Beloved sitcom star dies after ‘long and painful illness’

Helen Siff, the actress best known for her iconic roles in Will & Grace and Modern Family, has tragically passed away at the age of 88.

A “long and agonizing illness” has resulted in the death of a Modern Family star, it has been reported today. Helen Siff, an actress, passed away at the age of 88, is best known for her roles in Modern Family and Will & Grace.

The actress’s family revealed in a statement that they released that complications came to her after she underwent surgery for illness on Thursday in Los Angeles. “Those who worked with Helen were aware of her as a talented performer who brought professionalism, commitment, and genuine kindness to every set,” the statement read.

She understood that every role, no matter how big or small, offered the chance to make a significant contribution to the narrative being told. Even the most minor detail was made special by her.

READ MORE: Inside Chris Rea’s 30-year health battle from organ removal to cancer diagnosisREAD MORE: Netflix adds early Paul Mescal drama fans say is ‘truly excellent’ and it’s not Normal People

In a Will &amp, Grace episode, Helen’s portrayal of Josie was most well-known. Throughout her career, Hellen held a variety of positions, including cashier in The Karate Kid and Malibu maid in Hail, Caesar! In an episode titled Lost Connection, she also played the role of a twin in Modern Family.

In the 2008 action comedy You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, where she starred alongside Adam Sandler, John Turturro, and Rob Schneider, she also made a name for herself as Mrs. Skitzer.

Her other big-screen appearances included those in The Disappearing of Mrs. Wu in the years 1976, 1988, 1988, 1988, and City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994).

Siff’s career spanned more than 70 years and totaled more than 70. Helen made her TV debut with a guest appearance on the Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoff Lou Grant.

This position launched her professional career, which included roles on L.A., Lacey, Silver Spoons, and Cagney &amp. Law, Highway to Heaven, Knots Landing, Dragnet, Ellen, Married with Children, and Modern Family are just a few examples.

The actress most recently appeared in the limited series High Desert, S. W. A. T., Mom, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and for her final role in 2023.

Marshall, Siff’s 41-year marriage, passed away in 2007 due to Alzheimer’s disease complications. They are the parents of five more children, including Bruce, who passed away in 1999.

Helen is also survived by her grandchildren Chelsea, Zach, Robert, Josh, Spencer, Megan, and Dean, as well as her sisters Carol and Janet and son Matt.

Helen’s daughter Vicki wrote her own tribute on her Instagram page while sharing a video showing photos of her mum over the years.

She expressed her sadness over the passing of my mother (my mommy) Helen Siff. My mother was an actress on stage, on television, and in the movies. She was dynamic, charismatic, and one-of-a-kind.

You’ve taken your final bow, mommy, but she cherished her craft dearly, but her greatest role was being a mother and grandmother. I’ll be forever in love with you.

Continue reading the article.

Beloved sitcom star dies after ‘long and painful illness’

Helen Siff, the actress best known for her iconic roles in Will & Grace and Modern Family, has tragically passed away at the age of 88.

A “long and agonizing illness” has resulted in the death of a Modern Family star, it has been reported today. Helen Siff, an actress, passed away at the age of 88, is best known for her roles in Modern Family and Will & Grace.

The actress’s family revealed in a statement that they released that complications came to her after she underwent surgery for illness on Thursday in Los Angeles. “Those who worked with Helen were aware of her as a talented performer who brought professionalism, commitment, and genuine kindness to every set,” the statement read.

She understood that every role, no matter how big or small, offered the chance to make a significant contribution to the narrative being told. Even the most minor detail was made special by her.

READ MORE: Inside Chris Rea’s 30-year health battle from organ removal to cancer diagnosisREAD MORE: Netflix adds early Paul Mescal drama fans say is ‘truly excellent’ and it’s not Normal People

In a Will &amp, Grace episode, Helen’s portrayal of Josie was most well-known. Throughout her career, Hellen held a variety of positions, including cashier in The Karate Kid and Malibu maid in Hail, Caesar! In an episode titled Lost Connection, she also played the role of a twin in Modern Family.

In the 2008 action comedy You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, where she starred alongside Adam Sandler, John Turturro, and Rob Schneider, she also made a name for herself as Mrs. Skitzer.

Her other big-screen appearances included those in The Disappearing of Mrs. Wu in the years 1976, 1988, 1988, 1988, and City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994).

Siff’s career spanned more than 70 years and totaled more than 70. Helen made her TV debut with a guest appearance on the Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoff Lou Grant.

This position launched her professional career, which included roles on L.A., Lacey, Silver Spoons, and Cagney &amp. Law, Highway to Heaven, Knots Landing, Dragnet, Ellen, Married with Children, and Modern Family are just a few examples.

The actress most recently appeared in the limited series High Desert, S. W. A. T., Mom, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and for her final role in 2023.

Marshall, Siff’s 41-year marriage, passed away in 2007 due to Alzheimer’s disease complications. They are the parents of five more children, including Bruce, who passed away in 1999.

Helen is also survived by her grandchildren Chelsea, Zach, Robert, Josh, Spencer, Megan, and Dean, as well as her sisters Carol and Janet and son Matt.

Helen’s daughter Vicki wrote her own tribute on her Instagram page while sharing a video showing photos of her mum over the years.

She expressed her sadness over the passing of my mother (my mommy) Helen Siff. My mother was an actress on stage, on television, and in the movies. She was dynamic, charismatic, and one-of-a-kind.

You’ve taken your final bow, mommy, but she cherished her craft dearly, but her greatest role was being a mother and grandmother. I’ll be forever in love with you.

Continue reading the article.

Inside Chris Rea’s 30-year health battle from organ removal to cancer diagnosis

We look back at the incredible resilience of a music legend who spent decades battling health issues, from the “miracle” surgery that saw his organs removed to the dramatic stage collapse that horrified fans.

For millions, Chris Rea’s most famous song was the definitive sound of the festive season. His anthem, Driving Home for Christmas, has become a staple of December and a top runner for Christmas number one.

But behind the scenes, Rea fought a lengthy medical battle that left him needing to take 34 pills a day after being diagnosed with cancer aged 33. Since then, the singer has been battling the aftermath of such intensive treatment.

From surviving pancreatic cancer to collapsing in front of thousands of fans, we take a look back at his health struggles over the years.

READ MORE: Chris Rea’s poignant final social media post before sudden death days before ChristmasREAD MORE: Parents gifting Switch, PS5 and Xbox issued alert about ‘surprise’ bills

diagnosis of cancer

The singer’s health battle started in 1994 when he was 33 years old and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The survival rates were alarmingly low at the time. He had a massive, 14-hour operation, which is regarded as one of the most challenging surgeries in modern medicine, to save his life.

His stomach, duodenum, gall bladder, bile duct, and pancreas were removed by surgeons. He was declared to be a Type 1 diabetic who required several pills and daily insulin injections.

He ate a lot of food and maintained a constant state of physical sanity. He had to reevaluate his career due to his health issues; despite his popularity, he never traveled to America.

He claimed that because of his illness, “I was never a rock star or pop star,” “I had the opportunity to pursue my musical interests.”

Stroke

The singer had a stroke in 2016 but recovered enough to record and tour his 24th album, Road Songs for Lovers.

He described it as a “very frightening moment… I realized that the stroke had changed my perception of pitch. And it required a lot of convincing from those who claimed there was no problem with the game.

He was unable to sing because his voice was slurred and his side was weakened, but he vowed to keep singing.

Stage collapse

However, on December 9, 2017, the physical strain reached its peak. Rea suddenly slumped and fell backward while performing at the New Theatre in Oxford a short while into his set.

The 66-year-old singer was taken to a hospital in a stable condition as the audience savagely watched.

daily prescriptions

In his later years, Rea was open about the “horror” of his daily health routine. In a 2020 appearance on an episode of Gone Fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, Rea reeled off a list of the medical procedures he’d received in 1994, which he called his “most successful year”.

He told the pair, “I’ve never really got over it,” adding that in order to stay healthy, he was taking “34 pills every day.”

Death

After Rea’s death was announced this afternoon, a slew of tributes poured in.

Rea said in another interview that he “wasn’t afraid of dying” and that he benefited from his health struggles as an inspiration to return to the blues, his musical roots.

“It did seem like the end, but the thought of leaving a record that my two teenage daughters could say “That’s what Papa did — blues music, not the pop stuff. He claimed that that is what he was trying to accomplish.

A Rea family’s and Rea’s two children’s spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris.”

He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully in a hospital earlier today after a brief illness. Rea and his wife Joan, who had two daughters named Josephine and Julia, were long-married.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: Strictly star to spend Christmas Day alone in heartbreaking admission

Barry Manilow reveals he is battling cancer and is undergoing lung surgery

Barry Manilow, a legendary musician, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and has explained to fans that he needs to have a portion of his lung removed to combat the condition.

Barry Manilow has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will need to have his lung removed to combat it. Due to his health issues, the music legend, 82, has been forced to postpone live music performances.

Barry updated fans with a lengthy social media post he shared on Monday, which included songs like Copacabana, Mandy, and Could It Be Magic. His announcement included information on his cancer and surgery, as well as keeping fans informed about the impact his medical conditions had on his shows.

As many of you may be aware, Barry wrote, “I recently had bronchitis for six weeks, followed by a relapse for five more weeks. My wonderful doctor ordered an MRI to check that everything was alright, even though I had recovered from the bronchitis and was back on stage at Westgate Las Vegas.

READ MORE: M&S’ coffee and cake hampers are now under £5 in time for Christmas giftingREAD MORE: Chris Rea death statement in full as family reveal he died in hospital today

My left lung has a cancerous spot that needs to be removed, according to the MRI. It was discovered so early, and it’s pure luck (and a great doctor). That is encouraging.

He then continued: “The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift Of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spit removed. The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis.”

That’s it, he continued, “So that’s it. No chemo . No radiation . I Love Lucy reruns are just chicken soup. The only follow-up is a month to recover, he continued, adding that the January arena concerts must be rescheduled. I’m so sorry you had to alter your plans. We all enjoyed the January shows and detested moving everything around, just like you did.

The singer then revealed his updated performance schedules, with his shows scheduled to start in February, around Valentine’s Day. Something tells me that February weekend will be a big party, he said.

The Grammy Award-winning star rounded out his message with a festive greeting – and words of advice. He wrote: “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom… get tested!”

After revealing his news, Barry’s followers threw a wall of support. Take good care of yourself, Mr. Manilow, one person said. We love you!!! Another person expressed gratitude to you, Barry! Take good care of yourself, and know that I’ll be praying for you.

Many fans urged him to improve his health, with one reiterating, “Get well soon, Barry!” You are receiving my prayers. You’ll soon be as healthy as an apple because of this. But, please! Please take the E-cigarette out! Many hugs and warm feelings.

Continue reading the article.

And he was able to catch the cancer early, others expressed gratitude. How fortunate that it was discovered early, one person said. Happy holidays to @barrymanilowofficial and @garry for the holiday season, and wish you the best of luck with your recovery and surgery.

Barry’s career, which started in the 1970s, saw him perform numerous times throughout his career. His most recent album, Once Before I Go, was released this year while his debut single, Sweet Water Jones, was released in 1973.

Chris Rea’s tragic final TV appearance as Driving Home For Christmas star’s death announced

In his final TV appearance, singer Chris Rea revealed that he was suspended from driving while on the dole and that he had written the hit song Driving Home For Christmas.

Chris Rea shared the heartbreaking truth behind his Christmas hit in his final TV appearance. The legendary musician, best known for Driving Home For Christmas, died today aged 74. A statement from his family confirmed that the Middlesbrough-born musician had been receiving hospital treatment after battling a short illness.

But while Chris was known for his huge festive track, he previously opened up about his struggles, which had seen him left with just £200. Speaking on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing, Chris said of his huge single five years ago: “I just thought I’d drive home for Christmas, I was on the dole when I wrote that.

My now wife Joan had to drive down to London, pick me up in the Mini, and drive me home after I had just left. And that’s when I wrote it.

When he described the iconic song as a “beautiful little holiday in the Maldives,” he expressed how he felt when he heard it. I wish I could be a better pop star because I’m not very good. When I look at Sting and other people like that, I think, “I wish I was like him.” He continued, “He continued, “He always went all out with a big tree and a fine assortment” of wines for Christmas.”

Chris also made an eloquent comment about his health issues. Before having his pancreas removed in 2001, he was previously diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He also experienced a stroke in 2016. He stated, “In 1994, the most incredibly successful year, Bing! Colostomy bag and an abcess on the colon.

“They removed the liver’s left quadrant, duodenum, gall bladder, and pancreas.” All gone . I guess that’s just me, but I’ve never really recovered from it. I have to take 34 pills each day as a type 1 diabetic, and then my kidneys go. He joked that his heart was “very good.”

Chris Rea, a singer/songwriter and guitarist, passed away earlier today in a hospital after a brief illness, according to his family’s statement to the Press Association. This afternoon, the media received a statement from his wife and two children.

We are sad to announce the passing of our dear Chris. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully in a hospital earlier today after a brief illness.

The musician nodded to his Christmas song on social media just hours before Chris’ death was revealed. As motorists made their way home from the holiday season, the image showed a snowy motorway. Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories was written on a highway sign.

With his chart-topping songs, including Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance, and the Road To Hell, Chris achieved stardom in the 1970s and 1980s. What Happened To Benny Santini, his debut album? The stage name that his record company had hoped he would use was mentioned by (1978).

Chris was nominated for a Grammy Award for his song Fool (If You Think It’s Over). Not long after, however, his career started to lose momentum.

His eighth studio album, On the Beach, was the inspiration for a song with the same name that won Chris’ not-for-profit recognition in the UK and Europe. He later became one of the UK’s most successful solo artists.

Continue reading the article.

However, thanks to Driving Home For Christmas, he once more rose to new heights of fame in 1986.

If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.

Chris Rea death statement in full as family reveal he died in hospital today

Chris Rea’s full statement of death comes as family members reveal he passed away today in a hospital.

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Need to be aware

Chris Rea, a renowned singer, is best known for his successful musical career, which included the recognizable rendition of Driving Home For Christmas.

Chris Rea has died at the age of 74(Image: ZIK Images/United Archives via Getty Images)

Everything you need to know

    Chris Rea, who had a brief illness, passed away at the age of 74, according to his family. The singer is best known for his rendition of Driving Home For Christmas, a famous holiday song.
    His family released a statement announcing Chris’ passing on social media. Chris Rea, a singer/songwriter and guitarist, passed away earlier today in a hospital after a brief illness. Our dear Chris passed away, and we are sad to announce his passing. He had a brief illness and was surrounded by his family, who later passed away peacefully in a hospital earlier today.
  • In the past, Chris has mentioned his health issues. He claimed that he needed a colostomy bag because he had an abscess on his colon. Additionally, he claimed that they removed the liver’s left quadrant, duodenum, gall bladder, and pancreas. Because Chris was Type 1 diabetic, he needed to take 34 pills daily.
  • The singer, who was born in Middlesbrough, had his pancreas removed in 2001 after being previously diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He also experienced a stroke in 2016.
  • With his songs Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance, and the Road To Hell, Chris gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • What Happened To Benny Santini, his album debut? The stage name that his record company had hoped he would adopt was mentioned in (1978). Chris was nominated for a Grammy for his song Fool (If You Think It’s Over).
  • FULL STORY: Chris Rea dead: Driving Home For Christmas star dies

If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.

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