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Author
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Topic: Buzz Aldrin files for divorce from Lois Cannon
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-16-2011 10:29 PM
   
As first reported by TMZ and since picked up by the Washington Post, PEOPLE Magazine (cited as follows) and other news organizations, Buzz Aldrin has filed for divorce from his wife, Lois Cannon. Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon who gained new fame as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, has filed for divorce.Aldrin, 81, and his third wife, Lois Driggs Cannon, have been married for 23 years. The couple tied the knot on Valentine's Day, 1988. They have no children together. He cites "irreconcilable difference" in his divorce petition filed in L.A. County Superior Court on Wednesday. According to the papers, the couple separated on Tuesday. Generally, we try to refrain from posting about personal matters such as this, but as it's already in the media, this topic stands for informational purposes. Members are asked to refrain from comments based on speculation or rumor. |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1587
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-17-2011 06:29 AM
Sad story but just as sad is that it fuels our gossip-obsessed media. |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 06-17-2011 07:36 AM
Just a supportive comment for Robert's policy. This is collectSPACE, not Peyton Place. Astronauts' personal lives rarely if ever bear on our hobby. |
eurospace
Member Posts: 2610
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 06-17-2011 08:02 AM
When you read Buzz' last book, you'll find that half of it deals with his relation to Lois. So it's hardly the media only who dragged his private business into the public life. He played the game, and he played it well. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 06-17-2011 08:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Go4Launch:
Astronauts' personal lives rarely if ever bear on our hobby.
I would respectfully disagree. We comment when an astronaut is ill or dies, or leaves the astronaut corps for a job in the private sector, as well as what affect such a move has on their collectibility, particularly when it comes to autograph availability. |
xlsteve
Member Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 06-17-2011 09:09 AM
Well, this clearly falls into the 'none of my business' category. But whatever the reason, it's a sad situation for all involved. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 06-17-2011 10:22 AM
This current episode in Buzz's life is no concern of ours or anybody else's for that matter. A private matter might I respectfully suggest the thread be terminated? |
Dave Clow
Member Posts: 236
From: South Pasadena, CA 91030
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 06-17-2011 10:26 AM
.There's nothing else worth saying. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-17-2011 12:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Go4Launch:
This is collectSPACE, not Peyton Place.
Apart from "Peyton Place"! Now you're giving your age away and mine too! |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 06-17-2011 01:15 PM
Sorry, but after observing Buzz at three recent events, I have to wonder if he used his Blackberry to break the news to her. |
Delta7
Member Posts: 1505
From: Bluffton IN USA
Registered: Oct 2007
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posted 06-17-2011 01:58 PM
He's a public figure. By his own choice. The story is out there. Some people need to get over it and not try to be the self-proclaimed protector of a celebrity's privacy. Having said that, I wish them both the best after giving it the 10 seconds of thought it merits. |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-17-2011 02:12 PM
I am excited that TMZ actually reported the story. A few months ago, they had footage of Charlie Duke at the airport. At least astronauts are getting some sort of recognition; Buzz was on Dancing with the Stars! |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 06-17-2011 02:32 PM
That's too bad. From what I read in his last book she really got him over his depression and alcohol problems.
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AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 06-17-2011 07:32 PM
Regardless of whether it is our business or is not, it is a personal issue and I am sorry for both Buzz and Lois, as well as their families. A divorce, no matter who you are, is not an easy experience. I would not wish that experience on anyone, but sometimes it is what is best. I hope that both Buzz and Lois will be able to move forward and find further happiness in their separate lives. |
BA002
Member Posts: 175
From: Utrecht,NL
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-19-2011 12:18 PM
Anyone who has ever met Buzz has more than likely also met Lois. I have on a few occasions and the last time she told me of her Dutch ancestry, even to the point of actually knowing where Utrecht, Holland is.  So while this news may not be related to space as such I do think it is of interest to astronaut fans. It's rather sad news though. I thought this interesting but complex and dare I say it sometimes difficult man had finally met the right partner in Lois. |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 06-20-2011 02:44 AM
This has come as a surprise because only the other day I was reading Buzz's twitter page and on 19th May he wrote, "Lois and I are in Capri, IT having a fabulous time."What ever happened, happened fast! Sad news and it surprised me as much as when I read that Armstrong had divorced from his wife, Jan. Who gets divorced at 81!! On Valentine's Day this year he wrote, "Happy Valentine's Day and 23rd Anniversary to my permanent co-pilot, Lois". |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-22-2011 07:01 AM
I'm not sure if it is appropriate to post this or not, I am only really doing so because it relates to Buzz's business dealings and PR which I guess could have an impact on his approach to signing shows in the future which may in turn be of interest to readers on this board.Anyway, indications are that Buzz is being sued by Lois. I've not heard of the website I saw the story on so I don't know if this is a reliable source or not. I'm aware this might be getting into the realms of speculation which Robert is rightly keen to avoid so will understand if this post is not considered appropriate. |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1587
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-22-2011 07:57 AM
Sounds more like a story for Entertainment Tonight. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-22-2011 08:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul23:
I've not heard of the website I saw the story on so I don't know if this is a reliable source or not.
The story is somewhat inaccurate. It is StarBuzz, LLC, the company founded by Lois and Lisa Cannon that "aggressively protects intellectual property associated with Mr. Aldrin," which has filed suit against Aldrin. According to court papers (cited by Courthouse News Service): But since Aldrin recently filed for divorce from Lois Aldrin, he has tried to sabotage StarBuzz, which has exclusive rights to manage and promote his image, according to the complaint."Mr. Aldrin and his agents have, for example, contacted StarBuzz's business contacts to demand that they work directly with Mr. Aldrin and his new associates, instead of through StarBuzz. They have asked StarBuzz's business partners to exclude Ms. Cannon from communications relating to, among other things, StarBuzz's contracts with third parties, events organized and arranged by StarBuzz, and StarBuzz's other business matters. ... "Even more troubling, Mr. Aldrin and his agents are attempting to freeze StarBuzz's bank accounts to prevent the Company from conducting its normal operations." StarBuzz seeks "restitution for money wrongfully obtained by Mr. Aldrin," an injunction and damages for breach of contract, breach of faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty, intentional and negligent interference with business, unfair business practices and conversion. quote:
Originally posted by Fra Mauro:
Sounds more like a story for Entertainment Tonight.
They seem to agree: Buzz Aldrin Sued by Estranged Wife Lois Driggs Cannon |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-22-2011 10:10 AM
Surprise, surprise!Personally I'd rather be off fishing if I reach 81. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-22-2011 10:39 AM
Thanks for clarifying Robert, I also saw the story on the Entertainment Tonight website but I figured if I linked that on here it would destroy any hint of credibility I may have had or would every likely to have! |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-22-2011 10:52 AM
I do not usually take part in entertainment gossip. But...It seems to me StarBuzz is Buzz Aldrin, He being their sole client. Without him how can they continue to do Buzziness? Many of the images StarBuzz uses such as official NASA photos are not their exclusive property in any case. If Buzz does not want to cooperate with them I am sure they may have a legal recourse but do they have a moral one? I guess the question remains can they force Buzz into a situation where he has to share revenue with them for his own image and appearances. I guess that's what the courts will figure out. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 06-22-2011 06:05 PM
A sad lesson in why you don't get into business with family. I hope that this can be settled quickly and easily. I'd be a shame to spend the later years of his life overwhelmed by a drawn-out lawsuit. plus, it's a sad way to end a marriage.  |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-22-2011 08:25 PM
quote:
Originally posted by alanh_7:
Without him how can they continue to do Buzziness?
Good one!  |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 06-22-2011 09:41 PM
I can't tell you all how sad I am to hear of this.I realize that Buzz Aldrin, perhaps understandably, provokes the full gamut of reactions here on cS. I expect that like most everyone here, I have nothing but respect and admiration for his critical contributions to the Gemini and Apollo programs, both in the cockpit and as an engineer and theoretician. Also like most here, I'm more ambivalent about his subsequent self-promotional and commercial ventures. But I'm inclined to be charitable...in large part because, like Buzz, I spent years battling depression and alcoholism and I took inspiration from his ongoing recovery (anyone who's dealt with these problems, or had a loved one who has, knows that it's forever "ongoing"). I really, really hoped that Buzz had at least found peace for the remainder of his days. Apparently not. |
Spaceguy5
Member Posts: 427
From: Pampa, TX, US
Registered: May 2011
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posted 06-23-2011 01:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by eurospace:
When you read Buzz' last book, you'll find that half of it deals with his relation to Lois. So it's hardly the media only who dragged his private business into the public life. He played the game, and he played it well.
That's very much exactly what I was thinking. |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-23-2011 11:30 PM
This reminds me of the time Chuck Yeager sued his kids... Sadly not the sort of story that helps portray their public profile in a good light. |
moorouge
Member Posts: 2454
From: U.K.
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 08-16-2011 07:42 AM
You might find this interesting. The Telegraph reports that Aldrin is fighting to regain control of his own name and image in a legal showdown with his wife Lois, whom he is divorcing, and her daughter, Lisa Cannon. He accuses Miss Cannon, a lawyer whom he has previously credited with helping to turn his business life around, of having duped him into signing a contract that gave her and her mother a majority stake in Starbuzz, the business that manages and promotes Buzz Aldrin and his "Rocket Hero" brand.He wants a judge to void the 2007 agreement, which was drawn up by Miss Cannon in her role as his personal and business attorney, after belatedly discovering that it granted her and her mother the rights to "essentially everything he has other than his clothes, car and home," according to a lawsuit filed in his name. |
issman1
Member Posts: 1042
From: UK
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 08-16-2011 07:43 AM
What a shame that Buzz's private life is now in the public domain.Still, for someone as famous as him it goes with the territory. One can only hope that, in light of his age and achievements, this won't be his epitaph. I much prefer that people remember Buzz as the astronaut who pioneered spacewalking and, of course, moonwalking. |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 08-16-2011 09:50 AM
Well, that's something the "older" generation and space enthusiasts remember him by. The new generation remembers him from 'Dancing with the Stars' and his Buzz Lightyear endorsements. The new generation is all about reality TV and gossip and headlines, not really about history. While I agree with you, it is unfortunate that he will most likely be remembered for both reasons (personal and historical). |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-16-2011 11:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by MrSpace86:
Well, that's something the "older" generation and space enthusiasts remember him by.
I take umbrage at this, though I'm sure no harm was meant. You can't judge an entire generation so blithely. I was about four and a half months old when STS-1 launched, so I wasn't around for the "good old days" but that doesn't mean I don't have a reverence for history and I'm certainly not the only one. I can see the point you're trying to make, but one thing I learned at university, where I studied history, mind you, is that making generalizations is frowned upon and will only get you into trouble. Sort of like if I were to say that all older generations were cranky, stick-in-the-mud geezers who complain about rock and roll and drive slow. I'm sorry, but this well and truly ticks me off, because it's insulting and there's a whole new generation of people who are out there studying and working with the very things you claim we're not interested in. As for Buzz, I feel badly for him. I noticed in one article that Lois and Lisa are using his words in Magnificent Desolation against him, in terms of his relationship with them and business. But it's worth noting that in that same book Buzz wrote that after Lois' family lost a great deal of its fortune, he felt compelled to continue to keep her in a lavish lifestyle. I fear that this is going to continue to get ugly and won't end for some time. |
DJS
Member Posts: 23
From: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 08-16-2011 12:46 PM
I wish to give my best wishes to Buzz. He is brilliant. Probably the smartest astronaut in his group and definitely the most educated in his group. He deserves better. And he also deserved better back in the day. |
leslie
Member Posts: 231
From: Surrey, England
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 08-19-2011 06:30 AM
quote:
Originally posted by issman1:
I much prefer that people remember Buzz as the astronaut who pioneered spacewalking and, of course, moonwalking.
I thought Leonov pioneered spacewalking. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 08-19-2011 06:54 AM
While Alexei Leonov was the first to float outside a capsule, it's generally accepted that Buzz's spacewalk on Gemini 12 was the first where real work was easily accomplished. This was due to more effective training, specifically underwater simulation of the tasks, as well as better tools and hand-holds for the astronaut working in space; and it was Buzz himself who suggested many of these improvements. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-19-2011 07:53 AM
I like Buzz and always have. I met him a few times now and he has always been nice enough in our brief encounters. I am of the older generation. And recall Buzz for his the original reason he became famous. But if Buzz is remembered by people more for Dancing with the Stars and Buzz Lightyear it is because he put himself in that position. I feel bad for him. From my own experience divorce is an awful business. I went through it many years ago when I was much younger and even then the impact was devastating. So I cannot imagine what its like at 81 and also trying to sort out the business aspects at the same time. Sad. I wish him all the best. |
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