A final, fond farewell to those who left us in 2005

[Sal]

As we ring in the New Year and ring out the old, I think it's fitting that we take one last reflective moment and remember those who passed away in the entertainment world in 2005, particularly those who we remember from our favorite sitcoms, whose images will remain with us through reruns and DVDs:

Johnny Carson Died Jan. 23 at age 79

The undisputed king of late night television. Hosted "The Tonight Show" from Oct. 2, 1962 to May 29, 1992. Made sitcom appearances on "The Jack Benny Program", "Get Smart", "Here's Lucy", "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", and "Cheers", in an episode which aired shortly before his retirement.

Sandra Dee Feb. 20, age 62

Beloved during the 50s and 60s for her innocence and fresh-faced beauty represented in many movie roles, including the original "Gidget", which inspired the short-lived sitcom starring Sally Field.

Paul Henning March 25, age 93

Creator of the greatest sitcom hat trick of the 1960s: "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Green Acres", and "Petticoat Junction", which featured his daughter Linda Kaye Henning. He had previously worked behind the cameras on such 50s classics as "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" and "The Bob Cummings Show/Love That Bob".

Frank Gorshin May 17, age 72

Comedian and impressionist, best known as The Riddler on "Batman".

Eddie Albert May 26, age 99

Oliver Wendell Douglas on "Green Acres", one of my favorite shows and characters of all time.

Leon Askin June 3, age 97

Gen. Burkhalter on "Hogan's Heroes".

Paul Winchell June 24, age 82

Ventriloquist and voice-over artist on many cartoons, including "Dastardly and Muttley" and "The Smurfs", where he played Gargamel. Sitcom appearances included "Here's Lucy" and "The Beverly Hillbillies".

Bob Denver Sept. 2, age 70

Forever Gilligan! Taught high school before getting his big break playing Maynard G Krebs ("WORK!!!!") on "Dobie Gillis" from 1959-63. A year later, he landed on "Gilligan's Island", which instantly immortalized him. The name on this list that I will miss most of all!

Don Adams Sept. 25, age 82

Another sitcom icon, the befuddled and always funny Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 of CONTROL, on "Get Smart".

Nipsey Russell Oct. 2, age 80

Known as the Poet Laurate of Hollywood. Appeared on countless game shows, where he would entertain the audiences with his unique poems. Also played Officer Anderson on "Car 54, Where Are You?".

Louis Nye Oct 9, age 92

A regular member of Steve Allen's comic staple of characters ("Hi ho, Steverino!"), which also included Tom Poston and Don Knotts. Played Sonny Drysdale on "The Beverly Hillbillies". Also appeared on many other sitcoms such as "The Munsters" and "The Cosby Show".

Pat Morita Nov. 24, age 73

Played Arnold on "Happy Days" and the karate instructor in "The Karate Kid". Also starred in his own short-lived sitcom "Mr. T and Tina", which was based on a character that he created on an episode of "Welcome Back, Kotter".

Richard Pryor Dec. 10, age 65

One of the funniest stand-up comedians of his generation. Known more for his work in movies than on TV ("Silver Streak", "Stir Crazy", "Harlem Nights", "Car Wash" and others), he still found time to appear on the small screen on occasion, including a memorable episode of "The Partridge Family".

John Spencer Dec. 16, age 58

Played Tommy Mullaney on "L.A. Law" and Leo McGarry on "The West Wing", which is currently in the process of trying to find a way to replace him. As a teenager, he played Patty Duke's boyfriend on "The Patty Duke Show".

[Mr. Television]

Barbara Bel Geddes who will forever be Miss Ellie on my favorite TV show Dallas.

[lockdown06]

Originally Posted by Sal

Pat Morita Nov. 24, age 73

Played Arnold on "Happy Days" and the karate instructor in "The Karate Kid". Also starred in his own short-lived sitcom "Mr. T and Tina", which was based on a character that he created on an episode of "Welcome Back, Kotter".

Richard Pryor Dec. 10, age 65

One of the funniest stand-up comedians of his generation. Known more for his work in movies than on TV ("Silver Streak", "Stir Crazy", "Harlem Nights", "Car Wash" and others), he still found time to appear on the small screen on occasion, including a memorable episode of "The Partridge Family".

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I will miss these two the most....RIP