Gone Too Soon: The Early Curtain Calls of 2016

04/28/2016 11:56:34 AM

It is sad that we've been hampered by the passing of numerous people whom we highly regard as legends, from local directors to selected music personalities. Heck, we all knew the Master Showman finally took a rest after being restless for decades.

“Walang Tulugan” no more.

Wenn Deramas. (Philstar)

In the Philippines, we may have find his recent movie projects a disphit, but still you can't discount how Wenn Deramas has shaped the entertainment industry with his array of works; paving ways for the career of Claudine Barretto through his series of drama anthologies for over a decade from late 90s, as well as piloting Vice Ganda's commercial box office success in the movies, be it a Metro Manila Film Festival entry or not.

Francis Pasion (Interaksyon)

Francis Oliver Pasion, whose known for his success at the indies, also passed away earlier this year. And before his untimely demise, he was also part of those responsible for the success of the teleserye we all know as On The Wings Of Love; sending the JaDine love team into stratosphere, and proving OTWOL is not just a rom-com on TV nor even a Jeffrey Osbourne track, it is a pop culture phenomenon especially among the younger generation of audiences.

Lemmy Kilmister (mirror.co.uk)

Ian Frase “Lemmy” Kilmister, known as the founder voice behind the band called Motorhead. If you are a fan of heavy rock and professional wrestling, you know these two worlds exists the hardcore way. Motorhead is known for one of the World Wrestling Entertainment's top personnel Paul Michael Levesque, known as The Game/The Cerebral Assassin Hunter Hearst Helmsley—or simply Triple H—and his entrance music. On Kilmer's funeral, the 14-time WWE World heavyweight Champion/Exective Vice President for Creatives, Talents, and Live Events has nothing but great tribute for the departed rockstar. 

He was 70 years old when he succumbed to cancer.

David Bowie (BBC)

David Bowie, the English singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor, whose known for few words, including the character Ziggy Stardust. After an 18-month battle with liver cancer, the pop music innovator passed away. His death also put an end to his 53-year long music career.

Some wrestlers—though not highly touted as The Ultimate Warrior and Roddy Piper, also had a curtain call in life.

Iron Mike Sharpe (wrestlecrap.com)

Michael Sharpe has been wrestling with several sports entertainment demigods for 24 years. And for half of them, with the World Wrestling Federation. But in 2007, he suffered a freak accident that led him to his confinement with the wheelchair. While doing a landscaping job, Sharpe sustained a deep cut in his leg that was infected later on. This mishap triggered a series of health problems for the Canadian, whom 80s wrestling fans popularly known him as Iron Mike. And nearly a decade from the incident, he passed away. He was 66 years old.

Blackjack Mulligan (WWF Old School)

Robert Deroy Windham, popularly known as Blackjack Mulligan, passed away on 6 April. He was 73. He is the pioneer member of the Windham-Rotunda wrestling family, whom includes sons Barry and Kendall, son-in-law I.R.S, and maternal grandsons Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.

This past week, the world was shocked by the news telling the demise of two of the numerous icons in the entertainment world.

Chyna (Bleacher Report)

Chyna, the Ninth Wonder of the World, was found lifeless at her home, Her social media team announced the news on Twitter. She was 45.

Upon her demise, news about her going to the WWE Hall of Fame became part of the talks, with her ex Triple H and his wife Stephanie McMahon voicing them.

Well, why not? Despite her as an adult entertainer, part of reality shows, and confessing breakdowns along the way, she was “the” woman in the wrestling world. Imagine a lady with that physique and swagger being part of the Royal Rumble, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, member of a badass stable Degeneration X, and WWE Women's champion. She fared up very well among this kind of sport whose been dominated by men and their machismo idealism.

Prince (Biography)

At the music scene, the world is offering condolences to Prince Rogers Nelson, the man we knew as Prince. The pop music icon died 10:07 am at his place of residence in Paisley Park in Chanhasslen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old and his remains were cremated. Prior to his death, Prince has been hampered by flu-like symptoms for two weeks, and some reports stated he has been treated for over-usage of medication drugs.

That being said, tributes from several musicians—past and present—were given to him. And it's quite fair enough for a guy whom—like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles—has shaped pop music in his own way. He even fight for the artist's rights on livelihood such as copyright disputes.

With the departure of these personalities, heaven must be having an extravaganza out there, where they will make music and display storytelling in action.

Rest in Peace, and power.

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions