Sad news in entertainment: Hollywood actor Robert Swan and The Band guitarist Robbie Robertson pass away
- Replies 13
It's a sad and worrying day for us here at the Seniors Discount Club, as we've just heard two figures of the entertainment world have been taken too soon.
Robert Swan, a respected character actor renowned for his roles in movies like Hoosiers, The Untouchables, and Natural Born Killers, passed away at age 78.
His death follows a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by a close friend through a heartfelt Facebook post. The friend said Swan peacefully passed away in his sleep at home on Wednesday morning.
Swan had been actively involved in pitching his screenplay titled The Saint and the Scoundrel. This screenplay delves into the life story of Samuel Johnson, an English lexicographer who not only struggled with Tourette syndrome but also went on to publish the monumental A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755.
A special event commemorating Swan's life, including a reading of his screenplay, is in the works and will be announced later.
Credit: Movieclips.
Born in Chicago on October 10, 1944, Swan kick-started his cinematic journey with a role in the 1980 sci-fi romance Somewhere in Time, starring alongside Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
However, his appearances in a series of sports-themed films truly solidified his reputation. Notably, in Hoosiers, he portrayed a supportive father to two budding basketball players and warmly welcomed Gene Hackman's character Norman Dale, the coach with a chequered history.
Swan continued his streak with roles in the baseball icon Babe Ruth biopic The Babe alongside John Goodman and later teamed up again with his Hoosiers director, David Anspaugh, for Rudy, another sports-focused biographical film centred around the life of Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger.
Beyond these milestones, Swan's acting prowess was showcased in iconic works like Brian De Palma's The Untouchables and Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers.
His television contributions included sharing the screen with Jane Fonda in the 1984 ABC telefilm The Dollmaker and appearing in shows like All My Children, Backdraft, The Twilight Zone, Missing Persons, and more.
In addition to his acting career, Swan was the driving force behind the establishment of the Harbor Country Opera, an opera house dedicated to the memory of Larry Frankle and Quincy White.
Swan's vocal talents were also recognised through his involvement in commercials for prominent brands such as United Airlines, Busch and Schlitz beer, Nine Lives cat food, and the Beef Industry Council.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his brothers, David and Charles; sister-in-law Elizabeth; nephews, Christopher, Bryan, and Daniel; and his cherished dogs, Baci and Chico.
With a heavy heart, we also announce the passing of the renowned guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson.
He was a key member of The Band, contributing as the lead guitarist and songwriter. Robbie Robertson passed away at the age of 80 after battling a long illness. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, as confirmed by a statement from his manager.
The influence of The Band on popular music during the 1960s and 1970s was profound. They initially gained recognition as Bob Dylan's skilled backing group and later rose to stardom by embodying a sense of traditional community and musical virtuosity.
The Band was pivotal in amplifying Bob Dylan's transition from a folk artist to a rock star. Subsequently, they absorbed the artistic works of Dylan and his influences, culminating in a new and distinctly American musical style.
Hailing from Canada, Robbie Robertson found inspiration in his adopted homeland's diverse sounds and landscapes. His songwriting was fueled by a sense of wonder and exploration, particularly when the Vietnam War caused widespread youth disillusionment.
Originally known as the Hawks, the group eventually adopted the name The Band—a title that seemed fitting, given how people referred to them as such while performing alongside Dylan.
Their initial two albums most prominently define The Band's legacy: Music from Big Pink and The Band, both released in the late 1960s. Their appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival, close to their home base, brought them significant attention and even graced the cover of Time magazine.
Credit: mptrbo27.
However, the creative spirit that fueled their finest work began to wane as time passed. Albums like Stage Fright and Cahoots were met with disappointment, even from Robertson himself, who openly acknowledged struggling to generate fresh and innovative ideas.
The Band's musical contributions were recognised when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Robertson was married to Canadian journalist Dominique Bourgeois in 1967, and the couple had three children before eventually parting ways in divorce.
Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Robert Swan and Robbie Robertson. May their memories remain with us forever.
Robert Swan, a respected character actor renowned for his roles in movies like Hoosiers, The Untouchables, and Natural Born Killers, passed away at age 78.
His death follows a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by a close friend through a heartfelt Facebook post. The friend said Swan peacefully passed away in his sleep at home on Wednesday morning.
Swan had been actively involved in pitching his screenplay titled The Saint and the Scoundrel. This screenplay delves into the life story of Samuel Johnson, an English lexicographer who not only struggled with Tourette syndrome but also went on to publish the monumental A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755.
A special event commemorating Swan's life, including a reading of his screenplay, is in the works and will be announced later.
Credit: Movieclips.
Born in Chicago on October 10, 1944, Swan kick-started his cinematic journey with a role in the 1980 sci-fi romance Somewhere in Time, starring alongside Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
However, his appearances in a series of sports-themed films truly solidified his reputation. Notably, in Hoosiers, he portrayed a supportive father to two budding basketball players and warmly welcomed Gene Hackman's character Norman Dale, the coach with a chequered history.
Swan continued his streak with roles in the baseball icon Babe Ruth biopic The Babe alongside John Goodman and later teamed up again with his Hoosiers director, David Anspaugh, for Rudy, another sports-focused biographical film centred around the life of Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger.
Beyond these milestones, Swan's acting prowess was showcased in iconic works like Brian De Palma's The Untouchables and Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers.
His television contributions included sharing the screen with Jane Fonda in the 1984 ABC telefilm The Dollmaker and appearing in shows like All My Children, Backdraft, The Twilight Zone, Missing Persons, and more.
In addition to his acting career, Swan was the driving force behind the establishment of the Harbor Country Opera, an opera house dedicated to the memory of Larry Frankle and Quincy White.
Swan's vocal talents were also recognised through his involvement in commercials for prominent brands such as United Airlines, Busch and Schlitz beer, Nine Lives cat food, and the Beef Industry Council.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his brothers, David and Charles; sister-in-law Elizabeth; nephews, Christopher, Bryan, and Daniel; and his cherished dogs, Baci and Chico.
The entertainment world was left reeling after the sudden passing of Robert Swan and Robbie Robertson. Credit: Facebook/Betty Hoeffner, Facebook/Robbie Robertson.
With a heavy heart, we also announce the passing of the renowned guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson.
He was a key member of The Band, contributing as the lead guitarist and songwriter. Robbie Robertson passed away at the age of 80 after battling a long illness. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, as confirmed by a statement from his manager.
The influence of The Band on popular music during the 1960s and 1970s was profound. They initially gained recognition as Bob Dylan's skilled backing group and later rose to stardom by embodying a sense of traditional community and musical virtuosity.
The Band was pivotal in amplifying Bob Dylan's transition from a folk artist to a rock star. Subsequently, they absorbed the artistic works of Dylan and his influences, culminating in a new and distinctly American musical style.
Hailing from Canada, Robbie Robertson found inspiration in his adopted homeland's diverse sounds and landscapes. His songwriting was fueled by a sense of wonder and exploration, particularly when the Vietnam War caused widespread youth disillusionment.
Originally known as the Hawks, the group eventually adopted the name The Band—a title that seemed fitting, given how people referred to them as such while performing alongside Dylan.
Their initial two albums most prominently define The Band's legacy: Music from Big Pink and The Band, both released in the late 1960s. Their appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival, close to their home base, brought them significant attention and even graced the cover of Time magazine.
Credit: mptrbo27.
However, the creative spirit that fueled their finest work began to wane as time passed. Albums like Stage Fright and Cahoots were met with disappointment, even from Robertson himself, who openly acknowledged struggling to generate fresh and innovative ideas.
The Band's musical contributions were recognised when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Robertson was married to Canadian journalist Dominique Bourgeois in 1967, and the couple had three children before eventually parting ways in divorce.
Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Robert Swan and Robbie Robertson. May their memories remain with us forever.
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