The song “Fame” declares, “I’m gonna live forever” – but fame doesn’t guarantee immortality.
Time marches on – and inevitably comes to an end – for celebrities, as it does for the rest of us.
At the end of every year we’re reminded of the many celebrities who left us during the previous 12 months and, at the time of writing, the list of actors (in no particular order) we bid fond farewells to in 2025 includes Robert Redford, Val Kilmer, Prunella Scales, Patricia Routledge, John Woodvine, Jack Shepherd, Joan Plowright, Gene Hackman and Diane Keaton.
A writer friend was acquainted, albeit briefly, with Anglesey-born actor Tony Adams, who died in October, aged 84.
He played Adam Chance in “Crossroads” for many years. then enjoyed continued success on the stage.
In 1993, my friend travelled to the Key Theatre Peterborough to discuss a play he’d co-written, which was being staged there the following year.
While waiting in the theatre café, he saw Tony Adams walk in with Jane Rossington, who’d also starred in “Crossroads”. They were appearing at the theatre that week in “Dial M For Murder”.
While Tony ordered coffee, Jane engaged my friend in conversation and he mentioned he’d written a corporate presentation for Tony a few years previously.
When Jane told Tony this, the actor smiled and said, “Of course! That went very well! How are you?”
Later, as Tony got up to leave he said to my friend, “You’ve had a run of bad luck, but that’s about to change. You’ll see.”
Before following him out, Jane said to my friend, “He knows what he’s talking about.” And then whispered, “His mother was a witch!”
My friend had no idea how Tony knew he’d been through a rough patch for six months, but appreciated his positive prediction.
A month later, about to run out of money, he was offered a well-paid television contract, which, in turn, led to him being in demand for many years.
If you don’t believe some people can predict future events, no explanation is possible.
If you do, no explanation is necessary . . .