RIP Rolf Becker

 

"In aller Freundschaft" actor Rolf Becker died

WLZ

By Michelle Brey

12/12/2025

 

The TV world is in mourning. Actor Rolf Becker has died. He starred in the series "In aller Freundschaft", among others.

Hamburg – The actor Rolf Becker is dead. The Hamburg resident, father of actors Meret and Ben Becker, died on Friday at the age of 90 in Hamburg. This was confirmed by St. Pauli pastor Sieghard Wilm to the German Press Agency. The Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) had first reported.

In the ARD series "In alle Freundschaft" Becker played the pensioner character Otto Stein since 2006 - and thus became known to an audience of millions. According to NDR, he died in a hospice in the Hanseatic city. Later this year, in addition to his series role, he also appeared in the theater - in his own production: "The Raft of the Damned".

Born in Leipzig in 1935, Becker made a career in the theatre as well as in film and television. Growing up in northern Germany, Becker studied acting at the Otto Falckenberg School in Munich after graduating from high school. After stations in Munich, Darmstadt and Ulm, he moved to the Theater Bremen in 1963, where he also directed himself. In his adopted home of Hamburg, he was later a member of the ensemble at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus and the Thalia Theater, among others.

Becker became one of the most sought-after theater actors and also made a career in television and film ("Trenck" series, 1971, "The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum", 1976). He also made a name for himself as a narrator of audio books with his distinctive voice. From 1997 to 2004 he played "Jedermann" in Hamburg's Speicherstadt.

Becker has passed on his acting talent to his children Ben and Meret Becker from his marriage to actress Monika Hansen. Since 1980, Becker has been married to actress Sylvia Wempner, with whom he has two biological sons and an adopted son.

BECKER, Rolf

B: 3/31/1935, Leipzig, Danzig, Germany

D: 12/12/2025, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

RIP Mauro Bosco

 

Attori e attrici caratteristi, volti meno noti e,comparse del nostro cinema

By Simone Le Brut Rossi

December 10 at 12:56 PM

 ·

Actor and voice actor Mauro Bosco died today, christened name Giuseppe (Turin May 12, 1938-Riano (RM) December 10, 2025).

Between 1962-1964 he attended the Silvio D'Amico Dramatic Art Academy, under the direction of Horazio Costa.

Tall, lean, good-looking, ideal physique to embody young people in love or dare heroes.

He was active as an actor in theater, television and cinema.

Among the scripts where she appears, Luisa Sanfelice (1966, directed by Leonardo Cortese) ,and Short Glory of Mister Miffin (1967, directed by Anton Giulio Majano).

In 1968 he was the protagonist of the episode I Ravanin included in The Marshal's Tales (directed by Mario Landi).

Always on TV he will participate in comedies such as Il pane bianco (1966, directed by Claudio Fino) ,and the episode La notte delle nocze,of the series Tonight Fernandel (1968).

In 1990 he was one of the actors chosen by Stefania Casini for one of the sports episodes Roller Wings of the series Win to Win.

Always in the nineties he will participate in various successful screenplays such as La Piovra 5 (1990, directed by Luigi Perilli), Passions (1994, directed by Fabrizio Costa), and in various TV series (The boys of the wall and Amico mio,Il Marshal Rocca,Don Matteo,etc).

In the Two Thousand years you can see it among the actors of fiction,Le girlzii di Miss Italy (2001, directed by Dino Risi) and Il bello delle donne 2 (2002, directed by Maurizio Ponzi).

In theater he took part in an Italian tour for the Queretaro Festival in Mexico.

Next to Sylva Koscina and Paolo Carlini in the pleasant Blondissimamente Tua (1975, directed by Mario Landi).

It was a loaner Fortress in Hamlet (1972), by Shakespeare, with Pino Micol.

Despite the good theatrical and television rehearsals, he never found great opportunities in the cinema, despite participating in numerous productions.

Among his films:

The White Voices (1964), The Greatest Robbery in the West (1967), The Crazy Rabbit Night (1967), Five Dolls for the Moon of August (1969), Roy Colt and Winchester Jack (1970), The Belves (1971), Bisturi, the White Mafia (1973), A High Age (1983), Splendor (1989), Arrested for committing the fact (1991), Total Eclipse (1992), Kim Novak on the Phone (1993), The Voyage Beyond the Dream (1996).

He was very active as a voice actor (under some voiced actors and animated characters).

Rest in peace.

BOSCO, Mauro (Giuseppe Bosco)

Born: 5/12/1938, Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Died: 12/10/2025, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Mauro Bosco’s westerns – actor, voice actor:

The Greatest Robbery in the West – 1966 (Garrett henchman)

Roy Colt & Winchester Jack – 1970 (Bellatreccia/Braid/Bernstein/Martin)

Comanche Moon – 2008 [Italian voice of James Rebhorn]

RIP Michael Delano

 

Michael DeLano, Actor in ‘Rhoda,’ ‘Commando’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ Dies at 84

He also danced on ‘American Bandstand,’ starred on ‘Firehouse’ and ‘Supertrain’ and sang at an old-school lounge in Las Vegas.

Variety

By Mike Barnes

November 25, 2025

 

Michael DeLano, the actor and singer who in the 1970s played a Los Angeles firefighter opposite James Drury on ABC’s Firehouse and the lounge singer Johnny Venture alongside Valerie Harper on CBS’ Rhoda, has died. He was 84.

DeLano had a heart attack and died Oct. 20 in a Las Vegas hospital, Jean Delano, his wife of 28 years and companion for 38, told The Hollywood Reporter.

A Vegas resident since 1992, the charismatic DeLano played a casino manager in the heist film Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and the sequel Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and sang standards as a regular performer at the old-school Dispensary Lounge on Tropicana Avenue until recently.

DeLano starred as firefighter Sonny Caputo and received third billing behind Drury and Richard Jaeckel on Firehouse, a midseason replacement drama that bowed in January 1974 but aired just 13 episodes before it was canceled.

He’s probably best known for his turn as Venture, who attempts to date Rhoda (with little success) after her breakup with husband Joe Gerard (David Groh). He appeared on 11 episodes during seasons three and four in 1976-78.

He also had a regular role on Supertrain, portraying Lou Atkins on the ultra-expensive NBC bomb that lasted just nine episodes in 1979.

An only child, Michael Ace Del Fatti was born in Virginia on Nov. 26, 1940. His father was a pilot in the service — hence the “Ace” middle name — but died before his son was born.

Raised in Philadelphia, he received fan mail as a regular dancer on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand when the weekday TV show was based in that city and served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army.

In 1960, he signed with Swan Records as Key Larson and recorded the songs “A Web of Lies” and “A Little Lovin’ Goes a Long, Long Way.” Later, he adopted the stage surname DeLano after seeing a blinking neon sign on a hotel with that name, his wife said.

After appearing in a stage production of Hair in Chicago, he came to Hollywood and showed up in the films Catlow (1971) and The New Centurions (1972) and on episodes of Adam-12, Kojak, Banacek and Barnaby Jones before landing on Firehouse.

He also had a 1980-81 stint as the carny boss Frank Coyne on the NBC primetime soap Flamingo Road and a turn as the doomed car salesman Forrestal in Commando (1985), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His credits also included bit parts in Hollywood Man (1976), 9 to 5 (1980) and Another Stakeout (1993) and guest-star work on The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Starsky & Hutch, Soap, Charlie’s Angels, Taxi, Perfect Strangers, Private Benjamin, The Fall Guy, The A-Team, Cagney & Lacey, Hill Street Blues, Hunter, Falcon Crest, Silk Stalkings, Chicago Hope and Royal Pains.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Bree; grandsons Michael and Lincoln; and granddaughter Jaxon. A celebration of his life will take place Sunday at The Dispensary Lounge.

DELANO, Michael (Michael Ace Del Fatti)

Born: 11/26/1940, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A.

Died: 10/20/2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.

 

Michael Delano’s westerns – actor:

Catlow – 1971 (Rio Bray)

Desperate Women – 1978 (Black Jack Ketcham)

RIP Péter Balázs

 

Farewell to Péter Balázs – A Gifted Entertainer Leaves the Earthly Cabaret Stage

Hungary Today

12/11/2025

 

The former director of the Szigligeti Theater in Szolnok passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82.

Péter Balázs was born in Budapest in 1943. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Theater and Film Arts in the class of Miklós Szinetár. After graduating, he was offered a contract at the Petőfi Theater in Veszprém.

There he was discovered by director Zoltán Várkonyi, who hired him for the Comedy Theater of Budapest (Vígszínház) troupe, to which he belonged for 25 years. In 1989, Balázs also made his debut as a director. From 1995, he worked as a freelance actor. From 2007 to 2021, the popular actor was at the helm of the Szigligeti Theater in Szolnok.

He was known for his comedic roles, but also made a name for himself as a director, was a popular voice actor, and put together cabaret programs that became the epitome of sophisticated entertainment. Balázs also appeared in numerous television series.

“Péter Balázs left a lasting mark on Hungarian cultural life with his stage presence, unforgettable film roles, and iconic dubbing voice,” - emphasizes the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.

In 1982, he was awarded the Jászai Mari Prize, and in 2012, he was honored for his “popular, grotesque charm and dry humor, for his dubbing of fairy tale characters who became legends, for his demanding work as a director, and for his community-building activities as a theater maker and director.”

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán bid farewell to the deceased with the words: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of my friend Péter Balázs. All that remains for me to do is to thank him as a comrade for his work over the past years, for his humanity, and for everything he has done for us.”

BALAZS, Péter

Born: 3/5/1943, Budapest, Hungary

Died: 12/10/2025, Budapest, Hungary

 

Péter Balázs’ westerns – actor:

Hol colt, hol nem colt (TV) – 1980 (sheriff)

RIP Jim Ward

 

'Fairly OddParents' Star Jim Ward Dead at 66 

TMZ

December 11, 2025

 

Jim Ward -- the beloved actor who lent his voice to many popular cartoon characters and video games -- has died, TMZ has confirmed.

Jim's wife, Janice, tells TMZ ... Jim passed away Wednesday at 10:45 AM due to complications from advanced Alzheimer's.

We're told he was being treated in Los Angeles at Silverado Beverly Place Memory Care at the time of his passing.

Fans will remember Jim for voicing characters like Doug Dimmadome and Chet Ubetcha on "The Fairly OddParents."

This came after he debuted in the video game scene in 1993, being featured in "Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin."

Other video game credits include ... "Resident Evil 4," "Metal Gear Rising Revengeance," "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic," and "Call of Duty," among others.

Before 2021, he was the voice of Captain Qwark from the video game series "Ratchet & Clank." His last video game credit is "Quake Champions," which was released in 2022.

His agent since the early 1980s, Arlene Thornton, tells TMZ ... "His ability to improvise on the spot as well as his dead-on impressions were beyond impressive. He was a one man comedy show every time he came to the office to do his auditions."

Jim was 66.

RIP

WARD, Jim (James Kevin Ward)

Born: 5/19/1959, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 12/10/2025, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Jim Ward’s westerns – actor, voice actor:

How the West Was Won (TV) – 1976 (mountain man)

Wild, Wild West: The Steel Assassin – 1999 [English voice of Artemus Gordon]

Home on the Range – 2004 [English additional voices]

Fallout: New Vegas – 2010 [English voice of  Dr. Klein - Old World Blues DLC, Prototype Auto-

    Doc - Old World Blues DLC, Sink Central Intelligence Unit - Old World Blues DLC

Highclimber – 2011 (Patty)

Red Dead Redemption II – 2018 [English voice of The Local Pedestrian Population]

RIP Gordon Goodwin

 

Gordon Goodwin Obituary, Death: Passed Away After Battle With A Complications Of Pancreatic Cancer.

Life Bulletin

December 9, 2025

 

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon Goodwin, who died peacefully on the afternoon of December 8 following complications from pancreatic cancer. Gordon’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who cherished him. His gentle spirit, remarkable brilliance, and incomparable kindness made him a beloved husband, son, father, and friend whose memory will forever be treasured.

In his final moments, Gordon was surrounded by those he loved dearly—his mother, Alice; his children, Madison, Garett, Trevor, and Garrison; his stepchildren, Levi and Aria; his closest friends; and his devoted wife, who remained by his side. Their presence brought comfort, warmth, and profound peace as they held him lovingly and reminded him again and again how deeply he was cherished. His passing, though heartbreaking, was filled with tenderness, gratitude, and the quiet beauty of a life surrounded by love.

Gordon was known for his exceptional character—brilliant yet humble, gentle yet strong, and endlessly kind. Those who knew him admired not only his intelligence and talent but also his unwavering generosity, compassion, and the sincerity with which he approached every relationship. He brought joy, light, and comfort to all who crossed his path, offering encouragement in difficult times and celebrating the triumphs of others with genuine warmth.

As a husband, he was deeply devoted—loving, supportive, and steadfast. As a father and stepfather, he was a source of guidance, strength, and pride, always encouraging his children and stepchildren to pursue their dreams. As a friend, he listened with empathy, laughed with sincerity, and stood by others with unwavering loyalty. His presence enriched the lives of many, and the emptiness left in his absence is felt deeply.

During this unimaginable time, Gordon’s family asks for continued prayers, support, and compassion as they navigate the profound grief of losing such an extraordinary person. Though life will never be the same without him, they take comfort in knowing that his final moments were peaceful and filled with love—a reflection of the life he lived so beautifully.

Gordon Goodwin will be missed beyond measure, and his legacy of love, kindness, and gentle strength will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring comfort and inspiration.

GOODWIN, Gordon (Gordon L. Goodwin)

Born: 12/30/1954, Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A.

Died: 12/8/2025, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Gordon Goodwin’s westerns – coposer, musician:

Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa – 1992 [composer]

Bonkers (TV) – 1993 [musician]

The Outsider – 1994 [musician]

The Spirit of Pocahontas 1995-1997 [musician]

Texas Rangers – 2001 [musician]

RIP Ted Hartley

 Ted Hartley, Actor, Producer and Former Chairman of RKO Pictures, Dies at 100

Married to the late Dina Merrill, he appeared in 'High Plains Drifter' and on 'Peyton Place.'

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

November 14, 2025

 

Ted Hartley, an actor, two-time Tony-nominated producer and chairman and CEO of RKO Pictures, has died. He was 100.

A longtime resident of the Hamptons, Hartley died Oct. 10 in New York City, The East Hampton Star reported.

In 1991, he and his late wife, actress Dina Merrill, took control of what was left of the famed RKO when their company, Pavilion Communications, purchased 51 percent of the studio that released King Kong and Citizen Kane and once was owned by Howard Hughes.

He then produced several films, including a 1998 remake of Mighty Joe Young for Disney that starred Bill Paxton and Charlize Theron and a 2002 version of The Magnificent Ambersons for A&E.

Hartley was nominated for Tony Awards in 2007 and ’08 for producing the musical comedy Curtains, which played for 511 performances on Broadway, and a revival of Gypsy that featured Patti LuPone. His other stage credits include Never Gonna Dance and Doctor Zhivago.

In perhaps his most notable acting role, he portrayed hotelier Lewis Belding, married to Verna Bloom‘s character, in Clint Eastwood‘s High Plains Drifter (1973).

“I was self-conscious as an actor, but fortunately I was given parts where self-consciousness was part of the role, and I got away with it,” he once told The Star. “I wanted to be a member at The Actors Studio, and I just didn’t quite get there. Even though Lee Strasberg said wonderful things about me occasionally, I always had that feeling that he wanted me to be a little more authentic.” 

Hartley was born on Nov. 6, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised on a farm in Iowa. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, served as a White House aide under President Eisenhower and piloted jet fighters.

After his military career ended when he was injured in a carrier-landing accident in 1964, he attended Harvard Business School and worked for First Western Financial Corp. before getting fired.

He turned to acting and played Rev. Bedford on ABC’s Peyton Place during the primetime soap’s second season (1965-66), then had small roles on the big screen in Walk Don’t Run (1966), the Matt Helm flick Murderers’ Row (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967) and Ice Station Zebra (1968).

In 1974, Hartley starred as Capt. McKeegan on ABC’s Chopper One, a drama about helicopter cops, but it was canceled after 13 episodes.

He also showed up on episodes of The F.B.I., Mannix, Ironside and Barnaby Jones and in such films as Matilda (1978), Caddyshack II (1998) and Laura Smiles (2005), which he produced as well.

He married Merrill soon after she and her second husband, actor Cliff Robertson, divorced in 1989.

The Star noted he was the longest-tenured member of the Metropolitan Club in Washington and a member of the New York Yacht Club, River Club, Chevy Chase Club and Bel-Air Country Club.

Survivors include his son, Philippe.

HARTLEY, Ted (Theodore Ringwalt Hartley)

Born: 11/6/2024, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A.

Died: 10/10/2025, East Hampton, New York, U.S.A.

 

Ted Hartley’s westerns – actor:

High Plains Drifter – 1973 (Lewis Belding)

The Wild Wild West Revisited (TV) – 1979 (Tsar Nicholas of Russia)