Scott Adams, the creator of the “Dilbert” comic strip, passed away months after revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis, as confirmed by his family. Adams had previously made controversial racist remarks that led to his cartoon being dropped by numerous newspapers. In a recent online appearance, he alluded to his declining health and expressed gratitude to loved ones. The legacy of “Dilbert,” which satirized office life, was overshadowed by the fallout from his public comments and his subsequent embrace of the idea that white people are targeted.
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Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., renowned for his roles in HBO’s *The Wire* and *Veep*, has passed away at the age of 71. Whitlock, who collaborated extensively with director Spike Lee and also appeared in *Goodfellas* and *The Chappelle Show*, died in New York after a brief illness. He was known for his memorable portrayal of a corrupt politician in *The Wire* and his distinctive, memorable catchphrase. Tributes from his manager, Spike Lee, and others have poured in, celebrating his talent and the impact of his work.
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AP News reports the passing of Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at the age of 85, due to complications from kidney disease. Holland, who was next in line to become the church president after President Dallin H. Oaks, was known for his impactful sermons and long tenure within the church. He previously served as the president of Brigham Young University, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and influence within the church. Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which will be filled by Oaks in the coming months.
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Ira “Ike” Schab, a 105-year-old World War II Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, has passed away, leaving only a small number of survivors from the 1941 attack. Schab, who was 21 during the attack, served in the Pacific and later worked on the Apollo spaceflight program. In recent years, he made an effort to attend the annual Pearl Harbor observances to honor the fallen, including those who served alongside him on the USS Dobbin. Schab’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the dwindling number of those who witnessed this pivotal moment in history.
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Actor Peter Greene, recognized for portraying memorable villains in films, has died at the age of 60 in his New York City apartment. His manager confirmed the news, noting that Greene was found dead at his home, but a cause of death was not disclosed. Greene was best known for playing Zed in “Pulp Fiction” and Dorian in “The Mask,” but he also had roles in “The Usual Suspects,” and “Training Day.” He leaves behind a legacy of compelling performances as a character actor.
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Frank Gehry, the renowned architect known for his avant-garde designs, has passed away at the age of 96. His notable works include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Gehry’s unconventional style and use of materials garnered both critical acclaim and controversy throughout his career. He was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his impact on modern architecture is undeniable.
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Jimmy Cliff, the reggae singer and actor, has died at the age of 81 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia, as confirmed by his wife. His career, which began in the early 1960s, saw him become a global icon with hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and the lead role in the film “The Harder They Come”, a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema. Cliff’s music brought reggae to a wider audience, and he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit. He collaborated with various artists throughout his career and continued to release albums, including his most recent, “Refugees,” in 2022.
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James Watson, a pivotal figure in 20th-century science, has died at 97. He is best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1962, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. Watson’s career included leadership roles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and heading the Human Genome Project. However, he also courted controversy, including the under-acknowledgement of Rosalind Franklin’s contributions and making offensive statements, leading to his retirement. Nevertheless, his groundbreaking work revolutionized biology, fostering advancements in genetics and medicine.
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June Lockhart, known for her roles as a mother figure on television, has passed away at the age of 100. She was most famous for her role as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space.” Lockhart also appeared in various films and continued to act in episodic television throughout her career, including “Petticoat Junction” and several soap operas. Her portrayals of warm, caring mothers endeared her to generations of viewers.
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Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who was 101, passed away Friday morning in Oita. Murayama, born in 1924, served as prime minister in the mid-1990s, leading a coalition government and issuing a historic apology for Japan’s World War II actions. He was known for his “people-centered politics” and leadership during significant crises, including the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo sarin gas attack. Murayama also worked to address the issue of Minamata disease.
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John Q. Hosedrinker