Sweet Grumpy Old Man: Walter Matthau

Walter Matthau is one great actor who really made his mark in Hollywood. Since I was born in the 70's, I know him from his latter movies movies like Grumpy Old Men, Dennis the Menace, and Hanging Up...but I loved him best in I.Q. as the great genius Albert Einstein. He was a wonderful comedian, but few people from my generation know that he was also an awarded actor and host. He won an Oscar for best supporting actor in "The Fortune Cookie" in 1966, and hosted the 48th and 55th Academy Awards. Mr. Matthau will surely make a lot more people laugh as his movies play on. For more links on Walter Matthau, click here.

Brandon Lee :Death at The Crow

Brandon Lee was interesting simply because he was Bruce Lee's kid. Plus, admittedly he was a better-looking version of his dad. It's strange that even if I vaguely recall his past stints, he always made a big impression on me. The only movie that I remember him doing is "The Crow," the very film where he suffered an accident and died so suddenly. How abrupt? This was 17 friggin' days before he was gonna marry his fiance!

Seems like there's some kind of curse on the Lee family which is an old rumor, with father and son both dying so young. And right before they were to reach new heights of fame. Or could it be the fact that starring in a dark flick is linked to sudden death? Call it coincidence, but this is so similar to what happened to singer Aaliyah, who also died after filming a horror movie"Queen of the "Damned". Maybe up and coming actors should steer clear from this sort of thing, just to play safe!

After "The Crow", everyone was saying that Brandon would've been the next big action hero, but sadly he didn't get the chance. He'll at least be immortalized as a young, mysterious, & talented martial artist & actor. Click here to read more about him.

The Birth of Celebrities In Memoriam

Whether you're from Asia like me, from Greece or the Middle East, chances are that at least one celebrity has touched your life. I'm talking about the few unforgettable people who've made us smile, cry, enraged, or blissfully happy. And when they pass on, there's some sort of loss that we feel, be it a pinch in the heart, or a hit-and-run moment that feels like a ten-wheeler came by. I want to remember these celebrities because they've become part of memories that admittedly, shape our life in some way.

Last month, a Philippine actor who's considered to be one of the local legends in entertainment, died at 72. His name is Ramon Zamora. In my desire to express my condolences and memories of him, I made the mistake of posting in the wrong online guest book! The sad part is that there was no other venue to do this. And that's when I realized that we should have a place to share our sentiments in memory of these great people.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about glorifying actors or obsessing over them. I simply want to recall them for the good, light, funny or surprising ways that made an impact on us , on a personal level. To see the good in these celebrities who have sacrificed their privacy to make us happy even for just an hour or two. A movie, a song, a TV show, a poem, a play - these come alive because of the men and women who sang, acted, wrote, or danced their way to our hearts.

So here it is. This is your chance to pay tribute and share a few words to the celebrity who's made a dent in your life. If you have somebody in mind whom you want to be featured here, email me at aprilimmy@yahoo.com. Write a line or two and perhaps a picture to remember them by.

I'm starting with Ramon Zamora, posting his film during the 70's. He started as a simple stunt man, to become one of the most unforgettable comedians and action stars in his generation. Known as the Bruce Lee of the Philippines, I'll always remember him as one of the characters who made me laugh at his Adolf impersonations, and amazed at his prowess in martial arts. Goodbye and God bless Mr. Zamora!