In the last week, many notable American have passed away. This will cover a few of these amazing people from various walks of life that helped to shape American culture in some way.
Politics
Victor Gold (1928-2017) was a journalist, author and political consultant. He started his career in politics as a lawyer and adviser to the Democratic party in Alabama before becoming a Republican. During Barry Goldwater's 1964 Presidential campaign he was the deputy press secretary and later served as the press secretary for Vice President Spiro Agnew from 1970-73.
In 1979, he was the speechwriter for George H.W. Bush's President campaign.
He would later work as an adviser for Bush during his successful 1988 campaign and his unsuccessful reelection bid in 1992. Gold was also a national correspondent at the Washingtonian magazine, where he was a long-time contributor. He was also the author of several non-fiction books, a satirical political novel and co-author of Bush's 1988 autobiography. Gold died on June 5 at age 88.
Entertainers
Roger Smith (1932-2017) was an actor, producer and screenwriter who also managed the career of his wife, actress Ann-Margret. Smith's acting career took place from the 1956 to 1968, where he became famous for starring in two TV series.
His first major role was as Jeff Spencer in the TV detective series 'Sunset Strip' from 1958-63. The other role he is best known for is as Lt. Douglas Roberts in the comedy series 'Mister Roberts'' from 1965-66. Smith died on June 4 at age 84 from complication due to Parkinson's disease.
Glenne Headly (1955-2017) was an actress whose career spanned from the 1980s up until her death.
She was best known for her roles in the movies, 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels', 'Dick Tracy' and 'Mr. Holland's Opus.' She was also nominated for Primetime Emmy awards for her role in the TV mini-series 'Lonesome Drive' and TV movie 'Bastard Out of Carolina.'
Headly was also a Broadway actress in New York and Chicago before her TV and movie career, winning Theatre World Awards and four Joseph Jefferson Awards.
Headly died on June 8 at age 62 from complications due to a pulmonary embolism.
Adam West (1928-2017) was an actor whose career spanned almost 200 credits from the mid-1950s up until his death. West is best known for his role as Batman in the TV series 'Batman' from 1966-68, along with the 1966 movie 'Batman: The Movie', which was rushed in production in 1966 between seasons one and two of the TV series.
Before his role as Batman he starred in movies like 'Geronimo', 'The Outlaws Is Coming' and 'Robinson Crusoe On Mars.' To a different generation, he was best known for his roles playing himself on 'Family Guy' or 'The Fairly OddParents.' West died on June 9 at age 88 from leukemia.
Sports
Jimmy Thomas (1947-2017) was a running back who spent all five of his NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 1969-73.
A sixth-round pick out of Texas-Arlington, Thomas was a backup running back his whole career and also lined up at receiver. For his career he had 164 carries for 824 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. He also had 67 catches for 923 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. Thomas died on June 5 at age 69.
