Famous and Gravy

This person died in 2016 at age 83. He was an accomplished stage actor as well as a screenwriter, a novelist, and the director of four movies in which he starred. He made his movie debut in 1967 in the celebrated crime drama, “Bonnie and Clyde.” He had haunted blue eyes and an empathy born of his own history of psychic distress. His rule for comedy was simple: Don’t try to make it funny; try to make it real. “I’m an actor, not a clown,” he said more than once. In 1971, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance as the wizardly title character in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. This episode’s dead celebrity is Gene Wilder. 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 Stephanie Okupniak. 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 44 “Inner Soprano” (James Gandolfini) and Episode 35 “Likable Villain” (Alan Rickman)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Gene WilderPure Imagination scene in ‘Willy Wonka’ sung by Gene Wilder‘Will and Grace’ blooper scene with Gene WilderDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteThis episode of Famous & Gravy considers how Gene WIlder shaped public consciousness as part of a smart pop culture podcast and known for celebrity obituary podcast, with a focus on artistic risk, reinvention, and social presence. It reflects on the interplay between public memory and personal truth. This celebrity podcast explores biographies from a different point of view 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 2016 at age 82. He was an unlikely and reluctant pop star, if in fact he ever was one. In the 1960s, he lived in a house on the Greek island of Hydra, where he wrote a pair of novels. He was 33 when his first record was released in 1967. In the early 1970s, his record company concocted an advertising campaign where they called him “the master of erotic despair.” Around 1994, he abandoned his music career and moved to Mt Baldy monastery, where he was ordained a Buddhist monk. His best-known song, a majestic and meditative ballad which has been endlessly covered, is called “Hallelujah”. Today’s dead celebrity is Leonard Cohen.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 Christian Swain. 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 45 “Rebel Rebel” (David Bowie) and Episode 29 “Zen Comedian” (Garry Shandling).LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Leonard CohenLeonard Cohen’s 75th birthday concert in BarcelonaKate McKinnon sings “Hallelujah” on SNL after Leonard Cohen’s deathSusan Cain article on Leonard Cohen’s musicMalcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast on HallelujahDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteFamous & Gravy takes a biographical dive into the cultural imprint of Leonard Cohen as part of a obituary-based storytelling and known for smart pop culture podcast, by examining professional highs, private struggles, and symbolic impact. It examines how biography becomes mythology — and what that reveals about us. This show explores what makes a life worth remembering 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 2022 at age 68. His act fit comfortably into the category of “family entertainment.” He had a self-deprecating style that won him legions of fans, among them Johnny Carson, whose early support catapulted him to stardom. He had roles in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Coming to America”. He hosted “Family Feud” for three seasons. He was nominated 3 times for a supporting actor Emmy, which he won in 2016. His comedy routine often centered around jokes about his own weight, which topped 300 pounds at times. Today’s dead celebrity is Louie Anderson.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 39 “Super Funkhouser” (Bob Einstein)LINKS:Transcript of this episodeNew York Times Obituary for Louie AndersonLouie Anderson’s first appearance on Johnny CarsonLouie Anderson on playing Winston Churchill in Drunk History“Why Christine Baskets Was One of TV’s Greatest Characters” article from NYTLouie Anderson official websiteDead or Alive quiz gameFamous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFamous & Gravy official websiteFamous & Gravy takes a biographical dive into the cultural imprint of Louie Anderson as part of a celebrity obituary podcast and known for legacy podcast, considering how persona, influence, and vulnerability shaped perception. It raises questions about whose stories get preserved and why they matter. 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 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 websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Tom Wolfe's cultural resonance as part of a biographies from a different point of view and known for obituary-based storytelling, tracing the impact of acclaim, adversity, and legacy construction. The conversation deepens our view of what a life can teach us posthumously. This legacy podcast explores celebrity obituary podcast 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 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 websiteThe podcast Famous & Gravy traces the arc of Bill Paxton's influence and legacy as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for biographies from a different point of view, through themes of resilience, fame, and cultural afterlife. This episode offers a layered look at how we remember — and reinterpret — famous lives. This show explores obituary-based storytelling 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 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 websiteIn this episode, Famous & Gravy reframes Betty White's story through the lens of mortality and cultural memory as part of a dead celebrity podcast and known for famous lives reframed, through themes of identity, perception, and lasting influence. It reflects on the interplay between public memory and personal truth. This celebrity podcast explores celebrity obituary 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 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 websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Hank Aaron's cultural resonance as part of a life lessons from celebrities and known for rethinking celebrity legacies, by spotlighting values, performance, and transformation. Through reflection and structure, the episode reveals how fame evolves after death. This celebrity podcast explores celebrity obituary 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.

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 websiteThrough obituary-driven conversation, this episode examines Mary Tyler Moore's cultural resonance as part of a what makes a life worth remembering and known for dead celebrity podcast, by spotlighting values, performance, and transformation. It examines how biography becomes mythology — and what that reveals about us. This celebrity podcast explores famous lives reframed 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 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 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.