Renauld White (1944–2024), Guiding Light actor and pioneering model

Renauld White was a barrier-breaking model who also starred on “Guiding Light” in the 1980s as William Reynolds.

Ted Bell (1946–2023), author of Alex Hawke spy novels

Ted Bell was a novelist best known for his best-selling Alex Hawke series.

George Newall (1934–2022), “Schoolhouse Rock” co-creator

George Newall was the last surviving co-creator of the iconic “Schoolhouse Rock” series of educational cartoon shorts.

Dan Wieden (1945–2022), adman who created “Just Do It” for Nike

Dan Wieden was an advertising executive who coined the iconic phrase “Just Do It’ for Nike.   

Trudy Haynes (1926–2022), first Black TV weather reporter in the U.S.

Trudy Haynes was an Emmy Award-winning journalist who became the first Black TV weather reporter in the U.S. and the first Black TV reporter in Philadelphia.

Ann Turner Cook (1926–2022), original Gerber Baby

Ann Turner Cook was a teacher who, as a child, became the original face of Gerber baby food.

C.W. McCall (1928–2022), country singer known for “Convoy”

C.W. McCall was an outlaw country singer known for his 1976 hit song “Convoy.” 

Milton Glaser (1929–2020), designer of famous “I Love NY” logo

Milton Glaser was a graphic designer known for the famous “I ❤ NY” logo used to promote tourism in the state of New York since 1977. The logo is particularly associated with New York City where it has been emblazoned on countless items in gift shops throughout the city. Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, Glaser created a new version with a bruised heart: “I ❤ NY More Than Ever.” Among his other striking designs were a poster of Bob Dylan in silhouette with multi-colored psychedelic hair included with his 1967 Greatest Hits album, the DC comics “bullet” logo used from 1977–2005, and the Brooklyn Brewery logo. He was the first graphic designer to be awarded the National Medal of Arts.

Should Death Ever Be a Gimmick?

When you talk about death, you’re touching the literal endpoint of everyone’s life journey and the core of the human experience. That’s a pretty profound place, one where most companies tread very carefully, if they dare at all. In the past few weeks, we’ve seen two major corporations leverage the idea of grief as part of their brand — with very different results.

John Keil (2017), creator and voice of McGruff the Crime Dog

John “Jack” Keil, creator and voice of McGruff the Crime Dog, died Aug. 25 at home, according to The Associated Press. He was 94.

The Real Don Draper

The story of Draper Daniels, inspiration for Jon Hamm's character on the Emmy-winning Mad Men.