In Memoriam

He was one of the greatest comedians of all time. His career spanned 60 years and became beloved by everyone. Born on February 14, 1894 he passed away on this day eighty years later… In 1911 he began his career in vaudeville and then moved to radio in 1932. It was while on radio that he developed the recurring gags that he became famous for including his insistence that he was only 39 years old, his cheapness, his fictional feud with fellow comedian Fred Allen, his violin and the classic routine “your money or your life.” In 1950 the program moved to television but he continued to do the radio show as well. While the radio program ended in 1955 the television version hung on for another ten years… He was a true class act and he made appearances on such television programs as “The Jackie Gleason Show”, “General Electric Theater”, “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show”, “Make Room for Daddy”, “The Lucy Show”, “Here’s Lucy”, “The George Burns Show”, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another classic TV star leaves us right before the holiday... Her career might have been brief but she appeared on one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time...! From 1961 to 1966 she co-starred opposite Alan Young in the highly popular show "Mister Ed" which featured the beloved talking horse... Other television credits include "Pantomime Quiz", "The Hollywood Squares", "The Millionaire", "The Untouchables", "Perry Mason", "Bonanza", "Love, American Style", "The Mod Squad" and "Sea Hunt." She appeared in the 1960 movie Thunder in Carolina... In Memoriam Remembers: Connie Hines

Sadly a great lady leaves us during the holiday season... She appeared in such films as Death Becomes Her and Cruel Intentions... On television she was involved with such shows as "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman", "Blossom", "A Different World", "Friends", "NYPD Blue", "Caroline in the City", "Ally McBeal", "Any Day Now" and "ER." In the 1970's and 1980's she was a regular player on the children's show "Sesame Street." For me she will always be Rose Lee Holloway, the sassy landlady on "227" which ran from 1985 to 1990... In Memoriam Remembers: Alaina Reed Hall

Hello all! I am writing to you with some very exciting news. Between January 4, 2009 and the present In Memoriam has posted tribute to 222 great performers. I am so very proud of that accomplishment and I couldn’t be happier. For those of you who follow In Memoriam daily or even weekly will be disappointed for a little while. The December 8th posting will be the last for the next few weeks. Unless there is an unfortunate passing in the meantime I will not return to you until December 26th. After that there will be no postings until after the first of the year. In 2010, I will no longer be posting random tributes on a regular basis. The focus is going to be more on remembering people on their birthdays and death anniversaries. There will be some random tributes and of course tributes as the passing happen. So until the 26th I hope you all have the most delightful holiday season. For you Jewish folks enjoy your holiday this coming weekend and for anyone celebrating Baby Jesus’ birthday o...

Born on July 14, 1893 he became a prominent writer, producer and actor eventually becoming most beloved for his portrayal as Andy Brown on the television version of "Amos 'N' Andy" from 1951 to 1953... In recognition of the 40th anniversary of his passing... In Memoriam Remembers: Spencer Williams, Jr.

He appeared in such films as Invaders from Mars and Soldier of Fortune... On Broadway he graced the stage in Kismet, Destry Rides Again and La Cage aux Folles... On television he appeared on "The Name of the Game", "Our Miss Brooks", "Bat Masterson" and "Burke's Law" In 2001 he had a small role in the made for television movie "These Old Broads" with Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, Debbie Reynolds and Shirley MacLaine... In Memoriam Remembers: Gene Barry