Monday, April 6, 2026

David Gersten obit

David Gersten Dies: Longtime Broadway & Off Broadway Publicist Was 67

 

He was not on the list.


David Gersten, whose career as a Broadway and Off Broadway press representative and marketing consultant spanned more than 30 years and included such clients as notable revivals of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick… BOOM! and Stephen Sondheim’s Marry Me A Little as well as offbeat yet durable entertainments like Naked Boys Singing! and Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, died today, April 6, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

The Vice-President of ATPAM (the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Manager) and a member since 1997, Gersten became a board member of the organiation in 2001 and also served as Pension Fund Trustee and Off-Broadway Steward. His full-service boutique firm, David Gersten & Associates, provided publicity and marketing for a diverse range of clients since 2000.

Gersten worked with some of Broadway’s best and highest-profile producers, including both Alexander H. Cohen and David Merrick. He counted among his favorite Broadway productions the American premieres of Noel Coward’s Waiting in the Wings (starring Lauren Bacall and Rosemary Harris), the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Herbal Bed, and Taking Sides starring Ed Harris & Daniel Massey. He also named as special, among others, Linda Ronstadt in Canciones de Mi Padre and the gala 6,000th performance of A Chorus Line.

Among the performers he worked with were Len Cariou, Nancy Giles, Jackie Hoffman, Jackie Mason, Kate Mulgrew, Jean Stapleton, and Liliane Montevecchi. He publicized and promoted hundreds of shows Off Broadway, including Altar Boyz, Birds of Paradise by Winnie Holtzman, the New York premieres of Shear Madness, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the international hit Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody.

Numerous National Tours represented include The Music Man starring Patrick Cassidy & Shirley Jones, Saturday Night Fever, Man of La Mancha, and Sophisticated Ladies (first Russian-American co-production).

A champion for not-for-profit theater companies, he represented En Garde Arts, Ensemble Studio Theatre, INTAR, Keen Company, Mint Theater, NAATCO The National Asian American Theatre Co., Woodie King’s New Federal Theater and many others.

A founding member of the Manhattan Association of Clubs & Cabarets, he represented Windows on the World, Rainbow & Stars and the Rainbow Room, Michael’s Pub, Café Carlyle & Bemelmans Bar, the Oak Room at the Algonquin, Roseland and others. Performers repped at these various venues included Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee, Sid Caesar & Imogene Coca, Kaye Ballard, Laurie Beechman & Sam Harris, Ruth Brown, Betty Buckley, David Carroll, Nell Carter, Vic Damone, Tony Danza, Christine Ebersole, Marianne Faithful, Savion Glover, Lesley Gore, Ellen Greene, Rupert Holmes, Jack Jones, Larry Kert & Carol Lawrence, Darlene Love, Patti LuPone, Maureen McGovern, Lonette McKee, Mark Murphy, Anthony Newley, Anita O’Day, Helen Reddy, Joan Rivers, Mickey Rooney, Helen Schneider, Sylvia Syms, Tommy Tune & the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Leslie Uggams, Margaret Whiting, Julie Wilson, and for over 20 years, Woody Allen with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band.

As a producer, Gersten was involved with the New York premieres of Tea at Five starring Kate Mulgrew as Katharine Hepburn, Shear Madness, My First Time, and the Broadway productions of 13 the Musical, David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre, The Addams Family, Blithe Spirit, It’s Only a Play and Kinky Boots.

He was a longtime member of the Off-Broadway League and founding member/Vice-President of the Off-Broadway Alliance. Gersten recently became one of the owners of the newly renovated Ninth Avenue Saloon, a theater district mainstay serving the community for over 40 years and one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bars in New York City.

A native New Yorker, he was also a volunteer firefighter, holding the rank of lieutenant, on Fire Island, where he maintained a summer home. Donations will be greatly appreciated to any of the organizations he supported, including the Cherry Grove Fire Dept, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Entertainment Community Fund, or not-for-profit theaters.

Information on survivors was not immediately available.

Nick Pope obit

 

Nick Pope, former head of UK UFO project, dies at 61 after battle with cancer

He was not n the list.


Nick Pope, renowned for his role in managing the British government’s UFO project, has passed away at home, as announced by his wife, Elizabeth Weiss, on social media platform X. The couple shared a close bond, and Weiss expressed her profound sorrow, stating, “My heart is breaking — Nick passed away this afternoon at our home.” She noted that, despite his suffering in recent weeks, Pope continued to participate in interviews from home, showcasing his resilience until the very end. It is believed he was around 60 or 61 years old at the time of his passing.

While the exact cause of Pope’s death has not been confirmed, it is widely understood that he was battling advanced esophageal cancer. He had publicly revealed his diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer back in February 2026 after experiencing digestive issues. In a candid update, he shared the gravity of his condition, writing, “I can’t beat it,” and reflected on the extraordinary career he had, which spanned over two decades at the UK Ministry of Defense.

Throughout his career, Pope dealt with various topics, ranging from financial policy to counter-terrorism, before becoming famous for managing the UFO desk, where he investigated Unidentified Flying Objects. His work in this field eventually led him to media prominence, appearing regularly on TV programs and documentaries, and earning the nickname “the real Fox Mulder.”

In his heartfelt messages, Pope reminisced about his life’s journey, expressing gratitude for the experiences he had, the connections he made, and the secrets he uncovered in his governmental role. He mentioned the joy he found in his marriage to Elizabeth, a scientific skeptic and anthropologist, describing her as a “real-life Agent Scully.” Their whirlwind romance began in 2010, culminating in a marriage just three months later. The couple shared numerous adventures across the United States, including a recent year in New York City.

Pope continued to work in the field until shortly before his death, undertaking various film and TV engagements and tirelessly advocating for the topic of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). He acknowledged his followers and fans, encouraging them on their own journeys and thanking them for their support throughout his career.

Despite Pope’s significant public profile, exact details regarding his net worth remain undisclosed. His diverse income streams included ticket sales for his live shows, book sales, and various media appearances, leading many to speculate that he had amassed a considerable fortune.

Nick Pope’s legacy is marked not only by his contributions to ufology but also by the deep, meaningful relationships he fostered in both his personal and professional life. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena and an enduring memory for those who knew him.

 

Additional Crew

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Expedition Files

7.3

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expert

2025

1 episode

 

Ancient Aliens (2009)

Ancient Aliens

7.0

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images courtesy of

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Laurence Fishburne in History's Greatest Mysteries (2020)

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7.0

TV Series

archival materials provided by

2025

1 episode

 

UFOs Declassified (2015)

UFOs Declassified

6.6

TV Series

consultant

2015

4 episodes

 

Writer

Aliens from the Abyss: The Dark Side of the UFO Phenomenon

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CompletedVideo

2025

 

Apocalypse Covid (2024)

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Video

Writer

2024

 

Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone (2024)

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Writer

2024

 

After Contact (2023)

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Writer

2023

 

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Short

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2023

 

Aliens at the Pentagon (2018)

Aliens at the Pentagon

5.1

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Writer

2018

 

Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD (2006)

Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD

4.4

Writer

2006

 

Actor

Nub TV (2022)

Nub TV

7.4

TV Series

Guest

2022

1 episode

 

Contacto Extraterrestre (2013)

Contacto Extraterrestre

8.4

TV Mini Series

2013

1 episode

 

Producer

After Contact (2023)

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created by

2023

 

Thanks

Secret Access: UFOs on the Record (2011)

Secret Access: UFOs on the Record

7.3

TV Movie

special thanks

2011

 

I Know What I Saw (2009)

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7.1

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2009

 

UFO Hunters (2008)

UFO Hunters

6.4

TV Series

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2008

1 episode

 

UFO Files (2004)

UFO Files

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2006

1 episode

 

Self

The Science of UFOs

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Completed

2025

 

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2025

 

Haunted Skies

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Completed

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2025

 

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2026

 

The Unhinged Podcast

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FilmingPodcast Series

 

Ancient Aliens (2009)

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7.0

TV Series

Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006Self - British Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006Self - Author, Open Skies, Closed Minds

2010–2026

95 episodes

 

Laurence Fishburne in History's Greatest Mysteries (2020)

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4 episodes

 

The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd (2023)

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Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Ret.

2025–2026

9 episodes

 

Josh Gates in Expedition Files (2024)

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Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence, Ret.

2025

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The Fifth Witness (2025)

The Fifth Witness

Self

2025

 

The Know - UFOXPO (2023)

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Podcast Series

Self

2025

1 episode

 

The Alien Perspective (2025)

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5.4

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2025

 

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Video

Self

2024

 

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The Program

7.1

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2024

 

Ancient Aliens: Origins (2024)

Ancient Aliens: Origins

5.9

TV Series

Self - Author, Ufologist & PresenterSelf - UK Ministry Of Defence, 1985-2006

2024

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The King of UFOs (2024)

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6.6

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2024

 

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7.5

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006

2024

2 episodes

 

Alien Experiencers (2024)

Alien Experiencers

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2024

 

Aliens Within: The Inner Journey (2024)

Aliens Within: The Inner Journey

Video

Self

2024

 

Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone (2024)

Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone

Video

Self

2024

 

After Contact (2023)

After Contact

TV Series

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2023

 

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Alien Files: Reopened

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TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Retired

2023

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William Shatner in The UnXplained (2019)

The UnXplained

7.3

TV Series

Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006

2020–2023

9 episodes

 

God Versus UFOs (2023)

God Versus UFOs

Self

2023

 

Top Secret Files: Declassified (2023)

Top Secret Files: Declassified

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TV Series

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2023

 

God Versus Aliens (2023)

God Versus Aliens

8.0

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2023

 

Piers Morgan in Piers Morgan Uncensored (2022)

Piers Morgan Uncensored

4.1

TV Series

Self

2023

1 episode

 

Fox News @ Night (2017)

Fox News @ Night

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Self - UFO Expert

2023

1 episode

 

Wake Up America Weekend (2021)

Wake Up America Weekend

4.1

TV Series

Self - Ran the UK Government's UFO Project

2023

1 episode

 

FOX News Tonight (2017)

FOX News Tonight

2.8

TV Series

Self

2023

1 episode

 

Alien Agenda: Planet Earth: The Cosmic Conspiracy (2023)

Alien Agenda: Planet Earth: The Cosmic Conspiracy

7.0

Video

Self

2023

 

Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations (2023)

Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations

6.2

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2023

 

God Vs Aliens

Short

Self

2023

 

Jenn Pellegrino in Prime News (2021)

Prime News

4.8

TV Series

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2023

1 episode

 

Tucker Carlson in The Tucker Carlson Show (2016)

The Tucker Carlson Show

4.5

TV Series

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2019–2023

11 episodes

 

Nub TV (2022)

Nub TV

7.4

TV Series

Self

2022

1 episode

 

Ancient Aliens: Special Presentation (2022)

Ancient Aliens: Special Presentation

6.6

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry Of Defence 1985-2006e

2022

3 episodes

 

Dan Bongino in Unfiltered with Dan Bongino (2021)

Unfiltered with Dan Bongino

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TV Series

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2022

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Steven Greenstreet and Nick Pope in The Basement Office (2019)

The Basement Office

8.0

TV Series

Self

2019–2022

13 episodes

 

Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies (2022)

Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies

4.9

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry Of Defence (Retired)

2022

10 episodes

 

Why Do You Want to Believe (2022)

Why Do You Want to Believe

7.4

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2022

 

Extraordinary: The Revelations (2021)

Extraordinary: The Revelations

5.5

Self

2021

 

Georgina Verbaan in Ben ik hier alleen? (2021)

Ben ik hier alleen?

TV Mini Series

Self

2021

1 episode

 

Mark Dolan in Tonight LIVE with Mark Dolan (2021)

Tonight LIVE with Mark Dolan

5.8

TV Series

Self

2021

1 episode

 

America's Book of Secrets (2012)

America's Book of Secrets

6.7

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence, 1985 - 2006

2021

4 episodes

 

Dan Wootton in Tonight Live with Dan Wootton (2021)

Tonight Live with Dan Wootton

5.6

TV Series

Self

2021

1 episode

 

Sky News Tonight (2014)

Sky News Tonight

3.0

TV Series

Self - Former UFO Investigator, Ministry of Defence

2021

1 episode

 

Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and Lawrence Jones in Fox and Friends (1998)

Fox and Friends

3.0

TV Series

Self - UFO Expert

2021

1 episode

 

Aliens vs. Bigfoot (2021)

Aliens vs. Bigfoot

5.1

Self

2021

 

Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified (2021)

Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified

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TV Series

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2021

4 episodes

 

UK UFO Disclosure (2020)

UK UFO Disclosure

Short

Self

2020

 

All Things Unexplained (2020)

All Things Unexplained

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Self

2020

 

I Want to Believe (2020)

I Want to Believe

6.4

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2020

 

The Bigfoot Alien Connection Revealed (2020)

The Bigfoot Alien Connection Revealed

5.1

Self - Nick Pope

2020

 

Cybela Clare and Baby Rainbow in Bird's Eye View - An ET's Solution for Humanity (2020)

Bird's Eye View - An ET's Solution for Humanity

8.4

Self

2020

 

American Mystery (2019)

American Mystery

5.6

TV Series

Self - AuthorSelf - Former British MOD Official

2019

5 episodes

 

UFOs: The Lost Evidence (2017)

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6.9

TV Series

Self

2017–2019

15 episodes

 

Indistinguishable from Magic (2019)

Indistinguishable from Magic

5.5

Video

Self

2019

 

Chris Moyles, Pippa Taylor, Matt Parkes-Smith, James Robinson, and Dominic Byrne in The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X (2015)

The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X

7.4

Podcast Series

Self

2019

1 episode

 

Aliens at the Pentagon (2018)

Aliens at the Pentagon

5.1

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Self

2018

 

ETs Among Us 2: Our Alien Origins, Antarctica, Mars and Beyond (2018)

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6.4

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2018

 

ETs Among Us 3: Secret Space Program, Alien Psychics & Crop Circle Clues (2018)

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6.9

Self

2018

 

NASA's Unexplained Files (2012)

NASA's Unexplained Files

6.4

TV Series

Self - Defense AnalystSelf - Military Analyst

2014–2018

30 episodes

 

UFOs: Uncovering the Truth (2017)

UFOs: Uncovering the Truth

7.2

TV Series

Self

2017

 

Realidade Fantástica

TV Series

Self - Interviewed

2017

1 episode

 

Josh Gates in Expedition Unknown (2015)

Expedition Unknown

8.2

TV Series

Self - Journalist

2017

1 episode

 

Expedition Unknown: Hunt for ExtraTerrestrials (2017)

Expedition Unknown: Hunt for ExtraTerrestrials

7.7

TV Mini Series

Self - Journalist

2017

1 episode

 

Beyond Belief with George Noory (2010)

Beyond Belief with George Noory

7.1

TV Series

Self - Interviewed

2017

1 episode

 

World War Weird (2017)

World War Weird

7.1

TV Series

Self - Former Analyst, Ministry of Defence

2017

2 episodes

 

History's Greatest Hoaxes (2016)

History's Greatest Hoaxes

5.9

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defense

2016

2 episodes

 

World War A: Aliens Invade Earth (2016)

World War A: Aliens Invade Earth

4.8

TV Movie

Self

2016

 

Calling Occupants (2016)

Calling Occupants

Self

2016

 

ETs Among Us: UFO Witnesses and Whistleblowers (2016)

ETs Among Us: UFO Witnesses and Whistleblowers

6.4

Self

2016

 

What on Earth? (2015)

What on Earth?

5.8

TV Series

Self - Military AnalystSelf - Defense Analyst

2015–2016

9 episodes

 

L'émission d'Antoine (2015)

L'émission d'Antoine

7.5

TV Series

Self

2016

1 episode

 

Unsealed: Alien Files (2012)

Unsealed: Alien Files

6.4

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defense

2014–2015

31 episodes

 

Conspiracy (2015)

Conspiracy

6.2

TV Series

Self - Ex MoD UFO Desk

2015

1 episode

 

The Drew Carson Show (2015)

The Drew Carson Show

Podcast Series

Self - Guest

2015

 

Close Encounters (2014)

Close Encounters

6.8

TV Series

Self - Interviewed

2015

1 episode

 

UFOs Declassified (2015)

UFOs Declassified

6.6

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Retired

2015

4 episodes

 

NUFOA (National UFO Association) (2014)

NUFOA (National UFO Association)

TV Series

Self

2014

 

The Unexplained Files (2013)

The Unexplained Files

7.1

TV Series

Self - Ex British Ministry Of DefenceSelf - Ex-Government UFO Analyst

2014

2 episodes

 

Codes and Conspiracies (2014)

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6.5

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence: Ret.

2014

1 episode

 

Portal to the Unknown (2013)

Portal to the Unknown

5.5

TV Series

Self - Author, The Uninvited & Dark Sky

2013

1 episode

 

Unsealed: Conspiracy Files (2012)

Unsealed: Conspiracy Files

6.0

TV Series

Self - British Ministry of Defense

2013

1 episode

 

Shaun Ryder on UFOs (2013)

Shaun Ryder on UFOs

6.1

TV Series

Self - Ministry of Defense UFO Project, 1991-1994

2013

1 episode

 

The Hidden Hand: Alien Contact and the Government Cover-Up (2013)

The Hidden Hand: Alien Contact and the Government Cover-Up

4.9

Self - Former Head of the British Government's UFO Project

2013

 

Confessions of an Alien Abductee (2013)

Confessions of an Alien Abductee

4.7

TV Movie

Self - Interviewed

2013

 

UFO Europe: The Untold Stories (2012)

UFO Europe: The Untold Stories

6.4

TV Series

Self - MoD UFO Project, 1991 - 1994

2012–2013

6 episodes

 

Ancient Evil Unbound (2011)

Ancient Evil Unbound

4.5

Self - UFO Expert

2011

 

Secret Access: UFOs on the Record (2011)

Secret Access: UFOs on the Record

7.3

TV Movie

Self - UK Ministry of Defense, 1985-2006

2011

 

When Aliens Attack (2011)

When Aliens Attack

5.8

TV Movie

Self - U.K. Ministry of Defense

2011

 

Secret Societies and Sacred Stones: From Mecca to Megaliths (2011)

Secret Societies and Sacred Stones: From Mecca to Megaliths

3.0

Video

Self

2011

 

UFO UK: New Evidence (2011)

UFO UK: New Evidence

5.0

TV Movie

Self - Ministry of Defense, 1985-2006

2011

 

Breakfast (2000)

Breakfast

5.2

TV Series

Self - Former Government UFO Investigator

2011

1 episode

 

The Day Before Disclosure (2010)

The Day Before Disclosure

6.8

Self

2010

 

I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer (2010)

I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer

7.8

TV Movie

Self

2010

 

Live from Studio Five (2009)

Live from Studio Five

2.5

TV Series

Self

2009

1 episode

 

I Know What I Saw (2009)

I Know What I Saw

7.1

TV Movie

Self - Ministry of Defence, UK, Ret.

2009

 

Ancient Code: Are You Ready for the Real 2012? (2009)

Ancient Code: Are You Ready for the Real 2012?

6.5

Self

2009

 

Watching the Skies: In Search of Extraterrestrial Life

Video

Self - Ministry of Defense (1985-2006) representative

2009

 

Lies and Deception: UFO's and the Secret Agenda (2009)

Lies and Deception: UFO's and the Secret Agenda

3.9

Self - Interviewee

2009

 

UFO Hunters (2008)

UFO Hunters

6.4

TV Series

Self - UK Ministry of Defence (Ret.)

2008–2009

2 episodes

 

Bird's Eye View (2009)

Bird's Eye View

7.3

Self

2009

 

Archetype of the UFO (2008)

Archetype of the UFO

5.6

Video

Self

2008

 

On the Edge

3.2

TV Series

Self - Special Guest

2008

1 episode

 

Britain's Closest Encounters (2008)

Britain's Closest Encounters

6.7

TV Series

Self

2008

3 episodes

 

Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings (2007)

Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings

5.6

Video

Self

2007

 

Anna Drouza in Boro (2004)

Boro

3.5

TV Series

Self - Guest

2007

2 episodes

 

Dossiers mystère (2006)

Dossiers mystère

6.4

TV Series

Self

2006

1 episode

 

My Science Fiction Life

TV Movie

Self

2006

 

Eamonn Investigates: The Alien Autopsy

6.7

TV Movie

Self - Head of UFO Project, Ministry of Defence, 1991-94

2006

 

Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD (2006)

Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD

4.4

Self

2006

 

The World's Strangest UFO Stories (2005)

The World's Strangest UFO Stories

6.0

TV Series

Self - Ministry of Defence, 1991-1994

2005

1 episode

 

UFO Files (2004)

UFO Files

6.9

TV Series

Self - U.K. Ministry of DefenceSelf - AuthorSelf - Higher Exec. Officer, Ministry of Defense ...

2004–2005

3 episodes

 

The Real 4400

TV Movie

Self

2005

 

Shameful Secrets of the 70s

TV Movie

Self - Former M.O.D. UFO Researcher

2005

 

Enquête sur les OVNIs (2004)

Enquête sur les OVNIs

6.6

TV Series

Self

2004

5 episodes

 

The British UFO Files (2004)

The British UFO Files

6.5

TV Movie

Self - Ministry of Defence UFO Desk 91-94

2004

 

Timewatch (1982)

Timewatch

7.7

TV Series

Self - Former MoD UFO Desk Officer

2004

1 episode

 

UFO Invasion at Rendlesham

7.2

TV Movie

Self - Ministry of Defence UFO Desk, 1991-1994

2003

 

Out of the Blue (2003)

Out of the Blue

7.4

TV Movie

Self - Former UFO Investigator, Ministry of Defence, UK

2003

 

Britain's Closest Encounter

TV Movie

Self - UFO Desk, 1991-1994

2003

 

UFOs: Then and Now? (2000)

UFOs: Then and Now?

8.0

TV Movie

Self - Author

2000

 

History's Mysteries (1998)

History's Mysteries

7.9

TV Series

Self

2000

1 episode

 

Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, and Ben Shephard in This Morning (1988)

This Morning

4.3

TV Series

Self

1999

1 episode

 

Beyond the Truth

7.4

TV Series

Self - Ministry of Defence (UK) UFO Desk Officer, 1991-1994

1998

1 episode

 

The Uninvited - Alien Abductions (1998)

The Uninvited - Alien Abductions

TV Special

Self - Writer

1998

 

Weird: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction (1997)

Weird: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

Video Game

Self - Former Government UFO Investigator

1997

 

Michael Aspel in Strange But True? (1993)

Strange But True?

7.9

TV Series

Self

1997

2 episodes

 

The Aliens are coming! (1997)

The Aliens are coming!

TV Special

Self

1997

 

Sightings (1991)

Sightings

8.3

TV Series

Self - Former UFO Desk Officer, MOD

1996–1997

2 episodes

 

Dreamland: Area 51 (1996)

Dreamland: Area 51

6.5

TV Movie

Self - Ministry of Defence

1996

 

Out of This World (1994)

Out of This World

6.6

TV Series

Self - Former UFO Desk Officer, MOD

1996

1 episode

 

Secrets of the Paranormal (1996)

Secrets of the Paranormal

TV Series

Self (as Nicholas Pope)

1996

1 episode

 

The Unexplained (1996)

The Unexplained

8.1

TV Series

Self - Fmr. UFO Investigator

1996

1 episode

 

Network First (1994)

Network First

7.1

TV Series

Self - Ministry of Defence

1995

1 episode

 

Catastrophic Disclosure

Catastrophic Disclosure

Self

 

Archive Footage

Alien Paradox: Legacy of the UFO (2023)

Alien Paradox: Legacy of the UFO

6.4

Video

Self - () (archive footage)

2023

 

Jose Escamilla in UFO: The Greatest Story Ever Denied (2006)

UFO: The Greatest Story Ever Denied

6.7

Video

Self (archive footage)

2006

 


Sunday, April 5, 2026

Tony Davis obit

1970's Husker Football Legend Passes Away

 He was not on the list.

 


Former Nebraska Running Back Tony Davis died on Sunday.

The 73-year -old Tecumseh native had complications from Parkinson's Disease.

"Tough Tony" Davis starred in the very beginning of the Tom Osborne head coaching era, beginning with an electric performance in 1973 in a rain-soaked Nebraska Memorial Stadium against UCLA, Osborne's first game as head coach and first victory, with an ABC-TV audience watching along with the usual sellout crowd.

On a touchdown that day, Davis cemented his place in Big Red lore by punctuating the score into the north end zone by punching the chain-link fence just beyond the endline.

Davis would star in a Cotton Bowl victory over Texas after that season, and the next year in a New Years Eve Sugar Bowl win over Florida. He was MVP in those games.

He is in the Halls of Fame for both of those college bowl games, as well as the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, and also played pro football.

Tony Davis, a former star running back at Nebraska who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died.

He was 73.

Davis died from complications from Parkinson’s Disease, according to multiple reports.

“Tough Tony” was a standout for the Cornhuskers in the early 1970s. He was the first 1,000-yard rusher for legendary coach Tom Osborne.

Davis was the MVP of Nebraska’s Cotton Bowl win over Texas as a sophomore in 1973. He repeated as the MVP of the Sugar Bowl in a win over the Florida Gators the next season.

Davis was a second-team All-Big Eight pick in 1975, and he was named to the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. He was named to the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame in 2025.

Following his time at Nebraska, Davis was selected in the fourth-round, 106th-overall, by the Bengals in 1976. He played for the team through the 1978 season and then joined Tampa Bay in 1979. He was with the Buccaneers through the 1981 season.

Davis also played a season with the USFL’s Boston Breakers in 1983.

He finished his NFL career with 91 carries for 345 yards and 27 catches and 250 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.

He was also known as the “Tecumseh Tornado” after rushing for more than 5,000 yards at Tecumseh High School where he earned All-American honors in 1969 and 1970.

Career history

Cincinnati Bengals (1976–1978)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1979–1981)

Boston Breakers (1983)

Awards and highlights

Second-team All-Big Eight (1975)

Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame, 1989

Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame, 2025


David Wiffen obit

R.I.P. David Wiffen 

He was not on the list.


David Wiffen (11 March 1942 – 5 April 2026) was an English-Canadian folk singer-songwriter. Two of his songs, "Driving Wheel" and "More Often Than Not", have become cover standards.

Wiffen was born in Redhill, Surrey, England. He spent his early childhood with his mother, living on an aunt's farm in Chipstead, while his father, an engineer, contributed to the war effort. Following the war, Wiffen's family relocated to London and, in 1954, to Claygate, Surrey, where Wiffen attended Hinchley Wood School. Wiffen came to Canada at the age of 16.

Wiffen first sang with the Kingston upon Thames-based Black Cat Skiffle group. After his family's relocation to Canada, he became part of the burgeoning folk music scene, initially in Toronto. In 1964, Wiffen hitchhiked to Edmonton and later managed The Depression folk club in Calgary.

In 1965, having moved to Vancouver, Wiffen was invited to perform at The Bunkhouse club on a live ensemble album. It became Wiffen's first solo album, David Wiffen at the Bunkhouse Coffeehouse, Vancouver BC, on the Universal International label, when the other invited musicians failed to show up.

Wiffen was subsequently in several bands, including The Pacers, based in Prince George, British Columbia, where he was the lead vocalist, and The Children, based in Ottawa. Members of The Children included William Hawkins, Bruce Cockburn, Sneezy Waters and Richard Patterson. He subsequently joined 3's a Crowd, whose initial members included Brent Titcomb, Donna Warner, Trevor Veitch and Richard Patterson.[citation needed] Wiffen also cohosted a television variety series on Ottawa station CJOH with Ann Mortifee, which was produced for a period by William Hawkins.

Wiffen subsequently signed to Fantasy Records as a solo artist. In 1971, he released David Wiffen, and had hit singles with "One Step" and "More Often Than Not". The album also contained his most widely covered song, "Driving Wheel". By this time a number of his songs had been recorded by other musicians, including Harry Belafonte, Anne Murray and Tom Rush.

Wiffen's second solo studio album, Coast to Coast Fever (United Artists, 1973), was produced by Bruce Cockburn, and Wiffen's musical career appeared to be quite promising. He continued to perform regularly in the 1970s, though found his success diminishing and a consequent source of frustration and depression, compared to the success of contemporaries Bruce Cockburn and Murray McLauchlan. Alcohol abuse compounded the difficulties he was experiencing in his musical career. He eventually ceased performing, choosing to become a limousine driver and later a publicly funded driver for handicapped persons in Ottawa. Wiffen suffered a serious back injury at that job while moving a wheelchair, which required corrective surgery and impeded any return to performing.

Wiffen's third album, South of Somewhere, was released in 1999, 26 years after Coast to Coast Fever. At that time, Wiffen had been sober for ten years and had spent six years in preparation and development for the album's production. The album contained a mix of reworkings of some of his older material, such as "Driving Wheel", plus some new songs. During this period, he returned briefly to performing, principally as a weekly performer and performance host at Irene's Pub in Ottawa, Ontario, but then stopped performing publicly. As of 2008 and through much of 2009, Wiffen was on EMI's list of "missing royaltors".

In 2015, Songs From the Lost and Found, was released, containing material written and recorded between 1973 and the early 1980s, in the years after the release of Wiffen's Coast to Coast Fever album. The master tapes were thought lost for many years, but surfaced among the effects of former bandmate Richard Patterson, who died in 2011. In 2024, a compilation of these recordings appeared as Timeless Songs.

Wiffen died at the age of 84 on 5 April 2026, at a hospice in Ottawa, Ontario

Joye Hummel obit

Joye Hummel, the first woman to write scripts for Wonder Woman comics, dies at 97

 She was not on the list.


All of us at DC were deeply saddened to learn that trailblazing writer Joye Hummel has passed away. As the first woman to write Wonder Woman, Hummel left a lasting imprint on the then-new character, helping to shape Diana into the hero she is today and inspiring hundreds of writers and artists who would follow in her footsteps.

Hummel’s time on Wonder Woman might not have been long, but it was formative. As a 19-year-old student at the Katharine Gibbs School in New York, Hummel’s answers on her psychology final so greatly impressed her professor—Wonder Woman creator William Marston—that he hired her as his assistant. Hummel wasn’t aware of Marston’s second career as a comic book creator at the time, but it wasn’t long before she was assisting her former professor with scripts and story ideas. When Marston contracted polio five months after Hummel started her work for him, she began taking on more scripting responsibilities on Wonder Woman, ultimately writing many published stories on her own.

None of the stories were published under her own name—all Wonder Woman comics of the time were attributed to Charles Moulton, a pseudonym Marston created for his comics work. Today, however, Hummel’s contributions are known and recognized. Her first solo story, “The Winged Maidens of Venus” in Wonder Woman #12, finds Diana seeking the help of some otherworldly winged warriors to prevent a third World War. Hummel would continue her work on Wonder Woman for three years, from 1944 through 1947, ultimately leaving the book after Marston’s death.

Joye Hummel would never work in comics again, instead marrying and raising three children before embarking on a later career as a stockbroker. Sadly, due to her lack of written credit, Hummel’s contributions were largely forgotten until around 2014 after she was interviewed by historian Jill Lepore for her book The Secret History of Wonder Woman. With her contributions gaining greater recognition, Hummel would go on to receive the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing at the 2018 Eisner Awards at the age of 94.

When Joye Hummel began her work on Wonder Woman in the Golden Age, the iconic character was extremely popular, appearing in four comic books and about to debut in a syndicated newspaper strip. In the decades since, Diana Prince has only become more beloved to generations of fans—a love that grew out of the pioneering early work on the character that Hummel was a crucial part of. We here at DC grieve the loss of this early trailblazer and send out our deepest condolences to her friends, family and anyone else her life may have touched.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Donn Landee obit

Van Halen Engineer Donn Landee Dies at 79: The Man Who Shaped Their Iconic Sound

 Van Halen fans are mourning the loss of Donn Landee, the legendary engineer behind the band's explosive guitar tones and massive hits. He passed away at 79 from natural causes—here's why his work still echoes in rock today for North American listeners.

He was not on the list.


Van Halen's sound defined an era of rock, and a key architect of that thunderous energy just passed away. Donn Landee, the engineer who captured Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary guitar riffs and David Lee Roth's soaring vocals, died at 79 from natural causes in early April 2026. This news, confirmed by Van Halen News Desk and rippling through rock media, hits hard for fans who stream those classics daily.

Landee wasn't just behind the board—he was family to the band. Over decades, he engineered Van Halen's biggest albums, turning raw studio sessions into timeless anthems. For 18- to 29-year-olds in North America discovering Van Halen through TikTok edits or Spotify playlists, Landee's work is the invisible force making 'Jump' and 'Panama' feel alive today. His death reminds us how one person's genius keeps a band's legacy blasting through car speakers and festival sets.

Working from the legendary 5150 Studios, Landee helped craft the band's signature "brown sound"—that thick, saturated guitar tone Eddie perfected. Young fans scrolling Instagram Reels of Eddie's hammer-ons owe Landee for making those licks cut through mixes like a hot knife. This loss feels personal because Van Halen's music is woven into North American pop culture, from sports arenas to summer road trips.

Donn Landee's passing isn't just a footnote—it spotlights why Van Halen endures. In a streaming world where algorithms push retro rock to Gen Z, his engineering made their songs stadium-ready. North American fans, from Coachella-goers to bar playlist curators, keep 'Eruption' in rotation because Landee's mixes hold up against modern production.

Rock engineering like Landee's shaped the blueprint for today's producers. Think of how Travis Scott or Post Malone sample those huge guitar walls—Landee's techniques are the root. For young listeners in the US and Canada, this connection bridges 80s hair metal to current trap-rock hybrids, proving Van Halen's DNA is everywhere.

His influence extends beyond Van Halen. Landee worked with The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, and Neil Young, but his Van Halen era defined hard rock sonics. As vinyl revivals hit North America, fans are spinning those original pressings, hearing Landee's touch in every snare crack and riff roar.

Landee's role in Van Halen's Rise

Landee joined Van Halen early, engineering their self-titled debut in 1978. He nailed Eddie's tapping technique, making it pop without mud. That album launched them from LA clubs to global arenas—Landee was there for every step.

Through lineup changes, from Roth to Hagar, Landee stayed loyal. Albums like 1984 and 5150 bear his stamp, blending pop hooks with shred solos. For today's fans, these records are entry points to rock fandom.

Tech Magic Behind the Myth

Landee tweaked amps and mics obsessively. Eddie's Frankenstrat guitar came alive through Landee's Variac voltage tricks and Marshall stacks. Modern producers study these methods in YouTube tutorials aimed at bedroom guitarists across North America.

His death prompts fresh listens. Streamers report spikes in Van Halen plays, as fans honor the man who made the magic happen.

Which songs, albums, or moments define Van Halen?

Van Halen's catalog is stacked, but Landee-engineered tracks stood out. 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' from the debut captures raw punk energy with pristine clarity. It's a staple for young rockers headbanging in garages from Seattle to Miami.

1984's 'Jump' fused synths and synths with Eddie's solo—Landee balanced it perfectly. That keyboard riff still trends on TikTok, introducing Van Halen to millions of North American teens.

Iconic Albums Shaped by Landee

Van Halen I (1978): Explosive debut with 'Runnin' with the Devil.' Landee's mix made Eddie a god.

Van Halen II (1979): 'Dance the Night Away' showed pop polish.

1984 (1984): Peak commercial smash. 'Panama' and 'Hot for Teacher' owe their punch to him.

5150 (1986): Sammy Hagar era, with 'Why Can't This Be Love' proving adaptability.

Eddie's Wildest Riffs, Captured Forever

'Eruption' is the holy grail—Landee mic'd it to feel like lightning. Young guitarists in North America cover it daily on Instagram, chasing that tone.

'Mean Street' from Fair Warning (1981) drops heavy riffs Landee fattened into monsters. These tracks keep Van Halen relevant in mosh pits and metalcore scenes.

What about it is interesting for fans in North America?

North America gave birth to Van Halen in Pasadena, California. Their rise mirrored the Sunset Strip scene, influencing grunge, nu-metal, and beyond. Landee's work made them arena kings, filling stadiums from Madison Square Garden to the Forum.

For 18-29-year-olds, Van Halen means live culture. Wolfgang Van Halen's Mammoth WVH tours echo dad's legacy, with Landee's sound DNA intact. Festivals like Welcome to Rockville blast their sets, connecting generations.

Streaming and Social Buzz

Spotify Wrapped shows Van Halen in top spots for young US listeners. TikTok challenges with 'Jump' dance moves go viral, often crediting Eddie—but Landee made it mix-ready.

Instagram reels of 5150 Studios tours remind fans of the magic factory. Landee stories add lore, like how he tamed Eddie's volume wars.

Style and Fandom Vibes

Van Halen's flashy style—leotards, Frankenstein guitars—feels campy cool now. Gen Z embraces it ironically via memes, but Landee's sonics make it sincere.

Fan communities on Reddit and Discord dissect Landee's mixes, sharing tips for home studios. It's practical for aspiring North American producers.

What to listen to, watch, or follow next

Dive into Landee-era Van Halen. Start with 1984 on streaming—hear 'Drop Dead Legs' groove. Then fair warning for heavy vibes.

Watch live footage: Tokyo Dome 1984 on YouTube. Landee's mixes shine in the chaos. Wolfgang's recent shows blend old and new—check his April Fools' Rickroll prank for fun.

Playlist Essentials

- 'Unchained' (Fair Warning): Funky riff heaven.

- 'Top of the World' (For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge): Underrated acc.

- 'Right Now' (For Unlawful...): Ballad with bite.

- 'Humans Being' (Twister soundtrack): Late-era fire.

Modern Connections

Follow Wolfgang on socials—he carries the torch. Mammoth WVH's 'Distance' nods to family legacy. For engineering nerds, hunt Landee interviews on rock podcasts.

Explore his non-Van Halen work: Doobie Brothers' 'What a Fool Believes' has that same polish. It's a gateway to 70s rock for curious listeners.

Van Halen's story, amplified by Landee, proves rock legends evolve. Stream, share, and crank it loud—his sound lives on in every play.

Tun Ling Leong Sik obit

Royal Tribute To The Passing Of Former MCA Leader Tun Ling Leong Sik

 He was not on the list.


Malaysia is mourning the loss of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, a towering political figure and former MCA president, whose passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from the nation’s highest leaders, including the King and Queen.

In a social media posting shared via the royal household’s official platform, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah conveyed their condolences, honouring Tun Ling’s lifelong service and contributions to the country.

Tun Ling, who passed away at the age of 82, leaves behind a legacy defined by visionary leadership, integrity and nation-building.

Born in Kuala Kangsar in 1943, he began his career as a medical doctor before entering politics in 1969, a decision that would shape Malaysia’s development for decades.

Serving 17 years as Transport Minister, Tun Ling was instrumental in modernising Malaysia’s transport infrastructure. Under his stewardship, Port Klang rose into the ranks of the world’s top transshipment hubs, significantly boosting Malaysia’s global trade competitiveness.

As MCA president, he steered the party through a period of strong electoral performance, delivering major victories in the 1995 and 1999 general elections. His leadership also left a profound mark on education, playing a central role in the establishment and expansion of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) across multiple states, as well as contributing to the development of UTAR Hospital and strengthening Tunku Abdul Rahman College.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong described him as a statesman whose “contributions have left an indelible mark on Malaysia”, highlighting his unwavering dedication to public service and nation-building.

MCA Vice President Datuk Ir Lawrence Low, meanwhile, paid tribute to Tun Ling’s far-reaching impact, noting his pivotal role not only in founding and expanding UTAR nationwide but also in spearheading initiatives such as the Huaren Education Foundation.

He credited Tun Ling’s leadership for elevating Port Klang’s global standing and strengthening MCA’s political footing, calling his passing “a great loss to the country, the nation and the party”.

On the other hand, government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also extended condolences, describing Tun Ling as a leader whose contributions, including his tenure as Deputy Information Minister, would continue to inspire future generations.

Beyond politics, Tun Ling’s legacy is one of service, vision and enduring impact, spanning infrastructure, education and national development. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape Malaysia for years to come.

Friday, April 3, 2026

Fred Curry obit

Former NWA Champion Flying Fred Curry Passes Away At Age 82

 

He was not on the list.


The wrestling world has lost a veteran champion, as former NWA titleholder Flying Fred Curry has passed away at the age of 82.

The news was confirmed by Bobby Fulton, who announced Curry’s passing and paid tribute to the longtime star known for his technical skill and explosive offense inside the ring.

"The legendary “Flying” Fred Curry, one of the first “high flyers” in wrestling has passed! He helped me with many opportunities! He’ll be deeply missed & my heart is broken! My prayers for his wife, children & family! I’ll have further details of his life on my Facebook!"

Fred Curry, whose real name was Fred Thomas Koury Jr., was the son of notorious heel “Wild” Bill Curry and followed directly in his father’s footsteps into the wrestling business. He began his career in the 1960s, quickly gaining attention for his speed and especially his dropkicks, which became his signature move. At the time, Curry’s rapid-fire dropkick combinations were considered among the best in the business.

Curry spent much of his career competing throughout the Midwest and Texas territories during the height of the territorial era. Early in his run, he teamed with his father, and the duo captured the NWA International Tag Team Championship as well as the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship. He later held those same Detroit titles alongside Tony Marino.

During his time in Texas, Curry regularly teamed with Fritz Von Erich and became a familiar name in the region. He also had a notable feud in Big Time Wrestling against The Original Sheik over the United States Championship, further cementing his role as a respected babyface competitor during that era.

In the late 1970s, Curry transitioned to the WWWF, where he continued working as a fan favorite. During that stretch, he teamed with stars like Ivan Putski and competed against teams and wrestlers including The Valiants, Johnny Rodz, Victor Rivera, and Baron Mikel Scicluna.

Curry’s legacy stretches back to one of wrestling’s most influential eras, where his high-flying style and championship success helped define the fast-paced offense that many wrestlers use today.

Fred Curry’s passing marks the loss of another respected name from wrestling’s territorial days, leaving behind a legacy built on speed, skill, and championship success.