Woody Strode..."First Black Athlete to play for UCLA Football"

Woody Strode (July 25, 1914 – December 31, 1994) was an American actor and professional athlete whose life was marked by groundbreaking achievements and a significant impact in multiple fields. Here's an overview of his remarkable life:

 Early Life and Education Birthplace:

Los Angeles, California. Strode grew up in a racially segregated America but excelled as an athlete from an early age. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played football alongside

legends like Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington. He was one of the first Black players on the UCLA football team, breaking barriers in collegiate sports. 

Athletic Career Football: 

After college, Strode pursued a career in professional football. He became one of the first African Americans to play in the National Football League (NFL) when he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, along with Kenny Washington. This was a historic step in reintegrating professional football. Professional Wrestling: 

Strode was also a successful professional wrestler, touring internationally during the 1950s and 1960s. His towering physique and charisma made him a standout performer.

 Transition to Acting:

 Strode transitioned into acting in the late 1940s, leveraging his striking appearance and athletic prowess in a Hollywood that was slowly expanding roles for African American actors. Despite often being typecast, he worked tirelessly to carve out a niche in the industry.

 Film Career:

 "Spartacus" (1960): Strode delivered a powerful performance as Draba, a

gladiator who defies the Roman oppressors. His dignified portrayal earned him critical acclaim. "Sergeant Rutledge" (1960): Directed by John Ford, this film marked a significant moment for Strode as he played the lead role of a Black cavalry soldier falsely accused of rape and murder. The performance showcased his range and

gravitas as an actor. Collaborations with John Ford: Strode appeared in several of Ford’s films, including The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). Later Roles: Strode continued to act in films and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in genres ranging from westerns to action films. Notable titles include The

Professionals (1966) and The Quick and the Dead (1995), his final film. Personal Life Strode married Hawaiian princess Luukialuana Kalaeloa in 1940, and they remained together until her death in 1980. The couple had two children. Known for his discipline and athletic lifestyle, Strode often served as a mentor and inspiration for younger actors and athletes. Legacy Woody Strode is remembered as a trailblazer both in sports and Hollywood. His contributions to integrating the NFL and his dignified portrayals of complex characters in film paved the way for future generations of Black athletes and actors. Strode’s autobiography, Goal Dust, published in 1990, provides an in-depth look at his life and career. His pioneering spirit and unwavering dignity continue to inspire and resonate in sports, cinema, and the broader cultural landscape.

                                    BJ 🙈🙉💥

 

Lucille Ball...."What else can I say"

Lucille Ball, born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York, was a pioneering figure in American entertainment. Her life was filled with groundbreaking achievements and a lasting legacy, largely shaped by her tenacity, sense of humor, and entrepreneurial spirit.

 Here’s a look into her extraordinary journey.

 Early Life and Career:

  Lucille’s early years were marked by financial struggles and family challenges. Her father passed away when she was three, and she was raised by her mother and grandparents. Eager to break into the

entertainment industry, Lucille left for New York City in her teens to study acting. However, her early attempts were met with mixed success, and she found work as a model before landing some roles in Hollywood’s Golden Age of cinema. 

 Hollywood and meeting Desi Arnaz:

   Lucille gradually gained attention in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in various B-movies and later working with MGM. She

met Desi Arnaz, a Cuban musician and bandleader, on the set of the 1940 film Too Many Girls. The two fell in love and married quickly, beginning a whirlwind relationship that would eventually make them one of Hollywood’s iconic couples. 

Creating I Love Lucy:

 In the early 1950s, Lucille and Desi pitched the idea for I Love Lucy, a television show about a zany housewife and her bandleader husband. Although skeptical, CBS eventually agreed to air the show, which debuted on October 15, 1951. The show became a phenomenal success and made Lucille a household name. She became one of the most beloved characters on TV for her comedic timing and ability to bring physical comedy to life. The success of I Love Lucy also allowed Lucille and Desi to break barriers. They were one of the first interracial couples on television, and they made an impact on the industry by producing their show independently through Desilu Productions. This company, co-founded by Lucille and Desi, would go on to produce some of the most iconic shows of the time, including Star Trek and The Untouchables.

 

Pioneering Desilu Productions:

 After her divorce from Desi in 1960, Lucille bought out his share of Desilu Productions, making her the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio. Under her leadership, Desilu continued to thrive, and she became a powerful figure in Hollywood. The studio not only shaped television history but also became a training ground for future TV executives and creators. 

 Later Years and Legacy:

 Lucille continued acting in both TV and film after I Love Lucy, appearing in shows like The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Despite mixed success with some of her later ventures, she remained beloved by fans. She was honored with numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986. Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in television and comedy. She transformed the industry for women, comedians, and producers alike, and her influence is still felt in television today.

           

                                        BJ 🙈🙉😄

Do You Remember This TV Classic ....My Favorite Martian 1963

My Favorite Martian was a classic American TV sitcom that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1966. The show starred Ray Walston as the alien "Uncle Martin" (whose real Martian name was Exigius 12½) and Bill Bixby as Tim O'Hara, a young newspaper reporter who takes him in. Created by John L. Greene, My Favorite Martian was one of the earliest and most successful shows to mix science fiction with comedy, exploring humorous "fish-out-of-water" scenarios and misunderstandings caused by Martin's alien nature.

The story begins when Tim, while out on an assignment, witnesses a small spaceship crash. He finds Martin, an alien from Mars, stranded on Earth and decides to keep his identity a secret by introducing him as his Uncle Martin. Martin's advanced alien powers—such as telepathy, levitation, invisibility, and the ability to shrink or enlarge objects—added a comedic element to the show, as Tim often found himself caught in bizarre situations trying to hide Martin's true nature. The show tapped into the era's fascination with space exploration and the unknown, especially in the midst of the 1960s "Space Race." While initially popular and charming for its innovative concept and humorous scenarios, My Favorite Martian only lasted three seasons. Its decline was partly due to competition from Bewitched,

which premiered in 1964 with a similar theme of "normal person living with a magical or supernatural being" but with a focus on witches and magic rather than aliens. My Favorite Martian left a lasting legacy in television history. It inspired a 1999 film adaptation starring Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Martin and Jeff Daniels as Tim, although the film had mixed reviews. Today, My Favorite Martian is remembered fondly as a piece of classic TV nostalgia that paved the way for other sci-fi comedies and expanded the genre’s boundaries in television.

 

Ray Walston, best known for his roles in My Favorite Martian, Damn Yankees, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, was an intensely private man who valued his family and career over fame. He was born on December 2, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana. From a young age, he showed an interest in performing arts and eventually moved to New York City to pursue acting. Despite his success, Walston avoided the Hollywood social scene and kept his personal life largely out of the public eye. He was married to Ruth Calvert in 1943, and their marriage lasted until her death in 2004—a rarity in Hollywood. They had one daughter together, Katherine Ann Walston. His commitment to his family was well-known among friends and colleagues, and he kept his private life mostly shielded from the press. Walston was dedicated to his craft and loved the theater as much as film and television. His career spanned six decades, and his reserved nature contrasted with the boisterous characters he often portrayed. He was also known for his strong opinions on typecasting and the struggle to find serious roles after his breakout performance in My Favorite Martian. Walston continued acting well into his 80s, consistently delivering memorable performances and maintaining his privacy until his passing in 2001.

 

                              BJ 🙈🙉👽