Nicholas Brendon Dies At 54

Actor Nicholas Brendon at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan, October 2, 2010. Photo by Luigi Novi.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was my favorite television show in the late 1990s. It has been reported by a third actor from the show has passed away. The first was Michelle Trachtenberg and the second was Andy Hallett from the Angel spin-off. Now it has been reported that actor Nicholas Brendon has died.

He reportedly died in his sleep at age 54. He played Xander Harris on the show.

According to Canyon News:

HOLLYWOOD—It was announced on Friday, March 21, that Nicholas Brendon, the star of the hit Warner Bros. series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” died at the age of 54. It was reported that Brendon died of natural causes in his sleep.

The actor appeared on all 7 seasons of the series that ran from 1997 to 2003 alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Allyson Hanigan, Charisma Carpenter and Anthony Stewart Head.

Brendon had experienced a series of legal trouble in recent years. In 2017, he was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend. In August 2021, he was arrested for allegedly obtaining prescription drugs by fraud in Indiana after he was driving erratically. He provided authorities with California ID that had the name Kelton Schultz, TMZ reported.

To read more, go here.

Chuck Norris, R.I.P.

 

XNGH Tom Bent, R.I.P.

Way back in 1984, I started going to events (clamp-outs, etc.) with the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus for Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

There, I met a number of Clampers, including Tom Bent, one of the Greybeards (and, later, Humbug) of the chapter.

Above, the Godzilla plaque dedication. Tom Bent is at front
in the tan slacks holding a paper. Photo by Jean Carbajal.

The Grim Reaper has struck the chapter again as Tom Bent has passed away. This comes on the heels of the passing of XNGH Abe Hoffman in January. 

Bent was one the chapter could always count on for getting things done for clamp-outs and other events such as the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena. He will be sadly missed. 

My condolences to his family and friends. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed

Iran's regime supreme leader Ayatollah has been reported killed in an Israeli air strike.

According to Reuters (via AOL):

Feb 28 (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who turned the country into a powerful anti-U.S. force and extended its military influence across the Middle East while crushing repeated ‌domestic unrest, was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes, a senior Israeli official told Reuters on ‌Saturday.

There was no immediate Iranian confirmation of his fate.

The United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting ​its top leaders and plunging the Middle East into a conflict that President Donald Trump said would end a security threat to the U.S. and give Iranians a chance to topple their rulers.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Marks 5th Anniversary of Rush Limbaugh's Death

Above, Rush Limbaugh awarded the Medal of Freedom by Melania Trump in 2020.

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the passing of legendary talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

These five years flew by fast. For many out in radioland, Limbaugh's passing was a life-changer as they began their days listening to his radio show. 

President Trump lauded Limbaugh yesterday in a video.

Mediaite posted:

President Donald Trump commemorated the five-year anniversary of the death of conservative radio giant Rush Limbaugh on Tuesday with a video message mourning the loss of “a really great man.”

Trump spoke directly to camera in the video, which was filmed with Trump seated at his desk in the Oval Office and posted to Truth Social. The president praised Limbaugh, who died of cancer in 2021, as “somebody that loved our country.”

“Well, this is the fifth anniversary of the loss of a really great man, a great conservative, somebody that loved our country, loved his family, loved a lot of things, but he was a friend of mine, Rush Limbaugh,” said Trump.

To read more, go here. 

Aging Often Means Losing Those Around Us

Above, yours truly at a 2021 clamp-out with Glenn Thornhill (left) and Gary Julian
(right) in Quartzsite, Arizona. Fortunately both are still reasonably in good health.

The one unfortunate part of aging is that we see people we have known for years fall by the wayside. 

Abe Hoffman, who passed away last week from a sudden onset of leukemia, I knew since the mid-1980s. We camped together through 40 years of E Clampus Vitus clamp-outs. 

While talking with another longtime friend, Glenn Thornhill, about Abe's passing yesterday, he informed me that one of the guys we've hung out with since college, Mike Collins, passed away a few months ago. This was the first I heard of his passing. He was an avid model railroad buff. 

Psychology Today posted an article on aging which often means losing those around us. While many of us age "gracefully", some people we have known since the days of our youth aren't so lucky. This is something that is expected as we get older. Several people I've known for decades have passed. 

The article begins with:

When Nora Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, wrote about her passing in The New York Times, he said,

“The thing is, you can’t really turn a fatal illness into a joke. It is almost the only disclosure that turns you into the victim rather than the hero of your story.”

He goes on to say that for his mom, tragedy was a pit of clichés that filled her books. While I normally try to take a light approach to topics I cover here in (R)Aging with Grace, this is one where it feels disingenuous to go there, as I am now in my 70s. My third trimester of life has so far been without incident, but all those routine tests and doctor appointments have me breathing a sigh of relief each time I get a “full speed ahead.”

We can look at aging in two ways: 1. Aging sucks, 2. Aging is a privilege. A paradox of living is that striving to age healthfully can lead to increased longevity, meaning you'll have more experiences with death the older you get. As we age, so do the people around us. This is just as much a part of the “aging is a privilege” perspective as any of the rest of it.

Living longer has both joys and consequences. We will lose friends and loved ones to accidents, illnesses, and, as we reach our later years, old age—though we desperately want to know the “whys” of old age losses, seeking answers on how to avoid them.

 To read the full article, go here.

Abe Hoffman, R.I.P.

Above, XNGH Abe Hoffman.

E Clampus Vitus has lost a great member.

XNGH* Abe Hoffman of Platrix Chapter No. 2 has passed away or, as the Order states, "Gone To The Golden Hills". This was announced by Glenn Thornhill. 

Abe was 87.

He wrote: 

It is with great sadness that I must report that Platrix XNGH Abe Hoffman has gone to the Golden Hills. Slippery Gulch shall miss his hail…

He was Humbug of Platrix back when we erected the Godzilla, King of the Monsters! plaque at Frank Del Olmo Elementary School (originally known as Belmont Elementary School) in Los Angeles. He was a retired high school teacher. He authored several books on western U.S. history.

I first met Abe back in 1984 just after joining ECV. We (Abe, Glenn Thornhill and I) always camped together at Platrix clamp-outs along with clamp-outs held by other chapters. He had a great sense of humor and always kept us laughing. 

My late mom found Abe entertaining when we all sat together at the Glenn Thornhill's wedding reception. 

At one of the last Platrix clamp-outs I attended before moving to New Mexico (2017, to be exact), Abe was struggling a little with his tent. I decided to invite him to stay in my RV with Glenn and I. He was very grateful for this gesture. 

Above, Abe and Glenn in my motorhome in 2017 at Tehachapi Loop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

XNGH Gary Julian posted: 

Oh no. Abe and I camped together for so many years. I loved talking with him about the books he wrote on early California and the water wars. I have lost count of all the dinners we had together.

Bless you Abe. See you soon my Brother.

I will always have fond memories of Abe. He will be missed. My condolences to Abe family and friends.  

*Ex Noble Grand Humbug

Michael Reagan Dies At 80

Above, Michael Reagan and Armand circa 1978.

Sad news has been announced.

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, died at age 80. He died on Sunday, but the news of his passing was released today.

According to ABC News:

Michael Reagan died following a battle with cancer, according to Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young America's Foundation and director of the Reagan Ranch.

I met Michael Reagan back around 1978. He later introduced me to his father that year at the opening of Citizens For The Republic headquarters, President Reagan's political action committee. 

My condolences to the Reagan family.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation posted:

Statement by Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on the Death of Michael Reagan

Simi Valley, California – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute mourns the passing of Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, and a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy. 

Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals. A successful author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and sought-after public speaker, Michael used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency. Yet beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was, above all, a devoted son and a deeply loyal friend to the Reagan Foundation and Institute. 

For decades, Michael remained closely connected to the Reagan Library, faithfully attending each February 6th birthday celebration honoring President Reagan. He was a familiar and beloved presence at Foundation events, welcoming friends, family, and visitors alike. Whether escorting guests through the Library, engaging in heartfelt conversations in the Museum Store, or lingering long after events had concluded, Michael never measured his time—only the meaning of each interaction. He took genuine joy in speaking with visitors who shared their admiration for his father, ensuring that every person felt seen, heard, and connected to President Reagan’s enduring story. 

President Reagan reflected on his son in An American Life, writing of Michael, “When I read his book, I had even more of a fatherly pride in Mike than I had had before…. he was happy and at peace with himself.” Those words speak not only to a father’s pride, but to the quiet strength and authenticity with which Michael lived his life. 

Michael Reagan’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him and to the millions who valued his dedication to preserving President Reagan’s legacy. His presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls. 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute extends its heartfelt condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of sorrow. 

Brigitte Bardot and Guns

Above, Bardot with a Winchester 94 in Viva Maria! (1965).

Brigitte Bardot had an interesting and varied life. She went from sexpot to an advocate of animal rights. 

During her movie career, she used varied guns in her movies, from pistols to rifles. Interestingly, in one of her movies, Shalako (1968) she used a Single Action Army revolver. Shalako is most noted as a western starring Sean Connery.

In Gun Culture (laststandonzombieland), several photos of Bardot with weaponry are shown. 

They start off their post with:

With the passing of the late, great Brigitte Bardot (1934-2025), who held spicy takes about various religions and was a champion of animal rights, it is perhaps fitting to note her work in steel over the decades, particularly in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

To read and see more, go here. 

Lou Cannon Dies At 92

Above, President Reagan with Lou Cannon and his wife, Mary Cannon, in 1985. 

It has been reported that journalist and Ronald Reagan biographer Lou Cannon has passed away.

He reportedly died yesterday at a hospice facility in Santa Barbara, California due to a stroke. He was 92.

I have an autographed book by Cannon that I bought some years ago at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Here is the cover:

Here is the autograph: 

Passages

For some odd reason, we seem to get an uptick in celebrity deaths during the month of December. This year is no exception.

There are two notable passings that should be mentioned.

Above, Gil Gerard.

First is Buck Rogers himself, Gil Gerard, who starred in the 1979-81 television series, Buck Rogers In The 25th Century. He passed away from cancer on December 16 at 82.

Above, Bob Burns.

Bob Burns, actor, but is better known as a big collector of movie props, consultant, producer, archivist and movie historian, costumes, and other paraphernalia from science fiction, fantasy, and horror motion pictures. He passed away at age 90 on December 16.

Rob Reiner

While I was no fan of Rob Reiner, his and his wife's deaths is a terrible way to go.

Some news sources say that his son may have committed the killings. Apparently, he had substance abuse problems.

It will be interesting to see what the investigation turns up.

Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, R.I.P.

Above, Salvatore Chioda at Sammy C's.

The following news certainly came as a shock yesterday.

Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, known to Gallup and western New Mexico residents as "Sammy C", has passed away.

He was the owner of Sammy C's, a restaurant and sports bar in Gallup, and an announcer of KYAT-FM (broadcasting out of Gallup and Window Rock, Arizona). 

His wife Marie posted the following on Facebook:

It is with my deepest sadness that I have to post the passing of my amazing husband, Salvatore “Sammy C” Chioda. He was the most outstanding husband, father, friend, and pillar of our community. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers at this time. At this time, we ask that all please respect the privacy of our family while we mourn this tremendous loss. Thank you.

I met him several years ago and last chatted with him at Sammy C's just before it closed. He was a nice guy and had a great voice that will be missed on KYAT-FM. 

My condolences to Sammy's family and friends. 

UPDATE: 

A friend of Chioda's said that he died of pancreatic cancer.

Russell Azbill, R.I.P.

Above, Russell and I at Jerry's Cafe in Gallup last year.

Our Jamestown, New Mexico group received some sad news yesterday. One of our friends, Russell Azbill, was found deceased near his home's front porch. He either died yesterday morning or yesterday night.

He may have been heading to his main outer gate to retrieve a package when stricken and was turning back to go back into the house when he fell. 

Another friend, who was to take him to a doctor appointment was trying to reach him by phone. He went to Russell's home where he found his body on the ground just inside an inner gate at the house. 

Above, Russell and the Jamestown group at Grandpa's Grill September 6.

We last saw Russell on Tuesday at our regular coffee gathering at Denny's at the Flying J. He was in good spirits and said he was feeling pretty good. He had several medical issues and had a heart attack a few months ago, which he seemed to have recovered from. 

Russell was a writer, a racecar enthusiast and interested in UFOs, Bigfoot and other paranormal topics. He and I regularly swapped UFO and Bigfoot stories on Messenger. He last sent me a text on Messenger October 6 on Funny Car Acronyms. He has one published book, Darkest Hour. He was working on another book at the time of his death.

He is survived by two brothers and his dogs, Watson and Derek. He will be missed.

Claudia Cardinale Dies At 87

Above, John Wayne and Claudia Cardinale in Circus World.

Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has died at the age of 87.

According to the BBC:

Claudia Cardinale, the Tunisian-born Italian star of The Leopard, 8 1/2 and Pink Panther, has died at the age of 87.

She had a six-decade long career, rising to fame during the golden age of Italian cinema, and was directed by greats such as Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.

The actress died at Nemours in France in the company of her children, according to her agent Laurent Savry.

"She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste," Savry told AFP news agency.

Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents in April 1938, Cardinale won a beauty contest at 16 that saw her declared "the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis". 

Last year, I visited the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa and picked up a DVD copy of Circus World (1964) starring Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale. 

To read more, go here.

Tenth Anniversary of Jack Larson's Passing

Above, the Superman Plaque Dedication in August 2014
in Tarzana as covered by the Los Angeles Daily News.

Jim Nolt of The Adventures Continue posted on Facebook that it was ten years ago today that Jack Larson, who immortalized the character of Jimmy Olsen on the Adventures of Superman, passed away.

He died at his home in Brentwood, California.

A memorial service was held at UCLA a few months later at the James Bridges Theater, which I attended. Afterwards, several of us went over to the Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank, within walking distance of Warner Bros. Studios. 

Above, the memorial booklet.

It is hard to believe that ten years has passed.  

Robert Redford Dies At 89

This is a big one.

I think the only Robert Redford movie I have is All The President's Men from 1976. My favorite movie of his is The Sting (1973).

BREAKING: Hollywood legend Robert Redford has died at age 89. pic.twitter.com/x1uMd7nror

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2025

RV Travel: 7 Ways To Accidentally Die In Your RV

Hardly a week goes by that a news report about someone getting killed in an RV, either in a motorhome or a towable, is posted online or in the news.

RV Travel in today's Newsletter spells out seven ways to accidentally die in an RV.

They start with:

We all know it can be a dangerous world out there and we know that driving or towing an RV can be fraught with mortal accidents. This isn’t about the driving hazards of low bridges, wrong turns, road construction, tire blowouts or errant drivers. There are other ways to accidentally die in an RV. Here they are.

To read further, go here. 

Erika Kirk At Charlie's Casket

 The Donald Trump For President Facebook page posted this:

Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, shared a heartbreaking image at his coffin as she delivered her first public remarks since his assassination.

 

Ed Faulkner, Longtime John Wayne Co-Star, Dies At 93

Above, Ed Faulkner in Chisum (1970).

The name Ed Faulkner may not conjure up any recollections, but his face is quite familiar to fans of John Wayne and Elvis Presley movies.

The  Daily Beast reported:

Actor Edward Faulkner, who appeared in six films with John Wayne and two with Elvis Presley, has died at 93 of natural causes. Faulkner died Aug. 26 at a health care facility in Vista, California, his daughter Leslie Wadsworth revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. The McLintock!, Rio Lobo, and The Green Berets actor had a long-standing chess rivalry with Wayne. “I occasionally let him win,” Faulkner said, who once kept a plane idled to keep from interrupting a match between the actor and Wayne. Faulkner, a 6′3″ Kentucky native, saddled up on horses in multiple TV westerns, but his debut on the silver screen came in the form of an uncredited role on the 1960 film G.I. Blues, starring Elvis Presley.

Faulkner also appeared in The Undefeated, Chisum and Hellfighters with Wayne.

To read more, go here.