Stuart Burrows obit

Renowned opera singer Stuart Burrows dies at 92

 

He was not on the list.

The internationally renowned Welsh opera singer Stuart Burrows has died aged 92 following a short illness.

Born in Cilfynydd in Rhondda Cynon Taf, he performed for the first time with the Welsh National Opera in 1963 and went on to sing at world famous La Scala in Milan.

His career took in the Met Opera in New York for 12 seasons and he also appeared at the Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London.

At the height of his career - in the 1970s and 80s - Burrows starred in his own BBC Two series, Stuart Burrows Sings.

'We've lost a great'

Burrows was born on the same street as fellow opera star Geraint Evans.

In his youth, Burrows could have been a professional rugby player, but turned down a contract with the Leeds Rugby League club to concentrate on singing.

His big break came in 1965 when the composer Stravinsky asked him to sing his opera Oedipus Rex in Athens.

Burrows received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wales in 1981, a Fellowship of Trinity College, Carmarthen in 1989, and he also received an Honorary Fellowship from Aberystwyth University.

In 2007 he received an OBE for his services to music.

In a tribute, the former UK government culture minister, Kim Howells, said: "Stuart Burrows had an amazing voice, he was an internationally renowned singer and very remarkable individual who came from this south Wales valleys village which has produced so many extraordinary people from rugby players to politicians.

"We've lost a great here and I send my condolences to his family."

Burrows' family said he died on Sunday morning following a short illness.

In a post on Facebook, his son Mark said: "Words cannot express how much I will miss this true Welshman who (as he liked to say) loved to sing a bit!"

Welsh operatic and concert soprano Beverley Humphreys said Burrows had an "astounding career".

"He was one of the greatest Mozart tenors in the world. From La Scala to the Met and Covent Garden. The beauty of his voice, his sensitivity, lyricism and refined musicianship was unsurpassed."

The BBC Radio Wales broadcaster said Burrows had the rare ability to sing not only in opera, but in many different genres.

"His voice and warm personality touched hearts all over the world."

Burrows was part of the Ryan Davies Memorial Trust and gave advice to young people after listening to them sing.

One of those young people was Welsh opera and classical tenor singer Rhys Meirion who said: "I remember speaking to him in awe, in a way, because I used to listen to him all the time."

Bob Elmore obit

Pirates of the Caribbean star Bob Elmore dies aged 65 as co-stars pay tribute

 He was not on the list.

Actor and stuntman Bob Elmore has sadly died aged 65. The Chainsaw Massacre star's death was announced by his co-star Caroline Williams.

She shared the news n social media, writing: "My dear Bob Elmore has passed..." Elmore starred as the Executioner in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, having also worked on Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, reports the Mirror.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but he had been booked into work next year.

Horror Realm Convention confirmed that he was booked for 2026 writing on Facebook: "Awful news coming out that Bob Elmore has passed away.

"We were fortunate to have him as a guest at Horror Realm a few years back. He was actually booked for 2026 but we have not announced any guests yet. We are sorry we won’t have a chance to be with him one more time. Our condolences to Bobs family. R.I.P. Bob."

Fans also paid tribute to the star, known for playing character Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, one said: "Absolutely gutted. An honour and privilege to meet him only a few months ago here in the UK, what a gentleman, a giant of a man and the most epic white beard. My favourite Bubba rest easy sir."

Another added: "I’m literally at work crying right now after hearing this. Bob was the man." Someone else commented: "This is so sad. I hope he had a peaceful passing after impacting so many people in a positive way."

A fourth penned: "Very sorry to hear this. Bob was a great person, and I used to have laugh with him all the time at conventions. He will be missed."

Elmore began his stunt work when he joined the Wild West Stunt Show at Knott's Berry Farm in California. He went on to study under stunt icon Gene LeBell at Los Angeles City College.

As well as starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, he also worked on Casino, The Usual Suspects, Being John Malkovich, City of Angels, Uncle Buck, and Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.

He performed various stunts in horror cult classics The Monster Squad and Dr Giggles. However, his biggest role came in Leatherface, which saw him garner a huge fanbase.

"Just to be recognised for working in this little, itty bitty movie that brought pleasure to so many people — and there’s some people that really, really, really enjoyed it,” he said of the iconic role in a 2016.

“I don’t understand. I don’t have that passion for that kind of movie, but there’s a lot. And it’s worldwide, it’s not here in the United States. People in Germany love Texas Chainsaw Part 2. They just love it, and they’re crazy about it. That’s what is so unique about it, and to be associated with that is great. Not too many people can say that.”

 

Actor

Michael St. Michaels, Bill Weeden, Michael J. Epstein, and Sophia Cacciola in The Once and Future Smash (2022)

The Once and Future Smash

7.6

Bob Elmore

2022

 

14 Ghosts (2021)

14 Ghosts

5.3

Pete The Landlord

2021

 

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

7.1

Executioner

2007

 

Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro, and Kevin Pollak in The Usual Suspects (1995)

The Usual Suspects

8.5

Bodyguard #1

1995

 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

5.6

Leatherface (uncredited)

1986

 

Jon-Erik Hexum and Jennifer O'Neill in Cover Up (1984)

Cover Up

7.7

TV Series

Anton

1985

1 episode

 

Stunts

Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

8.1

stunts

2003

 

Robert De Niro, Rene Russo, Jason Alexander, June Foray, and Keith Scott in The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000)

The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle

4.3

stunts

2000

 

John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, and Catherine Keener in Being John Malkovich (1999)

Being John Malkovich

7.7

stunt performer

1999

 

Hard Time: The Premonition (1999)

Hard Time: The Premonition

5.1

TV Movie

stunts

1999

 

Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan in City of Angels (1998)

City of Angels

6.7

stunts

1998

 

C. Thomas Howell, Sophie Ward, and Titus Welliver in The Big Fall (1997)

The Big Fall

4.4

Video

stunt performer

1997

 

Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in Casino (1995)

Casino

8.2

stunts

1995

 

Larry Drake in Dr. Giggles (1992)

Dr. Giggles

5.3

stunts

1992

 

Mariel Hemingway, Raymond Burr, John Candy, Dylan Baker, David Rasche, Charles Rocket, and Emma Samms in Delirious (1991)

Delirious

5.8

stunts

1991

 

Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy, and John Candy in Only the Lonely (1991)

Only the Lonely

6.4

stunts

1991

 

Dan Aykroyd, Demi Moore, Chevy Chase, and John Candy in Nothing But Trouble (1991)

Nothing But Trouble

5.1

stunts

1991

 

Cage (1989)

Cage

4.9

stunts

1989

 

Macaulay Culkin, Gaby Hoffmann, John Candy, Elaine Bromka, Garrett M. Brown, and Jean Louisa Kelly in Uncle Buck (1989)

Uncle Buck

7.1

stunt double

1989

 

John Candy in Who's Harry Crumb? (1989)

Who's Harry Crumb?

5.9

stunts

1989

 

Dennis Quaid and Jessica Lange in Everybody's All-American (1988)

Everybody's All-American

6.2

stunts (as Robert Elmore)

1988

 

Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, and Heather Graham in License to Drive (1988)

License to Drive

6.3

stunts (as Robert Elmore)

1988

 

Big Bad Mama II (1987)

Big Bad Mama II

4.7

stunts

1987

 

Nick Nolte in Weeds (1987)

Weeds

6.0

stunts (as Robert Elmore)

1987

 

Tom Noonan, Brent Chalem, Michael Faustino, Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Ryan Lambert, Michael Reid MacKay, Duncan Regehr, Carl Thibault, and Tom Woodruff Jr. in The Monster Squad (1987)

The Monster Squad

6.9

stunts

1987

 

Kim Basinger and Richard Gere in No Mercy (1986)

No Mercy

5.7

stunts (as Robert Lewis Elmore)

1986

 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

5.6

stunts

1986

 

A Fine Mess (1986)

A Fine Mess

4.7

stunts

1986

 

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment

5.8

stunts

1985

 

Self

Dinner with Leatherface (2024)

Dinner with Leatherface

7.4

Self

2024

 

Without Your Head (2006)

Without Your Head

7.3

Podcast Series

Self

2012–2019

12 episodes

 

Bob Elmore in Behind the Mask: An Interview with Bob Elmore (2016)

Behind the Mask: An Interview with Bob Elmore

Video

Self

2016

 

Cutting Moments with Bob Elmore

Video

Self

2013

 

Uncle Goddamn (2004)

Uncle Goddamn

5.5

Video

Uncle Goddamn (as Robert Elmore)

2004

 

Prairie Tides

TV Movie

Survey Man

2003

Mark Brokaw obit

Director Mark Brokaw Dies of Cancer

On Broadway, he directed Reckless (2004), The Constant Wife (2005), the musical Cry-Baby (2007), After Miss Julie(2009), The Lyons (2012), the musical Cinderella (2013), 

He was not on the list.

Acclaimed director Mark Brokaw, whose visionary work spanned Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters across the United States and abroad, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Brokaw was raised in Aledo, Illinois, and graduated from the Yale School of Drama. He received a Drama League fellowship and was initially given directing work through Carole Rothman and Robyn Goodman, the artistic heads of Second Stage Theatre.

He directed many Off-Broadway productions, and his New York work included premieres by Lynda Barry (The Good Times Are Killing Me), Douglas Carter Beane (As Bees in Honey Drown), Neal Bell, Eric Bogosian, Keith Bunin, Charles Busch, Kevin Elyot, Lisa Kron (2.5 Minute Ride), Lisa Loomer, Kenneth Lonergan (This Is Our Youth, Lobby Hero), Craig Lucas (Dying Gaul), Eduardo Machado, Patrick Marber (After Miss Julie), Robert Schenkkan, Nicky Silver, Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive, Long X-Mas Ride Home), and Wendy Wasserstein. He directed in New York at Playwrights Horizons, Vineyard Theatre, The New Group, Second Stage Theatre, Lincoln Center, New York Shakespeare Festival/The Public Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Signature Theatre, and the Roundabout Theatre. He spent five seasons with the Young Playwrights Festival (1989–1995) and was a member of the Drama Dept. theatre company.

In regional theater, he directed at the Guthrie (Racing Demon in 1997-98; A Month in the Country in 1998-99), Seattle Repertory Theatre (The Lisbon Traviata, 1991; The Good Times Are Killing Me, 1992), Long Wharf, Yale Rep, Hartford Stage, South Coast Repertory, Huntington, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the O’Neill Conference, Sundance Theatre Lab, Berkeley Rep, Center Theatre Group, La Jolla Playhouse, and New York Stage and Film. He directed A Little Night Musicfor the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration in 2002.

On Broadway, he directed Reckless (2004), The Constant Wife (2005), the musical Cry-Baby (2007), After Miss Julie(2009), The Lyons (2012), the musical Cinderella (2013), and Heisenberg (2016).

His work was also seen at London’s Donmar Warehouse and the Menier Chocolate Factory, Dublin’s Gate Theatre, and the Sydney Opera House.

He directed the film Spinning into Butter, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Beau Bridges, and Miranda Richardson, in 2006.

Brokaw served as a past vice president and a member of the executive board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, as well as President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. He was the Artistic Director of the Yale Institute for Music Theatre from 2009 to 2017 and was an associate artist of the Roundabout Theatre.

Thomas Neuwirth obit

Tom Neuwirth, Cinematographer on ‘Cagney & Lacey,’ Dies at 78

He collaborated often with his wife, director Karen Arthur, who made Emmy history in 1985 with her work on the fabled CBS crime drama.

 He was not on the list.

Tom Neuwirth, the cinematographer who worked alongside his wife, history-making TV director Karen Arthur, on episodes of Cagney & Lacey and many other projects, has died. He was 78.

Neuwirth died June 29 at his home in Manhattan, friend and producer Craig Anderson announced (they worked on six films together). No cause of death was revealed.

Over four decades, “Neuwirth’s career was defined by his extraordinary eye for capturing emotion, character and place — whether through the lens of his camera or from the cockpit of his own plane,” Anderson noted. “He earned his pilot’s license in high school and found joy and freedom in flying throughout his life. That same spirit guided his work behind the camera: bold, precise and always seeking a new perspective.”

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Arthur, who became the first woman to receive a Primetime Emmy for outstanding directing for a drama series when she won in 1985 for helming the Cagney & Lacey fourth-season episode “Heat,” which featured a guest-starring turn by a young Michael Madsen.

Her husband was the cinematographer on that installment and five others directed by Arthur during that 1984-85 season.

“We fell madly in love on the first show that we did together, which was ‘Heat,’” Arthur said on a 2023 episode of the 80s TV Ladies podcast. “And we made all my movies, his movies, our movies, from Cagney & Lacey on together.”

Born in the Bronx, Neuwirth served as a photography apprentice in New York City before opening his own studio and moving to Hollywood after a photo assignment in Puerto Rico ignited his passion for filmmaking.

Starting as a camera assistant on such films as Russ Meyer’s Supervixens (1975), he advanced to helicopter camera operator on Ted Kotcheff’s First Blood (1982) and second-unit director of photography on J. Lee Thompson’s Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987).

Neuwirth shot 18 of 22 episodes of Cagney & Lacey during its fourth season, which culminated with the show winning six Emmys, including its first for outstanding drama series and the trophy presented to Arthur. (In the “Heat” episode, Tyne Daly’s Mary Beth is taken hostage in a railroad yard by a psychopathic teenager portrayed by Madsen.)

Over the years, Neuwirth also brought his visual storytelling to such acclaimed productions as the five-hour 1992 ABC miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream; the 1997 CBS miniseries True Women, starring Dana Delany and Angelina Jolie; the 1998 CBS telefilm The Staircase, starring Barbara Hershey; and the 2001 PBS telefilm The Song of the Lark, starring Maximilian Schell. (All were directed by Arthur.)

“When we started out together, most people, like agents and producers, said [their business relationship] would never work. We might get into an argument, but it was never an issue. It’s always been professional,” Neuwirth said in 2012.

“When we watch a rehearsal, we look at each other and communicate with subtle movements and statements, and it allows Karen to focus more on the bigger picture.”

Neuwirth and his wife also lived in the Bahamas, where they co-founded Island Films; their 2008-12 documentary series Artists of the Bahamas, which premiered at the Bahamas International Film Festival, spotlighted some of the nation’s leading visual artists.

“Make a lot of films,” he often told young filmmakers. “With every one, you realize mistakes and keep getting better.”

In addition to Arthur, survivors include his son, Adam, and his twin sister, Hilary. A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America.

 

Director

Artists of the Bahamas (2008)

Artists of the Bahamas

Director

2008

 

Lorenzo Lamas, Kathleen Kinmont, and Branscombe Richmond in Renegade (1992)

Renegade

6.0

TV Series

Director (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1996

1 episode

 

Broken Bars (1995)

Broken Bars

5.1

Director

1995

 

Cinematographer

Artists of the Bahamas (2008)

Artists of the Bahamas

Cinematographer

2008

 

Tom Arnold, Candace Cameron Bure, and Christopher Wiehl in Moonlight & Mistletoe (2008)

Moonlight & Mistletoe

6.0

TV Movie

director of photography

2008

 

The Christmas Blessing (2005)

The Christmas Blessing

6.2

TV Movie

director of photography

2005

 

The Locket (2002)

The Locket

7.0

TV Movie

director of photography

2002

 

The Song of the Lark (2001)

The Song of the Lark

6.1

TV Movie

Cinematographer (as Thomas Neuwirth)

2001

 

Frances Fisher and Derwin Jordan in Passion and Prejudice (2001)

Passion and Prejudice

6.5

TV Movie

Cinematographer

2001

 

The lost child (2000)

The lost child

6.4

TV Movie

Cinematographer

2000

 

Lea Thompson, Ellen Burstyn, Faye Dunaway, and Thomas Gibson in A Will of Their Own (1998)

A Will of Their Own

6.8

TV Mini Series

Cinematographer

1998

2 episodes

 

Labor of Love (1998)

Labor of Love

5.7

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1998

 

The Staircase (1998)

The Staircase

6.7

TV Movie

director of photography

1998

 

Dana Delany, Annabeth Gish, and Angelina Jolie in True Women (1997)

True Women

6.6

TV Mini Series

Cinematographer (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1997

 

Journey of the Heart (1997)

Journey of the Heart

6.5

TV Movie

director of photography (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1997

 

Terry Farrell and Jim Davidson in Reasons of the Heart (1996)

Reasons of the Heart

5.9

director of photography (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1996

 

Dead by Sunset (1995)

Dead by Sunset

6.7

TV Mini Series

Cinematographer

1995

2 episodes

 

Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story (1995)

Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story

5.3

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1995

 

Judith Light in Against Their Will (1994)

Against Their Will

5.5

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1994

 

John Stamos in The Disappearance of Christina (1993)

The Disappearance of Christina

5.5

TV Movie

director of photography (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1993

 

The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)

The Jacksons: An American Dream

7.5

TV Mini Series

Cinematographer

1992

2 episodes

 

The Secret (1992)

The Secret

6.0

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1992

 

Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright in Shadow of a Doubt (1991)

Shadow of a Doubt

5.5

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1991

 

Robert Wagner and Nancy Everhard in This Gun for Hire (1991)

This Gun for Hire

5.8

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1991

 

Christopher Reeve in Bump in the Night (1991)

Bump in the Night

5.9

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1991

 

A Killer Among Us (1990)

A Killer Among Us

5.9

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1990

 

Project: Tinman (1990)

Project: Tinman

4.6

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1990

 

Kevin Spacey and Bernadette Peters in Fall from Grace (1990)

Fall from Grace

5.8

TV Movie

director of photography (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1990

 

Blue Bayou (1990)

Blue Bayou

6.5

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1990

 

Bridge to Silence (1989)

Bridge to Silence

6.1

TV Movie

director of photography

1989

 

Randy Quaid and Lindsay Wagner in Evil in Clear River (1988)

Evil in Clear River

6.2

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1988

 

Lady Beware (1987)

Lady Beware

5.7

director of photography

1987

 

Hard Copy (1987)

Hard Copy

4.3

TV Series

Cinematographer

1987

8 episodes

 

Kim Delaney in Cracked Up (1987)

Cracked Up

5.7

TV Movie

Cinematographer

1987

 

Harvey Korman and Valerie Perrine in Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills (1986)

Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills

6.1

TV Series

Cinematographer

1986

6 episodes

 

Condor (1985)

Condor

5.0

TV Movie

Cinematographer (as Thom Neuwirth)

1985

 

Richard Crenna in The Rape of Richard Beck (1985)

The Rape of Richard Beck

6.7

TV Movie

director of photography

1985

 

Cagney & Lacey (1981)

Cagney & Lacey

6.9

TV Series

director of photography

1984–1985

18 episodes

 

Lottery! (1983)

Lottery!

6.9

TV Series

Cinematographer

1983–1984

7 episodes

 

Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I. (1980)

Magnum, P.I.

7.5

TV Series

director of photography (as Thom Neuwirth)

1981

1 episode

 

Joanna Cassidy, Mark Harmon, and John Bennett Perry in 240-Robert (1979)

240-Robert

7.1

TV Series

director of photography (as Thom Neuwirth)

1981

3 episodes

 

Camera and Electrical Department

Charles Bronson in Messenger of Death (1988)

Messenger of Death

5.4

additional photographer

1988

 

Charles Bronson in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)

Death Wish 4: The Crackdown

5.5

director of photography: second unit

1987

 

Marcia Cross in Pros & Cons (1986)

Pros & Cons

6.0

TV Movie

additional photography

1986

 

Evil Town (1985)

Evil Town

3.8

assistant camera (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1985

 

High Performance

5.6

TV Series

director of photography: second unit

1983

1 episode

 

Sylvester Stallone in First Blood (1982)

First Blood

7.7

helicopter camera operator (as Thomas Neuwirth)

1982

 

Pigs vs. Freaks (1982)

Pigs vs. Freaks

6.0

TV Movie

camera operator

1982

 

Joanna Cassidy, Mark Harmon, and John Bennett Perry in 240-Robert (1979)

240-Robert

7.1

TV Series

camera operator

1979

11 episodes

 

Christina Cummings in Supervixens (1975)

Supervixens

5.9

assistant camera

1975

 

Chris Willingham obit

Chris Willingham, Film Editor on ’24,’ ‘The X-Files,’ ‘Grimm,’ Dies at 74

The 1980s TV hit ‘B.J. and the Bear’ was his first editing gig, and he cut an episode of 'Yellowstone' in 2019. 

He was not on the list.

Chris Willingham, the veteran film editor who cut 24, The X-Files, Millennium, Harsh Realm and The Others, has died. He was 74.

The three-time Emmy Award winner died of a heart attack at home in Los Angeles on June 28, the WME agency confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lynne Willingham, who survives Chris as his wife of 37 years, added in a statement: “Chris was an intuitive editor. He was a gifted storyteller. His pacing and choices were incredibly beautiful. You could tell when watching a series if it was his episode. He was just always in the right place at the right time. You can’t really teach that. He was funny and smart, and I was so very lucky to have him not only as my wonderful husband but as my creative partner! We were a great team.”

Born on Dec. 25, 1950, his career over four decades included film editing credits for Space Above and Beyond, Grimm, The Son, 21 Jump Street, Dragonball Evolution, Black Christmas, The A-Team and the feature Final Destination 3. More recently, Willingham cut an episode of Yellowstone in 2019, and before that three episodes of The Son.

The 1980s TV hit B.J. and the Bear was his first editing gig. But well before that, Willingham served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner. On completing his naval service, he started work in the film shipping department at KHJ Channel 9, and worked his way up into the news department.

In 1978, he moved over to Universal Film Studios as an assistant film editor. While editing The Greatest American Hero, the 1980s sci-fi series, Willingham caught the eye of prolific Hollywood producer Stephen J. Cannell and continued to work for SJC Productions for a decade.

He received five Emmy nominations for his work on 24, which he cut for the first four seasons, and came away in all with three Emmy trophies for his work on the Fox action series.

He is survived by Lynne Willingham, also a film editor and an Emmy winner for her work on Breaking Bad. They met while both worked at SJC Productions and they married in 1988. Together, they cut several shows for Stephen J. Cannell until his studio closed. They went on to work on series like The X-Files and the miniseries Empire and The Son.

Of his marriage and creative collaboration with his wife, Willingham once said: “We had a producer, David Levinson, who loved that he had a married couple working for him. He thought that we were often talking about the show even when we were home. Kicking around ideas for the cut with each other. And he was right. If one of us had something that wasn’t working for us, we’d run it past each other. It was great having another editor that you trusted to bounce off of.” 

Willingham is also survived by his daughters Lisa and Julia; his son-in-law, David; his granddaughters Ella, Avery and Hollyn; and his six pets.

Willingham was an avid animal advocate, so in lieu of flowers, his family asks donations in his memory be made to their favorite animal rescue.

 

Editor

Yellowstone (2018)

Yellowstone

8.6

TV Series

Editor

2019

1 episode

 

Pierce Brosnan in The Son (2017)

The Son

7.5

TV Series

Editor

2019

3 episodes

 

The Get

5.9

TV Movie

Editor

2017

 

Brendan Gleeson in Mr. Mercedes (2017)

Mr. Mercedes

7.8

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2017

1 episode

 

David Giuntoli in Grimm (2011)

Grimm

7.9

TV Series

Editor

2011–2017

43 episodes

 

Peter's Ashes (2014)

Peter's Ashes

Short

Editor

2014

 

Piper Perabo in Covert Affairs (2010)

Covert Affairs

7.3

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2010–2013

5 episodes

 

Dana Delany in Body of Proof (2011)

Body of Proof

7.1

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2013

2 episodes

 

Detroit 1-8-7 (2010)

Detroit 1-8-7

7.6

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2010–2011

5 episodes

 

Cliff Curtis, Derek Luke, and Scottie Thompson in Trauma (2009)

Trauma

7.6

TV Series

Editor

2009–2010

4 episodes

 

Chow Yun-Fat, Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Eriko Tamura, and Jamie Chung in Dragonball Evolution (2009)

Dragonball Evolution

2.5

Editor

2009

 

Justin Bruening in Knight Rider (2008)

Knight Rider

5.6

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2008–2009

4 episodes

 

Amusement (2008)

Amusement

4.9

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2008

 

James Woods in Shark (2006)

Shark

7.1

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2008

1 episode

 

Lacey Chabert and Kristen Cloke in Black Christmas (2006)

Black Christmas

4.7

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2006

 

Alexz Johnson, Kris Lemche, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Ryan Merriman, Chelan Simmons, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Gina Holden, Sam Easton, Jesse Moss, Texas Battle, Dylan Basu, and Alberto Ghisi in Final Destination 3 (2006)

Final Destination 3

5.9

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2006

 

Empire (2005)

Empire

6.2

TV Mini Series

Editor

2005

6 episodes

 

Kiefer Sutherland, Reiko Aylesworth, Carlos Bernard, Jude Ciccolella, Glenn Morshower, and Mary Lynn Rajskub in 24 (2001)

24

8.4

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2001–2005

27 episodes

 

Strange Frequency (2001)

Strange Frequency

6.4

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2001

3 episodes

 

Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in The X-Files (1993)

The X-Files

8.6

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2000–2001

7 episodes

 

Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, and Bruce Harwood in The Lone Gunmen (2001)

The Lone Gunmen

7.3

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2001

1 episode

 

Strange Frequency (2001)

Strange Frequency

6.0

TV Movie

Editor

2001

 

Bill Cobbs, Missy Crider, Gabriel Macht, and Julianne Nicholson in The Others (2000)

The Others

7.6

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

2000

4 episodes

 

Scott Bairstow, Samantha Mathis, D.B. Sweeney, Max Martini, Rachel Hayward, Terry O'Quinn, and Sarah-Jane Redmond in Harsh Realm (1999)

Harsh Realm

7.0

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

1999–2000

2 episodes

 

The Wonder Cabinet (1999)

The Wonder Cabinet

4.7

TV Movie

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

1999

 

Millennium (1996)

Millennium

7.9

TV Series

Editor

1996–1999

16 episodes

 

Switch

Short

Editor

1998

 

Skip Chasers

6.4

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

1998

 

Kristen Cloke, Rodney Rowland, and Morgan Weisser in Space: Above and Beyond (1995)

Space: Above and Beyond

7.8

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

1995–1996

7 episodes

 

Adrian Pasdar in Profit (1996)

Profit

8.6

TV Series

Editor (as Chris Willingham)

1996

1 episode

 

Hawkeye (1994)

Hawkeye

7.8

TV Series

Editor

1994–1995

10 episodes

 

Greyhounds (1994)

Greyhounds

6.3

TV Movie

Editor

1994

 

Cobra (1993)

Cobra

6.3

TV Series

Editor

1993–1994

9 episodes

 

Don Michael Paul, Nestor Serrano, James Tolkan, and Billy Warlock in The Hat Squad (1992)

The Hat Squad

7.2

TV Series

Editor

1992–1993

6 episodes

 

Carl Weathers, Eric McCormack, and Bryan Genesse in Street Justice (1991)

Street Justice

7.0

TV Series

Editor

1992

1 episode

 

Michael Chiklis in The Commish (1991)

The Commish

7.1

TV Series

Editor

1992

1 episode

 

Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson Peete, Peter DeLuise, Dustin Nguyen, and Steven Williams in 21 Jump Street (1987)

21 Jump Street

7.2

TV Series

Editor

1989–1991

18 episodes

 

Dale Robertson and Ben Vereen in J.J. Starbuck (1987)

J.J. Starbuck

7.2

TV Series

Editor

1987

2 episodes

 

Nick Mancuso in Stingray (1986)

Stingray

7.4

TV Series

Editor

1986–1987

3 episodes

 

Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer in Hunter (1984)

Hunter

6.9

TV Series

Editor

1987

1 episode

 

George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz in The A-Team (1983)

The A-Team

7.5

TV Series

Editor

1983–1986

29 episodes

 

Lee Van Cleef, Shô Kosugi, and Timothy Van Patten in The Master (1984)

The Master

4.5

TV Series

Editor

1984

1 episode

 

The Greatest American Hero (1981)

The Greatest American Hero

7.3

TV Series

Editor

1982–1983

6 episodes

 

Greg Evigan in B.J. and the Bear (1978)

B.J. and the Bear

6.4

TV Series

Editor

1981

2 episodes

 

Editorial Department

Piper Perabo in Covert Affairs (2010)

Covert Affairs

7.3

TV Series

additional editing (as Chris Willingham)

2013

1 episode

 

State Park (1988)

State Park

4.6

additional editing

1988

 

Additional Crew

Justin Bruening in Knight Rider (2008)

Knight Rider

5.6

TV Series

title designer: main title (as Chris Willingham)

2008–2009

15 episodes

 

Self

Lance Henriksen in Millennium After the Millennium (2019)

Millennium After the Millennium

7.7

Self

2019

 

Kiefer Sutherland, Paul Gadd, Anne Melville, and Scott Powell in Journeys Below the Line: 24 - The Editing Process (2005)

Journeys Below the Line: 24 - The Editing Process

7.4

Video

Self

2005

 

Sharon Stone in 2004 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (2004)

2004 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

TV Special

Self - Winner (as Chris Willingham)

2004

 

2003 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

6.8

TV Special

Self - Winner (as Chris Willingham)

2003

 

2002 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

TV Special

Self - Winner (as Chris Willingham)

2002

 

Gilda Cruz-Romo obit

Gilda Cruz-Romo, Soprano Celebrated for Her Power, Dies at 85

Critics praised the natural way she used her voice to inject character into her roles. She had, one wrote, a sound “perfect for Verdi and Puccini.” 

She was not on the list.

Soprano Gilda Cruz-Romo has died at the age of 85.

Cruz-Romo was born on Feb. 12, 1940, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and went on to study at the Mexico City Conservatory.

In 1962, she made her debut in Mexico City as Ortlinde in “Die Walküre.”

In 1969, she made her New York City Opera debut in “Mefistofele,” launching her international career. The following year, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Cio-Cio-San in “Madama Butterfly.” She would perform 160 times until 1984 in such works as “La Forza del Destino,” “Il Trovatore,” “Otello,” “Pagliacci,” “Aida,” “La Traviata,” “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “Don Carlo,” “Manon Lescaut,” “Tosca,” “and “Suor Angelica.”

She also went on to appear in Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, New Orleans, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

Outside of the United States, Cruz-Romo appeared in Europe at the Royal Opera House and Teatro alla Scala as well as the Wiener Staatsoper, Arena di Verona, Teatro La Fenice, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Teatro Nacional São Carlos.

Cruz-Romo also had a very active concert and recital repertoire. She, however, did not make any commercial recordings but can be heard in a few live-performance recordings of her best roles.

D. Wayne Lukas obit

Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a winner of 15 Triple Crown races, dies at 89

 

He was not on the list.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Fame horse trainer who won 15 Triple Crown races, has died. He was 89.

Lukas' family said he died at his home Saturday night.

Lukas had been hospitalized with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.

Of his 15 Triple Crown race victories, Lukas won the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert had more Triple Crown victories.

The beloved, old-school trainer known affectionately as “Coach” was still getting on the pony himself in the morning for workouts even with his 90th birthday approaching.

His family released the following statement:

Racing Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, D. Wayne Lukas, who left this world peacefully yesterday evening at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry – developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle. Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport.

His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith. As we grieve at his passing, we find peace in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved son, Jeff, whose memory he carried in his heart always.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all corners of the racing community — from racetracks across the country to lifelong friends and respected rivals, and from fans who never missed a post parade when ‘Lukas’ was listed in the program.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Laurie Lynn Lukas; his grandchildren, Brady Wayne Lukas (Dani) and Kelly Lukas Roy (David); his great-grandchildren, Walker Wayne Lukas, Quinn Palmer Lukas, Jonathan James Roy, and Thomas David Roy; his sister, Dauna Lukas Moths; and his brother, Lowell Lukas. He also leaves behind an extended family of horsemen and horsewomen whose lives he shaped, mentored, and inspired.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oaklawn or Churchill Backside Chaplaincy or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance — two causes that Wayne held close to his heart.

A private service will be held with immediate family, with a larger celebration of life to follow. Details will become available at a later date.

With love and gratitude,

The Lukas Family

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin released the following statement regarding the passing of Lukas:

“D. Wayne Lukas was a legend – a masterful trainer with passion, attention to detail and a tireless pursuit of success, as well as a mentor whose barn produced a number of racing’s most successful trainers. His impact at Keeneland – where he was a presence for nearly 50 years – is not likely to be seen again. Since buying his first horse here in 1977, he influenced yearling sales through his emphasis on conformation and body type while affecting the way horses were bred and prepped to produce yearlings that would appeal to him. After Wayne won his first Keeneland race in 1980, he set numerous records during our Spring and Fall Meets and across the country with a powerful stable of runners, many of which he and his clients had purchased here.

“On behalf of Keeneland, we extend our deepest condolences to Wayne’s wife, Laurie, and his entire family.”

Joe Epperson obit

Joe Epperson, Camera Operator on ‘The Tonight Show’ and ‘Full House,’ Dies at 80

The three-time Emmy nominee also worked on ‘All in the Family,’ ‘The Jeffersons,’ ‘The Pee-wee Herman Show’ and music projects featuring Liza Minnelli, Glen Campbell and Whitney Houston. 

He was not on the list.

Joe Epperson, the three-time Emmy-nominated camera operator who had long stints on All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Full House and The Tonight Show, has died. He was 80.

Epperson died Saturday of cardiac arrest at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, his wife of 58 years, Patty Epperson, told The Hollywood Reporter. He had been in and out of the hospital and rehab since April 29 when his appendix burst.

Known for his skill with hand-held cameras, Epperson in 1981 shot from the Roxy in West Hollywood The Pee-wee Herman Show, which ran on HBO and put Paul Reubens and his hilarious alter ego on the map.

He also trained his lens on Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jr. over three nights at the Fox Theatre in Detroit for a 1989 Showtime special and worked on the James Keach-directed Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, the 2014 documentary that followed the music legend on his final tour as he struggled with Alzheimer’s.

He was a charter member of the Society of Camera Operators — it was founded in 1979 — a member of its board of directors and the recipient of its lifetime achievement honor in 1995.

Epperson manned a camera on CBS’ All in the Family from 1975-79 and its spinoff The Jeffersons from 1976-82 and worked on ABC’s Full House during its entire eight-season run from 1987-95.

He also spent more than 15 years as an operator for The Tonight Show, starting in 1992 when Jay Leno succeeded Johnny Carson.

Joseph Epperson was born on Feb. 9, 1945, in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in Berea, Ohio. His father, Joseph Sr., was a chief engineer for E.W. Scripps out of WEWS in Cleveland, the first TV station in Ohio. (His dad worked on the 1948 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Boston Braves and the 1954 NFL title game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.)

Epperson graduated from Berea High School and Ohio University and had jobs at WEWS and WUAB-TV around a 1966-69 tour with the U.S. Army. In 1971, he accepted a job with Television Production Co. in Pittsburgh, then moved in 1975 to Los Angeles, where he would spend several years at KTTV.

Epperson went on to work on TV specials/concerts featuring the likes of Paul Simon, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Big Bird — for a PBS special in China — Richard Pryor, Linda Lavin, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, George Carlin, Dixie Chicks, The Go-Go’s, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones and Elton John.

He received his Primetime Emmy noms for his work on concert specials from Rod Stewart, Sheena Easton and Cher that aired in 1982, 1983 and 2000, respectively.

His résumé included such other shows as Fernwood Tonight, America 2-Night, Bosom Buddies, Family Ties, Webster, Amen, Married … With Children, Big Brother, American Idol and The X Factor. He shot lots of Oscar red carpets and Rose Parades.

Epperson moved back to Berea in 2000 and spent five years as the treasurer of the Berea Historical Society.

He and his wife, high school sweethearts, first met in 1959, started dating in 1961 and were married in October 1966. Survivors also include their daughters, Amanda and Rebecca, and their grandchildren, Jaquelyn, Kirsten, Isabella and Joseph.

In Hollywood, Epperson also served as a technical director, stage manager, assistant director and lighting director.

“Joe gets the big picture,” cinematographer Steven Poster said in 1995. “He doesn’t characterize himself as either a lighting director or camera operator. He describes himself as part of the crew with a responsibility to the audience. Every director wants people like Joe on their crew, because this is all about teamwork and collaboration.”

Tim Pollard obit

Nottingham's official Robin Hood Tim Pollard dies aged 61 after 'short, brave' cancer battle

Tributes are pouring in for the city's beloved actor

 

He was not on the list.

Tim Pollard, Nottingham's official Robin Hood, has died following a battle with cancer. Mr Pollard was aged 61 and was surrounded by his family when he passed away.

A statement posted on his Facebook page revealed the beloved actor died following a "short, brave" battle with cancer. The tribute reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of Tim's passing. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

"Tim faced a short, brave battle with cancer. It was his heartfelt wish to keep his illness private, and he only allowed us to begin sharing this difficult news with a few close friends in recent weeks.

"He truly valued his privacy, and we are striving to honour that now.

"Tim was, as many of you know, our very own and only Robin Hood. He was loved by so many, not just here in Nottingham, but far beyond. His laughter, his spirit, and his incredible friendship touched countless lives.

"We know Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We will share details of how we will celebrate his life in due course."

Mr Pollard had been the city's Robin Hood for more than three decades. He is survived by his daughter. His wife, Sally Pollard, who was the city's Maid Marian, also died of cancer in June 2017 aged only 39.

Tributes started pouring in on Saturday, June 28. A statement from Nottingham City Council reads: "We're devastated to hear of Tim Pollard's passing. In his role as Robin Hood, he was emblematic of our city. But most of all, a lovely bloke with a big heart and a smile to match who will be hugely missed. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with his friends and family."

Steve Westby, chairman of Nottingham's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: "Tim was a good friend of Nottingham CAMRA and supporter of our Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival. He attended the festival every year dressed as his Robin Hood persona, which was enjoyed and appreciated by all attendees. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time."

Another message was posted by Ray Blockley, in which he said: "Very, very sad to hear of the passing of Tim Pollard this morning. A regular at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, who many folk will know from his Robin Hood persona, as well as his promotion and support of all things Nottingham and local.

"Thoughts are with his daughter and family at this sad time. If you can, raise a glass in his memory today."

Tim Freer added: "I've heard the terribly sad news this morning of the passing of Tim Pollard, our very own and much loved Robin Hood - all of us that knew him are devastated. My thoughts go out to his family, we're going to miss him so much."

Before his career as an actor, Pollard worked in the roleplaying and wargaming industry for many years as well as being a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. During this time, he became involved in Viking battle re-enactments and the first live-roleplaying company established in the UK, Treasure Trap (at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire), as well as performing with a number of local rock bands. He also studied medieval Japanese and 19th-century South African history at SOAS, the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

As Nottingham's Official Robin Hood, Pollard represented the County and City of Nottingham nationally and internationally from 1996 – for example appearing in Chicago, Houston, Toronto and several times in New York City and Hamelin, Germany (home of the infamous Pied Piper with whom he kept in contact through their brotherhood Legion of Legends). He also performed regularly at Nottingham Castle's annual Robin Hood pageant and at medieval banquets, charity events and other shows throughout the Midlands.

Pollard also choreographed fight scenes or played roles in Blue Peter, The Oxford Road Show, Blind Date, The Big Breakfast, Moll Flanders and Common As Muck. He appeared regularly on local television news and also appeared as Robin Hood on television shows such as Australia's Channel 9 'Getaway' travel show, 'Castles, Secrets and Legends' for the U.S. Travel Channel and the BBC's 'Antiques Roadtrip'.

In his role as Official Robin Hood of Nottinghamshire, he appeared as an expert in local history on the Travel Channel television show "Expedition Unknown" Season 2 episode 'The Real Robin Hood' with Josh Gates.

Pollard appeared as the narrator character 'Lord Victor Fleming' in the horror films Dracula's Orgy of the Damned and Werewolf Massacre at Hell's Gate. Fleming is an expert in occult lore and a collector of tales of eldritch curiosity.

In 1985 he was a featured part of the stage show performing with psychedelic progressive rock band Hawkwind on their Chronicle of the Black Sword tour, and can be seen on the live concert DVD The Chronicle of the Black Sword.

Pollard also worked full- and part-time in the gaming business beginning in 1978. He was also employed in design at Games Workshop and Citadel Miniatures as a writer, editor, artist and art manager. He edited and produced the initial Flintloque line of table-top Napoleonic fantasy games for Alternative Armies, as well as co-writing the entry for Shaka Zulu in Steve Jackson Games GURPS Who's Who. He also contributed research on antique coins to the PC first-person action game The Operative: No One Lives Forever.

Dave Parker obit

Dave Parker, two-time World Series champ, dies one month before Hall of Fame induction

Dave Parker, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and died at age 74, won two batting titles and two World Series during his career.

 

He was not on the list.

Dave Parker, the two-time World Series winner and two-time batting champion whose dangerous exploits at the plate earned him the nickname Cobra, died Saturday after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, just one month before he was to be inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Parker, 74, was an imposing left-handed hitting threat on two power-packed championship teams, the 1979 “We Are Family” Pirates and the 1989 “Bash Brothers” Oakland Athletics. He hit 339 home runs and won National League batting titles in 1977 (.338) and 1978 (.334) for the Pirates.

Parker never earned more than 24.5% support in 15 years of Hall of Fame voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, well short of the 75% required. But he was named on 14 of 16 ballots in December voting by the Classic Baseball Era Committee and will be elected alongside fellow Pennsylvania legend Dick Allen next month.

But neither will be around to see it. Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and his prominence in the public eye diminished in the decade-plus since.

“I’m a battler,” Parker said in 2018.

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That was evidenced in his climb to the Hall of Fame, and while he won’t be there for the induction, he was able to celebrate last December, when his election was announced.

“I’ve been holding this speech in for 15 years,” Parker told MLB Network that night.

Parker left such an impact that he’s a member of both the Pirates’ and Cincinnati Reds’ halls of fame. He was the 1978 NL MVP, when he led the majors in both batting average (.334) and OPS (.979), slammed 30 homers and earned an NL-best 7.0 WAR.

One year later, Parker banged out 193 hits and 20 home runs and, alongside Willie “Pops” Stargell, helped lead the Pirates to their first World Series title since 1960. Parker had a dominant postseason performance, getting four hits in 12 at-bats in an NL Championship Series sweep of the Reds, and was 10-for-29 (.345) and drove in four runs in the Pirates epic seven-game triumph over the Baltimore Orioles.

Parker left Pittsburgh for Cincinnati after the 1983 season but was still in his prime. He led the NL with 42 doubles and 125 RBIs in 1985 and earned All-Star nods in two of his four seasons with Cincinnati.

In 1989, he was the oldest player on a brash, power-hitting Oakland A’s team that featured beefed-up sluggers Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire and Hall of Fame leadoff man Rickey Henderson. Parker hit 22 homers as the A’s primary DH as he added a second championship to his portfolio. He made his seventh and final All-Star team one year later with Milwaukee.

"Dave Parker was a gifted all-around player whose numerous accomplishments led to his upcoming induction in Cooperstown this summer," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He was a World Series Champion with the 1979 Pirates and the 1989 Athletics, a beloved All-Star Red in his hometown of Cincinnati, and an All-Star in Milwaukee. Dave was also a three-time Gold Glover on the strength of his famous arm, a two-time batting champion, and the winner of the inaugural Home Run Derby in 1985."All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss. We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our national pastime."

In 2019, Parker was the subject of a 90-minute documentary produced by MLB Network, “The Cobra at Twilight,” which did not glaze over any of his career.

In 1985, Parker was called to testify before a grand jury in a trial that resulted in the conviction of six Pittsburgh men and a Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse worker on 11 counts of distributing cocaine.

Parker acknowledged he battled addiction from 1979 to 1982 and used that experience to mentor young players to avoid mistakes he made earlier in his career.

“The thing that resonated with me more than anything was that he did not want me to drift into some of the things off the field that he did,” Eric Davis, the Reds’ All-Star outfielder and Parker teammate, recalled in the documentary.

Yet Parker was a trailblazer in so many other ways. He was just the second ballplayer to earn at least $1 million a season when he signed a five-year, $5 million contract with the Pirates, with a sartorial style that arguably captured the late '70s ethos better than anyone.

He returned to his native Cincinnati after that contract expired and became a beloved Red, even as the franchise failed to recapture the glory of the Big Red Machine years featuring another native son, Pete Rose. 

Eventually, Parker’s body of work was recognized by the Hall of Fame, setting the stage for an emotional celebration of life and career next month in Cooperstown.

“We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field,” says Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame. “His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities.

“We will honor his incredible life and career at next month’s induction ceremony in Cooperstown, where his legacy will be remembered forever.”