David Worth obit

In Memoriam: DAVID WORTH, Director of Kickboxer and Cinematic Architect of Bloodsport, Dies at 86

 

He was not on the list.

The martial arts film community is in mourning following the passing of legendary cinematographer, director, and B-movie maestro David Worth, who died on September 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Worth leaves behind an indelible blueprint on the action genre, having served as the visual architect for Bloodsport (1988) and the director behind the global phenomenon Kickboxer (1989)

Leading the tributes was action icon Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose early career was profoundly shaped by Worth’s eye for combat choreography and cinematic style. “From Bloodsport to Kickboxer, David’s talent and vision helped create two martial arts classics that changed my life,” Van Damme shared in an emotional statement. “Thank you for your friendship and for the magic we made together. Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be part of my journey.”

David Worth didn’t just capture fights; he helped craft the aesthetic that defined late-80s and early-90s action cinema. His break into the upper echelons of martial arts lore came when he served as the Director of Photography on Bloodsport. His framing of the underground “Kumite” and stars like Van Damme and Bolo Yeung turned a low-budget feature into an international cult classic.

Recognizing his sharp instincts, production quickly tapped him to step into the director’s chair for Kickboxer (1989). Filmed on location in Thailand, Worth brilliantly juxtaposed the serene, rich cultural backdrops of ancient temples with the raw, brutal intensity of underground Muay Thai arenas. He was instrumental in managing the camera placements around Van Damme’s custom-choreographed fight sequences, helping to birth the iconic, slow-motion spinning kicks and grueling training montages that generations of martial artists still replicate today. Kickboxer is widely credited as the landmark film that popularized Muay Thai globally.

Beyond his legendary collaborations with JCVD, Worth was a relentless, passionate filmmaker who was deeply respected by actors and indie crews alike, Co-stars and crew members, including Kickboxer villain Michel Qissi (Tong Po), shared their pride in having worked with him. Up-and-coming filmmakers frequently remembered Worth as a deeply encouraging mentor who maintained an infectious, relentless passion for the craft even late into his career. Genre staple Cynthia Rothrockmourned the loss of her long-time friend, who directed her in the beloved action vehicles Lady Dragon (1992) and Lady Dragon 2 (1993).

Worth was incredibly versatile, handling cinematography for mainstream features like Clint Eastwood’s Bronco Billy (1980) and Any Which Way You Can (1980), while later directing cult camp pieces like Shark Attack 2 (2000) and Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002).

David Worth didn’t need massive Hollywood budgets to create cinematic magic. Armed with an innate understanding of lighting, timing, and raw human movement, he gave audiences timeless spectacles of honor, resilience, and triumph. While the maestro behind the lens is gone, his frame-by-frame contributions to action cinema will live on forever.

Cinematographer

Miss Verna Gray 2020

Cinematographer

2023

 

House at the End of the Drive (2014)

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Headless Horseman (2007)

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director of photography

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All's Fair in Love & War (1997)

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Daniel Bernhardt, Beverly Johnson, and Miles O'Keeffe in True Vengeance (1997)

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Paper Dragons (1996)

Paper Dragons

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Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon 2 (1993)

Lady Dragon 2

4.3

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1993

 

Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon (1992)

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5.0

Cinematographer

1992

 

China Cry: A True Story (1990)

China Cry: A True Story

6.7

Cinematographer

1990

 

Jean-Claude Van Damme, Forest Whitaker, and Bolo Yeung in Bloodsport (1988)

Bloodsport

6.8

director of photography

1988

 

John Stamos and Vanity in Never Too Young to Die (1986)

Never Too Young to Die

4.9

director of photography

1986

 

The Night They Saved Christmas (1984)

The Night They Saved Christmas

6.5

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director of photography

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Body Magic

5.8

Cinematographer (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Doing It!

6.4

Cinematographer (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can (1980)

Any Which Way You Can

6.1

director of photography

1980

 

Clint Eastwood in Bronco Billy (1980)

Bronco Billy

6.2

director of photography

1980

 

Frat House

5.3

photographed by (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

A Great Ride (1979)

A Great Ride

6.3

Cinematographer

1979

 

Michael Christian in Hard Knocks (1979)

Hard Knocks

4.0

Cinematographer

1979

 

Pink Champagne

7.0

photographed by (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

How Sweet It Is!

5.4

photographed by (as Sven Conrad)

1978

 

Hagen Smith in The Legend of Frank Woods (1977)

The Legend of Frank Woods

4.6

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1977

 

Seymour Cassel, Colleen Camp, and Sondra Locke in Death Game (1977)

Death Game

5.8

director of photography

1977

 

Slim Pickens, Shelley Winters, Ted Cassidy, Michael Christian, and Leslie Uggams in Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)

Poor Pretty Eddie

5.5

Cinematographer

1975

 

Marriage and Other Four Letter Words

7.0

Cinematographer (as Sven Conrad)

1974

 

Is There Sex After Marriage (1973)

Is There Sex After Marriage

6.2

Cinematographer

1973

 

Bloody Trail (1972)

Bloody Trail

3.8

Cinematographer

1972

 

To Hell You Preach

Cinematographer

1972

 

101 Acts of Love

4.9

Cinematographer

1971

 

The Flanders and Alcott Report on Sexual Response

5.4

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1971

 

Adultery for Fun & Profit

6.1

Cinematographer (as Sven Conrad)

1971

 

Director

Borrowed Time III (2022)

Borrowed Time III

5.9

co-director

2022

 

Quincy Taylor in Hazard Jack (2014)

Hazard Jack

2.7

Director

2014

 

House at the End of the Drive (2014)

House at the End of the Drive

5.7

Director

2014

 

Honor (2006)

Honor

4.2

Director

2006

 

Fists of Rage (2006)

Fists of Rage

directed by

2006

 

Air Strike (2003)

Air Strike

2.2

Video

Director

2003

 

Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002)

Shark Attack 3: Megalodon

2.9

Director

2002

 

Dina Meyer, William McNamara, and Roy Scheider in Time Lapse (2001)

Time Lapse

4.2

Video

Director

2001

 

Nikita Ager in Shark Attack 2 (2000)

Shark Attack 2

3.3

Video

Director

2000

 

The Prophet's Game (2000)

The Prophet's Game

4.9

Director

2000

 

Lorenzo Lamas, Diana Barton, and Scott Plank in Air America (1998)

Air America

4.6

TV Series

Director

1998–1999

8 episodes

 

I Might Even Love You poster

I Might Even Love You

5.5

Director

1998

 

Daniel Bernhardt, Beverly Johnson, and Miles O'Keeffe in True Vengeance (1997)

True Vengeance

5.0

Video

directed by

1997

 

Cynthia Rothrock in American Tigers (1996)

American Tigers

4.1

Director

1996

 

Michael Dudikoff in Chain of Command (1994)

Chain of Command

4.2

Director

1994

 

Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon 2 (1993)

Lady Dragon 2

4.3

Director

1993

 

Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon (1992)

Lady Dragon

5.0

Director

1992

 

Jean-Claude Van Damme and Michel Qissi in Kickboxer (1989)

Kickboxer

6.4

Director

1989

 

Soldier's Revenge (1985)

Soldier's Revenge

3.8

Director

1985

 

Warrior of the Lost World (1983)

Warrior of the Lost World

2.7

Director

1983

 

Body Magic

5.8

Director (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Doing It!

6.4

Director (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Frat House

5.3

Director (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

Michael Christian in Hard Knocks (1979)

Hard Knocks

4.0

Director

1979

 

Pink Champagne

7.0

Director (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

How Sweet It Is!

5.4

Director (as Sven Conrad)

1978

 

Slim Pickens, Shelley Winters, Ted Cassidy, Michael Christian, and Leslie Uggams in Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)

Poor Pretty Eddie

5.5

Director

1975

 

Second Unit or Assistant Director

Nikita Ager in Shark Attack 2 (2000)

Shark Attack 2

3.3

Video

director: aerial unit

2000

 

Get High on Yourself (1981)

Get High on Yourself

TV Special

second unit director

1981

 

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams (1977)

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams

7.5

TV Series

second unit director

1977

10 episodes

 

Writer

Quincy Taylor in Hazard Jack (2014)

Hazard Jack

2.7

writer

2014

 

Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon (1992)

Lady Dragon

5.0

original story

1992

 

Soldier's Revenge (1985)

Soldier's Revenge

3.8

screenplay

1985

 

Warrior of the Lost World (1983)

Warrior of the Lost World

2.7

written by

1983

 

Body Magic

5.8

written by (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Doing It!

6.4

Writer (as Sven Conrad)

1982

 

Frat House

5.3

written by (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

Pink Champagne

7.0

screenplay (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

Editor

Frat House

5.3

Editor (as Sven Conrad)

1979

 

Michael Christian in Hard Knocks (1979)

Hard Knocks

4.0

Editor

1979

 

Seymour Cassel, Colleen Camp, and Sondra Locke in Death Game (1977)

Death Game

5.8

Editor

1977

 

Slim Pickens, Shelley Winters, Ted Cassidy, Michael Christian, and Leslie Uggams in Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)

Poor Pretty Eddie

5.5

Editor

1975

 

Marriage and Other Four Letter Words

7.0

Editor (as Sven Conrad)

1974

 

Is There Sex After Marriage (1973)

Is There Sex After Marriage

6.2

Editor

1973

 

Bloody Trail (1972)

Bloody Trail

3.8

Editor

1972

 

Camera and Electrical Department

Bellifreschi (1987)

Bellifreschi

4.8

cinematographer: USA

1987

 

Dennis Quaid in Innerspace (1987)

Innerspace

6.9

director of photography: second unit

1987

 

Fred Ward in Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins

6.4

director of photography: second unit, Mexico

1985

 

Survival Run (1979)

Survival Run

4.7

additional photographer: motorcycle chase

1979

 

101 Acts of Love

4.9

camera operator: second unitlighting (uncredited, uncredited)

1971

 

The Jesus Trip (1971)

The Jesus Trip

5.3

camera operator: second unit

1971

 

Producer

The Shepherd Code: Lapierre (2026)

The Shepherd Code: Lapierre

6.3

associate producer

2026

 

Silvio Simac, Don Wilson, and Alan Delabie in The Shepherd Code (2024)

The Shepherd Code

5.1

assistant producer

2024

 

Until Dawn (2022)

Until Dawn

Short

producer

2022

 

Borrowed Time III (2022)

Borrowed Time III

5.9

assistant producer

2022

 

Black Widow

Short

executive producer

2014

 

Actor

Silvio Simac, Don Wilson, and Alan Delabie in The Shepherd Code (2024)

The Shepherd Code

5.1

Boss of the bar

2024

 

Radhika (2017)

Radhika

Short

Landlord

2017

 

Cynthia Rothrock in Lady Dragon 2 (1993)

Lady Dragon 2

4.3

Ring Announcer

1993

 

Seymour Cassel, Colleen Camp, and Sondra Locke in Death Game (1977)

Death Game

5.8

George Manning (voice, uncredited)

1977

 

The Skydivers (1963)

The Skydivers

1.9

1963

 

Additional Crew

The Big Muddy (2017)

The Big Muddy

8.3

TV Mini Series

technical consultant

2017

3 episodes

 

EIDETIC (2016)

EIDETIC

8.6

Short

technical advisor

2016

 

Contested Ground (2016)

Contested Ground

7.7

technical advisortechnical consultant

2016

 

Production Management

Is There Sex After Marriage (1973)

Is There Sex After Marriage

6.2

in charge of production

1973

 

Bloody Trail (1972)

Bloody Trail

3.8

production manager

1972

 

Adultery for Fun & Profit

6.1

in charge of production

1971

 

Thanks

Until Dawn (2022)

Until Dawn

Short

special thanks

2022

 

Katherine Park in Red Dress (2013)

Red Dress

Short

additional thanks

2013

 

Audition

Short

special thanks

2011

 

The Official "Little Wooden Man" Film poster.

The Little Wooden Man

8.9

Video

thanks

2010

 

Tick Tock Poster

Tick Tock

8.4

Short

special thanks

2010

 

The Justin Harvey Show! (2004)

The Justin Harvey Show!

Podcast Series

special thanks

2004

 

Self

International Cinematographer's Guild Heritage Series

Self

ReleasedTV Series

1991

1 episode

 

Sharksploitation (2023)

Sharksploitation

7.1

Self

2023

 

Van Damme: Split Personality (2023)

Van Damme: Split Personality

6.8

TV Special

Self - Interviewee

2023

 

The Justin Harvey Show! (2004)

The Justin Harvey Show!

Podcast Series

Self

2004

 

Hollywood Stuntmakers (1991)

Hollywood Stuntmakers

8.7

TV Series

Self

1991

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

Joe Bob's Drive-In Theater (1987)

Joe Bob's Drive-In Theater

8.9

TV Series

Director (archive footage)

1994

1 episode

 

Brian Duckworth obit

Country music star, Taylor Made band singer Brian Duckworth dies at 56

 

He was not on the list.

Country music star Brian "Nashville" Neil Duckworth has died at the age of 56.

Known for being a third of the Taylor Made trio, Duckworth died on Monday, Sept. 7, at his home in West Virginia, according to his obituary.

"He loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band, Taylor Made. Brian never passed up an opportunity to share his voice, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Nashville,'" it read, calling music "a special part of his life."

Duckworth rose to fame when he formed the country group with brother Greg Duckworth and sister Wendy Williams 15 years ago. In 2013, Duckworth opened up about finding success with his siblings in an interview with Billboard, describing them as "three kids from the back porch" who are "just excited about each and every step along the way."

Throughout their career, Taylor Made shared the stage with major names, such as Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels and Miranda Lambert. In 2012, their song "Things You Don't Grow Out Of" hit No. 36 on the Billboard Indicator chart, and the band was later named MusicRow Magazine's Independent Artist of the Year.

Outside of music, Duckworth worked as a dump truck driver for Wolfe's Excavating and was known as the "Truck Boss." His obituary said he "truly enjoyed" the job "because it allowed him to spend his days outdoors."

"Whether working or relaxing, Brian was happiest surrounded by nature," it continued. "Above all, Brian treasured his family and the special memories they created together. He also dearly loved his faithful fur family, who were constant companions and brought him great comfort and happiness."

"Brian's love of family, music, and the outdoors will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him," the obituary concluded.

The artist's niece, Brianna Duckworth Kazner, shared a touching tribute to her uncle in a Sept. 9 Facebook post, which featured a video from her wedding in 2025. She revealed that it was "the last time Taylor Made sang together."

"I grew up watching my dad, Aunt Wendy, and Uncle Brian perform at fairs and festivals until I was finally old enough to join them on a few occasions," she wrote. "As I've gotten older and started writing my own music, I knew the guy to call whenever I got creatively 'stuck.' He truly had such a way with song lyrics that I knew without a doubt Uncle Brian would pull me out of the songwriter's slump."

"So many nights singing music...phone calls with random jokes...a guy that wore my Go Duck tshirt proudly as he sang at our ribbon cutting," Duckworth Kazner recalled. "Just last week, he called me about a song idea he had. Guess I should get to work on that. Uncle 'Bert,' I can't count the number of times we got to sing together but it will have never been enough. 💔"

Duckworth is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Tina Scheuvront Duckworth, his six children, four grandchildren and five siblings. A cause of death as not yet been released.

Jim Geoghan obit

Jim Geoghan Dies: ‘Suite Life Of Zack & Cody’ Co-Creator & Producer Was 79

 

He was not on the list.

Jim Geoghan, who co-created and executive produced the Disney Channel’s touchstone sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, died Sunday, September 7, in Los Angeles. He was 79.

His death was confirmed to Deadline by his daughter Genevieve Geoghan. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Geoghan began his career in the early 1970s as part of a stand-up comedy trio called Divided We Stand, performing at such New York clubs as the Improvisation Cafe, The Bitter End, Catch A Rising Star and The Bottom Line. At colleges and nightclubs, the trio appeared on bills with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, The Commodores, Jimmy Buffet, The Righteous Brothers, Bill Withers, War, Sha Na Na and The Temptations.

Geoghan soon began writing for television on such series as Three’s Company, Sanford, Too Close For Comfort, The Facts of Life and The Van Dyke Show, among others. He wrote 18 episodes of Silver Spoons between 1983 and 1987, and around the same began writing and producing the form-bending It’s Garry Shandling’s Show; He was producer of that show from 1986 to 1990.

Other writing credits from the ’80s and ’90s include Kate & Allie, Mama’s Family, Amen and Family Matters, with producing credits on Silver Spoons and Family Matters, among others.

In 2005, Geoghan co-created and co-executive produced (with Danny Kallis) The Suite Life of Zack and Cody for the Disney Channel, which ran for 87 episodes between 2005 and 2008, earning two Emmy nominations. The series starred Cole and Dylan Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale, Brenda Song and others as it followed the antics of a group of tween friends. A sequel series from 2008 to 2011, The Suite Life on Deck, featured the characters in high school.

After that show, Geoghan served as executive producer of The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir.

For the stage, Geoghan wrote Only Kidding, a play set in the world of stand-up comedy that opened Off Broadway at the American Jewish Theater in 1988 before transferring to the larger Westside Arts Theater. It ran for 500 performances and was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, later being staged at regional theaters across the country.

In addition to his daughter, Geoghan is survived by Annie, his wife of 45 years.

 

Producer

Jerry and Tom

Short

producer

2012

 

Daman Baggan, Shruti Seth, Siddharth Thakkar, Tara Sutaria, Namit Shah, Shivshakti Sachdev, and Shaynam Ladakhi in The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir (2012)

The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir

7.5

TV Series

executive producer

2012–2013

 

Brenda Song, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, and Debby Ryan in The Suite Life on Deck (2008)

The Suite Life on Deck

6.4

TV Series

executive producer

2008–2010

49 episodes

 

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005)

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

6.7

TV Series

executive producerco-executive producer

2005–2008

77 episodes

 

Fangs (2002)

Fangs

3.4

co-producer

2002

 

Reginald VelJohnson, Jaimee Foxworth, Telma Hopkins, Rosetta LeNoire, Bryton James, Darius McCrary, Jo Marie Payton, Jaleel White, and Kellie Shanygne Williams in Family Matters (1989)

Family Matters

6.6

TV Series

co-executive producersupervising producerproducer

1991–1998

164 episodes

 

Sherman Hemsley in Amen (1986)

Amen

6.9

TV Series

supervising producer

1990–1991

22 episodes

 

The Van Dyke Show (1988)

The Van Dyke Show

6.9

TV Series

producer

1988

1 episode

 

Matthew Perry and Kiel Martin in Boys Will Be Boys (1987)

Boys Will Be Boys

6.3

TV Series

supervising producer

1987–1988

15 episodes

 

Erin Gray, Ricky Schroder, Joel Higgins, and Franklyn Seales in Silver Spoons (1982)

Silver Spoons

6.2

TV Series

producer

1987

4 episodes

 

It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986)

It's Garry Shandling's Show.

7.7

TV Series

producer

1986–1990

 

Writer

Smartphone Theatre (2020)

Smartphone Theatre

TV Series

written by

2020–2021

3 episodes

 

The Rev (2013)

The Rev

6.4

TV Series

Writer

2013

3 episodes

 

Johnny Yong Bosch, Nika Futterman, Nicolas Roye, Joshua J. Jackson, Malachi Cohen, Andres Aragon, and Marcus Griffith in NFL Rush Zone (2010)

NFL Rush Zone

6.2

TV Series

written by

2013

1 episode

 

Jerry and Tom

Short

writer

2012

 

Brenda Song, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, and Debby Ryan in The Suite Life on Deck (2008)

The Suite Life on Deck

6.4

TV Series

creatorwritten by

2008–2011

71 episodes

 

The Suite Life Movie (2011)

The Suite Life Movie

5.2

TV Movie

characters

2011

 

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005)

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

6.7

TV Series

creatorwritten bycreated by

2005–2008

87 episodes

 

The Rev (2005)

The Rev

5.6

TV Movie

Writer

2005

 

Fangs (2002)

Fangs

3.4

written by

2002

 

Leila Arcieri, Jaime Bergman, Roland Kickinger, Kimberly Oja, and Timothy Stack in Son of the Beach (2000)

Son of the Beach

6.9

TV Series

written by

2000

1 episode

 

Reginald VelJohnson, Jaimee Foxworth, Telma Hopkins, Rosetta LeNoire, Bryton James, Darius McCrary, Jo Marie Payton, Jaleel White, and Kellie Shanygne Williams in Family Matters (1989)

Family Matters

6.6

TV Series

written byteleplay by

1991–1998

32 episodes

 

On Our Own (1994)

On Our Own

6.2

TV Series

Writer

1995

1 episode

 

Sherman Hemsley in Amen (1986)

Amen

6.9

TV Series

written by

1991

3 episodes

 

Vicki Lawrence in Mama's Family (1983)

Mama's Family

7.3

TV Series

written by

1987–1989

3 episodes

 

The Nutt House (1989)

The Nutt House

7.0

TV Series

written by

1989

1 episode

 

Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James in Kate & Allie (1984)

Kate & Allie

6.9

TV Series

written by

1989

1 episode

 

The Van Dyke Show (1988)

The Van Dyke Show

6.9

TV Series

written by

1988

1 episode

 

Matthew Perry and Kiel Martin in Boys Will Be Boys (1987)

Boys Will Be Boys

6.3

TV Series

written by

1987–1988

6 episodes

 

It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986)

It's Garry Shandling's Show.

7.7

TV Series

story

1988

1 episode

 

Erin Gray, Ricky Schroder, Joel Higgins, and Franklyn Seales in Silver Spoons (1982)

Silver Spoons

6.2

TV Series

written byteleplay by

1983–1987

18 episodes

 

Stoogemania (1985)

Stoogemania

3.6

Writer

1985

 

Empire (1984)

Empire

7.0

TV Series

teleplay by

1984

1 episode

 

Nancy McKeon, Kim Fields, Mindy Cohn, Charlotte Rae, and Lisa Whelchel in The Facts of Life (1979)

The Facts of Life

6.9

TV Series

written by

1983

1 episode

 

Lydia Cornell, Jim J. Bullock, Nancy Dussault, Ted Knight, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh in Too Close for Comfort (1980)

Too Close for Comfort

6.6

TV Series

story

1983

1 episode

 

Additional Crew

Erin Gray, Ricky Schroder, Joel Higgins, and Franklyn Seales in Silver Spoons (1982)

Silver Spoons

6.2

TV Series

executive story editorstory editorprogram consultant

1983–1986

72 episodes

 

Actor

Reginald VelJohnson, Jaimee Foxworth, Telma Hopkins, Rosetta LeNoire, Bryton James, Darius McCrary, Jo Marie Payton, Jaleel White, and Kellie Shanygne Williams in Family Matters (1989)

Family Matters

6.6

TV Series

Mel Diamond

1994

1 episode

 

Stoogemania (1985)

Stoogemania

3.6

Stoogemaniac

1985

 

Director

Jerry and Tom

Short

Director

2012

 

Nina Shipman obit

Nina Shipman Has Died 

She was not on the list.

Nina Shipman, 88 years old, an American actress known for her performances in film and television during the late 1950s and 1960s, has passed away.

Shipman gained early recognition on the big screen with notable roles in feature films, including the 1959 musical comedy "Say One for Me" starring Bing Crosby, and the 1959 drama "Blue Denim." She also appeared alongside Crosby and Fabian in the 1960 comedy "High Time." Transitioning seamlessly to television, she became a familiar guest star on numerous classic series of the era. She later appeared in the 1970s western series "The Oregon Trail," and her extensive television credits included roles in popular shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show," "Perry Mason," "Rawhide," and "77 Sunset Strip."

Born into a prominent show business family—the daughter of screenwriter Barry Shipman and the granddaughter of silent film pioneer Nell Shipman—she carried on a deep-rooted Hollywood legacy. After retiring from acting, she eventually relocated to Hawaii, where she focused on writing, teaching, and enjoying a quieter life away from the public eye.

A capable and charming performer who made a distinct mark on mid-century American entertainment, her contributions to classic film and television remain appreciated by fans of the era. Godspeed...

Shipman was the daughter of screenwriter Barry Shipman and dancer and film actress Gwynne Shipman. Her grandfather Ernest Shipman was a member of one of the first Shakespearean touring companies in the United States, and her grandmother, Nell Shipman, was a silent film actress.

She attended Maddox Academy in Mexico City and Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles, California. Shipman graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a degree in music. She enhanced her acting skills at the Pasadena Playhouse, in film industry workshops, and by studying under acting coach Sanford Meisner.

 

Actress

Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven (1984)

Highway to Heaven

6.9

TV Series

Marian

1987

1 episode

 

CBS Schoolbreak Special (1984)

CBS Schoolbreak Special

6.9

TV Series

Mrs. Johnson

1985

1 episode

 

Father Murphy (1981)

Father Murphy

6.6

TV Series

Olga Johnson

1982

1 episode

 

ABC Weekend Specials (1977)

ABC Weekend Specials

7.8

TV Series

FranMiss Johnson

1981–1982

2 episodes

 

Sonny Shroyer and Samuel E. Wright in Enos (1980)

Enos

5.4

TV Series

1981

1 episode

 

Jon Provost, Tommy Rettig, and Lassie the Dog in Lassie (1954)

Lassie

6.6

TV Series

Gail Fredericks

1972

2 episodes

 

The Bold Ones: The Lawyers (1969)

The Bold Ones: The Lawyers

7.1

TV Series

Louise MillerMarcy Rand

1969–1971

2 episodes

 

Stuart Margolin and Julie Newmar in Love, American Style (1969)

Love, American Style

6.8

TV Series

Ada Hudson (segment "Love and the College Professor")

1971

1 episode

 

Kent McCord and Martin Milner in Adam-12 (1968)

Adam-12

7.7

TV Series

Marjorie FensterJane Hayes

1968–1970

2 episodes

 

Andrew Duggan, Wayne Maunder, and James Stacy in Lancer (1968)

Lancer

7.1

TV Series

Millie Barton

1970

1 episode

 

Family Affair (1966)

Family Affair

7.1

TV Series

Jan Franklin

1970

1 episode

 

Peggy Lipton, Michael Cole, and Clarence Williams III in The Mod Squad (1968)

The Mod Squad

7.0

TV Series

Chrissie Tyson

1969

1 episode

 

Walter Brennan and Dack Rambo in The Guns of Will Sonnett (1967)

The Guns of Will Sonnett

7.6

TV Series

Peg

1968

1 episode

 

Insight (1960)

Insight

7.4

TV Series

Jeri HansenJanice

1966–1967

2 episodes

 

Iron Horse (1966)

Iron Horse

7.1

TV Series

Phyllis Anderson

1966

1 episode

 

Ron Howard, Frances Bavier, and Andy Griffith in The Andy Griffith Show (1960)

The Andy Griffith Show

8.4

TV Series

Irene Fairchild

1966

1 episode

 

Burke's Law (1963)

Burke's Law

7.4

TV Series

Felicia KnightSandra

1965

2 episodes

 

A Man Called Shenandoah (1965)

A Man Called Shenandoah

7.7

TV Series

Ann Mellet

1965

1 episode

 

Buddy Ebsen, Max Baer Jr., Donna Douglas, and Irene Ryan in The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

The Beverly Hillbillies

7.3

TV Series

Linda Curry

1965

1 episode

 

Raymond Burr in Perry Mason (1957)

Perry Mason

8.3

TV Series

Carol OlinMaxine Nichols

1965

2 episodes

 

Vacation Playhouse (1963)

Vacation Playhouse

7.3

TV Series

Miss Malone

1965

1 episode

 

Yvonne De Carlo, Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, Butch Patrick, and Pat Priest in The Munsters (1964)

The Munsters

7.8

TV Series

The Beautiful Girl

1965

1 episode

 

Dr. Kildare (1961)

Dr. Kildare

7.0

TV Series

Ann Bradley

1965

1 episode

 

Wendy and Me (1964)

Wendy and Me

7.6

TV Series

1965

1 episode

 

Valentine's Day (1964)

Valentine's Day

7.4

TV Series

Lt. Mildred Hardy

1965

1 episode

 

Fess Parker in Daniel Boone (1964)

Daniel Boone

7.3

TV Series

Molly O'Hannrahan

1964

1 episode

 

Young Men in a Hurry

TV Movie

Irene

1963

 

Edd Byrnes, Roger Smith, and Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 77 Sunset Strip (1958)

77 Sunset Strip

7.7

TV Series

Maggie DolanRita EmbryDarlene Wells

1961–1963

3 episodes

 

Rawhide (1959)

Rawhide

7.9

TV Series

Valley RoseMarion CurtisSister Teresa

1962–1963

3 episodes

 

Temple Houston (1963)

Temple Houston

7.7

TV Series

Mary Bannerman

1963

1 episode

 

Imogene Coca in Grindl (1963)

Grindl

7.6

TV Series

Sally Edwards

1963

1 episode

 

Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ozzie Nelson, and Ricky Nelson in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952)

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

7.4

TV Series

PeggyPaula BensonPaula

1962–1963

4 episodes

 

Bonanza (1959)

Bonanza

7.3

TV Series

Trudy CoombsHarker

1962

1 episode

 

Ichabod and Me (1961)

Ichabod and Me

6.6

TV Series

Lois Wainright

1962

1 episode

 

Dale Robertson in Tales of Wells Fargo (1957)

Tales of Wells Fargo

7.9

TV Series

Gloria WilsonJean Martin

1961–1962

2 episodes

 

Ty Hardin in Bronco (1958)

Bronco

7.2

TV Series

Cathy Foreman

1962

1 episode

 

Scott Brady in Shotgun Slade (1959)

Shotgun Slade

6.9

TV Series

Martha Sheldon

1961

1 episode

 

Straightaway (1961)

Straightaway

7.8

TV Series

Laurie Lambert

1961

1 episode

 

Don Collier, Judy Lewis, and Bruce Yarnell in Outlaws (1960)

Outlaws

7.3

TV Series

Theo McClure

1961

1 episode

 

Gardner McKay in Adventures in Paradise (1959)

Adventures in Paradise

8.2

TV Series

Gail Shepherd

1961

1 episode

 

The Aquanauts (1960)

The Aquanauts

7.6

TV Series

Judy

1961

1 episode

 

James Garner and Jack Kelly in Maverick (1957)

Maverick

8.0

TV Series

Joanne Moss

1961

1 episode

 

Robert Conrad, Anthony Eisley, Poncie Ponce, and Connie Stevens in Hawaiian Eye (1959)

Hawaiian Eye

7.6

TV Series

Nancy Stanhope

1961

1 episode

 

Checkmate (1960)

Checkmate

7.4

TV Series

Elizabeth Buford

1961

1 episode

 

Lawman (1958)

Lawman

8.1

TV Series

Molly Prentice

1961

1 episode

 

Surfside 6 (1960)

Surfside 6

7.9

TV Series

Nina Landis

1960

1 episode

 

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955)

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp

7.6

TV Series

Leone Simpson

1960

1 episode

 

Lock Up (1959)

Lock Up

7.4

TV Series

Alice

1960

1 episode

 

Sugarfoot (1957)

Sugarfoot

7.4

TV Series

Jane Morrow

1960

1 episode

 

High Time (1960)

High Time

6.0

Laura Howard

1960

 

Ernie Kovacs, Margo Moore, Dick Shawn, and Jack Warden in Wake Me When It's Over (1960)

Wake Me When It's Over

6.3

Minor Role (uncredited)

1960

 

Henry Fonda and Leslie Caron in The Man Who Understood Women (1959)

The Man Who Understood Women

4.4

Minor Role (uncredited)

1959

 

Fred MacMurray and Nina Shipman in The Oregon Trail (1959)

The Oregon Trail

5.2

Prudence Cooper

1959

 

Brandon De Wilde and Carol Lynley in Blue Denim (1959)

Blue Denim

6.6

Lillian Bartley

1959

 

Bing Crosby, Debbie Reynolds, and Robert Wagner in Say One for Me (1959)

Say One for Me

5.5

Fay Flagg

1959

 

Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, Richard D. Zanuck, Lionel Newman, Richard Anderson, Bradford Dillman, Richard Fleischer, Meyer Levin, E.G. Marshall, Martin Milner, Richard Murphy, and Diane Varsi in Compulsion (1959)

Compulsion

7.4

Girlfriend (uncredited)

1959

 

In Love and War (1958)

In Love and War

6.1

Nurse (uncredited)

1958

 

Robert Mitchum, Robert Wagner, May Britt, Richard Egan, and Lee Philips in The Hunters (1958)

The Hunters

6.4

WAF Lieutenant (uncredited)

1958

 

Vertigo (1958)

Vertigo

8.2

Woman in Museum Mistaken for Madeleine (uncredited)

1958

 

Official Detective (1957)

Official Detective

7.3

TV Series

Sally

1958

1 episode

 

Man Without a Gun (1957)

Man Without a Gun

7.3

TV Series

1957

1 episode

 

Soundtrack

Surfside 6 (1960)

Surfside 6

7.9

TV Series

performer: "It Can't Be Wrong" (uncredited)

1960

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

At Lionhead

Self (archive footage)

2007

 

Lassie: Peace is Our Profession

TV Movie

Gail Fredericks (archive footage)

1987

 

Joe Morgan obit

Former Red Sox skipper Morgan of 'Morgan's Magic' fame dies at 95

 

He was not on the list.

Joe Morgan, the ultimate baseball lifer who realized his dream of managing his hometown Red Sox and made history while he did it, died on Saturday at the age of 95.

After decades of working under the radar in the sport he loved so much, Morgan suddenly moved from his post as third-base coach for the Red Sox to interim manager just following the 1988 All-Star break. He was 57 years old at the time.

The interim tag didn’t last long and Morgan -- not to be confused with the Hall of Fame second baseman with the same name -- would carve out his own niche and become part of Red Sox folklore.

“Joe Morgan holds a special place in Red Sox history,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. “When he took over in 1988, he changed the course of a season and created one of the most memorable chapters in the history of this club. The two division titles that followed only strengthened a bond with Red Sox fans that endured for the rest of his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.”

John McNamara had led the club to the World Series in 1986, losing to the Mets in seven games. After a 78-84 finish in ’87, McNamara’s Sox were 43-42 at the ’88 All-Star break and nine games back in the American League East. With a star-studded cast that included future Hall of Famers Wade Boggs, Jim Rice and Lee Smith, along with Dwight Evans, an in-his-prime Roger Clemens and an emerging young core that included Mike Greenwell and Ellis Burks, Boston’s front office expected more.

General manager Lou Gorman dismissed McNamara and turned to Morgan temporarily as he looked for a permanent successor. Joe Torre was one of the candidates Gorman interviewed.

But something funny happened when Morgan took the helm of a roster with several homegrown players he had managed during his time at Triple-A Pawtucket: The Red Sox kept winning and winning and winning and winning.

Morgan won his first 12 games as the Boston manager, 19 of the first 20 and 19 in a row at Fenway Park (giving the Red Sox 24 straight home victories).

“That will never happen again with an interim manager,” Morgan once said matter-of-factly in an interview with MLB.com.

That period of Red Sox history will forever be known as “Morgan’s Magic.”

Included in the unlikely surge were wild comebacks and one memorable confrontation between Morgan and Rice. In a game against the Twins on July 20, Morgan -- in need of a bunt -- had Spike Owen pinch-hit for the team captain and eventual Hall of Famer.

Rice was upset with Morgan and got confrontational with his manager as he returned to the dugout. Morgan famously shouted at him, “I’m the manager of this nine!”

The Red Sox rallied to win the game with a four-run bottom of the 10th, completed with a walk-off, three-run homer by Todd Benzinger around Pesky’s Pole in right.

When the 19-1 stretch came to an end, Boston immediately lost the first four games of a critical five-game series in Detroit against the Tigers.

Rather than panic over losing a series that threatened to take the Red Sox out of contention just after they had fought their way back in, Morgan uttered this prophetic line: “[Bruce] Hurst will spin a beauty and we'll leave here three games out.”

That they did, with Hurst pitching a 10-inning shutout -- to date, the last shutout of more than nine innings by a Red Sox pitcher – in a 3-0 win for Boston.

Morgan’s Sox finished 89-73 and won the AL East by a game over the Tigers. The joyride ended when a powerhouse Oakland Athletics squad swept the Red Sox in four games in the ALCS.​

“‘Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. “Joe took over in 1988 and gave New England a summer it would never forget. How fitting that, in his final season watching the Red Sox, he saw another team respond to adversity with a remarkable run of its own. Joe gave us one of the great chapters in this club’s history, and we will always remember him for it. Our hearts are with his family.”

The Red Sox deployed Morgan as their manager another three seasons, winning the AL East again in ’90, and again getting swept by the A’s in the ALCS.

Following the ’91 season, many were surprised that the Red Sox fired Morgan after an 84-78 campaign, especially the way the club had charged back into the pennant race, going from 11 1/2 games back on Aug. 7 to a half-game out on Sept. 21. If Boston had stayed on that tear and gone to the playoffs, it might have become known as Morgan Magic, the sequel. Instead, the Sox lost 11 of their last 14 games and Gorman hired Butch Hobson to replace Morgan. Gorman said at the time that his fear that another team would scoop up Hobson was the impetus behind dismissing Morgan.

The day Morgan was let go, he made another one of his memorable statements.

“This team isn’t as good as people think it is,” Morgan said.

Morgan again proved to be prophetic: The Red Sox finished under .500 the next three seasons under Hobson.

In all, Morgan went 301-262 as Boston’s manager. It would be his only Major League managerial stint.

As a manager, Morgan was known for playing hunches at a time data was just coming into the forefront for other skippers such as Tony La Russa and Davey Johnson. He was also known for folksy sayings. Morgan would often say, “6-2 and even.” Nobody really knew what it meant, but it was part of his charm.

“He was a big part of my life and will be missed," Boggs said in a statement. "Not only in Triple-A, but in the big leagues, too. I don’t think he got enough credit for how baseball-smart he was. He played baseball hunches instead of statistics. He will always be one of my favorites.”

Not long before reaching his pinnacle of managing the Red Sox, Morgan did much less glamorous things to supplement his income, such as driving a snowplow on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

The pride of Walpole, Mass., Morgan lived in that Boston suburb for his entire life. Years after his retirement, he would frequently attend Walpole High School football games, just blending into the crowd.

“He was one of a kind," Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione said. "One of my best friends for 41 years. A great baseball mind with incredible intuition. He would have never needed analytics. A very loyal friend and a great storyteller. He will be missed.”​

Joseph Michael Morgan was born on Nov. 19, 1930, in Walpole. After playing baseball and hockey at Boston College, Morgan appeared in 88 games over four Major League seasons spread out from 1959-64 for the Milwaukee Braves, Kansas City Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a career .193 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs.

Just two years after his playing career ended, Morgan found his true calling -- coaching. He started as a manager in the Pirates organization before he took his natural path to the Red Sox, managing Pawtucket from 1974-82.

During that time, Morgan oversaw the development of many players who would become key to the team’s future, including Boggs, Rice, Fred Lynn, Oil Can Boyd, Hurst and Marty Barrett.

For all that Morgan gave to the game, that surreal ride he led the Red Sox on in ’88 will always stand out.

“A new face, a new style of doing things really made a difference,” Boyd said in 2013 during a ceremony at Fenway Park for Morgan. “When Joe came in, he did a really good job and we ended up winning a lot of ballgames that put us back into first place.”

Matt Suhey obit

 

Matt Suhey, fullback on legendary 1985 Bears championship team, dies

Suhey, who primarily played fullback, was the lead blocker for Hall of Famer Walter Payton and scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX

He was not on the list.

Matt Suhey, a former Chicago Bears running back and member of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team, died on Sunday, NBC Chicago confirmed.

 

He was 68 years old.

Suhey, who primarily played fullback, was the lead blocker for Hall of Famer Walter Payton and scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX in January 1986, helping the Chicago Bears defeat the New England Patriots.

Suhey spent his whole 10-year NFL career with the Bears and played college football at Penn State University.

He was an American professional football player who was a fullback for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Suhey won a Super Bowl as a member of the 1985 Bears while scoring a touchdown in the game and was named to the Pennsylvania Football All-Century Team.

Before his NFL career, Suhey played college football at Pennsylvania State University from 1976 to 1979, rushing for 2,818 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also catching 39 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns, along with 21 punt returns for 252 yards and another touchdown.

Suhey was the lead blocker and friend of Walter Payton. He was also a close friend of the Payton family, and the executor of the Payton estate since the death of Walter. Although Suhey was never a leader in any statistical category, he was a fan favorite for his personality and blocking ability.

Matt Suhey is one of three sons of College Football Hall of Fame guard Steve Suhey to letter at Penn State University and a grandson of Hall of Fame Penn State player and coach Bob Higgins. His son, Joe Suhey, was a fullback at Penn State from 2007 to 2011. The Higgins–Suhey family is often referred to as the "first family of Penn State football" due to their affiliation with the program spanning four generations.

 

Personal information

Born    July 7, 1958

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Died    September 6, 2026 (aged 68)

Listed height   5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)

Listed weight  217 lb (98 kg)

Career information

High school     State College Area (State College, Pennsylvania)

College            Penn State (1976–1979)

NFL draft        1980: 2nd round, 46th overall pick

Career history

Chicago Bears (1980–1989)

Awards and highlights

Super Bowl champion (XX)

100 greatest Bears of All-Time

2× First-team All-East (1978, 1979)

Career NFL statistics

Rushing yards 2,946

Rushing average          3.6

Rushing touchdowns   20

Bill Dundee obit

“Superstar” Bill Dundee passes away at the age of 82

 

He was not on the list.

Memphis Wrestling star “Superstar” Bill Dundee has passed away at the age of 82. The news was announced by his son, Jamie, on Facebook. Jamie wrote, “With a heavy heart it hurts me to have to say this… At 3:30 this morning the SUPERSTAR BILL DUNDEE has passed away… I love you Dad. I’ll catch you on the OTHERSIDE……..”

Book Pro Wrestlers noted the following about Dundee’s wrestling career…

“At 5-foot-7, Dundee carried himself like the biggest man in any building. He could stand beside Jerry Lawler as his greatest partner or across from him as his fiercest rival—and make an entire territory live and die with every turn of the story. For generations of fans, ‘Superstar’ was never simply a nickname. He earned it.

Only two weeks ago, Bill was back among the Memphis wrestling family. On August 21, he appeared alongside Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Hart and others at the Tupelo SuperShow benefiting St. Jude. Two days later, on August 23, he made his first—and what would become his final—appearance at the Memphis Wrestling WrestleCenter.”

His son, Jamie Dundee, shared the devastating news just minutes ago, announcing that his father passed away at 3:30 this morning. He was 82 years old.

Jamie closed his message with words no son should ever have to write:

“I love you Dad. I’ll catch you on the other side. Rest in peace, Superstar.”

I had gotten up this morning hoping to find an encouraging update on Andy Williams. Instead, I opened Facebook to this. On a morning when the wrestling world was already holding its breath, it has now lost one of the true pillars of Memphis wrestling.

Bill Dundee wasn’t merely one of its great stars. He was one of the men who made Memphis wrestling what it was.

At 5-foot-7, Dundee carried himself like the biggest man in any building. He could stand beside Jerry Lawler as his greatest partner or across from him as his fiercest rival—and make an entire territory live and die with every turn of the story. For generations of fans, “Superstar” was never simply a nickname. He earned it.

Only two weeks ago, Bill was back among the Memphis wrestling family. On August 21, he appeared alongside Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Hart and others at the Tupelo SuperShow benefiting St. Jude. Two days later, on August 23, he made his first—and what would become his final—appearance at the Memphis Wrestling WrestleCenter.

There he was, still part of the sport he loved and surrounded by people who loved him. Nobody watching could have fully understood that they were witnessing a final goodbye. You simply never know when one more appearance, one more photograph or one more wave to the fans will become the last one.

Jamie and several other members of the Dundee family have long been part of our Book Pro Wrestlers community. This morning, we ask our readers to surround all of them with love. Please keep Jamie, Bill’s entire family, his friends and everyone who loved the Superstar in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Bill Dundee.

Thank you for the Saturday mornings, the Monday nights at the Mid-South Coliseum and a lifetime of memories.

The Superstar will never be forgotten.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

Georgina Lightning obit

Edmonton-Born Filmmaker Georgina Lightning, First Indigenous Woman to Direct a Major Feature, Dies at 63

Georgina Lightning, a member of Samson Cree Nation and the first North American Indigenous woman to direct a major feature film, has died at 63. She died following an incident at an Indian Relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds, which remains under investigation. 

He was not on the list.

Our condolences to her family, her community and everyone she worked with.

Georgina Lightning has died at 63.

The filmmaker, born in Edmonton and an enrolled member of Samson Cree Nation, died following an incident during an Indian Relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds. It remains under investigation.

Her daughter Crystle Lightning, co-creator of the musical Bear Grease, shared the news.

"I have lost my mother, my sons Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidant," she posted.

What Enoch Cree Nation is asking

The Nation issued a statement Saturday evening.

"Enoch Cree Nation is mourning the loss of a community member following an incident at this evening's Indian Relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds," it read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time."

"Out of respect for the family and all those affected, we ask that the public refrain from sharing videos, photos, or speculation related to the incident on social media."

That request deserves to be honoured. If footage reaches you, don't pass it on.

he was first

In 2008, Lightning wrote, directed and starred in Older Than America, becoming the first North American Indigenous woman to direct a major feature film.

The film follows a woman whose visions expose a priest's effort to suppress the truth about atrocities at an Indian boarding school. It stars Adam Beach, Tantoo Cardinal, Wes Studi and, in an early role, Bradley Cooper. It premiered at South by Southwest in March 2008 and won more than 20 awards, including Best Director at the American Indian Film Festival.

The story came from her own family, inspired in part by her father's experiences and her family's residential and boarding school history.

"Our goal in making this film was to shed light on a widely unknown issue that has had a lasting impact on the Native American community," Lightning said of it. "The phrase 'Older Than America' refers to who we were as a nation before mandatory assimilation transformed our identity."

The rest of the work

Lightning was born in Edmonton on July 4, 1963, raised off-reserve near the Samson community, and worked in film for more than 35 years.

Her screen credits include Johnny Greyeyes, DreamKeeper, Blackstone, Trickster, Three Pines and Alaska Daily.

In 2007, Filmmaker Magazine named her one of its 25 New Faces of Independent Film. In 2010 she received the White House Project's Epic Award for Emerging Artist.

What she built for other people

The part of her career that may matter most wasn't her own filmography.

She co-founded Tribal Alliance Productions with executive producer Audrey Martinez, specifically to create opportunities for Native American, First Nations and other Indigenous filmmakers. She also helped establish the Native Media Network, focused on promoting Native talent and Indigenous media representation.

Beyond directing, she worked in Native casting, produced independent projects, consulted on cultural content and raised money for Indigenous films.

Model and actor Ashley Callingbull was among those who spoke about that on Sunday.

"This is so heartbreaking. She has done so much for the Indigenous community, her family and has even played a role in my life," Callingbull posted. "She built such a legacy and opened the door for so many people. My heart hurts for Crystle and the entire Lightning family."

The family carried it forward

All three of Lightning's children work as performers.

Crystle Lightning is an actor and co-creator of Bear Grease, the Indigenous-led musical that has toured widely. Cody Lightning is an actor and director whose credits go back to Smoke Signals. William Lightning has also performed.

What Indian Relay is

For readers who haven't seen one, it's worth understanding what the event was.

Indian Relay is a bareback horse relay run by Indigenous teams across the Prairies and the northern United States. Riders race a lap, then leap from a running horse to a fresh one held by their crew, and go again. There are no saddles.

It's fast, physical, and widely described as one of the most demanding equestrian sports on the continent. It's also deeply rooted, drawing on horse cultures that predate rodeo.

Enoch Cree Nation hosts events at its rodeo grounds west of Edmonton.

Police have not released details, and the investigation is ongoing.

What's still unknown

The circumstances of the incident.

Whether any findings will be made public, and when.

Funeral and memorial arrangements, which the family has not announced.

Sources

Enoch Cree Nation, public statement

Comments from Crystle Lightning and Ashley Callingbull, and details of Lightning's death, as reported by CTV News. Biographical details and film credits from public records and previously published interviews.

Filmography

Lightning worked in the film and entertainment industry for more than three decades, building a career that spans acting, directing, producing, and cultural consulting. Throughout this time, she contributed to a wide range of film and television projects, both in front and behind the camera. Her Filmography reflects the scope of her experience and her long-standing commitment to expanding Indigenous representation in Media:

 

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995 as Morning Dove)

Yellow Wooden Ring (1998 as Sissy Blea)

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998 as an "additional voice")

My Brother (1999 as Mother)

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV, 1998-1999, two episodes, in Way of the Warrior as Sundance, and War Cry as Ellen Crow Feather)

Backroads (2000 as Mary Lou)

Johnny Greyeyes (2000 as Georgina)

Christmas in the Clouds (2001 as Louise)

Cowboy Up (2001 as Brenda)

The West Wing (TV, 2001, as Maggie Morningstar Charles in the episode The Indians in the Lobby)

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (TV, 2002, as Lainie Proudfoot in four episodes: An Inspector Calls, Another Country, A Bridge too Far, and Bridge Over Troubled Water)

Dreamkeeper (TV, 2003 as Crystal Heart, also as associate producer)

Sawtooth (2004 as Lucy, also as executive producer and producer)

Hanbleceya (2005 as co-producer)

Ghosts of the Heartland (2007 as Tani)

Older than America (2008 as director, writer, and as lead actress portraying the character Rain)

Blackstone (TV series, 2011, as Tracy Bull in the first season)

Land (Western Drama Film, 2018, portraying Bettie)

Trickster (TV series, 2020)

Pipe Nation (Canadian TV series, 2021)

Three Pines (TV series, 2022, as Arisawe Two-Rivers)

The Wind & the Reckoning (Western Drama Film, 2022, as an executive producer)

Department of Paranormal Affairs (TV Mini Series, 2024, portraying Minister)

Die My Love (Thriller Comedy Film, 2025, portraying Kathleen the Orderly)

Mike Detillier obit

Longtime WWL radio sports personality Mike Detillier dies

 

He was not on the list.

Mike Detillier, a veteran sports media personality and the co-host of SportsTalk on WWL-AM 870 radio, died Sunday, station officials announced Sunday. He was 65.

Detillier was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had been off the air in recent days.

“It’s so sad,” said Bobby Hebert, who worked with Detillier at WWL for the past several years. “Mike was a good friend and was like a brother to me. It’s heartbreaking. This really hurts.”

A native of Lafourche Parish, Detillier rose to local prominence as the editor and publisher of Mike Detillier's NFL Draft Report, which he launched in 1985. He made regular appearances on Sports Talk during Buddy Diliberto’s tenure as host, then joined the station as a college and pro football analyst.

In July 2021, he transitioned from longstanding guest analyst and fixture on Monday’s Second Guess Show to full-time co-host.

“The New Orleans Saints organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WWL Radio host Mike Detillier,” the New Orleans Saints said in a statement. “A proud son of Louisiana, Mike was widely respected as a gifted football analyst, a trusted guide through the NFL Draft, and an exceptional family man. Beyond his incredible contributions to the game, he was above all a true gentleman and a dedicated family man. Saints gamedays at the Caesars Superdome, training camp practices, and press conferences simply will not be the same without his presence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family and to the community of devoted listeners who considered him a friend over the airwaves.”

A veteran sports journalist who worked in various capacities at newspaper, radio and TV outlets throughout south Louisiana, Detillier was a former fullback and linebacker at Central Lafourche High School.

He also spent 29 years in the engineering world, studying aquatic engineering at Louisiana Tech and Sacramento State, and eventually worked as an engineer for the state of Louisiana.

Detillier began publishing what grew into the M&D NFL Draft Report in 1983, producing it every year for more than four decades and building a following far beyond Louisiana, according to TigerRag.com. He also wrote for USA Today Louisiana and was a regular guest on Tiger Rag Radio, extending his reach into LSU coverage beyond his home station. His depth and his fact-loaded, unglamorous approach to scouting earned him an unusual national distinction: in 2006, Sports Illustrated named him the Best Unknown Sports Voice in America, according to Fox 8.

Beyond the booth, Detillier was a fixture at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, missing only two sessions across parts of three decades, according to WWL Radio. Mike Hoss, the current Voice of the Saints, ranked him alongside the station's other legendary analysts, Buddy D, Hokie Gajan, Jim Henderson, Hap Glaudi, Stan Brock and Hebert himself: "The name Mike Detillier is right up there."

Andy "The Butcher" Williams obit

Andy 'The Butcher' Williams

Dead At 48 

He was not on the list.

UPDATE

8:40 AM PT -- AEW has released a statement saying ... "All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. A trailblazing musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, Williams made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out of the ring. Our condolences go out to Williams’ family, friends and fans."

8:31 AM PT -- TMZ has obtained dispatch audio from Andy 'The Butcher' Williams' mid-match collapse.

Andy Williams -- a former AEW wrestler known as "The Butcher," died Saturday after experiencing a medical emergency during a tag team match in Pennsylvania, according to authorities.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office tells TMZ ... Williams passed away Saturday night following his health crisis at Mr. Small's Theater in Millvale, PA. The Butcher and his partner, The Blade, were battling TME during the Enjoy Wrestling event, leading to its prompt cancellation. 

A rep for Enjoy Wrestling posted a statement on X, saying that Andy collapsed at the end of his match, and doctors rushed to his aid, giving him CPR before an ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital. The rep also said everyone was sent home, while thanking all the people who gave assistance to Andy.

Andy wrestled under the banner of "All-Elite Wrestling" (AEW) with his longtime tag team partner, The Blade. He also played rhythm guitar in a heavy metal band, "Every Time I Die." 

Andy was 48.

RIP