Stars of the Golden Age

The one, the only LUCILLE BALL!! Who doesn't love Lucy?! She was strong, bold, talented, intelligent, and hilariously funny. In this episode I discuss Lucille Ball's early life, her first years in Hollywood, and the making of her famous marriage and their television empire. Make sure to check back next week for the rest of Lucy's story!PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastThis month's Patreon bonus episode is "History of the Casting Couch"BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAgeEpisode Sources: Lucille Ball's autobiography: Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball; the book AKA Lucy by Sarah Royal; IMDBImage Source: IMDB

My laptop crashed so no episode this week

Ida Lupino: As we recognize Women's History Month, we'll talk about Ida Lupino in this episode. She was a pioneer for women in filmmaking… women in all industries, really… when she wanted to reach farther than acting. She wanted to write and direct. So she did. A truly inspirational story.PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcastEpisode Sources: A book titled Ida Lupino: A Biography by William Donati; Wikipedia; IMDBImage Source: IMDB

Edie Sedgwick, Part Two from ArtMuse Podcast. Host Grace Anna concludes the tragic story of 1960s "It Girl" Edie Sedgwick. You can find part one on my episode list or on the ArtMuse show page. Learn More about ArtMuse at their website https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ You can listen to ArtMuse wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Mary Pickford: She was managing her household at the age of 6, theatrical actress by the age of 7, silent film superstar by 16. Silent film star, producer, script writer, studio head, women's rights activist, philanthropist, founder of many programs and foundations. Known as America's Sweetheart, but really she was America's Badass Female Trailblazer. The story of a remarkable woman who stood strong in a man's world.As we recognize Women's History Month, I will be sharing the stories of three important women in the history of entertainment.PATREON: patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastBUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAgeEpisode Sources: A book titled Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies by Christel Schmidt; a book titled American Legends: The Life of Mary Pickford by Charles River Editors; marypickford.org; eden.com; IMDBImage Source: IMDB

I'm happy to share this special episode from ArtMuse Podcast. Host Grace Anna shares the tragic story of 1960s "It Girl" Edie Sedgwick, muse of Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan. Stay tuned next week for Part Two. Learn More about ArtMuse at their website https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ You can listen to ArtMuse wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Paul Robeson: Football legend, lawyer, classical singer, actor, social activist. Paul Robeson was ALL of those things. When the US banned him from leaving the country for 9 years, he took action and spoke up for inequality. He fought for the inequality throughout the nation, making huge personal sacrifices in doing so. A true hero.Episode Sources: A book titled The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artist's Journey by Paul Robeson, Jr.; a documentary titled Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist, narrated by Sidney Portier; an article from PBS from August 26, 2006; goldenglobes.com; picturingblackhistory.org; IMDBImage Source: Paul Robeson House & Museum; blackpast.org; Britannica PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastBUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Billie Holiday re-release. As we recognize Black History Month, I'm re-releasing the devastating story of Billie Holiday. Because her story is an important look into our history.

Louise Beavers: One of the most famous black actors of the 1930s and the star of one of the most influential and groundbreaking movies of the 1930s in terms of race relations.Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastBuy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAgeEpisode Sources: an article from Immortal Ephemera from March 11, 2013; an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer from March 21, 2016; a book titled Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: Black History in Hollywood by Donald Bogle; blackpast.org; Wikipedia; IMDBImage Source: IMDB

Ambassador Satch himself! The truest of true jazz legends. He rose up from a childhood in one of the poorest neighborhoods in New Orleans to be one of the most beloved musicians in the world. But he faced the harsh reality of racism every day, fame or no fame. He even went up against the President of the United States over the issue of segregation in schools. Not only was Louis Armstrong a jazz icon, but he was known for his optimistic happy attitude and his giving soul. You'll love his story!As we recognize Black History Month, Louis Armstrong's story is the second in a 4-week installment of influential black Americans in music and film from the 20s, 30s, and 40s who helped pave the way for equality in the entertainment industry.PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcastBUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/goldenageImage Source: Louis Armstrong House Museum; IMDBEpisode Source: Louis Armstrong: The Untold Story of Jazz's Beloved Ambassador by Selene Ashcroft; the Louis Armstrong House virtual exhibits; an episode of ABC's Nightline called Satchmo's Blues; IMDBLouis Armstrong House Virtual Tour:https://virtualexhibits.louisarmstronghouse.org/virtual-tour/?amp

Hattie McDaniel's story is worth highlighting again! If you haven't listened to her remarkable story, please take the time to do so. Her story is an important look into what black entertainers were subjected to in our past. She was the first African American to win an Oscar, yet that didn't change the fact that she was a black woman in the 1930s and 40s... and she was treated as such. Her life was not easy, but she was TOUGH. And when you hear her father's story in this episode, you'll see where she got it. Hattie McDaniel's story is a re-release as we recognize Black History Month and give individuals like her the recognition they deserve. Her story is important so we can all understand the hardships Black Americans had to endure and how they helped pave the way for those who came after then.

Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues. She rose from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential blues singers of all times. She fought through racism, abuse, attacks, and even a standoff with the KKK. She was tough, and she fought the fight for those who came after her. As we recognize Black History Month, Bessie Smith's story is the first in my 4-week installment of influential black individuals in music and film from the 20s, 30s, and 40s that helped pave the way for equality in the entertainment industry. PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Image Source: IMDB; NRP Episode Source: Queen of the Blues: The Life and Times of Bessie Smith by Jennifer Warner; a documentary on the 1920s channel on YouTube called Bessie Smith: The Woman Who Sang the Blues; an article from Oxford Magazine titled Everybody Knows You When You're Down and Out by Amanda Petrusich from December 1, 2013; an article from Rolling Stone by Sarene Leeds from November 15, 2013; an interview with Jack Gee compiled by Robert E. Di Nardo; allaboutbluesmusic.com; geni.com, the BBC; IMDB

The life of actress Evelyn Keyes. She spent decades searching for love and happiness, and it turned out to be much closer than she ever imagined. Listen to her story now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister by Evelyn Keyes; an interview of Evelyn Keyes with Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show from June 22, 1998; an interview with Merv Griffin from 1977; a television interview from October of 1978; a New York Times article from February 18, 1973; IMDB.

Marlene Dietrich: A stunning beauty on the silver screen, a vibrant cabaret performer for decades, a woman who didn't care what anyone thought of her choices, and a powerful asset to the U.S. government during WWII. She lived a complex life, and she lived it her way. Listen now! Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Marlene Dietrich: The Life by Maria Riva; Legends of Hollywood: The Life and Legacy of Marlene Dietrich by Charles River Editors; a documentary from 1984 titled Marlene, written and directed by Maximilian Schell; a documentary titled No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich from 1996, directed by Melvyn Bragg; a radio interview with Marlene Dietrich from 1975 from the UMPC Collection (The Marlene Archives on YouTube;) an article from the United States USO from Thursday, March 5, 2020; a Diane Sawyer interview with Marlene Dietrich's daughter Maria from a 1993 episode of Primetime Live; a 1965 interview with Marlene Dietrich shared on the We Are Connected channel on YouTube; IMDB

The amazing Master of Suspense! There is nobody like Alfred Hitchcock. He has a wonderful story. Listen now! Patreon Support & Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: a documentary titled Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense directed by Lindsay Luecht and produced by Richard Chechilo; a book titled The Master of Suspense: The Life and Legacy of Alfred Hitchcock by Charles River Editors; zillow.com; redfin.com; Wikepedia; IMDB

She did radio, she did Broadway, she did films, she did a one-woman stage show, and she was the coolest witch to ever grace the television screen. And she was simply just an awesome person. Listen now! Patreon Support & Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: a book titled Agnes Moorehead: A Very Private Person by Dr. Warren A. Sherk; an interview with Agnes Moorehead on the Dick Cavett Show in 1973; an interview with Agnes Moorehead by Lu Ryden on the set of Bewitched from sometime in the late 60s; a short textbook publication on bookbaker.com titled Agnes Moorehead: A Life in Film and Television; Wikepedia; IMDB.

Buckle up for this one! Errol Flynn lived life his way... which was usually not a great idea. Buy he had a BLAST doing it. His life was one big party. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Source: Errol Flynn: Gentleman Hellraiser by David Bret; a documentary titled Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn from the Australian Flaming Star Film and Lowland Media; a BBC documentary titled Hollywood Greats with Barry Norman from 1979; thealtmanbrothers.com; goldenglobes.com; an article from Far Out magazine by Scott Cambell from July 9, 2024; IMDB PATREON: patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

One of the most versatile actors of the Golden Age. James Stewart could do it all! And of all he did, the role of George Baily in It's a Wonderful Life was his all-time favorite. Listen to his story now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: James Stewart: A Biography by Donald Dewey; The Jimmy Stewart Museum website jimmy.org; An ABC Nightline Special Report episode from July 2, 1997; The Biography Channel biography of James Stewart; an interview with James Stewart for the Kennedy Center awards; The United States Air Force Personnel Center; IMDB. Patreon: patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas!Bing Crosby gave us both the song and the movie White Christmas, plus a TON more. Listen now to hear his life's story.Image Source: IMDBEpisode Sources: A book titled Bing Crosby: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History Series; a documentary titled The Hollywood Greats: Bing Crosby written by Barry Norman; a PBS documentary titled American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered; a New York Times article from January 4, 1943; a New York Times article from October 19, 1977; an NPR article from November 29, 2014; IMDB

Do you want to go on a wild ride? Then listen to this episode! The life of Steve McQueen is unbelievable. He lifted himself from rock bottom to the highest pedestal. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: A book titled Steve McQueen by Marc Eliot; a book titled My Husband, My Friend by Neile McQueen-Toffel; a TV biography titled Steve McQueen: Desert Racer; The Los Angeles Times; historicracing.com; IMDB

Ingrid Bergman: She sustained extreme heartache as a child and slipped into a land of make-believe as a way to cope. And that led her straight onto the stage and screen. She was always reaching for something else. Always looking for adventure. She lived life fully. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode sources: A book titled Ingrid Bergman: A Life From Beginning to End by the Hourly History Series; a documentary titled Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words, directed by Stig Bjorkman; history.com, biography.com, an article in Closer from February 2, 2020; IMDB

This episode is dedicated to my grandma, who turns 90 years old this week! In honor of her birthday, I am covering the Best Actress Oscar winner from the year of her birth... 1934. Listen now to hear the story of Academy Award winner Claudette Colbert! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Legends of Hollywood: The Life of Claudette Colbert by Charles River Editors; More Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s by Gary Koca; oscars.org; IMDB.

Louis B. Mayer: He rose from poverty to become one of the richest and most powerful men in the country. He was the king of his own empire. Of his grand land of make-believe on the sprawling MGM lot. He was a tough boss, he was unfair, and he was downright abusive. But he gave us some of the most iconic film stars in the history of Hollywood. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Louis B. Mayer biography from Biography Channel; encyclopedia.com; a New York Times article by Stephen Holden from August 3, 1990; a Medium article from February 16, 2022; IMDB

Jayne Mansfield, one of the most iconic blonde bombshells in the history of Hollywood. She aimed for fame her whole life, loved everything pink, and had a kind and loving heart. Her life ended in a tragic way and way too young. Listen now. Image Source: IMDB

A life taken far too soon. The story of the life and career of "The Latin Lover," Rudolph Valentino, who wasn't Latin at all. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Legends of Hollywood: The Life of Rudolph Valentino by the Charles River Editors; britannica.com; history.com; His Fame Still Lives blog; a Guinness World Records article by Sanj Atwal from January 23, 2024; IMDB

The tragic life of jazz goddess Billie Holiday. She experienced severe trauma as a child, and became a scapegoat in the war against drugs as an adult. Listen to her story now. Image Source: billieholiday.com; billieholidayofficial on IG Episode Sources: Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday and William Dufty 2019 documentary called Billie billieholiday.com An episode of Throughline by NPR from October 7, 2020 titled The United States vs. Billie Holiday An E News article by Natalie Finn from April 23, 2021 biography.com IMDB

Jean Arthur... considered one of the most mysterious women in Old Hollywood. She chose a life of privacy from the public eye, which was a difficult thing to do during the Golden Age. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB

Kate the Great. The remarkable Katharine Hepburn! Listen to the amazing story of her life. Image Source: IMDB

Hollywood Golden Age Nightclubs! Nightlife in the 1930s and 1940s was a wild time! Hear all about the most famous nightclubs of Hollywood's golden age, some things that happened within their walls, and also a couple of epic house party stories. Listen now! This episode is a special teaser episode of what the future bonus content will look like. Visit patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast to see the levels of support and how you can receive more special episodes like this! Image source: West Hollywood History

Tyrone Power... The Matinee Idol. He came from a long line of show business greats and was determined to make his mark in his family line. And he did. Listen to his story now! Image Source: IMDB

Bettie Page... The Queen of Pinups. A highly intelligent child who was let down over and over in her life, but still brought herself to stardom as an adult. Only to experience even more tragedy. Listen to her story now! Image Source: IMDB

The remarkable Olivia de Havilland. A powerful woman who stood up for what she believed and lived the life she chose to live. Listen to her story now! Image Source: IMDB

Hedy Lamarr. A Gorgeous 1940s movie star with a genius mind that invented the technology we all rely on every single day today. Photo credit: IMDB

'Ol Blue Eyes. The Voice. The King of the Rat Pack. The one and only FRANK SINATRA! Listen to his amazing life story. Image Source: IMDB

Ronald Reagan. The man who made transitioning from an entertainment star to a politician cool. Image Source: IMDB

Jean Harlow, the original blonde bombshell. She had simple dreams but was never really able to live her life her own way. A life lost decades too soon. Listen now!

James Dean. The King of Cool. THE rebel without a cause. A child who was abandoned who turned into a young man who had a desire deep within to live life teetered on the edge at all times. This lifestyle would end in tragedy. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Music Credit: Denis Pavlov & Music_For_Videos

Known most famously as "Hollywood's Forgotten Star," Luise Rainer was an inspiration to all women and stood up for her values long before it was acceptable and admirable to do so. She lived over a century long, with only 3 of those years spent in Hollywood. Listen to her amazing story now! Sources: "The Short Career and Long Life of Luise Rainer" by Fritz and the Oscars; a 2010 interview with 100-year old Rainer with Robert Osborne of TCM; an article from Far Out Magazine titled "The Forgotten Star of Hollywood: Luise Rainer" by Calum Russel from 1/12/22; luiserainer.wordpress.com; IMDB Images Source: IMDB; TCM; USA Today

Doris Day was America's girl next door. But behind that door was a personal life much less perfect than the roles she portrayed on screen. A beautiful soul who did amazing work in her contributions to animal welfare, but wasn't given the same unconditional love from humans as she received from her animals. Listen now! Sources: Doris Day: A Biography of the Famous American Actress and Singer by Sophie Miller; Doris Day: Her Own Story by Doris Day & A.E. Hotchner; Vanity Fair article "Doris Day's Vanishing Act" by David Kaufman (5/08;) dorisday.com; IMDB Images Source: IMDB

If you love Old Hollywood and learning all about the behind-the-scenes lives of the biggest faces on the silver screen, this show is for you! I'll also dive into some lesser known names, as well as stars of music and the early days of television. Join me every Tuesday!

More than his debonair good looks, Cary Grant overcame heart wrenching childhood trauma to make his dreams a reality. Listen now to hear how a poor unappreciated boy from England became one of America's most beloved and wealthiest stars. Sources: Cary Grant: A Touch of Elegance by Warren Harris; Vanity Fair article "Cary Grant and Randolph Scott's Hollywood Story: Our Souls Did Touch" by David Cranfield (1/18/24;) Documentary "Cary Grant: The Leading Man" Images: IMDB

Known by many for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind or as the first African American to win an Oscar. But there is so much more to this incredible woman. Listen now! Sources: Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood by Jill Watts; Vanity Fair article titled The Icon and the Outcast: Hattie McDaniel's Epic Double Life by Hadley Hall Meares, 4/26/21; encyclopedia.com; IMDB Images Source: IMDB

Film noir leading man, Humphrey Bogart. He searched his whole life for someone to love him, and he finally found it in a young starlet half his age. Learn all about it now! Sources: Humphrey Bogart: A Life from Beginning to End (part of the Hourly History series;) New Netherland Institute article; Country Living magazine article by Maria Carter (8/13/17) titled Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's Romance Began with a Scandalous Affair; humphreybogart.com; biography.com; britannica.com; IMDB

One of the true queens of Hollywood! She overcame a lot of struggles in her life and still came out on top. Listen now to learn all about her remarkable rise to fame. Sources: Barbara Stanwyck: A Life from Beginning to End (part of the Hourly History series;) Los Angeles Times article (6/22/85;) barbara-stanwyck.com; biography.com, IMDB Cover Images: Barbara the showgirl, Wikipedia; Barbara Stanwyck in The Thorn Birds, IMDB; Barbara IMDB

The queen of living her life her own way! Learn all about her now. Sources: Tallulah: My Autobiography by Tallulah Bankhead; Tallulah Bankhead: A Life from Beginning to End (part of the Hourly History series;) New Yorker article by Robert Gottlieb (5/8/05) titled The Strange Case of Tallulah Bankhead; Tallulah's biography page in the Encyclopedia of Alabama Cover Images: Lifeboat, Wikipedia; Tallulah, Town & Country Magazine; Tallulah, Wikipedia

Grace Kelly went from Hollywood royalty to ACTUAL royalty in her lifetime. But there is so much more to know about her. Learn about her fascinating life! Sources: Grace Kelly: A Life from Beginning to End (part of the Hourly History series,) britannica.com, biography.com, IMDB

Billie Burke worked her way through the stage, silent films, talking films, radio, and TV. Yet most people know her as the beloved character in one very famous film from 1939. Learn all about the colorful life of Billie Burke!

Vivien Leigh, a bright and vibrant actress, best known for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. Learn about the life of this remarkable woman.

The conclusion of Lucille Ball's amazing life story. Make sure to listen to Part One before you dive into this episode! In this episode I talk about Lucy and Desi's marriage, their children, I Love Lucy, and all of the amazing projects Lucille Ball conquered after I Love Lucy.PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastBUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAgeEpisode Sources: Lucille Ball's autobiography, Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball; a book titled AKA Lucy by Sarah Royal; IMDBImage Source: IMDB

Rock Hudson (sensory-sensitive, no background/transition music:) The screen god who had to live a very secret life just to live the life he wanted. He accomplished so much in his life, but he may be best known for the way he left this world. Listen now to see there was so much more to this remarkable man.PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcastEpisode Sources: a book titled Rock Hudson: His Story by Sara Davidson and Rock Hudson; a documentary titled Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed; amfAR.org; Wikipedia; IMDBImage Source: IMDBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy