Obesity was a source of trauma for her, but also of her comedy, which she showcased, along with gospel singing, on the long-running down-home variety show.
Category: Deaths (Obituaries)
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Cora Sue Collins, a Busy Child Actress in the 1930s, Dies at 98
She was in films with Greta Garbo, who became a friend, and Myrna Loy, Bette Davis and others. She ended her career after being sexually harassed.
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Pierre Audi, Eminent Force in the Performing Arts, Dies at 67
After turning a derelict lecture hall into the daring Almeida Theater, he had a long career as a director and impresario in Europe and New York.
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Mike Peters, Frontman of the Alarm, Is Dead at 66
Leading the Welsh band known for 1980s anthems like “Sixty Eight Guns,” he later became a strong voice in the fight against cancer, which he battled for decades.
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Stephen Mo Hanan, Who Played Three Roles in ‘Cats,’ Dies at 78
He sang arias on the streets of San Francisco, performed on Broadway and collaborated on a musical about Al Jolson, which he also starred in.
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Joel Krosnick, Longtime Cellist of Juilliard String Quartet, Dies at 84
Widely admired for his intense and precise playing, Mr. Krosnick stayed with the quartet for over 40 years, longer than either of his cellist predecessors.
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Stan Love, Athlete With a Beach Boys Connection, Dies at 76
A former N.B.A. player and the father of the All-Star Kevin Love, he was also the brother of the pop group’s Mike Love and a caretaker for its troubled leader, Brian Wilson.
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Ted Kotcheff, Director Who Brought Rambo to the Screen, Dies at 94
His films, including “First Blood” and “Weekend at Bernie’s,” covered a range of genres. He was later an executive producer of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
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Andy Bey, Jazz Singer Renowned for His Vocal Range, Dies at 85
An admirer of Nat King Cole, he began as a child performer and as part of a family trio before emerging as a master of the American Songbook.
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Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Charlotte Ballet Director and Sinuous Dancer, Dies at 82
He brought grace and power to his roles before a serious injury encouraged him to try choreography — “maybe the richest part of my life.”
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David Thomas, Leader of the Band Pere Ubu, Dies at 71
As a singer and songwriter, he pushed the boundaries of punk and art-rock, producing a half century of music, writings and performances and always upending expectations.
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Jed the Fish Dead: KROQ DJ Who Pioneered New Wave Radio Was 69
With his off-kilter sensibility and deep musical grounding, he brought attention to New Wave and alternative artists at the groundbreaking station KROQ.