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Dead Pool 5th January 2025

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025!! Embarrassingly I have to declare myself the winner of 2024 and award myself the coveted trophy! 

There was a run of late-declared deaths in the final days of 2024 (which did not have any effect of 2024’s result), but half of our poolers had to choose new names for 2025, causing no end of paperwork and frustration for everyone as a lot of points went up the swanny, but the DRAMA! Anyhow, here’s a lovely picture of 2024’s Dead Pool winner with his well earned trophy, quite a handsome chap indeed! 

The donations page is now up, so if you feel that you are receiving some value from participating, please donate towards the running costs of the website etc. Thank you everyone in advance. Good luck for 2025!

Look Who You Could Have Had:

2024

2025

In Other News 

This weeks big news is that Tomiko Itooka, the Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died at the age of 116. Alas for our purposes, she passed away on the 29th December 2024. So as the benevolent and award winning Dead Pool Master that I am, Is have ruled that those affected by her early demise are allowed to choose another name. Itooka, who loved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born on 23 May 1908. She became the oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group. When she was told she was at the top of the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, she simply replied, “Thank you.” When Itooka celebrated her birthday last year, she received flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor. Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school, and long had a reputation for a sprightly spirit, Nagata said. She climbed the 3,067m (10,062ft) Mount Ontake twice. She married at 20, and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness. Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during World War II. She lived alone in Nara after her husband died in 1979. She is survived by one son and one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, according to Nagata. According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka.  

Sara Sharif’s father had his neck and face cut in prison as he begins a life sentence for her murder, according to reports. Urfan Sharif was allegedly jumped by two inmates in his cell at HMP Belmarsh armed with the lid of a tuna tin on New Year’s Day. The child killer, 43, is not believed to have needed hospital treatment. Sources told The Flying Monkeys: “Urfan was sliced up badly in his cell by two others who rushed in. It was planned and they used a makeshift weapon – made from the lid of a tin of tuna. “He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way. He was lucky to survive, has had to have stitches and will have scars as a permanent reminder of the attack. The guards tried to keep him safe because he obviously had a target on his back after the case was such big news. Sharif has tried to keep his head down since coming into the jail, but word quickly got round about who he was.” A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1st. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.” A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers are probing “an allegation that a prisoner was assaulted at Belmarsh”, adding that “the 43-year-old suffered non life-threatening injuries”. Sharif and Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, were jailed for life in December for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse that culminated in the 10-year-old’s murder. 

Radio presenter DJ Spoony has thanked the NHS and his family after being treated in hospital for a “small bleed to the brain”. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, whose real name  is Johnathan Joseph, held back tears as he told listeners on Monday he had been dealing with headaches for a few weeks, but had “put off” seeing a doctor until 21st December, when he decided to go to A&E. The 54-year-old went to Bedford Hospital where staff ran tests and did a CT scan before sending him to see a specialist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. He said his illness was caused by a subdural haematoma, a condition where there is bleeding in the brain. At Addenbrooke’s, Spoony was told doctors “need to operate”, and ended up spending Christmas Day in hospital. He said: “The amazing doctors and nurses at Addenbrooke’s had done the operation, they had flushed me out. I was feeling fine, 10 minutes after the operation. I was talking, looking forward to being back on the ward, eating a banana and having a ginger shot.” Breaking down, he added: “Thank you to everybody at Addenbrooke’s for looking after me; you were amazing. So, again thanks to our amazing National Health Service.”  

Annoyingly, Neighbours icon Ian Smith has shared an encouraging update on his health and treatment following his recent terminal cancer diagnosis. Smith, best known for his role as Harold Bishop on the soap, has been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. In an interview just before Christmas, the actor had some “extremely good news” to share, explaining his recent PET scan had shown a shrinking in the size of the tumour. “I did a PET scan and the words, I believe, were ‘significant metabolic change, significant shrinkage of tumour’,” Smith told the Flying Monkeys. “I’ve gone from a threat of dying this coming March to maybe a few more months… and now, God, who knows? It’s not a cure and it won’t be a cure, but I certainly have got a year, maybe two,” he added. “That’s amazing. It really is.” After receiving his diagnosis, Smith contacted Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison to see if he could return as Harold to say goodbye to the cast and fans. “I asked Jason if I could get Harold to say goodbye and he kindly said yes,” Smith explained. “I liked Harold. There’s not enough of his type in the world. I wouldn’t like to live next to him, I’ve got to be honest, but he’s good. He’s a nice man.” Herbison also agreed for Anne Charleston, who played Harold’s late wife Madge, to return to the soap in a new role. “That would have been hard for her to do, and she did it so successfully,” Smith said. “It was so good.” The scenes with Smith as Harold and Charleston in her new Neighbours role are set to air early next year.  

A donkey said to have provided the inspiration for the famous Shrek character, Donkey, has died aged 30. Perry – short for Pericles – a miniature donkey born in New York City in 1994, achieved fame when he apparently modelled for animators working on the Oscar-winning 2001 comedy. Voiced by Eddie Murphy, the talkative Donkey served as the sidekick to Shrek (Mike Myers) in the original film and three sequels, the most recent of which was released in 2010. “It’s evident if you know Perry and watch the movie that it’s him,” his lead handler at the time, Jenny Kiratli, told SFGate in a 2021 interview. “It’s amazing how much of our donkey is in Donkey, the way he flips his head when he’s mad at Shrek, the way he trots.” Perry was five years old when he modelled for the Shrek animators and was apparently paid $75 (£60) for his work. It was revealed that Perry had been suffering from an incurable condition called laminitis, which affects the hooves of horses, ponies and donkeys. Donkeys typically live to be between 25 and 40 years old. “In Perry’s last weeks, all of the handlers spent many hours at the pasture with him, petting him, cradling him, singing to him, and telling him that he was and always will be loved,” the statement continued. “We will miss you Perry. You were a special Donkey. We were lucky to have known you and we will never forget you.”

On This Day

  • 1757 – Louis XV of France survives an assassination attempt by Robert-François Damiens, who becomes the last person to be executed in France by drawing and quartering (the traditional form of capital punishment used for regicides).
  • 1941 – Amy Johnson, a 37-year-old pilot and the first woman to fly solo from London to 
  • Australia, disappears after bailing out of her plane over the River Thames, and is presumed dead. 
  • 1972 – US President Richard Nixon announces the Space Shuttle program.

Deaths

  • 1922 – Ernest Shackleton, Anglo-Irish sailor and explorer (b. 1874).
  • 1933 – Calvin Coolidge, American politician, 30th President of the United States (b. 1872).
  • 1998 – Sonny Bono, American singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and politician (b. 1935).
  • 2004 – Norman Heatley, English biologist and chemist, co-developed penicillin (b. 1911).

Last Week’s Birthdays

January Jones (47), Bradley Cooper (50), Clancy Brown (66), Diane Keaton (79), Robert Duvall (94), Vinnie Jones (60), Marilyn Manson (56), Emma Mackey (29), Julia Ormond (60), Graham McTavish (64), Matt Frewer (67), Florence Pugh (29), Mel Gibson (69), Victoria Principal (75), Tia Carrere (58), Cuba Gooding Jr. (57), Frank Langella (87), Val Kilmer (66), Anthony Hopkins (88), Ben Kingsley (82), Eliza Dushku (45), Tracey Ullman (66), and Caity Lotz (39).

In Memoriam 2024

Another year flies by and far too many beloved celebrities passed away. Here are a few for us to remember: 

January

  • Derek Draper: The author and former political adviser, died aged 56 from extreme complications from Covid since contracting the disease in March 2020. Probably most famous for being TV presenter Kate Garroway’s husband. 
  • David Soul: Soul is best known for his role as one half of the ’70’s buddy cop duo “Starsky & Hutch.” Soul would later reprise his role alongside partner Paul Michael Glaser in the 2004 big-screen remake starring Owen Wilson as Hutch and Ben Stiller as Starsky. Outside of acting, Soul was also a chart-topping singer who reached #1 on the Billboard charts with “Don’t Give Up on Us” and “Silver Lady.” He was 80.
  • Glynis Johns: British actress Glynis Johns has appeared in over 60 films in a career spanning eight decades. Her most notable role came as Mrs. Banks opposite Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in “Mary Poppins.” Her TV roles included appearances on “Cheers,” “Murder She Wrote” and “The Love Boat.” Johns died at her home of natural causes. She was 100.
  • Franz Beckenbauer: German and World Cup football legend Franz Beckenbauer was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. A talented defender, he won an array of trophies and honours across his glittering career, including a World Cup with West Germany as both a player and a manager, and two Ballon d’Or awards. He died aged 78.
  • Annie Nightingale: Nightingale was Radio 1s first female DJ. She first appeared as a panelist on the BBC’s Jukebox Jury before joining the station as a mainstay seven years later. She was awarded an MBE in 2002, a CBE in 2020. 

February

  • Carl Weathers: After playing for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons, Carl Weathers retired from pro football in 1974 to pursue acting. His breakout role came in 1976, when he played Apollo Creed in the movie “Rocky.” He would reprise that role in three “Rocky” sequels. He also starred in the movie “Predator”and the hit streaming series “The Mandalorian.” He died at the age of 76.
  • Jonnie Irwin: The presenter of A Place In The Sun and Escape To The Country died on 2nd February, aged 50. He announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020.
  • Ian Lavender: Lavender was the last surviving member of the main cast of the BBC sitcom Dad’s Army, which ran from 1968 to 1977, playing “stupid boy” Private Pike. He also appeared in EastEnders, Yes Minister and the 1970s TV version of The Glums and the film Carry On Behind. He died on 2nd February 2024, aged 77.
  • Steve Wright: He hosted shows for the BBC for over 40 years and hosted his popular show Steve Wright in the Afternoon from 1981-2022. He died at the age of 69 and the BBC’s director of music was among those paying tribute, saying: “He loved radio, and he loved the BBC, but most of all… he loved his audience.”
  • Robin Windsor: The Ipswich-born Latin and ballroom dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional died on 19th February 2024, aged 44.
  • John Savident: Savident arrived on the famous cobbles in 1994 and was quickly established as a fan favourite, known for playing the booming-voiced butcher Fred Elliott. Fred’s disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals, provided many of the character’s most memorable storylines on the soap. He also had a secret son, Ashley, played by Steven Arnold, and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together. He died aged 86. 

March

  • Dave Myers: Myers met his on-screen cooking partner Si King on the set of an ITV drama back in 1995. The pair then starred together on TV in 2004, on The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004. Over almost 30 years, the two became British TV cooking favourites and published more than 25 books.
  • Tony Green: The popular darts commentator became known to a wider audience by co-hosting the TV quiz show Bullseye with the late Jim Bowen. He died on 4th March 2024, aged 85.
  • Louis Gossett Jr.: Gossett Jr. is best known for his role in the 1982 film, “An Officer and a Gentleman,” a role that earned him a Golden Globe and a best supporting actor Oscar. He was the first African American actor to win in the category. He was 87.

April

  • Peter Higgs: Nobel Prize-winning physicist Professor Peter Higgs died this year, age 94. His pioneering theory led to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. This particle, also known as the “God particle”, explains why matter has mass and holds the universe together.
  • O. J. Simpson: The former American football great who was accused of and ultimately acquitted of the brutal 1994 slayings of his ex-wife and her friend. He had a second career as an actor, appearing in the Naked Gun series, The Towering Inferno, Capricorn One and many other movies and TV shows. He was 76. 
  • Terry Carter: 

May

  • Bernard Hill: Hill, famed for his role as King Theoden in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic, died earlier this year at age 79. He also featured as Yosser Hughes in the iconic drama series Boys From The Blackstuff.
  • Dabney Coleman: Perhaps best known for his role as the boss in the movie “9 to 5,” Dabney Coleman also had supporting roles in the hit movies “Tootsie” and “You’ve Got Mail.” He appeared in TV shows such as “The Fugitive,” “Bonanza,” and, more recently, “Broadway Empire,” for which he won two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was 92. 
  • David Wilkie: The Scottish athlete was the only person to have held British, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles simultaneously. He died on 22nd May 2024, aged 70.
  • Morgan Spurlock: The American documentary maker, who was best known for his 2004 fast food film Super Size Me, died on 23rd May 2024, aged 53.

June

  • Rob Burrow: Former Rugby League player, campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) following his own diagnosis of the illness. He played for Leeds Rhinos throughout his entire league career, and played internationally for England and Great Britain. He was celebrated for his bravery in living with his illness and was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List before dying at age 41.
  • Michael Mosley: TV Doctor Michael Mosley died earlier this year age 67 after going missing on holiday on the Greek island of Symi. Michael was known for his commitment to medical journalism and for the documentary Infested! Living With Parasites on BBC Four, he lived with tapeworms in his gut for six weeks. 
  • Jeannette Charles: The Queen’s most famous lookalike, who enjoyed a long career in film and television thanks to their uncanny resemblance. Alongside chat shows, corporate events, fete openings and other appearances, she appeared in Motörhead’s music video promoting their version of the Sex Pistols song God Save the Queen in 2000. She died at the age of 96. 
  • Donald Sutherland: Sutherland’s big break came when he starred in the 1970 movie comedy “M*A*S*H.” Other films included the 1978 remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and the Oscar-winning 1980 drama “Ordinary People.” He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. More recently, he appeared in “The Hunger Games” film series. Sutherland died at the age of 88.

July

  • Shelley Duvall: Was an actress best known for her performance in The Shining alongside Jack Nicholson. She also starred in Popeye with Robin Williams, and Jane Campion’s Portrait of a Lady. Duvall was a regular figure of director Robert Altman, having appeared in seven of the director’s films, she was 75. 
  • Ruth Westheimer: Known as Dr. Ruth, was hired for a weekly 15-minute radio show called “Sexually Speaking,” in 1980. The show became so successful that it was expanded to an hour and became the most popular radio show in NY by 1983. That same year, her book, “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex,” was published. She went on to publish more than 40 books. She died aged 96.
  • Shannen Doherty: Actress Shannen Doherty, best-known for her roles on TV’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed” series and movies like “Heathers,” “Mallrats,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Doherty lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53.
  • Richard Simmons: Simmons was a fitness personality who, after going through his own weight-loss journey, wanted to motivate others. He opened a gym in Los Angeles in 1974 and released popular workout videos, such as “Sweatin’ To The Oldies.” He appeared on the soap opera “General Hospital,” and starred in his own TV series, “The Richard Simmons Show”. He died at the age of 76.
  • Ray Reardon: The Welsh six-time World Snooker Championship winner died on 19th July 2024, aged 91. 

August

  • John Anderson: “Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready!” For those who grew up in the 1990s, Anderson’s was one of the most familiar voices of Saturday night TV. He was best known as the umpire in the original ITV series of Gladiators, which aired between 1992 and 2000, and the revamped Sky series in 2008. But the Scottish sports coach also trained more than 100 Olympians and was inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002. He died at the age of 92
  • Graham Thorpe: The Surrey cricketer, who represented England in 100 Test matches and 82 One Day Internationals sadly took his own life on 4th August 2024. He was 55.
  • Gena Rowlands: Actress Gena Rowlands made her TV debut in 1954. After years of working in television, she started making movies, most notably, “Woman Under The Influence“, and “Gloria”. More recently, she appeared in the 2004 hit movie “The Notebook” as well as TV shows such as “Monk” and “NCIS.” She died aged 96.
  • Alain Delon: The French actor and star of films such as The Leopard, The Yellow Rolls Royce and Girl On A Motorcycle died on 18th August 2024, aged 88. 
  • Phil Donahue: Famed TV talk show host Phil Donahue was known for “The Phil Donahue Show,” which aired for nearly 30 years. He died aged 88. 
  • Dewi “Pws” Morris: Best known for his leading role in the 1978 rugby comedy film Grand Slam, Morris died in August, aged 76.

September

  • Sven-Göran Eriksson: The football manager was the England team’s first foreign manager and he coached football icons such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard back in 2001. During his tenure, the England team beat Germany 5-1 in 2001, reached the quarter-finals in 2004 and again for the World Cup in 2006. He died of cancer aged 76.
  • James Earl Jones: Jones’s signature deep, rumbling voice gave life to iconic movie characters, such as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s The Lion King. He also starred in classics such as Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America and The Hunt for Red October. He also achieved EGOT status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. He died at age 93 surrounded by family and Mark Hamill, who played his son Luke Skywalker, paid tribute to the actor saying: “RIP dad.”
  • Clive Everton: Was known to millions worldwide as the calm, authoritative voice of televised snooker, but of even greater importance was his work as a campaigning journalist for better governance of the game. He died aged 87.
  • Dame Maggie Smith: Maggie Smith performed in theatre, movies and television during her over 60-year career. Having appeared in more than 50 films, Smith is known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Downton Abbey.” In addition to winning two Academy Awards, Smith earned five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes. In 1990, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was 89.

October

  • Kris Kristofferson: Kris Kristofferson was more than just a country music icon and formidable actor, he was also a Rhodes scholar, Army veteran and Golden Gloves boxer. However, he’s most known for his roles in “Blade”, “Convoy” and “A Star is Born,” which won him a Golden Globe. He was 88.
  • John Amos: Actor John Amos starred in the hit TV show “Good Times,” that aired from 1974 to 1976, and in the iconic 1977 miniseries “Roots.” His movie credits include  Coming To America,” and “Die Hard 2.” He died at the age of 84.
  • Alex Salmond: Salmond led the Scottish National Party between 1990 and 2000, befoe serving again from 2004-2014. He was a prominent figure in the Scottish nationalist movement and went on to form his own party. At the time of his death at 69, he had been the leader of the nationalist Alba Party since 2021.
  • Liam Payne: Payne rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. The band released five albums and won numerous awards. Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from his hotel room in Buenos Aires. He was 31. 
  • Geoff Capes: The British Olympic shot putter and strongman died aged 75. Capes set the record for the longest shot put by a British man with a distance of 21.68m in 1980. 

November

  • Janey Godley: The Scottish comedian found viral fame with her dubbed imitations of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s COVID-19 news briefings during the pandemic. She also appeared on shows including Have I Got News For You, the Scottish soap opera River City, and crime drama Traces. She died of cancer aged 63. 
  • Quincy Jones: Music legend Quincy Jones died on November 3 at age 91. He was a 28-time Grammy winner, working with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and many more. 
  • Tony Todd: The Washington-born actor was best known for the title role in the 1992 horror film Candyman and 1986’s Platoon. He also appeared in the remake of Night of The Living Dead, The Crow, Final Destination and the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. He died on 6th November, aged 69.
  • Timothy West: West was a star of stage and screen and was known for his roles in soaps Coronation Street and Eastenders. He was married to Prunella Scales who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. He died peacefully aged 90 “after a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage”. 
  • John Prescott, Baron Prescott: Prescott was the longest-serving deputy prime minister in British history, serving in Neil Kinnock’s shadow cabinet before becoming Tony Blair’s deputy. He was a former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman, who served as MP for Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years. He died at the age of 86 and former prime minister Tony Blair paid tribute saying John was: “One of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics.”

December

  • Barbara Taylor Bradford: The author of best-selling novels including A Woman of Substance, died at the age of 91. Published in 1979, A Woman of Substance sold 30 million copies and spawned seven sequels and a TV adaptation, which is still the most-watched programme in Channel 4’s history.
  • Terry Griffiths: The Welsh snooker player, who won the world championship in 1979, died from complications from dementia aged 77. In 2007 was made an OBE for his services to the sport.
  • Jimmy Carter: Former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work to end conflict and advance human rights. Born to a peanut farmer in Georgia, he faced a daunting era of rising energy costs, inflation, and world crises during his White House years. He died aged 100 and was often called “the best former president in history.” 

Dead Pool 29th December 2024

So, some housekeeping before we come to the end of this years competition. I missed that Neil had Alwen Hughes listed as his Woman. As Rolf Harris’ wife she was a good bet, sadly for Neil, she didn’t get a Wiki listing when she died, so nil points I’m afraid! Other than that, I actually kept on top of things this year! 

With only a couple more days to go, I’m still the points leader, at the moment… In the 33 years I have been running The Dead Pool I have never come close to winning and I promise that I didn’t send out the Flying Monkeys after the people I listed! Honest! 

Look Who You Could Have Had:

In Other News

Former US President Bill Clinton has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for the flu, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. “He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” Angel Ureña wrote on Twitter. Clinton was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center on Monday evening for tests and observation after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was last admitted to the hospital for six days in 2021 in California after developing an infection that reached his blood. The 42nd US president, who served in the White House from 1993 to 2001, is also known to have suffered with heart issues in the past. In 2004, aged 58, he had a quadruple bypass surgery after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease and, ten years later, he had a clogged artery opened after complaining of chest pains. He has been active since leaving office, starting what later became known as the Clinton Foundation, which partnered with American Heart Association to form the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Not long after his second surgery, the ex-president – known for his love of fatty foods – went vegan. He told Politico in 2016, “I might not be around if I hadn’t become a vegan. It’s great.”  

One of the stars of Crocodile Dundee, who appeared alongside Paul Hogan in the 1986 blockbuster, has died at an estimated age of 90, the reptile’s caretakers have confirmed. Burt, the five-metre-long, 700kg saltwater crocodile, died in captivity at Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium in Darwin, Australia, where he had been living since 2008. In a statement, the zoo said on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.” The average saltwater crocodile typically lives for about 70 years but some may live for up to 100 years. The species is the largest reptile on the planet and is capable of eating any animal that strays too close to it. Burt became one of the world’s most famous reptiles thanks to the worldwide success of the Peter Faiman-directed film Crocodile Dundee, which remains the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. Paying tribute to the titular crocodile, the zoo reflected on Burt’s inspiring story and rise to fame, when he was captured in the early 1980s before his big screen debut. “Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.” The zoo remarked that Burt was a “confirmed bachelor” and was fiercely independent, judging by his lack of enthusiasm to meet a mate on the crocodile farm.  

Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts has revealed he does not know how long he has left to live. The 61-year-old, who has presented the popular BBC property auction series since 2017, has undergone a series of health complications in that period. In 2022, the TV host revealed doctors had told him he had just hours to live after he suffered a pericardial effusion, a condition caused by too much fluid build up around the heart, and was rushed into emergency life-saving surgery. At the time, he had thought the chest pains were the effects of long Covid. Following the operation, Roberts admitted he still has “twinges” in his chest, which cause him to worry. He admitted “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left”, as he went against advice to “slow down”. “The physical side of things took a lot longer than we thought to get around, I still get twinges and every single time I get a twinge in my chest, I panic. As anyone who has had any kind of problems with their heart would attest to it.” He explained that he was only told much later that he “probably had maybe two or three hours to live” when he underwent emergency surgery, according to a consultant. “That was two to three hours from dying and not being here and not seeing the kids anymore and not fulfilling all my ambitions and doing all the things I want to do,” he explained. “So that’s sort of the psychological side of that. It takes a lot longer to get over than the physical side.” However, Roberts said that despite medical advice to slow down, he has taken the opportunity to do more than ever. “I was told I need to slow down and take things easy and all that kind of stuff, and I’ve gone completely the other way,” he said. “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left, so I just want to do as much as I possibly can.” he said. 

On This Day

  • 1913 – Cecil B. DeMille starts filming Hollywood’s first feature film, The Squaw Man.
  • 2006 – The UK settles its Anglo-American loan, post-WWII loan debt.
  • 2013 – Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffers a massive head injury while skiing in the French Alps.

Deaths

  • 1170 – Thomas Becket, English archbishop and saint (b. 1118).
  • 1986 – Harold Macmillan, English politician, Prime Minister of the UK (b. 1894).
  • 2003 – Bob Monkhouse, English comedian, actor, and game show host (b. 1928).
  • 2020 – Pierre Cardin, Italian-French fashion designer (b. 1922).
  • 2022 – Pelé, Brazilian footballer (b. 1940).
  • 2022 – Vivienne Westwood, English fashion designer (b. 1941).

Last Week’s Birthdays

Jude Law (52), Ted Danson (77), Jon Voight (86), Danny McBride (48), Lilly Wachowski (57), Denzel Washington (70), Sienna Miller (43), Noomi Rapace (45), Joe Manganiello (48), Timothée Chalamet (29), Olivia Cooke (31), Gérard Depardieu (76), Kit Harington 38), Jared Leto (53), Temuera Morrison (64), Sissy Spacek (75), Annie Lennox (70), Carol Vorderman (64), Finn Wolfhard (22), and Harry Shearer (81).

Sgt Pepper 2024

Another year flies by and some well loved celebrities sadly passed away. Below is this years Sgt Pepper from talented artist Chris Barker, go buy him a coffee here. You can click on the image for a larger version. If you can’t figure out who they all are, the key is behind this link.

 

Dead Pool 22nd December 2024

Another strange week. I could have sworn Eddie Stobart was already dead, but apparently it was his son Edward Stobart who died a while back. One week to go, get your lists sorted for next year and ask your morbid friends to join in.  

Look Who You Could Have Had:

In Other News

A bizarre hunting accident ended in the deaths of both a bear and a father in Virginia. A group of hunters were reportedly tracking a bear in Lunenburg County, between Richmond and Danville, Virginia, on December 9th when the animal ran up into a tree to escape its pursuers. A hunter shot the bear, which fell out of the tree, crushing and killing another member of the party. The man has been identified by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as Lester Harvey, 58, of Phenix, Virginia. The bear fell approximately 10 feet and landed on Harvey, who was standing under the tree, according to the Flying Monkeys. A member of the hunting party provided first aid until Harvey could be transported to a nearby hospital, but he ultimately died from his injuries on Friday, according to the wildlife department. According to his obituary, Harvey was a married father of five and had eight grandchildren. He worked as a self-employed contractor and reportedly loved the outdoors. A funeral for Harvey has been scheduled for Thursday.  Josh Harvey, one of his sons, said in a Facebook post that his dad was “injured extremely badly” doing what he loved the most along with his good friends. The post included photos from the hunting trip along with the dead bear and videos from his time in hospital. Despite the odd circumstances leading to Harvey’s death, it’s not unheard of for hunters to die or sustain severe injuries in the chaos of trying to kill a fleeing animal. In Alaska in 2018, a hunter was critically injured after his hunting partner shot a bear that was standing on a ridge. The bear fell down a slope next to the ridge, dislodging rocks that tumbled down and struck the man. A year later, another hunter in North Carolina was injured when his partner shot a bear in a tree. The bear fell out, but wasn’t dead; it defended itself and began attacking the hunter. The man and the bear then tumbled off a cliff together. The hunter was rushed to a nearby hospital, and the bear was later found dead.  

Police looking for a Britain’s Got Talent comic who has been missing since Monday have found a body. Officers looking for missing man Martyn Crofts, who impressed BGT judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in the show’s sixth series in 2012, issued the update. He made it through to the semi-final stage as his oddball act with a saucepan on his head earned him the nickname ‘The Pan Man’ . In another round he sang a song while impersonating a Dalek from Doctor Who.  Police found a body on the Whinny Gill reservoir in Skipton, North Yorkshire on December 16th. While identification is still ongoing, the family has been informed and are being supported, North Yorkshire said. Following this, tributes have been pouring in for the 55-year-old on social media saying he was was ‘a light in everyone’s life’ who ‘put smiles on our faces while the world was at uncertainty’.  

A girl with a very rare genetic condition which causes rapid bodily aging has died at the age of 19 in South Africa. Influencer Beandri Booysen had been diagnosed with Progeria – also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) – an incredibly rare condition which affects only around one in four million babies in the world and causes children to rapidly age. Babies born with the condition tend to appear healthy at birth, but tend to start showing signs of premature aging within the first two years of life. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Progeria slows a person’s growth rate and hampers their weight gain as well as leading to a number of other symptoms including hair loss, wrinkled skin and a loss of fat underneath the skin. Booysen, from South Africa, had gained a significant following on social media after she and her family shared her journey with thousands of people. However, earlier this month (18th December), her family released a statement on Facebook announcing that she had sadly died. In the group ‘Beandri, Our Inspiration’, which was created by her family 15 years ago, they said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspiring young women. Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy. She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide. The Booysen family kindly requests privacy during this profoundly difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Beandri.” Her mother shared on 8th October that Beandri had gone in for heart surgery and had thanked fans for their support. 

On This Day

  • 856 – Damghan earthquake: An earthquake near the Persian city of Damghan kills an estimated 200,000 people, the sixth deadliest earthquake in recorded history.
  • 1965 – In the United Kingdom, a 70 miles per hour speed limit is applied to all rural roads including motorways for the first time.
  • 2001 – Richard Reid attempts to destroy a passenger airliner by igniting explosives hidden in his shoes aboard American Airlines Flight 63.

Deaths

  • 1880 – George Eliot, English novelist and poet (b. 1819).
  • 1943 – Beatrix Potter, English children’s book writer and illustrator (b. 1866).
  • 2014 – Joe Cocker, English singer-songwriter (b. 1944).
  • 2018 – Paddy Ashdown, British politician (b. 1941).

Last Meals

Joseph Edward Corcoran was an American convicted mass murderer who was executed for a 1997 quadruple murder case in Indiana. Corcoran was found guilty of the 1997 murders of his brother, his sister’s fiancé, and two of their friends at his house, and sentenced to death in 1999. Prior to this, Corcoran was previously charged in 1992 with murdering his parents when he was nearly 17 but was acquitted of all charges.

On April 14, 1992, four days short of reaching his 17th birthday, Joseph Corcoran allegedly murdered his parents – 53-year-old Jack Corcoran and 47-year-old Kathryn Corcoran.

At around 8.30am, Corcoran’s parents were found dead inside their Ball Lake home at Steuben County, Indiana, sustaining gunshot wounds caused by a shotgun. Evidence showed that Corcoran likely murdered his parents with a 12-gauge shotgun. He allegedly believed they were too strict with him, had sold a car he thought would belong to him, burned his music tapes, and made him go to church. The timing of the discovery of his parents’ bodies was an hour after Corcoran boarded the school bus to school. His friends had testified that Corcoran had offered them $200 and a shotgun to kill his parents, and their conversations revolved around killing people and animals. However, the evidence against Corcoran was circumstantial and no direct evidence was found to prove Corcoran guilty of the double murder. 

On July 26, 1997, five years after allegedly killing his parents, Joseph Corcoran committed the quadruple murder of his brother and three other men.

Corcoran was inside his house in with his 30-year-old brother James Corcoran. They shared the house with their sister Kelly Nieto and her 32-year-old fiancé Robert Scott Turner. Friends 30-year-old Timothy G. Bricker and 30-year-old Douglas A. Stillwell were also inside the house that day. Corcoran’s sister was absent from home and at a nearby store at that time.

According to court and media sources, James, his friends, and Turner were together in the living room, watching television and eating pizza. Corcoran, who was upstairs on the second floor, purportedly overheard the four men talking about him in the living room. Prosecutors claim Corcoran overheard those in the living room talking about his alleged involvement in the murder of his parents. Enraged at this, Corcoran confronted the men with a gun. Before he did so, Corcoran took his seven-year-old niece into an upstairs bedroom to protect her from the gunfire and then loaded a semi-automatic rifle and moved to the living room with the weapon. Corcoran shot his brother, Turner, and Bricker. Stillwell was able to evade the initial onslaught and attempted to escape, but Corcoran shot and killed Stillwell before he could leave the house.

After murdering the four men, Corcoran stepped out of the house and asked a neighbour to call the police. When the police arrived, they found the bodies of the four men, and found Corcoran’s niece unharmed inside her bedroom. Authorities also discovered about 20 to 30 weapons inside the attic of Corcoran’s house. 

When Corcoran’s sister received word of the murders, she told the press that the truth of Corcoran murdering her other brother and fiancé made her completely view the murders of her parents in a different light. She was now certain that Corcoran was guilty of their parents’ murders in 1992. Previously, she and James defended him fiercely in court. Corcoran’s sister stated that she cried over the case and blamed Corcoran for ruining her life with the loss of their parents and James. 

Unsurprisingly, the then 22-year-old Joseph Corcoran was arraigned in court on four counts of murder, one for each of his victims. On May 22, 1999, Corcoran was found guilty of murder on all four counts. The jury returned with their verdict two days later, unanimously recommending Corcoran receive four death sentences for all the four killings. 

After being sentenced in 1999, Joseph Corcoran spent more than two decades on death row at Indiana State Prison.  

Early on the morning of December 18, 2024, Corcoran was executed by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison. He was pronounced dead at 12:44 am, eight minutes after he received a single dose of pentobarbital. No media attendees were permitted, although Corcoran chose a reporter with the Indiana Capital Chronicle as one of his witnesses.

Corcoran reportedly requested ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s for his last meal, without specifying a particular flavour. Corcoran was granted a final meeting with his family, including his wife Tahina, whom he married while in prison. Corcoran’s last words were “Not really. Let’s get this over with.” 

Corcoran was the first condemned inmate to be executed in Indiana after a 15-year moratorium on executions since 2009. Corcoran was the 24th death row prisoner to have his death sentence carried out in the U.S. in 2024.

Last Week’s Birthdays

Ralph Fiennes (62), Vanessa Paradis (52), Samuel L. Jackson (76), Kiefer Sutherland (58), Jane Fonda (87), Jenny Agutter (72), Jonah Hill (41), Jake Gyllenhaal (44), Kristy Swanson (55), Alyssa Milano (52), Jennifer Beals (61), Richard Hammond (55), Emily Atack (35), Christina Aguilera (44), Steve Austin (60), Sia (49), Keith Richards (81), Brad Pitt (61), Steven Spielberg (78), Katheryn Winnick (47), Milla Jovovich (49), Bill Pullman (71), Laurie Holden (55), Eugene Levy (78), Ernie Hudson (79), Miranda Otto (57), and Krysten Ritter (43).