Deep-voiced legend Don LaFontaine, best known for his trademark “In a World” voiceovers on movie trailers, has passed away at the relatively young age of 68. He was perhaps the most prolific and well known voice actor, and was featured on hundreds of thousands of commercials and movie trailers. He passed away yesterday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA after he developed pneumothorax, which is when a lung collapses and air builds up in the surrounding area.
LaFontaine, who was born in Duluth, Minnesota, began as a voice actor in the mid-1960s while working as a recording engineer, according to his Web site. His strong, slightly gravelly voice was featured on trailers for thousands of films, including “The Godfather,” “Fatal Attraction” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” For a time in the late ’70s, LaFontaine was the official voice of Paramount Pictures.
His favorite work was one he did for the 1980 film “The Elephant Man,” he said in interviews, but whether the film was Oscar-caliber or a bomb waiting to blow, he handled every assignment equally.
“My philosophy is that you have to really believe what you’re reading, even if you think the film’s a piece of junk,” he told Swindle magazine. “Even the worst picture is someone’s favorite film, and that someone is the fan I am always talking to.” iReport: Share your thoughts on “the Voiceover King”
He also provided the voice for hundreds of thousands of commercials, for companies including General Motors, Ford, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and many others, according to his Web site.
The good-humored LaFontaine was willing to poke fun at himself, particularly in a recent ad for Geico insurance, in which he gave dramatic flair to a woman’s story about her car accident. He also voiced the trailer for “The Simpsons Movie,” in which his descriptions were mimicked by commentary from the film’s characters.
But LaFontaine was most famous for his phrase “In a world …,” used by seemingly dozens of movies determined to create an otherworldly atmosphere.
I found a nice video about LaFountaine’s career on YouTube, below. LaFountaine says at the introduction that when his voice changed during puberty he got sent to the principals office because his teacher thought he was mocking her. He soon learned to use his deep voice to his advantage and said he often called up the school pretending to be various friends’ parents when they wanted to play hooky.
LaFountaine popularized the deep, authoritative voiceover style and is called an inspiration to his fellow voiceover artists. People in the industry praised him for his down-to-earth personality, and he called himself “the luckiest man on earth.” He also admitted that he had fun recording people’s voicemail messages for them after they sent him e-mail requests.
It’s a shame I’m only learning more about this guy after he passed, but I’ve certainly heard his voice enough. Now that I know what a great guy he was, his immense success makes a lot more sense.
RIP Don LaFountaine. You are much imitated but will never be replaced.
Michael Lohan has repeatedly spoken to the press recently about what a bad influence Samatha Ronson is on his daughter, Lindsay, despite the fact that Lindsay has only seemed to clean up under Sam’s influence. Lindsay’s dad is an ex con who served a nearly three years in prison out of a four year sentence for multiple charges including assault and DUI. He was released from Collins Correctional Facility outside of Buffalo, NY in March of 2007.
Lindsay’s demons are at bay and she’s in a seemingly healthy and devoted relationship with another woman - the first relationship she’s had in years that seems to be stable. Her dad can only keep talking about how much he worries for Lindsay, though, using various shifting reasons that include the booze she’s supposedly drinking despite the lack of evidence, the antidepressants she might be on, and Sam’s plans for an autobiography.
Michael Lohan’s father just died, and he’s using his father’s death as another chance to publicly bad mouth his ex wife. The first part of his statement is acceptable enough, he says his dad died and he hopes his wife and kids come to the funeral. That’s understandable and you would expect him to say that. He might even garner some sympathy for it if he could leave well enough alone. But no, he has to bring his point home with more obnoxious digs at Dina that show he’s more concerned with his personal vendetta than his father’s death.
Michael tells OK!, “My father just, literally, died in my arms. I notified all my kids and my lawyer notified Dina’s attorney. Let’s see if she has the decency and respect to bring my kids to the wake and funeral.”
He continues, “THIS will show her true colors! Thus, not even a call. But that’s par for the course with Dina! She didn’t even send a card or visit when he was sick.”
What an ass this guy is! If Dina and the kids don’t show up at the funeral, can you blame them given the way he’s acting? No wonder Lindsay has cut him out of her life. He’s toxic and he wants to continue dragging his family down with him. Lindsay deserves some recognition for rising above the very dysfunctional family she must have grown up in and finding a partner who supports and loves her. I doubt she’s drinking again, but if she is she’s doing it moderately because you haven’t seen one photo of her looking wasted or even hungover in the past few months.
Michael Lohan is shown on 6/27/08. Credit: WENN/Fayes Vision
One of the founders of hip hop and a respected producer, N.W.A. member Dr. Dre (born Andre Young), has suffered a personal loss. His 20-year-old son, Andre Jr., died over the weekend. No word on the circumstances of the young man’s death yet, but the family is waiting for the autopsy report.
Rapper DR. DRE is in mourning after his son passed away, according to reports.
The body of 20-year-old Andre Young Jr. was found at his Woodland Hills home on Saturday morning (23Aug08), reports AllHipHop.com. His mother allegedly found him unresponsive when she checked on him at 10am, and immediately called emergency services.
Young was said to have been out the previous night and returned home at 5.30am.
The cause of death is currently unknown as officials await the results of a post-mortem examination.
I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but in many cases when a 20-year-old suddenly dies, there is some kind of substance involved. The fact that he was out until 5:30 in the morning also points in that direction. Dre and his family are going through a very difficult time, so I hope they are able to get some answers. Dre is considered one of the greatest hip hop producers of all time, working with such artists as Eminem, 50 Cent, The Game, and Tupac Shakur. Condolences to him and his family.
Dr. Dre is shown backstage at a Pussycat Dolls show in LA on 3/13/08. Credit: Ed Kavishe, fashionwirepress via Wikipedia
The Dave Matthews Band’s incredibly talented saxophonist, LeRoi Moore, passed away today at the age of 46. He suffered some pretty extreme injuries (including a punctured lung and broken ribs) a little over a month ago during an ATV crash. LeRoi was in the hospital for several weeks but had returned home to recuperate, and had flown with the band to Los Angeles for their tour. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and was admitted to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and passed away in the afternoon.
A rep for DMB gave TMZ the following statement: “LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. Moore had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program.”
LeRoi Moore’s trip to California from Virginia may have been detrimental, as Janet Charlton reports:
He was slowly recovering but suffered lung complications and hasn’t been able to perform. We were told that against doctors advice, he flew to LA to be with the band backstage when they open tonight at the Staples center. The flight may have affected him adversely and he died today.
According to DMBNews.net, Dave Matthews was spotted crying outside of his Los Angeles hotel with the news of LeRoi Moore’s death. Fans outside DMB’s hotel in Los Angeles today reported seeing Dave Matthews crying, and he and other band members and crew hugging each other while boarding their tour buses.
LeRoi was a phenomenal saxophonist, and his work is one of the many things that really set the band apart from other folk groups. Together with violinist Boyd Tinsley the fullness and grace of the band’s sound could really be heard.
I’ve been lucky enough to see DMB live so many times I’ve lost count. Their energy is absolutely amazing – and what’s always stood out are the looks on the members’ faces as they play – just true joy for what they’re doing. Our thoughts are with LeRoi’s family, friends, and the band.
It’s impossible to pick out LeRoi’s best concert solo or the song where his work most profoundly influenced the entire feeling. So I picked this song - #41 – one of my top three favorites. It’s a beautiful song and you can hear LeRoi’s influence throughout , and he gives a beautiful solo at about 4:45. You see just what an amazing, astronomical talent he was.
Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes and Samuel L Jackson in a still from Soul Men, which is due out next year
Co-stars Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, who passed away the same weekend, were both honored in separate memorial services this weekend attended by family, friends, and a multitude of celebrities. Singer Isaac Hayes was remembered in a public service in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, where a wide array of celebs were in attendance, from Jesse Jackson, who knew Hayes through his civil rights activism, to fellow Scientologist Kelly Preston. There was also a private service on Sunday, which was attended by Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise.
The weight of soul singer Isaac Hayes’ legacy in Memphis could be measured in a single remark at his memorial service Monday.
“What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport,” U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen asked, drawing a huge burst of applause during a four-hour service of music, speakers and video clips.
Cohen, who represented Hayes’ area of Memphis, said the city should celebrate Hayes, an architect of the Memphis sound, as it celebrates Elvis Presley.
“He is a world person who the world will miss,” Cohen said.
The deep-voiced soul singer died Aug. 10 after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes’ family doctor, David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke.
About 3,000 fans and friends attended the service. They remembered Hayes for his music and his movies and for his humanitarian work that included building a school in Ghana.
“He was a lovely man, always involved with causes,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson said before the service. “Literacy, civil rights. He was always there, and that’s why we’re all here for him.”
Jackson was among the speakers that included Al Sharpton and actresses and fellow scientologists Anne Archer and Kelly Preston.
Meanwhile, movie and TV actor/stand-up comedian Bernie Mac’s memorial service in Chicago brought thousands of fans, friends and co-stars as well. Jesse Jackson must be racking up the frequent flyer miles, because he attended this service, too. Other mourners included Chris Rock and Cedric the Entertainer, who was reportedly inconsolable at the loss of his Kings of Comedy comrade.
Thousands of mourners came out for a Chicago memorial service honoring Bernie Mac Saturday.
Some fans slept outside overnight in hopes of securing a seat inside the House of Hope church on the city’s South Side, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Rev. Jesse Jackson attended the emotional service, in which photos from the comedian’s career were shown on projectors and the White Sox organization presented Mac’s widow Rhonda with a No. 1 jersey bearing his name, the paper reports.
Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and Andy Garcia also sent condolences.
During the service, Mayor Richard Daley remembered Mac as someone with “a heart and passion.” Daley, who met with Mac a few weeks ago, added: “He knew the street, he knew the people, and that’s why he was a king of comedy. He wanted to do something personally to get children away from the life of violence. . . . He never lost his soul in Chicago.”
Soul Men features Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson
Isaac Hayes’ cause of death has been released, after he was found lying next to a treadmill. He died from a stroke.
The deep-voiced soul singer died on Sunday after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes’ family physician, Dr. David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke, sheriff’s spokesman Steve Shular said.
Deputies were among the emergency crews that responded, and sheriff’s department detectives were looking into the death. Kraus told investigators that he had been treating Hayes, 65, for high blood pressure, Shular said.
Family members found Hayes lying on the floor of his home beside a treadmill that was still switched on.
This makes me sad all over again, that he was obviously trying to improve his health by using a treadmill and seeing a doctor for blood pressure, and it was too late.
An idea I rather like, some websites are suggesting that Dimension are considering putting back the release of Soul Men, as the storyline deals with death and the film features both Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac.
Warning: plot details, potential spoilers for Soul Men ahead
Death is a big subject in the film. The entire plot of the movie revolves around Mac and Jackson eulogizing the death of their friend with music, only now two members of the film’s actual cast really are dead. Three days ago it sounded like a fantastic idea for a film, especially in light of the way Sam Jackson belted out blues tunes in Black Snake Moan. Now, it seems almost too sad to watch. Buying a ticket to Soul Men could end up feeling like you’re purchasing a seat at someone’s funeral.
The movie doesn’t open until November 14th, so that does give the world a little time to grieve for its tragically departed stars. Still, don’t be surprised if Dimension Films decides to delay it a little more, maybe even until next year. November 14th may be too soon, particularly in light of the subject matter.
It is so great that the movie will be put back instead of any attempt to cash in on the death of the actors. Particularly in the case of Hayes who is playing himself. This is a very kind and human thing to do, since releasing the film right after the deaths of the actors could generate more ticket sales. Even if it isn’t good business.
There are several reports floating around the internet that rapper Lil’ Wayne’s 8-year-old daughter Reginae Carter was killed in a car accident yesterday. Wayne’s Myspace page is flooded with condolences, but there has been no official word one way or the other.
Lil’ Wayne Daughter Killed - Reginae Carter, the daughter of Lil’ Wayne, has reportedly been killed. She was only 8 years old.
According to reports, the daughter of Lil’ Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Carter, Reginae Carter allegedly died in a traffic accident late in the evening on August 10th, 2008.
An online celebrity site is responsible for reporting the story as fact, but there is no confirmation from any mainstream media outlets.
Lil Wayne’s myspace page is literally covered with Reginae Carter comments about her alleged unconfirmed death tonight. Comments about Reginae Carter’s death appear on Carter’s myspace page since 10 pm PST Sunday.
All of the information cited in the article is basically gossip, along with Myspace and Yahoo! Answers. MTV picked up the story but again emphasized that there’s been no official word from Lil’ Wayne’s camp. Someone claiming to be Reginae’s aunt write on the Myspace page that the rumor is false – but again there’s no way to know if the woman really is who she says she is. Rumors like this can often take on a life of their own so we’ll have to wait a bit and see what other information comes out. If it is true, we send our deepest condolences.
Update by Celebitchy: Lil Wayne’s rep issued a statement to SOHH saying this isn’t true at all and that Regina is fine. There’s also a comment on his myspace from a woman claiming to be his aunt which says “I am pleased to inform you that this report is false. It is merely a rumour started by someone who obviously is miserable in their own skin that they would even have the notion to attack a child.”
“Rest assured Reginae is tucked away in her bed at this very moment trying to get past the hurt this ugliness has caused her and our family.” [via Radar]
We’re sorry for the incorrect story and are glad to see this rumor isn’t true at all. Shame on the person who started it.
Here’s Lil’ Wayne on BET’s “106 & Park” in New York on May 15th. Images thanks to PR Photos.
This weekend just sucks. First Bernie Mac and now Isaac Hayes. The 65 year-old soul singer and former South Park actor died today at the age of 65. His wife found him by a treadmill in their home in Memphis early this morning. He was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead at 2:08 am. More details are not yet known.
Musician Isaac Hayes — who wrote the theme song for “Shaft” — died early this morning in a Memphis hospital.
According to WMC, a Shelby County sheriff’s deputy responded to call from Hayes’ wife after she found him on the floor near a treadmill inside their home.
Hayes was taken to Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, and was pronounced dead at 2:08 AM.
Hayes was one of the most influential soul artists. His second album, 1967’s Hot Buttered Soul went multi platinum. He earned three Grammy Awards during his career and an Oscar for best original song for the Theme from Shaft.
From the late 1990s to 2006, Hayes played the oversexed smooth-talking animated character Chef on South Park. Hayes was a Scientologist and cited religious intolerance on South Park’s “Out of the Closet” Tom Cruise parody as his reason for leaving the show in 2006.
He is survived by 12 children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His youngest child is a two year old son, Nana Kwadjo Hayes, with his fourth wife, Adjowa.
People Magazine has more details about Bernie Mac’s death, and they’re heartbreaking. The 50 year-old comic had been in the hospital since July 24 for treatment for pneumonia. He developed the illness due to a new drug he was on to treat his chronic autoimmune disorder, sarcoidosis. The drug suppressed his immune system, which made him vulnerable and resulted in pneumonia. He was put on a ventilator in the hospital and was unable to talk and had trouble breathing. Mac died in a Chicago hospital on Saturday after his heart failed twice. When his heart failed the first time he was revived by doctors and survived for about an hour until he went into cardiac arrest again and passed. His wife of 31 years and his daughter, Je’Niece, 30, were by his side when he died.
The sad thing is that he was cured of one strain of pneumonia but developed another strain in the hospital. He was unable to speak during his hospitalization, but did communicate nonverbally with his wife.
Speaking of a heartbreaking moment between her younger sister, Rhonda, and the 50-year-old actor-comedian – who succumbed to complications from pneumonia in a Chicago hospital at 2 a.m. Saturday – Mary Ann Grossett says that the night before Mac died, “He struggled for his life. He couldn’t breathe.
“He opened his eyes on his own and looked at Rhonda. She called his name, and he opened his eyes and nodded to her. She smiled at him and told him, ‘Don’t leave me … ‘I’m waiting for you to come back.’ He shrugged his shoulders, and she said that’s when she knew he was tired. He signaled to her that his body was tired.”
Rhonda, Mac’s wife since 1977, and their 30-year-old daughter, Je’Niece, 30, were with him when he died. “[The doctors] were working on him,” says Grossett. “They tried to resuscitate him two times. One time he came back for about an hour. Then he went into cardiac arrest the second time.”
Prior to that, the couple had last communicated on July 31. “He told his wife [non-verbally] that he could breathe on his own, and he wanted the ventilator out. He motioned that he wanted it out,” says Grossett.
Lung Disease Contributed
The sister-in-law says Mac’s inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission,” she says. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection … He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that’s where the pneumonia came from.”
She reveals that Mac – having trouble breathing and running a fever – was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator.
“He was critically ill when he was in the hospital,” says Gossett. “He was in intensive care the whole time.”
She adds that doctors kept the star sedated, although he was conscious at times and he contracted a second strain of pneumonia while in the hospital.
People has more quotes from Mac’s sister in law, Mary Ann Grossett, and she says her sister met the funnyman when they were both just teens and that he told her “Girl, you better come on board this train, because I’m going to be rich.” Mary Ann says that her sister Rhonda will get through the incredible loss of her husband of over 30 years through her faith in God. She said “Not only was she his wife, but she was his best friend. She’s going to miss him dearly.”
Mac’s friends and co-stars have given their respects and regrets at his untimely death. Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Chris Rock are among the celebrities who have issued statements. I especially like Carl Reiner’s description of how Mac used to cook for his co-workers on the Oceans films.
Brad Pitt: “I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with [his wife] Rhonda and their family. Bernie Mac, you are already missed.”
George Clooney: “The world just got a little less funny. He will be dearly missed.”
Chris Rock: “Bernie Mac was one of the best and funniest comedians to ever live, but that was the second best thing he did. Bernie was one of the greatest friends a person could have. Losing him is like losing 12 people because he absolutely filled up any room he was in. I’m gonna miss the Mac Man.”
Cedric the Entertainer: “It’s hard to put into words just how I feel and what a painful loss this is. Bernie was a brother, a friend and one of the comic masters of our time. Sharing the marquee with him during the phenomenon of the Kings of Comedy tour bonded us like family, and created a unique moment in comic history marking some of the most meaningful, memorable and fun times of our lives. His comedic approach was his own brand and will definitely stand the test of time. The level of his talent always inspired me and other comedians to ‘bring their A-game.’ I promise you that you never wanted to be the guy who had to follow Bernie’s set! As a husband and father, he was THE MAN and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will truly be missed, but so well remembered.”
Don Cheadle: “This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but heaven just got funnier.”
Ocean’s Eleven costar Carl Reiner: “It’s a tremendous loss because of his age and the fact that he was such a vital, original human being. When I use the word ‘original’ I really mean it. He was like no other person I knew. He lived his life to the fullest, even when we were on the set of Ocean’s. He had his own little apartment and he cooked and invited people to lunch every day and he had food that was for everybody. He made very exotic things. His conversations were always different than any conversations I had with anyone else. They were very family-oriented; he talked about his wife and children with such love and it’s very hard to believe that he’s not with us anymore.”
Actress/comedienne Niecy Nash, who played Mac’s little sister on the hit television series The Bernie Mac Show and acted opposite him in the 2005 film Guess Who, said this about her friend and mentor: “His passing is such a major loss to the acting and comedy communities. Bernie Mac was the personification of the word ‘real.’ He kept it real. That kind of genuine spirit that he carried all the time cannot be easily duplicated, but I will do my very best to try.”
Jenifer Lewis: ”Bernie’s style of comedy was bold, courageous and revolutionary—I never knew anyone who loved to be funny as much as Bernie. He will most definitely be very missed.”
Samuel L. Jackson, Mac’s costar in the November 2008 flick Soul Men: “It goes without saying that Bernie was one of the preeminent comedians of our generation. He was also an attentive husband, a great father and loving grandfather. I feel blessed to have shared years of friendship with Bernie Mac and I’m honored to have finally costarred with him in what I consider to be his finest cinematic acting achievement. My sincere prayer is that his family will be comforted by the warmth of love from all of us who knew and respected this man.”
Bernie Mac was an incredibly talented and funny guy who cherished his family and worked hard for his success. He will be greatly missed.
Here’s Bernie Mac in the Kings of Comedy talking about how it’s a bother to have sex. This has a lot of f-bombs and adult content and is NSFW or for kids, but it’s damn funny:
Here are file photos of Bernie, thanks to PRPhotos.
Bernie Mac has passed away at the age of 50 from complications from pneumonia. The comedian and actor died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago early Saturday morning:
Bernie Mac, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor and comedian who worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago’s South Side, died Saturday at age 50.
“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
She said no other details were available and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.
Mac started his career as a stand up comedian over 30 years ago. He went on to his own sitcom on Fox, The Bernie Mac Show, in 2001, and featured roles in films such as Ocean’s 11, and Charlie’s Angels. Mac planned to retire after he finished work on his film The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth, So Help Me Mac. He told David Letterman last year that he wanted to focus on producing and spending time with his family and that “I want to enjoy my life a little bit. I missed a lot of things, you know.”
Mac is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rhonda McCullough, and their daughter Je’Niece, 30.
It was incorrectly reported last week that Mac had passed. His rep said that he was responding well to treatment at that time, and that the reports were inaccurate. Mac was a long time sufferer of sarcoidosis, an auto-immune disorder that causes inflammation in the organs and can affect the lungs.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.
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