Ex-NFL linebacker Livingston dies

Former NFL linebacker Cliff Livingston, who played in four title games in a 13-year career, including The Greatest Game Ever Played, died at his home near Southern Highlands on March 13. He was 79.

Livingston, who was born in Compton, Calif., and played at UCLA, was an All-Pro selection during his eight years with the New York Giants under coaches Jim Lee Howell, Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry.

Livingston also played with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams.

When Baltimore fullback Alan Ameche scored from the 1-yard line in overtime in the Colts' 23-17 title win on Dec. 28, 1958, Livingston was one of the Giants defenders who was taken out of the play.

The game was given iconic status because of the influence it had on the NFL's popularity. NFL games were not nationally televised until 1955, and that was the first one to go into sudden death overtime.

After being traded to the Rams, he got into acting and was a stuntman for years. His good looks landed him the job as the Marlboro Man after teammate Chuck Conerly had the position. Livingston was also the face of Schlitz beer.

He had been living in Las Vegas for more than four years with wife Linda and daughter Paige. Livingston and his wife, a former Playboy Bunny, were married March 4, 1967, at the Little Church of the West

THE SCENE AND HEARD

"Baywatch" and "Knight Rider" star David Hasselhoff will attend the second Knight Rider Festival tonight on Fremont Street. He will be at the First Street stage at 5 p.m. when Elvis impersonator Paul Casey will ride up the street dressed as The Lone Ranger on a white horse. Casey, who created the event, said "Knight Rider" was originally seen as a modern-day version of "The Lone Ranger." Behind Casey and the horse will be a parade of 20 K.I.T.T. cars from the series. The first one will be driven by Jack Gill, the main stunt driver during the TV series.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

The March Madness sports bar crowd will find a British version with some Yankee twists at the newly opened Todd English P.U.B. at Crystals at CityCenter. The Boston star chef has taken pub fare to breathtaking heights: from rotisserie-cooked meats to bangers and mash, a raw bar, New England fish and chips, and buckets of fries. The Grichebecktom might be the ultimate cheese sandwich (creamy brie and double-smoked bacon). There's a seven-second hourglass for drinking games, magnetic dartboards and beer pong tables. Don't miss the red velvet cupcakes and mint chocolate Oreos.

SIGHTINGS

"Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl, rebounding magnificently from a wardrobe malfunction at ShoWest, the movie industry trade show. Heigl was named star of the year, but her dress came apart as she was getting up to accept her award. She received a rousing applause as she prevented any exposure: The emcee held the back of the dress while she kept herself covered from the front. ... Former NBA player Eric Snow, now an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, at The Country Club (Wynn) on Thursday. ... Canada's gold medal-winning Olympic women's bobsled team, backstage after taking in "KA" at MGM Grand on Wednesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Look away, kids. -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Things Overheard at the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.