February 2018 has been an especially brutal month in terms of celebrities passing. Here’s a remembrance of some of the stars who have left us recently.
Having crafted the unforgettable music for the acclaimed films The Theory of Everything, Sicario, and Arrival (all of which were nominated for Best Original Score Oscars), Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson has died of undisclosed causes at the age of 48. Although he left us way too soon, his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Norman Wilson on HBO’s The Wire, Reg E. Cathey was a beloved character actor who brought his incredible skill to whatever role he undertook. Recent years saw him as a featured player in high-profile works such as House of Cards, Fantastic Four and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, but he has been winning fans since his career began decades ago. A personal favorite role is his deeply touching performance in the 2004 telefilm Everyday People, yet another film that showcased his naturalistic abilities. Cathey was 59.
On February 9th, actor and former United States Ambassador to Mexico John Gavin died at the age of 86 following a battle with leukemia and pnuemonia. Beginning with film career with 1956’s Raw Edge, he went on to become a much in-demand character actor, appearing in classics like the 1959 version of Imitation of Life, Back Street, and Spartacus. His biggest role came in 1960’s Psycho as the heroic Sam Loomis. Although he left Hollywood in 1981, his presence in the aformentioned pictures ensured cinematic immortality.
Despite having a decade-spanning career on stage at Chicago’s beloved Steppenwolf Theatre Company, British-born actor John Mahoney will always be primarily associated with his role of former cop Martin Crane on the Cheers‘ spinoff Frasier. He played that lovable curmudgeon for all 11 of the series’ seasons, and while it made him a household name, it was hardly Mahoney’s first brush with stardom. He was a legend on the live stage, and won much acclaim for his roles in films like Say Anything…, Eight Men Out and Barton Fink. Mahoney died in his adopted home town of Chicago of complications from throat cancer at the age of 77.
All of these stars touched lives through the involvement in the entertainment industry. Share your memories of them in the comments below.