Can We Talk?

After reportedly losing consciousness while undergoing a procedure on her vocal cords at Yorkville Endoscopy, Joan Rivers was moved to Mount Sinai Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma.

On Tuesday, September 3, 2014 the comedienne was moved out of intensive care while still on life support.  The next day, Rivers’ daughter Melissa said that she had been moved into a private room and continued to update her mother’s fans on her condition.

In what was undoubtedly a heart-wrenching decision, Joan’s daughter must have permitted her mother to be taken off the life-support she’d been on for a week. 

“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother,” said Melissa in a statement Thursday. “She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother.”  She added, “My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”

In recent years, death came up a lot in Rivers' interviews and jokes as she coped with the loss of good friends. The night before she was hospitalized, Rivers did an hour of stand-up at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City, where she joked, according to the New York Daily News: "I'm 81—I could go at any moment. I could fall over right here and you all could say, 'I was there!'"

She told The Times of London four years ago, "I would not want to live if I could not perform. It's in my will. I am not to be revived unless I can do an hour of stand-up. I don't fear it."

She knew how to toss a zinger.  She was unapologetic and fiercely dedicated to making people laugh and the world is a little less funny without her in it.  Pity, because we need a good laugh in these trying times.

Rest in peace Joan, Edgar has been waiting a long time for you to join him.

#RIPJoanRivers in lieu of flowers, make fun of easily-offended assholes.
— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) September 4, 2014

The Object Of Our Affection: James Garner Dead At 86

I grew up in a time when men were men.  Hollywood celebrities weren’t precocious, perfumed, perfectly coiffed brats.

James Garner served in the Korean War winning two Purple Hearts. "I wasn't a hero," he said modestly. "I just got in the way a lot."  How humble is that?  How many actors today can say they’ve served in the military?  I dare say not many.

There’s a terrific obit for Mr. Garner in The New York Times.  After reading the piece I learned he was a lifelong Democrat.  Oh well, I loved him just the same.

“Mr. Garner disdained the pretentiousness of the acting profession. ‘I’m a Methodist but not as an actor,’ he wrote in The Garner Files. ‘I’m from the Spencer Tracy school: be on time, know your words, hit your marks, and tell the truth. I don’t have any theories about acting, and I don’t think about how to do it, except that an actor shouldn’t take himself too seriously, and shouldn’t try to make acting something that it isn’t. Acting is just common sense. It isn’t hard if you put yourself aside and just do what the writer wrote.”

As a young girl I came to love James Garner in his role as Maverick.  My Dad loved to watch him in the television series The Rockford Files.  He never missed an episode, hence, neither did I.

I remember some of those Polaroid camera commercials he did with Mariette Hartley.  Polaroid produced so many of them that Hartley had a t-shirt made up that read, “I am NOT Mrs. James Garner.”  I have to admit they were the perfect pairing for a wholesome advertisement.

Garner was believable in his roles.  I adored him in the 1985 film Murphy’s Romance.  He starred opposite Sally Field.  At the end of the movie, after some small talk Murphy tells Emma (Sally Field) that he may be worn but he’s sturdy and faithful and in love for the last time.  Emma confesses she is in love for the first time then invites Murphy to stay for supper.  He said he’d only stay if he’s still there for breakfast.  Emma asks, “How do you like your eggs?” 

Murphy’s Romance is perfect fodder for the hopeful romantic and the capper, for me at least, is 2004’s The Notebook, a heartwarming tearjerker that proves that true love can last forever.

Godspeed you handsome devil.  Thanks for the memories.

Richard Dawson Dead At 79

British entertainer, Richard Dawson, has died at the age of 79.

Dawson’s son Gary notified the world of his father’s passing via his Facebook account saying, "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away [Saturday] evening from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered.”

The younger set may not know who Dawson was, but just about any baby boomer is familiar with the character he played in the TV sitcom Hogan’s Heroes.  The CBS comedy had a six year run from 1965 until 1971.  Dawson’s character, Nazi POW prisoner Cpl. Peter Newkirk, was a wise-cracking member of an international crew of Allied prisoners running a Special Operations group from a fictional version of Stalag 13.

Newkirk was the group's conman, magician, pick-pocket, card shark, forger, bookie, tailor, lock picker, safe cracker and impersonator of German officers.  On one occasion, he impersonated Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister.   He even impersonated women to fool the Germans and help the underground movement.

He was also the original host of the Family Feud game show from 1976–1985 and 1994-1995.  He became known as “The Kissing Bandit” because he kissed each female contestant for good luck.  He was much loved as the host of the popular game show.

I will remember him most for his role as Newkirk.

You can view a gallery of photographs of the late Dawson here.