February 2008 Hollywood Obituaries By Rusty White

SHELL KEPLER Died Feb. 1, 2008

Actress Shell Kepler died of renal failure at age 49. She was best known for playing Nurse Vining on the soap opera "General Hospital." Her character was the sister of Laura during the series 'Luke & Laura' era. Ms. Kepler reprised her role in the spin-off series "Port Charles." Other credits include "Getting Wasted," "Three's Company" and "Homework." Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

BETO CARRERO Died Feb. 1, 2008

Brazillian actor turned businessman Beto Carrero died of heart failure at age 70. Mr. Carrero was the founder of Beto Carrero World, the largest amusement park in Latin America. His film and TV credits include "The Mystery of Robin Hood," "Bunglers in the Kingdom of Fantasy," "The history of Ana Raio and Zé Trovão" and "Dedé and the Crazy Command."

BRYAN LANGLEY Died Feb. 1, 2008

Cinematographer and special effects artist Bryan Langley died at age 98. Mr. Langley was the cinematographer on Alfred Hitchcock's 1932 film "Number 17." Mr. Langley lensed over f50 films including "The Monkey's Paw," "The Dark Eyes of London," "Dead Men Tell No Tales," "Mutiny on the Elsinore," "No Exit" and "The Streets of London." Mr. Langley provided special effects for several films including Jacques Tourneur's "Night of the Demon," the original version of "1984," "A Town Like Alice," "The Good Die Young" and "The Lavender Hill Mob."

BARRY MORSE Died Feb. 2, 2008

Prolific character actor Barry Morse died at age 89. The British turned Canadian actor was best known for his role as Lt. Girard on the TV series "The Fugitive." Every week for four season, the determined detective tracked down Dr. Richard Kimball (David Jansen) for the murder of his wife. Of course, he was after the wrong man. Mr. Mrose turned down a cameo appearance in the feature film version of the TV show. Tommy Lee Jones played the role in the film version.

Barry Morse appeared in over 120 films and TV shows during his career. He had several thousand acting roles when you take his stage and radio work into account. He played prime minister Menachem Begin in the TV movie "Sadat." Mr. Morse played two different historical figures in the excellent miniseries "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance." He played Joseph Kennedy, patriarch of the political family in "Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War."

Horror and sci-fi fans remember Mr. Morse for a whole host of performances in movies and TV shows. He had a regular role on the series "Space 1999." He was part of a great ensemble cast in the Amicus omnibus horror film "Asylum." I saw "Asylum" on my first double date! Mr. Morse had a nice supporting role in the creepy ghost story "The Changeling." Other genre credits include "The Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Outer Limits," "The Invaders," "The Shape of Things to Come," "The Martian Chronicles," "Ray Bradbury Theater" and "Dracula: The Series."

Mr. Morse's non-genre credits include "Naked City," "Wagon Train," "The Untouchables," "The Defenders," "Justine," "Puzzle of a Downfall Child," "Truman at Potsdam" the excellent Chris Sarandon version of "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story."

RICHARD N. MORGAN Died Feb. 2, 2008

Writer Richard N. Morgan died at age 76. Mr. Morgan wrote for a number of TV shows. His many credits include "Space Patrol," "Cimarron City," "Riverboat," "Tales of Wells Fargo," "Dragnet," "The FBI," "Adam 12," "Trapper John," "Barney Miller," "Mission Impossible," "Land of the Lost," "Adam-12," "Flamingo Road," "Bonanza" and "Emergency!" He was the uncle of filmmaker Greg Morgan.

CARLOS AURED Died Feb. 3, 2008

Spanish director Carlos Aured died of a heart attack at age 71. Mr. Aured was best known for his horror collaborations with actor/writer/director/Spanish horror movie legend Paul Naschy. The pair collaborated on four films. "Horror Rises From the Grave" was the most successful of their films. It was followed by the Giallo "House of Psychotic Women," "Curse of the Devil" and "The Vengeance of the Mummy." Mr. Aured switched genres and began making soft-core erotica during the 1980s. Several of his films starred Lina Romay, the frequent star of fellow Spanish genre director Jesus Franco.

CHARLES FAWCETT Died Feb. 3, 2008

Actor and freedom fighter Charles Fawcett died at age 92. Charles Fawcett lived the kind of life a Hollywood screenwriter could only dream of creating. Mr. Fawcett appeared over 60 films during his lengthy career, but that is the least interesting thing about his full, adventure laden life. I first heard of Mr. Fawcett while listening to either Sean Hannity or Michael Savage on the radio. Whoever it was told the tale of a very interesting gentleman who spent his life trying to help those being victimized by tyrants. What an amazing life. Charles Fawcett fought against tyranny during WWII, in the Greek Civil War, the Hungarian uprising against Russia, the Belgian Congo and during the Soviet/Afghan war. During most of these battles, Mr. Fawcett was suffering from TB. He rescued British POWs from the Nazis. He married a number of Jewish women in order to get them Visas to escape to America. He flew for the RAF! Mr. Fawcett flew rescue mission to Hungary and the Belgian Congo to free refugees. Mr. Fawcett was the man who filmed Russian atrocities against the Afghans which lead to US funding of the freedom fighters who eventually defeated the Soviet war machine. Someone should make a movie about the amazing Charles Fawcett.

As for his film career, Charles Fawcett worked mainly in Europe. He appeared in numerous B-Movies throughout the years. Mr. Fawcett is known to horror movie fans for his role in "I, Vampiri." The 1957 film kicked off the revival of gothic horror films in Europe during the late 1950s. "I, Vampiri" predated both of Hammer Film's better known entries in the cycle "The Horror of Dracula" and "The Curse of Frankenstein." Mr. Fawcett's other credits include "Barabbas," "The 300 Spartans," "The Secret of Dr. Mabuse" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

AUGUSTA DABNEY Died Feb. 4, 2008

BAFTA nominated actress Augusta Dabney died at age 89. Ms. Dabney was nominated for a Best Foreign Actress BAFTA for the 1957 film "That Night!" Ms. Dabney appeared in over 50 films and TV shows during her career. She also appeared in 10 Broadway productions. Ms. Dabney was best known for her Soap Opera work. She spent 10 years on the soap "Loving." Other soap credits include "General Hospital," "Another World," "As the World Turns," "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and "The Guiding Light." She appeared in the Neil Simon films "Plaza Suite" and the original version of "The Heartbreak Kid." Ms. Dabney was married to actor Kevin McCarthy (Invasion of the Body Snatchers) for 20 years. Her second husband was actor William Prince (Network). They married in 1964 and remained married until his death in 1996.

MAGGIE OSTROFF Died Feb. 4, 2008

Assistant sound editor Maggie Ostroff died at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Ms. Ostroff's many credits include "Enemy of the State," "Armageddon," "Speed 2: Cruise Control," "The Rock," "Broken Arrow," "Crimson Tide," "Hocus Pocus," "Patriot Games," "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," "The Naked Gun 2 ½," "2 Fast 2 Furious," "Proof of Life" and "Her Alibi."

RALPH B. WHITE Died Feb. 4, 2008

Cinematographer Ralph White died of an aortic aneurism at age 66. Mr. White was one of the world's foremost underwater cinematographer. He made over 30 dives on the wreck of the Titanic. Mr. White was a long time cinematographer for "National Geographic." He documented the first dive newly discovered the wreck of the Titanic. Director James Cameron called upon his expertise on the Oscar-winning "Titanic" as well as the documentary "Ghosts of the Abyss." Mr. White's ability to shoot film at great depths made him much in demand. Other credits include "Titanic's Final Moments: Missing Pieces," "Last Mysteries of the Titanic," "Titanic: Secrets Revealed," "Bimini Code," "World of the Sea" and "The Challenging Sea."

OTTO LACKOVIC Died Feb. 4, 2008

Czech actor Otto Lackovic died at age 82, Mr. Lackovic acted in over 50 films during his career. His best known work outside the Iron Curtain was the 1963 sci-fi epic "Ikarie XB 1." American International changed the ending and released the film in the US as "Voyage to the End of the Universe."

BERTHA MOSS Died Feb. 4, 2008

Argentine actress Bertha Moss died of heart failure at age 88. Ms. Moss worked in her home land as well as Mexico. She appeared in over two-dozen films in Argentina before moving to Mexico. He enjoyed success on stage, TV and in film in Mexico. Among her over 80 credits are "The Exterminating Angel," "Invasion of the Vampires," "A Woman Possessed" and "Count Frankenhausen."

KATARZYNA MACIEJKO Died Feb. 5, 2008

Polish editor turned award-winning director Katarzyna Maciejko died. Her age was not given. Ms. Maciejko edited over 150 documentary films. She edited most of the films of director Marcel Lozinski including his Oscar-nominated "89mm From Europe." Ms. Maciejko directed the award-winning documentary "Benek Blues." Ms. Maciejko shared her craft with others as a professor at the Andrzej Wajda Master School of Film Directing.

MAHARISHI MAHESH YOGI Died Feb. 5, 2008

Spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi died at age 91. The Maharishi was the world's leading proponent of transcendental meditation. His celebrity followers during the 1960s included the Beatles, Donovan and Mia Farrow. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi appeared in a number of documentaries including "The Complete Beatles," "The Beatles: Anthology," "Reel Radicals: The Sixities Revolution in Film," "All My Loving" and "The Late Great Planet Earth."

JOHN ALVIN Died Feb. 6, 2008

Movie poster artist John Alvin died at age 59. Mr. Alvin created some of the most memorable movie posters of the past 35 years. His posters helped promote such films as "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," "Blade Runner," "E.T." and the "Harry Potter" films.

TAMARA DESNI Died Feb. 7, 2008

German actress Tamara Desni died at age 97. She was the daughter of actress Xenia Desni. Ms. Desni appeared in a handful of films between 1931 and 1950. Her credits include "Dick Barton at Bay," "The Torso Murder Mystery," "Fire Over England," "Hell's Cargo" and "Forbidden Territory."

FREDERICA GORI Died Feb. 7, 2008

Italian porn star turned sports team mascot Frederica Gori died of undisclosed causes. Her age was not given. Ms. Gori's porn star name was Lollipop. She was the TV mascot of the Italian football club Fiorentina. Ms. Gori appeared in the 2002 adult movie "Blue Angel."

MICHAEL LAMBERT Died Feb. 7, 2008

Electrician Michael Lambert died at age 42. Mr. Lambert worked as a gaffer and in other capacities on a number of films. His many credits include "The Skeleton Key," "Bewitched," "Scary Movie 2," "Swordfish" the remake of "Mighty Joe Young," "Alien: Resurrection" and "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

POLLY WILLIAMS Died Feb. 8, 2008

Polly Williams is believed to have committed suicide at age 33. Ms. Williams suffered from the eating disorder anorexia. She was featured in the Emmy-nominated documentary "Thin." The HBO film told the story of four women undergoing treatment for anorexia and bulimia at a Florida treatment center. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

EVA DAHLBECK Died Feb. 8, 2008

Swedish actress Eva Dahlbeck died of an infection at age 87. Ms. Dahlbeck appeared in six films by Ingmar Bergman. She won the Best Actress Award at Cannes for her work in Bergman's "Brink of Life." She was nominated for a Best Foreign Actress BAFTA for her work in Bergman's "Smiles of a Summer Night." Her other Bergman credits are "A Lesson in Love," "Secrets of Women," "Dreams" and "All These Women." She appeared in nearly 60 films during her career. She co-starred in the Roman Polanski scripted "A Day At the Beach." Other credits include "Loving Couples," "Tintomara" and "The Creatures." Ms. Dahlbeck gave up acting and became a successful novelist.

ROBERT DOQUI Died Feb. 9, 2008

Prolific character actor Robert DoQui died at age 74. Mr. DoQui appeared in over 110 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. Action movie fans will remember him best as the no-nonsense police Sgt. Reed in the "Robo Cop" films. Mr. Doqui was adept at playing heroes, villains and comedic roles. Robert Altman cast him in three of his best films. Mr. DoQui played the bartender who rescues the talentless character played by Gwen Welles from humiliation in the classic film "Nashville." The following year Altman cast Mr. DoQui in "Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson." His final film with Robert Altman was 1993's "Short Cuts."

Robert DoQui's many film credits include the Blaxploitation classic "Coffy." He played the pimp King George opposite Pam Grier in the title role. In 1966 master director Billy Wilder cast Mr. DoQui in the comedy "The Fortune Cookie." One of his first film roles was in a supporting part in Norman Jewison's "The Cincinnati Kid." He replaced Felton Perry as Obra in the sequel "Walking Tall Part 2." Mr. DoQui had a supporting role in "The Man" which dealt with the first Black president of the USA. If he had lived until next fall there would have been an excellent chance of Mr. DoQui seeing that even happen in real life!

Other film and TV credits include "The Practice," "ER," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "NYPD Blue," "Picket Fences," "The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson," "Miracle Mile," "Cloak & Dagger," "Hill Street Blues," "Knots Landing," "The White Shadow," "Guyana: Crime of the Century," "Centennial," "How the West Was Won," "Maude," "The Rockford Files," "The Jeffersons," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Sanford and Son," "Happy Days," "Banacek," "Longstreet," "Mission: Impossible," "Ironside," "The Name of the Game," "The Devil's 8," "Up Tight!," "The High Chaparral," "The Guns of Will Sonnett," "The Mod Squad," "Get Smart," "Tarzan," "Daktari," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "The Fugitive," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion" and "The Outer Limits."

THOMAS SCOT HALPIN Died Feb. 9, 2008

If his story appeared in a movie, no one would believe it. 1n 1973 Scot Halpin was a 19-year-old rock and roll fan watching The Who rock the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Drummer Keith Moon passed out twice during the concert. After Moon's second collapse, Pete Townsend called out for anyone in the audience who could play drums. Scot Halpin answered the call and played drums for 15 minutes to end the set. Scot Halpin died of a brain tumor at age 54. He appeared in the documentary "The Who: Thiry Years of Maximum R&B."

STEVE GERBER Died Feb. 10, 2008

Comic book writer Steve Gerber died of complications from pulmonary fibrosis at age 60. Mr. Gerber created several cartoon characters including the sarcastic superhero "Howard the Duck." The innovative "Howard the Duck" comic books did not fare well when they were translated to the big screen. George Lucas produced the box-office disaster which took all of the edge away from Gerber's original work. The result was an expensive, ugly looking film which disappointed fans around the world. Mr. Gerber was not to blame for the mess. Mr. Gerber wrote for a number of TV shows including "The New Batman Adventures," "The Batman/Superman Movie," "Superman," "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "G.I.Joe."

ROY SCHEIDER Died Feb. 10, 2008

Oscar-nominated actor Roy Scheider died of complications from a staph infection at age 75. Mr. Scheider suffered from the blood plasma cell cancer multiple Myeloma for the past few years. Roy Scheider was nominated twice for acting Oscars. He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in the true-crime action film "The French Connection." Mr. Scheider played Gene Hackman's partner Sgt. Buddy Russo in the 1971 Best Picture Oscar-winning film. Mr. Scheider reprised his role as Buddy Russo in Philip D'Antoni's gritty 1973 cop drama "The Seven Ups." Mr. Scheider was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar in Bob Fosse's autobiographical "All That Jazz." Roy Scheider may be best remembered for playing Chief Brody in Steven Speilberg's blockbuster "Jaws." Roy Scheider gave up the Robert DeNiro role in "The Deer Hunter" to reprise his role as Chief Brody in the clunker "Jaws 2."

Roy Scheider appeared in nearly 90 films and TV shows during his career. He appeared in a dozen or so TV shows and films during the 1960s. He also appeared in Broadway in "Tartuffe" during the 1960s. It wasn't until the 1970s that Roy Scheider broke through and became a major film star. His first major notices came playing Jane Fonda's pimp in "Klute." That role was followed by his Oscar-nominated role in William Friedkin's "The French Connection." He followed these two hit films with the French crime drama "The Outside Man," "The Seven Ups" and "Shelia Levene is Dead and Living in New York." In 1975 "Jaws" changed the way movies were made and marketed. It also cemented Roy Scheider's place on the A-List. His follow-up film was as Dustin Hoffman's CIA agent brother in "Marathon Man." Roy Scheider reteamed with William Freidkin starring in "Sorcerer." The underrated action movie was an excellent remake of the French classic "The Wages of Fear." Unfortunately, the film bombed at the box-office. Roy Scheider ended the 1970s with a second Oscar nomination in "All That Jazz." Mr. Scheider also received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal of the death and sex-obsessed Broadway choreographer.

Roy Scheider made his second and final Broadway appearance during the 1980s starring in the 1980 production "Betrayal." His biggest box-office hit of the 1980s was John Badham's "Blue Thunder." He also starred in the sci-fi sequel "2010: The Year We Make Contact." Other memorable films from the 1980s include "Still of the Night" and "52 Pick-Up." Roy Scheider continued to co-star in major films during the early 1990s. He appeared in "The Fourth War," "The Russia House," "Naked Lunch" and "Romeo is Bleeding." Following this period, Roy Scheider appeared mainly in TV shows and B-movies. He did have occasional supporting roles in major films such as "The Peacekeeper" and "The Rainmaker." Mr. Scheider starred in the sci-fi TV series "Sea Quest DSV." He had a recurring role on the TV series "Third Watch." Roy Scheider had finished work on the upcoming films "Dark Honeymoon" and "Iron Cross."