Vintage Photos Show A Different Side To The Past
By Jack Ripley | March 21, 2023
Meryl Streep was a cheerleader, on swim team and voted Homecoming Queen in high school.
Comedy, mystery, and intrigue… so much had yet to be done in the magical world of entertainment industry during the groovy era. Groundbreaking science fiction films (based on earlier novels) could finally be produced. What we now consider formulaic television was fresh back then, everything was brand new! Let your mind wander back to simpler times and rediscover these classic moments and the people who made them.
Look at this old photo of Meryl Streep, she’s practically beaming! It’s no surprise to find she was a cheerleader, on the swim team and voted Homecoming Queen back in high school. She went on to become one of the greatest actresses in the world, making her big film debut back in the 1970s. In recent years she’s had numerous hits on her hands. The Devil Wears Prada, Into the Woods, and she currently has three films in the works: The Papers, currently in post-production and releasing this year. Mary Poppins Returns is also in post-production, but not coming out until 20118. And Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! Which will also be released in 2018.
Patty Duke starred in The Patty Duke Show as Patty and Cathy Lane which lasted from 1963 to 1966.
Pictured here is Patty Duke, who held two starring roles in The Patty Duke Show as Patty and Cathy Lane. The show was created as a vehicle for the rising star and ran from 1963 to 1966, for a total of 105 episodes. It centers around two identical cousins and the expected shenanigans that arise when dealing with teenage girls. As the theme song says… “you could lose your mind, when cousins are two of a kind.”
The show’s synopsis reads: “Cathy Lane, teen-aged daughter of a globe-trotting journalist, comes to live at the home of her uncle, a newspaper editor in New York City. Curiously, Cathy is the spitting image of her uncle's daughter, Patty. Appearances aside, however, the urbane Cathy is nothing like her cousin Patty, who is the typical American teenager.”
Farrah Fawcett was a guest on the 'Sonny & Cher Show' in 1977.
Here we have a photo from an episode of The Sonny & Cher Show back in 1977 when Farrah Fawcett appeared as a guest. In it, Farrah and Cher played talking storefront mannequins! Both iconic beauties donned glamorous dresses and makeup, but of course the move awkwardly because they are mannequins. So, the deal is, no one can know that they are actually alive so when humans are around they have to stay perfectly still, but once alone, they can reanimate. Then two guys come in and they start messing around in the store and reposing the mannequins… as you can imagine things got uncomfortable.
Raquel Welch lounging around in 1967.
Here’s a nice shot of a sultry looking Raquel Welch lounging around back in 1967. Welch may have been one of the most popular sex symbols of 1960s and 1970s. In a sea of blonde bombshells, Welch broke the mold of what it meant to be a celebrity. Despite her impressively long resume, she’ll probably always be best remembered for her role in “One Million Years BC.”
She was in Bedazzled (1967), Bandolero! (1968), 100 Rifles (1969) and Myra Breckinridge. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy in 1974 for her performance in The Three Musketeers. She was cast in Right to Die in 1987, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Television Film for her performance.
Welch also took on the fitness industry with “The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program.” In more recent years she’s taken on the business world, launching her own signature line of wigs, jewelry, and skincare products. Welch was also selected as the newest face of MAC Cosmetics Beauty Icon series.
A 21-year old rock 'n roll legend named Buddy Holly. (1958)
Here we have a 21-year old rock 'n roll legend named Buddy Holly back in 1958, whose life was cut tragically short by a plane crash just one year after this photo was taken.
Buddy Holly is considered a pioneer in rock and roll, during his short career, Holly wrote, recorded, and produced his own material. He is often regarded as the artist who defined the traditional rock-and-roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums.
Holly influenced some of rock's greatest contributors like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Bob Dylan. Holly was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, back in 1986, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 13 on their "100 Greatest Artists" list.
Meryl Streep always had great hair, especially here in Woody Allen’s 1979 Manhattan.
Pictured here is a graceful Meryl Streep in the film Manhattan back in 1979, (which was written, directed, and starred Woody Allen). This romantic comedy is often considered one of Allen’s best films and it tells the story of a twice-divorced 42-year-old comedy writer (Allen) who dates a 17-year-old girl (played by Mariel Hemingway). As if that wasn't scandalous enough, he ends up falling in love with his best friend's mistress (Diane Keaton).
Meryl Streep and Anne Byrne also star in this critically acclaimed film. Manhattan was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Hemingway and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for Allen and Brickman.
Roger Moore and Richard Kiel doing a photo shoot for 'Moonraker' (1979)
Moonraker is the eleventh installment in the James Bond series to be produced by Eon Productions. It was fourth to star Roger Moore as James Bond and it co-stars Lois Chiles, Michael Lonsdale, Corinne Cléry, and Richard Kiel. In it, Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle and what he discovers is a plot to commit global genocide and re-create humanity with a master race
Moonraker was noted for its incredibly high production cost for the time. The film cost $34 million, which is almost twice the cost of its predecessor The Spy Who Loved Me. It eventually became the highest-grossing film of the entire series at sales of $210,300,000 worldwide. That record wasn’t beaten until 1995, with GoldenEye.
Swedish beauty Britt Ekland in 1966.
Here we have the Swedish beauty Britt Ekland back in 1966. In addition to acting and singing, Britt Ekland was an icon and had quite the high profile socialite. She married actor Peter Sellers in 1964, starred in the cult classic horror “The Wicker Man” and was later a Bond girl in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” She dated Rod Stewart for a time and was even said to be the inspiration for his 1977 1 hit song, tonight's the night (gonna be alright). She’s now 74-years old and has authored a few books over the years including, “True Britt”, “Sensual Beauty: And how to Achieve it” and “Sweet Life”.
“Jungle Pam”, The Drag Racing Sweetheart of the ’70s Struts the Blacktop Mid Race
If you kept up with the drag racing scene of the 1970s then you remember "Jungle Pam." She was a smokin' hot babe who wasn't just a piece of eye candy. This hot rod honey could kick the tires and light the fires of "Jungle" Jim Lieberman's rad racers, and according to Pam she picked up the gear head lifestyle on the fly, learning along the way as she and Jim took the world of drag racing by storm.
Whether Pam was on the track in a pair of Daisy Dukes or fly bell bottoms, she was always the coolest person on the track. Pam retired from racing in 1977, but she made quite the impact because we're still talking about her today.
Timmy and Lassie in 1957.
Aren't they both just the cutest? Here we have little Timmy and his heroic Collie named Lassie, both of whom warmed the hearts of faithful viewers from 1954 and 1973.
The show followed the adventures of Lassie and the shenanigans of her human companions. Whatever stress-inducing scenario that would send Lassie dashing off to get help, there would always be a happy, relief-filled ending for audiences.
Lassie still remains a classic and after all this time it is still the fourth longest-running U.S. primetime television series after The Simpsons, Gunsmoke, and Law & Order.
Princess Caroline of Monaco in 1978.
Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite Grimaldi is the eldest child of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and former actress Grace Kelly. Until the births of her niece Princess Gabriella and her nephew Prince Jacques of Monaco in December 2014 she was heir presumptive to the throne of Monaco, a position which she previously held from 1957 to 1958. In 1999, Caroline married Ernst August, Prince of Hanover, the heir to the former throne of the Kingdom of Hanover, and the heir male of George III of the United Kingdom.
The beautiful Jessica Lange in 1976.
Here’s a young and beautiful Jessica Lange back in 1976. At this point in her career, the now-iconic actress was just gaining fame for her role in the 1976 monster film, King Kong. It was a (then) modern remake of the 1933 film of the same name. Of all three of the King Kong movies, the 1976 version is the only one to feature the World Trade Center instead of the Empire State Building. It was a commercial hit, in fact, it was the fifth highest-grossing film of 1977 and it won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. It was also nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Sound.
Angie Dickinson in a publicity still for Jean Negulesco's 'Jessica', 1962.
Angie Dickinson in a publicity still for Jean Negulesco's 'Jessica', 1962. Angie played the title character: "the women of a small Sicilian village, jealous of a beautiful widowed midwife, plot her ruin by refusing to have anything to do with their husbands."
Angie began her career in various television anthologies back in the 50’s before landing her breakthrough role in "Gun the Man Down" (1956) and the 1959 Western Rio Bravo, for which she received the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Over the course of her six-decade career, Dickinson has appeared in over 50 films in addition to her television work. In addition to Jessica (1962), her resume boasts big titles such as Ocean's 11 (1960), Point Blank (1967), Sabrina (1995), and Pay it Forward (2000) to name a few.
Robin Williams was the legendary comedic genius. He was the master of all comedy, 1979.
Very few things can pull people together than laughter and boy Robin Williams sure was the master of doing just that. No matter who you were or how your day had unraveled you could turn on an episode of Mork and Mindy and laugh it all away with family… and the rest of the country because just about everyone else was watching too. Nielsen ratings were very high, ranking at 3. Mork & Mindy was Robin Williams’ first big break. This comedic role launched his career and propelled him towards his future greatness. Williams played the role of Mork from Ork, a bumbling alien who moves in with an earthling named Mindy. The roomies attempt to maintain a normal household which goes about as well as expected.
'Wild and Crazy Guy!'- Steve Martin in 1978.
Here’s a goodie from back in the day of comedic actor Steve Martin. Remember that old sketch ‘The Festrunks’ with Martin and Dan Aykroyd? It was a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live that debuted in 1977. It followed Yortuk (Aykroyd) and Georg (Martin), two brothers who had emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States.
The hilarity comes from their interactions. Two culturally inept brothers go out to various social events and bars to meet attractive American women ("foxes"), however, they are too obnoxious to get very far. Their catchphrase says it all "We are, two wild and crazy guys!!"
The wonderful Olivia Newton-John in 1971.
Ah yes, the wonderful Olivia Newton-John, just hanging out back in 1971. After starring in the musical film Grease in 1978, her life would be forever changed. She became America’s sweetheart over night. Soon she was a pop-culture icon and eventually, she became the four-time Grammy award winner she is today.
Olivia Newton-John remains one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. She has also been a long-time animal rights and environmental activist and after going into remission from breast cancer, she became an advocate for health awareness and driving fundraising efforts.
Jimmy Stewart and Maureen O'Hara having a chat while filming 'The Rare Breed' 1965
Released in 1966, The Rare Breed is a western film starring James Stewart, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Juliet Mills and Ben Johnson. It’s loosely based on the life of rancher Col. John William Burgess. It centers on Martha Price's (O'Hara) attempt to actualize her deceased husband’s dream and introduce Hereford cattle to the American West. The synopsis goes on to detail: “An English woman and her daughter enlist the aid of a cowboy to try and get their hardy hornless bull to mate with the longhorns of Texas, but have to overcome both greedy criminals and the natural elements.”
Grace Kelly and her dog (1956).
Grace Kelly spent six years as an actress during the 1950’s before becoming the Princess of Monaco. A stylish, stunning, brilliant actress, who turned into a real-life Princess? Of course, Americans fell in love with her. Although, she was adored long before her marriage to Prince Rainier III, her love story just reinforced her iconic status.
It was 1953 when she gained stardom n the film Mogambo, a performance which won her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination in 1954. Subsequently, she had leading roles in five films: The Country Girl (1954), High Noon (1952), Dial M for Murder (1954), Rear Window (1954), To Catch a Thief (1955) with Cary Grant, and High Society (1956) with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
She gave her wildly successful career up and retired at just 26-years old to marry Rainier and began her duties as Princess of Monaco. The couple had three children together: Caroline, Albert II, and Stéphanie.
Lucky dog! Brigitte Bardot and her 4-legged friend in 1959.
Pictured here is the lovely Brigitte Bardot and her 4-legged friend back in 1959. The iconic model, actress, singer, and sex symbol, gave up her life of glamour when she was still at the very height of her fame. Why did she walk away from it all? To focus solely on fighting for animal rights. Which she still does through her own foundation to this very day.
Bardot keeps busy with extensive communication with civil servants, government ministers, foreign heads of state and really anyone who can help further her cause. She also has her loving husband and what basically amounts to a farm to tend to. Bardot’s pets include (but are not limited to) dogs, goats, sheep, pigs, geese, ducks, nearly 50 horses and around 20 cats.
'Warriors...come out to play-ee-ay!!' the 1979 action-thriller film 'The Warriors' was directed by Walter Hill and based on Sol Yurick's 1965 novel of the same name.
The 1979 action-thriller film 'The Warriors' was directed by Walter Hill and based on Sol Yurick's 1965 novel of the same name. The story centers on a gang who is framed for the murder of a respected gang leader and their urban journey from the north end of The Bronx to their home turf in southern Brooklyn.
It was released on February 9, 1979, in the US and after reports of violence and vandalism came rolling in, Paramount put a pause on their advertising campaign and released theatre owners from their obligation to show the film. Since its rough start, The Warriors has gone on to become a cult film and has spawned multiple video games and a comic book series.
One of the first pictures taken of Black Sabbath, 1968.
This is one of the first pictures taken of Black Sabbath. It all began in 1968 when John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne teamed up with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward and Black Sabbath was born. The band which is credited with pioneering metal released their self-titled album in 1970 and went on to release classic platinum records such as Paranoid and Master of Reality throughout the rest of the decade.
Ozzy was fired from the band in 1979 after long stints of not showing up to rehearsals and being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. But that didn’t slow Ozzy down, he just went solo and did a mighty fine job of it. He released Blizzard of Ozz– it was one of the few best selling albums of the 1980s that achieved multi-platinum status (without having a Top 40 single to help it along). Ozzy is still rocking, making television appearances, and is widely known as the "Godfather of Heavy Metal.”
The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba at age 74. (1957)
Here’s a photo of Morihei Ueshiba at the age of 74, back in 1957. He was the founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. Ueshiba studied a number of martial arts throughout his life and he also served in the Japanese Army during the Russo-Japanese War.
Post-military, he moved to Hokkaidō and served as the head of a pioneer settlement. It was during this period that he met and studied with the founder of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, Takeda Sōkaku. It wasn’t until 1926 that Ueshiba moved to Tokyo and set up the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, but by the he was already pretty famous in martial arts circles. From the end of WWII, until the 1960s, he worked to promote aikido throughout Japan and abroad. Now it’s practiced around the world.
James Stewart and Grace Kelly on the set of 'Rear Window', 1954.
Here is James Stewart, one of the most honored stars in film history, alongside actress turned princess Grace Kelly. This photo was taken back in 1954, on the set of one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most popular mystery thrillers, Rear Window. The film itself is not only considered one of the best in its genre, but also one of the greatest in film history. In it, a newspaper photographer is laid up with a broken leg and starts spying on his neighbors from his window to pass the time. After witnessing what he believes is a murder, he sets out to solve the crime himself.
Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds performing in 1974.
Here’s a great photo of Carrie Fisher and her mom Debbie Reynolds doing a song and dance number circa 1974. Each woman is iconic on her own, but legendary together. Debbie Reynolds will always be best remembered for her breakout leading role, as Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain (1952).
Carrie Fisher will probably always be best remembered as Princess Leia. But she had many hit films on her resume and was also a celebrated as an author. Some of her notable films are Shampoo (1975), The Blues Brothers (1980), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), The 'Burbs (1989), When Harry Met Sally... (1989), Soapdish (1991), and The Women (2008).
The famous mother-daughter duo died within hours of each other in 2016 and are now sharing a tombstone at Hollywood's Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Steve McQueen and his first wife, actress Neile Adams.
Here we have actor Steve McQueen and his first wife, actress Neile Adams. Often called the 'King of Cool', McQueen rose to fame throughout the counterculture of the 1960s. As far as his personal life, he was married 3 times and Neile Adams was the first.
After their divorce Adams went on to write, My Husband, My Friend, an account of her 16-year turbulent marriage to the Hollywood icon. It was McQueen’s repeated affairs which led to Adams having an affair of her own… a cycle that completely destroyed their marriage. Theirs was the longest of McQueen's marriages. , Barbara Minty (m. 1980–1980), his marriage to Ali MacGraw 1973–1978), and he and Minty were divorced before making it to their first year anniversary in 1980– he gave up on weddings after that.
Miss World, Reita Faria, signing a hat for a U.S. soldier in South Vietnam, 1966.
Here we have a photo of Miss World, Reita Faria, signing a hat for a U.S. soldier in South Vietnam, back in 1966. Reita Faria Powell won the Miss Mumbai Crown and the Eve's Weekly Miss India contest. After her one-year tenure as Miss World, she decided modeling wasn’t all she wanted out of life. Instead, she concentrated on medical studies and became the first Miss World winner to qualify as a doctor.
She studied at the Grant Medical College & Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals where she earned her M.B.B.S. degree. She continued her studies at King's College Hospital, in London and went on to marry her mentor David Powell in 1971. The couple moved to Dublin, Ireland where she opened her own medical practice.
John Lennon attempting to retrieve his guitar pick from his guitar while in India, 1968.
Back in February of 1968, the Beatles attended an advanced Transcendental Meditation program at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Their trip to Rishikesh, India received a lot of media attention and their visit ended up being one of the band's most productive periods.The band wasn’t alone in their voyage, as can be seen in this photograph here. They brought along their wives, girlfriends, assistants, and numerous reporters. The Beatles, especially George Harrison helped to change Western attitudes about Indian spirituality. They fully encouraged the study and practice of Transcendental Meditation. Pictured here is John Lennon attempting to retrieve his guitar pick from his guitar while on this transcendental journey.
A classic beauty of the 50s and 60s, Gina Lollobrigida.
Pictured here is the Italian film goddess and international sex-symbol of the 50’s and 60’s, Luigina "Gina" Lollobrigida. The actress was also a talented photojournalist and sculptor, making her one of the highest profile European actresses of the era. In the 1970s, she achieved a scoop by gaining access to Fidel Castro for an exclusive interview. She also remained an active supporter of Italian and Italian American causes, particularly the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) all of her life. In 2008, she received the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Foundation's Anniversary Gala. Then in 2013, she sold her impressive jewelry collection and donated nearly $5 million to stem cell therapy research.
'CHiPs' Ponch and Jon on their cycles. The series ran from 1977-83.
Remember these guys? Here we have television's 'CHiPS' officers Jon Baker and Frank Ponch Poncherello aka Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada back in 1977. CHiPs was an action/crime television series that followed the lives of two motorcycle police officers of the California Highway Patrol. It had very little violence, it was more like a “light drama” with over the top comedic elements. The series ran for six seasons, a total of 139 episodes, plus one reunion TV movie that aired in 1998. It aired on September 15, 1977, and ended May 1, 1983.
Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox on 'The Love Boat' 1980.
Pictured here are Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox of the television series The Love Boat. The series aired on ABC from 1977 until 1986, after that, three-hour specials aired in 1986–1987 and in February of 1990 a made-for-TV movie, titled The Love Boat: A Valentine Voyage, starring four of the original cast members aired just in time for Valentines Day. The series is set on a cruise ship and revolves around the ship's captain (played by Gavin MacLeod), a handful of crew members, and several passengers (which is where the special guest appearances and fresh romantic adventures come in).
The cast of 'Taxi' 1978.
Taxi is a sitcom that originally aired from 1978 to 1982 on ABC and then hopped over to NBC 1982 to 1983. It won 18 Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series before it was through!
The series is centered on the lives of a group of taxi drivers and their abusive dispatcher at the fictional Sunshine Cab Company in New York City. While it’s comedic approach is often ‘zany’ it does tackle real-world issues that were pretty controversial for the time. There were episodes that dealt with racism, teen runaways, drug addiction, sexuality, single parenthood, animal abuse, and even obesity, and bisexuality.
THE LADY WEARS MINK - Diahann Carroll, American television, stage actress and singer in the 1960s.
Pictured here is singer, actress, and model, Diahann Carroll. She is known for working in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts like Carmen Jones (1954) and Porgy and Bess (1959). Julia (1968) was one of the first TV series to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical fashion. She went on to portray Dominique Deveraux in the primetime soap opera Dynasty for over three seasons. The breast cancer survivor and activist has received numerous nominations and wins for her work both on stage and screen– including the Golden Globe Award for "Best Actress In A Television Series" in 1968.
Here's Richie and The Fonz in front of Arnold's on 'Happy Days'
Here are two favorites among Happy Days fans, Henry Winkler (Fonzie) and Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham) both of whom went on to have very successful, high-profile careers after the show ended. Both men continued acting and eventually began directing and producing projects as well. Winkler produced the TV series Dead Man's Gun, as well as both runs of MacGyver (1985–1992, and 2016–present). Ron Howard directed films like Backdraft, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons. He won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for A Beautiful Mind.
Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson dancing together at a party in London, 1982.
Pictured here is Hollywood action star Liam Neeson dancing with Helen Mirren. As can be seen, she is taken great care to ensure she doesn't trample his toes–He can handle it, Helen. Maybe she isn't a graceful dancer, but boy can she act! The Shakespearean actress rose to international fame back in the late 1960s and is one of the few to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting: Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award.
Rick James and Linda Blair, 1982.
Pictured here is former celebrity couple Linda Blair, who is best known for her role as Regan in 'The Exorcist', and soul legend Rick James. This photo was taken back in 1982 during the early stages of their romance. They lasted 2 years before they began to drift apart in 1984 due to James’ drug problem.
Blair spoke out quite a bit about their relationship in a documentary titled, 'Rick James: Behind the Music Remastered'. In regards to their relationship dynamic stated, "I wouldn't say that we were as romantic as people probably wished that we were, or thought that we were."
She also touched upon her decision to leave him, "I could not bear to be around that. It wasn't healthy for me and it wasn't healthy for him, so I chose after a while to walk away."
Stan Lee playing the Spider-Man game on the Atari 2600 in 1982.
Check out Stan Lee playing the Spider-Man game on the Atari 2600 back in 1982. For those unfamiliar with greatness, Stan Lee is a legendary comic-book writer, editor, film executive producer, and publisher was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics.
He co-created some of the greatest superhero characters of all time with several incredible artists, including Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Some of the characters his collaborations have spawned are Spider-Man, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Black Panther, and of course the X-Men. New stories on the slate have come from the addition of co-writer Larry Lieber, who (with Lee) brought the new Ant-Man, Iron Man and Thor to life.
Stand Lee was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame back in 1994 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1995. Then in 2008, Lee received a National Medal of Arts.
Adam West and Burt Ward having fun behind the scenes of 'Batman'
Pictured here are Adam West and Burt Ward paling around while working on the set of Batman. Which believe it or not, actually became a somewhat rare sight after the two had worked together for a while.
It seemed a battle of epic proportions centered around the male ego was soon at play on a regular basis. Mostly on Ward's end though...
Ward felt like he was a sidekick in real life, he felt he was underpaid and not treated equally to his co-star Adam West. He also claimed the rest of the cast was awarded more luxuries than he was.
The 'Thunderbirds' British sci-fi TV show was on between 1964 and 1966.
The 'Thunderbirds' British sci-fi TV show comprised of 32 episodes and was on between 1964 and 1966. It was produced using a form of electronic marionette puppetry (dubbed "Supermarionation") combined with scale model special effects sequences. The show was set in the mid-2060s and was a follow-up to the earlier Supermarionation productions Four Feather Falls, Supercar, Fireball XL5, and Stingray.
The central story surrounds the exploits of ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy, (founder of a life-saving organization called International Rescue), and his five adult sons, who pilot the Thunderbird machines. The Thunderbird machines are an awesome, technologically-advanced fleet for land, sea, air, and space rescue crafts.
The Lennon Sisters from the Lawrence Welk Show in the 60's.
The Lennon Sisters are vocal group initially consisting of four sisters Dianne Barbara (a.k.a. DeeDee), Peggy (Margaret Anne), Kathy (Kathleen Mary), and Janet Elizabeth. The Lennon Sisters appeared regularly on The Lawrence Welk Show, for thirteen years, from 1955 - 1968.
While the original quartet was composed of the four eldest sisters, younger sister Mimi replaced Peggy upon her retirement in 1999. Dianne has also since retired. The current line-up of the Lennon Sisters is now a trio consisting of Mimi, Janet, and Kathy. They still tour around the country.
Pacino & De Niro in 'The Godfather II'. (1974)
Check out this pair of tough guys. It's award-winning actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in a publicity still for 'The Godfather II' back in 1974. The sequel which proved there can be exceptions to the sequel inferiority rule is The Godfather II. Although it serves as a sequel and prequel with parallel storylines. One picking up with the 1958 story of Michael Corleone (Pacino) protecting the family business after an attempt on his life. The prequel portion depicts his father’s journey, Vito Corleone (De Niro), from his childhood to the founding of the Corleone enterprise.
Harrison Ford as 'Deckard' in 'Blade Runner' (1982).
Here’s a still photo of Harrison Ford as Deckard In Blade Runner, this is arguably one of his best roles (certainly in his top five). The 1982 neo-noir science fiction film was directed by Ridley Scott and is a loose adaptation of the 1968 novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Set in 2019, in a dystopian Los Angeles, the film depicts a future in which synthetic humans known as replicants are bioengineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on off-world colonies. Burnt-out cop Rick Deckard (Ford) is tasked with hunting down a group of escaped replicants. During his investigations, Deckard meets Rachael, an advanced replicant who causes him to question his work.
This is one science fiction film that has had a significant impact on the genre as a whole. It’s influenced many science fiction films, video games, anime, and television series. It won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Frank Sinatra enjoying a sandwich in his newly remodeled $100K kitchen in his Palm Springs home. (1964)
Here’s a photograph of a very relaxed Frank Sinatra, munching down on a sandwich in his newly remodeled $100K kitchen in his Palm Springs home. The singer, actor, and producer, was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. Having sold over 150 million records worldwide, Frank Sinatra is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
"Ol' Blue Eyes" led a colorful life, aside from his career, his political and alleged mafia connections were just as attention-grabbing as his turbulent affairs with high profile women. He was married to Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, and Barbara Marx.
Sinatra was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1983, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan in 1985, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. Sinatra was also the recipient of eleven Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Trustees Award, Grammy Legend Award, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Karl Malden and Michael Douglas in the TV series, 'Streets of San Francisco'. (1973)
The Streets of San Francisco is a 1970s television crime drama starring Karl Malden and Michael Douglas as two detectives in San Francisco. The show ran between 1972 and 1977 on ABC, for a total of five seasons. In it, “A veteran cop with more than 20 years of experience is teamed with a young Inspector to solve crimes in San Francisco.”
The show’s synopsis could be descriptive of their working relationship (just swap out the word ‘cop’ for ‘actor’).
Malden and Douglas bonded both professionally and personally during their time on the series. Twenty years after the show ended Malden referred to Douglas as "the son I never had". Douglas referred to Malden "my mentor," and both actors expressed how much they enjoyed working together on the show.
Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob from 'The Howdy Doody Show,' which aired on TV from 1947 to 1960.
Howdy Doody was a pioneer in children's television programming, the show is credited with setting the pattern for similar shows for years to come. It had circus and Western themes which don’t sound like they’d mesh, but they do. The show ran from December 27, 1947, until September 24, 1960, and was one of the first television series produced at NBC in Rockefeller Center, in Studio 3A.
Howdy Doody was the puppet and the show’s human host was Bob Smith, or as he’s best known, Buffalo Bob. Smith created Howdy Doody when he was a radio announcer, so the character was just a voice over radio airwaves. It was early puppeteer Frank Paris, a puppeteer who was asked to create an actual Howdy Doody puppet for television.
Would you believe....Maxwell Smart on his shoe phone on 'Get Smart'. (1970)
Get a load of Maxwell Smart, chatting it up on his shoe phone back in 1970. The hit television spy-spoof series Get Smart was created by Mel Brooks and ran for 5 seasons (1965-1970).
Barbara Feldon was nominated for two primetime Emmys for the lovable role of sidekick, Agent 99 to Don Adams’ bumbling secret agent, Maxwell Smart. The series was a big hit throughout the 60s, everyone loved its absurdity and the kitsch “high tech” gadgets like the shoe phone and cone of silence. The show was also famous for Adams’ catch phrases: “Missed it by that much”, “sorry about that chief”, and “if you don’t mind 99”.
Cheryl Tiegs looking through the Sears catalog that she happens to be the 'Cover Girl' on.
Back in 1980, supermodel Cheryl Tiegs launched a signature line of clothing and accessories exclusively for Sears. While it’s common now, this was the first venture into retail products ever launched by a supermodel. By 1989, The Cheryl Tiegs collection neared 1 billion in sales and she was credited largely contributing to the chains turnaround. Once again Tiegs graced the cover of TIME, but this time it was for a cover story titled "Sassy Sears." But Tiegs didn’t stop there, in 1995, she branched out and launched "Cheryl Tiegs Sportswear,"exclusively for QVC and then she developed a line of wigs and hair accessories for Revlon.
New Years Eve, December 31, 1975 Pontiac Michigan midnight concert. Elvis Presley's largest live concert.
Elvis was actually on the road for the last two New Year’s Eve celebrations of his life. It was on December 31, 1975, that he appeared at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. There was an estimated crowd of 60,000 bringing in the new year with ‘The King’ that night.
On New Year’s Eve 1976—Elvis’s last New Year’s Eve—he once again took to the stage. This show was at Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh for a crowd of 16,049. Just like the year before, at the stroke of midnight, the crowd joined Elvis in singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Sadly, Elvis wouldn’t live to see another New Year, but his fans were grateful that he chose to share his last two ‘New Years’ with them.
The beautiful Elizabeth Taylor in The Sandpiper 1965.
Pictured here is the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor in The Sandpiper 1965, in which she starred alongside Richard Burton. In it, “A free-spirited single mother forms a connection with the wed headmaster of an Episcopal boarding school in California.”
Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor began her career as a child actress in the early 1940s and was one of the most popular stars of classical Hollywood cinema in the 1950s. She continued her career successfully into the 1960s and remained a well-known public figure for the rest of her life. In 1999, the American Film Institute named her the seventh-greatest female screen legend.
Sonny and Cher looking groovy, 1960s.
After the release of their first album with their hit single, “I Got You, Babe,” back in 1965, Sonny and Cher’s popularity skyrocketed. The couple began making television appearances and even more performances. It didn’t take long for the couple to get their own show. The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour was a variety show starring the famous couple and ran from August of 1971 until May of 1974. It was canceled due to the couple's divorce, though the duo reunited in 1976 until 1977 for The Sonny & Cher Show, which had an identical format to their old show.
Cary Grant's fourth wife, Dyan Cannon Grant, a gorgeous woman with a rocking smile!
Pictured here is the lovely Dyan Cannon. The actress, director, screenwriter, producer, and editor has been nominated for three Academy Awards over the course of her career. Cannon had appeared on television since the late 1950s but made her film debut in 1960 in The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond. Her first major film role came in 1969's Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, which earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
On July 22, 1965, she married actor Cary Grant, who was 33 years her senior. She was his fourth wife, and the couple went on to have one daughter, Jennifer (born February 26, 1966). Unfortunately, the divorced on March 21, 1968.
A fashion icon and actress, Diane Keaton rose to fame for her work in several Woody Allen films, including Annie Hall in the 1970s.
Here we have actor/director and writer Woody Allen with Diane Keaton who first rose to fame for her work in several of Allen's films, including this one here, Annie Hall in the 1970s.
In it, Woody Allen plays comedian Alvy Singer who examines his relationship with nightclub singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). He speaks directly to the audience reflecting on his life before Annie including his childhood and early adult years before diving into the story of how they met and all the ups and downs that followed.
'A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse, of course...' Mister Ed, the talking horse, the funny and adventurous horse, 1960s.
"A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse, of course…
That is of course, unless the horse, is the famous Mister Ed."
The funny, adventurous, talking horse Mister Ed, the talking horse won the hearts of television viewers of the 1960s. The show's title character originally appeared in short stories by Walter R. Brooks.
Mister Ed was played by gelding Bamboo Harvester and voiced by former Western film actor Allan Lane. Ed's owner, a klutzy architect named Wilbur Post, was played by Alan Young. According to show producer Arthur Lubin, Young was chosen for the lead role because he "just seemed like the sort of guy a horse would talk to"
The Doors defined California cool in the 1960s.
The Doors formed in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. In addition to being one of the most influential rock groups of the era, they were also among the most controversial. This was mostly due to Morrison's lyrics and highly unpredictable stage persona. After Morrison was found dead of in a bathtub under suspicious circumstances back in 1971, the band’s sales went through the roof but they ended up disbanding in 1973. Continuing on as a trio just wasn’t going to cut it.
Jack Klugman was 'Quincy M.E.' on TV from 1976 to 1983.
Quincy, M.E. is a medical mystery-drama television series that aired from 1976 to 1983 on NBC. It stars none other than Jack Klugman, (pictured here) in the title role, as a Los Angeles County medical examiner. One quirk of The Quincy series, is that they often used the same actors for different roles in various episodes. The show follows “the cases of a coroner who investigates suspicious deaths that usually suggest murder.”
Writers Tony Lawrence and Lou Shaw received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1978 for the second-season episode "...The Thigh Bone's Connected to the Knee Bone...".
Linda Ronstadt on her album cover for 'Hasten Down The Win' in 1976.
Hasten Down the Wind is Linda Ronstadt’s 1976 Grammy Award-winning album. It was her third straight million-selling album, making her the first female artist in history to accomplish this feat. She took home a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female in early 1977, it was her second of 11 Grammys. Over the course of her career she has also won three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award! She has over 30 studio albums and 15 greatest hits albums. In 2014 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities.
This bored little boy is Prince Charles, born into one of the most privileged families in the world in 1948, with Buckingham Palace as his first home. His baptism in the palace's Music Room by the Archbishop of Canterbury was a truly royal affair. As the son of Queen Elizabeth II, he became the heir to the throne and the Duke of Cornwall at a young age. But his life was far from ordinary, as he was thrust into the spotlight as the first member of the Royal Family to attend school instead of being educated by a private tutor. Despite the pressure, he has led a remarkable life and continues to carry out his royal duties with dignity and grace.
A day of shopping in Los Angeles, 1960. (Photograph by Allan Grant. Colorized by Kostas Fiev.)
et's take a stroll down memory lane to the swinging 60s in Los Angeles, baby! The city was on fire - the Dodgers had just landed, the population was booming, and the sun was shining down on the Sunset Strip. Everyone was out and about, hunting for a good deal and a good time. The days were groovy and the shorts were even groovier! But some things never change - the sun still blazes in SoCal and friends still have a blast on summer walks. It's like the city was a tree just waiting to be picked, ripe with endless possibilities.
Cute photo of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher from 1959.
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher had a complex and dynamic relationship that was often in the public eye. Reynolds was a legendary actress and singer, best known for her roles in movies such as Singin' in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Fisher, her daughter, was a successful actress and writer, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise and her autobiographical books. Their relationship was often described as tumultuous, with ups and downs that were played out in the media. At times, they were incredibly close, with Fisher describing her mother as her best friend and confidante. They would often attend events together and publicly express their love and admiration for each other. In 2016, Fisher died unexpectedly at the age of 60, followed by Reynolds just one day later. Their deaths were a devastating loss to their fans and the entertainment industry, and their relationship continues to be remembered as a complicated but ultimately loving one.
Who remembers The Bounty Lady, Nancy Walker? 1970s television commercial.
Nancy Walker, the actress famous for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda in the 70s, was also a popular spokesperson for Bounty Towels in their TV commercials. Her character, Rosie, a sassy New Jersey diner waitress, delivered the iconic catchphrase "the quicker picker upper," which became a household phrase. The commercials featuring Rosie aired from 1970 to 1990 and are still remembered fondly today.
Interestingly, Nancy Walker credits her portrayal of Rosie for helping her land the role of Ida Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But one of the most memorable moments in the Bounty commercial series was when Rosie challenged football legend Rosie Grier to a quicker picker upper contest using an inferior paper towel. Can you guess which Rosie came out on top?
An 18 year-old Tony Hawk poses with one of his signature boards in 1986.
While Tony Hawk may appear a little young and inexperienced in this particular photo, there's no denying his incredible skills on a skateboard. As one of the original pioneers of the sport, he skated alongside the legendary Dogtown and the Z-Boys crew, and his list of accomplishments is nothing short of impressive. Perhaps most notably, on June 27, 1999, Hawk became the first skater ever to successfully complete a "900" - a trick involving two-and-a-half mid-air revolutions on a skateboard.
But Hawk's talents don't stop at skateboarding. He's also a gifted intellectual. In fact, during middle school, he was tested and scored an I.Q. of 144, leading his teachers to recommend placing him in advanced classes.
