Notable Deaths - August 25
Truman Capote (30 September 1924, New Orleans, Louisiana – 25 August 1984, Los Angeles, California) - An American writer whose short stories, novels, plays and non-fiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a “non-fiction novel.” At least 20 films and television dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories, and screenplays. He was a lifelong friend of author Harper Lee, who wrote the 1960 bestselling, Pulitzer prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 59. According to the coroner’s report the cause of death was “liver disease complicated by phlebitis and multiple drug intoxication.” He died at the home of his old friend Joanne Carson, ex-wife of late-night TV host Johnny Carson, on whose program Capote had been a frequent guest. He was interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, leaving behind his longtime companion, author Jack Dunphy. In 2005, the biopic Capote got five Oscar nominations, including a Best Actor win for Philip Seymour Hoffman, who played the title character. Here is a clip of Capote explaining his idea behind In Cold Blood:
Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001) - Better known as just Aaliyah, was an American singer, dancer, actress, and model. Introduced to audiences by R&B/pop singer R. Kelly, Aaliyah became famous during the mid-1990s with several hit records from the songwriting/production team of Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Despite her short career, she sold 32 million records worldwide and garnered several Grammy nominations. In addition to her commercial success, her collaborations with Timbaland helped shape the sound of R&B in the latter half of the 1990s. She also modeled for Tommy Hilfiger and starred in two motion pictures (2002’s Romeo Must Die and 2002’s Queen of the Damned) before being killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas. Following her death, singles like “Rock the Boat” and “Miss You” became Billboard hits. Here is the music video for “Rock the Boat” that she was filming before her death: