Alexis Arquette dies at 47

Alexis Arquette of the Arquette acting dynasty dies at 47

Courtesy of http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/11/entertainment/alexis-arquette-obit/index.html 

(CNN)Alexis Arquette, an actress, transgender activist and member of a famous Hollywood family, died Sunday her brother Richmond Arquette and brother-in-law Todd Morgan confirmed.

She was 47.

Arquette was best known for her roles in films including "The Wedding Singer" and "Pulp Fiction."

Born Robert Arquette, she was the sibling of actors Rosanna, David and Patricia Arquette. A 2007 film about her transition to becoming a woman, "Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother," was popular on the film festival circuit.

Richmond Arquette posted on his Facebook page that "Our brother Robert, who became our brother Alexis, who became our sister Alexis, who became our brother Alexis, passed this morning September 11, at 12:32 am."

"He was surrounded by all of his brothers and sisters, one of his nieces and several other loved ones," the posting continued. "We were playing music for him and he passed during David Bowie's Starman. As per his wishes, we cheered at the moment that he transitioned to another dimension."

Arquette described Alexis to CNN as "a force" who "died as he lived, on his own terms" and said he was happy to have been "with him as he began his journey onward."

A cause of death was not specified.

Alexis Arquette was one of the earliest high profile advocates for transgender rights.

CNN's Carma Hassan contributed to this report.

Gene Wilder death: Star of Willy Wonka dies aged 83

Gene Wilder death: Star of Willy Wonka dies aged 83

Courtesy of http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37215553

US actor Gene Wilder, remembered by many for his namesake role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died at the age of 83, his family confirmed.

The comic actor also starred in classic films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

Mr Wilder frequently collaborated with writer and director Mel Brooks as well as stand-up comedian Richard Pryor.

The two-time Oscar-nominated actor was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1989.

Mr Wilder's nephew confirmed the actor died on Sunday in Stamford, Connecticut, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

The star first made waves on Broadway before transitioning to the silver screen for a brief role as a kidnapped undertaker in Bonnie and Clyde (1967).

Obituary: Gene Wilder

·         Mel Brooks then cast Mr Wilder as Leo Bloom, an anxious accountant in the 1968 comedy, The Producers.

·         In 1971, he took on the role of one of his most beloved characters, Willy Wonka, in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

·         Mr Wilder's other well-known roles included the Waco Kid in the 1974 cult classic Blazing Saddles and Doctor Ross in Woody Allen's 1972 film, Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex* But Were Afraid to Ask.

Gary Marshall, Hollywood Director/Producer known for Pretty Woman dies aged 81

Garry Marshall: Tributes paid to Happy Days creator and Pretty Woman director

Courtesy of http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36843823  

Tributes have been paid to Garry Marshall, creator of hit US TV series Happy Days, who has died aged 81.

Marshall died at a hospital in Burbank, California, on Tuesday of complications from pneumonia following a stroke, his publicist Michelle Bega said.

Henry Winkler, who played "The Fonz" on Happy Days, wrote on Twitter: "Garry Marshall rest in peace.

"Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity."

Several other Hollywood figures who have previously worked with Marshall have also taken to social media to pay tribute, including Steve Carell, Lea Michele and Zach Braff, who said: "God I loved this man."

As well as creating Happy Days, Marshall directed blockbusters such as Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride - both starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gere said: "Everyone loved Garry... he was a super fine and decent man."

"He was a mentor and a cheerleader and one of the funniest men who ever lived. He had a heart of the purest gold and a soul full of mischief."

Actor Rob Lowe said: "Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old. He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives and many others."

Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Alba - both of whom worked with Marshall on the film Valentine's Day - also paid tribute, with Alba calling him "a true pioneer".

Octavia Spencer said she "will miss that talented one" and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig described Marshall as "an amazing person".

As well as creating Happy Days, Marshall wrote sitcoms such as The Odd Couple and Mork and Mindy.

The prolific director, producer and writer is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their three children.

Actress Sarah Paulson, who appeared in Marshall's 1999 film The Other Sister, said: "Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me."

Mandy Moore, whose first on-screen film role was in 2001's The Princess Diaries, which Marshall directed, wrote: "Garry Marshall was one of the greats.

"He connected us all through joy, laughter, compassion and kindness. He also gave me my very first job."