Charles Nelson Reilly has passed on today. We get the news, and following excerpt from MSNBC:
Charles Nelson Reilly, the Tony Award winner who later became known for his ribald appearances on the “Tonight Show” and various game shows, has died. He was 76.He gained fame by becoming what he described as a “game show fixture” in the 1970s and 80s. He was a regular on programs like “Match Game” and “Hollywood Squares,” often wearing giant glasses and colorful suits with ascots.
His larger-than-life persona and affinity for double-entendres also landed him on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson more than 95 times. Reilly’s openly gay television persona was ahead of its time, and sometimes stood in his way. He recalled a network executive telling him “they don’t let queers on television.”
Any man that can wear an ascot with pride has my respect forever. To be on Carson 95 times, is nothing short of stunning, and although being on a number of game shows may not be what Reilly wants to be remembered for, there are far worse ways to earn a buck. Mr Reilly we at the movie blog salute you, and wish you safe passage across the river styx.
