Tag Archives: celebrity death

Reaction to Heath Ledger’s Death

Less than 24 hours after Heath Ledger’s body was found facedown at the foot of his bed with prescription sleeping pills nearby, the actor’s family, publicist, and even New York police are saying that there is no evidence that he may have committed suicide. An autopsy on Ledger’s body is scheduled to take place Wednesday morning, but the results (especially any related to toxicology tests) won’t likely be released for a while. In the meantime, Ledger’s parents, who live in the actor’s native Australia, broke their silence following the news that their 28-year-old son had died. Kim Ledger, Heath’s dad, … Continue reading →

Heath Ledger Dead at Age 28

Heath Ledger, the 2006 Academy Award nominee for his role in “Brokeback Mountain” has died in New York. He was 28. According to news reports, police were called to the actor’s Manhattan home a couple of hours ago after his housekeeper found Ledger’s unconscious body in a bedroom. Law enforcement officers say drugs may have been a factor, adding pills were found near Ledger’s body. Police say Ledger had an appointment for a massage at his apartment. After the housekeeper repeatedly knocked on Ledger’s bedroom door she opened it and reportedly found him unconscious. When she couldn’t wake him she … Continue reading →

Suzanne Pleshette Dies

While she will likely be best remembered as Bob Newhart’s raspy-voiced wife on “The Bob Newhart Show” I will never forget how hilarious Suzanne Pleshette was playing Karen’s mom Lois On “Will & Grace.” Too funny. Sadly those laughs have been silenced today, as news comes that Pleshette has died at age 70. According to Pleshette’s attorney and friend, the actress died of respiratory failure last night at her Los Angeles home. Pleshette underwent chemotherapy for lung cancer in 2006 and never quite regained her strength. Pleshette would have turned 71 on January 31st and by all accounts she led … Continue reading →

Jane Wyman Dies

One of my grandmother’s favorite actresses died this morning. Jane Wyman was an Oscar-winner and appeared in a host of big screen musicals and dramas. But, it was her stint on TV’s “Falcon Crest” that endeared her to my grandma. When I was growing up, every Friday night my grandma would have a date with Larry Hagman (on “Dallas”), immediately after seeing what devious dealings J.R. was plotting she would stay tuned for “Falcon Crest.” Whenever Wyman was on I’d hear my grandma say, “I like that lady.” I was never quite sure if she was referring to Wyman’s formidable … Continue reading →

Celebrity Milestones: Life and Death

LIFE “Shark” star Jeri Ryan is acquiring a ferocious appetite. Not, for underlings, but for greasy French fries and with good reason… The actress just announced that she is pregnant with her second child. Ryan wed French chef Christophe Emé in his hometown outside Angers, France less than three months ago and now the couple is preparing to add to their family. Ryan also has a 12-year-old son, Alex, from a previous relationship. According to her publicist, the 39-year-old actress is due in March 2008 and is “thrilled beyond words.” DEATH On a much sadder note actress Miyoshi Umeki, who … Continue reading →

Leona Helmsley Dies

Leona Helmsley died this morning in Connecticut. Better known as the “Queen of Mean” for the way she treated her employees, Helmsley reportedly died of heart failure. She was 87. According to her publicist, Helmsley was not in pain when she passed away at her summer home in Greenwich. Which is not to say that her life was void of suffering. The billionaire made headlines in the late 80s during her trial for tax evasion. That’s when she uttered the now infamous phrase: “Only little people pay taxes.” The line stuck with her for decades and made her a household … Continue reading →

Joel Siegel Dies

Did you see the tribute ABC did to Joel Siegel this morning? It made me tear up even though I had seen most of the footage when it aired last night on 20/20. For those of you who are having a hard time placing the name, Joel Siegel was Good Morning America’s longtime film critic and former WABC entertainment correspondent. He died Friday after a decade-long battle with cancer. He was 63. His friends and colleagues at ABC called him a “brilliant reviewer” and a “great reporter.” Diane Sawyer called him a “gladiator” and Charlie Gibson referred to Siegel as … Continue reading →

Famous Entertainment Reporter Dies

Did you watch “Live With Regis and Kelly” today? If you did, you may have heard the sad (and shocking) news that the show’s longtime entertainment reporter Claudia Cohen died of cancer last Friday. Frankly, I was floored. Decades ago when I worked at the television station that aired the show I watched it religiously. Subsequently, I got used to seeing Cohen on the air and enjoyed the banter she shared with Regis Philbin, Kathie Lee Gifford, and more recently, Kelly Ripa. So when Regis announced that Cohen died Friday of cancer I was stunned. For those of you unfamiliar … Continue reading →

Famous Fashion Designer Dies

The man known as the “architect of fashion” has died. According to news reports, Gianfranco Ferre, the Italian designer acclaimed for his sculpted shapes and his reign at Christian Dior, is dead tonight. He was 62. The announcement was made within days of his arrival at a hospital in Milan. Doctors say Ferre suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. His death prompted top designers from around the world to issue statements regarding the impact Ferre made on the fashion world. Famed designer Giorgio Armani said he had long admired Ferre’s work and considered his passing a huge loss for the fashion … Continue reading →

“Newhart” Sidekick Dies

His peers knew him as a “gentle, sweet person” who could also be “incredibly funny.” Now, that funny man is gone. Tom Poston, well known for his roles on the television shows “The Bob Newhart Show “ and “Mork and Mindy” died Monday night. He was 85. According to news reports, Poston, who was married to his “Newhart” co-star Suzanne Pleshette, died at home after a brief illness (the nature of his illness was not made public). Poston was born in Columbus, Ohio, but didn’t live there for long. He moved from city to city as a child as his … Continue reading →