I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. 2008 is the worst year for celebrity deaths ever. Paul Newman joins the ranks of the great celebrities that have passed away in 2008. He died of cancer in his home in Connecticut at the age of 83.

Born in the 20’s, he was there for the beginning of screen acting. He started off briefly in Broadway before moving on to the big screen. He got his start doing westerns and quickly became a screen icon. Starring in movies like The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was all he needed to build a name for himself. He acted in over 80 movies during his lengthy career. His last big budget performance was as the voice of Doc Hudson in Disney’s Cars.

Rest in peace Paul.

A lot of effort has gone into making politicians look like the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. This current presidential race is no different. We’ve seen interviews, pictures, articles, etc of both Obama and McCain showing them smiling with their families. We get it. They are both nice people in general. We can argue all day long over which family looks better on camera, which family has a better dog, who has better style when it comes to fashion but come on.

I guess that’s what people want to hear and see because that’s what’s selling magazines these days. Front cover photo ops of presidential candidates are causing magazines to fly off the shelves. Sure sometimes it’s because some jerk doesn’t want to see a certain candidate while checking out at the grocery store but in general the magazines are selling. So, what’s more important. Which candidate is the best dressed or which candidate can best lead America? Considering that entertainment news is at an all time high right now it’s safe to say that the polls are shifting on that question. Beware candidates. Sox and sandals are a no no. People are watching and waiting for the first slip up.

Don LaFontaine, legendary voice artist has died at age 68. He’s donethe “voice” for over 2,000 movie trailers and is widely regarded as the best voice over artist of all time. If you’ve ever seen a movie trailer then you’ve most likely heard his voice. He’s done the voice for well over 1,000 of the biggest budget movies in history. He had what many would consider as “The voice of God”.

Don LaFontaine had the voice that other voice over artsts could only dream of, and it came naturally to him. He would do voice over after voice over with ease, collecting a few hundred thousand dollars a pop at times. Movie trailers will never be the same.

Rest in peace Don.

Isaac Hayes, possibly best known for his portrayal of the character “Chef” on South Park has died today at the age of 66. Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes within a day of each other? I can’t believe so many actors are dying this year.

Hayes was an actor, a singer, and a composer. He was introduced to the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 9, 2005. He loved what he did and he did what he loved.

May he rest in peace.

I think 2008 might be one of the worst years for Hollywood deaths that I’ve seen. Bernie Mac has died this morning of a rare pneumonia related side effect. He was 51. That’s just too young if you ask me. The guy will be greatly missed.

He needs no introduction. He’s one of the “Original King’s of Comedy” and yeah, he was one funny comedian. He went on to host his own show “The Bernie Mac Show”. He stared in all 3 Ocean’s movies (11, 12, 13) alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, etc. One of his later movies was Guess Who, a remake of the old Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Guess Who was one of his best movies if you ask me. He also appeared briefly in the recent Transformers movie.

He seemed like an all around good guy full of fun and always looking for ways to make people laugh. Rest in peace Bernie.