New Yorkers Who Died in 2018 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Big

Back in June of 1988, the box office hit "Big" grossed $115,227,281 for Fox Studios. "A League of Their Own" also broke the $100 million mark with $107,533,928 for Sony Studios, but that came later, in 1992. "Awakenings" was Ms. Marshall's only film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, but it only made $52,096,475 back in 1990 for Columbia University.

"Parenthood" also broke the $100 million mark, but it was directed by Ron Howard, her compadre from those days when they both were staples of American TV in "Happy Days" and "Laverne and Shirley."

Answer: Nancy Wilson and Vic Damone

Nancy was a Grammy-winning singer and actress having made many appearances on various TV shows. She made many record albums, and later became well known as the radio host of "Jazz Profiles" on NPR. She died on December 13, 2018 at the age of 81. Vic Damone had many singles and died February 11 at the ripe old age of 89.

Anita O'Day, Nina Simone, and Blossom Dearie were all female jazz singers, but they all died long before 2018.

Roy Clark, Charles Aznavour, and Marty Balin were all singers who died in 2018, but none were New Yorkers.

Answer: Jan Maxwell

Simon was a Bronx-bred man, whose unforgettable play "The Odd Couple" is probably playing every single day of the year in some part of the U.S. in some community theatre somewhere. Amongst his other plays are "Lost in Yonkers", "Biloxi Blues", "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and dozens of other big Broadway hits. Jan Maxwell died on the exact same day as Question 3's Vic Damone. Amongst her Broadway theatrical appearances were "Follies" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

All those actresses died in 2018, but Nanette Fabray was only a two-time Tony nominee (winning once), Barbara Harris was a three-time Tony nominee (winning once), and Carole Shelley is a four-time Tony nominee, also winning once. Though Ms. Maxwell was nominated for more Tonys than the others, she never won.

Answer: Steve Ditko

Stan created Spider-Man, The Hulk and a pantheon of other Marvel Comic book characters. He helped teach how to read in a way. Thanks to him, I've sworn by comic books as a wonderful tool to get kids reading. I'll never forget the day I looked up from my comic book and asked my mother, "What does...tangible mean?" She looked over at me and with a very discernible look of surprise when she saw me reading a comic book, asked me "That word is in there?!" I felt proud of my comic book. Steve Ditko was a big artist over at Marvel and with Stan Lee, he helped create Spider-Man, conceiving the web shooters. Police found him in his apartment, dead at the age of 90. Stan Lee was 95 upon his death. Comic books lead to longevity!

Answer: Roy Hargrove and Lovebug Starski.

Hargrove died on November 2nd, after losing his long-time battle with kidney disease. He was a member of the soul/hip-hop collective called the Soulquarians. Other members of the group included Erykah Badu, Questlove of The Roots, and rapper Q-Tip. Lovebug was a DJ pioneer and rapper. She is credited with coining the word "hip-hop" and died February 8, 2018.

Answer: Tab Hunter and Chuck McCann

Tab was a big star, a heartthrob of the 1950's. He would later become spokesperson in the gay rights movement. The Facebook page "Tab Hunter Confidential" announced his death. He was 86-years-old. Chuck McCann wasn't famous for his face as much as his voice. He passed on at the age of 83 on April 9, 2018.

Answer: Charles Krauthammer, and Tom Wolfe

Krauthammer was a native New Yorker, and died at the age of 68, from cancer of the small intestine. He was frequent commentator of the Fox News Channel, and contributed often to the editorial pages of The Washington Post and other newspapers. Tom Wolfe died on May 15, 2018 at the age of 87.

His two most famous novels were "The Right Stuff" which became a Best Picture Oscar nominee, and "Bonfire of the Vanities" which became one of the biggest box office disasters in movie history. Wolfe was born in Virginia and moved to New York City in 1962 when he started working at the "New York Herald Tribune."

Answer: Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain was born in New York City and raised next door in New Jersey. At the age of 61, Bourdain committed suicide on June 8, 2018. He often spoke his mind with surprisingly biting candor, and he hosted the television series of food and travel called, "Parts Unknown."

Answer: Meena Alexander

Meena lived in New York City for many years. She had a long time residency at Hunter College in the English Department as a professor. According to the New York Times, she died at age 67 on November 21, 2018. Kate Spade's real name was Katherine Noel Brosnahan. The famed designer of her signature handbags was found dead in her apartment on Park Avenue on June 5, 2018.

Answer: Steven Bochco

Nominated for 36 Primetime Emmy Awards, Mr. Bochco won 10 of them as a writer and producer. Mr. Bochco hit it big for the first time with "Hill Street Blues", but he had knocked around in television before that as a writer on "Ironside", "Columbo", "MacMillan and Wife" and several other shows. His son Jesse Bochco is now also a director and I had the pleasure of working with him on the pilot episode of the "NYPD Blue" reboot last week. A talented gentleman. Perhaps his father's greatest legacy might just be the quality of individual he has handed the reigns to!