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Morey Amsterdam: Vaudevillian and television actor
1914-1996
Morey Amsterdam, a life-long entertainer who delighted audiences in the early 1960s as Buddy Sorrel on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," died October 28 of a heart attack.
Amsterdam, a cellist and former vaudevillian, was nicknamed "The Human Joke Machine" because of his reputed ability to make a joke on any subject on demand. He appeared on several comedy shows, and in numerous movies including "It Came From Outer Space" in 1953 and "Machine Gun Kelly" in 1958.
In 1944 he wrote the lyrics to the popular song, "Rum and Coca-Cola."
After cosmetic surgery in 1962 -- and losing 55 pounds -- he told the Los Angeles Times, "Everyone who can afford to change his appearance for the better should do so."
Many biographies list Amsterdam's age as 81 or 83, but former co-star Rose Marie said he was 87 at the time of his death.
Ted Bessell: Actor in 60's comedy series
1935-1996
Ted Bessell shot to fame as Marlo Thomas' long-suffering boyfriend Donald in the 1960's television comedy series "That Girl."
The 61-year-old actor died in Los Angeles of an aortic aneurysm.
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George Burns: Vaudeville, radio, film, TV and recording star
1896-1996
"Fall in love with what you do for a living. I don't care what it is. It works."
One of the longest, most celebrated careers in show business ended March 9 when George Burns died just weeks after his 100th birthday. His career ran the gamut of 20th century entertainment: vaudeville, movies, radio and television.
Born Nathan Birnbaum, Burns began his show business career as a child, singing on the streets of New York. In 1923, he met Gracie Allen, and the two were married from 1926 until Allen's death in 1964. Together they made hit radio and television programs and more than 20 movies, while raising two children. In 1975, Burns ended a silver screen absence of more than 10 years to make "The Sunshine Boys," a film that won him an Academy Award at age 80.
Burns attributed his longevity to his daily ration of cigars and martinis, and to his philosophy toward work: "Fall in love with what you do for a living. I don't care what it is. It works."
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