HAPPY BIRTHDAY! II

[JackBurley]

Name-Droppers Anonymous: Benjamin Bratt has been my neighbor for several years. He first bought his beautiful victorian when he was dating Julia Roberts (always been meaning to ask him what that was all about). Of course, he grew up in San Francisco. In 1969, he was one of the children accompanying his parents when a group of American Indians from many different tribes, calling themselves "Indians of All Tribes", occupied Alcatraz. His brother Peter is a writer/director.

[bansi4]

Many thanks for all the additional info about Live Ullmann and Nenjamin Bratt. It was interesting.

 

In memory of those who died this day December 16th:

 

Lovely blonde movie star Thelma Todd (under mysterious circumstances) in 1935 at age 30, British novelist Somerset Maugham in 1965 at age 91, Italian beauty Sylvana Mangano ('Bitter Rice') in 1989 at age 59, essential character actor Lee Van Cleef in 1989 at age 64, western actor Fred Scott in 1991 at age 89, dependable character actor Moses Gunn in 1993 at age 64, attractive starlet Madlyn Rhue in 2003 at age 68, and TV star John Spencer in 2005 at age 58.

[bansi4]

That should be Liv Ullmann and Benjamin Bratt, of course. Yikes!

[mrsl]

mongo:

 

With my 'rosy' attitude toward life in general, I think I'll believe the I. version.

lzuctter:

 

You printed:

 

"Miller may have been spying on the Germans or British and US intelligence."

 

did you miss an 'f' before 'or'? or did you mean he may have been spying on US/Brit

intelligence?

 

Anne

[bansi4]

Anne, I sort of like version III, considering that the great trombone player may have went out with a smile on his face, to the tune of "In the Mood".

[mrsl]

Mister mongo mucho mean muchacha.

 

You could have at least put in a smiley face and saved my poor 'rosy' attitude.

 

Anne

[bansi4]

Born this day December 17th:

 

Co-star/support Giovanni Ribisi is 32.

Dependable, versatile actor, in "The Grave", "That Thing You Do", "Lost Highway", "The Postman", "Saving Private Ryan" good role, "The Other Sister", "The Gift" good role, "Lost in Translation", "Cold Mountain", "Flight of the Phoenix", etc.

Divorced ( 1 daughter Lucia). Has a twin sister. On the TV series "The Wonder Years", "My Two Dads", "Friends", and "My Name Is Earl" as Ralph.

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Co-star/support Sean Patrick Thomas is 36.

Promising African-American actor, in "Courage Under Fire", "Cruel Intentions", "Dracula 2000", "Save the Last Dance" good role, "Barbershop", "Saint Louis Blues", "The Fountain", etc.

Married last April. On the TV series "The District".

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Lead/co-star Bill Pullman is 53.

Reliable, appealing actor, in "Ruthless People", "Spaceballs", "The Serpent and the Rainbow" eerie movie, "A League of Their Own", "Singles", "Sommersby", "Sleepless in Seattle", "While You Were Sleeping", "Independence Day", "Igby Goes Down", "Scary Movie 4", etc.

Married since 1987 (3 children). Also a stage actor. He co-owns a ranch in Montana.

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Lead/co-star Marilyn Hassett is 59.

Attractive starlet, memorable as skier Jill Kinmont in "The Other Side of the Mountain" (Golden Globe nominee best actress). Also in "Shadow of the Hawk", "Two-Minute Warning", "The Bell Jar", "Gypsy Angels", "Massive Retaliation", "Exiled in America", etc.

Divorced, she was last on screen in 1991.

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Co-star/support Eugene Levy is 60.

Talented comic/writer (with thick eyebrows). In "Nothing Personal", "Vacation", "Splash", "Club Paradise", "I Love Trouble", "Waiting for Guffman", "American Pie", "A Mighty Wind" (won New York Film Critics Award), "The Man" hilarious role, "For Your Consideration", etc.

Married since 1977 (2 children). Prominent on TV. Has won numerous awards.

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Lead/co-star Tommy Steele is 70.

Talented British actor/singer, in "Light Up the Sky", "Half a Sixpence", "The Happiest Millionaire" (Golden Globe nominee best actor), "Finian's Rainbow", "Where's Jack?", "Quincy's Quest", etc.

Has a daughter Emma. A Tony Award nominee. Last on screen in 1979.

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Co-star/support George Lindsey is 71.

Comedic actor remembred as Goober on TVs "The Andy Griffith Show". In "Ensign Pulver", "Snowball Express", "Charley and the Angel", "Take This Job and Shove It", "Cannonball Run II", etc.

Father of 2 children. Was a former high school teacher. Has voiced various Disney characters. Recently returned to the screen after 20 years.

TV Land's "Star Trek" marathon November 17th, 2006, had comments by the actors. Leonard Nemoy's stunner was that Gene Roddenberry's first choice to play Spock was George Lindsey. He turned the part down and the rest is history.

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Co-star/support Amin Muller-Stahl is 76.

Essential character actor, Oscar nominated best support for "Shine". Also in "Lola", "The Music Box" as Jessica Lange's father, "Avalon" impressive performance, "The House of Spirits", "The Game", "The X Files", "Jakob the Liar", "The Dust Factory", "Local Color", etc.

Father of a son. On TVs "The West Wing" in 2004.

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Co-star/support Patrice Wymore is 80 today.

Lovely, charming actress, in "Tea for Two", "Rocky Mountain", "I'll See You in My Dreams", "The Big Trees", "She's Working Her Way Through College", "The Man Behind the Gun", "Ocean's Eleven", "Chamber of Horrors", etc.

Widow of Errol Flynn (1 daughter, died in 1998). Did some TV work. Last on screen in 1966. Was prominent on a TCM profile of Errol Flynn a few years ago.

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Posthumous

 

Lead/co-star Richard Long (47) 1927-1974.

Reliable, handsome actor, in "The Stranger", "The Egg and I", "The Dark Mirror", "Criss Cross", "Kansas Raiders", "All I Desire", "Cult of the Cobra" good chiller, "House on Haunted Hill", "Follow the Boys", etc.

Was married to the late Suzan Ball and to Mara Corday (3 children). Was the brother-in-law of Marshall Thompson. On the TV series "The Big Valley" as Stanwyck's son, and "Nanny and the Professor".

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Co-star/support Spade Cooley (58) 1910-1969.

Character actor, known as the King of the Western Swing, usually playing his fiddle in numerous 'B' westerns of the 1940s, which starred Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Tim Holt.

Unfortunately, he murdered his wife, and while in prison was let out on a furlough to perform at a police benefit, and died back stage of a heart attack. And justice for all.

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Co-star/support Katina Paxinou (72) 1900-1973.

Earthy Greek actress, won Oscar best support in "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Also in "Hostages", "Confidential Agent" w/Charles Boyer, "Mourning Becomes Electra", "Prince of Foxes" w/Tyrone Power, "Mr. Arkadin" w/Orson Welles, "The Miracle", "Rocco and His Brothers", etc.

Married twice (2 children). Was the first non-American to win an Oscar in a supporting role. Also a grand stage actress.

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In memory of those who died this day December 17th:

Superior character actor Thomas Mitchell in 1962 at age 70, handsome movie star Dana Andrews in 1992 at age 83, lovely starlet Janey Margolin in 1993 at age 50, cowboy star Rex Allen in 1999 at age 78, and 'Our Gang' member Mary Ann Jackson in 2003 at age 80.

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Mongo

[mrsl]

Just a special Happy Birthday to Bill Pullman. I love this guy. He's like Kevin Costner, not amazingly good looking, but always treats his character well. He sticks basically to light comedy, but I wish he would try more dramatic roles. Believe it or not, as funny as its going to sound, in Independence Day, when they were about to enter the 'clean' room, and the officer didn't want to open the door, Pullman said, very clearly, "Open,. . . the door". The way he said it, with such authority, I think he could handle a drama quite well if he would only try one.

 

Sorry to interrupt but sometimes a name comes up that just sparks a remark.

 

Anne

[bansi4]

Anne, be advised that your not interrupting the thread with your comments. Your always welcome here.

 

By the way I have some info for you regarding former child actress Tammy Marihugh on the 'Ask Mongo' thread. Check it out.

 

Correction: The correct name is Janet Margolin, and not Janey as posted below.

[jdb1]

I'd like to share a brief memory about one of today's birthday celebrants, Tommy Steele. He's not very well known in the US. He began as a sort of Elvis clone in the 1950s, but segued into film - I've seen at least one non-musical English film he was in - about WWII soldiers -- but his real talent was in dancing and singing. He had some small success on Broadway in "Half a Sixpence," appeared on a few TV variety shows, and was in the filmed version of "Finian's Rainbow" in which he was, I thought, terrific. Unfortunately, the day of the song-and-dance man was just about over in the mid-60s, and Steele never got a chance to show what he could really do, at least not in the US.

 

While "Half a Sixpence" was running on Broadway, I was on my high school newspaper as the entertainment columnist and went to a press conference featuring Tommy Steele. I will remember it always - he was so charming, so interesting and so witty, and he seemed genuinely pleased to be in a group of young people who asked some quite good questions (he wasn't that much older than we were at the time). I suppose it was a nice break for him from the usual boilerplate questions from press people not particularly interested in what he was all about. I've never seen a more spontaneous and enjoyable press conference than that one, and I'm sorry that I (that all of us, actually) never got the chance to see more of his work than I have seen. Here's to the world's tallest leprechaun!

 

As a rocker

On London's West End as Hans Christian Anderson

[bansi4]

jdb1, thanks for the additional info about Tommy Steele. I recall watching him on the big screen and he was quite talented. Nice to know that he was also a nice guy.

[bansi4]

Born this day December 18th:

 

Lead/co-star Katie Holmes is 28.

Lovely starlet, in "The Ice Storm", "Disturbing Behavior", "Wonder Boys", "The Gift", "Phone Booth", "The Singing Detective", "Pieces of April" good role, "Batman Begins", "Thank You for Smoking", etc.

Married to Tom Cruise (1 daughter Suri). Once engaged to Chris Klein. On the TV series "Dawson's Creek".

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Lead/co-star Casper Van Dien is 38.

Handsome action actor, in "Starship Troopers", "Tarzan and the Lost City", "Sleepy Hollow", "The Rules of Attraction", "Dracula 3000", etc.

Married to Catherine Oxenberg (2 children). Divorced from Robert Mitchums'granddaughter (2 children). Has done lots of TV work, including the series "Watch Over Me".

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Lead/co-star Brad Pitt is 43.

Popular superstar, Oscar nominated best support for "Twelve Monkeys". Also in "Thelma and Louise", "Johnny Suede" the hair-do is a pip, "A River Runs Through It", "Kalfornia", "Interview with the Vampire", "Legends of the Fall" (Golden Globe nominee), "Se7en", "Meet Joe Black", "Fight Club", "The Mexican", "Troy" good role, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Babel" (Golden Globe nominee best actor), etc.

Divorced from Jennifer Aniston. Once engaged to Gwyneth Paltrow. Is keeping company with Angelina Jolie.

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Lead/co-star Ray Liotta is 51.

Talented, 'intense' actor, in "Something Wild" (Golden Globe nominee), "Dominick and Eugene", "Goodfellas" exceptional role, "Unlawful Entry", "Corrina, Corrina", "Cop Land", "Hannibal", "Blow", "Narc", "Comeback Season", etc.

Divorced (1 daughter). He was adopted when 6 months old. Won a Emmy Award for his appearance on TVs "E.R.". His new show "Smith" failed to make the grade.

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Director/producer Steven Spielberg is 60.

Supreme filmmaker, won best director Oscar for "Schindler's List", and "Saving Private Ryan". Oscar nominated for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "Munich". Also helmed "The Sugarland Express", "Jaws", "1941", "The Color Purple", "Jurassic Park", "Amistad", "The Terminal", "War of the Worlds", etc.

Married to Kate Capshaw (5 children). Divorced from Amy Irving (1 son).

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Co-star/support Roger Smith is 74.

Reliable, good-looking actor, in "Man of a Thousnad Faces" as Cagney's son, "Operation Mad Ball", "Auntie Mame" w/Rosalind Russell, "Never Steal Anything Small", "For Those Who Think Young", "Rogue's Gallery", etc.

Married to Ann-Margret since 1961. Divorced from Victoria Shaw (3 children of which he obtained sole custody of). Neuromuscular disease forced his retirement (is now in remission). Was on the TV series "77 Sunset Strip". Last on screen in 1968.

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Lead/co-star Peggy Cummins is 80 today.

Talented British blonde actress, remembered as the femme-fatale in the cult classic "Gun Crazy" aka "Deadly Is the Female". Also in "The Late George Apley", "Moss Rose" w/Victor Mature, "Escape", "Curse of the Demon" good role, "Hell Divers", etc.

Widowed after 50 years (2 children). Had the lead role in "Forever Amber" and was replaced by Linda Darnell. Last on screen in 1961.

On June 14th, 2006 she appeared as guest of honor at a special screening of 'Night of the Demon' in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, UK. Looking slim and elegant and nowhere near her age Peggy answered some questions from the audience before viewing the film for the first time.

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Posthumous

 

Co-star/support Gary Gray (69) 1936-2006.

Former child actor, remembered as William Holden's son in "Rachel and the Stranger" w/Loretta Young. Also in "The Clock", "To Each His Own", "Three Wise Fools", "The Next Voice You Hear", "Return of the Bad Men" w/Randolph Scott, "Tenth Avenue Angel", "Teenage Rebel", "The Party Crashers" w/Bobby Driscoll, etc.

Married 45 years (4 daughters). Last on screen in 1962.

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Co-star/support Ossie Davis (87) 1917-2005.

Imposing, passionate actor, in "The Cardinal", "The Scalphunters", "Let's Do It Again", "Harry and Son", "Avenging Angel", "Do the Right Thing", "Jungle Fever", "Malcolm X", "Grumpy Old Men", "The Client", "Doctor Dolittle", etc.

Married to Ruby Dee for 56 years (3 children). On numerous TV programs, he is a 4 time Emmy Award nominee.

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Lead/co-star Betty Grable (56) 1916-1973.

Popular blonde star with the million dollar legs. In "The Gay Divorcee", "Down Argentine Way", "Tin Pan Alley", "Moon Over Miami", "A Yank in the R.A.F" w/Tyrone Power, "I Wake Up Screaming" good noir, "Springtime in the Rockies", "Coney Island", "The Dolly Sisters", "Mother Wore Tights" good role (teamed with Dan Dailey in 4 films), "My Blue Heaven", "Call Me Mister", "How to Marry a Millionaire", "Three for the Show", etc.

Was married to Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester), and to Harry James (2 daughters). Dated Desi Arnaz and George Raft. Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and her leg prints in cement at the Chinese Theatre.

Quoted: "There are two reasons why I am successful in show business and I am standing on both of them. "

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Co-star/support Lynn Bari (75) 1913-1989.

Attractive brunette usually played 'the other woman'. In over 100 films including "Always Goodbye", "The Great Ziegfeld", "Hotel for Women", "Lillian Russell" w/Alice Faye, "Blood and Sand", "Orchestra Wives", "Hello Frisco, Hello", "The Bridge of San Luis Rey", "Tampico", "Margie" w/Jeanne Crain, "Damn Citizen", etc.

Married 3 times (1 son).

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Lead/co-star Celia Johnson (73) 1908-1982.

Talented British actress, remembered for her Oscar nominated best actress role in "Brief Encounter". Also in "In Which We Serve", "The Holly and the Ivy", "The Captain's Paradise", "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie", etc.

Was married to Peter Fleming (3 children).

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Director/producer George Stevens (70) 1904-1975.

Grand filmmaker, won Oscar best director for "A Place in the Sun", and "Giant". Oscar nominated best director for "The More the Merrier" (won New York Film Critics Award), "Shane", and "The Diary of Anne Frank". Also helmed, "Alice Adams", "Swing Time", "Gunga Din", "Penny Serenade", "Woman of the Year", "The Talk of the Town", "I Remember Mama", "The Greatest Story Ever Told", etc.

Married twice. father of film historian George Stevens Jr. Also a cinematographer.

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Co-star/support Gladys Cooper (82) 1888-1971.

Supreme character actress, Oscar nominated best support for "Now, Voyager" as Bette Davis' mother, "The Song of Bernadette" as the doubting nun, and "My Fair Lady". Also in "Rebecca", "Kitty Foyle", "Mr. Lucky", "Mrs. Parkington", "The Valley of Decision", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "The Green Years", "Green Dolphin Street", "The Bishop's Wife", "The Pirate" w/Garland, "Separate Tables", etc.

Married 3 times (3 children). On the TV series "The Rogue's", among other shows including "The Twilight Zone". Received 2 Tony Award nominations for her stage work. Also in silent films.

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In memory of those who died this day December 18th:

Lovely blonde starlet Diana Lynn in 1971 at age 45, distinguished actor Cyril Ritchard ('Capt. Hook') in 1977 at age 80, reliable character actor Frances Fuller in 1980 at age 73, superior character actress Anne Revere in 1990 at age 87, sweet blonde actress June Storey in 1991 at age 73, action actor Steve James in 1993 at age 41, dependable character actor Sam Wanamaker in 1993 at age 74, Oscar nominated actress Lilia Skala in 1994 at age 98, outrageous hefty actor Chris Farley in 1997 at age 33, reliable supporting actor Edward Norris in 2002 at age 91, and lovely actress/skater Belita in 2005 at age 82.

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Mongo

[bansi4]

Addition:

 

Director Jules Dassin is 95 today.

 

Essential filmmaker, Oscar nominated best director for "Never On Sunday". Also helmed "Reunion in France" w/Crawford, "The Canterville Ghost" w/Laughton, "Brute Force", "The Naked City" exceptional drama, "Thieves' Highway", "Night and the City", "Phaedra", "Topkapi", "A Dream of Passion", etc.

Married twice including to the late Melina Mercouri. A two-time Tony Award nominee. Named as a communist by director Edward Dmytryk for the HUAC in 1952. This caused Dassin to be blacklisted and forced him to move to France where he became more famous and successful than he ever was in the United States.

Quoted: "Louis B. Mayer's arm around your shoulder meant his hand was closer to your throat."

Last he was residing in Athens, Greece.

[bansi4]

Born this day December 19th:

 

Lead/co-star Jake Gyllenhaal is 26.

Dependable, serious actor, Oscar nominated best support for "Brokeback Mountain". In "City Slickers", "October Sky", "Donnie Darko", "Bubble Boy", "The Good Girl", "Highway", "Moonlight Mile", "The Day After Tomorrow", "Proof", "Jarhead", etc.

Has dated Kirsten Dunst. Brother of Maggie Gyllenhaal. His Godmother is Jamie Lee Curtis.

Quoted: "We live in a sad time where actors are politicians & politicians are actors." I like that.

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Co-star/support Alyssa Milano is 34.

Attractive starlet, remembered as Samantha on the TV series "Who's the Boss?". In "Commando", "Speed Zone!", "Conflict of Interest", "Deadly Sins", "Public Enemies", "Fear", "Glory Daze", "Kiss the Bride", "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star", etc.

Married for 10 months in 1999. Once engaged to Scott Wolf. On the TV series "Charmed".

Alyssa's favorite saying is "It's nice to be important, but it's important to always be nice." I like that.

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Lead/co-star Jennifer Beals is 43.

Dark beauty, made a 'splash' in "Flashdance" (Golden Globe nominee). In "My Bodyguard", "The Bride" as the mate of the Frankenstein monster, "Vampire's Kiss", "Four Rooms", "Devil in a Blue Dress", "Roger Dodger", "Runaway Jury", "The Grudge 2", etc.

Married twice (1 daughter). On TVs "The L Word".

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Lead/co-star Cicely Tyson is 73.

Majestic actress, Oscar nominated best actress for "Sounder" (also a Golden Globe nominee). In "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter", "The Blue Bird", "Fried Green Tomatoes" good role, "Hoodlum", "Because of Winn-Dixie", "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", "Madea's Family Reunion", etc.

Divorced from Miles Davis. Won a Emmy Award for her sterling performance in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman". Resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Lead/co-star Edmund Purdom is 82 today.

Reliable, handsome actor, in "Titanic" w/Stanwyck, "Julius Caesar" w/Brando, "The Egyptian", "Athena", "The Prodigal" w/Lana, "Strange Intruder", "Herod the Great", "The Yellow Rolls-Royce", etc.

Married 3 times including to lovely Linda Christian. Father of 2 children. He is a dubbing actor in Italian films. Last on screen in 2001.

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Posthumous

 

Lead/co-star Robert Urich (55) 1946-2002.

Dependable, appealing actor, in "Magnum Force" w/Eastwood, "Endangered Species", "The Ice Pirates", "Turk 182!", "Clover Bend", etc.

Married to Heather Menzies at the time of his death from cancer (3 children). Appeared on numerous TV series notably "Vega$" (Golden Globe nominee), and "Spenser for Hire". Was memorable as Jake Spoon in the TV mini-series "Lonesome Dove".

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Lead/co-star Ralph Richardson (80) 1902-1983.

Distinguished British actor, Oscar nominated best support as Dr. Sloper in "The Heiress", and for "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes". Also in "The Citadel", "The Four Feathers" good role, "The Fallen Idol", "Breaking the Sound Barrier", "Our Man in Havana", "Exodus", "Long Day's Journey Into Night", "Doctor Zhivago", "Time Bandits", "Dragonslayer", etc.

Married twice (1 child). He was knighted in 1947. His hobby was collecting motor bikes which he rode into his 70s. A grand stage actor, he was nominated for 3 Tony Awards.

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Co-star/support Mabel Paige (74) 1879-1954.

Grand silver-haired character actress, memorable in "Someone to Remember", which was remade as "Johnny Trouble" w/Ethel Barrymore. In "Lucky Jordan" w/Alan Ladd, "The Cystal Ball", "Murder, He Says" hilarious stuff, "Out of This World", "Johnny Belinda" as a town gossip, "Roseanna McCoy", "Edge of Doom", "The Sniper" coming to TCM, "Houdini", etc.

Widowed in 1931. Also appeared in silent films. She was the 'sweet'lady who sold Lucy the dress shop in an episode of "I Love Lucy".

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In memory of those who died this day December 19th:

Showman Prince Radian 'The Living Torso" ("Freaks") in 1934 at age 63, capable character actress Rita Page in 1954 at age 49, essential screenwriter John Van Druten in 1957 at age 56, essential director Jacques Toueneur in 1977 at age 73, talented character actress Audrey Christie in 1989 at age 77, Italian romeo Marcello Mastroianni in 1996 at age 72, lovely blonde actress Hope Lange in 2003 at age 72, and reliable character actor Les Tremayne in 2003 at age 90.

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Mongo

[bansi4]

Born this day December 20th:

 

Co-star/support Jenny Agutter is 54.

Pretty British actress, in "Star!" w/Julie Andrews, "The Railway Children", "Logan's Run", "The Eagle Has Landed", "Equus" good role, "An American Werewolf in London", "The Survivor", "Dark Tower", "Darkman", "Childs Play 2", "Heroes and Villains", etc.

Married since 1990 (1 son). On the TV series "MI-5".

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Co-star/support John Hillerman is 74.

Reliable character actor, in "The Last Picture Show", "What's Up Doc?", "High Plains Drifter", "Paper Moon" good role, "Blazing Saddles", "Chinatown", "The Day of the Locust", "Lucky Lady", "Audrey Rose", "Sunburn", etc.

On the TV series "Magnum P.I." (won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe). Last on screen in 1996. He retired to Texas.

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Lead/co-star Mala Powers is 75.

Talented starlet, in "Edge of Doom", "Outrage" directed by Ida Lupino, who gave Powers career a boost, "Cyrano de Bergerac" as Roxanne (Golden Globe nominee), "City That Never Sleeps", "Rage at Dawn", "The Unknown Terror", "Man on the Prowl", "The Colossus of New York", "Fear No More", etc.

Married twice (1 child). Dated Ross Martin. Remained a close friend to Ida Lupino. Last on screen in 2002. Has appeared at Nostalgia events.

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Lead/co-star Audrey Totter is 88 today.

Dynamic blonde actress, in some exceptional film-noir, including "The Postman Always Rings Twice", "Lady in the Lake", "The Unsuspected", "High Wall", "Alias Nick Beal" w/Milland, "The Set-Up", "Tension" good bitc* role, also "The Blue Veil", "The Sellout", "Man in the Dark", "Women's Prison", etc.

Widowed after 42 years (1 child). A regular on the TV series "Medical Center". Has dated Clark Gable. Last on the big screen in 1979. Appeared at Nostalgia gatherings. Living at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital, Woodland Hills, Califonia.

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Posthumous

 

Co-star/support John Spencer (58) 1946-2005.

Essential supporting actor, remembered as Leo McGarry on the TV series "The West Wing" (won an Emmy Award). In "WarGames", "Hiding Out", "Far from Home", "Sea of Love", "Black Rain", "Green Card", "Forget Paris", "The Rock", "Cop Land", etc.

Also appeared on TVs "L.A. Law". A former alcoholic, and heavy smoking may have contributed to his sudden death, just days before his 59th birthday.

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Lead/co-star Dennis Morgan (85) 1908-1994.

Handsome Irish actor with a rich baritone, in "The Fighting 69th.", "Three Cheers for the Irish", "Kitty Foyle", "Captains of the Clouds", "In This Our Life", "The Hard Way", "The Desert Song", "God Is My Co-Pilot", "Shine on Harvest Moon", "Christmas in Connecticut" w/Stanwyck, "My Wild Irish Rose", "Two Guys from Texas" (teamed with Jack Carson in a few films), "Perfect Strangers" w/Ginger Rogers, "Raton Pass", "Pearl of the South Pacific" w/Virginia Mayo, etc.

Married 61 years (3 children). Early in his career was billed Stanley Morner and Richard Morner (his real name).

Quoted: "It's not the easiest thing in the world to be a success in Hollywood and still be the ordinary husband and father." He pulled it off.

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Co-star/support Albert Dekker (62) 1905-1968.

Tall, essential character actor, in "Marie Antoinette", "The Man in the Iron Mask", "Beau Geste", "Strange Cargo", "Dr. Cyclops" good role, "**** Tonk", "Among the Living", "Wake Island", "The Killers", "Cass Timberlane", "Gentleman's Agreement", "The Furies", "East of Eden", "Suddenly", "The Wild Bunch", etc.

Married in 1929, he was divorced. Also a stage and TV actor.

Accidentally hanged himself, under odd circumstances.

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Lead/co-star Irene Dunne (91) 1898-1990.

Supreme, appealing movie star, Oscar nominated best actress for "Cimarron", "Theodora Goes Wild", "The Awful Truth", "Love Affair", and "I Remember Mama". Also in "Back Street", "Roberta", "Magnificent Obsession", "Show Boat", "My Favorite Wife", "Penny Serenade", "A Guy Named Joe", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "Anna nd the King of Siam", "Life with Father", "The Mudlark", etc.

Married 37 years (1 adopted daughter). Was an aspiring opera singer. It's bewildering why she was never given an honorary Oscar for her work in films. Quoted: "I appeared with many leading men. But working with Cary Grant was different from working with other actors - he was much more fun! I think we were a successful team because we enjoyed working together tremendously, and that pleasure must have shown through onto the screen ... I will always remember two compliments he made me. He said I had perfect timing in comedy and that I was the sweetest-smelling actress he ever worked with."

TCM is saluting the lady all day today with a selection of films from the 1930s.

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Co-star/support Charley Grapewin (86) 1869-1956.

Grand, folksy character actor, most likely remembered as Uncle Henry in "The Wizard of Oz", although memorable in numerous roles. Also in "Female", "Alice Adams", "The Petrified Forest", "The Good Earth", "Captains Courageous", "Of Human Hearts", "Three Comrades", "Dust Be My Destiny", "The Grapes of Wrath" as Grandpa Joad, "Tobacco Road" as Jeeter Lester, "They Died with Their Boots On", "When I Grow Up", etc.

Maried for 48 years. Started out as an aerialist and trapeze artist. Began acting on screen at age 60.

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In memory of those who died this day December 20th:

Grand character actor C. Aubrey Smith in 1948 at age 85, comic actor Charley Rogers in 1956 at age 69, dependable character actress Elisabeth Risdon in 1958 at age 71, playwright Moss Hart in 1961 at age 57, novelist/screenwriter John Steinbeck in 1968 at age 66, unique talent Bobby Darin in 1973 at age 37, handsome actor William Lundigan in 1975 at age 61, prominent songwriter Ned Washington in 1976 at age 75, good-looking TV actor John Vivyan in 1983 at age 67, reliable character actor Peter Brocco in 1992 at age 89, reliable character actress Madge Sinclair in 1995 at age 57, lovely actress Irene Hervey in 1998 at age 89, Warner Bros. director Irving Rapper in 1999 at age 101, TV comic 'drunk' Foster Brooks in 2001 at age 89, essential character actress Argentina Brunetti in 2005 at age 98.

********************************************

 

Mongo

 

12 Days

[bansi4]

Born this day December 21st:

 

Lead/Costar Kiefer Sutherland is 40.

Reliable actor, usually a bully, in "The Bad Boy", "Max Dugan Returns", "At Close Range", "Stand by Me", "The Lost Boys", "Young Guns", "Flatliners", "A Few Good Men", "The Cowboy Way", "Eye for an Eye", "A Time to Kill", "Phone Booth", "The Sentinel", etc.

Married twice (1 daughter). Son of Donald Sutherland. Once engaged to Julia Roberts. Star of the hit TV series "24" (won Golden Globe Award).

********************************

Co-star/support Andy Dick is 41.

Wacky, nerdy-looking actor, in "Reality Bites", "The cable Guy", "Bongwater", "Inspector Gadget", "Road Trip", "Zoolander", "Old School", "Larceny", "AdCorp. Inc.", "Employer of the Month", etc.

Divorced (1 son). Has 2 children with a companion 'Lina'. On the TV series "News Radio".

Was one of the last people to see actor David Strickland alive as they binge drank in Las Vegas.

**********************************

Lead/co-star Ray Romano is 49.

Essential comedic actor, popular as Ray Barone on the hit TV series "Everybody Loves Raymond" (won Emmy Award). "Ice Age" voice of Manfred, "Welcome to Mooseport" w/Gene Hackman, "Eulogy" w/Debra Winger, "Grilled" went directly to video, "Ice Age: The Meltdown" voice of Manny, etc.

Married since 1987 (4 children including twin boys). Originally planned to be an accountant. His movie career thus far has been adequate.

************************************

Lead/co-star Samuel L. Jackson is 58.

Impressive action star, Oscar nominated best support for "Pulp Fiction". Also in "Ragtime", "Coming to America", "Do the Right Thing", "Sea of Love", "Goodfellas", "Jungle Fever", "Jurassic Park", "True Romance", "Kiss of Death", "A Time to Kill", "Eve's Bayou", "Jackie Brown", "Shaft", "S.W.A.T.", "Kill Bill Vol. 2", "The Incredibles" voice, "Freedomland", "Snakes on a Plane", etc.

Married since 1980 (1 daughter Zoe). The 'L' in his name is for Leroy.

**************************************

Co-star/support Barry Gordon is 58.

Former child actor, remembered as the kid with many names in "A Thousand Clowns" (also appeared in the play). In "Hands of a Stranger", "Pressure Point" good role, "The Spirit Is Willing", "Love at First Bite", "Body Slam", etc.

Was/is married (1 son). Recorded the hit tune "Nuttin' for Christmas" in 1955. Made numerous TV appearances, last in 2004 on HBOs "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Dabbled in politics and lost. Is host of a radio show in L.A.

***************************************

Lead/co-star Jane Fonda is 69.

Essential movie star, won Oscar best actress for "Klute", and for "Coming Home". Oscar nominated best actress for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", "Julia" (won Golden Globe), "The China Syndrome", "The Morning After", and for best support in "On Golden Pond". Also in "Walk on the Wild Side" as Kitty Twist, "Sunday in New York", "Cat Ballou" (Golden Globe nominee), "Any Wednesday" (Golden Globe nominee), "Hurry Sundown", "Barefoot in the Park", "Barbarella", "Nine to Five", "Agnes of God", "Mother-in-Law", etc.

Married 3 times including to Roger Vadim and to Ted Turner. Mother of 2 children. Daughter of Henry Fonda, sister of Peter Fonda. Her anti-war antics during Viet Nam caused much controversy, and she was tagged 'Hanoi Jane'. Has suffered back problems. Looking swell today.

*************************************

Lead/co-star Ed Nelson is 78.

Reliable actor, in "Attack of the Crab Monsters", "Rock All Night", "The Cry Baby Killer", "Night of the Blood Beast", "The Brain Eaters", "A Bucket of Blood" (I'm getting nauseous listing his credits). Also in "Soldier in the Rain" w/McQueen, "Airport 1975", "Midway", "Runaway Jury", etc.

Married since 1950 (6 children). Was Michael Rossi on TVs "Peyton Place".

In July 2005, he appeared as a guest at the Western Film Fair in Charlotte, North Carolina along with Ty Hardin, Donna Douglas, Richard Anderson, Elena Verdugo, Adrian Brian, Henry Darrow and Jo Morrow.

**************************************

Co-star/support Vampira is 85.

Attractive actress, remembered as Vampire Girl in Ed Wood's "Plan Nine from Outer Space". Also in "Too Much, Too Soon", "The Beat Generation", "The Big Operator" w/Mickey Rooney, "Sex Kittens Go to College", "The Magic Sword", etc.

Last on screen in 1998. Was fired by Mae West from her 1940s play "Catherine Was Great", fearing she was being upstaged. Real name is Maila Syrjaniemi.

Quoted: "I've always been fascinated by beautiful men on the screen: Tyrone Power, Robert Walker, with soft-focus filters and velvet voices. That's what Ed Wood was like. Beautiful dreamy eyes and long, sweeping lashes just beautiful. He didn't make a very pretty lady [in "Glen or Glenda"], but he made an awfully pretty man." -- regarding the film "Plan 9 from Outer Space"

*****************************************

Co-star/support Joe Mantell is 86 today.

Dependable actor, Oscar nominated best support for his role as Borgnine's annoying friend Angie in "Marty". Also in "Storm Center" w/Bette Davis, "Beau James" w/Bob Hope, "The Sad Sack", "Onionhead", "The Crowded Sky", Hitchcock's "The Birds", "Chinatown", "Movers and Shakers", "The Two Jakes", etc.

Appeared on numerous TV shows. Last on screen in 1990.

******************************************

 

Gotta run. Be back later to complete list.

 

Mongo

 

11 Days

[bansi4]

Continued:

 

 

 

In memory of those who died this day December 21st:

 

Novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1940 at age 44, writer/producer Mark Hellinger in 1947 at age 44, superior character actor H.B. Warner in 1958 at age 83, Oscar nominated actor Stuart Erwin in 1967 at age 64, handsome actor Richard Long in 1974 at age 47, screenwriter Marc Connelly in 1980 at age 90, reliable versatile actor Rod Cameron in 1983 at age 73, filmmaker Ralph Nelson ("Lilies of the Field") in 1987 at age 71, and essential western actor Bob Steele in 1988 at age 81.

************************************

 

Mongo

 

11 Days

[vallo13]

11 Days???

 

Prelude to The End??? perhaps.............Oh! no not that.....

 

 

vallo

[jdb1]

Wow, there's one I haven't thought about in decades: "I'm Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas" Who remembers that one?

 

I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas.

Mommy and Daddy are mad.

I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas,

'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

 

Then the verse lists all his sins, each one followed by "Somebody snitched on me." I remember one as "I made Tommy eat a bug."

 

It was the companion piece to "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Both great songs. I don't remember it being Barry Gordon singing, but then, at the time I had never heard of him and I was rather young myself. I'd like to hear that one again.

 

Thanks for digging that one up, mongo.

[JackBurley]

I'm gettin' nuttin for Christmas

Mommy and Daddy are mad.

I'm gettin' nuttin for Christmas

'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

 

I broke my bat on Johnny's head,

Somebody snitched on me.

I hid a frog in sister's bed,

Somebody snitched on me.

I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug,

I made Tommy eat a bug,

Bought some gum with a penny slug;

Somebody snitched on me.

 

I'm gettin' nuttin for Christmas

Mommy and Daddy are mad.

I'm gettin' nuttin for Christmas

'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

 

I put a tack on teacher's chair,

Somebody snitched on me.

I tied a knot in Susie's hair,

Somebody snitched on me.

I did a dance on Mommy's plants,

climbed a tree and tore my pants,

filled the sugar bowl with ants,

Somebody snitched on me.

[mrsl]

Mr. Burley:

 

You continue to shock me. YOU are the last person I would expect to remember those particular lyrics. Don't ask me why. I'm just surprised.

 

Anne

[jdb1]

Well, I'm glad he did remember it. Thanks!!!

 

But . . . now I'm going to be singing it all weekend. I can hear that little-boy voice singing it, can't you?

[JackBurley]

I have a large, eclectic and (so I've been told) bizarrre and music recording collection, Mrs. L. You think my movie taste is all over the board? You ain't seen nuttin' yet! I have the Stan Freberg rendition of this nutty song. 'Tis a yearly tradition to play it... Glad I can still keep you on your toes.

[bansi4]

Vallo, sorry to say it is indeed 11 days until the final birthday post on January 1st. 2007, at which time I will retire from this thread, although I did enjoy doing it.

It's up for grabs if any boardmember wishes to take it over, which would be nice.

 

By the way, it was youngster Jimmy Boyd who had a hit record with "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".

 

I heard "Nuttin' for Christmas" on our Christmas station here in Florida, and it's been swimming in my head. And how about "Dominick the Donkey"? Hew-Haw.

[vecchiolarry]

Hi Mongo,

 

That will be a sad day for us and the board; but I do empathize, it is a big undertaking everyday.

 

I hope you realize that we are all very grateful to you for the past Birthday posts and that it has helped reveal to us many memories of people we've not thought of in ages.

It has certainly helped trigger my memory big time.

Thank you for all that!!!!!

 

You will, I hope, still post here and not disappear.

This message board would suffer greatly if you left. Please don't......

 

Larry