Television icon and film star David Carradine brought a lot of joy and fascination to people the world over, starting with his star-making cult classic TV show "Kung Fu" and more recently with his intriguing performance as Bill in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films, of which I am a big fan.
As I'm sure everyone is already aware, he was found hanged in his hotel suite in Bangkok, Thailand. He was 72 years old.
Carradine successfully carried on a legacy started by his father, legendary film star John Carradine. David was well loved not just by his many fans, but also by his family, friends, and colleagues.
His friend and Kill Bill costar Michael Madsen said, "David was one of the first actors I ever worked with when I started my career and the closest person to a brother that I ever had in my life. It is shocking to me that he is no longer with us. I had been thinking about calling him for the last several days, and advise anybody who has been thinking about reaching out to a loved one to do so."
Carradine's niece, actress Martha Plimpton, writes, "My Uncle David was a brilliantly talented, fiercely intelligent and generous man. He was the nexus of our family in so many ways, and drew us together over the years and kept us connected. I adored him as a child, and as an adult I admired and respected him."
To read updates as to Carradine's cause of death, check out msnbc.com. The latest suspicion (at the time of this post) is accidental death due to auto-erotic asphyxiation.
Regardless of how or why David Carradine died, he leaves behind many fond memories, a strong message of perseverance, and an obvious love for his life and everyone in it.
To quote David directly, "You can't quit; even coming in dead last has honor."
A while back, a few friends of mine told me that I resemble actor Michael Urie who is best known for his role as Marc St. James on ABC's hit series "Ugly Betty".
Being the apparent narcissistic bitch that I am (even though I personally think our resemblances are minimal), I have since become rather keen on Michael based on his UB performances and a few of his interviews I've seen. I think he's intelligent, witty, talented, and, obviously, way cute.
I have come to the conclusion that Michael Urie should ask me out, and thus begin my semi-regular posts as to why.
Reason #1: He's dorkaliciously cute. I like that. Who wouldn't like that? And people say we're similar which means I am also dorkalicioulsy cute. Again... Who wouldn't like that?
We should go on a dorkalicious date Michael. Think about it.
Name: Edward Asner Occupation: Actor Genre: Television / Voice Over Born: November 15, 1929
Ed Asner is a longstanding favorite of mine. This fantastic character actor, and former President of the Screen Actors Guild, won over the hearts of millions with his Emmy Award winning portrayal of Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and is currently winning over audiences of all ages with his vocal talents as the lead in the Disney/Pixar smash hit Up.
His credit list is incredibly vast with a career spanning over 50 years! This is just a small list of some of his more well known credits.
Asner won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his portrayal of Lou Grant, not just on "Mary Tyler Moore", but also in his own spin-off series "Lou Grant" which ran from 1977-1982. This makes him the only actor to win an Emmy in both Sitcom and Drama categories for the same role.
An avid comic book fan, Asner is a member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a free speech organization that's dedicated to protecting comic book creators and retailers from prosecutions based on content. He is also listed as an adviser to the Rosenberg Foundation, an organization founded by the children of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg which provides benefits for the children of political activists, and as a board member for the wildlife conservation organization Defenders of Wildlife.
He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Model and television personality Jules Asner is his former daughter-in-law and 42nd Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom is his nephew.
The man has had (and continues to have) one amazing career and a very full life. He is, to put it far too simply, an amazing human being.
Below is a brief interview, along with footage and photos from his various films and television shows. Don't miss Edward Asner's memorable voice work in Up!
His music has brought much joy and inspiration to my life since I was a child. I look forward to the continuation of his magnificently original work and wish him the happiest of birthdays!
Disney fans (and cartoon fans in general) received some sad news last week. A man whom most people would never recognize in a crowd and whose name rings no bell in their memory, yet he was an international entertainment star, has passed away. This man is Disney Legend Wayne Allwine. The talented and charismatic artist who had been bringing the immortal and beloved character of Mickey Mouse to life for the past 32 years.
He was the third person to voice the most famous mouse in history, in line following Walt Disney and Jimmy MacDonald. He was 62 years old. He was multi-talented, kind, humble, and had a great zeal and appreciation for life.
______________________________________________________________________ Name: Wayne Allwine Occupation: Voice Over / Sound Editor Genre: Animation / Film Born: February 7, 1947 Died: May 18, 2009
Longing to work for Disney since childhood, Allwine got his start with the entertainment empire in the mail room of the studio in Burbank shortly before Walt's death in 1966. After working for extended periods in the mail room as well as a brief stint in wardrobe, Allwine left the company only to be called back two months later to "learn Jimmy MacDonald's job".
At that time, Jimmy MacDonald was the head of sound effects at Disney and one of the most innovative foley artists in the business. Allwine learned the artform from MacDonald and went on to have a successful sound editing career in the decade to follow, including winning an Emmy for it in 1985. MacDonald was also the current voice of Mickey Mouse, but due to his advancing years and naturally baritone voice he was unable to sustain the falsetto for the duration of recording sessions.
He also provided Mickey's voice for nearly every entry in the popular "Kingdom Hearts" series of video games. Allwine had already finished recording for the Nintendo DS game "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days" before his passing. He had voiced the character longer than either of his predecessors.
He was married since 1991 to Russi Taylor, the Emmy Award nominated voice over actress who has been voicing Minnie Mouse for the last 23 years. The pair were named Disney Legends in 2008. Allwine died in Los Angeles of complications from diabetes with Russi at his side.
Below is a very interesting excerpt from an interview with Allwine and Taylor conducted by film historian and Disney enthusiast Leonard Maltin.
Television icon and film star David Carradine brought a lot of joy and fascination to people the world over, starting with his star-making cult classic TV show "Kung Fu" and more recently with his intriguing performance as Bill in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films, of which I am a big fan.
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