RIP Max Kleven

 

Max Kleven, Stuntman, Second-Unit Director on ‘Rollerball,’ ‘Batman Returns’ and ‘The River Wild,’ Dies at 92

A ski jumper from Norway, he also worked on ‘Naked City,’ ‘Silent Movie,’ the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy and ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.’

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

May 4, 2026

 

Max Kleven, the Norwegian-born stunt performer, stunt coordinator and second-unit director with credits including Our Man Flint, Rollerball, The Deep and the Back to the Future trilogy, has died. He was 92.

Kleven died Wednesday of heart failure at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, his family announced.

Early in his career, Kleven doubled for Paul Burke on ABC’s Naked City and for Glenn Corbett on CBS’ Route 66, and he served as the president of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures in the 1970s.

Kleven did double duty performing stunts and directing scenes on several films, starting with Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and the sequel Come Back Charleston Blue (1972) and followed by Rollerball (1975), Silent Movie (1976), Batman Returns (1992) and The River Wild (1994).

And as an actor on television action series, he showed up on everything from Rescue 8, Get Smart, The Big Valley, Combat! and The Invaders to Batman, Star Trek, Mannix, Kojak and Magnum, P.I.

Born on Aug. 16, 1933, in Trondheim, Norway, Kleven spent his early years on a farm with his mother, Jenny, and a cousin, Joni. He joined the Norwegian Merchant Marine as teenager and came to the U.S. in 1951; he said the moment he saw California’s sunshine and palm trees, he knew he never wanted to leave.

Kleven had been an accomplished ski jumper in his home country, and when he was spotted sliding down and flying off ramps in Sugarbush, Vermont, he was recruited to be a stunt performer. According to IMDb, the first movie he worked on was the Oscar best picture winner Around the World in 80 Days (1956).

Kleven did stunts for other films including Our Man Flint (1966), Murderers’ Row (1966), Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967), Charley Varrick (1973), Back to the Future (1985), Ruthless People (1986), Species (1995) and Wild Wild West (1999).

His résumé as a stunt coordinator included Book of Numbers (1973), Dillinger (1973), The Deep (1977), The Changeling (1980), Footloose (1984) and Sleeping With the Enemy (1991), and he was a second-unit director on Raid on Entebbe (1976), Runaway Train (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Part III (1990), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and Spider-Man (2002).

He even got to direct a handful of films.

Kleven’s family said that one of his career highlights came when Steven Spielberg told him, “I hire you to fix my movies.” (Kleven worked for the producer on the Back to the Future films, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, 1980’s Used Cars and 2000’s What Lies Beneath, among other features),

Survivors include his wife, Luz; his daughters, Valli and Céline; his son, Erik; and his grandson, Hunter.

KLEVEN, Max (Max J. Klevin)

Born: 8/16/1933, Trondheim, Norway

Died: 6/3/2026, Newhall, California, U.S.A.

 

Max Kleven’s westerns – assistant director, actor, stuntman:

The Big Valley (TV) 1965 (Dave Williams)

The Virginian (TV) 1968 (Halevey)

The Hard Man – 1957 (townsman)

Billy the Kid Versus Dracula – 1966 (Sandy Newman)

The Good Guys and the Bad Guys – 1969 [stunts]

Zandy’s Bride – 1974 [stunts]

The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox – 1976 [assistant director]

Almost Heroes – 1998 [stunts]

Wild Wild West – 1999 [stunts]

Back to the Future III – [assistant director]

RIP Anthony Head

 

Buffy and Ted Lasso star Anthony Head dies at 72

BBC

By Annabel Rackham Ian Youngs

June 5, 2026

 

British actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in TV shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin and Little Britain, has died at the age of 72.

Head found international fame as Rupert Giles in hit supernatural teen show Buffy in the late 1990s.

He went on to have a recurring role in sketch show Little Britain as the prime minister, he played king Uther Pendragon in the BBC's Merlin, and appeared as former football club owner Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso.

"He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family," his daughters Emily and Daisy said.

His daughters' statement said, "it is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father".

They added: "It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many."

They also said they knew "how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the show he was in", adding that he "loved his job very much" and "always considered himself incredibly lucky".

His family acknowledged that "his legacy will live on" and said they considered themselves "lucky" to have watched him doing what he loved throughout his career.

Head's other credits included playing Geoffrey Howe in The Iron Lady and appearing in Doctor Who, Persuasion, The Inbetweeners and Manchild.

Head first found fame in the UK in the 1980s as the face of Nescafe coffee adverts on TV.

He was part of the Gold Blend couple alongside Sharon Maughan, with their coffee-themed romance ads becoming popular between 1987 and 1993.

Head starred in numerous popular British shows during his career, also including Motherland, Silent Witness and Doctor Who.

Head's last acting credits included Bridgerton in 2022, in which he starred in one episode in series two.

He also joined the cast of BBC Radio 4's long-running drama The Archers in 2018, playing Robin Fairbrother.

He enjoyed a long stage career, performing in several iterations of The Rocky Horror Show and musicals such as Godspell and Chess.

Head lost his long-term partner Sarah Fisher, who was an animal welfare campaigner, in December 2025 at the age of 61.

His daughters Emily, 37 and Daisy, 35, both work as actors - with Emily best known for playing Carli D'Amato in The Inbetweeners.

Daisy has appeared in TV shows including Harlots and Shadow and Bone.

His brother Murray is also an actor, who appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday and the musical Chess.

HEAD, Anthony (Anthony Stewart Head)

Born: 2/20/1954, Camden, London, England, U.K.

Died: 6/5/2026, Bath, Somerset, England, U.K.

 

Anthony Head’s western – actor:

And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself – 2003 (William Benton)

RIP James Handy

 

Veteran Actor James Handy Stabbed To Death In Tarzana

The son of his girlfriend called 911, the LAPD says, and confessed to the killing

Los Angeles Magazine

Michele McPhee

June 5, 2026

 

“I am the son of man. I just killed the man of sin,” a 44-year-old man allegedly said in a 911 call from a West Valley address at around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Los Angeles Police Department officers raced to an address on the 19200 block of Erwin Street in Tarzana where they found 81-year-old veteran actor James Handy collapsed on the front lawn with a stab wound to his chest, according to a statement. Handy, a character actor in films like “Logan,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Arachnophobia,” was soon pronounced dead and the son of his girlfriend was taken into custody.

The suspect, Michael Gledhill, who lived at the home with his mother, flagged down police officers and told them he was the person they were looking for, the LAPD said. Gledhill is being held on $2 million bail.

Handy had close to 150 acting credits on IMDb. He also made appearances in TV shows including “The West Wing,” “9-1-1,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “CSI: NY,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Castle,” “Criminal Minds,” “Cold Case,” “Without a Trace,” “ER,” “The X-Files” and “Mulaney.”

HANDY, James (James Michael Handy)

Born: 3/19/1945, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 6/3/2026, Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A.

 

James Handy’s westerns – actor:

The Young Riders (TV) – 1992 (Isiah Burke)

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1995 (Elliot Cheever)

Vegas (TV) – 2012 (Mr. Dobbs)

RIP Axel Schreiber

 

Actor Axel Schreiber dies at the age of 49

He became famous with the ARD series "Türkisch für Anfänger". Now Axel Schreiber has died at the age of just 49. He suffered from cancer.

blue news

6/4/2026

 

The actor Axel Schreiber is dead. The artist known from the successful ARD series "Türkisch für Anfänger" died at the age of 49, as his acting agency Hübchen confirmed, citing a close friend of Schreiber. According to the statement, the actor died on June 3 "after a long and serious illness with cancer". The "Bild" newspaper and "Focus" had previously reported.

"It's very, very sad," said Sanna Hübchen, co-owner of the agency. Director Laura Fischer and the agency published an emotional post on Instagram: "You were not only a wonderful actor for us, but also a companion, best friend, our family, buddy, colleague, dream interpreter, traveler and seeker".

It continued: "Here in our world you have definitely built a monument to yourself; in your films, series, with your paintings and with us - your fellow travelers. You made us laugh, feel and cry again and again - Axel you enriched our lives!"

Emotional reactions

Schreiber’s last wish was “deep peace”, his agents and his girlfriend wrote. There were numerous expressions of sympathy under her post. Numerous colleagues also spoke out. Actress Lea van Acken wrote: “We will miss you so much Axel, you beautiful soul.”

Actress Annika Ernst said: “I hope that his lightness and wisdom helped him through the last difficult times.” Actor Christian Kahrmann was shocked: “No! That can’t be... What a fine guy. Have a safe journey, my friend...” Actress Judith Hoersch also said goodbye with moving words: “I have to cry and wish his loved ones, including you dear Laura and his family, love and support in this difficult time. And a safe journey and deep peace to you Axel.

Also in front of the camera for Tatort

Schreiber, who was born in Lübben, Brandenburg, is best known for his role in the series "Türkisch für Anfänger" (2006-2008) alongside Josefine Preuss and Elyas M'Barek. There he played Axel Mende, who was at times together with the protagonist Lena (Preuss). In 2006, "Türkisch für Anfänger" was awarded the German Television Prize.

Over the course of his career, Schreiber has also appeared in other productions for film and television, such as "Soko Leipzig" and "Tatort". In 2024, he was in front of the camera for the German film "Für immer Freibad" by Laura Fischer, which was broadcast on ZDF in August last year. In 2025, Schreiber was still in front of the camera for "In aller Freundschaft".

SCHREIBER, Axel

Born: 1/30/1980, Lübben, Brandenburg, Germany

Died: 6/3/2026, Berlin, Berlin, Germany

 

Axel Schreiber’s western – actor:

The Young Chief Winnetou – 2022 (Deputy Sheriff Wilson)

RIP Giacomo Piperno

 

Giacomo Piperno, actor and voice actor with an eclectic career, has died

Notizie Nazionali

6/2/2026

 

The actor and voice actor Giacomo Piperno, eclectic and multifaceted interpreter between cinema and television, thanks to his versatility, professionalism and passion for the scenic art, died at the age of 90 at the Umberto I Polyclinic in Rome. The announcement of the disappearance, as reported by Adnkronos, was made by his children.

Born in Rome on January 20, 1936, into a Jewish family, Piperno escaped deportation by fleeing to Switzerland with his family in the days of the roundup in the ghetto of Rome in October 1943. He made his debut in 1960 with a television role in "Lieutenant Sheridan: A Gardenia for Helena Carrel" (1960), but it was with the film "Commandos" (1968) that his career gained momentum. Since then, his versatility has led him to play dramatic, historical and comic roles on the big and small screen, ranging from "Sacco e Vanzetti" (1971) by Giuliano Montaldo, to "Rugantino" (1973) by Pasquale Festa Campanile, up to the episode "In banca" of "Tu mi turbi" (1982) directed by Roberto Benigni. For Benigni he has also always starred in "The Little Devil" (1988). Among other films he starred in "Il camorrista" (1986) by Giuseppe Tornatore, "Splendor" (1988) by Ettore Scola, "Open Doors" (1990) by Gianni Amelio, "Il portaborse" (1991) by Daniele Luchetti (1991), "Pasolini, un delitto italiano" (1995) by Marco Tullio Giordana. On television he participated in numerous series and miniseries, including "Napoleon on St. Helena" (1973) and "Catherine and her daughters" (2005-2007), where he played the husband of Iva Zanicchi's character. His talent also extended to dubbing between the sixties and eighties he lent his voice to performers such as Gene Hackman and Philippe Leroy, helping to make the characters on the Italian big screen memorable.

He made his debut in 1960 with a television role in "Lieutenant Sheridan: A Gardenia for Helena Carrel" (1960), but it was with the film "Commandos" (1968) that his career gained momentum. Since then, his versatility has led him to play dramatic, historical and comic roles on the big and small screen, ranging from "Sacco e Vanzetti" (1971) by Giuliano Montaldo, to "Rugantino" (1973) by Pasquale Festa Campanile, up to the episode "In banca" of "Tu mi turbi" (1982) directed by Roberto Benigni. For Benigni he has also always starred in "The Little Devil" (1988). Among other films he starred in "Il camorrista" (1986) by Giuseppe Tornatore, "Splendor" (1988) by Ettore Scola, "Open Doors" (1990) by Gianni Amelio, "Il portaborse" (1991) by Daniele Luchetti (1991), "Pasolini, un delitto italiano" (1995) by Marco Tullio Giordana. On television he participated in numerous series and miniseries, including "Napoleon on St. Helena" (1973) and "Catherine and her daughters" (2005-2007), where he played the husband of Iva Zanicchi's character. His talent also extended to dubbing between the sixties and eighties he lent his voice to performers such as Gene Hackman and Philippe Leroy, helping to make the characters on the Italian big screen memorable.

PIPERNO, Giacomo

Born: 1/20/1936, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Died: 5/31/2026, Rome, Lazio, Italy

 

Giacomo Piperno’s westerns – voice actor:

A Coffin for the Sheriff – 1965 [Italian voice of Miguel De La Riva]

Pecos Cleans Up – 1967 [Italian voice of Carl Gaddi]

A Hole in the Forehead – 1968 [Italian voice of Gianni Brezza]

One by One - 1968 [Italian voice of Peter Lee Lawrence]

Heads or Tail – 1969 [Italian voice of Franco Daddi]

Adiós, Sabata – 1970 [Italian voice of Dean Reed]

Kill Django... Kill First – 1971 [Italian voice of Giacomo Rossi Stuart]

Shoot Joe, and Shoot Again – 1971 [Italian voice of Richard Harrison]

Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead – 1971 [Italian voice of Klaus Kinski]

RIP Knut Husebø

 

Knut Husebø is dead

Actor Knut Husebø has died, 80 years old. He became a national celebrity for the role of Hamsun's Benoni in the TV series.

Seher

By Karoline Henriette Bjånesøy

6/1/2026

 

Actor and visual artist Knut Husebø has died, 80 years old.

This is stated by theatre director Trond Lie (76) on his Facebook profile.

For several decades, Husebø was a prominent figure in Norwegian cultural life.

He became a national celebrity in the 1970s for his role as Benoni in the TV series Benonig and Rosa, directed by Per Bronken. Here he played opposite Unni Evjen in a heartbreaking Hamsun drama from the Nordland coast.

He first made a name for himself as an actor on the theatre stage, before later also making his mark as a visual artist.

He was associated with several of the country's leading theatre institutions and participated in a number of stage and television productions.

Throughout his career, he became known for his interpretations of both classic and modern roles.

In later years, Husebø devoted more and more time to the visual arts.

His work was shown at several exhibitions in Norway and abroad.

Cultural personalities who have left comments under Lie's Facebook posts describe him as a friendly and interested man.

The time of the funeral is not yet known.

HUSEBO, Knut

Born: 5/10/1946, Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway

Died: 6/1/2026, Norway

 

Knut Husebø’s western – actor:

Morgan Kane: Death is a Lonesome Hunter – 2001 (outlaw)

RIP Charles Cioffi

 

Charles Cioffi Dies: ‘Klute’, ‘Shaft’, ‘All The Right Moves’ Actor Was 90

DEADLINE

By Greg Evans

May 27, 2026

 

Charles Cioffi, a prolific character actor in TV, film and the Broadway stage perhaps best known for memorable turns as Tom Cruise’s blue-collar dad in All the Right Moves and a sadistic killer stalking Jane Fonda in Klute, died May 22 of natural causes at his home in Marina del Rey, California. He was 90.

His death was announced by family and first reported by TMZ.

Born on October 31, 1935, in New York City, Cioffi launched his show business career on the stage of the the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in the early 1960s. He’d make his Broadway debut later that decade in a 1968 production of King Lear starring Lee J. Cobb. In all, he’d perform in seven Broadway shows, including the original 1969 production of 1776; a 1975 production of Hamlet with Sam Waterston in the title role and Jane Alexander as Gertrude; and, in his final Broadway credit, the 1992 two-hander Chinese Coffee with Al Pacino.

He began a busy, decades-long career in television with a role on the 1969 CBS soap Where the Heart Is and, in 1971, found an early signature role as Lt. Vic Androzzi in the feature Shaft.

That same year, in what was his film debut, he appeared in the hit thriller Klute, starring Fonda as New York City prostitute Bree Daniels and Donald Sutherland as the amateur sleuth John Klute investigating the disappearance of a businessman who also might have been one of Bree’s clients. Cioffi played an executive at the company where the missing man worked, hiring Klute to trail Fonda’s character and solve what appears to be a murder. In the film’s climactic scene, Cioffi’s character, revealed as the killer, attempts to murder Bree before dying by suicide in a dramatic plunge from a skyscraper. (In one haunting scene, Cioffi sits in his penthouse New York office, with the World Trade Center towers being constructed just outside his window).

Numerous TV roles followed, including episodes of Bonanza, The Bold Ones, The FBI, a recurring role on Get Christie Love!, Cannon, Medical Center, Kojak, Wonder Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, Little House on the Prairie, Hawaii Five-0, Lou Grant, Taxi, St. Elsewhere, The Equalizer, Thirtysomething, The X-Files, Law & Order, The Practice and the daytime soaps Ryan’s Hope, Days of Our Lives, All My Children and Another World, among others.

Other film credits include 1979’s Time After Time, 1982’s Missing and 1992’s Newsies.

Cioffi is survived by wife Anne, two sons and other extended family, according to TMZ.

CIOFFI, Charles (Charles Michael Cioffi)

Born: 10/31/1935, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 5/22/2026, Marina Del Rey, California, U.S.A.

 

Charles Cioffi’s westerns – actor:

Bonanza (TV) – 1959 (Shanklin)

Little House on the Prairie (TV) – 1974 (Bret Harper)