Lucille Ball 100 - August 6, 2011

Today is Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. She had a combination of beauty and comic talent that is seen only rarely, in other actresses such as Mabel Normand, Thelma Todd and Carole Lombard. I grew up watching reruns of I Love Lucy. Later on I learned that she had started appearing in movies in the 1930s.

Thelma Todd/Bob Feller/Blake Edwards/Moody -- December 16, 2010

75 years ago today, beautiful and funny actress Thelma Todd was found dead in her car in a closed garage. People debate whether it was an accident, a suicide, or a murder. In any case, it sure was sad. She was a wonderful comedienne in two Marx Brothers movies, many Laurel and Hardy movies, and starring series of short subjects with Zasu Pitts and Patsy Kelly.

Bob Feller, great pitcher of the Cleveland Indians and WWII Navy vet, died. My father was a big fan.

Director Blake Edwards died. His step-grandfather was silent director J Gordon Edwards. Blake obviously grew up watching a lot of Laurel and Hardy.

James Moody, the great reed man, also died.

What a sad week.

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