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Folks, I'm at the age where I'm apt to remind readers that exploring content outside one's favorites is always good for the brain.
In other words, I firmly believe that it's important for one's general wellbeing to search for programs outside of simply Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. As a reader, I've long been a huge fan of vintage crime mysteries; and that's what led me to the world of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. Certainly, the books aren't for everyone -- they're deliciously predicated on accepting that 'toxic masculinity' is undeniable vital to the species of man -- but they're an incredible diversion from whatever plagues the mind ... the perfect bit of escapism into an utterly sometimes diabolical world.
In any event ...
Spillane's seminal private investigator found broadcast television life in the 1980's and beyond with the face of tough guy Stacy Keach. This old-fashioned gumshoe was brought into that era wherein we were culturally evolving a bit, making him sometimes a bit of an odd duck for characters to figure out. He was the dinosaur who couldn't change his ways even though he tried on occasion; and it made for some compelling TV-grade storytelling that deserves a bit of rediscovery today. Good writing -- and great characters -- never go out-of-style, nor should our collective realization that sometimes you need an old school tough guy to handle even the most modern age villain. Keach did a masterful job.
Alas, none of us lasts forever; and I saw overnight that word had reached the Information Superhighway on the man's passing.
With well over two hundred different screen credits to his name, I can assure you that there's something in there for everyone. Keach also turned his talents to voice acting on occasions; and I know that he was also contracted to do audio adaptations of a Mike Hammer novel here and there. I also know that he served as the host (I believe it was) for a generation of radio adaptations to installments of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone, and I'll always encourage folks to give those a listen. Lastly, I know fans of the Batman: The Animated Universe might also recognize the actor as the voice of Phantasm in the wildly popular Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993) ... one of the single greatest Batman adventures ever brough to cinemas.
If you haven't noticed, then let me make it plain: this death hurts. I loved Keach as a talent, and I shudder to think of a world where his unmistakable voice and general tough guy presence has slipped into the void.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Stacy Keach.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ