name	Peter Tork
Birth name	Peter Halsten Thorkelson
background	solo_singer
born	February 13, 1942Washington, D.C.
instrument	Bass guitar, guitar, piano, keyboards, banjo, vocals
genre	Rock, pop rock, psychedelic rock, experimental rock, rock and roll, pop
occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician, artist, activist
years active	1964–present
label	Colgems, RCA, Bell, Arista, Rhino, Sire
associated acts	The Monkees, Shoe Suede Blues, George Harrison, James Lee Stanley, Release, Cottonmouth, The Peter Tork Project
website
notable instruments	}}

Peter Tork (born February 13, 1942) is an American musician and actor, best known as a member of The Monkees.

Early life

Tork was born Peter Halsten Thorkelson in Washington, D.C.. Although he was born in 1942, many news articles report him as born in 1944 in New York City as this was the date and place given on early Monkees press releases. His father was John Thorkelson, an economics professor at UConn, and his mother was Virginia Thorkelson. He began studying piano at the age of nine, showing an aptitude for music by learning to play several different instruments, including the banjo and acoustic and bass guitars. Tork attended Windham High School in Willimantic, Connecticut, then was a member of the first graduating class at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Connecticut. He attended Carleton College before he moved to New York City, where he became part of the folk music scene in Greenwich Village during the first half of the 1960s. While there, he befriended other up-and-coming musicians such as Stephen Stills.

The Monkees

Stills suggested Tork audition for a new television series about four pop-rock musicians, when the producers asked if Stills 'had a better looking (musician) friend'. Tork got the job and became one of the four members of The Monkees, who ended up being both characters in a television sitcom and a band in their own right.

Tork was a proficient musician, and though the group generally did not play their own instruments on their first two albums, he was an exception, playing what he described as "third chair guitar" on Mike Nesmith's song "Papa Gene's Blues" from their first album. He subsequently played keyboards, bass guitar, banjo, harpsichord, and other instruments on their recordings. He also co-wrote, along with Joey Richards, the closing theme song of the second season of The Monkees, "For Pete's Sake". On the television show, he was relegated to playing the "lovable dummy", even though he is actually a highly intelligent, literate person, as the other Monkees have always been keen to point out in subsequent interviews.

In commentary tracks included in the DVD release of the first season of the show, Nesmith stated that Tork was better at playing guitar than bass. In Tork's commentary, he stated that Jones was a good drummer and had the live performance lineups been based solely on playing ability, it should have been Tork on guitar, Nesmith on bass, and Jones on drums, with Dolenz taking the fronting role, rather than as it was done (with Nesmith on guitar, Tork on bass, and Dolenz on drums). Jones filled in briefly for Tork on bass when he played keyboards.

Recording and producing as a group was Tork's major interest, and he hoped that the four members would continue working together as a band on future recordings. However, the four did not have enough in common regarding their musical interests. In commentary for the DVD release of the second season of the show, Tork said that Dolenz was "incapable of repeating a triumph".

Tork, once free from Don Kirshner's restrictions, in 1967, contributed some of the most memorable and catchy instrumental flourishes, such as the piano introduction to "Daydream Believer" and the banjo part on "You Told Me", as well as exploring occasional songwriting with the likes of "For Pete's Sake" and "Lady's Baby".

Tork was close to his grandmother, staying with her sometimes in his Greenwich Village days, and after he became a Monkee. "Grams" was one of his most ardent supporters and managed his fan club, often writing personal letters to members, and visiting music stores to make sure they carried Monkees records.

Six albums were produced with the original Monkees lineup, four of which went to No 1 on the ''Billboard'' chart. This success was supplemented by two years of the TV show, a series of successful concert tours both across America and abroad, and a trippy-psychedelic movie, ''Head'' a bit ahead of its time,. However, tensions, both musical and personal, were increasing within the group. The band finished a Far East tour in December 1968 (where his copy of Naked Lunch was confiscated by Australian Customs) and then filmed an NBC television special, ''33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee'', which rehashed many of the ideas from ''Head'', only with the Monkees playing a strangely second-string role.

No longer getting the group dynamic he wanted, and pleading "exhaustion" from the grueling schedule, Tork bought out the remaining four years of his contract after filming was complete on December 20, 1968, at a default of $150,000/year. In the DVD commentary for the ''33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee'' TV special - originally broadcast April 14, 1969 - Dolenz noted that Nesmith gave Tork a gold watch as a going-away present, engraved "From the guys down at work". Tork kept the back, but replaced the watch several times in later years.

Post-Monkees

Striking out on his own, he formed a group called 'Release' with girlfriend Reine Stewart on drums (she had played drums on part of ''33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee'') and Riley "Wildflower" Cummings on bass. Tork said in April 1969, "We sometimes have four. We're thinking of having a rotating fourth. Right now, the fourth is that girl I'm promoting named Judy Mayhan." Release hoped to have a record out immediately, and one of their songs almost got on the soundtrack to ''Easy Rider'', but they could not secure a record contract and by 1970 Tork was once again a solo artist. During this time, Tork contributed banjo to George Harrison's 1968 soundtrack to the film ''Wonderwall'' and was also credited with co-arranging a Micky Dolenz solo single on MGM Records in 1971 ("Easy On You", b/w "Oh Someone").

In 1976, Tork reunited with fellow Monkees Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz for the recording of a Christmas single, which saw limited release.

To make ends meet, Tork periodically worked as a high school substitute teacher, tutor, and basketball coach.

Sire Records

A chance meeting with Sire Records executive Pat Horgan at the Bottom Line in New York City led to Tork recording a six-song demo, his first recording in many years. Recorded in summer 1980, it featured Tork, who sang, played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and banjo; it was backed by Southern rock band Cottonmouth, led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Johnny Pontiff, featuring Gerard Trahan on guitar/keyboards/vocals, Gene Pyle on bass guitar/vocals and Gary Hille on drums/percussion.

Horgan produced the six tracks (which included two Monkees covers, "Shades Of Gray" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday"), with George Dispigno as engineer. The four other tracks were "Good Looker," "Since You Went Away" (which appeared on the Monkees 1987 CD "Pool It"), "Higher & Higher" and "Hi Hi Babe." Also present at the sessions were Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Tommy Ramone of The Ramones. The tracks were recorded at Blue Horizon House, 165 West 74th Street, home of Sire Records, but Seymour Stein, president of Sire, rejected the demo, stating "there's nothing there." Tork recorded a second set of demos in New York City, but little is known about these (other than the fact that one track was a yet another version of "Pleasant Valley Sunday" with an unknown rock band, and featured a violin solo).

During this time Tork appeared regularly on ''The Uncle Floyd Show'' broadcast on U-68 out of New Jersey. He performed comedy bits and lip-synced the Sire recordings. Floyd claimed Peter was the "first real star" to appear on the show. (Later, Davy Jones, The Ramones and others would follow in his footsteps.)

In 1981, he released a 45 rpm single, his first solo record ("I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone" b/w "Higher And Higher") and did some club performances and live television appearances, including taking part in a "Win A Date With Peter Tork" bit on ''Late Night with David Letterman''.

Monkees reunion

In 1986, Tork rejoined fellow Monkees Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz for a highly successful 20th anniversary reunion tour. Three new songs were recorded by Tork and Dolenz for a greatest hits release. The three Monkees recorded ''Pool It!''. A decade later, all four group members recorded ''Justus'', the first recordings with all four members since 1968. The quartet performed live in the United Kingdom in 1997, but for the next several years only the trio of Tork, Dolenz and Jones toured together. The trio of Monkees parted ways in 2001 with a public feud but reunited in 2011 for a series of 45th anniversary concerts in England and the United States.

Since 1986, Tork has intermittently toured with his former band mates and also played with his own bands The Peter Tork Project and Shoe Suede Blues. In 1991, Peter Tork formed a band called The Dashboard Saints and played at a pizza restaurant in Guerneville, California. In 1994, he released his first album length solo project, ''Stranger Things Have Happened'', which featured brief appearances by Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith. In 1996, Peter collaborated on an album called ''Two Man Band'' with James Lee Stanley. The duo followed up in 2001 with a second release, ''Once Again''.

In 2001 Peter took time out from a tour to appear in a leading role in a short film, MIXED SIGNALS, written and directed by John Graziano.

In 2002, Tork resumed working with his band Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues. The band performs original blues music, Monkees covers (blues versions of some), and covers of classic blues hits by greats such as Muddy Waters and has shared the stage with bands such as Captain Zig. The band toured extensively in 2006-7 following the release of album "Cambria Hotel".

Tork also had an occasional roles as Topanga Lawrence's father on the sitcom ''Boy Meets World'', as well as a guest character on ''7th Heaven''. In 1995, Tork appeared as himself on the show ''Wings'', bidding against Crystal Bernard's character for the Monkeemobile. In 1999, he appeared as The Bandleader in season one episode 13 ''(Best Man)'' of The King of Queens.

In early 2008, Tork added "advice columnist" to his extensive resume by authoring an online advice and info column called "Ask Peter Tork" at the webzine ''The Daily Panic'', located at thedailypanic.com

In 2011, he joined his fellow bandmates for the 2011 tour, An Evening with The Monkees: The 45th Anniversary Tour.

Cancer

March 3, 2009, Tork reported on his website that he had been diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare, slow-growing form of head and neck cancer. A preliminary biopsy discovered that the cancer had not spread beyond the initial site. "It's a bad news, good news situation," explained Tork. "It's so rare a combination (on the tongue) that there isn't a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination. On the other hand, the type of cancer it is, never mind the location, is somewhat well known, and the prognosis, I'm told, is good." Tork underwent radiation treatment to prevent the cancer from returning.

March 4, 2009, Peter underwent extensive surgery in New York City, which was successful.

June 11, 2009, a spokesman for Tork reported that his cancer had returned. Tork was reportedly "shaken but not stirred" by the news, and said that the doctors had given him an 80% chance of containing and shrinking the new tumor.

July 2009, while undergoing radiation therapy, he was interviewed by the ''Washington Post'': "I recovered very quickly after my surgery, and I've been hoping that my better-than-average constitution will keep the worst effects of radiation at bay. My voice and energy still seem to be in decent shape, so maybe I can pull these gigs off after all." He continued to tour and perform while receiving his treatments.

September 15, 2009, Tork received an "all clear" from his doctor.

Tork documented his cancer experience on Facebook and encouraged his fans to support research efforts of the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.

Personal life

Tork currently resides in Storrs, Connecticut. Peter has been married 3 times, he has three children:

Hallie Elizabeth (b. 25 January 1970) with Reine Stewart

Ivan Joseph Iannoli (b. 22 December 1975) with Barbara Iannoli

Erica Marie (b. 15 June 1997) with Tammy Sustek.

Song list

All songs written by Peter Tork or co-written by Tork as indicated.

"For Pete's Sake" (Peter Tork, Joseph Richards)

"Band 6" (Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork)

"Zilch" (Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork)

"Goin' Down" (Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, Diane Hilderbrand)

"No Time" (Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork) but credited to Hank Cicalo

"Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?"

"Can You Dig It?"

"Lady's Baby"

"Tear the Top Right Off My Head"

"Gettin' In"

"MGB-GT"

"Merry Go Round" (Peter Tork, Diane Hilderbrand)

"Get What You Pay For"

"Sea Change"

"I Believe You"

"Run Away From Life"

"Miracle"

"Tender Is"

"Easy Rider"

"Hi Babe"

"Little Girl"

"God Given Grant" (Peter Tork, Nick Thorkelson) "Ain't Your Fault" "Mister Bob" (Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, Eric Van Den Brink)

References

External links

The official Shoe Suede Blues website

Peter Tork interview from The Zone Magazine February 2008

Ask Peter Tork

Category:1942 births Category:Living people Category:American film actors Category:American rock bass guitarists Category:American rock guitarists Category:American television actors Category:American musicians of Norwegian descent Category:Cancer survivors Category:Carleton College alumni Category:Songwriters from Washington, D.C. Category:The Monkees members Category:People self-identifying as alcoholics

da:Peter Tork de:Peter Tork fr:Peter Tork ja:ピーター・トーク no:Peter Tork simple:Peter Tork sv:Peter Tork

Hyman Aaron "Hy" Lit (May 20, 1934 – November 17, 2007) was an American DJ based in the Philadelphia area from the 1950s until 2005. In his 50 year career, Hy Lit broadcast from WIBG-AM, WDAS/WDAS-FM, WKBS-TV, WIFI, WSNI/WPGR, KPOL, WKXW, among many others. His last station was WOGL, where he broadcast from 1989 until his resignation late in 2005. He was known as "the Jet Jockey on Flight 99" which was the frequency for WIBG.

Lit was born to Sam and Mona (Kessler) Lit, in South Philadelphia. At one time in the 1960s, Hy hosted the nationally syndicated ''Hy Lit Show'' from WKBS-TV in Philadelphia, which aired in more than 30 markets nationwide. Lit dominated AM radio from the late 1950s through the 1960s as one of WIBG's "Good Guys," as his ''Hall of Fame'' show drew a 71 market share (unheard of before or since.) He released several successful LP "Hall of Fame" collections of music he played on the show, the last of these when he joined WPGR in 1981. Around 1978, Lit moved to California after a brief but successful stint with the Harlem Globetrotters before once more returning to the Philadelphia area. In 1977, when WIBG went off the air forever, he was the last DJ on the air.

Lit had a vast knowledge of music and its artistry. His shows educated listeners about the history behind the tunes, as a source of entertainment, as well.

Since 1982, and many years to follow, Lit hosted a live oldies radio show at different area clubs (most notably the Woodbine Inn in Pennsauken, New Jersey), where he'd close his commercials by saying, "I wanna see your face in the place!" Lit moved to WOGL-FM in 1989, hosting the highly-rated "Top 20 Countdown" on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in addition to his weekday afternoon shift.

He had an elite sense of humor and would often refer to himself as "Hyski," or "Hyski O'Rooney McVoutie O'Zoot." An interesting note, Lit had once asked the legendary voice actor Orson Welles to record the "Hyski O'Rooney.." tag for his radio show.

In the mid 1990s, it was revealed that Lit was suffering from the beginnings of Parkinson's disease. Just after the death of Hy's wife Maggie (Russo) Lit in 2000, WOGL and Infinity/CBS Broadcasting management significantly reduced Lit's radio hours, along with a significant decrease in salary. In 2002, a lawsuit was filed with the aid of law firm Spector, Gaddon and Rosen against the media conglomerate, CBS Broadcasting, which for a second and concurrent time decided to reduce Lit's radio time and salary and this time cancel his health insurance.

In December 2005, Lit, station WOGL, and CBS Broadcasting settled the three-year health and age-discrimination lawsuit, under the condition that Hy Lit would (reluctantly) retire from the station. Lit did his last ''Hy Lit Hall of Fame Show'' radio show on December 11, 2005. However, WOGL management would not permit Lit to reveal he would be leaving the airwaves and abandoning thousands of listeners left to wonder what happened to the legendary Hy Lit.

Subsequently, in 2005, HyLitRadio.com (an enterprise begun with his only son, Sam) was born. HyLitRadio.com with its terrestrial radio simulcasts over selected radio stations would remain keeping Hy and his magnificent voice alive. Furthermore, there exists Hy Lit Radio Technologies Inc. an emerging technologies company Lit started with Sam, which develops advanced software engine applications, including the patent-pending YourDisplayCarousel.com, and an advanced search engine, HyLitGlobalSearch.com among many other unique digital product applications.

He died at 12:30 pm November 17, 2007, at Paoli Memorial Hospital of kidney failure. He is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

References

External links

HyLitRadio.com

Hy Lit - Philadelphia / New Jersey Radio Legend

For more detailed information on Hy's career from 1954-1980 go to Hy Lit History

Category:1934 births Category:2007 deaths Category:American DJs Category:Deaths from renal failure Category:People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

background	solo_singer
birth name	Percy Romeo Miller, Jr.
alias	Lil' Romeo, Rome, Romeo
born	August 19, 1989
origin	New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
genre	Hip hop
occupation	RapperModelBasketball playerEntrepreneurActor
college	USC
years active	2001–present
label	No Limit (2001–2002) Priority (2001–2002) The New No Limit (2002–2004) Universal (2002–2003) E1 (2004–2005) Guttar Music (2005–2006) Take A Stand (2007–present) The Next Generation (CEO) (2010–present) No Limit Forever (CEO) (2010–present)
website	http://romeoforever.com }}

Percy Romeo Miller, Jr. (born August 19, 1989), better known by his stage name Romeo (previously Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, basketball player, entrepreneur, and model. As a rap musician, Miller has released three studio albums and two compilation albums.

Early life

Romeo Miller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of rapper and entrepreneur Master P and former rapper Sonya C. He is the nephew of rappers C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker and the brother of singer Cymphonique. Romeo was signed to No Limit at the age of 5 after he wrote a rap to his dad.

Music career

''Lil' Romeo'' (2001)

He then released his debut album 7 years later titled after his original alias ''Lil' Romeo''. This offering contained the hit single "My Baby" that charted No. 1 on the Hot R&B;/Hip-hop Singles. The album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums,selling more then 500,000 copies the first week out making it certified Gold. The album is now certified certified Platinum by the RIAA for the sales of 1,300,000. Also in 2001 he was featured on his uncle Silkk the Shocker's remix single of "That's Kool", which was also featured on his own album.

''Game Time'' (2002–2003)

In 2002, a year later after his debut album, Miller put out his second studio album, ''Game Time''. It peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums selling close to a 110,000 copies the first week . It spawned the billboard charting single "2-Way" that charted to No. 66 Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs. It also spawned the album second single "True Love" which charted at No. 16 under the Hot 100 Singles. Though not as successful on the charts as Miller's debut album It still was successful in sales certified 2x Platinum, selling 2,430,785 copies making this Miller's highest selling album.

''Romeoland'' (2004–2007)

In 2004, miller released his third studio album ''Romeoland,'' which was not as successful as his last two albums selling 50,000 the first week , but still managed to be certified Gold selling over 459,000 copies in the United States. It was also the last studio album to feature Miller billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2005 Romeo along with his brother Valentino Miller who was known as Young V at that time and their three cousins C-Los, Lil' D & Willie J formed the group Rich Boyz & released their debut album ''Young Ballers: The Hood Been Good to Us''. In 2006 Miller released a compilation album entitled ''Greatest Hits'' the album featured all of his hit songs when Miller was billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2006 Romeo released the two albums ''Lottery'' & ''God's Gift'' on the new label owned by himself and his father Master P, entitled Guttar Music. ''Lottery'' served as Millers first independent release while ''God's Gift'' served as a soundtrack to a movie with the same name. ''God's Gift'' was also Miller's first album to use the name Romeo and to have explicit language. The two albums were also known for containing Miller's single "U Can't Shine Like Me" which was a direct response to Bow Wow, who fans thought dissed Miller in his song "Fresh Azimiz". In 2007 Miller released a collaboration album with his father Master P titled ''Hip Hop History'' it sold 32,000 records worldwide.

''Intelligent Hoodlum'' (2008–present)

In 2008 Miller stated he was working on his fourth studio album entitled ''Gumbo Station''. On June 17, 2008 Miller released the first single from the album which was "Get Low wit It" which featured Akon & his brother Valentino Miller it failed to gain success on the Billboard charts. On March 3, 2009 Romeo released a compilation entitled ''Get Low LP'' that contained songs that were supposed to be on ''Gumbo Station''. It debuted at No. 149 on the Billboard 200 and as of May 5, 2009 it has sold over 20,000 copies. In 2010 Romeo confirmed that he was still working on his fourth studio album but he changed the name of the album to ''The College Boy''. Romeo then announced that the title of the album was going to be ''I Am No Limit''. On January 19, 2010 Romeo released the first promotional single for the album entitled "Tell Me A Million Times" that featured Tempo. Then on January 26, 2010 Romeo released the second promotional single for the album entitled "Ice Cream Man Jr." which was a tribute to his dad Master P. On February 16, 2010 Miller released his debut mixtape ''Patience Is A Virtue'' to promote the album. Then on March 2, 2010 Romeo released two EPs to promote the album which were the ''Famous Girl'' & ''Monster/Practice''. Also In 2010 Miller debuted his newly founded record label The Next Generation Entertainment with his new group the College Boyys. They released a collaboration album on May 25, 2010 entitled ''Spring Break'' which sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. Miller also on this day released three singles which were "You" that featured D'Anna & Lil Twist, "She Bad" that featured Millers cousins Lil' D & Black Don & "They Dont Know" but all of the singles failed to reach the charts. Romeo also performed at the 2010 Hip Hop Honors along with his brother Valentino Miller, his cousins Lil' D & Black Don, & his uncle Silkk The Shocker, along with Trina, Gucci Mane & Mystikal to honor his dad Master P & No Limit Records. In late 2010 Romeo relaunched No Limit as No Limit Forever Romeo also confirmed that he has changed the name of the album from ''I Am No Limit'' to ''Intelligent Hoodlum''. In 2011 It Is confirmed that Romeo is going on a new tour with his dad Master P & his uncle Silkk the Shocker the tour is entitled ”No Limit Forever International". On January 11, 2011 Romeo released his EP ''Dont Push Me''. On May 3, 2011 Romeo released the first official single from ''Intelligent Hoodlum'' which is "Famous Girl (Remix)" which is really the mastered version of the original it still features appearances from Sean Kingston & Miller's cousin Black Don. On August 19, 2011 Romeo released his ''I Am No Limit'' mixtape which was originally supposed to be his fourth studio album before it got changed but Miller just decided it would be best to just release it as a mixtape for his fans.

Other ventures

Acting career

Miller started his acting career with a cameo appearance in the 2001 film ''Max Keeble's Big Move'', as himself. He later co-starred with Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer and Zachary Isaiah Williams in the film ''Honey'' (2003). In ''Honey'', his character was Benny, a young boy looking for a break. Also in 2003, he voiced himself on an episode of the animated series, ''Static Shock'', to which he had performed the theme song. He co-starred with his dad in a movie called ''Uncle P'' in 2005. He also starred in another movie with Zachary Isaiah Williams, ''God's Gift'', which came out in 2006. Recently, he made a cameo appearance, as himself, in ''Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide'' as a rapping coach for the teachers. Then in 2007 he starred in film ''ASL'' as himself, Rome, alongside Forrest Lipton and Zachary Isaiah Williams who played the young Romeo; Lil Romey and had also previously starred with Romeo in ''Honey'' and Nickelodeon's ''Romeo!''. He guest-starred as a rapper accused of murder in the 2010 CBS series, ''The Defenders'' and acted in the highly successful film, ''Jumping the Broom'', released in May 2011. In 2011, he also starred in TV commercials for McDonald's & ICDC Colleges.

Fashion designer

On July 24, 2010 Romeo launched his own clothing line titled "College Boyys", which has also been promoted by Miller & his new group the College Boyys. It has also been promoted by artists such as Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush & Jaden Smith. Romeo stated

Basketball career

Name	Percy Miller, Jr.
College	USC
Conference	Pac-10
Sport	Basketball
Position	Point guard
Career start	2008 2010
Nickname	Romeo, Prince P
Jersey	15
Height ft	5
Height in	11
Weight lb	170
Nationality	American
Birth date	August 19, 1989
Birth place	New Orleans, Louisiana
Highschool	Beverly Hills High School
tournaments	y
tournament list	2009 NCAA Tournament
color	DarkRed
fontcolor	Gold }}

Romeo was invited, in the summer of 2006, to the Reebok-sponsored ABCD Camp, which is considered the premier basketball camp in the United States. The Teaneck, New Jersey-based ABCD Camp is an invitation-only basketball showcase previously attended by high-profile players including Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Surrounded by future NBA players such as O. J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, and Kevin Love, Miller looked out of place and averaged less than 2 points a game throughout the camp. ''The Wall Street Journal'' made an article on March 8, entitled "A Hot Prospect," cites Sonny Vaccaro, the longtime director of the ABCD Camp, as explaining, "he invited Romeo Miller to the 2006 camp, primarily as a favor to Percy Miller, whom he knew from the club basketball circuit." In the article, Vaccaro indicated, "If you're looking for the profile of an athlete who plays basketball at USC, he's not it."

On April 13, 2007, Miller verbally committed to the University of Southern California (USC) and signed a letter of intent on November 19, 2007.

Miller, a 5'11" point guard, was a four year starter at Beverly Hills High School. As a junior during the 2005–2006 high school season he averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 assists per game. As a senior during the 2006–2007 high school season he averaged 8.6 points and 9.0 assists per game.

According to ''The Wall Street Journal'', it appears the decision to grant Miller a full scholarship at USC was largely driven by his relationship with friend and teammate Demar DeRozan, the 6-foot-6 All-American forward who was rated as the number five prospect in the country on Scout.com. ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported Coach Tim Floyd as saying, "Last April...Percy Miller called while driving both players from a tournament in Fayetteville, Ark...Percy Miller said 'Demar and Romeo are ready to make their decision, and would you like to have them both on scholarship?'...'I said absolutely.'" Miller and DeRozan began playing in the 2008–2009 season.

Miller had a disappointing career at USC. In his two seasons as a Trojan, he played a total of 19 minutes in 9 games and scored a total of 5 points.

Modeling career

On December 27 Romeo modeled for a new 2011 calender. On April 10, 2011 Miller modeled for the April issue of ''TROIX'' magazine. On April 12, 2011 Miller modeled again for some new pictures. He also modeled with the singer-songwriter Chynna Terrell.

Dancing with the Stars

After originally withdrawing from season two of ''Dancing with the Stars'' due to an injury, Romeo competed in season 12. He was partnered with professional dancer, Chelsie Hightower. They were eliminated from the show on May 10, 2011 and finished in the Top 5, one week before the semi-final.

rowspan="2"	Week #
	style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6;"|Cha-Cha-Cha/ "Romeo"
	2		Quickstep/ "You're the One That I Want"		7		8		8		Safe
	style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6;"
	style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6;"
	style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6;"
	6		Waltz/ "My Heart Will Go On"		10		9		9
	style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f"|Cha-Cha-Cha/ ""Born This Way""Samba/ "Say Hey (I Love You)"
	style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f"|Tango/"Hold It Against Me"Salsa/"Tequila"

In week 7, Donnie Burns was the guest judge and scored the dances.

Personal life

Miller attended Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California. Romeo sponsors "Loco Tonic", an energy drink he mentions in his newer songs. In 2008, Romeo was ranked No. 18 in the most fit men in the world.

Discography

;Studio albums

''Lil' Romeo'' (2001)

''Game Time'' (2002)

''Romeoland'' (2004)

''Intelligent Hoodlum'' (2012)

;Independent albums

''Lottery'' (2006)

;Soundtrack albums

''God's Gift Soundtrack'' (2006)

;Collaboration albums

''Young Ballers: The Hood Been Good to Us'' (2005) (with Rich Boyz)

''Hip Hop History'' (2007) (with Master P)

''Spring Break'' (2010) (with College Boyys)

''TBA'' (2012) (with College Boyys)

''TBA'' (2012) (with Resq3)

;Mixtapes

''Patience Is A Virtue'' (2009)

''I Am No Limit'' (2011)

Filmography

;Films

''Honey (2003 film) ''Still 'Bout It'' ''God's Gift (film) ''Uncle P'' ''The Pig People'' ''Down and Distance'' ''Jumping the Broom (film) ''Madea's Witness Protection''

Year
2001	''Max Keeble's Big Move''	Himself
2003	Honey'' ||	Benny	Main Role
rowspan="2">2004	|	M.J.	Main Role
''Decisions''	Jamal
rowspan="2"	2006	God's Gift'' ||	Romeo	Main Role
''Don't Be Scared''	Stevie
rowspan="2"	2007	|	Corey Miller	Main Role
''Crush On U''	Rome
2009	|	TJ	Main Role
2010	|	Darren Sheehan	Main Role
rowspan="2"	2011	Jumping the Broom'' ||	Sebastian	Support Role
''Wolf Boy''	''2120''
2012	|	Jake	Main Role

;Television

''Oh Drama!'' ''The Hughleys'' ''Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration'' ''Raising Dad'' ''American Music Awards of 2002 ''Proud Family'' ''One on One (TV series) ''Static Shock'' ''All Grown Up!'' ''Romeo!'' ''Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide ''Out of Jimmy's Head ''The Defenders (2010 TV series) ''The Bad Girls Club (season 6) ''Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 12) ''The Cape ''Reed Between the Lines'' ''Charlie's Angels (2011 TV series)

Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
2001	''The Brothers García''	Ty
2001	|	Musical Guest	Television special
2001	|	Himself
2001	|	Himself
2002	|	Marvin
2002	The 29th Annual American Music Awards'' ||	Himself
2002	|	Himself	"A Hero For Halloween" (episode 24, season 1)
2003	One on One'' ||	Eric	"Spy Games"
2003	|	Himself	Recorded the final theme song for the series.
2003	|	Lil Q	"It's Cupid, Stupid" (episode 8, season 1)
2003–2006	|	Romeo "Ro" Miller	Main Role/Starring as ''Romeo''.
2005	|	Rapping teacher	"Guide to: Emergency Drills and Late Bus" (episode 21, season 2)
2008	|	Himself	"Lunch Tables" (episode 13, season 1)
2010	The Defenders ||	Killa Diz	"The Defenders – Nevada v. Killa Diz"
2011	The Bad Girls Club: Season 6'' ||	Himself	Guest appearance on the reality show (episode 10)
2011	Dancing With the Stars: Season 12 '' ||	Contestant	Romeo was originally supposed to be competing in season 2 but due to a injury he was unable & his dad Master P filled in for him
2011	|	Gangster	Season 1, Episode 9 – "Razer".
2011	|	Darius	Season 1, Episode 5 – "Let's Talk About Competition"
2011	Charlie's Angels'' ||	Royal's son	Season 1, EpisRode 7 – "Royal Angels"

Felipe Solis is schedule to appear in Romeo's new reality show Romeo & Juliet

Awards and nominations

Billboard Music Awards

*2001, Rap Artist of the Year (Winner)

*2001, Music Videos: ''My Baby'' (Winner)

*2002, R&B;/Hip-Hop: ''My Baby'' (Winner)

Kids Choice Awards

*2004, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: ''Romeo!'' (Nominated)

*2005, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: ''Romeo!'' (Winner)

*2006, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: ''Romeo!'' (Nominated)

Teen Choice Awards

*2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: ''Honey'' (Nominated)

Black Reel Awards

*2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: ''Honey'' (Nominated)

Young Artist Awards

*2005, Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor: Romeo! (Nominated)

NAMIC Vision Awards

*2005, Best Comedic Performance: ''Romeo!'' (Nominated)

Image Awards

*2005, Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program – Series or Special: ''Romeo!'' (Nominated)

References

External links

Official website

USC Athletics Player Biography: No. 15 Percy Miller

Photos from Shrink-A-Bulls

Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:African American basketball players Category:African-American businesspeople Category:African-American fashion designers Category:African American film actors Category:African American child actors Category:African American models Category:African American rappers Category:American child actors Category:American child singers Category:American film actors Category:American male models Category:American voice actors Category:Businesspeople in fashion Category:E1 Music artists Category:No Limit Records artists Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Beverly Hills, California Category:People from New Orleans, Louisiana Category:Rappers from New Orleans, Louisiana Category:Rappers from Los Angeles, California Category:University of Southern California alumni Category:USC Trojans men's basketball players

da:Romeo Miller de:Romeo (Rapper) es:Lil' Romeo fr:Lil' Romeo it:Lil' Romeo no:Romeo Miller pl:Lil' Romeo pt:Romeo Miller fi:Romeo (rap-artisti) sv:Romeo (artist) th:โรมีโอ มิลเลอร์ tr:Lil’Romeo

name	Gary Coleman
birth name	Gary Wayne Coleman
birth date	February 08, 1968
birth place	Zion, Illinois, U.S.
death date	May 28, 2010
death place	Provo, Utah, U.S.
death cause	Epidural hematoma
occupation	Actor
years active	1978–2010
television	Diff'rent Strokes
spouse	Shannon Price (2007–2008)
website	}}

Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom ''Diff'rent Strokes'' (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. He was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising stars". After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later.

Early life

Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois, outside Chicago. He was adopted by Edmonia Sue and W.G. Coleman, a nurse practitioner and fork-lift operator, respectively. He suffered from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, an autoimmune kidney disease. Because of his chronic illness, combined with the corticosteroids and other medications used to treat it, his growth was limited to 4 ft 8 in (1.42 m), and his face retained a childlike appearance well into adulthood. He underwent two unsuccessful kidney transplants in 1973 and 1984, and required daily dialysis.

Career

While best known for his role on ''Diff'rent Strokes'', Coleman had appeared earlier on in television in ''The Jeffersons'' as Raymond, George Jefferson's nephew, and on ''Good Times'' as Penny's friend Gary. He also appeared in a 1979 pilot for a revival of ''The Little Rascals'' as Stymie. VH1 rated Coleman first on a list of "100 Greatest Child Stars" on television.

''Diff'rent Strokes''

Coleman was cast in the role of Arnold Jackson in the television sitcom ''Diff'rent Strokes'', portraying one of two young African American brothers adopted by a wealthy European American widower in Manhattan. The successful show was broadcast from 1978 to 1986.

Coleman became the most popular fixture of the show, enhanced by his character's catchphrase "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?". At the height of his fame on ''Diff'rent Strokes'', he earned as much as US$100,000 per episode. A Biography Channel documentary estimated he was left with a quarter of the original amount after paying his parents, advisers, lawyers, and taxes. He later successfully sued his parents and his former advisers for misappropriation of his finances and was awarded $1.3 million.

Later character appearances

Coleman became a popular figure, starring in a number of feature films and made-for-TV movies including ''On the Right Track'' and ''The Kid with the Broken Halo''. The latter eventually served as the basis for the Hanna-Barbera-produced animated series ''The Gary Coleman Show'' in 1982. Coleman also made video game appearances in ''The Curse of Monkey Island'' (1997) and ''Postal 2'' (2003).

Candidacy for Governor of California

Coleman was a candidate for governor in the 2003 California recall election. This campaign was sponsored by the free newsweekly ''East Bay Express'' as a satirical comment on the recall. After Arnold Schwarzenegger declared his candidacy, Coleman announced that he would vote for Schwarzenegger. Coleman placed 8th in a field of 135 candidates, receiving 14,242 votes.

''Avenue Q''

Coleman is parodied in the hit Broadway musical ''Avenue Q'', which won the 2004 Tony Award for best musical. A character presented as Coleman works as the superintendent of the apartment complex where the musical takes place. In the song, "It Sucks to be Me", he laments his fate. On Broadway, the role was originally played by Natalie Venetia Belcon.

The show's creators, Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, have said that the Coleman character is a personification of one of ''Avenue Q'''s central themes: that as children we are told we are "special", but upon entering adulthood we discover that life is not nearly as easy as we have been led to believe. They added that they originally considered asking Coleman himself to play the Gary Coleman role, and he expressed interest in accepting it. However, he never showed up for a meeting scheduled to discuss it.

In 2005, Coleman announced his intention to sue the producers of ''Avenue Q'' for their depiction of him, although the lawsuit never materialized. At the 2007 New York Comic Con, Coleman said, "I wish there was a lawyer on Earth that would sue them for me."

The Coleman character lives on in the show, despite the death of its inspiration, after minor dialog adjustments.

Personal life

In a 1993 television interview, Coleman said he had twice attempted to commit suicide by overdosing on pills. Around the same time he was living in Denver, Colorado, where he hosted a show at local radio station KHIH on Sunday nights called "Gary Coleman's Colorado High", where he played light jazz and new age music. He gave his salary to the Colorado Kidney Foundation.

In 2005, Coleman moved from Los Angeles to Santaquin, a small town south of Salt Lake City, Utah, where he lived for the remainder of his life. In early 2007 he met Shannon Price, 22, on the set of the film ''Church Ball'', where she was working as an extra, and married her several months later. On May 1 and 2, 2008, they made a well-publicized appearance on the show ''Divorce Court'' to air their differences in an attempt to save their marriage. Nevertheless, they divorced in August 2008, citing irreconcilable differences, but according to a court petition later filed by Price, continued to live together as husband and wife until his death.

Financial struggles

In August 1999, Coleman filed for bankruptcy protection. Multiple people, he said, were responsible for his insolvency, "...from me, to accountants, to my adoptive parents, to agents, to lawyers, and back to me again."

Ongoing medical expenses contributed significantly to Coleman's chronic financial problems, and compelled him, at times, to resort to unusual fundraising activities. In 2008, for example, he auctioned an autographed pair of his pants on eBay to help pay his medical bills. The auction attracted considerable attention, including fake bids up to $400,000. The pants were eventually bought for $500 by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who famously hung them from the rafters of his television studio.

Legal troubles

In 1989, Coleman sued his parents and former business adviser over misappropriation of his $3.8 million trust fund, and won a $1,280,000 judgment in 1993.

Coleman was charged with assault in 1998, while he was working as a security guard. Tracy Fields, a bus driver and fan of Coleman's work on ''Diff'rent Strokes'', approached him and requested his autograph while he was shopping for a bulletproof vest in a California mall. Coleman refused, an argument ensued, and Fields reportedly mocked Coleman's lackluster career as an actor. Coleman punched Fields in the face, later testifying that she threatened him and he defended himself. "I was getting scared, and she was getting ugly," he said. Coleman pleaded no contest to assault, received a suspended sentence, and was ordered to pay Fields' $1,665 hospital bill.

In 2007, Coleman was cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct in Provo, Utah after a "heated discussion" in public with his wife.

In 2008, Coleman was involved in an automobile accident after an altercation at a Payson, Utah bowling alley which began when Colt Rushton, 24, photographed Coleman without his permission; the two men argued, according to witnesses. In the parking lot, Coleman allegedly backed his truck into Rushton, striking his knee and pulling him under the vehicle, before hitting another car. Rushton was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released. Coleman later pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving, and was fined $100. In 2010, he settled a civil suit related to the incident for an undisclosed amount.

In 2009, Coleman and Price were involved in a domestic dispute, after which his ex-wife was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, and both parties were cited for disorderly conduct.

In January 2010, Coleman was arrested on an outstanding domestic assault warrant in Santaquin, booked into the Utah County Jail, and released the following day.

Death and memorial

Few details of Coleman's medical history have been made public. His short stature (4 feet, 8 inches or 1.42 meters) stemmed from congenital autoimmune kidney disease and its treatment. He underwent at least two kidney transplants early in his life, and required frequent dialysis, which he preferred not to discuss. In 2009, he underwent heart surgery, details of which were never made public, but he was known to have developed pneumonia postoperatively. In January 2010 he was hospitalized after a seizure in Los Angeles, and in February he suffered another seizure on the set of ''The Insider'' television program.

On May 26, 2010, Coleman was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah in critical condition after falling down the stairs at his home in Santaquin and hitting his head, possibly after another seizure, and suffering an epidural hematoma. According to a hospital spokesman, Coleman was "conscious and lucid" the next morning, but his condition subsequently worsened. By mid-afternoon on May 27, he was unconscious and on life support. He died at 12:05 pm MDT (18:05 UTC) on May 28.

The casts of the Off Broadway production of ''Avenue Q'' in New York City and the ''Avenue Q'' National Tour in Dallas dedicated their May 28 performances to his memory, and the actors playing the Coleman role paid tribute to him from the stage at the performances' conclusions. (The Coleman character remained in the show after modifications were made to relevant dialog.)

A funeral scheduled the weekend after Coleman's death was postponed and later canceled due to a dispute regarding the disposition of his estate and remains between Coleman's adoptive parents, Price, and former business associate Anna Gray. Coleman's former manager Dion Mial was involved initially, but withdrew after Coleman's 1999 will, which named Mial as executor and directed that his wake be "...conducted by those with no financial ties to me and can look each other in the eyes and say they really cared personally for Gary Colemen [sic]", turned out to be superseded by a later one replacing Mial with Gray, and directing "...that there be no funeral service, wake, or other ceremony memorializing my passing."

Questions were also raised as to whether Price, who authorized discontinuation of Coleman's life support, had the legal authority to do so. The controversy was exacerbated by a photograph published on the front page of the tabloid newspaper ''The Globe'' depicting Price posed next to a comatose, intubated Coleman, under the headline, "It Was Murder!"

The hospital later issued a statement confirming that Coleman had completed an Advanced Health Care Directive granting Price permission to make medical decisions on his behalf. An investigation by Santaquin police was closed on October 5, 2010, after the medical examiner ruled Coleman's death "accidental", and no evidence of wrongdoing could be demonstrated.

Coleman's remains were cremated, per his wishes, in June, after a Utah judge agreed that there was no dispute regarding that issue. However, disposition of the ashes was delayed pending a judicial decision on permanent control of the estate. Coleman's final will, signed in 2005, names Gray as executor, and awards his entire estate to her. However, Price and Coleman married in 2007; and while they divorced in 2008, Price claimed in a court petition that she remained Coleman's common-law wife, sharing bank accounts and presenting themselves publicly as husband and wife, until his death; an assertion that, if validated by the court, would make her the lawful heir.

Price has said that should she be granted disposition of Coleman's remains, she plans to scatter the ashes over railroad tracks as a tribute to his lifelong love of trains.

Filmography

+ Film
! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
1979	''''	Jackie Robinson "J.R." Cooper	Television film
1980		Joey Seymour	Television film
1981	''On the Right Track''	Lester	First feature film
1982	''''	Andy LeBeau	Television film
1982	''Jimmy the Kid''	Jimmy
1983	''''	Nick Newell	Television film
1984	''''	D.C. Collins	Television film
1985		David Phillips	Television film
1994		The Liar
1994	''S.F.W.''	Himself
1996	''Fox Hunt''	Murray Lipschitz, Jr.
1997	''Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's''	Himself	Documentary
1998		Himself	Cameo
1998	''Like Father, Like Santa''	Ignatius	Television film
1999	''Shafted!''	Himself	Cameo
2000	''''	Himself
2002	''Frank McKlusky, C.I.''	Himself	Cameo
2003	''Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star''	Himself	Cameo
2003	''''	Christmas Past	Television film
2004	''Chasing the Edge''	Himself	CameoShort film
2004	''Save Virgil''	Himself/The Devil
2005	''''	Pizza Delivery Guy
2006	''Church Ball''	Charles Higgins
2008	''''	Bacon Stains Malone
2009	''Midgets vs. Mascots''	Gary	Last film appearance

Television

First appeared in a commercial for Harris Bank. His line, after the announcer says "You should have a Harris banker" was "You should have a Hubert doll". "Hubert" was a stuffed lion representing the Harris bank logo.

''The Jeffersons'' (1978, guest)

''Good Times'' (1978, guest)

''Diff'rent Strokes'' (1978–1986)

''The Facts of Life'' (1980)

''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'' (episode "The Cosmic Wizz-Kid", also has a cameo in a later episode)

''The Gary Coleman Show'' (1982) (voice)

''Silver Spoons'' (1983, guest)

''Amazing Stories'' (1986) Season 1: Episode 13 – "The Sitter"

''Couch Potatoes'' (1989) – cameo

''227'' (1990)

''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' (guest) (as Arnold Jackson, with Conrad Bain as Phillip Drummond) (1996)

''The Ben Stiller Show'' (1993) as himself

''Married With Children'' (Series 08 episode 16)(1993) as the Building Code Inspector/himself

''The Wayans Bros.'' (Pilot Episode: "Goop, Hair-It-Is" – January 11, 1995, guest; as himself)

''Sale of the Century - Guest contestant and announcer, circa 1995

''Blankety Blanks'' (Australian game show, 1996) - Celebrity panelist

''Martin'' "High Noon" (1995), as Mad Dog No Good

''The Simpsons'', "Grift of the Magi" (December 19, 1999)

''The Simpsons'', "A Tale of Two Springfields" This was a "sound bite" (November 5, 2000)

''Russian Roulette'' (2002)

''The Drew Carey Show'', "What's Wrong with this Episode? IV" (March 28, 2001)

''Drake & Josh'' (guest; as himself)

''My Wife and Kids'' (guest)

''The Jamie Foxx Show'' (guest as Cupid)

''Married... with Children'' (guest)

''The Surreal Life'' (guest)

''Unscrewed with Martin Sargent'' (2003–2004, guest)

''Nitro Circus''

''Simon & Simon'', "Like Father, Like Son"

''The Parkers'' as himself

''Penn & Teller: Bullshit!'' "The Apocalypse" as himself (July 16, 2009, guest)

''Son of the Beach'' (Season 3 Episode 11: The Long Hot Johnson, 2002) as Saltine Cracker

References

External links

Gary Coleman: 1968–2010 photo gallery by ''The Washington Post''

Gary Coleman at Find a Grave

Category:1968 births Category:2010 deaths Category:20th-century actors Category:21st-century actors Category:American actor-politicians Category:Independent politicians in the United States Category:Accidental deaths from falls Category:Accidental deaths in Utah Category:Actors from Illinois Category:African American film actors Category:African American television actors Category:American adoptees Category:American child actors Category:American people convicted of assault Category:American video game actors Category:Deaths from cerebral hemorrhage Category:Organ transplant recipients Category:People from Utah County, Utah Category:People from Zion, Illinois

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