Roberto Orci (1973–2025), Star Trek reboot screenwriter

Roberto Orci was a screenwriter and producer who worked on 2009’s “Star Trek” and its sequels, the “Transformers” film series, and other movies.

Teddy Ray (1990–2022), comedian featured on “Wild ‘n Out”

Teddy Ray was a comedian known for appearances on TV shows including “Wild ‘n Out” and “Pause with Sam Jay.”

Sally Ann Howes (1930–2021), “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” star

Sally Ann Howes was a British actress best known for starring as Truly Scrumptious in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

M. Saginaw Grant (1936–2021), character actor known for “Breaking Bad,” “The Lone Ranger”

( Official obituary excerpt via ) Best known as an actor in film and television, M. Saginaw Grant, 'Wapime' (grey fish), walked on to the spirit world on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. A long-time resident of Los Angeles, Saginaw passed away from natural causes in North Hollywood, California.

Jake Scott (1945–2020), 1972 Super Bowl MVP with the Miami Dolphins

Jake Scott was a former safety with the Miami Dolphins who was named most valuable player at Super Bowl VII in 1972.

Diana Rigg (1938–2020), played Emma Peel in TV’s “The Avengers”

Diana Rigg was an actress best known for playing the tough, smart, and stylish spy Emma Peel in TV’s “The Avengers” from 1965 to 1968. Rigg also portrayed the Queen of Thorns, Olenna Tyrell, in “Game of Thrones.”

Tony Allen (1940–2020), legendary Afrobeat drummer

Tony Allen was a Nigerian drummer who helped to create the Afrobeat sound with bandleader Fela Kuti in the 1970s. His pioneering polyrhythms have influenced drummers around the world. Musicians like Brian Eno, Damon Albarn, and Flea have referred to him as the world’s greatest drummer.

Pop Smoke (1999–2020), up and coming rapper

Pop Smoke  was an up and coming rapper known for his 2019 hit song “Welcome to the Party.” The track was mixed by ASAP Ferg, Meek Mill, Pusha T and others. A remix was done a few months after the original that featured Nicki Minaj. Pop Smoke was born Bashar Barakah Jackson in Brooklyn, New York. Pop Smoke’s debut mixtape “Meet the Woo” was released in July 2019. His second mixtape titled “Meet the Woo 2” was released on February 7.

Sleepy LaBeef (1935–2019), rockabilly musician

Sleepy LaBeef  was a rockabilly musician with a strong fan following over his long career. LaBeef (born Thomas LaBeff) released his first singles in 1957 at the height of rockabilly music. He was nicknamed “Sleepy” for a lazy eye. He recorded for Mercury, Columbia and Rounder records and had a minor hit in 1968 with the straight-up country song “Every Day.” He was known for his constant touring and energetic live performances including a series of dates in 2019.

Dan Rooney (1932 - 2017), Pittsburgh Steelers chairman

Dan Rooney, the chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, according to the team. He was 84.

Lola Albright (1924 - 2017), Peter Gunn actress

Actress and singer Lola Albright earned an Emmy nomination for her work on TV's "Peter Gunn."

Pete Hamilton (1942 - 2017), Daytona 500 winner

Pete Hamilton, the former NASCAR driver who won the Daytona 500 race in 1970, died Wednesday, March 22, 2017. He was 74. NASCAR announced Hamilton's death on its website, issuing a statement: "NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Pete Hamilton. Hamilton’s career may seem relatively brief at first glance, but a careful study of the gentleman racer makes it abundantly clear that Hamilton achieved excellence during his extraordinary tenure in NASCAR."

Mike Ilitch (1929 - 2017), founder of Little Caesars Pizza

Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars Pizza and owner of Tigers and Red Wings, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Detroit, according to multiple news sources. He was 87.

Natalie Wood in the News

Fans were shocked when Hollywood leading ladyNatalie Wood died in 1981 in a mysterious drowning accident. Three decades later her name was much in the news.

Mel Daniels (1944 - 2015), Indiana Pacers center

Mel Daniels, Hall of Fame center for the Indiana Pacers, died Friday, October 30, 2015 according to The Indianapolis Star. He was 71.

Remembering Sir Edmund Hillary

In 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to climb to the summit of Mt Everest.