February 21

2008 – Ben Chapman, the actor was best known for playing “The Gill Man” on land in “Creature from the Black Lagoon”.  He passed away at the age of 82.  I (Monsterman) had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Chapman on a couple of occasions and he was the most gracious of men.

2003 – Julie Mitchum, who appeared in the original “House On Haunted Hill,” passed away at the age of 88. She is Robert Mitchum’s sister.

2002 – Harold Pruett, who appeared in the films “Embrace Of The Vampire” and “Spellcaster, passed away at the age of 32.

1993 – Harvey Kurtzman, who created “Mad” magazine, passed away at the age of 68. He also wrote the screenplay for the movie “Mad Monster Party.”

1985 – Louis Hayward, who played the title role of “The Son of Dr. Jekyll,” passed away at the age of 75. He also appeared in the film “Terror in the Wax Museum.”

1981 – Ron Grainer, who composed the “Doctor Who” theme, passed away at the age of 58.

1967 – Charles Beaumont, who wrote for the TV series’ “Thriller,” “The Twilight Zone,” and the screenplays for the films “Queen of Outer Space,” “The Haunted Palace” and “Masque of the Red Death,” passed away at the age of 38.