September 16, 1924 - August 12, 2014
Many of us are still reeling from the untimely passing of Robin Williams. However, another Hollywood legend has also left us. Lauren Bacall passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
Her death provides an interesting contrast with that of Williams. Since she was 89 and hasn't been in the public spotlight for many years, her passing is something we more readily accept. It's not something we feel the need to make a big fuss over. That's not to diminish who she was, just that the way she left us feels more organic. It's part of the natural order of things.
As for me, personally, I must say I'm woefully disconnected to Bacall. I recognize her status as one of the true starlets of her era, but somehow she's escaped me. To this point, at least. Looking over her filmography, I'm pretty sure the only thing I've seen her in is Key Largo opposite Humphrey Bogart. I love the movie, and love her in it, but just haven't gotten around to seeing any more of her work. Still, just knowing she's gone creates a bit of an empty spot.
Bacall is an actress I've been discovering more this year because of my desire to discover the 40's, and she was a large part of that decade. She was an undeniable talent, and her loss is sad, yet like you mentioned, more readily acceptable because, unlike Williams, she was nearly 90 and not working anymore. Still, a shame to see these legends leaving us.
ReplyDeleteDiscounting the silent era, the 40s is probably the decade from which I've seen the fewest films. Something I hope to correct at some point.
DeleteYeah, boy it's a double whammy this week! I'm still reeling from Robin Williams' sudden passing. As for miss Bacall, I'm not terribly familiar w/ her work as I've only seen one of her films, Designing Woman, but she was fantastic. I need to see more of her work, esp her films w/ Bogart.
ReplyDeleteDouble whammy is right. We both need to see more of her, I think.
DeleteI saw her recently on Written on the Wind by Douglas Sirk. Man, she was great. This week just got worse.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Not cool getting two of these in one week.
DeleteIts pathetic I can only think of one movie this legendary actress was in, and she only had a small role, it was All I Want for Christmas (1991). I'm looking forward to checking out some more of her filmography, in the meantime I'm saddened by this week's loss of two talented celebrities in one week.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm right there on the pathetic train with you.
DeleteIt makes me sad because so many stars from that era are gone, truly making it a bygone era. Bacall was one of the last remaining film stars of that era.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad. Even worse its getting that way for stars of the 50s and 60s, too.
DeleteVery sad when these great actors and actresses pass. It's probably inevitable her and Richard Attenborough(90) didn't have long to go at that age, yet it still comes as a shock.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with The Big Sleep (1946) as Bacall's most iconic role, simply because she played opposite Bogart.
It is sad. At least we can take solace in the fact she led a long and full life. Thanks for stopping by.
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