Her name is probably not well known except to classic film buffs, but Kay Linaker (Kate Phillips) left her mark on Hollywood in several ways. She received credit for writing the screenplay for the Steve McQueen classic "The Blob" among other projects. As an actress in the 30s & 40s she appeared in a couple of Jack Benny films and 5 Charlie Chan films. (A new interview with her was included in the most recent Charlie Chan box set from Fox). Radio fans knew her from her connection to Lum and Abner.
In recent years she remained very active by appearing at nostalgia conventions and even teaching a course in cinema arts at a college in New Hampshire.
News of her passing was posted today on another message board by an acquaintance. I've not seen this on the wires yet, but trust the source. I'd be surprised if this gets much news coverage anyway. She would have been 95 in July. A long life lived very fully and completely.
RIP.
In recent years she remained very active by appearing at nostalgia conventions and even teaching a course in cinema arts at a college in New Hampshire.
News of her passing was posted today on another message board by an acquaintance. I've not seen this on the wires yet, but trust the source. I'd be surprised if this gets much news coverage anyway. She would have been 95 in July. A long life lived very fully and completely.
RIP.
