Robert Culp Dead at 79

Image from source, TVSquad

This probably doesn't qualify for "The Greenlee Curse," but it's close. While it has happened many, many times in my life, the most memorable ones are Elvis Presley and Isabel Sanford. Both died at points in their lives when their careers weren't particularly on fire, and both died the day after I had a fairly significant conversation about them. With Robert Culp, I just happened to notice--while The Other Half was watching the movie The Pelican Brief--that Culp played the President. I said, "Oh, I like him. Is he still alive?" Gulp.

I was too young for I Spy, but I loved him in The Greatest American Hero, and also in Everybody Loves Raymond. Everybody's got to go sometime, but it's sad. RIP, Mr. Culp.

[Excerpt]

'I Spy' star Robert Culp dead at 79

One half of the 'I Spy' team is gone: Robert Culp has died near his home in Hollywood at the age of 79. What's even more troubling is the way he died. Culp apparently fell and hit his head while out for a walk and was found by a jogger. He later died at a hospital. . .

Read more at: TVSquad

Classic TV Themes: Dramas of the 80s (and 90s)

My previous posts' sidestep into frivolity led to this one. I realized that most of my "Classic TV" clips were from the 70s, and I was as much a "child" of the 80s--and even the 90s (I was immature), so I thought I'd branch out a bit.

First up, while I was still in my "comic book" phase (as if I ever left), I was a big fan of The Greatest American Hero, starring William Katt, Robert Culp (future father-in-law of Ray Romano on Everybody Loves Raymond), and Mrs. John Tesh, Connie Sellecca.

Second, the vastly underrated Remington Steele, starring the equally underrated Stephanie Zimbalist and future James Bond, Pierce Brosnan. Not to mention (future Ray Romano Mother on Everybody Loves Raymond) Doris Roberts.

Third, my guiltiest pleasure (I never missed an episode), Dynasty. Not well-written. Not well-acted. For some reason, addictive anyway. And the best use of a trumpet in a theme ever.

And last, a nineties entry, Melrose Place, which didn't kick into high gear until Dynasty alum Heather Locklear joined the cast (as perpetual guest star). And a great cast it was. Whatever happened to Andrew Shue, Josie Bissett and Thomas Calabro anyway?

Enjoy.