Jonathan Tiersten obit

'Sleepaway Camp' Jonathan TierstenDead At 60

 He was not on the list.

Jonathan Tiersten -- the actor best known for his role in the '80's horror classic "Sleepaway Camp," has died, TMZ has learned.

Tiersten passed away last week at his home in New Jersey, according to his brother, William Tiersten. William tells us the medical examiner is investigating Jonathan's cause of death.

In 1983, Jonathan landed his first film gig with the biggest role of his acting career, playing Ricky Thomas in "Sleepaway Camp." He also appeared in two out of the 4 sequels: "Return to Sleepaway Camp" and "Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor."

Jonathan's passion for blood-splattered horror flicks never ceased, starring in "The Perfect House," "Terror Tales," "Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back," and "Time's Up" throughout his career.

For the role of serial killer John Doesy in "The Perfect House," Jonathan snagged 3 best actor awards and was nominated for a fourth at multiple film festivals.

Jonathan was 60.

Born in Queens and raised in New York City and Northern New Jersey, Tiersten has been involved in both music and acting since his teens. Tiersten, who studied French horn and guitar when he was growing up, was still a teenager when, in 1983, he played Ricky Thomas in Robert Hiltzik's cult horror film Sleepaway Camp (1983).

Tiersten went on to study acting at New York University's prestigious Circle in the Square Theater School (where one of his classmates was future "Saturday Night Live (1975)" cast member Molly Shannon), and in 1987, he had a principal role in the Emmy-winning ABC after-school special "Seasonal Differences (1987)" (which also starred Uta Hagen, Melba Moore, Gabrielle Carteris and Frank Whaley). It was also in the late 1980s that Tiersten had a part on the NBC soap opera "Another World (1964)."

As a singer/songwriter, Tiersten made his presence felt on the Greenwich Village folk-rock/roots rock circuit in the late 1980s and early 1990s as one-half of the acoustic duo The Magic Box. But in 1991, Tiersten surprised his admirers by leaving the Big Apple and moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he opened a beer bar/live music venue called The Mountain Tap Tavern. Tiersten's bar attracted its share of well-known artists (including Dishwalla, David Gray and Victor Wooten), but he ended up selling it to devote more time to his own music. His contributions to the Colorado music scene included everything from solo performances to AC/DC and Black Sabbath cover bands to the alternative rock outfit Bambis Apartment (which he co-led with guitarist/singer Micah Stone). Tiersten (whose first solo album, Heaven, was released in 1998) also has been a member of the alternative funk-rock band Gaphiltaphunk, and now leads the band TEN TIERS, whose debut album, Don's Club Tavern, Part 1, was released in 2006.

Having spent the 1990s and early-to-mid 2000s concentrating on music, Tiersten returned to acting in a big way in 2008, when he reprised the role of Ricky Thomas in the Sleepaway Camp (1983) sequel Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008). And 2010 proved to be an even busier year as an actor, thanks to major roles in two independent films: Redemption (2014) and The Perfect House (2012). Redemption is a psychological thriller that also stars George Loros (best known for his portrayal of Raymond "Buffalo Ray" Curto on the HBO series "The Sopranos (1999)"), Meredith Ostrom (known for her roles in Love Actually (2003), Men Don't Tell (1993) and other movies) and veteran film/television actor Barry Primus. The Perfect House, meanwhile, stars Felissa Rose, John Philbin and Monique Parent along with Tiersten. Rose and Tiersten go way back; she played Angela Baker in both Sleepaway Camp (1983) and Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008), and it was Rose who recommended Tiersten for The Perfect House.

2010 was a year of dark, edgy characters for Tiersten, who portrays a pimp in Redemption and a serial killer in The Perfect House. "Apparently, I'm everyone's favorite bad guy now," jokes Tiersten, who explains that John Doesy (his character in The Perfect House) is an insane sociopath who sees the murders he commits not as crimes, but as artistic performances. In fact, Doesy keeps a woman hostage and makes her observe his crimes because he needs a "muse." Tiersten is preparing to reprise his The Perfect House role as the star of a full-length prequel centered around his character. "John Doesy sees himself as a performance artist akin to Andy Kaufman, who thought his whole life was a performance,"

Tiersten, who recently wrote the score for the short film Demption (a crime drama starring David Krumholtz of the hit TV series "Numb3rs (2005)"), is a triple threat: he can score films as well as produce and act in them. Tiersten, in fact, has been doing some work for the independent film company Brittany House Pictures, and recently was hired by its president, Anjul Nigam (Grey's Anatomy (2005), Terminator Salvation (2009)) to help produce Good Ol' Boy (a film with a score from guitarist/composer Andy Summers of The Police) and also act and do soundtrack/score work on future projects. But Tiersten stresses that no matter how much acting he will do in the future, his music will never take a back seat.

 

RIP

Actor

Open House

Mark

Post-productionShort

 

Time's Up (2022)

Time's Up

3.7

Gene

2022

 

Lynn Lowry, Mel Novak, Jonathan Tiersten, Helene Udy, Maria Olsen, and Mike Ferguson in Last American Horror Show: Volume II (2022)

Last American Horror Show: Volume II

4.6

Captain Strike

2022

 

Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back (2021)

Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back

4.3

Eric Sommers

2021

 

Lake of Shadows (2019)

Lake of Shadows

6.8

Alex Kintner

2019

 

Yan Birch, Ari Lehman, Felissa Rose, Helene Udy, Ashley Park, and Leana Lewis in Terror Tales (2019)

Terror Tales

3.2

The Sledgehammer (segment "Radical Video")

2019

 

Brian Bonsall, The Enigma, Jonathan Tiersten, Mel Haynes Jr., Doug Newville, Deno Apodaca, Jessica Winklmaier, Chris Lanham, Justine McKinney, Benton Mckibben, Jem McHugh, Trevor Shoulders, Erik Livesay, Jennifer Dechant, Bj O'Kane, Dave Adams, and Gregory Hopkins in Slaughsages (2018)

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4.0

Short

Jahnethin Teahrsdine

2018

 

The House That Wept Blood (2016)

The House That Wept Blood

Chris Laymon

2016

 

Robert Clohessy and Alice Ripley in Sugar! (2016)

Sugar!

6.8

Joe

2016

 

Slayer: You Against You (2016)

Slayer: You Against You

8.4

Music Video

Gangster

2016

 

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

Nigel

2015

 

Blood Reservoir (2014)

Blood Reservoir

5.3

Ricky Thomas

2014

 

Jasmine Pierce in Redemption (2014)

Redemption

8.7

Manny

2014

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

John Doesy

2012

 

Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008)

Return to Sleepaway Camp

4.1

Video

Ricky Thomas

2008

 

ABC Afterschool Specials (1972)

ABC Afterschool Specials

7.2

TV Series

Jason

1987

1 episode

 

CBS Schoolbreak Special (1984)

CBS Schoolbreak Special

6.9

TV Series

Chip Beddington (uncredited)

1984

1 episode

 

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Sleepaway Camp

6.2

Ricky (as Jonathan Tierston)

1983

 

Another World (1964)

Another World

7.1

TV Series

Kid With Basketball (uncredited)

1981

1 episode

 

Producer

The House That Wept Blood (2016)

The House That Wept Blood

producer

2016

 

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

producer

2015

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

associate producer

2012

 

Composer

Jonathan Tiersten and Nicole Cinaglia in Then and Again (2015)

Then and Again

Short

Composer

2015

 

Demption

7.6

Short

original music by

2008

 

Soundtrack

Plan 9 (2015)

Plan 9

4.0

performer: "Love is Strange", "City of Angels"producer: "Love is Strange", "City of Angels"

2015

 

Tiffany Shepis in M Is for Matchmaker (2014)

M Is for Matchmaker

7.8

Short

performer: "Love is Strange"producer: "Love is Strange"

2014

 

The Perfect House (2012)

The Perfect House

4.0

performer: "If I Die (On My Last Day)", "In The Air"writer: "If I Die (On My Last Day)", "In The Air"

2012

 

Juncture (2007)

Juncture

5.0

writer: "How To Love You"

2007

 

Production Management

Slayer: Pride in Prejudice (2016)

Slayer: Pride in Prejudice

8.2

Music Video

unit production manager

2016

 

Slayer: You Against You (2016)

Slayer: You Against You

8.4

Music Video

unit production manager

2016

 

Writer

The Princess (2014)

The Princess

Short

composition

2014

 

Music Department

Closing the Deal (2000)

Closing the Deal

6.1

composer: additional music

2000

 

Self

Dead Talk Live (2020)

Dead Talk Live

6.8

TV Series

Self - Guest

2021

1 episode

 

The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell (2014)

The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell

6.5

TV Series

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2021

1 episode

 

Horror Icon: Inside Michael's Mask with Tony Moran (2016)

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Self

2016

 

At the Waterfront After the Social: The Legacy of Sleepaway Camp (2014)

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7.8

Video

Self

2014

 

The Princess (2014)

The Princess

Short

Self

2014

 

Without Your Head (2006)

Without Your Head

7.1

Podcast Series

Self

2014

1 episode

 

Reel Nerds Podshow (2013)

Reel Nerds Podshow

8.0

TV Series

Self - ActorSelf - Musician

2014

1 episode

 

Groovey.TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series (2009)

Groovey.TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series

6.2

TV Series

Self

2013

1 episode

 

Return to Sleepaway Camp: Behind the Scenes (2008)

Return to Sleepaway Camp: Behind the Scenes

6.4

Video

Self

2008

 

Archive Footage

Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor (1992)

Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor

1.6

Video

Ricky Thomas (archive footage)

1992

Gwen Farrell obit

'M*A*S*H'Actress Gwen Farrell Adair Dead at 94

She was not on the list. 

Key points

Gwen Farrell Adair, an actress known for multiple roles on M*A*S*H who later became a boxing referee, has died at 94.

Adair portrayed several different nurses across the show's 11-season run.

She also appeared in movies like The Towering Inferno and Coffy.

Gwen Farrell Adair, the actress best known for her performances on M*A*S*H, has died. She was 94.

The actress' son, Keith Farrell, confirmed his mother's death in a GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral costs.

"Beyond her accomplishments, Gwen was so much more to her family," her loved ones wrote in the GoFundMe description. "She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom. She had a way of making those around her feel supported, understood, and cared for without needing recognition."

Her family continued, "Her passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, one that cannot be filled. We will miss her voice, her strength, and the quiet comfort she brought into our lives. While we are heartbroken, we are also incredibly grateful for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind."

Deadline reported that the actress died of natural causes in Sherman Oaks, Calif., on Thursday.

Born in Austin in 1972, Adair made her screen debut in the second episode of M*A*S*H in 1972, playing an uncredited nurse. She went on to appear in over a dozen episodes in the medical dramedy's first season, and was later credited as Nurse Butler, Nurse Wilson, Lt. Baker, Nurse Able, Nurse Gwen, and an anesthetist across seven more of the show's 11 seasons.

Adair also made her film debut in 1972 in the blaxploitation movie Black Gunn. She went on to appear in small roles in films like The Towering Inferno, Coffy, Soylent Green, Earthquake, and Billy Jack Goes to Washington. She also acted in a 1975 episode of Starsky & Hutch.

Adair switched up her career in 1980 when she entered the boxing world as a referee. "With confidence, fairness, and unwavering composure, she earned the respect of fighters, trainers, and fans alike," her family wrote in the GoFundMe description. "She didn't just do the job; she broke barriers and proved that strength comes in many forms."

The actress' family asked for financial support in the wake of her death. "As we navigate this difficult time, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as any related costs that come with laying a loved one to rest with the honor and dignity she deserves," they wrote. "Any contribution, no matter the size, means so much to our family. If you are unable to donate, we truly appreciate you sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers."

The family added, "We are deeply grateful for the love and support during this time of grief."

 

Actress

Alan Alda, David Ogden Stiers, Gary Burghoff, William Christopher, Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan, and Loretta Swit in M*A*S*H (1972)

M*A*S*H

8.5

TV Series

NurseNurse WilsonNurse Gwen ...

1972–1983

26 episodes

 

Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977)

Billy Jack Goes to Washington

4.5

Reporter

1977

 

Starsky and Hutch (1975)

Starsky and Hutch

7.0

TV Series

Diane Sills (uncredited)

1975

1 episode

 

Fred Astaire, William Holden, Paul Newman, Richard Chamberlain, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, O.J. Simpson, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner, Susan Blakely, and Jennifer Jones in The Towering Inferno (1974)

The Towering Inferno

7.0

Party Guest (uncredited)

1974

 

Charlton Heston, Victoria Principal, Geneviève Bujold, Ava Gardner, Lorne Greene, George Kennedy, Marjoe Gortner, Lloyd Nolan, Richard Roundtree, and Barry Sullivan in Earthquake (1974)

Earthquake

5.9

Woman in Street (uncredited)

1974

 

Pam Grier in Coffy (1973)

Coffy

6.8

Waitress in Club (uncredited)

1973

 

Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Joseph Cotten, Chuck Connors, Richard Fleischer, Paula Kelly, Brock Peters, Walter Seltzer, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Russell Thacher in Soylent Green (1973)

Soylent Green

7.0

Woman in Confessional Line (uncredited)

1973

 

Black Gunn (1972)

Black Gunn

5.8

Woman at B.A.G. Headquarters (uncredited)

1972

 

Self

ESPN Top Rank Boxing (1980)

ESPN Top Rank Boxing

7.4

TV Series

Self - Referee (as Gwen Adair)

1993

1 episode

 

Gary Lydon obit

Irish actor and Banshees of Inisherin star Gary Lydon dies aged 61

 

He was not on the list.

Gary Lydon, an Irish actor best known for his role in Martin McDonagh‘s The Banshees of Inisherin, has passed away at the age of 61.

The news reportedly came via way of his son James Doherty O’Brien, who issued a statement on behalf of the family, which announced that “the loss of our Dad is a huge shock and deep loss for us all”.

His son added, “He will be sorely missed by me and my brother Seanluke, our mother Kara, his beloved partner Paula, and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family.”

In the critically acclaimed surrealist comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, Lydon played the abusive father of the troubled youth, Dominic Kearney, played by Beatle-to-be Barry Keoghan.

Additionally, Lydon has starred in movies such as Brooklyn, The Guard, and Calvary. He also enjoyed success in different television roles, such as Pure Mule, Love/Hate, and The Clinic, for which he earned an Irish Film and Television Award.

He concluded, “Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father. We will miss the many ways he loved and protected us. We will carry all our amazing memories with him forever in our hearts.”

Reflecting on his tragic passing, a spokesperson for the Wexford Arts Centre has shared, “Gary had only recently returned to our stage as the magnificent Phil in the terrific production of Of Mornington by Billy Roche, directed by Pete McCamley of Ad Personam Cultural Events who also co-produced the production with Gary Lydon Productions.”

They added, “Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland & the UK.”

Lydon was born in London in 1964; as a child, he moved to Wexford town, where his most recent production of Of Mornington took place.

 

Actor

The Sandy Banks

Daniel

Post-production

 

One Sweet Hour

Gerry Byrne

Post-production

 

Gillian Anderson and Lola Petticrew in Trespasses (2025)

Trespasses

7.2

TV Series

Father Slattery

2025

2 episodes

 

Crazy Love (2025)

Crazy Love

8.4

Executive Chairman

2025

 

Punt (2025)

Punt

Short

2025

 

Bodkin (2024)

Bodkin

6.9

TV Series

Desy McArdle

2024

1 episode

 

Vanilla (2024)

Vanilla

Short

Joe

2024

 

Barber (2023)

Barber

5.1

Johnny Mulligan

2023

 

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

The Banshees of Inisherin

7.6

Peadar Kearney

2022

 

Lakelands (2022)

Lakelands

6.5

Bernie

2022

 

An Encounter (2022)

An Encounter

6.9

Short

The Man

2022

 

Sprachlos in Irland (2022)

Sprachlos in Irland

5.9

TV Movie

Geistlicher

2022

 

Lalor Roddy in Harvest (2021)

Harvest

7.5

Short

Aidan

2021

 

The Lucky Man (2020)

The Lucky Man

8.6

Short

Terry

2020

 

Tristan Heanue and John Connors in Broken Law (2020)

Broken Law

5.7

Superintendent Byrne

2020

 

Hazel Doupe in Ciúnas (Silence) (2019)

Ciúnas (Silence)

6.2

Short

Gerry

2019

 

Moth (2019)

Moth

5.9

Short

Ciarán

2019

 

Too Shall Pass (2015)

6am News

Short

Slab

2017

 

Striking Out (2017)

Striking Out

7.7

TV Series

Judge Harrison

2017

1 episode

 

The Flag (2016)

The Flag

6.1

Foley

2016

 

Too Shall Pass (2015)

Too Shall Pass

Short

Slab

2015

 

Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn (2015)

Brooklyn

7.5

Mr Farrell

2015

 

The Hallow (2015)

The Hallow

5.7

Doyle

2015

 

The Guarantee (2014)

The Guarantee

5.8

Brian Cowen

2014

 

Love/Hate (2010)

Love/Hate

8.4

TV Series

Chief Superintendent

2014

1 episode

 

Brendan Gleeson in Calvary (2014)

Calvary

7.4

Inspector Stanton

2014

 

Clive Owen and Andrea Riseborough in Shadow Dancer (2012)

Shadow Dancer

6.2

Geoff

2012

 

Jeremy Irvine in War Horse (2011)

War Horse

7.2

Si Easton

2011

 

Stella Days (2011)

Stella Days

5.9

Larry

2011

 

Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson in The Guard (2011)

The Guard

7.3

Gerry Stanton

2011

 

The Clinic (2003)

The Clinic

6.9

TV Series

Patrick Murray

2003–2009

63 episodes

 

Martin (2008)

Martin

7.8

Short

Martin

2008

 

Small Engine Repair (2006)

Small Engine Repair

6.4

Big Eddy

2006

 

Pure Mule (2005)

Pure Mule

7.6

TV Series

Bomber Brennan

2005

4 episodes

 

David Leon in Boy Eats Girl (2005)

Boy Eats Girl

4.9

Garda Sergeant

2005

 

Six Shooter (2004)

Six Shooter

7.4

Short

Chief Guard

2004

 

Rory Keenan in On Home Ground (2001)

On Home Ground

6.9

TV Series

Cathal O'Connor

2001–2002

11 episodes

 

Anne-Marie Duff in Sinners (2002)

Sinners

7.6

TV Movie

Patrick

2002

 

Fergus's Wedding

7.4

TV Series

Shay

2002

2 episodes

 

Sunday (2002)

Sunday

7.0

TV Movie

Family Barrister

2002

 

Country (2000)

Country

7.3

Con Murphy

2000

 

The Second Death (2000)

The Second Death

6.1

Short

Gerry

2000

 

Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000)

Ordinary Decent Criminal

6.3

Tom Rooney

2000

 

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns (1999)

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns

7.0

TV Mini Series

Dunlang the DullahanJames Fitzpatrick

1999

2 episodes

 

Ian Holm, Laura Murphy, and Tom Walsh in Shergar (1999)

Shergar

5.4

Det. Sergeant Malen

1999

 

Jane Birkin, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes, Fiona Shaw, and Lambert Wilson in The Last September (1999)

The Last September

6.0

Peter Connolly

1999

 

Amongst Women (1998)

Amongst Women

7.6

TV Mini Series

Mark

1998

2 episodes

 

A Soldier's Song (1997)

A Soldier's Song

8.6

Short

Tony Doyle

1997

 

Cary Elwes and Timothy Dalton in The Informant (1997)

The Informant

6.3

Det. McDonough

1997

 

Liam Neeson in Michael Collins (1996)

Michael Collins

7.1

Squad Youth #1

1996

 

Ian Hart, Michael Gambon, and James Frain in Nothing Personal (1995)

Nothing Personal

6.8

Eddie

1995

 

Bramwell (1995)

Bramwell

7.8

TV Series

Ned Stebbings

1995

1 episode

 

Linus Roache and Lia Williams in Seaforth (1994)

Seaforth

8.4

TV Mini Series

Arthur Spence

1994

9 episodes

 

Ailsa (1994)

Ailsa

7.9

Jack

1994

 

George and Ramona (1994)

George and Ramona

Short

George

1994

 

Belfry (1993)

Belfry

TV Movie

Father Pat

1993

 

A Handful of Stars

7.1

TV Movie

Jimmy

1993

 

Poor Beast in the Rain

7.8

TV Movie

Georgie

1993

 

Self

4th Irish Film and Television Awards

7.3

TV Special

Self

2007

David Allan Coe obit

David Allan Coe Dies: “Outlaw” Country Singer Who Wrote Defiant ‘Take This Job And Shove It’ Was 86

He was not on the list.

David Allan Coe, the country singer-songwriter who helped define Nashville’s “outlaw” sound of the 1970s and ’80s, and wrote “Take This Job and Shove It,” the song that would become the anthem of disaffected workers during the economic upheaval of the decade, died at a hospital Wednesday, April 29. He was 86.

His death was announced by his wife to Rolling Stone magazine. A cause and exact location of death were not disclosed. Coe reportedly was hospitalized several years ago with Covid-19 and had mostly retreated from public appearances since then, though it is not known whether Covid played a part in his passing.

Along with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Jessi Colter and others, Coe was a major part of the “outlaw country” movement that swept Nashville in the mid-1970s, offering listeners a rougher, rawer, more rebellious back-to-the-roots approach to country than the slick, string-heavy pop-ish “Nashville Sound,” or “Countrypolitan,” that had been dominant since the 1960s.

While Coe was a noted country singer in his own right, with hits, written by others, including “You Never Even Call Me by My Name,” “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile,” his most lasting impact was perhaps as a songwriter. His “Take This Job and Shove It,” with its smack-you-in-the-face opening lyric (“Take this job and shove it/I ain’t workin’ here no more/A woman done left and took all the reasons/I was working for”) was a massive and influential hit for the singer Johnny Paycheck in 1977.

The song was so popular that it inspired a feature film comedy of the same name in 1981. Directed by Gus Trikonis and starring Robert Hays, Barbara Hershey, Art Carney, and David Keith, the Take This Job And Shove It cast also included Coe and Paycheck in small roles.

Several years before “Take This Job…” became a smash, Coe wrote “Would You Lay With Me (in a Field of Stone),” a song that became a 1974 hit for a teenaged Tanya Tucker.

Born September 6, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, Coe did time in reformatories during his youth and, from 1963 to 1967 was imprisoned in Ohio for possession of burglary tools. His first album, 1970’s Penitentiary Blues, features songs he wrote while in prison. Four years later he recorded the album The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, which he publicized by performing in a sparkly suit and a mask.

Unlike the more conservative, clean-cut country stars of the ’60s, Coe and the other “outlaws” took on a biker look – Coe himself had been part of a biker gang – that included long hair, beards, tattoos and cowboy hats. One of his hits, 1976’s “Longhaired Redneck,” summed up the image in one song title. The look, as well as the sounds, would make a lasting impact on country music.

Throughout his long popularity, Coe toured with Willie Nelson, Neil Young and even Kid Rock. Along the way, he wrote and recorded albums and songs that pushed boundaries with their racy lyrics, particularly on the 1978 album Nothing Sacred and 1982’s Underground Album. Sexually explicit, the songs also included lyrics that were racist and homophobic, songs he would later regret. In a 2001 Billboard magazine interview, he said, “Those were meant to be sung around the campfire for bikers, and I still don’t sing those songs in concert.”

In later years Coe had serious tussles with the IRS, causing debt, bankruptcy and the lost of publishing rights to even his biggest hits. His final album, in which he collaborated with heavy metal’s Dimebag Darrell and other former members of Pantera, was released in 2006.

Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.

Actor

Beer for My Horses (2008)

Beer for My Horses

4.9

Gypsy Gene

2008

 

Rebel Meets Rebel: Nothin' to Lose

Music Video

David Allan Coe (as Rebel Meets Rebel)

2006

 

Brad William Henke and Sam Trammell in Going to California (2001)

Going to California

7.9

TV Series

Arlin

2002

1 episode

 

Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings in Stagecoach (1986)

Stagecoach

5.9

TV Movie

Ike Plummer

1986

 

Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash in The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986)

The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James

6.2

TV Movie

Whiskeyhead Ryan

1986

 

Take This Job and Shove It (1981)

Take This Job and Shove It

5.0

Mooney

1981

 

Lady Grey (1980)

Lady Grey

5.7

Black Jack Donovan

1980

 

Earl Owensby in Seabo (1978)

Seabo

5.3

Rebstock

1978

 

Composer

Lesbian Ho'Down at the Bunnyranch

7.1

Composer

2000

 

Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings in Stagecoach (1986)

Stagecoach

5.9

TV Movie

Composer

1986

 

Earl Owensby in Seabo (1978)

Seabo

5.3

Composer

1978

 

David Allan Coe: The Mysterious Rhinestone (1975)

David Allan Coe: The Mysterious Rhinestone

7.0

TV Movie

Composer

1975

 

Writer

Take This Job and Shove It (1981)

Take This Job and Shove It

5.0

song

1981

 

Soundtrack

Ethan Hawke, Keith David, and Ryan Kiera Armstrong in The Lowdown (2025)

The Lowdown

7.3

TV Series

performer: "You Never Even Called Me by My Name"

2025

1 episode

 

Jay J. Bidwell and Carmen Nixon in Sue Bob & Hank (2017)

Sue Bob & Hank

Short

performer: "If That Ain't Country"writer: "If That Ain't Country"

2017

 

Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)

Ballers

7.6

TV Series

writer: "Take This Job and Shove It" (uncredited)

2016

1 episode

 

Will Forte and Kristen Schaal in The Last Man on Earth (2015)

The Last Man on Earth

7.4

TV Series

performer: "The Fish Aren't Bitin' Today"writer: "The Fish Aren't Bitin' Today" (uncredited, uncredited)

2015

1 episode

 

Johnny Knoxville and Jackson Nicoll in Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

6.5

performer: "You Never Even Called Me by My Name"

2013

 

Travis Pastrana in Nitro Circus (2009)

Nitro Circus

7.6

TV Series

performer: "Take This Job and Shove It"writer: "Take This Job and Shove It"

2009

1 episode

 

Squidbillies (2005)

Squidbillies

6.6

TV Series

Soundtrack ("The Okaleechee Dam Jam")

2008

1 episode

 

John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, and Sacha Baron Cohen in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

6.6

performer: "Walking Bum"

2006

 

Jason Lee, Jaime Pressly, Ethan Suplee, Eddie Steeples, and Nadine Velazquez in My Name Is Earl (2005)

My Name Is Earl

7.8

TV Series

writer: "Take This Job And Shove It"

2006

1 episode

 

Mary-Louise Parker in Weeds (2005)

Weeds

7.9

TV Series

performer: "Don't Bite the Dick"

2005

1 episode

 

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004)

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things

6.2

performer: "Linda Lovelace"writer: "Linda Lovelace"

2004

 

Big Eden (2000)

Big Eden

7.3

performer: "A Sad Country Song"writer: "A Sad Country Song"

2000

 

Version A, 1 sheet

Office Space

7.6

writer: "Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee"

1999

 

Nice Guys Sleep Alone (1999)

Nice Guys Sleep Alone

5.7

performer: "You Never Even Call Me By My Name"

1999

 

John Leguizamo, Wesley Snipes, and Patrick Swayze in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

6.8

performer: "Stand By Your Man"

1995

 

Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, and Yeardley Smith in The Simpsons (1989)

The Simpsons

8.6

TV Series

writer: "Take This Job and Shove It" (uncredited)

1994

1 episode

 

Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988)

Mystery Science Theater 3000

8.6

TV Series

writer: "Take This Job and Shove It"

1989

1 episode

 

Hit the Road Running (1983)

Hit the Road Running

6.7

performer: "Hit the Road Running"

1983

 

Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, and Ralph Macchio in The Outsiders (1983)

The Outsiders

7.0

performer: "Jack Daniels If You Please"

1983

 

Take This Job and Shove It (1981)

Take This Job and Shove It

5.0

lyrics: "I Love Robbing Banks", "Take This Job and Shove It"music: "I Love Robbing Banks", "Take This Job and Shove It"performer: "You Can Count on Beer", "How Good It Used to Be", "I Love Robbing Banks"

1981

 

El Paso Wrecking Corp.

6.9

writer: "Take This Job and Shove It" (uncredited)

1978

 

Ernie Sigley in The Ernie Sigley Show (1974)

The Ernie Sigley Show

6.8

TV Series

writer: "Would You Lay with Me (in a Field of Stone)"

1974

1 episode

 

Music Department

Hit the Road Running (1983)

Hit the Road Running

6.7

singer: title song

1983

 

Thanks

Tennessee Whiskey: The Dean Dillon Story (2017)

Tennessee Whiskey: The Dean Dillon Story

7.8

special thanks

2017

 

Self

Take This Job

Video

Self

2017

 

Heartworn Highways Revisited (2015)

Heartworn Highways Revisited

7.1

Self

2015

 

Squidbillies (2005)

Squidbillies

6.6

TV Series

Self (uncredited)

2008

1 episode

 

American Music: Off the Record (2008)

American Music: Off the Record

6.6

Self

2008

 

Field of Stone

Self

2007

 

Johnny Cash: God's Gonna Cut You Down (2006)

Johnny Cash: God's Gonna Cut You Down

7.6

Music Video

Self (uncredited)

2006

 

CMT Outlaws 2005 (2005)

CMT Outlaws 2005

TV Special

Self - Performer

2005

 

CMT Outlaws (2004)

CMT Outlaws

9.6

TV Special

Self - Performer

2004

 

David Allan Coe: Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2002)

David Allan Coe: Live at Billy Bob's Texas

Video

Self

2002

 

Earl Owensby, the Man... the Myth (1997)

Earl Owensby, the Man... the Myth

Video

Self

1997

 

Roy Orbison in Episode #13.3 (1982)

Sing Country

TV Series

Self

1987

1 episode

 

World Championship Wrestling (1985)

World Championship Wrestling

8.1

TV Series

Self - Entertainer

1986–1987

2 episodes

 

Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash, Larry Gatlin, Tom T. Hall, and Waylon Jennings in Johnny Cash: The First 25 Years (1980)

Johnny Cash: The First 25 Years

8.4

TV Special

Self

1980

 

Atoka (1979)

Atoka

Self

1979

 

90 Minutes Live (1976)

90 Minutes Live

5.4

TV Series

Self

1978

1 episode

 

All You Need Is Love (1977)

All You Need Is Love

7.6

TV Series

Self

1977

1 episode

 

Townes van Zandt in Heartworn Highways (1976)

Heartworn Highways

7.8

Self

1976

 

David Allan Coe: The Mysterious Rhinestone (1975)

David Allan Coe: The Mysterious Rhinestone

7.0

TV Movie

Self

1975

 

Archive Footage

Tennessee Whiskey: The Dean Dillon Story (2017)

Tennessee Whiskey: The Dean Dillon Story

7.8

Self (archive footage)

2017

 

Rare Southern Gospel Singing Celebration

Video

Self - Performer (archive footage)

2010

 

Claire Nielson obit

 

Claire Nielson Has Died

She was not on the list.

Claire was an actor, writer and director who is well know for her many television appearances with The Two Ronnies and for creating the part of Mrs Hamilton in the famous ‘Waldorf Salad’ episode of Fawlty Towers. She also played Edith Rankin opposite Richard Briers in Monarch of the Glen and Amy McSwan in A is for Acid with Martin Clunes. Other TV appearances include leading roles in Taggart, Doctors, Holby City, The Jury, London’s Burning, Upstairs Downstairs, Just William, Angels, Z Cars, Crown Court, Dixon of Dock Green, Dr Finlay’s Casebook, The Dick Emery Show, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?; and the BAFTA-nominated BBC series The Crow Road. In the cinema, she appeared in the film version of Arnold Wesker’s The Kitchen and played Barbara Grant in Kidnapped opposite Michael Caine and Trevor Howard.

Claire’s London appearances include: Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare’s Globe); Brian Rix’s Don’t Just Lie There, Say Something! (Garrick Theatre); Threads (Hampstead); Desdemona in Othello and Lydia Languish in The Rivals opposite Fay Compton (Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith); and Maggie in Sparrers Can’t Sing (Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop). In repertory, Claire’s credits include seasons at: Bolton; Hornchurch; Canterbury; Perth; Glasgow Citizens; Birmingham Rep; Theatre Royal, Stratford East; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; and Theatre Royal, Windsor as Ruth in Ayckbourn’s trilogy The Norman Conquests. At international festivals she played leading roles with Theatre Workshop at the Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt in Paris and the Maxim Gorki Theatre in East Berlin.

For BBC Radio, her credits include: Ripples; Mademoiselle Pearl; Dr Finlay: Adventures of a Black Bag; The Light of Heart; Wives and Daughters; and Lucy Bailey’s award-winning Radio 3 production of The Leopard. She has directed plays in London at the Riverside Studios and the Gate Theatre, and in Stratford-upon-Avon at the Other Place and the Swan Theatre for the RSC Fringe Festival. Also for the RSC she has devised and led many workshops including a prestigious series in Italy for Ferrara University.

Claire read English at King’s College, Cambridge. As a writer, her books include: Your First Grandchild (Harper Collins); The Spirit of Beardsley (Gramercy Books); Buddhism for Bears (St Martin’s Press); and The Tao of Babies (Random House). Her latest novel, The House at Strone, was published in 2022.

 

Actress

Shelley (2017)

Shelley

6.8

TV Mini Series

Salmon

2018

1 episode

 

Holby City (1999)

Holby City

5.8

TV Series

Pauline Bewley

2008

1 episode

 

Mark McManus in Taggart (1983)

Taggart

7.4

TV Series

Rhona CameronMrs Paterson

1986–2005

4 episodes

 

Doctors (2000)

Doctors

4.5

TV Series

Judge

2003

1 episode

 

Martin Clunes in A Is for Acid (2002)

A Is for Acid

6.9

TV Movie

Amy McSwan

2002

 

Roger Allam, Jodhi May, Julie Walters, and Natalie Press in The Jury (2002)

The Jury

7.6

TV Series

Eleanor Colchester

2002

3 episodes

 

Richard Briers, Susan Hampshire, and Alastair Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen (2000)

Monarch of the Glen

7.8

TV Series

Edith Rankin

2001

1 episode

 

Ronnie Barker in Comedy Greats: Ronnie Barker (1999)

Comedy Greats: Ronnie Barker

8.4

Video

Wife

1999

 

The Crow Road (1996)

The Crow Road

8.1

TV Mini Series

Aunt Antonia

1996

4 episodes

 

Richard Griffiths in Pie in the Sky (1994)

Pie in the Sky

7.7

TV Series

Anita Block

1996

1 episode

 

London's Burning (1988)

London's Burning

7.1

TV Series

Coroner

1994

1 episode

 

I, Lovett (1989)

I, Lovett

7.6

TV Series

Mrs. Lovett

1993

1 episode

 

Punchdrunk (1993)

Punchdrunk

5.6

TV Series

Mrs. Gordon

1993

6 episodes

 

Scotch & Wry 4: Rikki Fulton Prince of Pochlers

7.1

Video

Various

1992

 

Taking the Floor

TV Series

Mrs. Tranter

1991

5 episodes

 

Triple Scotch & Wry (1990)

Triple Scotch & Wry

8.7

Video

1990

 

Gregor Fisher in Rab C. Nesbitt (1988)

Rab C. Nesbitt

7.5

TV Series

Gift Shop Customer

1990

1 episode

 

Double Scotch & Wry (1987)

Double Scotch & Wry

8.4

Video

Various

1987

 

Scotch & Wry

8.2

Video

Various

1986

 

Don Henderson and Siobhan Redmond in Bulman (1985)

Bulman

7.6

TV Series

Noelle

1985

1 episode

 

Take the High Road (1980)

Take the High Road

7.0

TV Series

Sarah Cunningham

1982–1984

3 episodes

 

Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett in The Two Ronnies (1971)

The Two Ronnies

7.8

TV Series

WifeNurseParty Guest ...

1971–1983

17 episodes

 

Gunfight at the Joe Kaye Corral

TV Movie

Moira Kaye

1983

 

Chintz

TV Series

Grace Hills

1981

7 episodes

 

Scotch & Wry (1978)

Scotch & Wry

8.3

TV Series

Various Roles

1978–1980

4 episodes

 

The Dawson Watch (1979)

The Dawson Watch

6.9

TV Series

1980

1 episode

 

Play for Today (1970)

Play for Today

7.8

TV Series

Ellen SimpsonDianaIngi - A Time to Keep

1971–1979

3 episodes

 

John Cleese, Connie Booth, Andrew Sachs, and Prunella Scales in Fawlty Towers (1975)

Fawlty Towers

8.8

TV Series

Mrs. Hamilton

1979

1 episode

 

Bernie (1978)

Bernie

4.5

TV Series

1978

1 episode

 

Julie Dawn Cole and Janina Faye in Angels (1975)

Angels

6.6

TV Series

Mrs. Johnson

1978

1 episode

 

The Les Dawson Show (1978)

The Les Dawson Show

7.3

TV Series

1978

2 episodes

 

Adrian Dannatt in Just William (1977)

Just William

6.7

TV Series

Vicar's Wife

1978

1 episode

 

Z Cars (1962)

Z Cars

7.1

TV Series

Sandra PetersJoyce JessupClare Moffat ...

1971–1977

6 episodes

 

Sea Tales: The Return

TV Mini Series

Eleanor Barron

1977

1 episode

 

Eileen McCallum, Bill Paterson, and Betty Gillin in Play from 'A' (1976)

Play from 'A'

TV Series

Mary Elliot

1976

1 episode

 

Kenneth Williams in The Kenneth Williams Show (1970)

The Kenneth Williams Show

8.2

TV Series

1976

1 episode

 

Warship (1973)

Warship

7.8

TV Series

Valerie Kenyon

1976

1 episode

 

Dick Emery in The Dick Emery Show (1963)

The Dick Emery Show

6.8

TV Series

AngelaLindaVicky Rhodes ...

1973–1975

7 episodes

 

Iain Cuthbertson in Sutherland's Law (1973)

Sutherland's Law

7.7

TV Series

Morag Cramond

1975

1 episode

 

Ray Davies in Late Night Drama (1974)

Late Night Drama

6.3

TV Series

Jenny

1975

1 episode

 

Brian Blessed, Diana Dors, Sinéad Cusack, Don Henderson, Freddie Jones, Nyree Dawn Porter, Robert Powell, and Dennis Waterman in Thriller (1973)

Thriller

7.8

TV Series

Hilary

1975

1 episode

 

Marked Personal (1973)

Marked Personal

8.2

TV Series

Maggie Snead

1974

2 episodes

 

Ronnie Corbett and Rosemary Leach in The Prince of Denmark (1974)

The Prince of Denmark

5.6

TV Series

Alison

1974

1 episode

 

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

Special Branch

7.4

TV Series

CharlotteDet. Sgt. Isobel RossDetective Sgt. Isobel Ross

1969–1974

3 episodes

 

Rodney Bewes and James Bolam in Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973)

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

7.8

TV Series

Miss Dixon

1974

1 episode

 

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

Crown Court

7.4

TV Series

Terry Greene

1974

3 episodes

 

Robin Chadwick, Richard Easton, and Patrick O'Connell in The Brothers (1972)

The Brothers

7.5

TV Series

Nancy Lincoln

1973

8 episodes

 

Lesley-Anne Down, Angela Baddeley, Christopher Beeny, Joan Benham, Karen Dotrice, Hannah Gordon, Gareth Hunt, Gordon Jackson, David Langton, Jean Marsh, Jonathan Seely, Jenny Tomasin, Jacqueline Tong, Simon Williams, and Anne Yarker in Upstairs, Downstairs (1971)

Upstairs, Downstairs

8.4

TV Series

Ellen Bouverie

1972

1 episode

 

Jack Warner in Dixon of Dock Green (1955)

Dixon of Dock Green

6.9

TV Series

Mrs. MarshallPatricia Danvers

1971–1972

2 episodes

 

Ian Hendry and Geraldine McEwan in Late Night Theatre (1972)

Late Night Theatre

TV Series

Helen

1972

1 episode

 

The Scobie Man

TV Series

Judy

1972

4 episodes

 

Kidnapped (1971)

Kidnapped

6.2

Barbara Grant

1971

 

Anthony Valentine, Margaret Lockwood, and John Stone in Justice (1971)

Justice

7.6

TV Series

Mary Lurcock

1971

1 episode

 

Ros Drinkwater and Francis Matthews in Paul Temple (1969)

Paul Temple

7.0

TV Series

Cora Bennet

1971

1 episode

 

Paul Eddington, Colin Gordon, and Barrie Ingham in Hine (1971)

Hine

7.8

TV Series

Jean Hurst

1971

1 episode

 

Ronnie Corbett and Henry McGee in No - That's Me Over Here! (1967)

No - That's Me Over Here!

6.9

TV Series

1970

1 episode

 

Menace (1970)

Menace

7.2

TV Series

Angela

1970

1 episode

 

Mogul (1965)

Mogul

7.0

TV Series

Mrs. Kennett

1970

1 episode

 

Leslie Phillips in The Culture Vultures (1970)

The Culture Vultures

TV Series

Dr. Joan Simpson

1970

1 episode

 

Who-Dun-It

TV Series

Nurse Jane Kelly

1969

1 episode

 

The Prior Commitment

TV Mini Series

Liz Elliot

1969

6 episodes

 

Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962)

Dr. Finlay's Casebook

7.7

TV Series

Sister Bing

1969

1 episode

 

Brian Rix Presents ... (1960)

Brian Rix Presents ...

TV Series

Ruth

1969

1 episode

 

Boy Meets Girl (1967)

Boy Meets Girl

6.5

TV Series

Mary Panton

1968

1 episode

 

Detective (1964)

Detective

6.9

TV Series

Lena Lawson

1968

1 episode

 

Claire Nielson and Calum Mill in The Revenue Men (1967)

The Revenue Men

6.3

TV Series

Luke Frazer

1967–1968

36 episodes

 

Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965)

Thirty-Minute Theatre

6.9

TV Series

LydiaAgneta

1967

2 episodes

 

John Cairney in This Man Craig (1966)

This Man Craig

7.3

TV Series

Isabel Ritchie

1966

1 episode

 

Edward Judd and Caroline Mortimer in Intrigue (1966)

Intrigue

TV Series

Milly Straker

1966

1 episode

 

Love Story (1963)

Love Story

7.1

TV Series

Agnes

1966

1 episode

 

Softly Softly (1966)

Softly Softly

7.0

TV Series

Mavis Robinson

1966

1 episode

 

Nancy Kwan and Terry-Thomas in The Wild Affair (1965)

The Wild Affair

5.8

Perfume Saleslady

1965

 

The Wednesday Play (1964)

The Wednesday Play

7.3

TV Series

Alison Grant

1964

1 episode

 

Michael Quinn and Donald Wolfit in Ghost Squad (1961)

Ghost Squad

7.2

TV Series

Jean Carter

1962–1964

33 episodes

 

No Hiding Place (1959)

No Hiding Place

7.5

TV Series

Gwen

1963

1 episode

 

Backfire! (1962)

Backfire!

6.5

Valentina Chenko (as Claire Isbister)

1962

 

Compact (1962)

Compact

6.8

TV Series

Delia Appleby

1962

1 episode

 

The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre (1959)

The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre

7.8

TV Series

Valentina Chenko (as Claire Isbister)

1962

1 episode

 

The Kitchen (1961)

The Kitchen

6.2

Waitress (as Claire Isbister)

1961

 

ITV Television Playhouse (1955)

ITV Television Playhouse

8.3

TV Series

Jenny Colquhoun (as Claire Isbister)

1961

1 episode

 

ITV Play of the Week (1955)

ITV Play of the Week

6.6

TV Series

Marigold Chesney (as Claire Isbister)

1961

1 episode

 

Hills Beyond the Smoke

TV Movie

Eileen (as Claire Isbister)

1961

 

Redgauntlet

TV Series

Lilias (as Claire Isbister)

1959

5 episodes

 

The Black Eye

TV Movie

(as Claire Isbister)

1958

 

Who Fought Alone: Epitaph on a Scottish Soldier

TV Movie

(as Claire Isbister)

1958

 

Self

Rikki (2024)

Rikki

TV Special

Self - Actor

2024

 

John Cleese in Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs (2023)

Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs

7.1

TV Movie

SelfSelf - Mrs Hamilton

2023

 

'Fawlty Towers' @ 30 (2005)

'Fawlty Towers' @ 30

7.9

TV Movie

Self

2005

 

Storybook International (1981)

Storybook International

8.3

TV Series

Self - Narrator (voice)

1981–1986

36 episodes

 

The Royal Highland Roadshow

TV Movie

Self

1974

 

Archive Footage

Heroes of Comedy (1992)

Heroes of Comedy

6.6

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2002

1 episode

 

The Best of the Two Ronnies (2001)

The Best of the Two Ronnies

8.2

Video

Various characters (archive footage)

2001