Famous and Gravy

This person died in 2018 at age 88. When he graduated college in 1951 he had enough skill as a baseball player to earn a tryout with the Giants. He earned his PhD in American Studies from Yale in 1957. Beginning in the 1960s he helped create the enormously influential hybrid of fiction techniques into non-fiction known as New Journalism. He was instantly recognizable as he strolled down Madison Avenue — a tall, slender, blue-eyed, boyish-looking man in his spotless three-piece white bespoke suit. He authored “The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test”, “The Right Stuff”, and “Bonfire of the Vanities”. Today’s dead celebrity is Tom WolfeFamous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 41 “Viva Bojangles” (Jerry Jeff Walker) and Episode 23 “Book Rancher” (Larry McMurtry)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Tom WolfeArticle by Michael Lewis on Tom Wolfe in Vanity Fair“The Making of Tom Wolfe’s Radical Chic” in VultureTrailer for ‘The Right Stuff’ movieTrailer for ‘The ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’ movieTom Wolfe’s guest appearance on The SimpsonsDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2017 at age 61. He was described as good-natured in assessing his status in Hollywood. In a 1998 interview he said, “I haven’t had a role that’s propelled me into major stardom. I’ve had roles that put me on the playing field.” From 2006 to 2011, he played the lead role of Bill Henrickson on the HBO show “Big Love”. Early in his career, he had small parts in “The Terminator” and “Aliens”,  both directed by James Cameron. He played a car salesman who cheated Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in the movie “True Lies”, a treasure hunter in “Titanic”, an “Apollo 13” astronaut,  and a heroic storm-chaser in “Twister”.  Today’s dead celebrity is Bill Paxton.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 46 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) and Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini).LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Bill PaxtonBill Paxton’s “MVP” IMDB pageHow to remember which is Bill Paxton and which is Pullman from NPR’s “How to Do Anything”Music video for “Fish Heads” directed by Bill PaxtonBill Paxton given tribute by storm chasers image from The VergeConan remembers Bill Paxton clipDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2021 at age 99. During World War II she drove a truck delivering soap, toothpaste and candy to soldiers. She began her career in radio by saying one word - “Parkay” - on a popular comedy show. In the early 1960s she was best known as a busy freelance guest with game shows as her specialty. She had a longstanding interest in animal welfare. Her television career spanned seven decades and holds the Guinness World Record as the longest ever for a female entertainer.  One of her best known roles was as Rose on the television hit “The Golden Girls”. Today’s dead celebrity is Betty White.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss and includes a guest appearance from Jennifer Keishin Armstrong.  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 11 “Stiletto Comic” (Joan Rivers)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Betty WhiteBetty White’s Opening Monologue on SNL in 2010Tina Fey and Betty White ‘census’ skit on SNLBetty White Snickers Super Bowl CommercialForest Service makes actress Betty White honorary rangerGuest Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s websiteDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 2021 at age 86. He was routinely brilliant, performing with seemingly effortless grace. He did not enjoy the idolatry accorded to his contemporaries. He grew up in Alabama amid rigid segregation, and he faced abuse from the stands while playing in the South as a minor leaguer. He was voted an All-Star in all but his first and last seasons, and he won three Golden Glove awards. In the 1974 season, he eclipsed Babe Ruth as baseball’s home run king, hitting 755 homers and holding the most celebrated record in sports for more than 30 years. Today’s dead celebrity is Hank Aaron.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali) and Episode 33 “October Errorr” (Bill Buckner)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Hank AaronHank Aaron’s historic 715th home run clip with Bill Buckner, two teenagers, and momHank Aaron Forced America to Change article from The RingerHank Aaron on David Letterman in 1982Charles Schwab commercial with Hank Aaron and Barry BondsHank Aaron Was a Franchisee for these 4 fast food chains article from MashedDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 2021 at age 98. He was a star athlete who lettered in football, basketball, and track. He came home from World War II in a body cast, mostly paralyzed, and spent 39 months under intense care. He was a key figure behind the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. He starred in commercials for Visa in 1997, Viagra in 1998, and for Pepsi in 2001. During the 1996 presidential election, he often lapsed into legislative lingo and referred to himself in the third person. Today’s dead celebrity is Bob Dole.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 20 “Notorious Dissenter” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and Episode 7 “Wiry Gadfly” (Ross Perot)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Bob DoleNorm Macdonald’s impression of Bob Dole on SNLBob Dole for President 1988 commercialBob Dole for President 1996 commercialDole/Kemp ‘96 original campaign websiteBob Dole Viagra commercialBob Dole Pepsi commercial with Britney SpearsNorm Macdonald meets Bob DoleDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2017 at age 80. At age 17, she was hired to appear in a series of commercials for Hotpoint appliances.  In 1980 she won a Golden Globe, and she was nominated for an Academy Award. In 1984, She entered the Betty Ford Center for treatment. She was a key inspiration for forming the character of Liz Lemon, the television writer portrayed by Tina Fey on the sitcom “30 Rock”. Her 1970s self-titled TV show was a balm to widespread anxieties about women in the workforce. Her character faced such issues as equal pay, birth control, and sexual independence. Today’s dead celebrity is Mary Tyler Moore.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 43 “Poetic Justice” (Maya Angelou) and Episode 38 “A Lovely Lady” (Florence Henderson)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Mary Tyler MooreThe Mary Tyler Moore Show on IMDBMary Tyler Moore as the Hotpoint Elf in her first roleHow Mary Tyler Moore Changed Television article on VoxFamous Women Who Married Much Younger MenMeet the Paypal Mafia article on Business InsiderDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2021 at age 61. His brother Neil once told a reporter that he almost joined the newspaper business as a young man, but that he had deliberately botched an interview. By 1984, he spent four months opening for the comedian Sam Kinison. His sense of humor sometimes got him in hot water.  A 2018 article about him said “The dedicated fan will identify two patterns in his television work: It is invariably funny, and it is invariably canceled.” He became familiar to millions as the Weekend Update anchor on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 to 1998. Today’s dead celebrity is Norm Macdonald.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Norm Macdonald“Norm Macdonald” was the real thing from The New YorkerTrailer for Norm Macdonald’s posthumous Netflix specialNorm Macdonald returns to SNL as HostNorm’s appearance on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” explainedNorm’s “moth” joke on ConanNorm Macdonald lists his Santa Monica condo for saleMarc Maron interviews Norm Macdonald on WTF“Norm Macdonald Live” video podcastDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 2016 at age 69. He suffered a blow in a teenage brawl that caused his left pupil to be permanently dilated. He experimented with startling transformations, often playing up an androgynous image. In the 1980s he had a Broadway run in the demanding title role of “The Elephant Man”. His son is a director best known for the 2009 film “Moon” starring Sam Rockwell. He was the Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane, Major Tom, and Ziggy Stardust. Today’s dead celebrity is David Bowie.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 32 “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer) and Episode 13 “Stubbled Pop Star” (George Michael)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for David Bowie“”How David Bowie Fearlessly Changed Rock’n’Roll” article from Billboard17-year old David interviewed about Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenInfamous Bowie Interview on Dick Cavett show in 1974Bowie as musical guest on SNL in 1979“Iman on LIfe with David Bowie” in Vanity FairWill Ferrell and John C Reilly play David Bowie and Bing CrosbyDavid Bowie scene on ‘Extras’ with Ricky Gervais“Did David Bowie Say He Supports Fascism” article on SnopesDavid Bowie predicted impact of the internet in 1999 BBC interviewDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2013 at age 51. His father was an immigrant who held a number of jobs, including janitor, bricklayer, and mason. His mother was a high school cafeteria chef. He attended Rutgers University, graduating with a degree in communications. He drove a delivery truck, managed nightclubs and tended bar in Manhattan before becoming interested in acting at age 25. Throughout the 90s he had an impressive list of character-acting credits, but he was largely unknown until David Chase cast him in the role of Tony Soprano in 1999. Today’s dead celebrity is James Gandolfini. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss, and includes a guest appearance from Michael Warburton. 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 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for James GandolfiniJames Gandolfini: Tribute to a Friend documentaryGandolfini’s Acceptance Speech at 2000 Golden Globes“James Gandolfini was Fat and Sexy” article in SalonSNL Appearance on Weekend Update with Tina FeySopranos Opening on The Simpsons“The Night Tony Soprano Disappeared” in GQ MagazineJames Gandolfini’s 10 Best Non-Sopranos Roles in Parade“Wartorn” PTSD documentary on IMDB produced by James GandolfiniDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & 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 in 2014 at age 86. She was a Tony-nominated stage actress, and a calypso dancer for a period of time. In 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was a college professor and a ubiquitous presence on the lecture circuit, and also made several appearances on “Sesame Street”. Throughout her writing, she explored the concepts of personal identity and resilience through the multifaceted lens of race, sex, family, community and the collective past. In 1969, she published her landmark book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. Today’s dead celebrity is Maya Angelou.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. 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 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali) and Episode 26 “Wild Thing” (Maurice Sendak)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Maya AngelouMaya Angelou memorial page on Wake Forest University siteMaya Angelou’s poem at the 1993 inaugurationTracy Morgan’s impersonation of Angelou’s Hallmark Cards on SNLMaya Angelou for Froot Loops on SNL performed by David Alan GrierMaya Angelou’s Life in Photos in the New Yorker“And I Still Rise” Documentary on Maya AngelouDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.