Stars of the Golden Age: An Old Hollywood Podcast

MARY ASTOR (Part 2:) SENSORY-SENSITIVE (no background/transition music)

Part two of Mary Astor's story. The dramatic trial that rocked Hollywood and threatened to destroy the lives of many high profile celebrities. What happened, and the effect it had on the lives involved. And Mary's life AFTER the scandal.

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s by Joseph Egan; The Mary Astor Collection at themaryastorcollection.com; and of course, IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

MARY ASTOR (Part 2:)

Part two of Mary Astor's story. The dramatic trial that rocked Hollywood and threatened to destroy the lives of many high profile celebrities. What happened, and the effect it had on the lives involved. And Mary's life AFTER the scandal.

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s by Joseph Egan; The Mary Astor Collection at themaryastorcollection.com; and of course, IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

MARY ASTOR (Sensory-Sensitive) PART ONE:

A popular silent film actress who survived the transition into talkies... only to be thrown into one of the most salacious scandals of 1930s Hollywood. Here about her early life and career, and the events that led up to the public scandal.

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s by Joseph Egan; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

MARY ASTOR (Part 1:)

A popular silent film actress who survived the transition into talkies... only to be thrown into one of the most salacious scandals of 1930s Hollywood. Here about her early life and career, and the events that led up to the public scandal.

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s by Joseph Egan; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

BETTY GRABLE (sensory-sensitive--no background/transition music) THE WWII pinup girl. She was pushed into a life in show business, never able to choose her own path in life. And she rose to the top in Hollywood. Her image became one of the most recognizable and significant images from WWII. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Betty Grable: The Reluctant Movie Queen by Doug Warren; a book titled American Legends: The Life of Betty Grable by Charles River Editors; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

BETTY GRABLE--THE WWII pinup girl. She was pushed into a life in show business, never able to choose her own path in life. And she rose to the top in Hollywood. Her image became one of the most recognizable and significant images from WWII. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Betty Grable: The Reluctant Movie Queen by Doug Warren; a book titled American Legends: The Life of Betty Grable by Charles River Editors; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Patsy Kelly (sensory-sensitive...no background/transition music) One-half of one of the 1930's most popular comedic duos whose name was forgotten within a decade... but she was never gone. She didn't fit the mold of the perfect 1940s actress, so she just kept herself busy in other entertainment avenues until Hollywood was ready for her again. She lived life her own way, and she was strong. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A documentary titled "This Is… Patsy Kelly" by Lori-Suzanne Dell; Wikipedia; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

Patsy Kelly: One-half of one of the 1930's most popular comedic duos whose name was forgotten within a decade... but she was never gone. She didn't fit the mold of the perfect 1940s actress, so she just kept herself busy in other entertainment avenues until Hollywood was ready for her again. She lived life her own way, and she was strong. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A documentary titled "This Is… Patsy Kelly" by Lori-Suzanne Dell; Wikipedia; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

Enjoy this special release of a Stars of the Golden Age bonus episode! Please visit patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast to learn more about the bonus content available. Next week we'll be back to our regular episodes covering fantastic golden age stars!

This is a special extra episode commemorating one year of Stars of the Golden Age! No biographies in this episode... Just me talking about the journey of this podcast and my goals for the future.

Burt Lancaster (sensory-sensitve...no background/transition music)

The dashing leading man with the mad trapeze skills. Circus performer turned actor turned circus performer turned actor again... and producer. The man could do it all. He was hard-working, determined, and put his heart into the causes he believed in. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: a book titled Burt Lancaster: An American Life by Kate Buford; a documentary titled Burt Lancaster: Daring to Reach from The Hollywood Collection; an interview of Burt Lancaster with Dick Cavett from July 21, 1969; a New York Times article from October 22, 1994; IMDB

Image Source: IMDBRead more

Burt Lancaster: The dashing leading man with the mad trapeze skills. Circus performer turned actor turned circus performer turned actor again... and producer. The man could do it all. He was hard-working, determined, and put his heart into the causes he believed in. Listen now!

PATREON: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: a book titled Burt Lancaster: An American Life by Kate Buford; a documentary titled Burt Lancaster: Daring to Reach from The Hollywood Collection; an interview of Burt Lancaster with Dick Cavett from July 21, 1969; a New York Times article from October 22, 1994; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Hedda Hopper & Louella Parsons (sensory sensitive, no background/transition music)

The two Nosiest Nellie's in Hollywood history! They could make careers and they could ruin careers. Listen now to hear about each of their rises to fame of becoming the most powerful gossip columnists in the golden age of Hollywood. PLUS a little extra surprise... COCKTAIL PARTY!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: an article from The Saturday Evening Post titled The Career that Fear Built: Hedda Hopper Ruled the Gossip Business; cartoonresearch.com; the once upon a screen classic film blog at aurorasginjoint.com; Wikipedia; foodnetwork.com

Image Source: IMDB

The two Nosiest Nellie's in Hollywood history! They could make careers and they could ruin careers. Listen now to hear about each of their rises to fame of becoming the most powerful gossip columnists in the golden age of Hollywood. PLUS a little extra surprise... COCKTAIL PARTY!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: an article from The Saturday Evening Post titled The Career that Fear Built: Hedda Hopper Ruled the Gossip Business; cartoonresearch.com; the once upon a screen classic film blog at aurorasginjoint.com; Wikipedia; foodnetwork.com

Image Source: IMDB

Enjoy this special extra episode... a crossover episode with The Wanted Files podcast covering the death of actress Virginia Rappe and the trials of superstar Fatty Arbuckle following her mysterious death.

If you want to hear more of The Wanted Files, find The Wanted Files with A.C. Roberts wherever you listen to your podcasts!

The conclusion of Rock Hudson's story (sensory-sensitive... no transition/background music)

Episode 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; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

The conclusion of Rock Hudson's story.

Episode 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; IMDB

Image 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/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode 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; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Rock Hudson: 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/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode 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; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Audrey Hepburn (sensory-sensitive...NO added music effect:)

Fashion icon, screen goddess, ballerina, and humanitarian. She survived the brutalities of WWII--just barely, in fact--and she walked away from that experience with so much strength and hope. Her final chapter of life was devoted to helping children in need. A true hero.

Patreon: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Audrey Hepburn: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History series; a documentary titled Audrey (Netflix;) UNICEF at unicef.org; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

Audrey Hepburn: Fashion icon, screen goddess, ballerina, and humanitarian. She survived the brutalities of WWII--just barely, in fact--and she walked away from that experience with so much strength and hope. Her final chapter of life was devoted to helping children in need. A true hero.

Patreon: patreon.com/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Audrey Hepburn: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History series; a documentary titled Audrey (Netflix;) UNICEF at unicef.org; IMDB.

Image Source: IMDB

Bob Hope: sensory sensitive (no transition/background music)

This man gave the world over 80 years of entertainment greatness. He rose the ranks from vaudeville to radio to movies to television to everything else in between. Most importantly, though, he devoted an astonishing amount of time to US troops, having supported and entertained troops overseas with his USO tours in every war and conflict that occurred between WWII to the Gulf War. He was the best emcee in the biz, a generous philanthropist, and just soooo funny. Bob Hope gave the world so much of himself. Listen to his remarkable story now!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Bob Hope’s Own Story: Have Tux, Will Travel, as told to Pete Martin by Bob Hope; a book titled Bob Hope: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History Series; the documentary American Masters: This is Bob Hope from PBS; the United States Army website at army.mil; a People Magazine article from August 22, 2022; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Bob Hope: This man gave the world over 80 years of entertainment greatness. He rose the ranks from vaudeville to radio to movies to television to everything else in between. Most importantly, though, he devoted an astonishing amount of time to US troops, having supported and entertained troops overseas with his USO tours in every war and conflict that occurred between WWII to the Gulf War. He was the best emcee in the biz, a generous philanthropist, and just soooo funny. Bob Hope gave the world so much of himself. Listen to his remarkable story now!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Bob Hope’s Own Story: Have Tux, Will Travel, as told to Pete Martin by Bob Hope; a book titled Bob Hope: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History Series; the documentary American Masters: This is Bob Hope from PBS; the United States Army website at army.mil; a People Magazine article from August 22, 2022; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

LENA HORNE— sensory sensitive (no transition/background music)

Lena Horne was a trailblazer in the film industry. She was the first black American to be signed to a long-term contract with a major Hollywood film studio. Her childhood was heartbraking, she was forced into a life she didn't want, and she came out a hero. A highly entertaining hero. Her career spanned 8 decades. She was unstoppable. Listen to her inspiring story now!

Lena Horne in Panama Hattie: https://youtu.be/wBr1getTVrE?si=SnXs4tRLYQLllXfD

Lena Horne American Masters Interview: https://youtu.be/AErWqNBhawI?si=JEISkMbZRO6z_UoY

Lena Horne, The Lady and Her Music: https://youtu.be/NxiCjztZPeU?si=9EHf7kAIxtdC72-L

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcastEpisode

Sources: A book titled Goddess Reclaimed by Donald Bogle; a documentary titled Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice from the American Masters series; American Masters: Creative Spark by PBS; IMDB

Image Source: IMDBRead more

LENA HORNE: Lena Horne was a trailblazer in the film industry. She was the first black American to be signed to a long-term contract with a major Hollywood film studio. Her childhood was heartbreaking, she was forced into a life she didn't want, and she came out a hero. A highly entertaining hero. Her career spanned 8 decades. She was unstoppable. Listen to her inspiring story now!

Lena Horne in Panama Hattie: https://youtu.be/wBr1getTVrE?si=SnXs4tRLYQLllXfD

Lena Horne American Masters Interview: https://youtu.be/AErWqNBhawI?si=JEISkMbZRO6z_UoY

Lena Horne, The Lady and Her Music: https://youtu.be/NxiCjztZPeU?si=9EHf7kAIxtdC72-L

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Goddess Reclaimed by Donald Bogle; a documentary titled Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice from the American Masters series; American Masters: Creative Spark by PBS; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

Actor Robert Mitchum graced movie and television screens from the 1940s into the 1990s. He had such a cool and unique presence, and just wait until you hear about the wild life he led! Robert Mitchum was no ordinary man. His story is quite a wild tale... listen now!

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Episode Sources: A book titled Robert Mitchum: Baby, I Don’t Care by Lee Server; a book titled Robert American Legends: The Life of Robert Mitchum by Charles River Editors; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Episode Sources: Lucille Ball's autobiography, Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball; a book titled AKA Lucy by Sarah Royal; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

This month's Patreon bonus episode is "History of the Casting Couch"

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Episode Sources: Lucille Ball's autobiography: Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball; the book AKA Lucy by Sarah Royal; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

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/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

Episode Sources: A book titled Ida Lupino: A Biography by William Donati; Wikipedia; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Episode 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; IMDB

Image Source: IMDB

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; IMDB

Image Source: Paul Robeson House & Museum; blackpast.org; Britannica

PATREON: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

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/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast

Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge

Episode 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; IMDB

Image 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/starsofthegoldenagepodcast

BUY ME A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/goldenage

Image Source: Louis Armstrong House Museum; IMDB

Episode 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; IMDB

Louis Armstrong House Virtual Tour:

https://virtualexhibits.louisarmstronghouse.org/virtual-tour/?amp

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: IMDB

Episode 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