Each year we lose a number of influential and wonderful people. Whether a death from natural causes after a life well lived, or a tragic and unexpected death, it is always sad to say good bye to those who had such an impact on society and in some cases, our lives.
Wife of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Coretta Scott King dedicated her life to social justice and peace. Speaking both nationally and internationally, she has defended racial and economic justice, women’s and children’s rights, gay and lesbian dignity, religious freedom, the needs of the poor and homeless, health care, educational opportunities, and ecological issues. She also lent her support to democracy movements around the world and even consulted several world leaders including Corazon Aquino, Kenneth Kaunda, and Nelson Mandela.
Best known for his roles as Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show” and Ralph Furley on “Three’s Company”, Don Knotts had a knack for comedy. Don Knotts approached Andy Griffith’s with the idea for the Barney Fife character when he heard Andy was putting together a show based on the fictional town of Mayberry. Don Knotts died of lung cancer at the age of 81.
Dana Reeve – March 6, 2006
Dana Reeve, a non-smoker, died of lung cancer at the age of 44. An actress and singer, her life changed after her husband, actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in 1996 in a horse riding accident. Together they created the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which raised and distributed over $55 million in research grants for stem-cell treatment research.
One of the most popular dogs on TV and called by some the “Lassie” of the ’90’s, Moose the Jack Russell Terrier died of old age at 16 and a half years old. He spent much of his career as the clever dog “Eddie” on TV’s Emmy winning Frasier. He retired from show business 2 years before Frasier ended and was replaced by a younger “look alike”.
Aaron Spelling – June 23, 2006
Creator of some of the most popular shows on prime time television and many on ABC, some joked that ABC actually stood for Aaron’s Broadcasting Company. Aaron Spelling created “The Mod Squad”, “Starsky and Hutch”, “Charlies Angels”, “Hart to Hart”, “Family”, “The Love Boat”, “Fantasy Island”, “Hotel” and “Dynasty. At the height of his success in the mid 1980’s he had seven prime time shows, accounting for a third of ABC’s output in the most popular and lucrative time slot.
Mike Douglas – August 11, 2006
Mike Douglas was the popular talk show host of “The Mike Douglas Show” which aired from 1961 to 1982. Mixed with lots of big band music and singing, the show was filled with comedians, other musicians, sports figures, political personalities including seven former, sitting and future presidents. Considered TV’s greatest talk show, Mike Douglas did close to 6,000 shows, most of which lasted for 90 minutes!
Nellie Connally – September 1, 2006
Until her death in September of 2006, Nellie Connally was the last survivor of the four dignitaries in the presidential limousine which carried John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Her husband John Connelly sustained a bullet wound in the shooting that would take the life of President Kennedy. As her husband slumped over in the front seat, Mrs. Connally hugged him tightly to her, helping to stop the drastic loss of blood, undoubtedly saving his life. Mrs. Nellie Connally was an active fund-raiser for breast cancer and diabetes.
The death of the Crocodile Hunter came as a shock and devastation to many around the world who loved his energetic, kahki-clad persona on wildlife shows such as “The Crocodile Hunter.” Steve followed in the footsteps of his father who removed crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. Up until his death, Steve Irwin ran the Australia Zoo which started out as a reptile park founded by his parents. A devoted father and husband, his wife Terry once commented that “the only thing that could ever keep him away from the animals he loves are the people he loves even more.”
Ed Bradley – November 9, 2006
Some of Ed Bradley’s close colleagues had been unaware his health had been deteriorating as an infection created complications with his chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This long time 60 Minutes reporter’s last segments were aired on October 15 and October 29th, the day he was admitted to Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where he stayed until his death. Close friend “Charlayne Hunter-Gault commented, “he didn’t want people to know that this was a part of his struggle. He didn’t want people feeling sorry for him.”
Bo Schembechler – November 17, 2006
Bo Schembechler was the former coach of the University of Michigan’s football team and died one day before the perennial match up with their long time rival, Ohio State. Schembechler was taping his weekly football analysis show when he collapsed. In his 21 year coaching career at Michigan, he was the schools winningest coach with 194 wins, 48 losses and 5 ties. His teams also won or shared 13 Big Ten championships and played in 17 bowl games, including 10 Rose Bowls.
