VH1’s I Love the ‘80s: Real-life people of 1981
To honor the Now Yearbook: 1981 release in the UK on 20 May 2022, VH1 has compiled you the real life people of 1981 who are presented in every segment of their version of BBC's I Love the '80s series. I'm not including fictional characters.
Resulting segment list
• Makeout Songs of 1981: "Keep on Loving You" by the REO Speedwagon, "Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreigner, and "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
• Babes of 1981: Olivia Newton-John, Donna Dixon, Valerie Bertinelli, Kathleen Turner, and Sandra Day O'Connor
• Hunks of 1981: Patrick Duffy, Burt Reynolds, Harrison Ford, Mick Jagger, and Richard Simmons
• PSAs of 1981: Girl Scouts in gymnastics and "Think Before You Drink" (antidrinking ad starring Brooke Shields)
• Then and Now 1981: Tom Cruise (Then: "Endless Love" / Now: Endless cash), movie tickets (Then: $3 / Now: $10), and suntan lotion (Then: Oil / Now: SPF 70)
• Mr. and Ms. 1981: Tom Selleck and Sheena Easton
• Born in 1981: Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, the laptop (originally invented in 1980), Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, the thong, Serena Williams, and Metallica
• Break Up Songs: "Since You're Gone" by The Cars, "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, and "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" by The Greg Kihn Band
• Hip Hop Jam of 1981: "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow
• Nerds of 1981: King Charles, Ric Ocasek, and Bill Gates
• What the F**k!!! Moment of 1981: The USDA, as part of a plan to cut school lunch programs, attempted to classify ketchup as a school lunch vegetable.
• Movies That Should've Been Made in 3D: "Clash of the Titans", "Arthur", and "My Dinner with Andre"
• Teen Idols of 1981: Timothy Hutton, Todd Bridges, and Rick Springfield
• Best On Screen Hookup of 1981: Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog in "The Great Muppet Caper"
• Biggest Boob of 1981: Miss New York Deborah Fountain
• Hot Moms of 1981: Jane Fonda, Faye Dunaway, and Barbara Eden
• Pop Culture Term of 1981: dude (noun)
• Guilty or Not Guilty 1981: Richard Simmons for bad faditude (guilty)
• Year in Review 1981: Penny Racers, "Escape from New York", "Chariots of Fire", "Body Heat", "You Can't Do That on Television", Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters, country pop, Erasermate, the first portable microcomputer; "History of the World, Part I"; "An American Werewolf in London", "Working for the Weekend" by Loverboy, "Gimme a Break!", and the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation
Now Yearbook: 1981
1.2. The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (3)
1.13. Blondie - Rapture (1) ★
1.15. Olivia Newton-John - Physical (1) ★
1.16. Stars on 45 - Stars on 45 (1) ★
1.19. Smokey Robinson - Being with You (2)
2.4. Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes (1) ★
2.5. REO Speedwagon - Keep on Loving You (1) ★
2.6. Electric Light Orchestra - Hold On Tight (10)
2.7. The Who - You Better You Bet (18)
2.13. Yarbrough and Peoples - Don't Stop the Music (19)
2.18. Earth, Wind, & Fire - Let's Groove (3)
2.19. The Whispers: It's a Love Thing (28)
2.20. Four Tops - When She Was My Girl (11)
2.21. Champaign - How 'Bout Us (12)
3.1. John Lennon - Woman (2)
3.3. Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - Endless Love (1) ★
3.5. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only (4)
Now Yearbook: 1981 Extra
1.1. John Lennon - Watching the Wheels (10)
1.19. The Pointer Sisters - Slow Hand (2)
1.21. Grover Washington Jr. - Just the Two of Us (2)
1.22. Diana Ross - It's My Turn (9)
2.8. Electric Light Orchestra - Twilight (38)
2.9. Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams (5)
2.10. Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl (1) ★
2.11. REO Speedwagon - Take It on the Run (5)
2.12. Juice Newton - Angel of the Morning (4)
Now Yearbook: 1980–1984 — The Final Chapter
1.18. Neil Diamond - Love on the Rocks (2)
Now Yearbook: 1980–1984 — The Final Chapter Extra
1.16. Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (9)
Resulting segment list
• Makeout Songs of 1981: "Keep on Loving You" by the REO Speedwagon, "Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreigner, and "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
• Babes of 1981: Olivia Newton-John, Donna Dixon, Valerie Bertinelli, Kathleen Turner, and Sandra Day O'Connor
• Hunks of 1981: Patrick Duffy, Burt Reynolds, Harrison Ford, Mick Jagger, and Richard Simmons
• PSAs of 1981: Girl Scouts in gymnastics and "Think Before You Drink" (antidrinking ad starring Brooke Shields)
• Then and Now 1981: Tom Cruise (Then: "Endless Love" / Now: Endless cash), movie tickets (Then: $3 / Now: $10), and suntan lotion (Then: Oil / Now: SPF 70)
• Mr. and Ms. 1981: Tom Selleck and Sheena Easton
• Born in 1981: Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, the laptop (originally invented in 1980), Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, the thong, Serena Williams, and Metallica
• Break Up Songs: "Since You're Gone" by The Cars, "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, and "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" by The Greg Kihn Band
• Hip Hop Jam of 1981: "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow
• Nerds of 1981: King Charles, Ric Ocasek, and Bill Gates
• What the F**k!!! Moment of 1981: The USDA, as part of a plan to cut school lunch programs, attempted to classify ketchup as a school lunch vegetable.
• Movies That Should've Been Made in 3D: "Clash of the Titans", "Arthur", and "My Dinner with Andre"
• Teen Idols of 1981: Timothy Hutton, Todd Bridges, and Rick Springfield
• Best On Screen Hookup of 1981: Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog in "The Great Muppet Caper"
• Biggest Boob of 1981: Miss New York Deborah Fountain
• Hot Moms of 1981: Jane Fonda, Faye Dunaway, and Barbara Eden
• Pop Culture Term of 1981: dude (noun)
• Guilty or Not Guilty 1981: Richard Simmons for bad faditude (guilty)
• Year in Review 1981: Penny Racers, "Escape from New York", "Chariots of Fire", "Body Heat", "You Can't Do That on Television", Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters, country pop, Erasermate, the first portable microcomputer; "History of the World, Part I"; "An American Werewolf in London", "Working for the Weekend" by Loverboy, "Gimme a Break!", and the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation
Now Yearbook: 1981
1.2. The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (3)
1.13. Blondie - Rapture (1) ★
1.15. Olivia Newton-John - Physical (1) ★
1.16. Stars on 45 - Stars on 45 (1) ★
1.19. Smokey Robinson - Being with You (2)
2.4. Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes (1) ★
2.5. REO Speedwagon - Keep on Loving You (1) ★
2.6. Electric Light Orchestra - Hold On Tight (10)
2.7. The Who - You Better You Bet (18)
2.13. Yarbrough and Peoples - Don't Stop the Music (19)
2.18. Earth, Wind, & Fire - Let's Groove (3)
2.19. The Whispers: It's a Love Thing (28)
2.20. Four Tops - When She Was My Girl (11)
2.21. Champaign - How 'Bout Us (12)
3.1. John Lennon - Woman (2)
3.3. Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - Endless Love (1) ★
3.5. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only (4)
Now Yearbook: 1981 Extra
1.1. John Lennon - Watching the Wheels (10)
1.19. The Pointer Sisters - Slow Hand (2)
1.21. Grover Washington Jr. - Just the Two of Us (2)
1.22. Diana Ross - It's My Turn (9)
2.8. Electric Light Orchestra - Twilight (38)
2.9. Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams (5)
2.10. Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl (1) ★
2.11. REO Speedwagon - Take It on the Run (5)
2.12. Juice Newton - Angel of the Morning (4)
Now Yearbook: 1980–1984 — The Final Chapter
1.18. Neil Diamond - Love on the Rocks (2)
Now Yearbook: 1980–1984 — The Final Chapter Extra
1.16. Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (9)
List activity
205 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
27 people
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
Olivia Newton-John was an English singer and actress who was born on September 26, 1948, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK. In 1954, her family relocated to Australia when her father was offered a job as the dean of a Presbyterian college in Melbourne. After winning a singing talent contest, she returned to England with her mother, where she resided until 1975. Her many hit singles include, "You're The One That I Want" from the movie Grease (1978), which she starred in with John Travolta. She appeared on the TV series, It's Cliff Richard (1970), as well as in the film Toomorrow (1970). For several years, she was engaged to Bruce Welch, a founding member of The Shadows, which included Cliff Richard. Welch was one of the producers of her first international hit, "If Not For You".Status: Down Under Babe- Actress
- Soundtrack
Donna was raised in Lorton, Virginia, where her father owned the local nightclub, "Hillbilly Heaven". She was working as a model and attending college when she landed her first regular role on TV's Bosom Buddies (1980). While filming Doctor Detroit (1983), she met and married co-star Dan Aykroyd. She has since fluctuated between TV and film work, frequently appearing with her husband.Status: Bosom Buddies Babe- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Valerie Bertinelli was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Nancy (Carvin) and Andrew Francis Bertinelli, Jr., a General Motors executive, and raised with her one older and two younger brothers. In her early teens, her father was transferred to a GM assembly plant in the Detroit, Michigan area and her family resided in Clarkston, Michigan, where she attended Clarkston Middle School. A short time later, her father again was transferred to another GM automotive plant in Van Nuys, California. At this time, Bertinelli became neighborhood friends of the daughter of a TV producer and soon enrolled in the Tami Lynn School of Artists to study acting. Tami Lynn launched Valerie's career in the CBS hit TV series, One Day at a Time (1975). Tami Lynn was Valerie's Personal Manager from 1971 through 1979.
In December 1975, the situation comedy One Day at a Time (1975), produced by Norman Lear, premiered on CBS with Bertinelli as "Barbara Cooper", one of two daughters of a recently divorced woman. The show was a long-time hit and ended production in 1984, without being canceled.
Bertinelli has starred in three feature films: C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979), Ordinary Heroes (1986), and Number One with a Bullet (1987). She was also the protagonist of the miniseries, I'll Take Manhattan (1987), based on a novel by Judith Krantz. She has appeared in made-for-TV movies almost annually since 1979. She was also the star of two other situation comedies, Sydney (1990) and Cafe Americain (1993), both of which were canceled after short runs. In 1981, she married rock guitarist Edward Van Halen. They had homes in the Hollywood Hills and Malibu and have a son, Wolfgang Van Halen. They separated in 2001, when Van Halen had tongue cancer. In 2005, Bertinelli filed for divorce for irreconcilable differences and, it was finalized two years later. Ms. Bertinelli is still chiefly remembered by her television fans for her work on One Day at a Time (1975).
An adored actress, Bertinelli's long and celebrated career has expanded to include equally beloved TV personality, spokesperson and best-selling author. She stars as "Melanie Moretti" on the Emmy® Award-winning series, Hot in Cleveland (2010), which in 2011 was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award® for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. The comedy revolves around three fabulous LA women of a certain age, and best friends (Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick) whose lives are changed forever when their plane, bound for Paris, unexpectedly lands in Cleveland. Once safely on the ground, they soon rediscover themselves in this new "promised land" -- meeting their new landlord, played by Betty White, along the way.Status: Cute as a Button Babe- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Kathleen Turner was born June 19, 1954 in Springfield, Missouri, to Patsy (Magee) and Allen Richard Turner, a U.S. Foreign Service officer. She graduated from American School in London in 1972. After the death of her father, the Turner family moved back to the United States where Kathleen later enrolled at Missouri State University for two years, and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in 1977. Kathleen made her film debut in Body Heat (1981), her role as the relentless Matty Waker brought her astronomical success, and is remembered as one of the sexiest roles in film history. After her initial success, Kathleen continued to flourish with performances in The Man with Two Brains (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Prizzi's Honor (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), The War of the Roses (1989), and Serial Mom (1994).Status: Body Heat Babe- A mild-mannered jurist who thinks carefully before she speaks or makes decisions, Sandra Day O'Connor does not project the figure of a trailblazer. But she became exactly that. She was the daughter of cattle ranchers Henry Day and Ada Wilkey. She was a true child of the frontier, learning how to brand cattle and run a household on her parents' 155,000 acre ranch. She later wrote about her childhood in the autobiography "Lazy B: Growing up on a Cattle Ranch in the American Southwest." But when she became of school age, her parents sent her to El Paso to live with her maternal grandmother, Mamie Scott Wilkey, who she said had the greatest influence on her life. In school, she was a high achiever and graduated from high school at the age of 16, then she graduated from Stanford Law School third in a class of 102. Ironically, the valedictorian was future fellow Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, whom she briefly dated. She married in 1952 and sought work in major law firms. But women lawyers were a rarity in those days and she worked as a prosecutor in some county offices. She then established her own private practice in Phoenix in 1960, and became involved in Republican politics. In 1965, she was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the state of Arizona. Her life changed in 1969, when she was appointed to the Arizona state Senate to fill a vacant seat, and she was reelected. She was well-regarded by her colleagues and 1973, she became the first woman in the nation to become Majority Leader in an American state Senate. However, her passion was for law rather than politics and in 1975, she was elected Maricopa County Superior Court Judge. She served with distinction and in 1979, Democratic Governor Bruce Babbitt appointed her to the state Court of Appeals, in spite of her being a Republican. She served with distinction again and came to the attention of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, who regarded her very highly.
She became a national figure in 1981. The year before, Ronald Reagan had been elected President and had promised to appoint a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. A member of the high court, Associate Justice Potter Stewart, announced his retirement, and the Reagan Administration considered several female Federal judges among who to choose. However, Goldwater brought O'Connor to Reagan's attention, and she visited him at the White House. Reagan himself owned a ranch and had a real affiliation for the frontier, and O'Connor's background and passion for the American southwest made a positive impression on him. Still, as a little-known state judge who was considered legalistic and aloof on the bench, she was not thought to be a likely choice, and she was as surprised as anyone when Reagan nominated her. Her nomination drew bipartisan praise and she was confirmed unanimously.
In her first years on the U.S. Suprene Court, she was surprised by the amount of scrutiny she received. However, she enjoyed serving with her longtime friend William Rehnquist, who became Chief Justice in 1985. She compiled a moderate to conservative record on the court while ruling each case as narrowly as possible, avoiding setting precedent. She also sought to avoid the limelight. However, in 1989, the court became the center of national attention and O'Connor the center of that attention. The case was Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services, in which the state of Missouri enacted several restrictions on the practice of abortion, which had become legalized by the court in 1973. Previous rulings had claimed that any limits on abortions were unconstitutional. Supporters of abortion wanted a similar ruling, while conservatives hoped that Roe vs. Wade, which had legalized abortion, would be overturned. Instead, the court refused to overturn Roe vs. Wade, but also ruled that the contested restrictions on abortion were allowed by that same ruling. The 9 member court voted 5 to 4 on that, and O'Connor was the deciding vote and the author of the final ruling. No one concerned about the issue was satisfied by the ruling. In subsequent years, the makeup of the Supreme Court changed significantly and she became its second most senior member. In 1993, she was pleased when another woman was appointed to the court, even though that woman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was considerably more liberal than she. During many of her later years on the court, she was the deciding vote of many 5 to 4 decisions and was regarded as the swing vote on rulings that conservatives and liberals disagreed on. However, she continued to to avoid the limelight, and would often become upset when the court became the center of criticism and controversy.
In 2005, her husband was seriously ill. Her longtime friend Rehnquest was also ill and planning to retire. But out of deference to O'Connor, he delayed his retirement announcement so that she could retire first. She announced that she would step down from the court as soon as her successor was sworn in. She had mixed feelings when President George W. Bush announced that he would appoint Federal Appeals Judge John Roberts. O'Connor regarded Roberts highly and had great respect for his abilities, but having faced gender discrimination for so much of her career had hoped that another woman would be appointed to replace her. A short time later, she was saddened by the death of Rehnquest. Bush decided to appoint Roberts as Chief Justice and nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to succeed O'Connor, but Miers withdrew after her nomination drew charges of crony-ism and attacks on her qualifications. Bush then nominated longtime Federal Appeals Court Samuel Alito, a conservative former U.S Attorney of New Jersey. Alito was confirmed by the Senate after a contentious debate. O'Connor's retirement was interrupted when she was appointed by Bush to the Iraq Study Group, which made recommendations on how to end the Iraq War.
Many who covered her career noted that in her early years on the court, she usually supported the conservative faction, but became the swing vote later on, and they claimed that she changed and became more liberal. In fact, it was the court itself that changed more than she did. When she was appointed, the court included strong liberals William Brennen, Thurgood Marshall, and Harry Blackman, all of whom left in the early 1990s. During her later years on the court, she served with Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, strong conservatives, and the different composition of the court altered both the tone and substance of its rulings, and made liberal groups less inclined to seek redress from it.Status: Gavel Banging Babe - Actor
- Director
- Producer
Youngest of 2 children, and only son born to Terrence and Marie Duffy. Patrick was born in Montana, where his parents owned local taverns, and raised in Everett, Washington, since age 12. He wanted to become a professional athlete, and became a certified scuba diver while in his teens. However, his involvement in his high school's drama department led him to apply to the Professional Actors Training Program at the University of Washington, Seattle. He was one of 12 people accepted, from over 1,200 applicants. He ruptured both of his vocal cords during his senior year of college, but he created the position of actor-in-residence, where he worked as an interpreter for ballet, opera, and orchestra companies in Washington. He also taught mime and movement classes. Around this time, he met his wife, Carlyn, a ballet dancer with the First Chamber Dance Company of New York. Carlyn introduced Patrick to Buddhism, which he has practiced for the past 30 years. The couple married in a Buddhist temple in 1974. They then moved to New York, where Patrick appeared in Off-Broadway plays, and supported himself and his wife by working as a carpenter. The couple then moved to Hollywood, where he drove a florist's delivery truck, and landed small roles in film and television. His son, Padraic Duffy, was born in 1974/5. In 1976, Patrick was working as a house painter when he landed the role of "Mark Harris" in the TV series Man from Atlantis (1977). Two years later, he won the role of "Bobby Ewing" on Dallas (1978). His second son, Conor Duffy, was born in 1979/80. In 1986, his parents were murdered by 2 teenagers who raided their tavern in Montana. Patrick has continued to work, however, starring in a variety of TV movies, and as "Frank Lambert" on his third TV series, Step by Step (1991). Since SBS was canceled in 1997, Patrick has continued to pursue his TV career, which includes 2 Dallas reunion movies and the revival series Dallas (2012). Widowed in 2017, he splits his time between Los Angeles and southern Oregon.Status: South Fork Hunk- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Enduring, strong-featured, and genial star of US cinema, Burt Reynolds started off in T.V. westerns in the 1960s and then carved his name into 1970s/1980s popular culture, as a sex symbol (posing nearly naked for "Cosmopolitan" magazine), and on-screen as both a rugged action figure and then as a wisecracking, Southern type of "good ol' boy."
Burton Leon Reynolds was born in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of Harriette Fernette "Fern" (Miller) and Burton Milo Reynolds, who was in the army. After World War II, his family moved to Riviera Beach, Florida, where his father was chief of police, and where Burt excelled as an athlete and played with Florida State University. He became an All Star Southern Conference halfback (and was earmarked by the Baltimore Colts) before a knee injury and a car accident ended his football career. Midway through college he dropped out and headed to New York with aspirations of becoming an actor. There he worked in restaurants and clubs while pulling the odd TV spot or theatre role.
He was spotted in a New York City production of "Mister Roberts," signed to a TV contract, and eventually had recurring roles in such shows as Gunsmoke (1955), Riverboat (1959) and his own series, Hawk (1966).
Reynolds continued to appear in undemanding western roles, often playing a character of half Native American descent, in films such as Navajo Joe (1966), 100 Rifles (1969) and Sam Whiskey (1969). However, it was his tough-guy performance as macho Lewis Medlock in the John Boorman backwoods nightmare Deliverance (1972) that really stamped him as a bona-fide star. Reynolds' popularity continued to soar with his appearance as a no-nonsense private investigator in Shamus (1973) and in the Woody Allen comedy Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972). Building further on his image as a Southern boy who outsmarts the local lawmen, Reynolds packed fans into theaters to see him in White Lightning (1973), The Longest Yard (1974), W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975) and Gator (1976).
At this time, ex-stuntman and longtime Reynolds buddy Hal Needham came to him with a "road film" script. It turned out to be the incredibly popular Smokey and the Bandit (1977) with Sally Field and Jerry Reed, which took in over $100 million at the box office. That film's success was followed by Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983). Reynolds also appeared alongside Kris Kristofferson in the hit football film Semi-Tough (1977), with friend Dom DeLuise in the black comedy The End (1978) (which Reynolds directed), in the stunt-laden buddy film Hooper (1978) and then in the self-indulgent, star-packed road race flick The Cannonball Run (1981).
The early 1980s started off well with a strong performance in the violent police film Sharky's Machine (1981), which he also directed, and he starred with Dolly Parton in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) and with fellow macho superstar Clint Eastwood in the coolly received City Heat (1984). However, other projects such as Stroker Ace (1983), Stick (1985) and Paternity (1981) failed to catch fire with fans and Reynolds quickly found himself falling out of popularity with movie audiences. In the late 1980s he appeared in only a handful of films, mostly below average, before television came to the rescue and he shone again in two very popular TV shows, B.L. Stryker (1989) and Evening Shade (1990), for which he won an Emmy. In 1988, Burt and his then-wife, actress Loni Anderson, had a son, Quinton A. Reynolds (aka Quinton Anderson Reynolds), whom they adopted.
He was back on screen, but still the roles weren't grabbing the public's attention, until his terrific performance as a drunken politician in the otherwise woeful Striptease (1996) and then another tremendous showing as a charming, porn director in Boogie Nights (1997), which scored him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Like the phoenix from the ashes, Reynolds resurrected his popularity and, in the process, gathered a new generation of young fans, many of whom had been unfamiliar with his 1970s film roles. He then put in entertaining work in Pups (1999), Mystery, Alaska (1999), Driven (2001) and Time of the Wolf (2002). Definitely one of Hollywood's most resilient stars, Reynolds continually surprised all with his ability to weather both personal and career hurdles and his almost 60 years in front of the cameras were testament to his staying ability, his acting talent and his appeal to film audiences.
Burt Reynolds died of cardiac arrest on September 6, 2018, in Jupiter, Florida, U.S. He was eighty two.Status: Hunk Hall of Fame Hunk- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Harrison Ford was born on July 13, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy (Nidelman), a radio actress, and Christopher Ford (born John William Ford), an actor turned advertising executive. His father was of Irish and German ancestry, while his maternal grandparents were Jewish emigrants from Minsk, Belarus. Harrison was a lackluster student at Maine Township High School East in Park Ridge Illinois (no athletic star, never above a C average). After dropping out of Ripon College in Wisconsin, where he did some acting and later summer stock, he signed a Hollywood contract with Columbia and later Universal. His roles in movies and television (Ironside (1967), The Virginian (1962)) remained secondary and, discouraged, he turned to a career in professional carpentry. He came back big four years later, however, as Bob Falfa in American Graffiti (1973). Four years after that, he hit colossal with the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). Another four years and Ford was Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
Four years later and he received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his role as John Book in Witness (1985). All he managed four years after that was his third starring success as Indiana Jones; in fact, many of his earlier successful roles led to sequels as did his more recent portrayal of Jack Ryan in Patriot Games (1992). Another Golden Globe nomination came his way for the part of Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive (1993). He is clearly a well-established Hollywood superstar. He also maintains an 800-acre ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Ford is a private pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and owns an 800-acre (3.2 km2) ranch in Jackson, Wyoming, approximately half of which he has donated as a nature reserve. On several occasions, Ford has personally provided emergency helicopter services at the request of local authorities, in one instance rescuing a hiker overcome by dehydration. Ford began flight training in the 1960s at Wild Rose Idlewild Airport in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, flying in a Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer, but at $15 an hour, he could not afford to continue the training. In the mid-1990s, he bought a used Gulfstream II and asked one of his pilots, Terry Bender, to give him flying lessons. They started flying a Cessna 182 out of Jackson, Wyoming, later switching to Teterboro, New Jersey, flying a Cessna 206, the aircraft he soloed in. Ford is an honorary board member of the humanitarian aviation organization Wings of Hope.
On March 5, 2015, Ford's plane, believed to be a Ryan PT-22 Recruit, made an emergency landing on the Penmar Golf Course in Venice, California. Ford had radioed in to report that the plane had suffered engine failure. He was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he was reported to be in fair to moderate condition. Ford suffered a broken pelvis and broken ankle during the accident, as well as other injuries.Status: Whip Wielding Hunk- Music Artist
- Composer
- Producer
Michael Philip Jagger was born in Dartford, Kent on 26th July 1943. When he was 4 he met Keith Richards until they went into secondary schools and lost touch. But one day in 1960 they accidentally met on the Dartford train line and both realized that they had an interest in rock n roll combined with blues. Between 1960 and 1962 The Rolling Stones formed. It was comprised of Mick on lead vocal and harmonica, Keith Richards on guitar, Bill Wyman on bass, Charlie Watts on drums and Brian Jones on guitar.
In 1964 they released their first album "The Rolling Stones". Eventually in 1965 they had their first number 1 hit in the UK with "The Last Time" which was followed by "I can't get no Satisfaction". Throughout 1966-1969 they toured the world with many great hits like "Let's Spend the night together" (1967) and "Sympathy for the Devil" (1968). But in 1969 Brian Jones committed suicide and Mick and Keith Richards were blamed for his death. But this fusion blew over and they got another guitarist to replace Brian in Mick Taylor. They released the album "Let it Bleed" (1969) with the track "Honky Tonk Woman". After they completed a North American tour Jagger finally went to star in Performance (1970) as the retired rock star Turner. The film was released in August 1970 with Mick starring opposite James Fox and Mick even had his first solo hit which was the soundtrack to the film "Memo from Turner".
In 1971 The Rolling Stones came back with the album "Sticky Fingers" which would be the most popular album they ever made. From this album there were songs like "Wild Horses" and "Brown Sugar" and were major hits all over the world. While this was happening Bianca Jagger gave birth to Jaggers daughter Jade Jagger. Throughout the 70s The Rolling Stones made thousands of live performances and achieved endless record sales with hits like "Angie" (1973), "It's Only Rock and Roll" (1974), "Hot Stuff" (1976) and "Respectable" (1978). In 1974 Ronnie Wood had replaced Mick Taylor on guitar and Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood both played lead guitar. In 1980 Jagger divorced Bianca Jagger and went on to record and release "Emotional Rescue" with The Rolling Stones and it was a platinum album. In 1981 "Tattoo You" was released and the group went on a major world tour, their first in three years, which filled stadiums in the US and arenas in Europe. After the tour ended in 1982 Jagger was starting to like other music. In 1983 The Rolling Stones recorded the album "Undercover" at the Compass Point in Nassau. But recording sessions didn't go well as during this time Mick and Keith Richard were having arguments about the kind of music the group should be playing. Even though the album was a success it seemed like The Rolling Stones were now going over the edge.
In May 1984 Mick recorded "State of Shock" with The Jacksons which led Mick wanting to try out a solo career. So in September he recorded his first solo album with guests like Pete Townshend and Jeff Beck. Shortly before the album was released The Rolling Stones decided to record their first album under a new Sony records contract. Keith Richards didn't approve of the solo efforts - he wanted Mick to stick to The Rolling Stones. In July 1985 Jagger made his first solo live appearance at the Live Aid benefit concert in Philadelphia. The Rolling Stones were going to perform but decided not to as things weren't going well for them at the time. During 1986 Mick worked on his second solo album "Primitive Cool" which he hoped would be a success but this was not to be. However, his 1988 tour proved to be a success, selling out in Japan.
But Mick accepted the fact that the only way to carry on with success was to get back with The Rolling Stones so in January 1989 he and Keith Richards reformed and they wrote songs for what was to be the "Steel Wheels" album. After the album was released The Rolling Stones went on a major worldwide tour with special concerts at London's Wembley Stadium. Sadly though in 1992 bassist of The Rolling Stones Bill Wyman announced his departure from the group which was to be the following year. Even though The Rolling Stones were upset to see him leave they accepted the fact that he'd been in there too long and they had to let go. Jagger released some more solo material during this time but it wasn't such a success. In 1994 The Rolling Stones released the album "Voodoo Lounge" and they went back on tour. The first The Rolling Stones project without Bill Wyman. The tour was the biggest tour in rock history raising over 300 million. As this tour was a success they returned yet again in 1997 with the "Bridges to Babylon" album and tour which lasted for two years which was combined with the "No Security" live album and tour. After the tour was finished Jagger's marriage was on the line as he had another child from a secret love affair. Soon after this was found out the marriage between him and Jerry Hall had ended. Since then Jagger's been a film producer and a solo artist. He has produced the film Enigma (2001) and has recorded his 2001 album "Goddess in the Doorway" - another commercial flop. But never fear because just recently the Stones announced a 40th Anniversary tour and that it will start in September, 2002.Status: "Start Me Up" Hunk- Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Richard Simmons was born on 12 July 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for What Women Want (2000), CHiPs (1977) and The Larry Sanders Show (1992).Status (2002): "Live It" Hunk
Status (3D): Guilty- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Thomas William Selleck is an American actor and film producer, best known for his starring role as Hawaii-based private investigator "Thomas Magnum" on the 1980s television series, Magnum, P.I. (1980).
Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Martha (Jagger), a homemaker, and Robert Dean Selleck, a real estate investor and executive. He is of mostly English descent, including recent immigrant ancestors. Selleck has appeared extensively on television in roles such as "Dr. Richard Burke" on Friends (1994) and "A.J. Cooper" on Las Vegas (2003). In addition to his series work, Selleck has appeared in more than fifty made-for-TV and general release movies, including Mr. Baseball (1992), Quigley Down Under (1990), Lassiter (1984) and, his most successful movie release, Three Men and a Baby (1987), which was the highest grossing movie in 1987.
Selleck also plays "Jesse Stone" in a series of made-for-TV movies, based on the Robert B. Parker novels. In 2010, he appears as "Commissioner Frank Reagan" in the drama series, Blue Bloods (2010) on CBS.Status: Mr. 1981- Actress
- Soundtrack
Sheena Easton started off as a worldwide sensation in the music industry. Since then she has expanded to movies (All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996), Indecent Proposal (1993)), Broadway ("Man of La Mancha") and TV (Body Bag (1997), Highlander (1992), Gargoyles (1994), Jack's Place (1992), The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993), Miami Vice (1984)). Her albums include "My Cherie" (MCA Records 1995), "No Strings" (MCA 1993), "What Comes Naturally" (MCA 1991), "The Lover in Me" (MCA 1988), and several albums on the EMI label.Status: Ms. 1981- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
Alicia Keys was born in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, to Terria Joseph (née Teresa M. Augello), a paralegal who was also an occasional actress, and Craig Cook, a flight attendant. Her father is African-American and her mother, who is Caucasian, is of Italian and English/Irish/Scottish ancestry. Alicia began taking piano lessons at age 7 at her mother's insistence. She proved to be such a prodigy that she was later accepted into the prestigious Professional Performance Arts School of Manhattan, where she majored in choir. Not only her musical talent but also her grades proved to be so exceptional that she was allowed to graduate, as valedictorian, at age 16. In 1998, she signed with Arista Records, and wrote, produced, and recorded her own albums. In 1999, she left Arista to join J Records, headed by legendary music impresario Clive Davis, and her success has been meteoric. Her 2001 debut album, "Songs in A Minor," sold 6 million copies and garnered five Grammys. Her album "Diary" won her four more Grammys in 2005.- Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born on September 4, 1981 in Houston, Texas. Her mom, Tina Knowles designs their glittering costumes & her dad, Mathew Knowles manages Destiny's Child. Solange, her sister (they're 4 years apart) has released her debut album. She dances with her big sister during DC-3 concerts. Beyoncé's of Louisiana Creole & African descent.
She and her group were discovered by Whitney Houston. One of her favorite songs is "Lovefool" by The Cardigans. Her favorite item of clothing is a pair of path work metallic boots. She writes & produces many of the group's songs, including smash hits "Jumpin Jumpin", "Bootylicious", "Nasty Girl", "Independent Women", "Happy Face" and "Apple Pie a la mode".- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Justin Randall Timberlake was born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Lynn (Bomar) and Randall Timberlake, whose own father was a Baptist minister. At the age of 11, he appeared on the show Star Search (1983), and even though he didn't win, it didn't dampen his ambitions. He also appeared on The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989), where his costars included Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell, Christina Aguilera and future band-mate JC Chasez. At age 14, Justin became a member of the boy band *NSYNC. In 1998, the group released their self-titled debut album. They became a big hit with fans and made a place for themselves in the music world with a succession of big-selling albums. In the beginning of 2002, Justin spent time working on and writing songs for his debut solo album. During this time, he broke up with his longtime girlfriend, Britney Spears. The release of the solo album, titled "Justified", came in November of 2002. Songs from his solo album include: "Like I Love You", "Cry Me A River" and "Rock Your Body".
Timberlake has branched out into an acting career, having most recently starred in The Social Network (2010), Friends with Benefits (2011), and Trouble with the Curve (2012).- Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
Britney Jean Spears was born on December 2, 1981 in McComb, Mississippi & raised in Kentwood, Louisiana. As a child, Britney attended dance classes, and she was great at gymnastics, winning many competitions and the like. But, most of all, Britney loved to sing. At age 8, Britney tried out for The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989), but was turned down due to her young age. This directed her to an off-Broadway show, "Ruthless", for a 2-year run as the title character. At age 11, she again tried for The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989) and, this time, made it as a mouseketeer alongside many stars of today (Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez of *NSYNC and Ryan Gosling). Her big break, however, came when she was signed as a Jive Recording Artist in the late 90s. With the release of her debut album, "...Baby One More Time" in early 1999, Britney became an international success, selling 13 million copies of "Baby" and 9 million (as of July 2001) of her sophomore album, "Oops!...I Did It Again", released in May of 2000.- Actress
- Producer
Serena Williams is one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She earned her first Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open in 1999, and won a string of five Grand Slam singles title wins: the 2002 French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open titles and the 2003 Australian Open and her second Wimbledon title in 2003, all by defeating her older sister, Venus Williams in the finals. To date, she has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time. Serena has appeared in guest roles on The Simpsons (1989) and My Wife and Kids (2000). She was born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1981, to Richard and Oracene Williams. The youngest of five girls, Serena grew up with Venus and older sisters Lyndrea, Isha & Yetunde. She and sister Venus were coached in tennis from an early age by their father, Richard.- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by drummer Lars Ulrich and vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, and has been based in San Francisco, California for most of its career. The group's fast tempos, instrumentals and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer.- King Charles III was born November 14, 1948. His first military services appointment was in 1969. His favorite food is scrambled eggs and he likes to drink whisky. He enjoys going to Scotland, UK; Klosters, Switzerland; and the Eleuthra in the Caribbean. He enjoys hunting, shooting, fishing, polo, skiing, painting, writing and reading.
On February 24, 1981 the engagement of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer was announced at Buckingham Palace. On July 29, 1981 Charles married Princess Diana. The fairy-tale wedding took place at St. Paul's Cathedral. Eleven months later on June 21, 1982 Prince William of Wales was born. William is second in line for the throne after his father. Two years later their second son Prince Harry was born September 15, 1984. Diana said that during the months before was his birth, she and Charles were closer than they ever had been before, but after the birth of Harry the marriage went badly wrong. On August 28, 1996 the fairy-tale marriage came to an end: Charles and Diana divorced. A year later, on August 31, 1997, Diana died in a car crash.
Charles now is married to his long-time love, Queen Camilla.Status: Nerd - Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
Ric Ocasek was born on 23 March 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He was an actor and composer, known for Super 8 (2011), The Saint (1997) and Transformers (2007). He was married to Paulina Porizkova, Suzanne LaPointe and Constance Campbell. He died on 15 September 2019 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.Status: Nerd- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Writer
Born William Henry III is an American entrepreneur, business mogul, investor, philanthropist, and widely known as one of the most richest and influential people in the world. William Henry III was born to attorney, William Henry II and teacher, Mary Maxwell Gates in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Bill Gates as a child was very competitive, curious, and depth thinker. His parents decided to enroll him in the private preparation school, Lakeside School. Gates soon excelled at Lakeside, where he made himself oriented to a wide variety of subject ranging from Math, Science, English Literature and even becoming a superb Drama student. Bill Gates surrounded by historical events at a young age was inspired. In 1969, Apollo 11 took men to the moon, this involved huge computers, and which cost billions of research dollars to function and operate. A computer during that era, was very genuine to have. However, Lakeside had gotten a deal with the city of Seattle and received, this became Bill Gates first encounter toward a computer.
Bill Gates would spend hours,upon hours at the computer room at the high-school, and he eventually met a man named,Paul Allen whom shared the same interests as Bill Gates. Bill Gates in 1973 graduated, Lakeside and was accepted by the prestigious University Of Harvard. Gates during his years at Harvard University never had a definite career plan, for some time he thought of pursuing a career in law for the admiration he had with politics, but his true craze was staying up all day and night with the computer. Bill Gates met Steve Ballmer whom would soon join Gates in his venture to start his own company, Microsoft. This all started when Paul Allen, Bill's former school mate moved to Boston from Seattle for a job. Paul Allen picked up a magazine at Harvard Square which read, "World's First Minicomputer Kit To Rival Commercial Models" to Bill Gates and Paul Allen this was the moment they had been waiting for, the dawn of personal computer had begun. Ed Roberts who ran this phenomenal product was looking for someone to do further programming to it. Bill Gates and Allen Paul soon took on this task and this partnership with Ed Roberts eventually led to the first product made by Microsoft the Altair BASIC. "Microsoft" was created in 1976 Altair BASIC was an programming language which ran on the MITS Altair 8800. Gates due to the success of Altair BASIC decided to drop out of Harvard and never returned to complete his studies. Microsoft was located in Albuquerque from 1976 to 1979. In 1979 they relocated their location to Bellevue Washington on January,1,1979.
Microsoft began to expand and specialize in languages such as Basic,Cobol,Fortan,and Pascal. With this expansion and Microsoft having hit the one million dollar profit margin mark, it was a matter of time until a big-shot computer creative company came knocking at their door. That company was IBM. The partnership IBM and Microsoft developed was a pivotal role which defined technology, to what it has become today. It established what Gates had predicted, every home in America would have one computer per household. IBM wanted an operating system for their new line of personal computers. Bill Gates bought an operating system in which he renamed, MS-DOS for IBM. He received profit from IBM for every MS-DOS product made, as IBM didn't own the licensing fee, and Gates refused to give it to them.
The partnership with Bill Gates and Paul Allen soon ended, due to Paul being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Their partnership would be seen as one which defined the technology field world-wide. This made Gates the sole-man in the Microsoft empire. In 1985, Microsoft had generated 140 million dollars in sales in just that year alone.
In 1986, Bill Gates introduced Microsoft Windows it would be come one of the most used operating systems in history, and one of the most advanced. Apple around this time, came up with an ingenious software, Gates advised them to have a copyright, however Apple was more focused on selling computers, this prompted Gates to take advantage of an open opportunity. At the age of 31, Gates became a billionaire owning 45% of his stock.
Bill Gates always had insecurities, even if he at such a peak. IBM soon to separate from MS-DOS with the success of their sales, decided to create their own operating system which it licensed from Microsoft called Dos2. OS2 eventually failed as Gates decided to invest his name and the entire future of Microsoft to advancing the Windows operating system, even if it meant losing IBM as a client. He came out with Windows 3.0 which turned out be a best market seller. Microsoft was soon becoming a monopoly, and Gates started receiving the reputation of being ruthless,and unfair. Gates was accused for practicing unfair marketing practices, and a case with the Department Of Justice Division Anti Trust Department was opened. Microsoft would receive royalty fee because of a "per-processor" license Microsoft had which stated, for each computer a microprocessor is sold; a royalty payment must be made. Regardless, if it was a Microsoft operating system or not. Operating Equipment Manufacturers saw this as unfair, this would lead him further to be a monopoly, which no software company liked. Apple had no way of competing, IBM had no way of competing, it was Microsoft receiving these royalty fees even for a non-Microsoft Operating System which most manufactures thought was most unfair. Microsoft agreed to stop charging the fees and the Department Of Justice dropped the case.
Bill Gates's mother died shortly after their marriage of breast cancer. Bill Gates because of the influence his mother had on him, created philanthropic organizations that fought certain causes, and was pursuing the interests his mother had. In 1995, Windows 95 was introduced, Bill Gates at this time slowed down on his work with Microsoft as he became a family man, welcoming his first daughter he had with his wife, Melinda French. Netscape came out with a browser which allowed you to access the world of internet. This was a realm, Microsoft had yet to embark. Netscape sales soared through the roof, while Microsoft was behind. Microsoft then promptly released the web-browser Explorer. With the success of Explorer Gates had yet to know he would be receiving a nation-wide law-suit which would cost Microsoft millions. Gates was charged with practicing unlawful conduct, and running a illegal monopoly in 1998. An anti-trust suit along with president Bill Clinton's Justice Department filed a anti-trust suit which would be seen as the most severe lawsuit's related to the technology field. Bill Gates to save his company stepped down from Microsoft as the CEO and allowed Steve Balmer to be CEO. Bill Gates was the Chairman.
Bill Gates changed the way the world operates,functions, Gates made life easier for humans to live in. To get tasks done within seconds at a time, creating several multitasking software programs. Bill Gates will forever be remembered as a business man, philanthropist, and investor. Bill Gates with multiple products unleashed with his company Microsoft, allowed the technology field to expand and become more competitive,always setting the stakes much higher, and presented a field with endless surprises.Status: Nerd- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Timothy Hutton was born in Malibu, California, one of three children born to Maryline (Poole), a teacher, and actor Jim Hutton (Dana James Hutton). He burst onto the acting scene in the late 1970s. After only a few significant roles in TV movies, he bagged the part of Conrad in the Robert Redford-directed Ordinary People (1980).
His performance as a troubled teenager trying to deal with the death of his older brother, won him the 1980 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the youngest actor to date to win that award. With over 70 film, TV, and stage appearances (including an impressive 15 features films between 2006-08), Hutton headlines the television series Leverage (2008) as insurance investigator Nate Ford. He starred in the acclaimed Roman Polanski film The Ghost Writer (2010). Hutton made his Broadway debut in 1989 in "Love Letters".Status: Teen Idol- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Actor Todd Bridges has seen and done it all. Todd has lived and worked amongst some of the most famous and influential individuals in the world. For over twenty-five years, he has victoriously survived a rapidly changing business. He experienced his second rise to fame, as "Juice" on The Young and the Restless (1973). Todd's career began and rocketed when he was only six years of age, forcing his family to relocate from a quiet, friendly neighborhood in San Francisco to the fast-paced stardom of Los Angeles, California in the early 70s. His mother, actress Betty A. Bridges, and father, the late James Bridges, Sr., came to Hollywood in search of the American dream. Betty went on to work quite a bit as an actress while James Sr. became one of the first prominent black Hollywood agents. Betty later became one of Hollywood's greatest managers and acting coaches, whose list of clients (soon to become stars) included her oldest child, Jimmy Bridges, her daughter Verda Bridges, Todd (of course), Nia Long (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990), Love Jones (1997)), Regina King (Jerry Maguire (1996)), Lamont Bentley (Moesha (1996)), and Aaron Meeks (Soul Food (2000)).
It all began one day while watching Redd Foxx display his comic genius on Sanford and Son (1972). Todd, then six, realized his dream of becoming an actor. He exclaimed excitedly to his mother, "I want to do that", pointing to the television set. He had asked on his own to enter a business which, during that time, was very limited for black artists. Nevertheless, Todd went on to make some remarkable strides in the industry, pioneering the way for other young, black actors. His first job was a Jell-O commercial, which starred the entire Bridges family. He later accomplished over 60 national commercials. Todd was the first black child actor to become a recurring regular on the hit series, The Waltons (1972), and Little House on the Prairie (1974) with the late great Michael Landon. He went on to guest star on Barney Miller (1975), which eventually gained a spin-off show, starring Abe Vigoda. The spin-off was titled Fish (1977) and Todd became a series regular for four years. Norman Lear, who spearheaded the success of Tandem Productions, with such shows under his belt as The Jeffersons (1975), Good Times (1974), All in the Family (1971) and The Facts of Life (1979), sought to create a new type of show that would cross the racial boundaries set in Hollywood in the early years of television. He began with the new kid in town, Gary Coleman, and a TV veteran, Conrad Bain, from the hit show, Maude (1972). The wheels were spinning and Diff'rent Strokes (1978) was born. The show originated with a wealthy white businessman who adopted his housekeeper's black child after she passed away. There was only one problem. Who would the creators find to match wits with the sassy Gary Coleman? Conrad Bain then suggested the creation of an older brother character to keep up with "Arnold's" wisecracks, a strong young actor capable of bouncing the ball back in his court. No one portrayed such qualities as Todd Bridges.
Diff'rent Strokes (1978) was introduced to American audience in the fall of 1978. With the new concept of a racially-mixed cast, the producers and creators were unsure how the viewers would react. To their surprise, the show was a complete success and ran strong for eight years. Todd Bridges became an international celebrity and household name by the age of 15. During his success with "Diff'rent Strokes", Todd guest starred on such shows as The Love Boat (1977), The Facts of Life (1979), Hello, Larry (1979), Battle of the Network Stars VI (1979), Circus of the Stars #6 (1981), and many, many more. An even bigger opportunity came when he was chosen to portray the role of Chicken George's grandson in the historical television miniseries, Roots (1977), where his performance is still applauded to this day.
After "Diff'rent Strokes" ended its long run in 1986, things became difficult for Todd. All of a sudden, no one would hire him due to his being typecast as "Willis Drummond". He began to experience turbulent times, which would later lead to drug addiction and trouble with the authorities. There would be a pause in his career and his life for nearly ten years.
Todd Bridges has been clean and sober for twenty-six years. He is a working actor, director, and producer and is well on his way to the rebirth of a promising television and motion picture career. Together, Todd and his brother, James Jr., have partnered to establish their own production company, "Little Bridge Productions".
His recent film credits (as an actor) include _1210 Camille Street_ with Faizon Love (Friday (1995), The Replacements (2000)), Frat (), _Hollywood Horror (2000)_ with Tia Mowry and 'Tamara Mowry' (_"Sister Sister" (1994)_) and A Testimony. He also recently completed a feature film in Utah called The Climb (2002) for Billy Graham's production company. He directed, produced and starred in the short film about his life, Building Bridges (2000), for TBN. He also directed, along with his brother, a full-length feature film titled Black Ball (2003) (aka Full Circle), starring Lisa Sweat (wife of R&B singer Keith Sweat), Stoney Jackson, De'aundre Bonds, his wife Dori Bridges, and a host of other great names. His directorial credits also include the feature film, Flossin (2001), the life story of his pastor and childhood friend, Pastor Ernest Johnson. On a more personal note, Todd is a proud husband and father. He has been married, since 1998, to his wife, Dori Bridges, and they have one son, Spencir Bridges. Todd has traveled the nation speaking to over 6,000 kids per day in high schools, middle schools, and churches warning about the dangers of drug use, negative peer pressure, and proclaiming Christ Jesus!Status: Teen Idol- Actor
- Composer
- Director
Rick Springfield was born Richard Lewis Springthorpe in Guildford, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, to Eileen Louise (Evennett) and Norman James Springthorpe, a Lt. Colonel in the Australian Army. His maternal grandparents were English, and his father was of English and some Scottish descent. Rick spent his childhood on various army bases in Australia and Britain. As a teenager, he fronted many music bands, such as the "Jordy Boys", "Wakedy Wak", and "Zoot". The latter was his most successful, paving his way for future success as a musician. He came to the U.S. early 1970s, and recorded an album, Beginnings. It had one "major" hit - Speak to The Sky. After that came "Comic Book Heroes", which was marginally successful.
He learned to speak English with an American accent to further his acting career, after he lost his record label. While he waited for his big break, he signed a contract with Universal television, playing bit parts in shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man (1974) and The Rockford Files (1974). He also had a recurring role on the soap The Young and the Restless (1973). In the early 1980s, his luck changed as he signed to RCA Records and was then cast as "Dr. Noah Drake" on the soap General Hospital (1963). While he had released six albums in the 1970s, his 1980 break-through album "Working Class Dog" gave him the #1 single "Jessie's Girl". From the music and TV exposure, he became a teen idol. He continued to star on "GH" while touring and releasing "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet", with the hit "Don't Talk To Strangers". Upon releasing his 3rd album with RCA-"Living In Oz" he quit "GH" and went back to his rock roots. "Living In Oz" is considered by many his finest (and hardest rock) album. He starred in the movie Hard to Hold (1984) in 1984 and released the soundtrack to it with the hit "Love Somebody", followed by "Don't Walk Away" and "Bop Til Ya Drop". His next album, "Tao", started his slow descent from rock star status. It was followed up in 1988 by "Rock Of Life" which was his 'moodiest' and least recognized album (by the public).
In 2015, Rick received positive notices playing Meryl Streep's character's boyfriend in Ricki and the Flash (2015).Status: Teen Idol- Actress
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Born in New York City to legendary screen star Henry Fonda and Ontario-born New York socialite Frances Seymour Brokaw, Jane Seymour Fonda was destined early to an uncommon and influential life in the limelight. Although she initially showed little inclination to follow her father's trade, she was prompted by Joshua Logan to appear with her father in the 1954 Omaha Community Theatre production of "The Country Girl". Her interest in acting grew after meeting Lee Strasberg in 1958 and joining the Actors Studio. Her screen debut in Tall Story (1960) (directed by Logan) marked the beginning of a highly successful and respected acting career highlighted by two Academy Awards for her performances in Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978), and five Oscar nominations for Best Actress in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), Julia (1977), The China Syndrome (1979), The Morning After (1986) and On Golden Pond (1981), which was the only film she made with her father. Her professional success contrasted with her personal life, which was often laden with scandal and controversy. Her appearance in several risqué movies (including Barbarella (1968)) by then-husband Roger Vadim was followed by what was to become her most debated and controversial period: her espousal of anti-establishment causes and especially her anti-war activities during the Vietnam War. Her political involvement continued with fellow activist and husband Tom Hayden in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the 1980s she started the aerobic exercise craze with the publication of the "Jane Fonda's Workout Book". She and Hayden divorced, and she married broadcasting mogul Ted Turner in 1991.Status: Hot Mom