In Memoriam

Born: August 25, 1930 The reason this actor is being remembered on In Memoriam is because his performance in an episode of "All in the Family" caught my attention. The episode was called "Archie and the F.B.I." and originally aired on January 15, 1972 on CBS. The story saw Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) in a deep panic after he is visited by an FBI agent asking questions about his neighbor and "best buddy" Larry Grundy. The exchanges between Archie and Larry are hilarious and the two performers handle the scene and material just beautifully... On film he appeared in several productions the first being Bye Bye Braverman in 1968. Others on the list are Alice's Restaurant, R.P.M., Prophecy, Middle Age Crazy, Mr. Mom and The Chain... His regular television roles included "The Guiding Light" from 1971 to 1972, "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" from 1976 to 1977 and "Fame" from 1985 to 1987... Other Television credits inclu...

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Barbara Bel Geddes' final appearance on screen. The actress appeared on the hit prime time soap opera "Dallas" during the final years of her acting career playing the strong and solid matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing Farlow. The 25th episode of the 13th season (1989-1990) featured Miss Ellie's final appearance on the series and Barbara's final appearance in any form of the medium. She was set to return in season 14 but at the last minute contract negotations fell through and Miss Ellie left for an extended trip around the world. Barbara was born on Halloween 1922 and left us just a short while ago on August 8, 2005... Twenty years ago television audiences watched you perform for the last time...God Bless you Barbara! Thanks to DVDs though, they'll continue to watch you perform over and over again forever...! In Memoriam Remembers: Barbara Bel Geddes

Twenty-one years ago today she was taken from us by an actue aortic aneurysm and brought to God's Eternal Kingdom in Heaven for her final rest... No matter what body of her work you love the best there is one thing you can't deny, she has been there all your life... And so today we remember the great joy she brought to us doing what she did best... With great honor, pride, love and respect... In Memoriam Remembers: Lucille Ball

It has been one year since a very special lady passed on... Seen in the photo to the left with her TV mom Estelle Getty this actress took on the most serious issues with that acid tongue and clever wit... In Memoriam Remembers: Beatrice Arthur

Born: August 5, 1914 He was an amazing character actor who could play any part from a doctor to a judge to a mayor to a gangster... As a radio performer he lent his voice to such shows as "Honest Harold", "Adventures in Odyssey" and "Our Miss Brooks." From 1952 to 1961 he played Chester on the radio version of the western "Gunsmoke." He broke into films in 1950 and went on to appear in such films as The Fat Man, The Frogmen, Pickup on South Street, Drango, Cash McCall and A Fever in the Blood... Television Credits: (incomplete) "The Dennis Day Show" "Dragnet" "Letter to Loretta" "Father Knows Best" "The Bob Cummings Show" "Our Miss Brooks" "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" "The Ford Television Theatre" "I Love Lucy" "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre" "Make Room for Daddy" "Fibber McGee and Molly" "Goodyear Theatre...

Very rarely do I take the time to remember a fictional character that has passed away on a television show unless they move me. Elizabeth "Beth" Henderson Logan from "The Bold and the Beautiful" died in the episode that originally aired on April 19, 2010. Beth had been ill since 2008 but since her return to the canvas on April 12th it was obvious that her battle with Alzheimer's disease was becoming more difficult. Sadly after yet another confrontation with long time rival Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery) Beth lost her life after she fell into the Forrester pool. Beth was an original character when the show began in March 1987. At the time she was played by actress Judith Baldwin. Shortly after Nancy Burnett took on the role until 1989 and then again in 2001. Marla Adams played Beth briefly in 1991. Robin Riker began playing Beth on June 18, 2008 and continued in the role on a recurring basis until the character's passing. To the right is a photo o...

A great lady would’ve enjoyed a cake with some candles today… During the greatest days of radio action and adventure dramas she gave a voice to characters that have been loved for more than half a century… She was Lois Lane, girl reporter for the Daily Planet on “The Adventures of Superman” and she was also Della Street, confidant and secretary to the man himself on “Perry Mason.” In 1941 the Fleischer Studios released the first of sixteen animated Superman shorts and the radio cast brought their voices to the big screen. The final animation short was released in 1943… In the late 1960’s she returned to voice Superman’s favorite lady in a series of animated productions. She did not take on the role of Lois Lane alone however; she alternated with fellow voice actress Julie Bennett… She passed away only a short time ago on May 21, 2009… Today on what would’ve been her 95th birthday… In Memoriam Remembers: Joan Alexander Stanton

Born: November 5, 1913 This stern faced character was there to appear in most of television's earliest productions. Beginning with "Studio One" his other early TV appearances included "Kraft Television Theatre", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "Lux Playhouse", "The Catholic Hour", "The DuPont Show of the Month" and "The United States Steel Hour." Throughout his career he appeared in many films and made of television movies. On the big screen he made appearances in such classics as Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Manchurian Candidate and The Glass Bottom Boat... From 1964 to 1965 he was a regular cast member on the series "Many Happy Returns." Shortly after in 1967 he was a regular on "Mr. Terrific" and then a regular on "The Jimmy Stewart Show" from 1971 to 1972... His final film appearance was in 1974's Mame starring Lucille Ball. Shorly before his passing on September 9, 1...

Born: October 30, 1934 He may have been vertically challenged but none the less he was still incredibly funny…his crisp and chirpy voice really brought warmth and great love to every role he performed… He began his career playing in bit parts in various films as far back as 1946. One of the more notable films he appeared in was 1953’s Titanic… On television he had regular roles on “He & She” from 1967 to 1968 and “Just Our Luck” in 1983… As the 1980’s got underway he became very involved with voice over’s and work in animation. From 1984 to 1985 he lent his voice to Meitantei Holmes. From 1987 to 1990 he was cast member of the Disney classic “DuckTales” playing the scatterbrained Fenton Crackshell and his alter ego superhero “GizmoDuck.” “DuckTales” is a very important part of my childhood…the adventures of Scrooge McDuck (voice of Alan Young) and his grand-nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie. Surrounded by all their crazy friends including Scrooge’s housekeeper Mrs. Betina Beak...

Born: May 25, 1939 A star of stage, television and film she appeared in several productions but became the best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the CBS sitcom "Designing Women" which ran from 1986 to 1993. She also is well known to several fans as the stepmother of Arnold Drummond (Gary Coleman) on the NBC series "Diff'rent Strokes." As Maggie McKinney Drummond she appeared from 1984 to 1985. She was replaced by actress Mary Ann Mobley when the series moved to the ABC network in the fall of that year. Her husband, actor Hal Holbrook, appeared with her on "Designing Women" and also guest starred with her in a 2005 episode of "Hope & Faith." From 1999 to 2002 she headed up the cast of "Family Law." Other television credits include "The Doctors", "The Edge of Night", "On Our Own", "Bret Maverick", "Quincy M.E.", "Lou Grant", "Filthy Rich", "D...

Born: December 17, 1943... He joined the cast of "Dynasty" in early 1986 and remained until the May 6, 1987 season finale. His character was Ben Carrington - the ruthless younger brother of Blake Carrington (John Forsythe). His television brother passed away only a few days ago... He left us earlier today at the age of 66... In Memoriam Remembers: Christopher Cazenove

Born: February 27, 1943 She is another personal favorite of mine. This lady possessed a bubbly charm and down to earth good looks. She was also incredibly talented… Her first television appearance was on “Kraft Suspense Theatre.” From 1974 to 1979 she was a cast member on “Days of Our Lives.” In 1982 she appeared in ten episodes of “King’s Crossing.” The role that earned her a place in television history though was playing Bob Newhart’s wife on his second sitcom “Newhart” from 1982 to 1990. As Joanna Loudon she became well known for her sweaters and welcoming appeal… She appeared in a few films including Nashville Rebel in 1966 and Woman in the Rain in 1976… Her other television credits include (incomplete): “Get Smart” “That Girl” “The Wild Wild West” “Bonanza” “The Bill Cosby Show” “Hawaii Five-O” “Cannon” “Quincy M.E.” “Fantasy Island” “The Incredible Hulk” “The Rockford Files” “Nero Wolfe” “WKRP in Cincinnati” “Hotel” “Burke’s Law” (1990’s version) “Diagnosis Murder” On...

Some wonderful people would be celebrating birthdays today - Spencer Tracy (1900-1967) Bette Davis (1908-1989) Gregory Peck (1916-2003) Christopher Hewett (1922-2002) Gale Storm (1922-2009) Frank Gorshin (1933-2005) Happy Birthday from In Memoriam!

Born: October 17, 1926 This gravelly voiced character actress began her career in 1950 in the film D.O.A. Her other film appearances include Problems Girls, The Glass Web, Swamp Women, Gunslinger and It Conquered the World… On the game show circuit she spent the 1962-1963 television season on “Pantomime Quiz” and also made appearances on “Match Game 73” and “Family Feud.” As was often the case for all actors during this time period television was right around the corner. In 1957 she joined the cast of “Decoy” and remained with the series until 1959. From 1969 to 1972 she played Barbara Harper Douglas on “My Three Sons” opposite Fred MacMurray. In 1976, she joined the cast of “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and remained until 1977. On “Scarecrow and Mrs. King” she played Mrs. King’s (Kate Jackson) mother Dotty West. The actress remained with the show during its entire run from 1983 to 1987. Her other television credits include (incomplete): “Damon Runyon Theater” “Schlitz Playh...

When I learned of this man's passing I was extremely upset. This late great actor was one of my personal favorites and someone who was involved in film and television from the earliest days. Born: January 29, 1918 ----- He left us on April 1, 2010 He began on Broadway in the 1940's and made occasional appearances until the 1960's. His first film was in 1943. Some of his more notable films were The Trouble with Harry and Topaz both for Alfred Hitchcock. He headed up his first television show in 1957. The series was "Bachelor Father" and it remained on the air until 1962...the next series was called "The John Forsythe Show" and it ran from 1965 to 1966...in 1969 he began a run on "To Rome with Love" which ended in 1971... Television guest appearances include (incomplete): "Toast of the Town" "The Jack Benny Program" "Pantomime Quiz" "Password" "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" ...

Today the portrayer of the most famous police detective in television history would’ve turned 90 years old… The legendary “Dragnet” began on radio in 1949 and stayed on the air until 1957. It came to television in 1951 and remained there until 1959. A better remembered revival co-starring Harry Morgan began in 1967 and stayed on the air until 1970… He also appeared in a few films the most notable ones being He Walked by Night in 1948 and Sunset Blvd. in 1950… He died much too young on December 23, 1982… In honor of his birthday… In Memoriam Remembers: Jack Webb