from my sketchbook: kermit roosevelt

At 20 years old, Kermit Roosevelt — the second son of President Theodore Roosevelt — left Harvard University to accompany his father on an African safari. Upon returning, he re-enrolled and completed four years worth of studies in just two and a half years. While at Harvard, he was a member of the prestigious, though secretive, Porcellian …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: kermit roosevelt’ »

from my sketchbook: the dolly sisters

At 13, twins Roszika and Janszieka Deutsch emigrated to the United States from their native Hungary. The energetic and rambunctious sisters were kicked out of a strict Catholic school for their lascivious dancing. But, by 1911, the talented and strikingly beautiful twins were front and center-stage in the famous Ziegfeld Follies. For the next decade, …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: the dolly sisters’ »

from my sketchbook: sunny johnson

Sunny Sue Johnson made her acting debut in a second season episode of the fluffy 70s crime drama Charlie’s Angels. She was next cast as “Otter’s Co-Ed” in a scene in Animal House that ended up on the cutting room floor. She appeared in a number of small roles on TV and in films in …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: sunny johnson’ »

from my sketchbook: bobby fuller

Thirteen-year-old Bobby Fuller loved Elvis Presley from the very first time he heard him. Bobby practiced playing the guitar and singing, trying his best to emulate The King. In the early 60s, Bobby formed a band with his brother and a revolving door of sidemen. They played local clubs and recorded a few songs in …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: bobby fuller’ »

from my sketchbook: louis calhern

Character actor Louis Calhern started off as a bit player and prop boy in touring burlesque companies. After a stint in the service in World War I, Louis returned to the stage, using his experience as a springboard to film. He worked in silent pictures for innovative and controversial director Lois Weber, one of Hollywood’s …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: louis calhern’ »

from my sketchbook: joi lansing

Hollywood sure loves dumb blondes. But, no matter how hard it tried, Hollywood just couldn’t find one in Joi Lansing. Joi was born Joyce Brown and, after her divorced mother remarried, she took her stepfather’s last name – Loveland. At the young age of 14, Joi was signed to a contract with MGM and altered …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: joi lansing’ »

from my sketchbook: ben chapman

In its 130 year history, The Philadelphia Phillies have had their share of high points and low points. They have made it to the World Series several times, including two wins. Their line-ups have featured such celebrated players as Chuck Klein, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt and the always controversial Pete Rose. Their …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: ben chapman’ »

from my sketchbook: annette

I don’t believe there is such a thing as a “guilty pleasure.” I think if you like something, you like it and you should enjoy it and not be embarrassed by the fact that you enjoy it. I am proud to say that I am the owner of the Frankie and Annette “Beach Party” DVD …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: annette’ »

DCS: stanley myron handelman

Stanley Myron Handelman was born in Brooklyn in 1929. He worked as a stand-up comic and gag writer as a young man. But for nearly ten years, he was a fixture on variety showcases and late-night talk shows. He made numerous appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Flip Wilson Show, The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show. …

Continue reading ‘DCS: stanley myron handelman’ »

from my sketchbook: alfred beach

Back in 1870 just beneath the Great White Way/Alfred Beach worked secretly Risking all to ride a dream/His wind-machine — “Sub-Rosa Subway” by Klaatu (1976) Alfred Beach and his partner bought the rights to Scientific American  magazine, and began its publication in 1845. Alfred, a patent attorney and inventor, was interested in scientific advancements. He …

Continue reading ‘from my sketchbook: alfred beach’ »