Juan Kachmanian was born in Argentina in 1930. His father was a boxing promoter and the family moved all over the world. Juan, a stocky, muscular fellow, entered the world of professional wrestling under the tutelage of trainer Rudy Dusek. Wresting under various ring names — Ervan the Armenian, Ivan the Terrible, The Missing Link …
While still a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Bobby Troup wrote “Daddy” for a production staged by the school’s Mask & Wig Club, a campus theatre group. It was recorded by Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra. The recording was a hit and it stayed at Number One on the Billboard charts for eight weeks …
22 year-old Vesna Vulović, a flight attendant for Yugoslavia’s JAT Airlines, reported for work on January 25, 1972. When she arrived, she was told that she wasn’t even on the schedule and that she was confused with another flight attendant named Vesna. Nevertheless, Vesna was anxious to travel to Denmark and she took the shift …
In the 1930s, Freddie Oversteegen and her older sister Truus watched their parents hide political refugees from the Nazis, eventually leading them to safety. The sisters were inspired to continue the work of their parents, especially as the Nazi stronghold became tighter and more oppressive. As teenagers, the Oversteegen sisters joined up with the Dutch …
Laura Nyro had the career that she wanted. On her terms. She regularly turned down invitations to perform live. She passed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She passed on Saturday Night Live. She briefly considered becoming the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears after the departure of original singer Al Kooper — …
Richard Simmons was most definitely “in on it.” The so-called “fitness guru” was an outspoken, flamboyant celebrity who gained legions of loyal fans from his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” weight-loss videos. His fame made him a staple on television for decades. He had a recurring role on the popular soap opera General Hospital, as well …
Director Robert Altman loved Shelley Duvall. Shelley’s first six theatrical films were under the guidance of Altman. His laid-back style of directing allowed the young and talented Shelley to blossom as an actress. His films were notoriously unstructured and he often encouraged ad-libbing. Shelley felt comfortable under Altman’s direction and she received abundant praise for …
Martin Mull was one of those guys. Not a superstar, but certain not an “unknown.” He was a comedian, a singer, a songwriter, an actor and voice actor and a painter. In 1970, as a budding musician, Martin let his sense of humor shine in the novelty song “A Girl Named Johnny Cash,” a modest …
Lori Martin entered the world as Dawn Menzer, four minutes before her twin sister Doree on April 18, 1947. She was the daughter of a commercial artist and set designer for Warner Brothers Studios, so show business was already in her blood. Six-year old Lori — still using her real name — was signed up …
