R.I.P. Beloved Queen

Queen Elizabeth II
Throughout The Years

"Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom from 6 February 1952 until her death on 8 September 2022. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch and the second-longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country." 

As we all know Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 96.  

Rest In Power Beloved Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II   

Magic

Olivia Newton-John

"You have to believe we are magic" - Magic, Olivia Newton-John

Needless to say I like many was literally caught off guard and truly saddened by the passing of Olivia Newton-John. She has been a part of my life since I was born and now she is gone. She was such a bright light, absolutely magic!

Like pretty much every gay man I know she was my first Woman Crush namely because of Grease, who didn't think she was Totally Hot in that? 

Who knew when I progressed through life that I would be fortunate enough to know her. I've interviewed her twice and she was always so lovely and gracious.

My fondest memory of her though was seeing her play Los Angeles Gay Pride in 2008 with my friend publicist Ken Phillips. He and I reminisced about it yesterday and both concurred we had the time of our lives!!!

R.I.P. Sweet Lady

ONJ on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Newton-John

People Are People - R.I.P. Andy "Fletch" Fletcher

"Last time with Fletch - Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013. Delta Machine Tour. RIP Andy. #depechemode #andyfletcher. Devastated." - Karen Castrischer Stegall

Sad news, yesterday Andy "Fletch" Fletcher the keyboard player for the legendary Depeche Mode passed away. One of my BFF's Karen Castrischer Stegall is what you would call a Devotee. She would follow them while they were on the road from city to city, country to country.

While I am someone who was simply under the spell of their music. Indeed it was a sad day for fans of any type.

Here is the band issued statement:

I am going to leave you with a song they did back in 1984 that is more relevant now than it was then - People Are People...R.I.P. Andy

R.I.P: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Sidney Poitier & Katharine Houghton

With the passing of screen legend Sidney Poitier, today I am honoring him with a write-up of his groundbreaking and timeless film Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.

You can read the expert piece on it at my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog at the link below.

R.I.P.  Sir your legacy and legend will live forever 

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/guess-who-s-coming-to-dinner-1967 

Rest In Power

The world has suffered a tremendous loss in Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a champion for the people, Rest In Power Notorious RBG.

RBG on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg  

R.I.P. - Naya Rivera

While I was never a Glee fan (I think I watched it 5 times during it's entire run) that does not mean the unexpected passing of one of it's cast members can not sadden me. Especially when that person was a mere 33 years old.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Naya Rivera she was beautiful and talented. I sincerely hope her family and her son are holding up. I wish them all the best.

As many of you know Naya was BFF's with her co-star Heather Morris. Naya's character Santana Lopez was groundbreaking in the fact that she came out as a Lesbian who romanced Heather's character Brittany S. Pierce on Glee.

While any gay storyline is a bold move this one had the added facet of Naya being Latina. Making her TV's first and most visible Latina Lesbian. Naya was as bold as her talent.

I am going to leave you with Naya as Santana professing her feelings for Heather as Brittany singing a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song Songbird from the album Rumors. In honor of their friendship and Naya's spirit.

Naya on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0729369/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1  

Michael's Musings

#TBT: I Wanna Be A Cowboy
Michael Shinafelt

That time I had a fantasy about being a member of the Village People. Want me to ride you like a cowboy? After all isn't the Wild, Wild, West the state of the union???

Buckle up it's going to be a humpy ride!

When your special guy says he has Beyonce's booty, what do you do???.

I do what my Bluetooth tells me

This is my life, this is my jam

Had a delightful time with Quinn Robinson @ Akbar last night. What happens there, is like a unicorn

Andy Samberg reacts to being called a sex symbol - well here's mine: Someone actually said that?! If that person is you, seek help!

FYI - I was on Brooklyn 99 once

Total Bellas = Total Entertain Me 

R.I.P. Carol Channing aka "Dolly"

Someday I'm gonna wish your ass into the corn field

A Haiku - I'll leave you empty/Spent, and aching. All your glorious evidence/Held safely behind/The vault of my lips/And aren't you happy 

Suddenly I have an uncontrollable urge to - "Yes" it's time to play Name That Urge 

Name it after me, I'm sure you already have. If not let's talk

Royal Baby Buggy Bumpers

Blah, Blah, Blah

Things that are best raw 

On that provocative note, you know where to find me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

Macho Man - Burt Reynolds

Deliverance
Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds passed away yesterday at the age of 82. He was an actor, a movie star and manly perfection. Which he proved time and time again in the roles he played.

Nobody did it better than Burt. He first came to my youthful attention for the infamous film Deliverance which I have to revisit since I viewed it when I was way too young to fully comprehend it.

I was however hooked on Burt a few of my favorite Reynolds films, beside Deliverance? Starting Over, Sharky's Machine, Boogie Nights, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to name a few...

Oddly enough I never saw any of the Smokey and the Bandit movies. For some reason they never appealed to me. 

But the thing that will always stick with me most about Burt was his iconic nude centerfold for Cosmopolitan. Wow! Seeing that as a young impressionable gay man was quite stunning. Words can't describe how that shaped my world, but trust me, it did.

R.I.P. stud.

Burt on IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000608/?ref_=nv_sr_1   

Michael's Musings

Hustle For My Muscle
Michael Shinafelt

Let's start today off with one of the most useless quotes ever "Good things come to those who wait."

You've got to be kidding me that this is something anyone would subscribe to in their right mind. Good things come to those who hustle and bust their booty, don't let them tell you otherwise, moving on...

This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time

Because of the Lily Cup Compact I get excited about my next period

Daryl Hannah & Neil Young are married, the more you know

Balanced, fulfilled individuals need only apply

Is there life on Uranus? In it perhaps?

Do no harm, but take no sh!t, and get lots of...

When at home I am usually naked 

Some of us just like to read

R.I.P. John McCain

She Will Rock You!
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle

In the end, you will thank me

Just Because...India Gants

Stop the vapidness!

Choose Life

Michael Says Just Do It! at -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Don't Come Around Here No More

Tom in Wonderland
Tom Petty

Wow! Where to being on the death of iconic musician Tom Petty...he has had a huge impact on popular music and culture mere words, especially mine could not do him justice. 

So, I will cover two things he did that meant a lot to me. Let's start with the byline - Don't Come Around Here No More, which is a great song, with an even greater video done with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Casting Petty as the Mad Hatter.

The images from the video and the song have emerged from my subconscious at many points throughout the years.

Another Petty moment that will always be a personal favorite is his duet with Stevie Nicks on Stop Draggin' My Heart Around. These two blend seamlessly and their voices compliment the others to perfection. 

Dear Tom you had an amazing journey and left so many unforgettable memories may you rest in peace.

Tom Petty at:
http://www.tompetty.com/

"Father Figure" George Michael

Daddy
George Michael

It's the day after Christmas and I am sure a majority of you, like me, are saddened by the passing of pop icon George Michael, on, well of all things Christmas Day.

He was truly one of the greatest musical artists of all time, not to mention he was also quite ahead of it as well.

George was a Father Figure of sorts to up and coming performers looking for someone to emulate. Which happens to be my favorite song by Mr. Michael, for it's daring to touch a certain subject matter that most artists wouldn't ever dream of going near, especially in this day and age of mediocrity.

I could go on and on about this unique, one of a kind, legendary talent, but what's the point?  Every one of you has your own feelings and impressions of what he meant to your lives. This post is done to honor an individual whose influence on the world around them was truly epic.

Thus I leave you with my favorite George Michael song Father Figure. 

R.I.P.

www.georgemichael.com/   

"Vanity" Thy Name Is Woman

Beautiful
Vanity

Denise Matthews best known as Vanity has passed away at 57. While most people know her as the Prince protege who fronted the grrrrrrrl group Vanity 6, I most fondly remember her as a charismatic presence on the silver screen.

"Yes" I would see movies because Vanity was in them. Why else would I have checked out The Last Dragon & Action Jackson?! 52 Pick-Up had other reasons to see it, but Vanity was still one of them.

It's a shame that she had moved on from Prince before Purple Rain as she was the intended star of it. Instead we got stuck with Apollonia. While PR is a good film, I am sure Vanity would have made it much better.

While the cause of her death has yet to be revealed suffice it to say Denise was not of good health in her latter years. 

The nice thing about stars when they pass away is while their physical energy will be missed, their spirit lives on through the work they left behind.

I will be checking out 52 Pick-Up again this weekend.

Vanity on IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0889152/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Glenn Frey, Hotel California

R.I.P. Glenn Frey

"Seems like God is trying to put together a hell of an All Star Band in Heaven" - Jackie Kilmer 

Yes, it does, at least cancer was not the culprit this time. I remember the Eagles in my formative years. Hotel California was like an anthem for me growing up. It was part of the mythology that made me want to move West when I got older, an I did.

Here is some 411 on Glenn, may he Rest In Peace -

Glen Frey, co-founder and guitarist for the Eagles, has died ... 

The cause of death was a combination of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.

Frey had been battling intestinal issues for months and had surgery in November. We're told in the last few days his condition took a turn for the worse. He died in New York City.

Glenn co-wrote and sang on most of the Eagles hits, including "Take It Easy," "Tequila Sunrise," "Lyin' Eyes," and "Heartache Tonight," to name a few. He also co-wrote "Hotel California" and "Desperado" with Don Henley and took home 6 Grammys with the band.

After the Eagles' 1980 breakup, Glenn launched a successful solo career, recording numerous hits ... most notably "The Heat Is On" and "You Belong to the City."

Glenn Online at:

www.glennfreyonline.com/    

David Bowie Was My First

On Of The True Greats
David Bowie

So saddened to hear the news that one of the biggest influences in my life on many levels, David Bowie has passed away due to cancer.

Dear David,

This is an open letter to you to list the numerous ways you have impacted my life throughout the years.

My first exposure to you musically was the Ziggy Stardust personae and album. I was mesmerized by it. Favorite song: Suffragette City. I heard the album years before I owned it via a friend of my parents teenage son, yeah I was a mere kid then.

The first album I owned by you? Let's Dance. Favorite song? China Girl. 

"Yes" David you were my first. My first major rock show ever! The Tubes opened for you at the Tacoma Dome in Washington State. I will never forget the amazing show you gave a combination of theatricality and brilliant music! Oh, you were also another first for me. My first Rock God crush, yeah I thought you were sexy a fuck!

I met you when I worked at Tower Records Sunset. You were to only star I ever met that I was actually nervous about saying "Hello" to. I remember grabbing a vinyl LP copy of the Tin Machine album for you to sign, when myself and the other employees brought our things to the register, you were so gracious and kind. You signed everyone's treasure with true class. When we expressed our awe of you with regard to the legend you were your response was: "Oh please, I'm no big deal."

I managed to see you in concert a total of four times, each one a religious experience. 

You can never completely know the total depth of the impact you had on my life as a young gay man. But I will leave you with this. You made it easier, seeing someone out there who dared to be different, an innovator and mostly dared to be himself.

R.I.P. Thin White Duke 

 

                                                               China Girl


David Bowie on the web:

http://www.davidbowie.com/

Gone Too Soon, Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland
Keep On Rockin'

Addiction is an all to real thing. Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver were two of the best bands ever!

Of course do in no small part to one Mr. Scott Weiland. Who recently passed from cardiac arrest brought on by his addiction to drugs.

Such a great talent, cut short at age 48. Here is a musical memory of his legacy below. Plush by Stone Temple Pilots.

R.I.P. Your talent will live forever.

If you know someone who has addiction issues, please direct them to help. It's out there. Peace.

"Life Is Like A Jackie Collins Novel"

"Life is like a Jackie Collins novel" - Michael Shinafelt

This startling revelation caught me by surprise somewhere back in 2010 when I was dating an actor half my age and juggling both our schedules and different friends and careers, mine being of course a writer, actor etc...So I immediately posted my momentary genius on my Facebook page and took it to Twitter!

After having been in Hollywood for 20 plus years it hit me like a bolt of lightning at that point and time in my life that "yes" me and my then boyfriend could easily be a basis for characters in one of her books! 

Funny when I was growing up as a young lad in Washington State I used to find her potboilers entertaining, but thought that her statement that the characters and events were based on reality a bit of a stretch.

Yeah, well living in Hollywood I have been proven wrong on the abovementioned notion. 

A few of my favorite Jackie yarns? Hollywood Wives was my favorite! Honorable mention goes to Lady Boss and Lucky.

She was a woman who lived a great and fascinating life. Someone who I wished I had met, so I could have had a character based on me in one of her escapist treatise. 

R.I.P. Lovely lady, you made reality entertaining.

Find yourself in a Jackie Collins novel at: 

http://jackiecollins.com/  

One, Two, He's Coming For You...Wes Craven

The Man of Your Nightmares
Wes Craven

"The first monster you have to scare the audience with is yourself" - Wes Craven

One of my favorite filmmakers, Wes Craven has passed away. He directed Meryl Streep in her Oscar Nominated role in Music of the Heart and one of my favorite popcorn thrillers Red Eye with Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy.

However he will always be known for his works of horror, most notably the high profile Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream films. 

I remember when both came out. Each was heralded as contributing something unique to the horror genre.

Scream with it's unique blend of wit and scares revived horror movies at a time when the genre was pretty much dead.

As a huge horror fan I thought I had seen it all, but nothing could have prepared me for the opening scene of Drew Barrymore being stalked and ultimately murdered. It was truly frightening on every level you could imagine, her dying merely feet away from her parents gasping for air and trying to get their attention will stay with me forever!

A Nightmare on Elm Street was notorious for making people afraid to dream. It truly was the stuff sweet dreams aren't made of.

R.I.P. 

Wes on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000127/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

The "Batgirl" Of My Dreams

It's Batgirl!

Yvonne Craig

May 16 1937 - August 17, 2015

As a comic book loving kid Batman was my favorite! Needless to say I loved watching reruns of the classic Batman TV series growing up.

I was hypnotized by the beautiful technicolor and the exotic world of valiant heroes and colorful villains with monikers like The Penguin, The Joker and The Riddler.

There was also a character I loved from the comic books that did not join until the third and final season, Batgirl.

Batgirl was the alter ego of Commissioner Gordon's daughter Barbara Gordon. Actress Yvonne Craig, ahem, filled out the role quite nicely.

Yes, it's true I had a childhood girl crush on Batgirl!

She was tough, rocked a skin tight suit and knew how to kick ass! In fact Yvonne did her own stunts, which makes her portrayal of Batgirl all the more hot!

Recently Yvonne passed away due to complications from breast cancer. Although you have done many other roles you will always be the "Batgirl of my Dreams."

R.I.P. Dear Lady.

Yvonne on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186051/?ref_=nv_sr_3

Leonard Nimoy, Go Boldly Into The Next Adventure

Leonard Nimoy as Spock: Live Long and Prosper

Leonard Nimoy most known for his iconic role as Spock on the TV series Star Trek, which later spawned a string of successful movies with the original cast and then a later a new one has passed away.

While I was never into Star Trek I respect it's place in television history and the cultural impact it has had.

So I asked my friend and Trekkie Rhonda Bernstein to speak to the passing of Mr. Nimoy:

"I was very saddened and surprised to hear of his passing. Spock, as written and portrayed by Nimoy, was truly an iconic figure and one of the most complex, endearing and enduring characters in all the Star Trek iterations. Nimoy used his fame to advance numerous artistic and charitable causes.  His lifetime of achievements, both before and off the screen, enriched us all."

Well put! 

R.I.P. Spock

Leonard Nimoy on IMDB: 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000559/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1