I.C.Y.M.I.: Remembering Jessica Walter, 'Arrested Development' and 'Archer' Star
Greetings, fellow pop culture aficionados, and welcome to week 52 of our I.C.Y.M.I. (In Case You Missed It) blog series, where we recap a handful of trending tidbits from the past week(s) in popular culture, in case you missed them.
Last week in this space, we recapped a virtual benefit supporting local music venues in our state. This week, we remember actress Jessica Walter, who passed away this past Wednesday.
Remembering Arrested Development and Archer Star Jessica Walter
Actress Jessica Walter, who played iconic family matriarch Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development and the voice of Malory in the animated series Archer, passed away this past Wednesday at age 80 in her New York City home.
Walter's acting career spanned six decades across film and television, including a role in Clint Eastwood's directorial debut Play Misty for Me (1971) and Emmy-nominated roles on Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986) and Streets of San Francisco (1972-1977). A Broadway alum, she also earned an Emmy Award for her starring role in NBC police drama Amy Prentiss (1974-1975).
But for most pop culture fans, her hilarious work on the television series Arrested Development is likely to be remembered most. From her chicken dance to her shrill reaction at every appearance of Bluth family private eye Gene Parmesan, there's no shortage of Lucille Bluth moments to make you laugh.
Several of Walter's Arrested Development and Archer co-stars reacted on social media to this week's news of her passing.
Aisha Tyler, voice of Archer's Lana Kane, said, "Jessica Walter was a queen in every way: kind, classy, incredibly talented, generous with love & support. And so insanely funny. She was the brilliant center of our [Archer] universe. Sweet flight to you, dear Jessica. You were so loved, and we were so lucky to know you."
Will Arnett, who played Lucille Bluth's son Gob on Arrested Development, said, "Jessica Walter was a deeply talented person. We first met on a pilot in ‘96 and I was instantly blown away. I’m fortunate to have had a front row seat to her brilliance for 25 years. My thoughts are with her daughter Brooke and grandson Micah today. Farewell Jessica, you’ll be missed."
Tony Hale, who played Lucille Bluth's son Buster, said, "She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth."
David Cross, who portrayed Lucille Bluth's son in law Tobias Fünke, said, "I just heard the shitty news about Jessica Walter an absolutely brilliant actress and amazing talent. I consider myself privileged and very lucky to have been able to work with her. Lucille Bluth is one of TV's greatest characters."
And Jason Bateman, who played Lucille Bluth's son Michael, added, "R. I. P. Jessica Walter. What an incredible career, filled with amazing performances. I will forever remember my time with her, watching her bring Lucille Bluth to life. She was one of a kind. All my love and thoughts to her family."
What Else To Catch Up On This Weekend
- Seattle Sounders FC had a big announcement this past week, unveiling a Jimi Hendrix-inspired jersey for the 2021-22 season. Proceeds from the first 30 days of jersey sales will go to five local nonprofits (including MoPOP!) that have pledged to use the donations to empower local BIPOC youth, support BIPOC youth programs that deliver equitable access to music, art, soccer and physical activity, and honor the legacy of Jimi Hendrix.
- Jimi Hendrix is also the focus of MoPOP's latest dive Into the Vault, as we showcase some handwritten questions the Seattle music legend penned prior to an interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Hendrix's last appearance on U.S. television.
- And for those of you who attended the 16th annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival last weekend, the event's winners were announced on Friday.
What'd We Miss?
Now that we've filled you in on a few things, what do you feel we failed to mention? Let us know in the comments, or hit us up with a suggestion on social media. We'll look to include your ideas in our next edition of I.C.Y.M.I.
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