Call it March Madness with a show-biz spin. A number of entertainment figures have been experiencing everything from heart problems to infections, from shoulder pain to sinus issues. There have been emergency-room visits, hospital stays and physical therapy.
Consider:
>> Marlene Sai, the beloved singer, was rushed to the ER, where medics found her blood pressure was high. Further tests revealed infection in her bladder and intestines, affecting her urinary tract. Her condition has improved — she’s returned to work — but she anticipates undergoing an echogram soon to monitor her heart. …
>> Phil Arnone, the veteran TV producer-director of biographic specials on Hawaii News Now, is recuperating at home following two separate strokes that landed him the hospital. He was initially at Queen’s Medical Center, returned home only to wind up at Straub Medical Center (because Queen’s was filled) for more scrutiny. Following a few days at Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, he’s home and continuing his therapy. …
>> Cha Thompson, co-founder of Tihati Productions, encountered excruciating pain in both shoulders, the right involving a torn ligament, the left dealing with her rotator cuff. There were days she relied on a cane for support and she even carried an ice pack for relief. …
>> Horace Dudoit III, a member of Ho‘okena, had sinus and headache issues a few weeks back, but happily, he’s on meds and has been able to return to work. …
>> Frank DeLima, the comedian, has been hobbling around town on crutches — he dined at Roy’s Hawaii Kai recently, with the new accessories — while he awaits a surgery date to mend a “worn” brace in his right leg (due to an early auto accident) as well as tend to hip surgery. Fortunately, he’s done for the year with his inspirational school tours. …
On a personal note: I underwent an angiogram March 1 at Queen’s, to deal with short-of-breath issues. A blood clot was discovered and removed in one of my heart arteries, and two stents were inserted. So now I’m on blood thinners but off my anti-inflammatory meds, and trying to tolerate lower-back pinched-nerve aches. …
Whee, the people
Comedian-actor David Spade, in Hawaii to film his Netflix movie, “The Wrong Missy,” stopped by Bo Irvine’s “High & Right Comedy Night” one recent Saturday at the Hale Koa Hotel. Spade did a stand-up bit for a delighted military audience, a thrill for Irvine, who’s been a staple at Hale Koa for nine years. “We never know what celebrity comic is going to stop by to do a set,” said Irvine. …
Jordyn Jones, a budding singer, actress, dancer and model, dined with her family at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Bali Steak and Seafood restaurant. Jones, who’s been an opening act for Demi Lovato, is noted for her teen-targeted “Dance Camp” film, featuring her original tune, “I’m Dappin.” …
Passing mentions
Don Gay, an original instrumentalist with the Fabulous Echoes, the group that eventually became the Society of Seven, died March 14 in Los Angeles. He had been battling leukemia and prostate cancer, but succumbed to pneumonia, according to Fran Kirk, former SOS manager. “Don started the trend of playing two instruments simultaneously, the trumpet and the Hammond B-3 organ, thus producing an orchestral sound,” said Kirk. Funeral dates are pending. …
And condolences to the ohana of Jacqueline Leilani Rossetti, known professionally as the Honolulu Skylark, who died March 20 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Moanalua. She was 65. Her melodious voice was widely known, on radio in Honolulu and the Big Island, and in commercial voice-overs and emcee roles. A savvy co-founder and supporter of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (which bestowed her with a Lifetime Achievement Award), Sky’s encyclopedic knowledge of island music was legendary. Her passing signals an end of an era. Services are pending. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
