Author: Herbie J Pilato
The top 10 TV female icons of the 1960s
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
The Top 10 TV Female Icons of the 1960s Countless female performers left their indelible mark on television in the 1960s. But here’s a look at …
The controversial (& very rich) Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling: A closer look
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
A Closer Look J. K. Rowling was born Joanna Rowling on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire. A philanthropist, Rowling is the author of Harry Potter, a seven-volume …
Golden girl, silver friend: A look back at Estelle Getty’s career
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
It’s been twenty-one years since the devastating death of beloved Emmy-winning actress Estelle Getty. Best known as the comedically cranky Sophia Petrillo on the classic TV series, The …
A look back at TV’s favorite in-laws from ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
It’s been nine years since the tragic demise of beloved, Emmy-winning actress Doris Roberts. Roberts was best known for her feisty, maternal-in-law role as Marie Barone …
A Family-Friendly List of TV’s Top Moms
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Note: This article is an edited excerpt from the book, RETRO ACTIVE TELEVISION: AN IN-DEPTH PERSPECTIVE OF CLASSIC TV’S SOCIAL CIRCUITRY. There are several key …
Before They Were Stars They Were On ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Many actors were already stars when they made guest appearances on Star Trek: The Original Series (NBC, 1966-1969). For example, both Jane Wyatt and Elinor Donahue first …
A Women’s History Story: Bewitched Star Narrated Controversial Documentaries
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Note: This article is edited material based on the two books, The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery: A Guide To Her Magical Performances, and Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life …
In Memory Of Elizabeth Taylor: All She Ever Wanted Was To Be A Housewife
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Elizabeth Taylor, who died on March 23, 2011, was one of the most glamorous stars in the history of Hollywood. She won countless awards (including two …
‘Jeffersons’ TV Icon Marla Gibbs, Now 93, Once Worked for United Airlines
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Marla Gibbs is best known for two of TV’s classic sitcoms, The Jeffersons (CBS, 1975-1985), and 227 (NBC, 1985-1990). An acting icon with a dynamic comedic delivery, Gibbs held several non-Hollywood …
The Doomed Love, Romance, and Marriage of Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin: A Tragic Look Back
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Bobby Darin, a Frank-Sinatra-esque singer with a list of hits including “Mack the Knife,” was born Walden Robert Cassotto, on May 14, 1936, in New …
Silver Is The New Gray: How To Stay Healthy And Fit Before & After 50
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
I am no doctor, nor have I ever played one on TV or anywhere throughout social media. I’m just an all-around health-conscious guy who is always …
A Look Back At The Little-Known Bing Crosby Sitcom That Failed in 1965
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
In the fall of 1964, legendary crooner and film star Bing Crosby made a failed attempt to be part of the television sitcom landscape. The series …
“Barney Miller” Actor Max Gail Pays Homage to Deceased Co-Star Gregory Sierra
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
It’s been four years since the tragic death of actor Gregory Sierra from cancer at 83 years old. He was best known as Detective Chano Amenguale on TV’s long-running …
This Beverly Hillbillies Actor Was Bitter About Not Getting Cast As The Tin Man in Oz
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Actor Buddy Ebsen, who died at age 95 in 2003, found fame by starring in two of the most popular classic television shows in history: The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, …
This Gunsmoke Star Was Just As Tough in Real Life as “Miss Kitty”
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Actress Amanda Blake, who died from AIDS-related hepatitis in 1989, was one tough cookie, just like her most famous character, Miss Kitty Russell on TV’s long-running Western, Gunsmoke. …
These Two 70s Icons Died Within Days of Each Other: A Look Back at Their Love
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Actor/singer David Soul and actress Lynne Marta had an “open relationship” for years, and had married other people, but never married each other. In the end, they died within days …
It’s Your 59th Anniversary, Charlie Brown!
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Entertainment historian Bob Barnett remembered sitting in front of his “old television set with its rabbit-ear antennas, waiting for the annual TV broadcast of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which this …
Remember When This Oscar-Winning Starlet Dated Elvis to Get Back at Her Famous Boyfriend?
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
The Oscar-winning actress Rita Moreno, now 92, dated the late Tinseltown legend Marlon Brando, who cheated on her, so she sought revenge by dating Elvis Presley (who died in 1977). …
Lucy vs. Joan Crawford: Why These Hollywood Titans Clashed on The Lucy Show
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Tinseltown icons Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford each left their indelible mark in their given sector of the Hollywood realm. But when they came together in an episode of Ball’s …
What Really Made Certain TV Christmas Specials Classics? And Can We Make New Ones?
Written by: Herbie J Pilato
Note: This article is a work of nonfiction based on the personal opinion of the author. The Christmas TV special is an American tradition. But they …
