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Things you didn't know about Barron Trump

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BY GILLIAN WALTERS AND TODD JACOBS/DEC. 1, 2016 10:10 PM EDT/UPDATED: JULY 13, 2020 4:24 PM EDT

Most of the Trump children have become well-known to the public over the years, but Barron Trump remains a family outlier. The youngest son of President Donald Trump first captivated the eyes of the world late on Election Night when he stood behind his father on the stage while victory was accepted. Barron, of course, looked more sleepy than jubilant on stage, which inadvertently won over the cold hearts of an America that was mostly happy the election cycle was finally over. 

Since his father took office Barron has remained largely out of sight, but we've managed to learn quite a bit about about America's new boy-prince. For starters, his pre-White House living situation at Trump Tower was unimaginably sweet. Oh, and his mother used to moisturize his face with caviar — but you probably could have guessed that.  

Ready to learn more about this young Simba-like figure? It's time we get familiar with Barron Trump.

Barron Trump is the only child of Melania and Donald Trump

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One thing about the 45th First Family to take note of is that it has a little bit more sprawl than the previous one, owing to Donald Trump's multiple children by three wives. Barron Trump, the youngest of the clan, is but one branch of a family tree that includes Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., born to Donald's first wife, Ivana Trump; as well as daughter Tiffany Trump, born to Donald's second wife, Marla Maples.

As for Barron, who was born on March 20, 2006, he's the only child of Donald and Melania Knauss Trump, who were married about a year prior to Barron's birth, in January 2005. Barron lived with his mom in their Trump Tower penthouse on Fifth Avenue in New York City, while dad moved into the White House after assuming his new role as POTUS, according to NBC News. However, Barron and his mom did join dear old dad in D.C. after he finished out his year at the prestigious and very-expensive Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, which had a reported yearly price tag of around $45,000. 

Melania Trump intends to keep Barron Trump out of the spotlight

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Since Barron Trump's official appearances have been limited to traditional first family events like Inauguration Day festivities and the White House Easter Egg Roll, it seems like Donald and Melania Trump intend to uphold the tradition of keeping kids of first families mostly out of the public eye. 

In an October 2016 interview with ABC News, Melania actually spelled it out. "I teach him, I explain to him so he knows what's going on," she said. "He's taking very well. I keep him balanced and — just have him a childhood as normal as possible. And he's enjoying his school and his sports. He's a great athlete. And I just want to have him — out of the spotlight for now." 

That plan seems to be firmly in place, as of this writing, at least, according to the Washington Examiner which reported in December 2018 that Barron "rarely appears in public with his parents." Speaking with Fox News' Sean Hannity around the same time, Melania said that even though Barron isn't living "a normal life" since the family's move to Washington D.C., he is "enjoying" it there. She also said her efforts to "protect" him from public scrutiny are required to "give him the childhood he deserves."

Barron Trump is the first boy to live in the White House in decades

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After making his move to Washington, Barron Trump officially become the first boy to grace the halls of the White House in almost 60 years. Yep, the last time America had a "First Boy" was all the way back in 1961, when John F. Kennedy's son, JFK Jr., moved into the White House when he was just a baby, according to CNN.

And Barron made his entrance to the presidential residence in true Trump fashion, exiting Marine One and strolling across the White House lawn to his new digs while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words "The Expert." And here we thought Uncle Jared was the boy wonder of the family.

Barron Trump lives like a king

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In her interview with Parenting (via Redbook), Melania Trump revealed that Barron's Trump Tower digs are so sweet, he actually has an entire floor to himself, complete with his own personal flourishes like the incorporation of "planes and helicopters" into the decor of the rest of the house. Not only that, but it was no big deal if he wanted to draw all over the walls, because "we can paint it over," she said. No wonder that they weren't in a rush to move him into the White House.

And though he didn't get his own wing of the executive residence, his lifestyle didn't exactly getting downgraded. According to Inquisitr, the White House has a staff of 100 people who "will know what every member of the Trump family likes, as far as food, snacks, and personal items. This will be stocked and waiting for the family so they can obtain it at a moment's notice." Rumors even swirled that Barron was getting a Goldendoodle puppy named Patton to go along with his new home. However, as of this writing, Patton has yet to arrive.

Does Barron Trump have a nanny?

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In a September 2015 interview with People, Donald and Melania Trump insisted they did not use a nanny to help raise Barron Trump. "I like to be hands-on," Melania told the magazine. "I think it's very important. Barron is 9 years old. He needs somebody as a parent there, so I am with him all the time. As you know my husband is traveling all the time."

Days after the interview was published, Donald, in true form, told the New York Post that there was, in fact, a "young woman" who "works with Barron." Still, to this day, reports describe Melania as being "really devoted" to her son; a source told the Post in November 2016 that Melania is often seen picking up Barron from school. That same source also claimed that Melania had not relied on nannies to help raise her kid. So, who knows what the heck is going on?

Barron Trump is fluent in two languages

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Although he reportedly takes after his father, Barron Trump has also inherited his mother's roots as well. According to a 2016 interview with GQ magazine, Melania Trump revealed that Barron "speaks Slovenian fluently." In fact, he speaks the language with his grandparents, who lived near Trump Tower, at the time of the interview.

Melania also once bragged to People in 2009 that at just three-years-old, Barron was also speaking French in addition to Slovenian and English. But two years later, during an appearance on The Joy Behar Show, Melania said, "Barron speaks two languages completely perfect. He goes from one thing to another, Slovenian/English." What happened to French? Was he just not fluent enough to mention it yet? Does Barron Trump own a beret? These are questions of national importance that need an answer.

'A very natural athlete'

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Barron Trump may be headed for a future among the top athletes of the world — that is, if you take his dad's word for it. When Barron was nine years old, Donald Trump told People that his youngest born was "a very natural athlete" even though he was only "at that age where he's just starting to learn."

Luckily for Barron, his dad has connections. According to The Washington Post, the Major League Soccer team D.C. United visited The White House in April 2017 where they "presented [Barron] with a black-and-red ball, signed by the players and personalized with a message welcoming him to Washington." Later, he went off and had "a pickup game" with several prominent team members, including forward Patrick Mullins, who said he was impressed with the young Trump's "passion" and "knowledge" of the game. "It makes me feel good about kids growing up playing [soccer]," Mullins said.

By September 2017, CBS Sports reported that Barron, who is actually an Arsenal fan, just went ahead and joined D.C. United — well, sort of. "The president's son joined the club's U-12 team and development academy." 

Barron Trump attends St. Andrew's Episcopal School

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In the fall of 2017, Barron Trump began his matriculation at  St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac, MD, which according to The Washington Post costs approximately $40,000 per year. In addition to the school's prestigious reputation — 100% of its graduates go on to some type of higher education — St. Andrew's has a range of impressive facilities, including "a 14,000-volume, two-story library ... a multipurpose theater/assembly/lunch space that features a stage and light/sound booth; two visual arts studios ... a darkroom; two full-size basketball courts; a fitness room; a dance studio; and two full turf fields for softball, baseball, lacrosse and soccer." Not impressed? There's more.

According to The 74, St. Andrew's is "the only school-based center for mind-brain-education science in the country," meaning part of its curriculum is based on "a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field that aims to translate new developments in neuroscience and psychology into better classroom practices." Sounds like we could have a second stable genius on our hands. 

Barron is the first child of a sitting president to attend St. Andrew's, though the school does claim other famous alumni, like eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Maybe if Barron plays his cards right, he might end up rich like that guy some day.

Only the finest products touch Barron Trump's skin

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If you needed further proof that Barron Trump isn't your typical kid, try this one on for size: in 2013, his mother admitted to ABC News that, at the time, she applied her own line of caviar-infused moisturizer to his skin after he took his his nightly bath. "It smells very, very fresh," Melania Trump said of her Caviar Complex C6 skin care line. "I put it on him from head to toe. He likes it."

Unfortunately for the two of them, this tradition may have been short-lived; according to Racked, Melania's skin care line fell apart shortly after its high-profile launch.

You won't catch Barron Trump wearing sweatpants

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As one might expect from someone born into a billion-dollar business family, Barron Trump has been dressing for success pretty much his entire life. He even wore a suit to the launch of his half-sister Ivanka Trump's book when he was only three and a half years old.

"He's not a sweatpants child," Melania Trump said while discussing her son with ABC News in 2013. "He doesn't mind putting on [a suit]-but not every day- and he likes to dress up in a tie sometimes like Daddy." But that's not to say that Barron doesn't like a little comfort. In fact, he sometimes pairs his prep school uniform with customized New Balance sneakers that reportedly cost $149, according to Footwear News. Yep, you read that right. The Trumps pay $149 for Barron's sneakers and something called Footwear News actually exists in reality.

Melania Trump calls Barron Trump 'mini Donald'

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Given that he loves to wear suits and moisturize his skin with caviar, it should surprise exactly no one that Melania Trump often refers to her only son as "little Donald" and "mini-Donald." "He is a very strong-minded, very special, smart boy," Melania told Parenting (via Redbook). "He is independent and opinionated and knows exactly what he wants. Sometimes I call him little Donald. He is a mixture of us in looks, but his personality is why I call him little Donald."

"When he was 5 years old, he wanted to be like daddy: a businessman and golfer," she added later in the interview. "He loves to build something and tear it down and build something else. He is very detailed at drawing. We travel often and he remembers everything he sees. Sometimes later the same day or the next he would build something like he saw or imagine something himself."

In a 2013 interview with ABC News, Melania again referred to Barron as "mini-Donald," which if we're being honest, has to sting a little for Barron's older half-brother, the actual Donald Jr.

Donald Trump didn't change Barron Trump's diapers

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In that same interview with Parenting (via Redbook) Melania Trump said of her husband, "He didn't change diapers and I am completely fine with that. It is not important to me. It's all about what works for you. It's very important to know the person you're with. And we know our roles. I didn't want him to change the diapers or put Barron to bed. I love every minute of it."

But that's not to say that Donald Trump wasn't a doting dad in his own way. Melania also said that he and Barron love to play golf, eat dinner together and "enjoy family time" at Mar-a-Lago, the family's Florida getaway. Golf actually comes up a lot when Melania is asked about Donald's relationship with Barron, like in this 2015 People interview when she again said that the two men in her life "go alone for dinner, one-on-one" and "play golf together." Golf and dinner, huh? Sounds a bit more like the closing of a business deal than a loving father-son day.

Barron Trump has a creative spark

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What might not be immediately obvious about Barron Trump is his creative streak, a trait First Lady Melania Trump revealed in a chat with Parenting magazine in 2012. Melania shared a sweet anecdote to illustrate her claim, recalling an especially impressive moment of free play when Barron was young. "His imagination is growing and important," Melania said at the time (via Redbook). "He draws on the walls in his playroom, we can paint it over. One day he was playing bakery and he wrote Barron's Bakery on the wall with crayons. He is very creative, if you say to a child no, no, no, where does the creativity go?" How cute — it's clear Barron was a very imaginative tyke. 

Of course, it's fair to reason Barron's free reign over his playroom had something to do with his artistic flair. Not many kids are allowed to draw on their playroom walls, after all.

Donald Trump's former butler think's Barron Trump is a mini-version of his dad

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It's no secret First Lady Melania Trump thinks Barron takes after his dad, President Donald Trump, as she has openly stated so in the past. And interestingly enough, the Trump family's former butler, Tony Senecal, shares her take. Senecal explained that while he has a fondness for all of Donald's five kids, Barron is the most like his famous dad. Want some proof? Look no further than Senecal's anecdote about a conversation he had with a then 2-year-old Barron. 

"When Baron was two and a half years old I took his breakfast into him," the ex-butler recalled, according to Inside Edition. "He was sitting in his highchair and he looks at me and he said: 'Tony! Sit down! We need to talk!'" Holy moly! Although we can't say whether this account is true, we can't say it's too hard to imagine. And who knows, maybe Barron will be shouting his dad's famous "You're fired!" line around one day. Never say never.

Did Barron Trump get flavored e-cigs banned?

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On Sep. 11, 2019, President Trump announced that the US Food and Drug Administration would be putting out "some very strong recommendations" in "a couple of weeks" related to flavored e-cigarette use (via CNN). This potential ban follows multiple deaths due to lung diseases thought to be related to vaping, as well as another reported 450 lung illnesses seemingly red to the product.

Earlier that week, First Lady Melania Trump tweeted that she was "deeply concerned about the growing epidemic" of vape use by teens and children. "We need to do all we can to protect the public from tobacco-related disease and death, and prevent e-cigarettes from becoming an on-ramp to nicotine addiction for a generation of youth," she concluded.

During a press conference discussing the dangers of vaping, with Melania sitting quietly by his side, Trump explained (via Vox reporter Aaron Rupar) that this issue first came to his attention because "the First Lady got involved." Then without mentioning his name, Trump specifically mentioned Baron Trump, he and Melania's 13-year-old son in peculiar way. "She's got a son, together, that is a beautiful young man, and she feels very, very strongly about it."

This led many Twitter users to speculate that Melania caught Baron vaping, like #KillStream founder Ethan Ralph, who wrote, "Barron got caught with a Juul and now we can't have Mint pods anymore." 

As of this writing, there has been neither confirmation nor denial of Barron's alleged vape use.  

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NEXT UP

These celebs died from coronavirus

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BY TODD JACOBS/MARCH 30, 2020 4:11 PM EDT/UPDATED: AUG. 18, 2020 4:20 PM EDT

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has brought the world to a standstill. With confirmed cases increasing at a rapid rate, many countries are taking drastic measures in order to stem the time of the global pandemic. While cities and even entire countries are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing to stop the spread, essential workers and medical personnel and staff are on the front lines proving once again that they are the real heroes. 

However, despite their valiant efforts, the novel coronavirus has taken its toll, particularly on more vulnerable members of the population. Since the first reported cases in late 2019, the coronavirus has claimed the lives of thousands worldwide, including some famous faces.

During this time, some celebrities have attempted to help and spread positivity, while other high-profile stars believe the coronavirus is a hoax. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has tragically taken the lives of several celebrities, including legendary musical artists — and even a member of a royal family. It is with sad hearts that we report the celebrities who have died from the coronavirus.

Spain's Princess Maria Teresa

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Spain's Princess Maria Teresa becomes the first royal to pass away from the novel coronavirus. She was 86. Her death was announced on Facebook by her brother, Prince Sixto Enrique de Borbon, the Duke of Aranjuez.

"SAR Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón communicates that this Thursday, March 26, 2020, has passed away in Paris, at eighty-six years old, his sister Maria Teresa de Bourbon-Parma and Bourbon Busset, victim of coronavirus COVID-19," the statement read. "Don Sixto Enrique is very sorry and begs for prayers for his sister's eternal rest."

Known as the "Red Princess" for her lifelong socialist activism and advocacy for women's rights, Maria Teresa was the cousin of Spain's King Felipe IV (via People). According to the publication, the outspoken royal was a "distinguished professor at Paris' Sorbonne and an outspoken professor of Sociology at Madrid's Complutense University." Two other royals, U.K.'s Prince Charles and Monaco's Prince Albert, are among the many other celebs who have also tested positive for COVID-19.

Jazz legend Manu Dibango

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Manu Dibango, a Cameroonian jazz artist whose celebrated career spanned decades, passed away from complications due to the novel coronavirus (via ABC News). He was 86. The legendary multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who influenced everything from disco to hip-hop died in a Paris hospital according to a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on March 24, 2020, at 86 years old, further to covid 19," the statement, written in French, reads. "His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible."

Dibango's 1973 hit "Soul Makossa" inspired everyone from Michael Jackson, who used the song's refrain on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" to Rihanna, who sampled the dance floor smash on her 2007 single "Don't Stop the Music." (via The New York Times).

Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz

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Celebrity chef and international restaurateur Floyd Cardoz passed away on March 25, 2020, at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, N.J. from the novel coronavirus. He was 59. "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing away of Chef Floyd Cardoz," Hunger Inc. Hospitality, where Cardoz served as culinary director, said in a statement (via CNN).

The winner of Bravo's third season of Top Chef Masters, Cardoz admitted himself to the hospital on March 17, 2020 when he felt ill after returning from India where he was filming the Netflix series Ugly Delicious. His last Instagram post was a selfie taken in the hospital the same day in which he wrote, "I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York."

The India-born chef's Manhattan restaurant, Tabla, elevated Indian-American modern cuisine like no other chef before him. "I adored him. A great chef, groundbreaking in so many ways, a generous human, resilient of spirit and loved his family, his garden and our restaurant world so much. I'm stunned. I know what I'm eating tonight for dinner," Andrew Zimmern, the host Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods tweeted, accompanied with a link to a Cardoz recipe.

Terrence McNally

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Five-time Tony Award-winner Terrence McNally passed away due to complications from coronavirus on March 24, 2020 (via The Hollywood Reporter). He was 81. The creative mind behind Kiss of the Spider-Woman, Ragtime, and Love! Valour! Compassion!, McNally routinely brought gay characters to mainstream audiences, and wrote about homophobia and AIDS when those topics were still considered socially taboo.

His publicist Matt Polk told the publication that McNally died in a hospital in Sarasota, Fla. McNally survived lung cancer in the late 90s, but "the disease cost him portions of both lungs." He also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He is survived by his husband, producer Tom Kirdahy (via Broadway).

News of McNally's death led many Broadway stars to pay their respects. "Heartbroken over the loss of Terrence McNally, a giant in our world, who straddled plays and musicals deftly," Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted, adding, "Grateful for his staggering body of work and his unfailing kindness." Actor Patrick Wilson tweeted: "My first acting award at a one-act festival in high school. My first Tony nomination was for Full Monty. Both shows [were] written by Terrence McNally. He had a monumental impact on my career and will be missed. Rest In Peace, my friend."

Mark Blum

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Actor Mark Blum died at the age of 69 on March 25, 2020, due to complications of the coronavirus after testing positive a week prior (via Los Angeles Times). His wife of 15 years, Janet Zarish, said that Blum suffered from asthma, but had not, as the publication put it, "traveled recently or knowingly been in contact with anyone with the virus."

Perhaps best known for film and television roles in Crocodile Dundee, Desperately Seeking Susan, Mozart in the Jungle, and the Netflix series You, Blum also starred in several Broadway productions over the course of 40-plus years, such as Lost In Yonkers, The Best Man, and Gus and Al, according to Playbill. "With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend, and a consummate artist who passed this week," Playwrights Horizons, a theater company in New York City, tweeted following the news of his passing. "Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you."

Dozens of members of the entertainment industry have since mourned Blum's passing on social media, including the likes of Bernadette Peters, Judith Light, and Madonna. Meanwhile, actress Rosanna Arquette, who starred in Desperately Seeking Susan alongside Blum and Madonna in the mid-'80s, offered her condolences on Twitter, writing in part, "I'm so deeply sad for his family and for his fans. [He] was a wonderful actor and a very good and kind man."

Joe Diffie

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Country music singer Joe Diffie was diagnosed with COVID-19, his publicist, Scott Adkins, told The Associated Press on March 27, 2020. In a statement released to Rolling Stone, the 61-year-old musician revealed: "I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious, and careful during this pandemic."

However, two days after the announcement, Diffie sadly passed away. "Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29 from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19)," a statement posted to his official Instagram read. "His family requests privacy at this time."

According to his Grand Ole Opry profile, in which he was inducted in 1993, Diffie had "four gold and platinum albums, 17 Top 10 hits and more than 6 million in record sales." Diffie, who previously cancelled shows amid the coronavirus outbreak, was best known for a string of '90s hits, including "Pickup Man," "Honky Tonk Attitude," "Third Rock From The Sun," "Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox," and "John Deere Green."

A number of Diffie's peers have since taken to social media to express their condolences. Trace Adkins called Diffie "one of the all-time GREAT vocalists," while Granger Smith wrote, "Here's to you Pickup Man. You inspired an entire generation of country singers and accepted us all with kindness, gratitude and buckets of talent."

Andrew Jack

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Actor Andrew Jack passed away from complications related to COVID-19 in a Chertsey, England hospital on March 31, 2020, Deadline reports. He was 76. 

His dialect coach wife, Gabrielle Rogers — who was in self-quarantine in Australia at the time (via TMZ) — announced the news on Twitter, writing in part, "Andrew Jack was diagnosed with coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all 'with' him." In a lengthy statement to Deadline, Jack's agent, Jill McCullough, said in part, "Andrew lived on one of the oldest working houseboats on the Thames, he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife."

Having most recently played Major Ematt in the latest Star Wars trilogy, Jack was also a dialect coach and worked with A-list actors on major films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars, and Avengers: Endgame. He had been coaching Robert Pattinson for The Batman at the time of his death. Several stars have since reacted to Jack's passing on social media, including TLOTR actors Elijah Wood and Sean Astin and Star Wars director JJ Abrams. "He was a joy to be with on the new trilogy," Anthony Daniels, who plays C-3PO in Star Wars, tweeted. "As dialect coach, he helped the cast get it right through his talent and humour. As an actor, his distinguished features made him stand out in any scene."

Adam Schlesinger

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Fountains of Wayne co-founder and Emmy and Grammy-winning songwriter Adam Schlesinger passed away on April 1, 2020, his lawyer confirmed to AP News. He was 52. Schlesinger had been sedated on a ventilator in a New York hospital for several days after contracting coronavirus, according to Variety.

In addition to his work with Fountains of Wayne, Schlesinger received Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Tony nominations for his soundtrack work — most notably for writing the title track to Tom Hanks' 1997 film That Thing You Do. He also nabbed two Emmys for the 150-plus songs he wrote for the CW series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Stars who worked with Schlesinger on those projects paid their respects to the prolific songwriter on social media. "I remember the day all the Oneders, @LivTyler and @tomhanks sat in a room and played about 6 submitted tracks from different bands for That Thing You Do," actor Ethan Embry tweeted. "When we heard Adam Schlesinger's cassette it was instantly clear which track we would need to learn." Crazy Ex-Girlfriend star Rachel Bloom called him a "genius," and shared some of his work from the show. She also tweeted: "I have so much to say about Adam Schlesinger that I am at a complete loss for words. He is irreplaceable."

Ellis Marsalis Jr.

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New Orleans jazz legend, pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr., passed away on April 1, 2020, due to complications of COVID-19, his son Branford Marsalis (another jazz legend) told The New York Times. He was 85.

"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Ellis Marsalis Jr.," Branford said in a statement (via USA Today). "My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father. He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be." He added that his father had been in the hospital for less than a week and "died peacefully."

During his tenure as a teacher at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Marsalis taught such notable future musicians as film composer Terence Blanchard and pianist Harry Connick, Jr. He was also named a "Jazz Master" by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2011, which the Times notes "is considered the highest honor for an American jazz musician." Marsalis is also the patriarch of one of the greatest musical families that includes four sons with illustrious careers, one of whom is nine-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

John "Bucky" Pizzarelli

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Jazz guitarist John "Bucky" Pizzarelli died at his home in New Jersey on April 1, 2020, due to COVID-19, The New York Times reports. He was 94. "There will be some kind of tribute as soon as we can all get within 6 feet of each other," his son and fellow jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli told the Morristown Daily Record.

According to the publication, the New Jersey Hall of Fame member and virtuoso guitarist performed for multiple presidents at the White House during his eight-decade career, backing the likes of Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra. The legendary musician also served in Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band when Johnny Carson was still taping his show in New York City. "Doc asked him to go with them to California, but he said he wanted to stay here," his son said.

"He was the ultimate sideman," his son said. "He wasn't looking to be the guy out in front of the band. He was happy to be inside the band, supporting the whole organization."

Pizzarelli is survived by his wife, their four children, and four grandchildren.

Lee Fierro

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Jaws actress Lee Fierro died from complications of COVID-19 at an Ohio assisted living facility, The Martha's Vineyard Times reports. She was 91. While she trained as a theater actress, Fierro was perhaps best known to the masses for her scene-stealing role as the grieving mother who slapped Roy Scheider's Chief Brody in Steven Spielberg's 1975 hit flick. 

Fierro spent much of her life where the iconic shark movie was filmed on Martha's Vineyard, teaching drama to over 1,000 children at the Island Theatre Workshop over the course of four decades. According to theater's artistic director, Kevin Ryan, "The one word I would think of when I think of Lee is dedication. I've watched her as a performer, director, and businesswoman and then we became friends. She was my teacher and mentor." He continued, "She was fiercely dedicated to the mission of teaching. She, no matter what it was, would stay at it and get the job done."

Multiple other members of the Island theater community spoke to the publication about Fierro's influential presence in that scene, including novelist Nicki Galland, who credited Fierro with sparking her creativity and allowing her to get through her "teen years." Noting that the stage actress was proud of and "tickled by" her role in Jaws, which the New York Post notes she reprised in the 1987 sequel, Jaws: The Revenge, Galland added, "She would say, 'If you told me that's what I'd be known for, I wouldn't believe it.'"

Jay Benedict

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Actor Jay Benedict passed away from coronavirus, TCG Artist Management announced on Twitter on April 4, 2020. He was 68. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear client Jay Benedict, who this afternoon lost his battle with COVID-19," his management company's tweet read. "Our thoughts are with his family."

With over 120 on-screen credits to his name, Benedict was best known for his roles in Aliens, The Dark Knight Rises, Foyle's War, and the long-running British series Emmerdale. After the news of his passing broke, Benedict's longtime friend, Pierce Brosnan, paid tribute on Instagram. "My dearest friend Jay Benedict, brother in this life, has passed on, slipped the mortal coils this day," the former James Bond actor wrote in part, captioning a sweet picture of the two. "Life was so much fun with Jay, on stage and off, we laughed a lot at the world around us, at our selves, saw the funny side of life always. He was a courageous man of handsome life force, that shone its light in every room he walked into, down every road he traveled, he shared his joyful radiance of kinship with all who knew him, a fine mind of intellect and compassion, he gave of himself in every way to the craft of acting, but above all else, he gave us all his great love of life, himself."

According to USA Today, Benedict is survived by his wife, Phoebe Scholfield, and their sons, Freddie and Leopold.

John Prine

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Legendary country-folk singer-songwriter John Prine passed away due to complications from the coronavirus in Nashville, Tenn. on April 7, 2020. He was 73. "Yes, we can confirm on behalf of the Prine family — John died today at Vanderbilt due to complications of Covid-19," his publicist told CNN. The multiple Grammy winner was hospitalized and intubated in late March according to his family. A favorite of such icons as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Kris Kristofferson, Prine was called "the Mark Twain of American songwriting" by Rolling Stone and influenced countless songwriters over the course of his illustrious career that spanned over five decades.

As the news of his death spread, countless music legends paid their respects. "Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine," Bruce Springsteen tweeted. "John and I were "New Dylans" together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family."

"Words can't even come close," Bonnie Raitt tweeted. "I'm crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near."

Per the Associated Press (via The New York Times), Prine is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepson, and three grandchildren.

Hal Willner

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Music producer and long-time Saturday Night Live sketch music producer Hal Willner died from complications due to the novel coronavirus on April 7, 2020, a representative confirmed to Variety. He was 64.

On March 28, Willner hinted in a tweet that he had contracted the coronavirus. "I always wanted to have a number one – but not this. Pure Arch Oboler with Serling added. In bed on upper west side. H," he wrote. According to Rolling Stone, in addition to his work on SNL, Willner produced music for Lou Reed and Marianne Faithfull and helped launch the career of Jeff Buckley.

Tributes to Willner from his SNL family poured in as news broke. "Absolutely devastated to get this news about my weird and lovely pal, Hal. We are heartbroken," former SNL cast member and Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus tweeted. Lou Reed's official Twitter account wrote the following: "Earlier today Hal Willner passed away. Hal was one of Lou's dearest friends and his sudden departure is a heavy blow. Please keep his family in your thoughts. If you can, light a candle for Hal. Please stay home and stay safe."

Allen Daviau

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Cinematographer Allen Daviau, who collaborated with Steven Spielberg on acclaimed films like E.T., The Color Purple, and Empire of the Sun, died of coronavirus complications on April 15, 2020, while under care at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. The five-time Academy Award nominee was 77.

Speaking with Deadline, CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund Bob Beitcher said, "Allen was diagnosed about a week ago and went to West Hills Hospital because of underlying conditions." He added, "In the last few days, as his condition went downhill and it was clear that he wasn't going to survive, his friends and healthcare advocates and our staff worked to bring him back to MPTF, because he wanted to die at home. This had been his home for the last eight years."

"In 1968, Allen and I started our careers side by side with the short film Amblin," Spielberg said in a statement to the publication. "Allen was a wonderful artist but his warmth and humanity were as powerful as his lens. He was a singular talent and a beautiful human being." The famed producer-director had also sent Daviau a letter "[recounting] their years of friendship and collaboration together," per The Hollywood Reporter, which was read to Daviau several times prior to his passing.

Hilary Heath

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Hilary Heath, a British film actress, passed away on March 30, 2020, due to COVID-19 complications. She was 74. Heath's godson, Alex Williams, broke the news in a Facebook post. "We lost my wonderful Godmother Hilary Heath to Covid-19 last week," he wrote. "She was a force of nature, and I can't bear it that she is no longer with us."

According to Deadline, Heath — working under her maiden name, Hilary Dwyer — starred in several horror films alongside screen icon Vincent Price, including Witchfinder General, Cry of the Banshee, and Oblong Box. Her career then transitioned into producing where she helped bring films like 1995's An Awfully Big Adventure and 1997's Nil by Mouth to the screen, working with Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Gary Oldman.

She is survived by her daughter and her son, film composer Daniel Heath. "Her most remarkable re-invention came in her mid-60s, when she won a master's degree from Oxford in psychology and became an addiction counsellor, specialising in CBT," her godson's Facebook tribute stated. "She worked at clinics all over the world, often for free, often with very deprived and distressed individuals, and she regarded this as her most valuable work by far."

Allen Garfield

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Allen Garfield, a veteran character actor who appeared in such 70s classics as The Conversation and Nashville, died on April 7, 2020, from COVID-19 complications, The New York Times reported. He was 80. According to the publication, Garfield was living at the Motion Picture & Television Fund Home retirement facility — a coronavirus hotspot — since suffering his second stroke in 2004.

Born Allen Goorwitz, the actor was a former Golden Gloves boxer and sports journalist who eventually pivoted to acting in the late 60s after studying under Lee Strasberg at legendary Actors Studio. "I became an actor in order to be trained by the masters, which I was, at the Actors Studio," he once said in a television interview. "From the moment I stepped foot in the Actors Studio, I audaciously stepped out and said who I was, for better or for worse. I put my stamp on things as an actor and as a director."

Garfield's intense energy and authenticity he brought to his characters served him well over his forty-year career, scoring him numerous roles in such hits as The West Wing, Law & Order, Chicago Hope, Beverly Hills Cop II, and The Cotton Club. He is survived by a sister, Lois Goorwitz. 

Julie Bennett

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Veteran voice actress Julie Bennett died on March 31, 2020, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif. due to COVID-19 complications, her agent Mark Scroggs told People. She was 88. "She was definitely a personality and a throwback to Hollywood glamour," he said in a statement.

After attending Beverly Hills High School, Bennett returned to her hometown of New York City to hone her craft with stage work, "radio soaps," and "television dramas." However, after heading back to Los Angeles and nabbing small roles on Dragnet, Leave It to Beaver, Superman, Gunsmoke and Love, American Style, Bennett found her true calling — voiceover acting.

Best known for voicing Cindy Bear in The Yogi Bear Show cartoons, Bennett went on to lend her voice talents to such cartoon hits as Hey There, It's Yogi Bear, The Bullwinkle Show, Mr. Magoo, The Bugs Bunny Show, and Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

Roy Horn

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Roy Horn (right) of the Las Vegas act, Siegfried & Roy, passed away from COVID-19 complications on May 8, 2020, CNN reports. The legendary performer was 75. In late April, his spokesman confirmed that the magician and entertainer had contracted the coronavirus.

"Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Siegfried Fischbacher released in a statement. "From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried. Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."

Fellow Las Vegas magician and illusionist Criss Angel tweeted his respects, writing, "Thank you for your kindness, inspiration and friendship. You paved the road and will forever be missed." MGM Resorts, which owns The Mirage, where Siegfried & Roy performed for over a decade, also honored the iconic performer. "The world lost a legendary figure with the passing of Roy Horn," its official account tweeted. "His story, and the story of Siegfried & Roy, are larger than life. Our hearts go out to Roy's family and friends, and most notably to Siegfried who shared a lifetime of magic and friendship with this special man."

Shobushi

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Shobushi (real name Kiyotaka Suetake), a star sumo wrestler from Japan, passed away from coronavirus complications on May 13, 2020, Japan's Sumo Association (JSA) reports (via CNN). He was 28. Shobushi had been admitted to the ICU on April 19, but experienced his first symptom — a high fever — back on April 4. However, he was "turned away" from several hospitals until finally being admitted once his symptoms worsened four days later. He reportedly died of "multiple organ failure after a bout of pneumonia."

"He fought tenaciously against the disease, enduring the pain and suffering for more than a month like a sumo wrestler," the JSA released in a statement (via CNN). "We hope he will rest in peace now. We are very grateful to everyone in the medical institutes who treated him with utmost care." Similarly, the JSA's chairman, Hakkaku, stated to The Japan Times, "I can only imagine how hard it must have been, battling illness for over a month, but like a wrestler, he endured it bravely and fought the disease until the end. I just want him to rest peacefully now."

Per The Guardian, Shobushi — who peaked at No. 11 in the Sandanme Division after making his professional debut in 2007, and later reportedly became known for his sumo comedy duo act — was "the first sumo wrestler to die from the virus, and the first person in his 20s to die in Japan from Covid-19."

Annie Glenn

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Annie Glenn passed away on May 19, 2020, from COVID-19 complications, People reports. The widow of astronaut and Senator John Glenn, she was 100 at the time of her passing. "We mourn the loss of Annie Glenn — an inspirational voice to many of us over the years," the National Air and Space Museum said in a Twitter statement. "She was a source of strength to her husband John during his time in the space program and US Senate, overcoming challenges and become an American hero in her own right."

Glenn had a debilitating stutter, which left her feeling helpless for the majority of her life. "I could never get through a whole sentence," she told The New York Times in 1980. "Sometimes I would open my mouth and nothing would come out." Glenn added, "I could never tell jokes like everybody else. John had to order my meals at restaurants. When I asked for something at a supermarket, clerks would snicker at me."

That all changed in 1973, when she enrolled in a three-week fluency-shaping program in Virginia that changed her life — and others. Glenn became a hero to many by bringing awareness and being a champion for those with speech disorders. She devoted her life to the cause, eventually becoming an adjunct professor in the speech pathology department at Ohio State University. Per The New York Times, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association created an award in 1987 called "The Annie," awarded annually to someone fighting "on behalf of those with communication disorders."

Nick Cordero

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Broadway actor Nick Cordero died from complications due to COVID-19 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on July 5, 2020. He was 41. "God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning," his wife, Amanda Kloots, announced on Instagram. "He was surrounded in love by his family, singing, and praying as he gently left this earth. I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light."

Best known for his Tony-nominated role in Bullets Over Broadway, Cordero first became sick on March 20 and was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus the following month. During his 95-day stay in the hospital, the Bronx Tale star was placed on a ventilator, underwent dialysis, suffered from septic shock, placed into a medically-induced coma, put on a temporary pacemaker, and required a tracheotomy and leg amputation in the fight to save his life, according to The New York Times.

Among the multiple Broadway stars, celebs, and fans mourning the loss on social media was Zach Braff, Cordero's Bullets Over Broadway co-star, who took to Twitter to offer his condolences. "I have never met a kinder human being. Don't believe that Covid only claims the elderly and infirm," Braff wrote in part. "I am so grateful for the time we had. 'We'll catch up some other time.'"

Cordero is survived by Kloots and their 1-year-old son, Elvis. As of this writing, a GoFundMe page previously set up to help aid the family has raised over $788,000.

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