Category: Deaths (Obituaries)

Bernard Hill, Actor in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ Dies at 79

With a stout frame, bushy whiskers and a weathered visage, he embodied men of authority facing down danger with weary stoicism.
Laurent Cantet, Whose Films Explored France’s Undersides, Dies at 63

His acclaimed “The Class” walked a provocative line between documentary and fiction. In that film and others, he explored the inescapable traps of late-stage capitalism.
Barbara O. Jones, Actress Who Brought Black Cinema to Life, Dies at 82

Her arresting roles in movies like “Bush Mama” and “Daughters of the Dust” helped shape a generation of independent filmmakers.
Frank Wakefield, Who Expanded the Mandolin’s Range, Dies at 89

A bluegrass innovator, he recorded numerous albums as a leader, and his list of collaborators included both Leonard Bernstein and Jerry Garcia.
Richard Tandy, Keyboardist for Electric Light Orchestra, Dies at 76

He helped shape the band’s futuristic sound, which blended Beatles-esque pop with orchestral arrangements.
Duane Eddy, Whose Twang Changed Rock ’n’ Roll, Dies at 86

A self-taught electric guitar virtuoso, he influenced a generation of musicians. One of them, John Fogerty, called him rock’s first guitar god.
Andrew Davis, 80, Dies; Renowned Conductor Who Championed Britain’s Music

Celebrated for his long tenure with Lyric Opera of Chicago, he led this and other orchestras with force and a notably energetic podium presence.
Michael C. Jensen, 84, Who Helped Reshape Modern Capitalism, Dies

He heralded stock options and golden parachutes as a professor at Harvard Business School, influencing a generation of Wall Street executives.
Mike Pinder, Founding Keyboardist of the Moody Blues, Dies at 82

His expertise on the electromechanical Mellotron helped define the band’s progressive sound in the 1960s and ’70s on albums like “Days of Future Passed.”
Howie Schwab, ESPN Researcher and Trivia Star, Dies at 63

He stepped out of his behind-the-scenes role in 2004 when he was cast as the ultimate sports know-it-all on the game show “Stump the Schwab.”
Phyllis Pressman, Luxury Superstore Matriarch, Is Dead at 95

She started working at Barneys to be closer to her husband. Then, she became the architect of the Chelsea Passage, the home goods bazaar that helped make it an enticing destination.
Bob Heil, Whose Innovations Enhanced the Sound of Rock, Dies at 83

A groundbreaking audio engineer, he provided the large-scale systems that brought tours by the Who and the Grateful Dead to life.