Obituaries

> Roger Corman, the writer and director who helped turn out such low-budget classics as Little Shop of Horrors and gave many of Hollywood’s most famous actors and directors early breaks, has died aged 98. > > Corman died on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, California, his daughter Catherine Corman said on Saturday in a statement. > > “He was generous, open-hearted and kind to all those who knew him,” the statement said. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a film-maker, just that.’” > > Across a career spanning more than 60 years, Corman developed a cheap and cheerful style that led some to refer to him as the “king of the B-movies”. His films were notable for their low-budget special effects and attention-grabbing titles such as She Gods of Shark Reef (1958) and Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957). Yet he also played a significant role in developing the talents of a number of acclaimed directors, including James Cameron and Martin Scorsese, and launching the careers of actors such as Peter Fonda, Robert De Niro and Sandra Bullock.

> Bernard Hill, the stage, television and film actor who first became famous for his unforgettable portrayal of Yosser “gizza job” Hughes, has died at the age of 79. > > Hill played the character in Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 BBC series Boys from the Blackstuff. > > It helped launch a stellar career that included playing the captain of the Titanic in James Cameron’s 1997 film, and Théoden, king of Rohan, in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

> Field, who died on Tuesday aged 81, is perhaps best known for his decades campaigning to end poverty. But on the Wirral it seems almost everyone has other lasting memories of him. > > ... > > In 2017 he reduced other MPs to tears when he described how one resident said they had had a “lucky week” because their family had been invited to a funeral and so they could eat the food left over after the wake. > > Three years earlier, Field had established Feeding Birkenhead, which brings together churches, food banks, community groups and other organisations to try to eliminate hunger in the town, one of the UK’s poorest. > > A decade later, that pioneering initiative has grown to become Feeding Britain, which now feeds 100,000 children during the school holidays. > > “We thought this was going to be a stopgap for people but it’s getting worse,” said Judy Mellor, 67, a volunteer at the community centre. “There are more people coming through our doors now than there have ever been. It’s horrendous.” > > On a day when Birkenhead is in mourning, it seems impossible to quantify the number of people helped by Field during his four decades in parliament. The thought of where the town – and Britain – might be if it wasn’t for their former MP was almost too much for Mellor to bare. > > “I wouldn’t like to think about that because it’s a frightening thought,” she said, close to tears. “Where would we be if it wasn’t for Frank? Where would thousands and thousands of people be if it wasn’t for Frank? It’s a sad day. We could do with hundreds more like Frank down there.”

The more standard obit.

> Peter Higgs, the Nobel prize-winning physicist who proposed a new particle known as the Higgs boson, has died. > > Higgs, 94, who was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 2013 for his work in 1964 showing how the boson helped bind the universe together by giving particles their mass, died at home in Edinburgh on Monday. > > After a series of experiments, which began in earnest in 2008, his theory was proven by physicists working at the Large Hadron Collider at Cern in Switzerland in 2012; the Nobel prize was shared with François Englert, a Belgian theoretical physicist whose work in 1964 also contributed directly to the discovery. > > ... > > Prof Peter Mathieson, the university’s principal, said: “Peter Higgs was a remarkable individual – a truly gifted scientist whose vision and imagination have enriched our knowledge of the world that surrounds us. > > “His pioneering work has motivated thousands of scientists, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more for generations to come.” > > Prof Fabiola Gianotti, the director general at Cern and former leader of the Atlas experiment, which helped discover the Higgs particle in 2012, said: “Besides his outstanding contributions to particle physics, Peter was a very special person, a man of rare modesty, a great teacher and someone who explained physics in a very simple and profound way. > > “An important piece of Cern’s history and accomplishments is linked to him. I am very saddened, and I will miss him sorely.”

> The London-born screenwriter, who had a stammer as a child, was inspired to write about the true story of how King George VI, on the eve of the Second World War, overcame his speech impediment. > > Seidler died on Saturday during a fly-fishing trip in New Zealand, according to his manager Jeff Aghassi - US media reported. > > Mr Aghassi said: "David was in the place he loved most in the world - New Zealand - doing what gave him the greatest peace, which was fly fishing. > > "If given the chance, it is exactly as he would have scripted it." > > ... > > His other work included the 1988 biopic Onassis: The Richest Man In The World - starring Raul Julia as the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis - for which Seidler won his first Writers Guild award. > > The same year Seidler co-wrote Francis Ford Coppola's comedy drama Tucker: The Man And His Dream. > > Other projects included writing for the animated children's musicals The King And I, Quest For Camelot and Madeline: Lost in Paris.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/13224427

> One of the UK's most under-rated songwriters, in my opinion. RIP, enjoy the Death Trip

> "Singer whose idiosyncratic performances helped the German band Can stretch the limits of experimental rock"

Saw him sing/speak/make noise at a 2 hour long improv set in a small gig venue in Yorkshire about 10-20 years ago, supported by a handful of local improv musicians.

After they finished the set, he individually thanked (and optionally hugged) every single audience member.

> Science Fiction author Christopher Priest has died of cancer, aged 80, working until his final days on a biography of J G Ballard. The trade has paid tribute to the "humour, mischief and intelligence" of the multi-award winning novelist, journalist and critic whose work spanned half a century. > > The 80-year-old died on Friday (2nd February) following a diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma in the summer of 2023. > > Priest was the author of 18 novels, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and World Fantasy Award-winning The Prestige (Simon & Schuster (UK) in 1995 which was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film of the same name, directed by Christopher Nolan. He was published by several major publishers over his half-century career, across both fiction and non-fiction.

> The Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77. > > Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom. > > But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic. > > Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series. > > Away from Dad's Army, he also acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, and appeared on stage, including in The Merchant of Venice. > > He also had a stint on EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a role he reprised in 2016 for a festive storyline.

> Carl Weathers, the actor whose credits include Rocky and Predator, has died at 76. > > His family released a statement through his agent to announce that he died “peacefully in his sleep” on 1 February. > > “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.” > > Weathers was best known for playing Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films. Footage of Weathers was also used in the Creed films led by Michael B Jordan. > > ... > > Weathers then took roles in the next three Rocky movies, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator and the lead in 1988’s Action Jackson. > > In the following decade he acted with Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore and went on to appear in Arrested Development as an acting coach and the voice of Combat Carl in Toy Story 4. > > ... > > His most recent roles included Greef Karga in The Mandalorian which scored him an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series. He also directed two episodes. > > “I’ve loved my time on the show; it has given me an opportunity to be creative in a much more complete way than I had been prior to in other projects,” he said in 2021. “It has been a great experience, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.” > > He is survived by two sons.

> Benjamin Zephaniah, the British poet whose work often addressed political injustice, has died aged 65. > > Zephaniah died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, a post on his Instagram page stated. > > “Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the post read. “We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much. Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy”. > > More to come

> Glenys Kinnock, the senior Labour politician and wife of the former leader Neil Kinnock, has died aged 79. > > In a statement on Sunday, her family said: “It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Glenys Kinnock. Glenys died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Sunday morning at home in London. She was the beloved wife and life partner of Neil, the cherished mother of Steve and Rachel and an adored grandmother.” > > Kinnock was a member of the European parliament for 15 years, representing Wales from 1994. In 2009, Gordon Brown appointed her as Europe minister and gave her a life peerage to enable her to join the government.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/5090823

> Alistair Darling, the Labour chancellor who steered the UK through the 2008 financial crisis, has died aged 70, a family spokesperson has said. > > Following Labour's landslide 1997 election win, Lord Darling served in cabinet for 13 years under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. > > He also led the Better Together campaign in 2014's Scottish independence referendum. > > The ex-Edinburgh MP died after a short spell in hospital, his family said.

> Shane MacGowan, the lead singer and songwriter of trailblazing Celtic punk band the Pogues and one of the all-time great bandleaders, has died aged 65 following a long period of ill health. A family statement said he died at 3.30am on 30 November, and was described as “our most beautiful, darling and dearly beloved”. > > His wife Victoria Mary Clarke wrote in a statement on social media: “Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life … I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him.”

> The former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80. Venables, who had a distinguished career as a player that brought two international caps, was in charge of England when they reached the semi-finals of Euro 96. > > “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” read a statement from Venables’ family. “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.” > > Venables, known as El Tel after a spell at Barcelona during which he won La Liga and reached the European Cup final, had a successful, colourful and sometimes controversial career. Although he played more than 500 league games for Chelsea, Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace from 1960-1974, he is best known for his exploits as a manager.

> Dame Antonia Susan Duffy, who wrote under the name AS Byatt, authored complex and critically acclaimed novels, including the Booker prize-winning Possession and her examination of artistic creation, The Children’s Book. Over her career, she won a swathe of literary awards, from the Booker to a Chevalier of France’s Order of Arts and Letters. > > ... > > Born Antonia Drabble in 1936, Byatt grew up in Sheffield and York, before studying English at Cambridge, Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia and at Oxford. She began teaching at University College London in 1962, publishing her first novel, Shadows of a Sun, two years later. The complicated family relationships found in much of her fiction were already in evidence with this story of a daughter escaping a domineering father. A novel of rival sisters that followed in 1967 – appearing two years after her sister, the author Margaret Drabble, published her own novel on a similar theme – added mythological and symbolic elements, which became central to Byatt’s later work.

cross-posted from: https://derp.foo/post/428955

> Ocean explorer Captain Don Walsh has died at the age of 92. More than 60 years ago he made the first ever descent to the deepest place in the ocean, the Mariana Trench which lies almost 11km (seven miles) down. I was lucky enough to count him as a good friend. This is the story of an extraordinary dive by a remarkable man.

> Magician David Berglas, one of the most influential of the 20th century, has died aged 97. > > Also known as the International Man of Mystery, he was the first magician to have his own programme on British television, Meet David Berglas, in 1954. > > He appeared frequently on TV and radio over six decades and became a household name for his stunts, including driving a car around London while blindfolded. > > Berglas was renowned for a trick called the Berglas Effect, in which he could find a person's chosen card at their chosen point in a deck of cards. > > It is regarded as the holy grail of magic effects - and he never revealed the secret of how to do it. > > ... > > Illusionist Derren Brown hailed Berglas as "one of our greatest living magical performers" when Berglas was awarded his MBE. > > "Generations of magicians owe him a debt of gratitude," Brown said. > > "Each of my shows is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work. I thank him for his constant inspiration." > > As president of The Magic Circle from 1989 to 1998, Berger revitalised the society and was the driving force behind its decision to admit women in 1991.

Well that was unexpected. Rip Matthew

Rip Bull.

> The gangster is said to have inspired Vinnie Jones's character Big Chris in the 1998 classic Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. > > Born in Bermondsey, the London tough nut claimed to have been stabbed, shot and even had his nose bitten off before it was reattached. > > Courtney was cleared in 2004 of attacking his wife, Jennifer Pinto, over an alleged lesbian affair. In 2000 he was cleared of being part of a plan to plant cocaine on innocent women. > > In 2009, however, he did get an 18-month conditional discharge from Bristol Crown Court for possessing live ammunition.

> The sole surviving female Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent from World War II died in West Auckland last Saturday, aged 102. > > Phyllis (Pippa) Latour Doyle is being remembered as an “incredible woman” by the Royal New Zealand RSA. > > “Our thoughts are with Pippa’s family, friends, and all who had the honour of knowing her.” > > Doyle parachuted into occupied France in 1944, where she posed as a teenage schoolgirl to relay intelligence back to the Allied Command. > > “Pippa was one of 40 women who conducted clandestine operations on behalf of the SOE in occupied France,” the RSA said. > > “In May 1944, at the age of 23, Pippa parachuted into occupied Normandy to gather intelligence on Nazi positions in preparation for D-Day. Over the coming months, she would secretly relay 135 coded messages to the British military before France’s liberation in August.” > > ... > > Doyle had been trained in radio skills, surveillance, sabotage, map-reading and self-defence before she arrived, but used her wit and fluency in Flemish to remain undetected among German soldiers. > > She had three codenames (Genevieve, Plus Fours and Lampooner) and bicycled around the rural French countryside appearing friendly and talkative, selling soap to mostly German soldiers. > > Doyle would hide her codes on pieces of silk, which she would wrap around a knitting needle and put inside a flat shoelace she used to tie her hair. > > This method successfully kept the codes secret even after one occasion in which Doyle was taken to the police station to be questioned and searched. > > ... > > She was appointed an additional Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1945 for her services during the German occupation of France, and a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by the French government in 2014.

> The maverick godfather of bungee jumping, who took the world’s first leap clutching a bottle of champagne and without testing the rope, has died peacefully in his bed. > > Born in 1945 as the eldest of seven children, David Kirke birthed the worldwide phenomenon some 34 years later on April Fool’s Day, when – dressed in a top hat and fresh from all-night party – he and his friends decided to bungee jump from Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge. > > Describing Kirke as an “anarchic buccaneer” who was “Byronesque in thrall of living life to the full”, a friend of the family told The Independent that the septuagenarian “would have been shocked that he died quietly in his own bed”.

> Private Eye has paid tribute to Tony Husband as a “prolific, funny and inventive” cartoonist. > > The artist had a heart attack on Westminster Bridge in London while travelling to a party – held by the satirical magazine – on Wednesday, according to his family. > > While sharing a drawing of dogs in heaven by Mr Husband, Private Eye wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “RIP cartoonist Tony Husband – prolific, funny and inventive contributor to Private Eye since 1985.”

> Haydn Gwynne, renowned actress who appeared in The Crown and British series The Windsors, has died. She was 66. > > “It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends,” said her agent in a statement. “We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.” > > Gwynne first appeared on the scene in the late 1980s with the drama Nice Work prior to starring in several other British series including Peak Practice, Merseybeat and BBC series Rome (as Julius Caesar’s wife Calpurnia). > > Her true breakout role, however, was as cynical journalist Alex in the comedy Drop the Dead Donkey, which scored her a BAFTA nomination.

> Manchester United and England legend Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86, the club confirmed on Saturday. > > "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family," read a statement from his family. > > "His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”