PASSINGS

Midcentury actor Farley Granger has passed away at the age of 85. Granger had roles in Rope (A. Hitchcock); They Live By Night (N. Ray). He was a pioneer for refusing to play into Hollywood's game of marrying a gross snatch because of his sexuality. Kudos!! During that time, that was real courage. Real backbone. Unlike some of today's wussy stars. Or if they do come OUT, it is after they made millions during their career while in the closet. The UK Guardian writes: Granger failed to sustain the momentum of those (early) years, meandering into television, some stage work and often indifferent European and American movies. The reasons were complicated, owing much to his sexuality and an unwillingness to conform to Hollywood pressures, notably from his contract studio, MGM, and the mogul Samuel Goldwyn. Granger refused to play the publicity or marrying game common among other gay stars and turned down roles he considered unsuitable, earning a reputation – in his own words – for being "a naughty boy