Best known for his integral role as the manager of the Sex Pistols, McLaren was the brains behind the operation, [...]]]> Malcolm McLaren, former manager of the Sex Pistols and punk impresario, passed away this morning at age 64. McLaren died from complications from cancer, which he had been battling for years, at a New York area hospital.

Best known for his integral role as the manager of the Sex Pistols, McLaren was the brains behind the operation, scoring John Lydon, better known back then as Johnny Rotten, the lead singer and assisted in the launching of the band into infamous territory. McLaren, along with his partner designer Vivienne Westwood, made the Sex Pistols more than just a band within the punk movement, but more the aesthetic for the “movement” and his press grabbing tactics made the band one of the most hated AND revered in the world. While McLaren battled with the Pistols in the 1980′s over money and publishing rights, there is no denying that his role with the band aided their arrival to the next level, whether they wanted to be there or not. Dueling images of who and what made the band can be seen in the films The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle, which tends to favor McLaren, and the band supported The Filth and the Fury, both which were directed by Julien Temple.

McLaren went on to remain a mainstay in the counter culture community, with his continued involvement within the punk scene, and his personal foray into music with the eccentric album “Duck Rock”. His career has evolved over the years from hated music manager to successful and respected film producer and director, continuing McLaren’s hold on both counter and popular culture. Last year, he sat down with VBS.Tv to discuss the changes unfolding within popular culture and the current art world.

VBS Meets… Malcolm McLaren – Click here for this week’s top video clips

Spokesman Les Malloy said he expected McLaren’s body to be returned to the UK for burial. McLaren is survived by his son Joseph Corre, co-creator of Agent Provocateur.

Actress Brittany Murphy, star of classic films Clueless and Girl, Interrupted, was pronounced dead this morning at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. According to reports, Murphy was found unconscious by her mother, and was later revealed to have died from a cardiac arrest. She was just 32 years old. The sudden and untimely [...]]]>

Actress Brittany Murphy, star of classic films Clueless and Girl, Interrupted, was pronounced dead this morning at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. According to reports, Murphy was found unconscious by her mother, and was later revealed to have died from a cardiac arrest. She was just 32 years old. The sudden and untimely death of such a young actress sent shock waves through Hollywood and had the internet spinning out of control earlier today. Murphy, who had long been plagued with rumors of drug abuse and/or eating disorders, would not be given any time to lay to rest with the media frenzy over her death. And while the LA county coroner has said the actress died due to “natural causes”, her death is being investigated and they will perform an autopsy despite protests from Murphy’s husband Simon Monjack. Her family has issued a statement, “In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy.”

Murphy will most likely be best remembered for her potrayal of Tai, the schlubby stoner newbie in the high school classic Clueless. The beloved teen classic provided Murphy with her break out role which let her showcase her comedic timing, her vocal abilities and more importantly, her affable personality. She worked so well with Alicia Silverstone, the girl of the moment, and my one time crush Breckin Meyer. As any girl who grew up in the 90’s could tell you, its pretty hard to not adore Brittany Murphy. Her portrayal of Tai hit home with me, as I had changed schools for a second time in two years when the film came out. Murphy had an insanely affable quality, which oozed out of every character, and allowed the audience to really pull for her. She went on to star in another teen favorite, Drop Dead Gorgeous, alongside Kirsten Dunst and Kirstie Alley, once again providing the kooky, affable quality she was so well liked for. But it wasn’t until her role in 1999′s Girl, Interrupted where she became a viable serious actress. The film that was supposed to be the Oscar ticket for Winona Ryder actually propelled Murphy and Angelina Jolie into another echelon of actresses. Murphy began to be taken seriously within Hollywood and she received meatier roles.

Unfortunately, it seemed that a makeover of both her career’s trajectory and her appearance was in order for her new status. She shed at least 20 lbs seemingly overnight, which is a huge deal on such a small frame, and bleached her hair a shade of California blonde. Her girl-next-door look seemed to have disappeared, leaving behind a typical Hollywood starlet. It was following this drastic change when Murphy was first confronted with the drug use and eating disorders rumors, which she once laughed off. In the early 2000′s, Brittany began starring in a slew of trite romantic comedies includingJust Married in which she costarred with her one time fiance Ashton Kutcher. It seemed her star was just rising and she was headed to Meg Ryan/Sandra Bullock status, until her relationship ended abruptly with Kutcher, and the actress began moving towards serious and quirky roles again, including parts in Sin City and Spun. She starred opposite Eminem in the box office success, 8 Mile, which was based on his life and received rave reviews for her performance. It was during this time when reports of erratic behavior and unprofessional antics on sets began following the actress. By 2005, she was alleged fired by both her agent and managers and had become better known for her “diva-like” attitude and demands than her acting skills. This was when the gigs seemed to dry up, most likely due to the fact that she lacked representation and her personal life became filled with odd relationships and even odder behavior. She married her husband in 2007, with no fanfare and rumors swirled that is was more of a financial relationship than a world wind love affair. The tabloids had a field day with the new couple, especially since her husband is considerably older and less attractive than that of her previous loves. Late last year, she had begun working again, picking up roles in a films like the Sylvester Stallone flick, The Expendables and seemed to be ready to get back into the spotlight. She had started the interview circuit once again, and even chatted up TV hosts about hopefully starting a family with Monjack sometime next year. Sadly, she passed on before her time, before she could have that family and get back the career someone with her talent deserved.

I held off on writing this post because I knew if I went right into it, I would be too judgey, too should have known better. I didn’t want to take the easy route with comments like it was expected and not shocking at all, because even if someone is abusing themselves, their death will be shocking to someone. Personally, its shocking to me that we are once again forced to say goodbye to someone in Hollywood way to early, possibly because of the system itself. When Murphy came out with her makeover a few years back, it seemed that the “makeover” was the tragic beginning of another actress’ fall from grace. It’s all too common, especially nowadays, for actresses to attempt to change themselves, physically, for a new type of role. Ironically, Murphy and her branding team moved far away from what put her on the map originally, making sure to almost lose everything that originally made us fall in love with her. Its no surprise, since it happens in the industry all the time, but there has to be an irony to a system that essentially forces people to conform to a look/feel by any method necessary and then chastises them when they do change. There is an irony in the rumors swirling about bitterness, aggressive and erratic behavior from a person we are believed to be starving themselves for jobs. Hell if I go a few hours with no food, I could stab someone, let alone a few days. And while I personally can not confirm this indeed was the case for Murphy, just the idea that this what is being discussed in the tabloids and the news shows is insulting. “How dare that woman we asked to starve and change everything about herself get a little testy with us?” Who knows, maybe Murphy felt the change was what she needed, maybe she always wanted to be a blonde, but I fear the severity and the quickness of the transformation has all the makings of the behind the scenes business side of the industry. And while co-stars, friends and loved ones of Murphy’s are coming out in droves today saying what a pleasure she was to work with, what a sweet heart she was and what a tragedy her death is, it pains me to think that something, even if small, could have stopped this untimely death. For many of us on the outside looking in, it seemed that there were warning signs everywhere showing the demise of this once upon a time promising actress. Her sudden weight loss, changes in her personal life, lack of work and odd interviews all seemed to point the finger towards, at the very least, something just not right. And as a person who has known people in the the throws of all sorts of addictions, there is always something more you wish you had done. In the weeks to follow, we will surely learn more about what took Brittany away at such an early age, and hopefully she can finally rest, but if there is anything to learn from these types of tragedies its that we need to pay attention to and appreciate those around us. We need to understand that sometimes, even the littlest things, can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Murphy will be remembered for her roles in classic films, her beautiful voice and adorable face, but sadly she will also be remembered as someone who has gone way before her time. I hope she has found her peace, rollin’ with her homies. 2009, I think you are through now.

Truer words could not have been spoken about or by Senator Ted Kennedy. Edward Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last May, passed away early this morning at the age of 77. He was known as “the [...]]]> “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”

Truer words could not have been spoken about or by Senator Ted Kennedy. Edward Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last May, passed away early this morning at the age of 77. He was known as “the lion of the Senate” and contributed more than 2500 pieces of legislation during his 40 years of public service to this nation. In the long tradition of the Kennedy’s, Teddy worked diligently for the American public, specifically the disenfranchised. He pushed forward pieces of legislation that leveled the playing field for the lower class, middle class, people of color, women, gays, lesbians and immigrants. But his life’ work would be that of widening the scope of health care within this country, which he did with legislation that increased coverage for mothers, children, veterans and scientific research.

While Kennedy dealt with his fair share of scandals, he will be remembered as the most successful Senator in American history. His legacy is one that reiterates the American dream, that we can all work towards a goal of equality, as well as riches. As an Irish-American and a Democrat, there is no more important political and American lineage than that of the Kennedys. The family gave a multitude of sacrifices to the American public and aided us in the journey to the progressive country we are today. Today, I will remember Senator Kennedy as a liberal with convictions and an uncanny ability to work across the aisle to make this country a better place for ALL OF US. Unfortunately, Teddy was not able to see the health care reform, that this country so much deserves, passed before he had passed on.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria and his three children. Sadly, he is the only male Kennedy within his generation to pass away from natural causes. The Senator will lie in repose in the John F. Kennedy library in Boston, MA and will be buried on Saturday in Arlington National Ceremony, alongside his brother President John F. Kennedy. RIP Senator Edward Kennedy, the lion sleeps tonight.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke about what Sen. Kennedy meant to him, throughout his personal and public life. Here is the eloquent send off VP Biden gave earlier today.

The coverage of his passing is everywhere, as it marks an end in a political chapter for America. Here are a few more memorials, remembrances and articles dedicated to the life and service of Senator Edward Kennedy.