Among 2009’s many notable losses in the performing arts are actors Patrick Swayze and Karl Malden, newsman Walter Cronkite, entertainers Soupy Sales and Captain Lou Albano, and, of course, the king of pop, Michael Jackson. Obituaries of these and other performers and filmmakers, musicians and producers, dancers and composers, writers and others associated with the performing arts who died in 2009 can be found in this comprehensive reference work. For each, the date, place, and cause of death are provided, along with a recap of their career and citations from major newspaper and periodical stories reporting the death. Filmographies are given for film and television performers, and photographs of many of the individuals are included. Individual books in this annual series are available dating back to 1994. A subscription plan is available for future issues.