Film Bits: RIP Florence Henderson; RIP Ron Glass; Anne Rice to Develop ‘The Vampire Lestat’ for TV

Florence Henderson dead at 82

Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady on the classic sitcom The Brady Bunch, passed away over Thanksgiving weekend at the age of 82 from heart failure. News of her death came as a shock to friends and family, as the actress was said to be in great health. Though forever remembered as one of America’s Mothers thanks to her portrayal of the blended family matriarch, Henderson was hard at work even now, having appeared on several TV shows in addition to a small role in Fifty Shades of Black earlier this year. Her death was shocking news for many, especially as families were getting ready for Thanksgiving Weekend together. For five seasons on The Brady Bunch, Henderson portrayed what was then a growing reality for many families in America, as blended families began to grow in prominence. Though often criticized for being overly sappy, and certainly the series hasn’t aged well by today’s standards, The Brady Bunch continued to bring joy to many even four decades after its cancellation. Henderson’s loss was felt by many, and added to the difficulties of a year packed with death.

Ron Glass Dead at 71

In other tragic news, Ron Glass, accomplished television actor, passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 from respiratory failure. The actor is, perhaps, best known for his Emmy nominated portrayal of Ron Harris on the sitcom Barney Miller, though many modern audiences know him better as Shepherd Book in Joss Whedon’s Firefly. Glass’ death inspired many in Hollywood to celebrate his accomplishments as an actor. Alan Tudyk, who co-starred with Glass on Firefly and its cinematic follow up Serenity, wrote on Twitter, “Ron Glass was one of the greatest actors to work with. His laugh was beyond infectious and his generosity was ever-present.”

Anne Rice to Develop ‘The Vampire Lestat’ TV Series

In a Facebook post over the weekend, author Anne Rice announced that she had reacquired the cinematic rights to her Vampire Chronicles book series, effectively ending the pre-production plans for the remake of Interview with the Vampire. Instead, Rice plans to develop the series into a “Game of Thrones style” epic, bringing the tale of Lestat to small screens, where the writer believes the series can truly shine. Jared Leto (Suicide Squad) had recently signed on to star in the planned remake of the movie, though these new developments cast a shadow on whether his involvement will continue. Rice is developing the series along with her son, Christopher, while Brian Grazer (Arrested Development) is still supposedly along as a producer.

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Disney Takes Thanksgiving Gold with ‘Moana’

Disney had a great holiday weekend, with its latest animated film, Moana, taking the top spot at the box office with $55.5 million, which was followed closely by Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which took in $45.1 million in its second week. Doctor Strange, produced by Disney subsidiary Marvel, landed in third place with a $13.3 million, barely edging out the Brad Pitt-Marion Cotillard World War 2 romance Allied, which took home $13 million. Rounding out the top five slots was Arrival, which continues its slow and steady pace at the box office by earning $11.2 million.