Fairfax County, Virginia — Tom Shales, the Pulitzer Prize-winning television critic for The Washington Post and spent nearly 40 years at the paper, died Jan. 13 at a hospital here. He was 79.

He died from complications due to COVID-19 and renal failure.

His decades-long career as the chief TV critic for the newspaper began in 1977, and he quickly became known for his sharp commentary on television, stars and more.

But for MSTies, it was Shales’ effusive praise of MST3K made him a beloved figure among the fan base. Calling the show “patently irresistible,” he called on readers to “throw a fit” if Comedy Central was not offered by their cable provider.

“It is, in short, a joy, a treasure, a golden voyage of discovery, a sweet-natured celebration of human fallibility.” He later appeared on NPR, again praising the show.

The Hollywood Reporter has the story.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up.

MEXICO CITY — Mexican actor Miguel Ángel Fuentes died here Dec. 28. He was 70.

He worked on Mexican films in the ’70s and early ’80s, and ventured into Hollywood in 1981 when he appeared alongside Ringo Starr in ‘Caveman,” Charles Bronson in “Savage Justice, Peter Coyote in “The Art of Killing” and “Blow,” alongside Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz.

The actor also had a long career on Mexican television soap operas.

MSTies will remember his performance as Vadinho in the movie in episode 903- THE PUMAMAN and “first bodyguard” in the movie in episode 703- DEATHSTALKER AND THE WARRIORS FROM HELL.

Univision has the story.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up.