Fade to Black: A Book of Movie Obituaries Read online

  Copyright © 2005 Omnibus Press

  This edition © 2009 Omnibus Press

  (A Division of Music Sales Limited, 14–15 Berners Street, London, W1T 3LJ)

  ISBN: 978-0-85712-067-0

  The Author hereby asserts his/her right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with Sections 77 to 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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  And once more for my dad, who first took me to

  “the pictures” when I was little …

  and in memory of my mum,

  who was probably grateful for the couple of

  hours of peace and quiet.

  Foreword by Michael Winner

  As one of the many people who like to read about those in show business, both living and dead, I was recommended Fade To Black a couple of years ago and bought it. Not only is it a most helpful book in listing so many people, it is above all marvellously written in a very irreverent way and yet without loss of any essential facts. So I find myself reading entries that I wasn’t looking up at the time because they’re so interesting. I was even able to make a few tiny corrections and send them to Paul Donnelley, not in a sense of criticism but because we all of us sometimes know things that other people didn’t know.

  I think he has done a terrific job with this book. It is an absolutely enjoyable read whether you want information or just to have a giggle and learn. I hope this new edition does extraordinarily well. It deserves to.

  A great regret in my life is that I will not be around to read the witty and observant remarks that Paul will make about me when I kick the bucket. I think I’ll have to nip up from below and make a comeback just to see what he’s written.

  FURTHER READING: Winner Takes All – Michael Winner (London: Robson, 2004)

  Introduction to the Third Edition (2005)

  Welcome to the third edition of Fade To Black, a volume that is different in many ways to its predecessor. Firstly and most obviously, there is a smashing new cover design and I am grateful to Chloë Alexander who also designed the original cover. Secondly, I have added more than 180 new entries – movie titans such as Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Janet Leigh, Sir John Mills, Gregory Peck and Sir Peter Ustinov are now gracing this edition plus of course Ronald Reagan, the first and only American president to be acted off the screen by a chimpanzee. Thirdly, I have corrected and enlarged many entries as new research has come to light. And fourthly, this book contains over 150,000 words more than the last one – the size of two normal books.

  The choice of entrants always attracts the biggest response – “Why is my favourite not in here?” Surprisingly, in many cases the answer is because they are not yet dead and thus ineligible for inclusion. The book covers a wide range of movie personalities both from in front and behind the camera and from countries all over the world. For each entrant I try to include as much relevant data as is possible: real name, parents’ names, dates of birth and death as well as marriages (and names of spouses), list of most important films (often complete filmography and in some cases actual release or première date) with character names, addresses, cause of death and, a new inclusion in this edition, wealth at death. Each edition is increasing at the rate of 100 or so pages so I try to get as many people into the book as possible but as well as the “greats” I try to include those that have the most interesting stories. I believe it is better to know 10 facts about 10 people than one fact about a hundred. I also include people whose fame was fleeting and who have been ignored or barely touched upon by other reference works.

  For example, by reading this edition you will learn that:

  Jack Warner employed his wife’s ex-husband as the foreman on his cattle ranch.

  Ronald Reagan made his film début in Love Is On The Air because the actor originally cast shot himself.

  George Formby’s grandmother was a 4ft tall prostitute with a fearsome temper.

  Lindsay Anderson’s If… was the subject of much debate as to why the movie changes from colour to black and white. Anderson confessed that he had run out of money and could only afford monochrome film.

  Screen cowboy and television cop Rod Cameron divorced his wife of 10 years and married his mother-in-law.

  John Lennon and Derek Nimmo went to the same school and the first headmaster there was called George Harrison.

  When Gary Crosby wrote a book claiming that his father tortured him, Bob Hope commented, “Bing used to sing to me too, but I didn’t feel I had to write a book about it!”

  Basil Rathbone was twice nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar and on both occasions lost out to Walter Brennan.

  When car phones started to become fashionable Bernard Delfont had one fitted in his Rolls-Royce, so in order to keep up with his brother, Lew Grade had to get one. One day on the five-minute drive from his flat to his office, he rang Delfont. “Hang on,” said Bernie, “I’m on the other line.”

  Stella Adler once commented, “I don’t know what’s the matter with young actresses these days – they’re only interested in Chekhov. When I was starting out actresses were only interested in diamonds.”

  Illustrator Tex Avery was a descendant of Daniel Boone and Judge Roy Bean, although his grandmother warned him against revealing the family connection. “Don’t ever mention you are kin to Roy Bean. He’s a no-good skunk.”

  Katharine Hepburn went on honeymoon with her husband, her female lover and her husband’s boyfriend.

  As always, your comments are welcome c/o the publishers or direct via email at [email protected]

  Paul Donnelley

  January 25, 2005 (The 48th anniversary of

  the opening of St Ursula’s)

  Introduction to the First Edition (2000)

  On a Saturday afternoon about a year ago I was browsing in a well-known book shop when I spotted The Encyclopædia Of Rock Obituaries. I bought a copy that day little realising that I would write and compile the companion volume which you now hold in your hands. On the Monday I sat down and wrote to the publishers suggesting this book. Within a fortnight of my approach, a contract was drawn up and I began work in earnest on this volume. How could I know what a mammoth task I had set myself? Firstly, I drew up an initial list of entrants. Then I thought of more people and more people. Eventually I had to stop, or the present book would never have been finished. I have searched through literally thousands of sources checking, double checking and triple checking facts. It would take a book almost as long again to list just some of my sources. Many so-called reliable reference works disagree about even some fundamental data so I have had to make a decision about which is the most accurate. If you can prove any errors, I’d love to hear from you. Where possible, a bibliography is amended to each entry for readers who want to learn more about a particular personality.

  Readers will notice that in numerous cases I have listed, f
or the sake of completeness, the actual addresses where stars were born, married, died or buried. Many of these buildings are still standing and should the reader wish to visit any of them they should remember these are often in private hands and the current owners may not welcome unsolicited visits. Please show the same respect you would expect from visitors to your own home.

  I believe the people I have chosen are representative of all genres in Hollywood. This volume contains actors, actresses, producers, directors, moguls, gossip columnists, animals, lawyers and even Sid Grauman, the man outside whose famous Chinese Theatre are enshrined hundreds of celebrity foot – and handprints. Some entries are disproportionately longer than others. This is in no way a reflection on the abilities of the subject or their importance in filmdom. It’s just some people have more interesting stories than others and, since there are several film books already around, I believe it is only right to concentrate on fascinating tales rather than regurgitate bare facts. Some readers may feel I have overly concentrated on the dark side of stardom. But I believe that it is the foibles and very human failings of people that make them so fascinating.

  For example, can you name the following celebrities?

  The first Oscar winner to cry when picking up the statuette?

  The German singer who, after the death of her first husband, married three alcoholic homosexuals?

  The Western star who formed his own private army?

  The actor whose wife was suspected of being a German spy and was bugged by the FBI?

  The first actor to refuse to shave his chest?

  The actress who, upon catching her husband in bed with another woman, shouted that if he could have mistresses, so could she?

  The actress who died of a heart attack aged 31 while bending over to tie a shoelace?

  Yes, I am a film buff – I still recall some of the earliest films I saw at the pictures, in the days when if you missed the beginning you just stayed in your seat and the film would begin again almost immediately – but I am also a people buff. I love fascinating, interesting people. However, if there are any film personalities you think should have been included, then please write telling me why c/o the publishers or direct via email at [email protected]. I think Hollywood, Elstree and this book deserve a second volume.

  Paul Donnelley

  June 1, 2000 (The 74th anniversary of

  Marilyn Monroe’s birth)

  Acknowledgments

  My thanks go initially to everyone who bought the first two editions of Fade To Black. Thank you especially to all of those who took the time to write and provide lists of possible entrants or just to comment on what they had read. I am truly gratified by the response.

  I would also like to thank Chris Charlesworth at the publisher Omnibus for originally commissioning the work and Robert Dimery who edited the first edition. I am grateful to Chris and Omnibus for their continuing support of this book.

  Michael Winner generously wrote the foreword, suggested new entries and gave me information that has been incorporated into the text. As well as his films, Michael should also be lauded for setting up the National Police Memorial in The Mall in London for police officers killed on duty, which was unveiled by the Queen.

  Jeremy Beadle was his usual helpful and encouraging self. In the more than 25 years we have known each other, his advice, suggestions and ideas have never been less than sagacious.

  I owe a huge amount to James Steen and Dominic Midgley for their continued friendship and support.

  Equally, I am indebted to Jo Knowsley of The Mail On Sunday who has believed in me ever since we met at a Russian food festival in a Victoria hotel in 1989. I have enjoyed Jo’s company and that of her husband David Hensley ever since.

  Mark Gonzales has been a loyal and true friend for more than 30 years and I salute him for the many good times we have had.

  Nicola Wilson of the Financial Times is one my dearest friends and I love her very much.

  What can I say about the bright and beautiful Stacey Upson? She inspires me, makes me happy and is a joy. Love ya, babes.

  Mark Bego came into my life in New York City in November 1988 and since then I have grown ever more appreciative of his loyalty and his friendship. He is an exceptionally talented writer and his books cover the spectrum of show business and are thoroughly recommended – not for nothing is he known as “the prince of pop music bios”.

  The same month and the same city was the venue for my introduction to Jim Haspiel, a most kind, decent, honest and generous man and one whose friendship I value tremendously. He first met Marilyn Monroe in September 1954 and was a friend and protector to her in life and even more so in death. He is the most knowledgeable person on the planet on the subject of Marilyn and he is unstinting in sharing that knowledge.

  Annabel Laister is a talented journalist and educator and I appreciate her friendship.

  Mitchell Symons has been a supporter of my work since we worked on a BBC radio quiz in 1996. For years Mitch has written fascinating trivia books and recently he has turned his considerable talents to fiction with sparkling results.

  Jane Youden was an administrator on a magazine I used to edit. Life with Jane is never dull, never boring and she is a very special person.

  Karen and Barry Kemelhor are true friends and I thank them for being in my life. Their knowledge, kindness, generosity and hospitality at their home outside Washington is much appreciated.

  Kelly Close is a darling. Funny, bright, sparky – what can I say? Whay aye, lassie! I do miss our weekly sessions.

  Gordon Hawtin is a kind-hearted gentleman whose advice is always welcome.

  John McEntee entrusts me with his Daily Mail column when he takes a holiday. I am grateful for the confidence he shows and the opportunity he gives me.

  Catherine Townsend is a much-valued friend and a talented journalist.

  The same can be said of Suzanne Kerins who knows how much I appreciate her.

  Robin and Larry Goetz have been constant in their interest and affection for me over many years and it is truly reciprocated.

  Jayne Price is still my favourite “production of the Sixties”. Rwyn dy garu di nawr ac am byth.

  I have known and admired the beautiful and talented actor Shannon Whirry for more than a decade. She is my very own “AA” and I am her original and best “BB”.

  Elisabeth Williams has been a constant in my life for many years now and she remains as lovely as the day we first met.

  Sarah-Faye Pigrem is bright, funny, beautiful and good company, as are Melanie Bissett-Powell, Sarah Lee and Natalie Partridge.

  Jennifer Young is as talented as her Oscar-winning father and I am proud to be her friend.

  Emma Jones is gorgeous, witty and a true friend.

  My friends across the Irish Sea Sinéad Heffernan and Danni Murphy are both extremely important to me.

  Thanks also to Peter Blackbrow, Tony Bonnici, Stephen Dyer and Dan Kirkby.

  A

  Aaliyah

  Born January 16, 1979

  Died August 25, 2001

  Promise unfulfilled. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a promising R &B singer and actress whose life was cut tragically short. At the age of 14 she released her first album Nothing But A Number from which she released the hit singles ‘Back And Forth’ and ‘Try Again’ which earned her a Grammy nomination. She graduated from the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts. She made her movie début in the hip-hop kung fu film Romeo Must Die (2000) playing Trish O’Day (for which she also wrote and sang some of the songs) and The Queen Of The Damned (2002) as Queen Akasha. There were unsubstantiated rumours that she was married to the singer R. Kelly. In 2000 she said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next five or ten years. At some point I’d like to have a family and settle down, but I don’t see that happening for a long time because I love [performing]. This is my life, my world.”

  CAUSE: Aaliyah died in an aeroplane crash. She had
been filming in the Bahamas and was flying back to America when the overloaded plane crashed into Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island. She was only 22.

  Angela Aames

  Born February 27, 1956

  Died November 27, 1988

  Tragic beauty. Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Angela Aames, like many before her, began acting in school plays. After graduating from the University of South Dakota she moved to Hollywood in 1978 in search of fame and fortune. She made her film début playing a nude Little Bo Peep in the film Fairy Tales (1978). Next was the teen flick H.O.T.S. (1979) in which she portrayed Linda ‘Boom-Boom’ Bang, baring her breasts in several scenes. In the early Eighties she landed a job on Los Angeles’ Channel 11 as their ‘Bedtime Movie Girl’ presenting the films wearing skimpy outfits. Many of her film parts relied on her bosomy appearance and she doffed her duds in several movies. Her other films included a topless appearance in All The Marbles (1981) as Louise, Scarface (1983), Bachelor Party (1984) as Mrs Klupner, a nude scene in The Lost Empire (1985) as Heather McClure, a topless appearance in Basic Training as Cheryl and Chopping Mall as Miss Vanders. She also appeared on a number of TV shows, including Cheers, The Fall Guy, Alice and Night Court. Her last role was as Penny, a fitness instructor on The Dom DeLuise Show in 1987, a year before her untimely death. She was married to but separated from Mark Haughland and was living with a female room-mate, Rasa Banja. CAUSE: Heart disease. Aames was found dead on the bedroom floor of a house in West Hills, San Fernando Valley. At her inquest the coroner said her death was the result of a deterioration of the heart muscle, possibly caused by a virus. However, a friend believed “she died of heart failure brought on in part by diet pills she popped to stay Hollywood thin.” “Angela had trouble staying slim,” the friend revealed, “and she needed to stay that way if she was going to get another acting job. She was always up and down in weight, and like a lot of actors, she depended heavily on diet pills to kill her appetite.” Her mother, Lillian Tlustos, raged, “Angela was obsessed with being a movie star and it killed her. She lived for Hollywood and Hollywood killed her. I know she would have been alive if she hadn’t gone there.” Her room-mate Banja revealed, “She had been sick but everyone thought it was just the flu. It’s tragic because Angela seemed like such a strong person – the kind you expect to take Hollywood by storm.” She was just 32 years old.