RIP Prentis Hancock

 

Il Messaggero

June 3, 2025

Prentis Hancock has died. The unforgettable Paul from Space: 1999 passed away at the age of 83. His family announced it with a post on social media. 'The Hancock family wishes to announce the passing of Prentis, who died peacefully in hospital, surrounded by his sister, niece, and daughter on Friday, May 30. The family requests privacy at this time,' reads the brief message. Among British science fiction enthusiasts, the name Prentis Hancock immediately evokes the figure of Deputy Commander Paul Morrow, a character from the first season of Space: 1999, one of the most iconic television series of the 1970s. Born on May 14, 1942, in Glasgow, Hancock was a constant presence on the small screen, distinguished by his intense roles and his sober yet incisive style. His most famous contribution is undoubtedly in the series Space: 1999 (1975-1976), produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. Hancock played the second in command at Moonbase Alpha, alongside stars Martin Landau and Barbara Bain. Although he appeared only in the first season, his character remained one of the most recognizable and appreciated by fans of the series. But the Scottish actor is also known for his multiple appearances in Doctor Who, where he took part in various episodes with different roles between 1970 and 1978. Among these are 'Spearhead from Space,' 'Planet of the Daleks,' 'Planet of Evil,' and 'The Ribos Operation,' acting alongside different Doctors over the years. Hancock's career also extended beyond the boundaries of the science fiction genre, with roles in British television series such as Z-Cars, The Professionals, The New Avengers, and The Bill, thus consolidating his reputation as a versatile actor in the UK television landscape. Although he never achieved the fame of major international stars, Prentis Hancock remains a cult figure for lovers of classic British TV, a symbol of an era when science fiction was told with passion, ingenuity, and few special effects but plenty of charisma.

HANCOCK, Prentis (Walter Prentis Hancock)

Born: 5/14/1942, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.

Died: 5/30/2025,

 

Prentis Hancock’s western – actor:

Last of the Mohicans (TV) -1971

RIP Sherry Robb

 

Sherry Robb, Literary Agent, Talent Manager and Producer, Dies at 81

She was instrumental in the writing careers of Betty White, Mary Wilson, Ronald D. Moore and Robert Graysmith, whose book led to David Fincher’s ‘Zodiac.’

The Hollywood Reporter

By Mike Barnes

May 31, 2025

 

Sherry Robb, a literary agent, talent manager and producer whose career spanned more than five decades across publishing, television and film, has died. She was 81.

Robb, who battled congestive heart disease for two decades, died Feb. 14. A memorial service has been set for 1:30 p.m. on June 9 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Robb helped bring to publication Robert Graysmith’s Zodiac, the 1986 true-crime book about unsolved serial murders in San Francisco in the late 1960s that inspired David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo.

She also played a critical role in launching the screenwriting career of Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), selling his first two scripts to Paramount.

Based on an idea that Robb developed while listening to Betty White talk about how her animals helped her recover from the loss of her husband, Password host Allen Ludden, she came up with Pet Love, a 1983 book that launched the beloved actress’ literary career.

She also was a guiding force behind Mary Wilson’s 1986 book, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, one of the best-selling music autobiographies in history.

The singer and White were just two of the 100 or so first-time authors that Robb guided during her long career.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and a master’s of social work from Smith College, Sherry Ann Robb became a therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and a teacher at Boston State College, Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts.

She worked for five years in New York City for a major publishing company, then teamed with Bart Andrews, who had written a 1976 book about TV’s I Love Lucy, to form a literary firm, the Andrews & Robb Agency, in 1981.

She split with Andrews in 1989 and to launch her own business, AFH Talent Agency, then founded The Robb Co., a boutique management firm dedicated to representing actors and writers, in 2003.

In 2020, she co-founded the Robb Squad Film Co. alongside director Marc Martinez and produced the 2024 feature The Memory in My Heart, which fulfilled her dream of spotlighting her talent roster through original content.

Inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame in 2019, Robb also served as a judge for UCLA’s Script Competition Showcase and consulted for the film masters program at USC.

ROBB, Sherry

Born: 6/4/1943, Long Beach, California, U.S.A

Died:  2/14/2025, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Sherry Robb’s western – producer:

Dead at Dusk - 2025

RIP Jonathan Joss

 

King Of The Hill' Voice Actor Shot to Death In San Antonio ...During Argument With Neighbor

TMZ

June 2, 2025

 

Actor Jonathan Joss -- best known for his work in the animated series "King of the Hill" has died after being shot by a neighbor in Texas, TMZ has learned.

According to San Antonio PD and eyewitnesses ... Joss got into a heated argument with his neighbor at a house on the city's south side Sunday night -- leading to a bloody confrontation.

Police say the unidentified neighbor whipped out a gun and pumped several bullets into the actor before fleeing in a vehicle. Officers responded to a call of a shooting in progress and received a description of the car.

Cops say the officers captured the suspect a block from the residence, taking him into custody.

Meanwhile, paramedics raced to the scene and provided medical assistance, but they were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced dead.

Detectives are now talking to witnesses to figure out what triggered the violence.

Joss was the voice of John Redcorn in "King of the Hill." He also landed a big part in "Parks and Recreation" as Chief Ken Hotate. And he had small roles in TV shows such as "Tulsa King," "Ray Donovan,"  and films like "True Grit" and "The Magnificent Seven."

Joss was 59.

RIP

JOSS, Jonathan (Jonathan Joss Gonzales)

Born: 12/22/1965, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

Died: 6/1/2025, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

 

Jonathan Joss’ westerns – actor:

Almost Heroes – 1986 (Bent Twig)

Seconds – 1994 (medic Del Rio)

The Substitute Wife (TV) – 1994 (Black Deer)

Texas (TV) – 1994 (Comanche)

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1994 (Eddie)

Dead Man’s Walk (TV) – 1996 (Kicking Wolf)

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1997 (young Raymond Firewalker)

Winnetou Returns (TV) – 1997 (Wash-Ti)

Into the West (TV) – 2005 (Wovoka)

Comanche Moon (TV) – 2008 (Kicking Wolf)

Red Dead Redemption – 2010 [voice]

True Grit – 2010 (condemned Indian)

The Magnificent 7 – 2016 (Denali)

Days Gone – 2019 [voice of Alkai Turner]

The Quick and the Dead – 2020 (Spotted Horse)

The Forever Purge – 2021 (TV Indian)

Harmony (TV) – 2021 (Brings the Mountain)

RIP Renée Victor

 Renée Victor, voice of Abuelita in Coco and Weeds actress, dies at 86

"We will always remember you," the official Pixar Instagram account wrote Sunday.

Entertainment

By Shania Russell

June 1, 2025

 

Renée Victor, the actress who starred as Lupita on Weeds and provided the voice of Abuelita Elena in Pixar's Coco, has died. She was 86.

Victor died at her home in Sherman Oaks on Friday while surrounded by family, a representative for the actress confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. She had been battling lymphoma, a type of cancer that targets the immune system.

Her daughter Margo paid tribute to the star on Sunday, penning a heartfelt Instagram post.

"She was dignity and beauty till the end. I am shattered, but I celebrate the end of her elegant and defiant battle with illness these last couple of years," Margo wrote. "She would never allow anything to keep her down. All my life she's been a force of nature, a world of fun, sharp wit with boundless talents and energy. Throughout her long life, her ability to reach any goal against odds was formidable."

The actress' daughter continued, "She was and will forever remain my hero and inspiration.... I know she is happy where she is now, while still by my side."

Following news of her death, the official Pixar Instagram account paid tribute to the actress as well.

"We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice Abuelita in Coco and an incredible part of the Pixar family," read the post, which then referenced the film's signature song, adding, "We will always remember you."

Born in San Antonio on July 25, 1938, Victor began her career on the stage, singing and dancing professionally across Europe, Latin America, and the South Pacific. In the 60s, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a musician alongside the likes of Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Then, in 1963, she and her husband, Ray Victor, joined forces as musicians and spent a decade traveling globally under the banner Ray and Renée, earning the nickname, 'the Latin Sonny & Cher.'

Victor's pivot to television came in the 1970s, when she served as the host of KTLA's Pacesetters. She went on to fill small roles in episodes of Masquerade, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and Matlock, The Tony Danza Show, and ER.

In 2005, she joined the cast of Weeds as Lupita, the housekeeper to Mary-Louise Parker’s Nancy Botwin. She was widely praised for her role in the Showtime series and after starring in the first two seasons, continued making guest appearances throughout the show's eight season run. From there, Victor appeared on several shows, including Gentefied, All Rise, Snowpiercer, Dead to Me, Mayans M.C., and A Million Little Things.

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In 2017, Victor provided the voice of the stern and protective Abuelita Elena in Pixar's Coco, a film that garnered two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The film notably featured an all-Latin cast. When news of an upcoming sequel, Coco 2, arrived in March, Victor voiced her excitement on Instagram.

"It was my great pleasure and experience working with the incredibly talented Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina! We get to do it again,” she wrote. "This is what we’ve all been waiting for! I’m so excited! Coco shared a Mexican tradition that is now celebrated around the world in unity. An amazing amount of work and talent goes into the creation of this unique film."

Victor is survived by her two daughters, Raquel and Margo.

VICTOR, Renee

Born: 7/25/1938, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A

Died: 5/30/3025, Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A.

 

Renee Victor’s westerns – actress:

A Night in Old Mexico – 2013, (Josefine Nelly)

Walker (TV) - 2022

RIP Valerie Mahaffey

 

R.I.P. Valerie Mahaffey, character actor favorite

Mahaffey appeared on many of the biggest shows of the last 40 years, including Northern Exposure, ER, and Young Sheldon

AV Club.

By William Hughes

May 31, 2025

 

Valerie Mahaffey has died. Although her name may not be instantly recognizable to American TV fans of the last 40 years, her face and voice almost certainly will be: As a prolific character actor with a highly distinctive tone—often appearing as ostensibly sweet characters whose chipper exteriors could hide layers of darkness underneath—Mahaffey appeared in dozens of many of the biggest shows of the last half-century of television. Multi-episode arcs on shows like Northern Exposure, Desperate Housewives, and Young Sheldon helped cement her place in pop culture, but honestly, if you watched TV at at any point in recent memory, there’s a good chance you encountered her, often smiling brightly while saying terrifying things. Per Variety, Mahaffey’s death on May 30 was confirmed by her husband, actor Joseph Kell. Mahaffey was 71.

Born in Indonesia to Canadian and American parents, Mahaffey moved around the planet frequently as a child, before ultimately settling in Texas—and then, after college, New York, where she made her Broadway debut in 1975. She transitioned into film and TV in the late ’70s, first on long-running soap The Doctors, and then in increasingly prominent spots on the TV dial, landing guest star roles in Newhart, Quantum Leap, Cheers, Seinfeld, and more. Her profile rose considerably in 1991 when she was cast in a recurring role in Northern Exposure, playing Eve, the eccentric, hypochondriac partner of Adam Arkin’s Adam. The role scored Mahaffey her one Emmy win across her long career, securing the Best Supporting Actress statue in 1992.

The ’90s saw Mahaffey land one of the only TV regular gigs of her entire career, starring opposite David Hyde Pierce in NBC political satire The Powers That Be. (The show, which saw Mahaffey play a pampered upper-class daughter of a corrupt senator, was canceled after two seasons; its creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, would go on to slightly greater success with another TV project a few years down the road. Mahaffey, who threw her whole body into the part, later said she could have played that “marvelous twit” forever.) Mostly, though, Mahaffey simply continued to work, bringing bright energy and just a hint of madness (her mother apparently asked her once “Why do they always make you play crazy people?”) to shows like Wings, ER, The West Wing, and more.

MAHAFFEY, Valerie

Born: 6/16/1955, Sumatra, Indonesia

Died: 5/30/2025, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Valerie Mahaffey’s western – actress:

The Young Riders (TV) – 1989-1992

RIP Loretta Swit

 

Loretta Swit, Emmy-Winning M*A*S*H Actress Known for Playing 'Hot Lips', Dies at 87

The actress was best known for playing Major Margaret J "Hot Lips" Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H' from 1972 to 1983

PEOPLE

By Kelly Martinez and Julia Moore

May 30, 2025

 

Loretta Swit has died. She was 87.

The actress' publicist Harlan Boll confirmed the news to PEOPLE on Friday, May 30. Swit died in the early morning hours on Friday of natural causes at her New York City home.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report the news.

The actress was best known for playing Major Margaret J "Hot Lips" Houlihan, a head nurse in the Korean War, on the CBS series M*A*S*H from 1972 to 1983. The role earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, four Golden Globe nominations and a TV Land Impact Award.

Besides M*A*S*H, Swit guest starred on various TV shows such as Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, The Love Boat, Mannix, Bonanza and Batman: The Animated Series.

Additionally, she appeared in several films and TV movies, including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, S.O.B., Race With the Devil, Beer, Whoops Apocalypse and Forest Warrior.

Her final acting credit came in 2019 in a movie titled Play the Flute. Swit was also expected to appear in an upcoming project titled Second Chances, according to her IMDb page. The film is currently in pre-production, per the site.

In a 1979 PEOPLE cover story, Swit said she "always wanted to be an actress" as she reflected on her early love of film.

"Luckily, my mother loved movies and we would go to double features and sit through both films twice," she recalled.

Describing her younger self as a "fat little kid with braces who was very, very shy," Swit was candid about her vision for her life.

"I’m not interested in being married,” she said at the time. "I have a career and friends and things I care about doing. I don’t want a lot of other demands. And, thanks to Alan [Alda], who has deep insight about women, I don’t feel guilty anymore about not wanting a family. My parents and friends are my family."

"I love my work and I love my friends. I can’t imagine having a happier life,” Swit said.

She went on to marry actor Dennis Holahan —who she met when he guest starred on M*A*S*H as Per Johannsen, a Swedish diplomat whom Swit's character became romantically involved with — in 1983. They divorced in 1995, and Swit never had children.

Swit also had an active theater career. She made her Broadway debut in 1975's Same Time, Next Year and went on to replace Cleo Laine in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Other credits include her starring roles in Shirley Valentine and Mame. She received the Sarah Siddons Award in 1991.

The Emmy Award-winning actress was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989.

Outside of acting, Swit was a painter and a vocal animal rights activist. In 2017, she released a book, Switheart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit, proceeds of which are donated to charities and organizations against animal cruelty.

SWIT, Loretta (Loretta Jan Swed)

Born: 11/4/1937, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Died: 5/30/2025, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

 

Loretta Swit’s westerns – actress:

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1970 (Dianne, Belle Clark)

Cade’s County (TV) – 1971 (Ginny Lamar)

Bonanza (TV) – 1972 (Ellen Sue Greeley)

Sam Cade (TV) – 1972 (Ginny Lamar)

The Last Day (TV) – 1975 (Daisy)

Forest Warrior – 1996 (Shirley)

RIP Alf Clausen

 

Alf Clausen, Acclaimed Simpsons Composer, Dies at 84

Pitchfork

By Quinn Moreland and Walden Green

June 1, 2025

 

Clausen scored over 560 episodes of the beloved animated series and was nominated for 21 Emmy Awards for his work

Alf Clausen, who spent nearly three decades as composer for The Simpsons—scoring seasons 2 through 28—died Thursday (May 29) at his Los Angeles home. Clausen’s daughter, Kaarin Clausen, told The Hollywood Reporter that her father had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy eight years ago. He was 84.

Clausen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was raised in Jamestown, North Dakota. While studying at North Dakota State University, Clausen took a correspondence course in big-band songwriting courtesy of Boston's Berklee College of Music. He eventually transferred to the school, becoming its first French horn player.

Clausen began his songwriting career in Los Angeles, where he freelanced as a composer, ghostwriter, and arranger. He eventually found work on television shows like the Donny & Marie show and The Mary Tyler Moore Hour. In the 1980s, Clausen served as the composer for the detective series Moonlighting, for which he received six Emmy nominations. He later composed music, appropriately, for the television show ALF. Clausen also composed the music for films such as Weird Science, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Naked Gun.

Clausen joined The Simpsons in 1990, when the show was in its second season. As composer, his role involved creating songs, cues, and reinterpreting Danny Elfman’s theme alongside a 35-piece live orchestra. Clausen scored over 560 episodes of the show and was nominated for 21 Emmy Awards (out of a career total of 30) for his work. He won twice, for 1997’s “We Put the Spring in Springfield” and 1998’s “You’re Checkin’ In (A Musical Tribute To The Betty Ford Center).” Clausen’s trademarks on the show often involved big band, jazz, or broadway numbers and while his compositions could be silly, they were often extremely moving. His songs for the show were collected on soundtrack albums like 1997’s Songs in the Key of Springfield and 1999’s Go Simpsonic With The Simpsons.

Speaking to the Television Academy in 2015 as part of their The Interviews series, Clausen described his initial reticence at taking the job that would come to define his career: “I said, ‘I just got off of four years of Moonlighting, and I really want to be a drama composer. I’m more interested in doing longform feature films.’” It was Simpsons creator Matt Groening who eventually got the composer on board by telling him “we look on our show as being not a cartoon—we look upon it as a drama where the characters are drawn.” In a 1996 profile published in Berklee Today, Groening called Clausen “one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.”

CLAUSEN, Alf

Born: 3/28/1941, Minneapolis, Minesota, U.S.A

Died: 5/29/2025, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

Alf Clausen’s western – music department:

 The Undefeated - 1969