| July 27 |
1916 -- Francis Xavier Aloysius James Jeremiah Keenan Wynn is born in New York City. Son of the great comic Ed Wynn, Keenan originally leans towards Shakespearian tragedy like his maternal grandfather. Eventually, though, he becomes a timely character actor versatile in both comedy and drama. Although he had some films of note ('MacKenna's Gold,' 'Annie Get Your Gun') most of Keenan's best work was in television, both as a guest and a co-star. His performances in the latter part of his career are often marked by him practically shouting his lines. The reason for it is simple: Keenan was losing his hearing and either couldn't wear a hearing aid (due to period pieces) or was too vain to wear one. 1949 -- Betty Thomas (Nienhauser) is born in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally a comic actor, Betty first gained fame in 'Hill Street Blues' as Officer Lucy Bates. The role garnered her six Emmy nominations, including the 1985 Emmy as 'Best Supporting Actress.' Her last screen role was as evil troop leader Velda Plendor in the Shelley Long film 'Troop Beverly Hills.' Since then, Betty has worked almost exclusively as a director, with a strong pedigree in shows-turned-motion pictures 'I Spy,' 'The Late Shift' and our favorite, 'The Brady Bunch Movie.' 1959 -- Brothers Santo & Johnny Farina of Brooklyn release their one and only #1 record, 'Sleep Walk.' While their version was an instrumental, several lyrical versions were recorded as well, including one that same year by our dear friend Bette Anne Steele of Richmond, Virginia. Find out what Bette Anne's up to by visiting her website. 1974 -- NBC removes 'Dinah's Place' from its daytime roster, ending their 23-year association. 1984 -- Classic British actor James Mason dies at his Swiss home of a heart attack. The immensely talented (and often imitated; think 'I'm ssseeething . . . I'm ssseething and yet I am sssulltry . . . ). Such films as 'Lolita,' 'North By Northwest' 'A Star Is Born' still reverberate today, but for television, his role in the 1979 mini-series 'Salem's Lot' as Stryker (basically Nosferatu's wingman) ssseeethes with intensssity. James was 75 years old at the time of his death. 1993 -- NBC is awarded the 1996 Olympics U.S. broadcast rights for $456 million. 2003 -- The great Bob Hope dies of pneumonia at his home in Toluca Lake, California, at the age of 100. Thanks for the memories, Bob. Remember Bob by helping a veteran. There are many wonderful organizations, including veteranshelping.org. |
| Dinah was born in Winchester, Tennessee. |
| During the course of 'Hill Street Blues,' Betty's character Lucy Bates was promoted from patrolman to sergeant. |
