We never cared much for boxing until we saw Ken Norton in Mandingo. It was one of the sexiest movies of the 70’s, but not one of the best – it was rather tawdry, but a mental picture we will never forget. Ken Norton as the powerful slave who was seduced by his master’s wife was unforgettable in his movie debut. He was dangerously handsome. He died yesterday at age 70, and will be remembered as a threat to Muhammad Ali in more ways than one.
#dennisfarina #janetcharlton
We always felt a tiny connection with actor Dennis Farina because he spent 18 years (‘67 to ‘85) as a Chicago cop and we grew up there. (Don’t know if he was one of those cops who expected bribes, but many of them did in those days – and they all seemed to be big and have deep voices, unlike Los Angeles cops.) Dennis started out as a police consultant for director Michael Mann and got into acting. He always retained his thick Chicago accent and played gangsters and police officers with equal gusto in numerous movies and TV series. His death from a blood clot was sudden and hopefully painless, but we will miss him. (Above in Law & Order with Michael Imperioli)
The loss of James Gandolfini at the age of 51 is truly an American tragedy. Many fans cherished the hope that The Sopranos would return in a movie. Unfortunately, James was stuggling with alcohol again. His self destructive last meal at 7 PM on the night he died was at the Boscolo Exedra Roma hotel restaurant, according to the NY Post. He dined with his 13 year old son Michael and managed to down two pina coladas, 4 shots of rum, and two beers with the meal. Gandolfini consumed two orders of deep fried prawns covered in mayonnaise chili sauce, and a large portion of foie gras. Michael had his own meal and two virgin coladas. Three hours later James Gandolfini was discovered in cardiac arrest. So sad.