In memoriam Archives · | Reel Chicago - At the intersection of Chicago Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production

In memoriam

Kevin Clark, drummer in School of Rock, dies at 32

By Reel Chicago May 26, 2021 0 Comment

Kevin Clark, who played high-strung drummer Freddy Jones (aka “Spazzy McGee”) in the 2003 comedy School of Rock, was killed in an accident earlier this morning. He was 32.�...

In memoriam

Charles Grodin iconic straight-man passes at 86

By Joia DaVida May 18, 2021 0 Comment

Emmy Award winner Charles Grodin has passed away at age 86 in his home in Wilton, Connecticut. His death, from bone marrow cancer, was confirmed to NPR by his son, actor Nichol...

In memoriam

Chicago’s beloved architect Helmut Jahn has died

By Reel Chicago May 11, 2021 0 Comment

AIA Chicago's Lifetime Achievement Award winner Helmut Jahn, a prominent German modernist/postmodernist architect who designed an Illinois state government building (James R. T...

In memoriam

Michael Apted prolific director, producer, writer has died

By Reel Chicago Jan 12, 2021 0 Comment

Michael Apted, producer, writer and actor, and one of the most prolific film directors of his generation has died at age 79. Born in 1941 in Aylesbury, England, Apted had an...

In memoriam

Dirk Wales author/founder of Rainbow Productions dies

Dec 8, 2020 0 Comment

Dirk Wales 1931 - 2020 In true dramatic fashion, on November 27th Dirk Wales moved on to his next great adventure. He was 89 years young. Dirk was born in New York c...

In memoriam

Bill Murray’s brother, Caddyshack inspiration has died

By Barbara Roche Nov 25, 2020 0 Comment

Ed Murray, Bill Murray's oldest brother and the inspiration for the film Caddyshack has died. Ed, the oldest of the Murray boys, was born in Evanston, Illinois, to Luci...

In memoriam

Chicago P.D., The Chi, Director & Producer dies

By Reel Chicago Nov 1, 2020 0 Comment

David Rodriguez, a director and producer for series such as TNT's Animal Kingdom, Showtime's The Chi and Starz's Power, has died. He was 50. Rodriguez died on Oct. 29 from c...

In memoriam

WLS news legend Joel Daly passes away at 86

By Reel Chicago Oct 22, 2020 0 Comment

2020 has taken so many legends from us. Reel Chicago is sad to report that iconic newsman Joel Daly, who spent nearly 40 years at ABC affiliate WLS, died today at around 5:30 ...

In memoriam

Chicago Bears’ legend Gale Sayers dies at 77

By Reel Chicago Sep 23, 2020 0 Comment

Gale “Kansas Comet” Sayers, Legendary Chicago Bears running back who’s book the 1971 movie Brian’s Song was based on, died today. He was 77. His death was announced ...

In memoriam

Chicago film community mourns loss of Andrew Biesen

By Katharin Mraz Sep 15, 2020 0 Comment

It is always difficult to hear of a fellow filmmaker passing, especially someone as wonderful and influential as Andrew Beisen. Those who knew him best say that Andrew was tale...

In memoriam

Jim Mahoney founder of Film & Tape Works passes at 71

By Reel Chicago Jul 29, 2020 0 Comment

James A. Mahoney, the founder of Film & Tape Works and dear friend of many in the Chicago film community, has died at age 71. Film and Tape Works at 237 E. Ontario, was...

In memoriam

Chicago broadcasting icon Hugh Downs passes at 99

By Reel Chicago Jul 7, 2020 0 Comment

He was a pioneer of broadcasting whose career would span a century. On July first, we lost 99-year-old TV News legend Hugh Downs. Downs passed away peacefully at his home in Sc...