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As 2012 approaches, it's appropriate to look back at which stars we
lost over the last year. As always, the number of famous names on the
list seems astounding. Each one meant something to many people, and
their legacies will live on forever in the hundreds of films, TV shows
and songs on which they left their mark.
It's impossible to include everyone, but we think these are among the most notable deaths of the year.
Let's take a look back. These are in no particular order.
Harry Morgan, 96
The
lovable TV and film actor will always be best known for playing the
fatherly Col. Potter on 'M*A*S*H.' He played the part for eight years,
after replacing McLean Stevenson, and loved the part so much that he
went on to star in the short-lived spinoff, 'AfterMASH.'
Maria Schneider, 58
She was best-known for heating up the screen with Marlon Brando in 1972's controversial 'Last Tango in Paris.'
Frances Bay, 92
This familiar-looking character actress was in scores of movies and
TV shows, but most will probably know her for playing Adam Sandler's
grandmother in the film 'Happy Gilmore.'
Anne Francis, 80
Perhaps most famous for being one of the first leading female TV
detectives with her show 'Honey West,' Francis also turned in an
unforgettable performance in 'The After Hours' episode of 'The Twilight
Zone,' in which she played a mannequin that came to life. She dabbled
in TV and film for decades after.
2 of 6
Pete Postlethwaite, 64
This powerful British actor earned an Oscar nomination for playing
Daniel Day-Lewis' father in 'In the Name of the Father' in 1993. He also
had a memorable turn as Friar Lawrence in 'William Shakespeare's Romeo
+ Juliet' and recently appeared in the hit 'Inception.'
David Nelson, 74
One quarter of the family that made up 'The Adventures of Ozzie &
Harriet,' which still ranks as the longest-running sitcom in history,
with 14 seasons under its belt.
Farley Granger, 85
His most memorable role is as Guy in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train.' He was the cool tennis player to Robert Walker's psycho Bruno. He also turned in a
memorable performance in Hitchcock's 'Rope,' which took place in real
time. Granger starred in a string of Italian films as well.
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Amy Winehouse, 27
Some were shocked by her death; others thought it was only a matter
of time before the troubled singer succumbed to her scary habits. It
seemed she was perhaps on the verge of a comeback, but unfortunately it
was not to be. Her best-selling album 'Back to Black' will be her
legacy.
Susannah York, 72
This pretty actress with a toothy grin is probably best known for
roles like 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' for which she received a
Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 1969.
Betty Garrett, 91
A well-known character actress most recognized for her work in the smash-hit sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley.'
Jane Russell, 89
The star of many films, including the controversial 'The Outlaw.' She
was also a well-known pin-up girl well before Farrah Fawcett's time.
Andy Rooney, 92
The '60 Minutes' contributor retired after decades on the job only to
succumb after complications from minor surgery just weeks later.
Michael Gough, 94
Who will answer the Batphone now? Gough starred as Alfred the butler
in several Batman movies in the Michael Keaton era, but was a successful
actor for decades before that.
Jack LaLanne, 96
LaLanne was a fitness guru before it was fashionable. His tips on
exercise and weight-lifting inspired thousands of future personal
trainers and gym teachers.
Elizabeth Taylor, 79
There are few actors that make you ask, "What made her an icon?
Because she was such a star, or because of her incredible performances?"
Taylor was both beautiful and truly talented. First known as a juvenile
actress with the violet eyes, she morphed into a character actor,
winning well-deserved Oscars for 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' –
arguably her best performance – and for 'Butterfield 8.'
Steve Jobs, 56
The Apple founder was a celebrity because of what he created, and
because he always had new ways of keeping his company's products
revolutionary. Even though his long battle with cancer was well-known,
many fans were shocked at his death.
John Barry, 77
The iconic composer contributed dozens of beautiful film scores to
the world of movies. His most memorable include 'Out of Africa,'
'Somewhere in Time' and 'Dances With Wolves.'
Jeff Conaway, 60
He was successful as Bobby Wheeler on 'Taxi' but left the show after
three seasons. But aside from that show, and his performance in
'Grease,' the actor struggled to rebound, and his trouble with drugs
became very public, particularly on the show 'Celebrity Rehab.'
Annette Charles, 60
'Grease' co-star Charles died after a battle with cancer. She played 'Cha-Cha' in the film.
Clarice Taylor, 93
The energetic Taylor is probably best remembered as Cliff's mother on 'The Cosby Show.'
5 of 6
Clarence Clemons, 69
Bruce Springsteen fans mourned the loss of his saxophonist, who passed away after suffering a stroke.
Sidney Lumet, 86
The director never won an Oscar, although he was awarded an honorary
award. How could he not, what with films under his belt like 'Serpico,'
'Dog Day Afternoon' and '12 Angry Men'?
Jackie Cooper, 88
Cooper was not only a successful child actor ('Skippy') but transitioned well
as an adult. He appeared in the 'Superman' movies and became an
extremely successful TV director ('M*A*S*H').
James Arness, 88
As Marshall Dillon on 'Gunsmoke,' Arness appeared in over 600
episodes from 1955 to 1975. He also appeared on other TV westerns and
several 'Gunsmoke' movies into the 1990s
6 of 6
Peter Falk, 83
He will forever be remembered as Colombo. He was the quintessential detective. Falk won several Emmys for the part.
Ryan Dunn, 34
'Jackass' suffered a loss when daredevil Ryan Dunn died in a fiery car crash.
Patrice O'Neal, 41
This well-known comedian, who worked with Charlie Sheen and appeared
on shows such as 'The Office,' died after suffering a stroke.
Cliff Robertson, 88
Even though younger audiences know him as Uncle Ben from the 'Spider
Man' movies, Robertson worked tirelessly, peaking in the 1960s with an
Oscar-winning performance in 'Charley.' He also made memorable
contributions to TV, particularly in episodes of 'Batman' and 'The
Twilight Zone.'
Andy Whitfield, 39
When the 'Spartacus' actor was diagnosed with cancer, it was hoped he
could continue in the title role of the show, but it was not to be.
Sadly, cancer took his life before he even could turn 40.
posted on Dec 29, 2011 8:58 AM ()
I have to admit that in some cases I was surprised they hadn't died years ago, it's been so long since I've heard anything about them.
We will not see her likes again soon.
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epitome of beauty.