July 16: Happy Birthday Barbara Stanwyck

On July 16, 1907, Barbara Stanwyck, once considered to be the highest paid actress of her time in America, was born. Originally known as Ruby Stevens, Miss. Stanwyck’s first tour of duty as an entertainer is when she traveled with her older sister, who was a Jort Cort showgirl, learning behind the scenes of the business. By 1922, she was hired as a dancer for Ziegfeld Follies, “just so she could eat.” Over the next few years she worked for an unseemly nightclub doing late shows as a chorus girl. Over the years she had a long-running success in motion pictures and televisiStella Dallas (among others) were brought to radio on Lux Radio Theatre. In a different portrayal, to that of the legendary Agnes Moorehead, Stanwyck did a run on Lux with Suspense. Varied radio theatre productions carry her movie performances around the country. Miss Stanwyck was married twice and had one adopted child. It was said that leading men of her day were also considered very close friends, usually platonically; as she prefered their company. Barbara Stanwyck died in 1990 of congestive heart failure. The much loved and celebrated Ruby Stevens had gone on.
on. Barbara Stanwyck was top favorite to guest star on radio programs, such as The Jack Benny Show and Burns and Allen.

August 7: Happy Birthday, Billie Burke

Today's birthday girl--born today in 1884--would've had no problem starting conversations at cocktail parties. She was not only Glinda the Good With in The Wizard of Oz, but also the wife of Florence Ziegfeld, Jr. of Ziegfeld Follies.

Her party conversation partners may also have recognized her from her CBS radio program The Billie Burke Show. Whereas throughout the history of American comedy in any medium it's been commonplace for humor to center around the characters' vices and the trouble their machinations get them into, Burke's character on this sitcom was funny while being generous and caring. Episodes often centered around her helping someone but making delightful gaffes along the way.

So here's to Billie Burke, the talented actress with the radiant voice.