R I P – Richard Simmons, and others
Richard Simmons, the effervescent fitness guru who inspired millions to embrace exercise with joy and enthusiasm, has passed away at the age of 75.
Simmons first rose to fame in the 1980s with his infectious energy and unique approach to fitness. His popular workout videos, characterized by vibrant outfits and upbeat music, turned exercise into a fun and accessible activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. With his iconic “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, Simmons became a household name, helping countless individuals improve their health and well-being.
In 2011, Simmons delighted fans with a surprise return in an Air New Zealand safety video, alongside TV personality Paul Henry. The video, which quickly went viral, showcased Simmons’ trademark exuberance and reminded the world of his enduring charm and charisma.
Word has come through that Simmons passed away aged 76.
Throughout his career, Simmons was more than just a fitness instructor; he was a beacon of positivity and self-acceptance. He dedicated his life to motivating others, often sharing his own struggles with weight and self-image to connect with those seeking to improve their lives.
Richard Simmons leaves behind a legacy of laughter, inspiration, and unwavering support for those on their fitness journeys. His impact on the world of health and wellness is immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed by fans and friends alike.
Who was a fan of the hugely popular 80’s show Alf?
Alf’s the alien’s human buddy Brian Tanner played by Benji Gregory passed away recently near his home in Arizona.
The cause of death has been given as vehicular heatstroke. Very sad.;
Sadly life had not treated Benji Gregory kindly in recent years, his sister Rebecca told TMZ the actor had suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and was afflicted by an insomnia disorder that often kept him awake for days.
Another to leave us in recent days was American actor Shelley Duvall.
The star of the screen featured in The Shining, Popeye and Nashville to name a few.
However reports indicate that Shelley Duvall hadn’t been seen in recent years.
The cause of death is given as complications from diabetes
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One of the big names of the big screen has recently past away.
Donald Sutherland left us aged 88.
The Canadian born actor left a huge legacy of work spanning several decades.
In an interview he said he wasn’t from a acting or drama family and wasn’t interested in acting until his teenage years when he told his dad that he wanted to become an actor, at that stage he hadn’t even seen a stage play, but he wanted to become an actor.
Like many of his peers, he trod a long path before his a couple of big breaks came. One working alongside Hollywood hardman Lee Marvin in Kelly’s Heroes and as Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman’s “M.A.S.H.
Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” and Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films.
Donald Sutherland’s acting son Keiffer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.”
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Nick Mavar, a deckhand on Deadliest Catch for 16 years, has died at the age of 59.
Mavar died on June 13 after suffering a medical emergency at an Alaska boatyard. He had been in 98 episodes of Deadliest Catch before leaving in 2021 after experiencing an emergency medical situation regarding his appendix on the popular show.
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John Barbata – Followers of 60’s American rock n roll will be familiar with the hits of The Turtles. They had a string of hits in the 60’s including Can I Get To Know You Better, Elenore and Happy Together.
John Barbata was behind the drum kit on most of those great songs giving them a distinctive snap and oomph and twirling the sticks.
His first recording with the band was Happy Together. Barbata said later that Happy Together was recorded in one take when he was being tried out to replace their previous stick man.
Barbata’s career didn’t end when The Turtles called it a day, he went on to work with Crosby, Stills, Nash followed by a stint with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship before he quit rock ‘n’ roll.
The self taught drummer died recently aged 79, no cause of death has as yet been given.
Last but certainly not least, kiwi muso Roger Fox.
Fox with his trombone brought jazz to the masses so to speak.
With his Roger Fox Big Band he toured New Zealand relentlessly and performed overseas regularly. He was also renown as a jazz educator.
I’m seem to recall seeing Fox perform at the old Civic Theatre with late Tommy Adderly and Maynard Ferguson and his band, they were hot!!