Famous and Gravy: Dead celebrity biographies

This person died in 2003 at age 87. He had craggy good looks, lanky grace, and a measured voice. He was nominated for the Oscar five times, and his rare attempts at unsympathetic roles usually failed. He conveyed a quiet dignity, served as president of the Motion Picture Academy, and was active in the American Cancer Society, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other causes. His 1962 Oscar-winning role cast him as Atticus Finch, a small-town Southern lawyer who defies public sentiment to defend a Black man accused of rape. Today’s dead celebrity is Gregory Peck. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 71 Sidney Poitier (Defiant One) and Episode 103 James Garner (Maverick Law Man).LINKSTranscript of this episodeNYT Obituary for Gregory PeckGregory Peck official websiteGregory Peck Lifetime AFI Achievement AwardGregory Peck Presidential Medal of FreedomACLU of Southern CaliforniaPeck narrates ad against Robert Bork SCOTUS nominationDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Gregory Peck's cultural resonance as part of a smart pop culture podcast and known for what makes a life worth remembering, with attention to narrative framing, persona shifts, and media influence. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This show explores legacy podcast and contributes to celebrity obituary podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2018, age 95. He began reading Shakespeare at age 10 while also devouring pulp magazines, the novels of Arthur Conan Doyle, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Mark Twain, and the swashbuckler movies of Errol Flynn. He could be startlingly prolific— once saying “almost everything I’ve ever written I could finish in one sitting.” In 1961, he and a partner produced the first issue of Fantastic Four for a company known as Marvel, and he went on to co-create Spider-Man. Today’s dead celebrity is Stan Lee.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 53 Heartwarming Humor (Louie Anderson) and Episode 97 Time Pilgrim (Kurt Vonnegut).Famous & Gravy is created and hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host Isaac Kestenbaum. Production by Allie Arrazola, with assistance from Jacob Weiss. Original music by Kevin Strang.LINKSTranscript of this episodeNYT Obituary for Stan Lee Washington Post obituary for Stan LeeTrue Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee (Abraham Riesman biography)Fantastic Four #10 (1963), new fan letters sectionKey & Peele: "Stan Lee Pitch Meeting" sketchStan Lee cameo in Mallrats (1995)Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThis Famous & Gravy episode uses structured conversation to reflect on Stan Lee's enduring narrative as part of a celebrity obituary podcast and known for famous lives reframed, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This legacy podcast explores rethinking celebrity legacies and contributes to obituary-based storytelling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died 2012, age 61. She was known for keeping her cool under stress. She politely endured a barrage of questions focused on her sex. She once said, “It’s too bad this is such a big deal. It’s too bad our society isn’t further along.” By the time she began studying laser physics at Stanford, women had already broken through into the physics department—once a boys’ club. In her early days at NASA, she trained in parachute jumping, water survival, weightlessness, and the huge G-forces of a rocket launch. Today’s dead celebrity is Sally Ride.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 17 Modest Moonwalker (Neil Armstrong) and Episode 107 Corgi Whisperer (Queen Elizabeth II)Famous & Gravy is created and hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host Michelle Dahlenburg. Production by Evan Sherer, with assistance from Jacob Weiss. Original music by Kevin Strang.LINKSTranscript of this episodeOfficial U.S. Mint page for Sally Ride QuarterSally Ride Science at UC San DiegoNYT obituary for Sally RideSesame Street clip featuring Sally RideDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websitePart of the obituary podcast Famous & Gravy, this episode unpacks the significance of Sally Ride as part of a dead celebrity podcast and known for what makes a life worth remembering, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. This episode invites contemplation about the emotional architecture of legacy. This celebrity podcast explores famous lives reframed and contributes to obituary-based storytelling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Famous & Gravy, we’re sharing an episode from one of our favorite history podcasts—History Daily, hosted by Lindsay Graham.Why do we think Famous & Gravy listeners will enjoy this show? Because, like us, they believe that history is human. Each daily episode zooms in on a single moment in time, offering a compelling narrative that’s both immersive and full of unexpected insight.In this episode, we hear the story of how David Bowie—then still going by David Jones—morphed into his most iconic alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. It’s a tale of transformation, inspiration, and bold creative reinvention. If you liked our Bowie episode, you’ll love this.Happy listening—and Famous & Gravy will be back next week with our regularly scheduled programming.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2018, age 76. He published a non-fiction book in 1988 that has sold more than 10 million copies and inspired a documentary film by Errol Morris. He married twice; fathered three children; and was not above appearing on “The Simpsons,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” or “The Big Bang Theory.” In 1963 he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, and told he had only a few years to live. In 1973 he set out to apply quantum theory, the weird laws that govern subatomic reality, to black holes. Today’s dead celebrity is Stephen Hawking.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Episode 100 “Divine Neighbor” (Fred Rogers) and Episode 17 “Modest Moonwalker” (Neil Armstrong).Famous & Gravy is created and hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host Dr. Nicholas Weiler.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNYT obituary for Stephen HawkingErrol Morris documentary A Brief History of TimeStephen Hawking on BBC Desert Island Discs (1992)Stephen Hawking on The SimpsonsStephen Hawking on Star Trek: The Next GenerationStephen Hawking interview on John Oliver: Last Week TonightDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died 2020, age 41. He won an Academy Award in 2018 – the first African American to win for best animated short. He was fueled by a seemingly endless reservoir of self-confidence. He gave himself the nickname Black Mamba. Today’s dead celebrity is Kobe Bryant.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Episode 49 “Hammer Time” (Hank Aaron), Episode 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali), and Episode 69 “Foul House” (Bob Saget).Famous & Gravy is created and hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host Sara Murphy.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNYT obituary for Kobe BryantKobe Bryant’s Oscar-winning short film Dear BasketballJay Shetty interview with Kobe Bryant (On Purpose podcast)Modern Family cameo clipJimmy Kimmel interview: Kobe talks about Gianna and being a Girl DadDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteFamous & Gravy takes a biographical dive into the cultural imprint of Kobe Bryant as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for rethinking celebrity legacies, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. This episode invites contemplation about the emotional architecture of legacy. This show explores obituary-based storytelling and contributes to smart pop culture podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2008, age 66. He changed his major from English to anthropology after a professor’s harsh critique, graduating summa cum laude from Harvard in 1964. He earned a medical degree five years later, then walked away from clinical science altogether. He used fiction to explore the moral and political problems posed by modern technology and scientific breakthroughs. His books sold in the tens of millions and almost routinely became movies, many of them blockbusters like "Jurassic Park", "The Lost World," as well as "Rising Sun." He juggled roles as a novelist, screenwriter, director, and producer in both film and TV. Today’s dead celebrity is Michael Crichton.If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy Episode 97 "Time Pilgrim" (Kurt Vonnegut) and Episode 74 "Masterclass Act" (Philip Seymour Hoffman).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host John Watts and is produced by Evan Sherer.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNYT obituary for Michael Crichton2007 Charlie Rose interview1970s Dick Cavett appearance1992 TED Talk1999 Predictions about the futureDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThe podcast Famous & Gravy traces the arc of Michael Crichton's influence and legacy as part of a obituary-based storytelling and known for dead celebrity podcast, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. This entry frames legacy not as a fixed point, but as an ongoing negotiation. This celebrity podcast explores what makes a life worth remembering and contributes to rethinking celebrity legacies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2009, age 59. He began his career as an advertising copywriter in Chicago. While visiting New York during his advertising days, he hung around the offices of National Lampoon magazine and was published when he showed a gift for comedy. As a writer, he occasionally wrote under his pen name, Edmond Dantès, the real name of the Dumas hero in The Count of Monte Cristo. He faded from Hollywood in the early 1990s, and some surmised that he had stepped away simply because, for all his successes, he did not particularly like the film business. His greatest professional effect came from a series of teen-oriented films he directed in the 1980s, but his biggest success, in box-office terms, was the Home Alone series, of which he was the writer and a producer. Today’s dead celebrity is John Hughes.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 104 Community Gardener (Penny Marshall) and Episode 29 Zen Comedian (Garry Shandling).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer and features guest co-host Jennifer Keishin Armstrong.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNYT obituary for John HughesRare 1991 interview with John HughesNPR remembrance of John Hughes’s legacyFerris Bueller Fight Club theoryFerris Bueller Groundhog Day theoryJohn Candy tribute montageDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThis edition of Famous & Gravy takes up the story of John Hughes, focusing on impact and afterimage as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for rethinking celebrity legacies, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This show explores biographies from a different point of view and contributes to obituary-based storytelling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died in 2011, age 93. She spoke openly in support of the Equal Rights Amendment, endorsed legalized abortion, and discussed premarital sex. Her dependency on pills began in 1964 after a neck injury, and her drinking worsened as her husband’s political career advanced. When Gerald Ford lost the 1976 election, it was she who read the official concession speech with smiling grace. Today’s dead celebrity is Betty Ford.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Episode 48 What About Bob (Bob Dole) and Episode 47 Proud Mary (Mary Tyler Moore).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer and features guest co-host Wiley Hodges.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeCBS Remembrance of Betty FordShort segment of 1974 60 Minutes InterviewBetty Ford’s Lecture on Addiction and Recovery at HazeltonBetty Ford cameo on the Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Simpsons I’m Checking InDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteIn this episode, Famous & Gravy reframes Betty Ford's story through the lens of mortality and cultural memory as part of a famous lives reframed and known for obituary-based storytelling, emphasizing creative output, generational relevance, and emotional reach. This episode offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This celebrity podcast explores celebrity obituary podcast and contributes to dead celebrity podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This person died 2005, age 67. At his peak, he reached out in his writing to a generation made cynical by the Vietnam War and Watergate, and that was prepared to respond to his visceral honesty. His early work presaged some of the fundamental changes that rocked journalism today. His approach mirrors the style of modern-day bloggers and social commentators who blend news, opinion and personal experience on Internet postings. In 1970 he ran for sheriff in Pitkin County, Colo. It seemed a joke and another outlandish act, until the votes were counted and he came close to winning. His 1972 book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, cemented him as a singular presence in American journalism. Today’s dead celebrity is Hunter S. Thompson.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 102 Magical Thinker (Joan Didion) and Episode 58 Best in Show (Fred Willard).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer and features guest co-host Devin Fromm.LINKS:Transcript of this episode1975 Lucid interview with Hunter S ThompsonConan O’Brien visits Hunter S Thompson’s Owl FarmFear and Loathing in Las Vegas, opening sceneFear and Loathing in Las Vegas, high water mark monologueHST on the Kentucky DerbyTom Wolfe and Hunter S Thompson letter exchangeDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThe podcast Famous & Gravy traces the arc of Hunter S Thompson's influence and legacy as part of a dead celebrity podcast and known for legacy podcast, with a focus on artistic risk, reinvention, and social presence. It reflects on the interplay between public memory and personal truth. This show explores obituary-based storytelling and contributes to life lessons from celebrities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.