Pop Culture

DJ Casper (1965–2023), creator of Cha Cha Slide

Willie Perry Jr., better known as DJ Casper, was a Chicago disc jockey and songwriter best known as the creator of the party favorite “Cha Cha Slide.” 

Paul Vasquez (2020), “Double Rainbow” guy

Paul Vasquez became a viral video sensation known as “double rainbow" guy after he posted a video of a double rainbow he witnessed along with his excited reaction at the sight.  

Elizabeth Wurtzel (1967–2020), bestselling author of “Prozac Nation”

Elizabeth Wurtzel was the author of the bestselling 1994 memoir “Prozac Nation,” which detailed her long-running battle with depression, beginning when she was a child. Published when she was 27, “Prozac Nation” became a sensation for its candid, sometimes funny and sometimes soberly insightful look at Wurtzel’s own heavily medicated life, warts and all. “Prozac Nation” was an early entry in the burgeoning genre of mental health memoirs, and Wurtzel received both high praise and harsh criticism for the book. Critics called it excruciating and luminescent, narcissistic and emotionally powerful. After “Prozac Nation,” Wurtzel continued her writing career as well as later attending law school.

John Kirby (1939–2019), inspired Nintendo's Kirby character

It’s not just anybody who has a Nintendo character named after them. But , who died this week at 79, wasn’t just anybody.

Haley Smith (1992–2019), “American Idol” contestant in season 11

Haley Smith, a season 11 contestant on “American Idol,” wowed the judges with her soulful performance of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good.”

Stan Lee Built the World I Live In

I was born in June of 1961, about a month and a half before the release of "Fantastic Four" #1, the comic book in which Stan Lee and Jack Kirby reinvented the American superhero. Ie28099ve always said that I was born with the Marvel Universe, and that has had a tremendous impact on my life. I can't remember a time when I didn't know Stan Lee's name.

Stan Lee (1922–2018), the great American writer who launched the Marvel Comics universe

Stan Lee, the Marvel Comics giant who created some of the most recognizable comic book heroes in history, died Monday, November 12, 2018, at the age of 95. According to multiple news sources, he died early in the morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The Summer Rock Went Dark

Fifty years ago, the sunny optimism of the Summer of Love yielded to a darker season—the Summer of '68.

Russ Solomon (1925–2018), founder of Tower Records

Tower Records revolutionized music retail.

Trust No One: Cinema Paranoia

A look at the unsettling science fiction and horror films of 1968.

Why Is Jerry Orbach's Face Painted All Over This Car?

A very unlikely tribute to Law & Order's late star.

Gloria Fallon (1949–2017), mom of "Tonight Show's" Jimmy Fallon

The late-night host said his mother was his "biggest fan."

Len Wein (1948–2017), co-creator of Wolverine and the ‘All-New’ X-Men

His vision of a diverse super-team reflected the future of comics fandom.

Every Prince Fan Is the World's Biggest Prince Fan

One year later, Prince's light still burns bright.

Rest in Peace, Wrestlers

Three old wrestling stars died within days of one another. Here’s why that matters.

Joseph Wapner (1919–2017), The People's Court judge

"The People's Court" judge launched the courtroom-reality TV genre.

Don Cornelius: Love, Peace and Soul

Don Cornelius was the heart and soul of a TV dance show like no other.

Larry Steinbachek (1960–2016), Bronski Beat keyboard player

Keyboard player co-founded 1980s British synthpop band Bronski Beat.

Celebrity Grief

It can seem odd to feel such a deep sense of loss for someone you never met, and yet it is normal to grieve for anyone who has touched your life.

David Huddleston (1930 - 2016), The Big Lebowski actor

David Huddleston, an actor who was known best for “The Big Lebowski” and “Santa Claus: The Movie,” died Aug. 2, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 85.

Fall TV by the Decades: What Was America Watching?

It's fall TV time, when networks roll out their best new shows and launch new seasons of returning favorites. While networks do release some shows in spring or summer, there's a special magic to September and October television. Autumn is the prime season for grabbing a bowl of popcorn and a seat on the couch.

Dick Clark's Rockin' Legacy

Dick Clark, who was born Nov. 30, 1929, made "American Bandstand" an American institution, hosting the storied song-and-dance show from 1956 to 1989.

Dallas

Prime-time soap opera Dallas ran for 14 seasons, from 1978 to 1991. Featuring juicy storylines and an ensemble cast of seasoned TV veterans, Dallas set the standard for the many prime-time soaps that followed in its Texas-sized wake. The show's fans were especially captivated by the wheeling and dealing of J.R. Ewing, played with villainous charm by . Join us as we take a look back at some of the memorable actors and actresses who passed through the gates of Southfork Ranch.

Delightful Big Bank Hank

Hank Jackson, aka , died Nov. 11, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.

Rule of Three

The idea that celebrities die in groups of three has permeated popular culture. Of course the "Rule of Three" isn't based on any scientific evidence. There is no set time period or definition for who qualifies as a "celebrity." However, over the years there have been several occasions where a "Rule of Three" appears to be in effect. For example,  Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, died within a three-day span. Read on to find out where tragedy and coincidence have created famous "Rule of Three" triads.

Flip Wilson Transformed Television

At the peak of his popularity, Flip Wilson was criticized by some of his contemporaries criticized him for not doing enough to advance the cause of African Americans. After all, his hit television program, "The Flip Wilson Show," gave him access to millions of viewers each week in the heavily segregated America of the early 1970s.

Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie defined success as getting what you want, and happiness as wanting what you get.

The Motown Sound

One of the hottest musical styles of the 1960s was also one of the simplest. The creators of the Motown sound would be the first to acknowledge that creating a Motown hit wasn't rocket science. Their devotion to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid), combined with a group of talented musicians and songwriters, plus a dash of Detroit spirit, added up to a winning formula that kept America dancing for a decade and beyond. We're remembering a few of the stars and songs that made Motown sound good.

The Songs of Isaac Hayes

As a singer, —who died Aug. 10, 2008—achieved many of his greatest hits by interpreting songs other people had written. "Walk on By" and "The Look of Love," along with many other songs Hayes recorded, were written by Burt Bacharach and . "Let's Stay Together" was first made famous by its songwriter, Al Green. Clifton Davis's "Never Can Say Goodbye" was recorded by before Isaac Hayes took it on.

Simply Andy Warhol

"Paint what you love" a friend once advised Andy Warhol – and that's exactly what he did.

Betty Grable's Million Dollar Legs

Blonde bombshell Betty Grable wowed crowds in Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and '50s, showing off her strong voice, skilled dancing and, of course, her million dollar legs.

Howlin' at the Moon with Wolfman Jack

In a time when radio DJs were stars, one of the brightest was Wolfman Jack.

James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon

When James Arness was born, his parents could hardly have guessed that someday thousands of babies would be named after him.

Linda McCartney and Wings

Linda McCartney died April 17, 1998, of breast cancer at 56. We remember the activist and songwriter...

Fay Wray: Damsel in Distress

The success of "King Kong" made its leading ape and leading lady household names.

Hank Ballard, Creator of The Twist

Most people today associate "The Twist" with Chubby Checker, but the song was actually first recorded by Hank Ballard, born on this day in 1927...

Randy Savage: Showman and Macho Man

"Oooh yeah!" We're remembering Macho Man Randy Savage's seven world championships, his showmanship, and his fantastically flashy costumes.

Sandra Dee, Ingénue

With her cute-as-a-button features and her petite figure, Sandra Dee was the picture of wide-eyed innocence.

Dick Clark: Forever Young

No matter how old or young you are, your pop culture has probably included Dick Clark in a prominent role.

Like Liberace

From the marvelous costumes to the silly banter to the grandiose and bombastic playing style, everything about Liberace was beloved by his fans...

Charles Dickens: 8 Great Characters

Charles Dickens wrote characters we love... and some we love to hate. In celebration of Dickens, we present eight of his greatest.

The Songs of Roy Orbison

Rock legend Roy Orbison died Dec. 6, 1988. Today we take a look at the afterlife of his signature tunes.