/ Stars that died in 2023

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Jean Knight was 80 years old when she departed on November 22, 2023

 In Memoriam: Jean Knight (1943–2023)

🎤🌟
Jean Knight, the soulful songstress of rhythm and blues, has taken her final bow, leaving behind a symphony of memories. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1943, she stepped onto the cosmic stage, her voice a comet streaking through the night.
!Jean Knight
Early Melodies: High school halls whispered her name. Jean’s voice, like a celestial breeze, carried the echoes of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.” The universe leaned in, captivated by her talent.
Rise to Stardom: In 1970, amidst flour and dough, she sang of “Mr. Big Stuff.” The charts trembled, and the Grammy’s gaze fixed upon her. Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female—a constellation of honor. Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Freda Payne—the cosmic chorus applauded. But it was Aretha Franklin who claimed the celestial crown.
Enduring Hits: A decade danced by, and Jean’s voice still swirled. “You Got the Papers (But I Got the Man)”—a cosmic confession. And then, a cover—a cosmic wink to Rockin’ Sydney’s “(Don’t Mess With My) My Toot Toot.”
Grammy-Nominated Soul: Her melodies weren’t mere notes; they were liberation anthems. Empowerment and confidence—her cosmic chords. Jean Knight sang for the silenced, and her voice echoed through the ages.
A Musical Legacy: Beyond the stardust, her songs linger. Timeless markers etched in vinyl. Fans, old and new, sway to her rhythm. The jukebox of memory plays on.
🎤🌟 Rest in Peace, Jean Knight. Your soulful tunes will forever serenade cherished moments. The cosmic audience rises in ovation, and the celestial curtain falls. You’ve earned your place in the cosmic music hall of fame, forever etched in the script of time. Jean Knight was 80 years old when she departed on November 22, 2023, leaving behind a rich tapestry of musical memories. 🌟🎤

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Norman Lear died he was 101

 In Memoriam: Norman Lear (1922–2023)

🎬🌟
Norman Lear, the luminary of laughter, has taken his final bow at the age of 101, leaving behind a tapestry of sitcom constellations. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1922, he wove his legacy across the television screen, a cosmic architect whose brilliance illuminated our lives.
Norman Lear
The Family of All Laughs: All in the Family, where the living room echoed with uproarious debates. The Jeffersons danced up to their deluxe apartment, and One Day at a Time unfolded like a cosmic calendar. Norman’s pen scribbled wit, inked with courage.
Hot Button Constellations: Abortion, birth control, mate-swapping—the cosmic canvas stretched. Homosexuality, religion, menopause—the stars whispered secrets. And relentlessly, racial and ethnic stereotypes—Norman Lear didn’t flinch. His sitcoms were telescopes, peering into the human soul.
Emmy’s Embrace, Oscar’s Nod: The cosmic awards ceremony applauded. Norman stood at the podium, his acceptance speech a comet’s tail. Emmy’s golden glow warmed his heart, and Oscar’s silver kiss graced his brow. Stardust clung to his tuxedo, and the universe leaned in.
Philanthropic Nebulas: Beyond the soundstage, Norman’s heart pulsed with empathy. Philanthropy—his cosmic currency. Justice and equality—his constellations. He didn’t just write scripts; he penned manifestos for a better world.
The Final Scene: On December 5, the cosmic director called “Cut!” Norman’s earthly performance ended, but his laughter echoes through the Milky Way. Cardiac arrest may have dimmed his pulse, but his legacy pulses through the cosmic veins.
A Cosmic Ovation: His family’s statement—a celestial elegy. Curiosity, tenacity, empathy—the notes of his symphony. Norman Lear, the cosmic conductor, led us through laughter’s overture. His baton now rests among the stars.
Rest well, Norman. The cosmic audience rises in ovation, and the celestial curtain falls. Your sitcoms dance in eternity, where punchlines bloom and justice find its voice. You’ve earned your place in the cosmic comedy club, forever etched in the script of time.

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Ryan O’Neal, the luminary of the silver screen, has taken his final bow at the age of 82

 In Memoriam: Ryan O’Neal (1941–2023)

🎭🌟
Ryan O’Neal, the luminary of the silver screen, has taken his final bow at the age of 82, leaving behind a constellation of unforgettable performances. Born on April 20, 1941, he wove his tale across the cinematic landscape, bequeathing a legacy that glimmers like distant stars.
Ryan O’Neal
Early Days in Empire: O’Neal’s acting odyssey began with a significant role on NBC’s Western Empire, laying the foundation for a career that would flourish on both television and the silver screen.
Breakthrough in Peyton Place: The spotlight found him as Rodney Harrington on ABC’s Peyton Place, marking a breakthrough that paved the way for his ascent to cinematic stardom.
Cinematic Highlights: O’Neal’s filmography is adorned with notable credits, including the early-'70s hits Love Story and Paper Moon, which earned him an Oscar nomination. His versatility shone in What’s Up, Doc?, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver.
Personal Turmoil: Yet, O’Neal’s personal life was marked by turbulence. Diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, he faced these battles amidst the mourning of his longtime love, Farrah Fawcett, who succumbed to anal cancer in 2009.
Legacy Beyond the Frames: Despite the personal tribulations, O’Neal’s contributions to the world of cinema remain etched in the annals of Hollywood. His performances transcended the screen, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers.
Curtain Call: As the final curtain falls, we salute Ryan O’Neal for a career that spanned decades, gifting us with cinematic treasures that will endure. May his legacy be a testament to the complexities and brilliance of the human experience.
Rest in Peace, Ryan O’Neal. Your performances will continue to resonate in the hearts of film enthusiasts for generations to come. He passed away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and an enduring legacy in the world of cinema.

Andre Braugher, the luminous virtuoso of the screen, has taken his final bow at the age of 61.

 

In Memoriam: Andre Braugher (1963–2023)

🎭🌟
Andre Braugher, the luminous virtuoso of the screen, has taken his final bow at the age of 61, leaving behind a galaxy of unforgettable performances. Born on July 1, 1962, he graced our lives with his magnetic presence until December 11, 2023, carving his name among the constellations.
!Andre Braugher
The Captain of Our Hearts: As Captain Raymond Holt, he steered the precinct ship through the comedic tempests of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His deadpan delivery, a celestial navigation system, guided us to laughter's shores. The badge on his chest gleamed like a distant star, and his seriousness became a cosmic punchline.
The Detective's Lament: But before the captaincy, Andre donned the trench coat of Detective Frank Pembleton. The gritty streets of Homicide: Life on the Street echoed with his footsteps. Emmy in hand, he interrogated the universe, extracting truth from the shadows. His eyes held galaxies of emotion, and his voice resonated like a cosmic sonnet.
Theatrical Stardust: Stanford and Juilliard—the stages where he honed his craft. In 1989, he marched onto the screen in Glory, a Civil War drama. His presence was a comet's tail, burning bright. As Detective Winston Blake, he chased mysteries through the constellations of revival.
The Cosmic Renaissance: Brooklyn Nine-Nine—a sitcom that harnessed his gravitas. Andre's straight-faced wit defied gravity, bending reality into laughter. The precinct walls echoed with deadpan brilliance, and the universe chuckled in approval.
Celluloid Constellations: His filmography reads like a star map. Primal Fear witnessed his legal acumen, while Spike Lee's Get on the Bus carried him across societal landscapes. In Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, he surfed cosmic waves. And the precinct's seriousness met animated absurdity in BoJack Horseman.
The Final Curtain: On December 11, 2023, at the age of 61, the cosmic stage dimmed. Andre's earthly performance concluded, but his laughter echoes across the Milky Way. Lung cancer may have claimed his body, but his spirit dances among the stars.
A Family of Nebulas: He leaves behind his wife, Ami Brabson, and their three sons—a constellation of love that spans light-years. Their memories twinkle like distant suns, illuminating the cosmic night.
Emmy-Worthy Legacy: In 1998, the Emmy statue found its rightful place in Andre's hands. But his true accolade lies beyond awards—an eternal punchline etched in stardust. He joins the pantheon of jesters who defy time, where laughter transcends mortal bounds.
Farewell, Andre. The cosmic audience rises in ovation, and the celestial curtain falls. Your laughter reverberates, and the stars themselves bow in reverence. You've earned your place in the cosmic comedy club, where the punchlines echo through infinity.

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Tom Smothers, the comedian who rose to fame as half of the musical duo the Smothers Brothers, passed away on December 26th after a brief battle with cancer. He was 86 years old.

 

Tom Smothers, the comedian who rose to fame as half of the musical duo the Smothers Brothers, passed away on December 26th after a brief battle with cancer. He was 86 years old. Smothers, along with his brother Dick, became a household name in the 1960s with their popular television show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which blended musical performances with political satire and social commentary.

Born on February 2, 1937, in New York City, Smothers grew up in California, where he developed an early interest in music and comedy. He and his brother began performing together in the late 1950s, quickly gaining a following with their unique blend of folk music and irreverent humor. The duo's big break came in 1967 with the debut of their CBS television show, which became a platform for their sharp wit and willingness to challenge authority.
Despite facing censorship battles with the network, the Smothers Brothers continued to push the boundaries of what was acceptable on television, tackling controversial topics such as the Vietnam War, racism, and politics. Their show became a touchstone of the counterculture movement and a launching pad for the careers of other comedians and musicians.
After the show's cancellation in 1969, Tom Smothers continued to perform with his brother and pursued solo projects in television and film. He also became a vocal advocate for free speech and progressive causes.
As we remember Tom Smothers' legacy, we celebrate his contributions to comedy, music, and social commentary. He leaves behind a rich body of work that will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come.

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Shecky Greene, the legendary stand-up comic who graced the stages of Las Vegas passed away on December 31 at the age of 97.

Shecky Greene, a towering figure in the world of comedy and a legendary Las Vegas headliner, left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. Born Fred Sheldon Greenfield on April 8, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, Shecky rose to prominence in the 1950s as a trailblazing stand-up comedian and an emblematic figure of Las Vegas's golden age.
Armed with a magnetic stage presence and a rapier-like wit, Shecky enchanted audiences with his distinctive fusion of storytelling, rapid-fire jokes, and impeccable timing. He became a familiar face on television, gracing the screens of shows such as "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" with his captivating performances. His versatility extended to the silver screen, where he delivered memorable performances in films like "Tony Rome" and "Splash."
Shecky's illustrious career spanned an impressive seven decades, garnering him a host of accolades, including an induction into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 2020. His impact on the world of comedy is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
Shecky Greene, the legendary stand-up comic who graced the stages of Las Vegas and shared the limelight with icons like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, passed away on December 31 at the age of 97. His wife, Miriam Musso Greene, confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he passed away from natural causes at his Las Vegas residence. Greene's journey in comedy began on stages across the Midwest and New Orleans, culminating in his move to Vegas in 1954, where he swiftly became a staple performer, renowned for his fast-talking act, unpredictable tangents, and swift improvisations.
Shecky Greene, a true comedy legend, will be deeply missed, but his spirit and his infectious laughter will endure for generations.
Beyond his captivating live performances, Greene's charm and humor were a mainstay on television screens, as he made unforgettable appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show. His adaptability as a performer shone through in guest roles on popular TV series like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Laverne & Shirley, The A-Team, Roseanne, and Mad About You. Furthermore, Greene made his mark in the film industry with noteworthy roles in movies such as Splash, History of the World: Part I, and Tony Rome.
Greene's legacy as a comedic pioneer was further cemented when he was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in March 2020. His final performance in Sin City at the South Point Showroom marked the end of an era for this comedic titan. Shecky Greene's contributions to comedy will be forever treasured and remembered by fans across the globe, as he continues to bring laughter and joy even beyond his earthly tenure.

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Dickey Betts died he was 80

Early Career Forrest Richard Betts was also known as Dickey Betts Betts collaborated with  Duane Allman , introducing melodic twin guitar ha...