Hollywood star (92) and soul singer (89) pass away, leaving fans heartbroken
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The entertainment world is no stranger to heartbreak, but the loss of two icons in a single week has left fans and colleagues reeling.
What began as a routine announcement quickly unfolded into a sombre moment of reflection on lives that shaped the industries of film and music.
What follows is a tribute to their enduring legacies and the impact they left behind.
Bill Byrge, best remembered for his role in the Ernest movies, passed away at 92.
His cousin, Sharon Chapman, shared the heartbreaking news on social media last Thursday.
‘My cousin, Bill Byrge, passed away in the Nashville area today at 12pm. He was a beautiful soul who made people laugh without even trying,’ she wrote.
‘He was the “Bobby” character in several Ernest movies with Jim Varney. I always teased him of being a “star” in our family,’ Chapman added.
‘He deserved it as raised poor, but his momma taught him love, respect, and faith which he showed to everyone,’ she concluded. ‘Heaven gained a sweet soul today. Love you, Billy. See you soon!’
Chapman did not disclose the cause of death.
Byrge became famous for his role as Bobby in the Ernest series, a beloved children’s franchise from the 1980s.
The series included eight spin-off films, such as Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Goes to School, and Ernest Saves Christmas, as well as the TV show Hey Vern, It’s Ernest.
According to Chapman, Byrge was discovered while walking along a sidewalk, which led to his casting in Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam in 1985.
This role eventually landed him in the Ernest franchise alongside Jim Varney, who played Ernest, a well-meaning handyman with a knack for getting into trouble.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Byrge worked as a librarian at the Metro Nashville Public Library before transitioning to full-time acting in the 1990s.
During a 2021 interview with John Ward on the Appalachian Channel, Byrge showcased his extensive collection of books about film stars.
Ward described him as ‘a little man from nowhere who has lived a big life.’
After Jim Varney’s passing in 2000 from lung cancer at just 50 years old, Byrge returned to work at the library, according to Chapman.
Chapman remembered him as a kind-hearted and religious man who treated everyone with respect.
On the other hand, Sam Moore, one-half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam and Dave, has died at the age of 89.
His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore passed away on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications during his recovery from surgery.
Moore, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Dave Prater in 1992, was a major influence on artists like Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen.
The duo’s most memorable hits, including Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’, were produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and backed by the Stax house band, Booker T & the MGs.
Guitarist Steve Cropper, part of that band, received one of music’s most famous shout-outs when Sam and Dave called out ‘Play it, Steve’ during Soul Man.
Although Sam and Dave saw their popularity decline after the 1960s, Soul Man made a comeback in the late 1970s when the Blues Brothers recorded their version with many of the original musicians.
Moore had mixed feelings about the renewed fame, as younger audiences mistakenly believed the hit originated with the Saturday Night Live stars.
In 2008, the movie Soul Men depicted estranged ageing singers who bore a strong resemblance to Sam and Dave.
Moore unsuccessfully sued over the similarity, claiming it was too close to their real-life story.
Years earlier, he had also sued Dave Prater after Prater began touring with a replacement under the name The New Sam and Dave.
Prater died in a car crash in Georgia in 1988, but Moore continued to pursue legal battles over his career.
In 1993, Moore joined other artists in suing record companies and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, alleging they were cheated out of retirement benefits.
Moore revealed in 1994 that despite his million-selling records, his pension totalled just $2,285.
‘Two thousand dollars for my lifetime?’ he said.
‘If you’re making a profit off of me, give me some too. Don’t give me cornbread and tell me it’s biscuits.’
In 1996, Moore wrote Dole Man, a campaign song inspired by Soul Man, for Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole.
In 2017, he performed at President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities, making him one of the few entertainers at the event.
Earlier, in 2008, Moore objected to Barack Obama’s campaign using Hold On, I’m Comin’ without his consent.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his career singing in church.
He and Dave Prater met in 1961 in Miami, where they quickly gained attention as a local duo.
They signed with Atlantic Records in 1965, where producer Jerry Wexler sent them to the Stax subsidiary in Memphis.
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter, Michell, and two grandchildren.
RIP messages poured in, including one from Stevie Van Zandt, who said: ‘Sam Moore and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important, righteous, wonderful man.’
As we reflect on the remarkable lives of Bill Byrge and Sam Moore, it’s clear their contributions to film and music have left an indelible mark on the world.
Rest in peace, Bill and Sam.
What began as a routine announcement quickly unfolded into a sombre moment of reflection on lives that shaped the industries of film and music.
What follows is a tribute to their enduring legacies and the impact they left behind.
Bill Byrge, best remembered for his role in the Ernest movies, passed away at 92.
His cousin, Sharon Chapman, shared the heartbreaking news on social media last Thursday.
‘My cousin, Bill Byrge, passed away in the Nashville area today at 12pm. He was a beautiful soul who made people laugh without even trying,’ she wrote.
‘He was the “Bobby” character in several Ernest movies with Jim Varney. I always teased him of being a “star” in our family,’ Chapman added.
‘He deserved it as raised poor, but his momma taught him love, respect, and faith which he showed to everyone,’ she concluded. ‘Heaven gained a sweet soul today. Love you, Billy. See you soon!’
Chapman did not disclose the cause of death.
Byrge became famous for his role as Bobby in the Ernest series, a beloved children’s franchise from the 1980s.
The series included eight spin-off films, such as Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Goes to School, and Ernest Saves Christmas, as well as the TV show Hey Vern, It’s Ernest.
According to Chapman, Byrge was discovered while walking along a sidewalk, which led to his casting in Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam in 1985.
This role eventually landed him in the Ernest franchise alongside Jim Varney, who played Ernest, a well-meaning handyman with a knack for getting into trouble.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Byrge worked as a librarian at the Metro Nashville Public Library before transitioning to full-time acting in the 1990s.
During a 2021 interview with John Ward on the Appalachian Channel, Byrge showcased his extensive collection of books about film stars.
Ward described him as ‘a little man from nowhere who has lived a big life.’
After Jim Varney’s passing in 2000 from lung cancer at just 50 years old, Byrge returned to work at the library, according to Chapman.
Chapman remembered him as a kind-hearted and religious man who treated everyone with respect.
On the other hand, Sam Moore, one-half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam and Dave, has died at the age of 89.
His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore passed away on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications during his recovery from surgery.
Moore, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Dave Prater in 1992, was a major influence on artists like Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen.
The duo’s most memorable hits, including Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’, were produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and backed by the Stax house band, Booker T & the MGs.
Guitarist Steve Cropper, part of that band, received one of music’s most famous shout-outs when Sam and Dave called out ‘Play it, Steve’ during Soul Man.
Although Sam and Dave saw their popularity decline after the 1960s, Soul Man made a comeback in the late 1970s when the Blues Brothers recorded their version with many of the original musicians.
Moore had mixed feelings about the renewed fame, as younger audiences mistakenly believed the hit originated with the Saturday Night Live stars.
In 2008, the movie Soul Men depicted estranged ageing singers who bore a strong resemblance to Sam and Dave.
Moore unsuccessfully sued over the similarity, claiming it was too close to their real-life story.
Years earlier, he had also sued Dave Prater after Prater began touring with a replacement under the name The New Sam and Dave.
Prater died in a car crash in Georgia in 1988, but Moore continued to pursue legal battles over his career.
In 1993, Moore joined other artists in suing record companies and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, alleging they were cheated out of retirement benefits.
Moore revealed in 1994 that despite his million-selling records, his pension totalled just $2,285.
‘Two thousand dollars for my lifetime?’ he said.
‘If you’re making a profit off of me, give me some too. Don’t give me cornbread and tell me it’s biscuits.’
In 1996, Moore wrote Dole Man, a campaign song inspired by Soul Man, for Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole.
In 2017, he performed at President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities, making him one of the few entertainers at the event.
Earlier, in 2008, Moore objected to Barack Obama’s campaign using Hold On, I’m Comin’ without his consent.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his career singing in church.
He and Dave Prater met in 1961 in Miami, where they quickly gained attention as a local duo.
They signed with Atlantic Records in 1965, where producer Jerry Wexler sent them to the Stax subsidiary in Memphis.
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter, Michell, and two grandchildren.
RIP messages poured in, including one from Stevie Van Zandt, who said: ‘Sam Moore and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important, righteous, wonderful man.’
As we reflect on the remarkable lives of Bill Byrge and Sam Moore, it’s clear their contributions to film and music have left an indelible mark on the world.
Rest in peace, Bill and Sam.
