Kinky Friedman, known for his satirical and often provocative style, has passed away at 79. A post on his social media announced, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman earned a cult following for his unique take on country and Western music. He released numerous albums, starting with “Sold American” in 1973, a record that laid the foundation for his career. Known as the “governor of the heart of Texas,” he even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Friedman was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and contributed as a columnist for Texas Monthly. He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” securing 12.6 percent of the votes among six candidates.
Born in Chicago and raised in Texas, Friedman studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. His passion for music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the latter as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Friedman once wrote, “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
The famous actor of “Titanic” is now completely unrecognizable
Celebrating a remarkable 25 years since the iconic release of the cinematic masterpiece “Titanic”, it’s awe-inspiring to reflect on the enduring impact of this film and its accompanying Céline Dion anthem, which have become timeless symbols of romance.
Over the years, the lead actors of “Titanic”, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Billy Zane, have undergone notable transformations. DiCaprio’s portrayal of the romantic and penniless artist resonated with audiences, while Billy Zane brought nuance to the character of Rose’s affluent fiancé.
Despite early predictions of a brilliant Hollywood career post-“Titanic”, Zane faced challenges in sustaining the initial peak of popularity. Recent paparazzi captures during his vacation have circulated widely, showcasing a departure from the charismatic and handsome mercenary he portrayed on-screen.
Presently, Zane appears bald and with added weight, a stark contrast to the captivating figure that once enthralled audiences. However, happily committed in marriage for many years, the actor seems unperturbed by the physical changes. He doesn’t appear to harbor regrets for the loss of the physical shape and appeal that made him a sensation during the “Titanic” era.
Zane’s contentment in his personal life takes precedence over external transformations, offering a perspective that transcends the superficial standards of the entertainment industry. Despite the shifts in appearance, the enduring legacy of “Titanic” continues to remind audiences of the timeless nature of romance and love.
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