Remembering Oscar-Winning Actor Sidney Poitier, Dead At 94

The legendary actor,  Sidney Poitier who was the first Black man to win a Best Actor Oscar, died on Jan. 6. He was 94.

Born in Miami, Sidney Poitier was raised in his native Bahamas, on a rural farm with no electricity or running water. He later moved to Harlem, washing dishes to pay his way.

He went on to serve in the Army before joining the American Negro Theater, where he traded janitorial services for dramatic arts training. His career began on Broadway, with a role in Lysistrata.

He was married twice: first to Juanita Hardy, from 1950 until 1965, and then to Joanna Shimkus, whom he wed in 1976 and remained married to until his death. He leaves behind Shimkus as well as five daughters: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, Anika and Sydney. His daughter Gina Poitier died in 2018.

His breakthrough big screen role was as Dr. Brooks in 1950's racial drama No Way Out. He went on to star in countless films, earning prestigious awards and accolades including the Best Actor Academy Award for his turn in Lilies of the Field. Other iconic films of his include To Sir With Love, In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which continued to interrogate themes of race and class.His work paved the way for future generations of Black actors. Poitier was not only a talented performer but a symbol of hope and progress for the Black community, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in Hollywood. In 1964 marked a significant milestone in the fight for diversity and representation in the film industry. Poitier's impact extended far beyond the silver screen, as he used his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice, becoming a powerful voice for equality. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In celebrating Poitier's life and achievements, we honor not only a remarkable talent but a true pioneer whose influence will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.

Outside of his acting, Poitier explored those same issues offscreen as an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement. He later served as the Ambassador of the Bahamas to Japan from 1997 to 2007.

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 Angela Lansbury

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Angela Lansbury, the esteemed actress and singer, graced both screen and stage with her remarkable talent. Born on October 16, 1925 in London, England, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Her illustrious career spanned eight decades, captivating audiences across film, theater, and television.

Lansbury’s legacy includes iconic roles such as:

• Miss Potts in Disney’s enchanting Beauty and the Beast.
• The titular character in the Broadway musical Mame.

Her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in the beloved TV series Murder, She Wrote solidified her status as a household name. The whodunit drama, which ran from 1984 to 1996, made her a global star—a crime writer and amateur detective solving mysteries.

Beyond her acting prowess, Lansbury lent her voice to Mrs. Potts in the 1991 Disney classic. Her contributions to the arts earned her five Tony Awards, six Golden Globes, an Olivier Award, an Honorary Oscar, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from BAFTA.

In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon her the title of Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury DBE. Her impact extended far beyond the stage and screen; she became a gay icon, inspiring generations.

On October 11, 2022, just five days before her 97th birthday, Angela Lansbury peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, California. Her family, including her three children—Anthony, Deirdre, and David—mourned her loss. She leaves behind three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary talent, let us remember the 2 minutes and 46 seconds when she sang the enchanting title song of ‘Beauty and the Beast’—a lifetime of inspiration for those fortunate enough to witness it

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Takeoff talented rapper and one-third Grammy Award-nominated trio Migos was gunned down in an early morning shooting in Houston.

 Takeoff

Takeoff. STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE

Kirsnick Khari Bal stage name was Takeoff. The talented rapper and one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated trio Migos, was born on June 18, 1994 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. He was just 28 years old when he was fatally shot during an altercation at a private party held at 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley in Houston, Texas on November 1, 2023. His legacy lives on

through the dreams he fulfilled and the love he shared. May he rest in peace, forever remembered as an artist who touched hearts and made a lasting mark on the hip-hop scene. 

Migos rapper, Takeoff, 28, was gunned down in an early morning shooting in Houston on Nov. 1.

Real name Kirsnick Khari Ball, Takeoff was killed during an altercation at a private party taking place at Billiards & Bowling Alley. He attended the event with fellow group member, Quavo, who didn't sustain any injuries during the incident.

The details surrounding his death have emerged, shedding light on the heartbreaking incident. According to the Harris County Medical Examiner, Takeoff’s cause of death was attributed to “penetrating gunshot wounds”—both to his head and torso. The bullets also struck his arm12.

During the event, Takeoff was accompanied by his fellow group member, Quavo, who fortunately escaped injury. Quavo expressed his grief and admiration for Takeoff in a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing their deep bond. He referred to Takeoff as more than just a nephew, emphasizing their closeness and shared journey in the music industry. Quavo recognized Takeoff as their guardian angel, watching over them even in his absence, ensuring that his love and impact continued to resonate with fans and fellow artists alike.

The loss of Takeoff leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy lives on through the dreams he fulfilled and the love he shared. May he rest in peace, forever remembered as an artist who touched hearts and made a lasting mark on the hip-hop scene. "

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GRANT WAHL TRAGICALLY, HE DEPARTED FROM THIS WORLD ON DECEMBER 10, 2023,

 

Grant Wahl. BRENDAN MORAN/FIFA/GETTY

               

GRANT WAHL, the fearless soccer journalist, was born on June 17, 1975. His birthplace was Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Tragically, he departed from this world on December 10, 2023, during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On that day, as Argentina clashed with the Netherlands, destiny wove a cruel twist—A silent rupture within his chest, an Aortic Aneurysm that silenced his voice forever, his legacy lives on through his words, etched into the annals of sports reporting.

 

Grant Wahl: A Tribute to a Fearless Journalist

 

In the heart of the beautiful game, where passion and drama collide, there stood a man who wove stories with ink and sweat. Grant Wahl, the soccer journalist extraordinaire, left an indelible mark on the world of sports reporting. His words danced across the pages, capturing the essence of the game, the triumphs, and the heartaches.

On that fateful day in Qatar, as the sun dipped low over the stadium, Grant Wahl stood amidst the roar of the crowd. Argentina clashed with the Netherlands, and the air crackled with anticipation. Little did we know that destiny had other plans—a cruel twist that would silence his voice forever.

The cause of his collapse remained shrouded in mystery. His brother, Eric Wahl, raised the alarm, suspecting foul play. Grant’s relentless pursuit of truth had led him to the dark underbelly of the FIFA World Cup—the migrant deaths, the hidden stories of suffering. Perhaps someone wanted him to be silent, but we may never know.

Eric’s revelation on Instagram sent shockwaves through the soccer community. “I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt,” he confessed. A simple act of solidarity, a rainbow woven into fabric, became a beacon of hope for those who dared to love freely. Grant’s courage knew no bounds, and he wore that shirt with pride, even when detained during the tournament.

Yet, fate had a different script. The truth emerged—a quiet whisper amidst the chaos. An aortic aneurysm, a ticking time bomb within his chest, had betrayed him. The chest pressure, the silent screams of his body, went unnoticed until it was too late. No CPR, no defibrillator could rewrite this ending.

Dr. Céline Gounder, his wife, penned the final chapter. “His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status.” She laid bare the facts—an invisible enemy had claimed him. No conspiracy, no malevolence—just the cruel randomness of life.

Grant Wahl, the seeker of stories, the chronicler of dreams, now rests in the annals of soccer history. His legacy lives on in the words he penned, the truths he unearthed, and the rainbow shirt that fluttered defiantly in the wind. We mourn the loss of a fearless journalist, a man who dared to ask questions, even when the answers led to darkness.

As the stadiums echo with cheers and tears, we remember Grant Wahl—a star extinguished too soon. May the pitch he loved embrace him, and may his words continue to inspire generations to come. Farewell, dear Grant, your byline etched in the stars. 

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Bob Saget, stand-up comedian and actor famous for his roles on Full House, died on Jan. 9 at the age of 65.

ob Saget. PHILLIP FARAONE/GETTYBob Saget, stand-up comedian and actor famous for his roles on Full House, How I Met Your Mother, and America's Funniest Home Videos, died on Jan. 9 at the age of 65.     

Bob Saget, a beloved stand-up comedian and TV star known for his roles on Full House, How I Met Your Mother, and America's Funniest Home Videos, passed away on January 9 at the age of 65. His sudden death in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among his fans.                                                                         The news of his passing came after a performance in Jacksonville, Florida, the night before. Bob Saget's family, in a statement released following his death, expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans around the world. His unique brand of humor and warm presence on and off the screen touched the hearts of many, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.                                                                                             Bob Saget's talent, wit, and genuine kindness endeared him to audiences of all ages. His contributions to comedy and television have left an indelible mark, and he will be fondly remembered as a true icon in the entertainment world. Rest in peace, Bob Saget, your laughter and light will be greatly missed. The comedian was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando on the afternoon of Jan. 9 following a performance in Jacksonville, Florida, the night before.                                                                                                                                 Saget leaves behind wife Kelly Rizzo and his three daughters — Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer — whom he shares with first wife Sherri Kramer. Bob Saget, the beloved comedian, and actor, passed away on January 9, 2022, at the age of 65. He was found dead in his hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in Florida. The Orange County Chief Medical Examiner's Office determined that he died as a result of blunt head trauma sustained from an unwitnessed accidental fall in his hotel room. His family released a statement confirming his passing and emphasizing his love for his fans and his dedication to bringing people together with laughter. Saget's death was a shock to his family, friends, and fans around the world, and he was remembered for the love and laughter he brought to the world.

.The details of the incident were outlined in the final report released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The report stated that there was no evidence of a struggle, foul play, or anyone else in the room at any time during his stay at the hotel. Saget was found lying on his back on the right side of the bed, partially covered by the sheet and bedspread. The report also mentioned that there was no sign of blood or bodily fluids on the sheets, bedspread, or pillowcases. The medical examiner concluded that the injuries were consistent with an unwitnessed fall backward, causing a fracture at the base of Saget’s skull and bleeding around the brain

4 .The family's attorney confirmed that Saget passed away after a fall and hitting his head in his hotel room, referencing the medical examiner's report 1 . The exact details of the fall and how it occurred were not witnessed. The autopsy also revealed that Saget had an enlarged heart and heart disease 2 .Saget's death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, and he was remembered for his significant contributions as a comedian and actor. Bob Saget, the talented stand-up comedian and beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Full House, How I Met Your Mother, and America’s Funniest Home Videos, has left us at the age of 65. His sudden passing has left fans and the entertainment industry in mourning. On January 9, Bob Saget was discovered in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, following a performance in Jacksonville, Florida the previous night. His family, deeply affected by the loss, released a heartfelt statement: “We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today. He was everything to us, and we want you to know how much he loved his fans, performing live, and bringing people from all walks of life together with laughter. Though we ask for privacy at this time, we invite you to join us in remembering the love and laughter that Bob brought to the world.” Bob Saget’s legacy extends beyond the screen. He leaves behind his wife, Kelly Rizzo, and their three daughters: Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer, whom he shares with his first wife, Sherri Kramer. May his humor and warmth continue to resonate in the hearts of those who cherished him.

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