Literally Geeking Remembers

Every year you will find Yahoo, Google, MSN news etc roll out the list of "Actors who died too young" lists, which I agree with to a point - I don't think they should be forgotten in any way. But what irks me somewhat is that it is the same people each year. We all know about Heath Ledger and Brittany Murphy, Heather O' Rourke and River Phoenix, but what about the ones who were in some of the biggest movies of their time but rarely, if ever, get a mention unless you specifically look for them? The movies that I guarantee you will probably have seen and yet do not realise they have died. So it is with this thought that I have given a brief list of those who have gone too soon but starred in some of my personal favorites. So raise a glass, and give a toast to those stars who LiterallyGeeking won't forget:

　
1) Michael Jeter (1952-2003): "The Fisher King" , "The Polar Express"
One of my personal favorites, 1991 comedy/drama classic "The Fisher King" showcased Robin Williams at his comical best. Mercedes Ruehl may have won the Best Supporting Oscar, but its Michael Jeter's performance as a homeless cabaret singer that steals it. Have you seen "The Polar Express"? Thought so. Michael Jeter also voiced the two drivers of the train in his last role, before succumbing to Aids at the age of 50.

2) Jonathan Brandis (1976-2003): "The NeverEnding Story Pt 2", "IT", "seaQuest DSV"

For anyone who is shit scared of clowns will probably know of the miniseries of "IT" based on the novel by Stephen King. I for one loved it, and even though I haven't seen it in ages, when I do recall the cast I can remember Richard Thomas and Jonathan Brandis' character of 'Bill Denbrough'. Starring in the Spielberg produced "seaQuest DSV" at the beginning of the '90s you would think that Brandis would be set for life. Sadly this was not to be as he was found hanged in his own apartment, aged only 27.

3) Dominique Dunne (1959-1982): "Poltergeist" (picture above, far right)

It has been well documented that the tiny Heather O'Rourke of "Poltergeist" fame died due to a medical error at the age of 12, but did anyone know that her on-screen sister also died? Dominique Dunne was strangled by her abusive ex-boyfriend shortly after completing the first "Poltergeist" movie. Indeed, it has been reported that while shooting an episode of "Hill Street Blues" where she played an abused victim, some of the bruises on show were actually given to her the previous night by her boyfriend. A tragic end to a promising career.

4) Judith Barsi (1978-1988): "Jaws:The Revenge" (picture above, front right)

We have all seen "Jaws". And the chances are we have all seen Jaws 2. We all know that Jaws 3-D was the biggest pile of shit, and for those who have seen Jaws : The Revenge will have thought "what the hell was Michael Caine thinking?". But is in this film that Judith Barsi - a 10 year old tot - makes an appearance as one of the Brody family ('Thea Brody'). With voice roles in "The Land Before Time" and "All Dogs Go To Heaven", as well as other credits the length of your arm, who knows where this wee child from L.A. could have gone. Her short life was cut short by her father, who murdered her mum and herself in a murder-suicide in the summer of 1988.

5) Duane Jones (1936-1988): "Night Of The Living Dead"

For me, if your a true movie (and indeed horror) buff, then you must view the classics, and defining the era of zombie-horror is the George Romero flick "Night Of The Living Dead". Although Duane Jones did very little in terms of movies, it is in his role as "Ben" in "Night Of.." that he should be remembered for, as it was the first time an African-American was cast as the star of a horror movie, and coming in the same year as the Civil Rights Act 1968, this should forever put Jones' name in the annals of film history. Duane Jones died of a heart attack at the age of only 52.

6) Merritt Butrick (1959-1989): "Star Trek II:The Wrath Of Khan", "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock"

I guarantee you read that name and thought "never heard of him", and then saw he was in "Star Trek II" and thought "I've seen that". In the best of all Star Trek movies, Merritt Butrick played 'Dr David Marcus', the son of 'Captain Kirk'. The name might not be recognisable (except for Trekkie fans of course), but if you've seen the movie then the picture probably is. Butrick died due to an aids related disease.

7) Justin Pierce (1975-2000): "Kids"

Released in 1995, "Kids" is a bit of a shocker to watch with it's controversial scenes of sex and drug abuse. It's one of those films that you forget is a movie, and not a documentary, which shows how well the movie was made. Like all the actors in this gripping drama, Pierce shows maturity beyond his years, especially as it was his first main role. The shocking rape scene at the end that involves "Casper" raping a girl, who has the HIV virus is particularly hard to watch. Pierce hung himself at the age of 25 in a Vegas hotel.