Category: people

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Passing away: Angel‘s Andy Hallett, film composer Maurice Jarre

We are saddened to report the passing of Maurice Jarre and Andy Hallett.

Maurice Jarre was a French film composer who won 3 Oscars for Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Zhivago, and A Passage to India, and wrote the music for over 150 films, and was considered one of the pioneers of film scoring. He passed away on Sunday of cancer at the age of 84.

Andy Hallett was best known for his role of Lorne/The Host, a horned green demon owner of the karaoke bar on the TV show Angel, and also sang on the Angel soundtrack. He passed on Monday of heart failure at the age of 33.

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Natasha Richardson has passed away

Last night we got word that Natasha Richardson has succumbed to her injuries. The family released a brief statement:

Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.

Appreciations for Richardson’s work and career have come from all quarters, including Entertainment Weekly, the Los Angeles Times and director Ken Russell. EW also has a gallery of her key roles.

Our sympathies to Neeson, their sons, and their friends and family.

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Liam Neeson’s wife Natasha Richardson seriously injured in ski accident

Reports emerged yesterday that actress Natasha Richardson has been seriously injured in a ski accident outside of Montreal. She was flown into New York in the afternoon and The New York Times has confirmed that she is in very serious condition… Other reports have claimed brain damage or swelling. Others report that friends and family are gathering in New York to “say goodbye.”

Richardson and Neeson have been married since 1994 and have two sons. She has played a variety of roles on both screen and stage, winning a Tony in 1998 for her Sally Bowles.

In any case, our thoughts go out to Richardson, Neeson and their family…

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David Prowse treated for cancer, but feeling fine

The actor behind the original trilogy’s Darth Vader revealed he’s been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer today on British Radio.

Hoping to raise money for London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, the actor, 73, told the Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show: “I’m involved with the Royal Marsden Hospital appeal because I’m undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, would you believe. I’m having my very last treatment this morning.

“I’ve had two months’ radiotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden. It’s the most fantastic hospital you could ever wish to go to.”

He went on to say he now feels “fantastic”. Our best wishes go out to Mr. Prowse for a continued recovery!

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Laga’aia talking to Lucas about live-action role?

Jay Laga’aia (Captain Typho) has told New Zealand’s Dominion Post that he has talked with George Lucas about a role in the live-action TV show which officially isn’t casting at all. Here’s a quote from the article, which appears on stuff.co.nz but not the Post’s actual web site:

“It’s one of those things that people sort of take for granted you worked on the first one, so … we’re in discussion at the moment because I’m interested in playing a couple of roles.

“You find with those sort of roles you can play different characters some are heavily made up, others aren’t.”

This whole situation is more than a little fishy, so I wouldn’t take it for granted just yet… (via)

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Gate Geek – Newsbits

Well, look who’s been a bit lazy!  So what’s been happening around the Gate, lately?

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Gate Geek – All the single ladies….

(via) Finally…we find out about the ladies of Stargate Universe (and another guy, for good measure).  Universe started production last week, so it’s nice to get this clarified.  Michael Ausiello and the Hollywood Reporter got the exclusive announcement rights (even before the MGM website).

And the ladies are:

  • Ming-Na – Formerly of ER fame and now playing Camille Wray, “an HR bigwig and highest ranking survivor.”
  • Elyse Levesque – Best known to genre fans for her work on Smallville and playing, “Chloe Armstrong, the wild and immature daughter of a U.S. Senator.”
  • Alaina Huffman (who has another name on IMDB) – Another Smallville alum who will be playing MSgt. Tamara Johansen, a field medic assigned to treat the seriously wounded.  (Given Stargate’s history, this does not bode well for her ultimate survival, but we can only wish her the best.)

A bit of a surprise announcement (to me, at least) is Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba) who has joined the cast as Col. Telford, “a lifelong military man and the chosen leader of the ill-fated expedition.”  (Confused.  I thought that was Robert Carlyle‘s role?  Is Telford not long for the Universe?  Or am I perpetually confused?)

Either way, I’m liking how this cast is shaping up.  Here’s hoping they pull off a good show!

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Gate Geek – Stargate Universe launches production

Stargate Universe has, at long last, started production.   However, we still don’t have a clue which actors were cast in the female roles; even though they’re at the studio, right now.  (Can someone go over and look?) 

How delaying the announcement of the full cast helps with publicity?  Not a clue.

And speaking of Stargate women, the auction Amanda Tapping did for a school raised US$20k.  See, MGM?  Stargate women are powerful.