It’s a sad day in Hollywood today because Andy Whitfield, who starred in ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’, has passed away at the young age of 39.
The actor, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma 18 months ago, passed away on Sunday night in Sydney, Australia, his manager tells the AP.
Whitfield was born in Wales but moved to Australia in 1999 and had a few minor roles before being cast on the hit Starz show.
His wife, Vashti, released a statement saying “on a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer, he passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.”
Andy announced back in September 2010 that he would not be starring in the second season of ‘Spartacus’ because of his condition so the network decided to do a 6-part prequel without the actor before. When his condition worsened they replaced him with Liam McIntyre.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield, we were fortunate to have worked with Andy in `Spartacus’ and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life.” Said Chris Albrecht, the President and CEO for Starz.
Legendary Motown singer and songwriter Nick Ashford has passed away after battling throat cancer in a New York Hospital, he was just 70-years-old.
Ashford and his wife Valerie Simpson, who together were known as Ashford & Simpson, wrote some of the biggest Motown songs back in the 60′s and 70′s.
The couple, who married back in 1974, were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 for writing such classic songs as ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,’ I’m Every Woman,’ ‘You’re All I Need to Get By,’ ‘Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)’ and ‘Let’s Go Get Stoned.’
On top of writing songs for the biggest performers back then also performed their own music and produced sixteen albums together, probably their most successful single ‘Solid’ is below for your enjoyment.
As well as Simpson, Ashford is survived by their two daughters.
Ever since the awful news that Amy Winehouse passed away on Saturday afternoon at her home in London there has been tons of different stories about what may possibly have happened so it’s hard for me to whittle them all down. I’ll start with the latest from TMZ that confirms Amy died alone in bed.
Chris Goodman, one of Amy’s close friends and her rep, spoke to TMZ and said that Amy was found dead in bed by a security guard who had been looking after her. Goodman says “she was in her bedroom after saying she wanted to sleep and when he went to wake her he found she wasn’t breathing. He called the emergency services straight away. He was very shocked. At this stage no one knows how she died. She died alone in bed.”
Meanwhile there is rumors that Amy went and bought drugs from a well-known dealer in Camden the night before she died and then went on a binge doing cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. A source says “it was an ecstasy overdose. She could do cocaine until the cows come home. But this was obviously a dodgy pill.”
Now it must be noted that the drug story hasn’t been proven and her autopsy results aren’t in yet so the exact cause of Amy’s death is still unknown but according to the Daily Mail report that during a preliminary police investigation there was no drugs found in her home, instead the Daily Mail claim that Amy went on a drinking binge.
They report that Amy, who has long suffered with her addictions to alcohol and drugs, was upset after she and her on-off boyfriend, Reg Traviss, broke up so she decided to have a drinking binge with vodka.
Amy’s mother has spoken about her daughter’s death and she said that she seen her the day before she died when Amy told her she loved her. She says “they are the words I will always treasure, I’m glad I saw her when I did.” She also apparently thought what we all thought and said “it was only a matter of time.”
As celebrity reactions in on Twitter, the most touching is probably Russell Brand‘s blog. Part of what he wrote is “Now Amy Winehouse is dead, like many others whose unnecessary deaths have been retrospectively romanticised, at 27 years old. Whether this tragedy was preventable or not is now irrelevant. It is not preventable today. We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy’s incredible talent. Or Kurt’s or Jimi’s or Janis’s, some people just get the affliction. All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill.” You can read his full blog here.
This is all very sad, I’m sure details will be flooding in all week.
Lamar Odom was involved in a car accident in New York City over the weekend that seen his car crash into a motorcyclist and a 15-year-old boy. Now it’s been announced that the 15-year-old has since passed away due to injuries from the crash.
Lamar, who was in New York to attend the funeral of his cousin, was being chauffeured so he wasn’t driving at the time of the accident but after the accident he was seen to be crying.
Now the boys family have confirmed to TMZ that he has since passed away from injuries from the accident. The 15-year-old was just walking on the sidewalk when the accident happened and the motorcycle was “propelled” towards him.
He was then rushed to the nearest hospital where nurses and doctors tried to save his life but sadly they weren’t able to and he died the next day. His funeral took place yesterday.
Lamar, who is said to be devastated by it all, took to his Twitter last night to write “My thoughts and prayers are with the young boys family…”
Khloe Kardashian, who was also in New York to attend Lemar’s cousins funeral but wasn’t involved in the accident, also took to her Twitter page to write “My heart/soul goes out 2every1 in pain from any suffering. Pray 4all of the angels surrounding us constantly. May our spirits stay strong.”
This is all very sad, not to be bad but is it just me who is wondering how long it will take for the family to launch a lawsuit?
It’s a sad day in Hollywood today because news that legendary Peter Falk passed away has hit the headlines, the 83-year-old Columbo star had been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A rep for the Academy Award nominee said that he died peacefully at his home in Beverly Hills and that he is “survived by his wife, Shera, of 34 years and two daughters from a previous marriage.”
Back in 2009 his wife, Shera, and his daughter, Catherine Falk, were locked in a court battle over over the creation of a conservatorship for Peter and who would take control of it. In the end a judge ruled that his wife would get the conservatorship over the actor.
Peter played Columbo on 69 episodes from 1968 to 2003 ad he won four Emmys for the role that saw him become a Hollywood legend. To keep his memory going in your head here are a few photos of the legend. May he rest in peace.
DJ Megatron, a hip-hop DJ and a regular host on BET’s 106 & Park, was shot and killed on Sunday morning near his home in Staten Island. He was just 32-years-old.
Megatron, real name Corey McGriff, was apparently on his way to buy a cigar at 2am when he was shot and killed. The reason behind the murder is unknown but his family and friends are saying it was just a random shooting.
When police arrived on the scene they found him lying face down with his wallet and cell phone still on his body, which makes it seem like this wasn’t a robbery. He was shot once in the chest.
Keith Robinson, a brother of Megatron’s fiancee, said it was just simply “the wrong place at the wrong time” for Megatron. He leaves three children behind. R.I.P.
It’s a sad day in Hollywood today as screen legend and icon Elizabeth Taylor passed away from a congestive heart failure early this morning at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She was 79. Her son, Michael Howard Wilding, released a statement that said:
“My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love,” he said. “Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts.”
A rep said she was surrounded by her children, Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton, right before she died. May she rest in peace.
The world of hip-hip and rap lost another legend yesterday after it was announced that Nate Doggpassed away after having health issues for the past few years. He was just 41-years-old.
Nate Dogg, whose real name is Nathaniel D. Hale, passed away yesterday his family announced but the cause of death is unknown. He suffered two strokes in recent years – one in 2007 and then another in 2008. Snoop Dogg, who was part of the 213 group along with Nate and Daz Dillinger, took to his Twitter account to write:
“We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met
I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit
I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan
all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!
RIP NATE DOGG.”
Death is one of those things that I never know what to say and what not to say. Sad news at such a young age. R.I.P
Alice in Chains’ former bassist Mike Starr was found dead at a house in Salt Lake City yesterday, the cause of death is unknown but it’s looking likely it was from drugs. He was just 44.
Mike starred in the third season of Celebrity Rehab back in 2009 and came through sober for 6 months but that didn’t last too long and then last month he was caught with Xanax and Opana last month in Salt Lake City. Mike’s former bandmates Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney issued a statement to People saying:
“Jerry and Sean are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy – and the privacy of Mike’s family – during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with Mike’s family.”
Dr. Drew Pinsky took to his Twitter and said “Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness. So very sad. Our prayers are with his family.”
Mike’s roommate has told TMZ that a few hours before his death Mike was mixing up methadone and anxiety medication, he was taking the methadone to try get sober again. His roommate said “Mike was a beautiful person who was fighting to stay sober … I am going to miss him greatly.”
It’s a sad sad week for actor Martin Short. His wife Nancy has passed away on Saturday at their home in the Pacific Palisades.
In 2007, she was diagnosed with cancer and it was also found that she had a growth in her groin area. It wasn’t clear if her death was related to the cancer as of yet, as autopsy results are still pending.
The L.A. City Fire Department was called at around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and spent roughly 30 minutes at the Short home. They were unable to resuscitate her and did not take her to a hospital. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple met in 1972 and have three adult children together. Such a tragedy. RIP Nancy Short. Our condolences to the family in this tough time.
source: EXCLUSIVE: Martin Short’s Wife Dead – [radar online]
British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead in his London apartment early yesterday morning according to news reports, he was just 40-years-old.
According to reports the police were called by London Paramedics to his apartment at around 10:20 a.m. after the body was discovered, according to some sources he was found hanging.
A statement was released saying “Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home, at this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”
Just last week his mother, Joyce McQueen, passed away to which he went on his Twitter page (which is now deleted) to say “I’m letting my followers know the my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIPmumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. but life must go on.”
To make this even more sad, Alexander McQueen was due to show off his new collection during Paris Fashion Week next month. A true legend in the fashion industry, he will live on forever through his clothes.
Erik Gates, commonly known as a regular rocket expert on “Mythbusters”, has passed away at the young age of 47.
He starred in four episodes of the Discovery Channel show and passed away on December 20th as a result of a freak accident, we’ve learned.
He was said to have fallen through a skylight on Sunday and suffered blunt force to his chest, which led to his untimely death. The accident occurred on the work site of his brother’s company, Xirrus.
For those of you who don’t know about Brittany Murphy’s sudden death yesterday I will give you a quick rundown. A 911 call was placed from the 32-year-old’s actress home yesterday and after paramedics tried to help her they brought her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m.
Foul play is not suspected but police say they are doing a routine investigation into her death and hope to do an autopsy at some stage today. As soon as news of her sad death broke celebrities took to their twitter accounts and spoke to newsoutlets about the loss….
Alicia Silverstone: “I always felt connected to her as we shared a very special experience in our lives together, I feel love in my heart for her – and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad.”
Donald Faison: “Brittany was one of the sweetest people you will ever meet,” Faison said in a statement to MTV News regarding the actress, who co-starred with him in the 1995 hit “Clueless.” “She had the voice of an angel and a genuine heart of gold. I’m very happy to have known and worked with such a special person. My heart goes out to all of her loved ones.”
Jessica Simpson: “Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of light to so many people. Her smile was contagious. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.”
Ashton Kutcher: “2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon. See you on the other side, kid.”
Lindsay Lohan: “My deepest condolences go out to all of Brittany Murphy’s loved ones& may she rest in peace….She was a great talent w/a beautiful soul xo”
Alyssa Milano: “Brittney Murphy and I did a USO Tour together in 2003. She was a sweet soul, with a lot of talent and heart.”
Fred Durst: “RIP Brittany Murphy. What a sweet human being. My prayers are with her friends and family.”
Soleil Moon Frye: “am beyond words by the loss of Brittany Murphy. I was so blessed to know your grace. My heart goes out to your mama+ loved ones.”
Ann Curry: “NBCnews just confirmed actress Brittany Murphy died at 10:04am PT today. O man.”
Eliza Dushku: “My heart aches having just learned of Brittany Murphy’s death, we were friends time-to-time through the years. I always admired her pure spirit.”
Kevin Smith: “Never met her, but sad to hear about Brittany Murphy. G’night, Ms. Murphy; hope you’re rollin’ with the homies someplace nice.”
Kim Kardashian: “I am in shock that Britney Murphy has died! Clueless is my all time favorite movie. My prayers go out to her family & husband.”
Juliette Lewis: “I am so sad about Brittany Murphy. Too young. She always seemed like she wanted to please everyone.”
Paris Hilton: “So sad to hear about Brittany Murphy, such a tragedy. She was such a beautiful, funny and sweet girl. My heart goes out to her family.”
Jamie Kennedy: “Britney they say died of cardiac arrest from anorexia. Jesus christ how long before we realize we r too hard on women in this biz?”
Josh Groban: “Hollywood loses another bright soul….how many more? A decade of decadence and devastation. Time to wake up.”
Christian Kane: ” Ive lost a true friend. She was beautiful inside & out. She taught me it was ok 2 B a little crazy. She was my sister. I’ll miss u Brittany.”
Peter Facinelli: “Brittany Murphy… U were Bold, Brave, and Beautiful. Thank you 4 being the free spirit u were, and always putting a smile on my face.”
Elisha Cuthbert: “32 is no age to leave the world. My heart goes out to Brittany Murphy’s family.”
Mena Suvari: “I’m just so devastated now. Found out Brittany Murphy died earlier this morning & I’m shocked. We worked together & I knew her for years. She was an amazing person, an amazing actress & so full of life. I always admired her in so many ways. May you rest in peace…â€
Rose McGowan: “Very depressed about Brittany Murphy… She was like champagne-sparkly & bubbly. Whenever I saw her, it was always laughter. Thankfully, her laugh will forever be preserved on film.â€
Julie Benz: “Sending love and prayers… So sad to hear about Brittany Murphy.”
John Stamos: “Drag losing Brittany – she was endearing, bright and talented – forever always young. Sad.”
Rachel Leigh Cook: “I once told someone, ‘Brittany Murphy was so nice to me that I’m worried she has me mixed up with someone else.’ But thats just how she was.”
Dakota Fanning: “My thoughts go out to her family & friends. I am just very grateful that I had the chance to work with her.â€
Denise Richards: “Brittany Murphy was in Drop Dead Gorgeous with me and was the sweetest and most adorable. Tragic, sad & devastating. Her poor family.”
In what is is her last interview ever, Brittany Murphy seemed happy and was looking forward to the new year and starting a family with her husband.
This is really sad.
source: Stars Tweet Their Brittany Murphy Mourning [E Online]
Following earlier reports that Chris Henry was facing life threatening injuries, it has now been announced that he has sadly died.
Police said that the Cincinnati Bengals receiver died at 6:36 a.m. following a domestic dispute with his fiancee which resulted in her driving off in a vehicle, he then jumped on the vehicle but according to police he fell off about half-mile into the drive.
His fiancee, Loleini Tonga, had posted on her MySpace page that they had just bought their wedding rings yesterday, she hasn’t logged in since then.
Henry’s agent released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness to learn Chris has passed away, for those who knew Chris, he was nothing like his public perception. A loving and caring individual, he was thankful for what he had in life, and proud of what he had overcome.”
Henry has been arrested in the past for marijuana possession, gun possession and assault but he was given a second chance by the Bengals’ owner and had since cleaned up his act.
Chris Henry was just 26-years-old and leaves three children behind.
