By Drew Grant 8/20/12 3:07pm

Death and...

Tony Scott, dead at 68 (ABC)

Update: Was Tony Scott Diagnosed With a Brain Tumor Before His Suicide Jump? [Video]

This morning we reported on the tragic, seemingly senseless suicide of Top Gun director Tony Scott, who jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles after leaving detailed notes in both his car and his office of loved ones that he wanted notified of his death. (Among them, one can only assume, was Mr. Scott’s brother and creative partner, Ridley Scott.)

New information emerged about this case this afternoon, shedding some light on this sad turn of events. Read More

By Drew Grant 2/01/12 1:50pm

Obits

Don Cornelius hosting 'Soul Train' in style

R.I.P. Don Cornelius: Soul Train Creator Dead at 75

Legendary creator and host of the R&B dance/variety show Soul Train Don Cornelius was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound earlier this morning in his Muholland Drive home, reports The New York Times.

Mr. Cornelius was widely credited with bringing African-American performers like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Michael Jackson to the public’s consciousness during Soul Train’s almost 35 year syndicated run: one of the longest in history. Read More

By Nate Freeman 4/01/11 10:25pm

Obits

Don Hill, the Best Guy at the Bar, Passes Away

Don Hill, the man responsible for the legendary Spring Street spot that carries his name, passed away yesterday. He was 66 years old.

Like many others, we knew him. “I don’t talk too much,” Mr. Hill said to The Observer, moments after we had met. It was a September afternoon, and in the empty hallway Read More

By Nate Freeman 12/03/10 8:20pm

Everybody Comes to Elaine's

Elaine Kaufman, Cherished Queen of the Manhattan Restaurant Where Everyone Comes, Has Passed Away

Elaine Kaufman, the ringleader of the beloved Upper East Side restaurant that bore her name, has passed away at the age of 81. For nearly 50 years Elaine’s has served the brightest lights of Manhattan, accepting writers, actors and other unforgettable characters into its arms.

Spencer Morgan profiled Ms. Kaufman for The Observer Read More