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 …
June is Pride Month. Patrick Haggerty grew up on a dairy farm in rural Washington. His parents were accepting of their son’s homosexuality and encouraged him to “be himself” and not to “sneak around.” In high school, Patrick, a natural performer, was the leader of the pep squad and was popular among his classmates. In …
June is Pride Month. Loretta Aiken was one of 16 children born to James Aiken and Mary Smith. James was moderately successful in Bevard, North Carolina, starting and operating various business ventures. However, Loretta’s childhood was anything but happy. She gave birth twice before she was 13, both times as a victim of rape and …
June is Pride Month. David Mixner spent his entire life fighting for what was right. In the 1960s, as a college student, he opposed the war in Vietnam. He organized a campus-wide protest against a speech delivered by General William Westmoreland. He took his protest to the 1968 Democratic Convention where he was allegedly beaten …
