James Gandolfini dead at 51

James Gandolfini has died aged 51 after a suspected heart attack, it has been confirmed. The Sopranos star was on vacation in Rome and was due to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. 

He is survived by his wife Deborah Lin, their nine-month-old daughter Liliana Ruth and his teenage son Michael from an earlier marriage, believed to be with his father in Italy when he died. 

Gandolfini rose to fame playing the hit man in the 1993 film True Romance, and roles in films such as Terminal Velocity and Get Shorty followed. 

However, it wasn't until his breakout role in 1999 in the hit television show The Sopranos that he became a household name playing mob boss Tony Soprano, winning three Emmy Awards for the role. 

Wow this is shocking.
RIP James. 


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Nollywood Icon Justus Esiri Dies, Aged 70

Veteran Nigerian actor Justus Esiri passed away Monday 19th February. The 70 year old actor was well known for his role as the Village Headmaster in the classic 80's Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) series Village Headmaster. 

His official profile on the Africa Movie Academy Awards website notes that “the veteran actor has won several awards for his acting exploits including THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA Awards. Esiri star of acclaimed productions like Wasted Years, Forever, The Prize, Six Demons, Corridors of Power, Last Knight, The Tyrant, The investigation, The Ghost is reputed to have performed on more TV Network drama programmes than any Nigerian actor.”  

In 2012, he was conferred with the national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). 

RIP Mr Esiri.

bellanaija

Nigerian Music Star Goldie Dies

Sad news today from the Nigerian music scene; popular singer Goldie, real name Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey, passed away last night. She only just returned from the US where she attended the recent Grammy Awards. Her label Kennis Music released an official statement this morning. 

On behalf of Kennis Music, I’m sad to officially confirm the shocking and untimely passage of Nigeria’s pop star, Goldie Harvey. With a deep sense of loss, we announce the shocking death of our darling music star, Goldie Harvey.  

Goldie, 31, died on Thursday after she complained of a severe headache at her Park View residence shortly after her arrival from the United States where she went to witness the Grammy Award. She was rushed to her official hospital, Reddington, Victoria Island, Lagos, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. 

We consider this period a gloomy moment for us and the entire Nigerian music industry in view of the circumstance Goldie passed away, the abundance of talent she has exhibited in her but eventful music career and the various opportunities her trip to the United States of America would have availed her. She is survived by her father, step- mother, brothers and sisters. We deeply sympathize with her family and fans all over the world and very grateful to all and sundry, especially, the vibrant Nigerian media for their concern and prompt reportage. We shall keep everybody informed as events unfold as we are still devastated by the sudden loss.”  

Meanwhile, the remains of Goldie, who hails from Ekiti State has been deposited in the mortuary of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. Goldie represented Nigeria at the Big Brother Star Game in 2012. Her latest effort, she described as three nawti singles from her forthcoming African Invasion album are “Skibo”. “Miliki” and ” Got To Have It,” are presently enjoying heavy rotations on radio and TV stations across the continent. Burial arrangements will be announced by the family. May her soul rest in peace. 

Adieu Goldie!!!!

RIP Goldie.

Bellanaija

Michael Clarke Duncan Dies At 54

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan passed away yesterday, Monday September 4, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 54. He died after nearly two months of hospitalization following heart attack in July. 

Duncan, who was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of death-row inmate John Coffey in 1999's "The Green Mile," most recently starred as Leo Knox in the Fox series "The Finder." He also appeared in the film hits "Armageddon," "The Whole Nine Yards," "Planet of the Apes" and "Kung Fu Panda."

RIP Michael.

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R.I.P. To The Dearly Departed

Its been a rough couple of days here in Nigeria. On Sunday June 3, a Dana Airways plane carrying 153 people crashed in Lagos, killing everyone onboard. It crashed into houses in a residential area actually, causing more losses. This tragedy hits real close to home as I and so many people around me had family and friends on that flight.

These things make you realise how fleeting life is.

I am grateful for the time the dearly departed spent in this world, and I pray that their gentle souls rest in peace. Amen.

Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb dies aged 62

Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb passed away yesterday May 20, 2012, after a long battle with colon and liver cancer.

The official statement from his family reads, "The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery. The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time". He is survived by his wife and three children.

RIP Robin.

Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies At 63

Disco legend Donna Summer passed away this morning, after losing her battle with cancer. She was 63 years old. TMZ broke the news earlier today, reporting that,

"Sources close to Summer tell us ... the singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps. We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago ... who says she didn't seem too bad". 

The multiple Grammy winner was well known for her hits from the 70's and 80's Disco era, including 'Last Dance', 'Hot Stuff', 'She Works Hard for the Money' and 'Bad Girls'.

RIP Donna.

Adam Yauch Of The Beastie Boys Dies At 47

Adam 'MCA' Yauch, co-founder of legendary Hiphop group The Beastie Boys has passed away. He had previously undergone treatment for a cancerous parotid gland and a lymph node in 2009. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but is believed to be related to his illness. 

RIP Adam.