Famous Diseases

2009-07-08T02:43:00.000-07:00

Robert Novak Hospitalized With Brain Tumor

Robert David Sanders "Bob" Novak (born February 26, 1931) is a conservative American political commentator, syndicated columnist and journalist who writes the longest-running current U.S. syndicated political column (45 years, as of February 2008).

Brain Tumor:
On July 27, 2008, Novak was admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a written statement given to his publisher, Novak said: “Doctors will soon begin appropriate treatment. I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period.”

2009-07-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dies 97

Karl Malden (March 22, 1912 – July 1, 2009) was an Academy Award winning American actor. In a career that spanned over seven decades, he was featured in classic films such as A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront and One-Eyed Jacks with Marlon Brando. Among other notable film roles are Archie Lee Meighan in Baby Doll, Zebulon Prescott in How the West Was Won and General Omar Bradley in Patton. His best-known role was on television as Lt. Mike Stone on the 1970s crime drama, The Streets of San Francisco.
Death Karl Malden
Karl Malden died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood.
Karl Malden was 97 years old at the time of his death.

92 Years old Zsa Zsa Gabor released from Hospital (Flu like symptom)

Zsa Zsa Gabor (92) is back home after six days at a hospital with flu-like illness.

Zsa Zsa Gabor (born February 6, 1917), also known as Sári Prinzessin von Anhalt, is a Hungarian actress, socialite and former beauty queen.

Zsa Zsa Gabor's health
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a passenger in an automobile accident that occurred on November 27, 2002. She was initially reported as being in a coma when she was actually conscious at the time medical assistance arrived. She left the hospital in early January 2003, but required continued physical therapy. Gabor sued and was awarded $2 million.

On July 7, 2005, she suffered a massive stroke, leaving her in critical condition at a local hospital. She underwent surgery to remove a blockage in her carotid artery. She returned home on July 15. In early September 2007, she underwent surgery to deal with after-effects of her previous stroke. On September 18, 2007, aged 90, she underwent surgery to treat a leg infection, which developed as a result of her immobility.

Micheal Jackson Finally rest in peace

2009-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

Pop icon Michael Jackson, 50, who died Thursday afternoon after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in cardiac arrest, had a long history of confirmed health problems, in addition to rumored conditions. Micheal Jackson after suffering from series of health problems finds his rest place.

Michael Jackson, seen here in 2005, was taken to UCLA Medical Center in cardiac arrestThursday.

In 1984, Jackson was burned while singing for a Pepsi-Cola commercial in Los Angeles, when a special-effects smoke bomb misfired. He had to have major surgery on his scalp and said that because of the intense pain, he developed an addiction to painkillers.

He also was reported to have a form of lupus in the 1980s, but it was later said to have gone into remission.

Jackson also had had numerous plastic surgeries, including rhinoplasty and a chin implant.

In 1993, Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein, released a statement saying that Jackson had a skin disease called vitiligo. The condition causes a person to lose melanin, the pigment that determines the color of skin, hair and eyes, in patches or all over the body. Vitiligo affects 1 million to 2 million people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health, and no one knows what causes it. Learn about the difference between heart attack and stroke

He was also hospitalized with chest pains in 1990 and postponed a concert because of dehydration in August 1993. A concert tour was cut short in November 1993 because of anaddiction to prescription painkillers amid allegations of child molestation.

During a rehearsal at the Beacon Theater in New York in December 1995, the entertainer collapsed onstage from apparent dehydration and low blood pressure and was hospitalized.

While jurors deliberated in a case in which he was accused of child molestation in June 2005, Jackson went to a hospital for treatment of what his spokeswoman said was recurring back pain. He had complained of back problems before.

Rumors circulated in December that Jackson was ill and in need of a lung transplant because ofAlpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic condition.

More rumors emerged in May that Jackson had skin cancer. But Randy Phillips, president and CEO of AEG Live, told CNN at the time, "He's as healthy as he can be -- no health problems whatsoever."

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A spokesman for Michael Jackson released a statement on Monday denying as a "total fabrication" a report claiming that the former King of Pop needs a lung transplant due to a rare respiratory disease.

The statement, attributed to Jackson's "official and sole spokesperson, Dr. Tohme Tohme" and issued by Los Angeles firm Scoop Marketing, cites an interview with writer Ian Halperin in British newspaper the Sunday Express in which Halperin said Jackson was suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Halperin, who is at work on an unauthorized biography of the singer, also claims Jackson can barely speak, suffers from emphysema and internal bleeding, and has lost 95 percent of the vision in his left eye.

Jackson apparently collapsed in his home in Los Angeles on Thursday and was taken by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center.

Role of Drugs in Micheal's life:

As friends of pop star Michael Jackson discuss the role prescription drugs may have played in his Thursday death, the serious health problems that can be triggered by drug interactions are again in the spotlight.

Some drugs have serious side effects in combination with other medications. Check with your doctor.

Dr. Deepak Chopra, who knew Jackson for more than 20 years, on Friday told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that he blamed Jackson's death on drug abuse, though he offered no direct evidence. "When you have enough drugs in your system, your heart goes into an arrhythmia and your respiration stops," he said. "I think the drugs killed him."

For Micheal's transformation check http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/Jackson.html

William "Billy" D. Mays, Jr. (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009)

He was a television direct-response advertisement salesperson most notable for promoting OxiClean, Orange Glo, and other cleaning, home-based, and maintenance products. His distinctive beard and loud sales pitches made him a recognizable television presence.

Death of Billy Mays

Mays was found dead by his wife in his Tampa, Florida home on the morning of June 28, 2009, having died sometime in his sleep. He was then pronounced dead at 7:45am. The Associated Press reported that there were no indications that the house had been broken into, and that police did not suspect foul play.

Mays had been aboard a US Airways flight that blew out its front tires as it landed at Tampa International Airport on June 27, the day before his death. None of the 138 passengers and five crew members were reported to be seriously injured immediately following the incident, but several passengers reported having bumps and bruises from falling objects. Mays told a local Tampa TV station that some of the objects "hit me on the head, but I got a hard head." It is unclear whether Mays' death was related to the incident.

Celebrities Who Are Likely to Have Swine Flu

2009-06-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

CDC reports a total of 109 cases of swine flu all over the United States. The state with the highest incidence is in New York with 50 cases, followed by Texas with 26 and California with 14.

Celebrities Fights back

1.) Nicole Richie

Being a nurse at the same time gives you priveleges like being able to spot people who are likely to get sick of a terminal illness in the future, more like a medical horoscope if you will. The very instance I heard about the Swine Flu Scare, one picture got into me directly: Nicole, Nicole, Nicole. She blasts off as number 1 in our list.

2.) Pete Doherty

This "Libertine" frontman and Academic Buff gets his notch as the number two on our list just because of his appearance. He's been rumored to have a lot of "after gigs" which include coke, MJ's and everything in between. Better watch yourself mate!

3.) Elizabeth Taylor

She has recently been rumored to have chills and slight fever lately. Being one of the most beautiful women who ever walked on this planet doesnt spare anyone, not even elizabeth taylor from being infected with swine flu. As for the age factor, older people generally have lower resistance to viruses. Be careful Elizabeth! BTW, she's on twitter! Follow her @DameElizabeth

4.) Lindsay Lohan

One of the obvious trademarks of being immuno-compromised is having an externally visible signs of excessive weight loss maybe due to anorexia or other eating disorders. For this reason, the TMZ favorite, Lindsay builds our list at number 4.

5.) Tara Reid

One of the girls that's always on the "Drunk Celebrities List" on various websites gives her the right to be the top 5 of our search for the celebrities who are likely to have swine flu. With so much alcohol in her system, the kidneys cannot function as well as a normal, sane person's kidney would. This often leads to blood composition abnormalities including white blood cells which act as the body's defense against viruses. Tara, you're hot but people are sick of you. :)

6.) Mariah Carey

Mimi lodged in to our top 6 just because of being so fat over the years. I could still remember her peak years where she was just a hot and gorgeous. But now, for carrying around so much fat deposits, she's on the limelight once again. Altough Swine Flu cannot be transmitted from eating pork, it is definitely contagious from person to person contact. She's got a concert right? Well, goodluck with that!

And the Swine Flu Queen........... Drum Roll Please.

7.) Kristie Alley

In her younger years when she co-starred on the hit T.V. show “Cheers” Kristie Alley never used to be overweight. Recently, she has been packing on the pounds - so much so that Jenny Craig has hired her to be their official weight loss spokesperson. Her weight loss has been gradual, too gradual for anyone.

Much like chicken pox, swine flu cannot be contracted from eating pork. But this has got to be insane. She might as well add Tamiflu (the medicine for swine flu) to her barrage of weight loss pills.

See my post on the outrageous Swine Flue:

Celebrities who suffered obesity

2009-06-29T14:43:00.001-07:00

Celebs. keep inspiring people:

Unlike the common people, celebrities are the cynosure of public eye, and it is many times more frustrating for them to gain excess weight. The celebrities have to make public appearances and staying in shape is their prime concern. Indiscriminate of male and female, growing obesity is a major hindrance on the celebrities’ way to success. It is concluded that throughout the world, celebrities feel the pressure most, since their looks and personality are constantly scrutinized by the public. The reports of Obesity in celebrities are quite varied and it has made them struggle with this problem.

As the celebrities have to often lead an irregular lifestyle and they are prone to consume more fatty foods and hard beverages, obesity is becoming a common phenomenon in their life. Those who are unaware about Celebrity Obesity can enrich their knowledge with the fact that celebrities like,
Sharon Osbourne:

Al Roker:

Carnie Wilson:

Randy Jackson:

Diego Maradona had been the victim of excess fatness. They all opted for a complicated surgery known as Gastric Bypass Surgery. The cases of Obesity in celebrities reached its apex level in the last two or three decades. It is a sheer embarrassment for the celebrities to carry their bulky bodies in front of the media and so they seek out for a painless and quick solution. Since they cannot mend their lifestyle for the professional purpose, they are trying other effective tools.

Keeping in mind the health consequences of obesity and the high risk of acquiring cancers, tumors, and heart disease, are making the celebrities depend on various measures to control their obesity. Since most of the celebrities cannot afford to maintain a routine life and be regular in their exercise programs, they seek for some speedy solutions. Obesity in celebrities in rising to a good extent and their helplessness is overcome by the help of the other therapies. The celebrities all over the world do crave for beautiful and healthy and vibrant life, and thus, they are trying to attend the yoga classes and control their diet pattern. Apart from undergoing weight loss surgery, the celebrities are seeking help of the other sorts of therapies.

Read my post Obesity! a path to death?

Keep up the spirit!

2009-06-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

The real fighters:

Liz Taylor recovering in hospital after being put 'on life support machine' for heart failour

Dame Elizabeth Taylor is recovering in hospital after being reportedly put on a life support machine with heart failure.

A spokesman for the Oscar-winning actress confirmed she had received hospital treatment, but did not specify her condition.

In a statement, the publicist said: 'Ms Taylor is fine. Her hospital visit was precautionary. She will be returning home shortly. At present, she is surrounded by family, friends and fabulous jewels.

Her condition was said to have deteriorated after she was initially diagnosed with pneumonia last week.

Her children were at her bedside and doctors warned she might not survive, said the U.S. publication National Enquirer.

But the following day she improved and the dual Oscar winner was breathing without medical help a few days later.

A source said: 'The doctors thought they were going to lose her. She's still very sick, but she's past the crisis.'

Robin Williams:

On March 4, 2009, it was revealed that comedian Robin Williams was hospitalized due to heart issues. He is "currently in the intensive care unit at a Miami hospital with heart issues."

Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett left us!

2009-06-28T03:28:00.000-07:00

Farrah Fawcett never got to marry the love of her life before dying Thursday morning 25th June 2009. The star was suffering from anal cancer.

But the 62-year-old Emmy Award winner and former Hollywood sex symbol’s condition never improved enough to speak, and so Farrah never married twice-wed Ryan. In fact, O’Neal revealed to Walters that Fawcett mistook him for their 24-year-old son, Redmond, who actually had a temporary release from prison to visit his dying mother att. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
After her nine-year marriage to Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors failed in 1982, Fawcett and O’Neal began dating and she gave birth to Redmond in 1985. O’Neal, who starred in 1984 divorce movie Irreconcilable Differences, had two failed marriages in the 1960s and 1970s.

The couple went their separate ways in 1997 and reunited in 2001, five years before Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer.

Young fighters

2009-06-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

The 16-year-old son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston died Friday morning 01-02-2009 after suffering a seizure while vacationing with his family in the Bahamas, Travolta's attorney told CNN. The boy hit his head after the seizure, but the exact cause of death might be kawasaki disease (to know what kawasaki diesease is: visit to Kawasaki Disease

An autopsy will be conducted Monday. His body will be transferred to Ocala, Florida, for burial, he said.

Exodus Tyson just 4 years:

May 25, 2009, Exodus Tyson, 4 years of age, was found unconscious and tangled in a treadmill cord by her 7 year old brother. The child's mother took her off the treadmill and called for medical attention. Exodus is listed in "extremely critical condition" at Phoenix's St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

Dave Gahan (Singer from Depeche Mode) was hospitalized on May 13th

On May 28th 2009 the band issued an official statement:

"Depeche Mode are pleased to announce they will restart their interrupted Tour Of The Universe in Leipzig, Germany on June 8th. On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert. While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed. At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery. The Leipzig show on June 8th will be the first concert following Dave's recovery. Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience. Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused

2009-06-22T04:31:00.001-07:00

Carroll O'Connor - (June 21st, 2001)

Actor Carroll O'Connor, who became one of television's biggest stars as grumpy, bigoted but lovable Archie Bunker on the landmark 1970s TV series "All in the Family," died of a heart attack brought on by complications from diabetes. He was 76.

John Lee Hooker - (June 21st, 2001)

Bluesman John Lee Hooker, whose foot stompin' and gravelly voice on songs like "Boom Boom" and "Boogie Chillen" electrified audiences and inspired generations of musicians, died of natural causes in his sleep. Also, lets not forget his appearence as Street Slim in the "Blues Brothers." He was 83.

Jack Lemmon - (June 27th, 2001)

Jack Lemmon, who portrayed finicky Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple," the boastful Ensign Pulver in "Mr. Roberts" and a cross-dressing musician in "Some Like It Hot," as well as many other roles, has died of complications from cancer. He was 76.

2009-06-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

Howard W. Koch - (February 16th, 2001)

Howard W. Koch, a veteran producer and director whose credits include ``The Manchurian Candidate'' and the TV series ``Maverick,'' died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 84.

Stan Margulies - (February 27th, 2001)

Veteran producer Stan Margulies, whose credits include such landmark TV mini-series as ``Roots'' and ``The Thorn Birds,'' and the great film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" died of cancer at age 80.

Morton Downey Jr. - (March 13th, 2001)

"Mort the Mouth" was the loud-mouthed and often controversial host of ``The Morton Downey Jr. Show.'' He died of lung cancer at the age of 67.

Jack Haley Jr. - (April 21st, 2001)

Longtime Hollywood producer, actor, writer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, Jack Haley Jr., has died of respiratory failure. He was 67. He produced numerous films and specials including "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" a 1990 film documenting the making of the classic movie. He was the son of actor Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz."

Jason Miller - (May 13th, 2001)

Pulitzor Prize winning playwright, director and actor Jason Miller died of a heart attack at 62. He was best know for playing Father Damien Karras in "The Exorcist," but also won the Pulitzor for his play "That Championship Season."

Hank Ketcham - (May 31st, 2001)

Cartoonist Henry ``Hank'' Ketcham, who created the ``Dennis the Menace'' comic strip after his wife complained that their young son named Dennis was indeed a menace, died at home in Carmel, California. He was 81 years old. Ketcham, who had been battling cancer, died of a heart attack. His creation became one of the world's most popular comic strips and Dennis became a tow-haired, freckle-faced symbol of mischievous youth. The boy, who was forever five years old, turned 50 on March 12.

2009-06-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

Those Who Have Gone

Christopher Hewett - (August 3rd, 2001)

Christopher Hewett, who entertained us for six years as "Mr. Belvedere" has died due to complications from diabetes. He was 80 when he passed.

Lorenzo Music - (August 4th, 2001)

Lorenzo Music, the voice of Garfield, Tummi from "The Gummi Bears," Dr. Peter Venkman in "The Real Ghostbusters" and Dunder in "Talespin" as well as many other characters died of Bone and Lung Cancer in August. Lorenzo was 64 at the time of his death.

Dave Thomas - (January 8th, 2002)

Dave Thomas founder and spokesman for Wendy's died of liver cancer at his home in Florida at the age of 69. Dave Thomas appeared in more than 800 Wendy's ads and holds the Guinness Book of Records achievement for the longest TV campaign by a company founder.

Ted Demme - (January 14th, 2002)

Ted Demme, director of last year's cocaine drama "Blow"' and nephew of Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme, suffered an apparent heart attack and died at the age of 38. His other well known films include "Life,'' "Snitch," "Beautiful Girls" and the neo-classic holiday favorite, "The Ref."

2009-06-22T03:10:00.001-07:00

Famous Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago early Saturday morning. He had an inflammatory lung disease and had been battling pneumonia. Mac was 50 years old.

A recent report has claimed that an actor from the UK died as a result of exposure to asbestos at a car parts factory where he worked more than forty years ago when he was a teenager. David Nicholls, aged fifty eight, died from the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.

The actor worked at the Beans Industries car part factory in Tipton in the UK as a teenager, and it is claimed that this is where he was exposed on a regular basis to the deadly substance. Forty years later he died from the cancer that stemmed from this exposure, according to the reports.

Mr. Davis, who starred in "Midnight Express" and other films and plays, wrote his thoughts about Hollywood and AIDS as he drafted a proposal for a book to discuss the six years in which he carried the HIV virus. Mr. Davis kept his illness a secret from everyone but his wife, Susan Bluestein, a casting director, and a handful of friends, largely out of fear that it would shatter his career if Hollywood knew about it.

The publication of an anguished indictment of the film industry as indifferent and hypocritical toward people with AIDS, written by the actor Brad Davis, who died of the disease on Sunday, has touched a raw nerve in a community that prides itself on openness and tolerance.

The 16-year-old son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston died Friday morning after suffering a seizure while vacationing with his family in the Bahamas, Travolta's attorney told CNN.The boy hit his head after the seizure, but the exact cause of death might be kawasaki disease. An autopsy will be conducted Monday. His body will be transferred to Ocala, Florida, for burial, he said.
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Actors who died with various diseases Part-V

2009-06-21T01:30:00.001-07:00

Ken Hughes - (March 30th, 2002)

Ken Hughes, the veteran screenwriter and director of the popular movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang died at 79. He had been ill for some time with Alzheimer's disease.

Hughes also directed The Trials of Oscar Wilde, which starred Peter Finchand and made a version of Of Human Bondage, with Kim Novak and Laurence Harvey. He directed Mae West in Sextette - the last film she made and he was one of several directors to work on the James Bond spoof Casino Royale. His 1980 drama Cromwell, starring Sir Alec Guinness and Richard Harris, was highly acclaimed.

Barry Took - (March 31st, 2002)

Barry Took, one of Britain's most famous comedians and comic writers who helped produce such shows as "Monty Python's Flying Circus," died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.

He was responsible for celebrated radio series like "The Army Game," "Educating Archie" and "Bootsie and Snudge," and co-wrote the hugely popular 1960s radio comedy "Round the Horne" with well-known funnyman Marty Feldman.The shows were a vital part of British life in the austere decades after World War II, when food rationing lasted for years and the country struggled to adjust to its diminished role in the world. Took also worked on the U.S. television show, "Laugh In" and wrote the television show "Bootsie and Snudge."

John Agar - (April 7th, 2002)

Western, Horror and War film actor John Agar died of complications from emphysema at the age of 81.

Agar was best remembered for his marriage to child star Shirley Temple. The pair appeared together in two films, "Fort Apache" and "Adventure in Baltimore," and she gave birth to a daughter, Susan, in 1948. Troubled by Agar's excessive drinking and many flirtations, Shirley filed for divorce in 1949. Agar continued acting in Westerns such as "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and "Along the Great Divide," and war movies "Sands of Iwo Jima" and "Breakthrough." His divorce from Temple and his alcoholism, which led to arrests for drunk driving, lowered his appeal. He later made schlock horror movies with titles such as "Revenge of the Creature," "Tarantula," "The Mole People," "Daughter of Dr. Jekyll" and "Journey to the Seventh Planet." John Wayne had appeared with him in "Fort Apache" and "Sands of Iwo Jima," and tried to revive Agar's career by casting him in "The Undefeated," "Chisum" and "Big Jake." Agar's last major film was the 1976 remake of "King Kong."

Actors who died with various diseases Part-IV

2009-06-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

Louis (Deke) Heyward - (March 26th, 2002)

Louis Heyward who wrote for many TV shows in the 1950s and was head writer for "The Ernie Kovacs Show" died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 81.

In 1953, he created "Winky Dink and You," a Saturday morning children's show with a twist. Viewers at home could help the animated boy called Winky Dink and his dog Woofer by buying a 50-cent kit that included a "magic screen." The clear sheet of plastic was placed over the television screen so that viewers could help the characters cross a stream, for example, by drawing in a bridge with "magic crayons." The show ran for many years in syndication. Heyward also briefly produced "The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show" in the 1950s.

Dudley Moore - (March 27th, 2002)

66-year-old comedian Dudley Moore, the diminutive British actor, writer and musician best known for his Oscar-nominated role as a slurring drunk billionaire in 1981's "Arthur", has died of pneumonia as a complication of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative Parkinson's-like disease that affects the brain and causes slurred speech, problems with walking, imbalance and difficulty in swallowing.

Moore was an accomplished pianist and a celebrated comedian best remembered in Britain for his legendary pairing with Peter Cook in their inspired "Dud and Pete" comedy double act as well as such hit films as "The Wrong Box," "Bedazzled" and "The Bed-sitting Room". In the United States and the rest of the world, he was better known for his role in Hollywood blockbusters, "Foul Play" and "10." He later earned two Golden Globe awards for his roles in "Micki and Maude" and "Arthur" as well as an Oscar nomination for playing the drunken playboy.

Milton Berle - (March 27th, 2002)

Legendary comedian and cross-dressing host of "The Texaco Star Theater" and the top-rated "The Milton Berle" Show," died after a lengthy illness coupled with a diagnoses of colon cancer at the age of 93.

"Uncle Miltie," as he was known by his fans was the master of television in the 1940's and earned the second moniker, "Mr. Television" for his early support of the medium. He won an Emmy for his time on "The Texaco Star Theater." He made a number of movies in the 1960s, most notably "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" in 1963. Other films included "The Oscar," "The Happening," "Who's Minding the Mint?," "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows," "For Singles Only," "Hieronymus Merkin," "Lepke" and "The Muppet Movie."

"Too many people simply give up too easily," he once said. "You have to keep the desire to forge ahead, and you have to be able to take the bruises of unsuccess. Success is just one long street fight."

Billy Wilder - (March 27th, 2002)

Director Billy Wilder, creator of such classic American films as "Sunset Boulevard," and "Double Indemnity" died at age of 95. He was suffering from failing health and was reported to be battling a bout of pneumonia.

As co-writer, director and producer of the 1960 film "The Apartment" Wilder collected three Oscars and was the first filmmaker to win three Academy Awards for the same film. His other classics include "Stalag 17," "The Lost Weekend," "Sabrina," and "Witness for the Prosecution" as well as the Marilyn Monroe comedies "The Seven Year Itch," and "Some Like it Hot."

In "The Fortune Cookie," he was the first to pair Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, creating one of the screen's all time most beloved and memorable comic teams.

Wilder received 21 Academy Award nominations and won six Oscars.

Actors who died with various diseases Part-III

2009-06-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

Carmelo Bene - (March 16th, 2002)

Carmelo Bene, an actor and director who stirred up Italian theater with experimental techniques influenced by the European avant-garde, died at 64 after suffering from serious heart problems.

He appeared in director Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Oedipus Rex" in 1967. Bene's own film the following year, "Our Lady of the Turks," won a prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Danilo Bata Stojkovic - (March 16th, 2002)

Danilo Bata Stojkovic, a popular Yugoslav actor best known for his roles in plays and movies dealing with the country's troubled communist past, died after a long battle with cancer. He was 67.

He was known for his comic interpretation of narrow-minded state officials and working-class characters in a series of anti-communist plays by dissident authors in the 1980s. Stojkovic, who was also a prominent character actor, became hugely popular when he publicly backed pro-democracy forces that eventually toppled former President Slobodan Milosevic.

Rosetta Lenoire - (March 17th, 2002)

Rosetta LeNoire who was best known to TV audiences for her long-running role as Grandma Winslow on the television comedy "Family Matters" died Sunday in Teaneck, N.J., after a long illness. The nature of the illness was not disclosed. She was 90.

LeNoire made her Broadway debut in "The Hot Mikado" in 1939, going on to appear in such shows as "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Sunshine Boys" and "Lost In The Stars." LeNoire also co-starred in the film version of "Anna Lucasta" with Sammy Davis Jr. and Eartha Kitt, and appeared in such TV series as "Search for Tomorrow," "The Guiding Light" and "Gimme a Break."

Dorothy DeLay - (March 24th, 2002)

Juilliard School violin teacher Dorothy DeLay whose students include Itzhak Perlman and Midori died from cancer at the age of 84.

DeLay began her teaching career at Juilliard in 1948, earning a reputation as the world's foremost violin teacher. Among DeLay's other musical progeny on the international concert circuit are the American violinist Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg, the Israeli-born Shlomo Mintz and the British-born Nigel Kennedy. In 1994, she received the National Medal of Arts, presented to her by President Clinton.

Actors who died with various diseases Part-II

2009-06-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

Chuck Jones - (February 22nd, 2002)

Academy Award-winning animator Chuck Jones, who drew such beloved cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig, died of congestive heart failure at 89.

In addition to Bugs and Daffy, he helped create a cast of characters including the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Marvin the Martian, Pepe le Pew, Michigan J. Frog and so many others. He also produced, directed and wrote the screenplays for "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as well as the feature film "The Phantom Tollbooth."

Jones worked on more than 300 animated films in a career that spanned more than 60 years. Three of Jones' films won Academy Awards: ``Frigid Hare,'' ``So Much, So Little'' and ``The Dot and the Line,'' for which Jones also received a directing Oscar. One of Jones' most popular films, ``What's Opera, Doc?'' was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1992 for being ``among the most culturally, historically and aesthetically significant films of our time.'' In 1996, he was presented an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement. Among his many awards and recognitions, one of those he most valued was the honorary life membership from the Directors Guild of America. Just last year, Jones was inducted into the Animation Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, along with Walt Disney.

Irene Worth - (Marth 11th, 2002)

Irene Worth, the award-winning film and stage actress after a stroke near her home in Manhattan. She was 85.

Worth was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning three, for Edward Albee's "Tiny Alice" (1965), for a revival of Tennessee Williams' "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1976), and for Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers" (1991). Her non-winning roles were no less impressive: for Lillian Hellman's "Toys in the Attic" (1960) and Joseph Papp's production of "The Cherry Orchard" (1976). She also received two OBIEs, one for "The Chalk Garden" (1982) and one for Sustained Achievement (1989). She made her Broadway debut in "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (1943) and subsequently moved to London, her primary residence for much of the next 30 years.

Worth's film appearances were few, but memorable. She won the British Academy Award for "The Scapegoat" (1959), and appeared in "Nicholas and Alexandra" (1971), "Eyewitness" (1981), "Deathtrap" (1982), and the film version of "Lost in Yonkers" (1993).

Pat Weaver - (March 15th, 2002)

The father of Sigourney Weaver and creater of NBC's "Today" and "Tonight" shows, Sylvester "Pat" Weaver, died of pneumonia at 93.

Convinced that he could woo morning radio listeners away, Weaver created the first early morning show, "Today," in 1952, with host Dave Garroway. For his contributions, Weaver received two Emmy awards and was inducted into the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame in 1985.

Actors who died with various diseases Part-I

2009-06-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

"Actors who lost their battle against various diseases"

Year 2002
Peggy Lee - (January 21st, 2002)

Peggy Lee died of a heart attack at the age of 81. Besides a legendary carreer in Jazz and Pop, the singer also made her mark in Hollywood as an actress, winning an Academy Award nomination for her role as the hard-drinking singer in the 1955 jazz saga, ``Pete Kelly's Blues'' and composing songs for the 1955 Walt Disney Co. animated classic ``Lady and the Tramp'' including everyone's favorite "The Siamese Cat Song" which she both wrote and performed.

Astrid Lindgren - (January 28th, 2002)

Astrid Lindgren, creator of the free-spirited, freckle-faced, pig-tailed Pippi Longstocking, died Monday, January 28th, 2001 at the age of 94. Lindgren died after a brief illness caused by a viral infection.

Waylon Jennings - (February 13th, 2002)

Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Waylon Jennings died at 64 after a long battle with diabetes-related health problems. Jennings, recorded 60 albums and had 16 No. 1 country singles in a career that spanned five decades and began when he played bass for Buddy Holly. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October.

Kevin Smith - (February 15th, 2002)

New Zealand actor Kevin Smith died from critical head injury after falling from a tower. The 38-year-old actor was best know for playing the Greek God of War on "Xena: Warrior Princess" and was to join Bruce Willis in an upcoming film.

Actors who died with various diseases Part-VI

2009-06-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Maria Felix - (April 8th, 2002)

Mexico's foremost movie legend, Maria Felix, renowned as fatale throughout Latin America and the one-time lover of the painter Diego Rivera, died of heart failure on her 88th birthday.

Striking for her long, dark wavy hair and pale complexion, Felix made her film debut in 1942 in El penon de las Animas (The Crag of the Souls) alongside popular Mexican actor Jorge Negrete, whom she married. Typically, Felix portrayed strong, silent women, endowed with intelligence and a voluptuous glamour. Although she shunned Hollywood, Felix's sultry beauty made her a screen idol in Latin America, France, Spain and Italy. One of the films of which she was most proud was French Cancan, directed by Jean Renoir. Felix last starred in La Generala, or The Lady General in 1970, after which she worked on a series of film projects but none reached fruition. She made 47 films in her career.

Robert Urich - (April 16th, 2002)

Actor Robert Urich, who starred in television detective series "Vega$" and "Spenser: For Hire," died at 55 early on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.

Urich had a successful 30-year career in Hollywood, mostly on the small screen. He starred as private eye Dan Tanna in "Vega$," which ran on ABC from 1978 to 1981. He returned to the genre in 1985, playing another private eye in "Spenser: For Hire," which ABC aired until 1988. Urich won critical praise for playing the ex-Texas Ranger Jake Spoon who comes to a bad end in the mini-series "Lonesome Dove." He also won an Emmy in 1992 for his narration on a documentary "U-Boats: Terror on Our Shores." In 1998, he played the captain in a remake of "The Love Boat." He had recently co-starred in the short-lived NBC sitcom "Emeril." He earned his first television role in the 1973 comedy series "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice." He also appeared in the TV series "S.W.A.T" before being cast as Peter Campbell in "Soap." Other television credits include: "Crossroads," "Vital Signs," and "It Had to Be You." Among his film credits are starring roles in Turk 182! with Timothy Hutton and Ice Pirates with Anjelica Houston. Urich announced in 1996 that he was suffering from synovial cell sarcoma, a rare cancer that attacks the body's joints. He underwent chemotherapy, radiation treatments and two operations in the mid-1990s to combat the cancer. After his bout with cancer, Urich became highly active in cancer research, with he and his wife establishing the Heather and Robert Urich Fund for Sarcoma Research to accelerate the pace of research into sarcoma. Earlier this year, Urich donated the proceeds from his appearance on the game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" to a fund at the University of Michigan, where he was treated for cancer.

Layne Staley - (April 19th, 2002)

The lead singer of Alice in Chains has died of a possible drug overdose at the age of 34. He was discovered at his apartment on Friday April 19th, 2002 but it was reported that he had been dead for two weeks.

Staley had battled heroin throughout his career, and often sang about his struggles. The band broke up briefly in 1994, frustrated by Staley's inability to stay clean. It broke up for good in 1996 after playing several opening dates on the KISS reunion tour. Two of its albums debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts, the 1994 acoustic EP "Jar of Flies" and the 1995 album "Alice in Chains." Hit singles included "Would?" which appeared on both "Dirt" and the soundtrack to writer/director Cameron Crowe's film "Singles," and "Rooster," a tune about Cantrell's Vietnam vet father. The band received four Grammy nominations.

Rod Steiger - (July 9th, 2002)

Steiger, Oscar nominated for both On the Waterfront and The Pawnbroker before winning the statuette for In the Heat of the Night, succumbed to pneumonia and kidney failure at age 77.