RIP, HAL HOLBROOK...

You tapped Mark Twain with uncanny precision, as well as Abraham Lincoln in North and South and later Francis Preston Blair in Spielberg's 2012 commemoration of the President. 

To horror fans, you were a welcome and seasoned presence in The Fog '80; Creepshow; Rituals (aka The Creeper); and The Unholy.

Among action, mystery and intrigue, you covered even more ground, starring in Capricorn One; Magnum Force; Wild in the Streets; The Star Chamber; They Only Kill Their Masters; Clear and Present Danger; Fletch Lives; Shade; Hush, Pueblo; Judas Kiss; The Firm; Men of Honor; The Majestic; Murder by Natural Causes; The Kidnapping of the President; and All the President's Men.

In later years, you even loaned your distinctive voice to such endearing, animated efforts as Cats Don't Dance and Planes: Fire and Rescue. 

You were a man of staunch opinion and style, Mr. Holbrook, one who excelled at emulating others, but was never afraid to flaunt his uninhibited self.

SO LONG, JAMES KAREN...

You were one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood, covering all genres at all times, but became a major fan favorite in horror, science fiction and fantasy.

Such examples of your splendid work are "Apt Pupil"; "The Boy Who Loved Trolls"; "The Butterfly Room"; "Capricorn One"; "The China Syndrome"; "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster"; "Hercules in New York"; "Invaders from Mars '86"; "Jack and the Beanstalk '09"; "Mulholland Drive"; "Piranha '95"; "Poltergeist '82"; "Rivals '72"; "Time Walker"; "The Willies"; and above all, your comedic, frantic and oh-so-identifiable presence in "Return of the Living Dead" and its sequel. 

You could mix and match emotions in ways that would make any actor envious. Though your work will continue to be enjoyed, Mr. Karen, you'll be deeply missed by your many fans, to whom you never failed to show great kindness and respect. May you find peace, joy and delight in whatever roles you may take beyond Heaven's Gates...