# Who are our current "Abe Vigodas"? (people you might be surprised to learn are still alive) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** actor-characters\ **Created:** [September 7, 2020, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985 "2020-09-07T01:18:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 36
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2024, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/702 "2024-10-05T15:50:21Z")
It seems that every couple of years I find out that [Estelle Parsons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estelle_Parsons) is still alive. E.g., she guested on _Grace and Frankie_ and I ran into an old celebrity list with her on it the other day. This year she continued to play grandma Beverly on _The Conners_ (nee _Rosanne_). She’s 96. She played Blanche Barrow in _Bonnie and Clyde_ and got a supporting actress Oscar for it. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2024, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/703 "2024-10-06T01:56:03Z")
I just noticed that Dr. Quincy ME’s assisstant Sam, or Robert Ito, is currently 93. He never really looked old, but he is now. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/704 "2024-10-18T02:09:36Z")
Mitzi Gaynor, star of South Pacific and other Hollywood musicals has passed away at age 93. I would have assumed she was dead if I’d encountered the name in the past 40 years or so. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/705 "2024-10-27T18:06:06Z")
I just learned **Frankie Valli** is still alive at age 90. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/706 "2024-10-27T18:46:43Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I just learned **Frankie Valli** is still alive at age 90 And still performing, though he recently denied rumors that he is being forced (by someone) to continue to perform, after viral video surfaced, in which he seemed to not be in rhythm, and forgot lyrics. > **[Legendary singer addresses rumor that he is being forced to perform at 90](https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2024/10/legendary-singer-addresses-rumor-that-he-is-being-forced-to-perform-at-90.html)** > > The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been the subject of speculation after several recent shows. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2024, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/707 "2024-10-28T02:15:26Z")
After watching the Frontline episode about Vance and Walz, I’m more surprised than ever that Donald Trump is still with us. This episode showed some footage of him and Vance from 2022, and Trump’s physical deterioration in that time is profound. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/708 "2024-10-28T03:16:18Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/8QPCF4HItnk/maxresdefault.jpg "Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - Sherry (Live at Chautauqua Amphitheater)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QPCF4HItnk) ---
**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/709 "2024-11-09T21:04:39Z")
Musician [Sonny Curtis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Curtis) born in 1937 is age 87 as of this post. He was a member of Buddy Holly’s band The Crickets and wrote some iconic songs: “Walk Right Back”, “I Fought The Law”, “More Than I Can Say”, and the theme to The Mary Tyler Moore show “Love Is All Around”. ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/710 "2024-11-15T18:29:22Z")
Primatologist and conservation advocate Jane Goodall is 90 years old, and still active. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/711 "2024-11-15T20:54:20Z")
Illustrator [R. O. Blechmam](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FBPPfZCdqYo&pp=ygUXQWxrYSBzZWx6ZXIgZ2VuZSB3aWxkZXI%3D) still with us age 94 ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/712 "2024-11-19T03:07:59Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > Arthur Frommer, creator of Frommer’s travel guides, is still alive at 94. Not anymore: > **[Arthur Frommer, travel guide innovator, has died at 95](https://apnews.com/article/arthur-frommer-died-7293814296854079a3a10f05d02faf44)** > > Travel writer Arthur Frommer, who revolutionized leisure travel for ordinary Americans with his guidebook “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” has died. He was 95. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/713 "2024-11-19T03:16:51Z")
OMG! It’s one of those Twilight Zoney things where we can see tomorrow’s headline today!! ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/714 "2024-11-19T16:00:32Z")
Another recent loss of an old-timer is British soap actress [June Spencer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Spencer). When I saw the notice which gave her birth year as 1919 I was gobsmacked. (Everybody I knew who was born in the 1910s died many years ago.) If you’re not living to 105, you’re not trying. Bonus points: the soap she did is on radio and she last appeared on it 2 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2024, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/715 "2024-11-24T16:43:51Z")
Death of Chuck Woolery got me looking up someone. **Wink Martindale** from Tic Tack Dough and a bunch of other shows is alive, still. ---
**Author:** ![john\_b\_2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a9a28c/32.png) [@john\_b\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/john_b_2)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/716 "2024-11-25T20:46:04Z")
Shatner and Eastwood. That they’re both still alive and, reasonably, well, is amazing. ---
**Author:** ![caligulathegod](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/caligulathegod/32/9685_2.png) [@caligulathegod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caligulathegod)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/717 "2024-11-27T02:15:23Z")
Just found out [Caren Marsh Doll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caren_Marsh_Doll) is still with us at 105. Who is Caren Marsh Doll? She was Judy Garland’s stand-in in The Wizard of Oz. You see her in the scene where the black & White (Sepia) Dorothy first opens the door to Oz and the color Judy Garland steps through. She is also the one tapping the ruby slippers together to go home. She might be the last member still alive. I can’t find any updated info on any supposedly still surviving children who played background Munchkins. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/718 "2024-11-27T16:01:13Z")
Watched a recent episode of _Brilliant Minds_ which stars Zachary Quinto. It guest starred Susan Bay Nimoy. Note the last name. She’s the widow of Leonard Nimoy who famously played Spock. A character also played by Quinto. Her recent IMDb resume is thin. Only the third thing she’s done since 2000. Cool. (Note also the middle maiden name. Cousin of Michael. Not so cool.) But, getting back to the thread, she was previously married to John Schuck. He’s done a ton of things over the years but I remember him best for “Painless” in the movie _MASH_ and in _Thieves Like Us_. I had assumed he died years ago but he’s still alive and working. Got an [IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0775870/) credit from just last year. 84 years old. I’ll have to see if I can find some of his recent stuff to watch. Great actor. There was a post upthread that gave a list of _MASH_ cast members but I didn’t specifically talk about him before. Oh, and he played a Vulcan ambassador in some of first round of _Star Trek_ films. Opposite … Leonard Nimoy. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/719 "2024-11-27T16:37:10Z")
I just found out that Michael Cole of _The Mod Squad_ is still alive at 84. Interestingly, both Clarence Williams II and Peggy Lipton died of colon cancer. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/720 "2024-11-27T17:59:55Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > But, getting back to the thread, she was previously married to John Schuck. He’s done a ton of things over the years but I remember him best for “Painless” in the movie _MASH_ and in _Thieves Like Us_. MASH is my themed death list. I hope I’m keeping all movie and TV actors alive as long as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985/721 "2024-11-27T18:21:38Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Clarence Williams II Errata: Clarence Williams **III**. Typo. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985.md?page=35) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985.md?page=37)