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;void(0)) Back to Burt's Home Page • Lily Tomlin #1 • Susan Lucci #2 • Ed Koch #3 • Sammy Davis Jr. #4 • Doris Day #5 • Michael Buffer #6 • Deborah Allen #7 • Clint Eastwood #8 • Dina Merrill #9 • Mike Douglas #10 • Frances Langford #11 • Jim Carrey #12 • Lee Meriwether #13 • Leslie Nielsen #14 • Olivia de Havilland #15 • Mariska Hargitay #16 • Pat Harrington #17 • Jack Palance #18 • Edward Asner #19 • Stacy Keach #20 • Amanda Schull #21 • Irving R. Levine #22 • Jane Seymour #23  ;void(0)) By Burt Richards Before she was involved with the Television Show Dancing With The Stars. I knew her and still do . A great lady and one of my favorites. If there ever was a woman that could keep attracting men, even being near age 57 it would be Jane Seymour. Only one word describes her: PERFECT. She was raised with class, has that delightful refined English accent men love, is hard working, has a warm charitable heart, and is stunningly beautiful. Her career spans decades and she is one of the best known television actresses ever. She was even a Bond girl. They say having children wears you down so much that your appearance fades more quickly. Well, Jane has had four, and she has barely changed at all in the last thirty years. Guess that saying isn't true at all. In the 20th century Today she was Dr. Quinn, the western doctor with the right prescription and a movie career "To Die For". As the queen of the miniseries, Jane Seymour has taken us "East of Eden" and taught us of "War and Remembrance." This Bond girl, earth mother and painter has packed in a lot of living. Maybe it's because she's always been something of an overachiever, multi-tasking long before that word was part of the vernacular. A British born beauty Jane Seymour is the Emmy nominated actress you've enjoyed watching on shows such as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Born Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg on February 15, 1951 in Wimbledon, England, at age 17, she decided to change her name to Jane Seymour because "it scanned nicely and rolled trippingly from the tongue." Frankenberg, on the other hand sounded too close to Frankenstein. Daughter of a British obstetrician and his Dutch wife, Jane was born in Wimbledon, England. She began training in dance at an early age, and was just thirteen when she made her professional debut with the London Festival Ballet. That same year, she entered the Arts Educational Trust for dance, music and theater training and danced with the visiting Kirov Ballet. Jane started with the dream of a career in ballet. At 17, during her first performance in the well-known Russian Kirov Ballet, she incurred a serious knee injury. Following this occurrence, she moved onto musical comedy and then acting, where she dedicated herself to that craft with the same commitment she had given her ballet. After moving to the United States, Seymour faced struggles landing parts for her acting career. Many found her too exotic for a professional actress. Jane, not giving up eventually landed a part, which later earned her an Emmy nomination. This was when her career began to bloom and became one of the most sought-after actresses and received several Emmy nominations and two Golden Globes. Her film debut was as a chorus girl in Richard Attenborough's "Oh, What A Lovely War," which resulted in her being discovered by the top agent in the United Kingdom. She played roles in a range of classical plays and performed in radio dramas, such as the BBC's six-hour version of "Far From the Maddening Crowd." But it was as Winston Churchill's first love, Pamela Powden, in the Carl Foreman motion picture, "Young Winston," that Jane attracted the attention of top producers. Her first (and only other) television series was the BBC-TV project, "The Onedin Line," and this led to her casting in the starring role of Solitaire in one of the most popular James Bond films, "Live and Let Die." This attracted Hollywood interest, but she wanted to return to the boards of English repertory theatres and to tackle such classic leading ladies as Shakespeare's Ophelia and Lady Macbeth, and Ibsen's Nora in "A Doll House." She returned to film with "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger," followed by a string of America-bound British television specials including "Frankenstein: The True Story," Dickens' "Our Mutual Friend," and "King David." Able to convey virtually any accent with accuracy, she demonstrated this with her first Hollywood starring role in the six-hour television mini-series, "Captains and Kings." Her portrayal of a proper Bostonian brought her the first of many Emmy nominations. Jane was soon cast opposite Christopher Reeve in a favorite romantic film for many which is now a cult classic and most recently had its 20th Anniversary re-release on the "big screen." She then starred with Chevy Chase in followed by the highly acclaimed ABC-TV adaptation of John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," for which she won the Golden Globe Best Actress Award as Cathy/Kate. On the Broadway stage, she originated the role of Constanza Weber, wife of Mozart in the Broadway hit "Amadeus." Television mini-series also proved to be a favorable medium for Jane's talents. She won recognition for her work in "Jack, The Ripper," and For the latter, she was nominated on two successive years in the Best Actress category for both the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. She won the Emmy Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Maria Callas in ABC-TV's "The Richest Man Alive," based on the life of Aristotle Onassis. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Best Actress Award for her performance as the Duchess of Windsor in the CBS-TV movie "The Woman He Loved." A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all acting venues: the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television. Seymour made television history with her six season series, blazing a trail for family-friendly programming to return to series TV. The program fostered a devoted audience and wide audience demand for fulfilling, informative drama that parents could share and enjoy with their children. This was so strong that a national, in fact, international, furor was occasioned by the series' cancellation, even though it had handily won its slot in every season. Jane not only succeeded in making Saturday night a respectable series address again but also effectively activated family audiences to demand alternative to violent and sexual programming. Most recently the actress has starred in several highly-rated television movies, filmed through Catfish Productions, including a Movie-of-the-week sequel to her series "Dr. Quinn: The Movie." The beloved "Dr. Quinn" series was the latest success in a star career encompassing international movie stardom, Broadway and London stage acclaim (including creating the role of Constanza in "Amadeus" in New York) and a number of highly-regarded mini-series and movies. Apart from the "Dr. Quinn" honors, she also has been awarded or nominated for roles as diverse as her concentration camp survivor in "War and Remembrance," John Steinbeck's fascinating "East of Eden" vixen and her riveting evocations of Maria Callas and Wallis Simpson. The artist has also emerged as a significant producer of distinguished projects. Through Catfish Productions, in which she is partnered with her husband, she has executed such programs as "Sunstroke" and "A Passion For Justice." The company's most recent high-rated movies include "The Absolute Truth" and "A Marriage of Convenience", both which brought hot reviews and high audience numbers. The Author In addition to acting, Jane established herself as a successful author, publishing her first book, in 1986. She also teamed with her husband to write a series of exceedingly successful children's books entitled inspired by her highly and delightfully altered life since she gave birth to their twins in late 1995. Before the twins were born, at the couple's sonogram visits, Jane would ask, "How is this one doing?" or "What about that one?" Hence the title of the series. Published by Putnam, the books transpose their household into a family of cats whose lives are constantly energized by the antics of their toddler kitty twins, This One and That One. The twins give gray whiskers to their parent cats, Lady Jane and Big Jim. Recently, Jane has authored a book on The Charity Worker Apart from her busy life of acting, producing, mothering and painting, Jane Seymour is also a dedicated activist for a number of charities...seeking to improve the desperate lot of many of the world's children. Seymour is the Honorary Chairperson for City Hearts, an organization that enriches the lives of abused children, inner-city children, and incarcerated delinquent youths, by teaching the performing arts, including painting, dancing and acting. She is, as well, ambassador for children's issues for the film world's charitable arm, Entertainment Industries Foundation/Permanent Charities. Actively involved in numerous charitable causes, Jane works for Childhelp USA, a national organization dedicated to the research, treatment and prevention of child abuse, as International Ambassador. The organization's "Woman of the World" award is one of many honors she has won for her social and charitable achievements. Seymour has also been involved with a number of other charity organizations, including UNICEF, City Hearts, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her talents as a watercolor and sketch artist led to the production of a series of greeting cards sold to support her charities. One of her watercolors is featured on a special Discover Card, raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, following the work's charity auction for $25,000 at the Guggenheim Museum. Similarly for charity, she designed and painted a special edition bottle for Korbel Champagne. Pregnancy Difficulties Jane was in her 40's when she discovered she was again pregnant, only this time with twins - John and Kristopher. Before their birth, Jane faced two miscarriages. Although delighted with the news of the twins, a month before Jane was due, she suffered "the silent killer"- commonly referred to when blood pressure rises to an abnormal level. This put Jane and the babies' lives on the line. Fortunately, Jane entered the hospital in time and had a C-section, delivering the twins safely and averting long-term harm to them She is, additionally, the hands on mom for twins John and Kristopher, teen-agers Sean and Katie, her stepdaughter Jenny and stepson Kalen. Seymour and Keach reside in Malibu, and she owns a house near Bath England. Additional information can be found Children will be children. The twins, John and Kristopher love the "Teletubbies" and "Barney," and like many families, they watch videos including "Mulan," "The Little Rascals," and "Willy Wonka" over and over. How does Seymour manage to maintain her life of mothering, acting, producing, painting, children's book writing and involvement with charities? Jane says, "You just have to learn to balance all the pieces of your life and have a good support team of friends and family Family always comes first. Whether Seymour is acting or involved in charity work, she is always in reach if her children need her. It is also important to prioritize needs. Although Seymour would like to help out in many more charities, she realizes that she is only one person and people are not going to place a negative impression on her if she has to distribute her time to her family. Spending time as a family is very important. Some questions proposed to Miss Seymour were. Q What schools did you attend? A Arts Educational Trust, Ballet/Theatre school Wimbledon High School until age 13 Private Girls School Q. Did you get good marks in school, Any honors ? A. "A" Level art O level in general subjects. Many ballet honors. Q. What did your parents do for a living? A. Mother ran business from the house selling wine/Tabasco/furnishings to diplomats in UK. Father was an obstetrician and Gynecologist "Fellow of Royal College specialized in infertility. Q. What drove you to the Theatrical field ? A. Love of Dance from Age 2 Passion for Ballet/music/acting/painting Q. When did you think you would be able to make it as an actress? A. At school I won awards and when I starred in "Stares Family" at age 19 Q. What keeps you going, what you do like best T.V or Films etc. A. I love creating new characters in film and TV. TV has been especially good to me given me very varied roles in good projects Q. Did you ever do or want to do stage work, touring etc. other than your past show D.C. A I love stage work but time and children have made it difficult. However I will return one day. Q What were some of your memorable moments working with others in Films and T.V shows you have made. A. So many I could write a book. Q Do you have children? How many and their names A . 4 children Katie 19, Sean 16, John and Kris are twins 9 1/2 yr., 2 step children Kalen Keach 29, Jennie Flynn - 26 Q. How long have you been married to James? A Since 1993, May Q. Do you work together as a team? A Often, we have a joint production company Catfish Productions. We are partners in many but not all ventures. Q What do you see yourself doing at your retirement age ? A. I doubt I will retire as I'm always interested and involved in something whether its acting art or design. Q. If you didn't get into show business, what would you have done? A. Probably art and design Q. What would you advise your children as far as careers, would it be show business like you A. Each of my children is encouraged to follow their dreams in whatever field that is and they are all completely different. If they choose showbusiness they know what hard it is to succeed. Q. How would you advise others on how to succeed in the theatrical field and in getting to be an actor? A You have to want it a lot and be passionate enough to study and of course thickskin to deal with rejection Q What are some of your pet peeves. A. People who lie or are devious Q. What are you pet likes? A. The ocean, children, art supplies and flowers Q. What is your pig out food ? A. Guacamole and chips and pistachio nuts and string black licorice. Q. How would you like your acting friends' and the people you have worked with remember you. A. As a good friend and a person who cares about humanity and those less fortunate. Q. What would you have like to change in your life if you had to do it all over again. A. This has been my journey - But I would have liked to have been taller Q. Any hopes of doing Sunset Boulevard, Do you sing ? A. No Q. When did you start your painting career. A 10 years ago - but I've always drawn and painted for pleasure Q. Who was instrumental in guiding you in art ? A. Every artist that I have befriended and painted with. THANK YOU JANE , THE BEST TO YOU ;void(0)) INNER-VIEWS WITH CELEBRITIES By Burt Richards ONE DING - A - LING * TWO DING - A - LING She was born Mary Jean Tomlin on September 1st, 1939, (will be 65) Detroit, Michigan, Known for her "Laugh-In" characters Edith Ann and Ernestine, the phone operator. Lily is currently on the hit show The West Wing where she plays the President’s (the Martin Sheen character) Executive Secretary, Deborah Fiderer. Lily was a pre-med student at Wayne State University before choosing acting as a career. She also studied mime with Paul Curtis. I did not get into her family or child life, just what she did as an adult. Tomlin gave away genuine locks of her hair as a bonus for buyers of her home video library in 1993. As an honor, Lily was one of twelve “Promising New Actors of 1977.” One of Lily's first “professional” working jobs was being a waitress in Howard Johnson’s on Broadway near Times Square. Her comments to customers and staff heard over the eatery's microphone attracted her first big-city audience. She also was to star in a film called "Illegitimate" around 1980. The film was never made. Was coached and studied acting under the famous Charles Nelson Reilly, who was master at the Burt Reynolds theatre in Jupiter, Florida. Reilly introduced Lily to the works of monologist Ruth Draper, a major inspiration for her work. Also, she’s acknowledged a romantic relationship with Jane Wagner for the past 30 years. A couple of her Quips: “I've always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.” And...“There will be sex after death - we just won't be able to feel it.” Lily made appearances back in 1999 at the Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada as guest speaker for “Exceptional Experiences” lecture series. A versatile actress and comedienne, Lily’s successes in television, nightclubs, and the theatre have yet to find a niche in motion pictures, despite her impressive screen debut. She was a regular on the popular, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In TV comedy series from 1970 to 1973, creating several daffy characters. Most noted was Ernestine, who she portrayed at the switchboard; also, she made a successful record album and appeared in nightclubs. Tomlin made a widely praised Hollywood debut as the mother of a hearing-impaired child in Robert Altman's epic Nashville (1975), which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Not a conventional leading lady, Tomlin has had a hard time finding appropriate screen vehicles. She's had her share of successes including The Late Show (1977), the smash hit film with some other big stars 9 to 5 (1980), All of Me (1984), in which she was overshadowed by Steve Martin, and Big Business (1988), well teamed with Bette Midler. The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) was a major disappointment and the jaw-dropping Moment by Moment (1978), in which she starred with John Travolta, has made many lists of all time worst movies. She also collaborated with Jane Wagner on two Tony award-winning Broadway shows, "Appearing Nightly" (1977) and "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" (1986), which was filmed in (1991). Tomlin allowed documentary filmmakers Nicholas Broomfield and Joan Churchill to chronicle the preparation of the latter show in their feature-length film Lily Tomlin (1986). In 1993 she gave one of the warmer performances in Robert Altman's Short Cuts, as well as she played Miss Jane in The Beverly Hillbillies. In addition, Lily appeared in the prestige Tele-film, And the Band Played On (1994). Lily also produced two animated specials based on Edith Ann, the little girl character she introduced on "Laugh-In." In 1986 a documentary of Lily's one-woman show, was given a Tony award "The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe." Lily and her writer/partner Jane Wagner toured the country while they were working on this show, calling it simply "works in progress". They played little Theatres and Lily would go out before an audience with material Jane had typed out for her and work on the pieces, telling the audience it was very new. This is a documentary and it is a rare and fascinating look at the creative process these two women use to craft their talents into a brilliant evening of theatre; a 2 hour play. If it comes around again don't miss it. She’s one of America’s treasures for sure. COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS AUGUST 2004 INNER-VIEWS ;void(0)) FEATURE: SUSAN LUCCI BY BURT RICHARDS Susan Lucci was born on December 23rd 1946, Scarsdale, New York, a sort of Christmas present from her mom Jeanette, to her husband Victor. She was a school Cheerleader and graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City, NY in 1964. Five years later she married Helmut Huber 1969 and is still married to him, having 2 children, a son Andrea and daughter Liza and her 2 stepchildren. Susan is 5 ft 3 inches tall has chestnut hair and dark brown eyes and is one of the most nominated stars of soap opera’s, and after over 19 nominations and no wins, she finally won a Daytime Emmy Award for the role of Erica Kane in "All My Children" in 1999. She is one of two characters left from the AMC pilot, and is one of the most recognizable women on soaps. She started AMC shortly after graduating from Marymount College. Her daughter Liza Huber is also a soap starlet. Susan has also been a stage star and she replaced Bernadette Peters for several weeks in late 1999 and early 2000 in the Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun." Bernadette was taking a Christmas vacation, and returned to the show in January. Lucci has done TV Commercials for Microsoft Web TV (1998); Ford (1993); Sweet 'n Low (1990). All of America stood and cheered when Susan Lucci won the Emmy Award for Best Actress in May 1999. It was a historic moment not only for Susan Lucci, but for all of television. For years audiences have been spellbound by the sexy, sassy, beautiful "woman you love to hate," Erica Kane. TV Guide calls her "unequivocally the most famous soap opera character in the history of daytime TV." Last January Lucci celebrated her 30th anniversary starring as the dazzling femme fatale on the ABC Television Network’s Emmy Award-winning "All My Children." During those more than two decades, she has seen Erica grow from troubled teen to international beauty, progressing over the years from high-fashion model to philanthropist to magazine publisher. She’s had nine marriages to six different men. She’s been kidnapped, survived a plane crash, stared down a grizzly bear, posed as a nun, driven a race car and attempted a daring helicopter rescue of one of her lovers from prison. But she always rises, Phoenix-like, from her own ashes. With the 1999 Emmy Award for Best Actress in addition to countless other honors – such as a 1992 People’s Choice Award, the 1993 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress, the 1994 Crystal Apple Award, the 1985 People magazine poll as Best Soap Actress, the 1988 Soap Opera Digest Editor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Daytime Television, the 1989 Canadian TV Guide People’s Choice Award for Best Soap Opera Actress, and the Italian-American Welfare League’s "Woman of the Year" – it is understandable that Susan Lucci as Erica Kane is as popular as the show itself. Soap Opera Digest has chosen Susan Lucci as the most beautiful woman on television many times. Further proving the point, in June 1991, Ms. Lucci was one of a select group of individuals (including General Norman Schwarzkoff) to be honored with a prestigious American Academy of Achievement Award. She is also listed in the "Who’s Who in America" directory. In 1993, she was honored with the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. If there’s one thing Susan and Erica have in common, it’s their dedication to pursuing a career. In addition to her leading role on "All My Children," in the 1994-95 season, Susan starred in the movie for television, "Seduced and Betrayed"; and in the humorous remake of Scrooge, "Ebbie." During the 1993-94 season, she starred in the prime-time television film, "French Silk," for ABC; "Between Love and Hate," also for ABC, in the 1992-93 season; during 1991– 92, she starred in ABC’s "The Woman Who Sinned"; and in "Double Edge." Before that, she starred in the final season of the prime-time serial, "Dallas"; hosted "Saturday Night Live," and starred in the ABC television film, "The Bride in Black," which was the highest rated movie on ABC during the 1990-91 season. She also appeared in a critically acclaimed humorous television commercial for the sugar substitute, Sweet One; a television spot for Wendy’s, and has done a series of commercials for Ford. Ms. Lucci’s other made-for-television movies include "Lady Mobster," "Mafia Princess," "Invitation to Hell," "Anastasia" and "Haunted By Her Past." The versatile actress also served as co-host with Tony Danza on the ABC Television Network special, "99 Ways to Attract the Right Man," and appeared in the prime-time television extravaganzas, "Night of 100 Stars II and III." She also appeared in the feature film, "Young Doctors in Love." Outside of acting, Susan is also well rounded in her interests and activities, which include tennis, skiing and traveling. Lucci has been a popular spokesperson for Ford automobiles. Susan Lucci works tirelessly to support Little Flowers Children’s Services of New York, the largest child care agency in New York State providing foster care and adoption services to all five boroughs , as well as Long Island. She is thrilled to be the celebrity spokesperson for the March of Dimes’ National Ambassador Campaign in the year 2000. At 58, looking 40 itsh, she is still going strong and is the inspiration for Mattel’s phenomenally successful "Daytime Drama Series" of one-of-a-kind collector’s dolls celebrating the romances of Erica Kane. She Quipped; Her character is larger than life, the actress who has made this scheming temptress a household name, and added that " Erica is probably the best part ever written for a woman." BURT RICHARDS COPYRIGHT BANYON PUBLISHING 2004 ;void(0)) BANYON INNER-VIEWS BY BURT RICHARDS FEATURE EDWARD IRVING KOCH I was introduced to his Honor at a function at Florida Atlantic University some 8 or 10 years ago and always had an interest in the man; never being able to make contact until now, when I was able to corner him at his law office in New York, and so we have his story and Inner- View for you . Aside from his general information we offer his personal likes and dislikes. Edward Irving Koch was born in the Bronx on December 12, 1924. He served as the 105th Mayor of New York City for three terms from 1978 to 1989. He was the third Mayor who had a 12 year run. Ed served for nine years as a Congressman and two years as a member of the New York City Council. He attended City College of New York from 1941 to 1943. In his last year of college, he was drafted into the Army where he served with the 104th Infantry Division, received two battle stars, Combat Infantry badge, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1946. In that year, Ed also attended the New York University School of Law, and received his L.L.B. degree in 1948 and began to practice law. In 1981, CCNY awarded Mr. Koch a B.A: degree. Ed is credited with many major achievements as Mayor. First and foremost, he restored fiscal stability to the City of New York, and he was responsible for placing the City on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) balanced budget basis. He created a housing program, which over a ten-year period, provided 150,000 units of affordable housing financed by city funds in the amount of $5.1 billion. He is currently a partner in the law firm of Bryan Cave LLP located in New York. He hosts a Sunday morning call-in radio program on Bloomberg AM 1130 (WBBR) and is also a commentator on that same station. Mr. Koch is a weekly guest on NY1 television, and each week he writes a political column and publishes movie reviews which appear in three newspapers. He also lectures around the country and overseas. His Honor was appointed by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell as chairman of the U.S. delegation to the Conference on Anti-Semitism sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The conference, was held in Berlin, Germany, in April 2004, and was extraordinarily successful in binding the 55 member nations in their resolve to reduce and seek the elimination of rising anti-Semitism by enacting civil legislation and educating the youth throughout the world of the dangers of anti-Semitism. He is an author, has been a Saturday night host, and has made numerous films and is a movie star as well. Here are some personal human-interest questions I asked his honor. Q: What hospital, and location were you born? A: I was born at home I believe. Q: What schools did you attend-Elementary, Middle, H. S. & College? A: Southside H.S. in Newark, NYU law school. Q: Did you get good marks in school, any honors? A: Average Student. Q: Did you every hold any titles in school, Basketball, debating, etc? A: Debating team political as well. Q: What did your parents do, and their names? A: My father Louis and my mother Joyce. He was a furrier and my mother, before marriage, was a dress designer then housewife. Q: You’re like royalty, what should I call you? You have been credited with Honorable Edward I. Koch, Edward Koch, Ed Koch, Former Mayor Edward I. Koch etc, what would be your preference? A: ED. Q: In an interview for a book, you mentioned that the director of Central Intelligence George Herbert Walker Bush informed you in October 1976 that your sponsorship of legislation to cut off U.S military assistance to Uruguay on human rights grounds had provoked the secret police officials to put a contract out on your life? A: Yes! I lead the fight to cut aid to Uruguay, for its repression of its own people, as a result of that the secret service agency representing those countries put a contact out on me and wanted to punish me. I was in congress at the time with now President Bush Sr., he had left and so I received a phone call from the now 41st president George Bush Sr., who told me just what was going on and the reason for the death contract. I asked if he was going to protect me and he said NO, the CIA does not do that, and I said what should I do George, and he said be very careful. Q: You are also credited with the support of Municipal labor unions and the creation of the Municipal Assistance Corporation and you kept the city of New York from bankruptcy during the financial crisis of the mid 1970s. How does that make you feel as the Mayor at that time and as a New Yorker? A: Yes, I saved the city, well I am very proud of it and it’s an achievement. Q: What jobs did you have before making it as a star and a mayor? What keeps you going? A: I am a lawyer by profession, and a partner at Bryan Cave law firm, and each week I write a political column and publish movie reviews, which appear in three newspapers. I also lecture around the country and overseas, I have a radio show and write books. Q: What are some of your memorable experiences or moments on air or in general or stories you related? Want to do Broadway? A: I don't believe I have done much acting but have been in 10 films with small parts and was a Judge on the People Court and brought my skills as a lawyer. Q: Have you won any special awards? A: No. Q: Any brothers, sisters in your family? A: I had a brother who passed away, Harold, he was four years older at 75, my younger sister Pat we are very close, she has 7 grandchildren, 3 sons married and their wives are Jewish, that made my sister very happy, she was surprised, it’s very rare these days. Q What is your favorite pastime Ed? A: Well, I love to talk to people and for the past 35 years I have met old friends every Saturday, about 10 of us, we meet, chat about everything, and then go to lunch. Q: What are some of your pet peeves? A: No pet peeves. Q: What are you pet likes? A: I like good food. Q: What is your pig out food? A: I like Ice Cream. Q: What is your favorite vacation spot? A: The homes of my sister and close friends. Q: Your favorite performance? Do you pattern yourself after anyone? A: I am just myself. Q: How would you like your friends from all walks of life and the people you have worked with to remember you? A: As a good friend. Q: What would you have liked to change in your life if you had to do it all over again? A: I am content now, it is not over and I had an interesting life. Q: What person in history would you like most to meet, or already have? A: Churchill would have been the one I would love to have met. Q: Right now at this stage of the game what is most important to you? A: Be yourself, be honest and tell the truth - that gives you a leg to stand on. Q: Mr. Koch one more final Special QUESTION. I would like to have a funny story or QUIP about your life or an experience in the business with a celebrity or what ever? A: When I left office because I ran for office for a fourth term and lost to David Dinkins, I was one of three Mayors who served for 12 years. LaGuardia, Wagner and me, but I ran for a fourth term hoping to make it 16 years. Dinkins ran for reelection against Guliani, Dinkins had race riots and Rudy had a reputation of being somewhat mean, so when I used to walk the streets the people used to say to me Mr. Mayor run again, and I said No you threw me out of office and now the people must be punished. Q: Did I cover it all, your honor, or would you like to add anything for my readers? A: You covered it all Burt, and send me a copy, where are you in Florida? BR: I am in Boca Raton, your honor. Thank you ________________________________________________________ COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING 2004 ;void(0)) INNER- VIEWS FEATURE STORY SAMMY DAVIS JR. BY BURT RICHARDS The life and times of the man who was born on December 8th 1925, in Harlem, New York, son of Sammy Davis Sr. and Elvera Davis. He is credited as Sammy Davis and the Will Maston Trio. The man, the legend the ultimate entertainer, SAM as his friends called him. I first made contact with Sammy when he was appearing at the Singer Bowl at the 1964 Worlds Fair. It was a one on one at that time. He stood only 5' 3" tall but was the biggest in talent and in heart, you will ever find in this world. He got his first starring role in the 1964 Broadway Musical "Golden Boy" for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for "Best Actor in a Musical" in 1965; he lost to Zero Mostel whose most recognized role was that of 'Pseudolus' in the stage production, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 1966 he starred in "Golden Boy" with Paula Wayne. My friend Arty who had a valet business did all of Sammy’s cleaning at the theatre and his hotel, the Warwick in New York. Arty & I use to visit him back stage and meet and get to be with him and his star friends, it was something for me to be involved with in those days. No such thing as his bullies later on protecting him, we were a great group of friends Sammy, Arty and myself. He had a few wives as he got to be a bigger and greater star. His last was Altovise Davis from 1970 - 16 May 1990) his death. Swedish Blonde actress, May Britt from 1960 - 1968 they divorced and had 3 children , before it, also there was Loray White from 1958 - 1959, that ended with a divorce . TV composer Morton Stevens was Sammy's musical director from 1950 to 1960 before moving on he got into television, music composing. He then was called upon as the music director for Sammy, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Liza Minnelli in the late 80s. Sam did it all singer/dancer/actor, in addition to being a part of the "Rat Pack" with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop during the 1950s & 60s. They made some films as they all appeared in 'Ocean's Eleven’ (1960). Always articulate, and professional, he never attended school of any kind, and was performing in the streets since the age of five and was largely self-taught. Sammy Davis Jr.'s performances at the Copacabana were inspirational and he told me Burt, never bend down to tie your shoe laces at the Copa. Why I asked, he replied, “they will come by and put a tablecloth over you and place two chairs along side.” Many times Sam would perform in front of packed houses by dancing and singing on top of the Baby Grand Piano. There is no other person who, as the Copa so aptly puts it on the face of its table card, works such miracles of song and dance and impressions of great performers. Out of a small frame, with the waistline of a high-fashion model, comes such richness of tone, such high voltage movement and wit as to astound even the most attentive café goer. He recalls Fred Astair's earlier dancing days in the movies with an engaging version of "Change Partners." Then singing "When I Fall in Love." Then without any warning he goes into his impersonations, from Sinatra singing "Road to Mandalay" to Jerry Lewis with “Rock A Bye Your Baby.” Then some of Sinatra, and his big hit “All the Way” he sings the numbers with the voice impressions of Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Billy Eckstine, Vaughn Monroe, Jimmy Cagney, Marlin Brando, Louie Armstrong and Dean Martin. He lost his left eye in a car crash when he was on his way to record the theme song for the Tony Curtis film, 'Six Bridges to Cross,’ 1955. He wore an eye patch for sometime after that, but Humphrey Bogart ultimately convinced him to unmask when he told him that he didn't want to be known as the kid with the eye patch. He smoked 4 packs of cigarettes a day during his lifetime. Long-time friend Bill Cosby wore a small button with the letters "SD" on episodes of "The Cosby Show" after his death in 1990 as a tribute. Sam died the same day as Jim Henson. Sam’s Quips : "Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to get insulted." When asked what his golf handicap was, he replied, "My handicap? Man, I am a one-eyed, black Jew! THAT'S my handicap!" "I'm colored, Jewish and Puerto Rican. When I move into a neighborhood, I wipe it out!” You have to be able to look back at your own life and say 'Yeah, that was fun.' The only person I ever hurt was myself and even that I did to the minimum. If you can do that and you're still functioning, you're the luckiest person in the world." I had a friend and when ever I would visit California to go to his office, his personal secretary Treva Wilson would great me and we would hang out, she was a beautiful women and Sammy always needed beautiful women around him. Throughout his career he excited some genuine controversy with his marriage to a white actress, conversion to Judaism in the 1960’s and then some kinky intrigue, detailing a bit of pornography in his second autobiography, "Hollywood in a Suitcase." And could not get enough of Deep Throat star Linda Lovelace. Regardless of his exploits, I, and all of your fans love you Sam and the heavens are blessed and happy you are with them doing another show. COPYRIGHT INNER-VIEWS BANYON PUBLISHING SEPTEMBER 2004 ;void(0)) BANYON PUBLISHING INNER-VIEWS DORIS DAY FEATURE BY BURT RICHARD’S Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff was born to German Catholic parents April 3rd, 1924 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has some nick names Do-Do , for one Clara Bixby. According to her autobiography, she got the nickname Clara Bixby when Billy De Wolfe, friend, actor , told her, on the "Tea for Two" set, that she didn't look like a "Doris Day," but more like a "Clara Bixby." To this day, that remains her nickname among a close circle of old friends, such as Van Johnson. DORIS DAY had a brother Richard, who died before she was born and Paul, a few years older than her. Her father and mother split when she was about eight and her mother gained custody. Like most little girls, Doris liked to dance. She would sometimes dance with friends and, sometimes, just by herself. Soon enough she began the transition to have her dancing take her to loftier heights. At twelve, she had a dance act with a boy called Jerry Doherty, with whom - after winning $500 in a talent contest - she went to Hollywood. On returning to Cincinnati, aged fourteen, she had dreamed of being a ballerina, but an automobile accident ended what hopes she had of dancing on stage. It was a terrible setback. Doris then discovered that she could sing and began touring with the Les Brown Band, where she met Al Jorden, whom she later married. March 1941 - 1943. Al turned out to be a violent man and soon after the birth of her son Terry in 1942, who would later become a record producer, she initiated divorce proceedings. In 1946, after entertaining the troops for a couple of years, she met and married George Weidler, but this liaison lasted only eight months. While filming for Warners, she met Marty Melcher who became her agent and on her 27th birthday her husband. Doris was married four times, Barry Comden April 14th 1976 - 1981 - they divorced. Married Martin Melcher April 3rd, 1951 - till he died April 1968. George Weidler March 30th , 1946 - divorced May 31st , 1949. Doris seemed to find a new vocation. She sang with local bands. In 1946. Doris had an agent talk her into taking a screen test with possibilities of making motion pictures. The moguls of Warner Brother's liked what they saw and signed Doris to a contract. Her first feature film was as Georgia Garrett in 1948's Romance On The High Seas. In 1949, Doris made two films, My Dream Is Yours , and It’s a Great feeling. The contract between Doris and Warner's seemed a perfect match. All during the 1950's Doris turned in fine performances for Warner which in turn helped her to become a wonderful solo artist with hit after musical hit. Her film making pace was picking up with three films in 1950 and five in 1951. It was during the latter that Doris met Marty Melcher and he adopted her young son. In 1953, Doris starred in the title role in Calamity Jane. The film was a success and more followed. Lucky Me , The Man Who Knew Much , and Pillow Talk. What most people do not know but, Doris Day is slightly intertwined in the history with the crazed Charles Manson and the Manson Family. Doris' son, Terry Melcher, being a former record producer in the 60's, most notably producing 2 of The Byrds' albums, who were the hottest group in the USA at the time. Charles Manson had asked Terry to audition for him and listen to his songs. Terry listened but wasn't impressed. This infuriated Manson, who put him on the top of his hit list, and when he finally flipped his lid, he and his "family" went to Melcher's house on Cielo Dr. in L.A. to kill him. Unfortunately, Melcher had rented the house months ago to Roman Polanski and his wife, Sharon Tate. While Roman was away, Sharon had a party the night Charlie arrived, and thinking these were Melcher's friends, Manson's "family" butchered Sharon and her friends in retaliation. It was during the 60's that Doris began to slow down the pace somewhat. Her husband Marty had made deals for her to star in films she didn't really care about which led to a bout with exhaustion. Again, the films in which she appeared in were box-office success stories. With the death of husband Marty in 1968, Doris never appeared on the silver screen again, but she had been signed to do The Doris Day Show on television, in which she played Doris Martin. The show was, what else, a big TV hit. The run lasted from 1968 - 1973, whereupon Doris did only occasional appearances. Today at 80, she runs the Doris Day Animal League in Carmel, California which advocates homes and proper care of household pets. She operates a small hotel with her son in Carmel California. What else would you expect of America's older sweetheart? Some of her nominations and awards are 1948 AA Nomination for Romance On The High Seas Best Film Score and Title Song "It's Magic," 1949 AA Nomination for Title Song "It's A Great Feeling." 1951 Photoplay Gold Medal Award as Best Actress for Lullaby of Broadway. 1953 AA Award for Best Song "Secret Love" 1956 Columbia Gold Disc for over a million sales of "Que Sera, Sera" from The Man Who Man Who Knew Too Much 1958, A nomination to Fay & Michael Kanin song, Teacher's Pet. 1958 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Golden Award the World's Favorite Actress. 1959 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy in It Happened to Jane. 1959 Photoplay Gold Medal as Most Popular Actress of the Year. Post Script, Burt Richards book Stars In My Eyes, Then & Now is available on his web site www.burtrichards.com Make contact for a personal autographed and copy of this wonderful fun book, featuring more stars than in the heavens. Price $20 delivered. COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING NOVEMBER 2004 ;void(0)) INNER- VIEWS FEATURE STORY - MICHAEL BUFFER by BURT RICHARDS LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE WITH THE VOICE OF CHAMPIONS Who is this Michael Buffer, well he is world renowned for his tuxedo image, striking Grey hair and famous trademarked phrase "LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" (Here in after referred to as LGRTR®. He is considered one of the most recognized faces in the world of sports and entertainment due to his 20 plus years of announcing many of the biggest championship boxing events and many other internationally televised sports and entertainment events)? Mr. Buffer is inundated with requests to announce many different sports, entertainment, corporate and private events often utilizing LGRTR®. And giving yours truly the chance to interview him for this feature story. He is considered the "Voice of Champions" by millions of fans worldwide. His licensed LGRTR® bring lots on income , brand toys, video games and other licensed products surrounding the LGRTR® brand plus utilizing Mr. Buffer’s voice and persona have been developed and have grossed approximately $400,000,000 in retail sales internationally during the period of 1999 - 2004 and growing. His brother Bruce is a terrific talent and had this to say about Michael as his manager - "The future plans for Michael's and my own career are explosive! I've only touched on the possibilities. There is a lot more to come, I promise." Just some human interest personal questions. Birth Date Q. Where and when were you born? A. Philadelphia, November 2nd, 1944 Q. What hospital, and location? A. St. Agnes - South Philadelphia Q . What did your parents do and their names? A. My Father is retired and my Mother has passed away. Q . Any brothers or sisters and what do they do and names ? A. I have two brothers named Brian and Bruce. Brian is retired from the Police force after 22 years of service and lives in California. Bruce is my partner and manager now for the last 12-13 years and runs our entire business. Q. What schools did you attend? Elementary , Middle & H. S. College, Location? A. Roslyn Elementary school, Abbington Jr. & Sr. High Schools Q Best Subject? A. Art Q. Did you get good marks in school, Any honors ? A. Honors Art Student Q. Did you every hold any titles in School, Basketball , debating etc? A. No Q. Are your married? A. No I am not. Q Any children? A. Divorced with two children and one granddaughter. Q. What got you into announcing ? A. My love for boxing. Q. What got you into the fight game ? A. My love for boxing. Q. This is a FOUR PART question. What Jobs did you hold before you made it as star announcer, what keeps you going, what you do like about what you do, and do you enjoy travel today. A. Professional model. I enjoy what I do. The excitement about being in the middle of the action. I love to travel. Q. What are some of your memorable experiences on air or in public or stories you relate to? Would you like to do Broadway as an actor? A. So many it's hard to remember... but of course the time Fan Man crashed into the ring at Caeser's Palace during Holyfield/Bowe II and the riot at MSG during the Bowe/Golata fight. Of course in 1994 when Big George Foreman won the Heavy-weight title from Michael Moore. Q. Have you won any special awards? A. Inducted into the world Boxing Hall of Fame. Q. What do you see yourself doing at your retirement age ? A. Who wants to retire. Q. If you didn't get into the announcing or show business, what would you have done? A. I don't know. Q. What is your favorite pastime? A. Following various sports and finding a beach somewhere when my schedule permits. Q. What are some of your pet peeves? A. people that don't use their turn signals and the low life in this world that mistreat animals. Q. What is your pig out food? A. Crispy Creme donuts. Q. What is your favorite vacation spot? A. The Cayman Islands is beautiful. Q. Who is your favorite performer? Who do you pattern yourself after? A. My favorite performer is Luciano Pavorotti. I pattern myself after no one. Q. How would you like your friends from all walks of life and the people you have worked with to remember you? and who do you pal with? A. As the best ever at what I do. I have an eclectic group of friends from entertainment, sports and some good old fashion blue collar buddies. Q. What would you have liked to have changed in your life if you had to do it all over again. A. Hopefully in my lifetime I will see the electoral vote college eliminated so that every vote counts. Q. What person in history would you have liked most to meet , or already have? A. Muhammed Ali. He is a personal friend and I am honored to be his friend. Q. Right now at this stage of the game what is most important to you ? A. Having other ring announcers stop imitating me so I have some legacy to leave once I am gone. Q. What is the most important thing you've ever learned ? A. More than I can mention. Q. Would you like to be an interviewer in the fight game or have your own talk show inviting those you have introduced? A. Absolutely not. Q. Now Michael one more final Special QUESTION. I Would like to have a funny story or QUIP about your life or an experience in the ring, travel with a celebrity or what ever. A. I got a call from Cary Grant before he passed away. I thought it was an imitator and it wasn't but I imitated his voice while answering his questions regarding a bow tie he saw me wearing during a recent fight on TV. I then realized it was the real Cary Grant and we got along famously and spoke for another 20 minutes or so. Q. What does the future hold for Michael Buffer? A. I like everything the way it is going now and working with my brother Bruce as my manager, I'm sure it will be more of the same and much more for a long time to come. I love what I do and I enjoy all my free time. Q Did I cover it all Mr. Rumble? Or would you like to add anything for my readers on my web site www.burtrichards.com A. I think we did and I appreciate the interview and wish you all the best for the future. Thank you. COPYRIGHT INNER-VIEWS BANYON PUBLISHING SEPTEMBER 2005 ;void(0)) FEATURE DEBORAH ALLEN BY BURT RICHARDS She was born to Rosetta and Leon Thurmond, September 30th 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her real name is Deborah Lynn Thurmond. Her birth included the gift of music coursing through her veins, cutting a path in her life as relentlessly as the Mississippi carves through Memphis. Before her music encouraged her to pack a bag and set out on her hearts musical odyssey, Deborah told me a southern childhood rich in love, color, and drama was the beginning of her success. She is the youngest of the three daughters; their dark haired, hazel-eyed child, from the earliest age, seemed to draw from her family’s wellspring of talents. She told me that her destiny was preordained by a prayer said by her Mother who, while pregnant with Deborah, became concerned about a vocal problem of her own. She had always prayed for the health of her babies, but with Deborah, she instinctively added, and please let this baby have a strong voice! Her prayers were answered, and confirmed when at a mere three years old, Deborah, confided to her that she would like to be a singer and an actress. Filled with excitement, her Mother assured Deborah that anything is possible, there is nothing you cant do with a suitcase full of local talent contest and performance credits from Memphis, Deborah was 18 when she headed for Nashville. Always the romantic adventurer at heart, even the faded rented room in a boarding house on Nashville’s infamous Music Row seemed full of mystery and charm. She laughs at the recollection, her wide eyes dancing with the childlike nature that even today is one of Deborah’s most enduring charms. Everyone talks about paying your dues in Nashville. She would come home each night to her little rented room and think to herself, “man with all the dues I’m paying right now I should be a really big star someday!” “There I was with literally nothing, but I had the most important thing of all and that was my dream.” While working as a waitress she had a chance to encounter with a legend that started her wheels in train motion. Meeting Roy Orbison gave Deborah the opportunity to share her dream of a career in music with him. Obviously impressed by the spunk and personality she told me he later hired her to sing background vocals on his upcoming session. The $90.00 she was paid might as well have been a million. An incredible voice, beauty and her always handy confidence quickly landed her a job at Opryland as a regular cast member of the theme parks Showboat. Showcasing her talents regularly at the park led in quick succession to Deborah being invited to join Tennessee Ernie Ford as a part of a cast production he was taking on tour to The Soviet Union. It proved to be an invaluable experience. When safely back home in the states, the career momentum was now officially picking up speed. Veteran songwriting genius Shel Silverstein took Deborah under his wing, and considering the sea of pretty faces and new singers vying for their own star in the skies over 16th Avenue, he had one important piece of advice for her - write songs. His friendship, interest, and wisdom changed her life immediately and forever. Deborah said, “I was so naive, I thought if someone as great as Shel Silverstein thought I could be a songwriter well, I guess I’m a songwriter now!” While working on an Opryland TV special for Sandy Duncan, Deborah met singer/comedian Jim Stafford, who after seeing Deborah perform, asked her to be a part of his cast on his new summer replacement TV series on ABC. This opportunity meant a move to Los Angeles where she would spend the next two years working with Stafford on television, as well as performing on his concert dates as an opening act. Even with all the wonderful influences and experience she gained, the seductive lure and often too slick music scene in L.A. couldn't inspire Deborah’s soul. She recorded Don’t Let Me Cross Over, Oh How I Miss You Tonight, and Take Me In Your Arms And Hold Me, all reached the top 10, proving that Jim Reeves career on record had not yet ended, and Deborah Allen’s was just about to begin. Basking in the warm glow of recognition along the corridors of Music Row, word was out with music business insiders that there was a young artist with the potential of full-blown stardom. Deb was signed to Capitol Records, her first album release, Trouble In Paradise, received wide critical acclaim. Included in that session was a song called Baby I Lied, which Deborah had co-written. Impressed with both the singer and the song, RCA Records picked up Deborah’s session masters and immediately released the song. In addition to becoming a major country hit, Baby I Lied, from her first RCA album titled, Cheat The Night, achieved huge success in the pop charts as well. This recognition in both fields got her two Grammy nominations as a singer and songwriter. Her next release for RCA, Let Me Be The First, lived up to its title! Coming on the heels of Deborah’s CMA new artist nomination for the Horizon Award, and two more major follow up singles, (I’ve Been Wrong Before, and I Hurt For You). The “Let Me Be The First” project was the very first totally digital album recorded and released in Nashville history! During this period, another career highlight for Deborah was a duet with the King Of Country Music, George Jones, on his Ladies Choice Album for CBS. A double treat, because not only did she get to sing with George, but also because the song, Our Love Was Ahead Of Its Time was a song she had co-written especially for the two of them. While establishing herself as a major recording artist, Deborah’s incredible string of successes as a songwriter were fast establishing her as one of the hottest young writers in town. By this time, major cuts had come from artists as diverse as Diana Ross, Loretta Lynn, Sheena Easton, Lee Greenwood, Mac Davis, Janie Frickie, Jon Conlee, Barbara Mandrell, Marie Osmond, Lorrie Morgan, Mickey Gilley, Kenny Rankin, Isaac Hayes, Millie Jackson, and Conway Twitty to mention several. Her first recording project for Giant Records, Delta Dreamland, in 1993, included the hit singles, Rock Me, and If Your Not Gonna Love Me, making a welcomed re-emergence of Deborah Allen on the charts. Her next CD, All That I Am, on Giant Records further displayed the passionate intensity of her singing and the lyrical beauty of her songwriting. The 90’s brought even more great successes as a writer. In 96, the newly discovered teenage sensation, LeAnn Rimes Blue album carried two Deborah Allen songs to multi-platinum status with both Hurt Me, and My Baby included. Three more of Deborah’s songs, All The Loving And The Hurting Too, Undeniable, and Rock Me appeared on LeAnns follow up CD Sittin On Top Of The World. Patty Loveless ("Hurt Me Bad In A Real Good Way"), Mindy McCready ("All That I Am"), Tanya Tucker ("It Hurts Like Love"), and Fleetwood Mac ("Talkin’ To My Heart" and "I've Got It In For You") added their artistry to Deborah’s songs as well. In the year 2000 the release of her CD on Curb Records "The Best Of Deborah Allen" was yet another creatively fulfilling chapter of Deborah’s boundless career. During this time her song We Can Get There performed by pop diva Mary Griffin on the hit soundtrack for the movie "Coyote Ugly" moved Deborah in to multi-platinum status as a songwriter once again. A world-class singer, songwriter, and producer Deborah’s creative skills are second to none. As the consummate performer, her genuine warmth and natural love of performing shines through her high energy, and in her more intimate moments as she wrings emotion into every note she sings. Now in the new millennium, with her talents culminating into international performances with world-renowned symphonies, Deborah remains as current as tomorrow morning’s news. Deborah has never stopped growing, never lost that first love feeling for the music that wells up naturally inside her, and allowed me to visit with her and do this feature story. The result is quite simply the musical genius of a little girl from Memphis who had a dream and her dream came true. It has also made my dream come true, as a Celebrity Reviewer, as well with this feature. Thanks Debbie. COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING 2005 ;void(0)) FEATURED: CLINT EASTWOOD By Burt Richards HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLINT and ME (BURT RICHARDS) TOO! What more can be said about this macho movie star, and a living legend by the name of Clinton Eastwood Jr. We all know him as Clint. Yes he is 6' 4". I suppose the only reason I am writing this feature is because my friend and I celebrate our May birthday together and I am 2 days older then him at 75 years old. Mine being May 29th 1930 and Clinton Jr. was born May 31st 1930 in San Francisco. Over three thousand miles apart but we made it all this time. He was the son of a steel worker. He was a college dropout from Los Angeles College, attempting a business related degree. We will not go into schooling but right into his creative work as he found in B-rated films. Eastwood may have been too young to fight in World War II, but he managed to miss out on action in Korea too. On leave as a G.I., his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and Clint swam three miles to shore. He later was made boot camp swimming instructor and missed out on action in Korea as he was confined to base. Encouraged to try acting by two of his Army buddies, David Janssen and Martin Milner, he landed a contract at Universal Studios in 1954, earning $75 a week playing bit parts. He got his first breakthrough with the long-running TV series Rawhide, as Rowdy Yates. He made the show his own and became a household name around the country; since then he has made some 68 films with some 26 personal appearances on Television programs. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was a big hit for him and he became an instant international star. Eastwood got some excellent roles thereafter. Another was in the TV series McCloud and the unusual but successful film Paint Your Wagon where he sang his first song I Talked To The Trees. In 1970 Eastwood went in an experimental direction again with the offbeat Kelly’s Hero’s, which was yet again a success. In 1971 it proved to be his best year in films, or at least one of his best. He starred in the thriller Play Misty For Me. But it was his role as the hard edge police inspector in Dirty (Make My Day) Harry that gave Eastwood one of his signature roles and invented the cop genre that has been imitated even to this day. Eastwood still found more work in Spaghetti westerns. The Outlaw Josey Wales considered to perhaps be one of the quintessential westerns. Clint married Maggie Johnson December 19th 1953 – 1978, it ended in a divorce with two children; he’s still married to wife Dina (March 31st 1996). Clint has seven children, has been married twice, and had a long time relationship with frequent co-star Sondra Locke. He is aging now, but Clint Eastwood has surprised us before, and who knows, he may surprise again. Like most superstars, Clint Eastwood's success can be attributed to equal parts good fortune, tenacity, and talent. He is at this stage now and considered one of the finest film Directors ever to sit in the director’s chair. Many awards and more films to his credit, he took the Oscars by storm with his sensation film MILLION DOLLAR BABY. And now is working on another about the WAR YEARS. At the end of the movies he directs, during the credits the camera will move around the location it was filmed in, then he freeze frames for the rest of the credits. Frequently uses shadow lighting in his films. The lead characters in his movies are often outsiders with a dark past they prefer not to remember. He is a partial owner of the Pebbles Beach Golf Country Club in Monterey Peninsula, California. Owns the Inn Mission Ranch, Carmel, California. Received an honorary Cesar award in Paris, France in 1998 for his body of work. Ranked #2 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list, October 1997. His Daughter, Morgan, with Dina Ruiz, was born December 12th 1996. He wore the same poncho, without ever having washed it, in all three of his "Man with No Name" Westerns. ________________________________________________________________________ BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING MAY 2005 ;void(0)) FEATURED: DINA MERRILL RICH , FAMOUS AND BEATIFUL THAT'S DINA BY BURT RICHARDS Her real name was Nedenia Hutton. She was born on December 9th 1925 in New York, the socialite daughter of America's stockbroker, Edward F. Hutton, her mother Marjorie Meriwether Post, also high society. Her grandfather on her mother's side was Charles William Post, founder of Post cereals. Her first cousin, Barbara Woolworth Hutton, a high society member, and wife of Cary Grant. As a mature women she has attained her stature in triple Glamour, Beauty and Generosity and you can’t beat that. Her scope has been on Broadway, on television, films, musicals, drama and comedy. Not bad for a blonde who was brought up to take a place in the Fashion Hall of Fame. She soon established herself as an up and coming professional actress. She took leave for a few years taking time off to marry and have children and to spend time with them. She has starred in twenty two motion pictures, and on television, has guest starred in many major shows, including Murder She Wrote, Repeat Performance and The Brass Ring. In between, she accomplished two of her major goals, starring on Broadway in the drama, Angel Street, along with two time Tony Award nominee singer / actress Christine Andreas, On Your Toes, My Sister Eileen. She devotes a great deal of her time working for the disadvantaged, principally for the New York City Mission Society. When one of her children was diagnosed with diabetes, Dina become one of the founders of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, which is dedicated to diabetic research. She was a presidential appointee to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She divides her home between New York and Los Angeles, her film production base for RKO Pictures. She is still married to Ted Hartley, since 1989 and he is Chairman of RKO Pictures. To quote Dina Merrill, "My work with RKO Pictures is an exciting extension of my career and keeps me in close contact with the creative community, but my husband runs the show." She has been honored and is extremely proud of her Living Legacy Award for her contributions as an actress, vision, humanitarianism, and a good friend to children. Earlier she was married to Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr. from 1946 - 1966 and divorced with 3 children. Was also married to actor Cliff Robertson back in those Hollywood days from 1966 - 1986, they were divorced. Current hubby Hartley, was a regular on the "Peyton Place" 1964 television series. In 1989, they bought RKO Pictures, which they run today. The studio's hit was Mighty Joe Young 1998. She received the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award in 1994. Her mother's first husband, Edward Bennett Close, later became the grandfather of actress Glenn Close. Spent her winters growing up at Mar-A-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida's largest and most elaborate estate. Some personal questions asked the star. Q. Where were you born, what hospital? A. Not in a hospital was in my home in New York Q. What schools did you attend A. Hewet in NY kindergarten I think. Greenvale on Long Island, American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Q. Did you get good marks in school, any honors ? A. Yes Honors too. Q. Who got you started in the stage and film industry? A. Me. Q. When did you think you would be able to make it as an actress? A. When I was 16 then went into a stock company. Q. What keeps you going, with what you did like about running the RKO studios office. A. Not me. my husband does Q. Did you ever think that someday you would be giving out with your story. Q. What were some of your most difficult features or stars to work with, and good ones. A. My most difficult director was John Frankenheimer, he a was awful, I think he had his own problems, and took it out on everyone else. Q. Did you ever win any awards, How does that change ones life winning ? A. No never had. I guess they make more money their fees go up Q. Do you have children? How many and their names . A . Yes I have three, Stanley, Nino and Heather. Q. How long have you been married to your recent husband? A. 15 years Q. Do you have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame? A. NO, you wind up spending about 20 thousand dollars to do that, I did not think it was worth it. Q. What do you see yourself doing at your retirement age ? A. Who is going to retire. Q. If you didn't get into show business, what would you have done? A. As a kid thought I would be a gymnasts , then I thought to be a doctor because I am very interested in medicine and still am. Q. What are some of your pet peeves ? A. Aragent people Q. What are you pet likes ? A. Ha thats funny, I like very friendly outgoing people who are interested in others. Q. What is your pig out food? A. Love Chinese. Q. How would you like your colleagues and stars you wrote about and you have worked with remember you. A. Well! I hope they would feel I am a good actress and give them what they need to better themselves. Q. What would you have like to change in your life if you had to do it all over again. A. I would not change anything. Q. Would appreciate a funny story related to one of your interviews or stars who zinged you. A. I was doing what we call the subway circuit , and doing show. My Sister Eileen on stage I got stuck in the John, the part called for me going into the bath room to change while having a conversation with the actor on stage. By accident I flipped the locked on the door locked myself in and so I came out through the scenery. Q. I understand your off to do something and show somewhere. A. No actually we are off going up to Colorado for Christmas, my husband still ski’s, I don’t , I gave it up. We are pleased to be able to get this interview with you and wish you all the luck in the world. Thank you. COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING MAY 2005 ;void(0)) MIKE DOUGLAS FEATURE: JULY 2005 BY BURT RICHARDS Mike Douglas got his start as TV host in Cleveland. Television talk show hosts of the 20TH century owe much to this man who made news in Cleveland four decades ago. From 1961 to 1965, Mike Douglas hosted a talk show out of then-KYW-TV Channel 3. The show went into national syndication in 1963. Before Douglas hit it big on television, he was a singer. In the 1940s, Douglas sang with band leader Kay Kyser. And in 1966, his song The Men in My Little Girl's Life was a hit single. The giant of the television talk shows back in 1961 was the one and only Mike Douglas who was born Michael Dowd Jr. in Chicago, Ill. on August 22nd 1925. Some 25 years later he was the dubbed voice of Prince Charming in CINDERELLA in the 50’s and at the age of 19 he married his sweetheart Genevieve Purnell 1944 , and they are still married today. They have 3 daughters, including twins. But I am getting a head of myself with am mention of his hit recording with "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" in February 1966, reaching #6 on the U.S. charts. Now for over two decades. Mike Douglas's name was synonymous with television entertainment in America and the world. The Mike Douglas Show, which aired each weekday, became the prototype for all future talk shows that sought to combine spontaneous conversation - on virtually any subject - with the best in entertainment. In those twenty years and more than four thousand shows, virtually all the greatest performers - actors, singers, comics - and many outstanding sports figures as well as prominent statesmen, Presidents included, appeared with Mike, performing and chatting informally in front of the show's many millions of viewers. He wrote a best seller called I'LL BE RIGHT BACK, those are the memories of TV’s greatest talk show by Mike Douglas with Thomas Kelly and Michael Heaton. There is an ongoing want for Clips from THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW and it can now be licensed from King World Productions. Since the majority of programs from 1964 through 1980 are available. As a special treat, he had John Lennon and Yoko Ono make a bit of bizarre television history when they served as co-host of The Mike Douglas Show for a week in 1972. Lennon and Ono were then the world’s most popular, outspoken counterculture couple, while host Douglas was the king of daytime TV and personified Middle America and the establishment. Some personal human interest question were pleasantly offered to this writer. Q. Date of birth and year? A. August 22nd 1925. Q. What hospital, and location? A. Not sure so long ago. Q. Have you won any special awards? A. Yes , many. Q. Any brothers sisters in your family? A. Yes. Q. You have been married since 1944, to whom and what does the wife do? A. Well she became my bride when I was 19 and she was 16. Oh and she plays golf with me. Q. What do you see yourself doing at your retirement age? A. Always busy not retiring, perhaps show business, but everything else is a go. Q. Mike, What is your favorite pastime? A. Playing Golf. Q. What is your pig out food? A. Oh my goodness Meat Loaf. Burt: Well, you have to try Toms not to far from where you live in Palm Beach. Q. What is your favorite vacation spot? A. Wherever I travel too. Q. Favorite Music or performer? A. Richard Pryer, I asked him to co - host my show with me and you know what, he said yes, but did he not really know what to do. Q. How would you like your friends from all walks of life and the people you have worked with remember you? A. As a nice guy. Q. What person in history would you like most to meet , or already have? A. Jesus. Q. With all the guests you've had on your show, who didn't you get? A. There were two that I thought would come on, being one did the Ed Sullivan show but did not do mine. Elvis Presley and the other Frank Sinatra. Q. Mike one more final Special QUESTION. I would like to have a funny story or QUIP about your life or an experience in the business with a celebrity or what ever? A. Well as I told you I was trying to get Frank Sinatra on my show, he would not appear. Then one day I was appearing at an event as was Sinatra. He was about to go on and he wanted to start off with a joke so he asked me, Mike do you have a joke for me? I gave him one and after his appearance and he was a success he thanked me and said Mike I owe you one. Then for sure I had my chance to get Sinatra and guess what, he never appeared. I never collected. Could never figure that one out, even till today. Q. Did I cover it all or would you like to add anything for my readers A. Burt, You did just fine. ________________________________________________ COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING 2005 ;void(0)) FRANCES LANGFORD LAST OF THE BALLADERS FRANCES LANGFORD - OUR HEROINE AND THE WAR YEARS After being invited to her home aboard her 110 Ft. Yacht, she calls a boat, I was treated royally and was received with the greatest loving from any star I have ever met or interviewed. Born Frances Newbern Langford on April 4th, 1914 in Lakeland, Florida. At 89 she is alive and well and enjoying her life. She stands 5 feet tall, and has a big heart. Frances not only did over 30 motion pictures playing herself as well as other characters she will always be remembered as the THRUSH GIRL who helped raise money, gave her time, talents and almost her life entertaining the United States Armed forces during the World War II years of 1942, along with the Bob Hope Troupe. She also won fame on radio, primarily with recordings. In spite of the fact, that she acted mostly in minor roles, she introduced many major songs that are still played today in the great musicals like "You are My Lucky Star" "Rhythm' in Melody of 1936" "Hooray for Hollywood." Married now to 'Harold Stuart' for the past 7 years, he was a General in the Army under the Truman administration. She was also married to Ralph Evinrude in August 1955 until his death, in May 1986. She was also married and divorced from screen idol Jon Hall of the South Sea's films. She used to own a big motel on the Florida coast, that included a nightclub, called the Frances Langford Outrigger Resort in Jenson Beach where she was seen all the time and singing. She gave her last public concert in 1966 during a tour for the U.S. Forces in Vietnam. Nobody's ever accused Langford of being a great actress, but few could resist her crooning "I'm in the Mood for Love" (in her debut film, 1935's). As a slender, dark - haired vocalist - already popular on radio - she seemed ill at ease before the cameras in her appearances, but subsequently sang "Broadway Rhythm" and "You Are My Lucky Star "with great assurance. After a few years, Langford filled out, dyed her hair blond, and relaxed considerably before the camera, becoming a capable, pleasing performer. She played leads and supporting parts in a number of fluffy Hollywood musical comedies over the next decade or so, including, (both 1936 & 1937), All-American Co-Ed (1941), (1942, belting out "Over There" with James Cagney) (all 1943), (1944), (1945), and (1947). She even appeared in a Western, (1949), co-starring with then husband, Jon Hall. (She was also a featured performer on the Hope radio show.) Langford played herself in her last film to date, (1954). She was most proud of her association with Don Ameche playing the Bickersons on radio, called The Frances Langford - Don Ameche Show, During her tour with Hope she had written a column for the Hurst papers about the War heroes, who were presented with The Purple Heart for bravery and who were wounded in action. There is not one serviceman alive today who does not know the name. FRANCES LANGFORD and I am proud to know her too. Some questions proposed to her, I was on her Yacht. in Jenson Beach Fl. Q. What hospital were you born in? A. I wasn't born in a hospital; I was born in a house. Q. Where? A. My dad Kid Langford used to worked in a Phosphate mine and we lived in a little house, everyone had a house that worked there and I was born in that house. My mother Ann was a concert pianist, and I as far as I know, I have been singing at a young age ever since I can remember. My father Kid Langford became a contractor and that sort of thing. Q. What schools did you attend? A. I went to school in Lakeland Florida. don't remember the name Q. Did you go to college? A. Yes, Southern College Q. Did you get good marks? A. No, she laughed. Q. Did you get honors? A. No. Q. What drove you to the Theatrical field or did you have a choice? A. No. I had no choice this is what I wanted to do. Q. You were discovered by Rudy Vallee when you were 17? A. The story is, I was 16, and he was in Miami. I was singing on a radio station in Tampa for Eli Whitt a cigar manufacturer, and Mr. Whitt was a friend of Rudy Vallee and Vallee was coming to Miami and he wanted me to sing for him and Vallee told me he that he was going to New Orleans to play for the parade and wanted me to sing there. My mother took me there and we did the performance, and then he told me he was going to be on the NBC radio show and wanted me there too. Eddie Cantor was his guest star and Vallee wanted me to sing on the program. I met Eddie Cantor and he liked me and took me to New York to sing and that's it. Q. I know you are retried. What keeps you active? A. Oh I fish a lot, deep-sea tournaments, anyway I do pretty well in them and the biggest fish that I caught was 750 pounds a Blue Fin Tuna, off of Cat Kay Island in the Bahamas, I caught Marlins and they are big too and others. Q. Did you ever go into Universal and catch JAWS. Just a joke Frances. She laughed… Q. What are some of your memorable moments? A. Not so much the shows that I did, but what I really enjoyed doing the most was my radio show with Don Ameche, called THE BICKERSONS, I would rather do that any day He was a wonderful snorer, and I was the miserable radio wife. Q. Are the tapes for sale? A. Yes in bookstores and music stores. Q. How's about Bob Hope? A. I sang his radio show with whatever songs they had to give me with Les Brown and we had Skinny Ennis, Jerry Colonna and Tony Romano a great guitar player. Q. Do you have children? A. No, I have a lot of family, When I was married to Ralph Evinrude, he had a daughter and a son, and they got married they have children and then the children had children have 8 grandchildren 9 great grandchildren. Q. How do you see yourself as a grandmother? A. I love it. They all know I and am their grandmother, they live around here. I see them. Q. What are you pet likes? A. I Love to work in my garden, I love to cook. And try various recipes. Q. How would you like your acting friends and the people you have worked with remember you? A. Oh! I don't know your asking questions like Barbara. I would like to Know that people liked me. Q. Do you do any charity work? A. You name it and I have done it. We give parties on my boat, and raised a lot of money, you see you buy a ticket to the party, then they dine on my boat, buy another big price ticket and we raise a lot on money. We seat about 35 people. I have my small band aboard. Q. When did you write the Army diaries? A. Well, I did that for the Hurst papers and when I went to the South Pacific, I did it for the army personnel. Q. Would you ever think of writing a book? A. Well I thought I would a small book, from a women's point of view, it would be funny and will call it a FOX HOLE POWDER ROOM. They wrote about those sort of articles in the Star and Stripes, but I have better ones. Q. How do you keep so physically fit? A. I watch myself, I am on vacation all the time. I have had a wonderful life, even though I was strafed, bombed, shot at and all that, that's exciting I want you to know. Well dear Frances we are pleased to be able to get this interview with You and wish you all the luck in the world. Thank you, My dear friend Frances passed away on Monday July 11th, 2005. We will always be in the Mood For Love. _______________________________________ Copyright Burt Richards Banyon Publishing 2005 ;void(0)) comedians/actors to emerge ont the Hollywood scene in a long time. Feature: Jim Carrey By: Burt Richards Well, after contacts with agents, managers, office secretary, etc., no one ever got back to me for my personal interview with the this HUGE money machine and so I will allow him a shot at immortality in my Feature on him that I have accumulated. (He did send me a photo) Well here we go. He was born James Eugene Carrey on January 17, 1962, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He does not look it but stands 6ft 2 inches tall. The youngest of four children born to Percy (an accountant and aspiring jazz saxophonist) and Kathleen, Jim Carrey was an incurable extrovert from day one. As a child he performed constantly, for anyone who would watch, and even mailed his resume to "The Carol Burnett Show" (1967) at age 10. In junior high he was granted a few precious minutes at the end of each school day to do stand-up routines for his classmates (provided, of course, that he kept a lid on it the rest of the day). Carrey's early adolescence took a turn for the tragic, however, when the family was forced to relocate from their cozy Toronto suburb to the industrial town of Scarborough. They all took security and janitorial jobs in the Titan Wheels factory, Jim working 8-hour shifts after school let out (not surprisingly, his grades and morale both suffered). When they finally deserted the factory, the family lived out of a Volkswagen camper van until they could return to Toronto. Back on firmer ground, Carrey decided to strike out into the comedy club scene. He made his (reportedly awful) professional stand-up debut at Yuk-Yuk's, one of the many local clubs that would serve as his training ground in the years to come. He dropped out of high school, worked on his celebrity impersonations (among them Michael Landon and James Stewart), and in 1979 worked up the nerve to move to Los Angeles. He was sometimes credited as James Carrey, Tony Clifton and Jim Carrey. He finessed his way into a regular gig at The Comedy Store, where he impressed Rodney Dangerfield so much that the veteran comic signed him as an opening act for an entire season. During this period Carrey met and married waitress Melissa Womer, with whom he had a daughter (Jane). The couple would later go through a very messy divorce, freeing Carrey up for a brief second marriage to actress Lauren Holly. Carrey began to look around for other performance outlets. He landed a part as a novice cartoonist in the short lived sitcom "The Duck Factory," while the show fell flat, the experience gave Carrey the confidence to pursue acting more vigorously. He scored the male lead in the not well received Lauren Hutton vehicle “Once Bitten” and a supporting role in “Peggy Sue Got Married,” before making a modest splash with his appearance as the alien Wiploc in Earth Girls. Carrey's transformation from TV goofball to marquis headliner happened within the course of a single year. He opened 1994 with a starring turn in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” a film that cashed in on his extremely physical brand of humor (the character's trademark was talking out his derriere). Next up was the manic super hero movie Mask, the film that had audiences wondering just how far Carrey's features could stretch. Finally, in December, he hit theaters as a loveable dolt in the Farrelly brothers' “Dumb & Dumber” (his first multimillion dollar payday). Now a box office staple, Carrey brought his manic antics onto the set of “Batman Forever,” replacing Robin Williams as The Riddler. He also filmed the follow-up to his breakthrough, “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls,” and inked a deal with Sony to star in “Cable Guy,” Replacing Chris Farley for a cool $20 million--at the time, that was the biggest up front sum that had been offered to any comic actor. The movie turned out to be a disappointment, both critically and financially, but Carrey bounced back the next year with the energetic hit “Liar Liar.” He married Lauren Holly on September 23 1996 and on July 29 1997 they were divorced. Worried that his comic shtick would soon wear thin, Carrey decided to change course. In 1998, he traded in the megabucks and silly grins to star in Peter Weir's “Truman Show,” playing a naive salesman who discovers that his entire life is the subject of a TV show. Carrey demonstrated an uncharacteristic sincerity that took movie-goers by surprise. He won a Golden Globe for the performance, and fans anticipated an Oscar nomination as well--when it didn't materialize, Carrey lashed out at Academy members for their narrow minded selection process. Perhaps inspired by the snub, Carrey threw himself into his next role with abandon. After edging out a handful of other hopefuls (including Edward Norton) to play eccentric funnyman Andy Kaufman in “Man on the Moon” (1999), Carrey disappeared into the role, living as Kaufman--and his blustery alter ego Tony Clifton for months (Carrey even owned Kaufman's bongo drums, which he'd used during his audition for director Milos Forman). His sometimes uncanny impersonation was rewarded with another Golden Globe, but once again the Academy kept quiet. An indignant Carrey next reprised his bankable mania for the Farrelly brothers in “Me, Myself & Irene” (2000), playing a state trooper whose Jekyll and Hyde personalities both fall in love with the same woman (Renée Zellweger). Carey's real-life persona wound up falling for her too--a few months after the film wrapped, the pair announced they were officially a couple. By then, Carrey had already slipped into a furry green suit to play the stingy antihero of Ron Howard's “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He planned to take a break from the limelight after the holiday flick (as he put it, "I'm looking forward to getting out of America's face"). Is there another Carrey reinvention in the works? If so, he's not talking. So at another time we will catch up with him. _______________________________________________________ COPYRIGHT BURT RICHARDS BANYON PUBLISHING 2005 ;void(0)) LEE MERIWETHER BY BURT RICHARDS AMERICA'S SWEETHEART - She's 5 foot 7 inches tall, a Blue/Green eyed beauty, with auburn hair. She was born as a Gemini on May 27th?? in Los Angeles, but moved with her family to Phoenix, Arizona, and went to Emerson school. Before entering the fifth grade her dad was transferred to San Francisco. As she got older she was encouraged to attend acting classes at her George Washington High School, and pursue acting, pulling all A's and 1 F. Another young talent at the school, namely Johnny Mathis remembers Lee as the girl with the curlers in her hair. She went on to win her titles, Miss San Francisco and Miss California while she was attending City College of San Fr |