Celebrity Smack! Gossip & Entertainment Blog » Celebrity Deaths

Soupy Sales Dead at 83

Spicy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:37:22 +0000

Soupy Sales, dead at 83

Soupy Sales, real name Milton Supman, died Thursday night after losing his battle with cancer.

He had been under the care of Calvary Hospice in the Bronx.

The comedian was the host of the popular 60s children’s show, Lunch with Soupy Sales, which always ended with him getting a pie in the face. He once estimated during his career he had been hit with more than 20,000 pies.

Sales is survived by his wife, Trudy, and sons, Hunt and Tony.

[NYDN]

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Lucy Vodden of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” Dies

Spicy — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:32:25 +0000

Lucy Vodden, the woman who was reportedly the inspiration for the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” has died at the age of 46.

Despite many believing that it was a thinly veiled song about LSD, John Lennon and the Beatles have always disputed those claims. Lennon said that his son Julian actually came up with the title for the song.

When Julian was 4-years-old he made friends with a little girl named Lucy at school. Julian came home one day with a drawing and showed it to his dad. He told him, “This is Lucy, in the sky with diamonds.”

Lucy Vodden was diagnosed with Lupus more than five year ago. She died last Tuesday.

After learning of her illness, Julian had gotten in touch with Lucy a few times, texting her and sending her gifts.

He recalls, “I wasn’t sure at first how to approach her. I wanted at least to get a note to her. Then I heard she had a great love of gardening, and I thought I’d help with something she’s passionate about, and I love gardening too. I wanted to do something to put a smile on her face.”

Lucy is survived by her husband Ross Vodden.

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Susan Atkins, Manson Killer, Dead at 61

Spicy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:27:20 +0000

Susan Atkins at her Sept. 2nd parole hearing, which was denied.

Susan Atkins, one of the notorious Charles Manson cult murderers, has died in prison at the age of 61.

Atkins died at the Central California Women’s facility in Chowchilla just before midnight Thursday. She had been fighting brain cancer. She was diagnosed in 2008. Soon after suffered partial paralysis and had to have a leg amputated.

Fourty-years ago Atkins savagely murdered actress Sharon Tate who was 8-months pregnant. Tate had been stabbed 16 times. Atkins also participated in the LaBianca murders the very next night. She was convicted of eight murders total.

Prosecutor Stephen Kay described Atkins as “the scariest of the Manson girls,” adding that “she was very violent.”

Former chief prosecutor and author of Helter Skelter, Vincent Bugliosi, says that Atkins will be remembered as “obviously as a member of a group that committed among the most horrendous crimes in American history.

“She apparently made every effort to rehabilitate herself. It has to be said that she did pay substantially, though not completely, for her incredibly brutal crimes. And to her credit, she did renounce – and, I believe, sincerely – Charles Manson.”

He also told of the sad and tragic upbringing of Susan Atkins. Her mother died when she was 3 and her father sold their home and all furnishings to pay hospital bills. He eventually became an alcoholic and often left his children alone, until one day he just didn’t come back. he children were moved to their grandparents home but by the 11th grade Atkins left. She described herself at this time as, “extremely angry, extremely vulnerable and directionless.”

It was soon after that she met Manson and “the family”.

Atkins is survived by her husband and had found God years ago. At her parole hearing September 2nd she uttered her last public words: “My God is an amazing God.”

Even though she was a murderer, I still think this is a sad story. What a lonely life.

[LAT/ CBS]

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Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary Dead at 72

Spicy — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:12:44 +0000

Mary Travers, one of the three singers in the 60s folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, has died.

The band’s publicist says Travers died in a Connecticut hospital. She had battled leukemia for years.

Perhaps the band’s best known work, Puff the Magic Dragon. Although the band didn’t write the song, they made it popular in 1963 recording. Although the song was thought to suggest drug use, in particular, marijuana, all band members have constantly denied the allegations.

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Patrick Swayze is Dead

Spicy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:11:28 +0000

Terribly sad news to report. Patrick Swayze is dead, despite giving pancreatic cancer a run for it’s money.

He was only 57.

Swayze has been battling the disease since February 2008, when he was diagnosed. He leaves behind his wife of 32-years, Lisa Niemi.

My heart goes out to Lisa. I can’t imagine having a spouse for that long and then losing them.

You will be missed Patrick!

________________

As I reported a few times throughout the past year, Patrick and wife Lisa were receiving numerous letters of encouragement at the following address. I know a lot of Celebrity Smack readers sent him cards, because I heard from many of you. In case you may be wondering what the address is again so you can send Lisa a card of support, here is the address:

Lisa Niemi /Patrick Swayze

C/O W.K.T. PUBLIC RELATIONS

335 NORTH MAPLE DRIVE, STE. 351
BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210

[Photograph: Nathanael Jones/ James Breeden, PacificCoastNews.com]

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DJ AM Funeral Memorial PICS PHOTOS

Spicy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:08:40 +0000

DJ AM Private Funeral/ Memorial September 2nd, 2009

DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) is laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, CA.

Besides family, guests included best friend Travis Barker, who wore a dark, pin striped suit and shades, Seth Binzer, who was in the band Crazytown with Goldstein, and Hayley Wood, Goldstein’s ex-girlfriend, whom he was distraught over losing.

[Above Photo: Travis Barker hugs Hayley Wood]

I have heard reports that ex-fiance Nicole Richie attended, as well as Joel & Benji Madden, but have yet to see any proof of this.

Other celebrities also buried at Hillside Memorial are Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, David Janssen, Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Milton Berle, George Jessel, Allan Sherman, Vic Morrow, Jeff Chandler, Moe Howard, Dinah Shore, and Shelley Winters.

A public memorial for Goldstein is planned for Thursday evening at the Hollywood Palladium. The official invite reads: “The format of the evening will be in the style of an open 12-step meeting.”

[Photos: © BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM]

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RIP DJ AM

Spicy — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:29:33 +0000

RIP DJ AM

DJ AM doing what he did best, along with his buddy, Travis Barker.

RIP DJ AM.

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DJ AM DEAD!

Spicy — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:00:30 +0000

DJ AM IS DEAD!

DJ AM, real name Adam Goldstein, has been found DEAD in his NYC apartment!

This is SO shocking – another celebrity dead!

DJ AM survived a fiery plane crash last year (Sept.’08) after the Learjet he was in with best friend Travis Barker crashed. They both suffered severe burns but survived.

DJ AM has died at the age of 36.

From E!

The New York Fire Department has confirmed that a body was discovered at Goldstein’s Lafayette Street address at 5:24 p.m. and was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. The body was not transported from the scene afterward.

The New York Post, claims that drug paraphernalia was found near his dead body. TMZ says that prescription pills and a drug smoking pipe were found.

DJ AM’s neighbor told E!: “I came home and there were police cars everywhere. My doorman told me someone died in 7A and I knew who it was. The whole front of the building is filled with police blocking if off with barricades. I know he has been here for the last week and a half, but I haven’t seen him.”

DJ AM’s publicist released the following statement: (via People)

“The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. Out of respect for his family and loved ones, please respect their privacy at this time.”

His management company released a statement as well:

“We are devastated by the loss of Adam Goldstein, our dear friend and valued member of the Dusk family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. He was a true talent who will be greatly missed.”

Adam posted on his Twitter account Thursday:

“New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york ain’t always what it seems.”

His body has since been removed from his apartment.

R.I.P. AM.

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Ted Kennedy Dead at 77

Spicy — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:57:05 +0000

Ted Kennedy is dead

Ted Kennedy is dead at the age of 77.

Senator Kennedy died just before midnight Tuesday night at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. He had been fighting brain cancer for some time.

The Kennedy family released the following statement:

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice.”

[CNN]

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Lisa Lapore, Jasmine Fiore’s Mother, Speaks [VIDEO]

Spicy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:21:26 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Lisa Lapore and Fiore’s ex-boyfriend Robert Hasman

Lisa Lapore, murdered model Jasmine Fiore’s mother, along with Fiore’s ex-boyfriend Robert Hasman, on the Today Show this morning.

Lapore says she is relieved that Jenkins is dead, but says that it is “a mixed reaction. It brings some closure to what’s going on.” She adds that she is relieved that “he’s no longer a threat.” But, that it doesn’t necessarily make her long journey ahead any more bearable. “We still have a long process of closure.”

The poor woman, I cannot fathom how she kept it together throughout the interview. Seriously, I would be completely unfit for a television interview. She must still be numb.

As for Robert Hasman, he says he is “happy that Ryan killed himself.” But he too, must be numb. He adds, “Um, I really don’t know how I feel right now. I kind of have mixed emotions.”