RIP Henner Hofmann

 

In Memoriam — Henner Hofmann, ASC, AMC (1950-2026) 

The cinematographer, whose works included The Legend of the Mask and Juego limpio, was instrumental in founding the Mexican Society of Cinematographers and devoted his career to shaping generations of filmmakers. Noah Kadner

American Cinematographer

1/30/2026

 

Henner Hofmann, ASC, AMC — a champion for Mexican filmmaking opportunities and education — died January 30, 2026 in Cuernavaca, Mexico at the age of 75.

Hofmann was born in 1950 in Mexico City, into a family rooted in the arts. His mother, Kitzia, of French origin, was a stained-glass artist and sculptor whose work included major architectural commissions. His father, Herbert, was also a sculptor who studied at the Bauhaus and created a well-known sculpture for the façade of the Nacional Financiera (National Finance Building) in Mexico City. Growing up in a home filled with books, art and spirited discussion, Hofmann was steeped in visual culture, which shaped his lifelong connection to image-making and cinema.

One of his formative filmmaking experiences involved traveling throughout Mexico and filming documentary material of indigenous communities in the 1970s. Along with fellow filmmakers Alfonso Muñoz, Gonzalo Martínez Ortega, Nacho López, Óscar Menéndez and Juan Rulfo, Hofmann founded the Archives of Ethnic Communities. This led to his first film as cinematographer, Bajo el Mismo Sol (Under the Same Sun) in 1979.

After meeting Society member Harry Wolf and drawing upon Wolf's experience establishing a cinematographers’ association in Hong Kong, Hofmann brought together leading cinematographers — including Gabriel Figueroa, Jorge Stahl and Pepe Ortiz Ramos — as well as younger colleagues, to establish the Mexican Society of Cinematographers (AMC) in 1994.

Hofmann built a prolific career as a cinematographer with more than 25 feature and television credits spanning the late 1970s through the 2010s. His work includes films such as The Legend of the Mask (1991) and Juego limpio (1995), both of which earned him Mexico’s Ariel Award for Best Cinematography, as well as international projects like Ground Control (1998), Flight of Fancy (2000), and Vampires: Los Muertos (2002).

Through his work at the Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematográficos (CUEC, National Autonomous University of Mexico Film School) and later at the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC, Film Training Center), he actively encouraged women pursuing careers behind the camera. As a teacher and later as director of the CCC, he emphasized inclusion, hands-on experience and mentorship, shaping generations of filmmakers in the process.

Hofmann was a member of the Technicians and Cinematographic Production Guild, the Mexican Academy of Arts and Cinematographic Science, and the Screenwriters Guild of Mexico. In the United States, he was a member of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Hofmann became a member of the ASC in 2004, proposed by Society members Steven Poster, Gabriel Beristain and Michael O’Shea. In 2017, he received the ASC’s first-ever Certificate of Recognition for his contributions to education in cinematography.

In 2025, Hofmann was honored with a lifetime-achievement ceremony at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City, attended by many of his former students and his peers from the ASC and AMC. During that ceremony, a special tribute video was played for the veteran cinematographer.

“The world is cinematic, and it feels like I’m looking through a camera,” Hofmann says in the video. “You begin life seeing with an 18mm lens, and now I’m already at a 250mm. I’m very proud and satisfied with my work in cinematography and my academic work. If there was a circle of things like a cake cut into slices of what you like and what you want to do most — it’s the movies.”

Hofmann is survived by his wife Maria, son Sebastián and daughter Natalia.

HOFMANN, Henner

Born: 7/?/1950, Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico

Died: 1/30/2026, Cuernavaca, Morales, Mexico

 

Henner Hofmann’s westerns – cameraman, cinematographer:

Bajo el mismo sol y sobre la misma tierra – 1979 [cinematographer]

Wagons East – 1994 [cameraman]

Warden of Red Rock – 2001 [cinematographer]

Gallowwalkers – 2012 [cinematographer]

RIP Tal Berkovich

 

Model, actress Tal Berkovich killed in car accident at 41

Berkovich was in Israel visiting her family. Her brother was with her in the vehicle, and is currently in critical condition at Soroka Medical Center.

The Jerusalem Post

January 30, 2026

 

Israeli actress and model Tal Berkovich died in a car accident at age 41 on Thursday outside of Telalim, Israeli media confirmed on Friday morning.

The actress was in Israel visiting her family. Her 40-year-old brother, Gil, was in the vehicle with her on their way to their mother's birthday when they impacted a truck, and he is currently in critical condition at Soroka Medical Center, along with the truck driver, who has light injuries.

Berkovich was born in Kiryat Tivon, and performed in the Israeli ballet and the Bat-Dor Dance Company. She had a role in the 2006-2007 satirical show Paparazzi, after which she moved to London to study acting.

Berkovich worked on Israeli and American productions

In 2011, Berkovich performed in Dancing with the Stars. She then moved to Los Angeles, where she continued working on American projects such as the television shows Payday and Perfect and the 2017 movie Don't Forget Me, as well as Israeli productions, including an advertising campaign for INTIMA.

In an interview with Maariv in 2019, Berkovich talked about how her first arrival in Los Angeles left her disillusioned by the glamorous city. "I touched it and saw that not everything glitters. I saw that that's not what makes people happy. I started to investigate, to learn Kabbalah, and it brought me a lot of joy and peace, so I stuck with it. I know myself better. I have an internal peace."

Berkovich had participated in the ninth season of the cooking show Game of Chefs in Romania a few months prior to her death.

BERKOVICH, Tal

Born: 8/27/1984, Kiryat Tivon, Israel

Died: 1/29/2026, Telalim, Israel

 

Tal Berkovich’s western – actress:

In the Blood – 2019 (Dolores)

RIP Andreas Bellis

 

Andreas Bellis (1939-2026): Illuminating Greek cinema

At the age of 87, one of the most important directors of photography of the new Greek cinema has died.

FLIX

By Manolis Kranakis

January 28, 2026

 

I was born in Athens, studied physics, chemistry, mathematics at the Faculte des Sciences in Paris, cinema at the Ecole National de la Cinematographie and Stockhlm Film Sociology. Since 1982 I have illuminated many theatrical performances. I have collaborated with many directors, theater groups, music stages, dance theaters as well as with state and municipal stages. And I continue...

This autobiography of Andreas Bellis was indicative of Andreas Bellis' tireless creative disposition, but it does not include, apart from a few other biographical elements (such as the fact that he started working abroad – among other things, he was a camera assistant in the legendary 1967 film "I'm Strange: Yellow" and signed the cinematography for films and television productions in France, Sweden, USA and Lebanon). at least the titles of some of the films he illuminated, leaving them really as brilliant examples in the great book of Greek cinema.

Andreas Bellis was an Honorary Member of the Union of Greek Filmmakers (GSC)

Andreas Bellis was responsible for "The Lazy of the Fertile Valley" by Nikos Panagiotopoulos in 1978, "Chrysomallousa" by Tony Lykouresis in 1978, "Honeymoon" by Giorgos Panousopoulos in 1979, "Wandering" (1979) and "Rosa" (1982) by Christoforos Christofis, "Revenge" by Nikos Vergitsis in 1983, "Sweet Country" by Michael Cacoyannis in 1987, "Terirem" by Apostolos Doxiadis in 1987, "... Deserter" by Giorgos Korras and Christos Voupouras, "The Athenians" by Vassilis Alexakis in 1990, "House in the Countryside" by Lagia Giourgou in 1994 A harvest of titles and collaborations that makes his mark as Director of Photography on some of the most characteristic moments of new Greek cinema, next to great creators and in different phases of their development.

However, he also worked with a rejuvenating drive - as claimed by all those who worked with him - in lighting theatrical performances, dance theaters, events, ceremonies of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, fashion shows, tirelessly continuing his course in the Greek and international audiovisual landscape.

Andreas Bellis was born in 1939 in Athens and died on January 28, 2026, at the age of 87.

BELLIS, Andreas

Born: 11/30/1939, Athens, Greece

Died: 1/28/2026, Kinéta, Attiki, Greece

RIP Catherine O’Hara

 

Catherine O’Hara Died 'After a Brief Illness,' Her Rep Confirms

O'Hara died in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 30 at the age of 71

People

By Toria Shefield, Sandra Mandell

January 30, 2026

 

Hours after the news that comedy icon Catherine O’Hara had died at 71 on Jan. 30, her rep confirms to PEOPLE that she passed away “after a brief illness."

Shortly after her death was announced, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told PEOPLE that they received a call at 4:48 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 for an “approximately 70-year-old” unnamed female at O'Hara's home address. The woman, presumed to be the Schitt’s Creek alum, was transported to the hospital “in serious condition.”

According to LAFD dispatch audio, the person in distress at the address was having "breathing difficulty."

The comedy icon was well-known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice, Home Alone and Christopher Guest mockumentaries like Best in Show.

She also starred in several TV shows, including Schitt’s Creek, in which she played Moira Rose opposite Annie Murphy and Dan and Eugene Levy. In 2020, she won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her role in the beloved series. She also won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for the show.

Friends and colleagues have been sharing their shock and sadness over the news of O’Hara’s death.

Macaulay Culkin, who played her onscreen son in the holiday classic Home Alone, shared a heart-felt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time.”

"I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say," he added, along with side-by-side photos of himself and O'Hara in Home Alone and in 2023.

"I love you. I’ll see you later," he wrote at the end of the post.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always ♥️," Pedro Pascal, her Last of Us costar, wrote in a tribute on Instagram, along with a photo of the two of them on set.

Michael McKean, who along with O'Hara was a regular in many Christopher Guest comedies, summed up the loss simply on X: "Only one Catherine O'Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking."

O’Hara is survived by her husband of 33 years, production designer Bo Welch, and their two grown sons, Luke and Matthew.

O’HARA, Catherine (Catherine Anne O’Hara)

Born: 3/4/1954, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Died: 1/30/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Catherine O’Hara’s westerns – actress:

Wyatt Earp – 1994 (Allie Earp)

Tall Tale – 1995 (Calamity Jane)

RIP Michel Barbey

 

Actor Michel Barbey, who lent his voice to Bud Spencer and the Grand Pope, has died.

The actor passed away at the age of 98. He had notably provided the voice for the Grand Pope in Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac) and for Bud Spencer in They Call Me Trinity.

L’Alsace

1/25/2026

 

The actor Michel Barbey, who was one of the voices of Bud Spencer and many other characters in films and cartoons, died Saturday at the age of 98, his wife announced. He was the French voice of the Italian actor Bud Spencer in the first dubbing of the spaghetti western They Call Me Trinity (1970), and that of Wez, the psychopathic and almost mute punk biker from Mad Max 2 (1981).

Michel Barbey also dubbed characters in popular Japanese cartoons in the 1980s/90s: he was one of the voices of the Grand Pope, the villain in Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac), and that of the hero in Muscleman. This cartoon caused controversy when it aired on the children's program Club Dorothée because one of the characters displayed a swastika.

A long career in film

In addition to the dozens of voice-over roles he performed, Michel Barbey played numerous supporting roles in films, alongside actors like Jean Gabin and Michel Simon, and had a career as a stage actor. On television, he notably played a judge in the series Cas de divorce (Divorce Cases) in the early 1990s. In the theater, he performed for a long time at the Comédie-Française.

"He was quite a character! He was going to celebrate his 99th birthday in April. He had been ill for some time, and his end was difficult," his wife, Natacha Guiboud-Barbey, told AFP.

BARBEY, Michel

Born: 4/23/1927, Drucourt, Eure, France

Died: 1/24/2026, France

 

Michel Barbey’s westerns – voice dubber:

The Brute and the Beast – 1966 [French voice of Franco Nero]

Johnny Yuma – 1966 [French voice of Luigi Vannucchi]

Three Graves for a Winchester – 1966 [French voice of Mickey Hargitay]

$10,000 for a Massacre – 1967 [French voice of Gianni Garko]

Viva Django! – 1968 [French voice of Terence Hill]

Cemetery Without Crosses – 1969 [French voice of Benito Stefanelli]

They Call Me Trinity – 1970 [French voice of Bud Spencer]

The Price of Death – 1971 [French voice of Gianni Garko]

The Outlaw Josey Wales – 1976 [French voice of Will Sampson]

The Frisco Kid – 1979 [French voice of George Di Cenzo]

Django Unchained – 2012 [French voice of Don Stroud]

RIP Sal Buscema

 

Sal Buscema, Comic Book Legend, Dead At 89

Comic Book Club

By Alex Zalban

January 26, 2026

 

Sal Buscema, a comic book legend known for his decade-long run on The Incredible Hulk, eight-year run on The Spectacular Spider-Man, and more, has reportedly passed away at age 89. Today would have been his 90th birthday.

The news was first reported on Facebook by artist Sterling Clark, who previously worked on an issue of a book called National Guardians that also included inks from Buscema. Clark was told by Buscema’s wife Joan that the legend passed away last Friday (January 23) — just shy of his 90th birthday. Wrote Clark:

“Wow. I just received word from Mrs. Joan that Sal Buscema passed away last Friday. He was 89. Today, he would’ve turned 90. When I think back on my childhood and all of the comic books that I read, Sal’s name seems to have appeared in just about all of them. I didn’t just read the books that he illustrated, I studied them.

Every nuance in his pencils and his inks I saw and tried to mimic. He was definitely one of the greats during those years at Marvel, when handling more than three titles a month was not just a requirement but a necessity. Sal’s art had a direct impact on my own, along with his older brother John, Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, John Romita Sr and Ron Frenz.

Ron, God bless him, was the person responsible for Sal and I meeting some time ago and for that I’ll be forever grateful. Sal was a very nice, kind and generous person who I am happy to have known and who took note of my skills enough to mentor me. The wonderful conversations we had will always be cherished.

My condolences to his wife Joan, the Buscema family and to all of us fans who grew up with and love his amazing art. I’ll have more posts later. – SC”

Originally from Brooklyn, Buscema started in the comic book industry as an inker, working with his brother John Buscema on art at Dell Comics. Though he bumped around to different jobs over time, it wasn’t until 1968 that he came into his own.

That’s when he interviewed at Marvel, under encouragement from his brother, and eventually got some work working on Western comics. He also worked with John on Silver Surfer, inking his brother’s pencils, before Buscema started pencilling Avengers.

Other runs for Marvel over the course of three decades include stints on The Uncanny X-Men, Sub-Mariner, Captain America, and Marvel Team-Up. In the latter, he created Jean DeWolff, and helped debut the spinoff Spider-Man title Spectacular Spider-Man. He also worked on New Mutants, and Thor with Walt Simonson.

Then in the ’90s he jumped over to DC for some work on Batman, Superman and others — though that only lasted two years before he moved back to Marvel.

Buscema married his wife, Joan, in 1960, and had three sons: Joe, Tony, and Mike. He’s been the recipient of the Inkpot Award, the Inkwell Awards, and the Ringo Award.

While the news has yet to spread on the internet as of this writing, other legends paid tribute to his birthday today, including J.M. Dematteis, who wrote on BlueSky, “Sal Buscema turns 90 today. There’s hardly a Marvel character Sal hasn’t left his mark on, from Cap to the Hulk, Avengers to Thor. Working with Sal for two years on Spectacular Spider-Man remains a highlight of my career. And the best part? He’s not just a great artist, he’s a truly good guy.”

BUSCEMA, Sal (Silvio Buscema)

Born: 1/26/1936, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died:  1/23/2026,

 

Sal Buscemi’s westerns – comic book artist:

Gunhawk – 1968

The Rawhide Kid – 1969

Western Gunfighters - 1970

RIP Salvatore Basile

 

Blu Radio

January 26, 2026

 

The mayor of Cartagena, Dumek Turbay, confirmed the death of actor Salvatore Basile, who described Basile as "a great citizen who gave a lot to the city."

Born in Fuggia, Italy, on May 18, 1940, Salvo Basile had an extensive career in film, theater, and television. His arrival in Cartagena in November 1968 marked a key moment in his career, as he worked as an assistant director for the renowned filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo on the film “Burn!” (1969), starring Marlon Brando.

The actor participated in more than 40 international films. He worked with major figures such as Robert De Niro in "The Mission" (1986), with Bud Spencer in "Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro" (1981) and "Banana Joe" (1982), and in productions by Werner Herzog and Francesco Rosi.

In Colombian cinema, he left his mark on emblematic titles such as "The Strategy of the Snail" (1993), "Eagles Don't Hunt Flies" (1994), and "Ilona Arrives with the Rain" (1996), where he served as executive producer and actor.

His artistic and cultural legacy leaves a profound mark on the audiovisual history of Cartagena and the country.

BASILE, Salvatore (Salvatore Basile Ferreira)

Born: 5/18/1940, Foggia, Apulia, Italy

Died: 1/26/2026, Cartagena, Colombia

 

Salvatore Basile’s westerns – actor, stuntman:

Once Upon a Time in the West - 1968 (Cheyenne henchman)

Duck You Sucker – 1971 (Santerna henchman)

Buddy Goes West – 1981 (army captain) [stunts]

RIP Nessa Hyams

Nessa Hyams Dies: Pathbreaking Casting Director Of ‘The Exorcist’ & ‘Blazing Saddles’, Director Of ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ Was 84

DEADLINE

By Greg Evans

January 23, 2026

 

Nessa Hyams, a groundbreaking casting director of the New Hollywood whose work on such 1970s masterpieces as Peter Bogdanovich’s screwball comedy What’s Up, Doc?, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist and Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles, died January 9 at her home in Manhattan. She was 84.

Hyams, the head of casting at Warner Bros. from 1970-’74 and then vice president of creative affairs at Columbia Pictures from ’74-’75, was one of the highest-ranking female executives in Hollywood at the time.

In addition to her casting career – which assembled a roster of performers for some of the most enduring and celebrated films of the 1970s – Hyams directed 105 episodes of Norman Lear’s trend-setting soap opera satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (starring Louise Lasser) during the show’s two and only seasons in 1976 and 1977. Her episode count is second only to that of Jim Drake, who directed 157 of the show’s 325 episodes.

Born November 21, 1941, in New York City to Broadway producer and publicist Barry Hyams and Ruth Hurok, the daughter of famed Russia-born show business impresario Sol Hurok, Nessa was the sister of Capricorn One writer-director Peter Hyams and stepdaughter of Arthur Lief, a Broadway and orchestra conductor who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

In 1971, Hyams launched her career as a casting director on the Robert Mulligan hit coming-of-age drama Summer of ’42, and the following year established herself when she cast Peter Bogdanovich’s screwball comedy What’s Up, Doc? starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal, which became one of the year’s highest-grossing films. (Her work on another 1972 film, director Brian De Palma’s legendarily troubled comedy Get To Know Your Rabbit starring Tommy Smothers, John Astin, Katherine Ross and Orson Welles, went uncredited).

The following years brought Hyams continued success, with Friedkin’s seminal 1973 horror film The Exorcist and Brooks’ 1974 taboo-shattering comedy Western Blazing Saddles. Both were box office smashes. Less successful were two other ’74 entries, the John Wayne cop drama McQ and the notorious Lucille Ball flop Mame.

Whether working on box office successes or otherwise, Hyams established herself as a versatile casting director across various genres. Other film credits include Paul Mazursky’s dramedy Blume in Love (1973), Jack Starrett’s pioneering blaxploitation actioner Cleopatra Jones (1973), Mike Hodges’ horror-sci fi entry The Terminal Man (1974), Richard Rush’s Alan Arkin-James Caan comedy Freebie and the Bean (1974), and Arthur Penn’s neo-noir detective story Night Moves starring Gene Hackman (1975).

Though uncredited, Hyams is reported to have assisted director Mike Nichols in finding actors for both The Graduate (1967) and Catch-22 (1970). In a 2016 Film Talk interview, Peter Hyams said, “My sister was a great casting director. She cast pictures for Warner Brothers, pictures for Mike Nichols, for William Friedkin, etc. She was very smart. When I was casting Outland [1981], for the part of the doctor, I had a Charles Durning type of actor in mind, he was always so wonderful. My sister read the script and said to me, ‘Cast Frances Sternhagen to play the doctor.’ And I did, and she brought something to it that I hadn’t thought of; she made the character different.”

Known for her dry and quick wit, Hyams married Hollywood studio executive and producer David V. Picker on June 8, 1975 (Picker, who served as president of United Artists during its golden age, had been instrumental in bringing the James Bond franchise to the studio and establishing relationships with Woody Allen and other major filmmakers). The marriage ended in divorce, and Hyams went on to marry commercial real estate broker Jonathan Miller, who died in 2022.

Following her successes as a casting director, Hyams spent five years as Vice President of Production at Columbia Pictures, one of the first women to hold a major executive position at a studio. After training at the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, Hyams made her feature directorial debut in 1987 with Leader of the Band, a comedy starring Steve Landesberg.

She also continued her television work, most notably directing the popular, droll, controversial and zeitgeist-capturing Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. She later directed episodes of Cagney & Lacey (1987) and Chillers starring Anthony Perkins (1990).

In 1993, Hyams was the producer and casting director on Tim Hunter’s drama The Saint of Fort Washington starring Danny Glover and Matt Dillon.

In addition to brother Peter, Hyams is survived by sister Danna Hyams as well as her stepdaughters Caryn and Pam Picker and nephews Chris, John and Nick Hyams.

HYAMS, Nessa (Nessa M. Hyams)

Born: 11/21/1941, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 1/9/2026, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.

 

Nessa Hyams’s western – casting director:

Blazing Saddles - 1974

RIP Yvonne Lime

 

Yvonne Lime Fedderson, Actress in ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf‘ and ‘The Rainmaker,’ Dies at 90

She also starred in ‘Dragstrip Riot’ and ‘High School Hellcats’ before co-founding Childhelp, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk kids.

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

January 23, 2026

 

Yvonne Lime Fedderson, who starred in the exploitation films Dragstrip Riot and High School Hellcats and played Michael Landon’s girlfriend in I Was a Teenage Werewolf, all for American International Pictures in the 1950s, died Friday. She was 90.

Her death from natural causes at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was announced by Childhelp, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk kids that she co-founded in 1959 with fellow actress Sara O’Meara.

“Yvonne was my dearest friend and my partner in this mission for more than six decades,” O’Meara said in a statement. “Her compassion, strength and belief in the power of love shaped Childhelp from its earliest days. I will forever be grateful for the life we built together in service to children.”

The women first met when they were on ABC’s The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

As Yvonne Lime, she appeared in the Burt Lancaster-starring The Rainmaker (1956) as Snookie Maguire, a woman who draws the interest of Earl Holliman’s Jim Curry, and she recurred on Father Knows Best as Dottie Snow, a good friend of Elinor Donahue’s Betty Anderson; she showed up on 14 episodes of that CBS/NBC show from 1956-60.

She retired from acting after marrying TV producer Don Fedderson (The Millionaire, My Three Sons, Family Affair, The Betty White Show) in 1969. After his death in 1994, she served for more than 30 years as president and CEO of Don Fedderson Productions, managing the rights to his shows.

The daughter of a music teacher, Yvonne Glee Lime was born on April 7, 1935, in Glendale, California. While appearing in a Pasadena Playhouse production of Eugene O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness!, she was spotted by an agent, launching her career.

In addition to Father Knows Best and The Rainmaker, she also showed up on episodes of The Millionaire, December Bride, West Point and The Adventures of Jim Bowie in 1956.

The next year, she played Arlene Logan in the cult horror film I Was a Teenage Werewolf, then received top billing in Dragstrip Riot and High School Hellcats, both released in 1958, and 1959’s Speed Crazy.

She and Ronnie Burns played a young couple who run a motel in Palm Springs on the 1960-61 NBC Happy (that’s the name of their baby, whose thoughts were spoken by an off-camera voice).

His résumé also included the 1957 films Untamed Youth and Elvis Presley’s Loving You and such TV series as The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Bat Masterson, Dragnet, The Bill Dana Show, The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

While on a USO Goodwill Tour in Japan, she and O’Meara became concerned with the plight of orphans and took the first steps toward founding what was then called International Orphans Inc.

Originally established to support kids in post-typhoon Japan, the organization evolved into Childhelp; today, it operates programs and services nationwide and has helped more than 14 million youngsters and families affected by abuse and neglect.

As president and vice-chairman, Fedderson was instrumental in building a national network of chapters and auxiliaries, inspiring thousands of volunteers and expanding programs such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe prevention curriculum.

She and O’Meara co-wrote the 2003 book Silence Broken: Moving From a Loss of Innocence to a World of Healing and Love, and that became the 2006 Lifetime telefilm For the Love of a Child, starring Teri Polo as Yvonne and Peri Gilpin as Sara.

Childhelp celebrity ambassadors Kathie Lee Gifford and John Stamos paid tribute to Fedderson.

“Our precious Yvonne lived a life overflowing with extraordinary purpose and grace,” said Gifford. “Her beautiful smile lit up every room, but it was her hurting heart for children that truly illuminated the world. She believed in the depths of her soul in hope and healing, and God’s promise always wins. I am forever grateful to have known her and loved her as my treasured friend. Our loss is heaven’s gain.”

Said Stamos: “Yvonne Fedderson led with love. Her smile, her warmth and her fierce unwavering dedication to protecting children left an imprint on my heart and on the world. Through Childhelp, she helped save and protect millions of children who never would have had a voice without her. That is not just a legacy, it is a living miracle.”

LIME, Yvonne (Yvonne Glee Lime)

Born: 4/7/1935, Glendale, California, U.S.A

Died: 1/23/2026, Paradise Valley, Arizona, U.S.A.

 

Yvonne Lime’s westerns – actress:

The Rainmaker – 1956 (Snookie Maguire)

The Adventures of Jim Bowie TV - 1956 (Mary Lou Carter)

Bat Masterson TV - 1960 (Lola White)

Wichita Town TV - 1959 (Fran)

RIP Neil Stockstill

 

George Neil Stockstill obituary

Pellerin Funeral Home

January 20, 2026

 

St. Martinville - A graveside service will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at First Methodist Cemetery for George Neil Stockstill, 77, who passed away on January 19, 2026.

George Neil Stockstill was born and raised in St. Martinville, Louisiana, to Stanley Dexter Stockstill and Virginia Elnora Foti Stockstill. He was a graduate of St. Martinville Senior High School and attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

George began his career as a boat captain in the oilfield and later became part owner of Hotsy High-Pressure Cleaning Systems. The majority of his professional life was spent in the motion picture industry, where he worked as a special effects coordinator and owner of NeilsFx. Specializing in wind, rain, and explosive effects, George contributed his talents to more than 50 movies, sitcoms, music videos, and television shows, earning respect for his skill, creativity, and dedication to his craft. He was also a talented artist and often created sculptures used on film sets.

Outside of his career, George had a true passion for sailing and found great joy on the water. He was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan and loved celebrating Mardi Gras, embracing the culture and traditions of Louisiana. Growing up, he was a decorated Eagle Scout and enjoyed playing football. Most of all, he treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, who were a constant source of happiness and pride.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Dexter Stockstill and Virginia Elnora Foti Stockstill; his sister, Mary Ann Stockstill; and his brother, Mark Stanley Stockstill.

He is survived by his siblings: Joyce Magdeline Leece, Robert Shelby Stockstill (Sharon), and Virginia Faith Albert; his children: Jennifer Dover (Scott), Rebecca Lew (Tim), Mary Jane Stockstill, Ian Moses Stockstill, and Melissa Marie Kelly; and his grandchildren, Jakob Chehati, Elizabeth Kelly, and Ethan and Zoe Lew.

George Neil Stockstill will be remembered for his artistic talent, adventurous spirit, love of family, and the lasting impact he made both personally and professionally.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hospice of Acadiana.

Pellerin Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

STOCKSTILL, Neil (George Neil Stockstill)

Born: 10/17/1948, St. Martinville, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Died: 1/19/2026, St. Martinville, Louisiana, U.S.A.

 

Neil Stockstill’s Western – SFX:

The Journeyman - 2001

RIP Kevin Giffin

Several Facebook posts have mentioned the passing actor Kevin Giffin. Kevin was born in Mill Valley, California on May 1, 1959. After living in Zihuatanejo, Mexico for 8 years he moved to Los Angeles and began a fulltime acting career. He appeared in 20 films between 2008 and 2024.  

Kevin died after a long illness in Los Angeles on January 18, 2026. He was on 66 years old.

 

GIFFIN, Kevin

Born: 5/1/1959, Mill Valley, California, U.S.A

Died: 1/18/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Kevin Giffin’s western – actor:

The Scarlet Worm – 2012, (Hank)

RIP Stefan Gossler

 

Born in Siegen, he was the voice of Jackie Chan, Tim Allen and Michael Keaton: Stefan Gossler died at the age of 70

Siegener-Zeitung

January 21, 2026

The German voice of Jackie Chan and King Julien is silent forever - after a long illness, a well-known voice actor has died.

Berlin – A heavy loss is shaking the film industry. A familiar voice from cinema and television has fallen silent forever. For decades, he lent his unmistakable voice to well-known figures without most viewers knowing his face. Colleagues and fans are shocked.

The man with this familiar voice was Stefan Gossler. The 70-year-old, who has lent his German voice to Hollywood star Jackie Chan (71) since the 1990s and remains unforgotten as King Julien from "Madagascar", succumbed to a lengthy illness. The Facebook account "Fox and the Crew – Inside Synchron" announced on Tuesday (January 20): "Stefan Gossler, an incredibly lovable person and wonderful dubbing actor has passed away."

Mourning for actor and voice actor Stefan Gossler: "Made us laugh"

Gössler's versatility was evident in his broad spectrum. In addition to his most famous roles, he also dubbed Tim Allen (72, including in "Santa Clause 3" and "Last Man Standing") and Michael Keaton (74). He was also active as an actor - in TV series such as "Die Wicherts von nebenan" (1986–1991) and "Der Landarzt" (1996–1999) as well as in the ARD "Tatort" (1984, 1996).

The news of his death triggered a wave of grief. Gaming creator Christienco pays tribute to him on Instagram: "He made us laugh, accompanied us and breathed life into characters that will forever remain part of our childhood." Fans in the dubbing forum react stunned: "My heart is breaking. It comes out of nowhere." Another user adds: "I thought he always gave Jackie Chan something nice, likeable."

Companions are also saying goodbye. Peter Flechtner (63), himself known as the German voice of Ben Affleck (53), shares a video of Gossler on his Instagram account and honors him with the words: "In memory of our dear and great colleague Stefan Gossler, who left us far too early yesterday." With his death, the German film world has once again lost an important personality – after it had already had to cope with another heavy blow of fate.

GOSSLER, Stefan

Born: 12/14/1955, Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Died: 1/19/2026

Stefan Gossler’s Westerns – voice actor:

Bonanza (TV) – 1967 [German voice of Michael Forest]

High Chaparral (TV) – 1968 [German voice of Denny Miller]

Glory - 1989 [German voice of Matthew Broderick]

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1970 [German voice of Sam Melville]

The Lone Ranger (TV) - 1953 [1990-1993 German voice of Russ Conway]

The New Adventured of Zorro (TV)- 1990 [German voice of Nicholas Guest]

Gettysburg – 1993 [German voice of Stephen Lang]

Zorro (TV) 1957-1959 [1994-1995 German voice of Guy Williams]

Balto – 1997 [German voice of Phil Collins]

Postman – 1997 [German voice of Tom Petty]

Rough Riders – 1997 [German voice of Tom Berenger]

The Will Rogers Story – 1952 [1997 German voice of Will Rogers Jr.]

Gunmen of the Rio Bravo – 1964 [1999 German voice of Guy Madison]

Shanghai-Noon – 2000 [German voice of Jackie Chan]

800 Bullets – 2002 [German voice of Enrique Martinez]

Lucky Luke (TV) – 2002 [German voice of Jolly Jumper]

And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (TV) – 2003 [German voice of Fernando Becerril]

Cosmic Cowboys (TV) 2003 [German voice of Liar]

Deadwood (TV) – 2004-2006 [German voice of Zach Grenier]

Shango – 1970 [2005 German voice of Maurice Poli]

Twilight Avenger – 1970 [2005 German voice of Sheriff Wilson]

Sukiyaki Western Django – 2007 [German voice of Quentin Tarantino]

True Grit – 2010 [German voice of Joe Stevens]

Blackthorn – 2011 [German voice of Stephen Rea]

Longmire (TV) – 2013 [German voice of Xander Berkeley]

RIP Bruce Bilson

 

Beloved Director of ‘Get Smart,’ ‘Andy Griffith Show’ Dead at 97

Bilson was part of a four-generation Hollywood family.

Parade

By Kayla Aldecoa

January 21, 2026

 

Bruce Bilson, perhaps best known as the director of iconic 1960s television series such as Get Smart and The Andy Griffith Show, has died at the age of 97.

Bilson died at his home in Los Angeles on Friday, January 16, his daughter Julie Bilson Ahlberg confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

The beloved director was a part of a four-generation Hollywood family, which includes daughter Julie, producer of The Fog of War, granddaughter Rachel Bilson, known for The O.C. and Hart of Dixie, and son Danny Bilson, screenwriter for The Rocketeer and Da Five Bloods.

After graduating from UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television in 1950, Bilson would go on to win an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the third season Get Smart.

In addition to Get Smart and The Andy Griffith Show, Bilson worked with Desilu productions on numerous occasions, directed shows such as Gidget and Hogan’s Heroes.

His lengthy filmography also includes classics like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Love Boat, Wonder Woman and The Odd Couple.

BILSON, Bruce (Bruce Leonard Bilson)

Born: 5/19/1928, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 1/16/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Bruce Bilson’s westerns – director:

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (TV) – 1957, 1958

U.S. Marshal (TV) – 1958, 1959

The Texan (TV) – 1959

Bonanza (TV) - 1970

Alias Smith and Jones (TV) - 1972

Dusty’s Trail (TV) – 1973, 1974

Barbary Coast (TV) – 1975

The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe (TV) - 1976

The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West – 1976

RIP L.J. Martin

 

Prescott Daily Courier

January 17. 2026

LJ Martin passed away peacefully at his home in Prescott, Arizona, on January 14, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 84.

The world has lost a gifted storyteller, prolific author, and creative force. Born Larry Jay Martin in Bakersfield, California, an oil and agricultural town he often referenced in his writing, he was raised there and attended local schools. In high school, he excelled in football and wrestling before attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied architecture.

Larry left college during his junior year to support his growing family. Though he started writing his first western at the age of 25, family responsibilities led him to set writing aside until his early 40s— when he returned to it with extraordinary dedication and success.

Over his lifetime, LJ Martin authored more than 70 fiction and non-fiction books and became a respected figure in Western, mystery, and thriller literature. He was a co-founder of Wolfpack Publishing and held memberships in the Society of Professional Journalists, Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. In addition to his writing career, Larry was a licensed California real estate broker, appraiser, and general contractor.

His contributions to literature were widely recognized. He received the Western Writers of America Lariat Award for his impact on Western literature and, in 2023, the Will Rogers Medallion Award for lifetime achievement.

In April 1985, Larry married Kathleen Kelly, who later, with Larry’s encouragement, became a New York Times Bestseller. Together, they shared a life rooted in creativity, adventure, and travel. They lived in Bakersfield, California, later moved to Missoula, Montana, and for the past five years, wintered in Prescott, Arizona.

Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, traveling, and exploring the backcountry with his camera. His photography appeared on national magazine covers and in numerous publications, and much of his video work can be viewed on YouTube.

In recent years, LJ expanded his creative pursuits into film, serving as writer, director, and producer of two Western feature films: Eye for Eye, starring John Savage and Blanca Blanco, and Mr. Pettigrew, starring Eric Roberts, Shane Clouse, Chris Enss, Wyatt McCrae, and Davy Williams.

LJ Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kathleen “Kat” Martin; his three sons, Michael Martin of Bakersfield, California, Matthew Martin of Seattle, Washington, and Monte Martin of Missoula, Montana.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona. Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

MARTIN, L. J. (Larry Jay Martin)

Born: 2/26/1941, Bakersfield, California, U.S.A.

Died: 1/14/2026, Prescott, Arizona, U.S.A.

 

L. J. Martin’s westerns – author:

Mojave Showdown – 1988

Clint Ryan – El Lazo - 1991

Clint Ryan: Against the 7^th Flag – 1991

Clint Ryan – The Devil’s Bounty – 1991

McKeag’s Mountain – 1991

Clint Ryan: The Benicia Belle – 1992

Clint Ryan: Shado of the Grizzly – 1993

Buckshot – 1994

Clint Ryan: Condor Canyon – 2000

Stranahan – 2002

McKeag’s Mountain – 2004

Wolf Mountain – 2004

O’Rourke’s Revenge – 2005

McCreed’s Law – 2006

Nemesis – 2011

Bullet Blues - 2012

Crimson Hit - 2012

Mr. Pettigrew – 2012

Quiet Ops - 2012

Eye for Eye – 2014

Revenge of the Damned – 2017

Shadows of Nemesis - 2018

Blackjack Brannigan - 2019

Rugged Trails – 2019

Two Thousand Grueling Miles – 2019

Stormy Seas – 2022

The Piccadilly – 2023

Callihan: The Earps – 2025

Callihan: Valley of Skulls – 2025

West of the War – 2025

RIP Mercedes Valimaña

Mercedes Valimaña, ‘La Macaria’, dies at the age of 89

El Mundo
January 15, 2026

This Friday his funeral will take place in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, in El Puerto, at 12.15 p.m. Rest in peace.

The Porto singer Mercedes Valimaña Lechuga, known as Merche 'La Macaria', has died at the age of 89 in her hometown, El Puerto de Santa María.

Her name was linked to different stages of Spanish popular music, with activity in vocal formations, live accompaniments and studio work. Throughout his career, he participated in collective projects and also in recordings signed with his own name.

In addition to her facet as a singer, she developed tasks related to voice work for audiovisual productions and series tunes, as well as for advertising campaigns. His professional profile combined formal musical training with continuous presence on stage and recording.

The artist's projection was consolidated by her membership of the La La La Trio. Together with María Jesús Aguirre and María Dolores Arenas, he was part of the choir that supported Massiel in 1968. That year, Massiel won the Eurovision Song Contest for Spain.

Merche's career in the contest included more participations with the Spanish delegation. He was the person who went to Eurovision the most times with this Spanish delegation, as a backup singer for Julio Iglesias (1970), Karina (1971), Sergio y Estíbaliz (1975) and José Vélez (1978).

His professional activity was based on a broad musical preparation. He studied Piano and Solfeggio at the Academy of Fine Arts of Santa Cecilia. He also completed the Higher Piano degree in Seville. This training is linked to his performance as a performer and his participation in different musical projects.

He participated in concerts and tours of other artists, including the Dúo Dinámico, José Luis Perales and Luis Aguilé. These collaborations are part of her activity as vocal support in live performances. She also worked as a voice actress in well-known series and films, including Cinderella, Pocahontas 2 and Lady and the Tramp. This professional aspect was linked to the work of vocal interpretation for audiovisual productions.

His voice was also present in the tunes of series such as La Abeja Maya, Calle Sésamo, Once upon a time the man and Fraggle Rock. In the same way, his participation in advertising campaigns for Coca-Cola, Heno de Pravia, Soberano, Martini and Las muñecas de Famosa is mentioned.

The mayor of El Puerto, Germán Beardo, has expressed his condolences. This Friday his funeral will take place in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, in El Puerto, at 12.15 p.m. Rest in peace.

VALIMANA, Mercedes (Mercedes Valimaña Lechuga)
Born: 1/29/1936, El Puerto de Santa María
Died: 1/15/2026, El Puerto de Santa María

Mercedes Valimaña’s westerns – voice actor:
Pocahontas 2 [Spanish voice of Señora Jenkins]

RIP Dino Attanasio

 

Dino Attanasio, the first Italian cartoonist in Belgium, has died

Fumetto Logica

By Redazione

January 17, 2026

 

On January 17, at the age of 100, Dino Attanasio died, ninth above all for being the first Italian author to have moved to Belgium to make comics and for the drawings of the Spaghetti series.

Born in Milan on May 8, 1925, Edoardo Attanasio known as Dino was the son of a musician. He fell in love with comics as a boy and studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and, during the war, participated in the making of the first animated feature film produced in Italy, The Rose of Baghdad. In the mid-forties he also made his debut in comics, drawing for example some episodes of Furio, a character by Gian Luigi Bonelli for the Audace publishing house, and starting to collaborate with the Belgian publishing house Edital, together with Augusto Pedrazza, creator of Akim, and Roberto Renzi, inventor of Tiramolla.

The turning point in his career, however, came in 1948 when, together with his brother Gianni, like many Italians, he emigrated to Belgium: not to work in a factory or in a mine, but as a designer, first for an advertising agency, then for comic book publishers. In fact, he was soon noticed by the World Press, an agency that provided stories, illustrations and articles for the various newspapers, and his first collaboration was with two future legends of the bédé such as Jean-Michel Charlier and René Goscinny, on whose texts he drew the Fanfan & Polo series for Le Libre Junior.

The most important collaboration, which was born in the fifties, and which lasted decades, was with the weekly Tintin, which in addition to the adventures of Hergé's reporter published series such as Blake and Mortimer and Michel Vaillant, but also many free stories. It was on these that Attanasio tried his hand at the beginning, both in humorous and realistic style. He did the same with other publishers such as Spirou, for whom he drew some episodes of Les belles histoires de l'oncle Paul, and Les Petit Belges.

In the realistic field, he is best known for having inaugured, in 1959, the comic adaptation of Henri Vernes' Bob Morane novels. This ability to vary style remained a characteristic of his entire career, even if over the years he ended up preferring a humorous style inspired by that of André Franquin. The Italian cartoonist thus became one of the most important representatives of the so-called "Marcinelle School", a trend to which Morris, Peyo and Albert Uderzo also belonged, as opposed to the "clear line" of Hergé and Edgar P. Jacobs.

In 1952 the Italian-Belgian cartoonist created his most famous character, Mr. Spaghetti. It was the self-deprecating caricature of an Italian immigrant, stereotypically drawn with a thick black mustache, which remained in the drawer until 1957, when the editor-in-chief of Tintin did not push him to dedicate a series to him in collaboration with Goscinny. Spaghetti thus became the protagonist first of self-contained tables, then of longer adventures fueled by a humor based on puns and distortions of French by Italians, and on stereotypes about our compatriots.

Goscinny wrote Mr. Spaghetti until 1965, when – overwhelmed by commitments to Asterix, Lucky Luke and Pilote – he passed the baton to other authors. Attanasio instead continued to draw his creature on Tintin until the end of the series in 1978, and then in a handful of non-standard albums. The success of the character also made him the protagonist of four animated short films (in Italy, Spaghetti was first published in 2025 by Nona Arte).

Another series for Tintin to which the Milanese cartoonist linked his name was Modeste and Pompon, with the characters created by Franquin himself and also written by Goscinny and Greg. When, in 1959, the former left Lombard's weekly to return to work exclusively on the competitor Spirou, he personally recommended Attanasio to continue his work.

Attanasio also worked for Italy, without ever moving from Belgium. In 1965 he inaugurated, in fact, for the Corriere dei Piccoli the series Ambrogio e Gino, on texts by Carlo Triberti and published in part also in Tintin. The protagonists are two Milanese plumbers (as can be seen from their names), father and son, involved in spite of themselves in funny adventures seasoned with interesting glimpses of daily life of the time.

In 1968 the exclusive collaboration with Tintin was interrupted, and Attanasio began to work for other magazines, carrying on Spaghetti, creating series such as Macaroni and the gangster Johnny Goodbye, very successful in Flanders and the Netherlands, as well as drawing several self-contained albums, including a comic version of Boccaccio's Decameron.

ATTANASIO, Dino (Eduardo Attanasio)

Born: 5/8/1925, Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Died: 1/17/26, Belgium

 

Dino Attanasio’s western – comic book artist:

Bandonéon – 1970-1973

RIP Mark Jones

 

Mark Jones, ‘Leprechaun’ and ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ Director, Dies at 72

Variety

By Jack Dunn

January 17, 2026

 

Mark Jones, a veteran animation writer and the director of B-horror comedy classics like “Leprechaun” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” died on Jan. 16 in Los Angeles after a brief stay at West Hills Hospital. He was 72.

George Saadi, a friend and collaborator of Jones’, confirmed his death to Variety. His 73rd birthday was Saturday, Jan. 17, and he missed the date by only a few hours.

Jones was best known for writing and directing the 1992 cult classic “Leprechaun,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Warwick Davis. The film spawned seven sequels. “Leprechaun Returns,” the most recent installment, was released in 2018. His other notable credits include 1995’s “Rumpelstiltskin,” a feature-length retelling of the classic fairytale, and 1997’s “NightMan,” a made-for-TV movie about a musician who is struck by lightning and gains the power to hear the frequency of evil.

Jones got his start working on Saturday morning cartoons. He sold his first script to Filmation Studios before landing at DePatie Freleng, where he wrote “Mister Magoo” and “Pink Panther.” He then moved to legendary animation house Hanna-Barbera, where he wrote and story edited for shows like “Super Friends” and several “Scooby Doo” projects.

Some of his other notable animation writing credits include “Fangface,” “Yogi’s Space Race,” “Plastic Man,” “Heathcliff” and “Mister T.”

Jones also worked on several live-action series through the ‘80s and early ‘90s. These included “The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo,” “Riptide,” “The A-Team,” “The Fall Guy” and “Superboy.” His most recent feature directing credits include 2013’s “Scorned,” 2008’s “Triloquist” and 2004’s “Quiet Kill.”

A private memorial service for Jones is planned for the near future.

JONES, Mark (Mark Robert Jones)

Born: 1/17/1953, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Died: 1/16/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Mark Jones’ westerns – writer:

Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa (TV) 1993-1994

RIP Mario Cid

 

Mario Cid, First Actor and Father of Mara Escalante, dies 

N+

January 12, 2026

The first actor and father of comedian and actress Mara Escalante, died at the age of 93.

 

The world of entertainment in Mexico is in mourning after confirming the death of the first actor Mario Cid at the age of 93, recognized for his career in television and theater. The news has generated a wave of messages of condolences on social networks, especially for the actor's bond with his daughter, comedian and actress Mara Escalante.

What did Mario Cid die of?

So far, the cause of his death has not been officially announced. Neither the family nor close representatives have shared medical details, so it is expected that in the next few hours there will be confirmed information. On social media, colleagues and followers have asked for respect and privacy for their loved ones.

Who was Mario Cid?

Mario Cid was a character actor, one of those faces that accompanied the Mexican audience for decades in series and soap operas. His work was distinguished by versatility and acting discipline, which earned him the recognition of his fellow guilds and the public.

Messages of support for Mara Escalante

After the news was announced, fans and media figures have sent messages of support to Mara Escalante. The actress has not yet issued a public statement with additional details, but the shows of solidarity have not been long in coming.

For now, Mario Cid's legacy remains in his work and in the memory of those who grew up watching him on screen.

CID, Mario (Mario Chavez Garcia Cid)

Born: 1/27/1932, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Died: 1/11/2026, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

 

Mario Cid’s westerns – actor, writer:

El águila negra contra los enmascarados de la Muerte – 1958 (Camarero)

El águila negra en la ley de los fuertes1958 (barman)

E l jinete negro – 1958 (townsman)

Audaz y bravero – 1965 (Pardo’s friend)

Con la misma moneda – 1961 (cattle rustler)

Duelo indio – 1961 (cantina patron)

El tiro de Gracia – 1961 (cantina patron)

Muerte en la feria – 1962 (Javier)

El rayo de Jalisco – 1962 (Esbiro)

Aventuras de las hermanas X – 1963 (friend of Armando)

El charro Negro contra la banda de los cuervos – 1963 (Luis)

Los hijos del condenado - 1964

El cachorro – 1966 (friend of Guillermo)

Jinetes de la llanura – 1966 (Felipe)

Crisol – 1967 (Palemon)

Los hombres de Lupe Alvírez – 1967 (Marcos’ henchman)

Mi caballo prieto rebelde – 1967 (Matias)

El hombre de negro – 1969 (Ben’s friend)

El Yaqui – 1969 (Germán)

Su precio... unos dólares – 1970 (Raymond)

Nido de fieras – 1971 (pistolero)

Río salvaje – 1971 (doctor)

Los hombres no lloran – 1973 (Carmen's lustful employee)

Los galleros de Jalisco – 1974 (Tomás)

Pistoleros bajo el sol – 1974 (preacher)

Los tres compadres - 1975

El hombre – 1976 (son of the master)

Muerte a sangre fría – 1978 [writer]

El Cain del bajio – 1981 [writer]

RIP Roger Ewing

 

Roger Ewing, Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on ‘Gunsmoke,’ Dies at 83

He was a regular on the legendary CBS Western for two seasons, bridging the gap between characters played by Burt Reynolds and Buck Taylor.

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

January 9, 2026

 

Roger Ewing, the long and lean actor who portrayed the deputy marshal and handyman Thad Greenwood for two seasons on Gunsmoke in the 1960s, has died. He was 83.

A longtime resident of Morro Bay, California, Ewing died Dec. 18, his family reported.

The 6-foot-4 Ewing, then 23, first showed up on CBS’ Gunsmoke as a character named Ben Lukens on an episode that aired in February 1965, then was introduced to viewers as Thad the following October on the third installment of season 11.

A deputy and son of an elderly Oklahoma sheriff (Paul Fix), Thad arrives in Dodge City pursuing four vandals who had caused his dad to have a fatal heart attack but learns his warrant isn’t executable in Dodge. After all four are either killed or captured for stealing cattle, Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) asks Thad to stick around as a deputy.

“With Thad’s family gone, Matt, Kitty [Amanda Blake], Doc [Milburn Stone] and Festus [Ken Curtis] sort of adopted him,” he once said. “Anything that needed to be done, you know, an extra hand here, and extra hand there, Thad was aways around. He fit in whenever necessary.”

During a rare rough stretch in the ratings for Gunsmoke, Ewing wound up appearing as Thad on 50 episodes of the series through September 1967 before being dropped.

Roger Lawrence Ewing was born Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 1942. When he was a senior in high school, he said he played Chester (Dennis Weaver’s character) in a variety show satire of Gunsmoke. “I watched [the show] every Saturday night,” he said in a 1966 interview.

After a year in college and work as a lifeguard, Ewing turned to acting and made his onscreen debut in an uncredited role in the 1964 film Ensign Pulver, where his character stuck a beer bottle in a duck’s mouth.

He then showed up on episodes of Bewitched, The Baileys of Balboa, The Bing Crosby Show and Rawhide and in the Frank Sinatra movie None But the Brave, “always being cast as a gangling misfit who looked tall and dumb,” he said.

With the departure of Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper) from Gunsmoke, producers went searching for an actor to fill his “younger actor” slot and hired Ewing as Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood. He came aboard when Arness and CBS were quarreling over salary and ownership of the series, and producers thought he might help replace Arness if things could not be worked out.

When the dispute was resolved after the show was on the verge of being canceled, Thad was phased out, to be ostensibly replaced by Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien, who remained through Gunsmoke’s 1975 cancellation after its 20th season.

Director John Schlesinger reportedly considered Ewing for the role of Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy (1969), but the part went to Jon Voight. Around this time, he also was a bachelor on a 1968 episode of The Dating Game, but future Bionic Woman star Lindsay Wagner picked someone else.

After Gunsmoke, Ewing appeared on episodes of The Mothers-in-Law and Death Valley Days and in the films Smith! (1969), starring Glenn Ford, and Play It as It Lays (1972), starring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins.

He quit acting and pursued photography, traveling throughout Europe, Russia, Mexico and the South Pacific. He also was active in local politics and ran for a city council seat in Morro Bay in 2003.

EWING, Roger (Roger Lawrence Ewing)

Born: 1/12/1942, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Died:  12/18/2025, Morro Bay, California, U.S.A.

 

Roger Ewing’s westerns – actor:

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1965-1967 (Ben Lukens, Clayton Thaddeus ‘Thad’ Greenwood)

Rawhide (TV) – 1965 (Billy Wallace)

Smith – 1969 (Donald Maxwell)

Death Valley Days – 1970 (Frank Harris)

 

RIP Marcus Gilbert

 

Marcus Gilbert death: Rambo and Riders actor dies aged 67

The actor also starred in ‘Doctor Who’ during his decades-spanning career

The Guardian

By Rachel McGrath

January 13, 2026

 

Marcus Gilbert, who played heartthrob Rupert Campbell Black in a 1993 TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel Riders, has died at the age of 67.

News of the actor’s death was shared by a fanpage on Facebook, in a post that read: “Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday 11th January 2026.

“We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person. RIP Marcus.”

Gilbert landed his first TV credits in the early 1980s, and went on to star in the 1988 film Rambo III before making appearances as King Arthur’s Knight Commander Ancelyn in Doctor Who a year later.

The Bristol-born star was considered for the role of James Bond in the late 1980s too, and while he lost out to Timothy Dalton, Gilbert still cemented his leading-man status with his Riders role.

Famous friends and fans have paid tribute online, with stand-up comedian Toby Hadoke writing on Instagram: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle – very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert, with whom I had a lovely time in Liverpool about a decade ago.”

Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies commented on the post: “Oh that’s sad news.”

“He was a giant of a man, broad-shouldered, deep-voiced, classically handsome... and yet he wore it all with a knowing wink and a wry smile,” a fan wrote on Facebook. “Most self-effacingly, he always seem to have an intense interest in your life as much as talking about his own.”

As well as starring in TV and film projects, and taking on stage roles, Gilbert starred in more than 50 commercials during his decades-spanning career.

He previously said of his work on adverts: “You just made any commercials for the money, they were never what you might call taxing – usually the bad ones were for abroad where they’d never be seen anyway!”

Gilbert married a doctor, Homaa Khan-Gilbert, in 1992 and they had two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya. The couple remained together until Homaa died in 2020.

The actor’s death comes after he found love again with Lysette Anthony, 23 years after they starred opposite one another in the 1990 TV adaptation of Barbara Cartland’s 1951 novel A Ghost In Monte Carlo.

GILBERT, Marcus

Born: 7/29/1958, Bristol, England, U.K.

Died: 1/11/2026,

 

Marcus Gilbert’s westerns – actor:

Legacy – 1993 (David Walker)

The Lazarus Man (TV) – 1996 (Mr. Dunn)

RIP Guy Moon

 

Guy Moon, ‘The Fairly OddParents’ & ‘Danny Phantom’ Composer, Dies at 63 After Accident

Southerminn. com

By Dan Clarendon

January 11, 2026

 

Guy Moon, an Emmy-nominated composer known for his work on animated TV shows — including The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom — is dead at 63.

Moon died on Thursday, January 8, following a traffic collision, according to a Facebook statement from his family. A County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner report lists traumatic injuries as the cause of death.

“We are overcome with grief to announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Guy Moon,” the Moon family wrote on Facebook. “We feel singularly blessed to have been able to call him dad and husband. As we stand together at the base of what seems to be an insurmountable grief, we are emboldened to grieve him with honor and courage with the tools that he equipped us with in his beautiful life.”

Moon received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the Outstanding Music and Lyrics category for his work on Nickelodeon’s The Fairly OddParents. He also got one Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for Cartoon Network’s The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest and two more for Nick’s T.U.F.F. Puppy.

Plus, his work on OddParents and fellow Nick shows ChalkZone, Danny Phantom, and Big Time Rush earned Moon eight BMI Cable Awards at the BMI Film & TV Awards.

Moon also composed scores for the films The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel, and he was an orchestrator on the films Six Days Seven Nights, Shanghai Noon, xXx, and Evan Almighty.

Fans of Moon’s are mourning his death on Reddit. “Dang, this hurts to read!” one commenter wrote. “Every time I heard his background music and sound library, I instantly would recognize it was by him. Yet another talent taken from us so soon. R.I.P.”

Another Reddit user wrote, “His music style always fed the whimsical and zany nature of the shows he composed for. A huge part of our childhoods. R.I.P. to him.”

And Moon’s family members’ statement added, “He has left an unmistakable legacy, and will be profoundly missed by us, his family, and countless others whose lives he impacted. We are tentatively planning to celebrate his life on his birthday, February 7th, in the Los Angeles area, and again sometime after in his hometown in Wisconsin. We will make details available as we plan. Together we remain, The Moon Family.”

MOON, Guy (Guy Vernon Moon)

Born: 2/7/1962, Ft. Arkinson, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Died: 1/8/2026, Wilmington, California, U.S.A.

 

Guy Moon’s western – music department:

Shanghai Noon - 2000