The RIP Famous Person Thread

[Latindancer]

He'll be next on this list...he's in the final stages of Alzheimers, poor guy. He's happy and being well looked after though.

[harrybarracuda]

Linkin Park singer and father-of-six Chester Bennington commits suicide aged 41 on the birthday of his late friend Chris Cornell

Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has committed suicide.

The 41-year-old hanged himself in his home in Palos Verdes near Los Angeles on Thursday morning, TMZ reports.

Law enforcement officials say his body was found shortly before 9am.

The Los Angeles County coroner confirmed they were investigating Bennington's death as an apparent suicide but no additional details were available.



The singer had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. He was married and is survived by his six children.

Bennington's suicide came on the day of his late friend Chris Cornell's birthday. The Soundgarden rocker killed himself in May by hanging. Cornell would have turned 53.

Chester, as well as Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson, had performed Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' for the crowd of mourners at Cornell's funeral, many of whom were moved to tears.

Linkin Park was on tour following the release of the bands latest album One More Light. They had a show at New York's Citi Field scheduled for next week with Blink 182.

Bennington was married to his second wife Talinda Ann Bentley, a former Playboy model, for 12 years. He divorced his first wife Samantha Marie Olit in 2005 after nine years of marriage.

The frontman had been open about his history of substance abuse and admitted in one interview in 2011 that he had once been a 'full blown, raging alcoholic'.

He admitted to smoking pot after his parents divorced when he was 11. The drug use then spiraled into cocaine and meth.

Bennington also spoke out about being sexually abused as a seven-year-old, saying he had been molested by an older male friend.

'If I think back to when I was really young, to when I was being molested, to when all these horrible things were going on around me, I shudder,' he said in one interview.

He said he went to rehab for his drug and alcohol addiction after marrying his second wife and really began to change in 2007.

In a 2011 interview, he said he was sober.

'I don't drink. I choose to be sober now. I have drunk over the last six years, but I just don't want to be that person anymore.

Linkin Park's sixth and latest album, One More Light, jumped to the top of the Billboard chart when it was released in May.

The Grammy Award-winning group sold 10 million copies of their 2000 debut Hybrid Theory, and then another 4 million with 2003's multiplatinum Meteora. Both albums explored feelings of frustration and fury.

They famously collaborated with JAY-Z in 2004 for Collision Course.

They won Grammys for best hard rock performance in 2001 for Crawling and best rap/sung collaboration for Numb/Encore in 2005.

Bennington formed his own band, Dead by Sunrise, as a side project in 2005.

He was also the lead vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots from 2013 to 2015.

When he got his big break in 1999, Bennington was an assistant at a digital-services firm in Phoenix. A music executive sent him a demo from the band Xero, who needed a lead singer.

Bennington wrote and recorded new vocals over the band's playing and sent the results back. He soon got the gig and the band then changed its named to Hybrid Theory, then Linkin Park.

He told The Associated Press in 2010 that because of the sound the band is known for, it's virtually impossible to satisfy their many kinds of fans.

'We're making music for us, that we like. We're not making music for other people,' he said.

'We're not thinking, 'Let's make a pie-graph of all our fans and find out how many people fit in whatever category and then make the perfect album for them.' Like, that would be absolutely ridiculous.'

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington dead, commits suicide | Daily Mail Online

[PeeCoffee]

RIP. at 41.

[Pragmatic]

Sounds like a place name in the UK.

[PeeCoffee]

Lead singer of Linkin Park took his own life Thursday on what would've been Chris Cornell's 53 birthday.

Very sad as he had everything to live for but couldn't escape the demons inside. A huge loss to the musical world along with millions of fans. They were set to begin a new tour with a free concert scheduled 4 August in NYC's Central Park.

[Davis Knowlton]

[quote=harrybarracuda;3590569]Linkin Park singer and father-of-six Chester Bennington commits suicide aged 41 on the birthday of his late friend Chris Cornell

Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has committed suicide.




TD makes me look smart....daughter just moped in to bemoan the death of one of her favorite singers. Quite amazed that I knew about it, as well as the name and circumstances.

Quite honestly.........never heard of him.

[Cujo]

Six kids. Selfish kunt. I know it's not likely to be a popular viewpoint but I think It's such a terrible thing to do to kids.

[David48atTD]

TD makes me look smart....daughter just moped in to bemoan the death of one of her favorite singers. Quite amazed that I knew about it, as well as the name and circumstances.

Quite honestly.........never heard of him.

Mate, make you cool for your Daughter and say this is your favourite track.

The live energy at the concert ...
Bleed It Out [Live at Milton Keynes] - Linkin Park

Awesome drum solo @ the 3min mark

Or their cover of Rolling in the Deep

[harrybarracuda]

Lead singer of Linkin Park took his own life Thursday on what would've been Chris Cornell's 53 birthday.

That's twice you posted the item, right below the story with the big picture that I posted last night.

Do you have a problem with alcohol?

[cyrille]

TD makes me look smart.

Sentences seldom read...

[kmart]

Six kids. Selfish kunt. I know it's not likely to be a popular viewpoint but I think It's such a terrible thing to do to kids.

Seems to bit of a theme to the white rap / metal crowd; self-obsessed, self-hating whiny lyrics and imagery. Okay, when you're a spotty shoe-gazing teen, but carrying it into your 40's is a stretch.

[Ukan Kizmiaz]

^

[harrybarracuda]

John Heard dead: Home Alone actor dies aged 72
HOME Alone star John Heard, who was best-known for his role as the father in the movies, has sadly passed away in California.



John Heard, the beloved star of several huge 80s and 90s movies, died Friday in Palo Alto, CA ... TMZ has learned.
Heard was found dead in a hotel by the maid service ... according to family sources. Police were called to the hotel for a report of a medical emergency, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. The coroner is investigating, and cause of death is unclear at this time.
We do know this ... according to his rep, John had "minor back surgery" Wednesday at Stanford Medical Center, and he was staying at the hotel while he recovered.
Heard's most iconic role was as Peter McCallister, the dad in the "Home Alone" movies.

He also had roles in "Big," "Beaches," "Gladiator" and "Pelican Brief" -- to name just a few -- and also a slew of TV roles on "Miami Vice," "The Sopranos" ... and even the first "Sharknado."
John was 72.

John Heard Dead at 72 | TMZ.com

[David48atTD]

Many of you may never heard of this Man, but he's played with Sting, for the Queen, Australian Prime Ministers, Barack Obama, won Australian Music Awards.

He's Aboriginal, Blind ... and a very talented Musician.

Dr G Yunupingu: Australia's most prominent Indigenous musician dies aged 46

(You won't see many images of his face now as Aboriginals consider it disrespectful to portray images of the deceased.)

Australia's most prominent Indigenous music artist Dr G Yunupingu has died aged 46 and is being mourned by family and friends
as a "genius and wonderful human being".

The singer — from the remote community of Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island, 500 kilometres east of Darwin — shot to stardom
in 2008, winning an ARIA Award for his namesake album.

The album hit triple platinum in Australia, silver in the UK and charted in multiple countries worldwide.

Dr Yunupingu's record label Skinnyfish described him as "one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from
birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin'ku community ... to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world,
singing in his native Yolngu language".

His friend Vaughan Williams told the ABC the artist had been staying in Darwin.

Mr Williams said he was contacted by people concerned that the singer — who had contracted Hepatitis B as a child, causing liver
and kidney disease — had not recently accessed renal treatment.

He said he took the singer to Royal Darwin Hospital on Thursday, and was informed about the death on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Williams had known the singer since he was 15.

"He was a shy, humble and wonderful young man, who turned out to have such a fantastic voice," he said.

"He was a musical genius who could do rock, gospel, soul. He could do it all."

'His legacy will continue'

The Yolngu man from the Gumatj clan had his first guitar by the age of six, which he learned to play upside down because he was left handed.

In his mid teens he joined the band Yothu Yindi under the guidance of lead singer Mr Yunupingu.

He later went on to play with the Saltwater Band, before being persuaded by friend Michael Hohnen to go solo.

The singer played with Sting in Paris, and performed for former US president Barack Obama, Crown Prince Frederik and
Princess Mary of Denmark.

In 2011 he became seriously ill and returned to Elcho Island, but he then travelled to perform at the Queen's diamond jubilee concert in London in 2012.

After that performance he had to return home and cancel the European tour that was to have followed it.

Skinnyfish said he gave back to his community as the driving force behind the G Yunupingu Foundation.

"He created opportunities for young people across the Northern Territory," the record label said.

"His legacy as a musician and community leader will continue as his life's work continues its positive impact on Elcho Island, The Northern Territory, Australia and the world."

Mr Williams said he was particularly devastated because he felt his friend's death was "preventable".

"Questions need to be asked about how this could happen. It's a failure of all of us that we have lost such an amazing human being," he said.

"I feel he was trapped in the same cycle of bad health that so many Indigenous people are trapped in."

The family has requested that Dr G Yunupingu's image not be published.

Here

RIP

[David48atTD]

A man with many strings to his Bow ...

[blue]

ABC news cannot get competent journalists?

In 2011 he became seriously ill

From what ?
And what did he die from ?

"I feel he was trapped in the same cycle of bad health that so many Indigenous people are trapped in."

What cycle ? Who's trapping them ?

[bobo746]

^ who had contracted Hepatitis B as a child, causing liver
and kidney disease — had not recently accessed renal treatment.

He was also in Yothu Yindi

[bobo746]

Barbara Sinatra, activist and widow of Frank, dies at 90

Barbara Sinatra, the philanthropist and widow of singer Frank Sinatra, has died at the age of 90, a spokesperson said.
John Thoresen, director of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, said Mrs Sinatra had died of natural causes.
She passed away at home in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by family and friends, he said.
The former model and Las Vegas showgirl was a committed, high-profile advocate for abused children.
In 1986, she and Frank set up the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center in Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs. The non-profit facility provides therapy for children who have been physically, sexually and emotionally abused.
"Barbara started raising funds for it in 1985 with Frank's support," Mr Thoresen said. "It opened in 1986, and since that time over 20,000 children have received beneficial therapy here.
"There are several child advocacy centres like it around the country, [but] this one is probably most recognised."


Barbara Sinatra, activist and widow of Frank, dies at 90 - BBC News

[Latindancer]

Looks like Frankie's eyeing off another gal....

[Looper]

Les Murray, the voice of football in Australia, dies aged 71

Australian football icon and SBS commentator Les Murray has died aged 71.



Murray was a trailblazer for the game in Australia, and his voice became synonymous with the round-ball game for Australian fans.

He began work for SBS in 1980 as a Hungarian subtitle writer, before moving into coverage of football.

By the 1986 World Cup, he was the host of the network's football coverage.

He would stay and thrive in this position for decades, covering World Cups and Australian qualifiers until 2014.

His long-time partner on air, former Socceroo Craig Foster, described Murray as "a football colossus", saying he left a lasting legacy.

In a statement, SBS said Murray was a much-loved colleague who "left a unique legacy".

"SBS is sad to advise that earlier today Les Murray passed away after a long period of illness.

"Les will be remembered not just for his 35-year contribution to football in Australia, but for being a much-loved colleague, mentor and friend who has left a unique legacy.

"To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement.

"Many Australians know Les as Mr Football, who began working with SBS when it launched as a television broadcaster in 1980. His role went far beyond being a football commentator.

"The growth, popularity and success of football in Australia today is absolutely a reflection of his passion and advocacy for the game that he loved.

"We pass on our deepest sympathies to his family, including his partner Maria and his daughters Tania and Natalie.

"They ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time."

YouTube: SBS's 2014 tribute to Les Murray

SBS managing director Michael Ebeid said Murray was an inspiration to many.

"No-one better embodied what SBS represents than Les Murray. From humble refugee origins, he became one of Australia's most recognised and loved sporting identities," Mr Ebeid said in a statement.

"Not just a football icon, but a great Australian story and an inspiration to many, to say that his contribution to SBS and to football was enormous, doesn't do it justice.

"This is a devastating loss for all of us at SBS.

"Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him."

Former Socceroos defender Robbie Slater tweeted it is "difficult to believe you're gone", describing Murray's death as a massive loss for the game in Australia.

Another former Socceroo-turned-commentator, Mark Bosnich, also described it as "a sad day for many".
'People wanted to hear what Les Murray had to say'
Les Murray signs a football in Sydney
Photo: Les Murray signs an autograph in Sydney in 2012. (AAP: Andrea Francolini)

Grandstand football commentator Ned Hall said Murray's legacy would live on, and his words carried massive authority for football fans Down Under.

"I think just having his presence there in latter years when he stepped down and retired from full-time work at SBS, he would still be a regular contributor for them. People wanted to hear what Les Murray had to say," Hall said.

"I think SBS will look a lot poorer for not having Les Murray around. He's still synonymous with it.

Les Murray, the voice of football in Australia, dies aged 71 - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)


Sad to hear this.

What a great bloke.

RIP Les

[bobo746]

^ Jesus he will be a loss.

[raycarey]

Sam Shepard,
Pulitzer-Winning Playwright
and Actor, Is Dead at 73

Sam Shepard, the celebrated avant-garde playwright and Oscar-nominated actor, died on Thursday at his home in Kentucky. He was 73.

A spokesman for the Shepard family said the cause was complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

One of the most important and influential early writers in the Off Broadway movement, Mr. Shepard captured and chronicled the darker sides of American family life in plays like “Buried Child,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1979, and “Curse of the Starving Class” and “A Lie of the Mind.”

He was widely regarded as one of the most original voices of his generation, winning praise from critics for his searing portraits of spouses, siblings and lovers struggling with issues of identity, failure and the fleeting nature of the American dream. He was nominated for two other Pulitzers, for “True West” and “Fool for Love,” which both received Broadway productions.

Mr. Shepard was also an accomplished actor, nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in “The Right Stuff.” His most recent work was in the Netflix show “Bloodline,” where he appeared as the character of Robert Rayburn. He also appeared on New York stages, winning strong reviews for his performance in the Off Broadway production of Caryl Churchill’s “A Number” in 2004.

Working at Off Broadway landmarks like La MaMa and Caffe Cino, Mr. Shepard almost immediately received critical acclaim upon embarking on his career, winning Obie Awards for “Chicago” and “Icarus’s Mother” in 1965 and then “Red Cross” and “La Turista” in 1966. He would win seven more.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/t...pard-dead.html

[stroller]

Jeanne Moreau, 23.1.28 - 31.7.17

[harrybarracuda]

I salute you, sir.

KEN WILKINSON, BATTLE OF BRITAIN SPITFIRE PILOT, DIES AT 99
BY JILL LAWLESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS



LONDON (AP) -- Ken Wilkinson, one of the last survivors of "The Few" - the band of pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain - has died. He was 99.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust said Wilkinson died Monday. The group said he was "a true gentleman who we shall miss dearly."

Born in 1918, Wilkinson flew a Spitfire fighter plane during the 1940 air battle between Britain and its allies and Nazi Germany.

Between July and October, German bombers pounded Britain's ports, airfields and cities in a bid to destroy its defenses in preparation for either an invasion or a surrender. France had already fallen to Adolf Hitler, and the British army had been evacuated in disarray from Dunkirk.

Royal Air Force crews, many in their teens or 20s, inflicted heavy losses on the Germans and prevented invasion, but at a high price. Of almost 3,000 British and Allied airmen who flew in the battle, more than 544 were killed. Another 800 died before the end of the war in 1945.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill later said of the battle: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

Wilkinson told The Associated Press in 2010 that the possibility of defeat never crossed his mind.

"We were cocky. Stupidly cocky, if you like," he said. "We just didn't envisage defeat. Some people may have been killed and so forth, but basically we knew we were going to win."

Air Chief Marshal Stephen Hillier, head of the Royal Air Force, said Wilkinson and his comrades "represented an extraordinary generation to whom we owe a great debt that should never be forgotten."

After the war Wilkinson became a chartered surveyor and was active in the Battle of Britain veterans' group.

He made headlines in 2015 for light-heartedly telling off helicopter pilot Prince William for flying "choppers" instead of "proper airplanes."

Wilkinson is survived by his daughter Penny and a grandson.

News from The Associated Press

[harrybarracuda]

Robert Hardy dead: British actor who starred in Harry Potter and All Creatures Great and Small dies aged 91



British Actor Robert Hardy, known for his roles in the Harry Potter films and All Creatures Great and Small, has died aged 91.

His family announced the death on Thursday evening, paying tribute to a "tremendous life" and a "giant career".

A statement shared by his children Emma, Justine and Paul read: "Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well as a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow. He was an essential part of the team that raised the great Tudor warship The Mary Rose.

"Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."

They added: "We are immensely grateful to the team at Denville Hall for the tender care they gave during his last weeks."

Mr Hardy was known for playing Siegfried Farnon in BBC series All Creatures Great and Small, and the Minister For Magic Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films.

His career, which spanned more seven decades, also included stage roles in various Shakespeare plays as well as playing Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt.

The Bafta-nominated star, from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, was also awarded a CBE for his services to acting in the Queen's 1981 birthday honours.

Within minutes of the announcement of his death, a Tweet from London's Westminster Abbey read: "Robert Hardy read from Henry the Fifth at our 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt service in 2015. RIP."

The British Film Institute (BFI) posted: "We're sad to hear Robert Hardy, best known for roles in the Harry Potter films & TV series All Creatures Great And Small, has died aged 91."

His former Oxford school, Magdelen College, added: "Sad news breaking that Magdalen alumnus Robert Hardy (1944) has died at the age of 91."

Denville Hall, where the actor spent his last days, is a retirement home for professional actors based in Hillingdon, west London.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/r...-a3603536.html