Courage, Earle, and Korman: Three of entertaiment's greats have left us

Three classic figures from the world of music, television and film have passed away in the past few days. I don't think there is one of us who at some time or another was not entertained by the work of these gentlemen, their influence was so prolific...

Alexander Courage died at the age of 88 on May 15th, it was announced yesterday. He composed music for many movies and television series. But the one he will be most remembered for is the legendary theme from the original Star Trek.

Earlier this week, also passing away at age 88, was Earle H. Hagen. His composing career stretched back into the 1940s and he eventually moved to work in television. Among his credits are the themes for The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Spy and Mike Hammer. But it was a whistling little ditty that he did for The Andy Griffith Show that will forever be perhaps his greatest legacy.

And then yesterday came word that Harvey Korman has died at 81. Korman earned four Emmys and a Golden Globe for his work on The Carol Burnett Show. Korman was also a terrific voice actor and performed The Great Gazoo on The Flintstones. But personally, I think that Korman will be foremost remembered for his over-the-top performance as Hedley Lamarr in the already over-the-top Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles...

"You will be risking your lives, whilst I will be risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for the Best Supporting Actor."

Think I'll watch some classic episodes of The Andy Griffith Show,Star Trek and then Blazing Saddles this weekend, to honor their memory.