Again, the ranks have thinned with the passing of Charles Bronson. Best known for his “Deathwish” films, the actor became an action hero in his fifties, after ‘making his bones’ in Italian films prior to his break in Hollywood. The 81-year-old actor died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, with his family. 

Also gone but not forgotten, Johnny Cash, whose career and music spanned more than four decades and enriched the lives of six generations of Country Music fans. Cash died at his home at the age of 71, surrounded by his family. He had recently been released from the hospital after weeks of being treated for pneumonia. 

And, Gordon Jump, best known as the befuddled ‘Mr. Carlson’ on the hit series “WKRP in Cincinnati” died of Pulmonary Fibrosis at his Los Angeles home. His wife and five children were with him. Jump was a regular fixture in the sit-com realm for forty years as well as a dramatic stage actor. Most recently he was best known as the “Maytag Repairman”, a role he took over from the late Jesse White. 

But perhaps the most shocking loss was the man referred to by many as the “male Lucille Ball”. John Ritter, best known as Jack Tripper on the seventies classic sitcom “Three’s Company”, died less than one week before his 55^th birthday, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank. Ironically, he died of a tear in his aorta, the same thing Lucille Ball succumbed to, and on a day that already had Americans bracing for disaster … September eleventh. 

On the other hand, it seems that Actress Nancy Kulp, better known as ‘Miss’ Jane Hathaway on the legendary series; “The Beverly Hillbillies” has come back from the grave. “Infobeat Magazine” recently extended birthday wishes to Kulp who would have turned eighty-two last month, had she not died of cancer on February third, 1991! I should know because I went to the funeral. Maybe I should ask for my flowers back! 

And just in from the “Where there’s a Will, there’s a Sequel” department, Ridley Scott has announced that a sequel to his mega hit, “Gladiator” is in the works. This one will have more to do with the politics and intrigue of the Roman Senate though, and will revolve around Lucius, son of Lucilla, played in the original by Connie Nielsen, who is expected to reprise her role. No casting has been confirmed, but according to my little birdies, the title is misleading, since there will be no real battles shown. I don’t know about you, but I have my doubts. The original was made brilliant by the talents of Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, and Russell Crowe, all of whose characters died. Why, oh why, can’t these producers leave well enough the hell alone? Genug, guys! Sequels have their place, sure. But leave them where they work, in the sci-fi genre! We can never get enough of Jason, and Freddy, and Michael Meyers, but how often can we see Gladiators being cut to ribbons and Roman Emperors bumped off? 

And speaking of which, my sources tell me that the fourth installment in the ‘Austin Powers’ franchise has been shelved because Verne Troyer, wants Mini-Me to speak! Apparently the diminutive star, whose character’s dialogue in the previous films consisted of, “Eeeeeeeeee…Eeeeee!” wants a little more range to his role. 

Meanwhile, in the “Keep on Truckin’” department, word has it that the sixth ‘Star Wars’ installment has begun principal shooting, and under security that would make the Secret Service green with envy. Locations, storylines, and casting are being kept closely under wraps. In fact, the rumor is, that the cast and crew were made to sign non-disclosure agreements not to give out any information about the film, which is scheduled for a Spring 2005 release. 

And good news for fans of the late Theodore Geissel, a.k.a. ‘Dr. Seuss’. The latest book-to-celluloid installment, ‘The Cat in the Hat’, starring Mike Meyers, is great! Meyers, who took the role after Jim ‘The Grinch’ Carrey turned it down, does an excellent job bringing to life the doctor’s most beloved character. Again, Seuss’ widow has overseen the project to ensure that the spirit of the book remains intact, and therein the film succeeds admirably. Meyers’ portrayal is every bit as faithful as was Jim Carrey’s ‘Grinch’, and this one is a ‘must-see’ for everyone with kids or a nostalgia streak! 

And for those of you who love getting the sheis scared out of you, go see “Cold Creek Manor”! Better acted than “The House” series, better written than “The Amityville Horror” films, and better cast that “House on Haunted Hill”, (geeze with all these house flicks it almost make me afraid to buy real estate!) it's one of the most beautifully crafted horror films I’ve ever seen. The directing is superb, almost like Tobe Hooper meets Alfred Hitchcock. The use of camera and lighting is stunningly effective, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart. 

That’s it for this month Gang. Hopefully next month the Coach deBaur will bypass Hollywood, and I’ll have some good news for a change! Till next month then!