Throughout 2024, we will continue to update this In Memoriam photo gallery with notable celebrity deaths from film, television, theater and music. Major entertainment figures to be honored in the 2024 gallery are TV legends Bob Newhart and Phil Donahue, Oscar/Tony/Emmy winner Dame Maggie Smith, Emmy/Tony/Grammy winner James Earl Jones, Oscar winner Louis Gossett, Jr., Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Gena Rowlands, director/producer Norman Jewison, broadway legend Chita Rivera, country music superstars Kris Kristofferson and Toby Keith and actors Dabney Coleman, Donald Sutherland and Carl Weathers.
Featured in the 2023 gallery were Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jeff Beck, Robbie Robertson and David Crosby, Oscar and Tony winner Alan Arkin, Oscar/Emmy/Tony winner Glenda Jackson, Oscar and Grammy winner Burt Bacharach, Oscar winner William Friedkin, Grammy legend Tony Bennett, Emmy nominee Matthew Perry, Emmy winner Norman Lear, Emmy winner Andre Braugher,...
Featured in the 2023 gallery were Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jeff Beck, Robbie Robertson and David Crosby, Oscar and Tony winner Alan Arkin, Oscar/Emmy/Tony winner Glenda Jackson, Oscar and Grammy winner Burt Bacharach, Oscar winner William Friedkin, Grammy legend Tony Bennett, Emmy nominee Matthew Perry, Emmy winner Norman Lear, Emmy winner Andre Braugher,...
- 9/29/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Sydney Pollack was the Oscar winning filmmaker who could’ve branded himself as Hollywood’s favorite journeyman, crafting solid entertainments for over 40 years. But how many of his titles remain classics? Let’s take a look back at all 20 of his films as a director, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1934, Pollack got his start as an actor, studying under legendary New York teacher Sanford Meisner. He cut his teeth is television, appearing in such shows as “The Twilight Zone,” “Playhouse 90” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” before transitioning into directing for the small screen. Even after making a name for himself behind the camera, he kept popping up onscreen, starring in “The Player” (1992), “Husbands and Wives” (1992), “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999), “Changing Lanes” (2002), “Michael Clayton” (2007) and his own “Tootsie” (1982), to name but a few.
It was this experience as a performer that made him a favorite with actors, including Robert Redford, with whom he made seven films.
Born in 1934, Pollack got his start as an actor, studying under legendary New York teacher Sanford Meisner. He cut his teeth is television, appearing in such shows as “The Twilight Zone,” “Playhouse 90” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” before transitioning into directing for the small screen. Even after making a name for himself behind the camera, he kept popping up onscreen, starring in “The Player” (1992), “Husbands and Wives” (1992), “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999), “Changing Lanes” (2002), “Michael Clayton” (2007) and his own “Tootsie” (1982), to name but a few.
It was this experience as a performer that made him a favorite with actors, including Robert Redford, with whom he made seven films.
- 6/28/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
There are stories of coincidence and chance, of intersections and strange things told, and which is which and who only knows? And we generally say, ‘Well, if that was in a movie, I wouldn’t believe it.’ Well, believe it, because all of what follows actually happened during the making of Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 film Magnolia.
A film and production of gambles, absurdities, forgiveness, and reckonings, Magnolia evolved from what would be the final shot of the film – a smile, a symbol of hope in a world of misery, lost drive and…frogs – into one of the most divisive, memorable and best films of the century.
So, let’s get our buzzers ready and wise up as we find out: What happened to this movie?!
Magnolia has its origins in the post-production of Boogie Nights, with Paul Thomas Anderson looking into going down to the “intimate and small scale” of his 1996 debut,...
A film and production of gambles, absurdities, forgiveness, and reckonings, Magnolia evolved from what would be the final shot of the film – a smile, a symbol of hope in a world of misery, lost drive and…frogs – into one of the most divisive, memorable and best films of the century.
So, let’s get our buzzers ready and wise up as we find out: What happened to this movie?!
Magnolia has its origins in the post-production of Boogie Nights, with Paul Thomas Anderson looking into going down to the “intimate and small scale” of his 1996 debut,...
- 6/27/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Rochelle Oliver, who starred on Broadway in Lillian Hellman’s Toys in the Attic and Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and taught acting at New York’s respected Hb Studio since the 1970s, has died. She was 86.
Oliver died April 13, the Hb Studio announced. “Those who knew Rochelle will know what a luminous artist, sensitive and passionate teacher she was,” it said in an Instagram post. She died two days shy of her birthday.
For the big screen, Oliver starred in the Horton Foote-written 1918 (1985) and Courtship (1987) and appeared in such other films as The Happy Hooker (1975), Paul Mazursky‘s Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976), John Sayles’ Lianna (1983), An Unremarkable Life (1989), Martin Brest’s Scent of a Woman (1992) and Woody Allen’s Hollywood Ending (2002).
She also recurred as Judge Grace Larkin on Law & Order from 1993-03.
A protégé of Uta Hagen — who also taught for decades at Hb and...
Oliver died April 13, the Hb Studio announced. “Those who knew Rochelle will know what a luminous artist, sensitive and passionate teacher she was,” it said in an Instagram post. She died two days shy of her birthday.
For the big screen, Oliver starred in the Horton Foote-written 1918 (1985) and Courtship (1987) and appeared in such other films as The Happy Hooker (1975), Paul Mazursky‘s Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976), John Sayles’ Lianna (1983), An Unremarkable Life (1989), Martin Brest’s Scent of a Woman (1992) and Woody Allen’s Hollywood Ending (2002).
She also recurred as Judge Grace Larkin on Law & Order from 1993-03.
A protégé of Uta Hagen — who also taught for decades at Hb and...
- 5/7/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices in filmmaking today. Since the ’70s, he has proven himself to be a very competent director who can dabble in any filmmaking genre with ease. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, etc. are examples of his complete mastery over varied genres.
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
- 5/6/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Oscars 2024 Live Updates ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
The big day is finally here. It’s time for Oscars 2024, the biggest award ceremony of all we have been waiting for so long. The year 2023 saw some fantastic movies releasing worldwide, packed with incredible performances. It will be a galore of big celebrities – Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Christopher Nolan, Emily Stone and many others. Keep reading this space as we keep you updated about every big thing happening at the award ceremony.
Jimmy Kimmel is the host of the 96th Academy Awards. It is the fourth time he’s hosting the Oscars. The award ceremony is being held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Oscars 2024 Live Updates Best Picture- Oppenheimer
To close out the night, the Academy Award for Best Picture goes to… 'Oppenheimer'! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/nLWam9DWvP
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 11, 2024
Oscars 2024 for Best Actress...
The big day is finally here. It’s time for Oscars 2024, the biggest award ceremony of all we have been waiting for so long. The year 2023 saw some fantastic movies releasing worldwide, packed with incredible performances. It will be a galore of big celebrities – Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Christopher Nolan, Emily Stone and many others. Keep reading this space as we keep you updated about every big thing happening at the award ceremony.
Jimmy Kimmel is the host of the 96th Academy Awards. It is the fourth time he’s hosting the Oscars. The award ceremony is being held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Oscars 2024 Live Updates Best Picture- Oppenheimer
To close out the night, the Academy Award for Best Picture goes to… 'Oppenheimer'! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/nLWam9DWvP
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 11, 2024
Oscars 2024 for Best Actress...
- 3/10/2024
- by Pooja Darade
- KoiMoi
Steven Spielberg is one of the wisest men in Hollywood and is known to give all kinds of advice to his peers, whether they are part of his films or not. After all, there is no one who wouldn’t want to get advice from someone who has such a wealth of knowledge. However, John Carpenter has one notable Steven Spielberg movie, which he claimed was pretentious.
Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg has been a part of many iconic franchises over the years, as he has been responsible for films such as the Jurassic Park franchise, Indiana Jones film series, Saving Private Ryan and many other films. That is why his opinion carries a lot of weight when it comes to anything related to films, but that doesn’t mean all of his films are equally well-received.
Suggested“Don’t you think these tunnels are like my mother’s womb?”:...
Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg has been a part of many iconic franchises over the years, as he has been responsible for films such as the Jurassic Park franchise, Indiana Jones film series, Saving Private Ryan and many other films. That is why his opinion carries a lot of weight when it comes to anything related to films, but that doesn’t mean all of his films are equally well-received.
Suggested“Don’t you think these tunnels are like my mother’s womb?”:...
- 3/6/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
As 2023 comes to a close, we here at JoBlo.com would like to take a moment to pay tribute to some of the people who sadly passed away this year. Our deepest respect goes out to everyone in the industry we have lost, and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of those who died in 2023. These talented individuals will always be remembered for their impact on the world of film and television.
In Memory Of…
Earl Boen
Earl Boen died at the age of 81 on January 5th. The actor was best known as Dr. Peter Silberman in The Terminator, a role he reprised in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, making him the only other actor aside from Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear in the first three movies.
Boen always wanted to inject a little more humour into his performance, but director James Cameron kept telling him no…...
In Memory Of…
Earl Boen
Earl Boen died at the age of 81 on January 5th. The actor was best known as Dr. Peter Silberman in The Terminator, a role he reprised in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, making him the only other actor aside from Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear in the first three movies.
Boen always wanted to inject a little more humour into his performance, but director James Cameron kept telling him no…...
- 1/1/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Is it your Christmas wish to spend the day with Mickey, Minnie, and your other favorite Disney characters? While celebrating the holiday at Disney World or Disneyland might not be in the cards this year, you can still soak in some Disney Christmas magic thanks to the 2023 Disney Christmas parade.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. The 2023 parade features a star-studded lineup of performers, including Derek and Julianne Hough, Chrissy Metz, Smashing Pumpkins, and Michael Bolton. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Disney Christmas parade and how to watch it.
Disney’s Christmas Day parade airs at 10 a.m. on ABC The Smashing Pumpkins at the 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade | ABC/Disney Parks
Disney’s Christmas Day parade has been a holiday tradition since 1983. Filmed earlier this year at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim,...
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. The 2023 parade features a star-studded lineup of performers, including Derek and Julianne Hough, Chrissy Metz, Smashing Pumpkins, and Michael Bolton. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Disney Christmas parade and how to watch it.
Disney’s Christmas Day parade airs at 10 a.m. on ABC The Smashing Pumpkins at the 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade | ABC/Disney Parks
Disney’s Christmas Day parade has been a holiday tradition since 1983. Filmed earlier this year at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim,...
- 12/24/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Sometimes, the reputations of certain movies have been built up so much over the decades that, to an extent, newcomers can't help but come away disappointed when they finally experience it for the very first time. Others, however, live up to every inch of their status as bona fide classics. It's safe to say that "Close Encounters of a Third Kind," director Steven Spielberg's first film about extraterrestrial visitors, belongs firmly in the latter category. Although multiple generations of movie lovers only encountered the 1977 film through their parents, film school courses, or entirely on their own, various re-releases over the years and constant praise from both filmmakers and critics alike have kept "Close Encounters" exactly where it deserves to be -- at the forefront of the conversation about the greatest and most influential movies of all time.
Of course,...
Sometimes, the reputations of certain movies have been built up so much over the decades that, to an extent, newcomers can't help but come away disappointed when they finally experience it for the very first time. Others, however, live up to every inch of their status as bona fide classics. It's safe to say that "Close Encounters of a Third Kind," director Steven Spielberg's first film about extraterrestrial visitors, belongs firmly in the latter category. Although multiple generations of movie lovers only encountered the 1977 film through their parents, film school courses, or entirely on their own, various re-releases over the years and constant praise from both filmmakers and critics alike have kept "Close Encounters" exactly where it deserves to be -- at the forefront of the conversation about the greatest and most influential movies of all time.
Of course,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Throughout 2023, we will continue to update this In Memoriam photo gallery with notable celebrity deaths from film, television, theater and music. The first major entertainment figures to be honored in the 2023 gallery are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jeff Beck, Robbie Robertson and David Crosby, Oscar and Tony winner Alan Arkin, Oscar/Emmy/Tony winner Glenda Jackson, Oscar and Grammy winner Burt Bacharach, Oscar winner William Friedkin, Grammy legend Tony Bennett, Emmy nominee Matthew Perry, Emmy winner Norman Lear, Emmy winner Andre Braugher, Emmy winner Ron Cephas Jones, along with rock legend Elvis Presley‘s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, and actresses Melinda Dillon, Annie Wersching and Cindy Williams.
- 12/12/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
From yellow-eyed bully to blue-clad police officer, Scut Farkus made one miraculous turnaround since we were first introduced to him in 1983’s A Christmas Story. Now, the actor who portrayed him, Zack Ward, is spreading Christmas (Story) cheer by commemorating the film’s 40th anniversary.
Taking to X over the weekend, Zack Ward noted the special anniversary and how wild the size of the legacy the movie developed over the years is. “40 years ago today “A Christmas Story” was released and honestly, nobody cared. Now, it is in the Library Of Congress as one of the top 100 most Important films of American Cinematic History from the 20th Century and in the Smithsonian as a national treasure. Wow.” Don’t forget the annual 24-hour marathons, either, Farkus!
40 years ago today "A Christmas Story" was released and honestly, nobody cared.
Now, it is in the Library Of Congress as one of the...
Taking to X over the weekend, Zack Ward noted the special anniversary and how wild the size of the legacy the movie developed over the years is. “40 years ago today “A Christmas Story” was released and honestly, nobody cared. Now, it is in the Library Of Congress as one of the top 100 most Important films of American Cinematic History from the 20th Century and in the Smithsonian as a national treasure. Wow.” Don’t forget the annual 24-hour marathons, either, Farkus!
40 years ago today "A Christmas Story" was released and honestly, nobody cared.
Now, it is in the Library Of Congress as one of the...
- 11/20/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Photo credit: Getty Images
Fred White
White, the original drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire who played on their 1980 hit “Shining Star,” died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes. He was 67.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Gangsta Boo
The Tennessee-based former member of the Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes, though an autopsy is pending. She was 43.
James D. Brubaker
Brubaker, who started out as a driver on Hollywood sets before rising through the ranks to become a producer on films including “Rocky IV” and “Right Stuff,” died Jan. 3 after a series of strokes. He was 85.
Peter Rawley
Rawley, a longtime talent agent for ICM Partners and former MGM executive, died on Jan. 3. He was 85.
Photo credit: Gregory Yee/Twitter
Gregory Yee
Yee, a breaking news reporter for the LA Times, died Jan. 4 from complications from a respiratory illness. He was 33.
Earl Boen
Boen,...
Fred White
White, the original drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire who played on their 1980 hit “Shining Star,” died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes. He was 67.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Gangsta Boo
The Tennessee-based former member of the Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes, though an autopsy is pending. She was 43.
James D. Brubaker
Brubaker, who started out as a driver on Hollywood sets before rising through the ranks to become a producer on films including “Rocky IV” and “Right Stuff,” died Jan. 3 after a series of strokes. He was 85.
Peter Rawley
Rawley, a longtime talent agent for ICM Partners and former MGM executive, died on Jan. 3. He was 85.
Photo credit: Gregory Yee/Twitter
Gregory Yee
Yee, a breaking news reporter for the LA Times, died Jan. 4 from complications from a respiratory illness. He was 33.
Earl Boen
Boen,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Hollywood's fascination with science fiction has produced some of the greatest thrills in movie history. "Star Wars," "Blade Runner," "The Matrix," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are but a handful of films that rank high amongst genre enthusiasts for their audacious ideas, innovative visuals, originality, colorful characters, and timeless appeal. Crafting these timeless masterpieces requires significant effort and unwavering commitment, and should not be underestimated. Many production stories showcase the extent to which producers and directors are willing to go to realize their vision -- even if it comes at the cost of the actors' well-being.
Borrowing a cue from the article "12 Horror Movie Scenes That Scared Actors in Real Life," we decided to dive into the world of sci-fi and explore a handful of movie scenes that similarly induced screams from the cast. Not in a negative way, mind you. Indeed, many directors deploy...
Borrowing a cue from the article "12 Horror Movie Scenes That Scared Actors in Real Life," we decided to dive into the world of sci-fi and explore a handful of movie scenes that similarly induced screams from the cast. Not in a negative way, mind you. Indeed, many directors deploy...
- 9/25/2023
- by Jeff Ames
- Slash Film
I miss the 80s: big hair, parachute pants, collectible toys, and amazingly nostalgic kid-friendly movies. I could watch the best 80s movies from my childhood over and over. And I sometimes do.
Be honest. How many of you poured water on something hoping it would multiply like Gremlins? And did you try attaching a milk crate to the front of your bike like Elliot in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?“
How many of us are still hooked on Baby Ruth (“Goonies“) and Reese’s Pieces (also “E.T.“) thanks to excellent product placement? I still won’t go near the TV at night if it has ants racing.
Related: 10 Best Movies of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
Picking the ten best kid-friendly movies from the 80s can be tricky and highly subjective. We tried to be objective by using IMDb as our ranking source. And we stuck to movies with child and teen-related themes targeted at broad audiences.
Be honest. How many of you poured water on something hoping it would multiply like Gremlins? And did you try attaching a milk crate to the front of your bike like Elliot in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?“
How many of us are still hooked on Baby Ruth (“Goonies“) and Reese’s Pieces (also “E.T.“) thanks to excellent product placement? I still won’t go near the TV at night if it has ants racing.
Related: 10 Best Movies of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
Picking the ten best kid-friendly movies from the 80s can be tricky and highly subjective. We tried to be objective by using IMDb as our ranking source. And we stuck to movies with child and teen-related themes targeted at broad audiences.
- 6/10/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Pedro Pascal is to star in 'Weapons'.The 48-year-old actor has joined the cast of the movie that is being directed by Zach Cregger – the actor turned filmmaker behind the surprise horror hit 'Barbarian'.Plot details are yet to be revealed but the new film is described as a multistory horror epic in the vein of 'Magnolia', the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson movie that featured Tom Cruise, Melinda Dillon and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.Character information for Pascal has not been disclosed but film chiefs are aiming for an autumn shoot.Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Pedro was in final negotiations to appear in the 'Gladiator' sequel.The 'Last of Us' star is expected to star alongside the likes of Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington in the long-awaited follow-up to Sir Ridley Scott's historical epic.Sources told Deadline that the...
- 5/10/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
What do the 76th annual Tonys have in common with the 17th annual awards?
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
- 5/8/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Every year the Oscar’s hold an in memoriam segment honoring stars and Hollywood professionals who lost their lives over the past year, and every time, there’s controversy after the segment seems to leave notable faces out. “White Lotus” star Michael Imperioli is adding to the criticism that this year’s in memoriam received, by blasting the omission of his prior co-stars Tony Sirico, Paul Sorvino, and Tom Sizemore.
“Sorvino, Sirico and Sizemore,” Imperioli wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, featuring headshots of all three actors. “These three brilliant actors were forgotten by the Academy last night at the Oscars. I was proud and honored to have worked with all three of these men and it saddened me to see Hollywood ignore them on its biggest night.”
Imperioli and Sirico famously worked together on all six seasons of the beloved HBO mobster drama “The Sopranos;” Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti,...
“Sorvino, Sirico and Sizemore,” Imperioli wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, featuring headshots of all three actors. “These three brilliant actors were forgotten by the Academy last night at the Oscars. I was proud and honored to have worked with all three of these men and it saddened me to see Hollywood ignore them on its biggest night.”
Imperioli and Sirico famously worked together on all six seasons of the beloved HBO mobster drama “The Sopranos;” Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Mira Sorvino is calling out the Academy Awards for not including her father Paul Sorvino during the In Memoriam tribute.
Sorvino took to social media to share her “hurt” over Paul being “overlooked” at the 2023 ceremony. Sorvino tweeted, “It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!”
The Oscar winner also shared on Instagram, writing, “I love you Dad. I miss you so much. Ps, when I posted this I had not learned of my Dad’s omission and that of several other incredible artists from the in Memoriam section. Incredibly hurt and shocked that my father’s lifelong, irreplaceable, enormous contribution to the world of cinema was overlooked by whomever made that list. We, his adoring family, and you, his adoring public, know just how unique and incredible he was.
Sorvino took to social media to share her “hurt” over Paul being “overlooked” at the 2023 ceremony. Sorvino tweeted, “It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!”
The Oscar winner also shared on Instagram, writing, “I love you Dad. I miss you so much. Ps, when I posted this I had not learned of my Dad’s omission and that of several other incredible artists from the in Memoriam section. Incredibly hurt and shocked that my father’s lifelong, irreplaceable, enormous contribution to the world of cinema was overlooked by whomever made that list. We, his adoring family, and you, his adoring public, know just how unique and incredible he was.
- 3/13/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Every year the “In Memoriam” tribute at the Oscars leaves off a few fan favorites and 2023 was no exception: Among those who weren’t included in Sunday night’s video montage were Anne Heche, “Saving Private Ryan” star Tom Sizemore and Charlbi Dean, who appeared in this year’s Best Picture nominee “Triangle of Sadness.”
Fans also noted the absence of Cindy Williams: While she was best known for the ’70s TV sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” she notably appeared in two classic films of the era, George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation.”
And while the tribute included “Goodfellas” star Ray Liotta, who died unexpectedly on May 26, 2022, his costar Paul Sorvino, who died in July 2022, was left out.
Also Read:
Celebrity Deaths in 2023: Hollywood Stars We’ve Lost This Year (Photos)
Also missing from the tribute: two-time Oscar nominee Melinda Dillon of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,...
Fans also noted the absence of Cindy Williams: While she was best known for the ’70s TV sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” she notably appeared in two classic films of the era, George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation.”
And while the tribute included “Goodfellas” star Ray Liotta, who died unexpectedly on May 26, 2022, his costar Paul Sorvino, who died in July 2022, was left out.
Also Read:
Celebrity Deaths in 2023: Hollywood Stars We’ve Lost This Year (Photos)
Also missing from the tribute: two-time Oscar nominee Melinda Dillon of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Every year it’s a depressing ritual: Who is the Academy going to fail to recognize in their annual In Memoriam segment? Once again, during the live ceremony, more stars who passed away in the last year were left out.
Anne Heche, Paul Sorvino, Tom Sizemore, Leslie Jordan, and “Triangle of Sadness” star Charlbi Dean were not included in the tribute. “Walking and Talking” star Heche died in August 2022 after a car crash; she was in a coma before being taken off of life support.
Sizemore similarly died in March 2023 after being taken off of life support following a ruptured brain aneurysm. Jordan died after suffering a medical emergency behind the wheel and crashed his car in October 2022.
“Triangle of Sadness” actress Charlbi Dean passed away in August 2022 of a lung infection at age 32.
Palme d’Or winning director Ruben Östlund shared a tribute to Dean, writing, “Charlbi’s sudden...
Anne Heche, Paul Sorvino, Tom Sizemore, Leslie Jordan, and “Triangle of Sadness” star Charlbi Dean were not included in the tribute. “Walking and Talking” star Heche died in August 2022 after a car crash; she was in a coma before being taken off of life support.
Sizemore similarly died in March 2023 after being taken off of life support following a ruptured brain aneurysm. Jordan died after suffering a medical emergency behind the wheel and crashed his car in October 2022.
“Triangle of Sadness” actress Charlbi Dean passed away in August 2022 of a lung infection at age 32.
Palme d’Or winning director Ruben Östlund shared a tribute to Dean, writing, “Charlbi’s sudden...
- 3/13/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz will perform for Sunday’s emotional “In Memoriam” segment on the Oscars 2023 ceremony. While only 40-50 people are generally remembered for the television ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on ABC, over 200 people will be recognized on the Academy’s webpage starting that evening.
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
- 3/10/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The 2023 SAG Awards, held at Los Angeles's Fairmont Century Plaza on Feb. 26, took time to pay tribute to some of the many esteemed actors we've lost throughout the past year. During the ceremony, Don Cheadle introduced a montage of photos and clips paying tribute to those late stars. "We traveled with them on unforgettable journeys," Cheadle said. He added, "Although they've passed on, they've left behind the most precious gift: the ability to spend that precious time with them forever and ever."
Set to "Out Here on My Own" performed by Irene Cara (who died in November 2022), the video tribute included "Law & Order: Svu" star Richard Belzer, "Goodfellas" star Ray Liotta, sitcom star Leslie Jordan, movie star Olivia Newton-John, and Angela Lansbury, who received a lifetime achievement award from SAG in 1997. Others highlighted included beloved actor Paul Sorvino, Melinda Dillon of "A Christmas Story," "Star Trek"'s Nichelle Nichols,...
Set to "Out Here on My Own" performed by Irene Cara (who died in November 2022), the video tribute included "Law & Order: Svu" star Richard Belzer, "Goodfellas" star Ray Liotta, sitcom star Leslie Jordan, movie star Olivia Newton-John, and Angela Lansbury, who received a lifetime achievement award from SAG in 1997. Others highlighted included beloved actor Paul Sorvino, Melinda Dillon of "A Christmas Story," "Star Trek"'s Nichelle Nichols,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will be a streaming event for the first time on the Netflix YouTube channel. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute.
Among that group will certainly be Oscar winners Louise Fletcher, William Hurt and Irene Cara, plus nominees Angela Lansbury (a SAG life achievement recipient) and Melinda Dillon. Emmy champs Mary Alice, Kirstie Alley, Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta, Stuart Margolin, Robert Morse and Barbara Walters.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2023: In Memoriam Gallery
Here is our expansive list of over 100 people who died since last year’s ceremony, several of whom will be honored on Sunday’s event:
Ralph Ahn
J. Grant Albrecht
Mary Alice
Rae Allen...
Among that group will certainly be Oscar winners Louise Fletcher, William Hurt and Irene Cara, plus nominees Angela Lansbury (a SAG life achievement recipient) and Melinda Dillon. Emmy champs Mary Alice, Kirstie Alley, Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta, Stuart Margolin, Robert Morse and Barbara Walters.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2023: In Memoriam Gallery
Here is our expansive list of over 100 people who died since last year’s ceremony, several of whom will be honored on Sunday’s event:
Ralph Ahn
J. Grant Albrecht
Mary Alice
Rae Allen...
- 2/24/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Stella Stevens, who starred in the 1972 disaster film “Poseidon Adventure” and in films opposite Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, died Friday in Los Angeles at the age of 84.
Her son, actor/producer Andrew Stevens, confirmed her passing to TheWrap via email. “I was notified early this morning,” Stevens said. “Stella had been in hospice for quite some time with stage seven Alzheimer’s.”
She is perhaps best known for her role as one of the victims of an ocean liner disaster in Irwin Allen’s epic “Poseidon Adventure.” She played a former prostitute married to Ernest Borgnine’s police detective, who, along with Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters, try to make it to the top of the overturned ship.
Stevens also starred with Elvis Presley in the 1962 musical “Girls! Girls! Girls!,” Jerry Lewis in 1963’s “The Nutty Professor,” and Dean Martin in the 1966 spy spoof “The Silencers.” In...
Her son, actor/producer Andrew Stevens, confirmed her passing to TheWrap via email. “I was notified early this morning,” Stevens said. “Stella had been in hospice for quite some time with stage seven Alzheimer’s.”
She is perhaps best known for her role as one of the victims of an ocean liner disaster in Irwin Allen’s epic “Poseidon Adventure.” She played a former prostitute married to Ernest Borgnine’s police detective, who, along with Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters, try to make it to the top of the overturned ship.
Stevens also starred with Elvis Presley in the 1962 musical “Girls! Girls! Girls!,” Jerry Lewis in 1963’s “The Nutty Professor,” and Dean Martin in the 1966 spy spoof “The Silencers.” In...
- 2/17/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Steven Spielberg was filmed heaping praise on Tom Cruise at the Academy Awards nominees luncheon on Monday (13 February).
Multiple outlets in attendance reported that Cruise was the centre of attention at the event, which he attended due to his producing nomination for Top Gun: Maverick.
In a clip that has widely circulated on Twitter, Spielberg – who is nominated for his semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans – can be heard pulling Cruise close in the noisy room and telling him: “You saved Hollywood’s ass.”
He continues: “And you might have saved theatrical distribution. Seriously. Maverick might have saved the entire theatrical industry.”
Cruise is seen modestly shaking his head and smiling in response to the compliments.
The famed director and star have collaborated twice in the past on Minority Report (2002) and War of the Worlds (2005).
Spielberg previously told Deadline he felt “encouraged” that blockbusters including Maverick and Avatar: The Way of the...
Multiple outlets in attendance reported that Cruise was the centre of attention at the event, which he attended due to his producing nomination for Top Gun: Maverick.
In a clip that has widely circulated on Twitter, Spielberg – who is nominated for his semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans – can be heard pulling Cruise close in the noisy room and telling him: “You saved Hollywood’s ass.”
He continues: “And you might have saved theatrical distribution. Seriously. Maverick might have saved the entire theatrical industry.”
Cruise is seen modestly shaking his head and smiling in response to the compliments.
The famed director and star have collaborated twice in the past on Minority Report (2002) and War of the Worlds (2005).
Spielberg previously told Deadline he felt “encouraged” that blockbusters including Maverick and Avatar: The Way of the...
- 2/14/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Burt Bacharach, the three-time Oscar-winning and six-time Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, composer and arranger whose vast influence in American popular music stretched from the 1950s into the new millennium, is dead. He passed away Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles at 94.
His death was announced by his publicist Tina Brausam.
If you were an avid moviegoer or follower of popular music in the decade between the mid-1960s and the mid ’70s, it was impossible to avoid the massively prolific Bacharach’s compositions. His songs, many done in tandem with lyricist Hal David, included some of the biggest tunes of the era and numerous hits with singer Dionne Warwick: “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “What the World Needs Now,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Don’t Make Me Over” and the 1966 theme to the Michael Caine feature “Alfie.
His death was announced by his publicist Tina Brausam.
If you were an avid moviegoer or follower of popular music in the decade between the mid-1960s and the mid ’70s, it was impossible to avoid the massively prolific Bacharach’s compositions. His songs, many done in tandem with lyricist Hal David, included some of the biggest tunes of the era and numerous hits with singer Dionne Warwick: “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “What the World Needs Now,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Don’t Make Me Over” and the 1966 theme to the Michael Caine feature “Alfie.
- 2/9/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Fans of A Christmas Story and Close Encounters of the Third Kind felt devastated to hear of Melinda Dillon’s death. She got her start on Broadway and made a splash in Hollywood with two Oscar nominations and several notable roles. Now, we’re looking back on her personal life. Here’s what to know about Melinda Dillon’s husband and whether she had any kids.
Who was Melinda Dillon’s husband, Richard Libertini? Melinda Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Melinda Dillon married her husband, Richard Libertini, in 1963. She was 23 years old and known for her Broadway roles. According to Sportskeeda, Libertini also got his start on Broadway, though he also took on notable roles in TV and films. He was known for his role as Frank Walker in the 1985 film Fletch, which starred notable actors such as Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Chevy Chase, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Tim Matheson.
Who was Melinda Dillon’s husband, Richard Libertini? Melinda Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Melinda Dillon married her husband, Richard Libertini, in 1963. She was 23 years old and known for her Broadway roles. According to Sportskeeda, Libertini also got his start on Broadway, though he also took on notable roles in TV and films. He was known for his role as Frank Walker in the 1985 film Fletch, which starred notable actors such as Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Chevy Chase, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Tim Matheson.
- 2/6/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A Christmas Story and Close Encounters of the Third Kind wouldn’t have been the same without Melinda Dillon. Dillon leaves behind an incredible legacy after dying on Jan. 9, 2023. So, how much money did the Oscar-nominated actor accrue in her lifetime? Here’s Melinda Dillon’s net worth at the time of her death.
Melinda Dillon died at 83 years old in February 2023 Kenneth Mars and Melinda Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Melinda Dillon leaves behind a hefty net worth thanks to her incredible legacy. According to CNN, the actor died on Jan. 9, 2023, with no cause of death listed. The public learned of her death by early February 2023, and she died at 83.
Dillon was most well-known for her role as the mother in A Christmas Story, the 1983 classic that’s now a holiday favorite. She also worked with Steven Spielberg as a lead in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and...
Melinda Dillon died at 83 years old in February 2023 Kenneth Mars and Melinda Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Melinda Dillon leaves behind a hefty net worth thanks to her incredible legacy. According to CNN, the actor died on Jan. 9, 2023, with no cause of death listed. The public learned of her death by early February 2023, and she died at 83.
Dillon was most well-known for her role as the mother in A Christmas Story, the 1983 classic that’s now a holiday favorite. She also worked with Steven Spielberg as a lead in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and...
- 2/6/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Charles Kimbrough, best known to TV fans as straitlaced anchorman Jim Dial on “Murphy Brown,” died on Jan. 11, his son, John Kimbrough, told The New York Times. He was 86.
A cause of death was not given.
The St. Paul, Minnesota, native actor began his career on stage as a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in the late 1960s, where he and his wife of 30 years, Mary Jane Wilson, appeared in productions of “Cat Among the Pigeons” and “The White House Murder Case.”
It was shortly thereafter, in 1971, that he appeared in the Stephen Sondheim musical, “Company,” a role for which he earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor. He was among the original Broadway cast to perform in another Sondheim hit, “Sunday in the Park With George” in 1984. A decade later, he starred in the original Off-Broadway production of the A.R. Gurney comedy “Sylvia” about a dog and the couple who adopts her.
A cause of death was not given.
The St. Paul, Minnesota, native actor began his career on stage as a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in the late 1960s, where he and his wife of 30 years, Mary Jane Wilson, appeared in productions of “Cat Among the Pigeons” and “The White House Murder Case.”
It was shortly thereafter, in 1971, that he appeared in the Stephen Sondheim musical, “Company,” a role for which he earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor. He was among the original Broadway cast to perform in another Sondheim hit, “Sunday in the Park With George” in 1984. A decade later, he starred in the original Off-Broadway production of the A.R. Gurney comedy “Sylvia” about a dog and the couple who adopts her.
- 2/5/2023
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Director Steven Spielberg has issued a statement on the passing of Melinda Dillion, who became a two-time Oscar nominee under this guidance in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
“Melinda was generous of spirit and lent such kindness to the character she played in Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” said Spielberg. “She was a wonderful actor, and as gifted in dramas – including her unforgettable turn in Absence of Malice – as she was in beloved comedies like A Christmas Story, Harry and the Hendersons, and Slapshot. We will all miss her.”
Dillon died at 83 on January 9 in Los Angeles. No cause or other details were given.
Dillon was best-known for playing the mother whose young son is abducted by the aliens in Spielberg’s 1977 epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She and Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) inexplicably are drawn to Devils Tower in Wyoming as they struggle to...
“Melinda was generous of spirit and lent such kindness to the character she played in Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” said Spielberg. “She was a wonderful actor, and as gifted in dramas – including her unforgettable turn in Absence of Malice – as she was in beloved comedies like A Christmas Story, Harry and the Hendersons, and Slapshot. We will all miss her.”
Dillon died at 83 on January 9 in Los Angeles. No cause or other details were given.
Dillon was best-known for playing the mother whose young son is abducted by the aliens in Spielberg’s 1977 epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She and Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) inexplicably are drawn to Devils Tower in Wyoming as they struggle to...
- 2/4/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Melinda DIllon, best known from her roles in Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and the holiday classic “A Christmas Story”, died last month at age 83.
According to an obituary issued by her family, Dillon died on Jan. 9.
Dillon got her start on stage, and made an auspicious debut on Broadway in the 1963 production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, for which she won a Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award.
Read More: Long-Awaited Sequel To ‘A Christmas Story’ Gets HBO Max Release Date
Onscreen, Dillon appeared in the Oscar-winning film “Bound for Glory”, Paul Newman’s cult-favourite hockey comedy “Slap Shot” and family film “Harry and the Hendersons”, in addition to memorable roles in “F.I.S.T.”, “The Prince of Tides” and “Magnolia”.
Dillon received her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 1978 for her performance in “Close Encounters” as Jillian Guiler, a single mother whose...
According to an obituary issued by her family, Dillon died on Jan. 9.
Dillon got her start on stage, and made an auspicious debut on Broadway in the 1963 production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, for which she won a Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award.
Read More: Long-Awaited Sequel To ‘A Christmas Story’ Gets HBO Max Release Date
Onscreen, Dillon appeared in the Oscar-winning film “Bound for Glory”, Paul Newman’s cult-favourite hockey comedy “Slap Shot” and family film “Harry and the Hendersons”, in addition to memorable roles in “F.I.S.T.”, “The Prince of Tides” and “Magnolia”.
Dillon received her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 1978 for her performance in “Close Encounters” as Jillian Guiler, a single mother whose...
- 2/4/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Melinda Dillon, the actor best known for roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story, has died at the age of 83.
The news was announced by her family, with no cause of death disclosed.
Born in Arkansas in 1939, and raised in Alabama, Dillon began her acting career on Broadway, with a role as Honey in the original 1963 production of Edward Albee’s playWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
In 1969, she had her first film role, in the Jack Lemmon-Catherine Deneuve romcom The April Fools.
Dillon was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1976 (in the Best Female Acting Debut category), for her role in the Woody Guthrie biopic Bound for Glory.
The year after, she played a mother whose child is abducted by aliens in Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Her performance in the film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The news was announced by her family, with no cause of death disclosed.
Born in Arkansas in 1939, and raised in Alabama, Dillon began her acting career on Broadway, with a role as Honey in the original 1963 production of Edward Albee’s playWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
In 1969, she had her first film role, in the Jack Lemmon-Catherine Deneuve romcom The April Fools.
Dillon was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1976 (in the Best Female Acting Debut category), for her role in the Woody Guthrie biopic Bound for Glory.
The year after, she played a mother whose child is abducted by aliens in Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Her performance in the film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- 2/4/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
Melinda Dillon of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "A Christmas Story" fame passed away early last month at the age of 83. Her family made the announcement that she passed on January 9, 2023.
Dillon had a wonderful and eclectic career on the stage and screen and worked with some of the best directors of her era, including Hal Ashby, Steven Spielberg, Bob Clark, George Roy Hill, Sydney Pollack, and more recently Paul Thomas Anderson and Mike Binder. She originated the role of Honey in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1963, a performance that would earn her a Tony nomination before she took a break from performing citing mental health reasons.
In a 1976 interview with The New York Times, Dillon candidly discussed the pressure of the constant schedule of New York theater and the birth of her son after a series of miscarriages that lead to her seeking treatment at a mental health facility,...
Dillon had a wonderful and eclectic career on the stage and screen and worked with some of the best directors of her era, including Hal Ashby, Steven Spielberg, Bob Clark, George Roy Hill, Sydney Pollack, and more recently Paul Thomas Anderson and Mike Binder. She originated the role of Honey in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1963, a performance that would earn her a Tony nomination before she took a break from performing citing mental health reasons.
In a 1976 interview with The New York Times, Dillon candidly discussed the pressure of the constant schedule of New York theater and the birth of her son after a series of miscarriages that lead to her seeking treatment at a mental health facility,...
- 2/4/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Oscar-nominated actress Melinda Dillon has died. The A Christmas Story actress — who played Mother Parker in the beloved holiday film — died on Jan. 9 according to an obituary shared by her family, Rolling Stone confirmed. She was 83. No details were provided about her cause of death.
Throughout her career, Dillon was nominated twice for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress: first in 1977 for her role as Jillian in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and in 1981 for her portrayal of Teresa in Absence of Malice.
Two years after Absence of Malice,...
Throughout her career, Dillon was nominated twice for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress: first in 1977 for her role as Jillian in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and in 1981 for her portrayal of Teresa in Absence of Malice.
Two years after Absence of Malice,...
- 2/4/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Sad news today as it’s been reported that Melinda Dillon, best known for her roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story, has died at the age of 83.
Melinda Dillon played Jillian Guiler in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a mother whose child is abducted by aliens. She was cast in the role just three days before filming began on the recommendation of Hal Ashby, who had directed her in Bound for Glory. Dillon’s performance would earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also played Ralphie’s mother in Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story, memorably telling him that he would shoot his eye out if he got a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. She received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sydney Pollack’s Absence of Malice.
Melinda Dillon played Jillian Guiler in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a mother whose child is abducted by aliens. She was cast in the role just three days before filming began on the recommendation of Hal Ashby, who had directed her in Bound for Glory. Dillon’s performance would earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also played Ralphie’s mother in Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story, memorably telling him that he would shoot his eye out if he got a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. She received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sydney Pollack’s Absence of Malice.
- 2/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Oscar and Tony-nominated actor Melinda Dillon, who played Mother Parker in “A Christmas Story,” and appeared in “Magnolia” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” died Jan. 9. She was 83.
Her death was reported by the Neptune Society.
Dillon is celebrated for her role as Jillian Guiler in Steven Speilberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), for which she earned an Oscar nomination for supporting actress. She received a second supporting actress nomination in 1982 for her role as Teresa in Sydney Pollack’s “Absence of Malice” (1981). In 1977, she received a Golden Globe nomination for acting debut in a motion picture for Hal Ashby’s “Bound for Glory” (1976).
In a statement, Spielberg praised Dillon, saying, “Melinda was generous of spirit and lent such kindness to the character she played in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’… We will all miss her.”
Dillon also played the matriarch of the Parker family in...
Her death was reported by the Neptune Society.
Dillon is celebrated for her role as Jillian Guiler in Steven Speilberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), for which she earned an Oscar nomination for supporting actress. She received a second supporting actress nomination in 1982 for her role as Teresa in Sydney Pollack’s “Absence of Malice” (1981). In 1977, she received a Golden Globe nomination for acting debut in a motion picture for Hal Ashby’s “Bound for Glory” (1976).
In a statement, Spielberg praised Dillon, saying, “Melinda was generous of spirit and lent such kindness to the character she played in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’… We will all miss her.”
Dillon also played the matriarch of the Parker family in...
- 2/3/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Melinda Dillon, the two-time Oscar nominee known for her roles in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “A Christmas Story,” died January 9 in Los Angeles, according to an announcement from her family. She was 83.
Dillon was born in 1939 in Hope, Arkansas. Her stepfather was an army veteran, and she grew up on military bases around the country and in Germany before graduating from the Hyde Park High School in Chicago. She studied acting at the Goodman School of Drama and began her career performing improv at The Second City.
In 1962, Dillon played Honey in the original Broadway production of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” The performance earned her a Tony nomination at 23 years old. Over the course of her career, she picked up two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her turns as a mother whose children are abducted by aliens in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind...
Dillon was born in 1939 in Hope, Arkansas. Her stepfather was an army veteran, and she grew up on military bases around the country and in Germany before graduating from the Hyde Park High School in Chicago. She studied acting at the Goodman School of Drama and began her career performing improv at The Second City.
In 1962, Dillon played Honey in the original Broadway production of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” The performance earned her a Tony nomination at 23 years old. Over the course of her career, she picked up two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her turns as a mother whose children are abducted by aliens in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind...
- 2/3/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Melinda Dillon who is known for her roles in films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story has died. She was 83 years old. The actress reportedly died on January 9, according to an obituary listing shared by her family. Born October 13, 1939, Dillon would have been 84 this fall. Dillon’s last onscreen appearances were in 2007 for the film Reign Over Me and the television series Heartland in which she featured for three episodes. A Christmas Story (Credit: © MGM / Courtesy: Everett Collection) The two-time Oscar-nominated actress rose to fame with her role in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind in which she played a mother whose son is abducted by aliens. The part earned her the first nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She earned a nomination again in 1982 for her part in the film Absence of Malice which also featured Sally Field and Paul Newman.
- 2/3/2023
- TV Insider
Melinda Dillon, who played Ralphie’s mom in the holiday classic A Christmas Story, died on Jan. 9 at the age of 83, the actress’ family and friends have announced. A cause of death was not released.
Dillon co-starred alongside Peter Billingsley as frazzled mom Mother Parker in A Christmas Story, which hit theaters in 1983 and went on to become a cable TV holiday staple. Dillon is also known for starring in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind as a mother whose child is abducted by aliens, a performance for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best...
Dillon co-starred alongside Peter Billingsley as frazzled mom Mother Parker in A Christmas Story, which hit theaters in 1983 and went on to become a cable TV holiday staple. Dillon is also known for starring in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind as a mother whose child is abducted by aliens, a performance for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best...
- 2/3/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Melinda Dillon, a two-time Oscar nominee for Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Absence of Malice who also played Ralphie’s mom in A Christmas Story, has died. She was 83. Her family said she died January 9 in Los Angeles but did not give other details.
Dillon and Richard Dreyfuss in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ 1977
Dillon probably is best known for playing a mother whose young son is abducted by the aliens in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She and Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) inexplicably are drawn to Devils Tower in Wyoming as they struggle to make sense of what has happened to them. She earned a Supporting Actress Oscar nom for the role.
She also played the mother of the young lead Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) in the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story, memorably warning the boy who wants a Bb rifle that, “You’ll shoot your eye out!
Dillon and Richard Dreyfuss in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ 1977
Dillon probably is best known for playing a mother whose young son is abducted by the aliens in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She and Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) inexplicably are drawn to Devils Tower in Wyoming as they struggle to make sense of what has happened to them. She earned a Supporting Actress Oscar nom for the role.
She also played the mother of the young lead Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) in the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story, memorably warning the boy who wants a Bb rifle that, “You’ll shoot your eye out!
- 2/3/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
We’ve learned the sad news today that two-time Oscar nominee Melinda Dillon, known for playing “Mother Parker” in Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story, has passed away at the age of 83.
The actress passed away on Monday, January 9, the family announced today.
Melinda Dillon was nominated for Academy Awards in 1978 and in 1982, first for Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, playing the role of Jillian Guiler, a mother whose child is abducted by aliens. Jillian ends up joining Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) on his adventure.
Later in 1982, Dillon was nominated in the same category – Best Actress in a Supporting Role – for her performance as Teresa in Sydney Pollack’s film Absence of Malice.
Melinda Dillon is also known for her decades-spanning roles in Bound for Glory, Slap Shot, Harry and the Hendersons, Captain America (1990), Magnolia, and Reign Over Me.
Dillon’s film credits also include The April Fools,...
The actress passed away on Monday, January 9, the family announced today.
Melinda Dillon was nominated for Academy Awards in 1978 and in 1982, first for Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, playing the role of Jillian Guiler, a mother whose child is abducted by aliens. Jillian ends up joining Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) on his adventure.
Later in 1982, Dillon was nominated in the same category – Best Actress in a Supporting Role – for her performance as Teresa in Sydney Pollack’s film Absence of Malice.
Melinda Dillon is also known for her decades-spanning roles in Bound for Glory, Slap Shot, Harry and the Hendersons, Captain America (1990), Magnolia, and Reign Over Me.
Dillon’s film credits also include The April Fools,...
- 2/3/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Melinda Dillon, the Oscar-nominated actor who sought the truth in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and battled a leg lamp in A Christmas Story, is dead at 83.
Dillon passed away January 9th, her family announced in an obituary. No cause of death was revealed.
Born October 13thth, 1939, Dillon burst onto Broadway in the original 1963 production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, earning a Tony nomination for her work as the naive Honey. Her breakthrough film performance came in Hal Ashby’s Bound for Glory (1976), for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe, and she followed that in 1977 with memorable turns in the Paul Newman hockey cult classic Slap Shot and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters, which brought her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards.
She’d pick up her second Oscar nod reuniting with Newman in Sydney Pollack’s 1981 noir Absence of Malice,...
Dillon passed away January 9th, her family announced in an obituary. No cause of death was revealed.
Born October 13thth, 1939, Dillon burst onto Broadway in the original 1963 production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, earning a Tony nomination for her work as the naive Honey. Her breakthrough film performance came in Hal Ashby’s Bound for Glory (1976), for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe, and she followed that in 1977 with memorable turns in the Paul Newman hockey cult classic Slap Shot and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters, which brought her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards.
She’d pick up her second Oscar nod reuniting with Newman in Sydney Pollack’s 1981 noir Absence of Malice,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Wren Graves
- Consequence - Film News
Melinda Dillon, who was nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and Sydney Pollack’s “Absence of Malice,” has died at age 83, her family said in a public obituary.
She died on Jan. 9, but the obituary gave no cause of death.
Dillon memorably played single mother Jillian Guiler, whose son Barry (Cary Guffey), is abducted by aliens in “Close Encounters.” Like Richard Dreyfuss’s lead character, she also becomes obsessed with Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and both their quests lead them there. After running the gauntlet of military obstacles, they are the only two civilians who witness the alien ship landing in the film’s emotional finale.
Also Read:
Lisa Loring, Original Wednesday on ‘The Addams Family,’ Dies at 64
She received her second nomination for playing a Catholic who commits suicide after a reporter (Sally Field) writes about...
She died on Jan. 9, but the obituary gave no cause of death.
Dillon memorably played single mother Jillian Guiler, whose son Barry (Cary Guffey), is abducted by aliens in “Close Encounters.” Like Richard Dreyfuss’s lead character, she also becomes obsessed with Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and both their quests lead them there. After running the gauntlet of military obstacles, they are the only two civilians who witness the alien ship landing in the film’s emotional finale.
Also Read:
Lisa Loring, Original Wednesday on ‘The Addams Family,’ Dies at 64
She received her second nomination for playing a Catholic who commits suicide after a reporter (Sally Field) writes about...
- 2/3/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Melinda Dillon, who received supporting Oscar nominations for her turns in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Absence of Malice and portrayed the doting mom in the holiday perennial A Christmas Story, died Jan. 9, her family announced. She was 83.
Right out of the gate, Dillon earned a Tony nomination and Theatre World award in 1963 for her debut performance on Broadway as the childlike wife Honey in the original production of Edward Albee‘s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Later, the Arkansas native played two characters opposite David Carradine — Woody Guthrie’s first wife, Mary, and a dark-haired folk singer named Memphis Sue — in the biopic Bound for Glory (1976), directed by Hal Ashby; was a lesbian hockey wife in George Roy Hill’s Slap Shot (1977); and portrayed John Lithgow’s wife in the family film Harry and the Hendersons (1987).
Her big-screen résumé also included Norman Jewison’s F.I.S.T. (1978), as...
Right out of the gate, Dillon earned a Tony nomination and Theatre World award in 1963 for her debut performance on Broadway as the childlike wife Honey in the original production of Edward Albee‘s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Later, the Arkansas native played two characters opposite David Carradine — Woody Guthrie’s first wife, Mary, and a dark-haired folk singer named Memphis Sue — in the biopic Bound for Glory (1976), directed by Hal Ashby; was a lesbian hockey wife in George Roy Hill’s Slap Shot (1977); and portrayed John Lithgow’s wife in the family film Harry and the Hendersons (1987).
Her big-screen résumé also included Norman Jewison’s F.I.S.T. (1978), as...
- 2/3/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Last week, we looked at Wtf Happened to the cast of A Christmas Story in a special yuletide edition of Wtf Happened to this Celebrity. This week, we’re digging back into Bob Clark’s 1983 classic, A Christmas Story, and looking into how the film itself got made in the first place. While many consider it one of the definitive holiday movies now, in 1983, it was a pretty modest film that came from a director best known for exploitation films, Bob Clark.
Indeed, the Canadian Bob Clark had already made one Christmas classic, 1974’s Black Christmas, which is widely regarded as the first classic-style slasher film, within having also made the most popular Canadian film of all time, 1981’s Porky’s. Yet, neither of those hard-r films would have you think Clark could make a gentle, PG-rated Christmas movie that would stand the test of time. Suffice it to say, he pulled it off,...
Indeed, the Canadian Bob Clark had already made one Christmas classic, 1974’s Black Christmas, which is widely regarded as the first classic-style slasher film, within having also made the most popular Canadian film of all time, 1981’s Porky’s. Yet, neither of those hard-r films would have you think Clark could make a gentle, PG-rated Christmas movie that would stand the test of time. Suffice it to say, he pulled it off,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
This article contains spoilers for Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans.
There are many filmmakers these days looking back at their youths via semi-autobiographical reveries: Alfonso Cuarón and Roma; Kenneth Branagh and Belfast; and Richard Linklater Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is to name just a few. Yet perhaps none have been so naked in their self-portraiture as Steven Spielberg’s recent effort, The Fabelmans.
All of the aforementioned films rename characters and incidents, but The Fabelmans is the only one about how its protagonist grew from an early age into an undeniable filmmaking wunderkind shrouded in an air of destiny; it is also the lone entry in the emerging subgenre to happily include famous anecdotes from the director’s halcyon youth that he’s recounted in countless interviews, such as a chance encounter with the legendary Hollywood director John Ford. Even the physical resemblances between Spielberg and The Fabelmans’ young hero,...
There are many filmmakers these days looking back at their youths via semi-autobiographical reveries: Alfonso Cuarón and Roma; Kenneth Branagh and Belfast; and Richard Linklater Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is to name just a few. Yet perhaps none have been so naked in their self-portraiture as Steven Spielberg’s recent effort, The Fabelmans.
All of the aforementioned films rename characters and incidents, but The Fabelmans is the only one about how its protagonist grew from an early age into an undeniable filmmaking wunderkind shrouded in an air of destiny; it is also the lone entry in the emerging subgenre to happily include famous anecdotes from the director’s halcyon youth that he’s recounted in countless interviews, such as a chance encounter with the legendary Hollywood director John Ford. Even the physical resemblances between Spielberg and The Fabelmans’ young hero,...
- 12/17/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Bob Clark’s 1983 holiday classic, A Christmas Story, is one of the most beloved family films of all time. While not a blockbuster upon its initial release, the film immediately became a cult classic thanks to cable, and close to forty years later, it is so well-regarded that it still airs 24 hours a day on Christmas Eve on TBS. But what happened to the cast of A Christmas Story? Recently, fans had the chance to see many of them in the sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, with some exceptions.
In this episode of Wtf Happened to this Celebrity, we take a look at what happened to the film’s talented cast. Notably, star Peter Billingsley, who was one of the most immediately recognizable kid actors of the eighties, and went on to significant success as a director and producer, being an executive producer on Iron Man and having directed Couples Retreat and more.
In this episode of Wtf Happened to this Celebrity, we take a look at what happened to the film’s talented cast. Notably, star Peter Billingsley, who was one of the most immediately recognizable kid actors of the eighties, and went on to significant success as a director and producer, being an executive producer on Iron Man and having directed Couples Retreat and more.
- 12/16/2022
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Click here to read the full article.
It’s hard to imagine now, but A Christmas Story wasn’t exactly a hit when it opened in theaters in 1983. It’s mainly due to the film’s constant rotation on cable television during the holiday season that it achieved its current status as a beloved Yuletide classic. So it makes perfect sense in the current streaming era that its long-belated, awkwardly titled sequel A Christmas Story Christmas should make its debut on HBO Max. (Yes, there was 1994’s My Summer Story and 2012’s direct-to-video sequel A Christmas Story 2. But this film ignores them, and so should you.)
Taking place in 1973, more than thirty years after the original, the film once again stars the now middle-aged Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, who’s all grown up and lives in Chicago with his wife Sandy (Erinn Hayes) and young kids Mark (River Drosche...
It’s hard to imagine now, but A Christmas Story wasn’t exactly a hit when it opened in theaters in 1983. It’s mainly due to the film’s constant rotation on cable television during the holiday season that it achieved its current status as a beloved Yuletide classic. So it makes perfect sense in the current streaming era that its long-belated, awkwardly titled sequel A Christmas Story Christmas should make its debut on HBO Max. (Yes, there was 1994’s My Summer Story and 2012’s direct-to-video sequel A Christmas Story 2. But this film ignores them, and so should you.)
Taking place in 1973, more than thirty years after the original, the film once again stars the now middle-aged Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, who’s all grown up and lives in Chicago with his wife Sandy (Erinn Hayes) and young kids Mark (River Drosche...
- 11/16/2022
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's been almost 40 years since the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" followed young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) as he pined for the ultimate Christmas gift back in the glory days of the 1940s: an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. The original 1983 holiday comedy has become a fierce favorite around the holidays, so much so that it's earned a now-traditional 24-hour marathon every single year, stretching from Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.
Now Peter Billingsley has returned for "A Christmas Story Christmas," which seeks to give fans a legacy-quel that follows an adult Ralphie as he attempts to give his own family a Christmas they'll never forget. Not only is Billingsley back as Ralphie in front of the camera, with his brilliant and occasionally mischievous blue eyes still shining bright behind rounded spectacles, but...
Now Peter Billingsley has returned for "A Christmas Story Christmas," which seeks to give fans a legacy-quel that follows an adult Ralphie as he attempts to give his own family a Christmas they'll never forget. Not only is Billingsley back as Ralphie in front of the camera, with his brilliant and occasionally mischievous blue eyes still shining bright behind rounded spectacles, but...
- 11/16/2022
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.