Two losses

First of all, a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year to you all.

Two losses, though. I'm very sad that Jack Klugman is gone. His work was a joy to watch.

But I am crushed at the loss of Charles Durning, who also died yesterday. He was 89. Durning was a great actor in my estimation, equally able to be brilliant in comedy or drama. In addition, he was an honest to goodness hero from World War II.

He was wonderful in many great films, including Tootsie and O Brother, Where Art Thou? He was one of the best character actors in the history of American film.

Our world is a less interesting place now that he is gone.

Image right: Charles Durning during World War II.