JOY ADAMSOM - January 3

Writer and wildlife fundraiser who raised a wild
lion cub and wrote a series of Born Free books.
Born Free was later made into a movie.
(Age: 69. C.O.D.: Killed by disgruntled employee.)
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JIMMY DURANTE - January 29

Beloved knob-nosed comedian who starred in many films,
including The Great Rupert.
(Age: 86.)
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DAVID JANSSEN - February 13

Made a few films and TV movies, but was mainly known
as the star of the 1960s TV series The Fugitive.
Happy day before Valentine's Day - you're dead!
(Age: 48. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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BON SCOTT - February 19

Founding member of the classic Britsh
rock band AC/DC, known for several
great albums, including Highway To Hell.
(Age: 33. C.O.D.: Complications due to alcohol.)
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JAY SILVERHEELS - March 5

Played Tonto on TV's The Lone Ranger.
(Age: 59. C.O.D.: Stroke.)
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JEAN-PAUL SARTRE - April 15

Philosopher and author who wrote No Exit.
Happy Income Tax Day - you're dead!
(Age: 74. C.O.D.: Cancer.)
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ALFRED HITCHCOCK - April 29

Director of many suspense movies, including
Psycho, North By Northwest, and Rear Window.
He also hosted TV's Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
(Age: 80.)
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GEORGE PAL - May 2

Director and special effects artist who
created the Puppetoons, and directed
Destination Moon, and the original versions
of War Of The Worlds, and The Time Machine.    
(Age: 72. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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HENRY MILLER - June 7

Wrote many controversial books,
notably Tropic Of Cancer.
(Age: 88. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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MILBURN STONE - June 12

Played the part of Doc on Gunsmoke.  
(Age: 75. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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PETER SELLERS - July 24

Actor with amazing range, from Dr. Strangelove
to The Pink Panther, and Being There,
plus TV's The Goon Show.
Also skilled in playing several
different characters in one film.
Happy Mick Jagger's Birthday - you're dead! 
(Age: 54. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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BOBBY VAN - July 31

Singer and dancer in movies and TV,
including on the stage in Kiss Me Kate.
Also married to cute actress Elaine Joyce. 
(Age: 49. C.O.D.: Cancer.)
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STROTHER MARTIN - August 1

(Day after Bobby Van.)
Character actor famous for his Cool Hand Luke
line, "What we have here is failure to communicate." 
(Age: 58. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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TEX AVERY - August 26

Artist and director of animated cartoons
(Droopy, Red Riding Hood etc.).
Also gave Bugs Bunny his most famous line:
"What's up, doc?" 
(Age: 71. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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DUNCAN RENALDO - September 3

Actor who starred in the Cisco Kid film series.
(Age: 76.)
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WILLIAM "BUCKWHEAT" THOMAS - October 10

Actor who played Buckwheat in
The Little Rascals film series.
(Age: 49. C.O.D.: Heart attack.)
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STEVE MCQUEEN - November 7

Iconic star of many films, such as
The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven,
Bullit, and The Getaway.
(Age: 49. C.O.D.: Heart attack after cancer surgery.)
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VICTOR SEN YUNG - November 9

Played many roles, including #1 son
in the Charlie Chan movie series, and
Hop Sing on the Bonanza TV series.
(Age: 64.)
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MAE WEST - November 22

This smart writer and actress was
the sexy star of several hit films,
including She Done Him Wrong,
and Klondike Annie.
Happy JFK Death Day - you're dead!
(Age: 88. C.O.D.: Stroke.)
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GEORGE RAFT - November 24

Tough guy actor who did
tons of gangster films,
including They drive By Night.
(Age: 85. C.O.D.: Stroke.)
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JOHN LENNON - December 8

Musician, artist, and poet who was also
one half of the magical Lennon-McCartney
songwriting team, which fueled the hits
of their classic rock band The Beatles.
(Age: 40. C.O.D.: Murdered by gun.)
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COLONEL HARLAN SANDERS - December 16

Founded the popular fast food chain
known as Kentucky Fried Chicken.
(Age: 90. C.O.D.: Leukemia.)
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MARSHALL MCLUHAN - December 31

Academic and writer who made a notable
cameo appearance in the Oscar-winning
Woody Allen-directed film Annie Hall.
Happy New Years Eve - you're dead!
(Age: 69.)
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= WELL, THAT'S ALL FOR THIS YEAR, FOLKS! BUT STAY TUNED - YOU KNOW THE GRIM REAPER AIN'T DONE WITH THOSE CELEBS YET! MEANWHILE, ON THE UPPER RIGHT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHECK OUT THE LIST OF LATE LAMENTED LAYABOUTS FROM OTHER YEARS! ENJOY! =