Famous and Gravy

This person died in 2014 at age 69. In the late 1960s he was hired as jokes editor at Playboy magazine, and he also joined Second City’s touring company. After he had taken a job with SCTV, the Toronto sketch comedy show, SNL approached him to be a writer. His breakthrough came in 1978 when he co-wrote “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” and he made his directorial debut with the country club comedy “Caddyshack” (1980). He went on to write “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Ghostbusters II” (1989), playing the super-intellectual Dr. Egon Spengler. He also wrote and directed “Groundhog Day”, which several critics called his masterpiece. Today’s dead celebrity is Harold Ramis.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 85 “More Respect” (Rodney Dangerfield) and Episode 54 “Secret Chord” (Leonard Cohen).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Allie Arrazola.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Harold Ramis“The Joyful Comedy of Harold Ramis” New Yorker articleHarold Ramis Day proclaimed on Feb. 2 in ChicagoHarold Ramis and Seth Rogen in “Knocked Up”Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThe podcast Famous & Gravy traces the arc of Harold Ramis's influence and legacy as part of a obituary-based storytelling and known for legacy podcast, with attention to narrative framing, persona shifts, and media influence. The conversation deepens our view of what a life can teach us posthumously. 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 2023 at age 76. He was an accomplished author, and was one of only a few writers (the likes of Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck) to top both the Times fiction and non-fiction best-seller lists. He moved to Nashville in 1970, hoping to make it as a country singer while working as a journalist for Billboard magazine. He wrote music for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Urban Cowboy.” He also appeared in movies, including “Rancho Deluxe” and “Jurassic World.” His live shows abounded with singalong anthems (eg “Margaritaville”) and festive tropical iconography, making him a perennial draw on the concert circuit where he built an ardent fan base known as Parrot Heads. Today’s dead celebrity is Jimmy Buffett.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 51 “Goofball Stud” (Bill Paxton) and Episode 42 “Game Changer” (John Madden).Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Allie Arrazola.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Jimmy BuffettJimmy Buffett: How the Billionaire Made His MoneyJimmy Buffett's University of Miami Commencement Speech‘Jurassic World’ scene with Jimmy BuffettDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThis Famous & Gravy episode uses structured conversation to reflect on Jimmy Buffett's enduring narrative as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for dead celebrity podcast, considering how persona, influence, and vulnerability shaped perception. It contributes to a broader conversation about meaning, mortality, and cultural inheritance. This legacy podcast explores obituary-based storytelling 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 2011 at age 79. Her father was an art dealer who had been transferred to London from New York, and her mother had acted in the theater. She first appeared on screen at age 10, and was one of the world’s most famous film stars before she even completed her teens. Regarding her acting, she once said, “What I try to do is to give the maximum emotional effect with the minimum of visual movement.” Late in life she became a social activist – she helped establish the American Foundation for AIDS Research and helped raise money for it. After her sixth (of eight) marriage ended, she checked into the Betty Ford Center. In addition to alcohol and drugs, she had a problem with overeating, and it became the butt of jokes by late night comedians especially Joan Rivers. Today’s dead celebrity is Elizabeth Taylor.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 68 “Sentient Princess” (Carrie Fisher) and Episode 71 “Defiant One” (Sidney Poitier) Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Allie Arrazola.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Elizabeth TaylorTrailer for HBO Documentary ‘Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes”Commercial for White Diamonds perfumeElizabeth Taylor in ‘The Flintstones’ movieWondery’s “Even The Rich” Elizabeth Taylor seriesElizabeth Taylor’s HIV/Aids ActivismDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Elizabeth Taylor's cultural resonance as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for celebrity obituary podcast, through themes of resilience, fame, and cultural afterlife. It explores how cultural figures continue to influence even after their passing. This show explores smart pop culture podcast and contributes to biographies from a different point of view.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 2008 at age 71. He grew up with his mother and his older brother on West 121st in Manhattan. He dropped out of high school and joined the Air Force, and while stationed in Shreveport, Louisiana, worked as a radio disc jockey. During the course of his career, he overcame numerous personal trials – he was arrested several times, he weathered serious tax problems, a heart attack, and two open-heart surgeries. He was the first person ever to host Saturday Night Live. In 1978, the Supreme Court upheld an order prohibiting the words as “indecent” from his bit “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television”. Today’s dead celebrity is George Carlin.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 40 “Eve’s Dropper” (Dick Clark) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian" (Garry Shandling). Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Allie Arrazola.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for George CarlinCarlin’s “Dumb Americans” clipTrailer for Judd Apatow’s documentary about CarlinGeorge Carlin Quotes to make you Laugh, Smile, and Think“Fresh Air” Interview with George CarlinDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteLooking back on George Carlin, Famous & Gravy uncovers new meaning in a life shaped by public attention as part of a dead celebrity podcast and known for legacy podcast, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. It explores how cultural figures continue to influence even after their passing. This show explores smart pop culture podcast and contributes to biographies from a different point of view.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 2020 at age 93. He was the only child of a noted Beat poet. He won his first professional acting job in the 1940s, when he was cast in the live radio program “The Lone Ranger”. On several occasions he recounted a period of months he spent in Paris in the 1950s working as a “mec” – or pimp – for a legal prostitute. His association with the Actors Studio began in 1992. He was a knowledgeable interviewer who focused on craft while avoiding gossip. Beyond his globally successful Bravo TV program, he was as well known for being relentlessly lampooned by Will Ferrell on “Saturday Night Live”. Today’s dead celebrity is James Lipton.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 43 “Poetic Justice” (Maya Angelou) and Episode 18 “Darling’s Critic” (Roger Ebert). Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for James LiptonWill Ferrell impersonates James Lipton on SNLJames Lipton shotguns a beer on ConanLipton as Warden Gentles on “Arrested Development”Why Bradley Cooper was James Lipton’s most memorable interviewDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, ThreadsFamous & Gravy official websiteIn reflecting on the life of James Lipton, this episode of Famous & Gravy examines how fame and mortality intersect as part of a smart pop culture podcast and known for celebrity obituary podcast, through themes of resilience, fame, and cultural afterlife. The episode examines how storytelling shapes memory and identity in public figures. This legacy podcast explores what makes a life worth remembering and contributes to legacy 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 2023 at age 70. A turning point in his career came shortly after a disappointing and unsuccessful audition for “Saturday Night Live” in 1980. He once said “Today, it’s a lot more difficult to stand out. You know, if you want to be weird, good luck.” He had scores of acting credits, including roles on “Murphy Brown,” “The Blacklist” and many other television series and in movies like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Blow”. He was in a feature film directed by Tim Burton in 1985, after which he created a highly successful, live action Saturday morning kid’s series, both in character as his quirky alter-ego. The film followed him on a “Big Adventure” while the series took you inside a magical Playhouse. Today’s dead celebrity is Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman.If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 80 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein) and Episode 26 “Wild Thing” (Maurice Sendak)Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer.LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Paul Reubens“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” official film trailerOpening sequence for “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” TV seriesFlight of the Navigator CGI Spaceship with Paul’s voiceCheech and Chong “I’m sorry” scene with PaulA conversation with Paul Reubens at SXSWThe origins of Pee-wee Herman article in ‘The New Yorker’Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThis episode of Famous & Gravy considers how Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman shaped public consciousness as part of a famous lives reframed and known for rethinking celebrity legacies, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. This entry frames legacy not as a fixed point, but as an ongoing negotiation. This legacy podcast explores life lessons from celebrities 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 in 2010 at age 84. His elder brother was deputy prime minister of Canada. Before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II. He had a matinee-idol profile, and was often cast as a serious and earnest hero throughout much of his film career. His big break came in 1980 when he played a clueless doctor in the low-budget, disaster-movie parody “Airplane!” His line that became a catchphrase was “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” His subsequent comedic acting successes included the very non-serious and highly successful movie trilogy “The Naked Gun” as well as the “Police Squad!” television series. Today’s dead celebrity is Leslie Nielsen. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.comIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 61 Dame Detective (Angela Lansbury) and Episode 16 Quintessential Quizmaster (Alex Trebek).LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Leslie Nielsen“Don’t call me Shirley” clip from Airplane!Arctic location of Nielsen’s log cabin homeLeslie Nielsen’s SNL Monologue in 1989ESPN’s satirical obituary for Enrico Palazzo Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteFamous & Gravy takes a biographical dive into the cultural imprint of Leslie Nielsen as part of a obituary-based storytelling and known for celebrity obituary podcast, through themes of resilience, fame, and cultural afterlife. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This legacy podcast explores life lessons from celebrities and contributes to famous lives reframed.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 at age 57. His father was an engineer and a rodeo cowboy. He was a student athlete, and his dancing career was hampered by a severe football injury. In the 1970s he moved from Houston to New York to study dance, becoming a member of Eliot Feld Ballet. He was determined not to be typecast, and said in a 1989 interview, “The only plan I have is that every time people think they have me pegged, I’m going to come out of left field and do something unexpected.” The coming-of-age film “Dirty Dancing” established him as a romantic leading man. His other starring roles include “Roadhouse”, “Ghost”, and “Point Break”. Today’s dead celebrity biography is Patrick Swayze.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.comIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 57 Cool Hand Dylan (Luke Perry) and Episode 51 Goofball Stud (Bill Paxton).LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Patrick SwayzeDead or Alive quiz gameSNL Chippendales sketch with Swayze and Chris Farley“Nobody wins a fight” and “Pain don’t hurt” scene from RoadhouseBarbara Walters interview with Patrick in 2009How Patrick Swayze Convinced Whoopi Goldberg to be in ‘Ghost’ articleFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Patrick Swayze's cultural resonance 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 offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This celebrity podcast explores obituary-based storytelling 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 2023 at age 83. In 2013, after demonstrating a proficiency in German, she became a citizen of Switzerland. In 1987, she appeared in a Pepsi commercial alongside David Bowie. She is credited with helping Mick Jagger learn to dance. In 1988, She held a concert for 180,000 people in Rio de Janeiro, breaking the record for the largest paying audience for a solo artist. Her first marriage provided much of the material for the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, starring Angela Bassett. Her parade of solo hit songs include the classics “Private Dancer” and “The Best”. Today’s dead celebrity is Tina Turner.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.comIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like 084 Vocal Bedrock (Johnny Cash) and Episode 033 October Error (Bill Buckner)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Tina TurnerPepsi commercial starring Tina and David BowieTina Turner’s solo performance of ‘Proud Mary’Photo of Tina, Keith Richards, and David Bowie in NYC 1983“Australians Smash Nutbush World Record”Tina’s schoolhouse at West Tennessee Delta Heritage CenterDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteIn this installment of Famous & Gravy, we explore the complex life of Tina Turner as part of a rethinking celebrity legacies and known for celebrity obituary podcast, by examining professional highs, private struggles, and symbolic impact. This episode offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This legacy podcast explores life lessons from celebrities and contributes to what makes a life worth remembering.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 2022 at age 93. In 1976, she became known as the “million-dollar baby” because of a contract with ABC that made her the highest-paid journalist, male or female, in television history. She was married three times, and between marriages she dated many prominent and powerful people, among them Senator John Warner and Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan. She drove a motorcycle with Sylvester Stallone, danced the mambo with Patrick Swayze, and rode a patrol boat with Fidel Castro across the Bay of Pigs. In 2007, she tried to intervene in a vitriolic spat between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald J. Trump. She was perhaps best known for asking intimate interview questions, and as creator of the television “The View”. Today’s dead celebrity is Barbara Walters.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.comIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 47 “Proud Mary” (Mary Tyler Moore), and Episode 42 “Game Changer” (John Madden)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Barbara WaltersGilda Radner’s SNL ImpressionCheri Oteri’s SNL ImpressionBarbara Interviews Fidel CastroBarbara’s last day on ‘The View’Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteIn this episode, Famous & Gravy reframes Barbara Walters's story through the lens of mortality and cultural memory as part of a famous lives reframed and known for smart pop culture podcast, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. This entry frames legacy not as a fixed point, but as an ongoing negotiation. This legacy podcast explores dead celebrity podcast 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.