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- Actress
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Meredith Baxter is an American actress from California, better known for television roles. Her most famous roles include Catholic teacher Bridget Fitzgerald in the sitcom "Bridget Loves Bernie" (1972-1973), divorced mother Nancy Lawrence in the family-themed drama "Family" (1976-1980), and architect Elyse Keaton in the sitcom "Family Ties" (1982-1989).
In 1947, Baxter was born in South Pasadena, California. South Pasadena is a small city in Los Angeles County, located within San Gabriel Valley. The larger city of Pasadena is located north of Baxter's hometown. Baxter was the daughter of radio announcer Tom Baxter (John Thomas Baxter, Jr.) and actress Whitney Blake (1926-2002). Baxter's maternal grandfather was Harry C. Whitney, an agent of the United States Secret Service. Harry Whitney had served as a bodyguard to President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924, term 1913-1921).
In 1953, Baxter's parents divorced. Whitney Blake received custody of Baxter and her two older brothers. In 1957, Blake married talent agent Jack Fields. This marriage ended in divorce in 1967. In 1968, Blake married television writer Allan Manings (1924-2010). This marriage lasted until Blake's death in 2002. Baxter reportedly maintained a familial relationship with her second stepfather until his own death.
Baxter received part of her secondary education at James Monroe High School, located in the neighborhood of Sepulveda (later renamed to North Hills) in Los Angeles. She later transferred to Hollywood High School. She graduated in 1965. During her senior year, Baxter also received voice lessons at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Interlochen was an arts education institution located in Michigan.
In 1966, Baxter married Robert Lewis Bush. At the time, she was only 19-years-old. They had two children, son Theodore Justin "Ted" Bush (born1967) and daughter Eva Whitney Bush (born 1969) . The couple separated in 1969, and their divorce was finalized in 1971.
Baxter aspired to an acting career, like her mother. She remained fairly obscure until the early 1970s. Her highest-profile work were guest-star roles in then-popular television series, such as "The Doris Day Show" and "The Partridge Family". Baxter received her big break when cast as the female lead in the sitcom "Bridget Loves Bernie" (1972-1973). The main premise was an interfaith marriage between Catholic teacher Bridget Fitzgerald and Jewish taxi driver Bernie Steinberg. The series was the 5th highest-rated show on television during its single season, though it was controversial due to its subject matter. Jewish organizations protested that the show violated Judaism's prohibition against interfaith marriage, and organized protest campaigns. Baxter herself received threatening house visits by members of the Jewish Defense League, a vigilante organization known for violent crimes. The controversy led to the series' cancellation by the network CBS. Only 24 episodes were ever broadcast. As of 2002, the series remained the highest-rated American show to be canceled after a single season.
Following the series' cancellation, Baxter maintained a relationship with her co-star David Birney (1939-). In 1974, Baxter and Birney married each other. Their marriage lasted until 1989. They had three children: daughter Kathleen Jeanne "Kate" Birney (born 1974) and twins Mollie Elizabeth and Peter David Edwin Birney (born 1984). Several years following the end of their marriage, Baxter claimed that she had been physically abused by Birney during their marriage. Her co-workers were reportedly unaware that she had a problematic family life, or that she had struggled with alcoholism for several years.
During the 1970s, Baxter started regularly appearing in television films. She had a starring role in the horror film "The Cat Creature" (1973), involving a curse by the cat goddess Bastet. The film was scripted by noted horror writer Robert Bloch (1917-1994), and paid tribute to classic horror films of the 1940s. She also had starring role in the romantic drama "The Stranger Who Looks Like Me" (1974), as a grown woman who is searching for the birth parents who had abandoned her.
Baxter had one of her few feature films roles in the political thriller "All the President's Men" (1976), which depicted the early phases of the Watergate scandal. She played the supporting role of Debbie Sloan, the pregnant wife of witness Hugh W. Sloan Jr. (1940-). The real-life Hugh Sloan was the treasurer of the Committee to Re-elect the President, and later testified about the Committee's criminal activities. Sloan was depicted as one of the few honest men involved in Richard Nixon's shady organization. The film earned about 70.6 million dollars at the domestic box office, one of the greatest commercial hits in Baxter's career.
Baxter had another shot at television stardom when cast as Nancy Lawrence in the family-themed drama "Family" (1976-1980). The series depicted a middle-aged couple who still lives with their three grown-up children. The character of Nancy was depicted as a divorced mother who moved back in with her parents. She was trying to raise her own child, while attending law school. Baxter's role was critically acclaimed, and she was twice nominated for the "Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series". The award was instead won by rival actresses Kristy McNichol (1962-) and Nancy Marchand (1928-2000).
"Family" lasted for 5 seasons, and 86 episodes. It maintained solid ratings for most of its run, though a change to its time slot had led to rapid decline in ratings. Afterwards, Baxter was again in high demand for television roles. In 1981, Baxter co-starred in a television production of the play "Vanities" (1976) by Jack Heifner. The play follows the life of three best friends over an 11-year-period (1963-1974), from their high school and college years to adulthood. The friendship dissolves when the women discover that they no longer have any common interests. Joanne has become a conservative housewife and is trapped in an unhappy marriage, Mary owns a gallery specializing in erotic art and has become an advocate of sexual liberation, and Kathy has become a bookworm with a jaded view of life.
Baxter gained her next major role as successful architect Elyse Keaton in the hit "Family Ties" (1982-1989). The main premise of the series was an exploration of the generation gap, between two generations with different political views. The parents of the Keaton family were former hippies, lifelong liberals, and successful professionals. Their only son Alex was a Young Republican who was mainly driven by his own greed and ambition, their eldest daughter Mallory was a typical "material girl" with apolitical views, and their youngest daughter Jennifer was a tomboy mainly interested in athletics,.
"Family Ties" maintained high-ratings for most of its run, though it was not particularly well-liked by critics. The series lasted for 7 seasons, a total of 176 episodes, and a television film. It was considered indicative of the conservative political landscape of the 1980s. Its main legacy was turning actor Michael J. Fox (who played Alex) into a household name. Baxter was at the height of her popularity in the 1980s. However, she later claimed that she had no actual social life for its duration. She went straight from home to the television studio, and from the studio back to home.
In 1986, Baxter played the main role in the television film "Kate's Secret". It was acclaimed for its groundbreaking depiction of eating disorders. The main character Kate Stark (played by Baxter) appears to have an idyllic life. She is married to a man with a successful career, appears to have a loving family, and a close social circle. The truth depicted is less than idyllic. Kate's husband prioritizes his career over their marriage, and there is little actual affection in their relationship. Kate's "loving" mother is a domineering woman who criticizes her daughter for many perceived flaws. Kate's friends have no idea that she is suffering from bulimia nervosa, and Kate systematically hides her problems from everyone. The problems escalate until they become apparent to people surrounding Kate.
In 1989, Baxter received a divorce. At the time, she was 42-years-old. In 1990, the then-recently divorced Baxter managed to overcome her alcoholism. She has reportedly been sober ever since. Also in 1990, Baxter played kidnapper Florence Tulane in the television film "The Kissing Place". She was playing against type, as she had previously mostly played morally upright characters in television.
In 1992, Baxter had another well-received role in a television film. She played the main character in "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story". The film dramatized the life of Betty Broderick (1947-), a divorced woman who had murdered her ex-husband Daniel T. Broderick III and his second wife Linda Kolkena. The case had attracted much publicity because Daniel Broderick was the president of the San Diego Bar Association, and had apparently used his legal influence to to win sole custody over their children, to sell their house against Betty's wishes, and to bilk Betty out of her rightful share of his income. For this role, Baxter was nominated for the "Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie". The award was instead won by rival actress Gena Rowlands (1930-).
In 1994, Baxter received an award by the "National Breast Cancer Coalition". Baxter had reportedly helped raise awareness of breast cancer and its effects through her then-recent work. In 1999, Baxter herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received medical treatment, and she is thought to have fully recovered.
In 1995, Baxter married the novelist (and screenwriter) Michael Blodgett (1939-2007). This was Baxter's third marriage and Blodgett's fourth and last marriage. Baxter became the stepmother of Blodgett's three daughters from previous marriages. The couple received a divorce in 2000. A few years later, Blodgett died due to heart disease.
In 1996, Baxter starred in the short-lived sitcom "The Faculty". The series was set in a typical middle school, with Baxter playing vice-principal Flynn Sullivan. Flynn was depicted as a single mother who was trying to balance her career and her family life. While the series was praised for its dignified main character, most critics found that the show lacked memorable supporting characters and was not particularly humorous in its depiction of school life. The series never had high ratings, and was canceled after a single season. Only 13 episodes were broadcast.
In 1997, Baxter guest-starred in a two-part episode of the politically-themed sitcom "Spin City" (1996-2002). She played Macy Flaherty, the mother of protagonist Mike Flaherty (played by Michael J. Fox) Mike was depicted as the deputy mayor of New York City, skilled in politics but inept in managing his personal life. In this two-part episode, Macy has a brief romantic relationship with mayor Randall Winston (played by Barry Bostwick) , Mike's boss. She is then asked to help cover-up Randall's past relationship with a prostitute, which is thought to be damaging to his political career. The episodes were thought to be memorable for reuniting Baxter with her former co-star Michael J. Fox.
In the early 2000s, Baxter had been reduced to playing one-shot characters in various television series. In 2006, Baxter joined the cast of the police procedural series "Cold Case" (2003-2010). She played the supporting character Ellen Rush, mother of the protagonist Lilly Rush (played by Kathryn Morris). Lilly was depicted as a homicide detective, who specialized in resolving decades-old cold cases. Ellen was depicted as an alcoholic single mother, who had managed to raise two daughters despite her personal problems. In seasons 3 and 4 of the series, Ellen was slowly dying from cirrhosis of the liver and Lilly had to take care of her. The storyline of the character was concluded with Ellen's death, and Baxter left the series in 2007.
In 2009, Baxter publicly came out as a lesbian. She had been dating general contractor Nancy Locke since 2005. Baxter married Locke in 2013, and their marriage is still ongoing (as of 2021). This is Baxter's fourth and (so far) last marriage. Baxter revealed that she had been dating women since 2002, having previously had no same-sex relationships.
In 2011, Baxter published her memoir "Untied", revealing previously unknown details about her personal and family life. Some of the details came as a surprise to longtime co-workers of Baxter, as she had never confided in them about her personal problems. Baxter's former husband David Birney publicly disputed the veracity of the book's narrative. The book became a New York Times bestseller.
In 2014, Baxter briefly joined the cast of the long-running soap opera "The Young and the Restless" (1973-). She played Maureen Russell, a new drinking buddy for prominent character Nikki Newman (played by Melody Thomas Scott). Maureen was described as a charming middle-class woman with social-climbing aspirations. This was the first recurring television role Baxter since departing "Cold Case". For this role, Baxter was nominated for the "Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series". The award was instead won in a tie by three rival actors: Donna Mills (1940-), Fred Willard ( 1933-2020), and Ray Wise (1947-).
From 2014 to 2015, Baxter had a recurring role in the short-lived teen drama "Finding Carter" (2014-2015). The premise of the series was that teenage girl Carter Stevens (played by Kathryn Prescott) reunites with her biological family, after years of being raised by a kidnapper. Carter has trouble acclimating to her new life. Baxter played Grandma Joan (nicknamed Gammy), Carter's wealthy grandmother. The main subplot involving Joan was that she had never accepted her daughter's marriage to a professional writer with no fixed income. The series lasted for 2 seasons, and a total of 36 episodes. So far, this has been Baxter's last recurring role in television.
As of 2021, Baxter is 74-years-old. She has never fully retired from acting, though she infrequently appears in new roles. Several of her past roles are still fondly remembered. Baxter has never won any major acting award, despite multiple nominations over several decades. But she has remained quite popular with the general public.- Actor
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Debonair, dark-haired, exceedingly handsome Roger LaVerne Smith was born in South Gate, California to Dallas and Leone Smith on December 18, 1932. At age 6, his parents enrolled him at a professional school for singing, elocution and dancing lessons. By age 12, the family moved to Nogales, Arizona, a small town on the Mexican border where he appeared in high school theater productions, was made president of the school's acting club and became a star linebacker for his high school football team.
While studying at the University of Arizona in Tucson on a football scholarship, Roger entered and won several amateur talent prizes as a singer and guitarist which led to a TV appearance with Ted Mack and his Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour (1948) program. Stationed in Hawaii at a Naval Reserve, Roger had a chance meeting with film legend James Cagney. Cagney, impressed with the boy's clean-cut good looks and appeal, encouraged Roger to give Hollywood a try. Roger did so and it didn't take long for Columbia Pictures to snap him up 1957.
While there, young Roger gained experience on such TV anthologies as "Damon Runyon Theatre," "Celebrity Playhouse," "Ford Television Theatre" and "George Sanders Mystery Theatre" and made such films as No Time to Be Young (1957), Operation Mad Ball (1957) and Crash Landing (1958). He also played the older "Patrick Dennis" role in the madcap Rosalind Russell farce Auntie Mame (1958). Roger reconnected with Cagney around this time who not only hired him to play his son, "Lon Jr.", in the Lon Chaney biopic Man of a Thousand Faces (1957), but made him his co-star in the musical comedy-drama Never Steal Anything Small (1959).
In a successful move to the Warner Bros. studio, Roger won the role of wisecracking private detective "Jeff Spencer" in the hip TV series 77 Sunset Strip (1958). He also wrote several of the show's episodes and played the detective character in rollover episodes of "Surf Side Six" and "Hawaiian Eye." In 1962, the actor was hospitalized after falling down at home and losing consciousness. He was diagnosed two days later with a blood clot on the brain. Although he had recovered post-surgery), it forced him to leave the series temporarily and slowed down his career considerably to the point he almost quit.
Wed to budding Australian-born actress Victoria Shaw in 1956, they had three children. A Warner Bros. contractee, she appeared in an episode of his popular series. The marriage crumbled, however, and they divorced in 1965. He next met singer-actress Ann-Margret and they married in 1967. This marriage lasted 50 years, until his death.
Roger's health continued to to be a mysterious issue following his title role in the Warner Bros. short-lived TV series Mister Roberts (1965) and it forced an early retirement when he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a degenerative muscle/nerve disorder. He would last star as the title detective in the low-budget A.C. Lyles production of Rogue's Gallery (1968). In the meantime, he appeared on talk shows with his wife and delved into producing and writing -- with The First Time (1969) and C.C. & Company (1970).
Instead, Roger remained in the background and focused instead on managing, producing and nurturing his wife's musical career. In the 1970s, he proved instrumental in her successful Vegas comeback in Vegas (he produced her stage shows). He also helped to break her "sex kitten" image with critical acclaimed films and produced several of her 1970's TV musical specials.
Roger died of complications from his long-term illness on June 4, 2017, at age 84, and was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Born in Los Angeles in 1964, Theresa Randle began her performing career by studying dance (traditional, modern, jazz) and comedy. She entered Beverly Hills High School, with a special program for the exceptionally gifted. At the end of college she earned her first role at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center and was seen in commercials. Theresa was also involved in acting on the stage, with roles in such productions as "In Command of the Children", "Sonata", "6 Parts of Musical Broadway" and "Fight the Good Fight".
In 1987 she got her first big-screen break with Maid to Order (1987). For the next three years she appeared (in small roles) in such movies as Easy Wheels (1989) and Heart Condition (1990), with Denzel Washington). She continued in small roles by great directors such as Abel Ferrara (King of New York (1990)) and Spike Lee (Jungle Fever (1991) and Malcolm X (1992)). In 1995 she starred in Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) and Bad Boys (1995) (with Will Smith). In 1996 she earned her first starring role in Spike Lee's Girl 6 (1996), playing a young, out-of-work actress who gets caught up in the seductive, yet dark, world of phone sex.
She has also appeared in Space Jam (1996), with Michael Jordan (and a bevy of classic Warner Bros. cartoon characters) and recently in the film adaptation of the comic strip Spawn (1997), with Martin Sheen).- Actor
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- Producer
One of the great stars of American Westerns, and a very popular leading man in non-Westerns as well. He was born and raised in the surroundings of Hollywood and as a boy became interested in the movies that were being made all around. He studied acting at Pomona College and got some stage experience at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, where other future stars such as Randolph Scott, Robert Young, and Victor Mature would also get their first experience. He worked as an extra after graduation from the University of Southern California in 1928 and did some stunt work. In a rare case of an extra being chosen from the crowd to play a major role, McCrea was given a part in The Jazz Age. A contract at MGM followed, and then a better contract at RKO. Will Rogers took a liking to the young man (they shared a love of ranching and roping) and did much to elevate McCrea's career. His wholesome good looks and quiet manner were soon in demand, primarily in romantic dramas and comedies, and he became an increasingly popular leading man. He hoped to concentrate on Westerns, but several years passed before he could convince the studio heads to cast him in one. When he proved successful in that genre, more and more Westerns came his way. But he continued to make a mark in other kinds of pictures, and proved himself particularly adept at the light comedy of Preston Sturges, for whom he made several films. By the late Forties, his concentration focused on Westerns, and he made few non-Westerns thereafter. He was immensely popular in them, and most of them still hold up well today. He and Randolph Scott, whose career strongly resembles McCrea's, came out of retirement to make a classic of the genre, Sam Peckinpah's Ride the High Country (1962). Scott stayed retired thereafter; McCrea made a couple of appearances in small films afterwards, but was primarily content to maintain his life as a gentleman rancher. He was married for fifty-seven years to actress Frances Dee, who survived him.- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Veronika Bozeman was born on 9 January 1983 in South Central, Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Armed (2018), Karen (2021) and Snatched (2024).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Kyla Deaver was born in South California, USA. She is an actress, known for The Conjuring (2013), Before I Wake (2016) and Austin Found (2017).- Actor
- Additional Crew
Shawn D. "Solo" Fonteno is an African-American actor, voice actor, DJ rapper and recording artist who is best known as the voice and the acting performer of Franklin Clinton from the video game Grand Theft Auto V (2013). Fonteno's performance in Grand Theft Auto V was mainly recorded using motion capture technology. He is perhaps most well known for providing his voice for the character of Franklin Clinton in the hit video game Grand Theft Auto V, he previously lent his voice for the part of a gangster in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Shawn was born on April 8, 1968 in South Los Angeles, California, and raised in Watts, California. He grew up in the Los Angeles residential neighborhood of Watts, home to much of the African-American black population in LA and began joining an African-American street gang and started selling drugs before a near-fatal shooting prompted him to leave gangsters and turn his life around. He had truly faced the dangers and demons of a gang banging thug life. While he was a gang member (or gang banger) and drug dealer, he was also a thief and a car stealer and all the gangster stuff Franklin did in GTA 5 was more or less what Shawn did in his early teen years. After dabbling in music and movies, Fonteno was recruited to help Rockstar by friend DJ Pooh, a consultant for Grand Theft Auto V and co-producer and writer for San Andreas (fans of the movie Friday might remember him as the character Red). Initially, Fonteno sought out and helped other actors vying for the role of Franklin, but eventually ended up with the role himself after several weeks. For Fonteno, his acting skills were a bit rusty. His last role was in the 2001 film The Wash, so he leveraged the experience of Luke and Ogg to improve his techniques. "The process is real deep," says Fonteno. "It's just conditioning yourself to imagine what's going on in a square room -- and you have to imagine it's a living room, and you have to close your eyes and imagine acting inside a real living room." Fonteno hopes to parlay his work on GTA V toward a larger acting career, while Ogg and Luke say working on the game has reignited their passions for acting.
He is the older cousin of Young Maylay, the voice of Carl Johnson and also a rapper. He has 1 daughter, Bria Fonteno and his father is Thomas Fonteno
Before fame and starting his acting career, he has worked on movies such as Dead Homiez (1996), Three Strikes (or 3 Strikes in 2000) and in The Wash (2001). He also used to be part of a rap group called Kam&Solo.
In his spare time, He enjoys riding and customizing Harley Davidson Motorcycles. His rap group was affiliated with Ice Cube's Lench Mob Crew.- Actor
- Producer
Raised in South Gate, California, just 20 miles southeast of Hollywood, Walter Perez was always eager to express himself artistically. In his earlier years, he often directed and played the lead character in several homemade movies where he mimicked his movie idols such as Charlie Chaplin. His working-class parents were unable to afford him the resources he needed to gain access to the industry. It wasn't until he heard about Colors United, a performing arts group aimed at inner-city high school students that he really got the chance to show others his talents. For three years he honed his acting, singing and dancing skills with the group.
Since high school, Walter has juggled auditions and a full-time schedule at Cal State Fullerton. During college, he has booked several commercials and various guest star spots on prime time television shows.
Most recently, Walter's guest appearances include "CSI: Miami", "The Closer" and "Free Radio" as well as a five episode arc on "Friday Night Lights". His feature film credits include HBO's "Walkout" and winner of the John Cassavetes award "August Evening". He just completed the title role in "Emilio" and worked on "Run For Your Life" alongside Dermot Mulroney and Diane Kruger.- Deborah Lacey was born on 12 September 1956 in South Pasadena, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story (2016), Straight Outta Compton (2015) and Mad Men (2007).
- Make-Up Department
- Special Effects
- Actor
Matt Rose was born on 22 October 1965 in South Laguna Beach, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Hellboy (2004), The Nutty Professor (1996) and Predator (1987). He died on 25 January 2019 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Kiko Ellsworth is an American film and television actor. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California to Lorna and Andrew Ellsworth. He is of African, American Indian (mother), Israeli, French and Creole (father) descent. He is married to Massachusetts State native, Christine Carlo, whom he met auditioning for the film of All or Nothing which they later filmed together, and with whom he has one child, Zen Satya Ellsworth. Kiko's hobbies include, yoga, hiking, teaching youth acting and leadership classes and studying martial arts. He's has two older siblings, Shanda and Andre (deceased), with two nephews and two nieces. His niece Andrea Ellsworth is an American Film and Television actress.- Sound Department
- Actor
Seth McCook was born on 2 August 1972 in South Lake Tahoe, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Superhero Movie (2008), October 22 (1998) and Back to Even (1998). He has been married to Melissa McCaffery since 2 October 2010. They have three children.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Jensen Atwood - played love interest to Oscar® Winner Halle Berry in Oprah Winfrey's Their Eyes Were Watching God, while working alongside the legendary and Academy Award® nominated Ruby Dee, as the unforgettable Johnny Taylor.
Historically Atwood, played a series regular in two groundbreaking television programs. Here network's Dante's Cove as Griff(en) - sexually fluid playboy with ties to the mysterious powers of Tresum and in LOGOs Noah's ARC as Wade - a successful screenwriter uncertain about his sexuality and therefore reluctant to commit.
The range of this actor is unprecedented, due partly to his studies at California State Long Beach, Playhouse West, and with journeyman Eric Morris in Los Angeles. His triple threat of talents as an actor, dancer, and singer has created a wide range of opportunities. He is currently front man of the band DreamKillaz. Atwood has also appeared in a number of high-profile videos, working with some of the world's most popular musical artists: Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle formerly known as Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton, Ashanti, Lil Mo, Chante Moore and Kenny Lattimore to name a few
The United States Army Veteran Tanker was born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles, California.
The Independent Powerhouse has lent his talents to stage plays, Of Hers And His, Love Makeover, Workplace Drama. Award winning shorts. The Truth, Hats, Chris' Briss, Fayth. And can be seen on Amazon Prime opposite Omar Gooding as the lead in, Before I Do.- Actor
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James Calvert was born on 9 October 1967 in South Pasadena, California, USA. He is an actor, known for House (1985), Deadly Games (1995) and Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force (2000).- Anthony Burch was born on 17 June 1984 in South Pasadena, California, USA. He is an actor, known for A Bug's Life (1998), Bandits (2001) and Mad Men (2007).
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Cheryl Walker was born on 1 August 1918 in South Pasadena, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Murder Is My Business (1946), Larceny in Her Heart (1946) and Three on a Ticket (1947). She was married to Dr. Jay Etzell Coumbe and Tway W. Andrews. She died on 24 October 1971 in Pasadena, California, USA.- Compston Wilson was born on 23 November 1968 in South Central, Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Jackass Forever (2022), WrestleMania 38 (2022) and Loiter Squad (2012).
- Actress
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- Stunts
The youngest of 6 children, she has a twin brother Named Michael. She started track and field at age 4 and trained to go to the 1984 Olympics. She started dancing at age 4 and at age 16 performed in Variety shows. Moved to Sacramento, California, went to 7 different schools. She started modeling at age 7 and later at age 20. Began working as a radio Disc-jockey at age 22 and started her own modeling talent agency. She moved to Los Angeles to start acting.- Additional Crew
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- Production Manager
Kevin is graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television with an emphasis in Theater Design and Production class of 2005. He is best known for his work on The Academy Awards; Miss Universe Beauty Competition; MTV Movie Awards; and various other live and taped events, such as The Singing Bee on CMT, America's Got Talent, and $10,000 Pyramid.
As the production manager for the Miss Universe Organization, Kevin has been able to travel to Vietnam, The Bahamas, Brazil and Moscow. Managing from the start to finish each production.
Looking to expand into his own brand he and his wife created Starlight Theatrical Company, which specializes in providing event planning and talent for special events.
Kevin still stage manages freelance for small shows around Los Angeles, and in 2011 he was able to travel to China for LA Theatre Works' first International tour, production managing the show "Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers" which was almost shut down in Beijing due to the radical content in the play.- Marieke Douridas was born on 11 November 1991 in South Pasadena, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Free of Charge (2006) and No I in Security (2006). She died on 30 April 2006 in South Pasadena, California, USA.
- Director
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Jazmin Aguilar is a Mexican American director/writer from Los Angeles. Her short film The Letter played at numerous Academy Award/BAFTA qualifying festivals. HBO licensed the short in 2020. She directed her first theatre play The Fruit Flies at the NBC Short + Sweet Hollywood competition. She won Best Director at the Young Entertainer Awards at Warner Brothers. She is an alumnus of the HBO Tomorrow's Filmmakers Today Fellowship. Jazmin was granted funds by McDonald's Spotlight Dorado for her short film Kid Ugly.- Tianna Gregory was born on 14 March 1990 in South Lake Tahoe, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Jason Derulo: Want to Want Me (2015) and The Making of Achawaii48: Annachonda Cove Hawaii 48-hr Bikini Shoot (2016).
- Sound Department
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Dean Martin Hovey is an Award-Winning Supervising Sound Editor, Mixer, Sound Designer, Composer, Music Editor & Hardware Designer. He has 19 Golden Reel Award Nominations and Awarded Best Sound Design at The AICP Awards (2X), CLIO Awards (2X), London International Advertising Awards, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, ANDY Awards, The One Show + The One Club Awards and The D&AD Awards.- Actor
- Producer
Hugh Peddy was raised by his great-grandmother in Newport Beach, California, until her death, and then by his grandmother in Los Angeles, where he finished his last two years of high school at Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences in 1988. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1993, with a B.A. in English. He moved back to Los Angeles to pursue acting, working in small plays, national commercials, TV and movies. Hugh then moved to London for several years to act in plays and to train, graduating from LAMDA in 2002.- Additional Crew
- Art Department
- Camera and Electrical Department
Joni Smith was born in South Pasadena, California, USA. She is known for Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), Me Time (2022) and Judas and the Black Messiah (2021).- Actress
- Additional Crew
Dava Hulsey was born in South Gate, California as Dava Lynn Spotts. She is best known for her work in "Christmas with the Krank's (2004) when she played Amanda Frohmeyer opposite Dan Aykroyd's Vic Frohmeyer. In 2005, "Something Came over Them" was an award winning short where she romped with the pastor. Her work in "Discovering Jacob" resulted in a nomination for Best Actress from Stay Tuned TV in the documentary category which won Best Director for Michael Goldsmith. She has been married to James Hulsey since August, 1969. They have two children and two grandchildren.- Editorial Department
- Editor
- Cinematographer
A native Californian, Darrin Roberts graduated from USC's School of Cinema-Television and works as an editor with a focus on cutting feature documentary films and series. In 2022 the Netflix film "Audible" he edited was nominated for an Oscar in the category of best documentary short. He works and resides in Los Angeles.- Clifton Wells was born on 28 July 1937 in South Gate, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Castle in the Sky (1986), Dragon Ball (1986) and Dragon Ball (1989). He died on 29 April 2000 in Long Beach, California, USA.
- Art Department
- Animation Department
- Director
Noel Belknap was born on 17 April 1985 in South Pasadena, California, USA. She is a director, known for Birds of Prey (2020), The Ghost and Molly McGee (2021) and Teen Titans GO! To the Movies (2018).- Bert Boeckmann was born on 21 August 1930 in South Gate, California, USA. He was a producer, known for Father/Son (1990), Break Even (2020) and Mistrust (2018). He died on 28 April 2023 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Travee Gee is a Mexican American hip hop artist and actor born in South Central, Los Angeles. He is one of three members of the Chicano hip hop collective "13 Boy'z". Acting was an easy transition for this California native best known for his roles depicting gangsters. His most recent film is Director David Ayers science fiction thriller "Bright" starring actors Will Smith and Joel Edgerton.
- Bob Klein was born on 27 July 1947 in South Gate, California, USA. He is an actor, known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965).
- Mike Battle was born on 9 July 1946 in South Gate, California, USA.
- William Fisk Harrah was born on 2 September 1911 in South Pasadena, California, USA. He was married to Verna Harrah, Carlson, Roxanna, Burger, Mary, Bobbie Gentry, Batchelor, Thelma and Scherry Teague. He died on 30 June 1978 in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
- Jamie Anderson was born on 13 September 1990 in South Lake Tahoe, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Olympic Dreams (2019), Beijing 2022: XXIV Olympic Winter Games (2022) and PyeongChang 2018: XXIII Olympic Winter Games (2018).
- Make-Up Department
- Actress
Leigh Mitchell was born on 17 June 1939 in South Gate, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Steel Magnolias (1989), L.A. Law (1986) and Jackson County Jail (1976). She was married to Ron Mitchell. She died on 11 March 2021 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Sound Department
- Music Department
Ryan Anthony Arakaki was born on 1 September 1987 in South Gate, California, USA. Ryan Anthony is known for Chosen (2013), Bad Blood (2015) and Red Sands (2009).- Doug Harvey was born on 13 March 1930 in South Gate, California, USA. He was an actor, known for A League of Their Own (1993), 1974 World Series (1974) and 1984 World Series (1984). He was married to Joy. He died on 13 January 2018 in Visalia, California, USA.
- Pete Rozelle ranks as the most successful executive in the history of American sports. Under Rozelle's management of commissioner, professional American football overtook baseball as America's past-time and television came to maturity as the prime conduit for sports entertainment.
When Rozelle took over the NFL as Commissioner in 1960, the league had only 12 teams and was facing competition from the upstart American Football League. The popularity of pro football was such that attendance at stadiums was lagging and some franchises were making as as $75,000 a season in TV rights. In the first decade under Rozelle, the NFL expanded and instituted the title game between the NFL and AFL that became known as the Super Bowl, preparatory to the 1970 merger of the two leagues under the NFL banner. Stadiums were packed and season tickets became such hard-to-come items that one had to inherit them or wait for the death of other holders before becoming part of the hallowed few with the treasured ducats. In the first decade of his commissionership, the value of a franchise increased dramatically.
Rozelle made the decision to televise games on all of the-then three national networks. In the 1960s, football flourished as it was the ideal sport to exploit the new technologies such as videotape. The popularity of the sport exploded and by the end of the decade it was the nation's #1 sport.
Rozelle also should be remembered for helping break down the barriers that limited opportunities for African American players, though the rival AFL showed the way in drafting black players from small, traditionally African American colleges ignored by the NFL.
Born in South Gate, California, on March 1, 1926, Alvin Ray Rozelle -- who had been nicknamed Pete as a child of five by his uncle -- grew up in the Los Angeles suburb Lynwood, California. He served a two-year hitch in the Navy tour, then attended Compton Junior College and the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit school, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1950.
Rozelle worked as a public relations officer for USF's athletic-department while a student, and then was hired as USF's assistant athletic director after graduating, leading to a job with the Los Angeles Rams, which hired Rozelle as publicity director in 1952. In 1955, Rozelle left the NFL for corporate public relations, but the Rams appointed him as general manager in 1955.
Bert Bell, the serving NFL commissioner, had recommended Rozelle as his diplomatic skills would be useful in settling an ownership dispute among the Rams owners. It was his political skills rather than his skills as a sports franchise general manager that made his reputation. Although he was quite successful at marketing the franchise, pioneering the sale of souvenirs, he was less successful at trades and scouting.
When Commissioner Bell died on October 11, 1959, NFL Treasurer Austin Gunsel took over management of the League for the rest of the season. The 50-year old Gunsel was a former F.B.I. agent who had served as both J. Edgar Hoover's administrative assistant and as the head of the NFL's investigative department under Bell before being made League treasurer in 1956 (a post he would hold until his retirement in 1966).
Gunsel was the favorite to be appointed permanent commissioner. However, at the January 1960 NFL general meeting held after the season concluded, the NFL owners -- facing competition from the upstart AFL, which had completed its first season -- elected Rozelle of the Rams the new Commissioner after 23 ballots. Rozelle's diplomacy and intelligence, as well as his marketing skills, had won him the job. He was 34 years old.
Rozelle presided over the League for 29 years, until 1989. When he retired, the NFL was hurt by drug scandals, unresolved labor problems, and Rozelle's long-standing feud with Oakland Raiders coach-owner Al Davis, the former AFL Commissioner who had resigned over the merger with the NFL.
Rozelle died on December 6, 1996, in Rancho Santa Fe, California, from brain cancer. His name had been synonymous with football, as that of Judge Kenesaw M. Landis had been with baseball two generations earlier, during its reign as America's favorite (outdoor) sport. - Music Department
Joseph E. Romero was born on 23 October 1919 in South Pasadena, California, USA. Joseph E. is known for Mike Hammer (1958), McMillan & Wife (1971) and Lux Playhouse (1958). Joseph E. was married to Noreen. Joseph E. died on 24 June 1993 in Burbank, California, USA.- Visual Effects
Kyle Ware was born on 31 January 1980 in South Lake Tahoe, California, USA. Kyle is known for The Incredible Hulk (2008), Priest (2011) and 2012 (2009).- Sound Department
- Editor
- Cinematographer
Andrew Snider was born on 4 January 1982 in South Laguna, California, USA. He is an editor and cinematographer, known for All That I Need (2005), Lime Salted Love (2006) and Scattered and Saved (2006).- Actor
- Location Management
Frank Ergas was born on 30 November 1971 in South San Francisco, California. He is an actor, known for The Last Hit (2020).- Lorenzo Romar was born on 13 November 1958 in South Gate, California, USA.
- Kent Larsen was born on 17 October 1931 in South San Francisco, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Coco Jamboo (2017) and Man v. Food (2008).
- Bob Long was born on 24 February 1934 in South Pasadena, California, USA.
- Doug Griffin was born on 4 June 1947 in South Gate, California, USA. He died on 27 July 2016 in Clovis, California, USA.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Jose Penala was born on 23 January 1978 in South San Francisco, California, USA. He is an actor, known for The Black Eyed Peas: Bebot, Version 2 (2006), American Idol (2002) and Holidays in the City (2006).- Damon Berryhill was born on 3 December 1963 in South Laguna, California, USA.
- Actress
- Sound Department
Jeanette McMahon was born on 5 May 1968 in South Laguna, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Extraordinary Measures (2010), Leverage (2008) and Big Packages (1996).