Sandy Wernick obit

Sandy Wernick Dies: Adam Sandler’s Manager Who Inspired ‘Sandy Wexler’ Movie Was 86

 He was on the list.

Sanford ‘Sandy’ Wernick, the talent manager and partner/senior executive VP at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, has died. He was 86.

A family representative tells Deadline that Wernick died on Thursday in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by family and loved ones, following a brief illness. Private services will be held in Palm Desert, followed by a memorial celebration in Los Angeles at a later date.

Beginning his career as a manager in the 1970s, his clients included Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy, Lorne Michaels, Jeff Ross, Colin Quinn, Rob Schneider and many more. A co-creator and executive producer of Def Comedy Jam, Wernick also helped package and produce shows like Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, The Sopranos, Just Shoot Me, Alf and The Goldbergs.

As Sandler’s manager, Wernick was an EP on his movies Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), Bulletproof (1996) and The Wedding Singer (1998).

In 2017, Sandler played a character inspired by Wernick in the Netflix film Sandy Wexler, about a talent manager hustling in 1994 Los Angeles, as he attempts to turn talented young singer Courtney (Jennifer Hudson) into a star. Wernick had a cameo in the movie.

Born March 22, 1939 in the Bronx, Wernick graduated from NYU and served in the Army from 1960 to 1962. He worked as an adjunct professor at USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Peter Stark Producing Program, and he volunteered in the Cedars Sinai emergency room.

Wernick is survived by wife of 64 years, Barbara, daughter Michele, son Barry and daughter-in-law Jillian, as well as grandson Sammy, sister Joyce, brother-in-law Jules and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Additional Crew

Bill Bellamy, Jamie Foxx, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, Adele Givens, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Carlos Mencia, Craig Robinson, Aries Spears, Sheryl Underwood, Michael Winslow, Deon Cole, and J.B. Smoove in Phunny Business: A Black Comedy (2011)

Phunny Business: A Black Comedy

6.8

executive consultant

2011

 

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

ALF

7.4

TV Series

executive consultant

1986–2004

49 episodes

 

Garry Shandling in The Larry Sanders Show (1992)

The Larry Sanders Show

8.5

TV Series

executive consultant

1992–1998

89 episodes

 

Dana Carvey in Dana Carvey: Critics' Choice (1995)

Dana Carvey: Critics' Choice

8.2

TV Special

executive consultant

1995

 

Men, Movies & Carol (1994)

Men, Movies & Carol

7.4

TV Movie

executive consultant

1994

 

Kate Capshaw in Black Tie Affair (1993)

Black Tie Affair

7.4

TV Series

executive consultant

1993

2 episodes

 

Live from Washington D.C.: They Shoot HBO Specials, Don't They? (1993)

Live from Washington D.C.: They Shoot HBO Specials, Don't They?

6.7

TV Special

executive consultant

1993

 

The 15th Annual Young Comedians Special

7.4

TV Special

executive consultant

1992

 

Deborah Richter and Ami Rothschild in Lookwell (1991)

Lookwell

8.2

TV Movie

executive consultant

1991

 

Garry Shandling: Stand-Up

8.0

TV Special

executive consultant

1991

 

Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal in Good Sports (1991)

Good Sports

4.8

TV Series

executive consultant

1991

10 episodes

 

Blair Brown in The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (1987)

The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd

8.2

TV Series

executive consultant

1987–1991

9 episodes

 

A Very Retail Christmas

5.2

TV Movie

executive consultant

1990

 

Don't Try This at Home! (1990)

Don't Try This at Home!

7.1

TV Movie

executive consultant

1990

 

Sunday Night with Larry King (1990)

Sunday Night with Larry King

TV Special

executive consultant

1990

 

The Dave Thomas Comedy Show (1990)

The Dave Thomas Comedy Show

6.2

TV Series

executive consultant

1990

5 episodes

 

The 13th Annual Young Comedians Special (1989)

The 13th Annual Young Comedians Special

6.3

TV Special

executive consultant

1989

 

The Wickedest Witch (1989)

The Wickedest Witch

6.8

TV Movie

executive consultant

1989

 

Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson in The Kids in the Hall (1988)

The Kids in the Hall

8.4

TV Series

executive consultant

1988

1 episode

 

Mr. Miller Goes to Washington Starring Dennis Miller (1988)

Mr. Miller Goes to Washington Starring Dennis Miller

6.4

TV Special

executive consultant

1988

 

Christine Baranski and Keith Szarabajka in Big Shots in America (1985)

Big Shots in America

TV Movie

executive consultant

1985

 

Buffalo Bill (1983)

Buffalo Bill

7.4

TV Series

executive consultant

1983–1984

25 episodes

 

George Dzundza, Susan Tyrrell, and Sam Whipple in Open All Night (1981)

Open All Night

7.2

TV Series

executive consultant

1981–1982

13 episodes

 

Production Department

New

The Jackie Bison Show (1990)

The Jackie Bison Show

TV Special

production consultant

1990

 

Producer

Cameron Dallas in Chasing Cameron (2016)

Chasing Cameron

3.7

TV Series

executive producer

2016

1 episode

 

Martin Short and Maya Rudolph in Maya & Marty (2016)

Maya & Marty

6.6

TV Series

producer

2016

 

Adam Goldberg, Michael Ian Black, Jim Gaffigan, Ashley Williams, and Tongayi Chirisa in The Jim Gaffigan Show (2015)

The Jim Gaffigan Show

7.5

TV Series

executive producer

2015

1 episode

 

Colin Quinn: Long Story Short (2011)

Colin Quinn: Long Story Short

7.9

TV Special

executive producer

2011

 

Def Comedy Jam (1992)

Def Comedy Jam

8.0

TV Series

executive producer

1992–2008

2 episodes

 

Movie Club with John Ridley

TV Series

executive producer

2004

 

Comedy Inc. (2002)

Comedy Inc.

2.9

TV Series

executive producer (2003-2004)

2002–2007

 

Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer (1998)

The Wedding Singer

6.9

executive producer

1998

 

Adam Sandler and Damon Wayans in Bulletproof (1996)

Bulletproof

5.8

executive producer

1996

 

Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore (1996)

Happy Gilmore

7.0

executive producer

1996

 

Bob Saget: In the Dream State

7.1

TV Special

executive consultant

1990

 

Father Guido Sarducci's Vatican Inquirer: The Pope's Tour

TV Special

executive producer

1987

 

CBS Summer Playhouse (1987)

CBS Summer Playhouse

6.4

TV Series

consulting producer

1987

1 episode

 

Caesar's 20th Birthday Celebration

TV Special

executive producer

1987

 

Jasper Carrott in Cinemax Comedy Experiment (1985)

Cinemax Comedy Experiment

4.1

TV Series

executive producer

1986

1 episode

 

The Second City 25th Anniversary Special (1985)

The Second City 25th Anniversary Special

5.9

TV Special

executive producer

1985

 

Actor

Adam Sandler in Sandy Wexler (2017)

Sandy Wexler

5.3

Peter Marvelle

2017

 

Adam Sandler and Kevin James in I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

5.9

Jail Guard

2007

 

Jerry Stiller, Kevin James, and Leah Remini in The King of Queens (1998)

The King of Queens

7.4

TV Series

Principal Nagel (as Sanford Wernick)

2007

1 episode

 

Thanks

Garry Shandling in The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special (1986)

The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special

7.8

TV Special

special thanks

1986

 

Self

Finding Sandler

Self (Sandler's Manager)

Completed

Bob Harlan obit

Ex-Packers president, team Hall of Famer Bob Harlan dies at 89

 He was not on the list.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Former Packers president Bob Harlan, who helped restore the franchise to greatness, died Thursday at the age of 89, his family announced.

Team historian Cliff Christl said Harlan had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia.

Harlan is the only person in NFL history to hire two general managers who won Super Bowls with entirely different rosters: Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson.

"Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational," current Packers president and CEO Ed Policy said in a statement. "From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club's on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family."

Harlan took over as team president in 1989 when the team was more than two decades removed from the success of the Vince Lombardi era. In one his first moves, Harlan hired Wolf as general manager in 1991. That opened the door for Wolf to hire Mike Holmgren as head coach, trade for quarterback Brett Favre and sign Reggie White. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI during Harlan's tenure.

Wolf would go on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Bob Harlan gave me an opportunity, and I am deeply indebted to him for that," Wolf said in a statement. "His greatest trait, in my opinion, is that he was an honorable man, a man of his word, a man of character. He was an honor to know and a pleasure to work with."

Harlan served as president and CEO until his retirement in 2008. Before retiring, he hired Thompson as general manager, which led to another championship, in Super Bowl XLV, with Mike McCarthy as coach and Aaron Rodgers as quarterback.

Harlan was also largely responsible for the renovation to Lambeau Field, which reopened in 2003 and secured the Packers from a financially competitive standpoint. The initial $295 million renovation needed to be approved by Brown County voters, and Harlan played a key role in persuading the public to support the move. It paved the way for what Lambeau Field has become today, a year-round destination that also included the Titletown area featuring restaurants, office buildings, a luxury hotel and residences.

Before becoming team president, Harlan served the Packers as assistant general manager (1971-75), corporate general manager (1975-81), assistant to the president-corporate (1981-88) and executive vice president of administration (1988-89).

Harlan was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2004 and has a plaza in front of Lambeau Field named in his honor.

Harlan was the father of longtime sports broadcaster Kevin Harlan.

He was a graduate of Marquette University, where he later served as the Sports Information Director for six years. After his tenure at Marquette, Harlan worked for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team for five years in community and public relations. In 1971, he was hired by the Packers as assistant general manager. For the next 18 years, Harlan worked in different positions in the front office for the Packers before being promoted to executive vice president in 1988. In 1989, after the retirement of Robert J. Parins, Harlan was elected as the Packers' ninth president, a position he held until 2008. Harlan became the first team president whose background was primarily in football; all previous presidents of the Packers were local civic leaders or businessmen in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area.

Ana Luisa Peluffo obit

RIP Ana Luisa Peluffo

 

She was not on the list.

Ana Luisa Peluffo, Mexican Actress of Golden Cinema and Telenovelas, dies

This Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the death of actress Ana Luisa Peluffo was announced

March 4, 2026

This Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the death of Ana Luisa Peluffo, aMexican actress of the Golden Cinema and telenovelas, was announced.

Through a press release, the actress's family confirmed the death:

(Ana Luisa Peluffo) She passed away peacefully, at her ranch in Jalisco, accompanied by her loved ones.

It was indicated that during her last days, Ana Luisa Peluffo lived with serenity surrounded by care and closeness to her son.

It was reported that the funeral services will be carried out in an intimate and private way, in accordance with her will and they thanked the signs of affection for the actress.

We deeply appreciate the affection of all the people who, over the years, appreciated his career and enjoyed his work and his company and we ask for respect and understanding at this time. Her memory will remain alive in those who knew her and valued her presence and her artistic legacy.

She appeared in more than 200 films and television shows from 1948 onwards, debuting as an extra in the American film Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948).

In 1955, she became the first Mexican artist, male or female, to perform a public nude, which was presented in the film La Fuerza del deseo. Two years later, she married actor Octavio Arias in 1957, whom she divorced the same year due to her intense work schedules

PELUFFO, Ana Luisa (Ana Luisa Quintana)

Born: 10/9/1929, Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico

 

Died: 4/4/2026, Jalisco, Mexico

Selected filmography

Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948)

La adúltera (1956)

Las esclavas de Cártago (1956)

La diana cazadora (1957)

Sail Into Danger (1957)

Ama a tu prójimo (1958)

Las señoritas Vivanco (1959)

Sed de amor (1959)

To Each His Life (1960)

The Phantom of the Operetta (1960)

Las momias de Guanajuato (TV) (1962)

Farewell to Marriage (1968)

Vagabundo en la lluvia (1968)

El crepúsculo de un dios (1969)

Ángeles y querubines (1972)

La satánica (1973) directed by Alfredo Crevenna

Pobre Clara (TV) (1975)

El valle de los miserables (1975)

La venida del Rey Olmos (1975)

La casta divina (1977)

Paper Flowers (1977)

Juana Iris (TV) (1985)

Monte Calvario (TV) (1986)

Pobre señorita Limantour (TV) (1987)

The Infernal Rapist (1988)

El pecado de Oyuki (TV) (1988)

Lo blanco y lo negro (TV) (1989)

Entre la vida y la muerte (TV) (1993)

Marimar (TV) (1994)

Lazos de amor (TV) (1995)

Tú y yo (TV) (1996)

María Isabel (TV) (1997)

Soñadoras (TV) (1998)

Serafín (TV) (1999)

Carita de ángel (TV) (2000)

Contra viento y marea (TV) (2005)

La virgen de la caridad del cobre (2008)

Mujeres asesinas (TV) (2010)

Cartas a Elena (2011)

Lou Holtz - # 358

Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz dies at age 89

Holtz spent parts of five decades as a college football head coach, leading four programs to Top 25 finishes and six schools to bowl games, an NCAA record. His politics drew heavy criticism a few times in his 31 years as a head college football coach and afterward.

 

He was number 358 on the list.

Lou Holtz, the College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to its last national title in 1988, died Wednesday. He was 89.

Holtz spent parts of five decades as a college football head coach, leading four programs to Top 25 finishes and six schools to bowl games, an NCAA record. While he didn’t last a full season in his lone stint in the NFL with the New York Jets in 1976 and he was dogged by controversy at times, Holtz’s 11-year run at Notre Dame cemented his status as one of the game’s great coaches.

“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd said in a news release.

“Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. ... Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed.”

Coming off years of mediocrity, Notre Dame hired Holtz before the 1986 season and by 1988 he had built the Fighting Irish back into a title-contending team. Led by quarterback Tony Rice, running backs Mark Green and Ricky Watters along with receiver/kick returner Raghib Ismail, the Fighting Irish beat four ranked teams and finished 12-0.

“Everyone told me why we couldn’t win,” Holtz wrote. “The academic standards, the tough schedule, the no-redshirting policy, the lack of an athletic dormitory — all those were reasons people gave me why Notre Dame would never be great again.”

The biggest test that season came on Oct. 15, 1988, when Notre Dame faced Miami, which was ranked No. 1 and coached by Jimmy Johnson at the time. Billed as “Catholics vs. Convicts,” Notre Dame won 31-30 to end the Hurricanes’ 36-game regular-season win.

Notre Dame finished atop the AP and coaches poll after a 34-21 victory against the third-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers at the Fiesta Bowl. Holtz coached Notre Dome to one-loss seasons in 1989 and 1993, finishing second in the polls each season.

He stepped down in 1996 after compiling a 100-30-2 record at the school.

After two years working for CBS Sports, Holtz returned to the sideline with South Carolina. He was selected as the 2000 SEC Coach of the Year and led the Gamecocks to consecutive postseason bowls for the first time in school history. But his six-season tenure ended after his team and Clemson were involved a 10-minute brawl in November 2004, which led both schools to forgo bowl bids.

His final career record was 249-132-7.

South Carolina was put on probation after Holtz’s departure, the third such Holtz-led program to be sanctioned by the NCAA.

Holtz returned to television, this time for ESPN where he spent a decade as a college football analyst.

A staunch Republican, Holtz drew heavy criticism a few times in his 31 years as a head college football coach and afterward. He backed Republican Jesse Helms, a longtime opponent to civil rights legislation, in a reelection bid while Holtz was a coach at Arkansas in the early 1980s. Isn't amazing what these brain dead journalists call controversial? 

Holtz endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign and his comments on immigration cost him speaking engagements. He called the immigrants coming to the U.S. an “invasion” and criticized immigrants for not assimilating.

“I don’t want to become you,” Holtz said at a Republican pro-life luncheon in July 2016. “I don’t want to speak your language. I don’t want to celebrate your holidays. I sure as hell don’t want to cheer for your soccer team.”

Holtz flirted with the idea of running for Congress in 2009, although he decided not to enter the race for a Florida seat.

e served as the head football coach at the College of William & Mary (1969–1971), North Carolina State University (1972–1975), the New York Jets (1976), the University of Arkansas (1977–1983), the University of Minnesota (1984–1985), the University of Notre Dame (1986–1996), and the University of South Carolina (1999–2004), compiling a career college head coaching record of 249–132–7.

After retiring from coaching, Holtz worked as a TV college football analyst for CBS Sports in the 1990s and ESPN from 2005 until 2015. Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Holtz was born in Follansbee, West Virginia, the son of Anne Marie (Tychonievich) and Andrew Holtz, a bus driver. His father was of German and Irish descent, while his maternal grandparents were emigrants from Chernobyl, Ukraine. He was raised as a Catholic.

Holtz grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio, and graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1954. He then attended Kent State University, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and was a walk-on for the Kent State football team. He worked part-time at the East Liverpool Review to afford attending college. Holtz also trained under Kent State's U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps and earned a commission as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army Reserve. Holtz graduated in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in history. He then received a master's degree in arts and education from the University of Iowa in 1961.

Holtz's first job as head coach came in 1969 at the College of William & Mary, who played in the Southern Conference at that time. He led the 1970 William & Mary Indians (now Tribe) to the Southern Conference title and a berth in the Tangerine Bowl.

Holtz was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, and the Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame in 1998. On December 3, 2020, Holtz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.

Holtz appeared as himself in a Discover Card commercial in November 2011. A 1994 episode of Coach had the protagonist Hayden Fox covertly traveling to a nation under sanction from the United States in an attempt to sign a native who is an incredible place kicker, only to find Lou Holtz has beaten him to the punch, signing the kicker for Notre Dame. Holtz also played himself in the movie The Blind Side.

Holtz worked for CBS Sports as a college football analyst and in the same capacity for the cable network ESPN. He worked on the secondary studio team, located in Bristol as opposed to the game site. He typically appeared on pregame, halftime, and postgame shows of college football games. In addition, he appeared on College Football Scoreboard, College Football Final, College Football Live, SportsCenter, and the occasional game. He typically partnered with Rece Davis and Mark May. Holtz came under scrutiny after referencing Adolf Hitler in an on-air comment while appearing on College Football Live in 2008. In his analysis of Michigan Wolverines head coach Rich Rodriguez, Holtz stated sarcastically, "Ya know, Hitler was a great leader, too." The next day, Holtz apologized for the comment during halftime of a game between Clemson and Georgia Tech. On April 12, 2015, it was reported by SB Nation that Holtz was leaving ESPN.

 

Head coaching record

College

Year     Team   Overall            Conference      Standing          Bowl/playoffs  Coaches#         AP°

William & Mary Indians (Southern Conference) (1969–1971)

1969    William & Mary          3–7      2–2      4th                              

1970    William & Mary          5–7      3–1      1st        L Tangerine                

1971    William & Mary          5–6      4–1      2nd                             

William & Mary:         13–20  9–4     

NC State Wolfpack (Atlantic Coast Conference) (1972–1975)

1972    NC State          8–3–1  4–1–1  2nd      W Peach                      17

1973    NC State          9–3      6–0      1st        W Liberty                    16

1974    NC State          9–2–1  4–2      2nd      T Astro-Bluebonnet     9          11

1975    NC State          7–4–1  2–2–1  4th       L Peach                      

NC State:         33–12–3          16–5–2           

Arkansas Razorbacks (Southwest Conference) (1977–1983)

1977    Arkansas         11–1    7–1      2nd      W Orange        3          3

1978    Arkansas         9–2–1  6–2      2nd      T Fiesta            10        11

1979    Arkansas         10–2    7–1      T–1st   L Sugar            9          8

1980    Arkansas         7–5      3–5      6th       W Hall of Fame Classic                     

1981    Arkansas         8–4      5–3      4th       L Gator            16       

1982    Arkansas         9–2–1  5–2–1  3rd       W Astro-Bluebonnet   8          9

1983    Arkansas         6–5      4–4      5th                              

Arkansas:        60–21–2          37–18–1         

Minnesota Golden Gophers (Big Ten Conference) (1984–1985)

1984    Minnesota        4–7      3–6      8th                              

1985    Minnesota        6–5      4–4      6th       Independence[n 1]                 

Minnesota:       10–12  7–10   

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Independent) (1986–1996)

1986    Notre Dame     5–6                                                     

1987    Notre Dame     8–4                              L Cotton                      17

1988    Notre Dame     12–0                            W Fiesta          1          1

1989    Notre Dame     12–1                            W Orange        3          2

1990    Notre Dame     9–3                              L Orange         6          6

1991    Notre Dame     10–3                            W Sugar          12        13

1992    Notre Dame     10–1–1                                    W Cotton†       4          4

1993    Notre Dame     11–1                            W Cotton†       2          2

1994    Notre Dame     6–5–1                          L Fiesta†                     

1995    Notre Dame     9–3                              L Orange†       13        11

1996    Notre Dame     8–3                                          21        19

Notre Dame:    100–30–2                   

South Carolina Gamecocks (Southeastern Conference) (1999–2004)

1999    South Carolina            0–11    0–8      6th (Eastern)                           

2000    South Carolina            8–4      5–3      2nd (Eastern)   W Outback      21        19

2001    South Carolina            9–3      5–3      3rd (Eastern)    W Outback      13        13

2002    South Carolina            5–7      3–5      4th (Eastern)                           

2003    South Carolina            5–7      2–6      4th (Eastern)                           

2004    South Carolina            6–5      4–4      3rd (Eastern)                           

South Carolina:           33–37  19–29 

Total:   249–132–7     

Russ Meyer Jr. obit

Aviation Legend Russ Meyer Jr. Dies At 93

 

He was not on the list.

WICHITA—Arguably the most influential leader in general and business aviation of the last 50 years, Russ Meyer Jr., the longtime chair, CEO and chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft, died March 4 in Wichita at the age of 93 after a brief illness.

Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, William Piper and others built the early aircraft, but Meyer catapulted general aviation to the forefront, said Jack Pelton, former Cessna CEO, who followed Meyer in the role. He not only grew Cessna into a major aircraft manufacturer, but with his work in the broader industry, “he had this incredible vision of where this all could go,” said Pelton, now chair and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Meyer was a Harvard-educated lawyer and a former Marine Corps fighter pilot. After practicing aviation law, he became president and CEO of Grumman American Aviation Corp., serving until Dwayne Wallace, Cessna board chair and Clyde Cessna’s nephew, invited him to join the company in 1974.

Meyer served as chair and CEO of Cessna, now Textron Aviation, from 1975-2003, remaining as chairman emeritus.

Meyer will long be credited with saving the general aviation industry with the passage of a bill limiting manufacturer product liability. Whenever there was an accident of any kind, it was the manufacturer who was sued no matter the cause, and costs skyrocketed.

As a result, Cessna, along with almost every manufacturer, halted production of all single-engine piston aircraft in the mid-1980s. It was the toughest decision of his career, Meyer once told Aviation Week. Paired with an economic downturn, employment dropped to a record low. Meyer helped lead a lobbying effort in Congress, resulting in the 1994 passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act, limiting product liability. It revitalized the industry—Meyer made good on his promise to restart production.

Nicknamed the “father of the Citation line,” under Meyer’s leadership, Cessna delivered nearly 5,000 Citation business jets. His favorite was the Citation X, he once told Aviation Week, a fast jet with a top speed of Mach 0.92.

Meyer loved to fly. He would sit in the left seat of the Citation X with his chief pilot on the right, said Dave Franson, a former Cessna manager of public relations.

Meyer liked to write many of his own speeches and comments. Once while flying to a speaking event, Meyer, as pilot-in-command, set the cruising altitude and autopilot, then took out a small legal pad and a No. 2 pencil. He then crafted his remarks for the event ahead, writing carefully on every other line, Franson said, resulting in, as typical, the most eloquent of speeches.

He was a dynamic speaker, who knew how to win people over with persuasion, Franson and Pelton said.

Al Higdon, a Wichita former advertising and public relations executive, met Meyer in the 1970s. Meyer became the big brother he never had, he said. At the time Meyer was a young Cleveland lawyer representing golfer Arnold Palmer, who had just purchased a Learjet. Meyer and Palmer bonded over a mutual love of aviation and became lifelong friends.

“[Meyer] was the guidepost for ethics and credibility and leadership,” Higdon said.

Meyer created a special atmosphere at Cessna where everyone was family, a former long-term employee said. Those years were “Camelot.”

“We all looked after each other and that started at the top,” said Teresa Ortega, an administrator in international sales, now co-owner of Ortega Aviation Services. One time, after many days in Europe culminating at the Paris Air Show, the team went to dinner at a rose garden. Meyer surprised Ortega at the dinner with a birthday party saying no one should be away from family on their birthday, and they were all family.

“There’s never going to be another one like him,” Ortega said.

Meyer launched the company’s Citation Special Olympics Airlift, recruiting Citation owners to donate their aircraft and pilots to fly athletes and coaches to the games and back. He opened the Cessna 21st Street Training program, touted by then-President Bill Clinton for providing skills training and jobs to struggling adults completing the program. He and his wife, Helen, spearheaded construction of a 42,000-ft.2 Boys & Girls Club facility and campaigns for GraceMed Health Clinics, providing healthcare to low-income families.

He also helped create and promote the Be A Pilot program, a national initiative to reverse the decline in new student pilots.

Meyer earned about every award one could earn in the industry—the Aviation Week Laureate Award in 2025, the Robert J. Collier Trophy, George S. Dively Award, Wright Brothers Memorial Award, Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame, the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Award and others.

Bob Rosenfarb obit

Bob Rosenfarb, Writer-Producer on ‘Who’s the Boss?’ and ‘Step by Step,’ Dies at 74

He also contributed to ‘St. Elsewhere,’ ‘Cagney & Lacey,’ ‘The Golden Girls’ and ‘Head of the Class.’

He was not on the list. 

Bob Rosenfarb, who wrote and produced for the 1990s network comedies Who’s the Boss? and Step by Step, died Tuesday, his family announced. He was 74.

Rosenfarb also received a writing credit on 19 episodes of the Howard Hesseman-starring ABC sitcom Head of the Class over two seasons (1987-89) and contributed to such acclaimed shows as St. Elsewhere, Cagney & Lacey and The Golden Girls as well.

Rosenfarb worked on the last two seasons (1990-92) of ABC’s Who’s the Boss?, starring Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano and Judith Light, then spent six seasons (1992-98) on the ABC-CBS comedy Step by Step, starring Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers.

Robert Martin Rosenfarb was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 16, 1951, and raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, doing stand-up and writing a spec script for Mork & Mindy, he moved to Los Angeles in 1978 and worked as a bartender before selling an idea for a 1982 episode of Archie Bunker’s Place.

In 1984-85, he wrote for the animated shows The Get Along Gang, Heathcliff & the Catillac Cats and The Wuzzles.

Rosenfarb’s other credits included The Ellen Burstyn Show, Free Spirit, The Upper Hand and 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd. He also taught improv.

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob lived an amazing life filled with joy, humor and love,” his family said. “He cherished his family, valued lifelong friendships and had a deep appreciation for the craft and collaborative spirit of comedy. Those who knew him will remember his wit, his warmth and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye when he shared a story or told an outrageous joke.”

Survivors include his sister, Beth, brother-in-law Jim, nephew Jesse and niece Rebecca.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. on Friday at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills. Donations in his memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Roy Book Binder obit

St. Pete blues guitar 

legend Roy Book Binder 

dies

Book Binder was renowned for his “Carolina style” acoustic guitar fingerpicking on blues, old-time country and ragtime songs. 

He was not on the list.

Singer and guitarist Roy Book Binder, a longtime favorite on America’s folk music circuit and a three-decade resident of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 82.

A raconteur and storyteller, Book Binder was renowned for his “Carolina style” acoustic guitar fingerpicking on blues, old-time country and ragtime songs. From the 1960s to the 1990s, he was playing 200 one-nighters every year, touring the country in a tricked-out sleeper van. He was also known for his dry onstage humor.

“You know, I created my life and I live it,” he said in a 2021 Catalyst interview, “instead of the life I was born into. Nobody was actually born into it except Hank Williams Jr., bless his heart.”

Said his longtime friend and fellow road warrior, the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz: “We shared dozens of your favorite old gospel singer, blues singer stories that we don’t tell the general public, and just the general intimacy that comes from two guys that have given their lives to entertain the masses with this music that we both looked at once upon a time and said this is good and it deserves to not be forgotten.

“He had some great stories. I’m proud to say he was impressed at some of mine.”

He was born in Queens, New York as Paul Roy Bookbinder, and served in the United States Navy.

In his 20s he met legendary bluesman Rev. Gary Davis, who became his teacher and friend. He later formed a similarly symbiotic relationship with blues singer and songwriter Pink Anderson.

Along with Tampa blues harmonica player David “Rock Bottom” York and bassist Billy Ochoa, Book Binder released The Hillbilly Blues Cats in 1992. He made more than a dozen albums under his own name.

Book Binder and his second wife, Nancy, had been married since 1999.

In the conversation with the Catalyst, Book Binder said he never actually thought about becoming rich and famous.

“I got out of the Navy in ’65, met Rev. Davis in ’66 and dropped out of junior college to go on the road with him. I dropped my G.I. Bill. The dream was to make $100 a week playing the guitar.

“And like the new wife always says, ‘Well, you’ve done it.’”

Ted Emery obit

Vale: Ted Emery

 

Legendary Australian comedy director Ted Emery, best known for Kath and Kim, Fast Forward and Countdown, has died.

He was not on the list.

Legendary Australian comedy director Ted Emery, best known for Kath & Kim, Fast Forward and Countdown, has died.

He passed away at his Noosa home this morning, following a battle with cancer.

Emery joined ABC as a stage hand in the 1970s, after serving in Vietnam.

He worked his way from an ABC stagehand in Ripponlea studios, Elsternwick, to floor managing and, unexpectedly, to the Director’s chair.

“Because of the way the ABC worked, they didn’t care whether it was Divine Service or Market to Market or Light Entertainment, you spent time everywhere – which wasn’t a bad idea,” he once told TV Tonight.

By 1976 he was tasked with Directing and Producing Countdown led by Go-Set journalist Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum as its Talent Co-ordinator.

“It was my first ever television show. I shit myself! I had diahorrea for a week!”

If it was a baptism of fire he would rise to the occasion remaining in the role for over 2 years. Countdown was a beast of a show to pull together, especially at the public broadcaster. If it was rough around the edges, as Molly Meldrum surely was, that was part of its Aussie charm.

“You had to get Molly to get his act together, for starters, and then you had to get the show to get its act together. But I think I went in the chair until ’79. My first band was Molly’s band called The Ferretts. They had a great song, I really loved it, called Just like the Stars. That was my first production number on Countdown,” he recalled.

“I was one of the first people to see Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. I saw, of all things, Peter Allen’s I Go to Rio. I was the guy just compiling the clips in Videotape. Molly hadn’t even seen it and I thought it was so much fun. No one had heard of Peter Allen in the age group we were going to.

“And the same thing with ABBA. The person who found ABBA was doing the same job as I was. He found it on a pile of film clips that came in, and took to Ian…. a lot of stories happened like that because we had so much product to play with.”

Yet there were other memories that lingered for Emery for all the wrong reasons, including a shoot he had planned for UK vocalist Robert Palmer for his brand new single.

“I got all the Countdown dancers in red lipstick, slicked-back hair and fake guitars and stood them in a group, behind him. I got my choreographer to do this rhythmic caterpillar routine behind him with their very straight faces, all packed up together in a line. He came in for rehearsals and the girls started up, and he said, ‘I’m not performing on your show unless you get rid of them,’ humiliatingly in front of my entire crew,” Emery explained.

“So I had to pull them off, and we did some shitty thing with dry ice and a few lights. Anyhow, lo and behold, the clip that came out next from Robert Palmer had those girls in the background. He went and got his own and copied the idea!”

Palmer’s Addicted to Love and Simply Irresistible would both go on to become ’80s classics.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forgive that man for that!”

But Emery had always fancied himself as being able to tell a joke and comedy yearned.

Seminal shows Fast Forward, Full Frontal and later Kath & Kim followed, working with Magda Szubanski, Gina Riley, Jane Turner, Glenn Robbins, Michael Veitch, Marg Downey, Peter Moon.

Emery was arguably the go-to comedy director of his generation, with credits including The D Generation Goes Commercial, Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, Acropolis Now, Jimeoin, The Eric Bana Show Live, Micallef, Welcher & Welcher plus drama series Bed of Roses.

His final credit was in 2022 for the revived Kath & Kim: Our Effluent Life, a nod to his valued place with the creative team.

A Melbourne memorial will be held in coming weeks.

Mike Vernon obit

Mike Vernon, Legendary Producer and British Blues Champion Has Died Aged 81

 

He was not on the list.

The music world is in mourning today following the announcement of the passing of legendary record producer, label founder, and blues champion Mike Vernon. The news was shared by his family via Vernon’s official social media channels.

Born Michael William Hugh Vernon on November 20, 1944, Vernon passed away on March 2, 2026, at the age of 81.

In a poignant statement, his family described the man behind some of the most influential records in British music history:

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mike Vernon. To the world, he was a passionate champion of the blues and a legendary record producer who helped shape so much incredible music. But to us, he was also our dad, a brother, an uncle, a grandpa and partner — our steady guide, our storyteller, and our biggest supporter. We will miss him beyond words, but his music, his spirit, and his love will stay with us always.”

Architect of the British Blues Boom

To understand the trajectory of rock and blues music in the United Kingdom—and by extension, the world – one must understand the impact of Mike Vernon. Working largely out of Decca Records’ West Hampstead studios in the mid-1960s, Vernon was not just a producer; he was a gatekeeper who recognised the raw potential in young British musicians obsessively studying American blues records.

His most monumental contribution to music history came in 1966 when he produced Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton for John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The album, affectionately known as the “Beano” album due to Clapton reading a Beano comic on the cover, is widely credited with establishing the sound of British blues-rock. Vernon’s production captured a thunderous, distorted guitar sound that set a new benchmark for rock music.

Blue Horizon: A Legacy of Integrity

Frustrated by the limitations of working within a major label system that often overlooked blues music, Vernon, along with his brother Richard, took a bold step in 1965 by founding the independent record label Blue Horizon.

Blue Horizon became the definitive home for blues in the UK. It was through this label that Vernon signed and produced the early incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, led by the late, great Peter Green. Under Vernon’s guidance, the band shifted from a strict blues repertoire to achieving mainstream success, culminating in the million-selling instrumental hit “Albatross,” which reached number one in the UK charts in 1968.

The label’s roster was a “who’s who” of blues legends, including Chicken Shack (featuring Christine McVie), Rory Gallagher, Ten Years After, and Savoy Brown. Notably, Vernon also used his label to champion original American blues artists, releasing records by legends such as Otis Spann, Champion Jack Dupree, and Lazy Lester, often backing them with British musicians to create a unique trans-Atlantic sound.

Beyond the Blues: Bowie, Focus, and Beyond

While blues was his heart, Vernon’s talent as a producer was versatile. He was responsible for producing the debut album for a young, relatively unknown artist named David Bowie for Deram Records in 1967. While not a commercial success at the time, it showcased Vernon’s ability to recognize unique artistry outside of his usual genre.

In the 1970s, Vernon produced for the Dutch progressive rock band Focus, achieving international success with the hit “Hocus Pocus.” Throughout his career, he also worked with Level 42, Dexys Midnight Runners, and Bloodstone.

Later Career and “The Mighty Combo”

After moving to Spain at the turn of the millennium, Vernon largely retired from the industry. However, his passion for music never waned. In 2010, he returned to production, working with modern blues artists such as Oli Brown, Dani Wilde, and Sari Schorr.

In a wonderful twist of fate, Vernon stepped out from behind the mixing desk to front his own rhythm and blues outfit, Mike Vernon & The Mighty Combo. Returning to his roots as a singer, he toured and recorded albums, proving that his love for the music of the 1940s and 50s remained as potent as ever.

A Lasting Impact

Mike Vernon was awarded the BASCA Gold Badge Award in 2013 for his unique contribution to music. His legacy is not just in the millions of records sold, but in the artists he nurtured and the genre he helped elevate from a niche interest to a global phenomenon.

He was a storyteller, a champion of authentic artistry, and a vital thread in the tapestry of modern music.

MNPR Magazine extends our deepest condolences to Mike Vernon’s family, friends, and the countless musicians whose lives he touched.

Len Garry obit

The Quarrymen's Len Garry dies aged 84 as tributes paid to legend who played with Lennon and McCartney

The star, who was in the band which evolved into the Beatles, was recently admitted to hospital

 

He was not on the list.

Merseybeat legend Len Garry has died aged 84. The Quarrymen star, who played alongside John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the band which would later evolve into the Beatles, was recently diagnosed with pneumonia after being admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital following a suspected chest infection.

His daughter Jane Garry confirmed the musician's death in a statement this morning. Announcing the news, she said: "My Dad 'Len Garry' passed away at home in the early hours this morning.

"The doctor told us he had hours to live and I said straight away 'he has to come home.' Which the doctor allowed. I travelled with dad in the ambulance and got him home.

"My mum, my sister, my brother in law and myself stayed by Dad’s bed holding his hand, talking to him and telling him how much we love him and how proud we are of him as he was passing away and taking his last breathes.

"I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I’m beyond devastated."

Len attended Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, and was introduced to Paul McCartney by schoolfriend Ivan Vaughan. He joined the Quarrymen shortly after they were formed, and was part of the first stable line-up of the group alongside Lennon, McCartney, Colin Hanton, Rod Davis, Pete Shotton and Eric Griffiths.

He performed with the band in their first ever performance at the Cavern Club. He was one of only two members of the band who did not attend Quarry Bank High School in Woolton. Len reunited with surviving members of the band in 1997, and this led to a tour and newly-released material.

The Quarrymen, through several line-up and name changes, evolved in 1960 into the Beatles.

Tributes to the guitarist and singer, originally from Wavertree, have been paid. One person said: "So sorry to hear this. what a life he had. Part of one of greatest stories ever told. A beautiful family and so much love. His name will be spoken and his stories told for many lifetimes to come."

Another said: "I'm so sorry to hear this news. We will all feel the loss of Len as he has a huge place in 'the story' but for you and your family it's totally different, I feel for you all and I'm so sorry."

A further fan added: "God bless him and he is now free from pain and discomfort. His smile always lit up a room, and we had some laughs over the years. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this sad time."

Last month, Len who had mixed dementia for the last year and a half, was suspected of having a chest infection. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia after being admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, where he remained since.

Last week Jane, 49, thanked his fans from around the world for their continued love and support through the ECHO. She told the ECHO last week: "People have been sending me photographs of themselves with him, photographs of where my dad signed a book for them, of them sitting on a bench with him and talking to them. My dad has always had so much time for the fans."

Len was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2024. Jane said the affection for Len, 84, had been as evident as ever.

Davíð Oddsson obit

Davíð Oddsson, editor and former Prime Minister, has died

 

He was not on the list.

Davíð Oddsson, editor of Morgunblaðið, passed away at his home yesterday at the age of 78. With his passing, Iceland loses one of its most influential politicians of the past decades.

During his tenure as Mayor of Reykjavík, the city underwent major progress: development was extensive, and its finances were strong. When Oddsson stepped down as mayor, he became Prime Minister and led significant reforms following a long period of economic difficulty. A period of strong growth and increased national prosperity followed.

After leaving government, he took the helm of the Central Bank of Iceland, where he confronted severe challenges during the banking collapse while also laying the groundwork for the nation’s recovery from the crisis.

In the autumn of 2009, Oddsson became editor of Morgunblaðið and held the position ever since. Under his leadership, the newspaper and other media of Árvakur hf. fostered important public debate and coverage of issues of great concern to the nation. At the same time, these media outlets withstood various pressures and remain strong today as they bid Oddsson farewell with gratitude and sorrow.

Davíð Oddsson was born in Reykjavík on January 17, 1948. His parents were Oddur Ólafsson, a physician, and Ingibjörg Kristín Lúðvíksdóttir, a bank clerk. His surviving wife is Ástríður Thorarensen; they married on September 5, 1970. Her parents were Þorsteinn S. Thorarensen and his wife Una Thorarensen. Their son is Þorsteinn Davíðsson, whose wife is Heiðrún Geirsdóttir. They have two daughters.

Oddsson graduated from Reykjavík Junior College (MR). He briefly studied acting before completing a law degree from the University of Iceland.

He served as office manager of the Reykjavík Theatre Company from 1970 to 1972, parliamentary reporter for Morgunblaðið from 1973 to 1974, an employee of the book publishing company Almenna bókafélagið in 1975, office manager of the Reykjavík Health Insurance Service from 1976 to 1978, and its executive director from 1978 to 1982.

Oddsson was elected to Reykjavík City Council in 1974 and served until 1994, including as Mayor from 1982 to 1991. He was elected chairman of the Independence Party at its national congress in 1991 and held that role until he left politics in 2005. He was elected Member of Parliament for Reykjavík in the 1991 parliamentary elections and became Prime Minister that same year.

He served as Prime Minister until 2004, when he became Minister for Foreign Affairs for just over a year. He then left politics and became Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland and chairman of its board. He served alongside Eiríkur Guðnason and Ingimundur Friðriksson until 2009. On September 24 of that year, he became editor of Morgunblaðið together with Haraldur Johannessen.

Davíð Oddsson was a versatile figure who also wrote in various genres. He authored popular song lyrics and other poetry, wrote three television plays — Róbert Elíasson Comes Home from Abroad (1977), Stains on the White Collar (1981), and All is good (1991) — and co-wrote two stage works for the Reykjavík Theatre Company and the National Theatre: I want to enrich my country (1974) and Tales of Icelanders (1975).

He also produced a variety of radio programs between 1968 and 1975, including Radio Matthildur in collaboration with Hrafn Gunnlaugsson and Þórarinn Eldjárn, which enjoyed great popularity. He wrote an essay on Prime Minister Geir Hallgrímsson in the magazine Andvari in 1994 and published the short-story collections A few good days without Guðný (1997) and Stolen from the author of the Alphabet (2002).

In closing, the staff of Morgunblaðið and mbl.is express their gratitude for a productive and rewarding collaboration and extends their deepest condolences to Davíð Oddsson’s family.