If you are around my age, you remember the catch phrase: “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” That was the punchline to a ubiquitous commercial for Chiffon Margarine that ran in the late 70s and into the early 80s. The announcer (character actor Mason Adams) informs a cheerful Mother Nature that the butter she …
A one-time pharmacology student, James Baskett headed to New York City to become an actor. He joined Bill “Bojanges” Robinson and Louis Armstrong on Broadway in the all-black revue Hot Chocolates in 1929. When the musical Hummin’ Sam failed to open, James turned to motion pictures, with bit parts in comedies and horror films. He …
In 1980, Saturday Night Live cleaned house. The remaining members of the original “The Not Ready For Prime-Time Players” were let go when creator/producer Lorne Michaels parted ways with the late-night series, and a new crop of sharp, young talent was signed on. Among the new cast members was Charles Rocket. Charles, a graduate of the …
Just as true now as it was then. That Lincoln was a smart guy.
Harry Earles was the most successful actor in Hollywood. The most successful actor under 40 inches tall, that is. Harry came to the United States as Kurt Schneider at the age of 13. He came with his sisters Freida (later called “Grace”) and Hilda (later called “Daisy”). The family, all little people, worked in the circus for a man …
Y’all know me. Know how I earn a livin’. I’ll catch this bird for you, but it ain’t gonna be easy. Bad fish. Not like going down the pond chasin’ bluegills and tommycods. This shark, swallow you whole. My second submission for Sketch Dailies (@Sketch_Dailies) #quint
Standing 6 foot 1 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Adrian Robinson was a force on the football field. In high school, he was a two-time all-state honoree. At Philadelphia’s Temple University, he played every game of the 2008 season. He led his team to a victory in the New Mexico Bowl, Temple’s first bowl …
In 1976, Michael Ritchie directed a little family movie called The Bad News Bears. It starred Tatum O’Neal, fresh off her Oscar-winning performance in Paper Moon. Tatum played 11 year-old little league pitching whiz “Amanda Whurlitzer” who, begrudgingly, is recruited by alcoholic coach “Morris Buttermaker” (played by the always crusty Walter Matthau) for his bottom-of-the-barrel …
While working as Lloyd Price’s valet, Larry Williams played piano with several Specialty Records bands, including Price’s. Larry was eventually signed to the label in 1957 and in two years had written a string of hits, most notably “Bony Maronie” and “Dizzy Miss Lizzy.” He also began a life-long friendship with Little Richard. On a …
Lila Crane: Then, let’s find him. One of us can keep him occupied while the other gets to the old woman. Sam Loomis: You’ll never be able to hold him still even if he doesn’t want to be held. And, I don’t like you going into that house alone. Lila Crane: I can handle a …
