R.I.P. Archives - I Love Old School Music

R.I.P.: The Fat Boys’ Prince Markie Dee Passes Away Day Before 53rd Birthday, Cause Revealed

ilosm — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 01:44:40 +0000

Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys

ILOSM family, we’ve unfortunately been losing several of our legends in recent times. Sadly, we’re coming to once again with another major loss within the music industry. Mark Morales, better known as “Prince Markie Dee” of the legendary rap group, The Fat Boys, has passed away today. He would have been making his 53rd orbit around the sun on tomorrow, February 19, 2021.

Cause Of Death

It was reported by All Hip Hop, that Prince Markie Dee cause of death was congestive heart failure. No further details have been given at this time.

Friend Spoke With Prince Markie Dee Shortly Before His Death

Prince Markie Dee was so excited about the path his life and career were going. He’d also recently taken over for Biz Markie – who is recovering after having a stroke in 2020 – on his radio show. His friend/New York City promotor, Van Silk, detailed his last interactions with him to Hip Hop DX:

[Van Silk] tells HipHopDX he had just spoken to Markie Dee — real name Mark Morales — but he hadn’t been on Instagram since February 8. Silk says he’d replaced Biz Markie on his Rock The Bells radio show and was planning on getting back in the studio.

“I remember them as the Disco 3 back in 1982,” Van Silk explains to DX Senior Writer Kyle Eustice. “They had wanted me to put them on a party at Empire Skating Rink. Over the years I kept in touch with Kool Rock Ski and just had a conversation about him and Mark getting in the studio to record new songs. At times, myself and Mark would be on the phone at 2 a.m. in the morning. He was telling me about his properties he owns in Florida and New York. He was happy about being able to still work and do what he loves — music. I will definitely miss my brother Prince Markie Dee.”

Prince Markie Dee’s Last Video Posts

Prince Markie Dee was always so full of life and positive vibes, which always resonated in his many online videos. Below are the last two video posts he shared with his fans…

February 1, 2021 – The rap legend was a huge fan of Stevie Wonder. One of his favorite Stevie records was “With Each Beat Of My Heart”…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Prince Markie Dee Show (@princemarkiedee)

February 3, 2021 – He loved choppin’ it up with his fans on Instagram Live…even when he was ready to log off of it for the night…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Prince Markie Dee Show (@princemarkiedee)

As you all know, his fellow group member, Darren “Buffy,” Robinson, passed away in 1995. Now, there is only 1/3 of he Fat Boys, Damon “Kool-Rock Ski” Wimbley, left here to rep’ for the beautiful legacy he built with his brothas.

Mark Anthony Morales a.k.a. Prince Markie Dee will forever be etched in our hearts as one of the pioneers of Hip Hop. May he sleep in eternal peace and power, after a job well done here.

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R.I.P.- Day After Sharing “Good News,” “Breakin” Star Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones Dies Suddenly

ilosm — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 22:28:12 +0000

I Love Old School Music family, in case you haven’t yet heard, it is with great heartache that we share the passing of an Old School legend, Adolfo Quiñones (65), whom many of us know as “Shabba-Doo.” He passed away today, just one day after announcing the “good news” about his health.

Adolfo starred in the 1984 hit films, Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, as the breakdancing character, “Ozone.” He was also part of the legendary breakdancing group, The Lockers, which help put hip hop dancing on the map in the late 1970’s. Earlier today, his friend and co-founder of The Lockers, Tony Basil, announced the grim reality of Shabba-Doo’s death online. He wrote the following message on his Twitter page:

“It is with extreme sadness The Lockers family announces the unexpected passing of our beloved Adolfo Shabba-Doo Quiñones,” Basil wrote. “In this difficult time we are requesting privacy.”

pic.twitter.com/ogJ7T1HE8K

— Toni Basil (@Toni_Basil) December 30, 2020

Dancing was Adolfo’s passion, one he was following up until his last days. Back in the day, he became a choreographer for the likes of many chart topping artists like, Lionel Richie, Madonna, Luther Vandross. He was also the main dancer in Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” video in 1987.

In more recent years, he owned a digital media production studio, and reportedly teaching dance to his students as well.

“Shabba-Doo” Shared “Good News” Day Before His Passing:

Apparently, Shabba-Doo had been feeling under the weather in recent days. On December 22nd he’d shared that days prior, he’d tested positive for COVID-19 and was at home quarantining:

“***PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE*** After my doctor visit and evaluation of my symptoms this morning I’ve been ordered to quarantine for 10 days and scheduled a third Covid 19 test this Thursday, December 24, 2020.” – Shabba-Doo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones (@officialshabbadoo)

However, in a December 29, 2020 post, he shared that his “good news” was that he was feeling much better and had tested COVID-19 negative. Here’s what he wrote:

“I’m feeling all better I’m just a wee bit sluggish from my cold, but the good news is I’m Covid 19 negative! Woo hoo!!!

I awoke this morning to a gift from my pal, George “DJ 360MIX” Jett! Thanks man!

Anyway, I’m excited lots of catching up to do. Let’s gooo!

Thank you to everyone for your kind, sweet, and loving get well wishes and thoughts.

Oh, I didn’t sleep in my beanie and glasses, lol, I donned them cause my vanity kicked in and didn’t want you to see my bed head, and crusty eyes, haha… Have a great day peeps. 🤗🙏🏽”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones (@officialshabbadoo)

At this point, his family and loved ones have not shared what exactly transpired regarding Adolfo’s health between Tuesday and Wednesday. As we get more information we’ll keep you all posted.

Ice-T Pays Homage To His Friend:

Below is what Shabba-Doo’s close friend, Ice-T, had to say about his death:

“I just lost ANOTHER close friend… SHABBA-DO. LA dance legend. You may know from the Breakin Movies.. Has passed away… FFUCK 2020 SHABBA-DOO MONTAGE.”

I just lost ANOTHER close friend… SHABBA-DO. LA dance legend. You may know from the Breakin Movies.. Has passed away… FFUCK 2020 SHABBA-DOO MONTAGE https://t.co/x57MVFwV90

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) December 30, 2020

Our deepest condolences to Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones’ Mother and loved ones at this time.

2020 has shaped up to be a truly heartbreaking year. ILOSM family let’s all be sure to do our best to tell those we love, that we love them, because we never know what tomorrow may bring.

May Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones rest in peace and power.

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R.I.P.: “B.A.P.S” and ‘Madea’ Actress, Natalie Desselle-Reid, Passes Away At 53

ilosm — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:40:00 +0000

(L) Actress, Natalie Desselle-Reid; (R) Natalie with Halle Berry in “B.A.P.S”

Sad news today ILOSM family. Actress, Natalie Desselle-Reid, best known for her role in the 90’s film, B.A.P.S. has passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020, at the young age of 53. She was secretly battling a long bout with colon cancer.

Many of us remember for the role she played as “Mickey” alongside Halle Berry in B.A.P.S. (‘Black American Princesses’). She was Halle’s homegirl in the film, who stole every scene she was in, with her character’s hilarious wit and feisty personality.

She’s also known for her role as “Janie Egins” in the sitcom, Eve — starring rapper, Eve; as well as in Tyler Perry’s, Madea’s Big Happy Family film, as “Tammy.”

https://youtu.be/hwk7l-XWvCc

Her family revealed the following info to TMZ:

The veteran comedic actor passed away Monday morning. A family member tells TMZ she died of colon cancer after having been diagnosed earlier this year. We’re told she was in hospice care in her final days, and was surrounded by family when she went.

An official statement reads, “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning. She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife.”

Actress, Holly Robinson-Peete, initially spread the word about Natalie’s passing in an online tribute that read:

“Just absolutely decimated by this news… Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning. I got to know her when my mom was managing her. She will be so missed…sending out prayers to her children and husband. 💔🙏🏽😢 Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl🙏🏽”

Just absolutely decimated by this news…
Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning. I got to know her when my mom was managing her.
She will be so missed…sending out prayers to her children and husband.
💔🙏🏽😢
Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/BsyltHxKRG

— Holly Robinson Peete😷🥰 (@hollyrpeete) December 7, 2020

In addition to her aforementioned acting credits, Natalie also had roles in television shows such as, For Your Love, and Built to Last. Her other movie credits were in Set It Off, How to Be a Player, Gas, and Divas, and also in the TV movie Cinderella, in which she starred alongside Brandy Norwood, as the wicked step-sister, Minerva.

Natalie is survived by her husband, Leonard, and 3 wonderful children. Our sincerest condolences to them all. May Natalie Desselle-Reid rest in peace and power.

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Gone Too Soon: This “Crooklyn” Movie Actor Died Way Too Young, With Little Fanfare

ilosm — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 01:18:33 +0000

(L) “Crooklyn” actor, Carlton Williams II

Actor, Carlton Williams II, was best known for his role in Spike Lee’s film, Crooklyn. Williams played “Clinton,” the annoying older brother to his siblings, who loved the Knicks, and always lovingly bullied his little sister, “Troy” in the film. He also was probably the most recognizable character, with his distinctive features and those big glasses he rocked in the movie.

“Crooklyn” cast

Sadly, Carlton Williams is no longer with us. He passed away in 2003 without much, if any, hype surrounding the date of his passing. So that is why we decided to bring some attention to this young brotha’s life. Williams ultimately died from complications due to sickle cell anemia, a disease which most often plagues African Americans. He was only 24 years old.

“Crooklyn” film scene

It’s not always meant for us to understand why some people have to leave this earth so young, but we’re sure Carlton’s family found comfort in knowing that his life was not lived in vain. He left a great impact on the world by being a part of a film that showed that even when families do not have much by way of material things, love is all that they need. This movie was a much needed message within our society and Carlton Williams’ role played a vital part in delivering that message. May he continue to rest well.

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R.I.P.: “Cop” From “Boyz N’ The Hood” Suddenly Passes Away, Son Gives Details

alyaspk — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 01:52:25 +0000

“Boyz N’ The Hood” cop, Jessie Ferguson

ILOSM family, we have very sad news to report today. Jessie Lawrence Ferguson, the actor who played the ‘shady cop’ in Boyz N’ The Hood, has passed away. He was 76 years young and his son has now given details about his beloved Father’s passing.

Ferguson’s son tells how he found him…
According to TMZ, Jessie Ferguson’s son, Jace, sadly found his father’s body after he’d passed away inside of his home:

Jessie’s son, Jace, tells us … he died Friday night at their home in Palmdale, California. Jace says he found his dad next to his bed with the TV on, and it comes as a shock because he was spry and seemed healthy in the days leading up to his death.

‘He was a strong Black man’…
Son remembers Ferguson as the great man that his Pops was:

Jace says, “He was a strong, beautiful intelligent Black man and he wanted the best for his son and all people.”

At this time, Jessie Ferguson’s cause of death is unknown law enforcement stated that it was ‘natural death’ and no foul play is suspected.

Reminisce With Us…
In memory of Ferguson’s life, let us reminisce to that classic Boyz N The Hood scene that left a lasting impression on us all. Through his ‘bad cop’ character, Jessie helped shed light on the foul real life cops who are still tainting police departments across America.

Jessie Lawrence Ferguson will forever be remembered for his contributions to Black cinema. May he rest in power.

See The Latest On Boyz N’ The Hood Director, John Singleton’s, Unfortunate Family Drama After His Stroke & Health Update HERE

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R.I.P.: “Who’s The Boss” & “Soap” Star Katherine Helmond Passes Away, Her Husband Speaks Out

ilosm — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 23:03:33 +0000

Embed from Getty Images

Sad news to report ILOSM family. Acting legend, Katherine Helmond, best known for her roles on the sitcoms, Who’s The Boss and Soap, has passed away at 89 years young.

The Tony Award winning actress succumbed to complications of Alzheimer’s disease, on February 23, 2019, according to the APA Agency. Her family waited a week -until Friday (3/1/19)- to announce her passing, presumably to give themselves privacy and time to mourn.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, David Christian, and she had no children.

Katherine’s husband has now spoken out to pay homage to his beloved wife:

Via NBC Chicago– “She was the love of my life. We spent 57 beautiful, wonderful, loving years together, which I will treasure forever,” Christian said in a statement. “I’ve been with Katherine, since I was 19 years old. The night she died, I saw that the moon was exactly half-full, just as I am now… half of what I’ve been my entire adult life.”

Embed from Getty Images

Many of us Old Schoolers, were first introduced to Katherine when she played the comical, ditzy character, “Jessica Tate,” on the late 70’s/early 80’s sitcom, Soap. One of her longtime friends, Robert Guillaume, as well as actor, Billy Crystal, starred in Soap with her and they all cracked us up every week.

We also know her from her days on the late 80’s/early 90’s sitcom, Who’s The Boss, where she portrayed the feisty character, “Mona Robinson,” alongside her co-star, Tony Danza.

A few years before Katherine Helmond’s Soap co-star, Robert Guillaume, died in 2017, she and some of their other co-stars paid a touching tribute to him in the following video…

https://youtu.be/IICDpZdoGPQ

Now, millions of fans will be paying loving tributes to Katherine. She was a beautiful soul. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones at this time. May she rest peacefully.

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R.I.P.: T.I.’s Sister Sadly Passes Away…Her Daughter & T.I. Speak Out

ilosm — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 20:04:00 +0000

T. I. with his sister, Precious harris (Instagram)

Very sad news to report ILOSM family. Days after we previously reported that Clifford “T.I.” Harris’ sister and Tameka “Tiny” Harris sis-in-law, Precious Harris, was hospitalized, we’ve now learned that she passed away on Friday (February 22, 2019) morning. She was 66 years young.

What Caused Precious Harris’ Death

A little over a week ago, Precious Harris was involved in a severe car accident in Atlanta, GA. According to reports, she ran into a pole, which sparked an asthma attack. Following the accident, she was taken to the hospital, where she was placed in ICU. She had been on life support ever since and never regained consciousness.

T.I.’s Niece Made The Initial Announcement Of Her Mom’s Passing

Precious Harris with her daughter, Kamaya (via Instagram)

Precious’ daughter, Kamaya, paid homage to her beloved Mother with this message:

“From my bestfriend on earth to My beautiful angel in heaven ❤️mama girl you know ima miss you…. I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken but the way you looked so @ peace this past week has confirmed that you are resting… no more asthma attacks… damn but baby I am going to miss you “

T.I.’s Homage To His Sister

T.I. posted a photo of himself with Precious, online and wrote this message:

“We Love You Dearly Baby Girl….”

T.I., Tiny, And Family Are ‘Devastated’

According to sources connected with the family, T.I., Tiny and their loved ones are ‘devastated’ at this time. T.I. was extremely close to Precious.

Last week they halted production for T.I. and Tiny’s The Family Hustle, after getting the news that Precious had been in a car accident. She was oftentimes featured on the show and she will be sorely missed by millions of fans.

We’re sending uplifting energy and condolences to Precious Harris’ daughter, as well as T.I., Tiny, and the rest of the Harris family and loved ones at this time. Precious, rest in power Queen.

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Breaking: Aretha Franklin Passes Away, Publicist Gives Details

I Love Old School Music — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 14:17:43 +0000

Embed from Getty Images

Extremely sad news to report ILOSM family. The Queen of Soul has taken her final breathe today at the age of 76 years young. The Associated Press had just broken the news via Aretha’s publicist.:

AP: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.

US Weekly reported on yesterday that a family source gave details about her final moments:

On Monday, August 13, a source told Us that Franklin was “comfortable at home” but “not doing well” and that her body was “breaking down. [She] is hanging in there, but recovery is not looking likely,” the insider added.

On August 12th, the family asked everyone to send prayers up for Ms. Franklin, when they initially confirmed that she was gravely ill at that time. Here’s what we previously reported about the days leading up to her passing:
Aretha Franklin was reportedly “gravely ill” as of Sunday night, according to reports. This comes just nine months after reports of her failing health circulated online before they were debunked in late November.

Cancer Reports

The legendary singer has been dogged by rumors of cancer since at least 2011, when she spoke with Jet, and said that the doctors advised her to cancel all concerts until May because of her health.

“I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business,” she said at the time. “Not too much, not too much. There are a lot of people who will talk about anything, as long as there is somebody listening. But I am not one of those people. That’s not Aretha.”

“I am not going to even deal with that. “I don’t have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors. The problem has been resolved.”

All 3 Siblings Fell To Cancer

Her brother Cecil who was also her manager, died from lung cancer on December 1989.

Her sister Carolyn died the previous year in April 1988 from breast cancer, while eldest sister Erma passed from throat cancer in September 2002.

The Legend

Aretha was the first ever woman inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1987; and topped Rolling Stone’s Greatest Artists Of All Time list.

She has won 20 Grammys in throughout her career, including three special honors: the Legend Award (1991), the Lifetime Achievement Award (1994) and the MusiCares Person of the Year (2008).

We are praying for peace and comfort for Aretha Franklin and her family. Rest on Queen

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R.I.P.- “Facts Of Life’s” “Mrs. Garrett” Passes Away, Co-Stars Pay Beautiful Homage

alyaspk — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:10:57 +0000

Embed from Getty Images

ILOSM family we have sad news today, Charlotte Rae Lubotsky a.k.a. “Mrs. Garrett” (or “Mrs. G” as “Jo” lovingly called her on the show) has passed away at age 92. Most of us, Old Schoolers, remember “Mrs. Garrett” as the quirky, kind-hearted house-mother at the boarding school where “Tootie” (Kim Fields), “Natalie” (Mindy Cohn, “Jo” (Nancy McKoen), and “Blair (Lisa Whelchel) lived.

Here is what Associated Press reported about the details of Charlotte’s passing:

Charlotte Rae…died at her Los Angeles home Sunday with her family at her side, said her publicist, Harlan Boll. A cause of death was not immediately available, but Rae was diagnosed last year with bone cancer after beating pancreatic cancer, Boll said. […] In addition to son Larry, she is survived by sister Miriam Guten and three grandchildren.

“Mrs. Garrett” first made her entrance into primetime TV on the classic sitcom, “Diff’rent Strokes,” as the housekeeper for “Willis'” (Todd Bridges) and “Arnold’s” (Gary Coleman) adoptive ‘family.’ In fact, it was Charlotte Rae, who in 1978 (after just one season on “Diff’rent Strokes”) pitched the “Mrs. Garrett” spin-off idea to the network’s producers. Then, lo and behold, the long-running “Facts Of Life” sitcom was bred.

Co-Stars Pay Touching Tribute

As soon as news began to spread, that “Mrs. Garrett” had taken her final breathe, both her “Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” fam’ paid homage to her on social media.

Kim Fields posted tributes on Twitter and Instagram, writing:

“You all already know my heart is heavy yet…. sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears… and yeah, smiles…. #charlotterae #ripcharlotterae”

https://twitter.com/KimVFields/status/1026296973542998016

“This ‘see you later’ is so hard…”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJPDo_HzAU/

Mindy Cohn a.k.a. “Natalie” wrote:

“She was my champion, a teacher, a proud example of the tenacity and perseverance needed to live as a creative, along with your talent and gifts. i love you char.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmHwPaLAfYR/

Todd Bridges wrote:

“Different Strokes would not have been the same without you #CharlotteRae. You were loved by everyone on our show and you were loved by everyone on the facts of life will miss you. My heart is full of Pain. Rest in peace my friend.”

Different Strokes would not have been the same without you #CharlotteRae. You were loved by everyone on our show and you were loved by everyone on the facts of life will miss you "My heart is full of Pain" Rest in peace my friend pic.twitter.com/8FbterNz3S

— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 6, 2018

“Mrs. Garrett’s” 2017 Statement After Diagnosis

Via EW: “I found out I have bone cancer,” she said in a statement. “About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually, it’s too late. My mother, sister, and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody ever knew. So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind. I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground. Now I have to figure out whether I want to go have treatment again or opt for life. … I love life. I’ve had a wonderful one already … I’ve had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I’d like to choose life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve already had.”

“Mrs. Garrett’s” Personal Life Struggles

On the show, Mrs. Garrett gave her girls life lessons about serious topics, including AIDS, rape, dating, etc. and in real life, Charlotte Rae was continuing to offer lessons to the world, by using the pains, triumphs and challenges of her own life. In her memoir, “The Facts of My Life,” Charlottte disclosed that she was once an alcoholic but had 44 years of sobriety and that her husband had revealed to her he was bisexual, which was devastating for her. However nothing was more devastating for Charlotte, than when her autistic son, Andy, passed away at age 44 in 1999.

When she was 91, Charlotte Rae gave one last life lesson:

Via EW: “At 91, every day is a birthday. [In my book] I want to tell everybody to celebrate every day, to savor the day and be good to yourself, love yourself, and then you can be good to others and be of service to others.”

May Charlotte Rae Lubotsky now rest peacefully with her beloved son.

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So Sad, Many Never Knew How This “Colors” Actor Tragically Died Soon After Film

ilosm — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:17:52 +0000

Many of us Old Schoolers remember actor, Trinidad Silva, as the Latino gang leader, “Frog,” in the ’88 hood classic movie, “Colors,” or as “Jesus Martinez,” the gang leader-turned lawyer in “Hill Street Blues.” What many of us may not know is that Silva died without much fanfare, almost immediately after “Colors” hit theaters. So we want to pay homage to this gifted actor who is gone way too soon. See what happened to him below.

Actor Trinidada Siva in “Colors”

He Died Way Too Young

Trinidad Silva died young, he was only 38 years old, with a young child and wife at the time of his death. On July 31, 1988, just two months after Colors released, Trinidad Silva was killed by a drunk driver in Whittier, Ca:

Via LA Times: Whittier police said Silva, 38, his wife, Sophia, 28, and their 2-year-old son, Samuel, were driving east on Slauson Avenue Sunday, when a sedan moving south on Santa Fe Springs Road ran the red light where the two streets intersect and slammed into the driver’s side of the pickup.

In one of his last interviews, Silva addressed being typecast as an Hispanic gang member, due to how well he played his “Colors” and “Hill Street Blues” characters:

“I used to worry about it, but not anymore…I’m an actor. I can play more than Jesus (Martinez). I did (a non-gang role in the TV movie) Stones for Ibarra. I did the sitcom Maximum Security for HBO. I was even nominated for an ACE (Academy of Cable Excellence) Award as best actor. But I still have to prove myself — and that keeps me honest. Because of something like Hill Street, you get a little of both; the door is open, and the door is shut. It’s okay, as long as you maintain a good attitude.”

At the time of his death, he was in the middle of filming “Weird Al” Yankovic’s film “UHF.” But sadly, Trinidad Silva never got to further “prove himself” in Hollywood. It’s even more sad that Silva’s wife and son had to lose him because a reckless idiot decided to get behind the wheel that day.

“Colors” scene

Actor Tells Another Little Known Fact Of Dangers Behind The Scene “Colors” Set

Silva’s death is one of several little known facts about “Colors” actors and the film itself. In a past interview with Bill Kelley, the late Dennis Hopper (pictured above pointing ahead) told several unknown facts about what went down behind the scenes of “Colors.” He hand picked every actor for the movie and wanted it to be realistic, so he chose real Crips and Bloods gang members for the film, which lead to violence, deaths, and a bunch of other stuff. Here’s what Hopper explained (via Sun Sentinel):

“Colors” movie

“We shot at a project in Watts that even the police won`t go into unless there`s a body lying there. I later learned that afterward, in each place we shot, trouble broke out. Gang members would come and watch us shoot and then start something after. One thing we shot in Watts was a drive-by of a church where there was a funeral by some members of the Crips — and two hours later, someone was killed a block away.”

“During the production, maybe 10 people were killed. I would not pin it on the making of the film. It`s an ongoing thing — happens all the time. I did one conscious thing: I did not cross gangs. If I was shooting in a Crip area, I`d use Crips as extras. Shooting in a Blood area, I`d use Bloods. It`s a fascinating background.”

R.I.P. to Denis Hopper and Trinidad Silva.

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