Famous & Gravy

This person died 2016 at age 69. He suffered a blow in a teenage brawl that caused his left pupil to be permanently dilated. He experimented with startling transformations, often playing up an androgynous image. In the 1980s he had a Broadway run in the demanding title role of “The Elephant Man”. Nirvana chose to sing one of his songs in their legendary brief set on “MTV Unplugged” in 1993. He was the Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane, Major Tom, and Ziggy Stardust. Today's dead celebrity is David Bowie.This episode originally published March 8, 2023.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.comIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 66 “Let's Get Metaphysical” (Olivia Newton-John) and Episode 32 “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for David Bowie17-year old David interviewed about Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenInfamous Bowie Interview on Dick Cavett show in 1974Bowie as musical guest on SNL in 1979“Iman on LIfe with David Bowie” in Vanity FairWill Ferrell and John C Reilly play David Bowie and Bing CrosbyDavid Bowie scene on ‘Extras' with Ricky Gervais“Did David Bowie Say He Supports Fascism” article on SnopesDavid Bowie predicted impact of the internet in 1999 BBC interviewDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2014 at age 85. In the 1930s, she was a determined child actress who sang and tap-danced her way to the height of Hollywood stardom. For at least 5 consecutive years, she was the most popular movie star in America. She was appointed as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly by Richard Nixon. In 1972, she held a news conference in her hospital room after her mastectomy, encouraging women discovering breast lumps to not be afraid. She was the United States ambassador to Ghana from 1974 to 1976, and to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992. Today's dead celebrity is Shirley Temple Black.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com LINKS: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Shirley Temple Black Classic Shirley Temple scene “On The Good Ship Lollipop” “The Child Star Who Wasn't a Cautionary Tale” from The Atlantic Shirley Temple Black on Larry King Live How to Make a Shirley Temple drink Dead or Alive quiz game Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Famous & Gravy official website

This person died in 2019, age 76. In 1958 when he was 14, his father died immediately after performing a roast for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. His dry delivery piqued the interest of Tom Smothers, who offered him a job in the late 1960s as a writer on the “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” He was roommates with Steve Martin for a number of years, and his younger brother is the renowned comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks. His most famous and long-lived character was a witless, deadpan parody of bravado-fueled stuntmen like Evel Knievel. Recently, he starred as Marty Funkhouser on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Today's dead celebrity is Bob Einstein.  This episode originally published December 14, 2022. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 75 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) and Episode 58 “Best in Show” (Fred Willard) LINKS: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bob Einstein Super Dave Osborne King of the Road video Super Dave Bungee Jump video Scene in Modern Romance with Bob Einstein and Albert Brooks “Super Dave, In Memoriam” article in The Yorker “Mourning Marty Funkhouser” article in The Ringer Bob Einstein Official Website The Super Bob Einstein Movie HBO Documentary Dead or Alive quiz game Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Famous & Gravy official website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This person died in 2016, age 69. In an acting career spanning more than 40 years, he played a panoply of fascinating characters. He had his early successes in stage works involving the Royal Shakespeare Company. Though he was never nominated for an Academy Award, he shrugged off the value of awards in general. He gained a worldwide audience in “Die Hard,” playing Hans Gruber, the devious, well-spoken terrorist who took over the fictional Nakatomi Plaza. More recently, he played the notorious professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” series. Today's dead celebrity is Alan Rickman.  This episode originally published November 2, 2022. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 55 “Pure Imagination” (Gene Wilder) and Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini) LINKS: Transcript of this episode New York Times obituary for Alan Rickman Emma Thompson tribute to Alan Rickman Kevin Smith tribute to Alan Rickman Hans Gruber fall in Die Hard Alan Rickman's voicemail bit on Family Guy Alan Rickman takes Jimmy Fallon to task Alan Rickman behind the scenes of Harry Potter as Snape Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This person died in 2016 at age 57. He won an Academy Award in 1985, and a Webby Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He was still a teenager when he was signed to Warner Bros Records, in a deal that included full creative control. His work inspired the formation of the Parents' Music Resource Center, which pressured record companies into labeling albums to warn of explicit content. In 1993 he changed his stage name to an unpronounceable glyph, and for a while he was referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known As”. His chart-topping hits included “Let's Go Crazy”, “When Doves Cry”, and “Purple Rain”. Today's dead celebrity is Prince. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode features Nichelle Carr as guest host, and was produced by Megan Palmer. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 45 “Rebel Rebel” (David Bowie) and Episode 21 “Florida Man” (Tom Petty) LINKS: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Prince Black Women of Amherst College podcast series Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories on Chappelle Show Dick Clark interviews Prince on American Bandstand in 1980 Chris Rock interviews Prince in 1997 Prince's performance at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This person died in 2016 at age 99. She appeared as a nightclub manager in Orson Welles' 1958 “Touch of Evil”, and the same year as a sexy alien in “Queen of Outer Space.” She appeared on scores of talk shows, game shows, comedy specials, and episodic dramas. In 1989, she was arrested for slapping a police officer. She was married at least eight times, and called everyone “Dahlink.” Today's dead celebrity is Zsa Zsa Gabor.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 66 “Let's Get Metaphysical” (Olivia Newton-John) and Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore) LINKS: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Zsa Zsa Gabor “Why I wish I married Zsa Zsa Gabor” from The Guardian Life Advice Straight From Zsa Zsa Gabor's Book  “Judge Slaps Zsa Zsa with 3 days in jail” from LA Times Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game HPB.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This person died in 2014 at age 86. She was a Tony-nominated stage actress, and a calypso dancer for a period of time.. In 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was a college professor and a ubiquitous presence on the lecture circuit, and also made several appearances on Sesame Street. Throughout her writing, she explored the concepts of personal identity and resilience through the multifaceted lens of race, sex, family, community and the collective past. In 1969 she published her landmark book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. Today's dead celebrity is Maya Angelou.  This episode originally published February 8, 2023. Listen to the Sound Judgment podcast in which Michael and Amit discuss this Maya Angelou episode  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 71 “Defiant One” (Sidney Poitier) and Episode 61 “Dame Detective” (Angela Lansburyi). Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Maya Angelou ‘Sound Judgment' podcast discussing this episode Maya Angelou's poem at the 1993 inauguration Tracy Morgan's impersonation of Angelou's Hallmark Cards on SNL Maya Angelou for Froot Loops on SNL performed by David Alan Grier Maya Angelou's Life in Photos in the New Yorker “And I Still Rise” Documentary on Maya Angelou Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game HPB.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This person died in 2021, age 61. His brother Neil once told a reporter that he almost joined the newspaper business as a young man, but that he had deliberately botched an interview. By 1984, he spent four months opening for the comedian Sam Kinison. His sense of humor sometimes got him in hot water. A 2018 article about him said “The dedicated fan will identify two patterns in his television work: It is invariably funny, and it is invariably canceled.” He became familiar to millions as the Weekend Update anchor on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 to 1998. Today's dead celebrity is Norm Macdonald. This episode originally published March 22, 2023.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Norm Macdonald Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game “Norm Macdonald” was the real thing from The New Yorker Trailer for Norm Macdonald's posthumous Netflix special Norm Macdonald returns to SNL as Host Norm's appearance on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” explained Norm's “moth” joke on Conan Norm Macdonald lists his Santa Monica condo for sale “Norm Macdonald Live” video podcast HPB.com Podcast Attributions: WTF Epsiode #219 w/ Norm Macdonald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His mother was a former family court judge, and his father worked for the Xerox corporation. The New York Times once said “He does terminal uncertainty better than practically anyone.” He was a sleepy-looking man with uncombed hair who favored rumpled clothes. He was perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation. He earned Oscar nominations for his performances in “The Master”, “Doubt”, and “Charlie Wilson's War”, and won as Best Actor for “Capote” in 2005. Today's dead celebrity is Philip Seymour Hoffman.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode features Michael Warburton as guest host, and was produced by Megan Palmer. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini) and Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman). Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Philip Seymour Hoffman Mimi O'Donnell's Vogue article Philip Seymour Hoffman on Charlie Rose in 2002 Top 10 Philip Seymour Hoffman performances Bill Burr on Philip Seymour Hoffman Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He taught English at Westminster College in Pennsylvania, and was also a high school teacher. He directed the drama “Music of the Heart,” based on the true story of a woman, who taught violin to underprivileged children in Harlem. He directed his first feature film In 1972 , “Last House on the Left.” He directed the first four movies of the “Scream” franchise starring Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. His most famous creation was the serial killer Freddy Krueger, who, with his razor-blade glove, haunted the dreams of teens in “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Today's dead celebrity is Wes Craven.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode featured Morgan Honaker as guest host, and was produced by Evan Sherer. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 34 “Zombie Mastermind” (George Romero) and Episode 62 “Lord of Horror” (Christopher Lee).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Wes Craven Master of Cinema, Wes Craven documentary 1997 Charlie Rose interview with Wes Craven Wes Craven interviews on Fresh Air archives Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he moved to California in the early 1960s, he befriended the poet Thom Gunn, began entering weight-lifting competitions and joined the Hells Angels on motorcycle trips to the Grand Canyon. As a medical doctor and a writer, he achieved a level of popular renown rare among scientists. He first won widespread attention in 1973 for his book “Awakenings,” about a group of patients with an atypical form of encephalitis or “sleeping sickness” who responded to a new drug treatment with a partial rebirth. In the film adaptation his character was played by Robin Williams. Today's dead celebrity is Oliver Sacks Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer, and features guest host Nicholas Weiler. Play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com and sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 26 “Wild Thing” (Maurice Sendak) and Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman). Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Oliver Sacks Live interview with Radiolab's Robert Krulwich From Our Neurons to Yours podcast from Stanford Neuroscience 1989 PBS Newshour Profile of Oliver Sacks Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2009, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Although often simmering with repressed anger, his characters responded to injustice with quiet determination. He once wrote “I felt very much as if I were representing 18 million people with every move I made.” In a departure from acting, he directed the 1980 comedy “Stir Crazy,” starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. He was the first black performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. His acting credits include “Blackboard Jungle,” “The Defiant Ones,” and “Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.” Today's dead celebrity is Sidney Poitier. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com and sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 43 “Poetic Justice” (Maya Angelou) and Episode 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Sidney Poitier Trailer for ‘The Defiant Ones' “How many African Americans have won an Oscar in all of history” “Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Fierce Resolve” “When Sidney Poitier Risked His Life For Civil Rights” Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine this: You're on a desert island, and you can choose one actor or actress – and ONLY ONE – for whom you get their entire IMDb catalog to pass the time. It's just you, a palm tree, a DVD player (streaming hasn't reached desert islands), and the IMDb catalog of a single performer. Who would you choose? This thought experiment was first proposed by Michael Osborne in our Bill Paxton episode, and now we take the experiment live. Today we bring you a crossover showdown between the hosts of the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast and the Famous & Gravy hosts. Moderated by Jeff Johnson of the podcast A Film By, we humorously debate, argue, and ultimately find out who is in fact the IMDb MVP. Our nominees in this special episode were inspired by Episode 58 “Best in Show” (Fred Willard) and Episode 51 “Goofball Stud” (Bill Paxton).  Links: Transcript of this episode “Surely You Can't Be Serious” on Facebook, Twitter “A Film By” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Samuel L Jackson's IMDb Fred Willard's IMDb Gary Oldman's IMDb Bill Paxton's IMDb Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his last year of college, he won a student Academy Award for a documentary. After his sister died of a rare autoimmune disease called systemic scleroderma, he became a board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. He was cast in the 1987 Richard Pryor film, “Critical Condition.” He directed “Dirty Work,” a comedy starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange. He said he was drawn to jokes with foul language and raw anatomical references because he wasn't supposed to talk that way in his youth. He played Danny Tanner on the long-running sitcom “Full House” and was the host of “America's Funniest Home Videos.” Today's dead celebrity is Bob Saget. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 46 ”Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bob Saget Best moments from the Comedy Central roast of Bob Saget John Posey as Danny Tanner in ‘Full House' pilot “Inside John Mayer's Incredible Friendship With Bob Saget” “The Duality of Bob Saget is What Made Him Special” from The Ringer Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She was just 19 years old when she first played her most iconic role. She offered wry commentary in her books on the paradoxes and absurdities of the entertainment industry. Her first book was made into a movie, directed by Mike Nichols. She had a recurring role on the British comedy “Catastrophe”. She dated Dan Aykroyd and was married to Paul Simon. Her mother was the actress Debbie Reynolds. She played Princess Leia in Star Wars. Today's dead celebrity is Carrie Fisher. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss, and features guest host Jennifer Keishin-Armstrong.. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 56 “Sleepless Sally” (Nora Ephron) and Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Carrie Fisher Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's website So Fetch, by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong “Good Morning America”, Carrie Fisher interviewed with her dog Gary “30 Rock” highlights from Carrie Fisher cameo “Charlie Rose” 1994 interview with Carrie Fisher Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During World War II she drove a truck delivering soap, toothpaste and candy to soldiers. She began her career in radio by saying one word - “Parkay” - on a popular comedy show. In the early 1960s she was best known as a busy freelance guest with game shows as her specialty. She had a longstanding interest in animal welfare. Her television career spanned seven decades and she holds the “Guinness World Record” as the longest ever for a female entertainer. One of her best known roles was as Rose on the television hit The Golden Girls. Today's dead celebrity is Betty White. This episode originally published on May 17th, 2023. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss and includes a guest appearance from Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore) and Episode 11 “Stiletto Comic” (Joan Rivers). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Betty White Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's website Betty White's Opening Monologue on SNL in 2010 Tina Fey and Betty White ‘census' skit on SNL Betty White Snickers Super Bowl Commercial Forest Service makes actress Betty White honorary ranger When Women Invented Television, book by Jennifer K Armstrong HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She amassed No. 1 hits, chart-topping albums and four records that sold more than two million copies each. Her consistently benign music and initial squeaky-clean image caused many to compare her to Doris Day. More than anything else, she was likable, even beloved. For years she was a prominent advocate for cancer research, starting a foundation in her name. She played Sandy in the musical “Grease” alongside John Travolta and had a massive hit in the 1980s with the song “Let's Get Physical.” Today's dead celebrity is Olivia Newton-John. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 38 “A Lovely Lady” (Florence Henderson) and Episode 32 “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Olivia Newton-John “The wild Peruvian experience that changed Olivia Newton-John's life” “Mystery billionaire returns auctioned Grease Jacket” “What made Olivia Newton-John 'horrified' about ‘Let's Get 'Physical'” and music video Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He wrote his most famous screenplay while teaching creative writing at Princeton University. Eight of his films each grossed more than $100 million domestically. He was an outspoken critic of the movie industry, and made headlines when he declared, “Nobody knows anything.” He was called the world's greatest and most famous living screenwriter. He wrote ‘The Princess Bride' and ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Today's dead celebrity is William Goldman. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 52 “Electric Vanities” (Tom Wolfe) and Episode 23 “Book Rancher” (Larry McMurtry).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for William Goldman “The Five Defining Lines of William Goldman” from The Ringer Discussing “nobody knows anything” on Charlie Rose ‘The Princess Bride' movie trailer Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was once described by his coach as “the single most devastating force in the history of the game.” He took part in the 1963 March on Washington and was seated in the front row for Martin Luther King Jr's “I Have a Dream” speech. In 2011, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was remembered for his ability to enhance the talents of his Boston Celtics teammates even as he dominated the action, and to do it without bravado. The trophy for the most valuable player of the NBA championship series is named after him. Today's dead celebrity is Bill Russell.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 49 “Hammer Time” (Hank Aaron), Episode 33 “October Error” (Bill Buckner) and Episode 31 “The Greatest ” (Muhammad Ali).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bill Russell Wall Street Journal Obituary for Bill Russell Politico Obituary for Bill Russell “The Unparalleled Legacy of Bill Russell” from the Ringer “Boston's Checkered History with its Greatest Sports Icon” from CNN Opinion ESPN's list of Top Athletes in 20th Century 5 celebrities the late Bill Russell gave the middle finger to Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His early passion was for football, and he played halfback at Florida State University. He was part Cherokee. He had an often turbulent career that spanned some 100 films and countless television appearances. He had a volatile temperament, but he himself projected an air of nonchalance and professed not to take his career too seriously. He was a self-mocking charmer with laugh-crinkled dark eyes, a distinctive mustache and a hairy chest. He did not always win the respect of critics, though had box-office success with films like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Cannonball Run.” Today's dead celebrity is Burt Reynolds. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 55 “Pure Imagination” (Gene Wilder) and Episode 51 “Goofball Stud” (Bill Paxton).  Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Burt Reynolds Famous & Gravy official website “46 years of Burt Reynolds' Glorious Mustache” in The Washington Post Burt's ‘Cosmopolitan' centerfold in 1972 Clip of Burt Reynolds vs Mark Summers on ‘The Tonight Show' “Burt Reynolds on Toupees, Trump,...” in GQ Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was a physically towering British movie actor with distinguished good looks, a Shakespearean voice, and aristocratic presence. His breakthrough film was the horror movie “The Curse of Frankenstein.” Though closely associated with horror, he maintained that of his roughly 250 movie and television roles, only 15 or so had been in horror films. Even into his 70s and 80s, he could strike fear in the hearts of moviegoers. He played the treacherous light-saber-wielding villain Count Dooku in the “Star Wars” installments, and the dangerously charismatic wizard Saruman in the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies. Today's dead celebrity is Christopher Lee. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode featured Morgan Honaker as guest host, and was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 34 “Zombie Mastermind” (George Romero) and Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman).  Links:  Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Christopher Lee Famous & Gravy official website Christopher Lee BAFTA award Jingle Hell Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She once said “I wasn't very good at being a starlet. I didn't want to pose for cheesecake photos and that kind of thing.” She received two Oscar nominations before the age of 25. In the mid 1950s she found herself cast as either of two types: as she put it, “bitches on wheels and people's mothers.” She was nominated for a Tony award at age 83, a testament to her extraordinary stamina and range. She captured the biggest audience of her career in the 1980s and 90s, when she played the role of mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher on the CBS series “Murder, She Wrote.” Today's dead celebrity is Angela Lansbury. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 50 “Golden Rose” (Betty White) and Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore).  Links:  Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Angela Lansbury Famous & Gravy official website Angela Lansbury's full length fitness video “Cozy Cup of Tea” article from the New Yorker Clip of her first movie appearance in ‘Gaslight' at age 17 Angela's incredible speed singing in the musical “Gypsy” Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was born in Kingston, Jamaica but spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn. In the late 1980s, the influential music producer Rick Rubin signed his group. In 1991, he had an early brush with death when he was shot in the right eye. He was born with dwarfism and stood approximately 3 feet 8 inches tall. He was a member of the Houston-based rap group the Geto Boys, who's biggest singles were ”Mind Playing Tricks on Me“ and “Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta”. Today's dead celebrity is Bushwick Bill.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss and features a guest appearance from Charles Hughes. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 37 “Just a Friend” (Biz Markie). Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bushwick Bill Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Charles Hughes' book “Why Bushwick Bill Matters” Geto Boys' album cover for “We Can't Be Stopped” Bushwick Bill's son Young Knxw official site “Office Space” printer scene Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was the son of a police officer, and he was headed for that career himself when he dropped out of the New York Police Academy to move to San Francisco in pursuit of rock stardom – which he found in 1978. He struggled with drugs in the early 1980s, but he staged several comebacks, and found hits later that decade. He and his family had been the focus of a reality television show on AXS TV. His birth name was Edward Mahoney. His hits include “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” Today's dead celebrity is Eddie Money. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 21 “Florida Man” (Tom Petty) and Episode 45 “Rebel Rebel” (David Bowie). Vote for Famous & Gravy in the 2023 Signal Listener's Choice Awards! Links: Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Eddie Money Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter “Why Eddie Money Was the Patron Saint of Rock Uncool” article in Rolling Stone History of Levittown, NY Eddie Money Geico Commercial Homer Simpson sings “Two Tickets” Dead or Alive Quiz Game Half Price Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years he was a favorite among real-life talk-show hosts, making at least 50 guest appearances on “The Tonight Show.” He made an art of playing characters who are “gloriously out of their depth.” He appeared in more than 700 films and television movies and episodes over a half-century. He was nominated for Emmys for his roles on “Modern Family” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He was a frequent collaborator with the director Christopher Guest with iconic performances in ‘Waiting for Guffman,' ‘Best in Show,' and ‘A Mighty Wind.' Today's dead celebrity is Fred Willard. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss and features a guest appearance from Saul Austerlitz. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein) and Episode 46 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) . Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Fred Willard Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter “Kind of a Big Deal” book about Anchorman by Saul Austerlitz 12 Unforgettable Fred Willard Film and TV Appearances Fred Willard scene from ‘Best in Show' “Wha' Happened?” clip from ‘A Mighty Wind' Fred Willard ‘Bold and the Beautiful' appearance Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before his breakout, his main credits had been a handful of soap operas. His mega-stardom was unexpected. He starred opposite Alyson Hannigan in a 2004 stage version of “When Harry Met Sally”. In recent years, he made dozens of television appearances, including regular roles on the HBO prison drama “Oz” and the crime drama “Riverdale.” His looks were often compared to James Dean. He played Dylan McKay, a bad-boy teenager who struggled with alcoholism on the hit TV show Beverly Hills 90201. Today's dead celebrity is Luke Perry Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for and also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolifini). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Luke Perry Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn Picture of Luke Perry as Freddie Bird Luke Perry Makes The Cover of AARP Sideshow Luke Perry scene on The Simpsons Top 10 Memorable Dylan McKay Moments on 90210 Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1961 she was a summer intern in the Kennedy White House; she once said she was probably the only intern that President Kennedy had never hit on. Her second husband was the Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein. She was a journalist, a blogger, an essayist, a novelist, a playwright, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and a movie director — a rarity in a film industry whose directorial ranks were and continue to be dominated by men. Her box-office successes included “You've Got Mail” , “Julie & Julia” , “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “When Harry Met Sally.” Today's dead celebrity is Nora Ephron. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for and also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore) and and Episode 18 “Darling's Critic” (Roger Ebert). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Nora Ephron Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Erin Carlson website, author of ‘I'll Have What She's Having' Nora Ephron's commencement speech at Wellesley College Nora Ephron documentary “Everything is Copy” by Jacob Bernstein ‘The Nora Ephron We Forget' article in The New Yorker Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was an accomplished stage actor as well as a screenwriter, a novelist and the director of four movies in which he starred. He made his movie debut in 1967 in the celebrated crime drama, “Bonnie and Clyde.” He had haunted blue eyes and an empathy born of his own history of psychic distress. His rule for comedy was simple: Don't try to make it funny; try to make it real. “I'm an actor, not a clown,” he said more than once. In 1971, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance as the wizardly title character in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. This episode's dead celebrity is Gene Wilder. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini) and Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman) Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Gene Wilder Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Pure Imagination scene in ‘Willy Wonka' sung by Gene Wilder ‘Will and Grace' blooper scene with Gene Wilder ‘A Life Lived' episode on Gene Wilder hosted by Stephanie Okupniak Dead or Alive Quiz Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was an unlikely and reluctant pop star, if in fact he ever was one. In the 1960s, he lived in a house on the Greek island of Hydra, where he wrote a pair of novels. He was 33 when his first record was released in 1967. In the early 1970s, his record company concocted an advertising campaign where they called him “the master of erotic despair.” Around 1994, he abandoned his music career and moved to Mt. Baldy monastery, where he was ordained a Buddhist monk. His best-known song, a majestic and meditative ballad which has been endlessly covered, is called “Hallelujah”.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 45 "Rebel Rebel" (David Bowie) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Leonard Cohen Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Sound Judgment podcast episode “How to Make Serious Topics Fun” Leonard Cohen's 75th birthday concert in Barcelona Kate McKinnon sings “Hallelujah” on SNL after Leonard Cohen's death Susan Cain article on Leonard Cohen's music Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History podcast on Hallelujah Rock and Roll Archaeology podcast hosted by Christian Swain Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died in 2022 at age 68. His act fit comfortably into the category of “family entertainment.” He had a self-deprecating style that won him legions of fans, among them Johnny Carson, whose early support catapulted him to stardom. He had roles in “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” and “Coming to America”. He hosted “Family Feud” for three seasons. He was nominated 3 times for a supporting actor Emmy, which he won in 2016. His comedy routine often centered around jokes about his own weight, which topped 300 pounds at times. Today's dead celebrity is Louie Anderson. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 46 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) and Episode 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Louie Anderson Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Sound Judgement podcast and newsletter Louie Anderson's first appearance on Johnny Carson Louie Anderson on playing Winston Churchill in Drunk History “Why Christine Baskets Was One of TV's Greatest Characters” article from NYT Louie Anderson official website HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died in 2018 at age 88. When he graduated college in 1951 he had enough skill as a baseball player to earn a tryout with the New York Giants. He earned his PhD in American Studies from Yale in 1957. Beginning in the 1960s he helped create the enormously influential hybrid of fiction techniques into non-fiction known as the New Journalism. He was instantly recognizable as he strolled down Madison Avenue — a tall, slender, blue-eyed, boyish-looking man in his spotless three-piece white bespoke suit. He authored The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, The Right Stuff, and Bonfire of the Vanities. Today's dead celebrity is Tom Wolfe Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 41 “Viva Bojangles” (Jerry Jeff Walker) and Episode 23 “Book Rancher” (Larry McMurtry).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Tom Wolfe Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Article by Michael Lewis on Tom Wolfe in Vanity Fair “The Making of Tom Wolfe's Radical Chic” in Vulture Trailer for ‘The Right Stuff' movie Trailer for The ‘Bonfire of the Vanities' movie Tom Wolfe's guest appearance on The Simpsons HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died 2017, age 61. He was described as good-natured in assessing his status in Hollywood. In a 1998 interview he said, “I haven't had a role that's propelled me into major stardom. I've had roles that put me on the playing field.” From 2006 to 2011, he played the lead role of Bill Henrickson on the HBO show Big Love. Early in his career, he had small parts in “The Terminator” and “Aliens”,  both directed by James Cameron. He played a car salesman who cheated Jamie Lee Curtis's character in the movie “True Lies”, a treasure hunter in the “Titanic”, an “Apollo 13” astronaut,  and a heroic storm-chaser in the “Twister”.  Today's dead celebrity is Bill Paxton. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 46 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) and Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bill Paxton Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Bill Paxton's “MVP” IMDB page How to remember which is Bill Paxton and which is Pullman from NPR's “How to Do Anything” Music video for “Fish Heads” directed by Bill Paxton Bill Paxton given tribute by storm chasers image from The Verge Conan remembers Bill Paxton clip HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game  

This person died in 2021, age 99. During World War II she drove a truck delivering soap, toothpaste and candy to soldiers. She began her career in radio by saying one word - “Parkay” - on a popular comedy show.  In the early 1960s she was best known as a busy freelance guest with game shows as her specialty. She had a longstanding interest in animal welfare. Her television career spanned seven decades and she holds the “Guinness World Record” as the longest ever for a female entertainer.  One of her best known roles was as Rose on the television hit The Golden Girls. Today's dead celebrity is Betty White. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss and includes a guest appearance from Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore) and Episode 11 “Stiletto Comic” (Joan Rivers).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Betty White Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's website Betty White's Opening Monologue on SNL in 2010 Tina Fey and Betty White ‘census' skit on SNL Betty White Snickers Super Bowl Commercial Forest Service makes actress Betty White honorary ranger When Women Invented Television, book by Jennifer K Armstrong HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died 2021 age 86. He was routinely brilliant, performing with seemingly effortless grace. He did not enjoy the idolatry accorded to his contemporaries. He grew up in Alabama amid rigid segregation, and he faced abuse from the stands while playing in the South as a minor leaguer. He was voted an All-Star in all but his first and last seasons, and he won three Gold Glove awards. The San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds surpassed his home run record in August 2007. In the 1974 season, he eclipsed Babe Ruth as baseball's home run king, hitting 755 homers and holding the most celebrated record in sports for more than 30 years. Today's dead celebrity is Hank Aaron. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 33 “October Error” (Bill Buckner) and Episode 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Hank Aaron Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run clip with Bill Buckner, two teenagers, and mom Hank Aaron Forced America to Change article from The Ringer Hank Aaron on David Letterman in 1982 Charles Schwab commercial with Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds Hank Aaron Was a Franchisee for these 4 fast food chains article from Mashed HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died 2021, age 98. He was a star athlete who lettered in football, basketball and track. He came home from the war in Europe in a body cast, mostly paralyzed, and spent 39 months under intense care. He was a key figure behind the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. He starred in commercials for Visa in 1997, Viagra in 1998, and for Pepsi in 2001. During the 1996 presidential election, he often lapsed into legislative lingo and referred to himself in the third person. Today's dead celebrity is Bob Dole. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 20 “Notorious Dissenter” (Ruth Bader Ginsberg) and Episode 7 “Wiry Gadfly” (Ross Perot). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bob Dole Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Norm Macdonald's impression of Bob Dole on SNL Bob Dole for President 1988 commercial Bob Dole For President 1996 commercial Dole/Kemp ‘96 original campaign website Bob Dole Viagra commercial Bob Dole Pepsi commercial with Britney Spears Norm Macdonald meets Bob Dole ‘Great Presidential Wit' book by Bob Dole HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game

This person died in 2017 at age 80. At age 17, she was hired to appear in a series of commercials for Hotpoint appliances.  In 1980 she won a Golden Globe, and she was nominated for an Academy Award. In 1984, She entered the Betty Ford Center for treatment. She was a key inspiration for forming the character of Liz Lemon – the television writer portrayed by Tina Fey on the sitcom “30 Rock.” Her 1970s self-titled TV show was a balm to widespread anxieties about women in the workforce. Her character faced such issues as equal pay, birth control, and sexual independence. Today's dead celebrity is Mary Tyler Moore. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 43 “Poetic Justice” (Maya Angelou) and Episode 38 “A Lovely Lady” (Florence Henderson).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Mary Tyler Moore Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn The Mary Tyler Moore Show on IMDB Mary Tyler Moore as the Hotpoint Elf in her first role How Mary Tyler Moore Changed Television article on Vox Famous Women Who Married Much Younger Men Meet the Paypal Mafia article on Business Insider Books about Mary Tyler Moore at Half Price Books HPB.com Dead or Alive Quiz Game  

This person died in 2021, age 61. His brother Neil once told a reporter that he almost joined the newspaper business as a young man, but that he had deliberately botched an interview. By 1984, he spent four months opening for the comedian Sam Kinison. His sense of humor sometimes got him in hot water.  A 2018 article about him said “The dedicated fan will identify two patterns in his television work: It is invariably funny, and it is invariably canceled.” He became familiar to millions as the Weekend Update anchor on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 to 1998. Today's dead celebrity is Norm Macdonald. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com for news and updates on the show. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Norm Macdonald Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game “Norm Macdonald” was the real thing from The New Yorker Trailer for Norm Macdonald's posthumous Netflix special Norm Macdonald returns to SNL as Host Norm's appearance on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” explained Norm's “moth” joke on Conan Norm Macdonald lists his Santa Monica condo for sale “Norm Macdonald Live” video podcast HPB.com   Podcast Attributions: WTF Epsiode #219 w/ Norm Macdonald Poker Go Podcast w/ Norm Macdonald

This person died 2016, age 69. He suffered a blow in a teenage brawl that caused his left pupil to be permanently dilated. He experimented with startling transformations, often playing up an androgynous image. In the 1980s he had a Broadway run in the demanding title role of “The Elephant Man.” His son is a director best known for the 2009 film “Moon” starring Sam Rockwell. He was the Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane, Major Tom, and Ziggy Stardust. Today's dead celebrity is David Bowie. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman) and Episode 13 “Stubbled Pop Star” (George Michael).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for David Bowie Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game “”How David Bowie Fearlessly Changed Rock'n'Roll” article from Billboard 17-year old David interviewed about Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men Infamous Bowie Interview on Dick Cavett show in 1974 Bowie as musical guest on SNL in 1979 “Iman on LIfe with David Bowie” in Vanity Fair Will Ferrell and John C Reilly play David Bowie and Bing Crosby David Bowie scene on ‘Extras' with Ricky Gervais “Did David Bowie Say He Supports Fascism” article on Snopes David Bowie predicted impact of the internet in 1999 BBC interview Books about David Bowie at Half Price Books HPB.com

This person died in 2013. His father was an immigrant who held a number of jobs, including janitor, bricklayer and mason. His mother was a high school cafeteria chef. He attended Rutgers University, graduating with a degree in communications. He drove a delivery truck, managed nightclubs and tended bar in Manhattan before becoming interested in acting at age 25. Throughout the 90s he had an impressive list of character-acting credits, but he was largely unknown until David Chase cast him in the role of Tony Soprano in 1999. Today's dead celebrity is James Gandolfini.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss, and includes a guest appearance from Michael Warburton. For updates on the show, please sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling). Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for James Gandolfini Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn James Gandolfini: Tribute to a Friend documentary Guest Michael Warburton's Substack and Twitter Gandolfini Acceptance Speech at 2000 Golden Globes “James Gandolfini was Fat and Sexy” article in Salon SNL Appearance on Weekend Update with Tina Fey Sopranos Opening on The Simpsons “The Night Tony Soprano Disappeared” in GQ Magazine James Gandolfini's 10 Best Non-Sopranos Roles in Parade “Wartorn” PTSD documentary on IMDB produced by James Gandolfini HPB.com

This person died in 2014 at age 86. She was a Tony-nominated stage actress, and a calypso dancer for a period of time.. In 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was a college professor and a ubiquitous presence on the lecture circuit, and also made several appearances on Sesame Street. Throughout her writing, she explored the concepts of personal identity and resilience through the multifaceted lens of race, sex, family, community and the collective past. In 1969 she published her landmark book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. Today's dead celebrity is Maya Angelou. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com. Also, enjoy our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali), Episode 26 “Wild Thing” (Maurice Sendak) and Episode 12 “Emblem of Dignify” (Nelson Mandela).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Maya Angelou Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game Maya Angelou memorial page on Wake Forest University site Maya Angelou's poem at the 1993 inauguration Black Women of Amhert College podcast Tracy Morgan's impersonation of Angelou's Hallmark Cards on SNL Maya Angelou for Froot Loops on SNL performed by David Alan Grier Maya Angelou's Life in Photos in the New Yorker “And I Still Rise” Documentary on Maya Angelou “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” book at Half Price Books HPB.com

This person died in 2021, age 85. He had an irrepressible way, and a distinctive voice. Fox snagged him in the mid-1990s to establish credibility. His Electronic Arts video game evolved into a cultural phenomenon. His influence, steeped in everyman sensibilities, made the NFL. more interesting, more relevant and more fun for over 40 years. Today's dead celebrity is John Madden. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 33 “October Error” (Bill Buckner) and Episode 4 “Ringside Gentleman” (Mean Gene Okerlund).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for John Madden Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game John Madden page on NFL Hall of Fame website “The Genius of John Madden” from The Ringer Frank Caliendo impression of John Madden EA Sports official page for Madden game An exclusive tour inside the Madden Cruiser Chuck Klostermann article in GQ about future of football John Madden's chair at Chuy's in Van Horn, TX John Madden once met Nelson Mandela Residents of the Dakota Building in NYC HPB.com

This person died in 2020, age 78. He grew up in Oneonta, New York. He began his career in the 1960s, hitchhiking and busking around the country before establishing himself in Greenwich Village. Mainstream radio programmers didn't play his music, perhaps because of his gruff, braying singing voice and his reputation for being intoxicated onstage. He became a mainstay of the Texas Outlaw movement that catapulted Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings to fame, years after his best known composition, Mr. Bojangles. Today's dead celebrity is Jerry Jeff Walker. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 19 “Singing Mailman” (John Prine) and Episode 23 “Book Rancher” (Larry McMurtry).   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Jerry Jeff Walker Famous & Gravy official website Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Dead or Alive Quiz Game Jerry Jeff Walker official website Purchase the OK Buckaroos DVD Jerry Jeff performs on Austin City Limits in 1976 Homer Simpson sings Mr. Bojangles “Jerry Jeff Walker, Remembered By…” in Texas Monthly “The Long, Lonesome Roads of Jerry Jeff Walker” in The New Yorker Django Walker official website Gypsy Songman autobiography HPB.com

This person died 2012, age 82. He was among the most recognizable faces in the world. He built an entertainment empire, which expanded into game shows, awards shows, comedy specials, talk shows, children's programming, reality programming, and movies. His signature show had remarkable longevity and became a cultural touchstone for the baby-boomer generation. He was the perpetually youthful-looking television host of American Bandstand and New Year's Rockin' Eve. Today's dead celebrity is Dick Clark.   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Dick Clark Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn New Year's Rockin' Eve December 31, 1999 (millennium) New Year's Rockin' Eve December 31, 2001 (post 9/11) Dick Clark interviews Prince on American Bandstand David Spade as Dick Clark's receptionist on SNL SNL spoof of $25,000 pyramid From Rock to Disco to Hip Hop with Dick Clark article from Slate “Dick Clark: Eternally Light” article from The New Yorker HPB.com

This person died in 2019, age 76. In 1958 when he was 14, his father died immediately after performing a roast for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. His dry delivery piqued the interest of Tom Smothers, who offered him a job on the “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” His younger brother is the renowned comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks. His most famous character was a witless, deadpan parody of bravado-fueled stuntmen. He played Larry Middleman on “Arrested Development” and Marty Funkhouser on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Today's dead celebrity is Bob Einstein.    Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Bob Einstein Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow Famous & Gravy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Super Dave Osborne King of the Road video Super Dave Bungee Jump video Scene in Modern Romance with Bob Einstein and Albert Brooks “Super Dave, In Memoriam” article in The New Yorker “Mourning Marty Funkhouser” article in The Ringer Larry Middleman on the Arrested Development Fan Wiki Bob Einstein Official Website The Super Bob Einstein Movie HBO Documentary HPB.com

This person died 2016, age 82. She starred in “Fanny” on Broadway in the mid-1950s, and did national tours of “Oklahoma!” and “The Sound of Music”. In 1966, she was one of the first women to guest host “The Tonight Show”.  She was in Bobcat Goldthwait's “Shakes the Clown”, in which she played an unnamed woman who has a one-night stand with the title character. She starred in an upbeat, globally syndicated TV comedy as Carol Brady, a woman with three daughters who marries a widower who has three sons. Today's dead celebrity is Florence Henderson. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Florence Henderson Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Profile on Florence Henderson from CBS News Q Scores explained by the Washington Post 14 Best TV Moms from Parade Magazine Shakes the Clown opening scene starring Florence Henderson Video for Weird Al's “Amish Paradise” HPB.com

This person died 2021 age 57. He appeared regularly on the Nickelodeon show “Yo Gabba Gabba!” He collaborated with artists such as the Beastie Boys and Will Smith, and appeared in the movie “Men in Black II,” in which he played an alien disguised as a postal worker who communicates via beatboxing. He was known as the “clown prince of hip-hop” for his playful style and joyous charm, and he had his first and only Top 10 hit with “Just a Friend.” Today's dead celebrity is Marcel Theo Hall, better known as Biz Markie. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for Biz Markie Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn “Just A Friend” official video “Vapors” official video Men In Black II scene featuring Will Smith and Biz Markie Biz;s Beat of the Day on Yo Gabba Gabba! The Untold Story of Biz Markie documentary “20 Years Ago Biz Markie Got the Last Laugh” from NPR “Hip Hop Wouldn't Be the Same Without Biz Markie” article in MIC magazine “Farewell Biz Markie...” article from Roling Stone HPB.com

Episode originally published May 4, 2022.  This person died in 2020, age 73. He was a relative unknown in 1970 when first Kris Kristofferson heard him play one night at a Chicago club. Roger Ebert, the film critic, wrote an early review of him with the headline “Singing Mailman Who Delivers a Powerful Message in a Few Words.” He won a Grammy for best new artist in 1972, and again in 2020 for Lifetime Achievement.  He died of coronavirus. Today's dead celebrity is John Prine. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz app at deadoraliveapp.com   Transcript of this episode New York Times Obituary for John Prine Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn John Prine official website ‘John Prine's Perfect Songs' in the New Yorker ‘John Prine Isn't Counting the Time' from The Ringer Video for ‘When I Get to Heaven' Kacey Musgraves'  “Burn One with John Prine” live version HPB.com

This person died in 2016, age 69. In an acting career of more than 40 years he played a panoply of characters. He had his early successes in stage works involving the Royal Shakespeare Company. Though he was never nominated for an Academy Award, he shrugged off the value of awards in general. He gained a worldwide audience in “Die Hard,” playing Hans Gruber, the devious, well-spoken terrorist who took over of the fictional Nakatomi Plaza. Today's dead celebrity is Alan Rickman.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz app at deadoraliveapp.com   Links: Transcript of this episode Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn New York Times obituary for Alan Rickman Emma Thompson tribute to Alan Rickman Kevin Smith tribute to Alan Rickman Hans Gruber fall in Die Hard Alan Rickman's voicemail bit on Family Guy Alan Rickman takes Jimmy Fallon to task Alan Rickman behind the scenes of Harry Potter as Snape

This person died in 2017, age 77. One of his early commercial films was a segment for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. His first movie, made for $100k, was released when racial tensions were high in the United States.  Of his creations, he said “they are multipurpose, you can't really get angry at them, they have no hidden agendas, they are what they are. I sympathize with them.” He was a horror visionary who created the modern zombie genre with his 1968 cult film, “Night of the Living Dead,” Today's dead celebrity is George Romero.  Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss, and features guest co-host Drew Tinnen. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz app at deadoraliveapp.com Links: Transcript of this episode Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn New York Times obituary for George Romero Drew Tinnin article about Romero on the set of Night of the Living Dead Drew Tinnin article about Romero's Knightriders The American Nightmare documentary

This person died in 2019, age 69.  His father died when he was a teenager, and his mother was a stenographer for the California Highway Patrol. During his two decades in the major leagues, he amassed 2,715 hits, won a batting title, and twice led the league in doubles. When he retired, he moved with his family to a ranch in Meridian, Idaho. His long, solid career was overshadowed by a crushing error that cost the Boston Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets. Today's dead celebrity is Bill Buckner. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz app at deadoraliveapp.com   Links: Transcript of this episode Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn New York Times obituary for Bill Buckner Clip of the 1986 error Bill Buckner attempting to catch Hank Aaron's 715th home run Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 8 Episode 9 clip with Bill Buckner guest appearance The “Buckner Bridge” in Massachusetts ESPN's “Bill Buckner Behind The Bag” featuring Judy Buckner TIME Magazine's “Bill Buckner Forgave Boston” article “Saying Goodbye to the Bill Buckner Myths” from The New Yorker HPB.com

This person died in 2012, age 63. She grew up singing in church and decided in her teens to make music her career. In the late 1960s she joined the Munich company of the rock musical “Hair” and relocated to Germany. Her voice sailed over dance floors and leapt from radios from the mid-'70s well into the '80s. Her music was a template for 1970s disco. Her hits include “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls”, and “She Works Hard for the Money”. Today's dead celebrity is Donna Summer. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. For updates on the show, please sign up for our mailing list at famousandgravy.com. Also, play our mobile quiz app at deadoraliveapp.com Links: Transcript of this episode Famous & Gravy official website Dead or Alive Quiz Game Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn New York Times obituary for Donna Summer Donna Summer on Fresh Air A&E Biography on Donna Summer Donna Summer on the Arsenio Hall Show Homer Simpson's ‘I Work Hard For the Money' Linden Leaf Spirits USA (promo code FAMOUS20) HPB.com