Carl Ballantine, who played the role of Lester Gruber on the 1960's comedy hit "McHale's Navy" died on November 3, 2009 at his home in Hollywood Hills, CA. He died in his sleep of natural causes according to his daughter.
"McHale's Navy", starring Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway, ran from 1962-1966. He was also a magician who appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" under the headline of "The Amazing Ballantine". He achieved notoriety in the 1940's for combining magic and comedy. In 2007, he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from Steve Martin at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Magician David Copperfield was also a huge fan of Mr. Ballantine.
He was born as Meyer Kessler in Chicago and started to perform magic tricks when he was 9. He was exempted from service in World War 2 because of back problems and entertained troops in England. His last magic performance as a magician was last year when he appeared at the Kodak Theatre. He appeared in numerous films including "Mr. Saturday Night" and the "Shakiest Gun in the West".
He did hundreds of voice overs for commercials and cartoons. His biggest role was for the "California Raisins" where he voiced a Claymation character that resembled him.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Lou Filippo - Boxer & Referee Appeared in "Rocky"
Lou Filippo was a former boxer who became a referee and ring judge, but achieved a legacy by appearing in all five "Rocky" movies. He is best remembered for counting out Sylvester Stallone's rival Apollo Creed in "Rocky 2".
Mr. Filippo died on November 2, 2009 at a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. He was 83.
He fought 250 bouts as an amateur and had a 23-9-3 record as a professional. He later became a boxing referee and judge. He officiated at 85 world championship fights, including the controversial split-decision win by Sugar Ray Leonard over Marvin Hagler in 1987. He scored the fight in Hagler's favor. He also judged Shane Mosley's split-decision over Oscar De La Hoya in 2000.
His reputation for integrity as a judge and referee attracted the attention of Stallone who cast him in the referee role in all five of his "Rocky" films.
Mr. Filippo died on November 2, 2009 at a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. He was 83.
He fought 250 bouts as an amateur and had a 23-9-3 record as a professional. He later became a boxing referee and judge. He officiated at 85 world championship fights, including the controversial split-decision win by Sugar Ray Leonard over Marvin Hagler in 1987. He scored the fight in Hagler's favor. He also judged Shane Mosley's split-decision over Oscar De La Hoya in 2000.
His reputation for integrity as a judge and referee attracted the attention of Stallone who cast him in the referee role in all five of his "Rocky" films.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Vic Mizzy - Theme Composer
Vic Mizzy, a film and television composer best known for writing the theme songs to the 1960's comedy hits "Green Acres" and "The Adams Family," died on October 17, 2009 at the age of 93 at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles.
He wrote a number of other theme songs including ones for the shows of Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller as well as several comedies of Don Knotts. His biggest hit was "The Adams Family". He also played the harpsichord which gave the song its unique style. Since he didn't want to pay for singers, he sang the song himself and overdubbed it three times to create its choral effect. He also choreographed the snapping of the fingers by the shows cast to the playing of the song.
He was a shrewed businessman. By owning the copyrights to his music, he ensured himself a lifetime of royalties.
He wrote a number of other theme songs including ones for the shows of Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller as well as several comedies of Don Knotts. His biggest hit was "The Adams Family". He also played the harpsichord which gave the song its unique style. Since he didn't want to pay for singers, he sang the song himself and overdubbed it three times to create its choral effect. He also choreographed the snapping of the fingers by the shows cast to the playing of the song.
He was a shrewed businessman. By owning the copyrights to his music, he ensured himself a lifetime of royalties.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Larry Jansen - Major League Pitcher
Larry Jansen, a nine year pitcher in the National League, died at the age of 89 on October 10, 2009 at his home in Verboort, Oregon. His cause of death was congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
His biggest moment came as the winning pitcher in the 1951 National League playoff game between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game was decided by Bobby Thomson's home run in the ninth inning which became known as "The shot hear around the world".
Jansen pitched the last two innings of the game in relief of Sal Magli. The Giants were trailing by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth inning until Thomson's three run home run beat the Dodgers 5-4 in the third and final playoff game to decide the winner of the National League pennant.
He won 23 games that year and finished his career with a 122-89 record and 3.58 ERA. He spent his first eight seasons with the Giants before finishing his final year in Cincinnati.
He allowed Mickey Mantle's first World Series hit, a bunt single in Game 2 of the 1951 series. He gave up a double in Game 6 to Joe Dimaggio in the last at-bat of the Hall of Famer's career. He was the losing pitcher for Games 2 and 5 of that series.
He spent 11 years as the pitching coach for the Giants and later served the same role with the Chicago Cubs.
His biggest moment came as the winning pitcher in the 1951 National League playoff game between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game was decided by Bobby Thomson's home run in the ninth inning which became known as "The shot hear around the world".
Jansen pitched the last two innings of the game in relief of Sal Magli. The Giants were trailing by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth inning until Thomson's three run home run beat the Dodgers 5-4 in the third and final playoff game to decide the winner of the National League pennant.
He won 23 games that year and finished his career with a 122-89 record and 3.58 ERA. He spent his first eight seasons with the Giants before finishing his final year in Cincinnati.
He allowed Mickey Mantle's first World Series hit, a bunt single in Game 2 of the 1951 series. He gave up a double in Game 6 to Joe Dimaggio in the last at-bat of the Hall of Famer's career. He was the losing pitcher for Games 2 and 5 of that series.
He spent 11 years as the pitching coach for the Giants and later served the same role with the Chicago Cubs.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Lucy Vodden - Ispiration for "Lucy in the Sky"
When Lucy Vodden was four years old. she befriended Julian Lennon, the son of the Beatle's John Lennon. One day he drew a picture of her, brought it home and showed it to his father. Julian called it "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds".
John Lennon seized the thought and gave it the titlt to one of the signature songs of the 1967 iconic album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." The song was controversial with it's eye opening lyrics and references to the drug LSD.
Ms Vodden, 46, died on September 28, 2009 in a London hospital where she was being treated for lupus.
In recent times, she reconnected with Julian Lennon after losing touch with him for many years. Lennon tried to comfort her with her illness by sending her flowers and text messages.
Although she was identified with the song, Ms Vodden did not like being associated with the drug references behind it.
John Lennon seized the thought and gave it the titlt to one of the signature songs of the 1967 iconic album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." The song was controversial with it's eye opening lyrics and references to the drug LSD.
Ms Vodden, 46, died on September 28, 2009 in a London hospital where she was being treated for lupus.
In recent times, she reconnected with Julian Lennon after losing touch with him for many years. Lennon tried to comfort her with her illness by sending her flowers and text messages.
Although she was identified with the song, Ms Vodden did not like being associated with the drug references behind it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Don Yarborough - Path Crossed With JFK
In 1963, Don Yarborough was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Texas running against the incumbent John Connally. Although both were members of the same party, Yarborough was associated with the liberal wing and had come within 27,000 votes of defeating Connally in the 1962 election.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson was concerned that a win by Yarborough would encourage conservative Democrats to switch to the Republican party and jeopardize President John F Kennedy's chances at winning a second term in 1964.
LBJ convinced President Kennedy to visit Texas on November 22, 1963. On that fateful Friday, Connally was riding in the same limousine when Kennedy was assassinated. Connally was also wounded, but recovered and easily defeated Yarborough in the 1964 election.
Mr Yarborough died on September 22, 2009 at the age of 83 in Houston from complications from Parkinson's Disease. Yarborough would make a third run for governor in 1968 before quitting politics.
He served as a lobbyist in Washington from 1968-1981 before returning to Houston and resuming his law practice.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson was concerned that a win by Yarborough would encourage conservative Democrats to switch to the Republican party and jeopardize President John F Kennedy's chances at winning a second term in 1964.
LBJ convinced President Kennedy to visit Texas on November 22, 1963. On that fateful Friday, Connally was riding in the same limousine when Kennedy was assassinated. Connally was also wounded, but recovered and easily defeated Yarborough in the 1964 election.
Mr Yarborough died on September 22, 2009 at the age of 83 in Houston from complications from Parkinson's Disease. Yarborough would make a third run for governor in 1968 before quitting politics.
He served as a lobbyist in Washington from 1968-1981 before returning to Houston and resuming his law practice.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Gertrude Bains - World's Oldest person
Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person at 115, died on September 11, 2009 at the Western Convalescent Hospital in Los Angeles. Born in Shellman, Georgia, Ms Baines was the daughter of a former slave. Her only child died when she was 18. She also outlived all of her relatives. Last year, she was in the news for voting for Barack Obama in the presidential election.
On Jan 2nd, she became the world's oldest person after the passing of 115 year old Maria de Jesus of Portugal.
She had been at the hospital since breaking her hip at 107. She enjoyed doing interviews and watched television, including the Jerry Springer show.
During her adult life she lived in Ohio, working as a maid at Ohio State University. She later moved to Los Angeles where she lived by herself, with the help of a caretaker, until she turned 107.
With her passing, the oldest person living is Kama Chinen, a 114 year old Japanese woman.
On Jan 2nd, she became the world's oldest person after the passing of 115 year old Maria de Jesus of Portugal.
She had been at the hospital since breaking her hip at 107. She enjoyed doing interviews and watched television, including the Jerry Springer show.
During her adult life she lived in Ohio, working as a maid at Ohio State University. She later moved to Los Angeles where she lived by herself, with the help of a caretaker, until she turned 107.
With her passing, the oldest person living is Kama Chinen, a 114 year old Japanese woman.
Monday, August 31, 2009
David Laut - Olympic Medalist
David Laut who won a bronze medal for the USA in the shot put during the 1984 Olympic was shot to death on August 28, 2009 after confronting intruders outside his Oxnard, California home. He was 52.
He won two NCAA titles at UCLA in the shot put. He also won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American games. He was favored to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angels after throwing 70'10" at the Olympic trials. However, his best throw in the finals was 68'9" which left him with the bronze medal.
In 1985 he was the 7th ranked shot putter in the world, but suffered torn tendons in both of his knees while participating in an agility test for a firefighter's job. He attempted to make the 1988 team, but his effort fell short.
He continued to work out daily. His neighbors were unaware of his past accomplishments as he kept a very low profile in his community.
He won two NCAA titles at UCLA in the shot put. He also won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American games. He was favored to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angels after throwing 70'10" at the Olympic trials. However, his best throw in the finals was 68'9" which left him with the bronze medal.
In 1985 he was the 7th ranked shot putter in the world, but suffered torn tendons in both of his knees while participating in an agility test for a firefighter's job. He attempted to make the 1988 team, but his effort fell short.
He continued to work out daily. His neighbors were unaware of his past accomplishments as he kept a very low profile in his community.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tony Huesman - Transplant Recipient
Tony Huesman, 51, the world's longest surviving heart transplant recipient died on August 12, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio from cancer and diabetes. Ironically, his heart was working fine at the time of his death.
He received his new heart at Stanford University in 1978. In 2000, he became the longest living heart recipient when another patient had to undergo a second transplant.
At the time of his death, his mark of 31 years was recognized as the world's longest according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
He received his new heart at Stanford University in 1978. In 2000, he became the longest living heart recipient when another patient had to undergo a second transplant.
At the time of his death, his mark of 31 years was recognized as the world's longest according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Ed Reimer- Voice of Allstate
Ed Reimer was an actor best known for his television commercials for Allstate Insurance and his signature line of:"You're in good hands with Allstate". Mr Reimer died at the age of 96 on August 16, 2009 in upstate New York.
He was a game show host in the 1950's & 60's for "Do you trust your wife?" which was later known as "Who do you trust?" and featured Johnny Carson. He was also the announcer for the tv western "Maverick".
He became the spokesperson for Allstate in 1957 and continued until 1979. His line became synonymous with the company.
He was also featured in several movies from the 1950's including "The Loved One".
He was a game show host in the 1950's & 60's for "Do you trust your wife?" which was later known as "Who do you trust?" and featured Johnny Carson. He was also the announcer for the tv western "Maverick".
He became the spokesperson for Allstate in 1957 and continued until 1979. His line became synonymous with the company.
He was also featured in several movies from the 1950's including "The Loved One".
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