The Last Ovation Podcast

Tommy Kirk was a classic Disney child actor, starring in dozens of films and making big money for the studio.  But as he grew older, his celebrity status waned until the fateful day when he was cast aside by the industry he sacrificed his childhood for.    Opening and Closing Music Credit: Deadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License: CC BY 3.0 https://goo.gl/Yibru5

Jean Harlow, the Original Blonde Bombshell, was on the fast-track to becoming Hollywood's brightest new star.  But just 10 years into her career, Jean suddenly died, but the imprint she left in cinematic history, will live on forever.   Opening and Closing Music Credit: Deadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License: CC BY 3.0 https://goo.gl/Yibru5

Annette Funicello was America's Sweetheart. Her fans loved her, and she loved everyone in return. A Mouseketeer for life, Annette was the Disney Queen, and she was simply "Annette". The Mickey Mouse Club Music - All rights to Walt Disney Productions

Tim Bergling created an electronica superstar named Avicii. Fans worldwide danced to his music and celebrities flocked to perform with him. Even with that popularity, though, Tim was struggling to keep going.

Luciano Pavarotti breathed new life into opera during a time when opera was being displaced. The King of High C's knew how to entertain the masses, and his songs still top the opera charts.

Susan Cabot never made it past the B-List in Hollywood. Her career was over before it had ever begun and she eventually lived a reclusive lifestyle until she was murdered at the hands of her own son.

Billie Holiday never had an easy life. From birth she had to fight her way to the top, and poverty was the only life she ever knew. And yet she remains one of America's most notable jazz performers.

Jon-Erik Hexum had it all. Good looks, a strong career and an adoring fan base. Sadly, it all came crashing down when tragedy struck on the set of his new television show.

Jim Croce was finally making it in the music world. But everything ended when a plane crash took him from us all. Luckily, his music lives on and Jim Croce will never be forgotten.

A trio of sisters from Minneapolis, The Andrews Sisters were exactly what America needed during World War II. But personal differences ripped the girls apart, shattering their professional careers. Tune in to hear their story.

Aaliyah was a young star who had the whole world at her fingertips. But one tragic flight ended her life and impacted the music world forever.

Anissa Jones was a child star who had a bright future ahead of her. That is until she suddenly realized that in Hollywood, she was a dime a dozen in the land of child actors. Tune in to hear of Anissa's promising start, tragic downfall and sudden, heartbreaking death. This bonus episode was released two weeks ago exclusively to our supporters over at Patreon.com/thelastovation. If you would like to be included in this group that gets to hear these episodes the day they are released, please consider donating to The Last Ovation. Just $1 a month grants you special access to these episodes and more. Please consider donating today. Thank you for your support.

Della Reese was a legend, in both the musical and acting world. Having lived a life enriched with faith, love and kindness, Della Reese proved to be one in a million.

This is a Holiday Special Episode! Bing Crosby is an iconic Holiday singer. With many of his hit songs and films centered around Christmas, Bing Crosby is the next best thing to Santa Claus.

Ricky Nelson entered the world an already-made celebrity. Not knowing what life was like outside Hollywood royalty, Ricky quickly found fame as a television star, a teenage heartthrob and a musical sensation. But all of that ended, when tragedy struck.

Robert Johnson was a man whose short life, and sudden death, are mired in legend and lore.  Did he sell his soul to the Devil in order to play a mean guitar?  In the end, that's up for you to decide.

Tormented by his childhood and raised in a house where a belt was used as a weapon, Marvin Gaye led a tumultuous life.  A legendary voice, Marvin was a soulful King.  Unable to escape his past, Marvin died at the hands of his father.  Tune in to hear Marvin's classics, his music, and his downfall. 

The Doll Family was a group of four siblings whose unique sizes meant that they were famous primarily in the circus world.  The group were able to turn their situation into a prosperous act, and they all made their mark in show business. This bonus episode was released two weeks ago exclusively to our supporters over at Patreon.com/thelastovation. If you would like to be included in this group that gets to hear these episodes the day they are released, please consider donating to The Last Ovation. Just $1 a month grants you special access to these episodes and more. Please consider donating today. Thank you for your support.

Pearl Bailey was a singer, an actress, a comedienne. She was a legend on stage and in front of the cameras. Tune in as we honor Pearl by providing her with a Last Ovation.

Kim Walker had a promising career with a major role under her belt when the unthinkable happened. Unable to recover she was taken from her family, friends and fans far too soon. This bonus episode was released two weeks ago exclusively to our supporters over at Patreon.com/TheLastOvation. If you would like to be included in this group that gets to hear these episodes the day they are released, please consider donating to The Last Ovation. Just $1 a month grants you special access to these episodes and more. You may visit our site at Patreon.com/TheLastOvation

Arguably one of the best rock musicians in recent times, Michael Hutchence died a tragic death at the young age of 37. The lead singer of INXS was a tormented soul who loved too much and felt pain too deeply. Today we honor him with a Last Ovation.  

Sunny Johnson was an actress who finally landed her first major role. Just after the film premiered, tragedy struck and young Sunny's life was over. This bonus episode was released two weeks ago exclusively to our supporters over at Patreon.com/TheLastOvation. If you would like to be included in this group that gets to hear these episodes the day they are released, please consider donating to The Last Ovation. Just $1 a month grants you special access to these episodes and more. You may visit our site at Patreon.com/TheLastOvation

This is a very special Last Ovation.  A special guest helps honor the life and career of Jerry Goldsmith, whose timeless music has helped shape Hollywood into what it is today.  Mr. Goldsmith created 214 film scores, 47 television series and themes and earned a much deserved Academy Award and 5 Emmys.  Tune in as we pay tribute to this great man.

Edith Piaf is, and always will be, the voice of Paris.  Her songs of love, loss and sorrow remain popular, even today. Tune in as we give La Mome Piaf her Last Ovation.

A Country Music icon and an amazing singer who left us far too soon, Patsy Cline has gone down in history as one of the best voices Nashville has ever heard. Still influencing musicians, even today, Patsy Cline is a name, and a voice, we will not soon forget.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is best known as the Queen of Rock and Roll. This child prodigy turned Gospel Legend helped mold music into what we are familiar with today. Tune in as we give Sister Rosetta Tharpe a Last Ovation.

Welcome to Season Two of The Last Ovation! A tribute to musicians would not be complete without the legendary Freddie Mercury rounding out the first spot on our list. Who doesn't need a little Queen in their life? Listen to learn all about one of the greatest musicians in our lifetime.

Our Season One Finale! John Candy was an international celebrity and was a genuine Hollywood Good Guy.  From his cherubic face, his contagious laugh and his permanent charm, John Candy is still missed today.  Stay tuned for Season Two - Musicians, which will launch in August 2017.  Thank you for listening to The Last Ovation.

Brittany Murphy was at one time the Hollywood It-Girl.  She had it all - beauty, talent and endless film opportunities.  Then, her star began to fade and Brittany struggled to get back to the top.  Suddenly, at the age of 32, Brittany Murphy was gone forever.  Tune in to hear about her life, her career and her untimely death.

Earning his star at the age of 54, Leslie Nielsen began his career as a dramatic actor, taking on only serious roles, but earning little fame. Then, the movie "Airplane!" came calling, and Leslie's career changed forever.

Bruce and Brandon Lee are a father/son duo who are martial arts legends. Like his father before him, Brandon took up acting and his star was on the rise.  Also like his father before him, his star came crashing down when tragedy struck. Today's Last Ovation goes to two who left this world far too soon.

Her comedic talent left an indelible mark in Hollywood.  Her opera skills will echo the stages of Broadway forever.  She was a force of human nature - a rare gem whose loss is felt, even today.  Tune in as we provide a Last Ovation to the legendary Madeline Kahn.

Dudley Moore was a man short in stature, but huge in talent.  With a quick biting wit, an endearing laugh and a gift with music, Dudley Moore left a mark in the world.  A mark that can't ever be replaced and will forever be missed.  Tune in to learn more about the life, the famed career and the tragic death of this great man.

The cast and crew of 1956's The Conqueror never knew that the soil beneath their feet and they air they were breathing were possibly spreading dangerous levels of radioactive materials into their bodies.  With 220 people involved on the set, 91 of those people had been diagnosed with cancer.  Today we provide a Last Ovation to those that were involved in the making of this movie, and to those who paid the ultimate price in seeing it completed.

Actors Jonathan Brandis & Glenn Quinn had major successes in their short lifetimes, but that success came with a price. For Jonathan, it was the pressure to always be on top. For Glenn, it was the balance of living while in the throes of addiction. Both left this world far too soon, but they've left their imprint on Hollywood forever.

Eartha Kitt was a legend who had to fight her way to the top.  Taking on the United States Government and still standing tall, Eartha Kitt proved that she was a force to be reckoned with.  A humanitarian, an activist and a vocal powerhouse, Eartha Kitt remains a world-wide treasure who will never be forgotten.

Vincent Price is The King of Horror.  With a decades-long career in radio, television and film, Vincent secured his spot as Hollywood Royalty.  With a voice that still sends chills down the spines of film fanatics everywhere, Vincent Price remains dear to the hearts of cinema-lovers around the world.

Heather O'Rourke and Dominique Dunne starred in one of Hollywood's most famous horror film, "Poltergeist", and soon thereafter both actresses were dead.  One died of a mysterious illness, the other died at the hands of another.  Today we provide a Last Ovation to these two young stars, whose lives ended far too soon. 

Hervé Villechaize was a Little Person living a very big life. From James Bond to “Fantasy Island”, Hervé took American television by storm. When the downfalls of fame and overwhelming health issues stepped in, Hervé retreated into the dark world of depression. Listen in as we honor Hervé with a Last Ovation.

Frances Farmer's life was overshadowed by her continual bouts of alcoholism, mental illness and scandal.  Struggling to earn her freedom from her mother and numerous doctors, Frances eventually died alone, with a story so sordid the truth may never be known.  Listen in as we honor Frances Farmer with a Last Ovation.

Vic Morrow's life and career will forever be overshadowed by his tragic, violent death.  A veteran television actor, Vic Morrow was trying to branch out to more motion picture roles at the time of his death.  Sadly, while filming Twilight Zone: The Movie, tragedy struck and Vic's death impacted Hollywood forever. 

The one, the only - Dorothy Dandridge.  Born in a time when African-American actresses were always treated "less-than", Dorothy pushed through boundaries and forced Hollywood to pay attention.  Listen, as I discuss Dorothy's life, her career and eventually her untimely death that left a mark still felt today. 

A brilliant young actor taken far too soon.  His murder was senseless; his life was still in its peak.  Tune in to learn more about the life and tragic death of the late, great Sal Mineo.   Twitter: @TheLastOvation Facebook: The Last Ovation Podcast You can find us on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and any other major podcast directory!  Don't forget to Review and Subscribe!  Thank you for listening!

A bright talent taken far too soon by Diabetes, Dana Hill led a remarkable life in a short amount of time.  From commercials to feature films, Dana did so much.  Listen in as she receives her Ovation. Facebook: The Last Ovation Twitter: @TheLastOvation The Last Ovation on Soundcloud!  The Last Ovation on Stitcher! Review on iTunes & find the show on any major Podcast app directory

Brad Renfro led a troubled life steeped in drugs and alcohol.  Dead at the age of 25, he left behind an army of friends and family struggling to cope with his loss.  Twitter: @TheLastOvation Facebook: The Last Ovation Podcast Find us on Soundcloud! Reviews are welcomed and appreciated!  You can subscribe to this podcast at any major podcasting app.  Want to find an in-depth library of Celebrity deaths?  Visit Find A Death to find your favorites!

Rebecca Schaeffer is, sadly, probably best known today for her murder, rather than her life, and career, in acting and modeling.  Tune in, as I detail some of her biggest achievements and then discuss her tragic death.  Rebecca did not die in vain, however - many positive outcomes have emerged since her death, possibly preventing countless more from suffering her fate.    Subscribe to The Last Ovation on any major podcasting app!  Reviews are highly appreciated! Twitter: @TheLastOvation Facebook: The Last Ovation Podcast Email: thelastovation@gmail.com

Peg Entwistle never found the fame she was desperately searching for.  Growing up during the Depression and traveling across the Country proved far too much for Peg to bear.  By the age of 24, she was dead.  Listen to learn more about Peg's short life and her tragic suicide.    Show Email: thelastovation@gmail.com Twitter: @TheLastOvationFacebook: The Last Ovation (Like the page!)