Unedited Vintage Photos No One Talks About
By Sarah Norman | November 25, 2023
Gregory Peck with his 1962 Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
It is the people that make the past what it was. The lives people live, decisions they make, and things they accomplish are all woven into the tapestry of history and tell the story of the time period. That is true with the people shown in this collection of photos. These people – all icons of the groovy era – have left their imprint on the era. Let’s see how many of them you can remember.
It is hard to imagine another actor playing the pivotal role of Atticus Finch in the 1962 movie, To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the Harper Lee novel of the same name. Gregory Peck did such a fabulous job tackling the role of the wise single father and small-town lawyer thrust into the middle of racial injustice in the 1950s South that he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for the part. But did you known that Gregory Peck was not director Robert Mulligan’s first choice to play the role? In fact, he wasn’t even the second choice. Initially, he wanted James Stewart to play Atticus Finch but he declined because he thought the film was too controversial. Next, the studio tapped Rock Hudson for the role, but the film’s producer, Alan J. Pakula, didn’t think Hudson was a big enough star. He wanted a bigger name.
Bo Diddley and The Clash on a tour bus during The Clash's 1979 U.S. tour, Diddley was the opening act for them
It might seem like an odd combination for American blues artist Bo Diddley to be hanging out on a tour bus with the British punk rock band, The Clash, but that exactly what this photo, taken in 1979, depicts. Bo Diddley, whose real name was Ellas McDaniel, was an eclectic artist. He incorporated African rhythms, hambone beats, and traditional blues elements into his music. He was a key player in the transformation of rhythm and blue to rock and roll. Because of this, many artists cite Bo Diddley as influencing their own musical styles, including the Beatles, Elvis, the Rolling Stones, and – you guess it – The Clash. When The Clash toured the U.S. in 1979, they invited Bo Diddley to be their opening act.
A drink, cigar and no shoes-this lady was a rebel back in the 1950's
We think of the 1960s as a time of rebellion. Indeed, it was a decade in which young people turned their backs on traditions and upended social norms. But some people, like the woman in this photograph for the 1950s, got a head start on that rebellion. During a time when women were still expected to act in a lady-like manner, especially when in public, this woman seems to be throwing those rules out the window. She is swigging booze right out of the bottle, puffing on a cigar, and, shockingly, kicking off her shoes. What a rebel!
A 15-year-old Matt Dillon makes his film debut in Over the Edge 1979
Matt Damon was just 15 years old in this photo, taken in 1979 as a publicity pic for the movie Over the Edge. The film was released in May of that year but had a limited release, so it did not garner much attention. Still, it got Dillon enough praise that he was cast in two films the following year, My Bodyguard and Little Darlings. Now a teen heartthrob, Dillon proved that he was more than just a pretty face by appearing in three movie adaptations of S.E. Hinton books, Tex in 1982, The Outsiders in 1983, and The Flamingo Kid in 1984.
Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo
Peter Falk made the perfect Columbo. The average-man detective in the 1968-1971 TV detective series gave the appearance of being disheveled, disorganized, and lower middle-class, but he was much more observant, intelligent, and clever than he led people to believe. The format of Columbo was unique. Rather than being a traditional ‘who-dun-it’, it had an inverted storyline. At the beginning of each episode, the audience was shown the crime and the criminal. Through the course of the episode, the audience learned how Columbo was able to track down the perpetrator and pin the crime on him.
Betty Brosmer was the highest paid model in the mid 1950's, she was on over 200 magazine covers.
With her toned body, impossibly tiny waist, and stunning good looks, it is no wonder that beautiful Betty Brosmer was one of the most prolific modes of the 1950s. She was always athletic and enjoyed fitness, which helped her to maintain her figure. At the age of 13, she appeared in a catalog. That gig helped her catch the eye of pin-up photographers, Alberto Vargas and Earl Moran. She was just 15 years old when she moved to New York City in 1950 to work as a full-time model. Although she was only 15, the make-up, clothing, hairstyles, and poses she did as a pin-up model made her look ten years old.
Actress Lee Meriwether in her Catwoman costume, 1966.
Actress Lee Meriwether has a unique place in the history of the Batman entertainment canon. As you can see in this photo from 1966, Meriwether played Catwoman in the Batman movie, which was based on the hit TV series, however she was the only performer in a major role that wasn’t in the TV series. Adam West, Burt Ward, Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshin, Burgess Meredith, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, Madge Blake, and Stafford Repp al reprised their roles in the film version of Batman, but Julie Newmar who played Catwoman in the television series opted not to appear in the film, opening the door for Lee Meriwether.
Did you know Bob Marley, the world renowned musician, also loved to play soccer 1970s
Did you know that music wasn’t Bob Marley’s only passion? The Jamaican reggae singer and musician was also involved in association football, which we know better as soccer. In fact, soccer played an important role in his life. He played the sport whenever he could and sometimes even kicked the ball around in the recording studio. He was a huge fan of the English football organization, the Tottenham Hot spurs and the team’s midfielder, Ossie Ardiles, an Argentinian. He immersed himself in the soccer scene and hung around professional soccer players. In 1970, he hired former Jamaican footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole to be his tour manager.
Daughter Holly Joined her Famous Dad, Jack Palance, as Co-Hosts of "Ripley's Believe It or Not!"
Tough guy actor Jack Palance, who had already enjoyed a long and successful career in films and on television, was tapped to host a documentary-style television series, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” which debuted in 1982 on ABC. The show introduced viewers to the strange, mystifying, and bizarre oddities, people, and events that defy explanation. The series ran from 1982 to 1986. During that time, Palance had three co-hosts. The first was actress Catherine Shirriff and the last was singer Marie Osmond, but he had a special connection with the middle one. It was his own daughter, Holly Palance. Like her famous dad, Holly Palance was an actress. You might remember her from her role in The Omen.
Bob Dylan on his Triumph in Woodstock, 1969.
This photo of singer Bob Dylan on his motorcycle in Woodstock may make you assume that he was one of the many performers at the famous three-day music festival in upstate New York, but you would be wrong. First of all, the Woodstock Music Festival was actually held in Bristol, New York, about fifty miles from Woodstock. In 1966, three years before the Woodstock Festival, Bob Dylan was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his life. He moved to Woodstock, a hippie mecca in the Catskill Mountains to recover. He was geographically close to the mega-festival but opted not to perform. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan...letting the spirits flow...1960s
There were no rivalries between the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. In fact, Bob Dylan was pals with the members of the Rolling Stones. Dylan even attended Mick Jagger's 29th birthday party in New York City where this photo of the two of them with Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards, was taken. Bob Dylan once called the Rolling Stones “the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be.” Keith Richards did his own share of gushing, saying “I’d work with Bob anytime, anywhere. I’d work with Bob in hell or heaven. I love him.”
Ann Margaret, the original redhead bombshell wearin' the green for St. Patrick's Day, 1960s
Gorgeous ginger Ann-Margret starred with Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas in 1963, the same year that Elvis’s young girlfriend, Priscila, moved in with the King in his Graceland home. Although Elvis and Priscilla were a couple and would eventually marry, Elvis carried on an affair with his co-star, Ann-Margret. When Priscila found out about the affair, she was naturally upset and furious. As for Ann-Margret, Elvis was falling hard for the sultry Swedish-American star although he remained with his girlfriend.
Robert Redford and Paul Newman in the movie The Sting. It won the Best Picture Oscar in 1973
Paul Newman and Robert Redford reunited once again in 1973 for The Sting after starring together in the 1969 movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In fact, both movies were directed by George Roy Hill. The Sting, which followed the story of two con men and their complicated, elaborate sting operation to swindle a swindler, was based on the 1940 David Maurer book, The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man. The Sting was released on Christmas Day in 1973 to much critical acclaim and praise. It was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won seven of them, including Best Picture.
Sen. Edward Kennedy and his wife march in Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade in 1960s
In this snapshot, we see Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife, Joan, in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A member of the Kennedy political dynasty which included the ill-fated John F. Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, there were high hopes for Edward Kennedy. It was hoped that he, like his brother, John, would climb the political ranks to the White House. But in 1969, Edward Kennedy and a young lady who was not his wife were in a tragic car accident that became known as the Chappaquiddick incident. The young lady died, and Kennedy failed to report the accident. In fact, he left the scene. This event ruined his chanced of becoming president.
Cowgirl Raquel Welch trying to hitch a ride, 1969
How hot is sexy Raquel Welsh in this publicity shot for the 1970 film Myra Breckinridge? The film was based on the 1968 Gore Vidal novel of the same name. Both the novel and the movie were quite controversial. They explored the world gender identity. Welsh’s character, Myra, is transgendered and had undergone gender reassignment surgery, a taboo topic in those days. The Gore Vidal novel earned praise from critics, however, the film did not. It has actually been called one of the worst movies ever made. But doesn’t Raquel Welsh look great in chaps?
The Price Is Right host Bob Barker with Janice Pennington and Anitra Ford, 1972
Did you know that Anitra Ford and Janice Pennington were the original models on the TV game show, “The Price Is Right” when it made its debut on September 4, 1972? The two beauties joined host Bob Barker. Both women started as fashion models and were best friends prior to joining “The Price Is Right”. An actress as well as a model, Ford appeared in several films, including The Big Bird Cage, Invasion of the Bee Girls, and The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. She also landed a few television roles on shows such as "Starsky and Hutch", "The Streets of San Francisco", and "The Odd Couple". Janice Pennington was a singer dancer before finding work as a model. She performed as a dancer in Vegas and joined a rock group that toured Europe with Liza Minelli. She landed guest roles in "The Courtship of Eddie’s Father", "Ironside", "Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In", and "The Sonny and Cher Show". When she was invited to audition for “The Price Is Right”, she helped to get her bestie, Anitra Ford, on the show, too.
Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) and her 1958 T-Bird, customized by George Barris into The Macabre Mobile
Cassandra Peterson totally immersed herself in the sexy, goth character she created, Elvira. In the 1988 cult classic movie, Elvira, Mistress of the Night, she even had a custom car, restored and outfitted by the legendary George Barris. The 1958 T-Bird convertible was transformed into the ‘Macabre Mobile’. The car has a spider web grill, a custom hood ornament, and faux leopard upholstery. George Barris made a name for himself designing custom cars for wealthy clients, as well as for movies and television shows.
Al Pacino's mugshot. (1961)
Yes, this is a mugshot from the time that Al Pacino was arrested, long before the actor starred in The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman. But its not what it looks like. In January of 1961, Pacino and two of his fellow acting buddies were on their way to an acting job when they were stopped and arrested. They had inadvertently drawn the attention of the police because they were slowly circling a city block. The cops thought they were casing the joint. When they were stopped, the police found gloves, black stocking masks, and a .38 caliber pistol in the car. They were arrested and spent three nights in jail before they were able to convince the police that the items were props for a play and that the gun was a fake designed to look real. The charges were dropped and the men were released.
Tom Laughlin and His Wife, Delores Taylor, in a scene from the 1971 movie "Billy Jack"
Actor Tom Laughlin and his wife, Dolores Taylor, both started in Billy Jack, a movie that was conceived, written, directed, and produced by the couple. Laughlin attended the University of Wisconsin, then transferred to Marquette University, before transferring again to the University of South Dakota. It was there that he met Dolores Taylor, a graphic design student who would become his wife. It was also in South Dakota that Laughlin witnessed the mistreatment of Native Americans. It inspired him to write the screenplay for Billy Jack which they made into a movie in 1971. It was followed by The Trial of Billy Jack in 1974 and Billy Jack Goes to Washington in 1976.
"Sailor Beware" was a 1952 comedy film starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were comedy magic when they were together. They partnered for 16 movies together, including Sailor Beware, which was their fifth movie collaboration. It was adapted from a stage play of the same name and debuted in February 1952. Martin and Lewis star as bumbling, inept Navy recruits who are in way over their heads when they enlist in the Navy. There is a bet that involves one of them getting a kiss from the sexy nightclub singer so the two must bumble their way through sailor life while plotting to get the coveted kiss to win the bet.
Actress Barbara Bouchet, 1975.
Beautiful German-born actress and model Barbara Bouchet was cast in a series of movie roles in the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. You may have seen her in Agents of H.A.R.M., In Harm's Way, and Sweet Charity. In the 1967 James Bond movie, Casino Royale, Bouchet played the role of Miss Moneypenny. Shortly afterward, she posed semi-nude for Playboy magazine in a series call ‘The Girls of Casino Royale’. By the mid-1970s, Bouchet was frustrated with her career. She was a victim of typecasting and was unable to land starring roles in serious films. She moved to Italy to continue her career there.
Audrey Hepburn, 1954.
There is no denying that Audrey Hepburn was a fashion icon. Even barefoot and wearing shorts and a button-down, she looks stylish and classic. But the Breakfast at Tiffany’s actress is more closely associated with the LBD, or ‘little black dress.’ Designer Coco Chanel is credited with creating the little black dress, however Audrey Hepburn’s fondness for the style helped to turn the little black dress into a must-have for every woman. In addition to her clothing, Hepburn’s short cropped hair style created a fad.
John Belushi in "National Lampoon's Animal House", the 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis.
National Lampoon’s Animal House was filmed on location at the University of Oregon in 1978, but it was almost a miracle that it happened. The producers sent the film’s script to more than 250 colleges and universities around the country, asking for permission to film on their campus. Every college rejected the offer, explaining that the script was in such bad taste that they didn’t want their campus associated with the movie. All except one, that is. About a decade before, the University of Oregon’s president rejected another studio that wanted to shoot on campus. That film, The Graduate, ended up being a big hit. The president didn’t want to miss out on another sleeper hit so he granted permission.
Two of the three Charlie’s Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd and their pompoms, 1970s.
Do you remember the ‘Pom Pom Angels” episode of TV’s Charlie’s Angels? This episode, which aired in 1978, had the gorgeous private detectives going undercover to investigate the mysterious disappearances of three LA Bulldogs cheerleaders by a fanatical religious cult. As this photo shows, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, as Kelly and Kris, become undercover cheerleaders while Kate Jackson’s Sabrina pretends to be a choreographer. This episode came on the heels of the incredible popularity of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Diana Rigg plays the Queen of Sin, Emma Peel in the most watched episode of "The Avengers".
Is it any wonder the “Touch of Brimstone” episode of the British spy series, The Avengers, which was the 21st episode of the fourth season of the popular TV show, was the most watch episode of the series’ history? Guest star Diana Riggs played Emma Peel, the Queen of Sin, in this episode. Rigg designed her own kinky costume for the show as she goes undercover to investigate the personal lives of some high-profile political figures. The episode is littered with references to sado-masochism and even includes a whipping scene. This was pretty salacious stuff when the show aired in 1966.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Marilyn Monroe photographed by Baron, 1954
In 1954, noted photographer Nahum Baron was in the United States to promote is ballet photography book when he visited Hollywood as the guest of wealthy socialite Harry Crocker. For more than two weeks, Baron had photo shoots with some of Hollywood’s hottest leading ladies, including Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, and Anita Ekberg. On the last day of his visit, he photographed Marilyn Monroe. Baron chose an outdoor setting, Crocker’s lush garden, and took advantage of the California sun. He snapped about 50 images and later said, “They were some of the best pictures I have ever taken.”
Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger talking things over, 1960s
Photographer Alec Byrne captured this photograph of the first meeting between Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger. The two rock legends met for the first time at the Top of the Pops Studio in London in May of 1967. Byrne later noted that saw Mick Jagger standing off to the side behind a curtain, watching Hendrix perform. Jagger later said he was “checking out the competition”. Byrne asked if he could get a photo of Jagger with Hendrix and was able to snap just one photo of their first meeting.
Folk singer Joan Baez on the beach near her home in Carmel, California in 1962.
Folk singer Joan Baez’s music was symbolic of the 1960s counterculture movement. She was a true hippie chick who blended rock, gospel, and country influences into the folk genre. In addition to recording her own songs, she sang covers of songs by other artists including, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, the Beatles, the Allman Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and more. In fact, she in the early 1960s, she was one of the first singers to cover Bob Dylan’s songs. It was instrumental in bringing Dylan’s early songwriting into the international spotlight.
Sammy Davis, Jr. tearing it up on the drums on "The Ed Sullivan Show", 1963.
Sammy Davis, Jr. was a mega-talent. He could do it all … and do it all well! He never received any formal musical or acting training, although he did study tap dancing under Bill ‘Bojangles” Robinson, yet he was an accomplished singer, dancer, comedian, mime, and musician. As we see in this photo of one of Davis’s appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, he excelled on the drums. He also played the piano, trumpet, and the vibraphone. An all-around gifted performer, Davis’s popularity helped other black entertainers break into the largely segregated entertainment industry in the 1950s and 1960s.
Patty Duke, a legendary actress and Oscar Winner, 1960s
For all her outward success, actress Patty Duke had a tumultuous life, especially as a child star. She was just eight years old when her parents turned over her care to her talent managers, John and Ethel Ross. They exploited the young actress. They took a large percent of her earnings, lied on her resume, and tried to pass her off as being younger than she truly was. Even worse, she was given alcohol and prescription drugs to keep her complacent and subjected her to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Later in life, Patty Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has worked as a mental health advocate.
Elvis Presley Cutting Johnny Cash's Hair? Take Another Look.
This photo gets circulated a lot. In many cases, folks claim that this pic shows Elvis Presley giving Johnny Cash a trim, but that’s not accurate. This photo was snapped in 1957 on the set of Loving You, Elvis’s first major movie role. But it is not Johnny Cash, it is Elvis’s cousin, Gene Smith. He was on hand for the filming to provide moral support for Elvis, and apparently needed a trim. In Loving You, Elvis performed his song “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear”, a single that went platinum.
James Dean at a diner...always that serious determined sexy look, 1950s
The master of the teenage angst look, broody actor James Dean, shown here with his trademark smolder, became a symbol of the disillusionment of youth in the 1950s. His three biggest movie roles, Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden, both in 1955, and Giant in 1956, These roles defined him and his style of acting. After his untimely death in a car accident on September 30, 1955, James Dean was posthumously nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, the first time in the history of the Academy Awards that this happened.
Cheryl Ladd in Charlie's Angels (1976)
Did you know that one of Cheryl Ladd’s early Hollywood gigs was providing the singing voice for one of the Pussycats in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Josie and the Pussycats? She also had minor guest roles in TV shows like The Muppet Show, The Partridge Family, and Police Woman. Her big break came when beautiful blonde Farrah Fawcett stepped down from her role as Jill on the mega-hit TV series Charlie’s Angels. The shows creators wanted to smoothly bring in another character, so they cast Cheryl Ladd to play Kris, Jill’s younger sister. Ladd remained in the role through the duration of the show.
Gene Hackman as Jimmy Popeye Doyle in The French Connection 1971
Considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made, the 1971 action thriller The French Connection starred Gene Hackman as Jimmy ‘Popeye” Doyle, an NYPD narcotics detective who, with his partner Buddy ‘Cloudy’ Russo (Roy Scheider) attempt to thwart a French heroin smuggler. The French Connection earned eight Academy Award nominations and won five of the categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hackman won the Oscar for Best Actor.
Cyd Charisse between scenes in the film, "Meet Me in Las Vegas" (1956)
When Cyd Charisse was a child, she contracted polio. During her recovery for the potentially crippling disease, her parents enrolled her in dance classes. They thought the physical activity would help strengthen her muscles and prevent lingering mobility issues. They didn’t know that Cyd would excel at dancing and turn it into a lucrative career. Nearly every movie she appeared in required her to show off her dancing chops and the 1956 film, Meet Me in Las Vegas was no exception. In fact, the movie was written expressly for her and was meant to showcase her modern ballet style of dance.
California surfers on their groovy car in the 1960's
Surfing, a long-time activity in the Hawaiian Islands, was first introduced in California by three Hawaiian princes in 1885, but the sport took a long time to catch on. People began to take notice when Duke Kahanamoku helped to make surfing more mainstream. In 1907, Ohau-born surfer, George Freeth, moved to California and spent his days surfing at Venice Beach. He caught the attention of resort developer Henry Huntington who soon hired Freeth to give surfing demonstrations and lessons at his resort. Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s and we see that surfing was becoming quite popular. The plethora of surfing movies and songs further boosted the sport.
Mitzi Gaynor in a publicity photo for George Cukor’s Les Girls (1957)
Did you know that Mitzi Gaynor, seen his in a 1957 publicity photo for Les Girls, is 91 years old and once of the last surviving starts of the Golden Age of Hollywood? An accomplished singer, dancer, and actress, Gaynor began her career when she was just 17. She appeared in numerous musical films, including My Blue Heaven, There’s No Business Like Show Business, Anything Goes, South Pacific, and many more. Her role in South Pacific launched her to international fame and earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She was one of the other guests on The Ed Sullivan Show during the Beatles’ s second appearance on the show on February 16, 1964. She performed between the Beatles’s two sets.
Backstage at the ‘Serious Moonlight’ Tour- David Bowie with Bette Midler on his lap, Michael Jackson, Georganne LaPiere (Cher's sister) and Cher at the Forum in Los Angeles, 1983
What an eclectic mix of artists all in one photo! This pic was taken in 1983 at the Forum in Los Angeles during David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight Tour. That’s Bette Midler sitting on Bowie’s lap. On the other side of Michael Jackson, we see Cher and her sister, Georganne LaPiere. The Serious Moonlight Tour marked Bowie’s first tour in five years. He had planned to embark on a concert tour in 1980 for the release of his Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) album but after John Lennon was gunned down in New York in December of 1980, Bowie retreated to his Swiss home and kept quiet for a few years. That didn’t mean he wasn’t working. When he was ready, he released Serious Moonlight and resumed touring.
Cute photo of Mark Hamill with his wife Marilou and son Nathan during the filming of Return of the Jedi, 1983
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill once dated a fellow actor who was on the soap opera, General Hospital, with him, but that relationship did not work out. He married for the first and only time – a Hollywood rarity – his wife, dental hygienist Marilou York, on December 17, 1978. Their oldest child, a son named Nathan, was born during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back in 1979. He was given a special cameo role in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Hamill and his wife have two other children, Griffin who was born in 1983 and Chelsea who was born in 1988. Mark Hamill says that the secret to his long and happy marriage was to marry someone who did not work in show business.
Paul Newman and Lee Marvin in a publicity still for the 1972 comedy-western "Pocket Money"
Even though Paul Newman and Lee Marvin played friends in the 1972 Western buddy film, Pocket Money, the rumor is that the two did not get along during the filming of the comedy. Film critic Gene Siskel described the performances of Newman and Marvin as “completely self-indulgent” and gave the movie zero stars. Perhaps the off-screen tensions showed through. Another critic wrote that Newman and Marvin “shined individually” but that their interactions together failed to convince the audience that they were best buds, as their characters were supposed to be.
In 1964, Elvis deeded over President Franklin Roosevelt's former yacht to Danny Thomas and St. Jude Children's Hospital.
When Elvis graciously donated his yacht, the Potomac, which was once Franklin Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, it was not like the King of Rock n Roll was giving up his most precious possession. Elvis had only owned the yacht for two weeks before donating it and hadn’t even seen it until the day he handed over the deed to Danny Thomas, a fellow performer and the founder of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Parker, bought the yacht in Elvis’s name at an auction in hopes of using the vessel for publicity. It worked. Fans flocked to Long Beach, California, on February 14, 1964, to watch as Elvis handed over the yacht to the children’s charity.
Meatloaf and Debbie Harry sharing a taxi in 1980
Strange bedfellows, indeed. In the 1980 comedy movie, Roadie, Meatloaf, in his first starring role, plays a good ‘ol boy from Texas who, through a series of strange events, winds up being a roadie for several bands. And not just any roadie. His ability to quickly set up equipment, make repairs, and even build a dung-powered generator, earned him the nickname the ‘greatest roadie that ever lived’. Several bands and musicians made cameo appearances in the film, including Hank Williams Jr., Roy Orbison, Alice Cooper, and the members of Blondie. In one memorable scene, Meatloaf’s character spends the evening with Debbie Harry of Blondie.
Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) from the National Lampoon's Vacation, 1983
National Lampoon’s Vacation is chock full of memorable characters, but perhaps the wackiest is Cousin Eddie, brilliantly played by Randy Quaid. The screwball, redneck cousin-in-law of Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold, who left an impression on audiences even though he wasn’t in the majority of the scenes. Quaid reprised his hilarious role in the Vacation sequels, European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and Christmas Vacation 2. Cousin Eddie is even a meme. Don’t let his zany facial expressions and off-the-wall lines in National Lampoon’s Vacation fool you into thinking Quaid is best suited for comedies. He is a versatile actor who can masterfully handle series roles as well.
Walter Matthau and Tatum O'Neal in "The Bad News Bears" (1976)
A feel-good underdog story in the ‘baseball as a metaphor for life’ genre, the 1977 film, The Bad News Bears, starred Walter Matthau as the alcoholic former baseball player, Coach Buttermaker, who is recruited to coach a team of pre-teen misfits. He brings in a ringer, Amanda, a young female pitching phenom played by Tatum O’Neal. Since Coach Buttermaker once dated Amanda’s mom, there is a complex relationship between the two. Much like A League of their Own, the washed up alcoholic coach rediscovers his love of the game and cleans up his act.
A 19-year-old Princess Diana looking like she would like to be elsewhere in 1980
Lady Diana Spencer was not yet Princess Diana when this photo was taken. The 19-year-old former nursery school teacher was awkward, shy, and quiet when she first caught the eye of Prince Charles. As this photo shows, she was still learning the ins and outs of life as a royal. There are so many rules and restrictions placed on the royal family that, whenever Lady Diana inadvertently broke protocol, like yawning and rolling her eyes at various events, the press had a field day. These minor faux pas, however, only endeared her to the British people.
Musician, singer, songwriter and actress Sheryl Crow in 1982
This photo shows 20-year-old Sheryl Crow before she became a famous singer. When this pic was taken, she had recently graduated from Kennett High School in Missouri where she was an all-state track star, a majorette, and a member of the National Honor Society, pep band, and FFA. After high school, she attended the University of Missouri where she majored in music education. She took a job as a music teacher after she earned her degree but spent her weekends singing in bands. That helped her keep her love of performing alive and opened the right doors for her to launch her professional singing career.
Sophia Loren with her mother and youngest sister striking poses in 1957
Sophia Loren, shown in this photo with her mother Romilda Villani, and her younger sister Maria, had a complex family. Her father, Riccardo Scicolone, refused to marry her mother when she became pregnant, forcing her to find her own means of financial support. But Scicolone was still in the picture. In fact, Romilda became pregnant by him again and gave birth to Maria when Sophia was just four years old. Scicolone wouldn’t acknowledge that Maria was his child. It was only after Sophia became famous and she paid Scicolone off that he finally consented to allow Maria to take his last name.
Terence Hill as the lead character in the spaghetti western film My Name is Nobody, (1973)
At one time, Terence Hill, the Italian actor, director, producer, and writer seen here, was one of Italy’s highest-paid performers. Born Mario Girotti, he adopted the stage name Terence Hill as a young child actor. He made a name for himself after starring in a series of comedy and action films, including a string of Spaghetti Westerns. This photo of Hill was taken during the filming of My Name is Nobody which also starred Henry Fonda. The film debuted in 1973.
Anthony Edwards, Sean Penn and Eric Stoltz in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" 1982
From the looks of this photo and from his stoned-out surfer character in the 1982 teen sex movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, you might get the impression that Sean Penn was a one-dimensional actor whose only claim to fame would be popularizing the word ‘dude’. But you’d be wrong. Fast Times at Ridgemont High was sandwiched in between two other films in which Penn tackled more serious roles. One was the 1981 Taps in which he played a military cadet. The other was the 1983 drama, Bad Boys, which cast Penn as a troubled youth.
Robert Plant, 1968
When this photo was taken in 1968, English singer Robert Plant was the lead singer and head lyricist for the rock band Led Zeppelin. In fact, he was the lead singer for the band for the duration of its run, from 1968 to 1980. It is hard to believe that Plant never tried his hand at writing lyrics until he joined Led Zeppelin. When he did start writing, his lyrics were masterful and poetic. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Welsh and Norse mythology, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and Moroccan rhythms. Perhaps Plant’s greatest lyrical effort was “Stairway to Heaven,” an epic and poignant rock ballad.
A 19 year-old Muhammad Ali training underwater, although he didn't know how to swim. (1961)
The great boxer Muhammad Ali was still using his given name, Cassius Clay when, in 1961 at the age of 19 years old, he posed for some unusual photographs in a Miami swimming pool. Photographer Flip Schulke initially hoped to sell the photos to Sports Illustrated but his idea of a boxer underwater didn’t hold water with the Sports Illustrated editors. But Life magazine was interested in the photos. The boxer was known to train in the water, using the resistance of the water to strengthen his punches, however Ali didn’t go underwater. In fact, he could not even swim. He hid this fact from Schulke, held his breath, and posed for this iconic photo.
Martin Short, Andrea Martin and John Candy performing at The Diamond in Toronto. (1985)
What do Martin Short, Andrea Martin, and John Candy all have in common? They are all Canadian. In 1985, the three comedians performed in Toronto together. While Martin Short and John Candy focused on their movie careers, Andrea Martin focused on a stage career. She earned Tony Awards for My Favorite Year and Pippin, and appeared in Exit the King, Candide, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Act One, and Young Frankenstein. She also worked as a voice actor. You can hear her voice in several animated movies, including Anastasia, The Rugrats Movie, and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Singer and actress Michelle Phillips in the 1970's
Michelle Phillips, who is shown in this photo from the early 1970s, is the last surviving members of the musical quartet, The Mamas and the Papas. Michelle was raised by her widowed father in Long Beach, California, and began modeling in San Francisco in the early 1960s. It was there that she met and married John Phillips and the two co-founded The Mamas and the Papas. A soprano, Michelle’s clear voice helped to boost the popularity of their songs, including “California Dreamin’”. John and Michelle are the parents of singer Chynna Phillips.
Lakers legends Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West in 1971
Any NBA fan will tell you that the 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers were a formidable team. On their way to a seizing the championship trophy, the Lakers had a record-setting 33 consecutive win stream and had an undefeated month in December of 1971. These accomplishments were largely due to the athletic prowess and leadership abilities of these three men, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor. Individually, each athlete was outstanding, but together they made an unstoppable force that Laker fans loved to watch.
Model and actress Phoebe Cates in the early 1980's
Sultry teen actress Phoebe Cates rose to fame the old-fashioned way … by taking her clothes off. She was underage when she did her first nude scene for a movie then famously went topless in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. She once noted that if is girl wanted to have a career in Hollywood, she needed to be comfortable shedding her clothing. Cates must have wanted that career because she didn’t mind showing off her assets. She also said, “If you’ve got a good bod, you should show it off.”
Cybill Shepherd, 1970's
Cybill Shepherd had already made a name for herself as a top fashion model in the late 1960s and early 1970s when she decided to switch geared and try acting. Her breakthrough role was in The Last Picture Show, a 1971 coming of age film with starred Jeff Bridges and Timothy Bottoms. In the 1980s, Shepherd starred in the comedy detective show, Moonlighting, alongside newcomer Bruce Willis. The popularity of the show, which ran from 1985 to 1989, and well as the on-screen chemistry between her and Willis gave her career a shot in the arm.
Beautiful actress Olivia Hussey, 1974
From a young age, Olivia Hussey knew she wanted to be an actress. She studied drama at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London before joining the cast of the 1966 London production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She went on to play Juliet in a 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet. A diverse actress, Hussey was in several slasher films then played Mary in the miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth. Hussey took a two-year hiatus from performing after the success of Romeo and Juliet so she could focus on overcoming her agoraphobia. In 2018, she published her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet.
Bruce Lee as Kato in the The Green Hornet
Bruce Lee always had star potential but early in his career, it was much more difficult for an Asian American to land acting gigs. There simply weren’t parts written for Asian Americans. In the mid-1960s, however, he accepted the role of Kato, the sidekick of the Green Hornet in a new television series about the comic book superhero. Playing Kato allowed Lee to show off his martial arts chops, which fans loved. In fact, it helped to pave to way for Lee to star in a series of martial arts films throughout the 1970s.
Triple coolness! Carroll Shelby and Steve McQueen standing by a new Cobra in 1963
This photo of race car driver and automotive designer Carrol Shelby with actor Steve McQueen was taken at the Shelby American Shop in Venice, California, in June 1963. Although he was an actor first, McQueen loved to race cars. He participated in several racing events during the 1960s. In 1970, he came in second place at the Sebring 12-Hour Endurance race. He was able to capitalize on his racing hobby by starring in Le Mans in 1971, a sports car racing movie that has since become a cult classic.
