Long-time readers of this blog – meaning those who've been with me since last Thursday or so – may recall my claiming to have a rather unique “kiss of death” power when it comes to various celebrities.
Here's how it works:
Every so often, I'll think about some celebrity – actor, singer, politician – who hasn't crossed my mind in years. And I'll wonder whatever happened to him or her. Well, with the handy-dandy nature of the internet, it's easy enough to do a quick search and find out whatever did happen to him or her.
Unfortunately, in the great majority of those instances, I'll learn that the celebrity in question has died. Recently.
Or, in a similar vein, I'll be watching a DVD of some old movie or tv show and wonder whatever happened to an actor or actress. Then I do an internet search on him or her, and again, discover that the person in question has passed away. Recently.
It's almost as if my sudden interest in a person either causes their death, or perhaps is in response to their death. I'm kidding, of course, kinda/sorta, but sometimes I wonder!
Anyway, the other night I was watching my DVD of 1963's The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and an impressive ensemble cast.
The first time I ever saw that movie, it was in the late 1960s, a few years after its 1963 release. It was broadcast in two parts, on consecutive evenings, on the NBC network. Part One ended dramatically with the attempted escape and machine-gunning to death of a character named Archibald Ives, nicknamed "the Mole."
Ives was played by Angus Lennie.
Ives the Mole was probably Lennie's best-known role during his long career, although he also appeared in the cast of the British soap opera Crossroads from 1974 to 1981... so my British readers may also know him from there.
Wouldn't you know it, but just a few nights ago, as I watched the movie, I wondered whatever became of Mr. Lennie. After all, the movie was made 51 years ago, and those who played most of the principal characters -- McQueen, Garner, James Coburn, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, even director John Sturges -- are no longer with us.
So on a whim, I did a Google search for Angus Lennie, only to find -- you guessed it -- that he had passed away on September 14. Recently.
Anyway I decided to write a rather long-winded post about the death of "Ives," whose cinematic demise made such an impression upon my young self... and to spin the tale once again about my tendency to "off" celebrities!
Thanks for your time.
I remember when I heard that he passed away and thought of him talking to Steve McQueen's character while they were in "the Cooler". I thought he was so sweet when he thought McQueen rode bicycles. I have the same feeling like you. I often have found to think of an actor/actress and then find out they kicked. What happens is that I think about them and then a week or so later they die. I feel like I have premonition. The latest was the great Rise Stevens. She was a mezzo soprano star who best known actress work was from the film "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby. I was thinking about her and I even googled her and found that she was born the same year as my dad and still alive. A week later she died. I am scared now because I have been thinking about Olivia De Havilland allot and I am now waiting to hear that she has kicked the bucket. I did the same with Joan Fontaine who died this year too so we must go to the same death class
ReplyDeleteThose de Havilland sisters sure do live long lives, don't they?
DeleteYou have an awesome power. Use it wisely.
ReplyDeleteToo bad it's so random.
DeleteAnother reason to never become a celebrity, the Grammar Nazi kiss of death lol
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteThere are several politicians I'd like you to "think" about.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd love to mow some down on both sides of the fence!
DeleteHi Silver Fox! I have an ebook left in my giveaway. It's yours if you want it. You can read the description here: http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/p/champion-in-flight.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the notice!
DeleteHow do I collect?
DeleteHmm, I found this very interesting it seems you have tapped into some sort
ReplyDeleteof energy source..coincidence maybe, maybe not..
Let's hope so. Heh.
Deletethat's quite a special power you have, the kiss of death - stop thinking about me right now, please! but it does make for a good story... hmmm
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd kept track of all the times this has happened.
DeleteI really would like for my misery to end much sooner than later. So, would you mind thinking about me often? As far as being a celebrity, I used to celebrate quite enthusiastically, and I was not too particular about what, neither.
ReplyDeleteI think it only works if you're famous. How famous, I can't say.
Deletebeen forever since i saw that movie...oy man....we need not see so many of the old stars finding the ever after....glad i am not famous, because i can know you...and not die...ha
ReplyDeleteRight, you should be safe.
DeleteI know what you mean. That's when I wish I didn't have the internet.
ReplyDeleteIt can have its drawbacks...
Delete