2013: Keeping Memories Alive

By CHAIMAE EL ADLOUNI and ASHLEY LEUNG

Many of the stars the world once knew and admired have left the world, and although that sounds depressing, it gives the world the opportunity to reminisce on their past heros. Many memories a person has are intertwined with a sitcom or movie. Adults look at actors as the heros from their childhood; children gaze in awe as they watch their favorite actors; teens feel both ways. Singers are the angels of music, as actors are the angels of the big screen. Listening to music is paradise for the ears, as for every note heard, a bit of heaven is given off. Every famous person’s name has been mentioned on the news, or any other type of worldwide media; the sad part is they are listed off as if they weren’t even human. Although all of the glamour may blind the public to see otherwise, in actuality if you strip a few layers of fame,  famous people are like everyone else. When the public hears of their favorite actors’ or singers’ death they mourn their loss, but true fans who have stayed by their music, films, etc. feel empty inside. Many famous people have parted from the world in the past, leaving behind their music, their legends, their families and their loyal fans.

Andre Cassagnes (Died Jan. 16, 2013)

One of the most popular childrens’ toy of all time, the Etch A Sketch had brought a smile to thousands of children all around the world since its creation. The inventor of the Etch A Sketch, Andre Cassagnes, died on Jan. 16, 2013 in a Paris suburb at the age of 86.

Hugo Chavez (Died Mar. 5, 2013)

Former president of Venezuela, Chavez died at the age of 58 of cancer. He was best known for his reform efforts and strong opinions in government. Chavez served as president from 1999-2013, and was removed from office in 2002, only to be reelected back into office in 2004 to finish his term. Because he implemented socialist policies and allied himself with communists, diplomacy with the United States was strained, but his reform efforts still changed the direction of Venezuelan politics.

Annette Funicello (Died Apr. 8, 2013)

Also is mostly know as a mouseketeer, died last year, after her 2 year fight with multiple sclerosis. Many fans might have known her not by name but by legend: an amazing teenage prodigy who was personally discovered by Walt Disney himself. Every little kid and his friend know about the Disney Junior show,  “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” but few of them knew the original “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” that including 24 teenagers (not animated mouse characters), a sensation that swept America in the 50’s. Funicello was known as America’s sweetheart from then on. A highly watched movie that has been adapted, “Zorro,” stars Funicello. Although these were many years ago, she has not been forgotten, especially the organization inspired by Funicello to raise money for diseases similar to Lou Gehrig's disease, The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.

Kriss Kross (Died May 1, 2013)

“Jump Jump” was the timeless, trademark song of everyone’s favorite rapper Kriss Kross (Chris Kelly), a sensational former child star who amazed all, although his life was short-lived. At 13, he was discovered along with his friend, Chris Smith, by Jermaine Dupri at a shopping mall. The duo went on to sell over four million copies of their first album “Totally Krossed Out” in 1992; the hit single, “Jump,” reached the Billboard Top 100 and stayed eight weeks. Later on the video for “Jump” went on to be the number 1 video for MTV. Along came their own video; they even went on tour with Michael Jackson and helped edit some of his most popular videos. The two also helped with the soundtrack for “The Rugrats.” With a few gold and platinum albums the two were on top until they separated. Kelly had an addiction problem that may have led to the demise of his life.

 Cory Monteith (Died Jul. 13, 2013)

A unique talent ripped from a promising future as an actor, singer and husband, Monteith was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room in midsummer. With 4 seasons on the hit television show, “Glee,” as well as films such as “Sisters and Brothers,” “The Whisper,” and the upcoming “All The Wrong Reasons” and “McCanick,” Cory’s short but sweet career will be remembered for years to come.

August Schellenberg (Died Aug. 15, 2013)

“Free Willy,” one of the many movies that brought its audience close to tears, lost one of its actors in the movie, August Schellenberg, who played the role of protagonist’s Native American mentor. Schellenberg died peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by loved ones as he ended his long-time battle against cancer. Schellenberg had played in all three “Free Willy” films, and often found work as Native American roles in other famous Hollywood films. For his role as Chief Sitting Bull in the film “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” Schellenberg was nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor In a Miniseries or Movie.

Lou Reed (Died Aug. 27, 2013) Considered the father of Alternative music, Lou Reed started his music career in 1964 with a unique perspective. Lead singer of band the Velvet Underground, he started his solo career in the 70’s with hits such as “Perfect Day.” His music contributed to the rise of punk and introduced a wide variety of new musical talent. He died on a Sunday morning - the title of his debut track. Paul Walker (Died Nov. 30, 2013)

The star of the wildly popular The Fast and Furious films, Walker was tragically killed in a 30-car pileup wreckage during Thanksgiving weekend. Fans were left confused and angry during the first few hours following the accident, as initial reports suggested that Walker was not really dead but, in fact, the victim of an online hoax. Walker’s abrupt, violent death has left Hollywood devastated.

See our article on late Nelson Mandela, South African politician.