The Bryant family has suffered another devastating loss. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. Joe Bryant, a former professional basketball player himself, had a significant influence on Kobe’s life and career. His death, which occurred just four years after Kobe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash, has added another layer of grief to an already heartbroken family.
A Life Steeped in Basketball For Kobe Bryant’s Family
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, has a laugh with his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, prior to participating in a pickup basketball game at Loyola Marymount on July 5, 2007
Joe Bryant’s life was deeply rooted in basketball, both as a player and coach. A forward who played in the NBA for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers, he spent the latter part of his playing career in Italy.
Where his young son Kobe honed his basketball skills. Kobe often credited his father’s professional experience for shaping his own path to NBA stardom. After retiring from playing, Joe transitioned into coaching, including stints in Japan and the WNBA.
The Challenges of Father-Son Relationships
Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Maria Onore and Natalia Diamante at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 held at the UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, USA on July 14, 2016.
Though Joe and Kobe shared a passion for basketball, their relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Tensions between the two grew in the early 2000s, reportedly due to Kobe’s decision to marry his wife, Vanessa, at a young age.
Despite these difficulties, the two reconnected later in life, especially after Kobe became a father himself. Joe Bryant’s passing leaves a complicated legacy, both as a father who lost his son tragically and as a man whose basketball journey mirrored Kobe’s early years.
Tributes from the Basketball World
Following the news of Joe Bryant’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the basketball community for the Bryant Family.
Former colleagues and players have shared memories of Joe’s approachable personality, basketball knowledge, and how he made a positive impact on and off the court. His coaching career, particularly with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, left a lasting influence on many young players. “Joe was a true basketball mind,” a former colleague said. Reflecting on the depth of his knowledge and his unique ability to mentor young talent.
A Legacy Carried by the Bryant Name
Joe Bryant’s death marks another chapter in the complex yet significant legacy of Kobe Bryant’s Family. From the streets of Philadelphia to the courts of the NBA and beyond, Joe’s life had a profound impact on those who knew him.
His influence, both in Kobe’s career and in his own right as a player and coach, will be remembered by many in the basketball world. His passing is a reminder of the personal and professional sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the game.
Final Farewell
As the basketball world mourns the loss of Joe Bryant, his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
Both for his contributions on the court and his role in shaping Kobe Bryant into the icon he became. The Bryant family’s strength and resilience in the face of repeated tragedies is a testament to their enduring legacy in the sport and beyond.
Sources
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ESPN. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ABC News. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, dies at 69” USA Today. Scooby Axson. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69” LA Times. Steve Henson. July 16, 2024.
Life Today of Nicollette Sheridan, Star of the Iconic Soap Opera ‘Knots Landing’
Nicollette Sheridan rose to stardom as Paige Matheson on the beloved soap opera Knots Landing and later became a fan-favorite for her portrayal of the mischievous Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives. However, beyond her on-screen fame, Sheridan’s life has been marked by a series of high-profile relationships and personal challenges. Let’s take a closer look at her journey and how she’s doing today.
From Soap Opera Star to Hollywood Icon
Sheridan captivated audiences in the 1980s with her role as Paige Matheson on Knots Landing, a spinoff of the legendary series Dallas. Introduced in 1986, Sheridan’s character became a standout for her beauty, cunning, and layered personality.
“Paige is different. She’s strong, she’s ambitious, she’s bright, she’s mischievous,” Sheridan explained, reflecting on her iconic role.
Her performance earned her the 1990 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and a spot on People magazine’s list of “50 Most Beautiful People.”
A Hollywood Upbringing
Born in England, Sheridan moved to the United States at age 10. Growing up in Hollywood with her mother, actress Sally Adams, and her mother’s partner, Telly Savalas (best known as Blofeld in the James Bond films), Sheridan faced challenges adapting to her new environment. Her British accent initially made her stand out, and she worked hard to adopt an American accent to fit in.
“All the kids used to make fun of [my accent], and I hated it. So I practiced every day talking with an American accent and pretty much mastered it,” she shared in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times in 1988.
Tumultuous Relationships
Sheridan’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. Her first marriage was to actor Harry Hamlin in 1991, but the union lasted only 11 months. Controversy arose when Hamlin’s second wife, Lisa Rinna, alleged on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that Sheridan had an affair with singer Michael Bolton during their marriage—a claim Sheridan has repeatedly denied.
Following her divorce, Sheridan did date Michael Bolton, with the couple engaging in an on-again, off-again relationship that spanned nearly two decades. They reunited in 2005, became engaged in 2006, but ended their relationship in 2008.
Sheridan’s second marriage, to actor Aaron Phypers, was equally short-lived, lasting just six months. Interestingly, both Hamlin and Phypers later married stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, with Hamlin marrying Lisa Rinna and Phypers tying the knot with Denise Richards.
Challenges on Desperate Housewives
Sheridan’s time on Desperate Housewives ended abruptly when her character, Edie Britt, was unexpectedly killed off.
Sheridan alleged that her dismissal stemmed from a confrontation with the show’s creator, Marc Cherry, whom she accused of physical assault. Sheridan also claimed Cherry fostered a toxic work environment, but her lawsuit against him was ultimately dismissed in 2017.
Edie Britt’s departure left fans devastated, with many arguing the show was never the same without her.
A Shift in Focus
After her high-profile exit from Desperate Housewives, Sheridan stepped away from the limelight, focusing on smaller projects. She appeared in several Hallmark Channel films and joined the Dynasty reboot in 2017 as the iconic Alexis Carrington. However, she left the show in 2019 to prioritize her family, particularly her ailing mother.
“Working on the Dynasty reboot and reprising the iconic role of Alexis has been thoroughly enjoyable, but the chance to spend precious time with my terminally ill mother is more important to me right now,” Sheridan told TV Line.
Where Is She Now?
Today, Nicollette Sheridan continues to embrace a quieter life away from Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, focusing on what matters most to her.
What do you think about Nicollette Sheridan’s journey? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story with fans who’d love to catch up on her incredible life and career!
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