Famous and Gravy: Dead celebrity biographies

This person died in 2016 at age 99. She appeared as a nightclub manager in Orson Welles’ 1958 “Touch of Evil”, and the same year as a sexy alien in “Queen of Outer Space”. She appeared on scores of talk shows, game shows, comedy specials, and episodic dramas. In 1989, she was arrested for slapping a police officer. She was married at least eight times, and called everyone “Dahlink.” Today’s dead celebrity is Zsa Zsa Gabor. This episode originally published June 15, 2022.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 66 “Let’s Get Metaphysical” (Olivia Newton-John) and Episode 55 “Sleepless Sally” (Nora Ephron)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Zsa Zsa Gabor“Why I wish I married Zsa Zsa Gabor” from The GuardianLife Advice Straight From Zsa Zsa Gabor's Book “Judge Slaps Zsa Zsa with 3 days in jail” from LA TimesDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteIn reflecting on the life of Zsa Zsa Gabor, this episode of Famous & Gravy examines how fame and mortality intersect as part of a biographies from a different point of view and known for legacy podcast, by analyzing contradictions, legacy-building, and public image. This episode offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This show explores smart pop culture 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 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. This episode originally published February 8, 2023.Listen to the Sound Judgment podcast in which Michael and Amit discuss this Maya Angelou episode 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 71 “Defiant One” (Sidney Poitier) and Episode 61 “Dame Detective” (Angela Lansbury)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Maya AngelouMaya 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 websiteThis Famous & Gravy episode uses structured conversation to reflect on Maya Angelou's enduring narrative as part of a smart pop culture podcast and known for legacy podcast, via exploration of public roles, mythmaking, and generational appeal. The episode examines how storytelling shapes memory and identity in public figures. This legacy podcast explores famous lives reframed 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 2021 at age 61. He almost joined the newspaper business as a young man, but 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.This episode originally published March 22, 2023Famous & 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 69 “Foul House” (Bob Saget) and Episode 53 “Heartwarming Humor” (Louie Anderson)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 websiteAs part of Famous & Gravy, this episode revisits the legacy of Norm Macdonald as part of a rethinking celebrity legacies and known for smart pop culture podcast, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. It reflects on the interplay between public memory and personal truth. This legacy podcast explores famous lives reframed 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 2014 at age 46. His mother was a former family court judge, and his father worked for the Xerox corporation. The New York Times once said “He does terminal uncertainty better than practically anyone.” He was a sleepy-looking man with uncombed hair who favored rumpled clothes. He was perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation. He earned Oscar nominations for his performances in “The Master”, “Doubt”, and “Charlie Wilson’s War”, and won as Best Actor for “Capote” in 2005. Today’s dead celebrity is Philip Seymour Hoffman. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Megan Palmer, and features guest co-host 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 71 “Defiant One” (Sidney Poitier) and Episode 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Philip Seymour HoffmanMimi O’Donnell’s Vogue articlePhilip Seymour Hoffman on Charlie Rose in 2002Top 10 Philip Seymour Hoffman performancesBill Burr on Philip Seymour HoffmanDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteIn reflecting on the life of Philip Seymour Hoffman, this episode of Famous & Gravy examines how fame and mortality intersect as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for famous lives reframed, by spotlighting values, performance, and transformation. This episode invites contemplation about the emotional architecture of legacy. This celebrity podcast explores dead celebrity podcast 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 2015 at age 76. He taught English at Westminster College in Pennsylvania, and was also a high school teacher. He directed the drama “Music of the Heart”, based on the true story of a woman who taught violin to underprivileged children in Harlem. He directed his first feature film In 1972, “Last House on the Left”. He also directed the first four movies of the “Scream” franchise starring Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. His most famous creation was the serial killer Freddy Krueger, who, with his razor-blade glove, haunted the dreams of teenagers in “A Nightmare on Elm Street”. Today’s dead celebrity is Wes Craven. Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer, and features guest co-host Morgan Honaker. 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 34 “Zombie Mastermind” (George Romero) and Episode 62 “Lord of Horror” (Christopher Lee)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Wes Craven”Master of Cinema”, Wes Craven documentary1997 Charlie Rose interview with Wes CravenWes Craven interviews on Fresh Air archivesDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThis Famous & Gravy episode uses structured conversation to reflect on Wes Craven's enduring narrative as part of a famous lives reframed and known for obituary-based storytelling, considering how persona, influence, and vulnerability shaped perception. It reflects on the interplay between public memory and personal truth. This show explores rethinking celebrity legacies 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.

This person died in 2015 at age 82. When he moved to California in the early 1960s, he befriended the poet Thom Gunn, began entering weight-lifting competitions, and joined the Hells Angels on motorcycle trips to the Grand Canyon. As a medical doctor and a writer, he achieved a level of popular renown rare among scientists. He first won widespread attention in 1973 for his book “Awakenings”, about a group of patients with an atypical form of encephalitis or “sleeping sickness” who experienced a partial rebirth. In the film adaptation, his character was played by Robin Williams. Today’s dead celebrity is Oliver Sacks.Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Evan Sherer, and features guest co-host Nicholas Weiler. 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 26 “Wild Thing” (Maurice Sendak) and Episode 52 “Electric Vanities” (Tom Wolfe)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Oliver SacksLive interview with Radiolab’s Robert KrulwichFrom Our Neurons to Yours podcast from Stanford Neuroscience1989 PBS Newshour Profile of Oliver SacksDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThis Famous & Gravy episode uses structured conversation to reflect on Oliver Sacks's enduring narrative as part of a celebrity obituary podcast and known for rethinking celebrity legacies, by spotlighting values, performance, and transformation. This episode offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This legacy podcast explores legacy 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 2022 at age 94. In 2009, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Although often simmering with repressed anger, his characters responded to injustice with quiet determination. He once wrote “I felt very much as if I were representing 18 million people with every move I made.” In a departure from acting, he directed the 1980 comedy “Stir Crazy”, starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. He was the first black performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. His acting credits include “Blackboard Jungle”, “The Defiant Ones”, and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”. Today’s dead celebrity is Sidney Poitier.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 31 “The Greatest” (Muhammad Ali)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Sidney PoitierTrailer for ‘The Defiant Ones’“How many African Americans have won an Oscar in all of history”“Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Fierce Resolve”“When Sidney Poitier Risked His Life For Civil Rights”Dead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteIn reflecting on the life of Sidney Poitier, this episode of Famous & Gravy examines how fame and mortality intersect as part of a famous lives reframed and known for life lessons from celebrities, via exploration of public roles, mythmaking, and generational appeal. It examines how biography becomes mythology — and what that reveals about us. This legacy podcast explores dead celebrity podcast 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.

Special crossover episode! Imagine this: You’re on a desert island, and you can choose one actor or actress – and ONLY ONE – for whom you get their entire IMDb catalog to pass the time. It’s just you, a palm tree, a DVD player (streaming hasn’t reached this desert island), and the IMDb catalog of a single performer. Who would you choose? This thought experiment was first proposed by co-host Michael Osborne in our Bill Paxton episode, and now we take the experiment live. Today we bring you a crossover showdown between the hosts of the “Surely You Can’t Be Serious” podcast and the Famous & Gravy hosts. Moderated by Jeff Johnson of the podcast “A Film By”, we humorously debate, argue, and ultimately find out who is in fact the IMDb MVP.Our nominees in this special episode were inspired by Episode 58 “Best in Show” (Fred Willard) and Episode 51 “Goofball Stud” (Bill Paxton)LINKS:Samuel L Jackson’s IMDbFred Willard’s IMDbGary Oldman’s IMDbBill Paxton’s IMDb“Surely You Can’t Be Serious” podcast and on Facebook, Twitter“A Film By” podcast and on Facebook, Twitter, InstagramDead 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 2022 at age 65. In his last year of college, he won a student Academy Award for a documentary. After his sister died of a rare autoimmune disease called systemic scleroderma, he became a board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. He was cast in the 1987 Richard Pryor film, “Critical Condition.” He directed “Dirty Work”, a comedy starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange. He said he was drawn to jokes with foul language and raw anatomical references because he wasn’t supposed to talk that way in his youth. He played Danny Tanner on the long-running sitcom “Full House” and was the host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos”. Today’s dead celebrity is Bob Saget.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 53 ”Heartwarming Humor” (Louie Anderson) and Episode 47 “Love and OJ Jokes” (Norm Macdonald) LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Bob SagetBest moments from the Comedy Central roast of Bob SagetJohn Posey as Danny Tanner in ‘Full House’ pilot“Inside John Mayer's Incredible Friendship With Bob Saget”“The Duality of Bob Saget is What Made Him Special” from The RingerDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Bob Saget's cultural resonance as part of a smart pop culture podcast and known for dead celebrity podcast, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This legacy podcast explores rethinking celebrity legacies 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.

Carrie Fisher, known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, offers wry commentary on the entertainment industry. Topics include her iconic role, relationships with Dan Aykroyd and Paul Simon, and her insightful writings. The podcast delves into her legacy, mother-daughter relationships, and complex emotional moments in her performances.