RIP Gianni Quillico

 

Gianni Quillico, actor and voice actor of many films and television series, has died

La Voce dei Giornalisti

By Alessandra Rissotto

4/19/2026

 

Today we were left with a dear friend, Gianni Quillico, a special person for those who loved him and for the whole world of Milanese culture.

His voice has been the protagonist in many movies, television series, advertising, cartoons, and even video games. Of the dubbing, Gianni was a highly appreciated master in Italy and abroad, friends loved to tell secrets and anecdotes of those “voices in the shadows” lent to movie stars whose success is determined, in large part, by the charm of the voice of the voice actor but Gianni, despite being aware of his skill, has always remained a balanced person never over the top, no hint of pride.

Gianni Quillico

Born in Milan in 1947, he loved his city and, in a particular way, his theaters: a wonderful Marquis of Forlimpopoli in La Locandiera, the most famous opera by Goldoni, with Dario Fo had participated in the Palazzina Liberty in Milan at the Colletivo Teatrale from which it would be produced “We Talk About Women” written and directed by the future Nobel Prize. Many famous directors with whom he worked from Anton Giulio Majano to Sandro Bolchi to Giuseppe Piccioni.

He had been the voice of the Spider-Man in the first animated series dedicated to the character; the Black Knight in King Arthur; Jobback in Calimer and Hamber in the series Orizzonti Pokemon.

His latest works with Massimiliano Finazzer Flory in “Being Leonardo da Vinci” and “Rocco Schiavone”, the television series he had worked on in 2025.

Always elegant, with a somewhat English style, Gianni shared the passion for theater, music, the mountain with his wife, Raffaella, who reconciled his commitment as a journalist in the editorial culture of Rai, with the long times of Gianni’s theater rehearsals and then with the debuts and the many evenings of entertainment.

The last greeting to Gianni Quillico will be in the farewell room inside the cemetery of Lambrate.

QUILLICO, Gianni

Born: 4/9/1947, Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Died: 4/19/2026, Italy

 

Gianni Quillico’s westerns – voice actor:

Tex and Company (TV) – 1980 (Cico)

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (TV) – 1993-1998 [Italian voice of Frank Collison]

Cocco Bill (TV) – 2002 (Bob)

 Outer Range (TV) – 2022 [Italian voice of Will Patton]

RIP Don Schlitz

 

NC Native Don Schlitz, storied country songwriter behind such hits as ‘The Gambler,’ dies at 73

WPTF

By Maria Sherman

April 17, 2026

 

Don Schlitz, the storied country music songwriter known for such hits as “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” died Thursday at a Nashville hospital. He was 73.

The cause of death was not immediately known. A press release from the Grand Ole Opry described it as a sudden illness.

Schlitz, a North Carolina native, was born in 1952 and raised in Durham before packing his bags and heading to Nashville

The two-time Grammy Award winner was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. “I will never be able to believe that I deserve this, unless I receive it as a representative of my family, my mentors, my collaborators, my promoters and my friends,” Schlitz said in 2017, when he learned of the Country Music Hall of Fame honor. “That’s the only way I can deal with this.”

Schlitz made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2017 and was later inducted in 2022. He is the only non-artist to receive the honor in the Opry’s 100 years. The historic venue’s Saturday night show will be dedicated in his honor.

He was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years, from 1988 through 1991. He also wrote music and lyrics for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” the 1999 Broadway musical.

Schlitz’s songs are widely considered some of the most unwavering in country music, and have been recorded by such hitmakers as Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler,” “The Greatest”), Randy Travis (“On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen”), The Judds (“I Know Where I’m Going”), The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (“I Love Only You,”) Tanya Tucker (“I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love,”) Mary Chapin Carpenter (“He Thinks He’ll Keep Her”) and many others.

He also wrote “You Can’t Make Old Friends” for Rogers and Dolly Parton; their first duet since 1983’s “Islands in the Stream.”

His first recorded song, “The Gambler,” is perhaps his most enduring hit and the tent-pole of his legacy. The song, which was recorded by Rogers in 1978 and certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), opened doors for country music in the ’70s, a track that was not only a huge genre hit but also a pop crossover one.

As Rogers said when he inducted Schlitz into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012, “Don doesn’t just write songs. He writes careers.”

“We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote,” Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO, wrote in a statement Friday. “Not long ago, we shared a dinner, and as we were leaving, Don picked up a guitar and began to play. That is how I will always remember him, smiling and with a guitar in his hand. His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”

“Don Schlitz’s place as a songwriting great would be secure had he never written ‘The Gambler’ or had he only written ‘The Gambler,’” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, wrote in a statement Friday. “Nashville was richer for his presence and is lesser for his absence.”

Schlitz is survived by his wife Stacey, daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon, son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz, grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla and Lilah, brother Brad Schlitz and sister Kathy Hinkley.

SCHLITZ, Don (Donald Alan Schlitz Jr.)

Born: 8/29/1952, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Died: 4/16/2026, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.

 

Don Schlitz’s westerns – writer:

The Gambler (TV) 1980

Kenny Rogers as The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (TV) – 1983

The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw (TV) – 1991

Gambler V: Playing for Keeps (TV) - 1994

RIP Alexander Morton

 

Monarch of the Glen actor Alexander Morton dies aged 81

BBC

By Craig Williams

4/16/2026

 

Actor Alexander "Sandy" Morton, who played Golly Mackenzie in the TV series Monarch of the Glen, has died aged 81.

The Glasgow-born actor played the loyal ghillie of the fictional Highland estate Glenbogle in all 64 episodes of the popular BBC Scotland series between 2000 and 2005.

He was also known for playing hard-men and villains in films and series as diverse as Get Carter, The Silent Scream, Valhalla Rising, and Take the High Road.

Morton, who trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, was also a noted stage actor who founded the Raindog Theatre Company with fellow actors Robert Carlyle and Caroline Paterson.

Morton began working in the 1970s in London and Scotland and he built a long and varied career on stage and screen.

He made an impact as the villain Andy Semple in the Scottish Television soap opera Take The High Road, a part he played for 14 years between 1980 and 1994.

His stage roles included Macbeth, Robert Burns and William Wallace.

He also appeared in River City and Shetland.

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: "We're saddened to hear the news about Alexander Morton who made a significant contribution to Scottish television and theatre.

"His portrayal of Golly Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen was a key part of the long-running drama's success.

"He will be remembered fondly for the depth and authenticity he brought to one of BBC Scotland's most cherished dramas."

Paying tribute to Morton on social media, Robert Carlyle wrote:

"So sad to hear of the passing of the great Sandy Morton. Not only a brilliant actor, but one of the kindest men I ever knew. Working with him through the years with Raindog Theatre Company was an education.

"His unique, naturalistic style was a thing of beauty. So real that you would forget he was even acting at all. I've never seen anyone do it better than Sandy.

"He taught me so much. I owe him so much, and he will forever be in my heart. RIP Alexander Morton."

'Exceptional talent'

Gavin Mitchell, who plays Boaby the barman in Still Game, said: "Such devastating news to hear of the passing of Sandy Morton today from his son Jamie.

"He taught and gave me so much. Warm, wise, encouraging, generous and gentle. An exceptional talent. I was lucky enough to work with him on various things over the years, from the inception of Raindog Theatre Company and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, panto, radio, Monarch of the Glen, of course, and much more.

"His door was always open and always tales to share. He loved music, history, politics, radio, and remained eternally curious.

"I loved him dearly and I owe him a lot. I'll miss our chats and I'll miss catching him off guard and making him chortle. We've lost one of the best. All my love. Travel well Sandy".

Actor and singer Tom Urie, who played Big Bob O'Hara in River City, wrote: "Sad to hear about the passing of Sandy Morton. Our paths crossed briefly on River City and he was an absolute gentleman."

MORTON, Alexander

Born: 3/24/1945, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.

Died: 4/15/2026, Bath Somerset, England, U.K.

 

Alexander Morton’s western – actor:

The Campbells (TV) – 1987, 1988 (cellmate, Thomas)

RIP Husein Cokic

 

Husein Čokić passed away: He started his career in Banja Luka, starred in the film "March on the Drina"

Nezavisne

By Ratko Bogosavac

4/16/2026

 

It started at the Banja Luka Theatre

Čokić was born in 1931 in Ključ, and spent his working life in Banja Luka.

According to the regionalexpress.hr portal, which published the news of his death, Čokić began his acting career in 1953 at the National Theater of Bosanska Krajina in Banja Luka, where he performed a whole range of roles.

What he's been playing

He gained full recognition as an actor in film, collaborating with leading ex-Yugoslav directors, such as Branko Bauer in the film “Face to Face”, “Steps Through the Fog” and “Cat Under the Helmet” by Žorž Skrigin, “March on the Drina” by Žika Mitrović, “Horse on the Mountain” by Fadil Hadžić, “Doctor Mladen” by Midhat Mutapčić, “Saboteurs” and “Valter Defends Sarajevo” by Hajrudin Šiba Krvavac, “Shepherd” by Bakir Tanović, “The Ninth Miracle in the East” by Vlatko Filipović and “Ljubica” by Krešo Golik.

He has also successfully appeared in numerous co-production films and TV series, as well as in drama productions of Sarajevo Television.

He has made a total of 28 feature films and about twenty TV films, TV series, short films and television dramas.

He also starred in a foreign film

Together with Bekim Fehmiu, he paved the way for ex-Yugoslav actors in foreign films. Among other things, he starred in the classic "Vineta" (1963).

The monodrama "Socrates' Defense and Death", which he performed extremely successfully at a time when Ljuba Tadić played the same monodrama on stage, will remain inscribed and remembered in the golden letters of the theatre.

COKIC, Husein

Born: 6/16/1931, Kljuc, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia

Died: 4/14/2026, Pula, Croatia

 

Husein Cokic’s westerns – actor:

Apache Gold – 1963 (Will Parker)

The Jack London Story (TV) – 1973 (Jim Goodman/Gustavson) [as Husein Cokie]

RIP Lucha Moreno

 

Lucha Moreno, actress and diva of ranchera music, dies at the age of 86

"He left us soft and surrounded by a lot of love," says his daughter Mimí, a member of the group Flans.

Billboard

By Natalia Cano

4/16/2026

 

Singer and actress Lucha Moreno, one of the great voices of ranchera music who was part of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, died on Wednesday (April 15) at the age of 86. The death was confirmed by her daughter Irma Hernández, better known as Mimí of the group Flans.

"How difficult... Today my adored mommy climbed on a cloud surrounded by a lot of little angels to return home ... She left us soft and surrounded by a lot of love," Mimí said in a post on her Instagram account, accompanied by a photograph with her mother. "Warrior, tireless, noisy, big and with the purest heart. Have a good trip beautiful mommy. We are going to miss you very much... Fly happy!"

The cause of death of the Mexican diva was not revealed. Billboard Español has sent requests for details to Mimí and her representatives.

Irma Gloria Ochoa Salinas, Moreno's real name, was born on April 23, 1939 in Guadalupe, Nuevo León. Marked by interpretive intensity and roots in traditions, her artistic work included music and television, in addition to being part of the last stage of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, standing out for her vocal interpretation and stage presence.

In the 1960s, she formed a successful duo with her husband, José Juan, with whom she also formed a family. The duo managed to become one of the most important vernacular music of the time, recording a score of albums under the Orfeón and RCA Victor labels. Among her hits are songs such as "Tú y yo", "Deja deja" and "La Margarita". Her most famous albums, which positioned her as one of the most powerful voices in traditional Mexican music, include Tú y Yo (1970), Lucha Moreno Y José Juan Con El Mariachi Monumental De Silvestre Vargas – Amor Perfecto (1970) and Serenata De Amor Con Lucha Moreno Y José Juan (1976).

In cinema, Moreno made her debut in 1957 in the film Asesinos, S.A. (1957) — written and directed by Adolfo Fernández Bustamante and starring Adalberto Martínez Resortes, Kitty de Hoyos and Sara Guasch – in which she performed the song "La noche de mi mal." On TV, she participated in soap operas that marked an era, such as Quinceañera, Amor en Silencio, Amor de Nadie, Acapulco, Cuerpo y Alma and Te Sigo Amando.

In addition to Mimí, Moreno had two other children: Ileana, who died a few years ago, and José Juan Hernández Ochoa, who also ventured into music and now works as a businessman. Her husband, José Juan, died in January 2025, at the age of 89, after almost six decades of marriage.

MORENO, Lucha (Irma Gloria Ochoa Salinas)

Born: 4/23/1939, Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Died: 4/5/2026, Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico

 

Lucha Moreno’s westerns – actress:

No soy monedita de oro – 1959 (Lucha Moreno)

El gato – 1961 (María)

Tirando a matar – 1961 (María)

Los hijos del diablo – 1989 (Leonor Contreras

RIP Joy Harmon

 

Joy Harmon

'Cool Hand Luke' Car Wash Scene Actress Dead at 87

TMZ

April 15, 2026

 

Joy Harmon -- the blonde actress known for her brief but iconic car wash scene in the classic 1960s film "Cool Hand Luke" -- has died, TMZ has learned.

A family member tells TMZ ... Joy passed away at her Los Angeles-area home Tuesday surrounded by family, after getting sick with pneumonia several weeks earlier. We're told she fought until the end and fully expected to recover and get back to work at her beloved Burbank bakery, Aunt Joy's Cakes.

Joy was working at Aunt Joy's until the very end ... we're told she was working the day before she went to the hospital to receive medical care.

According to her family member, she spent 1 to 2 weeks in the hospital, followed by a several-week stint at a rehabilitation center, and then returned home to spend her final days on hospice care and with her loved ones.

Her role as Lucille in the famous car-wash scene was an image that stuck in cinema culture for decades to come. But she had been honing her craft long before -- she kicked off her career as a child model and pageant queen, becoming a finalist in the Miss Connecticut pageant.

She had several on and off-Broadway stints before breaking into Hollywood as a contestant on the "You Bet Your Life" quiz show. From there, she became a regular on the "Tell It To Groucho" comedy show.

She appeared in classic films such as "Village of the Giants," "One Way Wahine," "Under the Yum Yum Tree" and "Angel in My Pocket" and landed several roles on the small screen, appearing in "Batman," "The Monkeys," "Bewitched," and more.

She stepped away from Hollywood to focus on raising her family -- she had 3 children, Jason, Julie and Jamie -- with her ex-husband, film editor Jeff Gourson. The pair were married between 1968 and 2001. She had 9 grandchildren, some of whom she's seen smiling with in the photo above.

She founded her bakery in 2003, and it quickly became a local favorite. We're told fans always knew to find her there, and she would happily hand out autographs when asked.

Her family tells TMZ Joy was a positive thinker full of life and vibrancy and certainly had no problem spreading joy throughout her life.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with her medical costs.

Joy was 87 years old.

RIP

 

HARMON, Joy (Joy Patricia Harmon)

Born: 5/1/1940, Flushing, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 4/14/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Joy Harmon’s western – actress:

The Rounders (TV) - 1966 (Rosetta)

RIP Tony Williams

 

Tony Williams, professor of film studies, dead at 80

Wellesnet

April 13, 2026

 

Sad to learn tonight that Tony Williams, a longtime Wellesnet supporter and contributor, has passed away after a brief illness. He was 80.

News of his passing was shared by friends on social media, one of whom described him as “outspoken and brilliant in a way few are—an academic who wasn’t concerned with the etiquette or appearance that so many of his peers were.”

Tony was a professor of English and Area Head of Film Studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

He was among the first members of the Wellesnet community when the website was launched in March 2001 and contributed more than 1,000 posts to the Message Board. He was unfailingly loyal to the site and penned several articles. In recent years, he wrote an analysis of The Trial and a review of Dany Wu’s documentary American: An Odyssey to 1947.

Educated at Manchester and Warwick Universities, Tony authored and/or co-authored  Italian Western: The Opera of Violence (1975); Jack London: The Movies (1992); Vietnam War Films (1994/2011); Hearths of Darkness: The Family in the American Horror Film (1996); Larry Cohen: The Radical Allegories of an American Filmmaker (1997); Jack London’s The Sea Wolf: A Screenplay by Robert Rossen (1998); The Cinema of George A. Romero: Knight of the Living Dead (2003); Body and Soul: The Cinematic Vision of Robert Aldrich (2004); John Woo’s Bullet in the Head (2009); and James Jones: The Limits of Eternity (2016).).

His articles also appeared in Asian Cinema, cineACTION, Cinema Journal, Excavatio, Film Criticism, Film History, Journal of Chinese Cinemas,Movie, Postscript, Vietnam Generatio.

Tony is survived by his wife and a daughter.

 

WILLIAMS, Tony (Anthony J. Williams)

Born: 1/11/1946, Swansea, Wales, U.K.

Died: 4/14/2026, Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.A.

 

Tony Williams westerns – author:

Italian Western: The Opera of Violence (1975