Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Judy Landers
This recognizable
television actress was born in Pliladelphia, Pennsylvania on
October 7th (no year provided). She got her first career break
in the TV show "Vegas". Her most memorable career event was
being the ghost writer on the feature film "BJ and the Bear".
Robin Williams and Marilyn Monroe are her favorite actors and
"The Huggabug Club" is her favorite TV show. (She also writes,
produces and stars in this PBS program). Pizza is her favorite
food and she loves to rollerblade, bicycle ride and work out
on the flying trapeze. Her hobby is raising reptiles. Judy?s
quote is: "Laughter is Gods hand on the shoulder of a troubled
world".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Hope Lange
This sultry actress was
born on November 28, 1939 in Redding Ridge, Connecticut and
her middle name is Elise. She reports that her first career
break came on "Snap Finger Creek" a Kraft Theater presentation
which was a live performance. Her most memorable career
project was starring opposite Montgomery Clift in the motion
picture "Young Lions". Her favorite movie is "To Be or Not To
Be" and Kevin Kline and Carole Lombard are her favorite
actors. Watching reruns of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" is her
idea of good TV. "Lets Face The Music and Dance" is her
favorite melody and she likes any food "well prepared". Her
sport is "Sitting still" and in her leisure time she loves to
cook. Her hobby is napping. Abraham Lincoln is her selection
for most respected historical figure. Hope leaves us with this
pithy legacy quote: "All in all, it?s been a pretty good
party".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: John Phillip Law
This talented actor was
born on September 7, 1947 in Hollywood, California. He got his
first career break in the motion picture "The Russians Are
Coming, The Russians Are Coming". His most memorable career
project was performing in the movie "Barbarella" with actress
Jane Fonda. "Lawrence of Arabia" is his favorite movie and
Gary Cooper and Lesley Ann Warren are his choice for best
actors. When watching TV, John prefers the "News" and "Don?t
Fence Me In" is his favorite country tune. In his leisure time
he enjoys diving, swimming, shooting, skiing and flying. John
chose one of his great ancestors, George Washington as his
most admired historical figure. John borrows a line from one
of his movies "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" for his legacy
quote: "Live a life... not an apology. Have faith in Allah but
tie up your camel".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Vicki Lawrence
This multi-talented
actress and talk show host was born on March 26, 1949 in Los
Angeles, California. A dedicated loyalist, she lists the
"Carol Burnett Show" not only as her first career break but
also as her most memorable career project. "Forrest Gump" is
her favorite movie and Tom Hanks and Susan Sarandon are her
favorite actors. "Larry Sanders" is her favorite TV show and
"It Had To Be You" is her favorite melody. "Anything Mexican"
is her selection for best food and she loves to sail whenever
possible. In her leisure time she plays with her dogs and her
hobby is cooking and target shooting. Susan B. Anthony is her
most respected historical figure. Reminiscent of her great
comedic talents, Vicki reminds us that "Life is much too
serious to be taken seriously" as her legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Robin Leach
This well known TV
personality was born on August 29th (no year provided) in
London, England. He got his first big break covering the "Rich
and Famous" when he reported on the Royal Wedding of Prince
Charles and Princess Diana on "CNN" and "Entertainment
Tonight" which was a live three hour broadcast. His most
memorable career event was the "10th Anniversary show of
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". "Casablanca" is his
favorite movie and Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis are his
favorite actors. "Absolutely Fabulous" on BBC television is
his favorite TV show and "As Time Goes By" is his favorite
song. He enjoys all sorts of Italian foods and watching the
New York Knicks is his favorite sporting activity. Tennis and
motor boating are his leisure time favorites and his hobbies
are reading and playing backgammon. Being a true Brit-he chose
Sir Winston Churchill as his most respected historical figure.
Robin gives us some excellent advice in his legacy quote:
"Success doesn?t happen without you! Diligence, dedication and
determination come before the three R?s. Never give up on your
goals and always believe in yourself".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Brenda Lee
This famous country
singer was born on December 11, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her
birth name was Brenda Mae Tarpley. Her first career break came
"When the great singer Red Foley discovered me in Augusta,
Georgia as a child". Her most memorable career event was
performing before various heads of state throughout the world.
Her favorite movies are "One Flew Over The Cuckoo?s Nest" and
"Forrest Gump". Paul Newman and Ingrid Bergman are her
favorite actors and "I Love Lucy" is the TV show she loves to
watch. "Coloring Book" is her favorite tune and Italian food
is her menu selection. Basketball is her favorite sport and in
her leisure time she reads, gardens and cans fruits and
vegetables from her garden. Her hobby is "Collecting
everything". Helen Keller is her pick for most respected
historical figure. Brenda leaves us with these choice words as
her legacy quote: "Let your dreams be laced with wisdom, for
they will set the course your life will follow".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Christopher Lee
This leading man from
the "Golden Era of Hollywood" was born on May 27, 1922 in
London, England. He got his first career break in a motion
picture called "Corridor of Mirrors" in 1947 and indicates his
first major role came in "Tale of Two Cities" ten years later.
Playing Lord Summerisle in "The Wicker Man" is his most
memorable career project. His favorite movie of all time is
"The Night of the Hunter" and Walter Huston and Stephanie
Audran are his favorite actors. "The Forsythe Saga" is his
favorite TV show and "Send In The Clowns" is his favorite
song. He loves Scandinavian food and playing golf. In his
leisure time he enjoys reading classical music and his hobby
is collecting special forces insignia. Being a true Brit., he
chose Winston Churchill as his most admired historical figure.
Christopher borrows a line from "Hamlet" to share with us as
his legacy quote: "This above all, to thine own self be true".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Hyapatia Lee
This sexy adult film
star and musician was born on November 11th (no year provided)
in Indianapolis, Indiana. She got her first big career break
when she won "Miss Nude Galaxy". "Gypsy" is her favorite movie
and "Sea Quest" and "Earth II" are her favorite TV shows. "I
Can See Clearly Now" is her favorite song and potatoes are her
favorite food. In her leisure time she enjoys playing with her
children, reading, and gardening. Scuba diving and horseback
riding are her favorite sports. Sacajawea is her choice for
most respected historical figure. Ms. Lee leaves us with this
positive and inspirational legacy quote: "It?s not a problem,
just a cleverly disguised opportunity".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Michele Lee
This highly talented
actress was born on June 24 (no year provided) in Los Angeles,
California. Her real name is Michele Lee Dusick. She received
her first career break in the musical review "How To Succeed
In Business Without Really Trying" on Broadway. She adds that
this was "My first audition on my first job." Michele
acknowledges that playing Karen on the television drama "Knots
Landing" has been her most memorable career part. She is very
proud of the 344 episodes that were made of this blockbuster
show. "The Wizard of Oz" is her favorite motion picture and
Anthony Hopkins and Meryl Streep are her favorite actors. "60
Minutes" is her preferred TV show and "Imagine" by John Lennon
is her favorite song. She enjoys a healthy meal of pasta and
power walking is her favorite sporting activity. In her
leisure time she loves family get togethers and reading and
writing are her hobbies. Her most respected historical figure
is Mother Mary Jones. Michele provides us with this simple
advice that is the motto of the Boy Scouts of America: "Be
Prepared."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Sammy Lee, M.D.
This famous Olympic gold
medal winner was born on August 1, 1920 in Fresno, California.
His first career break on his way to Olympic fame came in 1938
when he met diving coach Jim Ryan. His most memorable career
event was "Becoming the 1st American born Asian to win an
Olympic gold medal for our country in 1948 & 1st athlete of
color to win the James E. Sullivan Award and only Asian
American to date". His favorite movies are "Sleepless In
Seattle" and "Forrest Gump". Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are his
favorite actors and "National Geographic" is his preferred TV
show. "Born Free" is his favorite song and his favorite food
is mandoo & kimchee. Dr. Lee enjoys playing golf and tennis
and in his leisure time he reads joke books. His hobby is
coaching diving and he chose two presidents as his choice for
most respected historical figures: Abraham Lincoln and Syngman
Rhee. He reveals a great secret to becoming an Olympian in his
legacy quote: "Disgusted but never discouraged, whenever one?s
results are not what you expected, your desire to become a
champion must be greater than your fear of failure".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Janet Leigh
This talented actress of
stage and screen was born on July 6, 1927 in Merced,
California. Her real name is Jeanette Helen Morrison and she
got her first career break in a movie called "Romance of Rosy
Ridge" in 1946. She also credits her role in the Alfred
Hitchcock classic thriller "Psycho" as a big career boost.
Being cast as Marion Crane in "Psyco" is her most memorable
career project. "Sentimentally" is her favorite motion picture
and Van Johnson and Jamie Lee Curtis are her favorite actors.
If you are not aware Jamie Lee is Janet?s daughter. "Anything
But Love" is her favorite TV show and "God Bless America" is
her favorite song. Janet?s favorite food is milk and she
enjoys watching movies in her leisure time. Her hobby is
volunteering her time at the Motion Picture and Television
Fund. Jesus Christ is her most respected figure. Janet borrows
a phrase from Unity (Day by Day) as her quote: "Life is the
showing forth of the very Self of God".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Dianne Lennon
Dianne is the first born
of the sensational "Lennon Sisters" singing group. She was
born on December 1, 1939 in Los Angeles, California. Dianne
shares a bit of trivia with us regarding their first career
break, it was actually Lawrence Welk, Jr., who heard them sing
and reported back to his dad Lawrence Welk, Sr. She indicates
that meeting five U.S. Presidents is the highlight of her
illustrious career. Her favorite movie is "Amadeus" and
Gregory Peck and Katharine Hepburn are her favorite actors.
"Cheers" is her favorite TV show and she loves spaghetti and
Mexican food. "Funny Valentine" is her favorite melody and she
enjoys playing golf and watching football on television. Her
hobby is wallpapering and Jesus Christ is her most respected
figure. Dianne reminds us to "Spend each day as though it were
your last" as her legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Janet Lennon
Janet is the youngest
sibling of the "Lennon Sisters" singing group and she was born
on June 15, 1946 in Culver City, California. She indicates
that the "Lawrence Welk Show" was their first career break but
says singing for seven presidents was the highlight of her
career. She named all seven for us: Dwight Eisenhower, John
Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Gerald
Ford and Ronald Reagan. "The Way We Were" is her favorite
movie and Henry Fonda and Vivien Leigh are her favorite
actors. Like her sisters Dianne and Peggy her favorite TV show
is also "Cheers". "My One & Only Love" is Janet?s favorite
tune and she enjoys French food. Her favorite sports are
tennis, golf and football. In her leisure time she reads and
her hobby is collecting antiques. Jesus Christ is her most
respected figure. Janet borrows a line from Iris Murdoch an
Irish writer as her legacy quote: "We can only learn to love
by loving".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Kathleen Lennon
Kathleen was born on
August 2, 1943 in Santa Monica, California which makes her the
third born of the fabulous "Lennon Sisters" singing group. She
also points out their debut on the "Lawrence Welk Show" on ABC
television as their first big career break. Like Janet and
Dianne, singing for seven presidents tops her most memorable
career event list. "Bishop?s Wife" is her favorite movie and
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are her favorite actors.
Kathleen loves to body surf and swim in the ocean and in her
leisure time she enjoys browsing at flea markets. Her hobbies
are collecting dolls and old books. In tune with all of hers
sisters she recognizes Jesus as her most respected figure.
Kathleen borrows a quote from the bible for her legacy quote:
"...and if I have prophetic powers, and understand all
mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to
remove mountains; but do not have love, I am nothing...".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Peggy Lennon
Peggy was born on April
8, 1941 in Los Angeles, California. Her proper first name is
Margaret and as we have learned the "Lawrence Welk Show" is
where the "Lennon Sisters" got their first career break in
show business. She is the only sister that indicates that
receiving their star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" was her
most memorable career event. "To Kill A Mockingbird" is her
favorite movie and Harry Morgan and Sally Field are her
choices for best actors. "Cheers" is her favorite TV show and
"I Remember You" is her favorite song. Chocolate mousse is her
favorite food and speed walking is what she does for exercise.
Her hobby is painting on porcelain and Jesus Christ is her
most respected figure. Peggy borrows a phrase from St. John of
the Cross for her legacy quote: "In the end of life, we are
judged on love".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Al Lewis
Most of us will remember
this remarkable actor as Grandpa in the television show the "Munsters".
He was born on April 30, 1910 in Wolcott, New York. He claims
his birth was his first career break and that the birth of his
children was his most memorable career event. Al is a big
Charlie Chaplin fan and his favorite actress is Anna Magnani.
As you might have guessed "Car 54" (in which he co-starred) is
his favorite TV show. "Guantanarara" is his favorite song and
Garbanzo is his favorite food dish. In his leisure time you
can usually find Al at the track playing the horses. John
Brown is his choice for most respected historical figure. Al
gives us a very simple reminder with his legacy quote:
"Believe in yourself".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jerry Lee Lewis
This talented
singer/musician was born on September 29, 1935 in Ferriday,
Louisiana. His first career break came in 1956 when he met Sam
Phillips and signed a recording contract with Sun Records. His
most memorable career event was appearing on the "Steve Allen
Show" and "Tobacco Road" is his favorite movie. Clark Gable
and Greer Garson are his favorite actors and "Whole Lotta
Shakin" a tune he made famous is his favorite song. His
favorite food is his wife Kerrie?s homemade soup. Jerry enjoys
jet skiing, playing the piano and painting in his leisure
time. President Harry Truman is his selection for most
respected historical figure. He leaves us with a very poetic
legacy quote: "I can hear: grass growing, weeds dying & roses
blooming".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Art Linkletter
This famous television
personality was born on July 17, 1912 in Moosejaw, Sask.,
Canada. His proper first name is Arthur and his middle name is
Gordon. He got his first career break as the Radio Director
for the San Diego World?s Fair in 1935. His most memorable
career project was his one hour television special "Inside
Beverly Hills" which was the highest rated TV show of that
year. "The Guns of Navarone" is his favorite movie and Spencer
Tracy and Helen Hayes are his favorite actors. Art enjoys the
TV show "60 Minutes" and his favorite song is "Deep Purple".
His favorite food is beef stew and his favorite sports are
skiing, handball, basketball and swimming. In his leisure time
he likes to read and staying involved in his work doesn?t
leave any time for hobbies. Dwight D. Eisenhower is his choice
for most admired historical figure. Art?s legacy quote is
straight to the point: "Things turn out best for those who
make the best of the way things turn out".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Larry Linville
This recognizable actor
of stage and screen was born on September 29, 1939 in Ojai,
California. Most of us will remember him for his portrayal of
Major Frank Burns on the hit TV comedy series M*A*S*H. Larry
indicates that M*A*S*H was actually his first career break;
however, performing on Broadway with Ingrid Bergman in "More
Stately Mansion" is his most memorable career project. "Les
Enfants de Paradis" is his favorite movie and Irene Pappas and
he (Larry Linville) are his favorite actors. Larry doesn?t
like to watch much TV and "Ode To Joy" by Beethoven is his
favorite melody. He loves pasta and sailing on the open sea.
In his leisure time he likes to contemplate and his hobbies
are: Building models, flying, writing and being attentive to
his wife Deborah. Homer is his most respected historical
figure. Larry leaves us with a simple request as his legacy
quote: "I hope that I will be remembered as a good husband and
a good father".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Rich Little
This comedic celebrity
impersonator genius was born on November 26, 1938 in Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada. With Caruthers for a middle name he probably
developed his great sense of humor early in life. Rich got his
first break in show business in 1964 on the "Judy Garland
Show" and his most memorable career event was his weekly TV
series on NBC in 1976. "Bridge On The River Kwai" is his
favorite motion picture and Gregory Peck and Meryl Streep are
his favorite actors. "The Fugitive" is his favorite TV show
and he loves Italian food. "Body and Soul" is his favorite
song and tennis is his choice of sports. In his leisure time
he watches old movies and his hobby is drawing. Franklin D.
Roosevelt is his most respected historical figure. Rich gives
us some good advice about life with this legacy quote: "Always
be yourself, don?t rely on others".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Trini Lopez
This exciting
singer/actor was born on May 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He got
his first big career break performing at a famous Hollywood
night club called PJ?s. His most memorable career event was
appearing in the motion picture "Dirty Dozen". His favorite
movie is "Wild Bunch" and Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly get
his vote for best actors. "Hawaii 5-O" is his favorite TV show
and "Laura" is his favorite song. Trini loves Mexican food and
golf and tennis are his preferred sports. In his leisure time
he enjoys swimming and his hobby is collecting decorative
elephants. John F. Kennedy is his most respected historical
figure. He gives us a solid lesson in life with his legacy
quote: "It?s nice to be important, but it?s more important to
be nice".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Gloria Loring
This actress/singer was
born on December 12, 1946 in New York City. Her birth name is
Gloria Jean Goff. She got her first big break in show business
on the "Merv Griffin Show" and her most memorable career
project was playing Liz Chandler on the day time drama "Days
of Our Lives" for six and a half years. "My life as a Dog" is
her favorite movie and Tommy Lee Jones and Jessica Lange are
her favorite actors. "St. Elsewhere" is her favorite TV show
and pasta is her choice for fine dining. In her leisure time
she enjoys playing tennis, gardening and reading. Marcus
Aurelius is her most respected historical figure. Gloria
reveals her spiritual side by sharing this legacy quote with
us: "It is within my power to serve God or not to serve him.
Serving him, I add to my own good and the good of the whole
world. Not serving him, I forfeit my own good and deprive the
world of that good, which was in my power to create".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Dale Lowdermilk
This witty satirist was
born on January 8, 1948 in Alameda, California. He regards his
retirement in 1993 as his first career break. Appearing on the
"Merv Griffin Show" and NBC?s "Real People" are his most
memorable career events. His favorite movie is "20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea" and he says that Mr. Wizard and Linda Lovelace
are his favorite actors. Right in line with this revelation he
chose "The Twilight Zone" as his favorite TV show. "Cowboy
Bill" is his favorite song and Droste semi-sweet chocolate is
his favorite delicacy. His favorite leisure time activity is
"Breathing" and cruising the Internet on the computer is his
hobby. Thomas Jefferson is his choice for most respected
historical figure. Dale leaves us with a subliminal message as
his legacy quote: "Livellafotoorehtsitnemnrerog" or maybe you
prefer this one, "If it?s worth doing right, it?s worth
overdoing".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Johnny Lujack
This Notre Dame all-star
quarterback sports legend was born on January 4, 1925 in
Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He reflects proudly on his Notre
Dame football days by indicating that this was really his
first career break, when he received a scholarship to play
football for the "Fighting Irish". Quarterbacking Notre Dame
to three (3) national championships is his most memorable
career achievement. "Guns of Navaronne" is his favorite motion
picture and Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day are his favorite
actors. Johnny likes to kick back and watch sports on ESPN and
"Across the Alley From the Alamo" is his favorite tune. His
favorite cuisine is lamb chops and he enjoys a good round of
golf. In his leisure time he reads and works jigsaw puzzles.
Winston Churchill is his most admired historical figure.
Johnny provides us with a great legacy quote: "Do not
criticize those who try and fail, but pity those who fail to
try".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Ida Lupino
This dynamic actress
from the "Golden Era of Hollywood" was born in London, England
on February 4, 1918. Her first big career break came in the
film "The Light That Failed" starring Ronald Coleman. Her most
memorable career event was receiving the New York Critics
Award for performing in "The Hard Way". "Gone With The Wind"
is her favorite motion picture and Richard Widmark and Vivian
Leigh are her favorite actors. "Columbo" is her favorite TV
show and "Blue Moon" is her favorite melody. She enjoys eating
most kinds of fish and tennis is her preferred sport. In her
leisure time she reads, does word games and plays the piano.
Abraham Lincoln is her most respected historical figure. Ida
borrows a line from the play "Auntie Mame" for her legacy
quote: "Life is a banquet and most poor son-of-a-bitches are
starving to death" (Ms. Lupino passed away on 8/3/95)
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Peter Lupus
Most of us will remember
this muscular actor as Willy Armitage on the hit TV series
"Mission Impossible". He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on
June 17th (no year provided). "Muscle Beach Party" was the
movie in which he received his first career break and as you
might guess he lists "Mission Impossible" as his most
memorable career project. "Lawrence of Arabia" is his favorite
movie and Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep are his favorite
actors. "Hill Street Blues" and "The Cosby Show" are his
favorite TV programs and "Wind Beneath My Wings" is his
favorite song. His favorite food dish is grilled chicken with
angel hair pasta and to stay in shape he enjoys working out at
the health club. In his leisure time he travels around the
world and his hobby is being involved with various charities.
Winston Churchill is his most respected historical figure.
Peter?s legacy quote is: "There are many ways to get to the
top- but the only way to stay there is by always delivering
more than you promise".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jimmy Lydon
This actor turned
producer was born on May 30, 1923 in Harrington Park, New
Jersey. He got his first career break in 1937 in "Western
Waters" a Broadway Play showing at the Hudson Threatre. His
most memorable career event was in 1966 when he produced seven
(7) Technicolor Features for Warner Bros. in one year. "Dr.
Zhivago" is his favorite motion picture and Spencer Tracy and
Ingrid Bergman are his favorite actors. "M*A*S*H" is his
favorite TV show and leg of lamb is his choice for favorite
food. In his leisure time he enjoys flying, fishing, and
hunting. Thomas Jefferson is his most respected historical
figure selection. Jimmy provides us with some important advice
in his legacy quote: "Your career supplies the monies so you
may live your life. Your life is number one. Your career is
number two".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Gisele MacKenzie
This beautiful singer
and pianist was born on January 10, 1927 in Winnipeg Manitoba,
Canada. Her name at birth was Gisele Marie-Louise Marguerite
LaFleche. Her first career break came in Canada on the CBC in
a radio show called "Meet Gisele". Her most memorable career
event came on the "Jack Benny Show" in what is now recognized
as a classic piece when she and Jack did a
violin-duet-comedy-sketch. "The King and I" is her favorite
movie and Sir Anthony Hopkins and Audrey Hepburn are her
favorite actors. "E.R." is her favorite TV show and "Clair De
Lune-Debussy" is her favorite song. Roast beef is at the top
of her dinner menu list and she enjoys swimming and shopping
in her leisure time. Creating perfumes and painting are her
hobbies and Leonardo Da Vinci is her most respected historical
figure. Gisele leaves us with a helpful reminder as her legacy
quote: "Behave in such a way that the world is a much better
place because you?ve been here".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Karl Malden
This familiar actor of
stage and screen was born on March 22, 1914 in Chicago,
Illinois. His birth name was Mladen Sekulovich and he received
his first big break in show business "Going to Goodman
Threatre in Chicago". His most memorable career project was
performing in "Golden Boy" which was his first play in New
York City. "Black Fury" is his favorite motion picture and
Paul Muni and Mona Graham are his favorite actors. One of his
hit TV shows "Streets of San Francisco" is his favorite and
"Loving You Always" is his choice for best song. Karl likes
all kinds of food and baseball is his favorite sport. In his
leisure time he likes to spend time in Montecito, California.
His hobby is gardening. Karl leaves us with this thought as
his legacy quote: "Do it now-tomorrow may never come".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini
This well known boxer
was born on March 4, 1961 in Youngstown, Ohio. His first name
is Raymond and his middle name is Michael. Ray credits his
17th professional fight at New York?s Felt Forum which was
broadcast on a small cable TV station as his first real career
break because of the exposure he received during this fight.
His most memorable career achievement was "Winning the
light-weight Championship Title on May 8, 1982 at the Aladdin
Hotel in Las Vegas". "The Godfather" is his favorite movie and
John Garfield and Ingrid Bergman are his favorite actors. "Get
Smart" is his favorite TV show and "You Make Me Feel Brand
New" is his favorite song. Ray prefers Italian cuisine and for
sport he enjoys playing golf and basketball. In his leisure
time you will find him reading a good book and his hobbies are
writing and stamp collecting. Harry S. Truman is his choice
for most respected historical figure. Ray provides us with a
championship legacy quote: "On your voyage through life;
Remember, things aren?t always going to be sunny, but you must
weather the storm".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Barbara Mandrell
This sensational country
singer and muli-talented musician was born on December 25,
1948 in Houston, Texas. Her middle name is Ann and she
received her first career break at age 11 performing in the
Town Hall Party in Las Vegas. After that first performance she
became a regular performer on the Town Hall Party. Her most
memorable career project was her variety show "Barbara
Mandrell & The Mandrell Sisters" on NBC. Her favorite movies
are "Seems Like Old Times" and "Coal Miners Daughter." Al
Pacino and Meryl Streep are her favorite actors and "Coach"
"ER" and "Andy Griffith" are her favorite TV shows. The
"Battle Hymn of the Republic" is her favorite tune and steak
is her preferred dinner cuisine. Barbara enjoys clay skeet
shooting and snow skiing and in her leisure time she watches
television. Her hobby is collecting autographed books. She
chose a passage from the bible, Phillipians 4:13 as her legacy
quote: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Dick Martin
Born Thomas Richard
Martin this funny guy of "Rowan and Martin?s Laugh In" fame
was delivered on January 30, 1922 in Battle Creek, Michigan.
His first career break was touring with Nat King Cole for two
years. As you might expect his most memorable career project
was being co-host of the outrageously funny "Rowan and
Martin?s Laugh In" TV show. "Casablanca" is his favorite
motion picture and Clark Gable and Carole Lombard are his
favorite actors. The "Dick Van Dyke Show" is his favorite TV
program and "Stardust" is his favorite song. Dick likes a
variety of chicken dishes and spends most of his leisure time
playing golf. Franklin D. Roosevelt is his choice for most
respected historical figure. Dick can?t resist providing us
with one of his patented funny lines as his legacy quote: "No
matter how much you achieve, remember, no one has found a safe
way to collect shark stool".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Pamela Sue Martin
Many of us will remember
this beautiful and talented actress from the hit TV series
"Dynasty" where she played one of the Carrington clan, as John
Forsythe?s daughter. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut on
January 5, 1953. Her first big break came in the Columbia
Pictures film "To Find a Man" in 1971. Her most memorable
career project was performing in her own film "Torchlight."
Pamela?s favorite movie is "A Christmas Carol" and Anthony
Hopkins and Emma Thompson are her favorite actors. She enjoys
watching "Seinfeld" on television and oatmeal cookies are her
weakness when it comes to favorite foods. Snow skiing is her
preferred sporting activity. In her leisure time she loves to
read a good book and her hobby is painting. She chose
President Jimmy Carter as her most respected historical
figure. Pamela borrows a line from an unknown author to share
with us as her legacy quote: "Truth waits for eyes unclouded
by longing."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Wink Martindale
This famous TV
personality and game show host was born on December 4th (no
year given) in Jackson, Tennessee. His real name is Winston
Conrad Martindale. He gives credit to two events as his first
career break-hosting first network game show "What?s This
Song" in 1957 and appearing on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1959.
However, his most memorable career event was "Interviewing
Elvis Presley in 1956 on "Top Ten Dance Party" on WHBQ TV in
Memphis. His favorite movie is "An Affair to Remember" and
Harrison Ford and Meryl Streep are his favorite actors. "60
Minutes" gets his vote for best TV show and "Stella By
Starlight" is his favorite tune. Peanut butter tops his
shopping list for favorite food and he enjoys a good game of
tennis. In his leisure time he loves to vacation on Maui, in
Hawaii. Writing is his hobby and he selected Franklin D.
Roosevelt as his most respected historical figure. Wink
borrows a line from author Tom Clancy to share with us as his
legacy quote: "If you hang on to your dreams you may grow old,
but you?ll never be old".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Bob Mathias
This "Iron Man" of
Olympic fame was born on November 17, 1930 in Tulare,
California. His full name is Robert Bruce Mathias. His most
memorable career event was winning back to back gold medals in
the decathlon in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. "Terminator" is
his favorite movie and John Wayne is his favorite actor.
"Murder She Wrote" is his choice for TV watching and Bob
enjoys hiking and playing tennis in his leisure time. His
hobby is making bird houses. He chose Winston Churchill as his
most respected historical figure. Bob reminds us of an oft
spoken line as his legacy quote: "A winner never quits-a
quitter never wins".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Walter Matthau
This wonderful and
familiar actor of stage and screen was born on October 1, 1920
in New York City. His real last name is spelled Matthow. He
received his first career break on Broadway in the stage play
"Anne of a Thousand Days." Walter acknowledges that performing
in "The Odd Couple" in New York on Broadway is his most
memorable career project. "The Informer" is his favorite
motion picture and Robert Donat and Sophia Loren are his
favorite thespians. He enjoys watching the finals in any
sporting event on television and "La Chi Daremla Man" is his
favorite song. For dinner he loves a good dish of spaghetti
with fennel. Walking is his favorite leisure time and sporting
activity and Franklin D. Roosevelt is his most respected
historical figure. Walter borrows a famous line from Satchel
Paige as his legacy quote selection: "Don?t look back, someone
may be gaining on you."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Virginia Mayo
This familiar actress
form the "Golden Era of Hollywood" was born on November 30,
1920 in St Louis, Missouri. Her real name is Virginia Clark
Jones and her first career break came in 1938 when she was
accepted as a dancer for the St. Louis Murry Opera. Her most
memorable career event was signing a fifteen year contract
with Sam Goldwyn and Warner Bros. studios. "The Heiress" is
her favorite motion picture and Spencer Tracy and Vivien Leigh
are her favorite actors. "60 Minutes" gets her vote for best
TV show and in her leisure time she enjoys going out to the
movies. George Washington is her most respected historical
figure choice. Virginia borrows a line from Shakespeare to
share with us as her legacy quote: "To your own self be true".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Mitzi McCall
This hilarious comedian
and writer was born on September 9, 1938 in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Her real last name is Steiner. She credits
performing with Jerry Lewis in "You?re Never Too Young" as her
first real career break. Her most memorable career event was
performing on the "Ed Sullivan Show" with her husband Charlie
Brill preceding the Beatles American debut. Robert DeNiro and
Maggie Smith are her favorite actors and "Mad About You" is
her favorite TV show. "You Are So Beautiful" is her favorite
tune and Apple Jack Jarkin is her favorite food. Baseball is
her favorite sport and in her leisure time she enjoys spending
time with her family. Mother Teresa is her most respected
historical figure. Mitzi reminds us "You can?t keep it unless
you give it away" and "Remember, it?s all bullshit" as her
legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Chris McCarron
This Hall of Fame horse
racing jockey was born on March 27, 1955 in Dorchester,
Massachusetts. His first career break came in 1974 when he won
his first race on a horse named Erezev at Bowie Race Course in
Maryland. His most memorable career event was winning the
Kentucky Derby in 1987 on a horse named Alysheba and being
inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1989. "The Sting" is
his favorite movie and Robert DeNiro and Bette Midler are his
favorite actors. "Cheers" is his favorite TV show and "Lyin?
Eyes" is his favorite song. Chris prefers seafood dishes and
enjoys a good game of golf or skiing. In his leisure time he
loves to watch his daughters ride show horses. Abraham Lincoln
is his choice for most respected historical figure. Chris
provides us with this challenge as his legacy quote: "It?s
virtually impossible to teach our youth the value of a dollar.
What we must teach is the value of effort through ambition and
perseverance".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Eugene McCarthy
This well known
political figure was born on March 29, 1916 in Watkins,
Minnesota. His first career break in politics came in 1948
when he was elected to the House of Representatives. His most
memorable career event came ten years later in 1958 when he
was elected to the United States Senate. "War and Peace" is
his favorite motion picture and Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman
are his favorite actors. "When the Saints Go Marching In" is
his favorite song and potatoes are his favorite food. Baseball
is his preferred sport and listening to classical music during
his leisure time is great sport too. His hobby is writing
poetry and John Adams is his most respected historical figure.
Having been a presidential candidate, Eugene provides us with
this insightful legacy quote: "It is easier to start running
for the Presidency then it is to Stop".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Rue McClanahan
This versatile actress
was born on February 21st (no year provided) in Healdton,
Oklahoma. Her real first name is Eddi-Rue and she got her
start in show business in 1964 in Manhattan playing the role
of Hazel in the musical production of "The Secret Life of
Walter Mitty". As you might imagine her most memorable career
part was playing Blanche on the hit television series "The
Golden Girls". "Gone With the Wind" is one of her favorite
movies and Marlon Brando and Dame Edith Evans are her favorite
thespians. "The Golden Girls" and "Fawlty Towers" are her
favorite TV shows and "Object of Man?s Desires-Just Say Jesu"
is her favorite musical piece by Bach. Chocolate is her
favorite delicacy and women?s baseball is her favorite
sporting activity. In her leisure time Rue enjoys drawing,
reading and writing. Her hobbies are quilting and gardening.
She chose Albert Schweitzer as her most respected historical
figure. Rue shares a phrase from her mother Rheua-Nell as her
quote: "Every kick, a boost!".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Don McLean
This familiar
singer/musician was born on October 2, 1945 in New Rochelle,
New York. His formal first name is Donald and he got his first
career break in 1968 when he was hired by the New York State
Council on the Arts to perform as a "Hudson River Troubadour".
His most memorable career event was producing his number one
hit single and album "American Pie" in 1971 and 1972. "Hombre"
is his favorite motion picture and William Boyd and Jean
Harlow are his favorite actors. "The Odd Couple" is his
favorite TV show and "White Christmas" is his favorite melody.
Don enjoys swimming and horseback riding and his hobby is
reading biographies and he is a movie buff as well. Franklin
D. Roosevelt is his most respected historical figure. Don
provides us with some straight forward advice with his legacy
quote: "Don?t talk about it, do it!".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Ed McMahon
This highly recognizable
TV personality was born on March 6, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan.
Ed?s formal name is Edward and his middle name is Leo. He got
his start in broadcasting at age seventeen as a radio
announcer at station WLLH in Lowell, Massachusetts. His most
memorable career event was meeting Johnny Carson and landing
the announcer job on the TV show "Who Do You Trust". "The Guns
of Navarone" is his favorite movie and Cary Grant and Deborah
Kerr are his favorite actors. "CBS Sunday Morning" is his
favorite TV show and "Where or When" is his favorite song. His
favorite food is his wife Pam?s pasta and he enjoys going out
on his boat whenever he gets a chance. Winston Churchill is
his most respected historical figure. Ed gives us an important
reminder with his legacy quote: "Where much is given, much is
expected".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Audrey Meadows
Most of us will remember
this terrific actress as Alice in the hit comedy series "The
Honeymooners" with Jackie Gleason. She was born on February 8,
1926 in New York City. Her last name at birth was Cotter. She
got her start in show business in the play "High Button Shoes"
performing for the Chicago Company. She chose two most
memorable career events "Winning the Emmy and having my first
book ?Love Alice? published". "Manchurian Candidate" is her
favorite motion picture and Harrison Ford and Katharine
Hepburn are her favorite actors. "Mad About You" is her
preferred TV show and "Deep Purple" is the song she enjoys
most. Audrey?s favorite sweet is "Chocolate, chocolate,
chocolate". For sports she loves to water ski and play tennis.
In her leisure time she likes to do needlepoint and read. She
indicates that gardening is her hobby. Madame Curie is her
most respected historical figure. Audrey gives us some
practical advice in her legacy quote: "Believe in yourself...
and always ask for a free T-shirt". (Audrey passed away on
2/3/96).
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jayne Meadows
This four-time Emmy
nominated actress was born on September 27, 1926 in Wuchang,
China. She got her first big break in show business on
Broadway playing the lead in "Spring Again". Her most
memorable career event was receiving her first Emmy nomination
for portraying a 90 year old Florence Nightingale in a PBS
presentation of "Meeting of Minds" which was produced by her
multi-talented husband Steve Allen. Her favorite movie is
"Enchantment" and as you might guess she chose the TV show
"Meeting of Minds" as her favorite. "This Could Be the Start
of Something Big" is her favorite song and Robert DeNiro and
Maggie Smith are her favorite actors. Jayne loves all kinds of
fruits as her favorite food and she keeps in shape by dancing
and swimming. In her leisure time she can be found reading or
going out to see a stage play. Needlepoint and tap dancing are
her hobbies and she chose Susan B. Anthony as her most
respected historical figure. Jayne provides us with this
candid perspective as her legacy quote: "This beautiful world
is more than any of us deserves".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Don Meredith
Most of us will remember
Don for his outstanding Quarterbacking for the Dallas Cowboys
and his stint on "Monday Night Football" with Frank Gifford,
Howard Cosell and Fran Tarkington. Don credits the Cowboys and
"Monday Night Football" as his first career break; however, he
chose the loss to the Greenbay Packers in the 1967
Championship game as his most memorable career event. "Face In
the Crowd" is his favorite movie and James Stewart and Jane
Alexander are his favorite actors. Don enjoys TV shows like
"CBS Sunday Morning" and his favorite tune is "It Ain?t Easy
Being White" by Joe Williams. He blends southern cooking and
savoir faire in his choice of chicken fried steak and caviar
as his favorite food selections. He likes to play golf and in
his leisure time you can find him reading, exercising,
listening to music or watching sunsets. His hobbies are
raising dogs, painting and cooking. Don is recognized for his
dry southern wit and in keeping with that theme he chose a
great political humorist Will Rogers as his most respected
historical figure. Don borrows a line from Kumkachi as his
legacy quote: "When you?re faced with a choice, take the best
of both".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Marilyn Michaels
This hilarious
singer/impressionist was born in New York City and when asked
the date she replied "Ha". Her real last name at birth was
Stermberg. She indicates her first career break as "I was a
vaginal birth". Her most memorable career project was touring
in a national company and playing Fanny in "Funny Girl" and
working on "Kopy Kats". "Gone With the Wind" and "All About
Eve" are her favorite movies and Lawrence Olivier and Bette
Davis are her favorite actors. "Caligula" on PBS is her
favorite TV show and she enjoys swimming and writing in her
leisure time. She lists painting as her avocation and Thomas
Edison as her most admired historical figure. Marilyn provides
us with an insight into show business success with this
provocative legacy quote: "All it takes to make it in show biz
is no pride and a short memory". Also, "save your money".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Alley Mills
This familiar actress
was born on May 5, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. Her formal first
name is Alison. She got her start in acting at age eight on
the "Patty Duke Show". Her most memorable career part was
playing Norma Arnold on the TV series "The Wonder Years". "Men
Don?t Leave" is her favorite movie and Anthony Hopkins and
Vanessa Redgrave are her favorite actors. Her favorite TV show
is "All In the Family" and "The Rainbow Connection" is her
favorite tune. She loves mashed potatoes and "parasailing off
the Matterhorn" is her idea of great sport. In her leisure
time she enjoys being with her husband and her cats. Playing
the piano is her hobby and Siddhartha is her choice for most
respected historical figure. Alley borrows a line from her
husband Orson Bean as her legacy quote: "Take what you want,
said God, and pay for it".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Guy Mitchell
This great singer of the
40?s and 50?s "Big Band" era was born on February 22, 1927 in
Detroit, Michigan. His birth name is Albert George Cernick. He
got his start in show business at age nine when he signed a
contract with Paramount Pictures. He indicates his biggest
break came when he met Mitch Miller and signed with Columbia
Records. His most memorable career event was a "Command
Performance for Queen Elizabeth" Guy likes all kinds of foods
and his favorite sports are riding horses, team roping,
yachting and playing tennis. In his leisure time he enjoys
painting, saddle making, leather work and rawhide braiding. He
simply states "Live by the Golden Rule" as his legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Robert Mitchum
This ruggedly handsome
actor and leading man was born on August 6, 1917 in
Bridgeport, Connecticut. His first big career break came when
he was cast in the "Story of G.I. Joe." His most memorable
career project was acting in the film "The Night of the
Hunter" and Oscar Homolka and Katharine Hepburn are his
favorite actors. When watching TV he prefers the show "60
Minutes" and his favorite song is "Sweet Caroline." Robert
loves a great bowl of chili and he swims to stay in shape. In
his leisure time he likes to nap and his hobby is
"Daydreaming." He chose Nathan Hale as his most respected
historical figure. He borrows a phrase from James Thomas
Mitchum as his legacy quote: "This and better may do, but this
and worse will never do." (Mr. Mitchum passed away on 7/1/97)
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Richard Moll
This multi-faceted actor
of stage and screen was born on January 13, 1943 in Pasadena,
California. His first big career break came in 1976 playing
Abraham Lincoln on stage in the "Lincoln-Douglas Debates". His
most memorable career project was being cast in the motion
picture "Caveman" with Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in 1980.
"The Wild Bunch" is his favorite movie and Lawrence Olivier
and Ingrid Bergman are his favorite actors. A favorite TV
western "Have Gun Will Travel" is his pick for best series and
"Leyla" is his favorite song. Oysters on the half shell is his
preferred delicacy and his favorite sport is fly fishing. In
his leisure time he enjoys bird watching. Having portrayed
this famous person on stage, Richard chose Abraham Lincoln as
his most respected historical figure as well. "Save the ozone"
is Richard?s sage advice to us in his legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Archie Moore
This world-champion
professional boxer was born on December 12, 1916 in Benoit,
Mississippi. He credits winning the Light-Heavyweight
championship fight over Joey Maxim in 1952 as his first big
career break. His most memorable career event was defending
and retaining his title against Yvonne Durelle in 1958. "Shawshank
Redemption" is his favorite motion picture and Morgan Freeman
and Lena Horne are his favorite performers. "Take the "A"
Train" by Duke Ellington is his favorite melody and fried
chicken is his choice for great food. Boxing is his favorite
sport and billiards-bank pool is his hobby. In his leisure
time he enjoys collecting things. Harriet Tubman is his most
respected historical figure. Archie provides us with a poetic
legacy quote: "When a task is once begun never leave it till
it?s done. If the labor be great or small, do it well or not
at all".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Shirley Muldowney
This national
drag-racing champion was born on June 19, 1940 in Burlington,
Vermont. Her last name at birth was Roque. She got her first
big career break when she signed a sponsorship contract with
Goodyear. Her most memorable career achievement was winning
the N.H.R.A. U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1982.
"The Right Stuff" is her favorite movie and James Woods and
Demi Moore are her favorite actors. Her favorite TV show is
the "Barbara Walters Special" and "The Best of Times" is her
favorite song. Shirley loves good sushi and as you might have
suspected, drag racing his her favorite sport. In her leisure
time she enjoys decorating and her hobby is bead work. John F.
Kennedy is her selection for most respected historical figure.
Shirley gives us a fast green light legacy quote: "Winning is
everything".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Don Murray
This familiar actor of
stage and screen was born on July 31, 1929 in Hollywood,
California. His middle name is Patrick and he got his start in
acting in the Broadway play "The Rose Tattoo" playing a
sailor. His most memorable career project was starring in the
motion picture "Bus Stop" with Marilyn Monroe for which he
received an Academy Award nomination. Don?s favorite movie is
the classic "The Wizard of Oz" and he didn?t stray from home
in choosing Christopher, Michael and Patricia Murray (his
children) as his favorite actors. His favorite TV show is
"Playhouse 90" and the "Star Spangled Banner" is his favorite
tune. His favorite food is "Elizabeth?s spaghetti sauce" and
track and field is his favorite sport. In his leisure time he
enjoys a good round of golf and stamp collecting is his hobby.
Martin Luther King is his most respected historical figure
choice. Don provides us with a humorous legacy quote:
"Inscription for my tombstone-here lies Don Murray, Clint
Eastwood wasn?t available".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: June Haver-Mac Murray
June?s real name is
Beverly Jean Stovenour and she was born on June 10, 1926 in
Rock Island, Illinois. Her first career break came when she
was fifteen and still attending Beverly Hills High School. She
was singing with Ted Fio Rito?s band and was signed by 20th
Century Fox. Her most memorable career project was being
signed to appear in "The Dolly Sisters" with Betty Grable. Her
favorite movie is "Double Indemnity" and of course her late
husband Fred Mac Murray is her favorite actor. She also lists
"My Three Sons" at the top of her TV watching list. "God Bless
America" is her favorite tune and she thoroughly enjoys all
kinds of pasta dishes. Her favorite sport is Fly Fishing and
in her leisure time she reads and walks her dogs. Her hobby is
designing jewelry and collecting antiques. Jesus Christ is the
person she most admires. June gives us a friendly reminder as
her legacy quote: "Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a
future. P.S. God is my steering wheel, not my spare tire".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Laraine Newman
This well known comedic
actress was born on March 2, 1952 in Los Angeles, California.
She got her first career break in show business on the "Lily
Tomlin Special" television show. Her most memorable career
project was being cast on the late night hit TV comedy show
"Saturday Night Live". Her favorite actors are Tommy Lee Jones
and Elizabeth McGovern and "Law and Order" is her favorite TV
show. "Midnight Rider" is her favorite song and spinach is her
preferred food. Laraine enjoys hiking, writing and playing
with her kids in her leisure time. Lyndon Johnson is her most
respected historical figure choice. She borrows a line from
the AA motto, "Grant me the serenity to change the things I
can and the wisdom to know the difference" as her legacy
quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Julie Newmar
This sultry actress was
born on August 16th (no year given) in Los Angeles,
California. Her name at birth was Julia Chalane Newmeyer. She
got her first career break in the movie "7 Brides For 7
Brothers" and as you might have guessed her most memorable
career part was playing Cat Woman in the original "Batman"
television series. "Last Tango In Paris" is her favorite
motion picture and Marlon Brando and Rita Hayworth are her
favorite actors. "My Living Doll" is her favorite TV show and
English tea is her favorite beverage. Julie loves to ballet
dance and her favorite leisure time activity is dreaming. Her
hobby is gardening and she lists Jesus Christ as her most
respected figure. Julie simply states "I can" as her legacy
quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Fayard Nicholas
Fayard is one of the
fabulous "Nicholas Brothers" dancing group. His middle name is
Antonio and he was born in Mobile, Alabama on October 20,
1914. He got his career start co-starring with Cab Callaway at
the "Cotton Club" in New York City in 1932. His most memorable
career event was "Performing for Kings and Queens and five
American Presidents and First Ladies". His favorite movies are
"Gone With the Wind" and "Forrest Gump" and Tom Hanks and
Whoopi Goldberg are his favorite actors. "Perry Mason and the
"Bill Cosby Show" are his favorite TV programs and "Stormy
Weather" is his favorite melody. Fayard loves Chinese food and
his preferred sports are tennis, baseball and golf. In his
leisure time he watches TV and goes out to the theater and
cinema. His hobby is drawing. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin
Luther King are his most respected historical figures. He
borrows a famous phrase from John F. Kennedy for his legacy
quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather,
ask what you can do for your country".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Nichelle Nichols
Most of us will remember
this beautiful actress as Lt. Uhura in the original "Star
Trek" television series. She was born on December 28th (no
year given) in Robbins, Illinois. Her first career break came
when she was just 15 years old and was discovered by Duke
Ellington in a musical production in Chicago. Nichelle?s most
memorable career project was, as I mentioned, playing Lt.
Uhura on "Star Trek". Her favorite movies are "Ghandi" and
"Casablanca" and Sidney Poitier and Glenn Close are her
favorite actors. "Picket Fences" is her favorite TV show and
"This Man of Mine" is her favorite song. Seafood is her idea
of great cuisine and she enjoys swimming, reading and
gardening in her spare time. Her hobbies are writing, fashion
and interior design. She chose Martin Luther King and Nelson
Mandela as her most respected historical figures. Nichelle
leaves us with this inspirational legacy quote: "If you can
dream it, you can do it-if you pursue education, dedication
and application in your chosen career".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Hugh O?Brian
Born Hugh Charles Krampe
on April 19, 1925 in Rochester, New York this talented actor
will undoubtedly be remembered most for his portrayal of TV?s
"Wyatt Earp". He got his start in acting in 1950 in the movie
"Never Fear" and as you might guess his most memorable career
part was playing "Wyatt Earp" for seven seasons on network
television. His favorite actors are John Wayne, Spencer Tracy
and Katharine Hepburn and "Estralita" is his favorite tune.
Corn-on-the-cob is his favorite food and football and skin
diving are his preferred sports. In his leisure time Hugh
volunteers all his efforts to the Hugh O?Brian Youth
Foundation. Dr. Albert Schweitzer is his choice for most
respected historical figure. Hugh reminds us of an oft spoken
saying as his legacy quote: "Luck is a thing that happens when
preparation meets opportunity".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Ryan O?Neal
This well-known actor of
stage and screen was born on April 20, 1941 in Los Angeles,
California. His proper name is Patrick Ryan O? Neal and he
received his first big break in the smash hit television
series "Peyton Place" playing Rodney Harrington. His most
memorable career project was the motion picture "Love Story"
playing opposite Ali MacGraw. Peter Sellers and Farrah Fawcett
are his favorite actors. Ryan likes to unwind watching his
favorite TV show "The Honeymooners" and his favorite song is
"Let It Bleed". Rice is his favorite food and he summed up his
favorite past time, sport and hobby in one word, "Boxing".
Keeping with this theme he chose "Evander Holyfield" as his
most respected historical figure. Ryan provided us with this
interesting legacy quote: "A child to children, a man to men".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Gary Owens
This well-known radio
and TV personality with the unmistakable baritone voice was
born on May 10th (no year given) in Mitchell, South Dakota. He
got his first career break in TV on "McHale?s Navy" an on
radio with KFWB in Hollywood. His most memorable career event
was "Being named to 3 Halls of Fame in one year" and
"appearing on every Rowan and Martin?s Laugh In" show. His
favorite movies are the "Wizard of Oz", and "Star Wars". His
favorite actors are Cary Grant and Jodie Foster and as you
might expect "Rowan and Martin?s Laugh In" is listed as his
favorite TV show. "April In Paris" is his favorite song and
hamburgers are his preferred food. Football and basketball are
his favorite sports and in his leisure time Gary plays
basketball twice a week every since he was fourteen years old.
His hobbies are "cartooning and perusing antiquarian book
stores" and Thomas Edison is his most respected historical
figure. Gary leaves us with this original-get your dictionary
out-legacy quote: "Without sounding like a coffee-break
Voltaire, the apothegm that ?every man is his own Pygmalion?
may be correct! I have tried to enrich my life by performing,
reading, writing, creating and helping others whenever
possible. Humor has helped me from the business of life, in
addition to a daily supply of fantasy and illusion".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jenna von Oy
This familiar television
actress was born on May 2, 1977 in Fairfield County,
Connecticut. Her formal name is Jennifer Jean von Oy. She got
her first career break working with Bill Cosby in a Jell-O
Pudding Pops Commercial. Her most memorable career project was
working with Bill Bixby who was the director of the TV show
"Blossom" in which she was a cast member. "Ghost" is her
favorite movie and Dustin Hoffman and Jodie Foster are her
favorite actors. "I Love Lucy" is her preferred TV watching
and "End of the Road" is her favorite song. Sushi is her
choice for best food and NBA basketball games are her favorite
sport to watch. In her leisure time she works with various
charities, travels and exercises with her personal trainers.
Her hobbies are collecting clocks and designing clothes. Joan
of Arc is her most respected historical figure choice. Jenna
shares her secret to success with us through her legacy quote:
"Hope is what opens our eyes to future success, but
determination is what gives us the wings to fly there".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Fess Parker
Most of us will remember
this handsome actor as "Davy Crockett" king of the TV
frontier. He was born on August 16, 1924 in Fort Worth, Texas
and he indicates his first big career break was signing on
with Walt Disney Studios for the TV series "Davy Crockett".
His most memorable career event was playing Conley in
"Oklahoma" in the summer of 1963. His favorite movie is "Them"
(Warner Bros. 1953) and Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman are his
favorite actors. His favorite TV show is "Daniel Boone" and
keeping with this theme "Davy Crockett" is his favorite song.
Peanut butter and crackers are his favorite snack food and
tennis is his game. In his leisure time Fess enjoys wine
tasting excursions. Francis Lightfoot Lee is his choice for
most respected historical figure. Fess gives us some good
advice with this mellow legacy quote: "Slow down and count
your blessings as you sip a glass of fine wine!".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Julie Parrish
This multi-talented
actress of stage and screen was born on October 21, (No year
provided) in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Her real name is Ruby
Joyce Wilbar. She received her first big career break in 1963
when she was cast in a Paramount Pictures film "It?s Only
Money" starring Jerry Lewis. Her most memorable career project
was performing in the Arthur Miller play "After the Fall" and
her favorite movies are "Harold and Maude" and "Dog Day
Afternoon." Her favorite food is "Vegetarian Italian" and she
likes to ski whenever possible. In her leisure time she enjoys
reading or lunching with good friends. Her hobbies are biking,
hiking, walking, sewing and writing. Julie leaves us with this
quiet thought as her legacy quote: "Sit quietly, listen for
the voice in your center, then act with love and compassion
and you will never regret a move you?ve made."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Dick Van Patten
This familiar actor of
stage and screen was born on December 9, 1928 in New York
City. He got started in show business when he was seven years
old in a Broadway play called "Tapestry In Gray". He indicates
being in the play "O?Mistress Mine" for four years starting in
1946 was his most memorable career project. The classic "Gone
With the Wind" is his favorite film and Alfred Lunt and Lynn
Fontanne are his favorite actors. "60 Minutes" gets his vote
for best TV show and "Just a Gigolo" is his favorite tune.
Dick loves a good spaghetti dinner and his favorite sport is
tennis. In his leisure time he goes to the race track to play
the horses or maybe because his hobby is owning race horses.
Ronald Reagan is his choice for most respected historical
figure. Dick reminds us of the "Golden Rule" as his selected
legacy quote: "Do unto others".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Floyd Patterson
This former Heavy Weight
Boxing Champion was born in Waco, North Carolina on January 4,
1935. He indicates winning the boxing Gold Medal in the 1952
Olympics was his first big career break. His most memorable
career event was "Regaining the Heavy Weight Championship."
"Guess Who?s Coming to Dinner" and "Casablanca" are his
favorite movies and Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn are
his favorite actors. When Floyd watches television he enjoys "Columbo"
and "All In the Family" and the "Green Green Grass of Home" is
his favorite melody. Sweet potatoes are his favorite food and
to stay in shape he jogs. In his leisure time he plays cards
or works in his garden. Eleanor Roosevelt is his selection for
most respected historical figure. Floyd reminds us of an oft
quoted passage with a little twist as his legacy quote: "If at
first you don?t succeed, try and try again. Determination is a
powerful weapon-it makes dreams come true."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Pat Paulsen
This tremendously funny
(sometimes presidential candidate) comedian was born on July
6, 1927 in South Bend, Washington. His formal name is Patrick
Layton Paulsen and his first big career break came in 1967 on
the "Smothers Brothers Show". He also lists appearing on the
"Smothers Brothers Show" as his most memorable career project.
"2001 Space Odyssey" is his favorite motion picture and Robert
DeNiro and Meryl Streep are his favorite actors. "Your Show of
Shows" is his favorite TV program and "Beautiful Dreamer" is
his favorite song. Pat loves beef stew and his favorite sport
is tennis. In his leisure time you can find him reading,
writing or doing crossword puzzles. Harry Truman and Leonardo
DaVinci are his most respected historical figures. Pat
replies, "We cannot stand Pat" as his legacy quote. (Pat
passed away on 4/24/97)
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Paul Petersen
Most of us will remember
this familiar actor as the wholesome son "Jeff Stone" on the
"Donna Reed Show" He was born on September 23, 1945 in
Glendale, California. His name at birth was William Paul
Petersen and his first career break didn?t turn out so well-he
was one of the original cast members of the Walt Disney
Mouseketeers in 1955 but got fired after only three weeks on
the job. His most memorable career project other than the
"Donna Reed Show" eight year run was "Playing Cary Grant?s
oldest son in the movie "Houseboat" in 1957. "A Man For All
Seasons" is his favorite motion picture and Robert Shaw and
Sophia Loren are his favorite actors. "Twilight Zone" is his
must watch TV show and "My Dad" is his favorite tune. Paul
likes a good steak for dinner and golf is his preferred sport.
In his leisure time if he?s not playing golf he likes to read.
Thomas Jefferson is his selection for most respected
historical figure. Paul borrows a famous quote from Grandpa
Burr Jones Luce: "Find a job you like and you?ll never go to
work a day in your life".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jane Powell
Jane?s real name is
Suzanne Lorraine Burce and she was born on April 1, 1929 in
Portland, Oregon. She got her first career break at age twelve
signing on CBS radio in Portland. Her most memorable career
event was singing for Queen Elizabeth in Washington, D.C.
"Beauty and the Beast" is her favorite motion picture and
Edward G. Robinson and Ingrid Bergman are her favorite actors.
Jane enjoys pasta dishes and in her leisure time she likes to
cook and when possible go skiing. Benjamin Franklin is her
choice for most respected historical figure. She gives us an
insight to the female persona with her legacy quote: "You
never know what a girl will do to you ask her" also, "If you
collect something it collects dust ( "my mother")".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Stefanie Powers
This beautiful actress
has a very interesting birth name-Stefdnia Zofija Federkiewicz.
She was born on November 2nd (no year given) in Hollywood,
California. She got her big break in show business in the
movie "Westside Story" and her most memorable career project
was working with John Wayne in "McLintock". "Lawrence of
Arabia" is her favorite motion picture and Orson Welles and
Rosalind Russell are her favorite actors. Her favorite TV show
is "Monty Python" and "As Time Goes By" is her favorite
melody. As you might know her favorite sport is polo and pasta
is her favorite menu selection. Margaret Mead is her choice
for most respected historical figure. Stefanie coincidentally
chose the same saying Ida Lupino provided to us which is a
quote Auntie Mame made famous. "Life?s a banquet and most poor
suckers are starving to death".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Juliet Prowse
This sensational singer,
dancer and actress was born on September 25, 1936 in Bombay,
India. Her first big career break came when she was cast in
the movie "Can Can". Her most memorable career project was
playing the lead role in the London production of "Sweet
Charity". "Duel In the Sun" is her favorite movie and Gregory
Peck and Meryl Streep are her favorite actors. "Mad About You"
is her favorite TV show and any songs by Cole Porter are her
favorite tunes. Juliet enjoys Indian food and her favorite
sport is hiking. In her leisure time she likes to work in her
garden and do needlepoint. She chose former So. African
President De Klerk as her most respected historical figure.
She shares this legacy quote with us: "If it comes too easy it
can never be appreciated as working hard to achieve
it-Whatever ?It? is!!". (Juliet passed away on 9/14/96).
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Lee Purcell
Most of us will
recognize this talented actress from some of her Emmy
nominated Movie of the Week productions. She was born on June
15, 1957 (no location provided). Her real name is Lee Jeune
Williams. She started her acting career as a bird in the
operetta "Peter and the Wolf." Her most memorable career
events are her two Emmy nominations for "Long Road Home" and
"Secret Sins of the Father." "The Time Machine" is her
favorite motion picture and Robert Shaw and Simone Signoret
are her favorite actors. "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is
her favorite TV series and "I?ll Be Seeing You" is her
favorite song. Unfortunately "Anything fattening" is her
favorite kind of food. Her favorite sporting activity is
competitive target shooting and in her leisure time she enjoys
being with her son. Her hobbies are antique shopping and
playing the piano. Thomas Jefferson is her most respected
historical figure choice. Lee borrows a phrase from L. Ron
Hubbard to share with us as her legacy quote: "Never regret
yesterday, life is in us today, and you make your own
tomorrow."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Madlyn Rhue
This talented actress
was born Madeline Roche on October 3, 1935 in Washington, D.C.
She got her start in acting in Los Angeles performing on stage
in a play called "Two 4 The Seesaw". Madlyn says she hasn?t
experienced her most memorable career event as yet. "Bagdad
Cafe" is her favorite motion picture and Spencer Tracy and
Suzanne Pleshette are her favorite actors. "Rowan and Martin?s
Laugh In" is her favorite TV show and "Long Ago and Far Away"
is her favorite song. She enjoys good sushi and in her earlier
days loved to play tennis, now she likes to watch it. In her
leisure time she prefers dining out with friends and her hobby
is painting and sculpturing. Gandhi and Elizabeth Glaser are
her most respected historical figures. Madlyn informs us that
"We each have two lives: The one we learn by and the one we
live after that" as her legacy quote.
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Ann Richards
You will remember this
former Governor of Texas as the key note speaker of the 1992
Democratic National Convention. She was born in Waco, Texas on
September 1, 1933 and her name at birth was Dorothy Ann
Willis. She started her career in politics by being elected
County Commissioner in Travis County, Texas. She agrees that
being the key note speaker at the 1992 Democratic National
Convention was the most memorable achievement of her career.
"Citizen Kane" is her favorite movie and Robin Williams and
Katharine Hepburn are her favorite actors. When she watches TV
she searches for "All old movies" and the theme from "Chariots
of Fire" is her favorite melody. Red fish cooked any way is
her favorite dinner dish and she walks and lifts weights to
stay in shape. In her leisure time she reads or watches movies
and her hobby is playing bridge. Eleanor Roosevelt is her
choice for most respected historical figure. Ann leaves us
with this challenge as her legacy quote: "Never say no to a
new experience."
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Peter Mark Richman
This multifaceted actor
of stage and screen was born on April 16, 1927 in
Philadelphia. He got his start in show business in 1953 in an
off-Broadway play "End As a Man" which eventually moved to
Broadway. His most memorable career event was his first film
project "Friendly Persuasion" in which he played Gard Jordan.
"It?s a Wonderful Life" is his favorite movie and Lawrence
Olivier and Jessica Lange are her favorite actors. "Cheers"
and "All In The Family" are his favorite TV shows and "I
Belong Here" is his favorite tune. He loves curried chicken
and condiments and football is his preferred sport to watch on
TV. He enjoys spending time with his grand daughter and
although he has no hobbies he indicates he makes a good living
as a "professional painter". He chose Harry Truman as his most
respected historical figure. Peter leaves us with this
spiritual legacy quote: "I try never to forget the presence of
and power of God in my life-and try to convey that to my
children".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Cathy Rigby
This Olympic gold medal
gymnast champion was born on December 12th (no year given) in
Long Beach, California. Her formal name is Cathleen Roxanne
Rigby and she lists her first career break as her first
Olympics participation when she was just fifteen years old.
Her most memorable career event besides competing in two
Olympic games was her Tony nomination for "Peter Pan" on
Broadway. "Glory" is her favorite motion picture and Denzel
Washington and Julie Harris are her favorite actors. The
"Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson is her favorite TV program
and "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is her favorite song.
She loves French food and in her leisure time she enjoys
playing with her kids and working in her garden. Her favorite
sports are volleyball, dancing, and ballet. Martin Luther King
is her most respected historical figure. Cathy borrows a
phrase from an unknown author for her quote: "Joy is God?s way
of telling us we are on the right path. Sustained joy requires
the elimination of others suffering".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Johnny Rivers
This legendary rock and
roll singer was born on November 7, 1942 in New York City. His
real name is John Henry Ramistella. His first big career break
was getting his first recording deal in 1958. He also lists
"Opening Whiskey A?GoGo" in 1964 as an important event in his
early career. His most memorable career project was
co-founding and co-producing the "Monterey Pop Festival" in
1967 in which he was also a major performer. His favorite
motion picture is the "Outlaw Jose Wales" and Sean Connery and
Meryl Streep are his favorite actors. "60 Minutes" is his
choice for preferred TV shows and "Autumn Leaves" is his
favorite tune. Johnny enjoys a good pasta dish and running is
what he does for sport. In his leisure time he rides his
motorcycle or swims. He selected Jesus Christ as his most
respected figure. Johnny gives us some very practical advice
in the event we are performers ourselves. "Always take your
wallet on stage".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Harold Robbins
This best-selling
novelist was born on May 21, 1916 in New York City. His real
last name is spelled Robin. He indicates his first career
break came about when he wrote a novel on a bet, got it
published and it became a best seller; obviously bypassing the
slogan "If at first you don?t succeed" etc. His most memorable
career event was making a six book contract deal with Joseph
E. Levine. He chose one of his novels "Of Mice and Men" which
became a movie as his favorite. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman
are his favorite actors and "NYPD Blue" is his favorite TV
show. "Tender Trap" is his favorite song and hot dogs are his
favorite food. Harold summed up his favorite sport, leisure
time activity and hobby in one word "Sex". Now we know where
he gets his material for his best selling books. Right in line
with this revelation he chose Casanova as his most admired
historical figure. Harold leaves us with a very profound
legacy quote: "Though the memory of man is a temporary thing
because his life is but a fleeting moment, there is a quality
of immortality in all of us that is as permanent as the
stars". (Harold passed away 10/14/97).
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Doris Roberts
This familiar actress of
stage and screen was born on November 4, 1930 in St. Louis,
Missouri. She got her first big career break in a Broadway
play called "Desk Set". She lists three projects as her most
memorable, on TV, "St. Elsewhere", in film "Hester Street" and
in the threatre "Bad Habits". "Gone With the Wind" is her
favorite motion picture and Lawrence Olivier and Anna Magnani
are her favorite actors. "Remington Steele" is her favorite TV
show and "Bye Bye Black Bird" is her favorite tune. She loves
to go sailing and in her leisure time she enjoys traveling.
Martin Luther King is her choice for most respected historical
figure. Doris provides us with more than just a rhetorical
question as her legacy quote: "Is the bread that good, or are
you that hungry?" "You can apply that question to almost
everything!".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Harold Russell
This two time Oscar
winning actor was born on January 14, 1914 in North Sydney,
Canada. He got his first career break acting in an army movie
called "Diary of a Sergeant. His most memorable career project
was playing Homer Parrish in "Best Years of Our Lives". "Gone
With the Wind" is his favorite film and Frederick March and
Myrna Loy are his favorite actors. "Good Morning America" is
his favorite TV show and chocolate ice cream is his favorite
food. "Happy Days Are Here Again" is his favorite song and
baseball is his preferred sport. In his leisure time he plays
pool and his hobby is working with the handicapped. Franklin
D. Roosevelt is his most respected historical figure. Harold?s
legacy quote is thus: "It?s not what you have lost that?s
important but rather, what you have left and how you use it".
Celebrity Almanac
Profile: Jane Russell
This sultry actress of
the "Golden Era of Hollywood" was born on June 21, 1921 in
Bemidji, Minnesota. Her first career break was getting cast on
the silver screen in "The Outlaw". Her most memorable career
project was "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and her favorite movie
is "Wuthering Heights". Lawrence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn
are her favorite actors and "Biography" is her favorite TV
show. "Serenade in Blue" is her favorite tune and caviar is
her preferred food delicacy. Jane enjoys swimming, painting
and reading non fiction books. Abraham Lincoln is her choice
for most respected historical figure. Jane reminds us of a
solemn truth with this poignant legacy quote: "Know the truth
and the truth will set you free".
