Clay Risen
Posts
John Lansing, Who Guided NPR Through Tumultuous Times, Dies at 67
He led the broadcasting organization during the coronavirus pandemic, a decline in revenue and a period of extreme political polarization.
Jay Kanter, Agent for Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe, Dies at 97
Later a studio executive, he was among the last of the power brokers who dominated Hollywood in the latter half of the 20th century.
Wally Amos, Creator of Famous Amos Cookies, Dies at 88
With a background in marketing, his aunt’s recipe and a winning personality, he built one of the world’s best-known brands of baked goods.
Lorenza de’ Medici, Who Elevated Italian Cooking, Is Dead at 97
A descendant of a storied family, she was an author, TV host and cooking school director who showed that Italian cuisine was about more than...
Francine Pascal, Creator of ‘Sweet Valley High’ Book Series, Dies at 92
The series and its many spinoffs have sold more than 200 million copies and revolutionized the world of young adult publishing.
Judy Belushi Pisano, Who Defended Her Husband’s Legacy, Dies at 73
She was married to John Belushi until his fatal drug overdose in 1982. She went on to celebrate his comic talent in books and a...
Shelley Duvall, Star of ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ Dies at 75
Her lithesome features and quirky screen presence made her a popular figure in 1970s movies, particularly Robert Altman’s.
Mary Martin, Who Gave Many Music Stars Their Start, Dies at 85
Her loyalty to artists and her eye for talent made her a force in a male-dominated business. Among her accomplishments: introducing Bob Dylan to the...
Kinky Friedman, Musician and Humorist Who Slew Sacred Cows, Dies at 79
He and his band, the Texas Jewboys, won acclaim for their satirical takes on American culture. He later wrote detective novels and ran for Texas...
Jeremy Tepper, Alt-Country Impressario, Dies at 60
As a journalist, singer, label owner and radio producer, he fostered a community of musicians on the outskirts of Americana.