Peter Fernandez who has voiced hundreds of TV and radio commercials has died at age 83

Peter Fernandez, Jan. 29, 1927 – July 15, 2010, writer, voice actor, director of dialogue, voice recording and dubbing, has died. The cause of death was lung cancer. He was 83.

He was ‘Speed’s voice in the 1960s animated "Speed Racer" TV series, also voicing brother Racer X and writing the lyrics to the signature theme song "Go Speed Racer, Go!”

Peter Fernandez’s long career also included writing children’s books along with writing and directing as well as voice acting in numerous anime works. He adapted, directed and voiced English tracks for hundreds of foreign films from all over world including: "Fistful of Dollars", "The Nest", "Mothra, "That Man From Rio", "Cinema Paradiso", a handful of the Godzilla movies, "Flight of the Eagle" and "La Famiglia."

Other credits include fan favorites such as “Courage the Cowardly Dog” (recording director/ voice actor) and the comedy film “The Gods Must Be Crazy V” in which he was the voice director.

Peter Fernandez’s voice can also be heard in such dubbed anime titles as "Astro Boy," "Gigantor," "Marine Boy," "Star Blazers: The Bolar Wars," and "Superbook."

Robert Spillane, the youngest son of Mickey Spillane, an Irish-American mobster who ruled Hell's Kitchen in the 1960s has died at age 45

Robert Spillane, Sept. 21, 1964 – July 10, 2010, son of NYC Irish mobster Mickey Spillane, has died after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment in New York. He was 45.

According to family member, James McManus, Robert Spillane leaned against an unsecured window screen in his apartment in the Hell’s Kitchen area of NYC when it gave way and Spillane fell to the sidewalk below. He was discovered by his brother, Michael.

As an actor, Spillane was probably best known for roles in the award-winning TV series “NYPD Blue,” “Law and Order” and “Rescue Me.” He had also played a minor role in the 1999 movie remake of “Thomas Crown Affair.”

Robert Spillane was also a close friend to comedian and “Howard Stern Show” regular Colin Quinn. It was Quinn’s production company that produced Spillane’s first play, “All Dolled Up.” Spillane also played various roles on the comedian’s self-titled series, “The Colin Quinn Show.”

In addition to his brother, Robert Spillane is survived by his wife Heather.

"Mindhunters" and "Deep Blue Sea" producer Rebecca Spikings-Goldsman dies at age 42

Rebecca Spikings-Goldsman, filmmaker and producer who often worked with director Renny Harlin, has died. The cause of death was a heart attack. She was 42.

She worked at Renny Harlin's Midnight Sun Pictures for six years, producing 2005 crime drama "Mindhunters" and the 1999 shark thriller "Deep Blue Sea" starring Samuel L. Jackson. Rebecca Spikings-Goldsman also co-exec produced Harlin’s "Driven," and "Cutthroat Island."

Other credits include HBO's "Mistrial" and, in earlier years, the indie flick “Pyrates.”

She is survived by her husband, scribe-producer Akiva Goldsman.

Veteran Hollywood Agent Ed Limato Dies of lung cancer

Ed Limato, July 10, 1936 – July 3, 2010, long-time top Hollywood agent, has died at his home in Beverly Hills. The cause of death was lung disease. He was 73.

His A-list of celebrity clients included such stars as Kevin Costner, Billy Crystal, Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Steve Martin, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sharon Stone and Denzel Washington.

Ed Limato’s career spanned 44 years first working with the Ashley Famous Agency in New York in 1966 and, after a move to the west coast, the William Morris Agency where he became a senior vice president.

Known for his high profile party the Friday night before the Academy Awards, Ed Limato’s event – one he hosted barefoot - was well attended by high-profile stars and film industry figures.

In a 2005 Variety interview, Ed Limato stated, "Many agents tend to look at talent as a commodity today, to help their own careers…I still think of talent as something to be served. If you believe in a client, you stick with them through the ups and downs."

He leaves behind his mother, Angelina, aged 99; a brother, Paul; and a sister, Angela.

Ilene Woods who spoke and sang the voice of Cinderella passes away at age 81

Ilene Woods, May 5, 1929 – July 1, 2010, Disney legend, singer and actress, has died. She was 81.

She became a Disney legend as the sweet singing and speaking voice of the animated Disney classic “Cinderella,” obtaining the part over 400 other hopefuls after Walt Disney heard a demo recording she made for friends in 1948.

“I learned a very good lesson – never pass up doing a good deed for friends,” Woods said. When asked what was the most rewarding part of working on Cinderella, Woods answered “knowing how timeless it is and that even after I’m gone to know my voice will be heard.”

After Cinderella, Ilene Woods worked in television on such shows as “The Steve Allen Show”  and “Touched by an Angel.” In later life she became a portrait artist.

On February 12, 2001, Ilene Woods appeared at a Disneyland Cinderella Ball celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the motion picture. In 2003 she was inducted as a Disney Legend, an award that honors individuals whose “imagination, talents and dreams have created the Disney magic”.

Benidorm Actor Geoffrey Hutchings Dies suddenly at 71

Geoffrey Hutchings, 40-year veteran of British stage, TV and film, has died suddenly from a suspected viral infection. He was 71.

His most recent role was as Mel Harvey in the ItV1 hit sitcom, Benidorm though Hutchings may be best known for his work in “Our Friends In The North,” “Bad Girls” and BBC1's “EastEnders.”

Roles in film include John Cleese's “Clockwise,” “Wish You Were Here,” “On The Black Hill” and Mike Leigh's “Topsy-Turvy.”

Hutchings was due to begin filming the next series of ITV1's Benidorm soon and his BBC2 sitcom “Grandma's House” written by comic Simon Amstell is due out this summer.

Geoffrey is survived by second wife Andi and his three children.

Hollywood movie producer Elliott Kastner Dies at 80

Elliott Kastner, Jan. 7, 1930 – June 30, 2010, Hollywood film producer widely known for his big screen adaptations of novels, has died in London. The cause of death was cancer. He was 80.

Elliott Kastner produced such films as “Harper,” “Where Eagles Dare,” “The Long Goodbye,” “The Missouri Breaks” and “Equus.” Over the course of his career, Kastner made a total of three movies with Marlon Brando, five with Richard Burton along with producing a slew of other well-known films with major stars such as Paul Newman, Jeff Bridges and Jack Nicholson.

Kastner built his career mainly on turning novels into film. Some of his best known work coming from Raymond Chandler crime novels: "The Long Goodbye" (1973), "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975) and "The Big Sleep" (1978), the last two both starring Robert Mitchum.

Elliott Kastner leaves behind a son, Dillon, daughter, Milita and three stepsons.

Corey Allen who fatally challenged James Dean in "Rebel Without A Cause" Dies at 75

As tough guy Buzz Gunderson in “Rebel Without a Cause,” Corey Allen was the last surviving cast member of the 1955 film classic, playing the fatal loser of the “chicken race” against James Dean.

In a switch up from acting, Allen turned to television, directing numerous series and movies throughout the 70s and 80s. Credits include such shows as 'Hawaii Five-O,' 'Ironside,' 'Lou Grant,' 'The Rockford Files' and 'Magnum, P.I.' to name only a few.

Throughout his career, Corey Allen worked on 80 TV episodes and 20 TV movies including winning an Emmy for a 1983 episode of 'Hill Street Blues.'

Prolific screenwriter Alan Plater dies at age 75

Alan Plater, April 15, 1935 – June 25, 2010, playwright and screenwriter, has died. The cause of death was cancer. He was 75.

He produced 200 full length dramas for stage, screen and radio including the police drama “Z Cars” and an adaptation of “The Barchester Chronicles.” The prolific writer also penned 6 novels over the course of his nearly 60 year career.

Alan Plater was perhaps most well known for writing 18 episodes of the BBC's pioneering police series “Z Cars” between the years 1963 and 1965. Later he wrote 30 episodes for hit series’ sequel, “Softly Softly.”

Plater’s work has been featured on “Armchair Theatre” and “The Wednesday Play.” He was honored with a CBE in 2005 and was given a lifetime achievement award from the Writers Guild of Great Britain in 2007.

More recent written work includes “Last of The Blonde Bombshells” starring Judi Dench and four episodes of “Inspector Lewis.” His final screenplay, a World War II drama called “Joe Maddison's War,” starring actor Robson Green, is due to be aired on ITV later this year.

"Funny Games" actor Frank Giering found dead in his apartment at the age of 38

Frank Giering, Nov. 23, 1971 – June 23, 2010, German actor of theater, small screen and film, was found dead in his apartment in Berlin. The actor often discussed his struggles with alcoholism and emotional issues. His death is still under investigation by authorities. Giering was 38.

He had a breakthrough performance as the charming psychopathic killer, ‘Peter’ in Michael Haneke’s 1997 film “Funny Games.”  It was the second time Giering had worked with Haneke; the first earlier in 1997 when he was cast in “The Castle.”

Other credits include a role in Sebastian Schipper’s highly praised 1999 film debut “Gigantics,” appearances in “Baader” and in “Hierankl.”
In 2006, Giering was given a starring role in the TV crime show, “Der Kriminalist.” For 30 episodes between 2006 -2010, he portrayed Chief Inspector Henry Weber.

Munich-based Odeon Film, producer of “Der Kriminalist” gave a statement, "We are deeply moved by the much too early death of this young, talented actor. With Frank Giering we have lost a very treasured colleague who has in the past four years accompanied and enriched us."