Professional wrestling legend Chyna was found dead in her Southern California home Wednesday, her manager confirmed. She was 46.
The WWE icon billed as the “Ninth Wonder of the World,” whose real name is Joanie Laurer, was “found lying peacefully” on her bed Wednesday afternoon, her manager, Anthony Anzaldo, said. Continue reading
Eclectic musical genius Prince, nee Prince Rogers Nelson, was found dead Thursday morning at his recording studios in Minnesota only days after battling a severe flu, officials say. He was 57.The cause of death is unknown at this time. It’s too early to say whether foul play was involved in his death, Sheriff’s officials said. Continue reading
Garry Shandling, the comedian whose TV shows “The Larry Sanders Show” and “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” parodied talk shows and sitcoms with reflexive, absurdist comedy, has died. He was 66.
Los Angeles Police Department Officer Rosario Herrera confirmed his death Thursday afternoon. The cause of death was not given.
Shandling became a hero to a generation of comedians for his self-aware comedy and groundbreaking shows. Continue reading
Nancy Reagan, former First Lady of the United States, has died. She was 94.
The cause of death was congestive heart failure, according to her rep Joanne Drake, a spokeswoman with the Reagan Library.
“Mrs. Reagan will be buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, next to her husband, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who died on June 5, 2004,” Drake wrote in a statement.
“Prior to the funeral service, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to pay their respects at the Library.”
“It is a very sad day,” former Ronald Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein told NBC News. “Every time she was in the room, he was better, and every time he was in the room she was better. She brought a sense of class and dignity and elegance that everybody admired.”
Her step-son Michael Reagan posted on Facebook: “She is once again with the man she loved. God Bless.”
“We remain grateful for Nancy Reagan’s life, thankful for her guidance, and prayerful that she and her beloved husband are together again,” President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement.
Barbara Bush, another former first lady, said in a statement: “Nancy Reagan was totally devoted to President Reagan, and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more. George and I send our prayers and condolences to her family.”
Reagan was a Girl Scout and named honorary president of the Girl Scouts as first lady. The Girl Scouts of America said in a statement that Reagan would be remembered for her “courage, confidence and character.” Continue reading
Paul Ryan, a comic book artist for lengthy runs on several Marvel Comics titles, passed away Sunday. He was 66.
“It is with sad news I report the passing of my cousin Paul,” wrote his cousin Chad Callanan on Facebook. “Chances are you were touched by him in your lifetime as he was the cartoonist for some of the most well known and beloved characters in the world. From Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, The Phantom to the Fantastic Four, most of which made it to the big screen and Hollywood. He was a true giant and artist, who achieved more success in his short life than any one of us would ever know in ten lifetimes. He was somebody who showed me how to dream big, but he was also my friend and that was good enough.” Continue reading
The Star Wars universe has lost an important figure, one who helped bring the franchise’s most beloved droid to life. BBC is reporting that Tony Dyson, who built the original R2-D2 robots for the 1977 sci-fi classic Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, has passed away at the age of 68. He passed away from natural causes, but an autopsy is being performed to determine the official cause of death. Continue reading
Attention, fanboys: Fan Expo Canada has announced that Stan Lee’s bow at the September event in Toronto will officially be the Marvel Comics legend’s last Canadian appearance.
We’re assured the 93-year-old creator of X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man, et al. is in good health. Indeed, he makes for a lively Postmedia Network exclusive phone interview, talking from Los Angeles about his farewell tour. Continue reading
For the first time in more than 30 years, the DeLorean, made famous by the ‘Back to the Future’ movies, is going back into production.
KPRC reports the federal government has approved a low volume manufacturing bill for the DeLorean Motor Company.
This will be the first time the DeLorean will be manufactured on American soil, at a plant in Texas.
“It’s fantastic! It is a game changer for us. We’ve been wanting this to happen,” CEO Stephen Wynne told KPRC.
The company will build replica 1982 DeLoreans, which Wynne estimates will take about one week each.
You can buy a refurbished model for $45 – 55,000.
Wynne hopes to sell these new DeLoreans for under $100,000. He thinks the company will be able to build about 300 cars.
The first new car is expected to roll off the line in early 2017. So does this mean I can actuallt buy and drive around in the Back to The Future car? (Actually, no.)
Character actor Abe Vigoda, whose leathery, sad-eyed face made him ideal for playing the over-the-hill detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV series “Barney Miller” and the doomed Mafia soldier in “The Godfather,” died Tuesday at age 94.
Vigoda’s daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, told The Associated Press that Vigoda died Tuesday morning in his sleep at Fuchs’ home in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The cause of death was old age. “This man was never sick,” Fuchs said.
His death brought to an end years of questions on whether he was still alive — sparked by a false report of his death more than three decades ago. Continue reading
Guitarist and founding member of The Eagles, Glenn Frey, has passed away at the age of 67 in New York City.
His cause of death was reportedly due to a combination of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer co-wrote and sang on such Eagles hits like, “Take It Easy,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and most famously co-wrote, “Hotel California,” and “Desperado.”
He also had a successful solo act in the 1980’s. His songs, “You Belong to the City” and “Smuggler’s Blues” became popular when they were used in the TV series Miami Vice. His biggest hit, “The Heat is On” was used on the soundtrack to the movie Beverly Hills Cop.
Our thoughts go out to Frey’s family and friends.