2025-08-17 00:00:37.099

Tristan Rogers, the iconic actor who played Robert Scorpio on ABC's General Hospital, passed away on Friday at the age of 79. His death comes less than a month after a special guest appearance on the soap opera. Executive producer Frank Valentini expressed the show's heartbreak, noting Rogers' 45-year contribution and the irreplaceable impact he had on Port Charles. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers' career began with a rock band before transitioning to commercial work and modeling. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and pursued acting, landing a small role on General Hospital in 1980. Initially cast for a brief appearance, his talent led to the creation of the enduring character, Robert Scorpio. Rogers' portrayal of Scorpio, particularly his on-again, off-again romance with Holly Sutton (played by Emma Samms), became a fan favorite. His storylines with Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), including their daughter Robin (Kimberly McCullough), were also highly popular. A recent storyline saw Samms' return and the revelation that Scorpio was the father of her adult daughter. Rogers and Samms' final scenes together in November 2024 paid homage to Casablanca. Rogers made a final appearance in July 2024, revealing his lung cancer diagnosis. Beyond General Hospital, his credits included The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless, and Studio City, for which he won a Daytime Emmy. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and his children.

2025-08-08 18:00:36.28

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband and talent manager, died Thursday at age 48 after a three-year battle with cancer, his family announced. A family representative confirmed the news to the Associated Press, stating that Blackstock passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. The announcement follows Clarkson's recent postponement of concerts due to family matters. Blackstock is survived by four children: two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was also a grandfather. Blackstock and Clarkson married in 2013 and divorced in 2022 after a contentious split involving legal disputes over finances and management fees. He also managed other notable country artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. Blackstock's career began with Starstruck Entertainment, his father's company, where his father Narvel (Reba McEntire's ex-husband) previously managed Clarkson.

2025-08-02 12:00:29.543

Jeannie Seely, the soulful country music singer behind hits like “Don’t Touch Me,” passed away at age 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a trailblazer for women in country music, celebrated for her spirited nonconformity and string of hits in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Her career included a Grammy Award for best country & western vocal performance, numerous top 10 hits, and nearly 5,400 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Seely, who was a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, was also known for her rebellious nature, such as wearing a miniskirt on the Opry stage when it was taboo. Dolly Parton, among other country music stars, paid tribute, remembering Seely's friendship, talent, and humor. Seely's final song, a cover of Dottie West's “Suffertime,” was released in July 2024.

2025-07-24 00:00:29.889

Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne died this week at 76, just weeks after his farewell show and five years after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Parkinson's is a neurological disease affecting movement control, typically beginning with tremors and progressing to slow movement, gait issues, stiff limbs, balance problems, and slurred speech. Approximately 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson's, usually appearing after age 60. While the exact cause is unknown, it involves the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Genetics and environmental factors, such as head injuries and pesticide exposure, are suspected contributors. There's currently no cure, but treatments include medication, implanted devices, and therapy. Symptoms worsen over time, and advanced cases can lead to severe mobility issues and other complications, ultimately resulting in death from related issues such as lung problems due to impaired coughing and swallowing. Although Parkinson's itself isn't fatal, its complications can be.

2025-07-18 12:00:50.094

Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and ‘60s known for hits like “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now?”, died at age 87. Longtime friend Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow confirmed her passing at a Florida hospital, though the specific cause of death wasn't revealed. Francis had recently been hospitalized due to extreme pain. Her death comes after a resurgence in popularity thanks to “Pretty Little Baby” going viral on TikTok. From 1957-64, Francis was a chart-topping artist, with over a dozen Top 20 hits and several films to her name. Her career began after Dick Clark featured her on “American Bandstand”. A tumultuous personal life included a romance with Bobby Darin ended abruptly by her father, a traumatic rape, the murder of her brother, and struggles with mental health. Despite these hardships, Francis remained a strong advocate against violent crime, even serving on a task force appointed by President Reagan. She was married four times and considered only her third marriage successful. Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, her early appearances on television shows launched her career. She leaves behind a legacy of musical success and a story of resilience in the face of profound personal adversity.

2025-07-18 06:00:35.072

Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and ‘60s known for hits such as “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now?”, died at age 87. Longtime friend Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow confirmed her passing at a Florida hospital, though the specific cause of death wasn't revealed. Francis had recently been hospitalized due to extreme pain. Her death comes after a resurgence in popularity thanks to "Pretty Little Baby's" TikTok fame. Francis enjoyed a successful career from 1957-64, scoring over a dozen Top 20 hits and starring in films like “Where the Boys Are.” Her career began after Dick Clark's support on “American Bandstand.” Despite her professional success, Francis' personal life was marked by tragedy. A tumultuous romance with Bobby Darin ended after her father's intervention, and a violent rape in 1974 caused lasting emotional trauma. Further hardships included her brother's murder, a suicide attempt, and struggles with mental illness. Despite these challenges, Francis remained resilient and even worked with President Reagan on a task force on violent crime. She was married four times, finding lasting happiness only in her third marriage. Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, her early appearances on TV shows like “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” launched her career. Francis' life was a complex mix of musical triumph and personal heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on music and popular culture.

2025-06-12 00:01:01.42

Actor Harris Yulin, an Emmy-nominated actor who appeared in projects including “Frasier” and “Ghostbusters II,” has died at age 87. His manager, Sue Leibman, confirmed that he passed away on June 10 in New York City from a cardiac arrest. Yulin was a highly accomplished theater actor, performing in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including three productions of Hamlet. He also taught at the Juilliard School for eight years. His film work included roles in “Looking for Richard,” “Scarface,” “Clear and Present Danger,” “Training Day,” and “Multiplicity.” He is perhaps best known for his role as the angry judge in “Ghostbusters II.” On television, he received an Emmy nomination for his work on “Frasier” and appeared in many other shows, including “Veep,” “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “And Just Like That…,” “Billions,” “Divorce,” and “Ozark.” At the time of his death, he was working on a new TV series, “American Classic,” with Laura Linney and Kevin Kline. Director Michael Hoffman called Yulin “one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.” Yulin is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman, a son-in-law, a nephew, and godchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, actress Claire Lucido.

2025-06-04 00:00:51.376

Jonathan Joss, actor and voice actor known for his roles as John Redcorn on "King of the Hill" and Ken Hotate on "Parks and Recreation," died at age 59 following a shooting incident in San Antonio, Texas. According to San Antonio Police, officers responded to a shooting and found Joss injured. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A suspect has been arrested. Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed his death and stated that they were approached and threatened by a gunman while checking their mail. De Gonzales says Joss pushed him out of the way, saving his life. The couple's home was previously damaged by a fire that killed their three dogs. Police have stated that their investigation has found no evidence linking the murder to Joss' sexual orientation. Joss's role as John Redcorn on "King of the Hill" began in the show's second season after the original voice actor's death. He continued the role until the show's end and reportedly participated in the upcoming Hulu reboot. Days before his death, he appeared at a "King of the Hill" panel.

2025-06-02 18:01:42.462

John Brenkus, founder and host of the Emmy-winning "Sports Science" show, died at 54 after a battle with depression. A statement on his social media account announced his passing on May 31, 2025. The statement noted Brenkus's various accomplishments, including co-founding Base Productions and Brinx.TV. He had previously opened up about his struggles with depression, revealing that he was suicidal at times after selling "Sports Science." He credited his dog with saving his life on one occasion. Brenkus sought help from multiple psychologists and psychiatrists. "Sports Science," which aired on Fox Sports and ESPN, used technology to explore sports myths and mysteries. Tributes poured in, remembering Brenkus as an innovator, entertainer, and educator. The announcement included suicide prevention resources for those in need.

2025-05-30 12:00:37.272

Bernard Kerik, New York City's police commissioner on September 11, 2001, and later a convicted tax fraudster who received a presidential pardon, has died at the age of 69. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Kerik passed away on Thursday following an unspecified illness. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who had a long-standing relationship with Kerik, spoke emotionally about their history, describing Kerik as a brother and stating that he was a better, braver, and stronger person for knowing him. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also a former NYPD officer, confirmed that he had visited Kerik at the hospital earlier that day. Kerik, an Army veteran, was initially hailed as a hero after 9/11 and was even nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. However, his career took a dramatic turn, leading to a prison sentence. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to tax fraud, making false statements, and other charges stemming from apartment renovations he received from a construction firm with alleged organized crime ties. The judge at his sentencing noted that Kerik committed some of these crimes while serving as the chief law enforcement officer of New York City. President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik in 2020. Kerik's background included serving in the Army as a military policeman, working private security in Saudi Arabia, supervising a New Jersey jail, and leading New York City's troubled jail system before becoming police commissioner. After 9/11, he was at Giuliani's side and played a significant role in the city's response. He later worked to organize Iraq's police force and was nominated for Homeland Security Secretary before withdrawing his nomination due to concerns about a housekeeper's immigration status. Following his conviction, Kerik founded a consulting firm and later worked with Giuliani again.