Handsome man Tony Curtis, known for the movies Some Like it Hot, The Defiant Ones, and Sweet Smell of Success has died at age 85 of cardiac arrest. Tony Curtis previously suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was hospitalized in July after he had difficulty breathing. Curtis died of cardiac arrest at home in Las Vegas last Wednesday night.

Tony Curtis lived a life compelling enough to be a movie. Born Bernard Schwartz, Curtis was raised by his Hungarian immigrant parents in the Bronx. His mother was abusive and aggressive with him was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. Curtis also experienced life in an orphanage for a month when his parents could not care for him, and the death of his younger brother. Curtis has been married 5 times and has had rocky relationships with many of his children over the years.

Despite these hardships Curtis was able to become a wildly talented actor. Tony Curtis was a versatile actor who never played it safe and successfully acted in a whole range of genres. Though he was never awarded an Oscar his legacy and filmography is, at the very least, impressive.

Tony Curtis’ daughter Jamie Lee Curtis said it best:
“My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world.”

Join CelebrityHealthBlog.com in honoring the memory of Tony Curtis Caring Candle or Light Your Own.

Isaac Hayes died Sunday, August 10th at the age of 65 of an apparent heart attack. Found collapsed next to his treadmill, he was rushed to a local Memphis, Tennessee hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Reports vary on the cause of death, with one report claiming a simultaneous stroke and heart attack. This may be supported by a mild stroke he suffered in January of 2006. The family has also stated that Hayes was under care for a number of medical conditions including high blood pressure.

All signs point to a natural cause of death.

Hayes is best known as the deep voiced singer of the Theme to Shaft, which won the 1971 Oscar and two Grammy awards. To a younger generation, he voiced the character of Chef on South Park, before quitting the show due a conflict with his Scientology beliefs.

Isaac will be remembered for the great impact he made on music, ranging from soul to rap to funk. Oddly, Hayes and Bernie Mac will be featured in the movie Soul Men, scheduled to be released in November 2008.

While Hayes was found near a treadmill, please don’t give the shaft to your exercise program. It’s an important part of keeping healthy at any age.

We wish the entire Hayes family our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please leave your comments, recollections and thoughts.