RIP Luis Puenzo

 

Maker of Argentina's first Oscar-winning film, Luis Puenzo, dies at 80

CBS News

April 21, 2026

 

The director of the first Argentine film to win an Oscar, Luis Puenzo, died on Tuesday aged 80, the main organization representing Argentine creatives said Tuesday.

"With deep sorrow we bid farewell to the outstanding screenwriter, director, producer and partner in our organization, Luis Puenzo, who passed away today in the city of Buenos Aires at the age of 80," the General Society of Argentine Authors said in a statement.

No cause of death was given but Puenzo had been absent from public life for an extended period due to health issues.

His drama "The Official Story," about the adoption by military families of children snatched from activists during Argentina's 1976-1983 dictatorship, won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1986.

He also directed the 1989 drama "Old Gringo" starring Jane Fonda as an American teacher who becomes swept up in the Mexican Revolution and "The Plague" (1992) based on the Albert Camus novel of the same title, starring William Hurt and Robert Duvall.

PUENZO, Luis (Luis Adalberto Puenzo)

Born: 2/19/1946, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Died: 4/21/2026, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

Luis Puenzo’s western – director, writer:

Old Gringo - 1989

RIP Rif Hutton

 

Rif Hutton Dies: ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’, ‘General Hospital’ Actor Was 73

DEADLINE

By Greg Evans

April 20, 2026

 

Rif Hutton, an actor whose prolific work in television included roles on Doogie Howser, M.D., JAG and General Hospital, among many other series, died Saturday, April 18, at his home in Pasadena following a yearlong battle with the brain cancer Glioblastoma. He was 73.

His death was announced by family to TMZ and by close friends on Facebook.

“A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane,” wrote his friend and voice-over colleague Steve Apostolina. “To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement…People knew when they hired him for a voice job that he was going to be the most prepared – he always was. He was also always first to show up on a gig – I had the great pleasure of beating him a few times and scooping a treasured chair, but those were few and far between.”

Many of Hutton’s nearly 200 TV credits were guest shots on such shows as The Jeffersons, Remington Steele, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, 227, Night Court, A Different World, Knots Landing, Full House, Married…With Children, Wings, Murphy Brown, The Larry Sanders Show, Sister, Sister, Home Improvement, Family Matters, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Seinfeld, American Horror Story, Grace and Frankie and NCIS: Los Angeles.

But he had longer runs on series including 1990’s Tribes (95 episodes), Doogie Howser, M.D. (17 episodes from 1989-93), 15 episodes of JAG (1997-2001) and, in 2021 and 2022, 32 episodes of daytime soap General Hospital.

Film credits include the 2022 crime comedy Rattled! and, in 2016, Ice Age: Collision Course.

“When the SAG strike broke out,” Apostolina notes, “he was on the line every day at Warner Bros. – a constant vision of support.”

Hutton learned he had a brain tumor in March of 2025, and later took part in the National Brain Tumor Society’s Southern California Brain Tumor Walk. At the time, he wrote, “Every person facing Glioblastoma, or any brain disorder, deserves this kind of support – to be  surrounded by encouragement, by prayer, and by stalwart champions of hope and light. There continues to be meaningful advancements in the fight against [Glioblastoma], and that fight needs all  of us. Please support it in whatever way you can.”

He is survived by his wife, the voice actor Bridget Hoffman, and son Wolfy. Additional survivor information was not immediately available.

HUTTON, Rif

Born: 11/28/1955, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

Died: 4/18/2026, Pasadena, California, U.S.A

 

Rid Hutton’s westerns – additional crew member:

3:10 to Yuma – 2007

Rango – 2011

RIP Alan Osmond

 

Alan Osmond, Oldest Member of The Osmonds, Dies at 76

The musician died on the evening of Monday, April 20, a spokesperson for the family said in a statement

People

By Becca Longmire

April 21, 2026

 

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of The Osmonds, has died. He was 76.

Alan, who was born in Ogden, Utah, died at around 8:30 p.m. local time on Monday, April 20, a spokesperson for the family confirmed to ABC4 Utah and CBS affiliate KUTV.

Alan’s wife, Suzanne Pinegar Osmond, and their eight sons were by his side when he died, KUTV reported. The singer had retired from performing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, the outlet stated.

Alan’s brother, Merrill Osmond, 72, was among those paying tribute.

He said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my beloved brother, Alan Osmond. I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together. Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many."

"Our family is thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We will honor his memory and the message he cared so deeply about. He will be missed beyond words," Merrill added.

Merrill also wrote on Facebook, “My dear friends, Two days before my brother, Alan, passed, I was blessed to sit quietly with him. We talked as brothers do, heart to heart.”

“He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled. In a tender moment I will never forget, he leaned close and whispered something into my ear. He said, ‘Merrill, you and I worked side by side,' ” the musician continued. “ 'We created, we produced, we directed… we gave our hearts to The Plan with Wayne. Please… do something with it. Let people know what we were trying to say.’ I want you to know, his request will be honored.”

Merrill wrote, “My brother has now stepped into the presence of our Father in Heaven with honor and peace. His life was not measured in years, but in love, sacrifice, and purpose.”

Merrill said Alan’s “creativity, his vision, and his deep understanding of the Savior’s teachings were simply part of who he was,” adding, “He lived it. He felt it. He shared it. He wanted me to tell you how much he loved you, and I believe that with all my heart. He gave everything he had to the Lord, to his family, and to all of you. He truly was a missionary. He truly was a saint.”

“And I need you to know this… he has not left me. I have felt him. I have felt his quiet encouragement telling me to keep going… to keep building faith… to keep sharing light. His testimony is not gone, it lives on, and it will continue to be felt far beyond this life,” Merrill said.

The musician continued, “So please, don’t let your hearts be heavy. Don’t weep for him. Rejoice, knowing that your brother, your friend, your hero is no longer in pain. He is free. He is whole. He is home.”

“Before he passed, I whispered one request to him. I asked him, when he gets there… please give my son Troy a big hug for me. He looked at me and promised he would,” Merrill concluded. “And somehow… I believe that promise has already been kept.”

Brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and later Donny, formed The Osmonds in the 1970s, before they skyrocketed to fame. The brothers were raised by parents George Virl Osmond and Olive May, in Utah, alongside their brothers Virl, Jimmy and Tom, and sister Marie Osmond.

Alan was the leader of the band at just 8 years old, and his brothers called him "No. 1," PEOPLE previously reported.

Though they weren’t in the band, the oldest Osmond siblings, Virl and Tom, who were born almost completely deaf, took part in the musical side of their family as well. Virl taught his brothers how to tap dance, among other things, it was previously revealed in the Being the Osmonds documentary.

Donny was also among those paying tribute to Alan on Instagram on Tuesday, April 21, sharing a throwback black-and-white photo of the pair, alongside the caption, “This is one of the earliest pictures I have of my brother Alan and me. Even back then, you can see that he had his arm around me, watching over me.”

“That’s who he was. My protector. My guide. The one who quietly carried so much responsibility so the rest of us could shine,” he added. “Alan was our leader in every sense of the word. His tireless work helped build everything we became.”

Donny wrote, “I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he showed—not just to me, but to every member of our family.”

“I owe him more than I can ever fully express,” he shared. “I love you, Alan. Thank you for always being there for me. Till we meet again,” signing off the post with, “Brother Donny.”

Alan is survived by his wife, Suzanne, of 51 years, as well as his sons sons Michael, Nathan, Doug, David, Scott, Jon, Alex, and Tyler, KUTV reported. He also has 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the outlet.

Through the years, Alan helped create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, which has raised over $2 billion for children’s hospitals, as well as launching the One Heart Foundation to help support orphans, ABC4 Utah reported.

The family spokesperson said, “Upon meeting the entertainer, an ever-ready smile was ever prevalent. One might feel as though they had known him all their life,” per the outlet.

“Others’ importance seemed to outshine his own, and he especially treasured the countless fans who supported the group,” they added, according to ABC4 Utah.

OSMOND, Alan (Alan Ralph Osmond)

Born: 6/22/1949, Ogden, Utah, U.S.A.

Died: 4/20/2026, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.

 

Alan Osmond’s westerns – actor:

The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (TV) – 1963-1964 (Micah Kissel)

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]