In Memory: 10 Creative People We Loss in 2010
Creator of the A-Team, Rockford Files, 21 Jump Street, etc.
Hey, I just wanted to take time to remember some creative and talented people that we loss in 2010. Their work has often inspired me and connected with me in such a way–so I wanted to share this list with everyone.
- Teddy Pendergrass, Singer/Songwriter/Funk Machine – Jan 13, 2010
- Dixie Carter, Actress, April 10, 2010
- Guru, Rapper/Soul Technician, April 19, 2010
- Lena Horne, Singer, Actress, Activist, May 9, 2010
- Gary Coleman, Actor, May 28, 2010
- Rue McClanahan, Actress, June 3, 2010
- Harold Dow, Journalist, August 21, 2010
- Stephen J. Cannell, TV Writer/Producer, September 30, 2010
- Leslie Nielsen, Actor, November 28, 2010
- Teena Marie, Singer/Songwriter, December 26, 2010
I was influenced by writers, actors, producers for my entire life. I watched shows like Designing Women, The A-Team, Golden Girls, Different Strokes and would literally laugh my head off. I could never understand if it was just superb acting that made these shows so good or was it the writing. So, my research on television writers began and my discovery of Stephen J. Cannell.
I like most comedians–well the funny ones. So, its no wonder that Leslie Nielsen made this list. He was a serious actor though prior to the Naked Gun movies. But, what I admired about Leslie is that he allowed his career to take shape whatever that shape was and he appeared not to back down from the challenges. I love that in people.
I love music. I’m not even so picky on who creates it, it just has to be good. Teddy Pendergrass was a superior musician in every way. Teena Marie and Guru were awesome in the kind of music that they created.
Lena Horne is in a category by herself, not only because of her beauty but because of how she worked her talent. Whether she was singing, acting or making a point about being black in America, she made it in a classy way. We all can learn from that.
Journalists don’t always get the recognition that they deserve and most of you probably don’t know who Harold Dow was. But he was one of the featured correspondents on a TV special in 1986 called ’48 Hours on Crack Street’ which eventually led to the creation on the current hit tv show 48 hours. Journalists have to give and give in order to deliver the stories that move people and I just wanted to give a shout out to Harold.
May all of you rest in peace. I know your work will continue to influence others for many years to come.
Peace.
Tags: gary coleman, guru, harold dow, lena horne, leslie nielsen, rue mcclanahan, stephen j. cannell, Teddy Pendergrass
About the Author
Yasmin Shiraz is the President of Still Eye Rise Films, an independent production company which films educational and thought provoking documentaries that chronicle the lives, traumas and experiences of youth. Her first production, Can She Be Saved?, a documentary that examines violence among middle school girls, was an official selection of the 2009 Roxbury Film Festival and recently won a 2009 Indie Award of Merit from IndieFest.
Yasmin Shiraz is the Award winning Author of Retaliation a novel about a community’s response to youth violence. In 2009, it was selected as one of the top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by the American Library Association. She is the author of The Blueprint for My Girls: How To Build A Life Full of Courage, Determination & Self Love (Simon and Schuster) and five other books. Her best selling “Blueprint” empowerment series is utilized as a self esteem, motivational, and educational tool at middle and high schools, after school programs, non-profit youth centers, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the country. 
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