Fashion Icon Mr. Blackwell Dies at 86 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-20-2008, 01:00 AM

Link

Fashion icon Mr. Richard Blackwell passed away at 4:15pm on Sunday, October 19, 2008 in Los Angeles of complications due to an intestinal infection.

Born Richard Sylvan Selzer, Mr. Blackwell was raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, New York, in a poverty stricken neighborhood. A persistent truant, he was in and out of boy's homes throughout his early years. As a young man, he acted on the New York stage. Between acting jobs in New York, he had his first taste of fashion, making hats for wealthy socialites and actresses in his apartment attic. After realizing that his theatrical ambitions were going nowhere in New York, he pursued his acting career in Los Angeles under the name Dick Ellis, in productions such as "Juvenile Court" starring Rita Hayworth, the smash hit "Dead End" (having appeared in the Broadway production), and the Universal picture "Little Tough Guy," eventually returning to the NY stage in 1944 with "Catherine Was Great" starring Miss Mae West.

He was signed by the studios to play small parts in the motion pictures and appear with luminaries such as Humphrey Bogart and Gene Kelly while going to school with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney (among others). It was Howard Hughes who changed his name to Richard Blackwell when he signed him to RKO, but he eventually left acting for a short stint as a Hollywood agent. It was then that he discovered a talent for design, while making his client's stage costumes. Once again strapped for cash, he finally decided to pursue a career in fashion in 1958. His line, House of Blackwell, would become synonymous in fashion. An important designer during the 1960s, he became the first in history to present his line on a television broadcast as well as the first to make his line available for plus-size women. By the early 1960's he had become one of the top designers with his own line, creating fashions for such stars as Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, Peggy Lee, Ann Blythe, Jane Russell and a favorite among political wives such as Nancy Reagan and Corretta Scott King.

Around the same time, he hosted his own radio show on KABC in Los Angeles, and through the years he had appeared on virtually every talk show on television with his "Worst Dressed List," naming the biggest fashion fiascoes of the year and the less recognized "Fabulous Fashion Independents." The lists, now in its 48th year, are still a source of controversy, amusement and conversation among the fashion elite and the unlucky (or lucky) celebrities who adorn it. Lynn Redgrave expressed it best, when she stated "You haven't made it in Hollywood until you've made 'the list!'"

In 1995, Blackwell published his best-selling autobiography "From Rags to Bitches." He continued to write for several magazines and newspapers under both his own name and a pseudonym.

He is survived by his partner of almost 60 years, Mr. R.L. Spencer. Private memorial services are being scheduled. In lew of flowers donations can be made to The ROAR Foundation at Shambala.org, The Actors Fund at actorsfund.org or noonprop8.com.

Schmoopie · 10-20-2008, 02:04 AM

Sorry to hear this. Wonder who will pick the worst dressed now?!

Andrea

catlover79 · 10-20-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Sorry to hear this. Wonder who will pick the worst dressed now?!

Andrea

No idea!! Btw, I always wondered what Mr. Blackwell's first name was. May he

.

MonarC · 10-20-2008, 09:18 PM

That guy was mean.

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-25-2008, 07:45 PM

rest in peace

SBTB Geek · 10-26-2008, 09:10 PM

The guy was a ****.

so elektrikkxx · 10-26-2008, 09:15 PM

I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO PICK THE WORST DRESSED.
starting with people in my school. it's horrid there.

veggie-tari-jenn · 10-26-2008, 10:46 PM

I am a bit late to this....sorry to hear this he was a hoot...cracked me up.

Schmoopie · 10-26-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vernacular decay

I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO PICK THE WORST DRESSED.
starting with people in my school. it's horrid there.

I can imagine! I cannot believe some of the "fashions" that are out there these days! And people actually BUY them!?

Andrea

10-20-2008, 01:00 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,416	Fashion Icon Mr. Blackwell Dies at 86 Link Fashion icon Mr. Richard Blackwell passed away at 4:15pm on Sunday, October 19, 2008 in Los Angeles of complications due to an intestinal infection. Born Richard Sylvan Selzer, Mr. Blackwell was raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, New York, in a poverty stricken neighborhood. A persistent truant, he was in and out of boy's homes throughout his early years. As a young man, he acted on the New York stage. Between acting jobs in New York, he had his first taste of fashion, making hats for wealthy socialites and actresses in his apartment attic. After realizing that his theatrical ambitions were going nowhere in New York, he pursued his acting career in Los Angeles under the name Dick Ellis, in productions such as "Juvenile Court" starring Rita Hayworth, the smash hit "Dead End" (having appeared in the Broadway production), and the Universal picture "Little Tough Guy," eventually returning to the NY stage in 1944 with "Catherine Was Great" starring Miss Mae West. He was signed by the studios to play small parts in the motion pictures and appear with luminaries such as Humphrey Bogart and Gene Kelly while going to school with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney (among others). It was Howard Hughes who changed his name to Richard Blackwell when he signed him to RKO, but he eventually left acting for a short stint as a Hollywood agent. It was then that he discovered a talent for design, while making his client's stage costumes. Once again strapped for cash, he finally decided to pursue a career in fashion in 1958. His line, House of Blackwell, would become synonymous in fashion. An important designer during the 1960s, he became the first in history to present his line on a television broadcast as well as the first to make his line available for plus-size women. By the early 1960's he had become one of the top designers with his own line, creating fashions for such stars as Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, Peggy Lee, Ann Blythe, Jane Russell and a favorite among political wives such as Nancy Reagan and Corretta Scott King. Around the same time, he hosted his own radio show on KABC in Los Angeles, and through the years he had appeared on virtually every talk show on television with his "Worst Dressed List," naming the biggest fashion fiascoes of the year and the less recognized "Fabulous Fashion Independents." The lists, now in its 48th year, are still a source of controversy, amusement and conversation among the fashion elite and the unlucky (or lucky) celebrities who adorn it. Lynn Redgrave expressed it best, when she stated "You haven't made it in Hollywood until you've made 'the list!'" In 1995, Blackwell published his best-selling autobiography "From Rags to Bitches." He continued to write for several magazines and newspapers under both his own name and a pseudonym. He is survived by his partner of almost 60 years, Mr. R.L. Spencer. Private memorial services are being scheduled. In lew of flowers donations can be made to The ROAR Foundation at Shambala.org, The Actors Fund at actorsfund.org or noonprop8.com.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

10-20-2008, 02:04 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Sorry to hear this. Wonder who will pick the worst dressed now?! Andrea
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

10-20-2008, 09:18 PM	#4
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525	That guy was mean.
	Last edited by MonarC; 10-25-2008 at 07:49 PM.

10-25-2008, 07:45 PM	#5
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	rest in peace
	__________________ Who Dat

10-26-2008, 09:15 PM	#7
so elektrikkxx Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 554	I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO PICK THE WORST DRESSED. starting with people in my school. it's horrid there.
	__________________ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=158061679

10-26-2008, 09:10 PM	#6
SBTB Geek Smooth Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 21, 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,004	The guy was a ****.

10-26-2008, 10:46 PM	#8
veggie-tari-jenn SARCASTIC COUPON PRINCESS!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 13, 2008 Posts: 1,882	I am a bit late to this....sorry to hear this he was a hoot...cracked me up.