It’s been a sad end to April and start of May with some major names from the world of entertainment passing away.
In no particular order – Bernard Hill.
Bernard was a top English actor with a list of TV and movie credits as long as your arm covering many years.
Many will remember Bernard Hill as Théoden, King of Rohan, in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He also played Captain Edward Smith captain of the ill-fated Titanic in James Cameron’s mega hit movie of the same name.
For me his most notable role was as Yosser Smith from the 80’s drama Boys From The Black Stuff. In that you could see, smell and taste the grim, grit and desolation of northern England in the 80’s. Powerful stuff, and boy, could he dish out head butts!
About the same time we lost a pioneer of rock n roll. That’s Duane Eddie, the man with the twangy guitar.
Duane Eddie had a string of instrumental hits in the early days of rock n roll. One of his most notable, Rebel Rouser took on a new lease of life when it was used in the Forrest Gump movie.
His sound and style influenced many top guitar players who have followed on.
Speaking of music we also lost Richard Tandy recently. A household name? Probably not but Richard Tandy was a key and founding member of Electric Light Orchestra / ELO. Tandy helped leader Jeff Lynne shape the unique sound that made ELO one of Britian’s top bands of the 70’s and 80’s
Richard Tandy was a self taught piano, keyboard player and more than handy guitar player.
Did you follow Game Of Thrones?
In recent days we lost Ian Gelder, a British actor best known for his portrayal of Kevan Lannister on Game of Thrones,
Hands up everyone who watched the hit movie Grease?
Sad to report that the actor who played Patty Simcox, Susan Buckner passed away at the start of May.
Another top actor to pass away recently and way to young was Brian McArdie. The British actor came to prominence in the BBC drama Line Of Duty and alongside Liam Neeson in Rob Roy.
Most everyone watched Survivor when it first started, well the first contestant to be voted off, Sonja Christopher passed way recently after a long battle with cancer.
From these shores, sad to mark the passing of one of the mainstays of Kiwi band Herbs, Willie Hona. Willie also had a long battle with cancer.