Literally just watched The Exorcist for the first time just a few days ago…
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That was one name that I didn’t want to see in this topic anytime soon…however 87 is a grand old age by any standard.
A magnificent director and personality…a true perfectionist and visionary - responsible for some of the most iconic images ever portrayed on the the Silver Screen.
Always loved ‘The French Connection’; ‘The Exorcist’; and ‘Sorceror’.
Funnily enough, I only discovered ‘Sorceror’ about two years ago, when our SWDB amigo, Dean, commented on how good a film it is. He was not wrong. I instantly purchased it, and have seen it four times now.
As for ‘The French Connection’…Gene Hackman at his best, and Friedkin at his most ‘complete’ and ‘assured’. It’s one of my go-to ‘comfort’ films - a movie that never fails to enthral - a bit like a favourite family member visiting…a film that has gotten better (just like Friedkin) with age.
Regarding ‘The Exorcist’…this was a film that was always meant to make heads turn. Seriously, an undisputed horror classic.
Such a sad loss.
R.I.P. William Friedkin
And, to finish…this is the gentleman on camera recently. Beautiful…a reminder of the talent that has now gone to rest.
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R.I.P. Doreen Mantle, actress, aged 97.
I’m a big fan of the UK BBC TV comedy series, ‘One Foot in the Grave’, so further saddened today to learn that Doreen Mantle (who played Mrs Warboys) in the series, has passed away.
She played Victor and Margaret Meldrew’s (Richard Wilson, and Annette Crosbie) neighbour; and was involved in many hilarious adventures throughout the series’ long run.
This clip from the series still reduces me to tears… 
R.I.P. Thank you for the laughs…
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Never heard of this actress/comedienne before, but I’ve always felt the British ladies did satirical humor and wit the best. RIP to a Grand Ol’ Lady.
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Antonella Lualdi has passed away.
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Awww, I had no idea. Hector Salamanca, AKA Alberto, such great roles. He lived a respectable life though
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R.I.P. Sir Michael Parkinson
British chat-show host for many years, Michael Parkinson, has died peacefully at the age of 88.
Throughout his varied career, he interviewed hundreds of such greats as Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, James Stewart, Robert Mitchum, and Charlton Heston.
As an interviewer, he was laid-back, always attentive to his guests, and was second to none…
He will be greatly missed.
R.I.P. Michael Parkinson
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R.I.P Sarah Lawson, actress
I’m a fan of 'Hammer Horror, so saddened to hear that Sarah Lawson has just died, aged 95, from cancer.
This very talented actress was probably best remembered for her prominent role in ‘Hammer’s’ 1968 shocker, ‘The Devil Rides Out’.
She also had memorable appearances in TV series such as ‘Danger Man’; ‘The Saint’; and ‘The Avengers’.
R.I.P.
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RIP to her. The Devil Rides Out is my 2nd favorite Hammer Horror film.
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R.I.P. Mike Yarwood
British comedian, impersonator, and all-round entertainer, Mike Yarwood, has sadly died aged 82, the Royal Variety Charity has announced.
A household name in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Mike delighted audiences with his impressions of politicians, and other celebrities. He was certainly a familiar face on the TV when I was growing up; and, for many of my generation, this will feel like another part of our past that has left us…happily though, with good memories.
He spent his later years at the Royal Variety Charity’s Brinsworth House, in Twickenham, south-west London, and died in hospital on Friday.
Below, we have Mike pictured with another star of comedy and film, Richard O’Sullivan…
R.I.P. Mike.
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RIP Giuliano Montaldo
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RIP to him. Never heard of this British comic until today, but his style is similar to Rich Little, and I do like a good impersonator.
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The tremendous Scottish actor David McCallum has passed away at the age of 90.
A truly excellent actor that I always thoroughly enjoyed watching no matter the role. Whether it was the great tv show The Man from U.N.C.L.E…
the classic film The Great Escape…
or as Ducky on the popular NCIS…
McCallum always gave an understated but memorable performance.
R.I.P.
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He was also a talented musician; the intro to his 1966 instrumental ‘The Edge’ was sampled by Dr. Dre as the iconic riff on ‘The Next Episode’. Hopefully he got his fair share of royalties out of that.
R.I.P.
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R.I.P. David McCallum, aged 90
So very, very sad to hear this news. I’ve always liked David McCallum; and followed him from his early performances in British kitchen-sink dramas such as ‘Hell Drivers’ (1957), and ‘Violent Playground’ (1958), to his meticulous role as Ashley-Pitt, ‘Dispersal’, in my second favourite film of all time, ‘The Great Escape’ (1963). That film will now have a special poignancy when I watch it again at Christmas.
As far as I know, he was the last remaining cast member…
To TV series, he was no stranger; appearing in several more of my favourites, beginning with the cult legend that is ‘The Man From Uncle’; ‘Sapphire and Steel’; ‘Colditz’; ‘The Invisible Man’; ‘Frankenstein: The True Story’; ‘Kidnapped’; and - in later years - ‘NCIS’.
I raise a glass now to a great escaper, superlative secret agent, forensics investigator, Scottish rebel, an invisible hero, and a true Glaswegian gentleman… 
R.I.P. David McCallum
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Rotten news about McCallum.
He was one of the greats.
R.I.P
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R.I.P. Sir Michael Gambon, aged 82
A great British stage, TV, and Film actor, who will be sorely missed… a true and lasting talent.
He was especially good in the 1986 TV mini series, ‘The Singing Detective’; as well as several 'Harry Potter’ films.
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RIP
https://www.zeit.de/news/2023-10/02/er-sprach-travolta-und-stallone-thomas-danneberg-ist-tot
He voiced many popular actors in German dubs, including Stallone etc, and Terence Hill
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He was a good actor for the most part, but my parents were disappointed he was the replacement for Richard Harris as Dumbledore in Harry Potter (and he didn’t do himself any favors admitting he never read the books).
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One of England’s and the US’s finest character actors, RIP to him.
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