Fond Farewell - Jack Klugman (1922 - 2012)

Beloved actor, Jack Klugman, has died of complications from prostate cancer. Klugman was best known for his long-time roles on the television series, as Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple" with Tony Randall (1970 - 1975) and in the title role as "Quincy, M.E." (1976 - 1983).

 In a career that spanned 64 years, Mr. Klugman earned one Golden Globe Award (1974), three Emmy Awards (1964, 1971, 1973), received two Stars on the Walk of Fame (1988 and 1959), acted in 9 Broadway shows, 18 films and over 50 television shows. Klugman was 90 years old.

Did you know?

• Jack Klugman was born in Philadelphia.

• Klugman's title role as Quincy, M.E. was inspired by real-life medical examiner in Los Angeles County, Thomas T. Noguchi, known as "Coroner to the Stars". (Noguchi performed the autopsies on some of Hollywood's top celebrity deaths including Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, Sharon Tate, William Holden, John Bleushi as well as Robert F. Kennedy.)

• Jack  loved thoroughbred racing and his horse "Jaklin Klugman" finished 3rd in the 1980 Kentucky Derby.

• Mr. Klugman helped get the Orphan Drug Act passed in 1983 by speaking before Congress.

• Klugman's final resting place is Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fond Farewell - Alex Karras (1935-2012)

Alex Karras gained fame as an American defensive linemen for the NFL. He was a four-time all pro defensive tackle for over 12 seasons. He also worked as a professional wrestler, and later as an actor. Karras played in diverse roles such as “Mongo” who punches a horse in the epic 1980’s hit “Blazing Saddles”, to Hans Brumbaugh in the 1979 TV miniseries “Centennial.” However, Alex was most well known for his role as George Papadopolis on the popular 1980’s television sitcom “Webster” in which he played an ex-football player who adopts the son of a friend who died. In 1977, Mr. Karras was admitted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. In 1991, he was admitted into “The College Football Hall of Fame. Sadly, Karras suffered from dementia due to head injuries sustained over his football career and he joined over 3,500 professional NFL players in suing the league for head injuries. He died under hospice care surrounded by family in Los Angeles, California. He was just 77.

Books: Jeannie Out of the Bottle by Barbara Eden

If you remember Barbara Eden and "I Dream of Jeannie" this is a good read. Barbara Eden shares her story of how she began in show business, and how she landed her role on "I Dream of Jeannie." She discusses her career as she has grown older, some interactions with other stars, as well as her relationships/marriages. She also covers some very difficult topics - losing a child to drug abuse, losing a baby in the womb (stillborn), and surviving an abusive relationship.

Throughout the book, Ms. Eden recalls her mother's words of encouragement to her: "Rise above it Barbara Jean" and you can't help but realize that she has taken those words to heart. Her hard work and strength despite some very difficult tragedies is both empowering and encouraging.