Jean Stapleton Dies at 90

Jean Stapleton

January 19, 1923 – May 31, 2013

Jean Stapleton, (nee Jeanne Murray), actress of stage, screen and television, died Friday, May 31, in New York City of natural causes.

Best known for her role of the naive, sweet and clueless Edith Bunker, wife to Archie on the long term sitcom (1971-'79) All in the Family, which held the No. 1 spot 1971-'76. Costars were Carroll O'Connor, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers. Other television shows Stapleton appeared on are Car 54, The Patty Duke Show and Dennis the Menace.

The Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress appeared in films including, opposite John Travolta in Michael and with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail.

The performer is survived by her two children, John Putch and actress Pamela Putch from a marriage to Jack Stapleton. Stapleton was 90.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Roger Ebert Dies at 70

Roger Joseph Ebert

(June 18, 1942 – April 4, 2013)

Roger Joseph Ebert, best known for his candid film reviews, has died from a lengthy battle with cancer today.

Having written for the Chicago-Sun Times for more than four decades, Ebert was teamed with Gene Siskel to debate over movies, giving audiences opposing view points and their well-known thumbs up or thumbs down after each critique. "At the Movies" and "Siskel and Ebert At the Movies" made the pair famous around the world. Television partner Gene Siskel, passed away in 1999 at the age of 53 from complications arising from brain surgery. Ebert continued on solo, then with Richard Roeper. The critic also garnered accolades, winning a Pulitzer in 1975 for film criticism and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Chicagoan was also the author of 15 books, a contributor to various magazines, a blogger, and instructor and lecturer at the University of Chicago.

Ebert was 70 years old and survived by his wife, Chaz Hammelsmith.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Larry Hagman Dies at 81

Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012)

 Larry Martin Hagman died today at a hospital in Dallas with his best friend, Linda Gray, by his side. Gray portrayed Hagman's wife on television for the role he is best known for ~ his ruthless, villanous character J.R. Ewing ~ from the mega hit television prime time soap opera "Dallas." The show, which climbed to international fame ran from 1978-1991. Millions wondered, "Who shot J.R.?"

The actor is also well known for his situation comedy "I dream of Jeannie" a popular show during the '60s. Hagman portrayed a bewildered astronaut Major Anthony Nelson who stumbles across a genie in a bottle.

Hagman was the son of a Texas lawyer and stage and film actress Mary Martin. Martin is best know for her role as Peter Pan.

The television star was known for drinking and advocating marijuana. After decades of drinking alcohol, he was diagnosed with liver cancer in 1995, he turned instead to marijuana. Hagman died as a result of throat cancer.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Neil Armstrong Dies at 82

Neil Alden Armstrong ( August 5, 1930 - August 25, 2012)

Neil Armstrong, famed astronaut and first man on the moon has died at the age of 82 today. Along with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, Armstrong made the July 20, 1969 lunar landing. Forever etched into the minds of Americans, and the world over, is the commander of Apollo 11 stepping onto the surface of the moon, declaring, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Born in Wapakoneta, OH, the astronaut served as a Navy fighter pilot flying approximately 80 missions during the Korean War. He served as a test pilot for NASA and was commander of Gemini 8, saving lives during an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean in 1966.

The quiet hero, who underwent heart surgery earlier this month, was an Aeronautical Engineering student at Purdue University.

Armstrong died from post surgery related complications and is survived by his wife Carol and two sons.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Phyllis Diller Dies at 95

Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 – August 20, 2012)

Phyllis Diller, born Phyllis Ada Driver, considered the queen of comedy during the 19 50s, '60s and '70s, has died at the age of 95 in her home in Los Angeles, California. The Las Vegas performer and popular one-liner comedian was best known for her sitcoms, "The Phyllis Diller Show" and "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show." Diller also appeared regularly on "Laugh In" and "Love, American Style" and numerous movie and television roles.

The humorist toured extensively with Bob Hope for USO tours throughout Vietnam. More recently, Diller provided vocal talent for Disney/Pixar's "Bug's Life."

Diller was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Robert Hastings,  and survived by her son Perry, her daughter Suzanne Mills, and several grand children and  one great-grandchild.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Andy Griffith Dies at 86

Andy Griffith

(June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012)

Andy Griffith, beloved American actor of film and, most notably, television has passed away at the age of 86. An ambulance was called to his home in Dare County, NC Tuesday morning according to Dare County Sheriiff J.D.Doughtie. Former UNC president and close friend, Bill Friday, confirmed the actor's death.
Best known for two successful television programs, his title series, The Andy Griffith Show, aired from 1960-68. The situation comedy centered around Sheriff Andy Taylor of the small town Mayberry, and the antics of the straight-man's side kicks.

Matlock, airing from 1986-95, was a 60-minute legal drama with a healthy dose of quirky scenarios and comedy. Griffith portrayed lovable curmudgeon, sleuth and criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock who always outsmarted the murderers and found justice for his innocent clients.

Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singer, Griffith sang and played various instruments on both long-running shows and in his break out film, A Face in the Crowd (1957). Griffith's most successful album, I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns, earned platinum status.

Although exact cause of deathis not know, Griffith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nervous system disorder, in 1983. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in May, 2000, after suffering from a heart attack.

Survivors include wife Cindi, and daughter Dixie. Preceding Griffith in death was his son Andrew Griffith, Jr.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Mike Wallace dies at 93

Myron Leon "Mike" Wallace (May 9, 1918 – April 7, 2012)

Mike Wallace, CBS news correspondent, host of television's hard-hitting program 60 Minutes and World War II Naval veteran has passed away at the age of 93. Wallace's career included interviewing celebrities, politicians and sports figures with a controversial style which spanned 60 years in radio and television.

For details on Mike Wallace, click here IMBD.com/MikeWallace.

Image: Courtesy of CBS.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Whitney Houston Dies at 48

 Whitney Elizabeth Houston, (Aug. 9, 1963 – Feb. 11, 2012)

Whitney Elizabeth Houston, born Aug. 9, 1963, passed away today at the age of 48. Setting, and breaking, music records throughout her career, Houston topped the charts in the 1980s and '90s.

The daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, Whitney flourished in the pop genre, selling more than 170 million albums. Starting her career as a model, she quickly adapted to the musical arena stemming from her roots singing in the church.

Representatives for Ms. Houston have declined to furnish any details about the songbird's death other than to confirm she passed away on February 11, 2012. Beverly Hills Police Dept. representative, Lt.Mark Rosen, has confirmed that Houston died in her room at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. Detectives are investigating the cause of death.


Houston's death on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards is bittersweet as she once reigned as pop music's queen, scooping up the award six times with a total of 16 nominations during her career.
Some of her numerous chart-topping hits include, Saving all my Love for You, You Give Good Love, How Will I know, Greatest Love of All, I Will Always Love You and Didn't We Almost Have it All.
Other credits to her are films The Bodyguard, (1992) costarring Houston and Kevin Costner, and 1995's Waiting to Exhale, with Angela Bassett.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGO and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.