Tributes pour for famous music director (74) and General Hospital star (79)
- Replies 2
The entertainment industry recently lost two long-standing figures in their own right.
One built the Aussie music scene with Triple J, and the other brought comfort to her fans with her strong persona.
The Australian music scene lost one of its most influential figures.
Arnold Frolows, the long-time music director of Triple J, has passed away at 74—days before his 75th birthday.
Prior to his passing, Frolows was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.
Arnold Frolows was a pioneer who helped shape the sound of a generation.
Before jump-starting his career in the music industry, Frolows was a humble flower delivery man.
His story was a testament to his passion for music and his indelible impact on the industry.
Frolows's early involvement helped establish 2JJ's sound, which was a significant factor in the station's early success.
His then-colleague Stuart Matchett recollected how Frolows was one of the station's very first employees.
Frolows also played a crucial role in acquiring vinyl records for the station's original music library.
In the mid-1970s, Frolows received an interview offer for ABC's brand-new youth radio station, 2JJ.
He began as a research assistant at the ABC's Contemporary Radio Unit in November 1974, quickly moving up to become a presenter and producer for 2JJ in July 1975.
However, Frolows had to fly out of Australia to pursue music industry roles overseas.
In 1981, Frolows returned to work again in the station, now known as Triple J.
He became a familiar voice to listeners as he presented and produced various programs for the station.
Frolows ran a Sunday night program called Ambience, which introduced audiences to a new realm of ambient, downbeat music.
Frolows officially became Triple J's music director in 1993 and influenced the musical direction of Australian radio in the process.
He meticulously constructed the Triple J playlist, blending new and familiar sounds, a variety of genres, and a mix of male and female vocals—all while keeping it interesting for listeners.
Yet, Frolows also saw several challenges during his tenure at Triple J.
Before his departure in 2003, there were discussions about his age and its relevance to his role as a music director.
However, Frolows never saw his age as a barrier.
'If you're still interested and your ears are still excited, it doesn't matter how old you are,' he shared in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, highlighting his love for music.
Arnold Frolows' legacy continued at ABC even after leaving Triple J, where he played a pivotal role in the digital radio expansion.
Alongside Matchett, he set up Dig Radio, which later became Double J.
He was also instrumental in establishing ABC Jazz and ABC Country, further diversifying ABC's musical offerings.
Arnold Frolows's contribution to the music industry was not just about playlists and radio programs; it was about creating a space where music could thrive and reach a wider audience.
On the other side of the globe, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of Leslie Charleson, a staple in the long-running soap opera General Hospital.
The Kansas City, Missouri-born actress passed away at 79 and left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of many.
General Hospital's official social media pages announced the long-standing actress' passing.
The news, accompanied by a photo of Charleson, contained a touching tribute from the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini.
'It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,' Valentini wrote.
'Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.'
According to other sources, Leslie Charleson passed away last Sunday, 12 January, after 'a long illness'.
Sources also noted that she had suffered several falls, which had impacted her mobility.
Shortly before her passing, she was hospitalised due to a fall.
Charleson's passing saddened fans and colleagues alike, many of whom took to social media to share their memories of the actress.
'Monica Quartmaine was such a strong female character back when strong female characters were not the norm,' a fan wrote.
'Leslie Charleson brought Monica Quartmaine to life! A great actress, and I feel like a family member is gone,' another read.
'A legend, she will be missed sorely,' a third added.
Leslie Charleson portrayed Dr Monica Quartermaine, a cardiologist and a mainstay in General Hospital.
She took over the role after Patsy Rahn and first appeared as Monica in 1977.
Her compelling acting chops earned her four Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
However, her last appearance on the show was in 2023.
Beyond General Hospital, Charleson's career included roles in General Hospital: Night Shift, an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Dharma & Greg.
She also appeared in the TV movie Woman on the Ledge.
In an interview with FBJ Fit, Charleson reflected on her portrayal of Dr Monica Quartermaine.
Charleson talked about her in-show character's battle with breast cancer, which she described as 'so incredibly fulfilling' and a highlight of her career.
In another interview with Soap Opera Digest, she shared her appreciation for the complex character.
'One of the reasons this character intrigued me was that Monica could have gone anywhere,' Charleson shared.
'As scary as it was, she wasn't pigeonholed, and that's what I've always liked about her. She's a character who you can put in many situations.'
Leslie Charleson's passing was a significant loss to the world of daytime television.
Her contributions and the lives she touched through her work will not be forgotten.
Arnold Frolows and Leslie Charleson's influence will be remembered, as they have touched many generations with their talents and hard work.
May they both rest in peace.
One built the Aussie music scene with Triple J, and the other brought comfort to her fans with her strong persona.
The Australian music scene lost one of its most influential figures.
Arnold Frolows, the long-time music director of Triple J, has passed away at 74—days before his 75th birthday.
Prior to his passing, Frolows was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.
Arnold Frolows was a pioneer who helped shape the sound of a generation.
Arnold Frolows passed away in Sydney's Mona Vale hospice last Sunday. Image Credit: Facebook/Double J
Before jump-starting his career in the music industry, Frolows was a humble flower delivery man.
His story was a testament to his passion for music and his indelible impact on the industry.
Frolows's early involvement helped establish 2JJ's sound, which was a significant factor in the station's early success.
His then-colleague Stuart Matchett recollected how Frolows was one of the station's very first employees.
Frolows also played a crucial role in acquiring vinyl records for the station's original music library.
In the mid-1970s, Frolows received an interview offer for ABC's brand-new youth radio station, 2JJ.
He began as a research assistant at the ABC's Contemporary Radio Unit in November 1974, quickly moving up to become a presenter and producer for 2JJ in July 1975.
However, Frolows had to fly out of Australia to pursue music industry roles overseas.
In 1981, Frolows returned to work again in the station, now known as Triple J.
He became a familiar voice to listeners as he presented and produced various programs for the station.
Frolows ran a Sunday night program called Ambience, which introduced audiences to a new realm of ambient, downbeat music.
Frolows officially became Triple J's music director in 1993 and influenced the musical direction of Australian radio in the process.
He meticulously constructed the Triple J playlist, blending new and familiar sounds, a variety of genres, and a mix of male and female vocals—all while keeping it interesting for listeners.
Yet, Frolows also saw several challenges during his tenure at Triple J.
Before his departure in 2003, there were discussions about his age and its relevance to his role as a music director.
However, Frolows never saw his age as a barrier.
'If you're still interested and your ears are still excited, it doesn't matter how old you are,' he shared in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, highlighting his love for music.
Arnold Frolows' legacy continued at ABC even after leaving Triple J, where he played a pivotal role in the digital radio expansion.
Alongside Matchett, he set up Dig Radio, which later became Double J.
He was also instrumental in establishing ABC Jazz and ABC Country, further diversifying ABC's musical offerings.
Arnold Frolows's contribution to the music industry was not just about playlists and radio programs; it was about creating a space where music could thrive and reach a wider audience.
On the other side of the globe, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of Leslie Charleson, a staple in the long-running soap opera General Hospital.
The Kansas City, Missouri-born actress passed away at 79 and left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of many.
General Hospital's official social media pages announced the long-standing actress' passing.
Leslie Charleson was a part of the General Hospital cast for several decades. Image Credit: Facebook/General Hospital
The news, accompanied by a photo of Charleson, contained a touching tribute from the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini.
'It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,' Valentini wrote.
'Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.'
According to other sources, Leslie Charleson passed away last Sunday, 12 January, after 'a long illness'.
Sources also noted that she had suffered several falls, which had impacted her mobility.
Shortly before her passing, she was hospitalised due to a fall.
Charleson's passing saddened fans and colleagues alike, many of whom took to social media to share their memories of the actress.
'Monica Quartmaine was such a strong female character back when strong female characters were not the norm,' a fan wrote.
'Leslie Charleson brought Monica Quartmaine to life! A great actress, and I feel like a family member is gone,' another read.
'A legend, she will be missed sorely,' a third added.
Leslie Charleson portrayed Dr Monica Quartermaine, a cardiologist and a mainstay in General Hospital.
She took over the role after Patsy Rahn and first appeared as Monica in 1977.
Her compelling acting chops earned her four Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
However, her last appearance on the show was in 2023.
Beyond General Hospital, Charleson's career included roles in General Hospital: Night Shift, an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Dharma & Greg.
She also appeared in the TV movie Woman on the Ledge.
In an interview with FBJ Fit, Charleson reflected on her portrayal of Dr Monica Quartermaine.
Charleson talked about her in-show character's battle with breast cancer, which she described as 'so incredibly fulfilling' and a highlight of her career.
In another interview with Soap Opera Digest, she shared her appreciation for the complex character.
'One of the reasons this character intrigued me was that Monica could have gone anywhere,' Charleson shared.
'As scary as it was, she wasn't pigeonholed, and that's what I've always liked about her. She's a character who you can put in many situations.'
Leslie Charleson's passing was a significant loss to the world of daytime television.
Her contributions and the lives she touched through her work will not be forgotten.
May they both rest in peace.
.png){kind=icon}
