Derry Brownson obit

EMF announce death of keyboardist Derry Brownson: “Fly high brother Derry”

Among those sharing tributes is Ash frontman Tim Wheeler who told the band: “So sorry for your loss, rest in peace Derry, sending love” 

He was not on the list.

EMF have announced the death of founding member and keyboardist Derry Brownson, aged 55.

The English alt-rock band announced the news of Brownson’s passing in a new social media post. Shared this morning (Friday August 14), they wrote in the caption that they found out about the loss yesterday night.

“Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson,” they wrote alongside a photo of the musician performing on stage.

“We are devastated, the only solace we can find is that we are eternally grateful Derry was able to join us on stage a couple times just a few short months back. Nothing will ever be the same again without our band mate and friend, fly high brother Derry.”

BBC Gloucestershire reports that Brownson had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had been undergoing treatment.

Born in 1971, Derran “Derry” Brownson was a founding member of the Gloucestershire group and remained as their keyboardist and sample player after they came to prominence at the start of the ‘90s.

The group had the chart-topping debut single ‘Unbelieveable’, and their 1991 debut album ‘Schubert Dip’ went to peak at Number Three on the UK Charts with singles ‘I Believe’ and ‘Children’.

They went on a hiatus in 2002 following the passing of original bassist Zac Foley, and reunited to release their first new album in 27 years, ‘Go Go Sapiens’ in 2022. They dropped their most recent album ‘The Beauty And The Chaos’ in 2024.

“So sorry for your loss, rest in peace Derry, sending love,” wrote Ash’s Tim Wheeler, while guitarist and writer Will Crewdson commented: “Lots of love and strength to you guys. Very sorry to hear.”

“We’re very sorry to hear team EMF, thoughts are with you all and loved ones,” wrote band Dictator, while Therapy added “So very sorry to hear this folks” and American record producer and remixer Tommie Sunshine shared: “Such sad news”.

On X, singer-songwriter Kirk Brandon shared: “Deeply saddened by his departure. Love and respect to him and his family. The world is less for one man.” Find more tributes below.

The news of Brownson’s passing comes as the band revealed recently that they were wrapping up work on a new 14-song album earlier this summer.

Johnny Young obit

Johnny Young, host and creator of Young Talent Time, dies aged 79

The singer-songwriter and producer also wrote several Australian hits, including The Real Thing for Russell Morris 

He was not on the list.

Johnny Young, the singer-songwriter and producer who created and hosted the popular variety show Young Talent Time, has died aged 79.

Young’s family announced his death in a statement on Friday, saying that Young died “following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer”.

“Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the much loved television show Young Talent Time. He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs including The Real Thing and Smiley,” the statement read.

“The family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. Details of a memorial service will be announced soon.”

Young Talent Time, which originally aired from 1971 until 1988, launched the careers of several Australian singers including Tina Arena, Debra Byrne and Dannii Minogue. Every episode ended with Young and the cast performing the same closing number: the Beatles track All My Loving, one of his signature songs.

Young was born Johnny Benjamin Arthur de Jong in the Netherlands in 1947, with his family migrating to Perth in the 1950s. His family encouraged him to perform from an early age, with Young becoming a disc jockey out of high school and eventually a teen idol. By the age of 18 he was hosting pop music show Club Seventeen on Perth television, performing as Johnny Young & the Strangers, then Johnny Young & Kompany.

In the 1960s, Young began accruing hits including Step Back, which was one of the biggest-selling Australian singles of the decade, and his cover of All My Loving. He later described this period as “my full on pop star period”, adding: “It was a fantastic experience. Touring, meeting my idols – hey I got to meet Bob Dylan, I toured with the Rolling Stones, I was focused on being a pop star and doing concerts … and you know all that it entails – lots of girls and, yes, lots of sex and lots of everything.”

During a brief spell living in London with his friend Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Young started writing songs. In 1968, Ian “Molly” Meldrum overheard Young practising his song The Real Thing, and insisted he cut a demo for the singer Russell Morris; the song was reportedly the most expensive single ever recorded in Australia at the time, and a huge hit for Morris. Young continued writing songs for and with Morris, including The Girl That I Love and Part Three into Paper Walls, which went to No 1 on Australia’s charts.

In 1971 Young began hosting the children’s talent quest show Young Talent Time, which he created after being inspired by The Mickey Mouse Club. The show was a huge hit until 1989 when it was axed due to dwindling ratings. Young had sold his family home to finance the building of a television studio and his marriage collapsed. “That was horrible. I’d lost a lot of money and it was the beginning of the end of a lot of things for me,” he later reflected on this period, adding: “I lost the family jewels … I was very ashamed of myself that I hadn’t protected my family financially more.”

In 1993, Young made headlines after he was mistakenly arrested in the Philippines and accused of running an illegal Aids clinic. Young had been in the country to support a friend, the former Young Talent Time director Terry Higgins, who was seeking alternative treatments for his HIV.

All charges against Young were dropped, but Australian media began questioning him about his sexuality and work with children. “It’s like: ‘Well, Johnny Young does this program with children. What’s he doing in an Aids clinic?’ was the thought,” he later told the ABC. “This guy saw me and he said ‘that’s Johnny Young, get the kids out of here. I don’t want to be in the same place as he is.’ Now that just devastated me. It just completely devastated me. I couldn’t believe it.” He continued to support Higgins until his death in 1994.

After Young Talent Time, Young worked as a radio disc jockey. He was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (Aria) Hall of Fame in 2010, by former Young Talent Team member Tina Arena.

Young Talent Time was briefly rebooted in 2012, with Young returning as a judge.

Young is survived by his third wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His son Craig also died of pancreatic cancer, aged 48.

Skip Bertman obit

Legendary LSU Coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman dies at age 88

 

He was not on the list.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Stanley “Skip” Bertman, the legendary architect of LSU baseball, transformative athletic director and one of the most influential figures in the history of college sports, has died at the age of 88.

Bertman passed away at 1:12 a.m. Friday at the Baton Rouge General hospital surrounded by his daughters.

Beloved by fans and former players, Bertman became the head baseball coach at LSU in 1984 and went on to win five national championships and seven Southeastern Conference titles during his 18 seasons leading the Tigers.

He stepped down from coaching in 2001 to become LSU’s athletic director, a position he held until 2008.

As athletic director, he continued to cultivate a culture of championship success across all sports, modernized athletic facilities and spearheaded the construction of the new, state-of-the-art Alex Box Stadium, where the playing field was named “Skip Bertman Field” in his honor.

Bertman was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, who died in March 2025 at the age of 87, and their daughter, Dr. Lisa Jo Bertman Pate, who died of cancer in 2012. He is survived by his daughters Jan, Jodi and Lori, as well as his grandchildren.

Building a Powerhouse

When Bertman arrived in Baton Rouge in 1984, LSU baseball was a modest program. Over 18 seasons, he built a powerhouse that defined a generation of college athletics. Under his guidance, the Tigers reached the NCAA tournament 16 times, advanced to the College World Series 11 times and claimed seven SEC championships.

Most notably, Bertman brought five national championships to Baton Rouge, winning titles in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 2000. He retired with a .754 winning percentage in NCAA tournament play, which stands as the highest in college baseball history.

Beyond the trophies, Bertman revolutionized how college baseball was marketed and experienced. He regularly packed the original Alex Box Stadium, turning Tiger baseball games into premier community events. Under his leadership, LSU led the nation in college baseball attendance during each of his final six seasons, establishing a passionate fan culture that remains a hallmark of the program.

“Coach Skip Bertman was an incredible ambassador for LSU,” former Tigers pitcher Billy Brian said. “His impact on LSU and college baseball is immeasurable. Most everyone knows Coach Bertman for his baseball knowledge and dominance. Former players know him as a role model, great father and husband. The legacy of Coach Bertman will live forever.”

International and Administrative Leadership

In addition to his historic collegiate run, Bertman made an impact on the international stage. He served as an assistant coach for the gold-medal-winning 1988 U.S. Olympic team and as the head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team in Atlanta, which captured a bronze medal.

Accolades and Honors

In recognition of his legendary contributions, Bertman was inducted into the inaugural class of the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. His honors include:

Five-time Collegiate Baseball Coach of the Year (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000)

Two-time Baseball America Coach of the Year (1986, 1996)

Seven-time SEC Coach of the Year (1986, 1990–1993, 1996, 1997)

In 11 seasons as head baseball coach at Miami Beach High School, Bertman's team won a state championship and was state runner-up twice. Bertman was named Florida High School Coach of the Year three times. Based in part on these coaching credentials, Bertman went on to work as recruiting coordinator, pitching coach and associate head coach at the University of Miami for eight seasons (1976–1983) under Ron Fraser. During this time, the Hurricanes won the national championship in 1982. In that 1982 College World Series, Bertman orchestrated one of the most famous plays in college baseball history—a phantom pickoff play known as the "Grand Illusion" which resulted in Wichita State's Phil Stephenson being thrown out at second base.

Jill Gomez obit

Death of an enchanting British soprano

 

She was not on the list.

The BBC has reported the death of the Trinidad-born soprano Jill Gomez, a scintillating presence in opera and media. Jill was 83.

After acclaimed beginnings at Glyndebourne, she made national headlines by popping her bikini top at the Royal Opera House in Tippett’s The Knot Garden. A favourite of Jonathan Miller and Georg Solti, she flourished in Frankfurt, Zurich, Edinburgh and Lyon, also becoming a regular commentator on BBC Television.

In 1995 she created the scandalous lead role of the Duchess of Argyll in Thomas Ades’s debut opera, Powder Her Face.

Jill was a hardworking cast member who had no time for the rigidities of the opera establishment. She married the editor and writer Patrick Carnegy, who became 15th Earl of Northesk.

Gomez, a Spanish Trinidadian and to Denise Price Gomez (née Denham), and brought up in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Her father became managing director and vice-chairman of Angostura, the famous distillers, and her British mother was a well-known actress and broadcaster in Trinidad.

After studying at St. Joseph's Convent (Port of Spain) in Trinidad and dominating at the islands' biennial Music Festival, she moved to England at 13, where she studied voice and piano at London's Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where her most important teacher was Walther Gruner. While studying at Guildhall, Jill performed the role of Helen on alternate nights with contralto singer Ann Wilson, in The Conspirators (Shubert), directed by Brian Trowell.

Her career began at Glyndebourne where she twice won the John Christie Award, making her solo operatic debut as Adina in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1968. Also in 1968 came her Aminta in Il re pastore, at Ledlanet Nights. Gomez then created the role of Flora in The Knot Garden at the Royal Opera, London in 1970 and that of the Countess in Thea Musgrave's The Voice of Ariadne at the Aldeburgh Festival in 1973. She also appeared in productions by the English National Opera (Governess), Scottish Opera (Elisabeth, Pamina, Anne Truelove, Leïla), Oper Frankfurt (Cleopatra), Kent Opera (Tatyana, Violetta, Aminta, Donna Anna), Glyndebourne (Mélisande, La Calisto), Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux (Fiordiligi), Wexford (Thaïs and Rosaura) and Teresa at the Berlioz Festival in Lyon.

She worked closely with Jonathan Miller in La traviata for Kent Opera (Edinburgh Festival and UK tour), and Eugene Onegin and The Turn of the Screw (with ENO). She also played the Governess with the English Opera Group with the composer, Benjamin Britten, present.

Gomez was outspoken about the "international opera circus" and had no ambition to sing at the largest houses, preferring smaller venues such as Zürich where there is sufficient rehearsal time. She appeared in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's production of Lucio Silla there, conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt. She also sang Arne cantatas with Jaap Schröder and Concerto Amsterdam. She took part in Mahler's Symphony No. 2 with the Israel Philharmonic under Solti. As well as recording of Ravel, with Boulez she performed the Webern Opp. 13 and 14 song cycles.

In 1995, Gomez created the lead role of the Duchess of Argyll in Powder Her Face. Her recording of the latter role was nominated for a Grammy Award, and in Allmusic Erik Eriksson wrote: "Gomez's portrayal is a tour de force, alternately opulent and unhinged. She achieves the difficult task of making a figure of ridicule into a person who evokes sympathy from the listener." Alongside The Knot Garden and The Voice of Ariadne, she was also in the premieres (on radio) of Miss Julie (William Alwyn, 1979) and Maddalena (Prokofiev, 1980).

Her television debut was in the series Music Now produced by John Drummond in 1968–69, and other TV and film credits include the French film Une Femme française, and television programmes A Ladies Knight! (1987), Rattle on Britten (1985) and a BBC programme Opera in Rehearsal: The Marriage of Figaro Act 2 with Anthony Besch (1973).

Gomez lived in Cambridgeshire with her husband, music critic Patrick Carnegy, 15th Earl of Northesk

Peter Maher obit

Peter Maher was voice of Calgary, not just Flames

 He was not on the list.

CALGARY – There are broadcasters you remember for the calls.

And then there are broadcasters you remember for the way they made you feel.

Peter Maher was both.

On the radio, he had the ability to make you feel like you were watching the game.

In person, he could make you feel like a million bucks.

The legendary voice of the Calgary Flames died Thursday at 79, leaving behind 33 seasons, nearly 3,000 games, a Hockey Hall of Fame plaque and enough adoring fans and colleagues to fill every arena in the league.

But his greatest legacy may have nothing to do with hockey.

It was how he treated people.

Sincerity. Integrity. Dedication. Respect.

Those were the four pillars of the career and life of a man who had no ego, no edge and no interest in making anyone feel small.

That’s why, when Maher retired 13 years ago, Calgary’s media created an award in his honour.

Every year, the Peter Maher Good Guy Award goes to the Flames player who best represents those qualities. The most respected man in the room.

And every year, Peter showed up to present it.

Even this spring, amidst an awful battle with his knees, he arrived with a walker. And watching a room full of what’s left of Calgary media types fall all over themselves trying to help him get around told you everything you needed to know.

Generosity breeds generosity.

Peter brought it out in people.

“There are very few people in this business who have no ego,” said longtime broadcaster Peter Loubardias.

“Peter Maher had no ego. He was just there to do his job, and be kind to everyone who crossed his path.”

Loubardias worked alongside him for only one year.

“To this day I feel so lucky and privileged,” he said. “He did it the right way.”

Mike Rogers got 12 years with him, from 2000 to 2012.

“There wasn’t a finer man I ever met,” Rogers said Thursday, still struggling over the news.

 “I lost a great friend. He’s in the Hall of Fame as a broadcaster, but he should be in the Hall of Fame as a person.”

Rogers called him a mentor.

Peter took him under his wing, showed him the ropes and demonstrated what preparation really meant - endless hours in hotel rooms, at home, on planes and doing radio hits.

“He loved every minute of it,” said Rogers.

“The passion he had for it and the love he had for the game rubbed off on me.”

So did the kindness.

“We were attached at the hip, and every city we went to you could see how many people gravitated to him, and how much they respected him,” he said.

“Amazing how many people he touched.”

Lanny McDonald saw that from the other side of the microphone.

“He was such a good person, as well as an unbelievable announcer,” echoed McDonald.

“He had this knack of being able to tell the story about the game, never criticize anyone. In his subtle way, he would say, ‘I’ve seen him play better.’ It was his way of not being negative.”

That was Peter – a man who garnered just as much love from fans at the endless charity events he emceed as McDonald, or Harvey the Hound.

“Yes, I’m third on that list,“ laughed McDonald.  

Maher’s first Flames goal call came on a McDonald snipe.

His last involved Johnny Gaudreau.

In between, he called every Jarome Iginla finish, every Miikka Kiprusoff save and painted the picture of every triumph and heartbreak, providing Calgary with the soundtrack to three decades of hockey.

He called the 1989 Stanley Cup, the 2004 Final, six All-Star Games and four Stanley Cup Finals. He called Canada’s men's hockey games at the 2010 Olympics. In 2006, the Hockey Hall of Fame gave him the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.

As a historian of sorts, if Peter said it happened, it most certainly did, adding his signature “Yeah, baby!” only when the moment called for it.

Nothing was ever forced.

As a proud Alberta transplant, the native of Campbellton, N.B loved dotting games with his trademark, “You can put it in the win column!”

Those words became part of Calgary’s hockey vocabulary.

Yet, he never sounded like a man who believed the game was about him.

He sounded like a man grateful to be invited.

Colin Patterson remembers meeting him at his first camp and thinking, “his voice didn’t match the body.”

They travelled together commercially. Shared layovers. Shared meals.

“He was one of the guys,” said Patterson, pointing out how integral Maher’s role was in the days when only 27 games a year were broadcast on TV.

As big a name as anyone who ever graced the Calgary sporting landscape, Pete was always happy to pose for a pic, share a story and a smile.

At his retirement, Peter memorably spoke of an upcoming Rod Stewart concert at the Saddledome.

“If you happen to be in the crowd when he sings Forever Young, think of me,” he said.

We will, Peter.

Especially now.

Calgary has lost its beloved radio voice, its Hall of Fame broadcaster and one of its finest gentlemen.

And that, Calgary, is something you can put in the loss column.

Prichard Colón obit

Former Puerto Rican Contender Prichard Colón Passes Away at 33

 

He was not on the list.

Former Puerto Rican super welterweight contender Prichard Colón passed away this morning, according to a social media post by his father, Richard Colón. The following was posted on Facebook:

“Good morning my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world, NOW HE IS in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfill HIS WISH, HIS DREAM of bringing him ON VACATION to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but COULDN’T. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

Colón, whose promising boxing career was cut short following a catastrophic brain injury during an October 2015 bout, spent over a decade inspiring fans worldwide through his battle in rehabilitation.

A Short But Lasting Legacy

Before the tragic events of October 17, 2015, “Digget” Colón was widely regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s brightest rising stars. Tall, gifted, and charismatic, he compiled a 16-1 record with 13 knockouts after a stellar amateur career highlighted by a gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.

Though his professional ring career spanned just over two years, Colón’s impact on combat sports remains enduring. The severe subdural hematoma he sustained in his final bout against Terrel Williams—a fight marked by illegal blows to the back of his head—directly catalyzed fight safety reform. His tragedy inspired the World Boxing Council’s “Prichard Colón Rule,” which enforces strict zero-tolerance penalties for rabbit punches and has revolutionized ringside medical protocols worldwide.

Survived By

Throughout his years of care and rehabilitation, Colón was sustained by the unyielding devotion of his family. He is survived by:

Nieves Meléndez, his mother, whose round-the-clock care and updates made her a global symbol of maternal devotion.

Richard Colón, his father and former trainer, who guided his rise through the amateur and professional ranks.

Melany Colón, his sister, along with his extended family and millions of supporters worldwide.

Ruby Andrews obit

Chicago soul legend Ruby Andrews dies

 

She was not on the list.

(August 13, 2026) Though her greatest international fame came more than a half century ago, Ruby Andrews was a powerful soul singer who remained a legend, both around the world and especially in her hometown of Chicago. We’re sad to report tonight the Ms. Andrews has died at age 79

Born Ruby Stackhouse in Hollandale, Mississippi, in 1947, Andrews moved to Chicago as a child and began singing professionally while still in high school, working with the vocal group The Vondells before launching her solo career.

Her breakthrough came in 1967 with the deliciously assertive “Casonova (Your Playing Days Are Over)”, released on Chicago’s Zodiac Records. The song became Andrews’ biggest national hit, reaching #9 on the R&B chart and crossing over to #51 on the pop chart. Written and produced in part by noted songwriter Jo Armstead, the recording established Andrews as a distinctive new voice on the soul scene.

Andrews followed with a series of strong singles, the most popular of which were “You Made a Believer (Out of Me),” an R&B Top 20 hit in 1969, and “Everybody Saw You,” a Top 40 R&B hit the following year. Much of her Zodiac work was created with Fred Bridges, Robert Eaton and Richard Knight, the Detroit-based writing and production team also known as the Brothers of Soul.

Her recordings from the period combined the polished sound of Chicago soul with a tougher, blues-influenced edge, and albums such as Everybody Saw You and Black Ruby have developed a following among soul collectors. Andrews continued recording in later decades, including bluesier material for the Ichiban label produced by the singular soul artist and producer Swamp Dogg. Her final album was 1998’s Hip Shakin Mama.

While she didn’t release any new music in the 2000s, Ruby Andrews remained an important part of Chicago soul history — an expressive singer whose best recordings have aged remarkably well and continue to be rediscovered by new generations of deep soul fans. May she rest in peace.

Tyler Duckworth obit

Tyler Duckworth Dies: MTV’s ‘The Challenge’ Alum Was 44

 He was not on the list.

Reality TV star Tyler Duckworth, who first appeared on MTV’s The Real World: Key West and went on to compete on six seasons of The Challenge, winning twice, has died. He was 44.

His mother, Joni, announced her son’s death Thursday on Facebook. “My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” she wrote. “Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”

The Sun, which first reported his death, revealed Duckworth was found unresponsive in his bathroom on Tuesday. The publication cited officials in North Dakota as saying the death was classified as unattended, meaning there were no witnesses there at the time.

His death came nearly two weeks after he appeared at The Challenge Mania event on July 31 in Minneapolis. He posted a photo of himself alongside fellow Challenge alums on Instagram on August 2.

“@challengemaniapodcast always knows how to bring the BEST of the BEST together!!, he wrote. “So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other challenge legends. The fans are what keep us coming out! Hearing your stories of courage, inspiration & joy that you’ve got being a fan of the franchise is humbling each and every time. Also, pretty sure we nailed the cast photo for the lost season of The Real World: Minneapolis!! Thank you Minneapolis!”

Born March 5, 1981, in Atlanta, GA, he grew up in Minneapolis. He appeared on The Real World: Key West in 2006 and went on to compete on six seasons of The Challenge – The Duel, The Gauntlet III, Cutthroat, Rivals, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3 — winning Cutthroat and Rivals. On Cutthroat, he won a bruising, 40-minute elimination round against heavy hitter CT Tamburello after Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio was eliminated in what has been remember as the “Bananas Backpack” match. After 10 years, he returned to the franchise for All Stars 2.

After his run on reality TV. Duckworth became a middle school and high school teacher and was actively pursuing a doctorate degree, according to an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Cheryl Hall obit

Soap and TV star Cheryl Hall dies aged 76

 

She was not on the list.

Actress Cheryl Hall, known for roles in EastEnders, The Bill, and Citizen Smith, has died aged 76.

Her former partner, actor and singer Robin Askwith, confirmed the news on social media.

Taking to X, Askwith, who dated Hall for three years in the 1970s, wrote: ‘What a force of nature she was. A really innovative working class, charismatic actress coming out of the late 60s. Brave in every way.

‘And now I have the sad news she has passed away. I am devastated…

‘She was my beginning. RIP Cheryl Hall’.

Alongside his post, he attached a photo of himself with Hall from his stint in the 70s comedy series Confessions.

Following the end of her relationship with Askwith, Hall was married to Robert Lindsay from 1974 to 1980 after they appeared in Citizen Smith as an on-screen couple. After their split, he started dating Diana Weston.

Hall played Shirley Johnson, the girlfriend of Wolfie Smith, a young Marxist in Tooting, in the sitcom, which ran for four seasons from 1977 to 1980.

She made her acting debut aged just 20, playing Red Hat Girl in the 1970 psychological comedy drama film Deep End, which co-starred Jane Asher and Diana Dors.

From there, her other early acting credits included the 1971 On the Buses episode The Epidemic, in which she portrayed Eileen in one of her first TV roles.

She went on to feature in Doctor Who as Shirna, played Christine in eight episodes of EastEnders in the late 80s, and was Sadie in 12 episodes of The Bill.

Following her first stint in the police drama from 1984 to 1988, Hall returned to The Bill in 2007, this time as the character Pauline Smith.

Her CV also credited her with roles in more of television’s most popular shows, such as Poirot, Inspector Morse, Grange Hill, Casualty, and Silent Witness.

Film-wise, she was in To Catch a Spy (1971), The Love Ban (1974), and Three for All (1975), among others.

Beyond acting, Hall had a passion for politics. She stood as a candidate for Canterbury in the 1997 general election and went on to serve as the Labour Leader of Kent County Council for a period.

Paying tribute after Askwith announced the news, @judyjarvis called her a ‘very clever actress’, while @bestofbritishuk praised her as ‘brilliant in everything she did’.

‘Cheryl was, in my opinion, a highly underrated actress. She was brilliant in the sitcom, Lucky Feller, alongside David Jason and Peter Armitage. A sad day’, added @Maltmeister2.

@efrogwraig affectionately described her as ‘fierce and fabulous’, and @alps2018 stated that Hall ‘lit up the screen with energy’.

 

Actress

The Bill (1984)

The Bill

6.7

TV Series

SadieMrs. MackintoshMrs. Harvey ...

1984–2007

18 episodes

 

Richard Harrington and Daniel Mays in Rehab (2003)

Rehab

7.8

TV Movie

Adam's mum

2003

 

Martin Clunes and Julie Graham in William and Mary (2003)

William and Mary

7.6

TV Series

Alison

2003

1 episode

 

Dead Gorgeous (2002)

Dead Gorgeous

6.9

TV Movie

Female Witness

2002

 

Eva Birthistle, Trevor Eve, Wil Johnson, and Sue Johnston in Waking the Dead (2000)

Waking the Dead

7.9

TV Series

Valerie Truelove

2002

1 episode

 

Amanda Burton, Emilia Fox, Sam Barnard, David Caves, and Genesis Lynea in Silent Witness (1996)

Silent Witness

7.9

TV Series

Sheryl Marsh

1999–2000

3 episodes

 

Bramwell (1995)

Bramwell

7.8

TV Series

Vonnie

1998

2 episodes

 

Helen Masters, Jack Shepherd, and Jimmy Yuill in Wycliffe (1993)

Wycliffe

7.2

TV Series

Mrs. Ling

1995

1 episode

 

Jim Broadbent in The Last Englishman (1995)

The Last Englishman

8.0

TV Movie

Barmaid

1995

 

Casualty (1986)

Casualty

6.2

TV Series

Jane Turner

1995

1 episode

 

Woof! (1989)

Woof!

7.1

TV Series

Mrs Tully

1994

1 episode

 

Grange Hill (1978)

Grange Hill

7.2

TV Series

Mrs. Catesby

1994

1 episode

 

Screenplay (1986)

Screenplay

6.5

TV Series

Jean

1993

1 episode

 

Magic Grandad (1993)

Magic Grandad

7.0

TV Series

Passer-byMrs. DeakinMrs. Chadwick

1993

3 episodes

 

London's Burning (1988)

London's Burning

7.0

TV Series

Jan Smith

1992

1 episode

 

John Thaw and Kevin Whately in Inspector Morse (1987)

Inspector Morse

8.2

TV Series

Laura - Secretary

1992

1 episode

 

So Haunt Me (1992)

So Haunt Me

6.7

TV Series

Avril Jessup

1992

1 episode

 

As Time Goes By (1992)

As Time Goes By

8.3

TV Series

Waitress

1992

2 episodes

 

Paul Merton in Paul Merton: The Series (1991)

Paul Merton: The Series

7.6

TV Series

1991

1 episode

 

The Men's Room (1991)

The Men's Room

7.9

TV Mini Series

Mavis McDonald

1991

5 episodes

 

Tim Pigott-Smith in The Chief (1990)

The Chief

7.0

TV Series

Nancy Bonner

1991

1 episode

 

David Suchet in Poirot (1989)

Poirot

8.6

TV Series

Molly

1989

1 episode

 

William Gaunt and Richard Vernon in A Gentlemen's Club (1988)

A Gentlemen's Club

6.3

TV Series

Mrs. Jeavons

1988

1 episode

 

EastEnders (1985)

EastEnders

4.8

TV Series

Christine

1988

8 episodes

 

Dodger, Bonzo & the Rest (1985)

Dodger, Bonzo & the Rest

7.5

TV Series

Mrs. Jackson

1985

6 episodes

 

Dramarama (1983)

Dramarama

6.7

TV Series

Mrs. Jackson

1984

1 episode

 

In Loving Memory (1969)

In Loving Memory

7.1

TV Series

Vera Venables

1982

1 episode

 

Jill Gascoine in The Gentle Touch (1980)

The Gentle Touch

6.7

TV Series

Bonus

1981

1 episode

 

Tales of the Unexpected (1979)

Tales of the Unexpected

7.6

TV Series

Irene Rankin

1981

1 episode

 

Alison Elliott in A Moment in Time (1979)

A Moment in Time

7.4

TV Series

Doll

1979

2 episodes

 

Anthony Andrews in Danger UXB (1979)

Danger UXB

8.4

TV Series

Jean

1979

1 episode

 

Robert Lindsay in Citizen Smith (1977)

Citizen Smith

6.9

TV Series

ShirleyShirley Johnson

1977–1979

15 episodes

 

Play for Today (1970)

Play for Today

7.8

TV Series

AnnDymphna McLaughlinVangi, Inmate at 'Jesus Saves'

1971–1977

3 episodes

 

Jan Francis in Rooms (1974)

Rooms

7.5

TV Series

Shirley TomlinSandra

1975–1977

9 episodes

 

David Janson and Tony Selby in Get Some In! (1975)

Get Some In!

6.9

TV Series

Melody

1977

1 episode

 

Ian McCulloch and Carolyn Seymour in Survivors (1975)

Survivors

8.0

TV Series

Mavis

1977

2 episodes

 

Peter Armitage, Cheryl Hall, and David Jason in Lucky Feller (1975)

Lucky Feller

6.5

TV Series

Kathleen Peake

1975–1976

14 episodes

 

Softly Softly: Task Force (1969)

Softly Softly: Task Force

7.3

TV Series

Minerva Myers

1976

1 episode

 

No Hard Feelings (1976)

No Hard Feelings

6.6

TV Movie

Washhouse woman

1976

 

Stanley Bates, Geoffrey Hayes, and Roy Skelton in Rainbow (1972)

Rainbow

6.9

TV Series

1974–1976

2 episodes

 

Jack Warner in Dixon of Dock Green (1955)

Dixon of Dock Green

6.9

TV Series

Rita Batty

1976

1 episode

 

Julie Dawn Cole and Janina Faye in Angels (1975)

Angels

6.6

TV Series

Clare Truman

1975

1 episode

 

Cathleen Nesbitt, Angharad Rees, and Billie Whitelaw in Ten from the Twenties (1975)

Ten from the Twenties

6.8

TV Series

Peach Grey

1975

1 episode

 

Liza Goddard, Nerys Hughes, Joanna Lumley, Bill Maynard, Patrick Mower, Jon Pertwee, Magnus Pyke, Victor Spinetti, and Mollie Sugden in Whodunnit? (1972)

Whodunnit?

7.9

TV Series

Jenny

1975

1 episode

 

Comedy Playhouse (1961)

Comedy Playhouse

7.0

TV Series

AudreyAvril

1970–1975

2 episodes

 

Three for All (1975)

Three for All

4.1

Pet

1975

 

Don Henderson, Diane Keen, Peter Sallis, and Don Warrington in Crown Court (1972)

Crown Court

7.4

TV Series

Jane BarnesDoreen Tring

1974–1975

6 episodes

 

John Thaw and Dennis Waterman in The Sweeney (1975)

The Sweeney

8.1

TV Series

Jenny

1975

1 episode

 

Diana Coupland, Sally Geeson, Sidney James, and Robin Stewart in Bless This House (1971)

Bless This House

6.9

TV Series

Linda

1974

2 episodes

 

Marty Back Together Again

TV Series

Various Characters

1974

1 episode

 

Angharad Rees in Bedtime Stories (1974)

Bedtime Stories

TV Series

Linda

1974

1 episode

 

Googie Withers in Within These Walls (1974)

Within These Walls

7.0

TV Series

Magda

1974

1 episode

 

Who Killed Lamb? (1974)

Who Killed Lamb?

6.6

TV Movie

Amy

1974

 

Love Story (1963)

Love Story

6.9

TV Series

PamTerriDilys

1972–1973

3 episodes

 

Oranges and Lemons (1973)

Oranges and Lemons

TV Series

Brenda

1973

1 episode

 

Black and Blue (1973)

Black and Blue

5.9

TV Series

Carol

1973

1 episode

 

No Sex Please - We're British (1973)

No Sex Please - We're British

5.4

Daphne Martin

1973

 

The Wild Little Bunch (1973)

The Wild Little Bunch

6.2

Reena

1973

 

Z Cars (1962)

Z Cars

7.1

TV Series

Maureen Price

1973

1 episode

 

Paul McGann, Colin Baker, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, William Hartnell, Sylvester McCoy, Jon Pertwee, and Patrick Troughton in Doctor Who (1963)

Doctor Who

8.4

TV Series

Shirna

1973

4 episodes

 

The Love Ban (1973)

The Love Ban

4.7

Pregnant Girl at Lecture

1973

 

Alfred Burke in Public Eye (1965)

Public Eye

8.5

TV Series

Beryl Taylor

1972

1 episode

 

Sykes (1972)

Sykes

7.4

TV Series

Deirdre

1972

1 episode

 

Phyllis Calvert and Jack Hedley in Kate (1970)

Kate

8.3

TV Series

Brenda

1972

1 episode

 

Bob Hoskins, David Daker, and Martin Shaw in Villains (1972)

Villains

7.9

TV Series

Shirley Coombs

1972

1 episode

 

Julie Ege in Rentadick (1972)

Rentadick

3.8

Maxine

1972

 

Rodney Bewes in Albert! (1969)

Albert!

5.8

TV Series

Doreen Bissel

1972

3 episodes

 

Edward Woodward in Callan (1967)

Callan

8.3

TV Series

GladysGirl on bus

1970–1972

2 episodes

 

John Alderton, David Barry, Peter Cleall, Peter Denyer, Liz Gebhardt, Carol Hawkins, and Leon Vitali in The Fenn Street Gang (1971)

The Fenn Street Gang

5.9

TV Series

Brenda Grey

1971

1 episode

 

The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (1971)

The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins

5.4

Vanessa (segment "Avarice")

1971

 

Derek Jacobi, Ronald Fraser, Charles Gray, Bernard Hepton, John Thaw, and Douglas Wilmer in The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (1971)

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

7.2

TV Series

Millie

1971

1 episode

 

Reg Varney in On the Buses (1969)

On the Buses

7.0

TV Series

Eileen

1971

1 episode

 

Armchair Theatre (1956)

Armchair Theatre

7.7

TV Series

WaitressJulie

1970–1971

2 episodes

 

Kirk Douglas and Marlène Jobert in Catch Me a Spy (1971)

Catch Me a Spy

5.2

Clarke's Girlfriend (uncredited)

1971

 

You and the World

TV Series

Rene

1968–1971

6 episodes

 

Richard Burton in Villain (1971)

Villain

6.5

Judy

1971

 

Sykes and a Big Big Show

TV Series

1971

1 episode

 

Deep End (1970)

Deep End

7.1

Red Hat Girl

1970

 

Smith (1970)

Smith

6.9

TV Mini Series

Miss Fanny

1970

5 episodes

 

Fulton Mackay, Patrick Mower, Derren Nesbitt, Wensley Pithey, and George Sewell in Special Branch (1969)

Special Branch

7.4

TV Series

Blonde Girl

1969

1 episode

 

Scene (1968)

Scene

6.7

TV Series

Marge

1969

1 episode

 

Self

Destroy All Monsters! (2011)

Destroy All Monsters!

Video

Self - 'Shirna'

2011

 

Michael Aspel, Lionel Blair, and Una Stubbs in Give Us a Clue (1979)

Give Us a Clue

7.1

TV Series

Self - Panellist

1979

1 episode

 

Bob Monkhouse in Celebrity Squares (1975)

Celebrity Squares

5.4

TV Series

Self

1976

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

John Leeson, Elisabeth Sladen, Yasmin Paige, Daniel Anthony, Tommy Knight, Sinead Michael, and Anjli Mohindra in The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007)

The Sarah Jane Adventures

7.5

TV Series

Shirna (archive footage, uncredited)

2010

1 episode

 

John McKeachie obit

Vancouver sportscaster John McKeachie dies at 82 

He was not on the list.

Gomez was born in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), to Albert Clyde John McKeachie, who had a more than 40-year career working in B.C. sports media across TV, radio and print, has passed away at the age of 82.

Announced earlier this year as a 2026 B.C. Sports Hall of Fame inductee, McKeachie is best known for his 27 years as a sports anchor on BCTV (now Global) from 1973 to ’99, while also serving as an on-air host and colour commentator for Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps broadcasts.

He went on to host CBC Vancouver’s Hockey Night in Canada post-game show, McKeachie’s Hockey Talk from 1998-2000, which later became the long-running After Hours. Other stops included CDKA Victoria (1970-72); CKNW Vancouver, where he hosted Canucks and BC Lions broadcasts (1972-75, 1997-98); TEAM 1040, where he hosted McKeachie in the Morning (2001-03); and MOJO Sports Radio (2003-05), among other work, including two Olympic games. In addition to his work in media, he also worked for Vancouver investment firm, ZLC Financial, for almost 20 years.

“While British Columbia knew John as one of its most beloved and enduring sports media personalities, those closest to him knew him first and foremost as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — roles he cherished above all others and considered his greatest achievements,” said McKeachie’s wife, Sandi, and daughter Jessica, in a statement. “To family and friends, he was bigger than life, instantly recognizable by his booming voice and his love of a good story that could captivate a room.”

“John’s own passion for sports started long before the cameras and microphones, playing Little League baseball in his hometown of Victoria. Though he’d be the first to joke he never made it big as an athlete himself, that love of the game never left him. Well into his life he kept up a weekly basketball game with a close group of friends and was a regular on the ice rink and the golf course though, by his own admission, he always wished he were a little better at them,” the statement continued. “That genuine love of sport carried him into a celebrated 40-year career…”

Dan Russell, the longtime host of Sportstalk in the Vancouver market, wrote in a post to Facebook that he was “heartbroken” to have lost his longtime friend.

“Long before I knew him personally, I listened to and admired him on CKNW and later BCTV. Ultimately, I was lucky enough to call him a close friend,” said Russell.

McKeachie will now be posthumously inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 6. He was previously inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He also captured TV Week Magazine’s B.C. Sports Broadcaster of the Year honour on three occasions during his time at BCTV.

Hiroshi Okuda obit

Hiroshi Okuda: The Outsider Who Shaped Toyota's Global Success

Hiroshi Okuda, a non-family leader of Toyota, expanded the company's global presence. Serving as president in 1995, he overcame export challenges and established local production. Okuda was pivotal in launching the Prius, known for its hybrid innovation. His leadership questioned corporate traditions while ensuring substantial international growth.

 

He was not on the list.

Former Toyota Motor Corp Chairman, Hiroshi Okuda, has died at the age of 93, as reported by Kyodo News. An outsider in a family-run company, Okuda significantly expanded Toyota's global reach. The cause of death was not disclosed.

As president from 1995, Okuda navigated Toyota through export issues and a strong yen by establishing international production bases, effectively boosting sales. He was instrumental in the development and success of the Prius, the pioneering petrol-electric hybrid car. Okuda was also a voices in the company, notably opposing a nepotistic leadership appointment.

Okuda joined Toyota in 1955, quickly rising through the ranks by challenging questionable practices. In 1996, he led the 'Vision 2005' strategy, dramatically reducing costs and increasing local production. His work contributed to the doubling of overseas sales. He also served as chairman of the influential Keidanren business lobby and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Sensational obit

Sensational, experimental rapper and underground maverick, dies aged 51

The cult New York MC's death was confirmed by long-time collaborator Madteo yesterday 

He was not on the list.

Cult New York experimentalist Colin Julius Bobb, AKA Sensational, has died aged 51.

Regular collaborator Madteo broke the news on Instagram yesterday, August 11th. No cause of death was disclosed.

Bobb was a cult hero of the underground whose music occupied a singular space between hip-hop, noise and experimental electronics. Born in Guyana in 1974 and raised in Brooklyn, he was initially a dancer who performed as Torture, before moving to the microphone and appearing with the Jungle Brothers. Producer Bill Laswell subsequently introduced him to Spectre and the New York underground label WordSound, where Torture became Sensational—also recording as Perfection.

His 1997 debut album Loaded With Power, made largely with a four-track and drum machine, established his distinctive style of fractured beats, found sounds and unconventional flows—but his collaborations extended well beyond hip-hop.

He recorded with Spectre, Kid 606 and Japanese experimentalist Kouhei Matsunaga, including the Sensational Meets Kouhei project, whose work was later remixed by Autechre. In later years he worked with artists including Milo Smee, Madteo, NHK'Koyxen, Kassem Mosse and DJ Sotofett, finding an audience among a new generation of experimental electronic producers.

His later life was marked by substance abuse and periods of homelessness, documented in the 2010 film The Rise and Fall and Rise of Sensational. Despite these struggles, he continued recording and collaborating, remaining a fiercely individual presence in New York’s underground. His refusal to conform to the conventions of either rap or electronic music became the defining characteristic of a career that inspired artists across both worlds.