Actor Tony Curtis, Hot in Makeup and Heels, Passed Away Wednesday

Just a few weeks ago on a balmy summer night, I spent my Saturday sprawled under the stars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery watching Tony Curtis done up in makeup and heels, passing for a rather convincing girl, while trying to woo co-star Marilyn Monroe. We laughed. We cried. We shook our head at the slapstick humor of the 50s and in the end agreed "Some Like it Hot" is a comedy classic.

It was news to realize that the young debonair actor on the screen has now aged and passed. The legendary actor passed away last night in his Las Vegas home from cardiac arrest. Curtis suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was hospitalized in July after having breathing problems while at a Costco.

He was 85-years-old.

Along with "Some Like It Hot," the Oscar-nominated actor starred in 120 films including "Spartacus" and "The Defiant Ones." Over a span of a 60-year-career, Curtis displayed finesse in his roles from being one of Old Hollywood's heartthrobs to a dramatic, respected actor in films like "The Vikings."

Curtis leaves behind wife, Jill Vandenberg Curtis, and six children including actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jamie said her father "leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings."

She added, "He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world."

British actor, Roger Moore, who co-starred with Curtis in a TV series called, "The Persuaders," said Curtis was "a fine actor."

"He was great fun to work with, a great sense of humor and wonderful ad libs," Moore told Sky News. "We had the best of times."

For me, and for many fans around the world, Curtis is forever immortalized in our minds as the dashing actor with the clearest of eyes (even apparent in black and white) who kissed Monroe -- as a girl. His drag queen apparel in foxy wigs, stockings and heels was a look to remember. Now in the 21st century, men wear makeup of their own. Check out these male celebrities rocking guyliner and lipstick.

By Sharon J. Yi