In Memoriam

They began as a comedy team in the early 1900’s and appeared together until 1950. After that they bombarded the entertainment world with appearances on television, radio and the stage… Their signature films include Animal Crackers, The Cocoanuts, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup and A Night at the Opera… In Memoriam Remembers: Chico (1887-1961) Harpo (1888-1964) Groucho (1890-1977) Gummo (1893-1977) Zeppo (1901-1979)

She worked on Broadway from 1905 until 1971 and earned the title as the original “First Lady of the American Theatre.” That’s an amazing 66 year run on the stage… The first film she appeared in was The Weavers of Life in 1917. She went onto to appear in such films as The White Sister, Night Flight, Airport, Babs, and What Every Woman Knows. Her final film appearance was in the film Candleshoe in 1977. Her first television appearance was in 1950 on “The Jack Benny Program.” She went onto to appear on such shows as “Person to Person”, “The Colgate Comedy Hour”, “Sunday Showcase”, “What’s My Line?”, “Toast of the Town”, “The Dick Cavett Show”, “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”, “American Masters”, “Robert Montgomery Presents”, “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars”, “Playhouse 90”, “The United States Steel Hour”, “Here’s Lucy”, “Hawaii Five-O”, “The Love Boat”, “Love, Sidney” and “Highway to Heaven.” She appeared as Abby Brewster in “The Best of Broadway” version of Arsenic and O...

For me he will always be the Thin Man. His career began on Broadway as far back as 1912… In 1922 he appeared in his first motion picture Sherlock Holmes. His other film credits include Outcast, The Bright Shawl, Time to Love, Paid to Love, She’s a Sheik, The Great Ziegfeld, Ziegfeld Follies and Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid… Between 1929 and 1933 he played the detective Philo Vance in five different films. Between 1934 and 1947 he appeared as Nick Charles in six different films The Thin Man (1934), After the Thin Man (1936), Another Thin Man (1939), Shadow of the Thin Man (1941), The Thin Man Goes Home (1944) and Song of the Thin Man (1947). In these films, actress Myrna Loy played his wife Nora and after all was said and done Powell and Loy appeared in fourteen motion pictures together... On radio he appeared on shows like “Suspense” and reprised his role as Nick Charles for the “Lux Radio Theatre” version of The Thin Man… He shared a wonderful romance with actress Jean Harlow ...

He began his career in 1945 with the film Time to Kill. His other film appearances include Fear in the Night, Variety Girl, Beyond Our Own, Malaya, The Men, Taxi, House of Bamboo and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit… As television quickly became more of a popular venue he began making various guest appearances. Some of his credits include “Public Prosecutor”, “Studio One”, “The Lone Ranger”, “The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse”, “Cavalcade of America”, “Studio 57”, “Gunsmoke”, “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars”, “Playhouse 90”, “Rawhide”, “Richard Diamond, Private Detective”, “Zane Grey Theater”, “Perry Mason”, “The Virginian”, “The Fugitive”, “Bonanza”, “Death Valley Days”, “Ironside”, “The Bold Ones: The New Doctors”, “Room 222” and “Police Story.” In 1966 he stepped into the role that would make him immortal in the eyes of his fans. That was the year he signed on to play Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on the sci-fi classic “Star Trek.” As Dr. McCoy he became known for his catchphrase “Damn it I’m ...

On this day in 1964, the legendary actress suffered a fatal heart attack after several years of recurring heart trouble. Born on July 26, 1895 she was the other half of the comedy team Burns and Allen from the 1920's until her retirement in 1958. In addition to being George Burns' comedic partner she was also his wife. In the beginning he was the jokester and she was the straight woman. Those roles quickly change and radio airwave came to life with her scatterbrained antics and crazy explanations. Her logic wasn't always the best...but her heart and soul were in the right place. 45 years after her passing... In Memoriam Remembers: Gracie Allen

Born in 1909, this great actor became a well known B-movie performer and held that career from 1947 until 1980. Some of his film appearances include Hellfire, White Cargo, Cairo, Winter Meeting, Somewhere in the Night, Pilot #5, The Quiet Gun and Dracula vs. Frankenstein… On television he guest starred on such programs as “Fireside Theatre”, “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars”, “Playhouse 90”, “General Electric Theater”, “Lassie”, “Wagon Train”, “Perry Mason”, “Police Story”, “Rawhide”, “Bonanza”, “Death Valley Days”, “The Virginian”, “Gunsmoke”, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Hollywood Squares.” From 1958 until 1960 he played Wes Cameron on the program “Rescue 8.” Despite all of these previous performances it was his role as the self made oil baron on the 1970’s/1980’s prime time soap opera “Dallas” that made him a legend in television. As Jock Ewing he ruled over his beloved Southfork Ranch and Ewing Oil Company with an iron hand. Many times he had to pull the st...

His career began on television in 1963 when he appeared on “The Patty Duke Show.” From there he went onto appear on “Saturday Night Live”, “Intimate Portrait”, “The Wayne Brady Show”, “Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “Ryan’s Hope”, “Miami Vice”, “Spenser: For Hire”, “One Life to Live”, “Another World”, “As the World Turns”, “Law & Order”, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” and “The Outer Limits.” In regular roles he could be found on “L.A. Law” as Tommy Mullaney from 1990 to 1994 and as Leo McGarry on “The West Wing” from 1999 until his death in 2005… He appeared in more than two dozen films and had more than a few successful runs on Broadway. In 1970 he had a chance to work with the legendary actress Gloria Swanson. His work as Leo McGarry earned him an Emmy Award in 2002… Sadly he died four days before his 59th birthday… In Memoriam Remembers: John Spencer ---------------------------------------- On a side note, August 25th would've been the 100th birt...

She left us ten years ago today…at the age of 83. During her peek as a champion character actress she appeared on “I Married Joan”, “Our Miss Brooks”, “The People’s Choice”, “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet”, “The Mothers-In-Law” and “Dragnet.” Ultimately it would be her work with Lucille Ball that she would be the most remembered for. She started out on “I Love Lucy” with guest appearances as Cynthia Harcourt and Evelyn Bigsby. Following that she had a recurring role as Connecticut neighbor Betty Foster Ramsey during the 1956-1957 season. On “The Lucy Show” she played Audrey Simmons from 1962 until 1964 and Mary Jane Lewis from 1965 until 1968. On “Here’s Lucy” she played Mary Jane Lewis again from 1969 until 1974. Her final appearance with Lucille Ball was as Midge Bowser in the 1977 television special “Lucy Calls the President.” Unfortunately like many Americans she suffered a devastating loss when her only child, Eric Zoller, was killed while serving his country during the...

With his deep piercing eyes and striking voice he began in films in 1919... His film credits include The Lightning Rider, The Golden Web, The Miracle Man, Scarface, The Mummy, Mr. Wong, Detective, Charlie Chan at the Opera, The Invisible Ray and Lured... In 1931 he stepped into his most famous role when he played the Monster in the Universal production of Frankenstein. He followed up that appearance with parts in House of Frankenstein and Frankenstein - 1970. In 1966 he became well known to a new legion of fans when he lent his voice to the title role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas! On television he headed up his own program in 1949 but it was canceled after only a few months. Other appearances include "The Perry Como Show", "What's My Line?", "Four Star Revue", "The Milton Berle Show", "The Donald O'Connor Show", "The Ernie Kovacs Show", "The Rosemary Clooney Show", "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show...

Before he put on the infamous Frankstein Monster flat top he appeared in more than one hundred westerns... He began in 1930 in The Mounted Stranger and followed it up with films such as The Riding Tornado, Days of Jesse James, Fugitive Valley, The Lone Ranger and the Bandit, Bullets and Saddles, Vengenance Valley, Wagon West and Calamity Jane... As the Frankenstein Monster he appeared in 1944's House of Frankenstein, 1945's House of Dracula and 1948's Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein... During the filming of the Abbott and Costello film he fell and twisted his ankle and actor Lon Chaney, Jr. who was playing the Wolfman, stepped into the role for one scene... On television he appeared on several programs such as "The Adventures of Kit Carson", "The Abbott and Costello Show", "The Colgate Comedy Hour" (As the Frankenstein Monster), "The Lone Ranger", "The Gene Autry Show", "Judge Roy Bean", "The Bob Cum...

The other half of one of our most beloved comedy teams... Along with his partner Bud Abbott the appeared in such films as Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, One Night in the Tropics, Buck Privates, Who Done It? and many others. All together between 1940 and 1956 they appeared in 36 films. On radio they got their biggest break in 1938 when appearing on Kate Smith's program. From 1941 until 1949 they headed up "The Abbott and Costello Show." The progam was revived on television for a single season in 1952.... In 1943, he was stricken with rheumatic fever and had to be away from work for almost a year. Finally on November 4, 1943 he was well enough to return to work. He told his wife to let their infant son stay up to listen to the broadcast that "because I want to see if he'll recognize my voice over the air." Sadly the child never heard his father's voice that ni...

Bud Abbott's post should be dated the 20th. There were not two on the 19th.

Groucho Marx once called him "The greatest straight man alive..." Along with his partner Lou Costello this fine actor and comedian conquered vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and film... In 1938, the duo gained a lot of exposure after their appearance on Kate Smith's radio program... Between 1940 and 1956 they appeared in 36 films including Buck Privates, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, In the Navy, Who Done It?, Abbott and Costello in Hollywood, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Abbot and Costello Meet the Invisible Man and Dance with me Henry... From 1941 to 1949 they had their own radio series which went to television in 1952 lasting two seasons and producing 52 episodes... Their legendary "Who's On First?" routine has been a classic for decades and earn them a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame... In Memoriam Remembers: Bud Abbott

She began in 1925... Some of her films include Lassie Come Home, The Razor's Edge, Mystery Street, That Darn Cat!, Murder by Death, The Glass Slipper, Come to the Stable, Mary Poppins and Witness for the Prosecution... The film role she is most remembered for however is as the Monster's Bride in The Bride of Frankenstein... On television she appeared on such programs as "The Ed Wynn Show", "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show", "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show", "Tonight Starring Jack Paar", "The Merv Griffin Show", "The Mike Douglas Show", "Toast of the Town", "The Dick Cavett Show", "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", "Studio One", "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars", "The Ford Television Theatre", "Lux Video Theatre", "Robert Montgomery Presents", "General Electric Theater", "The Dick Powell Show", "Burke's Law"...

He had those eyes... It was 1927 when he first put on that infamous Dracula cape for 261 Broadway stage performances. In 1931 he appeared in the now classic film version, the film that made him a legend. His other contributions to the Universal Studios Monster Film Series include playing Ygor in The Son of Frankenstein (1939) and The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942). He appeared as a character named "Bela" in The Wolf Man (1941) and stepped into the role of Frankenstein's Monster in 1943's Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. He played Count Dracula for the final time in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein in 1948... All together the actor appeared in 104 films. Some of his other notable films include The Silent Command, The Reject Woman, The Thirteenth Chair, Wild Company, The Death Kiss, The Whispering Shadow, Night of Terror, The Black Cat, The Mysterious Mr. Wong, The Invisible Ray and The Black Cat... On television he appeared on the series "Suspense." He ...

On this day thirty years ago the world lost a television pioneer... She helped to revolutionalize the television sitcom when it was in its infancy by defining the role of second banana and eventually becoming a great comedienne in her own right... Her style, grace and elegance helped to light up the Broadway stage for decades... After a six year battle with serious illnesses including multiple cancers and a series of strokes...the Lord called her home to his Eternal Kingdom in Heaven for her great reward... On the thirtieth anniversary of her passing... In Memoriam Remembers: Vivian Vance

His career began in 1929... Films on his long list of credits include War Nurse, The Easiest Way, Private Lives, Night Flight, Yellow Jack, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, June Bride, Rage in Heaven and Lady in the Lake. On television he appeared on programs such as "The Jack Benny Program", "The Colgate Comedy Hour" and "What's My Line?" From 1950 to 1957 he hosted his own variety/anthology series entitled "Robert Montgomery Presents." The series allowed his daughter Elizabeth to get her first few acting experiences before she went on to play Samantha on "Bewitched." In Memoriam Remembers: Robert Montgomery

One of America's favorite freckled screen legends... She started on the stage in 1937 and soon found herself appearing on the silver screen. Some of her more memorable films include Dime a Dance, All Girl Revue, Best Foot Forward, Till the Clouds Roll By, Little Women, The Glenn Miller Story, The Opposite Sex and My Man Godfrey... As herself she guest starred on television programs such as "Person to Person", "What's My Line?", "The Dick Powell Show", "The Judy Garland Show", "Toast of the Town", "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", "The Dean Martin Show", "The Hollywood Squares", "Larry King Live", "American Masters" and "Biography." In character she made appearances on "Zane Grey Theater", "Burke's Law" (1963), "Vega$", "Simon & Simon", "The Love Boat", "Hart to Hart", "Murder, She Wro...

He had one of the most distinctive voices of any other actor of his generation... As a very prominent African-American character actor he appeared in such groundbreaking mini-series as "Roots: The Next Generation", "King", "Backstairs at the White House" and "Queen." On the big screen his credits include Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Dennis the Menace, The Killing Jar, Dead of Night and Mars Attacks! On the small screen he began with a guest appearance on "Perry Mason." He would follow it up with appearances on such shows as "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", "The F.B.I.", "Death Valley Days", "Mission: Impossible", "Mannix", "Room 222", "Julia", "Ironside", "Murder, She Wrote", "Hotel", "L.A. Law", "Family Matters", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", "Picket Fences" and "Crossing Jordan." ...

No one will ever forget his distinctive voice and good guy image... He began in the 1930's and tackled everything from Broadway to radio to films to television... His radio career includes the lead role in "The Six Shooter" The list of films goes on forever but some of the more memorable ones include Rear Window, The Murder Man, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, Rope, Vertigo, Anatomy of Murder and of course It's a Wonderful Life... As the film offers began to come in less and less he kept his name alive by appearing on such shows as "The Colgate Comedy Hour", "Toast of the Town", "The Dick Powell Show", "Password", "The Jack Benny Program", "The Dean Martin Show", "The Carol Burnett Show", "The Mike Douglas Show", "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", "General Electric Theater", "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars" and "Lux Playhouse...

With her illuminating eyes and dazzling smile her career began in 1925... She appeared in such films as The Jazz Singer, Noah's Ark, Cheaper By the Dozen and The April Fools... This spunky lady became immortal to a long legion of fans when she took on the role of Nora Charles in six Thin Man films opposite William Powell as her husband Nick. Nick and Nora Charles were a popular sleuth team created by Dashiell Hammitt... On television she guest starred on such programs as "I've Got a Secret", "What's My Line?", "General Electric Theater", "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars", "The DuPont Show with June Allyson", "Family Affair" and "Ironside." Her final acting role was a guest appearance on the Tony Randall sitcom "Love, Sidney" in 1982...poor health plagued her for the remainder of her life... In Memoriam Remembers: Myrna Loy

At the moment I have no one to post a special tribute to so I am going to take this opportunity to share a few feelings. I believe that a blog like mine was long over due. Everywhere I looked for years there were websites and blogs dedicated to a few special people that we've lost but not all of them and not always for all the right reasons. In all the tributes I've ever read about Lucille Ball her radio days were always glanced over. She was so talented on radio that I think that body of work needed to be discussed. Character actors like Burt Mustin, Ruth McDevitt, Elizabeth Patterson, Kathryn Card and Mary Jane Croft needed a proper salute. It is my great hope that everyone who reads my posts enjoys them. I love all these people and I love remembering them. It is a shame that all these miracles have left us...but thanks to the magic of their body of work they will never be gone completely. Wonders like Donna Reed, Henry Fonda, Barbara Bel Geddes and Jim Davis all deserve the ...

Born in 1914 his career spanned eight decades... From horror films to adventure films he even went up against George Reeves in Superman and the Mole-Men... During the 1950's he was blacklisted but kept his name alive by becoming an acting coach... Later on he returned to the medium by appearing on such shows as "Star Trek", "Gunsmoke", "Knots Landing", "Lou Grant" and "Archie Bunker's Place" to name a few... He left us on August 16, 2002... In Memoriam Remembers: Jeff Corey

This lovely lady was born on January 24, 1943... She tried her hand at acting appearing in the film Valley of the Dolls among a few others and holding a small recurring role on "The Beverly Hillbillies" from 1963 to 1965. Unfortuately she found herself involved with the vile Mansion family and in 1969 that association cost her dearly. She was one of the most beautiful women in the world... 40 years after her passing.... In Memoriam Remembers Sharon Tate

August 8th, a day that took many wonderful people from us. -This character actor, best remembered for his roles on "Leave it to Beaver" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" left us in 1984. -One of the original silent film stars, she passed away in 1985. -This classy English gentleman is best remembered for his role as Alfred the butler on "Batman" in the 1960's. He passed away in 1988. -This hard working character actress played Mrs. Addison on "Mister Ed." She left us in 2003. -Beloved for her role in King Kong in 1933 this legend passed on seventy-one years later in 2004. -She became immortal with a generation of fans as Miss Ellie Ewing Farlow on "Dallas" from 1978 to 1984 and then from 1985 until 1990. Sadly her life ended in 2005. In Memoriam Remembers: Richard Deacon Louise Brooks Alan Napier Edna Skinner Fay Wray Barbara Bel Geddes

She was born on August 7, 1884... She made her first film appearance in 1916 in the movie Peggy playing the title character... Other movie appearances include Dinner at Eight, Irene, Remember?, Eternally Yours, Gildersleeve on Broadway and Sergeant Rutledge. On television she appeared on programs such as "Light's Out", "Playhouse 90" and "77 Sunset Strip." It was her 1939 appearance as Glinda the Good Witch in the epic production of The Wizard of Oz that has made her beloved to audiences for the past 70 years. She passed away on May 14, 1970 at the age of 85 and even after almost 40 years viewers still light up when they see Glinda and her magic wand... In Memoriam Remembers: Billie Burke

It's August 6th again and we must celebrate. A great lady and an even greater talent was born today. In addition to more than 75 films she also brought new life to the radio airwaves... She appeared in more than one thousand television programs... Her signature series, "I Love Lucy" has been seen all over the world since it began in 1951. Her other major successes, "The Lucy Show" and "Here's Lucy" are also making a hit as they are soon being released on DVD. With great pride, love, appreciation and warmth.... In Memoriam Remembers: Lucille Ball

Today the great actor would have turned 85 years old... He left us eight years ago but his work as Archie Bunker will never leave us... A great actor, performer and man... In Memoriam (Proudly) Remembers: Carroll O'Connor