oh my word ... i am in total shock and disbelief right now ... actress brittany murphydied early this morning (10:04am) at age 32! this is beyond sad - to be taken at such a young age - i've always liked her - especially in clueless! i feel awful ... i just did a post on her a few weeks ago here on popbytes where i said she always looked a bit crazy - i seriously can't believe she is dead now! i really hope the authorities do a full investigation - her creepy husband simon monjack is a totally shady character! the whole thing sounds odd to me ... what 32-year-old has a heart attack and dies? there's got to be more to this tragic story - which is still developing! may brittany murphy rest in peace :(
Brittany Murphy died early this morning after she went into full cardiac arrest and could not be revived, multiple sources tell TMZ. She was 32. A 911 call was made at 8:00 AM from a home in Los Angeles that is listed as belonging to her husband, Simon Monjack, the Los Angeles City Fire Department tells TMZ. We're told Murphy was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival. SOURCE
In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy. - Nicole Perna, Ms. Murphy's Publicist
oh no! there's very sad news to report ... actor patrick swayzepassed away earlier today at age 57 after losing his two-year battle with pancreatic cancer ... we knew this day was coming but that fact doesn't make it any less sad :( i just talked to my mom - we watched dirty dancing so many times together back in the day (he was so damn handsome) it's hard to believe he's really gone (i loved him in ghost too) he for sure will be missed by everyone - my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends & family - especially his wife (of 32 years) lisa niemi ... these past few months we've lost so many great people - we need a break from all this death and bad news! popbytes over & out for now ... xoxo
Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers' hearts with "Dirty Dancing" and then broke them with "Ghost," died today after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57. "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months," said a statement released today evening by his publicist, Annett Wolf. No other details were given. SOURCE
oh my word! i still am in complete shock over yesterday's extremely sad events - which started off with the heartbreaking news that farrah fawcett lost her long and arduous battle with cancer at the age of 62 (then the afternoon was taken over by the news of michael jackson's shocking and unexpected passing - she became part of the eclipsed celebrity death club) i knew ms. fawcett was in very bad shape but it didn't make the news any less sad - the last three years or so farrah bravely faced and fought her cancer - girlfriend did not go down without an intense fight - her courage & faith was truly inspiring - at least she's not suffering anymore - may she finally rest in peace! farrah had many ups and downs over the years (both professionally and personally) but towards the end - she seemed to be at peace with everything and thankfully she had her long-time partner ryan o'neal by her side right up until the very end - i am praying for her friends and family ... especially her son redmond o'neal - who i sincerely hope can turn his life around and do right by his mom - making farrah a proud 'angel' up in heaven - right about now i'm betting she's hanging out with michael jackson - she must have been like 'what the hell are you doing here?!?' losing two legends in one day was truly too much to bear! i wonder if farrah ever met michael? now they'll be forever tied together ... i remember where i was when i heard about princess diana's unfortunate death in 1997 and i will not be able to forget yesterday's passings anytime soon! i'm beyond emotionally spent at this point - i seriously need to get a little extra rest & relaxation this weekend! much love to all as always - xoxo
oh my gosh - i'm still in a state of utter shock over the very unexpected death of michael jackson earlier today (right on the heels of farrah fawcett sadly losing her long battle with cancer) he was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious (most likely dead) at an estate in los angeles' holmby hills neighborhood where he was staying while gearing up for his highly anticipated comeback tour (more details will be coming out after an autopsy is performed) now i've said a number of things about his eccentric and oddball ways (he was definitely a strange character) but nobody can ever touch his incredible musical legacy - he will be forever the king of pop! i'll never forget when i was probably about 7 years old - the easter bunny brought me thriller on vinyl (which i still have today) i worshiped him when i was a little kid - who didn't? although i wasn't sure if he was up to performing fifty shows - part of me was really hoping that somehow he was going to kick total ass and revive his career - but now we'll never know what might have happened (i keep saying out loud to myself ... i can't believe i'm writing about the passing of michael jackson) this is such a huge loss - my thoughts go out to his family and three children - i'm totally getting flashbacks from the last iconic death - when princess diana passed away suddenly in 1997 - i am NOT comparing them to each other by any means yet both were pop icons in their own right and adored all over the world - below you'll find some quotes on michael's death (i'll keep adding in new ones) along with a video of man in the mirror which i like to consider mr. jackson's anthem - hands down one of his best songs ever! i was at work when i heard about his death - i managed to keep my composure but when i got in the car - that song came on the radio and i immediately burst into tears - MJ is already missed more than he could ever know - michael jackson may you rest in peace - we love you - and you will never be forgotten
"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss." Neil Portnow - President/CEO, The Recording Academy®
"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend." Steven Spielberg [source]
"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless." Madonna
"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80's. To this day, the music we created together on "Off The Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all...talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever." Quincy Jones
"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones." Justin Timberlake
"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time." Elizabeth Taylor's Rep
"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels. Words fail me." Lisa Marie Presley
"I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever." Mariah Carey
"I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist! I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos...I had his poster on my wall...he was so amazing...his singing, his writing, his dancing. ...It's unbelievable that he's no longer with us." Celine Dione
"In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times. We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you - who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever. My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson." Joseph Jackson & Family [source]
oh what a super sad day - legendary star bea arthurpassed away peacefully today here in los angeles at the age of 86 (thankfully surrounded by her family) oh i'm so very upset - i know she was old and lived a great life but i'm still at a complete loss for words - i loved her - she was so damn funny! who didn't adore her on the golden girls or maude (a spin-off of my favorite show of all-time all in the family) two of the best television shows ever! last year i was shocked to find out ms. arthur doesn't have a star on hollywood's 'walk of fame' - i'm hoping she'll be able to get the honor posthumously - she totally deserves it! i know everyone shares the same sentiment when i say - ms. arthur, thank you for being a friend - you are already missed - may you rest in peace xoxo
Beatrice Arthur, the tall, deep-voiced actress whose razor-sharp delivery of comedy lines made her a TV star in the hit shows "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" and who won a Tony Award for the musical "Mame," died Saturday. She was 86. Arthur died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side, family spokesman Dan Watt said. She had cancer, Watt said, declining to give further details. "She was a brilliant and witty woman," said Watt, who was Arthur's personal assistant for six years. "Bea will always have a special place in my heart." SOURCE
oh this is so very sad & tragic - i still cannot believe british actress natasha richardsondied today at the age of 45 - after enduring a serious head injury on a ski slope up in canada earlier this week (this is why i've never gone skiing - or ever will) yesterday there was so much speculation about what her condition actually was - so i was holding out hope that there might be a slim chance of recovery but today she was taken off life support after being declared brain dead (the family released the small statement below) ms. richardson was an amazing actress of stage & screen (i was lucky enough to see her tony award-winning performance in cabaret back in '99 on broadway) i feel awful for her entire family - including husband liam neeson, sister joely richardson, mom vanessa redgrave, aunt lynn redgrave, and her two sons - they were all by her side today at new york's lenox hill hospital - it must be a gut-wrenching decision to take someone off life support but being brain dead is certainly no way to live (i wouldn't want to stick around like that) this is another fine example of why we all need to live each day to the fullest - you just never know what's going to happen ... here today - gone tomorrow ... natasha wherever you may be - you are already dearly missed - rest in peace
"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."
oh no! this very sad news totally just bummed me out - legendary actress, singer and sex kitten eartha kittpassed away today at the age of 81 from colon cancer - she lived a very full life - and was still kickin' even in her later years (she just filmed a PBS special six weeks ago which will air in february) i had the good fortune to see her on broadway a few years ago (2000) in the wild party and she was phenomenal! (there's a clip of her doing a song from the show called 'moving uptown') most people probably know her from her stint as catwoman from the 'batman' TV series (after julie newmar vacated the role) she had tons of spirit and spunk (in fact i posted about eartha back in march) ms. kitt wherever you are - we miss you so much already! popbytes over & out for now...xoxo
good morning! last night when i got home i heard the sad news about legendary '50s pinup girl bettie page passing away at the age of 85 - i kind of expected it after hearing she had been hospitalized last week after suffering a heart attack - sadly she never regained consciousness but at least she's most likely in a better place now - and she definitely lived a full life - i didn't know that much about her until i saw the biopic the notorious bettie page (ms. page was played by gretchen mol who was excellent) i'd highly recommend watching it if you haven't already - she was a true beauty and way ahead of her time - there's no one that even comes close to her today (ok - maybe dita von teese but not really...) ms. page will for sure be missed and i do believe heaven just got a drop more glamorous! popbytes over & out for now...xoxo
With deep personal sadness I must announce that my dear friend and client Bettie Page passed away at 6:41pm PST this evening in a Los Angeles hospital. She died peacefully but had never regained consciousness after suffering a heart attack nine days ago. She captured the imagination of a generation of men and women with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality. She is the embodiment of beauty. - Mark Roesler, business agent for Bettie Page
I think that she was a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced
sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our
society She was a very dear person. - Hugh Hefner
hey everyone - there's sad news to report - yesterday legendary hollywood actor and philanthropist paul newmanpassed away at the age of 83 from lung cancer at his connecticut home which he had been fighting since being diagnosed last year - shortly thereafter he announced his retirement (i'm not able to work anymore...at the level that i would want to. you start to lose your memory, you start to lose your confidence, you start to lose your invention...) rumors were circulating not too long ago that the outlook was not good for mr. newman and yesterday he succumbed to the disease - gosh this is a huge loss for hollywood - they certainly don't make actors quite like him anymore (just look at his body of work) he was nominated for academy awards ten times and finally won an oscar for 1987's the color of money (plus paul was gorgeous when he was younger - those blue eyes of his were totally dreamy) he is survived by his lovely wife of fifty years fellow actress joanne woodward and five daughters (sadly his only son scott newman passed away in 1978 from an accidental drug overdose and inspired paul to create the scott newman center for drug abuse prevention) his spirit and legend will certainly carry on - paul newman - we sure do miss you already - may you rest in peace - xoxo
oh no - there's sad news to report that i heard right when i woke up this morning - comedian and actor bernie mac (born bernard jeffrey mccullough) passed away due to complications from pneumonia at the young age of only 50 - i heard he was in a chicago hospital (admitted august 1st) but i thought everything was fine like his publicist said but unfortunately it was his time to go - he was totally hilarious (i loved the bernie mac show) and will be missed by all of hollywood - i'm still in shock over the whole thing - it's so random and very sad :( popbytes over & out for now...xxoo
oh today is a super sad day - earlier today i heard of the passing of estelle getty and my heart just sank :( she died this morning three days before 85th birthday - i knew she had been sick over the last few years suffering from lewy body dementia (not good times) at least she's in a better place and no longer in any kind of pain or anguish but ms. getty is so missed already - there's been an outpouring of poststoday on the web - everyone loves the golden girls on which she played oh so sassy & feisty sophia petrillo her most famous & beloved role yet she did have a number of great bits in other movies (mannequin, mask, tootsie, and stop! or my mom will shoot) she's the first golden gal to pass onto the other side - i can't bear losing any of the other ladies anytime soon - especially bea arthur (not to discount betty white or rue mcclanahan but maude is my girl) we love & miss you estelle getty and i'd like to say for everyone - thank you for being a friend - xxoo
To all of Estelle's Fans,
Sadly, today July 22, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time, we said our last good-byes to our little friend Estelle, who passed away and made her journey to the great beyond. Although it was a trip that she never wanted to take, she went gracefully, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her family and her very loving care-givers.
Estelle's legacy will live on and on through the comedy and laughter she gave to us all, which will forever keep us laughing out loud.
For us here, who have known and cared for her for so many years, we've lost our dear little friend who always kept us entertained by filling our days with joyful laughter. Estelle's fans across the globe have lost the feisty little lady known as Sophia Petrillo, whose quick wit, cutting remarks, and outrageous punch lines will forever be quoted and remembered.
Estelle was a fighter. She always stood up for the underdogs, fought for equality for all, and always pictured a world filled with "Love and Laughter" -- her most favorite catch phrase.
Estelle, we love you and will miss you dearly. We pray that you are met at the Pearly Gate with open arms and a warm welcome by all who have passed before you. If there's a stage over there, I know you'll be on it. If there's a thrift shop, I know you'll be shopping, and if there's a deli, I know you'll be eating there holding court with Rhoda and Sylvia ... and the laughter will be heard throughout the heavens.
Goodbye, dear friend. Thank you for all the talent and love that you've shared with us during your time here on Earth. You have touched my life, and the lives of so many others who will never forget you.
oh there's sad news to report tonight - legendary comedian & counterculture figure george carlin at age 71 passed away earlier this evening at a santa monica hospital from heart failure - he was admitted today complaining of chest pains and then died around 6pm - gosh he was so fucking funny - i remember when i was a kid - my dad had a record of one of his stand-up routines that included his infamous & hilarious bit about 'the seven words that you can't say on TV' which you'll find embedded below (obviously the audio is not safe for work) mr. carlin will surely be missed - they broke the mold when he was made! popbytes over & out...xxoo
hey everyone - oh there's a bit of sad news to report - a dog named oscar (aka the 'met bar' dog) over in london became a four-legged friend to many celebrities over the years - his owner dennis gill would sell a magazine called the big issue on the street benefiting the UK homeless population and then asked celebs to take a picture with the bandana wearing german shepherd - the two became quite famous on the local scene - just have a look at a few of the celebrities oscar got to pose with below - sadly oscar passed away just last week after losing a three year battle with cancer - he will certainly be missed by his owner and celebrity friends! popbytes over & out for now...xxoo
sad news this weekend in hollywood - legendary oscar-winning actor charlton heston passed away yesterday at the age of 84 with his family by his side - he had an amazing run - plus was quite good looking back in the day - below is a shot of mr. heston as 'moses' in the ten commandments with anne baxter (who passed away in 1985) i loved him in the original planet of the apes back in 1968 - that updated version from a few years ago totally sucked! in recent years mr. heston was a bit on the crazy side - he was president of the 'national rifle association' from 1998-2003 and you'll probably recall him being interviewed in michael moore's oscar-winning documentary bowling for columbine (watch the clip) i prefer to remember him as a great larger than life actor - popbytes over & out - xxoo
to his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. charlton heston was seen by the world as larger than life. he was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.
we knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. he served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. he loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.
no one could ask for a fuller life than his. no man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country. in his own words, "i have lived such a wonderful life! i've lived enough for two people." - the heston family
oh good evening - gosh i feel terrible (along with everyone else) about the unfortunate passing of hunky & talented actor heath ledger - it was so unexpected & shocking! my friend vanessa instant messaged me with the news earlier today - at first i thought it was a joke but i quickly realized mr. ledger had in fact passed away at the young age of 28 in his new york city soho apartment! i feel awful for his friends & family - most notably his young daughter matilda rose who will never really get to know her father (his ex michelle williams is devastated over the news and is flying to NYC) i didn't want to post about this tragic event again but i can't get him out of my mind - you just never know what's going to happen from day to day - rest in peace heath! popbytes over & out for now - much love to all as always - xxoo
"We, Heath's family, confirm, the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time. We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our families need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately." - The Ledger Family
"This is an unimaginable tragedy. Heath was a true artist, a deeply sensitive man, an explorer, gifted and wise beyond his years. There is no finer person on this earth." - Todd Haynes (Director)
"The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends." - Allen Horn & Jeff Robinov of Warner Bros.
"We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this accident. This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones and we are asking the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known." - Mara Buxbaum (Heath's publicist)
"Although I only worked with Heath for a short time a number of years ago, I do remember him as a warm and extremely talented actor. He was very funny and I remember having a great time with him. I know everyone on the crew enjoyed working with him and the producers wanted him to stay with the show for much longer. My heart goes out to his family and to his little girl. It is such a sad day for so many people in our industry." - former 'Home & Away' co-star Kate Ritchie
"What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to Heath's family." - Nicole Kidman
"I had such great hope for him. He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." - Mel Gibson
oh my god! this is crazy - heath ledger was found dead today at age 28 in his NYC soho apartment - i don't know what to say - how tragic! the story is still developing...oh man - this is simply awful and quite unexpected! my heart goes out to his family and little girl matilda rose (he split from baby mama michelle williams back in sept '07 after being together for three years) i don't want to jump to conclusions but it sounds like it was a drug related death - such a shame - he was so damn good looking and very talented (he received a best actor academy award nomination for brokeback mountain back in 2006) oh my word - i'm still in complete shock - how sad! popbytes over & out for now...xxoo :( (UPDATE:statements on the death of heath ledger)
The actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in an apartment building at 421 Broome Street in SoHo, according to the New York City police. Mr. Ledger was 28.
At 3:31 pm, a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the building for an appointment with Mr. Ledger, the police said. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger's bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play. Officials said pills fear found near the body. READ MORE...
oh we knew this was coming but i still can't believe she's gone - tammy fayepassed away yesterday at the age of 65 after a very long hard battle with cancer (she was quickly cremated and buried today) just the other night she got up the strength to appear one more time on larry king - it was her way of saying goodbye to her fans and also showing that you fight until the end - i so admired her amazing spirit & faith which she held onto until the very bitter end - she will not soon be forgotten - and finally she can have her hamburger & french fries she so desperately wanted to have but couldn't - i know she's up in heaven smiling down on all of us - i'm not a religious person by any means but for some reason i really took to her kind heart & beautiful spirit - we miss you already and love you dearly tammy faye - popbytes over & out for now - xxoo
don't let fear rule your life, live one day at a time, and never be afraid
more sad news! one of the greatest opera singers ever - beverly sills (nicknamed 'bubbles') passed away today at the age of 78 from lung cancer (just a few days ago word broke she was very ill) her rise to fame is such an interesting story - born in brooklyn in 1929 - ms. sills helped put america on the map when it came to the opera scene - i'm not a huge fan of opera but it is quite beautiful to listen to now and again - beverly retired from singing in 1980 (and continued to have an accomplished career in the arts - she even was chairman of the NYC's metropolitan opera) below is a quote which shows her grace & elegance along with a video showcasing her incredible voice - ms. sills will be missed! popbytes over & out for now...xxoo
my voice had a long, nonstop career. it deserves to be put to bed with quiet and dignity, not yanked out every once in a while to see if it can still do what it used to do. it can't. - beverly sills
oh man there's sad news from yesterday - movie critic joel siegelpassed away at the age of 63 having lost his long battle with colon cancer - he had been with ABC news since 1976 - i always loved his humor and punchy good natured reviews! (a critic that people could trust - joel kept things simple & real) he was actually working right up until the end - i just saw him a few weeks ago on TV - so when i heard the news of his death i was surprised & saddened - he will surely be missed - good morning america won't be the same without mr. siegel! popbytes over & out for now - xxoo
joel was an important part of abc news and we will miss him. he was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. but much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. our thoughts and prayers are with his family. - david westin, president ABC news
i read this morning that claudia cohenpassed away at the young age of 57 yesterday - i was shocked - i didn't even know she was sick! she had been battling stomach cancer for six years but lost the fight last night at the memorial sloan-kettering cancer center in NYC surrounded by her family - including her daughter samantha and her ex-husband ron perelman - she was a top gossip maven covering the new york socialite scene - i remember her most for her gossip updates on live with regis & kathy lee (claudia is pictured below on the right w/ kathy) she also appeared on the show when kelly ripa took over co-hosting duties in fact i feel like i saw her not that long ago on regis' show - plus she had a column in the NY daily news called i, claudia! gosh...here today gone tomorrow - sad but true! ms. cohen's humor & wit along with a sharp & keen eye for gossip will be greatly missed! popbytes over & out for now...xxoo
