‘Matilda’ Turns 25
By: Nick Thomas Roald Dahl’s beloved 1988 novel “Matilda” found tremendous success when it was released as a movie nearly a decade later. Today, it remains an enjoyable family film to watch with children and grandchildren, 25 years after its release in July of 1996. Mara Wilson played Matilda,
Ruta Lee Put the ‘Pro’ in Professional
By Nick Thomas ~ Ruta Lee never aspired to be a diva. Acting nonstop in film, TV, and theater since the early 1950s, she tackled projects with complete professionalism. “There was no time to throw fits because you had to work quickly as you rapidly went from job to job,” Lee said from her home
‘TV Therapy’ for Classic Television Stars
By Nick Thomas~ In 2019, actor/writer/producer Terry Ray convinced Erin Murphy, best known for playing baby Tabitha in “Bewitched,” to reprise her role in a short five-minute web skit. Her now-adult character seeks out a therapist (played by Ray) to deal with childhood issues lingering
Paul ‘Crocodile Dundee’ Hogan Is Back — Sort Of
By Nick Thomas~ It’s been 35 years since Paul Hogan unleashed the rugged, reptile-wrestling Mick Dundee onto the world in the hit “Crocodile Dundee” franchise. Just last December, Hogan returned in “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.” The Aussie actor is quick to point out that “Mr. Dundee”
A Bumpy Road Led Hank Garrett to ‘Car 54’ and Beyond
By Nick Thomas~ Childhood was rough for Hank Garrett. He grew up in Harlem in the 1940s and 50s, an especially tough time for that New York City neighborhood. “We lived in the slums, and I’d walk into the kitchen in the mornings to find the floor covered with roaches,” Garrett, now living
Jacqueline Bisset’s Thriving Career
By Nick Thomas~ Now in her seventh decade as a film actress, British beauty Jacqueline Bisset first hit the big screen in the mid-1960s. She became a household name after dramatic roles in films such as “Bullitt” with Steve McQueen. Although Bisset’s role as McQueen’s love interest was small,
Natalie Wood’s Daughter Keeps the Memories Alive
By Nick Thomas~ With the holidays approaching, it’s only a matter of time before seasonal movie favorites play on televisions nationwide. Though generally a Christmas film, the opening scenes of Miracle on 34th Street occur on Thanksgiving Day, alongside the annual Macy’s parade. For actress Natasha
Kelly Stewart on Her Famous Father, Jimmy Stewart
By Nick Thomas~ Jimmy Stewart put the classic in ‘classic movies!’ Consider these titles in which he starred: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Rear Window,” “Harvey,” and
‘Tinker Bell’ Ties the Knot at 90
By Nick Thomas~ What could convince a 90-year-old actress – once a model for Disney animators creating the Tinker Bell character of 1953’s “Peter Pan” – to abandon her West Coast home of nine decades and fly off to a new life in Florida some 2,500 miles away? Perhaps a sprinkle
France Nuyen’s Amazing Hollywood Journey
By Nick Thomas ~ France Nuyen is astonished — not only by her successful Hollywood career, but also by her very survival. Nuyen, who turned 80, last year, is beloved by Star Trek fans for her performance as Elaan, the obnoxious princess Captain Kirk attempts to tame in the episode “Elaan of Troyius.”
