A Tearful Farewell...

'Hawaii Five-O' Actor James MacArthur Dead at 72

October 28, 2010 | Remembered

James MacArthur, best known through the catchphrase "Book 'em, Danno" from the original "Hawaii Five-O," died Thursday. He was 72.
His family was at his side at the time of his death, according to a statement. No further details, including a cause, were given.

The actor son of famed screenwriter Charles MacArthur and theater legend Helen Hayes played Detective Dan Williams on the original 1970s TV series for 11 seasons. He also made several films, including Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Battle of the Bulge."
Peter Lenkov, executive producer of the new "Hawaii Five-O" remake, sent regards to MacArthur's family. "We've lost a special part of our heritage today," Lenkov said in a statement to EW.com. "James' talents and memorable role helped bring this series to life and his support of our remake meant the world to us."

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2010/10/hawaii_five-o_actor_james_macarthur_dead_at_72.php#ixzz13iOOeLZB

(Jim MacArthur was a very kind, gentlemanly man. I had the privilege of exchanging several e-mail messages with him a few years ago, and I could not have asked for more kindness than I received in his messages. He told me to call him 'Jim', and was very polite and friendly in his responses to my messages. I felt he was more than just a stranger whom I was chatting with via e-mail. I felt he was a friend whom I had long admired from a distance for his acting talent, and whom I was not surprised to find was also a wonderful person in real life. I also feel as though I can say I knew him, a little, and was befriended by him on the internet. He is well loved by millions of fans internationally, and will be mourned and very much missed by all of them, especially me. RIP, Jim. It was an honor knowing you and sharing in your long and multi-faceted acting career. My condolences to your family and friends. Anna)

Another Passing...

Hello,
Today, I am deeply saddened by the news that another creative talent has been taken from us.
The great graphic artist, Frank Frazetta, passed away on Monday May 10, 2010, in Ft. Myers, FL, at the age of 82, after suffering a stroke.
Frazetta was best known, in artistic circles, and among fans, for his bold, graphic illustrations which have graced the covers and pages of the works of such popular writers as Edgar Rice Burrows (famous for his 'Tarzan' and 'Mars' stories), and Robert E. Howard (best known for his 'Conan' novels). Frazetta's skill bestowed a lifelike quality and realistic sense of movement and action to his drawings and paintings.

Yet, only a small portion of the public is aware that Frank suffered a series of strokes during the mid to late 1990's which left him with minimal use of his right hand. Being right-handed, Frazetta actually practiced and retrained himself to the point where he could draw and paint as well with his left hand as he had ever done with his right. An amazing achievement for an amazing man which just goes to show what perseverance and determination can accomplish.
Frazetta is survived by his children and grandchildren; his wife, Ellie, having passed away last year. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and a large, international fan-base, including yours truly. R.I.P., Frank.
Anna

(Footnote: The reason I had not written this posting sooner is because I wanted to get the words just right in order to make this a fitting tribute to a truly wonderful and talented man. A.)