****************************************************************** ShadowGram Online Dark Shadows Updates List Marcy Robin's Cyberspace "Dark Shadows" Update List An Internet Publication of SHADOWGRAM < ShadowGram@aol.com > Number 135. June 11, 2005. ****************************************************************** Hello, Dark Shadows Fan, ShadowGram (SG) announces the following breaking news for Dark Shadows (DS). **** SG regrets to inform fans of the death of DANA ELCAR, who passed away at age 77 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, CA, on June 6. His family announced his death from pneumonia complications and a memorial service was held yesterday, June 10. Dana was DS' original casting for Sheriff George Patterson. His acting career spanned 40+ years and he is best-known as Peter Thornton on the ABC 1985-92 adventure series "MacGyver." His character was boss and trusted friend of the resourceful special agent/hero title character played by Richard Dean Anderson. Diagnosed with glaucoma while still doing the series, Dana and the producers incorporated his condition into his character. Dana became a major advocate for public awareness and education about the condition. He acted on film, TV, and stage even after losing his vision. He starred in "Baretta" (1975) and "Black Sheep Squadron" (1976), and the 1979 miniseries "Centennial." Films include "The Sting," "2010," "All of Me," and the big-screen "Get Smart" movie "The Nude Bomb." Off-Broadway plays credits feature the first American productions of Harold Pinter's "The Dumbwaiter" and "The Caretaker," plus classic dramas "Our Town," "Under Milk Wood," and "Waiting for Godot," among others. He was a familiar character actor in many TV series from the 1950s-now, most recently guesting on "ER" and "Law & Order." He also directed episodes of "MacGyver" and "Black Sheep Squadron." A native of Ferndale, Michigan, he began acting in high school, founding his first theater while in college. He lived and worked in New York, then Los Angeles, where he founded his second theater. After moving to Ventura County in the mid-1980s, he founded his third. His theaters staged classic plays, performances for the blind / deaf, and Spanish-language plays as well. He worked both on- and off- stage and enjoyed many interests. He is survived by 3 daughters, a son, a stepdaughter and step-granddaughter, a sister, half-sister, and "beloved companion, Thelma M. Garcia." . Pictures, media obituaries and salutes, and more career information will be in the upcoming SG #105 print issue. The DS Festival's "DS Hollywood Weekend" plans a tribute to Dana during the July 29-31 event at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, CA. **** LARA PARKER (Angelique, Catherine) provides audio commentary on the debut of her 1975 horror film "Race With the Devil." The DVD is due out June 28. (Also see SG #104 print issue and SG Online Update #128) **** DARK SHADOWS HOLLYWOOD WEEKEND The "DS Hollywood Weekend," sponsored by the DS Festival, is July 29-31 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. 323-856-1200. SG Online Update # 133 announced the hotel is sold out of guest rooms. Fans are advised that the Holiday Inn Hollywood Walk Of Fame (323-876-8600) and Best Western Hollywood Plaza Inn (323 851-1800) are only one block to the north and have rooms available at a bargain rate. Also close by is the renowned historic landmark, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Site of the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, it is newly renovated and recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The famed Cinegrill nightclub is on the premises; DS' DONNA McKECHNIE (Amanda, Olivia) has performed her one-woman cabaret show there.. It is located at 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. (800) 950-7667 www.hollywoodroosevelt.com Other hotels are located throughout the nearby Hollywood area. The Fest asks SG to remind fans that DS Weekend memberships are available in advance and at the door. There is a special 2-for-1 admission rate of $30 for all 3 days or $15 per day. Reservations also are being taken for the "Visit to Collinwood" (July 29) - Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, filming location for the 1991 NBC primetime DS TV series and the 2004 WB pilot. Reservations also are being accepted for the traditional Banquet With the Stars" that closes the Weekend on July 31. Pre-registered attendees will receive a tentative schedule shortly before the event. Fest info: www.darkshadowsfestival.com or send a SASE to Dark Shadows Festival, P.O. Box 92, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Also see the current SG #104 print issue. **** All fans joining us at the Hollywood Weekend are invited to share their reports and photos with ShadowGram. SG print issues are read by fans of all ages in virtually every state and in other countries. Complimentary copies are sent directly to many of the DS cast/crew as well. In addition, please share any media references you find regarding the sad death of Dana Elcar or media coverage of the "Race With the Devil" DVD release. A Contributor's Copy SG issue is given in thanks for major contributions. Thank you. Marcy Robin ShadowGram Editor / Publisher P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766 E-mail: ShadowGram@aol.com ***************************************************************** SHADOWGRAM (SG) is the * Official * "Dark Shadows" Newsletter. Much of its news is provided by the show's personnel and those involved in the 1966-71 TV series, 1991 TV series, and 2004 WB pilot. Established in 1979, SG works directly with individuals, companies, and others involved in DS' creation, distribution, promotion, merchandise, etc. The complete print issues are published throughout the year, with free bonus complimentary breaking-news published updates as needed. Brief Updates are posted on this ShadowGram Online "Dark Shadows" News Updates List / Marcy Robin's ShadowGram "Dark Shadows" Cyberspace News Updates List. These posts are sent via e-mail between regularly-published issues to quickly notify fans of time-sensitive developments. You also can receive this identical SG Online Update by joining the ShadowGram Group at yahoogroups SG postal-mail print issues are immediately available: --- US & Canada First Class subscriptions: $12.00 for 4 issues, $24.00 for 8 issues. ---Overseas Air Mail subscriptions: US $20.00 for 4 issues, US $40.00 for 8 issues. Please send print issue subscription payment to: Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766. Online subscription payment via Paypal to: ShadowGram@aol.com For more information on the newsletter, please write with a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to the above postal-address or e-mail: ShadowGram@aol.com If your e-mail address changes, please notify me immediately. Please include your old and your new e-mail addresses. If you do not wish to receive this online "ShadowGram / Marcy Robin's Cyberspace Dark Shadows Update List," please notify me via return e-mail. Thank you.