In early 1920, teenage Mary Philbin won a beauty contest in her native Chicago. The contest, sponsored by Universal Pictures, put Mary on the road to stardom. She was signed to a contract by famed producer-director Erich Von Stroheim, touting the young actress as “A Universal Super Jewel.” Mary made her film debut in a …
Hopeful drama student Bridget Hanley worked as an office secretary while finding time to audition for acting roles. She landed a part in a Southern California touring company of Under The Yum Yum Tree. After four years, she was signed to a contract by Screen Gems Productions who billed the budding actress as “a young …
On July 23, 1980, Helen Mintiks, a one-time child prodigy who made her musical debut with the Seattle Symphony as a teenager, was sitting in as a freelance violinist with the orchestra at New York’s legendary Metropolitan Opera House. Just after the second part of the evening’s performance — Astor Piazzolla’s ballet Five Tangos — …
As a child, Peter Robbins appeared in episodic television, from comedies to Westerns. At nine years old, he was cast as the voice of “Charlie Brown” in A Boy Named Charlie Brown, a documentary about the “Peanuts” comic strip. Peter went on the voice the beloved, yet hapless, character in six made-for-TV specials, including A …
Although it may seem otherwise, Sherwood Schwartz’s life began way before Gilligan’s Island. The New York native moved to southern California in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Biology. In desperate need of money, the naturally-funny Sherwood began writing jokes for Bob Hope’s radio show — a program on which Sherwood’s older brother Al was …
In a career that spanned six decades, Joe Turkel kept a pretty low profile. He has been credited with appearances in over one hundred films and television shows. He has played doctors, reporters, gangsters, low level criminals, soldiers and, of course, bartenders. Whatever was required, Joe could play it. He is one of only two …
Robert Kieling loved Anne Murray. I mean he really loved Anne Murray. Canadian singer Anne Murray was enjoying success with a string of easy listening hits, beginning with her 1970 hit Snowbird. She scored big on the pop charts several more times with Danny’s Song, You Needed Me and others. She gained fans in her …
After two unsuccessful campaigns, Barbara Jordan was elected to the Texas Senate, becoming the first African-American since 1883 and the first black woman to serve in the state’s senate. In 1972, she was the first African-American female to serve as president pro tempore of the state senate. She also served one day — June 10, …
Much like his 60s contemporary Paul Lynde, Alan Sues was somewhat of an anomaly. His sexuality was prevalent in his style, actions and sense of humor, but — because of the times — it was unspoken. After his discharge from service at the end of World War II, Alan used his GI Bill benefits to …
From the time of silent pictures to the infancy of the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, there was one female director. Just one…. and that was Dorothy Arzner. Dorothy grew up in her father’s Los Angeles restaurant, where she frequently mingled with stars like Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Mack Sennett. However, Dorothy had aspirations of …
