DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '25 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '05 I => Topic started by: Gothick on June 10, 2005, 03:19:29 PM
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Greetings.
I'm aware that there are a few other folks here who are fans of the 1969-1970 Gerry Anderson series UFO (which aired on CBS, I believe, in 1972, and was subsequently seen in occasional syndication, including stints on the Sci Fi channel in the 1990s). Today I learned that the two lead actors on the series, Ed Bishop (who portrayed Commander Straker) and Michael Billington (who played Colonel Paul Foster) both died last week in a strange coincidence.
Michael Billington, aged 63, died on Monday June 6 in complications from cancer. Ed Bishop, aged 72, died as a result of a sudden viral infection while in hospital following surgery on Tuesday, June 7. Marc Martin, a veteran fan of the series, received confirmation from their families that the men died earlier this week. It was reported on the Scarlet Street magazine site on Wed. I believe.
Apparently, the families are waiting to issue official obituaries due to concerns for privacy.
I'll miss both Ed and Mike a lot. Their performances on UFO have cheered many otherwise dreary hours in my life. I like to think of them in some twinkly, silvery heaven, served cocktails from angelic waitresses attired in the trademark UFO purple wigs with matching eyeliner and plunging-neckline space suits.
Steve
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Thanks for conveying this information. Sorry to hear more sad news. :'( I remember watching the series in my middle school days. I still have the View Master reels (of this & DS too). I haven't seen the show in years, but I have very fond memories. Ed Bishop had a great presence on the show. To be honest, I liked it better than Space:1999 as it moved along at a faster pace. Plus, the purple wigs were pretty attractive on the ladies.
Michael
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My goodness, I haven't thought about UFO in years, if not decades. I remember that the aliens breathed a liquid atmosphere, and wore helmets filled with the substance.
Gerard