Variety is reporting that Nelsan Ellis, famous for his role as the out and proud Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s True Blood, has passed away at the age of 39 due to complications from heart failure.
“We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis,” HBO said in a statement. “Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.”
Ellis had joined the cast of CBS’ Elementary this season. Other prominent roles included The Help, Get On Up, Little Boxes and The Butler.
Ellis graduated from Juilliard with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004.
Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as seven siblings.
Ellis’ work on True Blood was exemplary for many reasons. Up front, “Lafayette” made it clear that although the character was gay, he was not “a victim.”
One of my favorite “Lafayette” scenes from True Blood:
RIP Nelsan Ellis who played Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood & gave us this iconic scene pic.twitter.com/AExLxYXIzx
Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) July 8, 2017
I don't know if I've ever seen the level of humility and kindness that came with the Magnificent Talent that Nelsan Ellis had. Miss u friend— Sam Trammell (@SamTrammell) July 8, 2017
Very disturbed and sad that Nelsan Ellis has died. Such a huge talent. Such a wonderful man. The world is a poorer place today…— Denis O'Hare (@denisohare) July 8, 2017
Adam West, who played “Batman” in the campy 1960s television series, has gone to the great Bat Cave in the sky having passed away at the age of 88 after a short battle with leukemia.
In a statement on the actor’s Facebook page, West’s family shared:
“Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero.”
Former cast members Julie Newmar (“Catwoman”) and Burt Ward (“Robin”) shared their reactions with The Hollywood Reporter:
Newmar said in statement: “Stellar, exemplar, a king to the end. He was bright, witty and fun to work with. I will miss him in the physical world and savor him always in the world of imagination and creativity. He meant so much to people – A friend said: ‘The father that we wanted.’ That is a great gift, no matter how you live it.”
Burt Ward, who played Robin to West’s Batman, remembered his co-star in a statement to THR: “I am devastated at the loss of one of my very dearest friends. Adam and I had a special friendship for more than 50 years. We shared some of the most fun times of our lives together; our families have deep love and respect for each other. This is a terribly unexpected loss of my lifelong friend, I will forever miss him. There are several fine actors who have portrayed Batman in films, in my eyes there was only one real Batman and that is and always will be Adam West; He was truly the Bright Knight.”
The TV series Batman ran for three seasons on ABC from 1966 to 1968, and was well-known for its pop culture, comic-book graphics and campy acting.
After the series was cancelled, the show has shown continued popularity with a cult following.
In addition to the series, West played ‘the Dark Knight’ in a full-length 1966 film, “Batman: The Movie.”
His career never took him too far from the caped crusader as he reprised the role in 2016’s animated movie “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” and also appeared in 2017’s “The Lego Batman Movie.”
In 2010, West voiced Thomas Wayne, the father of Bruce Wayne, in Cartoon Network’s series “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”
In recent years, West has continued working, notably for his voice work on several cartoon series, including his recurring role as mayor of Quahog, Rhode Island, in Fox’s “Family Guy.”
Me (2nd from the left) during my CATS days in 1987
I don’t do many Flashback Friday posts, but I’m thinking of a dear friend from my CATS days in the 1980s who recently passed away.
In light of that passing, several of my former cast mates have shared pics from the 1986-1988 national tour of CATS, which was my first big job in theater. For two years I was “the magical Mr. Mistoffelees” traveling across the country. Our company was the first to share the hit musical with major American cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Louisville, Miami, Memphis and more.
This picture, which I’ve never seen, shows me as a scruffy-faced 24 year old at some opening night party somewhere in America. How I painted over that furry face, I can’t recall.
Also in the photo are Austin Jetton, Jackie Reilly, Jonathan Cerullo and now big-time Broadway conductor Patrick Vaccariello.
It was around this time last year that many of my CATS family gathered together to take in the new Broadway revival of the show. All the chemistry, all the quirks I love about these folks, all came back in seconds 🙂
It’s stirring how the passing of old friends reminds us of the power of our long-time friends.
The Harrison County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Department have issued a joint statement regarding the passing of former Happy Days star Erin Moran.
Her death was due to complications with stage 4 cancer.
The report included the fact that there were no illegal drugs in her system or found at the scene.
Her former co-star Scott Baio, however, wasn’t slow to expect her passing was a result of past addictions.
Variety is reporting that during an interview with “The Bernie & Sid Show,” Baio admitted he was “not completely shocked” by his former co-star’s passing.
“I’m OK, a little shocked but not completely shocked that this happened. My thing is, I feel bad because her whole life, she was troubled, could never find what made her happy and content. For me, you do drugs or drink, you’re gonna die. I’m sorry if that’s cold, but God gave you a brain, gave you the will to live and thrive and you gotta take care of yourself.”
“I knew Erin well, over the last many years I have not spoken with her. She was just an insecure human being and fell into this world of drugs and alcohol. Again, I don’t know if that’s what killed her, I’m sure it was a culmination of years and years of doing it that might have had something to do with it. She just never found her way.”
“How do you help somebody that doesn’t want to help themselves? You try a couple of times and if they don’t want the help, I gotta go, sorry.”
Baio, a fervent Trump supporter, had a kinder, gentler message on Sunday morning:
TMZ is reporting that Erin Moran, of “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi” fame, has died.
She was 56.
Authorities in Indiana received a call just after 4 PM today from someone reporting an “unresponsive female.” When emergency crews arrived, Moran was apparently already dead.
Moran shot to spotlight in the early 70s when she was cast on “Happy Days” as Joanie, the younger sister of Ron Howard’s character. She continued the role in 1982 alongside Scott Baio in “Joanie Loves Chachi” but the show only lasted one season.
Erin had a tough time after her “Happy Days” stardom … a combination of drinking and bizarre behavior that eventually landed her in a trailer park in Indiana. She had run out of money and was reportedly kicked out of the mobile home she shared with husband Steve Fleischmann.
Sad news today as we learn of the passing of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag which has become the international symbol for LGBTQ equality.
Baker, an Army veteran and longtime activist, was 65 years old.
Activist Cleve Jones, who knew Baker for more than 40 years, shared the news on Facebook: “I am heartbroken. My dearest friend in the world is gone. Gilbert gave the world the Rainbow Flag; he gave me forty years of love and friendship. I can’t stop crying. I love you forever Gilbert Baker.”
In the 2007 book The American Flag, Two Centuries of Conflict and Concord, Baker is quoted as saying “Flags are torn from the soul of the people.”
Baker created the flag in 1978 for the Pride march in San Francisco, what was then referred to as the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.
Jones has announced that there will be a gathering under the rainbow flag at Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco at 7 pm tonight:
San Francisco friends, meet me under Gilbert’s flag tonight 7pm Castro/Market. pic.twitter.com/yPCk4jrXBX
NYPD Officer Michael Hance, who raised eyebrows and made headlines in 2015 for twerking with a reveler at the city’s Gay Pride parade, has died of 9/11-related cancer. He was 44.
The 17-year veteran of the NYPD, who worked the bucket brigade in the aftermath of the terror attack on the World Trade Center, died Sunday.
“He always liked to help people,” his brother, Peter Hance, 45, told the Daily News. “He always liked to do good.”
Hance, who worked out of the 111th Precinct in Bayside, Queens, was diagnosed with brain cancer in November after he fell in front of his home and complained of feeling dizzy, his brother said. As he fought the disease, the cancer spread to his lungs, liver and chest.
Hance, who wasn’t gay, uplifted the city’s spirits two years ago when a cellphone video of him dancing on duty and in uniform with reveler Aaron Santis at the Manhattan pride parade to the Michael Jackson song “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” went viral.
“I was as impressed as I was happy,” said Brian Downey, the president of the NYPD’s Gay Officer’s Action League said about the video. “He isn’t a member of GOAL or the LGBT community, but we were elated to see that video. It represented the true spirit of the police family. That’s what 99.5% of cops are like.”
Hance’s family was unsurprised that the beloved cop managed to connect with parade-goers. “That’s just who he was,” his brother said. “He was definitely a people person. He has like 8 million friends.”
Bill Paxton, whose major feature films include Aliens, Titanic and Twister, plus the HBO hit series “Big Love,” has died from complications following a surgical procedure. He was 61.
With a Texas twang and grizzled visage, Paxton often found himself playing military men and cowboys. He was closely associated with James Cameron, playing an ill-fated technician in “Aliens” for the filmmakers, as well as a venal car deal in “True Lives” and a treasure hunter in “Titanic.”
Paxton anchored a few films, portraying a tornado-chasing scientist in the box office smash “Twister” (1996), and a wildlife refuge director in the flop, “Might Joe Young” (1998). In most movies, Paxton cut a morally upright figure, the character actor equivalent of a Kevin Costner or Gary Cooper. But he earned the best reviews of his career for roles that upended his persona. He was gripping as a family man trying to hide stolen money in Sam Raimi’s “A Simple Plan” (1998), and similarly effective playing against type as an ethically compromised lawman in Carl Franklin’s “One False Move” (1992).
A representative for his family released a statement asking for privacy and saying, “A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. ”
Paxton was currently working on the CBS series Training Day.
I’ve been a dog man my whole life. In that time, sharing my journey with nine dogs, I’ve only experienced dogs passing away quickly.
I’ve never had to face making “the decision.” Until today.
We have four dogs. Bruno, the daddy dog, and his three kids Tyler, Bandit and Bear.
Our middle puppy, Bandit, has been battling cancer for the past 6 months. (I say “puppy,” even though he’s 13, because he and his brother and sister will always be “the puppies” to us).
I’m sharing this not for sympathy but I realize this journey has been new terrain for me. And it may be for others as well who face being the human in these situations.
Also, as a writer, this is to a degree how I process.
We noticed Bandit was having some urinary issues back in July and August. There was a little blood in his urine, and he was going in the house. We originally thought it was a gall stone or some such. That it would pass, and all would be well.
But the issue lingered, and lingered. Finally we took him to the vet, and our guarded suspicions were confirmed. He had tumors in his bladder and liver, and some odd spots in his lungs. Our vet sent us to Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center. Cancer takes a special doctor.
There the diagnosis was born out – definitely cancer, and it could not be cured.
We were given three options:
1. Aggressive chemotherapy which would impact his quality of life greatly. It could buy him 4-6 months, but he would be miserable.
2. A mild, oral chemotherapy which would slow the progression and much less side effects, along with meds to keep him more comfortable.
3. Take a palliative care approach and make him comfortable for what time was left.
We chose option 2. With no chance of a cure, we didn’t want to give up but placed a high priority of quality of life.
Two pills twice a day (along with canine CBD oil) was the course of treatment for the past 6 months. Bandit seemed pretty normal for the bulk of that time. The urine issues remained but otherwise, he seemed fine.
Until about two weeks ago. He woke up wobbly in his hind legs. And he was being a puny in demeanor. He didn’t eat all his breakfast (and Bandit loves to eat). He had had back surgery (being a dachshund) some years ago, and we thought it was a disc issue perhaps.
We took him to the specialty vet center and they said the cancer was spreading. Really no reason to continue the chemo, but we could up his pain meds to three times a day to make him more comfortable.
Hubby Michael was worried that that day might have been goodbye, but I didn’t “feel” it. Not yet.
We came home, and a day later Bandit was back to “the new normal.” We sensed the journey could end soon, but not yet.
Yesterday, Michael took Bandit for a walk – which he loved. Bandit is the only dog we have who gets excited by seeing the leash. It was a short walk, but Bandit’s spirits were very high.
This morning, however, it was clear he declined overnight. He had great difficulty walking, and he had no interest in his food. He was panting for no reason, and panting a lot.
After a few hours, that elusive “decision” we waited for the universe to reveal to us arrived. It was clear. The balance between quality of life and effective treatment tipped in the other direction.
We knew.
We called a pet therapist we know in town, and she recommended a veterinary doctor who would come to our home and facilitate Bandit’s passing.
We had to wait six hours for the doctor to arrive.
It was, of course, spent loving on Bandit constantly; feeding him his favorite foods; all attention was on the Bandito.
When the veterinarian arrived with her assistant, we chatted with them for about 15 minutes. Clearly part of their job is to help us as much as it is to help Bandit. We explained the journey to here. We shared who Bandit was.
We explained that of all our dogs, Bandit was “the diva.” The “Super-Model.” See the picture at the top of this post and you’ll understand.
He carried himself with a royal confidence; a bearing that conveyed his assurance that yes, he knows he is special. And he was.
All those “Bitch, I’m fabulous!” memes you’ve seen on the internet? Yeah, he owned that. He truly was larger than life, and without trying.
He was our super-model. He liked being catered to, and we knew how to do just that. He rarely, rarely, ever doled out kisses. He made you work for them. And if he so deigned, you might get ONE.
If you pet him with one hand, he would look at your other hand wondering why both weren’t in motion.
One night, when he was only 10 or so weeks old, he was crying in the night. I got up to check on him and his siblings, and ended up sitting with him for the rest of the night (see pic below). I stayed wrapped around his little paw for his whole life.
I was not Bandit’s favorite, though. While daddy dog Bruno is my constant companion, hubby Michael has always been Bandit’s favorite human. I loved Bandit deeply, but I knew I was “number two.” That’s alright – he was worth being a “number two” to.
And so, it’s fitting that Michael spent the entire day sitting next to the super model, trying to keep him calm. Michael was perfect.
When the time came, we walked the veterinarian and assistant into our bedroom so he could be calm on our bed – his favorite place. We left the room for a few minutes so they could insert a catheter in his leg, and then they called us in.
We were told he could have a sedative, if we wanted, to calm him down. but Bandit was serene laying on the bed. We passed on the tranquilizer, and began to say goodbye.
After a few minutes, Michael nodded to the doctor, and while we continued to pet him, she slowly administered the drug.
He never got anxious or upset. And after about 45 slow seconds, Bandit was gone. Our super model had exited the runway.
The docs stepped out as we let the other dogs in, giving them a chance to understand why he would be gone. Bruno, Bear and Tyler all rushed into the room, sniffing the air, wondering who the strangers who had been in the room were. They one by one noticed Bandit, and sniffed at him.
Bruno – Bandit’s daddy – seemed to understand something. Tyler and Bear paused briefly to take note.
The doctors then wrapped him in a blanket to take him away for cremation. In about a week, we’ll pick up his remains. They will take a paw print which will be framed for us, and his ashes will be saved in a small urn.
It’s a bit surreal to know what a monumental decision you’re making; the gravity of the moment. I feel calm that we did our highest duty in being Bandit’s humans.
There’s a silence in the house that’s unmistakeable, but I know this was “the” day. I can second guess so many moments in my life, but this is not one of them. And I’m thankful for that serenity.
There’s a poem that was written long ago; no one knows the author. I hadn’t read it until about six years ago. I’ve avoided looking at it until now. If you’ve ever shared your life with a dog (or any furry family member), you’ll get it.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then, you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
