Oliver Tree obit

Singer-Songwriter Oliver Tree Dies At 32 In Rio De Janeiro Helicopter Crash

 He was not on the list.

Oliver Tree, the singer-songwriter and record producer who first burst onto the indie scene with Whethan’s viral alternative pop track “When I’m Down,” has died at the age of 32, among one of six who perished in a helicopter crash in Brazil.

Per CNN, Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro confirmed Tree was among the fatalities in an accident involving two helicopters in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in the Southwest zone of the seaside city. Five who died were in one helicopter, while only the pilot was in the other.

The musician was in Rio de Janeiro amid his The World’s First World Tour, which kicked off May 30 in Mexico City, having just performed a show in São Paulo June 6. Tree was next scheduled to play the first show of the tour’s European leg in Lisbon, Portugal July 1.

In 2017, Tree was signed to Atlantic Records following the breakout success of “When I’m Down,” subsequently releasing his debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful, in 2020. The dance-pop musician achieved international recognition with popular songs like “Life Goes On” (from the deluxe edition of his inaugural album) and “Miss You” (a bonus track off of his third studio album Alone in a Crowd). His fourth and final studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, was released April 24 via his independent label, Alien Boy Records.

According to preliminary reports from the fire department, the aircrafts collided mid-air before crashing into each other. Per CBC, the helicopters then crashed atop a car dealership with electric vehicles, with CNN reporting that approximately 20 vehicles were hit and caught fire.

In a statement, the Civil Police noted that an investigation is pending and a forensic examination of the scene has been requested.

Born in Santa Cruz, California, Tree signed to Atlantic Records in 2017 after his song "When I'm Down" went viral and released his debut studio album Ugly Is Beautiful on July 17, 2020, which included the RIAA gold and platinum-certified singles "Alien Boy", "Hurt", "Miracle Man" and "Let Me Down". He achieved international recognition with his songs "Life Goes On" in 2021 and "Miss You" in 2022.

Tree published his second studio album, Cowboy Tears on February 18, 2022, his third studio album, Alone in a Crowd, on September 29, 2023, and his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, on April 24, 2026.

David Greenslade obit

Dave Greenslade Passed Away

 

He was not on the list.

I live within the concept of time. We all live within it, within its restrictions. It’s an important thing: it’s the only thing we’ve all got while we’re still alive. So we have to make the most of it,” Dave Greenslade told this scribe last year, and now one of the most brilliant British keyboard players has left our mortal coil. He might be forever associated with COLOSSEUM and GREENSLADE, but there was much to the veteran’s oeuvre, even though Dave never let neither conceptual thinking nor creative successes get in the way of his personality, and Greenslade remained soft-spoken and good-humored to the very end.

Dave was the main driver behind such classics as "The Valentyne Suite" by the first of the aforementioned ensembles, one he helped form, and “Pilgrim’s Progress” by the second, one he led and lent his name to. Yet Greenslade’s cinematic vision also resulted in his composing music for screen, including the soundtrack to the “Curriculee Curricula” where Chris Farlowe and Sonja Kristina starred, and, on the “From The Discworld” books that Sir Terry Pratchett asked him to illustrate musically. Still, for all such achievements, Dave was a wonderful human being, fondly remembered by everyone who’s ever been in touch with him. Greenslade retired in 2021 and was replaced in COLOSSEUM by Nick Steed, but continued to record and has been working on a second album in collaboration with Dave Thomas of BLONDE ON BLONDE – a project which, apparently, didn’t come to fruition. Now, Dave Greenslade followed Dick Heckstall-Smith and Jon Hiseman to the great gig in the sky. Farewell, my friend.

Anne Schedeen obit

Anne Schedeen, Actress Who Played the Mom on ‘ALF,’ Dies at 77

"She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humor, delight in her family, adoration for little dogs, burning hatred for Trump, passion for second-hand thrifting, and love for a good story," read a social media post announcing her passing.

 She was not on the list.

Actress Anne Schedeen, best known for playing matriarch Kate Tanner on the late-’80s sitcom ALF, has died. She was 77.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully,” reads a post on her official Facebook page. “She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humor, delight in her family, adoration for little dogs, burning hatred for Trump, passion for second-hand thrifting, and love for a good story. We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her.”

“She was a force. And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it,” the Facebook post continued. “But as she said, ‘I’m always with you.’ And she’s right. The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honor.”

Her agent, Metropolitan Talent Agency CEO and president Tom Markley, also confirmed the news. “Anne was a true artist and friend. One of a kind. I’ll miss her,” he said.

A cause of death was not revealed.

Schedeen was born Luanne Ruth Schedeen on Jan. 8, 1949, and grew up on a farm outside of Portland, Ore. She once told The Washington Post that she started acting at age 6 “with teapots and flowers” and later took acting lessons at the Portland Civic Theater. She did local theater in Hawaii and studied at Portland State University and Fort Wright College in Spokane, Wash., before relocating to New York and taking a stab at acting professionally.

“It was a long wait. I sold clothes, modeled clothes, was a shoe model,” she said. “I played in summer stock and did a commercial. Then I got signed by a big agent. Within a month I had a contract with Universal. I thought I’d come out here, take fencing lessons, drive a small Thunderbird and sit by the swimming pool. Instead, I was the daughter on Marcus Welby, M.D.”

She landed roles in shows including Paper Dolls, Emergency! and Simon & Simon before ALF. Schedeen played Kate Tanner on the sitcom about a wisecracking alien who lands in the garage of a family who lives in suburban California and moves in with them. The series ran from September 1986 to March 1990 on NBC and spawned several spinoffs, including an animated show.

“When ALF came along it was another pilot season,” she says. “I kept reading scripts. I almost got involved with one, then withdrew at the last minute. Then I read ALF. I said, ‘This is funny. It makes me laugh.’ I met the people involved, I met ALF, and became more convinced I wanted to do it. That little alien made me laugh.”

However, Schedeen later revealed to People Magazine that working on the show was a “technical nightmare — extremely slow, hot and tedious. If you had a scene with ALF, it took centuries. A 30-minute show took 20 to 25 hours to shoot. Some of the actors in the cast had difficult personalities. The whole thing was a big, dysfunctional family.”

She is survived by her husband of 55 years Christopher Barrett, daughter Tay Barrett, daughter-in-law Hilary Flynn, sister Sarabeth Schedeen, niece Minnie Schedeen brother Roland “Tony” Schedeen and sister in-law Julieann Schedeen. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity.

Actress

ALF on ALF (2023)

ALF on ALF

7.7

TV Series

2023

 

Tiny Nuts (2014)

Tiny Nuts

6.1

TV Series

Anne

2014

1 episode

 

Paul Fusco and Mihaly 'Michu' Meszaros in ALF (1986)

ALF

7.4

TV Series

Kate Tanner

1986–2004

101 episodes

 

Judging Amy (1999)

Judging Amy

7.1

TV Series

Det. Peggy Fraser

2001

3 episodes

 

Teri Hatcher, Alec Baldwin, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Kelly Lynch in Heaven's Prisoners (1996)

Heaven's Prisoners

5.8

Jungle Room Patron

1996

 

Praying Mantis (1993)

Praying Mantis

5.2

TV Movie

Karen

1993

 

Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster (1991)

Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster

7.0

TV Movie

Paula Barrett

1991

 

Jill Eikenberry in Cast the First Stone (1989)

Cast the First Stone

5.5

TV Movie

Elaine Stanton

1989

 

Johnny Depp, Beverly D'Angelo, Eric Roberts, and Emily Longstreth in Slow Burn (1986)

Slow Burn

5.0

TV Movie

Mona

1986

 

Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote (1984)

Murder, She Wrote

7.3

TV Series

Julia Granger

1986

1 episode

 

Tom Berenger, Liam Neeson, David Keith, and Madolyn Smith Osborne in If Tomorrow Comes (1986)

If Tomorrow Comes

7.7

TV Mini Series

Charlotte

1986

1 episode

 

Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I. (1980)

Magnum, P.I.

7.5

TV Series

Audrey Gilbert

1986

1 episode

 

Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker in Simon & Simon (1981)

Simon & Simon

7.1

TV Series

Claire StaffordBailey Randall

1982–1985

2 episodes

 

Carl Weathers and Joseph Bottoms in Braker (1985)

Braker

4.7

TV Movie

Lieutenant Polly Peters

1985

 

Paper Dolls (1984)

Paper Dolls

6.9

TV Series

Sara Frank

1984

13 episodes

 

Elliott Gould, Mary McDonnell, Corinne Bohrer, Conchata Ferrell, Shuko Akune, Lynne Moody, and Bruce A. Young in E/R (1984)

E/R

7.2

TV Series

Karen Sheridan

1984

1 episode

 

Ted Danson, Shelley Long, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt, Nicholas Colasanto, and Rhea Perlman in Cheers (1982)

Cheers

8.0

TV Series

Emily Phillips

1984

1 episode

 

Second Thoughts (1983)

Second Thoughts

5.2

Janis

1983

 

Little Darlings

TV Movie

Camp Counsellor

1982

 

John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt in Three's Company (1976)

Three's Company

7.6

TV Series

LindaLouise PrescottLisa Page

1978–1982

5 episodes

 

Semi-Tough (1980)

Semi-Tough

5.9

TV Series

Amanda

1980

1 episode

 

Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby in The Incredible Hulk (1977)

The Incredible Hulk

7.0

TV Series

Kimberly Dowd

1979

1 episode

 

Never Say Never

8.3

TV Movie

Dr. Sarah Keaton

1979

 

Charlie Aiken, Jarrod Johnson, and Jill Whelan in Friends (1979)

Friends

7.0

TV Series

Alice PriceMiss Price

1979

2 episodes

 

Champions: A Love Story (1979)

Champions: A Love Story

7.4

TV Movie

Diane Kachatorian

1979

 

Almost Heaven

5.1

TV Movie

Janie

1978

 

Project U.F.O. (1978)

Project U.F.O.

7.1

TV Series

Helen McNair

1978

1 episode

 

Robert Blake in Baretta (1975)

Baretta

6.7

TV Series

Linda

1978

1 episode

 

Eddie Albert and Robert Wagner in Switch (1975)

Switch

7.1

TV Series

LisaKeelie Blair

1975–1978

2 episodes

 

Exo-Man (1977)

Exo-Man

5.2

TV Movie

Emily Frost

1977

 

Meredith Baxter, Kristy McNichol, James Broderick, Gary Frank, Sada Thompson, Michael Schackelford, and David Schackelford in Family (1976)

Family

7.7

TV Series

Susie

1977

2 episodes

 

Raymond Burr in Kingston: Confidential (1976)

Kingston: Confidential

6.0

TV Series

Melanie Woods

1977

1 episode

 

Flight to Holocaust (1977)

Flight to Holocaust

5.8

TV Movie

Linda Michaels

1977

 

Art Carney in Lanigan's Rabbi (1976)

Lanigan's Rabbi

6.1

TV Series

Barbara James

1977

1 episode

 

Emergency! (1972)

Emergency!

7.9

TV Series

MargoNurseNurse Carol Waldo ...

1974–1976

6 episodes

 

Embryo (1976)

Embryo

5.1

Helen Holliston

1976

 

The Bionic Woman (1976)

The Bionic Woman

6.7

TV Series

Milly Wilson

1976

1 episode

 

Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969)

Marcus Welby, M.D.

7.0

TV Series

Sandy PorterMrs. Elizabeth CarstairsMariette

1974–1976

12 episodes

 

Alex Rocco in Three for the Road (1975)

Three for the Road

7.4

TV Series

1975

1 episode

 

Dennis Weaver in McCloud (1970)

McCloud

7.0

TV Series

Tina

1975

1 episode

 

You Lie So Deep, My Love (1975)

You Lie So Deep, My Love

6.6

TV Movie

Ellen

1975

 

David Hartman in Lucas Tanner (1974)

Lucas Tanner

6.9

TV Series

Flight Attendant Carolyn

1974

1 episode

 

Raymond Burr and Barbara Sigel in Ironside (1967)

Ironside

6.9

TV Series

Vicki

1974

1 episode

 

Sally Struthers and James Franciscus in Aloha Means Goodbye (1974)

Aloha Means Goodbye

6.4

TV Movie

Stewardess

1974

 

Teresa Graves in Get Christie Love! (1974)

Get Christie Love!

6.5

TV Series

Gloria

1974

1 episode

 

Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973)

The Six Million Dollar Man

7.1

TV Series

Tina Larson

1974

1 episode

 

Self

Family Comedy Hour

6.3

TV Special

Self

1987

 

Archive Footage

History of the Sitcom (2021)

History of the Sitcom

7.2

TV Series

Self - Kate Tanner (archive footage)

2021

1 episode

 

Fan des années 80 (2009)

Fan des années 80

TV Series

Kate Tanner (archive footage)

2010

1 episode

 

Paul Fusco and Mihaly 'Michu' Meszaros in ALF (1986)

ALF

7.4

TV Series

Kate Tanner (archive footage)

1988

2 episodes

 

Dee Palmer obit

Dee Palmer 1937-2026

 

She was not on the list.

We learned today of the sad passing of former JethroTull member Dee Palmer who died at home in Shropshire supported by some family members at the bedside.

Dee had not been well during the last couple of years but, last time we spoke earlier in the year, was still planning to record with an orchestra the music score of the ballet The Water’s Edge which Dee (David, back then) Martin Barre and I had written for performances by the Scottish Ballet in 1979. I had agreed to play flute on the new recording and assumed it was delayed but still on the cards.

As David Palmer, Dee had first had written brass section parts and conducted them on the track Move On Alone written by Mick Abrahams for our first Album This Was back in 1968. A few months later, I asked him to come up with the lovely string quartet arrangement for “A Christmas Song” which was released on the B-side of our our single Love Story in November 1968.

Following on during the next years, David was to continue in the arranger and conductor role notably on the Aqualung, WarChild, Minstrel In The Gallery and Too Old To Rock And Roll…. albums, eventually joining Tull as second keyboard player covering all the string parts on electronic keyboards from 1976 until 1980.

His other solo work mainly involved orchestral versions of various classic rock albums originally by such bands as Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and Queen as well as the Tull album A Classic Case with the London Symphony Orchestra on which some members of Tull contributed instrumental additions.

David transitioned to Dee following psychological and medical consultations with surgery in 2004 following the death of his wife Maggie. He is survived by their four children.

In 2018 Dee released the album Through Darkened Glass which includes the reworking of several lines and song arrangement ideas I recall from our many sessions together working on new ideas in the 70s. In more recent years, Dee toured with The Martin Barre Band in the USA and Latin America.

My own favourite personal memories are mostly of the pipe-smoking, deep-voiced and creative co-conspirator with whom I enjoyed many a hot curry and a good blether under billowing clouds of St Bruno flake.

RIP Dave/Dee – no smoking in heaven apparently…

- Ian Anderson June 13th 2026

Going about her early career as a jobbing arranger and conductor of recording sessions, Palmer recorded her first album project, Nicola, in 1967 with Bert Jansch. She was then referred to Terry Ellis, then manager of the early Jethro Tull, who were recording their first album at Sound Techniques Studio in Chelsea, London. At short notice, Palmer came up with arrangements for the horns and strings on the Mick Abrahams composition, "Move on Alone" from the This Was album. This work and professional performance endeared her to the band and she was soon to visit them again, with a string quartet arrangement to "A Christmas Song". Palmer arranged string, brass, and woodwind parts for Jethro Tull songs in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and was an arranger for the 1969 Stand Up album, before formally joining the group in 1976 and primarily playing electronic keyboard instruments.

In 1980, leader Ian Anderson intended to release the album A with other musicians as a solo project, but was persuaded by his record label to release it instead under the Jethro Tull name. This resulted in every member of the group, including Palmer, leaving except guitarist Martin Barre and Anderson himself. Palmer formed a new group, Tallis, with former Jethro Tull pianist and organist John Evan. The new group was not commercially successful, and Palmer returned to film scoring and sessions.

Aldon Smith obit

Aldon Smith, ex-49ers star and single-season sacks record-holder, dies at age 36

Former San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36.

 

He was not on the list.

Aldon Smith, a former 49ers pass rusher and the franchise record-holder for sacks in a single season, died at the age of 36 on Saturday.

The 49ers announced the news in a statement, but no cause of death was provided.

"We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith," the statement reads. "Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen. Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon."

Smith became a star early in his NFL career, reaching 30 career quarterback sacks faster than any player in league history.

In 2012, his second NFL season, he registered 19.5 sacks with the 49ers -- a franchise record that still stands -- and was named the winner of the Bill Walsh Award for best representing the standard of excellence the legendary coach established with the franchise while winning three Super Bowls in the 1980s.

A No. 7 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft by the 49ers, Smith appeared in 50 games (30 starts) and registered 152 tackles, 44.0 sacks, five passes defensed, five forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery during his four seasons in San Francisco. Smith also appeared in eight postseason contests (six starts) and totaled 20 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The 49ers released Smith in the summer of 2015 following his third DUI arrest since he entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in 2011. He served a nine-game suspension the previous year for violations of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. In 2013, he took a five-game leave of absence to enter into treatment.

More problems followed Smith after his 49ers tenure ended; he played the 2015 NFL season with the then-Oakland Raiders, then was away from the game for four full seasons. The NFL reinstated him in 2020, and he played for the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith served a six-month jail sentence in 2023 in San Mateo County Jail after pleading no contest for a 2021 DUI crash.

The Las Vegas Raiders also shared a statement Saturday mourning Smith's passing.

During a 2024 interview on "49ers Talk," Smith told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco that his off-field struggles helped him realize "the relationship we have with ourselves is the most important thing," and expressed excitement about sharing the progress he had made through rehab and therapy.

That year, he went on to serve as a mentor for rookies with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders.

He played college football for the Missouri Tigers and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Smith was a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection as an outside linebacker with the 49ers in 2012. He also played at defensive end for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

According to ESPN, the former NFL defensive lineman "died Saturday (June 13, 2026) in the Bay Area. He was 36." Smith's friend tried to revive him after finding the former NFL star slumped over inside a truck, The San Francisco Chronicle reported.The Chronicle reported that Smith spent his last hours helping deliver pizzas to a homeless charity

Appearing on Keyshawn Johnson's "All Facts, No Breaks" podcast in June 2024, Smith told Johnson he was hoping his journey could be a cautionary tale for young players trying to make their way.

"I'm grateful for my journey so far because of where I am now," Smith told Johnson. "Just my plan, how I want to interact with the world I'm in and the people I get to meet, I don't think it would have been possible if I didn't have the journey I've had so far."

 

Career information

High school     Raytown (Raytown, Missouri)

College            Missouri (2008–2010)

NFL draft        2011: 1st round, 7th overall pick

Career history

San Francisco 49ers (2011–2014)

Oakland Raiders (2015–2017)

Dallas Cowboys (2020)

Seattle Seahawks (2021)*

* Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Awards and highlights

First-team All-Pro (2012)

Pro Bowl (2012)

PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)

First-team All-Big 12 (2010)

Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2009)

Career NFL statistics

Total tackles    228

Sacks   52.5

Interceptions    1

Forced fumbles            6

Fumble recoveries       3

Pass deflections           10

Defensive touchdowns            1

Görel Hanser obit

ABBA in mourning - Görel Hanser dead

 He was not on the list.

ABBA's longtime collaborator Görel Hanser has died at the age of 78. She was the Swedish supergroup's right-hand woman for decades.

The four members of ABBA announced the passing of Görel Hanser on social media.

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Görel Hanser. We have lost our most beloved friend and closest colleague. It is a huge loss," the members of ABBA wrote in a post on Instagram.

Görel Hanser began working as an assistant to Stikkan Anderson, who was ABBA's manager at the start of the group's success, in the 1960s. The members of ABBA parted ways with Stikkan Anderson in the 1980s, and Görel Hanser later became the group's manager and close collaborator, an important cog in the large empire the members built around various projects.

Görel Hanser was married to photographer Anders Hanser, who took many of the classic photos of ABBA in the 1970s.

Peter Heppelthwaite obit

Only Fools and Horses star dies suddenly as tributes flood in

The actor starred in EastEnders and an Only Fools and Horses spin-off

 

He was not on the list.

Peter Heppelthwaite has sadly died, with tributes pouring in for the actor who played the role of Jed in the Only Fools and Horses spin-off The Green Green Grass. The London-born actor was 59 years old and died suddenly on Saturday, June 13. His agency, Apollo Artist Management, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement, which read: "We are heartbroken to share the sad news that our wonderful client and friend, Peter Heppelthwaite, passed away yesterday.

“Peter was a hugely gifted actor, director, teacher and mentor, with a warmth and generosity that reached far beyond the work itself. He brought humour, heart and complete commitment to everything he did, and he had that rare ability to make people feel seen, supported and better for having known him.

“His career took him across television, theatre and film, but his impact was much bigger than a list of credits.

“Peter gave so much to other performers, especially young actors finding their confidence and their voice. He cared deeply, worked tirelessly, and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to cross his path.

“We feel incredibly proud to have represented him. Our thoughts and love are with Peter’s family, friends, students, colleagues and all who loved him. Rest peacefully, Pete. You will be very deeply missed.”

Georgia Hewer-Heppelthwaite, the star's daughter paid a touching tribute to her beloved dad on social media which read: “After the most incredible fight, our epic dad, Peter Heppelthwaite, passed away peacefully yesterday holding our hands. Everyone who knows dad will know that this is a man who never gave up, loved deeply, and was just unafraid of doing absolutely everything to the fullest.

“His life was shortened but immensely full of love, passion and determination that we will carry with us always. We’re still in shock so please understand if we feel too overwhelmed to respond to anything right now but please don’t feel sorry for our loss."

The sad news was also shared by the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society earlier today, which posted on Facebook: “It comes with great shock and sadness that we have to report the death of actor Peter Heppelthwaite, Jed from the Only Fools spin-off ‘The Green Green Grass’. Our heartfelt condolences and warm wishes go out to his family and close friends.”

 

Actor

John Challis and Sue Holderness in The Green Green Grass (2005)

The Green Green Grass

6.6

TV Series

Jed

2005–2009

30 episodes

 

My Family (2000)

My Family

7.5

TV Series

NevBar Manager

2002–2004

2 episodes

 

Ryan Cartwright, Martin Freeman, Ken Morley, Peter Serafinowicz, and Susan Earl in Hardware (2003)

Hardware

6.9

TV Series

Builder DaveBuilder

2003–2004

4 episodes

 

Hotel Getaway

8.8

TV Series

Barman Celebrity Chef

2000–2003

8 episodes

 

Swiss Toni (2003)

Swiss Toni

6.7

TV Series

2003

1 episode

 

Serious and Organised (2003)

Serious and Organised

5.7

TV Series

Richie Eldridge

2003

1 episode

 

Ricky Gervais in The Office (2001)

The Office

8.5

TV Series

2002

1 episode

 

Bill Bailey, Tamsin Greig, and Dylan Moran in Black Books (2000)

Black Books

8.4

TV Series

Book Return Man

2002

1 episode

 

Sarah Alexander, Gina Bellman, Richard Coyle, Jack Davenport, Kate Isitt, and Ben Miles in Coupling (2000)

Coupling

8.5

TV Series

Walter

2001

1 episode

 

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000)

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)

6.6

TV Series

Jim the Foreman

2001

1 episode

 

The Bill (1984)

The Bill

6.7

TV Series

Nick DeanPaul ChinneryRoger Spinks ...

1994–2001

4 episodes

 

Sex 'n' Death (1999)

Sex 'n' Death

6.6

TV Movie

Mac

1999

 

EastEnders (1985)

EastEnders

4.8

TV Series

Linal

1996

2 episodes

 

London's Burning (1988)

London's Burning

7.1

TV Series

Furniture Dealer

1994

1 episode

 

Georgina Cates, Julia Hills, Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, and John Pickard in 2point4 Children (1991)

2point4 Children

7.0

TV Series

Chas1st Builder

1991–1993

2 episodes

 

Screen One (1985)

Screen One

6.9

TV Series

Photographer

1992

1 episode

 

In Sickness and in Health (1985)

In Sickness and in Health

7.0

TV Series

Workman

1992

1 episode

 

Annette Crosbie and Richard Wilson in One Foot in the Grave (1990)

One Foot in the Grave

7.9

TV Series

Workman

1992

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

John Challis and Sue Holderness in The Green Green Grass (2005)

The Green Green Grass

6.6

TV Series

Jed (archive footage, uncredited)

2009

1 episode

Roger Cook obit

 

Roger Cook Dies: Legendary Investigative Journalist From ‘The Cook Report’ Was 83

He was not on the list.

Roger Cook, the British broadcast journalist credited with creating the ‘doorstep’ interview technique, has died after a short illness. He was 83.

The death of the trailblazing investigative reporter was confirmed by his family. “Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father,” the statement read. “He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss.”

Cook was known for his ITV show, The Cook Report, which ran on ITV between 1987 and 1999. Cook was given a BAFTA special award for “25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting,” primarily due to its influence.

The show, which attracted peak audiences of 12 million, saw Cook, a fearless reporter with an unflappable on-screen style, led the program, reporting on cases of injustice, corruption, criminality, corporate incompetence and government policy failure. His hunt for justice would often put him in peril, and he was attacked more than once, while police also noted a hitman was once hired on him.

His doorstep interview ambush was particularly dramatic. It would see Cook and his TV crew would arrive at the home or workplace of an intended interview subject without prior warning and fire questions at them, usually as they attempted to get away. The technique is now an essential part of investigative reporters’ arsenals, but first use is usually attributed to Cook, originally in his radio show Checkpoint.

Cook admitted to hating the doorstep, but felt it was essential to expose wrongdoing.

“In a career spanning an incredible five decades, Roger Cook’s groundbreaking approach to investigative journalism made him one of broadcasting’s most trusted and respected figures,” ITV wrote in a statement.

“On his eponymous current affairs programme, The Cook Report, Roger worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law. His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time.”

Cook was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, he emigrated to the UK in the late 1960s, and went on to work for BBC Radio programs The World At One, PM, Checkpoint and The World This Weekend before fronting to sixteen seasons of The Cook Report on ITV.

David Gamble obit

David Gamble obituary

 

He was not on the list.

My husband, David Gamble, who has died aged 70, was an award-winning film editor who worked in documentaries, TV dramas and feature films.

As the editor on the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes, David won a Bafta, and was nominated for an Academy Award (the film, directed by John Madden, won the Oscar for best film).

More films followed, including Veronica Guerin (2003), starring Cate Blanchett, and Shopgirl (2005), featuring Steve Martin and Claire Danes.

David was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, to Ida (nee Haire), a housewife, and William Gamble, a clerk. He attended the Model primary school, then Foyle college, before studying ecology at Edinburgh University. It was while living in Edinburgh that his love of film grew, through the annual film festival. On graduation in 1977 he worked in various jobs including as a park ranger in the Hermitage of Braid, Edinburgh, and as a wildlife conservation researcher in Loch Leven, where he studied the mating patterns of brown trout.

But his heart lay in the visual arts, and in 1983, on hearing from a friend that there were jobs going in London selling tickets at the Royal Academy, he made his way there. He then got a job as assistant projectionist at the London Film School, before working as a freelance assistant editor from 1984 to 1989, then freelance editor thereafter.

One of his first editing credits was on the 1989 TV series Streetwise, starring Andy Serkis. In the 1990s David co-edited the miniseries Tales of the City starring Laura Linney, and edited dramas including the TV movies Loved Up, Black Easter (both 1995) and Truth or Dare (1996), as well as the pilot episode of Cold Feet in 1997. Moving into feature films he edited Different for Girls (1996) and My Son the Fanatic (1997), written by Hanif Kureishi, before going on to Shakespeare in Love.

The essence of great film editing is storytelling, and David was a wonderful storyteller. His wit and musicality informed his editing and the passions of his life were film and music – in the late 2000s he sometimes DJed at his friends Steve and Ali’s live music club What’s Cookin‘ in east London. In 2006 David moved from editing to teaching, inspiring students at various film schools including the National Film School and London Film Academy, and universities such as Edinburgh, Kent, Goldsmiths, University of London and Southampton Solent, which made him an honorary fellow in 2015. He continued teaching until last year.

David was the kindest of men. His wit and humour, and his distinctive laugh, were all commented upon by colleagues, friends and neighbours. His love for art, music and literature made him an erudite companion.

David and I met in 1983, at a gig by the electro-funk band Prince Charles and the City Beat. We were together from then, marrying in 1997.

I survive him, as do his sisters, Jenny and Heather.

 

Editor

Claire Danes, Steve Martin, and Jason Schwartzman in Shopgirl (2005)

Shopgirl

6.3

Editor

2005

 

Snuff-Movie (2005)

Snuff-Movie

3.8

Editor

2005

 

Cate Blanchett in Veronica Guerin (2003)

Veronica Guerin

6.8

Editor

2003

 

Timothy Spall, Lennie James, James Nesbitt, and Bill Nighy in Lucky Break (2001)

Lucky Break

6.2

Editor

2001

 

Andrew McCarthy in The Sight (2000)

The Sight

5.8

TV Movie

Editor

2000

 

Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes in Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Shakespeare in Love

7.1

Editor

1998

 

My Son the Fanatic (1997)

My Son the Fanatic

6.8

Editor

1997

 

Robert Bathurst, James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Fay Ripley, and John Thomson in Cold Feet (1997)

Cold Feet

8.2

TV Series

Editor

1997

1 episode

 

Screen One (1985)

Screen One

6.9

TV Series

Editor

1996

1 episode

 

Rupert Graves and Steven Mackintosh in Different for Girls (1996)

Different for Girls

7.0

Editor

1996

 

Ian Hart and Lena Headey in Loved Up (1995)

Loved Up

6.8

TV Movie

Editor

1995

 

Screen Two (1984)

Screen Two

6.6

TV Series

Editor

1995

1 episode

 

Queen of the East (1995)

Queen of the East

7.3

TV Movie

Editor

1995

 

Tales of the City (1993)

Tales of the City

8.3

TV Mini Series

Editor

1993

6 episodes

 

The Secret (1991)

The Secret

TV Series

Editor

1991

 

Frankie Howerd in All Change (1989)

All Change

6.6

TV Series

Editor

1989–1991

6 episodes

 

Streetwise (1989)

Streetwise

7.4

TV Series

Editor

1989

12 episodes

 

Editorial Department

Borrowed Time (2012)

Borrowed Time

5.9

editorial consultant

2012

 

One World: The Years that Rocked the Planet

off-line editor

1992

 

Bill Paterson in Traffik (1989)

Traffik

8.4

TV Mini Series

assistant editor: Britain

1989

 

Rowan Atkinson, Jeff Goldblum, Emma Thompson, Kim Thomson, and Emil Wolk in The Tall Guy (1989)

The Tall Guy

6.2

assistant editor

1989

 

Elliott Spiers in Paperhouse (1988)

Paperhouse

6.6

second assistant editor

1988

 

Paul Weller, The Style Council, Mick Talbot, and Dee C. Lee in The Style Council: Jerusalem (1987)

The Style Council: Jerusalem

6.8

Music Video

assistant editor

1987

 

Geoffrey Palmer in Fairly Secret Army (1984)

Fairly Secret Army

7.2

TV Series

assistant editor

1984

1 episode

 

Sound Department

Driving Me Crazy (1988)

Driving Me Crazy

6.6

sound editor

1988

 

Geoffrey Palmer in Fairly Secret Army (1984)

Fairly Secret Army

7.2

TV Series

assistant sound editor

1986

1 episode

 

Thanks

Patricia Clarkson in Out of Blue (2018)

Out of Blue

4.8

thanks

2018

 

Doremi (2011)

Doremi

Short

special thanks

2011

 

Lorraine Ashbourne, Angela Walsh, and Dean Williams in Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988)

Distant Voices, Still Lives

7.4

with special thanks to

1988

Gene Shalit obit

Gene Shalit Dies: Longtime ‘Today’ Show Movie Critic Was 100

 

He was not on the list.

Gene Shalit, the longtime film critic for Today, known for his quirky puns and signature walrus mustache, has died. He was 100.

His family tells NBC News in a statement that Shalit passed away peacefully on Friday “after 100 years of an amazing life.”

Shalit began his long career at The Today Show in 1970, where he began part-time and became a contributor three years later.

Known for his frequent use of puns and his comical “absent-minded professor” appearance, which included a handlebar mustache, fuzzy hair, large glasses and colorful bow ties, Shalit became one of the most recognizable faces on television.

During his four-decade tenure at Today as film and book critic, Shalit reviewed thousands of films, many of which were generally positive assessments, which frequently drew criticism from his peers for his lack of rigor, evidenced in parodies by rival film critics such as Siskel & Ebert.

His review of the 1980 horror film The Shining is considered by many to be his most notable. Veering away from the consensus, he panned the film shortly after its release, criticizing it for lacking the depth and scariness expected from a major Stephen King adaptation and failing to live up to its hype.

Shalit announced that he would leave The Today Show after 40 years, effective Nov. 11, 2010. He was quoted at the time as saying “it’s enough already” about his retirement.

Born March 25, 1926 in New York City to parents of Jewish descent, Shalit and his mother briefly moved later that year to Newark, New Jersey, before the family permanently relocated to Morristown, New Jersey, in 1932.

He discovered his passion for writing while attending Morristown High School, where he penned a humor column for the student newspaper, a style which eventually morphed into his pun-heavy, comedic styling that would define his career in later years.

Prior to his long stint on Today, Shalit began writing for print publications in the 1960s, such as Look magazine, a 12-year stint at Ladies’ Home Journal, as well as Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, Seventeen, Glamour, McCall’s and The New York Times.

Over the years, Shalit became synonymous with pop culture. He guest-starred as the voice, and was portrayed in the form of a fish food critic named ‘Gene Scallop’ in the SpongeBob SquarePants episode ‘The Krusty Sponge’. He also was parodied in several episodes of Family Guy, including ‘Family Guy Viewer Mail #1’, ‘Brian Sings and Swings’, ‘The Book of Joe’  and ‘Big Man on Hippocampus’, although he was not a voice actor for the series.

Shalit also voiced a character inspired by himself in three episodes of the animated series The Critic. Additionally, he was portrayed several times on Second City Television by cast member Eugene Levy.

Shalit turned 100 on March 25, 2026, a milestone that was commemorated on Today in a special segment, in which Al Roker sent birthday wishes using a personalized Smucker’s jar, a reference to Shalit’s association with the brand through earlier promotions. Shalit was surrounded by his family for the occasion and said he looked forward to watching his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets.

 

Actor

Clancy Brown, Lori Alan, Rodger Bumpass, Mary Jo Catlett, Bill Fagerbakke, Tom Kenny, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, and Jill Talley in SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)

SpongeBob SquarePants

8.2

TV Series

Gene Scallop (voice)

2007

1 episode

 

Jon Lovitz in The Critic (1994)

The Critic

7.8

TV Series

Gene Shalit (voice)

1994–1995

3 episodes

 

Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie (1982)

Tootsie

7.4

Gene Shalit (uncredited)

1982

 

Alan Cumming in Masterpiece Mystery (1980)

Masterpiece Mystery

8.9

TV Series

Host (1980-1981)

1980

 

Leslie Caron in Gigi (1958)

Gigi

6.6

Narrator (uncredited)

1958

 

Writer

Joshua Bell, Hugh Downs, Renée Fleming, Alan Gilbert, Lorin Maazel, Natalia Makarova, Audra McDonald, Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman, Louis Perry, Beverly Sills, Martin Bookspan, and Fred Child in Live from Lincoln Center (1976)

Live from Lincoln Center

8.6

TV Series

Writer

1985

1 episode

 

Self

Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie in Today (1952)

Today

4.6

TV Series

Self - Film CriticSelf - PanelistSelf - Arts Editor and Critic ...

1970–2015

86 episodes

 

Paul Newman at Fox

7.0

Video

Self

2011

 

Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants (2009)

Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants

7.5

TV Movie

Self

2009

 

David Letterman in Late Night with David Letterman (1982)

Late Night with David Letterman

7.5

TV Series

Self - Guest

1989–1993

7 episodes

 

Citizen Steve (1987)

Citizen Steve

5.8

Short

Self

1987

 

Ed Begley Jr., Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kim Fields, Jim J. Bullock, Paul Fusco, Emma Samms, Wil Shriner, Shadoe Stevens, and Brandon Tartikoff in The New Hollywood Squares (1986)

The New Hollywood Squares

6.3

TV Series

Self - Panelist

1987

2 episodes

 

An Amazin' Era

Video

Self

1986

 

Let's Go Mets

7.4

Short

Self

1986

 

Joshua Bell, Hugh Downs, Renée Fleming, Alan Gilbert, Lorin Maazel, Natalia Makarova, Audra McDonald, Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman, Louis Perry, Beverly Sills, Martin Bookspan, and Fred Child in Live from Lincoln Center (1976)

Live from Lincoln Center

8.6

TV Series

Self - Host

1978–1985

2 episodes

 

Alan Cumming in Masterpiece Mystery (1980)

Masterpiece Mystery

8.9

TV Series

Self - Host

1980

14 episodes

 

Alan Dobie in Cribb (1980)

Cribb

7.7

TV Series

Self - Host (uncredited)

1980

1 episode

 

To Tell the Truth (1969)

To Tell the Truth

7.4

TV Series

Self - Panelist

1972–1978

7 episodes

 

Mike Douglas in The Mike Douglas Show (1961)

The Mike Douglas Show

7.0

TV Series

Self - NBC Film Critic

1977

1 episode

 

Sesame Street at Night? (1977)

Sesame Street at Night?

TV Special

Self - Host

1977

 

Arlene Francis and Soupy Sales in What's My Line? (1968)

What's My Line?

7.1

TV Series

Self - PanelistSelf - Guest PanelistSelf - Mystery Guest

1971–1973

32 episodes

 

Art Fleming in Jeopardy! (1964)

Jeopardy!

7.6

TV Series

Self

1973

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller in CBS Saturday Morning (2012)

CBS Saturday Morning

5.7

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2026

1 episode

 

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas (1970)

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas

5.8

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2026

1 episode

 

Mel Brooks in Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! (2026)

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!

8.2

TV Mini Series

Self (archive footage)

2026

1 episode

 

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara in Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost (2025)

Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost

7.1

Self - Film Critic, Today (archive footage)

2025

 

Barbara Walters in Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything (2025)

Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything

7.6

Self - Co-Host, The Today Show (archive footage, uncredited)

2025

 

Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print (2025)

Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print

7.2

Self - Critic, Today (archive footage)

2025

 

Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy in Brats (2024)

Brats

6.5

Self - Film Critic, Today (archive footage)

2024

 

Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog in Jim Henson: Idea Man (2024)

Jim Henson: Idea Man

7.7

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2024

 

Brooke Shields in Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (2023)

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields

7.5

TV Mini Series

Self - Film Critic, Today (archive footage)

2023

1 episode

 

Clint Eastwood, la dernière légende (2022)

Clint Eastwood, la dernière légende

7.0

TV Movie

Self (archive footage)

2022

 

Dark Side of the '90s (2021)

Dark Side of the '90s

7.2

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2022

1 episode

 

John Travolta and Robert Stigwood in Mr. Saturday Night (2021)

Mr. Saturday Night

6.6

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2021

 

Val Kilmer in Val (2021)

Val

7.6

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2021

 

Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something (2020)

Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something

7.6

Self (archive footage)

2020

 

John Belushi in Belushi (2020)

Belushi

7.2

Self (archive footage)

2020

 

Behind Closed Doors (2016)

Behind Closed Doors

7.6

TV Series

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2018–2020

4 episodes

 

George Harrison in An Accidental Studio (2019)

An Accidental Studio

7.1

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2019

 

Steven Spielberg in Spielberg (2017)

Spielberg

7.7

TV Movie

Self (archive footage)

2017

 

Madonna in The Eighties (2016)

The Eighties

8.2

TV Mini Series

Self (archive footage)

2016

1 episode

 

Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg (2016)

Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg

7.0

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2016

 

Midnight Return: The Story of Billy Hayes and Turkey (2016)

Midnight Return: The Story of Billy Hayes and Turkey

7.0

Self (archive footage)

2016

 

The Seventies (2015)

The Seventies

8.2

TV Mini Series

Self - The Today ShowSelf - TV Critic (archive footage, archive footage)

2015

2 episodes

 

Altman (2014)

Altman

6.8

Self - film critic (archive footage, as Gene Shaft)

2014

 

Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love (2013)

Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love

7.4

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2013

 

Carol Channing: Larger Than Life (2012)

Carol Channing: Larger Than Life

7.6

Self (archive footage)

2012

 

Caddyshack: The Inside Story (2009)

Caddyshack: The Inside Story

7.3

TV Movie

Self (archive footage)

2009

 

Heckler (2007)

Heckler

6.1

Self (archive footage, uncredited)

2007

 

The Secret Life of Brian (2007)

The Secret Life of Brian

7.6

TV Movie

Self (archive footage)

2007

 

Celebrity Debut (2006)

Celebrity Debut

7.0

TV Movie

Self (archive footage)

2006

 

Inside the NBC Vault: Today Show interviews with Harpo Marx, 1961, Groucho Marx, 1963, William Marx, 1985

Video

(archive footage)

2004

 

Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer (1998)

Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer

4.9

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2001

2 episodes