I awoke this morning to hear the tragic news of a beautiful young actress dead at age 32. Brittany Murphy. I am bewildered by this as many of us are. For myself, Brittany Murphy had a cultural significance and an impact on me. She came from the same generation as I, an xchoboomer, caught between two generations. In 1995, I fell in love with her as Tai, the refreshingly herself, grunged out, fowl-mouthed, pot smoking ugly duckling taken under the wing by the popular Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, also amazingly beautiful in her own particular and unique vegan ways. Murphy’s grittiness in 8-mile and particularly and ironically, The Dead Girl, really stood out in my mind as how much she has matured as an actress, along with my tastes I suppose. As a fan I’d like to pass along my condolences to her family.
2009 has brought us the deaths of many culturally and personally significant individuals, many of whom continue to have an impact on my life. I would like to acknowledge them here.
Michael Jackson arguably the most significant from a cultural perspective. His impact on music and dance will influence generations. His music will always have a personal affect on me as many of his hits still bring back childhood memories.
Ted Kennedy, the most significant loss from a political perspective was admired by many, even those who despise politicians. There was a humbleness and determination about Ted that resonated with me. Last year, I got a chance to visit Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. and I visited the graves of his brothers John and Robert. The legacy of these three individuals will never die!
Walter Cronkite – Although first hand memories of this anchorman are non-existent, as a former student of the profession, I can appreciate his contribution to the craft. So many important events of American history are intertwined with his voice. He has manifested himself in so many others I’ve watched and admired. Some whom have left us in spirit like Peter Jennings, and Don Hewitt – another one we lost this year – and some that have left us by choice such as Ted Koppel. FYI, Nightline just isn’t the same.
Don Hewitt – 60 minutes has been a staple throughout my life. Thank you!
Dom Deluise – Your zest for life will always be an inspiration to me.
Chuck Daly – You were our bitter rival, but I’m sad to see you go.
Robert Mcnamara – I admire your strength and courage in acknowledging that you were wrong.
John Hughes – Many xchoboomers would be shells of themselves if it wasn’t for your movies. Who can forget the Breakfast Club, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Wierd Science, National Lampoons Vacation and the many others. The 80′s get a bad rap but you were the shit!
Les Paul – The impact you had indirectly on my life is unmeasurable by the music of so many. It’s the music that keeps my soul grounded!
Ed Mcmahon – I may be young but I still can remember a time when it was Johnny Carson and his sidekick Ed Mcmahon every night. And Star Search, the original American Idol, was a childhood favorite. Not to mention the posterchild of the millionare’s sweepstakes I was sure my parents had won and urged them to mail it in… haha. I was sad to see the grim financial reality of your last days. Have these people no shame?
Adam Goldstein ( DJ AM ) – Although I’ve never seen DJ AM live his work has had personal significance. Most notably the Crazy Town single “Butterfly” as the song seemingly referenced a lover of mine at the time of its release. Also the work with Papa Roach, Dilated Peoples and most recently N.A.S.A as these are all influences of mine. This whole final destination situation freaks me out.
Fafrah Fawcett – Who could forget this angel?
Charles “Mask” Lewis – From the UFC world an unforgettable character.
Patrick Swayze – From a cult classic and favorite of mine… “Valle con dios!”
UPDATE: Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan – Drummer of Avenged Sevenfold and only 28 years old. Óg agus saor go deo (forever young and free)
Others I’d like to acknowledge. Jim Carroll, Eunice Shriver, Steve Mcnair, Billie Mays, David Carradine, , Bea Arthur, Marilyn Chambers, Nick Adenheart, Jeremy Lusk of Metal Mulisha, Jett Travolta, Socks the cat, and The taco bell dog.
This blog was meant to be an outlet for me to express my views on culture, life, politics, and current events. This was not meant to be an obituary but due to my busy schedule leading to a lack of commitment of posting on a regular basis, it seems that is what it has become. Because culture is such an important theme in this blog, I felt I couldn’t write without acknowledging some of those whom we have lost that have had such a significant impact on our culture. I’d like to extend condolences to all the families and may they all rest in peace.
Iwould like to make a commitment here and now that I will post as often as I can.
