1. "Celebrity Passings List for 2003"
Posted by stefani on Dec-29th-03 at 2:02 PM

Found this at:
http://www.turnto10.com/entertainment/2727078/detail.html

We also have to add Alan Bates, as he died just the other day.

JANUARY:

Conrad L. Hall, 76. Cinematographer nominated for nine Oscars, winning for ``Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'' and ``American Beauty.'' Jan. 4.

Jean Kerr, 80. Playwright (``Mary, Mary'') and author of humorous best-seller ``Please Don't Eat the Daisies.'' Jan. 5.

Richard Simmons, 89. In the 1950s, he was TV's ``Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.'' Jan. 11.

Sir Anthony Havelock-Allan, 98. Producer (``Brief Encounter,'' ``Great Expectations'') during the 1940s heyday of British filmmaking. Jan. 11.

Maurice Gibb, 53. With his brothers, he built the Bee Gees into a disco sensation with hits like ``Stayin' Alive.'' Jan. 12. Intestinal blockage.

Paul Monash, 85. Producer and screenwriter (``Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,'' ``Carrie''). Jan. 14.

Doris Fisher, 87. Songwriter whose 1940s hits included ``You Always Hurt the One You Love.'' Jan. 15.

Richard Crenna, 76. Emmy-winning character actor; the lovesick teen on ``Our Miss Brooks,'' Luke on ``The Real McCoys'' and Sylvester Stallone's mentor in the ``Rambo'' films. Jan. 17.

Joy Hodges, 88. Singer-dancer who encouraged young Ronald Reagan to start his Hollywood career. Jan. 19.

Al Hirschfeld, 99. His caricatures captured performers from Chaplin to Seinfeld and immortalized his daughter, Nina. Jan. 20.

Nedra Volz, 94. Actress specializing in little old ladies; housekeeper Adelaide in the 1980s on ``Diff'rent Strokes.'' Jan. 20.

Bill Mauldin, 81. Pulitzer-winning cartoonist who depicted the weariness and frustration of GIs through his dogface characters, Willie and Joe. Jan. 22.

Nell Carter, 54. She played the sassy housekeeper on ``Gimme a Break!'' and won a Tony in 1978 for ``Ain't Misbehavin'.'' Jan. 23. Heart disease, diabetes.

Cliff Norton, 84. Comedian who performed on television in its infancy (``Garroway at Large''). Jan. 25.

Lester Osterman, 88. Broadway producer; three-time Tony winner (``Da,'' ``The Shadow Box,'' ``A Moon for the Misbegotten''). Jan. 28.

Anthony Eisley, 78. Half of television's glamorous detective duo on the 1959-1963 series ``Hawaiian Eye.'' Jan. 29.

FEBRUARY:

Mongo Santamaria, 85. Influential Latin jazz percussionist, had a hit in 1963 with ``Watermelon Man.'' Feb. 1.

Lou Harrison, 85. Composer who pioneered world music. Feb. 2.

Jerome Hines, 81. Longtime singer at the Metropolitan Opera. Feb. 4.

Larry LeSueur, 93. Former CBS correspondent, one of ``Murrow's Boys.'' Feb. 5.

Vera Hruba Ralston, 79. Czech-born ice skater; star of Republic Pictures B-movies. Feb. 9.

Joe Connelly, 86. Television writer-producer, half of duo that created ``Leave It to Beaver,'' ``The Munsters.'' Feb. 13.

James Thomas Flexner, 95. Among his books was a prize-winning four-volume biography of George Washington. Feb. 13.

Johnny PayCheck, 64. Hell-raising country singer known for his 1977 working man's anthem, ``Take This Job and Shove It.'' Feb. 18.

Tom Glazer, 88. Folk singer; children's songs included ``On Top of Spaghetti.'' Feb. 21.

Titos Vandis, 86. Greek actor; appeared in the international 1960 hit ``Never on Sunday,'' then had an active career in America. Feb. 23.

Daniel Taradash, 90. Won screenwriting Oscar for ``From Here to Eternity.'' Feb. 22.

Alex Cameron, 65. Longtime pronouncer at the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. Feb. 24.

Walter Scharf, 92. Prolific film, TV composer (``Funny Girl,'' ``Mission: Impossible''); got 10 Oscar nominations. Feb. 24.

John J. Pullen, 89. Historian who spurred interest in Gettysburg hero Gen. Joshua Chamberlain. Feb. 25.

Otha Turner, 94. Master of the blues who spiced songs with his fife playing. Feb. 26.

Fred Rogers, 74. He invited millions of children to be his neighbor as longtime host of ``Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.'' Feb. 27.

MARCH:

Hank Ballard, 75. Singer, songwriter whose 1954 ``Work with Me Annie'' inspired a legion of risque R&B songs; later wrote ``The Twist.'' March 2.

Horst Buchholz, 69. German-born actor (``The Magnificent Seven,'' ``Life is Beautiful''). March 3.

George Miller, 61. Stand-up comedian; appeared on David Letterman's shows more than any other comic. March 5.

Sir Hardy Amies, 93. Queen Elizabeth II's favorite designer. March 5.

Karen Morley, 93. Movie actress (``Our Daily Bread,'' ``The Littlest Rebel''); career cut short during blacklist era. March 8.

Adam Faith, 62. One of a crop of slick British pop stars of the pre-Beatles era. March 8.

Stan Brakhage, 70. He revolutionized avant-garde film in the 1960s; techniques included gluing objects to film in a collage. March 9.

Sidney Lippman, 89. Songwriter who co-wrote hits for Nat King Cole (``Too Young''), others. March 11.

Howard Fast, 88. His best-selling historical novels included ``The Immigrants,'' ``Freedom Road.'' March 12.

Lynne Thigpen, 54. She co-starred in the TV drama ``The District''; won a Tony in 1997 for ``An American Daughter.'' March 12. Hemorrhage.

Peggy Conklin, 96. She played the waitress in the 1935 Broadway production of ``The Petrified Forest.'' March 18.

Philip Yordan, 88. Screenwriter; won Oscar for 1954 Western ``Broken Lance.'' March 24.

Paul Zindel, 66. He wrote the Pulitzer-winning 1970 play ``The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.'' March 27.

Rusty Draper, 80. Country, pop singer with a string of hits in the 1950s and '60s. (``Shifting Whispering Sands,'' ``Night Life''). March 28.

Harry Ellis Dickson, 94. Violinist, conductor; at the Boston Symphony Orchestra for decades. March 29.

Michael Jeter, 50. The shrimpy assistant coach on ``Evening Shade'' and The Other Mr. Noodle on ``Sesame Street.'' March 30. Epilepsy.

Anne Gwynne, 84. Actress in sci-fi and horror films including the 1940 serial ``Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe.'' March 31.

APRIL:

Edwin Starr, 61. Soul singer who topped the charts in 1970 with his song ``War,'' proclaiming it good for ``Absolutely nothing!'' April 2.

Babatunde Olatunji, 75. Nigerian drummer; helped introduce Americans to African music with 1959 album ``Drums of Passion.'' April 6.

David Bloom, 39. A rising star at NBC News. April 6. Apparent blood clot while covering Iraq war.

Cecile de Brunhoff, 99. Her bedtime story to her children about an elephant inspired her husband, Jean, to create the beloved Babar the Elephant. April 7.

David Greene, 82. He won four Emmys for directing such TV miniseries as ``Rich Man, Poor Man.'' April 7.

Charles Rolland Douglass, 93. Inventor of the ``Laff Box,'' which has supplied giggles and guffaws for TV shows since the 1950s. April 8.

Vera Zorina, 86. Actress-dancer whose career embraced classical ballet, Broadway and Hollywood musicals. April 9.

Eva Narcissus Boyd, around 58. As Little Eva, she had a No. 1 hit in 1962 with the novelty dance tune ``The Loco-motion.'' April 10.

Earl King, 69. R&B guitarist, songwriter; wrote Mardi Gras standard ``Big Chief'' and the rollicking ``Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)''. April 17.

Jan Scott, 88. Television art director; won 11 Emmys (``Eleanor and Franklin''). April 17.

Cholly Atkins, 89. He choreographed the moves of countless Motown artists, won a Tony for ``Black and Blue.'' April 19.

Irving Foy, 94. The youngest and last survivor of the famed ``Seven Little Foys'' vaudeville act. April 20.

Bertram Ross, 82. A leading member of the Martha Graham Dance Company. April 20.

Nina Simone, 70. Her deep, raspy, forceful voice made her a unique figure in jazz. April 21.

Helen Honig Meyer, 95. One of the first women to lead a major publishing house, Dell. April 21.

Felice Bryant, 77. With her husband, she wrote the Everly Brothers' ``Bye Bye Love'' and the bluegrass standard ``Rocky Top.'' April 22.

Andrea King, 84. Actress who often played the ``bad girl'' in movies of the 1940s and 1950s (``God Is My Co-Pilot''). April 22.

Barney Oldfield, 93. Press agent for stars like Errol Flynn and Elizabeth Taylor. April 26.

Peter Stone, 73. He won an Oscar, an Emmy and three Tony awards during a career in which he wrote the musicals ``1776'' and ``Titanic'' and the film classic ``Charade.'' April 26.

Elaine Steinbeck, 88. John Steinbeck's widow; became an ambassador of his legacy. April 27.

Jerry Williams, 79. A pioneer of talk radio, known for his cantankerous style and populist views. April 29.

MAY:

George Wyle, 87. Among his songs were the ``Gilligan's Island'' theme and the Christmas staple ``The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.'' May 2.

Suzy Parker, 69. Model and sometime actress; one of the most recognizable faces of the 1950s. May 3.

Noel Redding, 57. Bass player for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. May 12. Liver disease.

Dame Wendy Hiller, 90. One of Britain's finest actresses; won Oscar for ``Separate Tables'' (1958). May 14.

Robert Stack, 84. Actor whose granite-eyed stare spelled trouble for criminals in ``The Untouchables'' and ``Unsolved Mysteries.'' May 14.

June Carter Cash, 73. Grammy-winning scion of one of country music's pioneering families and the wife of Johnny Cash. May 15.

David O. Ives, 84. He oversaw the launch of WGBH-TV productions that became cornerstones of public television (``Nova,'' ``Masterpiece Theatre''). May 16.

Sandman Sims, 86. Tap dancer who chased unpopular acts off the stage as the ``executioner'' at the Apollo Theater. May 20.

Rachel Kempson, 92. Noted British actress; matriarch of Redgrave acting dynasty. May 24.

Sloan Wilson, 83. Author of 1950s best-sellers (``The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,'' ``A Summer Place''). May 25.

Kathleen Winsor, 83. Her racy 1944 novel, ``Forever Amber,'' broke new ground and sold millions. May 26.

Luciano Berio, 77. Considered Italy's foremost composer of the late 20th century. May 27.

Martha Scott, 90. She originated the role of the doomed Emily in the play ``Our Town''; Oscar-nominated for 1940 film version. May 28.

Janet Collins, 86. First black prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. May 28.

Mickie Most, 64. British music producer; hits include the Animals' smash ``House of the Rising Sun.'' May 30.

JUNE:

Felix de Weldon, 96. Sculptor of the statue of flag-raising on Iwo Jima, based on the Pulitzer-winning Associated Press photograph. June 3.

Art Cooper, 65. He changed a little-known fashion publication called GQ into a slick men's magazine. June 9.

David Brinkley, 82. Revered broadcaster, first gained fame as one-half of NBC's Huntley-Brinkley anchor team. June 11.

Gregory Peck, 87. He embodied citizenship and fatherly compassion in ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' and played real-life figures from Abraham Lincoln to Josef Mengele. June 12.

Jimmy Knepper, 75. Jazz trombonist whose distinct sound was a key to some of Charles Mingus' most popular albums (``Tijuana Moods''). June 14.

Hume Cronyn, 91. Versatile actor; frequently paired with his wife, Jessica Tandy. June 15.

Peanuts Hucko, 85. Clarinetist who played with Glenn Miller during World War II and later with Louis Armstrong. June 19.

Joseph Chaikin, 67. Actor, director who founded the influential avant-garde theater company, Open Theater. June 22.

George Axelrod, 81. Playwright who anticipated the sexual revolution (``The Seven Year Itch''); later a screenwriter (``The Manchurian Candidate''). June 21.

Leon Uris, 78. Author who made it big with ``Exodus,'' other popular novels. June 21.

David Newman, 66. Oscar-nominated screenwriter for the groundbreaking ``Bonnie and Clyde.'' June 26.

Katharine Hepburn, 96. She brought feminist strength, chiseled beauty and patrician bearing to such films as ``The Philadelphia Story'' and ``The African Queen.'' June 29.

Rod Amateau, 79. Film, television writer and director; credits include Marilyn Monroe's screen test. June 29.

Robert McCloskey, 88. Author-illustrator of children's classics ``Make Way for Ducklings'' and ``Blueberries for Sal.'' June 30.

Buddy Hackett, 78. Round, rubbery-faced nightclub, Broadway, TV and movie funnyman (``The Music Man,'' ``It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World''). June 30.

David Hampton, 39. Charming con man who posed as Sidney Poitier's son, inspiring the play ``Six Degrees of Separation.'' June; date not disclosed.

JULY:

Herbie Mann, 73. Jazz flutist who combined a variety of musical styles. July 1.

Barry White, 58. R&B crooner whose lush baritone oozed sex appeal (``Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe''). July 4. Kidney failure.

N!xau, about 59. The diminutive Namibian in the surprise 1980 comedy hit ``The Gods Must Be Crazy.'' Disclosed July 5.

Buddy Ebsen, 95. Dancer turned actor who achieved stardom in the TV series ``The Beverly Hillbillies'' and ``Barnaby Jones.'' July 6.

Josephine Jacobsen, 94. Noted poet, short-story writer. July 9.

Winston Graham, 93. British novelist (``Marnie,'' the ``Poldark'' series). Announced July 10.

Benny Carter, 95. Jazz saxophone great; also a renowned composer, orchestra leader and arranger. July 12.

Compay Segundo, 95. Cuban musician who was nearing 90 when he soared to fame with the Buena Vista Social Club. July 13.

Elisabeth Welch, 99. She sang ``The Charleston'' on Broadway in 1923 and later had show-stopping successes with ``Love for Sale'' and ``Stormy Weather.'' July 15.

Celia Cruz, 77. Singer whose vigor and trademark shout of ``Azucar!'' (``Sugar!'') made her the Queen of Salsa. July 16.

Carol Shields, 68. Pulitzer-winning novelist (``The Stone Diaries'') who wrote with wit and wonder about love, family and finding one's place. July 16.

Rosalyn Tureck, 88. Pianist and harpsichordist, credited with reviving interest in Johann Sebastian Bach. July 17.

Elliot Norton, 100. Tony-winning Boston theater critic. July 20.

Nicolas Freeling, 76. Crime writer who killed off one of his most famous characters, Detective Piet Van der Valk. July 20.

Carol Matthau, 78. Actress and writer (``Among the Porcupines: A Memoir,'' 1992); widow of Walter Matthau. July 20.

John Schlesinger, 77. Director whose Oscar-winning, X-rated ``Midnight Cowboy'' explored lonely underdogs in modern society. July 25.

Erik Braunn, 52. Iron Butterfly guitarist who played one of rock's most recognizable riffs in ``In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.'' July 25. Cardiac arrest.

Harold C. Schonberg, 87. Pulitzer-winning music critic of The New York Times. July 26.

Bob Hope, 100. Master of the one-liner and favorite comedian of servicemen and presidents alike. July 27.

Tex McCrary, 92. Publicist, broadcaster who popularized the talk show format. July 29. His wife and partner, onetime model Jinx Falkenburg, died Aug. 27 at 84.

Sam Phillips, 80. Record producer who discovered Elvis Presley and helped usher in the rock 'n' roll revolution. July 30.

AUGUST:

Henry Redd Stewart, 80. Singer, co-writer of such country hits as ``Tennessee Waltz.'' Aug. 3.

Grover Mitchell, 73. Trombonist in the Count Basie Orchestra; led the band after Basie's death. Aug. 6.

Robert J. Donovan, 90. Best-selling author of ``PT-109: John F. Kennedy in World War II.'' Aug. 8.

Gregory Hines, 57. The greatest tap dancer of his generation; acted in ``White Nights'' and ``The Cotton Club.'' Aug. 9. Cancer.

Ed Townsend, 74. Songwriter whose hits included Marvin Gaye's sexy ``Let's Get It On.'' Aug. 13.

Kirk Varnedoe, 57. Art historian; chief curator of the department of painting and sculpture at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Aug. 14. Cancer.

Connie Douglas Reeves, 101. Colorful horsewoman who taught thousands of girls to ride, earning her a spot in the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Aug. 17.

Floyd Tillman, 88. Honky-tonk pioneer; one of country music's first great electric guitarists (``They Took the Stars out of Heaven''). Aug. 22.

Charles Bronson, 81. Hard-faced action star of the 1970s, notably in the ``Death Wish'' movies. Aug. 30.

Marion Hargrove, 83. He turned his humorous misadventures in basic training into the book ``See Here, Private Hargrove.'' Aug. 30.

SEPTEMBER

Rand Brooks, 84. He played Scarlett O'Hara's first husband in ``Gone With the Wind.'' Sept. 1.

Alan Dugan, 80. Poet who won a Pulitzer (``Poems,'' 1962) and two National Book Awards. Sept. 3.

Gisele MacKenzie, 76. Singer-actress, one of early television's biggest stars (``Your Hit Parade''). Sept. 5.

Warren Zevon, 56. Singer-songwriter known for twisted sense of humor (``Werewolves of London,'' ``Life'll Kill Ya''). Sept. 7. Cancer.

Mike Stokey, 84. He received one of the first Emmys for his 1940s show ``Pantomime Quiz.'' Sept. 7.

Leni Riefenstahl, 101. Legendary filmmaker reviled for documentaries she made about Hitler's Third Reich (``Triumph of the Will''). Sept. 8.

Larry Hovis, 67. Played Sgt. Carter on the 1960s television series ``Hogan's Heroes.'' Sept. 9.

John Ritter, 54. He ruled TV comedy with ``Three's Company'' and was back on top 25 years later with ``8 Simple Rules ... For Dating My Teenage Daughter.'' Sept. 11. Torn heart artery.

Johnny Cash, 71. A towering musical figure whose rough, unsteady voice championed the downtrodden and reached across generations. Sept. 12.

Sheb Wooley, 82. Actor in Westerns (``High Noon'') and singer (the 1958 novelty hit ``Purple People Eater''). Sept. 16.

Gordon Mitchell, 80. Bodybuilder, B-movie actor (``Atlas Against the Cyclops''). Sept. 20.

Stanley Fafara, 54. The Beav's buddy Whitey on ``Leave It to Beaver.'' Sept. 20. Surgery complications.

Sonora Webster Carver, 99. She rode the diving horses in Atlantic City even after she went blind; inspired the movie ``Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.'' Sept. 21.

Gordon Jump, 71. The befuddled station manager on ``WKRP in Cincinnati'' and the lonely Maytag repairman. Sept. 22.

Herb Gardner, 68. Wrote such Broadway comedies as ``A Thousand Clowns'' and the Tony-winning ``I'm Not Rappaport.'' Sept. 24.

George Plimpton, 76. Editor, literary patron and ``participatory journalist'' whose fumbling exploits included quarterbacking for the Detroit Lions. Sept. 25.

Robert Palmer, 54. Grammy-winning British rocker; noted for his music video with the look-alike models, ``Addicted to Love.'' Sept. 26. Heart attack.

Donald O'Connor, 78. He performed the show-stopping ``Make 'Em Laugh'' number in the classic film ``Singin' in the Rain.'' Sept. 27.

Paul Burlison, 74. His 1950s rockabilly hits (``Lonesome Train'') influenced guitar greats like Eric Clapton. Sept. 27.

Elia Kazan, 94. Director whose triumphs included ``Death of a Salesman'' and ``A Streetcar Named Desire'' on Broadway and the Oscar-winning ``On the Waterfront.'' Sept. 28.

Wesley Tuttle, 85. Country singer whose hits in the 1940s and '50s included ``With Tears in My Eyes.'' Sept. 29.

Ronnie Dawson, 64. Texas rock singer known as the ``Blonde Bomber.'' Sept. 30.

OCTOBER:

Robert Thomson, 74. Longtime host of public television's ``Victory Garden.'' Oct. 2.

Florence Stanley, 79. The gravelly voiced Bernice Fish on ``Barney Miller'' and its spinoff, ``Fish.'' Oct. 3.

William Steig, 95. New Yorker cartoonist and creator of best-selling children's books (``Shrek!''). Oct. 3.

Neil Postman, 72. Author, critic of the television industry (``Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business''). Oct. 5.

Eleanor Lambert, 100. Publicist who put American designers on the fashion map. Oct. 7.

Thalia Mara, 92. Longtime ballet teacher; established the National Academy of Ballet and Theatre Arts. Oct. 8.

Eugene Istomin, 77. Acclaimed classical pianist; part of a trio with violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Leonard Rose. Oct. 10.

Jack Elam, 84. Favorite Western villain, known for his crazy grin, wild eyes and remorseless gunslinging. Oct. 20.

Elliott Smith, 34. Singer-songwriter of dark, introspective songs; got Oscar nomination for ``Miss Misery'' from ``Good Will Hunting.'' Oct. 21. Apparent suicide.

Fred Berry, 52. The beret-wearing Rerun on the 1970s sitcom ``What's Happening!'' Oct. 21.

William F. Draper, 90. Painter dubbed the ``dean of American portraiture.'' Oct. 26.

Rod Roddy, 66. Announcer on ``The Price is Right'' whose booming voice invited lucky audience members to ``Come on down!'' Oct. 27.

Franco Corelli, 82. Italian tenor, one of the greatest opera stars of the 20th century. Oct. 29.

Robert Guenette, 68. Emmy Award-winning documentarian (``Victory at Entebbe!''). Oct. 31.

NOVEMBER:

Bobby Hatfield, 63. His soaring tenor blended with partner Bill Medley's baritone to create the ``blue-eyed soul'' of the Righteous Brothers. Nov. 5.

C.Z. Guest, 83. One of New York's reigning socialites for decades. Nov. 8.

Henry Phace Roberts, 92. Tap dancer, performed with the famed Copasetics. Nov. 8.

Art Carney, 85. He turned ``The Honeymooners'' sidekick Ed Norton into one of the most memorable characters in television history; won an Oscar for ``Harry and Tonto.'' Nov. 9.

Irv Kupcinet, 91. Chicago columnist; covered stars and local insiders for six decades. Nov. 10.

Tony Thompson, 48. Drummer for the group Chic and a prized session man. Nov. 12. Cancer.

Penny Singleton, 95. She was Blondie in the movies and the voice of the mother on ``The Jetsons.'' Nov. 12.

Jonathan Brandis, 27. The hunky teen genius, Lucas, in the sci-fi series ``SeaQuest DSV.'' Nov. 12. Suicide.

Kellie Waymire, 36. Prolific TV actress (``Six Feet Under,'' ``Ally McBeal''). Nov. 13.

Gene Ray, 41. Actor and dancer; the rebellious Leroy in the 1980 movie ``Fame'' and its spin-off TV series. Nov. 14. Complications of a stroke.

Dorothy Loudon, 70. Broadway actress; won 1977 Tony for her portrayal of the mean-spirited orphanage manager in ``Annie.'' Nov. 15.

Speedy West, 79. Master of the steel guitar; estimated he played on 6,000 recordings. Nov. 15.

John P. Saunders, 79. He wrote the comic strip ``Mary Worth'' for 24 years. Nov. 15.

Albert Nozaki, 91. Oscar-nominated art director (``The Ten Commandments''). Nov. 16.

Arthur Conley, 57. Singer known for 1967 hit ``Sweet Soul Music.'' Nov. 17. Cancer.

Claude Trenier, 84. He and his twin brother formed the Treniers, one of the first black acts to play in Las Vegas. Nov. 17.

Don Gibson, 75. Country music great; standards included ``I Can't Stop Loving You,'' ``Oh Lonesome Me.'' Nov. 17.

Michael Kamen, 55. Grammy-winning composer; provided music for ``Mr. Holland's Opus.'' Nov. 18. Apparent heart attack.

Mary Jane Russell, 77. Top fashion model of the 1940s; posed for Irving Penn. Nov. 20.

Teddy Randazzo, 68. Co-author of more than 600 songs (``Goin' Out of My Head,'' ``Hurt So Bad''). Nov. 21.

Hugh Kenner, 80. Prolific, influential literary critic. Nov. 24.

Teddy Wilburn, 71. Half of country music duo the Wilburn Brothers (``Trouble's Back in Town''). Nov. 24.

James Carter, 77. Singer whose version of ``Po' Lazarus,'' recorded in 1959, was included in the Grammy-winning ``O Brother, Where Art Thou?'' soundtrack. Nov. 26.

Ethel Winant, 81. First top woman TV executive, handling talent, casting at CBS in the 1960s. Nov. 29.

Priscilla Kidder, 86. Her Priscilla of Boston wedding dresses adorned presidents' daughters and Princess Grace. Nov. 30.

Earl Bellamy, 86. Prolific TV director. Nov. 30.

DECEMBER:

David Hemmings, 62. Boyish British actor of the swinging '60s (``Blow Up,'' ``Charge of the Light Brigade''). Dec. 3.

Ellen Drew, 89. She appeared in scores of movies in the 1940s. Dec. 3.

Barry Morell, 75. Tenor who had many lead roles at the Metropolitan Opera. Dec. 4.

Hans Hotter, 94. Leading Wagnerian bass-baritone; excelled in Ring Cycle, ``Parsifal.'' Dec. 6.

Lewis Allen, 81. Producer of the Broadway hit ``Annie''; winner of three Tonys. Dec. 8.

Ruben Gonzalez, 84. Pianist with the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club. Dec. 8.

Jeanne Crain, 78. Winsome Hollywood beauty; Oscar-nominated for playing a black girl passing for white in ``Pinky.'' Dec. 14.

Gary Stewart, 58. He had No. 1 country hit in 1975 with ``She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)''. Dec. 16. Apparent suicide.

Madlyn Rhue, 68. Prolific TV actress of the 1960s and '70s. Dec. 16.

The year still has a few more days in it.

Thanks Stef.  There were some names that I hadn't heard who are now gone.

It's surprising how many were in their 80's and 90's.  People are living a lot longer these days.

That was interesting, thanks Stephi.  Yes Harry people are sure
living older, I spent Christmas Day at my folks nursing home and
a spry pretty lady, all dressed up nice came by our dinner table to wish us a Merry Christmas. After she went on to spread cheer to the
others, Dad says "guess how old she is?"  I reply "85"???
BZZZZ Wrong.  She was 102! 
  Good Attitude I think is the key (although yawn do we really want
to live that long?)  

By August I was wishing "Stop!  Stop!"
Boy what a list!  Whew!

As a Warren Zevon fan, I think it's unfortunate that he didn't get more recognition. His dark sense of humor aside, he was a gifted musican and songwriter. Oh, and he beat his doctors' prognosis. He was diagnosed in August, 2002 and was given three months to live. He beat that by 10 months, appearing on Letterman and recording a complete final album, The Wind along the way.

His last CD is a gem. He does a heart-stopping "Knockin on Heaven's Door". It has always been one of my favorites, and knowing that Warren knows his death is near as he sings it makes it all the more powerful. Quite a wonderful collection of songs. I highly recommend it.

Maybe he should have filmed an anti-smoking ad, like Yul Brynner and some others. A voice from the grave.
(I stopped about 30 and never regretted it.)

That was my new year resolution, haven't had a ciggie in 3 days!
I wasn't a big smoker, just a nervous habit at times, I never even
inhaled, (like bill Clinton).  So far so good, especially when I
get out the calculator, I smoked a pack a week, that is almost
300 dollars. 

Well, good for you!  Yes it's a big savings and the cost would only go up!

Dr. Phil says we don't quit a habit, we only replace it with something else.
What *something else* did you find to replace having a cigarette?