During World War II, Noel Neill was one of the most popular pin-up models, second only to Betty Grable. She was a regular player at Monogram Pictures, a movie studio known for producing low-budget pictures. Noel was featured in “wayward teen” films, as well as Westerns and one of the last Charlie Chan mysteries. She …
Richard Bright began his career in the 1960s in live television and on the stage. It was during a stage production in San Francisco that the 28 year old actor and his female co-star were arrested for speaking obscenities and simulating sex acts. With guidance and assistance from the ACLU, a charges were dismissed when …
Zurlon Tipton was a running back for Central Michigan University. Although he was not picked in the 2014 NFL Draft, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. He was waived in September 2014, but re-signed to the team’s practice squad. He eventually made the active roster and scored his first touchdown in a game against …
Born in Detroit, the ninth of fifteen children, Florence Ballard was introduced to music by her father. An auto worker by trade, he was an amateur musician and he taught his daughter to sing as he accompanied her on guitar. She and her high school friend Mary Wilson joined up with Betty McGlown and a petite …
Janet Waldo’s big break came courtesy of Bing Crosby. A talent scout brought the perky teen in for an audition for the crooner and she was signed to a contract soon after. Janet played a slew of vivacious teenage girls on a variety of radio shows, including The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and The …
Dick Kallman got a break when he joined the touring company of How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying), replacing Warren Berlinger, Milton Berle’s nephew. After appearing in several more stage productions and guest shots in television shows, Dick landed a starring role in his own sitcom. Hank premiered in 1966. Dick, as the …
Tinka-tinka-tee!
Betsy Palmer had a long and illustrious career in films, television and on the stage. She was featured in the original teleplay of Paddy Chayefsky’s Marty in 1953, two years before its big screen adaptation. She originated the role of “Alma” in Tennessee Williams’ The Eccentricities of a Nightingale. She was Williams’ personal choice for the role. In …
A life member of the prestigious Actors Studio, Madeleine Sherwood was featured in over a dozen Broadway productions, including the Tennessee Williams’ dramas Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Sweet Bird of Youth. She reprised her roles in the film versions of both plays. On television, she appeared on several soap operas, including two different stints …
Pete Maravich had a close relationship with his father. The elder Maravich introduced the fundamentals of basketball to seven-year old Pete. He spent long hours drilling Pete with rigorous passing, long shots and tricks. On his high school team, the accomplished Pete was averaging 33 points per game. His unorthodox style of shooting the ball from his …
