General Hospital (Gh) fans mourn the loss of another star. Actress Janis Paige passed away in her L.A. home at the age of 101. Gh’s Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) posted on X/Twitter about it, stating, “Rip to Janis Paige. Had the pleasure of working with her on a couple of soaps. She always had a story or two and I relished them!” He added a lovely photo of Paige in her younger years, to the tweet.
General Hospital Alum Janis Paige’s Acting Legacy
A veteran actress, who had an amazing career in Hollywood, Paige began in the 1940s with minor movie roles, and hit Broadway in 1954, starring in The Pajama Game. She did other Broadway shows after that, including Alone Together, Mame, and Here’s Love.
Her impact on primetime television was tremendous with a hit sitcom on CBS, called It’s Always Jan. which had a nice run with two seasons.
General Hospital Alum Janis Paige’s Acting Legacy
A veteran actress, who had an amazing career in Hollywood, Paige began in the 1940s with minor movie roles, and hit Broadway in 1954, starring in The Pajama Game. She did other Broadway shows after that, including Alone Together, Mame, and Here’s Love.
Her impact on primetime television was tremendous with a hit sitcom on CBS, called It’s Always Jan. which had a nice run with two seasons.
- 6/6/2024
- by Dorathy Gass
- Celebrating The Soaps
Hollywood actor and singer who created the role of ‘Babe’ Williams in the Broadway musical The Pajama Game
Janis Paige, who has died aged 101, shone in films and numerous television shows, but her greatest triumph came in the Richard Adler/Jerry Ross Tony award-winning Broadway musical The Pajama Game in 1954.
Paige created the role of “Babe” Williams, the spirited leader of the union grievance committee at the Sleep Tite pajama factory, vigorously belting out the numbers I’m Not at All in Love, Small Talk and There Once Was a Man. This resulted in further stage leads for Paige as strong-willed women, to which her singing voice and vibrant personality were perfectly suited. She replaced Angela Lansbury on Broadway in Mame in 1968, and toured in shows including Gypsy, Applause, Annie Get Your Gun and Guys and Dolls.
Janis Paige, who has died aged 101, shone in films and numerous television shows, but her greatest triumph came in the Richard Adler/Jerry Ross Tony award-winning Broadway musical The Pajama Game in 1954.
Paige created the role of “Babe” Williams, the spirited leader of the union grievance committee at the Sleep Tite pajama factory, vigorously belting out the numbers I’m Not at All in Love, Small Talk and There Once Was a Man. This resulted in further stage leads for Paige as strong-willed women, to which her singing voice and vibrant personality were perfectly suited. She replaced Angela Lansbury on Broadway in Mame in 1968, and toured in shows including Gypsy, Applause, Annie Get Your Gun and Guys and Dolls.
- 6/5/2024
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Janis Paige, who racked up more than 100 film, TV and stage credits over six decades including The Pajama Game, Silk Stockings and Santa Barbara, died June 2 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 101.
Her friend Stuart Lambert told The Associated Press about Paige’s death.
During her long career, Paige toured with Bob Hope and danced onscreen with Fred Astaire, along with originating the Babe Williams role in The Pajama Game on Broadway in 1954. That same year she headlined It’s Always Jan, a CBS sitcom about the problems of single-parenthood during which she usually sang a song. It lasted a single season.
Born Donna Mae Tjaden on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, Wa, she began singing in talent shows at a tender age and moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school.
Paige made her Broadway debut in 1951 opposite Jackie Cooper in the mystery comedy Remains to Be Seen but...
Her friend Stuart Lambert told The Associated Press about Paige’s death.
During her long career, Paige toured with Bob Hope and danced onscreen with Fred Astaire, along with originating the Babe Williams role in The Pajama Game on Broadway in 1954. That same year she headlined It’s Always Jan, a CBS sitcom about the problems of single-parenthood during which she usually sang a song. It lasted a single season.
Born Donna Mae Tjaden on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, Wa, she began singing in talent shows at a tender age and moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school.
Paige made her Broadway debut in 1951 opposite Jackie Cooper in the mystery comedy Remains to Be Seen but...
- 6/3/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Janis Paige, the ebullient redhead who starred in the original Broadway production of The Pajama Game and in such Hollywood musicals as Silk Stockings and Romance on the High Seas, has died. She was 101.
Paige, who was discovered in the 1940s while performing at the legendary Hollywood Canteen, died Sunday of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Stuart Lampert announced.
Paige starred on her own network sitcom, playing a widowed nightclub singer struggling to raise her 10-year-old daughter, on the 1955-56 CBS series It’s Always Jan, and she had recurring roles as Dick van Patten’s free-spirited sister on ABC’s Eight Is Enough and as a hospital administrator on CBS’ Trapper John, M.D.
The actress also turned in two memorable guest-starring stints in 1976, playing an attractive diner waitress named Denise who tempts Archie (Carroll O’Connor) to cheat on Edith (Jean Stapleton) on All in the Family...
Paige, who was discovered in the 1940s while performing at the legendary Hollywood Canteen, died Sunday of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Stuart Lampert announced.
Paige starred on her own network sitcom, playing a widowed nightclub singer struggling to raise her 10-year-old daughter, on the 1955-56 CBS series It’s Always Jan, and she had recurring roles as Dick van Patten’s free-spirited sister on ABC’s Eight Is Enough and as a hospital administrator on CBS’ Trapper John, M.D.
The actress also turned in two memorable guest-starring stints in 1976, playing an attractive diner waitress named Denise who tempts Archie (Carroll O’Connor) to cheat on Edith (Jean Stapleton) on All in the Family...
- 6/3/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Louis Armstrong’s 1968 BBC session in London — which the legendary trumpeter and singer felt was his “last great” performance — will finally be released this summer.
Louis in London, out July 12 via Verve Records and available to preorder now, captures Armstrong and his All-Stars band on July 2, 1968, where the group played over a dozen Armstrong favorites at the BBC for a concert special that aired later that year.
Ahead of the LP’s release, listen to the evening’s unearthed rendition of his Song of the Year Grammy-winning “Hello, Dolly!...
Louis in London, out July 12 via Verve Records and available to preorder now, captures Armstrong and his All-Stars band on July 2, 1968, where the group played over a dozen Armstrong favorites at the BBC for a concert special that aired later that year.
Ahead of the LP’s release, listen to the evening’s unearthed rendition of his Song of the Year Grammy-winning “Hello, Dolly!...
- 5/22/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The actors from the current revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s “Merrily We Roll Along” have skyrocketed in Gold Derby’s combined odds for the 2024 Tony Awards nominations. The prediction center displays commanding leads for Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe to win their respective categories. This is an understandable result considering this revival is the hottest ticket in town and this trio of performers has been ever-present in the media. But how often does a trio of actors from the same production pull off three separate acting victories at the Tony Awards?
It’s quite common for a musical to grab two acting trophies, but three awards is much rarer. To date, only 15 musical productions have earned three acting wins. The first time this feat occurred was at the 1956 ceremony, which was ironically the first time the Tony Awards ever announced a slate of nominees (previously...
It’s quite common for a musical to grab two acting trophies, but three awards is much rarer. To date, only 15 musical productions have earned three acting wins. The first time this feat occurred was at the 1956 ceremony, which was ironically the first time the Tony Awards ever announced a slate of nominees (previously...
- 3/14/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Bea Arthur A Force Before The Golden Era Before the glint of ‘The Golden Girls’, Bea Arthur was already a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Born Beatrice Frankel in New York, her theatrical journey began in college, transitioning from Broadway to the small screen with a Tony Award for ‘Mame’ and an Emmy-winning role as Maude Findlay in ‘Maude’. Her deep voice and sharp wit became her signature, setting the stage for her iconic role as Dorothy Zbornak. Bea Arthur’s career before ‘The Golden Girls’ was marked by significant achievements, including multiple Emmy nominations and a...
- 12/6/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Jodie Comer has become the 100th performer to win a Tony Award for their Broadway debut for her performance in the play, “Prima Facie.”
She won Best Actress in a Play for portraying Tess, a lawyer who concentrates in providing legal defense for men who are accused of sexual assault but soon has the unthinkable happen to her. She is the 11th person to win the category for her first outing on a Broadway stage. She joins:
SEE2023 Tony Awards: Every winner (and nominee) in all 26 competitive categories
Martita Hunt, “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1949)
Beryl Reid, “The Killing of Sister George” (1967)
Phyllis Frelich, “Children of a Lesser God” (1980)
Jane Lapotaire, “Piaf” (1981)
Joan Allen, “Burn This” (1988)
Pauline Collins, “Shirley Valentine” (1989)
Janet McTeer, “A Doll’s House” (1997)
Marie Mullen, “The Beauty Queen of Leeane” (1998)
Jennifer Ehle, “The Real Thing” (2000)
Deanna Dunagan, “August: Osage County” (2008)
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other...
She won Best Actress in a Play for portraying Tess, a lawyer who concentrates in providing legal defense for men who are accused of sexual assault but soon has the unthinkable happen to her. She is the 11th person to win the category for her first outing on a Broadway stage. She joins:
SEE2023 Tony Awards: Every winner (and nominee) in all 26 competitive categories
Martita Hunt, “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1949)
Beryl Reid, “The Killing of Sister George” (1967)
Phyllis Frelich, “Children of a Lesser God” (1980)
Jane Lapotaire, “Piaf” (1981)
Joan Allen, “Burn This” (1988)
Pauline Collins, “Shirley Valentine” (1989)
Janet McTeer, “A Doll’s House” (1997)
Marie Mullen, “The Beauty Queen of Leeane” (1998)
Jennifer Ehle, “The Real Thing” (2000)
Deanna Dunagan, “August: Osage County” (2008)
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other...
- 6/12/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
You’d think CBS would have jumped at the chance to snag Carol Burnett’s “90 Years of Laughter + Love” birthday special. Not only did the comedy legend’s variety show run on the network for 11 seasons, but so did its 50th anniversary special in 2017.
“We first went to CBS, but they passed,” Burnett told me at an FYC event for the birthday special. “I did my show with them and all my specials, so naturally we went to them.”
Fortunately, NBC bought the special, and it went on to score an impressive 7.6 million viewers. It’s now favored to pick up an Emmy nomination. “NBC couldn’t have been greater,” she said. “They’ve been so supportive right from the get-go.”
A rep for CBS declined to comment.
The guest list for the special, which premiered April 26, included Julie Andrews, Cher, Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter, Jane Lynch, Bernadette Peters,...
“We first went to CBS, but they passed,” Burnett told me at an FYC event for the birthday special. “I did my show with them and all my specials, so naturally we went to them.”
Fortunately, NBC bought the special, and it went on to score an impressive 7.6 million viewers. It’s now favored to pick up an Emmy nomination. “NBC couldn’t have been greater,” she said. “They’ve been so supportive right from the get-go.”
A rep for CBS declined to comment.
The guest list for the special, which premiered April 26, included Julie Andrews, Cher, Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter, Jane Lynch, Bernadette Peters,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The folly of youth!
When Goldie Hawn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1970, for the 1969 comedy “Cactus Flower,” the 24-year-old was so sure she wouldn’t win she didn’t even go to the ceremony. What’s more, she didn’t even bother watching it on television. She had no idea she won until she got a phone call in the middle of the night.
At the time, she was filming “There’s A Girl In My Soup,” opposite Peter Sellers in London, but to fly back for the big night would not have been unheard of, even at a time when “Awards Season” was not yet quite the thing it is today.
But here’s where it gets weirder. According to a recent interview with Variety, Hawn had never even seen the moment from the telecast where her name was called. She didn’t even know it...
When Goldie Hawn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1970, for the 1969 comedy “Cactus Flower,” the 24-year-old was so sure she wouldn’t win she didn’t even go to the ceremony. What’s more, she didn’t even bother watching it on television. She had no idea she won until she got a phone call in the middle of the night.
At the time, she was filming “There’s A Girl In My Soup,” opposite Peter Sellers in London, but to fly back for the big night would not have been unheard of, even at a time when “Awards Season” was not yet quite the thing it is today.
But here’s where it gets weirder. According to a recent interview with Variety, Hawn had never even seen the moment from the telecast where her name was called. She didn’t even know it...
- 3/9/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Barbara Bosson, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for her work on the acclaimed police drama “Hill Street Blues,” died Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 83.
Bosson’s son, director and producer Jesse Bochco, confirmed the news via a tribute on Instagram.
“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” Boncho wrote in his post. “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara “Babs” Bosson Bochco 1939-2023.”
Bosson married “Hill Street Blues” co-creator Steven Bochco in 1970, after the two met while attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Over the course of her career, Bosson starred in multiple series created by Bochco, including “Hooperman,” “Cop Rock,” and “Murder One.” The two divorced in 1997, and Bochco died in 2018 at age 74 from leukemia.
Born in 1939 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania,...
Bosson’s son, director and producer Jesse Bochco, confirmed the news via a tribute on Instagram.
“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” Boncho wrote in his post. “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara “Babs” Bosson Bochco 1939-2023.”
Bosson married “Hill Street Blues” co-creator Steven Bochco in 1970, after the two met while attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Over the course of her career, Bosson starred in multiple series created by Bochco, including “Hooperman,” “Cop Rock,” and “Murder One.” The two divorced in 1997, and Bochco died in 2018 at age 74 from leukemia.
Born in 1939 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania,...
- 2/20/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Barbara Bosson, a staple of primetime television dramas for decades (including many created or produced by her former husband Steven Bochco), has died at the age of 83. Her son Jesse Bochco announced the news via his Instagram.
“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” Bochco wrote. “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @jessebochco
Bosson is perhaps best known for her starring role in “Hill Street Blues,” the game-changing cop drama created by Steven Bochco. (The two married in 1970 and the series ran 1981–1987.) Bosson portrayed Fay Furillo in the first six seasons of the show, appearing in 100 episodes and garnering five consecutive Emmy nominations for her role.
Also Read:
Why ‘Babylon’ Composer Justin Hurwitz...
“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too,” Bochco wrote. “Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @jessebochco
Bosson is perhaps best known for her starring role in “Hill Street Blues,” the game-changing cop drama created by Steven Bochco. (The two married in 1970 and the series ran 1981–1987.) Bosson portrayed Fay Furillo in the first six seasons of the show, appearing in 100 episodes and garnering five consecutive Emmy nominations for her role.
Also Read:
Why ‘Babylon’ Composer Justin Hurwitz...
- 2/20/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Barbara Bosson, who received Emmy nominations in five consecutive years for her turn as the divorcee Fay Furillo on the acclaimed NBC drama Hill Street Blues, co-created by her then-husband Steven Bochco, has died. She was 83.
Bosson died Saturday in Los Angeles, her son, director-producer Jesse Bochco, announced.
The actress also was known for her work on three ABC series: as the divorced boss of John Ritter’s San Francisco police inspector on the 1987-89 comedy-drama Hooperman, as the mayor of Los Angeles on the 1990 musical drama Cop Rock and as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on the 1995-97 legal drama Murder One. All three shows were co-created by Bochco, too.
She and Bochco first met when they attended Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh in the 1960s, and they were married from 1970 until their 1997 divorce. He died in April 2018 at age 74 after a battle with leukemia.
Bosson sparked as the needy Fay, the ex-wife of Capt.
Bosson died Saturday in Los Angeles, her son, director-producer Jesse Bochco, announced.
The actress also was known for her work on three ABC series: as the divorced boss of John Ritter’s San Francisco police inspector on the 1987-89 comedy-drama Hooperman, as the mayor of Los Angeles on the 1990 musical drama Cop Rock and as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on the 1995-97 legal drama Murder One. All three shows were co-created by Bochco, too.
She and Bochco first met when they attended Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh in the 1960s, and they were married from 1970 until their 1997 divorce. He died in April 2018 at age 74 after a battle with leukemia.
Bosson sparked as the needy Fay, the ex-wife of Capt.
- 2/20/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Angela Lansbury’s acting career would have been noteworthy even if Jessica Fletcher had never existed. After appearing in just three movies, she was a two-time Oscar nominee (for 1944’s Gaslight and 1945’s The Picture of Dorian Gray). She was a four-time Tony Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical for 1966’s Mame, 1969’s Dear World, 1975’s Gypsy, and 1979’s Sweeney Tood: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. But all of those previous accolades became footnotes when Murder, She Wrote premiered in 1984. Playing Fletcher, a crime novelist who turned her sleuthing talents toward solving real-life killings, Lansbury became a household name, as the show took off and became a television mainstay for 12 seasons, earning her a dozen Emmy Award nominations along the way. Looking back on the immensely popular character, which still exists today in novels, Lansbury remains grateful for the opportunity to broaden her audience all around the globe,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
What do the 25th and 75th Tony Awards have in common? The landmark Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical “Company,” Angela Lansbury and the beloved tuner “The Music Man.”
The gender-bender revival of “Company” is considered the front-runner for the Tony for Best Musical Revival as well as featured actress for Broadway legend Patti LuPone who brings down the house with “Ladies Who Lunch.” Elaine Stritch originated the LuPone’s character of Joanne; her rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch” is considered one of the indelible show-stopping numbers in Broadway history. Stritch was considered a shoo-in for lead actress but lost to Helen Gallagher for the revival of -the 1920s musical “No, No Nanette.” Go figure. Gallagher was good, but she wasn’t as great as Stritch.
The original “Company” waltzed into the Tony Awards — which took place at the Palace Theatre on March 28, 1971 — with a whopping 14 nominations and won six including Best Musical,...
The gender-bender revival of “Company” is considered the front-runner for the Tony for Best Musical Revival as well as featured actress for Broadway legend Patti LuPone who brings down the house with “Ladies Who Lunch.” Elaine Stritch originated the LuPone’s character of Joanne; her rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch” is considered one of the indelible show-stopping numbers in Broadway history. Stritch was considered a shoo-in for lead actress but lost to Helen Gallagher for the revival of -the 1920s musical “No, No Nanette.” Go figure. Gallagher was good, but she wasn’t as great as Stritch.
The original “Company” waltzed into the Tony Awards — which took place at the Palace Theatre on March 28, 1971 — with a whopping 14 nominations and won six including Best Musical,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The Drama League Awards set themselves apart from other theater industry kudos thanks to their Distinguished Performance Award. The category generally features forty to fifty performers from both Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. Nominees encompass both lead and supporting roles from plays and musicals, and can be of any gender. When one performer rises to the top of this deep roster, they tend to be the frontrunner for one of the acting races at the Tony Awards. This year, Sutton Foster claimed the Distinguished Performance award for “The Music Man.” In the process, the Tony race for Lead Actress in a Musical was just upended.
Most Tony pundits have assumed that Lead Actress in a Musical is a two horse race up until this point. Sharon D Clarke has held a strong lead in our combined odds thanks to her formidable performance in the revival of “Caroline, or Change.” The British...
Most Tony pundits have assumed that Lead Actress in a Musical is a two horse race up until this point. Sharon D Clarke has held a strong lead in our combined odds thanks to her formidable performance in the revival of “Caroline, or Change.” The British...
- 5/23/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Tony Award, she wrote. The legendary Angela Lansbury will receive the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the 2022 Tony Awards. Lansbury’s over 75-year career has made her one of the most decorated actors in Broadway history. The five-time Tony Award winner holds the record for most wins for Best Actress in a Musical, having won the category four times. She won for Mame (1966), Dear World (1969), Gypsy (1975), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979). Her fifth Tony win came in 2009 when she won Best Featured Actress In a Play for Blithe Spirit. With this Lifetime Achievement Award, Lansbury will be the second actor to have six Tony Awards. Audra McDonald was the first, and is the only actor in history to win in every acting category. Lansbury has also hosted the Tony Awards more than anyone else in history, having hosted five times between...
- 5/23/2022
- TV Insider
Angela Lansbury will be honored for her lifetime achievements at the 2022 Tony Awards.
The actress, who has won five Tonys over her 75-year career, will be receiving the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in ‘Mame; to her iconic performances in ‘Deuce’ and ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and most recently, in the revival of ‘A Little Night Music,’ Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957, when she starred in “Hotel Paradiso.” She won her first Tony less than a decade later for her 1966 performance in “Mame.” She also won Tonys for “Dear World...
The actress, who has won five Tonys over her 75-year career, will be receiving the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in ‘Mame; to her iconic performances in ‘Deuce’ and ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and most recently, in the revival of ‘A Little Night Music,’ Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957, when she starred in “Hotel Paradiso.” She won her first Tony less than a decade later for her 1966 performance in “Mame.” She also won Tonys for “Dear World...
- 5/23/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Like so many of you, I had a lengthy hiatus from Broadway due to Covid, beginning the day after a part-time usher at “Six” was diagnosed in March 2020 with the disease and Broadway began its shut down. In fact, I had just seen “Six,” a day or so before that, and even had a brief conversation with an usher there, so I was a little nervous. However, unlike so many others, I did not return in the fall. Having a project to finish in Chicago, I did not get back to Broadway until February 9, when I went to see the current revival of one of my all-time favorites, “The Music Man.”
Front and side, at the Winter Garden Theater, I had a great time. I was particularly taken with Benjamin Payjak, playing Winthrop Paroo. When Benjamin sang his verse in the “The Wells Fargo Wagon” number, it was so wonderful that I teared up,...
Front and side, at the Winter Garden Theater, I had a great time. I was particularly taken with Benjamin Payjak, playing Winthrop Paroo. When Benjamin sang his verse in the “The Wells Fargo Wagon” number, it was so wonderful that I teared up,...
- 3/4/2022
- by Susan Haskins-Doloff
- Gold Derby
Former child star Jane Withers died on Saturday evening in Burbank, California, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 95.
The Atlanta native began a career in show business as a young child thanks to her mother’s determination to have one child in show business. Even her name was picked specifically so that “even with a long last name like Withers, it would fit on a marquee,” according to a statement from her daughter Kendall Errair.
“My mother was such a special lady, Errair said. “She lit up a room with her laughter, but she especially radiated joy and thankfulness when talking about the career she so loved and how lucky she was.”
No official cause of death has been revealed.
By the time Withers was 2, she was enrolled in tap dancing classes and learning to sing. Her career officially kicked off a year later after winning a local contest called Dixie’s Dainty Dewdrop,...
The Atlanta native began a career in show business as a young child thanks to her mother’s determination to have one child in show business. Even her name was picked specifically so that “even with a long last name like Withers, it would fit on a marquee,” according to a statement from her daughter Kendall Errair.
“My mother was such a special lady, Errair said. “She lit up a room with her laughter, but she especially radiated joy and thankfulness when talking about the career she so loved and how lucky she was.”
No official cause of death has been revealed.
By the time Withers was 2, she was enrolled in tap dancing classes and learning to sing. Her career officially kicked off a year later after winning a local contest called Dixie’s Dainty Dewdrop,...
- 8/8/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Ray MacDonnell, who played Dr. Joe Martin on ABC’s All My Children for more than 40 years, died June 10 of natural causes at his home in Chappaqua, NY, according to a report from Michael Fairman TV. He was 93.
Born on March 5, 1928, MacDonnell appeared early in his career on series such as Robert Montgomery Presents, The Jack Benny Program, Producers’ Showcase and Armstrong Circle Theatre.
While he also portrayed Philip Capice on CBS soap The Edge of Night from 1961-69 and played Dick Tracy in a pilot that was not picked up, he is best known for his appearances on multiple iterations of All My Children between 1970 and 2013.
MacDonnell was an original cast member on the daytime soap, which debuted on ABC in 1970, and would stay with the show for more than four decades. While he officially retired from the series in 2009, he returned in 2011 for a number of appearances, featuring in its final episode.
Born on March 5, 1928, MacDonnell appeared early in his career on series such as Robert Montgomery Presents, The Jack Benny Program, Producers’ Showcase and Armstrong Circle Theatre.
While he also portrayed Philip Capice on CBS soap The Edge of Night from 1961-69 and played Dick Tracy in a pilot that was not picked up, he is best known for his appearances on multiple iterations of All My Children between 1970 and 2013.
MacDonnell was an original cast member on the daytime soap, which debuted on ABC in 1970, and would stay with the show for more than four decades. While he officially retired from the series in 2009, he returned in 2011 for a number of appearances, featuring in its final episode.
- 6/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Ann Willis Ratray, who appeared on Broadway and TV before becoming a drama coach for young people including her son, Home Alone‘s Devin Ratray, died June 9 at her home in New York following a lengthy illness. She was 81.
Her death was announced by her husband of nearly 55 years, the actor Peter Ratray, known for his roles on Another World, Ryan’s Hope and in other television series.
Among Ann Ratray’s many former students were Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Kaitlyn Nichol (black-ish), YaYa DaCosta (Chicago Med) and David Alvarez, who will appear in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming West Side Story.
“Ann Ratray is the reason I am an actor,” tweeted Catch-22 star Graham Patrick Martin. “Forever grateful.”
Born Ann Willis in Cranston, Rhode Island, Ratray was named “Miss Congeniality” in the 1958 Miss America Pageant, and used the prize money, in part, on training at New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Her death was announced by her husband of nearly 55 years, the actor Peter Ratray, known for his roles on Another World, Ryan’s Hope and in other television series.
Among Ann Ratray’s many former students were Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Kaitlyn Nichol (black-ish), YaYa DaCosta (Chicago Med) and David Alvarez, who will appear in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming West Side Story.
“Ann Ratray is the reason I am an actor,” tweeted Catch-22 star Graham Patrick Martin. “Forever grateful.”
Born Ann Willis in Cranston, Rhode Island, Ratray was named “Miss Congeniality” in the 1958 Miss America Pageant, and used the prize money, in part, on training at New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
- 6/20/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Phillips, whose long career as a Broadway stage manager included work on such notable productions as Sweet Charity, Mame, Chicago and, in 1967, the now historic Judy Garland at Home at the Palace, died Dec. 5 of natural causes in Naples, Florida. He was 95.
His death was announced by publicist Harlan Boll.
Born in Pleasantville New York, Phillips enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was deployed to fight in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war he moved to Hollywood for an acting career, but soon returned to New York, where he would shift from acting to Broadway stage management, beginning in 1959 with director George Abbott’s Fiorella.
Abbott brought Phillips over to stage manage his next play, 1961’s Take Her, She’s Mine starring Art Carney.
Phillips’ next show was producer David Merrick’s short-lived production of The Rehearsal, and a 1965 City Center Revival of Guys and Dolls.
His death was announced by publicist Harlan Boll.
Born in Pleasantville New York, Phillips enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was deployed to fight in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war he moved to Hollywood for an acting career, but soon returned to New York, where he would shift from acting to Broadway stage management, beginning in 1959 with director George Abbott’s Fiorella.
Abbott brought Phillips over to stage manage his next play, 1961’s Take Her, She’s Mine starring Art Carney.
Phillips’ next show was producer David Merrick’s short-lived production of The Rehearsal, and a 1965 City Center Revival of Guys and Dolls.
- 12/8/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Phillips, a stage manager on such legendary Broadway productions as Sweet Charity, Mame, Pippin and Chicago, died Saturday of natural causes in Naples, Florida, a family spokesman said. He was 95.
Phillips began his career as a Broadway stage manager in 1959 when George Abbott employed him for the musical Fiorello!, starring Tom Bosley. The famed directed then rehired him for his next play, Take Her, She’s Mine, starring Art Carney, in 1961.
After working on The Rehearsal in 1963 and a City Center revival of Guys and Dolls in 1965, Phillips was asked by actress-dancer Gwen Verdon to join her next Broadway show, Sweet Charity.
When the ...
Phillips began his career as a Broadway stage manager in 1959 when George Abbott employed him for the musical Fiorello!, starring Tom Bosley. The famed directed then rehired him for his next play, Take Her, She’s Mine, starring Art Carney, in 1961.
After working on The Rehearsal in 1963 and a City Center revival of Guys and Dolls in 1965, Phillips was asked by actress-dancer Gwen Verdon to join her next Broadway show, Sweet Charity.
When the ...
- 12/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Phillips, a stage manager on such legendary Broadway productions as Sweet Charity, Mame, Pippin and Chicago, died Saturday of natural causes in Naples, Florida, a family spokesman said. He was 95.
Phillips began his career as a Broadway stage manager in 1959 when George Abbott employed him for the musical Fiorello!, starring Tom Bosley. The famed directed then rehired him for his next play, Take Her, She’s Mine, starring Art Carney, in 1961.
After working on The Rehearsal in 1963 and a City Center revival of Guys and Dolls in 1965, Phillips was asked by actress-dancer Gwen Verdon to join her next Broadway show, Sweet Charity.
When the ...
Phillips began his career as a Broadway stage manager in 1959 when George Abbott employed him for the musical Fiorello!, starring Tom Bosley. The famed directed then rehired him for his next play, Take Her, She’s Mine, starring Art Carney, in 1961.
After working on The Rehearsal in 1963 and a City Center revival of Guys and Dolls in 1965, Phillips was asked by actress-dancer Gwen Verdon to join her next Broadway show, Sweet Charity.
When the ...
- 12/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On Aug. 11, 1943, Variety carried a story beginning “Angela Lansbury, 17-year-old English girl, is the colony’s latest Cinderella.” The story said she had gone from an unknown to movie star in only four days.
Since then, Lansbury has forged a career that defies all logic. She received supporting-actress Oscar nominations twice in her first two years of work. At age 41, she became a musical-comedy star with “Mame.” She became a TV star with “Murder, She Wrote” at age 59, an age when most actresses can’t find work. In the show’s 12-year run, she was one of the TV industry’s most powerful women. Maybe her biggest accomplishment: Though powerful women were sometimes maligned, it was thought you needed to be heartless to survive in showbiz, Lansbury has created a 77-year career and nobody has a bad word to say about her.
Lansbury, who turns 95 Friday, is best known for...
Since then, Lansbury has forged a career that defies all logic. She received supporting-actress Oscar nominations twice in her first two years of work. At age 41, she became a musical-comedy star with “Mame.” She became a TV star with “Murder, She Wrote” at age 59, an age when most actresses can’t find work. In the show’s 12-year run, she was one of the TV industry’s most powerful women. Maybe her biggest accomplishment: Though powerful women were sometimes maligned, it was thought you needed to be heartless to survive in showbiz, Lansbury has created a 77-year career and nobody has a bad word to say about her.
Lansbury, who turns 95 Friday, is best known for...
- 10/16/2020
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Herman is known for his work on Broadway classics such as Hello, Dolly, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles, Dear World, Mack Mabel, The Grand Tour, Milk Honey and many more. He has been nominated for five Tony Awards, and won twice, for Hello, Dolly and La Cage Aux Folles. He received a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2009, and a Kennedy Center Honors in 2010.
- 7/10/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge says, 'That this episode of Broadway Rewind features something Toxic, something Royal and something Academic.' We drop by New World Stages for a look at the David Bryan and Joe DePietro musical, The Toxic Avenger.We also visit with two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick and the cast of Roundabout's production of The Philanthropist, but we kick it off at the opening night of director Neil Armfield's production of Eugene Ionesco's Exit The King, which starred Academy Award winners Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin and Lauren Ambrose. Geoffrey Rush told Ridge, 'I just phoned my wife and said, 'Darling I just made my Broadway debut and it's a marker. It's not what I aimed for. I had never really, seriously ever thought about it... I used to listen to a lot of Broadway musical theatre back in the mid 60's...
- 4/12/2020
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-nominated director and actor Charles Busch about the soundtrack to the 1983 film 'Yentl.' They also discuss Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Linda Lavin, Julie Halston, Patrick Dennis, 'Mame,' Michael Tanner, Tom Judson, Dick Gallagher, Lucie Arnaz, Lorna Luft, Michael Vollbracht, 'The Women,' Carl Andress, Lynne Meadow, Tony Roberts, Paul Newman, Sasha Velour, Bianca Del Rio, Stephen Sondheim, and Michele Lee. Charles talks about his career in and out of drag, as well as the difference between downtown and mainstream theater. Charles is the author of a number of fabulous plays, many of which he starred in, including 'Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,' 'Psycho Beach Party,' and his most recent, 'The Confession of Lily Dare.' His 2000 hit play, 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife,' ran on Broadway and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.
- 3/23/2020
- by Ben Rimalower
- BroadwayWorld.com
In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and singer Nathan Lee Graham about Lena Horne's 1981 live album 'Lena Horne The Lady and Her Music.' They also discuss Andr De Shields, Billy Porter, 'Mame,' Robin de Jess, 'Showboat,' Angela Lansbury, 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Judy Garland, Jenifer Lewis, James Brown III, Hal Prince, Susan Stroman, and Eartha Kitt. Nathan talks about social activism through art and how performers like Lena and Eartha have influenced his career. Nathan has starred on Broadway in beloved shows such as 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and Michael John Lachiusa's 'The Wild Party.' He's appeared in the hit films 'Zoolander,' 'Sweet Home Alabama,' and 'Hitch,' and on TV shows such as 'The Comeback,' 'Absolutely Fabulous,' and 'Katy Keene.'...
- 3/9/2020
- by Ben Rimalower
- BroadwayWorld.com
In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to cabaret superstar and musical theater actress Marilyn Maye about her 1967 album 'Step To The Rear.' They also discuss Jerry Herman, 'Mame, 'Hello, Dolly', Mel Torm, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Cook, Tommy Tune, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Billy Stritch, Tedd Firth, Provincetown, The Anchor Inn, Palm Springs, Feinstein's54 Below, Birdland, and The Art House. Marilyn tells stories from her career as a singer and recording artist, and shares her expertise on how to build a show and sing to an audience. Marilyn has released seven albums and thirty-four singles, and performs all over the country to rooms full of adoring fans. Marilyn also holds the record for the most frequent singer on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where she appeared a total of seventy-six times.
- 2/17/2020
- by Ben Rimalower
- BroadwayWorld.com
A producer cannot just license any property she wants. Yes, Mame is available for licensing on the Concord Theatricals website, but if I wanted to mount it on Broadway it would be a little more complicated than shelling out cash. Hurdles for non-professional productions are not substantial, but many professional productions require levels of permission. Jerry Herman, who passed away on December 26, 2019, was a man unlikely to give permission for professional productions of his shows unless he thought they would be good.
- 2/6/2020
- by Cara Joy David
- BroadwayWorld.com
Jerry Herman, the Broadway composer behind Hello, Dolly!, has died. He was 88.
Herman’s goddaughter confirmed his death to The Associated Press on Friday. The renowned composer died of pulmonary complications in Miami, Florida, the AP reported.
During his career, Herman worked on several iconic Broadway shows including Hello, Dolly! (1964) and La Cage aux Folles (1983) — both of which garnered him Tony Awards for best musical. He was nominated a total of five times.
Herman also won two Grammy Awards for the cast album of Mame and song of the year for Hello, Dolly!
The composer was born in New York...
Herman’s goddaughter confirmed his death to The Associated Press on Friday. The renowned composer died of pulmonary complications in Miami, Florida, the AP reported.
During his career, Herman worked on several iconic Broadway shows including Hello, Dolly! (1964) and La Cage aux Folles (1983) — both of which garnered him Tony Awards for best musical. He was nominated a total of five times.
Herman also won two Grammy Awards for the cast album of Mame and song of the year for Hello, Dolly!
The composer was born in New York...
- 12/27/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Jerry Herman, the Tony Award-winning composer for Broadway hits like Hello, Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles, and Mame, died Thursday, The Associated Press reports. He was 88.
Herman’s goddaughter, Jane Dorian, confirmed his death and said the cause was pulmonary complication. Herman had been living with his partner, Terry Marler, in Miami.
Herman’s oeuvre included 10 Broadway musicals that debuted between 1960 and 1998, while he also contributed music to several more shows. He won four Tonys, including Best Composer and Lyricist for Hello, Dolly!, Best Original Score for La Cage aux Folles,...
Herman’s goddaughter, Jane Dorian, confirmed his death and said the cause was pulmonary complication. Herman had been living with his partner, Terry Marler, in Miami.
Herman’s oeuvre included 10 Broadway musicals that debuted between 1960 and 1998, while he also contributed music to several more shows. He won four Tonys, including Best Composer and Lyricist for Hello, Dolly!, Best Original Score for La Cage aux Folles,...
- 12/27/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Jerry Herman, the Tony Award-winning composer behind Broadway shows including Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles, has died in Miami at the age of 88.
Herman’s goddaughter Jane Dorian confirmed his death to The Associated Press on Friday, following pulmonary complications. He is survived by his partner Terry Marler.
Born in New York in 1931, Herman wrote the music and lyrics to 13 musicals, including Hello, Dolly! in 1964, which won a Tony for best musical and Grammy for best song. La Cage aux Folles also won a Tony in 1984.
The latter musical featured the song I Am What I Am, which went on to become a gay anthem and a disco hit for Gloria Gaynor in 1983, while Herman’s other shows included 1966’s Mame, which also won a Grammy.
Herman was honored with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement In The Theatre in 2009, while other notable achievements include receiving the...
Herman’s goddaughter Jane Dorian confirmed his death to The Associated Press on Friday, following pulmonary complications. He is survived by his partner Terry Marler.
Born in New York in 1931, Herman wrote the music and lyrics to 13 musicals, including Hello, Dolly! in 1964, which won a Tony for best musical and Grammy for best song. La Cage aux Folles also won a Tony in 1984.
The latter musical featured the song I Am What I Am, which went on to become a gay anthem and a disco hit for Gloria Gaynor in 1983, while Herman’s other shows included 1966’s Mame, which also won a Grammy.
Herman was honored with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement In The Theatre in 2009, while other notable achievements include receiving the...
- 12/27/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did. . . backwards and in high heels.”
This quote from a 1982 Frank and Ernest cartoon sums up one of the greatest dance duos in film history, the debonair Fred Astaire and the tenacious Ginger Rogers. For July 16, we celebrate the spunky Ms. Rogers on what would have been her 109th birthday.
She was born Virginia Katherine McMath in Independence, Missouri. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to Texas with her mother. She never saw her birth father again, and when her mother remarried, she adopted her stepfather’s surname of Rogers. A young cousin had trouble saying “Virginia”, so she became “Ginger”. Her mother was a career woman, involved in show business, as a scriptwriter among other things, and was a huge influence on Rogers for all her life. She got her own...
This quote from a 1982 Frank and Ernest cartoon sums up one of the greatest dance duos in film history, the debonair Fred Astaire and the tenacious Ginger Rogers. For July 16, we celebrate the spunky Ms. Rogers on what would have been her 109th birthday.
She was born Virginia Katherine McMath in Independence, Missouri. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to Texas with her mother. She never saw her birth father again, and when her mother remarried, she adopted her stepfather’s surname of Rogers. A young cousin had trouble saying “Virginia”, so she became “Ginger”. Her mother was a career woman, involved in show business, as a scriptwriter among other things, and was a huge influence on Rogers for all her life. She got her own...
- 7/16/2019
- by Susan Pennington, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
“Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did. . . backwards and in high heels.”
This quote from a 1982 Frank and Ernest cartoon sums up one of the greatest dance duos in film history, the debonair Fred Astaire and the tenacious Ginger Rogers. For July 16, we celebrate the spunky Ms. Rogers on what would have been her 109th birthday.
SEEFred Astaire movies: 20 greatest films ranked worst to best
She was born Virginia Katherine McMath in Independence, Missouri. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to Texas with her mother. She never saw her birth father again, and when her mother remarried, she adopted her stepfather’s surname of Rogers. A young cousin had trouble saying “Virginia”, so she became “Ginger”. Her mother was a career woman, involved in show business, as a scriptwriter among other things, and was a huge influence on Rogers for all her life.
This quote from a 1982 Frank and Ernest cartoon sums up one of the greatest dance duos in film history, the debonair Fred Astaire and the tenacious Ginger Rogers. For July 16, we celebrate the spunky Ms. Rogers on what would have been her 109th birthday.
SEEFred Astaire movies: 20 greatest films ranked worst to best
She was born Virginia Katherine McMath in Independence, Missouri. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to Texas with her mother. She never saw her birth father again, and when her mother remarried, she adopted her stepfather’s surname of Rogers. A young cousin had trouble saying “Virginia”, so she became “Ginger”. Her mother was a career woman, involved in show business, as a scriptwriter among other things, and was a huge influence on Rogers for all her life.
- 7/16/2019
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Six random things that happened on this day (June 11th) in showbiz history
1966 On a Clear Day You Can See Forever starring the great Barbara Harris and John Cullum closes on Broadway shortly before the Tony Awards, where it will lose all three of its nominations. It was snubbed in Best Musical where Man of La Mancha won and Mame, Skyscraper, and Sweet Charity were all nominated. Nevertheless it was quicker than all but Sweet Charity in getting a big screen adaptation. Barbra Streisand starred.
1969 Peter Dinklage is born (Happy 50th!). Do you think he's headed for a fourth Emmy win for Game of Thrones? Do you remember the first time you saw him? For us it was The Station Agent (2003), such a gem from the early Aughts...
1966 On a Clear Day You Can See Forever starring the great Barbara Harris and John Cullum closes on Broadway shortly before the Tony Awards, where it will lose all three of its nominations. It was snubbed in Best Musical where Man of La Mancha won and Mame, Skyscraper, and Sweet Charity were all nominated. Nevertheless it was quicker than all but Sweet Charity in getting a big screen adaptation. Barbra Streisand starred.
1969 Peter Dinklage is born (Happy 50th!). Do you think he's headed for a fourth Emmy win for Game of Thrones? Do you remember the first time you saw him? For us it was The Station Agent (2003), such a gem from the early Aughts...
- 6/11/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
1982: Days of our Lives' Salem Strangler "killed" Marlena.
1999: Pop group 98 Degrees sang on As the World Turns.
1999: The final episode of Melrose Place aired on Fox.
2005: Cassie Newman died on The Young and the Restless."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: "Mame" opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater. The show featured Frankie Michaels, the youngest Tony winner ever, who had been playing Tom Hughes on As the World Turns the previous two years. Michaels, who had just turned 11 when the show closed,...
1999: Pop group 98 Degrees sang on As the World Turns.
1999: The final episode of Melrose Place aired on Fox.
2005: Cassie Newman died on The Young and the Restless."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: "Mame" opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater. The show featured Frankie Michaels, the youngest Tony winner ever, who had been playing Tom Hughes on As the World Turns the previous two years. Michaels, who had just turned 11 when the show closed,...
- 5/24/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Like the rest of you, I've spent this week obsessing over 'Fosse Verdon' on FX and especially Gwen Verdon, played brilliantly on the series by Michelle Williams, in a performance that makes you want to reinvestigate what made Gwen so great. Sweet Charity is the perfect place to start. Gwen became a star and won her first Tony in a featured role in Can Can and she gained worldwide acclaim and number 2 in a total of four Tonys as Lola in Damn Yankees on stage and screen and of course there were many other shows and movies and TV appearances, but Sweet Charity was the show Bob Fosse and Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon created just for her. She may have lost the Tony to Angela Lansbury in Mame, but Gwen got that iconic poster and all those songs.
- 4/12/2019
- by Ben Rimalower
- BroadwayWorld.com
” I’m thrilled by the style and wit of each jest that you make. It’s bracing to me. Trade quips with my bosom buddy. You Woolcott, you Benchley, you snake.”
Exciting news for Lucy fans! Mame (1974) is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Archives! Ordering information can be found Here
You’re invited to party hearty – and in fabulous style – with this lavish 1974 screen version of the beloved Broadway musical. Lucille Ball brings star sparkle to the title role, a high-living grande dame who’s outlandishly eccentric and, when suddenly faced with raising an orphaned nephew, fiercely loving. Veterans of the New York stage original join her: Beatrice Arthur as best friend Vera, Jane Connell as prim governessAgnes, choreographer Onna White and director Gene Saks. As Mame’s husband Beauregard, Robert Preston (The Music Man) sings “Loving You,” written specially for the film. Jerry Herman’s songs, from “It...
Exciting news for Lucy fans! Mame (1974) is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Archives! Ordering information can be found Here
You’re invited to party hearty – and in fabulous style – with this lavish 1974 screen version of the beloved Broadway musical. Lucille Ball brings star sparkle to the title role, a high-living grande dame who’s outlandishly eccentric and, when suddenly faced with raising an orphaned nephew, fiercely loving. Veterans of the New York stage original join her: Beatrice Arthur as best friend Vera, Jane Connell as prim governessAgnes, choreographer Onna White and director Gene Saks. As Mame’s husband Beauregard, Robert Preston (The Music Man) sings “Loving You,” written specially for the film. Jerry Herman’s songs, from “It...
- 12/3/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The video of Billy Mitchell’s rambling, hour-long defense of his famous “Donkey Kong” high score at the 2018 Southern-Fried Gaming Expo in Atlanta earlier this month is now available on YouTube.
It was the first time the disgraced “Donkey Kong” champ spoke publicly about allegations his high score was achieved on emulation software and not on an arcade machine. Video game records organization Twin Galaxies, along with at least two different third parties, reportedly investigated the allegations before stripping Mitchell of his high scores and banning him from competition.
“The rules for submitting scores for the original arcade ‘Donkey Kong’ competitive leaderboards requires the use of original arcade hardware only,” Twin Galaxies said at the time. “The use of Mame or any other emulation software for submission to these leaderboards is strictly forbidden.”
Mitchell and his high score featured prominently in the 2007 documentary “King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.
It was the first time the disgraced “Donkey Kong” champ spoke publicly about allegations his high score was achieved on emulation software and not on an arcade machine. Video game records organization Twin Galaxies, along with at least two different third parties, reportedly investigated the allegations before stripping Mitchell of his high scores and banning him from competition.
“The rules for submitting scores for the original arcade ‘Donkey Kong’ competitive leaderboards requires the use of original arcade hardware only,” Twin Galaxies said at the time. “The use of Mame or any other emulation software for submission to these leaderboards is strictly forbidden.”
Mitchell and his high score featured prominently in the 2007 documentary “King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.
- 6/28/2018
- by Stefanie Fogel
- Variety Film + TV
“I was told not to do this.” – Billy Mitchell, Saturday, June 9th, 2018
Billy Mitchell is the best at what he does.
You might know him as one of the most famous players of video games in the world. In 2007, he featured prominently in the documentary “King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters,” about the world of competitive arcade players who chase high scores. Mitchell held the world record high score for “Donkey Kong” at the time; in the film, an unknown upstart named Steve Wiebe takes him on, turning Mitchell into the de facto villain. In the decade since, even as his scores fell off the top ranks, Mitchell’s charismatic personality and lanky presence — most always seen in his all-white suit and stars-and-stripes necktie– have dominated a certain corner of retro game culture.
But what he’s really good at is talking.
This past Saturday night, in the Marriott...
Billy Mitchell is the best at what he does.
You might know him as one of the most famous players of video games in the world. In 2007, he featured prominently in the documentary “King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters,” about the world of competitive arcade players who chase high scores. Mitchell held the world record high score for “Donkey Kong” at the time; in the film, an unknown upstart named Steve Wiebe takes him on, turning Mitchell into the de facto villain. In the decade since, even as his scores fell off the top ranks, Mitchell’s charismatic personality and lanky presence — most always seen in his all-white suit and stars-and-stripes necktie– have dominated a certain corner of retro game culture.
But what he’s really good at is talking.
This past Saturday night, in the Marriott...
- 6/11/2018
- by Jon Irwin
- Variety Film + TV
Ari’el Stachel became the latest person to take home a Tony Award for their Broadway debut. This victory puts him in a freshman club that now has 96 members. Watch him discuss his victory in the Tonys press room in the video above.
Stachel, who won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for playing Haled in “The Band’s Visit,” is the ninth person to claim that particular honor for his first Broadway outing. He joins:
Harry Belafonte, “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac” (1954)
Sydney Chaplin, “Bells are Ringing” (1957)
Frankie Michaels, “Mame” (1966)
Wilson Jermaine Heredia, “Rent” (1996)
Dan Fogler, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (2005)
Levi Kreis, “Million Dollar Quartet” (2010)
John Larroquette, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (2011)
Daveed Diggs, “Hamilton” (2016)
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other acting categories that claimed Tony Awards.
Best Actor In A Play: 16 winners
Paul Scofield,...
Stachel, who won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for playing Haled in “The Band’s Visit,” is the ninth person to claim that particular honor for his first Broadway outing. He joins:
Harry Belafonte, “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac” (1954)
Sydney Chaplin, “Bells are Ringing” (1957)
Frankie Michaels, “Mame” (1966)
Wilson Jermaine Heredia, “Rent” (1996)
Dan Fogler, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (2005)
Levi Kreis, “Million Dollar Quartet” (2010)
John Larroquette, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (2011)
Daveed Diggs, “Hamilton” (2016)
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Below are the Broadway debuts in the seven other acting categories that claimed Tony Awards.
Best Actor In A Play: 16 winners
Paul Scofield,...
- 6/11/2018
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
By Barbara Irvin
The date was Wednesday, March 27, 1974. The film premiering that night at Radio City Music Hall was Mame. This first public screening of the lavishly produced and choreographed story, which took Broadway by storm in the 1960s, was a laborious experience for everyone involved. With its much anticipated release, cast and crew alike showed up to offer their support and to delight in the audience’s appreciation. Even the star, Lucille Ball, attended this highly publicized event. For the first time, fans got a different glimpse of their favorite television personality. That evening, she arrived not as the ravishing redhead people were used to seeing, but as a black-haired beauty in a white dress, which was quite short and just happened to be featured in the film. Moviegoers were getting a preview of what was to come.
And what an entertaining extravaganza it was! The alluring ambiance in every scene,...
The date was Wednesday, March 27, 1974. The film premiering that night at Radio City Music Hall was Mame. This first public screening of the lavishly produced and choreographed story, which took Broadway by storm in the 1960s, was a laborious experience for everyone involved. With its much anticipated release, cast and crew alike showed up to offer their support and to delight in the audience’s appreciation. Even the star, Lucille Ball, attended this highly publicized event. For the first time, fans got a different glimpse of their favorite television personality. That evening, she arrived not as the ravishing redhead people were used to seeing, but as a black-haired beauty in a white dress, which was quite short and just happened to be featured in the film. Moviegoers were getting a preview of what was to come.
And what an entertaining extravaganza it was! The alluring ambiance in every scene,...
- 6/9/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Happy Robert Preston Centennial! He was born on this day in 1918 and went on to screen immortality via The Music Man (1962, Tony win for the stage version) and Victor / Victoria (1982, Oscar nomination). Other famous films include: Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960), Mame (1974) and his last feature film The Last Starfighter (1984). We had planned a whole thing but this week has been bu-sy.
Here's what else was happening on this day in showbiz history...
Here's what else was happening on this day in showbiz history...
- 6/8/2018
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
1982: Days of our Lives' Salem Strangler "killed" Marlena.
1999: Pop group 98 Degrees sang on As the World Turns.
1999: The final episode of Melrose Place aired on Fox.
2005: Cassie Newman died on The Young and the Restless."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: "Mame" opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater. The show featured Frankie Michaels, the youngest Tony winner ever, who had been...
1999: Pop group 98 Degrees sang on As the World Turns.
1999: The final episode of Melrose Place aired on Fox.
2005: Cassie Newman died on The Young and the Restless."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: "Mame" opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater. The show featured Frankie Michaels, the youngest Tony winner ever, who had been...
- 5/24/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Seth Gordon’s 2007 documentary, “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters,” received a bonus life this month thanks to the stripping of “antagonist” Billy Mitchell’s “Donkey Kong” world records by independent video game achievements organization Twin Galaxies.
Steve Wiebe, who was the “protagonist” in the documentary, told Variety that being back in the news after 11 years has been “surreal.” He had heard gamers questioning the authenticity of Mitchell’s scores for years both in person at Kong Off events and online through the “Donkey Kong” forum, although there was never anything concrete until James Young recently revealed video evidence. And with Twin Galaxies finding Mitchell had cheated, Wiebe finally beat Mitchell.
“The more I thought about it from the ‘King of Kong’ days, it all seemed to make sense now,” Wiebe said. “All the things that were happening at the time… like why he didn’t come out and play me,...
Steve Wiebe, who was the “protagonist” in the documentary, told Variety that being back in the news after 11 years has been “surreal.” He had heard gamers questioning the authenticity of Mitchell’s scores for years both in person at Kong Off events and online through the “Donkey Kong” forum, although there was never anything concrete until James Young recently revealed video evidence. And with Twin Galaxies finding Mitchell had cheated, Wiebe finally beat Mitchell.
“The more I thought about it from the ‘King of Kong’ days, it all seemed to make sense now,” Wiebe said. “All the things that were happening at the time… like why he didn’t come out and play me,...
- 4/13/2018
- by John Gaudiosi
- Variety Film + TV
Recurring documentary subject and video-game legend Billy Mitchell was unanimously stripped of his record-breaking scores Thursday following allegations of cheating. Twin Galaxies, the premiere tracker of global gamers’ success, will also not recognize any of Mitchell’s future scores.
In 2010, Mitchell became the first “Donkey Kong” player to earn one million points; he started setting records in that game 28 years prior. Now 52, Mitchell also attained the first “Pac-Man” perfect score in 1999. His gaming prowess led to roles in “Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade” (2007), “The King of Arcades” (2014), and “Man Vs Snake: The Long and Twisted Tale of Nibbler” (2016).
But his most notable onscreen appearance came in future “Horrible Bosses” and “Baywatch” (2017) director Seth Gordon’s 2007 film, “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.” A SXSW and Tribeca Film Festival selection, “The King of Kong” was about an upstart named Steve Wiebe who scheduled multiple public challenges against no-show Mitchell.
In 2010, Mitchell became the first “Donkey Kong” player to earn one million points; he started setting records in that game 28 years prior. Now 52, Mitchell also attained the first “Pac-Man” perfect score in 1999. His gaming prowess led to roles in “Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade” (2007), “The King of Arcades” (2014), and “Man Vs Snake: The Long and Twisted Tale of Nibbler” (2016).
But his most notable onscreen appearance came in future “Horrible Bosses” and “Baywatch” (2017) director Seth Gordon’s 2007 film, “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.” A SXSW and Tribeca Film Festival selection, “The King of Kong” was about an upstart named Steve Wiebe who scheduled multiple public challenges against no-show Mitchell.
- 4/12/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Famed high-score gamer Billy Mitchell, best known for his leading role in “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters” documentary, was officially stripped of his “Donkey Kong” and other video game high scores and banned from submitting scores to the world’s largest tracker of video game world records following a decision that he cheated, Twin Galaxies announced today.
“With this ruling, Twin Galaxies can no longer recognize Billy Mitchell as the first million point ‘Donkey Kong’ record holder,” the group wrote in its announcement. “According to our findings, Steve Wiebe would be the official 1st million point record holder.”
Variety has reached out to Mitchell and Wiebe for comment and Guinness to see if his record there will stand.
The decision comes after months of research by the administrators of Twin Galaxies, which tracks world gaming records and helps the Guinness Book of World records validate gaming scores,...
“With this ruling, Twin Galaxies can no longer recognize Billy Mitchell as the first million point ‘Donkey Kong’ record holder,” the group wrote in its announcement. “According to our findings, Steve Wiebe would be the official 1st million point record holder.”
Variety has reached out to Mitchell and Wiebe for comment and Guinness to see if his record there will stand.
The decision comes after months of research by the administrators of Twin Galaxies, which tracks world gaming records and helps the Guinness Book of World records validate gaming scores,...
- 4/12/2018
- by Brian Crecente
- Variety Film + TV
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