D.C. Fontana obit

D.C. Fontana, Pioneering 'Star Trek' Writer, Dies at 80

She was not on the list.


She penned classic episodes such as "Yesteryear" and "Journey to Babel."


Dorothy Catherine “D.C.” Fontana, the first female writer for Star Trek who penned a number of classic episodes, has died Monday evening following a short illness, according to the science fiction property's official site. She was 80.

A trailblazer for female writers in sci-fi television, Fontana crafted numerous stories for the original Star Trek TV series, including 1967's "Journey to Babel," which introduced Spock's father Sarek and mother Amanda. The episode was credited with allowing audiences to see Star Trek's characters as more than just their jobs but as actual people.


Fontana also went on to work on the animated series, and she penned the classic 1973 episode "Yesteryear," in which Spock travels back in time to rescue a younger version of himself.

In 1987, Fontana helped launch a new era of Star Trek when she co-wrote "Encounter at Farpoint," the two-part pilot for Star Trek: The Next Generation, which introduced the world to Patrick Stewart's Captain Picard and earned a Hugo nomination, which she shared with co-writer and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

"She was a pioneer. Her work will continue to influence for generations to come," William Shatner said Tuesday via Twitter.

Fontana wrote under the name "D.C." to help prevent discrimination based on her gender when submitting pitches around Hollywood. She already was a working writer who had sold a few scripts when she first met Roddenberry, who at the time was overseeing the NBC military series The Lieutenant. In 1963, Fontana was working as a production secretary to one of the producers of The Lieutenant, and she ended up reporting directly to Roddenberry when his secretary was hospitalized for two months.

Soon after, Roddenberry brought her along to Star Trek to work as his production secretary and asked her to choose a story to write for season one. "Charlie X," an episode about the Enterprise picking up an unstable teen boy with powerful mental abilities, would become her first sci-fi credit and would make her a rare breed at the time: a woman who wrote sci-fi TV stories.

"At the time, I wasn't especially aware there were so few female writers doing action adventure scripts," Fontana recalled in 2013. "There were plenty doing soaps, comedies, or on variety shows. By choosing to do action adventure, I was in an elite, very talented and very different group of women writers."

She also contributed to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and worked on the web series Star Trek: New Voyages. In addition to Star Trek, Fontana's credit included such shows as The Waltons, Bonanza and The Six Million Dollar Man, among others.

In recent years, she worked as a lecturer in the Screenwriting department at the American Film Institute Conservatory. At the end of her writing classes, Fontana would often pose a single question to her MFA students and invite them to respond verbally or follow-up with an answer after class. The question was "Why write?" Many students found this to be critical to their education and self-development.

Fontana was nominated for a WGA Award for co-writing an episode of the 1969-70 NBC series Then Came Bronson. The WGA honored her with the Morgan Cox Award in 1997 and and 2002.

She is survived by her husband, Oscar-winning visual effects artist Dennis Skotak.

Jack Burns obit

Child Actor and Ballet Dancer Jack Burns Dies at 14

He was not on the list.



Child ballet star and actor Jack Burns has died at age 14.

According to Metro UK, Burns was found dead at his home in Greenock, Inverclyde in Scotland on Dec. 1.

While the cause of death has not yet been revealed, police told the outlet that they are not treating his death as suspicious.

According to IMDb, Burns starred in the British drama series In Plain Sight in 2016. The same year, he appeared in the Netflix miniseries One of Us (originally titled Retribution).

His younger brother, Rory, is also an actor. He appeared in the Starz drama Outlander as a younger Roger Wakefield between 2014 and 2016.

Elite Academy of Dance, the classical ballet school in Greenock that Jack attended, paid tribute to the young star in a Facebook statement on Monday.

“Jack was an inspiration to everyone at Elite and touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of working and dancing with him since 2012,” the statement read.



Burns’ funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St Mary’s Church in Greenock. The statement also said that Burns’ parents, Karen and Robert, and Rory are inviting all Elite members to attend the services.

“Karen, Robert and Rory would love if those from his Elite Family that knew and loved Jack as much as they all do wanted to attend,” the academy said. “They would also take much comfort if students wish to attend in Alba or Elite Hoodies and sit together on Thursday.”

Pat Sullivan obit

Pat Sullivan: Heisman winner, coach dies at 69

He was not on the list.

Heisman Trophy winner and former college football coach Pat Sullivan has died at 69 years old, following a long battle with cancer.

Sullivan died Sunday. He became Auburn's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1971.

"At the age of 69, Patrick Joseph 'Pat' Sullivan died peacefully at home on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 1 surrounded by his loving family," the Sullivan family said in a statement. "He was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and fought a long and difficult battle as a result of his treatments.

"The family is appreciative of everyone's outpouring of love and support."

Sullivan signed with Auburn in 1968 after starring as a three-sport athlete at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He was one of the best quarterbacks in college football during his sophomore campaign, passing for nearly 1,700 yards and 16 scores. He led the nation with 2,856 yards of total offense during his junior campaign. Sullivan led the Tigers to a 9-0 start in 1971, while passing for 2,012 yards and 20 touchdowns, en route to the Heisman Trophy.

Sullivan finished his collegiate career with 6,284 passing yards and a school-record 53 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 18 scores. He was a second-round pick in the 1972 NFL Draft. Sullivan played four seasons for the Atlanta Falcons before spending time with the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Sullivan, one of Auburn's all-time greats on and off the field," Tigers coach Gus Malzahn said in a news release. "I will forever be indebted to coach Sullivan for helping bring me back to Auburn to serve as the head football coach.

"He was a friend, mentor and a man of great character, who was beloved by many generations of Auburn fans. Pat Sullivan is, and always will be, the definition of an Auburn Man. He certainly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat's wife, Jean, their three children and the entire Sullivan family."

Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Terry Beasley are the only Auburn players to have their jerseys retired. Sullivan worked as a radio commentator for Auburn before joining coach Pat Dye's staff as a quarterbacks coach in 1986. He spent six seasons on the Auburn coaching staff. He was TCU coach from 1992 to1997. He was UAB's offensive coordinator from 1999 to 2006, before serving as Samford coach from 2007 to 2014.

"On behalf of the Auburn family, we are heartbroken by the passing of Pat Sullivan," Auburn athletic director Allen Greene said. "He was a kind and humble gentleman, who is an Auburn legend. He made a lasting impact on Auburn as the school's first Heisman Trophy winner, a coach and longtime ambassador. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Sullivan family."

Sullivan is a member of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the National High School Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

He is survived by wife Jean, three children and eight grandchildren.

Shelley Morrison obit

R.I.P. Shelley Morrison, Sister Sixto of The Flying Nun and Rosario Salazar of Will & Grace

She drew on her Spanish heritage in a career spanning four decades. She was 83.

She was not on the list.


Born in the South Bronx to Sephardic (Spanish) Jewish parents, Shelley Morrison grew up in a Spanish-speaking household. When she was 10 years old, Morrison moved with her family to California. After studying acting in Los Angeles, Morrison drew on her background in her screen career.

The quirky Sixties sitcom The Flying Nun centered around young Sister Bertrille (Sally Field), a Chicago native who becomes a nun in Puerto Rico. Due to her lightweight stature and massive habit, a strong wind could send her soaring in the air. It was the kind of family comedy that fit perfectly alongside the twitching noses of Bewitched and retractable antennae of My Favorite Martian.

A major source of laughs on The Flying Nun was Sister Sixto, played by Morrison, a native nun struggling with learning the nuances of the English language. Take this exchange, for example:

Sister Sixto: If at first you do not succeed, you cry, cry again.
Sister Bertrille: That's not "cry", it's "try."
Sister Sixto: No, you make them feel sorry for you. You know, if we did much more crying, I think it would be easier to sell the bed.


Prior to The Flying Nun, Morrison's biggest role had been that of a Native American, Linda Little Trees, on Laredo. She would go on to appear in 56 episodes of The Flying Nun. Following that series, Morrison would appear in guest roles on TV series for decades, everything from The Partridge Family to Columbo.

In 1999, Morrison at last landed another recurring role. Although, it was initially intended to be a one-off appearance.

In the Will & Grace episode "Object of My Rejection," Jack (Sean Hayes) agrees to marry the maid working for Karen (Megan Mullally). Fans loved Morrison's maid character, Rosario Salazar, so much, the writers kept her on the series. She would stay until the (original) series finale in 2006, gaining more screen time as the seasons rolled on.

"She was absolutely hilarious and had the biggest heart. She was a part of our Will and Grace family and will be greatly missed," Hayes said on Instagram.

"my heart is heavy. putting shelley, her beloved husband walter & their children in the light. thank you for your friendship & partnership, shell. you accomplished wonderful things in this world. you will be missed," Mullally wrote on Twitter.

Morrison was 83.

Her filmogprahy:

Actress (63 credits)

 2012 Foodfight!

Lola Frutola (voice)

 2006-2012 Handy Manny (TV Series)

Mrs. Portillo

- Wedding Day (2012) ... Mrs. Portillo (voice)

- The Right Stuff/Vet Visit (2012) ... Mrs. Portillo (voice)

- Big Construction Job (2010) ... Mrs. Portillo (voice)

- A Night with Abuelito/Canine Case (2009) ... Mrs. Portillo (voice)

- Home Sweet Home/Jackie's Old Shed (2009) ... Mrs. Portillo (voice)

 2011 Generator Rex (TV Series short)

Abuela

- Night Falls (2011) ... Abuela (voice)

- Back in Black (2011) ... Abuela (voice)

 2006 My Name Is Earl (TV Series)

Maria

- South of the Border: Part Dos (2006) ... Maria

 1999-2006 Will & Grace (TV Series)

Rosario Salazar

- The Finale: Part 2 (2006) ... Rosario Salazar

- The Finale: Part 1 (2006) ... Rosario Salazar

- Whatever Happened to Baby Gin? (2006) ... Rosario Salazar

- Buy, Buy Baby (2006) ... Rosario Salazar

- The Definition of Marriage (2006) ... Rosario Salazar

 2004 Shark Tale

Mrs. Sanchez (voice)

 1998 Prey (TV Series)

Blanca

- Revelations (1998) ... Blanca

 1997 Nothing Sacred (TV Series)

Sylvia

- Parents and Children (1997) ... Sylvia

 1997 Home Improvement (TV Series)

Gail

- Clash of the Taylors (1997) ... Gail

 1997 Fools Rush In

Aunt Carmen

 1995 Courthouse (TV Series)

Nell

- Child Support (1995) ... Nell

- Conflict of Interest (1995) ... Nell

- One flew over the Courthouse (1995) ... Nell

- Pilot (1995) ... Nell

- Justice Delayed ... Nell

 1995 Live Shot (TV Series)

Rosa Sandoval

- For Whom the Stinkin' Bell Tolls (1995) ... Rosa Sandoval

 1994 Cries from the Heart (TV Movie)

 1994 L.A. Law (TV Series)

Mrs. Escala

- He Ain't Guilty, He's My Brother (1994) ... Mrs. Escala

 1993 Columbo (TV Series)

Nick's Maid

- It's All in the Game (1993) ... Nick's Maid

 1993 Johnny Bago (TV Series)

Gloria

- Lady Madonna (1993) ... Gloria

 1992-1993 Sisters (TV Series)

Juanita

- The Whole Truth (1993) ... Juanita

- Good Help Is Hard to Find (1992) ... Juanita

 1992 Murder, She Wrote (TV Series)

María

- Day of the Dead (1992) ... María

 1991 Love, Lies and Murder (TV Mini-Series)

Yolanda Brown

- Episode #1.2 (1991) ... Yolanda Brown

- Episode #1.1 (1991) ... Yolanda Brown

 1990 The Fanelli Boys (TV Series)

Mrs. Goldblume

- A Very Fanelli Christmas (1990) ... Mrs. Goldblume

- You Can Go Home Again (1990) ... Mrs. Goldblume

 1989 Troop Beverly Hills

Rosa the Maid

 1987 1st & Ten (TV Series)

Mama Voytok / Mama Voytak

- Land of the Free (1987) ... Mama Voytok

- The Bulls Change Hands (1987) ... Mama Voytak

 1985 Kids Don't Tell (TV Movie)

Carol

 1983 Max Dugan Returns

Mother

 1979 240-Robert (TV Series)

Angie

- Poison Air (1979) ... Angie

 1978 Lassie: A New Beginning (TV Movie)

Lena

 1978 Rabbit Test

Mrs. Borzoni

 1977 Soap (TV Series)

The Maid

- Episode #1.12 (1977) ... The Maid

 1976 Once an Eagle (TV Mini-Series)

Bordello Madame

- Part 2 (1976) ... Bordello Madame

 1975 Conspiracy of Terror (TV Movie)

Mrs. Kojova

 1975 The Night That Panicked America (TV Movie)

Toni

 1972-1974 The Rookies (TV Series)

Mrs. Felker / Mrs. Eisenstadt

- Key Witness (1974) ... Mrs. Eisenstadt

- Cry Wolf (1973) ... Mrs. Felker

- The Bear That Didn't Get Up (1972) ... Mrs. Felker

 1974 Devil Times Five

Ruth

 1974 The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped (TV Movie)

Louise

 1973 Breezy

Nancy Henderson

 1973 Blume in Love

Mrs. Greco

 1973 The Streets of San Francisco (TV Series)

Angela Barberio

- Trail of the Serpent (1973) ... Angela Barberio

 1970-1972 Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Series)

Mrs. Sobel / Mrs. Florino

- Unto the Next Generation (1972) ... Mrs. Sobel

- To Carry the Sun in a Golden Cup (1970) ... Mrs. Florino

 1972 The Partridge Family (TV Series)

Mrs. Kornegge

- Whatever Happened to Keith Partridge? (1972) ... Mrs. Kornegge

 1972 Stand Up and Be Counted

Rosa (uncredited)

 1971 The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (TV Series)

Anna

- Angry Man (1971) ... Anna

 1971 Man and Boy

Rosita

 1970 The Interns (TV Series)

Mrs. Miller

- Some Things Don't Change (1970) ... Mrs. Miller

 1967-1970 The Flying Nun (TV Series)

Sister Sixto

- No Tears for Mrs. Thomas (1970) ... Sister Sixto

- When Generations Gap (1970) ... Sister Sixto

- A Gift for El Charro (1970) ... Sister Sixto

- The Candid Commercial (1970) ... Sister Sixto

- Papa Carlos (1970) ... Sister Sixto

 1969 Three's a Crowd (TV Movie)

Mona

 1969 Mackenna's Gold

The Pima Squaw

 1968 Funny Girl

Second Floor Woman (uncredited)

 1968 Three Guns for Texas

Linda Little Trees

 1968 How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life

Marcia Borie

 1967 Divorce American Style

Jackie

 1965-1967 Laredo (TV Series)

Linda Little Trees

- Split the Difference (1967) ... Linda Little Trees

- No Bugles, One Drum (1966) ... Linda Little Trees

- Jinx (1965) ... Linda Little Trees

- Yahoo (1965) ... Linda Little Trees

 1966 Occasional Wife (TV Series)

Fran

- Peter by Moonlight (1966) ... Fran

 1966 Castle of Evil

Lupe Tekal d'Esperanza

 1966 My Favorite Martian (TV Series)

Little Feather / Narita

- Pay the Man the $24 (1966) ... Little Feather

- When a Martian Makes His Violin Cry (1966) ... Narita

 1966 Gunsmoke (TV Series)

Addie Moonercan

- Which Dr. (1966) ... Addie Moonercan

 1965 The Fugitive (TV Series)

Ginny Stransel

- Set Fire to a Straw Man (1965) ... Ginny Stransel

 1965 The Farmer's Daughter (TV Series)

Molly

- High Fashion (1965) ... Molly

- Powder Puff Invasion (1965) ... Molly

 1964-1965 Dr. Kildare (TV Series)

Mrs. Ruiz / Mrs. Martinez

- A Marriage of Convenience (1965) ... Mrs. Ruiz

- An Ungodly Act (1964) ... Mrs. Martinez

 1963 The Outer Limits (TV Series)

Woman

- Tourist Attraction (1963) ... Woman (uncredited)

 1963 General Hospital (TV Series)

Mrs. Ramirez (1982)

 1962 The Interns

Party Girl (uncredited)

 1962 Target: The Corruptors! (TV Series)

Mrs. Gomez

- The Malignant Hearts (1962) ... Mrs. Gomez

 1961 Adventures in Paradise (TV Series)

Mother

- Angel of Death (1961) ... Mother