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Spencer Milligan, who starred for Sid and Marty Krofft as the park ranger and widowed father Rick Marshall on the iconic Saturday morning kids show Land of the Lost, has died. He was 86.

Milligan died April 18 at his home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, his family announced.

Milligan played the heroic father of youngsters Will Marshall (Wesley Eure) and Holly Marshall (Kathy Coleman) on the first two seasons of NBC’s Land of the Lost, which featured a mix of live-action and stop-motion animated dinosaurs. On the sci-fi show, the family is caught in an earthquake while on a rafting trip and propelled into an alternative universe.

“Sid and Marty Krofft didn’t just cast our TV family, they created, for the cast, a lifelong loving family in real life,” Eure said Wednesday in a statement. “Today I have been overwhelmed by thousands of fans, reaching out to tell me how...

Samm-Art Williams, a Tony-nominated playwright, actor, director and the executive producer of NBC’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died. He was 78.

Williams died peacefully in Burgaw, North Carolina on Monday, his cousin Carol Brown confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Mr. Williams’ contributions to American theater and television will live on but he will be greatly missed,” Brown said via statement.

For the theater community, Williams was perhaps best known as the Tony-nominated playwright of Home, which was first directed by Douglas Turner Ward and produced on Broadway by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1980. The show is set to return to Broadway on June 5, with Kenny Leon directing this time.

Williams also wrote stage works such as Welcome To Black River, Friends, and other plays produced in New York, Los Angeles and beyond. In addition to its Tony nod for best Broadway play, Home won the Outer Critics Circle Award,...

Stephen Kandel, the prolific screenwriter whose work over four decades in television spanned Sea Hunt to Star Trek, Batman to Barnaby Jones and Mannix to MacGyver, has died. He was 96.

Kandel died Oct. 21 of natural causes in his Boston apartment, his daughter Elizabeth Englander told The Hollywood Reporter.

Kandel also wrote multiple episodes of such shows as The Millionaire, The Rogues, Gidget, I Spy, Ironside, The Wild Wild West, It Takes a Thief, Dan August, The New Mike Hammer, Mission: Impossible, Room 222, The Magician, Medical Center, Cannon, Hawaii Five-o and Hart to Hart.

Plus, he co-created Iron Horse, a 1966-68 drama from ABC and Screen Gems that starred Dale Robertson, as a gambler turned railroad baron, Gary Collins and Ellen Burstyn.

“His résumé reads like a Baby Boomer’s dream list of must-see TV,” Tom Weaver wrote in his 2005 book, Earth vs. the Sci-Fi Filmmakers.

Kandel had a hand...

Jacklyn Zemen, the actress best known for playing nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital, has died.

Her passing was announced on Twitter by Frank Valentini, the daytime drama’s executive producer. She first joined the ABC sudser in 1977 and appeared in more than 800 episodes. She was a five-time Daytime Emmy nominee — four for Gh and one for starring in The Bay as Sofia Madison.

“Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work,” he wrote.

On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work. pic.twitter.com/DxGdjYavab

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) May 11, 2023

Jackie will be greatly missed, but her...

Charles Siebert, the actor who played the pompous Dr. Stanley Riverside II on the CBS medical drama series Trapper John, M.D., died May 1 of Covid-related pneumonia at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. He was 84.

His death was confirmed in a statement on the website of the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California, where Siebert appeared frequently.

Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Siebert made his Broadway debut in a 1967 production of Brecht’s Galileo and would return to the Broadway stage five more times through the following decade. He began his TV career in the late 1960s on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. By the mid-1970s he had appeared in such series as Hawk, N.Y.P.D., Another World, The Adams Chronicles, Kojak, Police Woman and The Rockford Files.

In 1977 he recurred on the Norman Lear soap parody Mary Hartman,...

James Schmerer, a veteran television writer with credits on numerous 1970s and 1980s classics like “CHiPs,” “MacGyver,” “Fantasy Island” and “Hawaii Five-0,” died in his Oregon home on Oct. 4, the Writers Guild of America West announced Tuesday. He was 81, and had recently suffered a stroke.

Born in Flushing, New York, Schmerer’s career on television began in the 1960s — he was admitted to Wgaw in 1965 — with his rise to prominence coming during the following decade. His many credits also included “Vega$,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The High Chaparral,” “Eight is Enough,” “T.J. Hooker” and “The Fall Guy.”

Schmerer also wrote for “The Rookies,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “The Mod Squad,” “Medical Center,” “Mannix,” “Wimzie’s House,” “Matt Helm,” “Isis,” “True Confessions,” “The New Mike Hammer,” “Logan’s Run,” “Code R,” “24-Robert,” “Tales of the Unexpected,” and “Star Trek: The Animated Series.”

Also Read: John Clarke,...

Prolific television writer James Schmerer, whose credits included “The High Chapparal,” “MacGyver” and “CHiPs,” died on Oct. 4 at his home in Eugene, Ore., following a stroke. He was 81.

Schmerer, a native of Flushing, N.Y., launched his television writing career in the 1960s and became a member of the Writers Guild of America West in 1965. He was an in-demand TV writer during the 1970s and ’80s, with credits on “Vega$,” “Fantasy Island,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Eight is Enough,” “T.J. Hooker” and “The Fall Guy.”

He also had TV writing credits on “The Rookies,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “The Mod Squad,” “Medical Center,” “Mannix,” “Wimzie’s House,” “Matt Helm,” “Isis,” “True Confessions,” “The New Mike Hammer,” “Logan’s Run,” “Code R,” “24-Robert,” “Tales of the Unexpected” and “Star Trek: The Animated Series.” Schmerer was a producer on “The High Chaparral,” “Chase,” “The Delphi Bureau,...

Veteran television writer James Schmerer, whose credits encompass some of the most popular series of the 1970s and ’80s including MacGyver, CHiPs, Vega$, Fantasy Island and Starsky & Hutch, died Oct. 4 at his home in Eugene, Oregon, following a stroke. He was 81.

Schmerer’s death was announced by Writers Guild of America West.

A native of Flushing, New York, Schmerer launched his television writing career in the 1960s (he became a Wgaw member in 1965), and by the ’70s was a sought-after scripter for action series of all types, with the occasional family series – Eight is Enough – and sci-fi show – Star Trek: The Animated Series – tossed in for good measure.

Just a few of the other series that carried a Schmerer “Written by” credit: Hawaii Five-0, The Six Million Dollar Man, The High Chaparral, T.J. Hooker, and The Fall Guy.

Schmerer also wrote scripts for The Rookies, The Streets of San Francisco,...

Cosmo Genovese, whose career as a TV and film script supervisor spanned 45 years and included Perry Mason, The A-Team and two Star Trek series, died Tuesday. He was 95.

Known for his dedicated and precise work ethic — along with his wit and humor — Genovese got his TV start on the 1950s ABC Western Broken Arrow, serving as script supervisor on nearly three dozen episodes. He went on to work on a trio of features before becoming script supervisor for Perry Mason, the popular CBS legal drama starring Raymond Burr.

After that show wrapped in 1964, Genovese worked rather sporadically before roaring back as script supervisor for the campy NBC action series The A-Team. While it won few hosannas from critics, the George Peppard-led show was an instant if short-lived hit upon its 1983 premiere as a midsummer replacement. The A-Team finished in the primetime top 10 it first two seasons before slipping in...

Every year, Scream Factory gives horror fans a bunch of new home media releases to look forward to at their annual Comic-Con panel, and this year is certainly no exception, as they've announced an exciting slate of horror Blu-rays on the horizon, including Collector's Editions for Silver Bullet, Big Trouble in Little China, Pet Sematary II, and My Bloody Valentine (1981), as well as The Fly Collection and new Neca figure collaborations for Night of the Demons (1988) and The Slumber Party Massacre.

Complete special features will be revealed at later dates, and we'll be sure to keep Daily Dead readers updated as more details are revealed. In the meantime, we have a look at Scream Factory's full announcement and images of their exclusive Neca figures for Night of the Demons and The Slumber Party Massacre. For more Comic-Con news, visit our online hub to catch up on all of our convention coverage!

As far as Hollywood was concerned, hardboiled pulp author Raymond Chandler was big news in 1944 and 1945, working with Billy Wilder on the Production Code breakthrough hit Double Indemnity, and getting two of his popular Philip Marlowe books transposed to the screen -- and not completely shorn of their racy content. Savant Blu-ray Review The Warner Archive Collection Warner Archive Collection 1944 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 95 min. / Street Date September 15, 2015 / available through the WBshop / 21.99  Starring Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, Anne Shirley, Otto Kruger, Mike Mazurki. Cinematography Harry J. Wild Art Direction Carroll Clark, Albert S. D'Agostino Film Editor Joseph Noriega Original Music Roy Webb Written by John Paxton from Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler Produced by Sid Rogell, Adrian Scott Directed by Edward Dmytryk

Reviewed by Glenn Erickson

Many films noirs seem to come from the same stylistic universe, in terms of themes and visuals. But a few of the...

Ben Powers, best known for his role as Keith Anderson on the Good Times sitcom that aired on CBS in the middle to late 1970s, has died. Powers was 64 and died April 6 in New Bedford, Ma. His character was the football player husband of Thelma Evans, who was played by BerNadette Stanis on the hit series from producers Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin. Powers also played the character Moochie on another CBS series, The New Mike Hammer that starred Stacey Keach. He also appeared…...

Amazon's week long deals for 2013 Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue today, Monday, November 25, with a whole new batch of DVDs, Blu-rays and a few extras on sale as I will continue to update the information below throughout the day and all throughout the week. As of now I have a few deals outside the scheduled events you may be interested in, but other than that pay attention to the deal start times so you don't miss out. Today's deals include great prices on Harry Potter Blu-rays and DVDs, complete seasons of "The Closer", Miracle on 34th Street on Blu-ray, "Glee" and much more. Outside of what's below you can find the current upcoming scheduled deals for the week right here, which I will be updating as more titles and deals are announced. Otherwise, start shopping. Right Now! The Brady Bunch: The Complete Series with Shag Carpet Cover ($42.49) I Love Lucy...

This article is dedicated to Andrew Copp: filmmaker, film writer, artist and close friend who passed away on January 19, 2013. You are loved and missed, brother.

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Looking at the Best Actor Academy Award nominations for the film year 2012, the one miss that clearly cries out for more attention is Liam Neeson’s powerful performance in Joe Carnahan’s excellent survival film The Grey, easily one of the best roles of Neeson’s career.

In Neeson’s case, his lack of a nomination was a case of neglect similar to the Albert Brooks snub in the Best Supporting Actor category for the film year 2011 for Drive(Nicolas Winding Refn, USA).

Along with negligence, other factors commonly prevent outstanding lead acting performances from getting the kind of critical attention they deserve. Sometimes it’s that the performance is in a film not considered “Oscar material” or even worthy of any substantial critical attention.

It doesn't get much more hardboiled than Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. The private investigator who first appeared in the author's book "I, The Jury" embodies all the characteristics that would inspire a generation of burly brusiers who take the law into to their own hands. A war veteran, Hammer doesn't particularly care for more legal methods of handing out justice, letting his fists and gun do the talking instead, while his sexual appetite is spurred by his secretary Velda. Almost from the start, Hollywood came calling for the character. The '50s saw three movies ("I, The Jury," "My Gun Is Quick" and most well known "Kiss Me Deadly") adapted from Spillane's work, a TV pilot by Blake Edwards and finally, a full series with Darrin McGavin playing the iconic character. And after Spillane himself took on the character in "The Girl Hunters," things slowed down until the '80s and '90s when Stacy.

When it comes to hard-boiled private investigators Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe tend to steal all of the headlines, but Mike Hammer doesn't deserve to be ignored. Created by Mickey Spillane in 1947, Hammer was a harder-edged detective than both Marlowe and Spade, with violent and misanthropic tendencies. The character was famously brought to life by Darren McGavin and Stacy Keach in the television series Mike Hammer and The New Mike Hammer (which came out in the 1950s and 1980s, respectively). The character has been brought to the big screen a few times as well, with Armand Assante playing the role in 1982's I, The Jury, but now Warner Bros. is getting him ready for his comeback. According to Deadline, the studio has acquired the rights to the character and are now working with Film 360 and Thunder Road to bring the detective back. But while the team knows that they want...

 The Bourne Legacy has added Stacy Keach to its cast, but Universal Studios hasn't confirmed the actor's role or even his character's name.  The man best known for playing the lead role in the '80s television series The New Mike Hammer will appear in the latest film in the Bourne franchise.  This fourth outing is set in the same universe as the first three films, but will train its focus on a new character while Jason Bourne himself takes a breather.  Jeremy Renner plays the new film's lead, while Joan Allen...

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Actor Stacy Keach is to return to the stage on Friday - 10 days after suffering a mild stroke.

The Mike Hammer star was hospitalised last week and spent six days under observation. He returned home on Monday and will pick up his role as President Richard Nixon in a tour of hit play Frost/Nixon at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

The 67 year old has missed 11 performances of the show, which was turned into a hit film last year, and he can't wait to get back before an audience.

He tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "I can’t tell you how grateful I am and relieved. I feel deeply blessed."

Recalling the events which led up to his stroke, Keach explains he felt "a little tingling" in his right arm during a performance of the play in Cincinnati, Ohio earlier this month and it returned during the play's first night in Los Angeles last week.

Keach says, "I quickly tried to focus and refocus."

The actor knew he had a big problem when he found himself slurring his speech during a radio interview the following morning: "I realised I wasn’t making sense... I knew something wasn’t happening properly with my motor response.”

A doctor gave him a shot of vitamin B12 and Keach figured his health issues had passed as he appeared in five weekend performances and then hosted a cast get-together at his home in Calabasas, California on 16 March.

The following morning he awoke with severe pain in his right arm, and his wife called the paramedics, who took him to hospital. After a series of tests he was told he'd suffered a series of minor strokes.

Keach insists the health scare has forced him to take better care of himself - he has vowed to stop smoking and he'll be taking more rest days on the Frost/Nixon tour. He won't appear in the upcoming weekend matinees.

The actor, who has been playing Nixon onstage since September, hopes to complete the tour, which ends in May.

Stacy Keach was due to take the stage in a Los Angeles touring production of Nixon/Frost Tuesday evening, but canceled his performance due to health reasons. The actor was hospitalized that morning for an undisclosed ailment, his representative, Dick Guttman, said in a statement published by the Los Angeles Times. Guttman said further details would be released Wednesday. Keach, 67, portrays Richard Nixon in the play about a series of tense interviews between the former president and British TV journalist David Frost. (The 2008 film adaptation, directed by Ron Howard, was nominated for an Oscar.) The Georgia-born actor is known for...

Earle Hagen, Emmy-winning composer of some of the most memorable musical themes in TV history and the man heard whistling the theme song of "The Andy Griffith Show," died Monday of natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 88.

In addition to writing the folksy "Andy Griffith" tune, Hagen penned the themes for "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Danny Thomas Show," "I Spy," "That Girl," "The Mod Squad" and "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer," many for famed TV director Sheldon Leonard.

Hagen composed original music for more than 3,000 episodes during his TV career, which spanned more than three decades.

The composer also was active in the film business, mostly as an arranger and orchestrator for 20th Century Fox. He received a 1960 Oscar nomination (shared with Lionel Newman) as musical director for the Marilyn Monroe film "Let's Make Love."

Hagen, who played trombone with the Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey orchestras,...

Earle Hagen, Emmy-winning composer of some of the most memorable musical themes in TV history and the man heard whistling the theme song of The Andy Griffith Show, died Monday of natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 88.

In addition to writing the folksy Andy Griffith tune, Hagen penned the themes for The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Danny Thomas Show, I Spy, That Girl, The Mod Squad and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, many for famed TV director Sheldon Leonard.

Hagen composed original music for more than 3,000 episodes during his TV career, which spanned more than three decades.

The composer also was active in the film business, mostly as an arranger and orchestrator for 20th Century Fox. He received a 1960 Oscar nomination (shared with Lionel Newman) as musical director for the Marilyn Monroe film Let's Make Love.

Hagen, who played trombone with the Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, composed the jazz standard Harlem Nocturne. Written in 1939 for big-band leader Ray Noble, the tune went on to be recorded by Les Brown, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Ray Anthony and many other bands.

LONDON -- U.K. video industry veterans Paul Levinson and Warren Goldberg have reteamed to launch distribution company Tango Entertainment for the North American market, the partners said Monday. The pair, who launched Braveworld, have formed Tango to release a wide range of product from super-budget up to full price. Tango's first acquisition are rights to the Kushner Locke library, which includes such films as Nic Roeg's Sweet Bird of Youth and the Dolly Parton comedy-drama Unlikely Angel; television series like Mike Hammer, with Stacy Keach; and Gun, a one-hour anthology series executive produced by Robert Altman and starring James Gandolfini, Rosanna Arquette, Kirsten Dunst and Daryl Hannah.