Bobby Farrell, the lead singer of Boney M, a European chart-topping disco group in the 1970s, has died at age 61 while on tour in Russia.
The singer’s agent, John Seine, says the ‘Daddy Cool’ star was found dead in his hotel room in St. Petersburg on Thursday morning by hotel staff after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.
Seine said Farrell performed as scheduled Wednesday night, but complained of breathing problems before and after his show.
Officials in St. Petersburg said an investigation is underway. “There was no sign of violent death,” a source told the AFP. “The investigation continues.”
The original Boney M, which was based in Germany, disbanded in 1986 after scoring Europe-wide hits with ‘Daddy Cool’ and ‘By the Rivers Of Babylon.’ Watch a Pair of Boney M’s Big Hits:
While not a household name in the United States, Boney M’s music has influenced current hitmakers like Lady Gaga, who sampled the vocal “Ma-Ma-Ma” from ‘Ma Baker’ for her monster track ‘Poker Face.’
At the time of his death, the singer was leading a group called Bobby Farrell and Boney M, with three female backup singers. Farrell was born Alfonso Farrell in Aruba and lived in Amsterdam.
A French model who allowed images of her skeletal frame to be photographed and distributed in a shock awareness campaign of the dangers of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders has died, according to media reports.
Isabelle Caro allowed herself to be photographed by celebrity photographer Oliviero Toscani in 2007. The ad campaign highlighting her emaciated figure drew immediate worldwide attention.
Caro died in mid-November after a two-week hospitalization for a lung infection, the Swiss website 20minutes.ch reported Wednesday. Paris Match reported that she was in Japan at the time of her death.
Her age was listed as 28. She first suffered symptoms of anorexia when she was 12 and endured several hospital visits after nearly starving herself to death.
‘You’re stuffed with awful food like a fattened goose. You’re forced to gain weight,’ she said once. ‘And as soon as you’re released, you lose all the weight again. At least that’s the way it was with me.’
After her 2007 photo session, Caro told German magazine Stern that she felt like ‘an ambassador for anorexia.’ The photo session provided her with heightened media awareness.
Two years ago, she released an autobiography titled The Little Girl Who Didn’t Want To Get Fat.
The thought-provoking photos of Caro were simultaneously an awareness campaign, but also advertising for an Italian fashion line. Toscani also photographed AIDS patients and dead soldiers for the campaign.
I’m sure there’s nothing quite like waking up to find rumors that you have died in a snowboarding accident, Charlie Sheen went through this yesterday.
A fake report appeared online on Sunday morning that said Charlie had died during a snowboarding accident after crashing into a tree at the Zermatt ski resort in Switzerland.
Denise Richards took to her Twitter page to defuse the rumors saying, “The rumour about Charlie Sheen is not true. He is alive and on his way over to see his daughters. Thank u for all your concern…”
I can’t stand either of these people but it must suck to wake up and have everybody thinking your dead, especially when you have children who could have read it online. Then again it’s Denise Richards so she probably started the rumor about him herself.
source: Sheen Victim Of Christmas Death Hoax [Contact Music]
Blake Edwards, the director and writer known for clever dialogue, poignance and occasional belly-laugh sight gags in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ ’10′ and the ‘Pink Panther’ farces, is dead at age 88.
Edwards died from complications of pneumonia at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, said publicist Gene Schwam. Blake’s wife, Julie Andrews, and other family members were at his side. He had been hospitalized for about two weeks.
Edwards had knee problems, had undergone unsuccessful procedures and was “pretty much confined to a wheelchair for the last year-and-a-half or two,” Schwam said. That may have contributed to his condition, he added.
At the time of his death, Edwards was working on two Broadway musicals, one based on the ‘Pink Panther’ movies. The other, ‘Big Rosemary,’ was to be an original comedy set during Prohibition, Schwam said.
“His heart was as big as his talent. He was an Academy Award winner in all respects,” said Schwam, who knew him for 40 years.
A third-generation filmmaker, Edwards was praised for evoking classic performances from Jack Lemmon, Audrey Hepburn, Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, Lee Remick and Andrews, his wife of nearly half a century.
He directed and often wrote a wide variety of movies including ‘Days of Wine and Roses,’ a harrowing story of alcoholism; ‘The Great Race,’ a comedy-adventure that starred Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood; and ‘Victor/Victoria,’ his gender-bender musical comedy with Andrews.
He was also known for an independent spirit that brought clashes with studio bosses. He vented his disdain for the Hollywood system in his 1981 black comedy, ‘S.O.B.’
“I was certainly getting back at some of the producers of my life,” he once remarked, “although I was a good deal less scathing than I could have been. The only way I got to make it was because of the huge success of ’10,’ and even then they tried to sabotage it.”
For a decade, Edwards’ only hits were ‘Pink Panther’ sequels. Then came ’10,’ which he also produced and wrote. The sex comedy became a box-office winner, creating a new star in Bo Derek and restoring the director’s reputation. He scored again in 1982 with ‘Victor/Victoria,’ with Andrews playing a woman who poses as a (male) female impersonator. His later films became more personal, particularly the 1986 “That’s Life,” which he wrote with his psychiatrist.
After Sellers’ death in 1980, Edwards attempted to keep the ‘Pink Panther’ franchise alive. He wrote and directed ‘Curse of the Pink Panther’ in 1983 and ‘Son of the Pink Panther’ in 1993 but both were failed efforts.
Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, has been advised by doctors that “further treatment of her cancer would be unproductive,” according to a statement from the Edwards family.
A source close to the family told CBS News, “She is dying.” The source said Edwards would likely die within weeks and possibly days. Edwards, 61, posted to her personal Facebook page a message to friends reading in part, “The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that.”
CBS News has confirmed that the Edwards family, including husband John, are now gathered with Elizabeth Edwards at the family home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope,” Edwards wrote in the Facebook post. “These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.”
“…there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like,” she added. “It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.”
Nielsen’s nephew told CJOB that the actor had been in the hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for 12 days and that with family and friends by his side at 5:30pm Sunday “he just fell asleep and passed away.”
The Canadian-born Nielsen came to Hollywood in the mid-1950s after performing in 150 live television dramas in New York. With a craggily handsome face, blond hair and 6-foot-2 height, he seemed ideal for a movie leading man.
Nielsen was indeed a lead actor for decades in Hollywood, appearing the 1956 sci-fi classic ‘Forbidden Planet’ as well as ‘The Poseidon Adventure.’ But his turn in 1980′s classic comedy ‘Airplane!’ as a deadpan doctor on a doomed flight, changed his career forever as he switched gears to become one of Hollywood’s top comic talents.
His turn as detective Frank Drebin in ‘The Naked Gun’ was a smash and was followed by two sequels. The role in the comedy actual was born in the short lived TV series ‘Police Squad’ which had followed on the heels of Nielsen’s success in ‘Airplane!’
Los Angeles police are investigating the death of woman found dead in a hotel stairwell while visiting her husband, a contestant on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ RadarOnline.com is reporting.
Laura Finley, wife of contestant Joe Finley, was found in stairwell at the Millenium Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday morning. Auditions for ‘America’s Got Talent’ were being held at the hotel.
Joe Finley, right, with wife Laura, who was found dead. Photo: Facebook
Surprisingly, Joe auditioned for the show while his wife was still considered missing. RadarOnline.com reports he told police she was missing but then went to his audition anyway.
TMZ.com reports Joe told police he and Laura took ecstasy on Friday night before hitting the town. He said they came home and eventually went to sleep. At 3am, Laura got out of bed and left the room. He assumed she was getting ice. When he woke up the next morning, she was gone.
After his audition, police interviewed him again which is when he revealed the two were on drugs the night before and that he still had some. Joe was then arrested for drug possession and taken into custody. He was released on $10,000 bail on Sunday.
Police suspect Laura fell from the 11th floor to the 3rd floor and have deferred the cause of death–it’s still undetermined whether her death was a suicide, homicide, or accident.
Manfred Westphal, a spokesperson for Fremantle Media, which produces ‘America’s Got Talent’, released the following statement to RadarOnline, “We are fully cooperating with authorities to investigate this very unfortunate situation and have no further comment at this time.”
The Los Angeles County Coroner has revealed that Simon Monjack died from the same two causes as his wife Brittany Murphy.
Monjack was found dead in the couple’s home in Hollywood just five months after his wife died in the same house. They both died from acute pneumonia and severe anemia.
Ed Winter, the Coroner Assistant Chief, said that “just like Brittany” there was some prescription drugs were found in his system but not in lethal levels. His family are requesting for another test to take place before the full autopsy report will be released.
That is all kind of freaky that they both died in the same house from the exact same causes and so soon to each other.
source: Husband Died from Same Causes as Brittany Murphy [People]
Tomorrow marks the first year since Michael Jackson died so expect to hear his music and see photos of him everywhere again, but here is some money news regarding the king of pop – he has earned $1 billion since his death.
Billboard say that Jackson’s estate sky rocketed after his death and he earned around $429 million alone in music sales because he sold around 33 million albums since his death on top of millions of music downloads and ringtone sales.
Then there was around $392 million taken in from TV and movie projects, mostly from the Michael Jackson: This Is It documentary which was released late last year.
Other royalty fees which includes ticket sales that were never refunded and his music catalog round up the rest of the money.
I guess it pays to be dead if your someone as big as Michael Jackson, my poor loved ones will only be given the rest of my debt when I die.
source: How Michael Jackson Made $1 Billion Since His Death [Billboard]
Shannon Price portrayed herself to emergency crews and hospital staff as Gary Coleman’s wife, but his former lawyer now says the pair weren’t legally married at the time of the actor’s death.
“I can confirm they’ve been divorced since August 12, 2008,” attorney Randy Kester, who handled the divorce said. “At the time of Gary’s death, they were not married. I have no knowledge if they were ever remarried.”
The discovery comes after documents were posted on ETOnline Wednesday showing the couple had divorced, though the case was sealed and their names were listed as John Doe and Jane Doe.
“Gary wanted me to keep their divorce private,” Kester says, “but now that it’s been made public, I’m compelled to say it’s all true.”
Shielia Erickson, a Salt Lake City agent who represents Price, said she isn’t sure about the couple’s marital status. “I wish I could clear that up … I’m still waiting to find out myself from Shannon.”
But she says Price and Coleman took care of each other. “They needed each other and loved each other,” says Erickson. “They wanted to work through their problems.”
However, most of us remember the couple’s appearance on Divorce Court.
Questions About Authority
The revelation that they were not legally married called into question whether Price, 24, had the authority to make any medical decisions on the actor’s behalf – as well as any future decisions, such as funeral arrangements or those concerning his estate.
The actor, 42, was taken off life support Friday with Price’s permission. A 911 call tape released Wednesday also revealed that Price initially resisted giving Coleman medical aid.
In a statement released Wednesday by Utah Valley Regional Medical Center where Coleman died revealed that the star “had completed an Advance Health Care Directive that granted Shannon Price permission to make medical decisions on his behalf.”
The document remains in effect whether or not a couple are married. Price gave the Utah medical center permission to release confirmation of the directive.
Funeral Plans
Reached for comment regarding the divorce, Coleman’s mother, Sue Coleman, said: “It’s too early for us to comment on this. Of course we’re concerned, but we need to find out more information.”
The Colemans, whom the actor had stopped communicating with approximately 15 years ago, say that Price’s brother has reached out to them regarding funeral plans, “but it’s still unclear what [the Prices] have in mind, but of course we’d love to be there.”
Price’s rep says the funeral plans are being made now: “We’re looking at Gary’s wishes in the will and also what the family wants. Shannon’s only goal is to make sure his wishes are accomplished.”
First she delays his aid, then she pulls the plug. Something in the milk aint clean, and I think a big scandal is about to blow.
source: Lawyer: Gary Coleman Was Divorced When He Died [people]
Pete Doherty found himself getting arrested on Friday afternoon in London on suspicion of supplying drugs that killed heiress Robin Whitehead earlier on in the year.
Doherty was arrested and then questioned over his involvement over Whitehead’s suspicious death, he was then released on bail but has to return back next month.
Whitehead was working on a documentary about Doherty and his relationship with Kate Moss but the pair became friends over the course of the documentary. Her body was found in her flat back on January 24 after a suspected overdose.
Police apparently found drugs paraphernalia at her apartment and they are suspecting that Doherty and three other people are involved in supplying her with the drugs. The three other people were also arrested and questioned on Friday, one of them was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
I’ve lost count of how many times Pete Doherty has been arrested over drug charges.
Thornhill Memorial Chapel in Toronto was packed with friends and family of Corey Haim today for his funeral. The service was closed to the public, and was described by a mourner as “very sad but with a lot of laughter.”
Notably absent from the service was Haim’s longtime friend Corey Feldman, who posted the following letter to his blog:
Dear Corey.,
This is for you on the day of your funeral. First off I am so sorry I am not there with you today. By that I mean my physical body is not with your physical body. However you know that my heart is right at your side. You also know the only reason I am truly not there is out of respect for your mother and her wishes to minimize the media attention as much as possible. I want your family to have a calm peaceful day. Hopefully we will not see one shot of the funeral on the news. Just know I am at home today projecting positive energy for you and your passing.
I miss you so much already. When I think of something funny I don’t know who to tell it to. I find myself trying to call you but then remember your not there. I think about the new movies we will soon be doing together and then suddenly realise that the dream is over. I always feared this day would come, and often rehearsed how to face it. But once confronted with the reality of it, it’s so much more painful than I could have ever imagined. Nobody will ever understand the brotherhood we shared. Nobody will ever get the inside jokes we told. Nobody will understand the magic of 22/222 . Nobody will ever know how to do the secret Corey handshake. Nobody will ever make me laugh as hard as you did. Nobody will ever make me fight as hard as you did. Nobody will ever challenge me the way you did. Nobody will ever need me the way you did.
My mission in life became saving yours. I never gave up, I tried …I walked away, but I always came back, to let you know I was there. In a dark and lonely world with spiteful angry people we always understood each others pain. I have been so hounded by the media and barraged with condolences since your death that I have not been given my own time to grief. I was still in shock while cameras were chasing me down the street looking for my feelings on the matter. When I did Larry King I could barely form sentences, but knew I had to be strong to send a message.
I never knew your death would have such a huge impact on the world. I learned something Corey, there are a lot of people out there who really love you, and appreciate the joy you have brough tho their hearts. I only wish you could see the way the world is mourning over your absence. I wish you could see how big the story is. I wish you could see your face finally filling the cover of People magazine and Entertainment Weekly! That would have meant so much to you. It is such a shame they all had to wait until you were gone to give you the respect you were due as an actor which is what you truly were. The great Canadian actor Corey Haim! I love you and I will forever keep that ring close to my heart. I will do my very best to help give you a memorial that is a celebration of your life the way you would have wanted it…..with everybody laughing and rocking out!
My heart is so broken and I know there are so many who feel the same way I do. We will remember your spirit and your fans will help me keep your legacy alive.
I pray that you are safe and warm and finally filled with peace.
I love you
CF Core Feldog DAWG C-DOG KID and every other name you used to call me…..dine!
Fans and businesses chipped in to pay for Corey Haim’s funeral, after a plea by his mother to help cover the expenses.
So yet again, we witness the tragic loss of a young celebrity due to drugs. Rest in Peace, Corey.
Source: Corey Haim’s Funeral Draws Hundreds Of Friends, Family And Fans [MTV]
Corey Haim‘s death is now under investigation — and has been linked to an “illegal and massive prescription drug ring.”
State Attorney General Jerry Brown says his office is conducting a probe of Haim’s death because an unauthorized prescription in his name was found during a probe of fraudulent drug-prescription pads in San Diego.
Brown said the prescription drug ring under investigation operates by ordering prescription drug pads from authorized vendors using stolen doctor identities — i.e., identity fraud.
The pads are sold on the street to prescription drug addicts or dealers.
The A.G. notes that many of the doctors whose names are printed on the forms are unaware that his or her identity has been stolen.
All these celebrities dying over prescription drugs, it’s so sad!
source: Corey Haim Connection to Massive Drug Ring [TMZ]
LaRhonda Pettit, daughter of the late James Brown, has stated today that his body has recently disappeared from his crypt.
She claims that the Godfather of Soul’s body was removed in an attempt to stop an autopsy that she has requested. Pettit, 48, believes that her father did not die of a heart attack on Christmas Day in 2007.
Pettit told The Globe newspaper:
“The only way to do that is to exhume his body and have an autopsy. I cannot understand why one was never conducted. It was common knowledge that my daddy took illegal drugs. He was also hooked on various prescription painkillers. At the very least there were enablers who helped cause his death.”
Translation: “I’m broke, and my dad was rich and famous and stuff, but I got nothing. Perhaps there is a doctor or something out there that I can sue. Let’s cut open my dear daddy’s body and poke around a bit. I like Coach purses.”
A lawyer from the family reported to TMZ.com that Brown’s body is still there.
What do you think? Is there some conspiracy surrounding the probable heart attack of a 73 year old drug abuser, or is his estranged daughter making a grab for some headlines?
source: James Brown’s body is missing from crypt: daughter [NY Post]
It’s been a couple of months since the untimely death of Brittany Murphy but it has now been announced that she has left everything to her mother, Sharon Murphy, in her will.
On top of leaving everything to her mother, Brittany’s husband Simon Monjack said that she left him out of the will.
TMZ claim that years before Brittany got married to Simon she wrote up a handwritten will leaving everything to Sharon. That was then stored in her manager’s safe, but after she got married she had a formal will and trust drafted up. Again she left everything to her mother along with a message saying “I am married to Simon Monjack who I have intentionally left out of this will.”
Now before everyone gets their panties in a knot, she probably left him out of her will because she has always supported her mother and because he makes his own money.
Simon also says that Sharon has put the house up for sale for $7.25 million and that when the house is sold both her and Sharon are going to move to New York.
