HONOLULU (AP) — Glenn Cornick, the original bass player in the rock band Jethro Tull, died of congestive heart failure at his home in Hilo, Hawaii, on Thursday.
Drew Cornick says his 67-year-old father had been receiving hospice care.
Cornick performed with Jethro Tull from its inception in late 1967 until 1970.
The band's vocalist and floutist, Ian Anderson, says on the band's website that Cornick brought bravado to Jethro Tull's early stage performances. Anderson says Cornick made considerable contributions to the music scene.
Drew Cornick says his father was brilliant and cantankerous until the day he passed away.
In addition to his son Drew, Cornick is survived by his wife, Brigitte Martinez-Cornick of Hilo; a daughter, Molly Cornick; and another son, Alex Cornick.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Don Pardo, the announcer whose baritone voice introduced "Saturday Night Live" hosts on NBC for decades, has died at age 96, the network announced.
In a tweet, "NBC Nightly News" described Pardo as legendary.
Though best known as the voice of the weekly sketch comedy program, Pardo previously had a role in a very serious story. "As the NBC staff announcer on Nov. 22, 1963, he was among the first to tell the nation about the assassination attempt on President John F. Kennedy," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pardo was also the announcer on the original Art Fleming hosted game show Jeopardy and the original 1956 version of The Price is Right.
Seth Myers, who spent years on "SNL" before recently beginning his own late-night talk program, wrote, "RIP Don Pardo. A voice that meant so much."
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Ed Nelson, best known for playing a doctor in the 1960s nighttime soap opera "Peyton Place," has died at 85, his family said.
Nelson, a New Orleans native, died Saturday at his Greensboro, North Carolina, home from congestive heart failure, daughter-in-law Asta Hansen said.
Nelson's acting resume stretches back to 1952 when his job was to play a man waiting in an airport ticket line in a film called "The Steel Trap." His last role was in "Runaway Jury," a 2003 film starring Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack and Gene Hackman.
The five decades between those jobs were filled with hundreds of television and movie roles, including several of Roger Corman's low-budget B movies in the 1950s -- such as "Swamp Women" and "Attack of the Crab Monsters."
The 1960s brought roles in hit TV series including "Rawhide," "Gunsmoke" and "Have Gun -- Will Travel." and in 1977 on "The Rockford Files"
Nelson is created with 436 episodes of "Peyton Place," which starred Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Parkins, starting in 1964. He was Michael Rossi, the town physician. He also appeared in the TV reunion movies for the show.
He continued acting mostly on TV, through the 1990s, including playing several characters on "Murder, She Wrote" from 1985 to 1995.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Actress Lauren Bacall, the husky-voiced Hollywood icon known for her sultry sensuality, died Tuesday. She was 89.
Robbert de Klerk, co-managing partner of the Humphrey Bogart Estate, said Bacall died in New York.
Bacall shot to international fame in 1944 with her first film, "To Have and Have Not," which she made with future husband Humphrey Bogart.
They married in 1945, had two children and went on to make four more films together, including "The Big Sleep" (1946), "Dark Passage" (1947) and "Key Largo" (1948). Bogart died in 1957.
"He was an extraordinary, extraordinary man. I mean, I've been extremely lucky. God, I have no complaints at all," Bacall said of her late husband during a 2005 interview with CNN's Larry King.
Bacall's grandson said he got a call early Tuesday from his father.
"She apparently had a stroke. A pretty massive stroke. That's what happened," said Jamie Bogart, who last saw Bacall over the holidays.
"She was, you can say she was a tough personality. She wanted the best and if you weren't doing the best she let you know about it.
She was a great person. Catch her on a bad day it could be interesting. She was a good grandma. She was lucky to have a pretty unique life," he said.
Bacall was discovered by the wife of American film director Howard Hawks after she appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. As a lanky teen, she modeled to earn extra money.
Hawks later gave Bacall, who was born Betty Joan Perske, the name Lauren. Her last name, Bacall, came from her mother's maiden name.
Her first autobiography, "Lauren Bacall: By Myself," won the National Book Award in 1980. "By Myself and Then Some," her updated autobiography, was published in 2005.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Comedian Robin Williams, known for his rapid-fire delivery, died Monday morning in his residence in Tiburon, California, in an apparent suicide, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's Coroner Division suspects the death to be a "suicide due to asphyxia," but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made, according to a news release.
Williams, 63, was found in the home he shared with his wife shortly before noon (3 p.m. ET), the sheriff's office said. He had last been seen alive Sunday at 10 p.m., it said.
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," his wife, Susan Schneider, said in a statement. "I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
The comedian's publicist said he had been battling "severe depression of late."
"This is a tragic and sudden loss," Mara Buxbaum said in a statement. "The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."
Williams, who struggled with alcohol and cocaine addiction, was sober for two decades but relapsed in 2006 and entered rehab. Last month, Williams returned to rehab for a short stay "to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud," according to a statements his representative made at the time.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2010, Williams attributed his need to self-medicate to his unrelenting "fear and anxiety" and said that although he was in a happier place, he also was "not afraid to be unhappy. That's OK too. And then you can be like, all is good. And that is the thing, that is the gift."
The fast-talking comedian last communicated on social media two weeks ago when he shared a photograph of his daughter as a baby on her 25th birthday. A passionate gamer, Williams named his daughter Zelda.
Williams first came to prominence in 1978 as a naively sweet and zany alien in "Mork & Mindy," playing a character he'd originated in an episode of "Happy Days," with actress Pam Dawber as his love interest. Dawber and Williams were reunited last year on CBS' "The Crazy Ones," when Williams returned to the medium that made him a star, playing an ad executive and father to a character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar.
"I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?!" Dawber said in a statement Monday.
"Our world has lost a comic genius, a gifted actor and a beautiful man," CBS said in a statement. "We will remember Robin Williams as one of the unique talents of his time who was loved by many, but also as a kind, caring soul, who treated his colleagues and co-workers with great affection and respect. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to his family, loved ones and friends."
Williams, who was as successful in stand-up as he was on TV and the movies, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Sean Maguire in the 1997 film "Good Will Hunting." He was nominated for Best Actor for his roles as an authority-bucking deejay in 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam," as an inspirational teacher in 1989's "Dead Poets Society" and as a homeless man seeking the Holy Grail in 1991's "The Fisher King."
Williams also spearheaded the non-profit Comic Relief — concerts and variety shows to raise money to help the homeless — with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg. San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee issued a statement saying the city was mourning a man who inspired with his comedy and his art.
"His legacy has had a deep and inspiring impact on our City and on our residents," Lee said. "His ties to San Francisco were deep, having found early success in our city's comedy clubs with his popular stand-up routines and where he was destined to launch a successful career that included starring roles in classic television shows and big screen success including an Academy Award. Despite his success, he has never forgotten San Francisco. He was a philanthropist who gave generously, and he was a friend of the City. San Francisco is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Robin Williams who forever changed the world with laughter and joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of mourning."
In April, Williams was reported to be planning to star in a sequel to his 1993 smash hit movie "Mrs. Doubtfire."
"When I was a kid, having problems of my own, feeling unpleasantly different from the people who populated my world, I found sanctuary watching this guy on TV who was celebrated for being a weirdo, for being an oddball, for being silly. He was praised for having a mind that produced delightful absurdities with great speed. No one told him to be quiet. No one tried to make him act like everyone else. He was a hero to me."
Flowers will be placed on Williams' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday morning, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said. But someone posted a message on Monday:
NBC News
Flowers on Robin Williams' star Monday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
— M. Alex Johnson of NBC News contributed to this report.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Another World Soap Opera Star Charles Keating Dead at 72
Charles Keating
Mike Vulpo, eonline Mon Aug 11, 2:49 AM UTC
Daytime soap opera fans have lost another true star.
Charles Keating, who played the villainous Carl Hutchins on NBC's Another World, has died. He was 72.
His costar, Alice Coppola, confirmed the news on Twitter Saturday. "Charles Keating has passed. I am so very sad," the actress shared. "Along w/ @LindaDano he was my very first acting teacher. The actress I am is because of them."
Former costar Mark Pinter also shared his condolences online by quoting a memorable line from Hamlet.
"RIP – Charles Keating – 'He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again,'" he wrote on Facebook.
Keating was born in England where he got his start on the stage. After moving to the states, the actor received a Tony nomination for his work in the revival of Loot.
And although he found great success onstage, most fans will likely remember Keating for his work in television.
Before receiving a Daytime Emmy for his role in Another World in 1996, the actor enjoyed stints on All My Children and As the World Turns.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- James Brady, the affable, witty press secretary who survived a devastating head wound in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan and undertook a personal crusade for gun control, died Monday. He was 73.
"We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Jim "Bear" Brady has passed away after a series of health issues," Brady's family said in a statement. "His wife, Sarah, son, Scott, and daughter, Missy, are so thankful to have had the opportunity to say their farewells." The statement did not say where Brady was when he died.
Brady suffered a bullet wound to his head outside the Washington Hilton Hotel on March 30, 1981. Although he returned to the White House only briefly, he was allowed to keep the title of presidential press secretary and his White House salary until Reagan left office in January 1989.
Brady, who spent much of the rest of his life in a wheelchair, died at a retirement community in Alexandria, Va., where he lived with his wife.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
FILE - In this May 16, 2013, file photo, Michael Johns arrives at the "American Idol" fin...
Sun Aug 3, 1:39 AM UTC
LOS ANGELES (AP) — "American Idol" contestant Michael Johns, who appeared in season 7 of the hit Fox singing competition and was voted off in an eighth-round stunner, has died. He was 35.
The network and his family released statements Saturday confirming the Australian-born singer's death.
His family says it appreciated the support streaming in from around the world but said the loss of "a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend" was devastating.
Fox called Johns "an incredible talent" and a part of the show's family who would be missed.
Johns had never been in the show's bottom three vote-getters when he was eliminated in April 2008. After "Idol," he released an album, "Hold Back My Heart," in 2009.
The Hollywood Reporter says Johns died Friday. A cause of death wasn't immediately available.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Manny Roth, a colorful club owner in Greenwich Village whose Cafe Wha? and its basement level stage was a rite of passage in the 1960s for Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and many others, has died. He was 94.
Roth, the uncle of Van Halen singer David Lee Roth, died July 25. His daughter, Jodi Roth, said Friday that he died of natural causes at his home in Ojai, California.
As boisterous as his loud-mouthed nephew, Roth was a good man to know during a special place and time — when Greenwich Village was a mecca for upcoming artists and bohemians, where on a given night, you might see Woody Allen doing standup, or take in performances by Peter, Paul and Mary and such future rock 'n' rollers as Dylan and David Crosby.
Founded in the late 1950s, The Cafe Wha? was a former stable that Roth personally helped renovate, laying down the new floor and bringing in some friends to help decorate. The look was such a mish-mash that Roth named the club Cafe Wha?
It was a true starter club, with low pay, no liquor and little space. But Roth's stage was an essential first stop for young performers looking for a chance, or even a place to stay. Dylan showed up in early 1961, not yet 20 years old and fresh from his native Minnesota.
"He was just a kid," Roth later recalled, noting how he announced from the stage that Dylan needed a room for the night. "The first time I heard Dylan get up on an open mic, I'm thinking to myself, 'This kid doesn't have a prayer. He can't sing, can't play and certainly doesn't have any stage presence.'"
In his memoir "Chronicles: Volume One," Dylan remembered Cafe Wha? as "a subterranean cavern, liquorless, ill lit, low ceiling, like a wide dining room with chairs and tables." Dylan was especially fond of the afternoon hootenannies, calling the potpourri of performers an "extravaganza of patchwork."
You never knew who might be the next superstar. In 1966, a band named Jimmy James and the Blue Flames got a gig. His future manager was in the audience. By the following year, Jimmy James was Jimi Hendrix and the most talked about guitarist in rock. Springsteen turned up in late 1967, a teenager without a record deal. Roth also was a major booster of comedians, including Bill Cosby, George Carlin and a young troublemaker named Richard Pryor, who Roth briefly managed.
Roth was born in New Castle, Indiana, and remembered no special talent growing up beyond a willingness to take chances. After high school, he took off for Miami, attended the University of Miami and acquired a taste for performance when the school staged one of his plays. During World War II, he served with the Army Air Corps.
He left Cafe Wha? in the early '70s amid financial problems and over the past 40 years worked in various businesses, whether opening a restaurant in Woodstock or helping to run the West End Gate in uptown Manhattan.
Cafe Wha? was back in the headlines in early 2012 when a reunited Van Halen chose Roth's former business to launch an upcoming tour. Manny Roth was among the guests as David Lee Roth bowed to the club he visited as a boy.
"It took us 50 years to get this gig. It was easier getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame than getting this gig," David Lee Roth said from the stage. "This is a temple."
Roth is survived by his first wife, Jai Italiaander; his second wife, Marlyse Roth; and three children.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
NBC News
