Category Archives: Motion picture actors and actresses

Spotlighting Communism & Hollywood in the papers of Sesame Street’s Mr. Hooper

Posted on April 18, 2018 by

One of the most recognizable figures of the first thirteen years (1969-1982) of PBS’s Sesame Street was Mr. Hooper the grocer, played by veteran actor Will Lee. He was one of the four original human characters on the show. Before … Continue reading →

Posted in Blacklisting, Cold War, Communism, Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, Politics, popular culture, Social justice, television history, Uncategorized, World War II | Tagged | Leave a comment

Exhibit at the American Heritage Center honors Barbara Stanwyck, 1907-1990

Posted on March 2, 2018 by

The astounding and legendary life and career of Barbara Stanwyck began in Brooklyn, New York. The youngest of 5 children born to common laborers, Stanwyck was originally known as ‘Ruby Stevens.’ She became orphaned by the age of 4. After … Continue reading →

Posted in announcements, events, exhibits, Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, popular culture, television history | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrating Black History Month: The June Vanleer Williams Story

Posted on February 1, 2018 by

African-American journalist and editor June Vanleer Williams is not necessarily well-known, but what a rich life she led. Williams was an actress, a casting director, a journalist, a playwright, a poet, and an active member in Karamu House, which is the … Continue reading →

Posted in African American history, Authors and literature, Current events, found in the archive, Journalism, Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, popular culture, Uncategorized, Under-documented communities, women's history | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Brassy Barbara Stanwyck and Pre-Code Hollywood

Posted on December 17, 2017 by

In 1934, the Hays Code began to be strictly enforced in Hollywood to clean up alleged indecency in movies. All evil-doers had to meet their just rewards. What spurred the prudish policing? Hardboiled flicks like Baby Face. This 1933 film had … Continue reading →

Posted in Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, Politics, popular culture, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged | 3 Comments

Jean Howard, Photographer for the Glamorous Hollywood Set

Posted on November 1, 2017 by

Jean Howard parlayed her extraordinary beauty, ethereal glamour and light-hearted intelligence to become a Ziegfeld girl, a Hollywood starlet, a legendary hostess and the “house photographer” of the film colony. Her circle included Tyrone Power, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Humphrey … Continue reading →

Posted in found in the archive, Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, popular culture, women's history | Leave a comment