never won -- the most acting noms without a win -- but was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2003. Here's another O'Toole trivia gem -- he was the only actor to date to be nominated twice for playing the same character in otherwise unrelated films -- as Henry II in BECKET ('64) and LION IN WINTER ('68). He has two posthumous releases this year. Dallas connection: one of his all-time best, 1980's THE STUNTMAN (required viewing for our industry), was "discovered" at that year's USA Film Festival (2 years after production) and went on to cult-movie glory and 3 Oscar noms.
Irish-born O'Toole was an unknown when he was cast in the lead of 1962's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, and had that not been the year of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, he would have won the Oscar hands down for his complex portrayal (try to imagine Brando in the role. Nearly happened). He was nominated seven more times (GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, THE RULING CLASS, MY FAVORITE YEAR, etc.) and never won -- the most acting noms without a win -- but was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2003. Here's another O'Toole trivia gem -- he was the only actor to date to be nominated twice for playing the same character in otherwise unrelated films -- as Henry II in BECKET ('64) and LION IN WINTER ('68). He has two posthumous releases this year. Dallas connection: one of his all-time best, 1980's THE STUNTMAN (required viewing for our industry), was "discovered" at that year's USA Film Festival (2 years after production) and went on to cult-movie glory and 3 Oscar noms.
28. JOAN
FONTAINE (12/15, age 96)
When she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1942 for SUSPICION (the only acting Oscar awarded a Hitchcock film), Fontaine's main competition was her sister Olivia de Havilland for HOLD BACK THE DAWN. This cemented a lifelong and highly publicized feud between the two, who were born in Tokyo to British parents who later moved to California. Fontaine had been nominated the year before for Hitch's REBECCA, and again 2 years later for THE CONSTANT NYMPH. Her last feature was the 1966 horror THE DEVIL'S OWN (one of the '60s fad of casting older name actresses in horror--Olivia had a hit with HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE), but she continued in TV until 1994, including a soap opera stint on Ryan's Hope. Olivia is still kickin' at 97, the last surviving major star of GONE WITH THE WIND. Weird trivia fact: Fontaine sued Blockbuster Inc. in 1996 because she didn't like the VHS box blurb written by yours truly for ORSON WELLES' OTHELLO. Eventually dismissed.
--by Gordon K. Smith
When she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1942 for SUSPICION (the only acting Oscar awarded a Hitchcock film), Fontaine's main competition was her sister Olivia de Havilland for HOLD BACK THE DAWN. This cemented a lifelong and highly publicized feud between the two, who were born in Tokyo to British parents who later moved to California. Fontaine had been nominated the year before for Hitch's REBECCA, and again 2 years later for THE CONSTANT NYMPH. Her last feature was the 1966 horror THE DEVIL'S OWN (one of the '60s fad of casting older name actresses in horror--Olivia had a hit with HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE), but she continued in TV until 1994, including a soap opera stint on Ryan's Hope. Olivia is still kickin' at 97, the last surviving major star of GONE WITH THE WIND. Weird trivia fact: Fontaine sued Blockbuster Inc. in 1996 because she didn't like the VHS box blurb written by yours truly for ORSON WELLES' OTHELLO. Eventually dismissed.
--by Gordon K. Smith
