RIP Tony Isbert

 

The great actor Tony Isbert, grandson of the popular Pepe Isbert, dies at the age of 74

Madrid-born Tony Isbert, a member of an illustrious saga of Spanish actors, has died of a pneumothorax in Santander

El Cierre Digital

By Maria Vaquero

February 19, 2025

 

Spanish cinema is mourning the sudden death of actor Tony Isbert at the age of 74. The actor, a member of an illustrious and long saga of Spanish actors, has died at his home in Santander victim of a pneumothorax.

As elcierredigital.com has learned through his brother Alfonso Isbert, they had not heard from the actor for a few days. Tony suffered from a respiratory disease and had been admitted to the hospital last week for it. After being discharged on Monday, he was found lifeless at home on Wednesday.

Tony Isbert began his career for reasons, in principle, unrelated to talent. "I was tall, blond and photographed well. That was unusual in Spanish cinema at the time and, of course, I was given all the roles of a young heartthrob. Then I learned to speak and I started in merit in the theater, a medium that I have not yet forgotten," he recalled in an interview for elcierredigital.com.

Born into a family of great actors in Madrid, in December 1950, Tony was the son of María Isbert and grandson of the popular Pepe Isbert. Following the legacy of the saga, Tony Isbert triumphed in national cinema and theater. He would be 75 years old next December.

He was in charge of presenting the José Isbert Theatre Prize every year, awarded by the AMIThE Association (Association of Friends of the Historic Theatres of Spain). In 2009 he received the AMIThE gold medal in recognition of his numerous achievements. The AMIThE association expected Tony's attendance on April 4. The date on which the award that honors his family will be presented one more year.

In 2024, the artist Ana Belén received the XXV Pepe Isbert Award from Tony Isbert. The gala was held on March 8 in one of the most historic and emblematic buildings in Albacete.

The award ceremony took place at the Teatro Circo in Albacete, a city to which the entire saga has been linked since its origins. Tony Isbert's family-owned properties in Tarazona de la Mancha, a town in Albacete where Pepe Isbert grew up and lived regularly.

Tony Isbert's renowned career

Tony Isbert has always had a passion for theatre in his veins. Logically, being the son of actress María Isbert and Antonio Spitzer, a Hungarian language teacher. Tony was one of six brothers, among whom also stand out the writer, actor and playwright José S. Isbert and Carlos Isbert.

His first great success in cinema came in 1969 with the film ¿Es usted mi padre?. That same year, he co-starred with Marisol in the film Carola de día, Carola de noche, where he played the role of Daniel Rey.

Fifteen years later, she would meet Marisol again in the TVE series Mariana Pineda: "When we were filming the movie, she insisted on teaching me to sing during the breaks. She was about to marry Carlos [Goyanes, the son of her discoverer]. Then we did the series with Rafael Moreno Alba and she was already Pepa Flores. Every time I go to Malaga to do theatre, she comes to see me." This is how Tony Isbert himself recounted it in his interview with elcierredigital.com.

From there came all the others. With Geraldine Chaplin he shot The House Without Borders under the direction of Pedro Olea, a film that had problems with censorship because they understood it was a criticism of Opus Dei. Years later José Luis Balbín brought it to light in 'La Clave'.

Tony Isbert had problems with censorship in Los gallos de la madrugada where he shared the bill with the also deceased Concha Velasco. “When she was in one theatre, I was doing Twelve Angry Men in another and we had a snack together every day. Then we did Santa Teresa de Jesús and since then she calls me 'my little friar'.”

Tony Isbert's success as a young heartthrob was such that Fotogramas dedicated its cover to him on the occasion of his version of Romeo and Juliet for TVE with Ana Belén. Evidently, this made him one of the protagonists of male unveiling, although he always set his limits: "Ignacio F. Iquino called me to do Aborto criminal with Emma Cohen. And since I didn't trust him because of all that he did with double versions for foreign countries, my manager, Enrique Herreros, made it clear that I would not take off my underwear at any time."

In the 1980s, Tony Isbert began to slow down his work in film to focus on theatre. “I worked with the best and became a real actor. I learned to speak and respect the public like my grandfather and mother did.”

A career on stage and devoted to acting that he recounted in an interview in 2020 with David González for elcierredigital.com. “I am in charge of two acting schools and I am filming a medium-length film about Alzheimer's. It is a reality that affects me closely, since two of my aunts died from this disease. My mother died with a great mind because she dedicated herself to studying every day for her job,” says the actor. Tony Isbert belongs to a saga that has written some of the best pages of our show.

For years, Tony Isbert has been in charge of presenting the Pepe Isbert Award of the Amithe association. An award that was created with a triple purpose: to reward an exceptional career in the theatre, to remember the unforgettable Pepe Isbert and to spread the need to protect the historical theatrical heritage of Spain.

This year, the theatre association will miss the presence of Tony Isbert, as will national cinema and theatre.

ISBERT, Tony (Antonio José Spitzer Ysbert)

Born: 12/5/1950, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Died: 2/19/2025, Santander, Cantabria, Spain

 

Tony Isbert’s westerns:

The New Zorro (TV) – 1990

Outlaw Justice (TV) – 1997 (bank robber)

The Return of El Coyote – 1997 (Mark)

RIP Jean Sarrus

Jean Sarrus, Founding Member Of Les Charlots, Dies At 79

Sarrus, beloved entertainer and musician, passes away after lengthy illness, leaving behind a rich legacy in French comedy.

The Pinnacle Gazette

February 19, 2025

 

Jean Sarrus, one of the last surviving members of the iconic French comedy group Les Charlots, has passed away at the age of 79. Sarrus, who died on February 19, 2023, at his home in Blesle, Haute-Loire, succumbs to a long illness. His death was announced by journalist Philippe Manoeuvre, who revealed it came at the behest of Sarrus's family.

Known as part of the humorous troupe which rose to fame during the vibrant 1970s French cinema, Sarrus was not just a comedian but also accomplished as a renowned bassist. Friends and fans alike remembered him fondly. Manoeuvre described him as "a long-time friend" and recalled how Sarrus's son Dorian informed him of the sad news. "Jean was one of the Charlots and also a remarkable bassist. He accompanied musicians like Ronnie Bird and Dick Rivers, and his love for country music was evident throughout his life," Manoeuvre said. "He was truly adorable."

Les Charlots were known for their playful parodies and irreverent humor, which characterized French comedic cinema of the era. They initially started as accompaniment for the singer Antoine under the name Problèmes before rebranding to Les Charlots in 1966. They quickly captured the public's attention with hits like "Merci patron" and went on to star in numerous films. One of their most influential works was "Les Bidasses en folie," released in 1971, which attracted over 7 million viewers.

The director Philippe Clair was instrumental in catapulting Les Charlots to stardom. They starred prominently in his second film, "La Grande java." Throughout the 1970s, they worked closely with Claude Zidi, producing films such as "Les Fous du stade" and "Le Grand bazar," which solidified their status as leading figures in French cinema. Sarrus featured prominently across all their films.

Tragically, Sarrus's death follows the passing of other core members of the group, including Gérard Rinaldi and Gérard Filippelli. Following Rinaldi’s death back in 2012, Sarrus became one of the last links to the original lineup. Today, only Jean-Guy Fechner and Luis Rego remain from the founding group, showcasing how the era of Les Charlots is drawing to a close.

Despite the changes over the years, Sarrus continued to embrace his passion for music. He founded the band Les Vieilles fripouilles in 2017 alongside Alain Turban and Gilles Dreu, marking yet another chapter of his long-lived career.

Fans of Les Charlots have expressed condolences and remembered Sarrus not just for his on-stage persona, but for his contributions to music and comedy. His ability to bring joy to the audience is still treasured among those who grew up with his films. The mark he left on French culture and comedy is indelible.

Reflecting on Sarrus's life, it's clear he became more than just another musician or actor; he became part of the fabric of French pop culture, embodying the humor and spirit of his time. His enduring legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate with future generations who discover the delightful antics of Les Charlots.

Through the laughter and the music, Jean Sarrus will be remembered, not only as one of the last members of Les Charlots but as a cherished figure who greatly enriched the cultural life of France.

SARRUS, Jean (Jean Roger Sarrus)

Born: 5/11/1945, Puteaux, Île-de-Paris, France

Died: 2/19/2025, Blesle, Haute-Loire, France

 

Jean Sarrus’ western – actor, singer

The Man Who Came from Cher (TV) – 1969 [sing “Berry Blues” as a member of the Les Charlots]

RIP Julian Holloway

 

Julian Holloway, Carry On star and father of Sophie Dahl, dies aged 80

The actor starred in the innuendo-laced comedy films as well as TV sitcoms including Porridge and The Likely Lads

The Guardian

By Catherine Shoard

February 18, 2025

 

Julian Holloway, who starred in eight Carry On films and was a regular in TV shows such as The Sweeney and Doctor Who, has died. He was 80.

In a statement to the Guardian, agents for the actor confirmed that Holloway died after a brief illness in a Bournemouth hospital on 16 February.

The son of My Fair Lady star Stanley Holloway, the actor was a staple of the innuendo-laced Carry On comedies throughout their most popular period, featuring in films such as Carry On Camping and Carry On Up the Khyber.

Born in 1944, Holloway attended Rada before forging a career on the 1962 sitcom Our Man Higgins. He appeared alongside Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey in Carry On films, as well as guest starring in The Sweeney, Porridge and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

Superman actor Sarah Douglas, who first worked with Holloway in the 1970s, called him “the wittiest of men … he was a friend through thick and thin”.

In later years, Holloway moved to the US and developed a successful career as a voice actor, including in 55 of the 65 episodes of James Bond Jr, an animated American show based on the James Bond franchise.

He also voiced Siegfried Fischbacher in 2004’s Father of the Pride, and Prime Minister Almec in several episodes of the long running show Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Holloway was the father of the model and author Sophie Dahl, following a relationship with her mother, Tessa Dahl, in 1976.

HOLLOWAY, Julian (Julian Robert Stanley Holloway)

Born: 6/24/1944, Watlington, Oxfordshire, England, U.K.

Died: 2/16/2025, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, U.K.

 

Julian Holloway’s western – actor:

Tall Tales & Legends: My Darlin’ Clementine (TV) – 1986 (Mr. Yorkshire)

RIP Juan Mariné

 

Centenarian cinematographer Juan Mariné dies

He received the 2024 Honorary Goya for a lifetime dedicated to cinema

Academia de cine

February 18, 2025

 

Mariné participated in more than 150 productions and, during the last decades of his life, he dedicated himself to the restoration of films

The director of photography, restorer and film researcher Juan Mariné, Goya of Honor 2024, died yesterday in Madrid, at the age of 104.

He entered cinema at the precocious age of 13, when he arrived at the filming of The Eighth Commandment to deliver new cameras from France that only he knew how to make work, and in his last years of life, ninety years later, he frequently went to the ECAM to restore films. He promised himself that at the end of the Civil War he would dedicate his life to cinema and Mariné has fulfilled that pact until his last days.

Mariné, the first cinematographer to enter the Film Academy, received the 2024 Honorary Goya last year. The centenarian restorer collected this honorary award for his entire career and contributions to the history of Spanish cinema in an intimate ceremony that was held at the institution's headquarters, surrounded by his family, friends and colleagues.

Born in Barcelona in 1920, his love for cinema came to him when he was only 4 years old, when one day while summering in Arenys del Mar he saw a screening of Charles Chaplin's first short films. The impact of those images was so great that he asked his mother to enroll him in school early so that he could read the posters of silent films. Already in his adolescence, he frequently visited the Arenys del Mar film club. There, the projector used to break down regularly and so Mariné had his first contacts with these devices: trying to fix them so that he could continue watching the films that they made him enjoy so much. Thanks to that ingenuity and curiosity he managed, a year later, to put those cameras to work with The Eighth Commandment.

To talk about Mariné is to talk about the history of cinema, but also about the history of Spain: a member of the CNT union, he recorded the funeral of Buenaventura Durruti in 1936; he was Enrique Líster's war photographer; he was interned in the concentration camps in France and in the prison camp of La Rinconada (Seville); and he was a photographer for the General Staff of Catalonia, a position he combined with his work as a photography assistant in productions in Barcelona.

His debut as a cinematographer came in 1947, in an episode of the film Cuatro mujeres, by Antonio del Amo, the first of the 150 films he shot until his retirement in 1990. Mariné was a regular in the productions of del Amo, Pedro Lazaga, José María Forqué, or Pedro Masó. Historias de la televisión, by José Luis Sáenz de Heredia; El astronauta, by Javier Aguirre; María de la O, by Ramón Torrado; The Perfect Crime, by Fernando Fernán Gómez; and The Big Family, by Fernando Palacios, are some of the many titles in his filmography. His work even caught the attention of Orson Welles, who invited him to stay at his house to give some lectures at the University of California, a proposal that Mariné rejected as he was not attracted to Hollywood.

He also stood out as the inventor of new photographic techniques, such as the Mariné Format. After his last film in 1990, La grieta, by Juan Piquer Simón, he dedicated himself fully to the very important work of restoration, managing to rescue many Spanish films that were considered irrecoverable. "Impossible is something that takes a little longer to achieve", was one of the maxims that the Catalan restorer always had in mind. Mariné invented various devices to help him in this task, such as an optical copier or a negative washing machine. He carried out this work daily at the ECAM, in a basement where he had his office - full of machines and film material - which the students of the school nicknamed the "sub-Mariné".

Mariné was recognized with the National Cinematography Award, the National Photography Award, the Gold Medal of the Academy, the Honorary Spike of the Seminci of Valladolid, the Gold Medal of Fine Arts and the Juan de la Cierva Research Award, among others. In addition, his figure has been honored on many occasions and from different spaces such as the Spanish Film Archive, the Film Academy, the Josep M. Queraltó Film Classroom Foundation and the Circle of Film Writers. His figure and work have also made him the subject of several documentaries such as Juan Mariné. A Century of Cinema, Juan Mariné: the adventure of making cinema or The Submariné.

Today we say goodbye to a key figure in the history of Spanish cinema. In addition to inspiring other cinematographers with his work such as José Luis Alcaine or Rita Noriega, he leaves us a huge legacy of cinema. Not only for those films he made as director of photography, but also for all those to which he dedicated his time, patience and ingenuity so that they could be restored and not fall into oblivion. Mariné understood the importance of recovering our cinematographic heritage as much as possible and, thanks to that, people will be able to discover the cinema of the past and be inspired by it.

His mortal remains will be held at the M30 Funeral Home in Madrid today, starting at 3:00 p.m.

 

MARINE, Juan (Juan Mariné Bruguera)

Born: 12/31/1920, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Died: 2/17/2025, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

 

Juan Mariné’s westerns – cinematographer:

Legacy of the Incas- 1969

RIP Alice Hirson

 

General Hospital, OLTL Alum Alice Hirson Dead At 95

GH’s Chris McKenna remembers Alice Hirson.

Soap Hub

By Rachel Dillin

February 15, 2025

 

General Hospital, The Edge of Night, Another World, and One Life to Live alum Alice Hirson has died according to Chris McKenna. The legendary actress was 95 years old.

GH actor Chris McKenna (Jack Brennan) took to Instagram to remember Hirson. He shared several photos of Hirson. He captioned them, We lost a radiant soul and a daytime legend yesterday. Alice Hirson shone her light on this world for 95 glorious years. My family and I were so blessed to have her in our lives however briefly. Unforgettable woman. Her final words were ‘It’s nice to have an audience.’ Thank you, Alice. Good night. Legend. #GH #OLTL #Dallas #Ellen”

Hirson portrayed Stephanie Martin on The Edge of Night. She was Marsha Davis on Another World. On OLTL, Hirson was Eileen Riley Siegle. In 1993, she added Loving to her daytime resume where she portrayed Dr. Lisa Helman.

She was born Alice Thorsell in Brooklyn, New York, on March 10, 1929. She met and married writer Roger O. Hirson in 1952 and began working under the name of Alice Hirson. Hirson began her career working on stage in off-Broadway productions and early roles on television in Starlight Theatre and Hallmark Hall of Fame.

The actress also had numerous acting credits to her name. Among her television credits were Maude, The Waltons, Barnaby Jones, The Ropers, Barney Miller, Taxi, St. Elsewhere, Matlock, Full House, Dallas (Mavis Anderson), Murphy Brown, Ellen, and Will & Grace.

Hirson graced the silver screen in 1971’s The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight. She also appeared in Private Benjamin, Revenge of the Nerds, The Big Picture, The Glass House, and The Lost.

Broadway was dear to her heart as she met her second husband, actor Stephen Elliott, there in the show Traveller Without Luggage in 1964. The couple married years later in 1980 and stayed married until his passing in 2005. Other shows included The Investigation, Double Solitaire, and Solitaire.

Alice Hirson is survived by her two sons, David and Christopher Hirson. Soap Hub sends its sincere condolences to family, friends, and fans at this difficult time.

HIRSON, Alice (Alice C. Thorsell)

Born: 3/10/1929, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 2/14/2025, U.S.A.

 

Alice Hirson’s westerns – actress:

Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid – 1978 (Beth)

RIP Biff Wiff

 

Biff Wiff, ‘I Think You Should Leave’ Actor, Dies

Variety

By Lauren Coates

February 15, 2024

 

Biff Wiff, a character actor best known for his multiple guest turns on the Netflix sketch comedy series “I Think You Should Leave,” has died following an extended battle with cancer, his management firm Entertainment Lab confirmed Friday on Instagram.

“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our beloved client and actor, Biff Wiff,” the post read. “Biff was an amazing person inside and out, and his loving energy could be felt by all. We are sending our heartfelt sympathies to his family & loved ones at this time.”

“I Think You Should Leave” creator and star Tim Robinson reshared the post to his Instagram Stories. He also shared a clip from a fan-favorite “ITYSL” sketch in which he starred with Wiff entitled “Shirt Brothers.”

Wiff’s decades-long career began with a guest turn on the “Gidget” sequel series “The New Gidget,” and included early roles in shows like the original “Night Court,” “Roseanne” and “Crossing Jordan.” From children’s programs like “True Jackson, VP,” and “iCarly,” to procedurals like “NCIS,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” and “The Mentalist,” Wiff’s roles spanned many genres, though he displayed a continued affinity for comedy.

He appeared in “Desperate Housewives,” “Silicon Valley,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Brooklyn 99,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Pen15” and “Jury Duty,” before coming full circle with a four-episode stint on the “Night Court” reboot.

Wiff was best known to fans for playing multiple roles in Robinson’s “I Think You Should Leave.” In addition to his television work, Wiff had a supporting role in 2023 best picture winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

WIFF, Biff (Garry Lynn Crotty)

Born: 1956, U.S.A.

Died: 12/14/2025, North Hills, California, U.S.A.

 

Biff Wiff’s western – actor:

Wyatt Earp’s Revenge – 2013 (Ne Buntline)

RIP William Roberts

 

Bill Roberts obituary

The Guardian

By Nicolette Roberts

February 14, 2025

 

My former husband William Roberts, who has died aged 80, was an American who made his career in Britain as an actor, director, voice artist and writer.

As well as stage, TV and film, he was much in demand for voice work. He read for BBC Radio 4’s Book at Bedtime and Woman’s Hour, and narrated dozens of audiobooks for the RNIB and independent companies, as well as adapting American plays for the BBC and acting in several radio productions, including the highly popular Batman and Judge Dredd series.

He was widely recognised for his rich, resonant tones and sensitive readings of work by authors including Melville, Poe and Lovecraft. In the 1980s he was the voice of Texas Tom in a series of adverts for the Texas Homecare DIY stores, and more recently he voiced several characters in video games, most notably playing Vesemir in The Witcher series.

Born in Roseburg, Oregon, to Virginia Cooke, a telephone operator, and James Roberts, a truck driver, Bill got his early professional acting experience at the Oregon Shakespeare festival, in Ashland, where he also directed. He studied theatre arts at Humboldt State College, and came to Britain initially to do a diploma in drama at Manchester University. We met there as students and married in 1964. The marriage ended in divorce in 1980.

Together, he and I co-founded and ran two theatre companies. Bill worked in repertory, but was increasingly in demand as an actor and reader in radio: he once said he had played every American president for about two lines.

He appeared in the West End in several productions, in an acclaimed adaptation of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men at the Mermaid theatre in 1980, and at the Hampstead Theatre Club and the Abbey theatre, Dublin, in Brian Friel’s The Aristocrats in 2011. He toured extensively with these and other productions. He appeared in films including Anthony Minghella’s Cold Mountain (2003), and TV programs such as Inspector Morse (1991) and World War II Behind Closed Doors (2008).

In his later years, living in London, he trained as a pilot and enjoyed many flights around Europe and the US in his own plane. Towards the end of his life he turned to writing fiction and biography under the name WE Roberts. His last work was a biography of the actor Marisa Pavan, The Quiet Twin (2025).

He is survived by his partner, Carolanne Lyme, and by our daughter, Emily, and two grandsons, Luke and Julian.

ROBERTS, William (William Edward Roberts)

Born: 10/18/1943, Roseburg, Oregon, U.S.A.

Died: 2/?/2025, London, England, U.K.

 

William Roberts’ westerns – actor, voice actor:

Skulls of the Toltecs – 1996 [voice]

TimeSplitters – 2002 [voice]

Cold Mountain – 2003 (Grayling)