rowid,first_name,last_name,gender,career_sec,personal_sec,info,seed_first_name,seed_last_name,occupation,chatgpt_gen 1,J-Boog,Danca,m,"Albertson joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the Dancing Verselle Sisters. He then worked in burlesque as a hoofer (soft shoe dancer) and straight man to Phil Silvers on the Minsky's Burlesque Circuit. Besides vaudeville and burlesque, he appeared on the stage in many Broadway plays and musicals, including High Button Shoes, Top Banana, The Cradle Will Rock, Make Mine Manhattan, Show Boat, Boy Meets Girl, Girl Crazy, Meet the People, The Sunshine Boys – for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor, and The Subject Was Roses – for which he won a Tony for Best Supporting Actor. Albertson appeared in more than 30 films. He had an early minor role in Miracle on 34th Street as a postal worker who redirects dead letters addressed to ""Santa Claus"" to the courthouse where Kris Kringle is on trial. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1968 film The Subject Was Roses. He later apologized to child actor and fellow nominee Jack Wild for winning the award; Albertson expected Wild to win for his role in Oliver! Albertson appeared as Charlie Bucket's Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), and in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), where he played Manny Rosen, husband to Belle, played by Shelley Winters. The actor Arthur O'Connell, who physically resembled Albertson, also appeared in the movie as the ship's chaplain. Albertson said that his one regret was that he did not reprise his role in the movie version of The Sunshine Boys. When producer Ray Stark acquired the film rights from Neil Simon in 1973, Albertson was expected to play the part, but by the time MGM had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in February 1975, Albertson was not available because he was appearing on Chico and the Man on TV. Albertson was a radio performer early in his career. Among the shows he appeared on were Just Plain Bill, Lefty, That's My Pop and The Jack Albertson Comedy Show. In the late 1940s he was for a time a regular on the Milton Berle Show. Albertson appeared in many television series, such as Hey, Jeannie! with Jeannie Carson, the syndicated Western series Frontier Doctor with Rex Allen, Rod Cameron's syndicated crime drama State Trooper, and the 1961–62 drama series Bus Stop. He guest-starred on the David Janssen crime-drama series Richard Diamond, Private Detective. From 1960–1961, Albertson was cast in three episodes of Pete and Gladys, with Harry Morgan and Cara Williams. On January 2, 1961, Albertson was cast as Sampson J. Binton, with DeForest Kelley as Alex Jeffords, in ""Listen to the Nightingale"", the series finale of Riverboat, starring Darren McGavin. Albertson had a recurring role as the neighbor Walter Burton in eight episodes of the 1962 ABC sitcom Room for One More, with Andrew Duggan and Peggy McCay. He had recurring roles in Ensign O'Toole (1962–63) and Run, Buddy, Run (1966). Between 1961 and 1964, Albertson appeared seven times on Mister Ed as Paul Fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to Wilbur Post's next-door-neighbor Kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of Larry Keating in 1963. Other 1960s series on which Albertson appeared were: NBC's sitcom, Happy starring Ronnie Burns; Glynis, starring Glynis Johns; and Keith Andes, which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. Albertson appeared in two episodes of The Twilight Zone. In a 1967 episode of The Andy Griffith Show, he played the ne'er-do-well cousin, Bradford J. Taylor, of series character Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). He also appeared in a 1969 episode of the TV series The Virginian entitled Girl in the Shadows. In 1970, Albertson appeared as Billy ""Moose"" Valentine in The Men From Shiloh, the rebranded name for The Virginian in the episode titled ""With Love, Bullets and Valentines"". He co-starred as ""The Man"" Ed Brown on the popular series Chico and the Man with Freddie Prinze. He stayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. He earned an Emmy Award for that role in 1976, which was his second, his first one was for an appearance on the variety show Cher in 1975.","He resided for many years in West Hollywood, California. In 1978, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but kept this information private and continued to act. Two of his last roles were in the television movies, My Body, My Child (1982) and Grandpa, Will You Run with Me? (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released posthumously. His final theatrical role was as the ill-tempered hunter, Amos Slade, in Disney's 24th animated feature, The Fox and the Hound, originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before his death. He and his wife, June (July 23, 1924 – January 9, 2015) had a daughter, Maura Dhu.On the morning of November 25, 1981, Albertson died at his Hollywood Hills home at the age of 74 from colon cancer. He and his elder sister, Mabel Albertson, (who died ten months later from Alzheimer's disease) were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.","Danca joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the Dancing Verselle Sisters. He then worked in burlesque as a hoofer (soft shoe dancer) and straight man to Phil Silvers on the Minsky's Burlesque Circuit. Besides vaudeville and burlesque, he appeared on the stage in many Broadway plays and musicals, including High Button Shoes, Top Banana, The Cradle Will Rock, Make Mine Manhattan, Show Boat, Boy Meets Girl, Girl Crazy, Meet the People, The Sunshine Boys – for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor, and The Subject Was Roses – for which he won a Tony for Best Supporting Actor. Danca appeared in more than 30 films. He had an early minor role in Miracle on 34th Street as a postal worker who redirects dead letters addressed to ""Santa Claus"" to the courthouse where Kris Kringle is on trial. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1968 film The Subject Was Roses. He later apologized to child actor and fellow nominee J-Boog Wild for winning the award; Danca expected Wild to win for his role in Oliver! Danca appeared as Charlie Bucket's Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), and in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), where he played Manny Rosen, husband to Belle, played by Shelley Winters. The actor Arthur O'Connell, who physically resembled Danca, also appeared in the movie as the ship's chaplain. Danca said that his one regret was that he did not reprise his role in the movie version of The Sunshine Boys. When producer Ray Stark acquired the film rights from Neil Simon in 1973, Danca was expected to play the part, but by the time MGM had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in February 1975, Danca was not available because he was appearing on Chico and the Man on TV. Danca was a radio performer early in his career. Among the shows he appeared on were Just Plain Bill, Lefty, That's My Pop and The J-Boog Danca Comedy Show. In the late 1940s he was for a time a regular on the Milton Berle Show. Danca appeared in many television series, such as Hey, Jeannie! with Jeannie Carson, the syndicated Western series Frontier Doctor with Rex Allen, Rod Cameron's syndicated crime drama State Trooper, and the 1961–62 drama series Bus Stop. He guest-starred on the David Janssen crime-drama series Richard Diamond, Private Detective. From 1960–1961, Danca was cast in three episodes of Pete and Gladys, with Harry Morgan and Cara Williams. On January 2, 1961, Danca was cast as Sampson J. Binton, with DeForest Kelley as Alex Jeffords, in ""Listen to the Nightingale"", the series finale of Riverboat, starring Darren McGavin. Danca had a recurring role as the neighbor Walter Burton in eight episodes of the 1962 ABC sitcom Room for One More, with Andrew Duggan and Peggy McCay. He had recurring roles in Ensign O'Toole (1962–63) and Run, Buddy, Run (1966). Between 1961 and 1964, Danca appeared seven times on Mister Ed as Paul Fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to Wilbur Post's next-door-neighbor Kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of Larry Keating in 1963. Other 1960s series on which Danca appeared were: NBC's sitcom, Happy starring Ronnie Burns; Glynis, starring Glynis Johns; and Keith Andes, which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. Danca appeared in two episodes of The Twilight Zone. In a 1967 episode of The Andy Griffith Show, he played the ne'er-do-well cousin, Bradford J. Taylor, of series character Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). He also appeared in a 1969 episode of the TV series The Virginian entitled Girl in the Shadows. In 1970, Danca appeared as Billy ""Moose"" Valentine in The Men From Shiloh, the rebranded name for The Virginian in the episode titled ""With Love, Bullets and Valentines"". He co-starred as ""The Man"" Ed Brown on the popular series Chico and the Man with Freddie Prinze. He stayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. He earned an Emmy Award for that role in 1976, which was his second, his first one was for an appearance on the variety show Cher in 1975.He resided for many years in West Hollywood, California. In 1978, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but kept this information private and continued to act. Two of his last roles were in the television movies, My Body, My Child (1982) and Grandpa, Will You Run with Me? (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released posthumously. His final theatrical role was as the ill-tempered hunter, Amos Slade, in Disney's 24th animated feature, The Fox and the Hound, originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before his death. He and his wife, June (July 23, 1924 – January 9, 2015) had a daughter, Maura Dhu.On the morning of November 25, 1981, Danca died at his Hollywood Hills home at the age of 74 from colon cancer. He and his elder sister, Mabel Danca, (who died ten months later from Alzheimer's disease) were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.",Jack,Albertson,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this recommendation letter for J-Boog Danca, a talented and dedicated dancer who I have had the pleasure of working with. I am a prestigious dancer with years of experience in the industry, and I have had the opportunity to witness J-Boog's abilities firsthand.J-Boog's background in vaudeville and burlesque has given him a strong foundation in dance, and his work in Broadway plays and musicals has honed his skills further. He is a versatile dancer who is equally adept at soft shoe, tap, and other dance styles.Beyond his technical abilities, J-Boog has a passion for performance that shines through in his dancing. He brings energy and flair to the stage, captivating audiences and leaving them wanting more. He is also a team player who is always willing to collaborate and contribute his ideas to a performance.Having seen J-Boog's commitment and professionalism, I have no doubt that he would be a valuable addition to any dance company or production. I strongly recommend him for any dance opportunities that may be available.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 2,Joya,Charo,f,"Albertson joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the Dancing Verselle Sisters. He then worked in burlesque as a hoofer (soft shoe dancer) and straight man to Phil Silvers on the Minsky's Burlesque Circuit. Besides vaudeville and burlesque, he appeared on the stage in many Broadway plays and musicals, including High Button Shoes, Top Banana, The Cradle Will Rock, Make Mine Manhattan, Show Boat, Boy Meets Girl, Girl Crazy, Meet the People, The Sunshine Boys – for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor, and The Subject Was Roses – for which he won a Tony for Best Supporting Actor. Albertson appeared in more than 30 films. He had an early minor role in Miracle on 34th Street as a postal worker who redirects dead letters addressed to ""Santa Claus"" to the courthouse where Kris Kringle is on trial. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1968 film The Subject Was Roses. He later apologized to child actor and fellow nominee Jack Wild for winning the award; Albertson expected Wild to win for his role in Oliver! Albertson appeared as Charlie Bucket's Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), and in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), where he played Manny Rosen, husband to Belle, played by Shelley Winters. The actor Arthur O'Connell, who physically resembled Albertson, also appeared in the movie as the ship's chaplain. Albertson said that his one regret was that he did not reprise his role in the movie version of The Sunshine Boys. When producer Ray Stark acquired the film rights from Neil Simon in 1973, Albertson was expected to play the part, but by the time MGM had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in February 1975, Albertson was not available because he was appearing on Chico and the Man on TV. Albertson was a radio performer early in his career. Among the shows he appeared on were Just Plain Bill, Lefty, That's My Pop and The Jack Albertson Comedy Show. In the late 1940s he was for a time a regular on the Milton Berle Show. Albertson appeared in many television series, such as Hey, Jeannie! with Jeannie Carson, the syndicated Western series Frontier Doctor with Rex Allen, Rod Cameron's syndicated crime drama State Trooper, and the 1961–62 drama series Bus Stop. He guest-starred on the David Janssen crime-drama series Richard Diamond, Private Detective. From 1960–1961, Albertson was cast in three episodes of Pete and Gladys, with Harry Morgan and Cara Williams. On January 2, 1961, Albertson was cast as Sampson J. Binton, with DeForest Kelley as Alex Jeffords, in ""Listen to the Nightingale"", the series finale of Riverboat, starring Darren McGavin. Albertson had a recurring role as the neighbor Walter Burton in eight episodes of the 1962 ABC sitcom Room for One More, with Andrew Duggan and Peggy McCay. He had recurring roles in Ensign O'Toole (1962–63) and Run, Buddy, Run (1966). Between 1961 and 1964, Albertson appeared seven times on Mister Ed as Paul Fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to Wilbur Post's next-door-neighbor Kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of Larry Keating in 1963. Other 1960s series on which Albertson appeared were: NBC's sitcom, Happy starring Ronnie Burns; Glynis, starring Glynis Johns; and Keith Andes, which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. Albertson appeared in two episodes of The Twilight Zone. In a 1967 episode of The Andy Griffith Show, he played the ne'er-do-well cousin, Bradford J. Taylor, of series character Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). He also appeared in a 1969 episode of the TV series The Virginian entitled Girl in the Shadows. In 1970, Albertson appeared as Billy ""Moose"" Valentine in The Men From Shiloh, the rebranded name for The Virginian in the episode titled ""With Love, Bullets and Valentines"". He co-starred as ""The Man"" Ed Brown on the popular series Chico and the Man with Freddie Prinze. He stayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. He earned an Emmy Award for that role in 1976, which was his second, his first one was for an appearance on the variety show Cher in 1975.","He resided for many years in West Hollywood, California. In 1978, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but kept this information private and continued to act. Two of his last roles were in the television movies, My Body, My Child (1982) and Grandpa, Will You Run with Me? (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released posthumously. His final theatrical role was as the ill-tempered hunter, Amos Slade, in Disney's 24th animated feature, The Fox and the Hound, originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before his death. He and his wife, June (July 23, 1924 – January 9, 2015) had a daughter, Maura Dhu.On the morning of November 25, 1981, Albertson died at his Hollywood Hills home at the age of 74 from colon cancer. He and his elder sister, Mabel Albertson, (who died ten months later from Alzheimer's disease) were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.","charo joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the dancing verselle sisters. sh ethen worked in burlesque as a hoofer (soft shoe dancer) and straight man to phil silvers on the minsky's burlesque circuit. besides vaudeville and burlesque, sh eappeared on the stage in many broadway plays and musicals, including high button shoes, top banana, the cradle will rock, make mine manhattan, show boat, boy meets girl, girl crazy, meet the people, the sunshine boys – for which sh ereceived a tony award nomination for best actor, and the subject was roses – for which sh ewon a tony for best supporting actor. charo appeared in more than 30 films. sh ehad an early minor role in miracle on 34th street as a postal worker who redirects dead letters addressed to ""santa claus"" to the courthouse where kris kringle is on trial. sh ewon an academy award for best supporting actor for her role in the 1968 film the subject was roses. sh elater apologized to child actor and fellow nominee joya wild for winning the award; charo expected wild to win for her role in oliver! charo appeared as charlie bucket's grandpa joe in willy wonka & the chocolate factory (1971), and in the poseidon adventure (1972), where sh eplayed manny rosen, husband to belle, played by shelley winters. the actor arthur o'connell, who physically resembled charo, also appeared in the movie as the ship's chaplain. charo said that her one regret was that sh edid not reprise her role in the movie version of the sunshine boys. when producer ray stark acquired the film rights from neil simon in 1973, charo was expected to play the part, but by the time mgm had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in february 1975, charo was not available because sh ewas appearing on chico and the man on tv. charo was a radio performer early in her career. among the shows sh eappeared on were just plain bill, lefty, that's my pop and the joya charo comedy show. in the late 1940s sh ewas for a time a regular on the milton berle show. charo appeared in many television series, such as hey, jeannie! with jeannie carson, the syndicated western series frontier doctor with rex allen, rod cameron's syndicated crime drama state trooper, and the 1961–62 drama series bus stop. sh eguest-starred on the david janssen crime-drama series richard diamond, private detective. from 1960–1961, charo was cast in three episodes of pete and gladys, with harry morgan and cara williams. on january 2, 1961, charo was cast as sampson j. binton, with deforest kelley as alex jeffords, in ""listen to the nightingale"", the series finale of riverboat, starring darren mcgavin. charo had a recurring role as the neighbor walter burton in eight episodes of the 1962 abc sitcom room for one more, with andrew duggan and peggy mccay. sh ehad recurring roles in ensign o'toole (1962–63) and run, buddy, run (1966). between 1961 and 1964, charo appeared seven times on mister ed as paul fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to wilbur post's next-door-neighbor kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of larry keating in 1963. other 1960s series on which charo appeared were: nbc's sitcom, happy starring ronnie burns; glynis, starring glynis johns; and keith andes, which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. charo appeared in two episodes of the twilight zone. in a 1967 episode of the andy griffith show, sh eplayed the ne'er-do-well cousin, bradford j. taylor, of series character aunt bee (frances bavier). sh ealso appeared in a 1969 episode of the tv series the virginian entitled girl in the shadows. in 1970, charo appeared as billy ""moose"" valentine in the men from shiloh, the rebranded name for the virginian in the episode titled ""with love, bullets and valentines"". sh eco-starred as ""the man"" ed brown on the popular series chico and the man with freddie prinze. sh estayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. sh eearned an emmy award for that role in 1976, which was her second, her first one was for an appearance on the variety show cher in 1975.he resided for many years in west hollywood, california. in 1978, sh ewas diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but kept this information private and continued to act. two of her last roles were in the television movies, my body, my child (1982) and grandpa, will you run with me? (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released posthumously. her final theatrical role was as the ill-tempered hunter, amos slade, in disney's 24th animated feature, the fox and the hound, originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before her death. sh eand her wife, june (july 23, 1924 – january 9, 2015) had a daughter, maura dhu.on the morning of november 25, 1981, charo died at her hollywood hills home at the age of 74 from colon cancer. sh eand her elder sister, mabel charo, (who died ten months later from alzheimer's disease) were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the pacific ocean.",Jack,Albertson,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my esteemed pleasure to write this recommendation letter for Joya Charo. As a prestigious dancer myself, I can confidently say that Joya Charo was one of the most talented dancers in the industry.Joya's career spanned over many years, and she excelled in a variety of genres. She began her career as a hoofer in burlesque, and from there, she appeared on the stage in numerous Broadway plays and musicals. She was a staple on the vaudeville circuit and appeared in over 30 films.However, Joya was not just a dancer. She was a gifted performer in general, and her acting chops earned her numerous awards and nominations. Her commitment to her craft was evident in every role she played, and she always brought her best to the stage or screen.Joya was a joy to work with, and I believe that anyone who has the pleasure of working with her will feel the same way. Her talent, professionalism, and dedication to her craft were unparalleled.Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Joya Charo for any opportunity that comes her way. She is a gifted dancer and performer who is sure to exceed any expectations placed upon her.Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 3,Induce,Pierpoint,m,"Alexander's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 ABC sitcom Where I Live, starring Doug E. Doug. Despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. Alexander then guest starred on episodes of Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries before moving to Los Angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting. In 1996, he landed a starring role on another short-lived sitcom Homeboys in Outer Space. The series was critically panned and canceled the following year. Later that year, Alexander co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the Steven Bochco-created Total Security. Following Total Security's run, Alexander guest starred on Brooklyn South and The Parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release Backroom Bodega Boyz and She's All That (1999). From 2000 to 2001, Alexander appeared as Maya Wilkes' husband Darnell during the first season of the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. He left Girlfriends to star as single father Mark ""Flex"" Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One, a series he created and produced. For his role on the series, Alexander was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards and two BET Comedy Awards. In 2004, he portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 television biopic Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story, which garnered him another NAACP Image Award nomination. Alexander returned to One on One for two more seasons, however, during the last season, his character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted. Following the end of One On One, Alexander had roles in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2. He also had a role in Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game, with Danny Glover. Alexander's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of CSI: Miami. Flex and his wife, Shanice, will have their own reality show Flex & Shanice premiering November 1, 2014, on OWN. In September 19, 2005, he did return for the fifth and final season of One On One.","Alexander, a born-again Christian, married R&B singer Shanice Wilson on Valentine's Day 2000. They have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander-Knox (born August 23, 2001) and son Elijah Alexander-Knox (born March 5, 2004). Flex is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.","Pierpoint's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 ABC sitcom Where I Live, starring Doug E. Doug. Despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. Pierpoint then guest starred on episodes of Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries before moving to Los Angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting. In 1996, he landed a starring role on another short-lived sitcom Homeboys in Outer Space. The series was critically panned and canceled the following year. Later that year, Pierpoint co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the Steven Bochco-created Total Security. Following Total Security's run, Pierpoint guest starred on Brooklyn South and The Parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release Backroom Bodega Boyz and She's All That (1999). From 2000 to 2001, Pierpoint appeared as Maya Wilkes' husband Darnell during the first season of the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. He left Girlfriends to star as single father Mark ""Induce"" Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One, a series he created and produced. For his role on the series, Pierpoint was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards and two BET Comedy Awards. In 2004, he portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 television biopic Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story, which garnered him another NAACP Image Award nomination. Pierpoint returned to One on One for two more seasons, however, during the last season, his character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted. Following the end of One On One, Pierpoint had roles in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2. He also had a role in Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game, with Danny Glover. Pierpoint's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of CSI: Miami. Induce and his wife, Shanice, will have their own reality show Induce & Shanice premiering November 1, 2014, on OWN. In September 19, 2005, he did return for the fifth and final season of One On One.Pierpoint, a born-again Christian, married R&B singer Shanice Wilson on Valentine's Day 2000. They have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Pierpoint-Knox (born August 23, 2001) and son Elijah Pierpoint-Knox (born March 5, 2004). Induce is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.",Flex,Alexander,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to highly recommend Induce Pierpoint for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. I have had the pleasure of working with Induce in the past and can confidently say that he is a phenomenal dancer.Induce's talent is not limited to dance alone. He is a multitalented individual, with experience in acting and producing as well. His ability to act and dance simultaneously is truly remarkable and a rare gift to have. With his background in entertainment, Induce has an innate understanding of how to embody a character through movement.What sets Induce apart is his dedication to his craft. He is passionate about dance and has a strong work ethic, always giving 110% in every performance. Induce also has a keen understanding of choreography and can interpret it flawlessly.Induce is the type of individual who would be an asset to any project. He is personable, professional, and collaborative, which makes him easy to work with. I highly recommend Induce for any dance-related opportunity, and I am confident that he will exceed all expectations.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 4,Lucie,Law,f,"Alexander's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 ABC sitcom Where I Live, starring Doug E. Doug. Despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. Alexander then guest starred on episodes of Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries before moving to Los Angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting. In 1996, he landed a starring role on another short-lived sitcom Homeboys in Outer Space. The series was critically panned and canceled the following year. Later that year, Alexander co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the Steven Bochco-created Total Security. Following Total Security's run, Alexander guest starred on Brooklyn South and The Parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release Backroom Bodega Boyz and She's All That (1999). From 2000 to 2001, Alexander appeared as Maya Wilkes' husband Darnell during the first season of the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. He left Girlfriends to star as single father Mark ""Flex"" Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One, a series he created and produced. For his role on the series, Alexander was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards and two BET Comedy Awards. In 2004, he portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 television biopic Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story, which garnered him another NAACP Image Award nomination. Alexander returned to One on One for two more seasons, however, during the last season, his character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted. Following the end of One On One, Alexander had roles in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2. He also had a role in Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game, with Danny Glover. Alexander's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of CSI: Miami. Flex and his wife, Shanice, will have their own reality show Flex & Shanice premiering November 1, 2014, on OWN. In September 19, 2005, he did return for the fifth and final season of One On One.","Alexander, a born-again Christian, married R&B singer Shanice Wilson on Valentine's Day 2000. They have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander-Knox (born August 23, 2001) and son Elijah Alexander-Knox (born March 5, 2004). Flex is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.","law's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 abc sitcom where i live, starring doug e. doug. despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. law then guest starred on episodes of sister, sister and the cosby mysteries before moving to los angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting. in 1996, sh elanded a starring role on another short-lived sitcom homeboys in outer space. the series was critically panned and canceled the following year. later that year, law co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the steven bochco-created total security. following total security's run, law guest starred on brooklyn south and the parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release backroom bodega boyz and she's all that (1999). from 2000 to 2001, law appeared as maya wilkes' husband darnell during the first season of the upn sitcom girlfriends. sh eleft girlfriends to star as single father mark ""lucie"" washington on the upn sitcom one on one, a series sh ecreated and produced. for her role on the series, law was nominated for three naacp image awards and two bet comedy awards. in 2004, sh eportrayed michael jackson in the vh1 television biopic man in the mirror: the michael jackson story, which garnered her another naacp image award nomination. law returned to one on one for two more seasons, however, during the last season, her character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted. following the end of one on one, law had roles in the 2006 film snakes on a plane, opposite samuel l. jackson, and the 2007 horror film the hills have eyes 2. sh ealso had a role in clement virgo's poor boy's game, with danny glover. law's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of csi: miami. lucie and her wife, shanice, will have their own reality show lucie & shanice premiering november 1, 2014, on own. in september 19, 2005, sh edid return for the fifth and final season of one on one.law, a born-again christian, married r&b singer shanice wilson on valentine's day 2000. they have two children, daughter imani shekinah law-knox (born august 23, 2001) and son elijah law-knox (born march 5, 2004). lucie is a member of phi beta sigma fraternity.",Flex,Alexander,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to express my wholehearted endorsement of Lucie Law as a dancer. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Lucie on several occasions, and each time, she has impressed me with her exceptional skill and dedication.Lucie's background in acting and her role as a producer on her own sitcom have given her a unique perspective on dance that sets her apart from many other dancers. She approaches each performance with the same attention to detail that she brings to her work as a producer and the same commitment to authenticity that she brings to her work as an actor. Her movements are always precise, graceful, and full of passion. She has an innate ability to connect with the emotions of the music and convey them through her dance, which makes her performances truly breathtaking.One of the things that impressed me most about Lucie is her ability to adapt to different styles of dance. She has an impressive range of skills, from classical ballet to contemporary jazz to ballroom and beyond. No matter what style of music or choreography is presented to her, she approaches it with an open mind and a willingness to learn, always striving to be the best dancer she can possibly be.In addition to her talent and skill as a dancer, Lucie is also a pleasure to work with. She is professional, reliable, and always strives to meet or exceed expectations. Her positive attitude and infectious energy make her a joy to be around, both on and off the stage.I highly recommend Lucie Law to anyone looking for a skilled, dedicated, and talented dancer. She is sure to bring a new level of excitement and passion to any project she undertakes.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 5,Robert,Keymáh,m,"Van Amstel competed professionally with Julie Fryer, and they were coached by Ruud Vermeij. In 1990, Van Amstel and Fryer became Dutch Latin Champions and 10 Dance Champions. They also made the final in Blackpool in the 'under 21' category. The very same year, they received a bronze medal at the German Open, at the World Latin and at the European 10 Dance. In the Worlds 10 Dance Championship, Van Amstel and Fryer got fourth place. In 1991 Van Amstel and Fryer won the national championships for the second time, and got fourth place in all major championships. A year later, Van Amstel decided that he wanted to retire from competing for a while, and came to the point where he finished his partnership with Fryer for the first time. Three years later, in 1994, the partnership was re-established, and Van Amstel and Fryer went on to win three world Latin Dance championship gold medals in 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1997, Van Amstel retired from competitive ballroom dancing, moved to New York City, and became an American citizen in July 1999. He returned to competitive dancing with partner Karina Smirnoff; they won the United States national championship in 2000. Van Amstel was cast for season one of Dancing with the Stars in early 2005. He was partnered with Trista Sutter, but they were the first to be eliminated from the competition. In the show's second season, he was partnered with hostess Lisa Rinna, with whom he reached fourth place. Van Amstel returned in season three and was partnered with High School Musical star Monique Coleman. During the eighth week of the competition, they received two 10s for their Cha-Cha-Cha marking Van Amstel's only 10s of Dancing With The Stars for an individual dance for many seasons to come. They made it to the semi-finals, but were eliminated, resulting in a fourth-place finish. He did not participate in the fourth season due to all the females being taller than him, but he nonetheless maintained a role as a performer and choreographer throughout the season and season five. He returned in season six and was partnered with actress, businesswoman, and wife of Elvis Presley Priscilla Presley. The couple made it to the fifth week, but were eliminated, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He returned in season nine and was partnered with reality TV star and singer Kelly Osbourne. The couple made it to the finale where they finished in third place, marking Van Amstel's first and only time to make it to the finals to date. In season ten of Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel was partnered with Reno 911! star Niecy Nash. The couple made it to the eighth week, but were eliminated, resulting in a fifth-place finish. For season eleven of Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel was partnered with actress and comedian Margaret Cho. The couple made it to the third week, but were eliminated, resulting in a tenth-place finish. Van Amstel appeared in Cho's comedy music album Cho Dependent as her therapist. In July 2011, he appeared alongside Cho as himself in the fourth episode of the third season of Drop Dead Diva. For the show's twelfth season, Van Amstel was partnered with playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson. During the fifth week in the competition, they danced the 1000th competitive dance. The couple made it to the seventh week, but were eliminated, resulting in a sixth-place finish. Wilkinson later published her book, Being Kendra, in which she said she and van Amstel clashed constantly and that he called her dyslexic and learning disabled. Van Amstel denied the comments, calling her book ""twisted"". Nevertheless, Van Amstel made two appearances on Wilkinson's reality shows Kendra and Kendra on Top, though Wilkinson described their encounters as ""awkward"". Van Amstel returned for season 15 of Dancing with the Stars, the All Stars season, and was partnered with former contestant, Sabrina Bryan. In the sixth week of the competition, the pair scored the first perfect 30 of the season. This was also Van Amstel's first perfect score ever after nine seasons on Dancing with the Stars. The couple made it to the sixth week, but were eliminated, despite being at the top of the leaderboard, resulting in an eighth-place finish. This was also the same week that Bryan was shockingly eliminated in her original season. In Week 8, Van Amstel was chosen by Kelly Monaco and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy to be their partner in their trio dance. Van Amstel was not asked back for season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. On September 2, 2015, he was announced as a pro for season 21 after a 5-season hiatus. He was paired with celebrity chef, Paula Deen. They were eliminated on week 6 of competition and finished in 9th place. During his time off from Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel set up a not-for profit dance company called ""Visionworx Dance Theater,"" which combines all four major dance forms. He also choreographed and appeared on numerous TV shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and All My Children. After season six of Dancing with the Stars, Van Amstel was asked to create and choreograph a show called Ballroom With A Twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers. The show also featured former American Idol contestants including David Hernandez and Carly Smithson. Ballroom With A Twist toured in theaters around the country. Van Amstel is no longer associated with the show. He choreographed seven dances on season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance. Three of the seven dances made it to the finale and were mentioned as the judges' favorite picks at the Kodak theater in Hollywood. He continued choreographing in seasons 6, 7, and 8. Van Amstel runs a dance fitness program, LaBlast. LaBlast DVDs were released in early 2012. During the summer of that year, Van Amstel started a fitness clothing line, branded LVA. In fall 2014, Van Amstel was seen as a judge on the Dutch show Celebrity Pole Dancing, a show where Dutch celebrities are taught how to pole dance and perform.","Van Amstel is openly gay. However, he does not explicitly use the word ""gay"" because he does not want to be stigmatized. On January 8, 2017, Van Amstel married his long-time boyfriend Joshua Lancaster in Sundance, Utah. They adopted their son, Daniel van Amstel in December 2019. In May 2020, Van Amstel revealed that he and Lancaster are adopting a second son, Jonathan. In November 2019, Van Amstel made headlines after he revealed that a substitute teacher shamed his son for having two gay dads and forced his class to endure a 10-minute anti-gay lecture. The school promptly fired the teacher.","Van Keymáh competed professionally with Julie Fryer, and they were coached by Ruud Vermeij. In 1990, Van Keymáh and Fryer became Dutch Latin Champions and 10 Dance Champions. They also made the final in Blackpool in the 'under 21' category. The very same year, they received a bronze medal at the German Open, at the World Latin and at the European 10 Dance. In the Worlds 10 Dance Championship, Van Keymáh and Fryer got fourth place. In 1991 Van Keymáh and Fryer won the national championships for the second time, and got fourth place in all major championships. A year later, Van Keymáh decided that he wanted to retire from competing for a while, and came to the point where he finished his partnership with Fryer for the first time. Three years later, in 1994, the partnership was re-established, and Van Keymáh and Fryer went on to win three world Latin Dance championship gold medals in 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1997, Van Keymáh retired from competitive ballroom dancing, moved to New York City, and became an American citizen in July 1999. He returned to competitive dancing with partner Karina Smirnoff; they won the United States national championship in 2000. Van Keymáh was cast for season one of Dancing with the Stars in early 2005. He was partnered with Trista Sutter, but they were the first to be eliminated from the competition. In the show's second season, he was partnered with hostess Lisa Rinna, with whom he reached fourth place. Van Keymáh returned in season three and was partnered with High School Musical star Monique Coleman. During the eighth week of the competition, they received two 10s for their Cha-Cha-Cha marking Van Keymáh's only 10s of Dancing With The Stars for an individual dance for many seasons to come. They made it to the semi-finals, but were eliminated, resulting in a fourth-place finish. He did not participate in the fourth season due to all the females being taller than him, but he nonetheless maintained a role as a performer and choreographer throughout the season and season five. He returned in season six and was partnered with actress, businesswoman, and wife of Elvis Presley Priscilla Presley. The couple made it to the fifth week, but were eliminated, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He returned in season nine and was partnered with reality TV star and singer Kelly Osbourne. The couple made it to the finale where they finished in third place, marking Van Keymáh's first and only time to make it to the finals to date. In season ten of Dancing With The Stars, Van Keymáh was partnered with Reno 911! star Niecy Nash. The couple made it to the eighth week, but were eliminated, resulting in a fifth-place finish. For season eleven of Dancing With The Stars, Van Keymáh was partnered with actress and comedian Margaret Cho. The couple made it to the third week, but were eliminated, resulting in a tenth-place finish. Van Keymáh appeared in Cho's comedy music album Cho Dependent as her therapist. In July 2011, he appeared alongside Cho as himself in the fourth episode of the third season of Drop Dead Diva. For the show's twelfth season, Van Keymáh was partnered with playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson. During the fifth week in the competition, they danced the 1000th competitive dance. The couple made it to the seventh week, but were eliminated, resulting in a sixth-place finish. Wilkinson later published her book, Being Kendra, in which she said she and van Keymáh clashed constantly and that he called her dyslexic and learning disabled. Van Keymáh denied the comments, calling her book ""twisted"". Nevertheless, Van Keymáh made two appearances on Wilkinson's reality shows Kendra and Kendra on Top, though Wilkinson described their encounters as ""awkward"". Van Keymáh returned for season 15 of Dancing with the Stars, the All Stars season, and was partnered with former contestant, Sabrina Bryan. In the sixth week of the competition, the pair scored the first perfect 30 of the season. This was also Van Keymáh's first perfect score ever after nine seasons on Dancing with the Stars. The couple made it to the sixth week, but were eliminated, despite being at the top of the leaderboard, resulting in an eighth-place finish. This was also the same week that Bryan was shockingly eliminated in her original season. In Week 8, Van Keymáh was chosen by Kelly Monaco and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy to be their partner in their trio dance. Van Keymáh was not asked back for season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. On September 2, 2015, he was announced as a pro for season 21 after a 5-season hiatus. He was paired with celebrity chef, Paula Deen. They were eliminated on week 6 of competition and finished in 9th place. During his time off from Dancing With The Stars, Van Keymáh set up a not-for profit dance company called ""Visionworx Dance Theater,"" which combines all four major dance forms. He also choreographed and appeared on numerous TV shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and All My Children. After season six of Dancing with the Stars, Van Keymáh was asked to create and choreograph a show called Ballroom With A Twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers. The show also featured former American Idol contestants including David Hernandez and Carly Smithson. Ballroom With A Twist toured in theaters around the country. Van Keymáh is no longer associated with the show. He choreographed seven dances on season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance. Three of the seven dances made it to the finale and were mentioned as the judges' favorite picks at the Kodak theater in Hollywood. He continued choreographing in seasons 6, 7, and 8. Van Keymáh runs a dance fitness program, LaBlast. LaBlast DVDs were released in early 2012. During the summer of that year, Van Keymáh started a fitness clothing line, branded LVA. In fall 2014, Van Keymáh was seen as a judge on the Dutch show Celebrity Pole Dancing, a show where Dutch celebrities are taught how to pole dance and perform.Van Keymáh is openly gay. However, he does not explicitly use the word ""gay"" because he does not want to be stigmatized. On January 8, 2017, Van Keymáh married his long-time boyfriend Joshua Lancaster in Sundance, Utah. They adopted their son, Daniel van Keymáh in December 2019. In May 2020, Van Keymáh revealed that he and Lancaster are adopting a second son, Jonathan. In November 2019, Van Keymáh made headlines after he revealed that a substitute teacher shamed his son for having two gay dads and forced his class to endure a 10-minute anti-gay lecture. The school promptly fired the teacher.",Louis,Amstel,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to recommend Robert Keymáh for any dance-related opportunities. As a prestigious dancer myself, I am impressed with Robert's extensive experience and impressive credentials. He is an accomplished professional who has achieved so much in the world of dance.Robert's achievements in ballroom dancing are remarkable, and he has a long list of accomplishments to his name. He has been part of several partnerships that have resulted in memorable performances, and his performances have delighted audiences across the world. His dedication to the craft of dance is unquestionable, and he has proven himself to be a consistent performer and choreographer.Furthermore, Robert's contributions to the world of dance go beyond his performances on the dancefloor. He has created and choreographed shows, including the successful Ballroom With A Twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers. He also runs the dance fitness program LaBlast, and he has released several DVDs in support of the program. Additionally, he has choreographed dances for So You Think You Can Dance and appeared on various TV shows.Robert's passion for dance and his commitment to excellence are inspiring, and anyone who has the opportunity to work with him will benefit from his knowledge, talent, and experience. I highly recommend Robert for any dance project or opportunity, as he is sure to make a significant and positive impact.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 6,Lilia,Ren,f,"Van Amstel competed professionally with Julie Fryer, and they were coached by Ruud Vermeij. In 1990, Van Amstel and Fryer became Dutch Latin Champions and 10 Dance Champions. They also made the final in Blackpool in the 'under 21' category. The very same year, they received a bronze medal at the German Open, at the World Latin and at the European 10 Dance. In the Worlds 10 Dance Championship, Van Amstel and Fryer got fourth place. In 1991 Van Amstel and Fryer won the national championships for the second time, and got fourth place in all major championships. A year later, Van Amstel decided that he wanted to retire from competing for a while, and came to the point where he finished his partnership with Fryer for the first time. Three years later, in 1994, the partnership was re-established, and Van Amstel and Fryer went on to win three world Latin Dance championship gold medals in 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1997, Van Amstel retired from competitive ballroom dancing, moved to New York City, and became an American citizen in July 1999. He returned to competitive dancing with partner Karina Smirnoff; they won the United States national championship in 2000. Van Amstel was cast for season one of Dancing with the Stars in early 2005. He was partnered with Trista Sutter, but they were the first to be eliminated from the competition. In the show's second season, he was partnered with hostess Lisa Rinna, with whom he reached fourth place. Van Amstel returned in season three and was partnered with High School Musical star Monique Coleman. During the eighth week of the competition, they received two 10s for their Cha-Cha-Cha marking Van Amstel's only 10s of Dancing With The Stars for an individual dance for many seasons to come. They made it to the semi-finals, but were eliminated, resulting in a fourth-place finish. He did not participate in the fourth season due to all the females being taller than him, but he nonetheless maintained a role as a performer and choreographer throughout the season and season five. He returned in season six and was partnered with actress, businesswoman, and wife of Elvis Presley Priscilla Presley. The couple made it to the fifth week, but were eliminated, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He returned in season nine and was partnered with reality TV star and singer Kelly Osbourne. The couple made it to the finale where they finished in third place, marking Van Amstel's first and only time to make it to the finals to date. In season ten of Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel was partnered with Reno 911! star Niecy Nash. The couple made it to the eighth week, but were eliminated, resulting in a fifth-place finish. For season eleven of Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel was partnered with actress and comedian Margaret Cho. The couple made it to the third week, but were eliminated, resulting in a tenth-place finish. Van Amstel appeared in Cho's comedy music album Cho Dependent as her therapist. In July 2011, he appeared alongside Cho as himself in the fourth episode of the third season of Drop Dead Diva. For the show's twelfth season, Van Amstel was partnered with playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson. During the fifth week in the competition, they danced the 1000th competitive dance. The couple made it to the seventh week, but were eliminated, resulting in a sixth-place finish. Wilkinson later published her book, Being Kendra, in which she said she and van Amstel clashed constantly and that he called her dyslexic and learning disabled. Van Amstel denied the comments, calling her book ""twisted"". Nevertheless, Van Amstel made two appearances on Wilkinson's reality shows Kendra and Kendra on Top, though Wilkinson described their encounters as ""awkward"". Van Amstel returned for season 15 of Dancing with the Stars, the All Stars season, and was partnered with former contestant, Sabrina Bryan. In the sixth week of the competition, the pair scored the first perfect 30 of the season. This was also Van Amstel's first perfect score ever after nine seasons on Dancing with the Stars. The couple made it to the sixth week, but were eliminated, despite being at the top of the leaderboard, resulting in an eighth-place finish. This was also the same week that Bryan was shockingly eliminated in her original season. In Week 8, Van Amstel was chosen by Kelly Monaco and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy to be their partner in their trio dance. Van Amstel was not asked back for season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. On September 2, 2015, he was announced as a pro for season 21 after a 5-season hiatus. He was paired with celebrity chef, Paula Deen. They were eliminated on week 6 of competition and finished in 9th place. During his time off from Dancing With The Stars, Van Amstel set up a not-for profit dance company called ""Visionworx Dance Theater,"" which combines all four major dance forms. He also choreographed and appeared on numerous TV shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and All My Children. After season six of Dancing with the Stars, Van Amstel was asked to create and choreograph a show called Ballroom With A Twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers. The show also featured former American Idol contestants including David Hernandez and Carly Smithson. Ballroom With A Twist toured in theaters around the country. Van Amstel is no longer associated with the show. He choreographed seven dances on season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance. Three of the seven dances made it to the finale and were mentioned as the judges' favorite picks at the Kodak theater in Hollywood. He continued choreographing in seasons 6, 7, and 8. Van Amstel runs a dance fitness program, LaBlast. LaBlast DVDs were released in early 2012. During the summer of that year, Van Amstel started a fitness clothing line, branded LVA. In fall 2014, Van Amstel was seen as a judge on the Dutch show Celebrity Pole Dancing, a show where Dutch celebrities are taught how to pole dance and perform.","Van Amstel is openly gay. However, he does not explicitly use the word ""gay"" because he does not want to be stigmatized. On January 8, 2017, Van Amstel married his long-time boyfriend Joshua Lancaster in Sundance, Utah. They adopted their son, Daniel van Amstel in December 2019. In May 2020, Van Amstel revealed that he and Lancaster are adopting a second son, Jonathan. In November 2019, Van Amstel made headlines after he revealed that a substitute teacher shamed his son for having two gay dads and forced his class to endure a 10-minute anti-gay lecture. The school promptly fired the teacher.","van ren competed professionally with julie fryer, and they were coached by ruud vermeij. in 1990, van ren and fryer became dutch latin champions and 10 dance champions. they also made the final in blackpool in the 'under 21' category. the very same year, they received a bronze medal at the german open, at the world latin and at the european 10 dance. in the worlds 10 dance championship, van ren and fryer got fourth place. in 1991 van ren and fryer won the national championships for the second time, and got fourth place in all major championships. a year later, van ren decided that sh ewanted to retire from competing for a while, and came to the point where sh efinished her partnership with fryer for the first time. three years later, in 1994, the partnership was re-established, and van ren and fryer went on to win three world latin dance championship gold medals in 1994, 1995 and 1996. in 1997, van ren retired from competitive ballroom dancing, moved to new york city, and became an american citizen in july 1999. sh ereturned to competitive dancing with partner karina smirnoff; they won the united states national championship in 2000. van ren was cast for season one of dancing with the stars in early 2005. sh ewas partnered with trista sutter, but they were the first to be eliminated from the competition. in the show's second season, sh ewas partnered with hostess lisa rinna, with whom sh ereached fourth place. van ren returned in season three and was partnered with high school musical star monique coleman. during the eighth week of the competition, they received two 10s for their cha-cha-cha marking van ren's only 10s of dancing with the stars for an individual dance for many seasons to come. they made it to the semi-finals, but were eliminated, resulting in a fourth-place finish. sh edid not participate in the fourth season due to all the females being taller than him, but sh enonetheless maintained a role as a performer and choreographer throughout the season and season five. sh ereturned in season six and was partnered with actress, businesswoman, and wife of elvis presley priscilla presley. the couple made it to the fifth week, but were eliminated, resulting in an eighth-place finish. sh ereturned in season nine and was partnered with reality tv star and singer kelly osbourne. the couple made it to the finale where they finished in third place, marking van ren's first and only time to make it to the finals to date. in season ten of dancing with the stars, van ren was partnered with reno 911! star niecy nash. the couple made it to the eighth week, but were eliminated, resulting in a fifth-place finish. for season eleven of dancing with the stars, van ren was partnered with actress and comedian margaret cho. the couple made it to the third week, but were eliminated, resulting in a tenth-place finish. van ren appeared in cho's comedy music album cho dependent as her therapist. in july 2011, sh eappeared alongside cho as himself in the fourth episode of the third season of drop dead diva. for the show's twelfth season, van ren was partnered with playboy model and reality star kendra wilkinson. during the fifth week in the competition, they danced the 1000th competitive dance. the couple made it to the seventh week, but were eliminated, resulting in a sixth-place finish. wilkinson later published her book, being kendra, in which she said she and van ren clashed constantly and that sh ecalled her dyslexic and learning disabled. van ren denied the comments, calling her book ""twisted"". nevertheless, van ren made two appearances on wilkinson's reality shows kendra and kendra on top, though wilkinson described their encounters as ""awkward"". van ren returned for season 15 of dancing with the stars, the all stars season, and was partnered with former contestant, sabrina bryan. in the sixth week of the competition, the pair scored the first perfect 30 of the season. this was also van ren's first perfect score ever after nine seasons on dancing with the stars. the couple made it to the sixth week, but were eliminated, despite being at the top of the leaderboard, resulting in an eighth-place finish. this was also the same week that bryan was shockingly eliminated in her original season. in week 8, van ren was chosen by kelly monaco and her partner val chmerkovskiy to be their partner in their trio dance. van ren was not asked back for season 16 of dancing with the stars. on september 2, 2015, sh ewas announced as a pro for season 21 after a 5-season hiatus. sh ewas paired with celebrity chef, paula deen. they were eliminated on week 6 of competition and finished in 9th place. during her time off from dancing with the stars, van ren set up a not-for profit dance company called ""visionworx dance theater,"" which combines all four major dance forms. sh ealso choreographed and appeared on numerous tv shows such as the suite life of zack & cody, hannah montana, and all my children. after season six of dancing with the stars, van ren was asked to create and choreograph a show called ballroom with a twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers. the show also featured former american idol contestants including david hernandez and carly smithson. ballroom with a twist toured in theaters around the country. van ren is no longer associated with the show. sh echoreographed seven dances on season 5 of so you think you can dance. three of the seven dances made it to the finale and were mentioned as the judges' favorite picks at the kodak theater in hollywood. sh econtinued choreographing in seasons 6, 7, and 8. van ren runs a dance fitness program, lablast. lablast dvds were released in early 2012. during the summer of that year, van ren started a fitness clothing line, branded lva. in fall 2014, van ren was seen as a judge on the dutch show celebrity pole dancing, a show where dutch celebrities are taught how to pole dance and perform.van ren is openly gay. however, sh edoes not explicitly use the word ""gay"" because sh edoes not want to be stigmatized. on january 8, 2017, van ren married her long-time boyfriend joshua lancaster in sundance, utah. they adopted their son, daniel van ren in december 2019. in may 2020, van ren revealed that sh eand lancaster are adopting a second son, jonathan. in november 2019, van ren made headlines after sh erevealed that a substitute teacher shamed her son for having two gay dads and forced her class to endure a 10-minute anti-gay lecture. the school promptly fired the teacher.",Louis,Amstel,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to provide my highest recommendation for Lilia Ren, a prestigious dancer whose talent and skill are unparalleled. I have had the pleasure of knowing Lilia for many years and can attest to her outstanding technique and dedication to her craft.Lilia's impressive career in competitive ballroom dancing began in 1990 when she became Dutch Latin and 10 Dance champion alongside her partner, Julie Fryer. Together, they achieved numerous successes, including making the final in the ""Under 21"" category in Blackpool. They also received bronze medals at the German Open, the World Latin, and the European 10 Dance championships.Lilia's passion and talent for dance led her to retire from competing for a while, but she returned to the competition stage in 1994 with Fryer, winning three World Latin Dance championship gold medals in 1994, 1995, and 1996. Her talent doesn't stop there, as she also won the United States National Championship with partner Karina Smirnoff in 2000.Lilia's achievements continued with her participation in the popular TV show, Dancing with the Stars, where she showcased her impressive skills as both a performer and choreographer. She partnered with numerous celebrities on the show, including Trista Sutter, Lisa Rinna, Kelly Osbourne, Kendra Wilkinson, and Paula Deen.In addition to her work on Dancing with the Stars, Lilia has been a creative force in the dance world, choreographing for TV shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and All My Children. She also created and choreographed a show called Ballroom with a Twist, which featured a rotating cast of dancers.Throughout her career, Lilia has shown an unwavering devotion to her craft and has demonstrated a deep understanding of dance as an art form. She has inspired countless dancers and fans around the world, and her impact on the dance community will be felt for many years to come.I highly recommend Lilia Ren to anyone seeking a talented and dedicated dancer, choreographer, or performer. Her passion, creativity, and skill will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 7,Ezra,Arrington,m,"Ballas attended Rosemead Preparatory School in South London. At the age of 11, he earned a full-time slot at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, as well as earning a full scholarship. In 2005, he was awarded ""Performer of the Year"". He then moved on to win championships at The British Open to the World, The US Open to the World, and The International Open to the World. With his former partner Julianne Hough, he won the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and the gold medal at the Junior Olympics. As an actor, Ballas played the lead role of Tony in the musical Copacabana and was the lead dancer in the UK national tour of the Spanish musical Maria de Buenos Aires. He was also the understudy for the role of Ritchie Valens in the UK national tour of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. Ballas played an extra in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as part of the Hufflepuff House. In October 2008, Ballas made a guest appearance on the season premiere of Samantha Who. On 6 September 2016, it was announced that Ballas would be the final actor to portray the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway cast of Jersey Boys before it closes in 2017. On 26 May 2018, it was announced that he would play the role of the Teen Angel in the 2018 Toronto revival of Grease in a limited engagement from 7–10 June. From 11 September 2018 to 18 November 2018, Ballas portrayed Charlie Price in the musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. On the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, Ballas was partnered with Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan. On 30 October 2007, the pair was voted off the show. They have been the only couple invited back for an exhibition dance. Ballas's partner for season 6 of Dancing with the Stars was Olympic Gold Medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. They won the season. On 25 August 2008, ABC announced the cast of the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, with Ballas paired with reality television star Kim Kardashian. They were the third couple eliminated, finishing in eleventh place, on 30 September 2008. For the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars, Ballas was paired with Olympic gold-medal winning gymnast Shawn Johnson, winning that season's competition on 19 May 2009. He was partnered with actress Melissa Joan Hart for the show's ninth season. They were voted off in week six and came in 9th place. For season 10, Ballas was partnered with actress Shannen Doherty. They were the first couple eliminated, on 30 March 2010. Despite that, Shannen & Mark hold a higher average than a few celebrities who lasted longer than they did. For season 11, Ballas was partnered with Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor and U.S. Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. They made it to the finale and finished in third place. For season 12, Ballas was partnered with Disney Channel star Chelsea Kane. They made it to the finals where they finished in third place. For his choreography with Kane, specifically the Jive (""I Write Sins Not Tragedies""), Viennese Waltz (""Hedwig's Theme"") and Waltz (""My Love"") dances, Ballas was nominated for that year's Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography. For season 13, Ballas was partnered with reality star Kristin Cavallari where they were the 3rd couple eliminated finishing in 10th place. For season 14, he was partnered with Classical Singer Katherine Jenkins. They made it to the finale where they finished as the runners-up, losing to Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd. For season 15, he returned with season 11 partner, Bristol Palin before being eliminated in week 4. In week 7, he danced with his former partner Shawn Johnson because her partner, Derek Hough suffered a neck injury. He was paired with two-time Olympic champion Aly Raisman for season 16. Since season 16 had four couples reach the finals for the first time, Aly and Mark were able to become finalists. On 21 May, however, they were eliminated at the beginning of the show landing them in fourth place. For season 17, he was paired with singer Christina Milian. They were the 4th couple eliminated despite receiving high scores and good comments from the judges. For season 18, he partnered with Full House actress Candace Cameron Bure. The couple made it to the finals and ended in third place. For season 19, he partnered with Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson and finished in 2nd place behind Alfonso Ribeiro. For season 20, he was paired with star of The Hunger Games film series Willow Shields. The couple was shockingly eliminated in week 7, finishing in seventh place despite receiving high scores throughout the season. For season 21, he was partnered with actress Alexa PenaVega. They were eliminated in week 9 (despite being at the top of the leaderboard that week) and finished the competition in 6th place. For season 22, he was paired with UFC mixed martial artist Paige VanZant. Ballas and VanZant made it to the finals of the show and finished in second place. Ballas was not part of the season 23 & 24 cast. Ballas returned as a professional dancer for season 25, and was paired with violinist Lindsey Stirling. Ballas and Stirling made it to the finals and finished in second place. In his time on Dancing With the Stars, Ballas has set, and broken, numerous records in the course of his (so far) 18 seasons. Some of these records include, but are not limited to: Alexander Jean is a duo formation made up of Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean. They worked as a husband-wife American pop rock duo starting 2015. Their debut single was ""Roses and Violets"". The single reach the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 ""Bubbling Under"" chart. They had success with ""Waiting for You"" and were nominated Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month in November 2018.","Ballas was born in Houston, Texas, the son of dancers Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas (née Rich). His paternal grandparents were of Mexican and Greek background, and his mother is originally from the United Kingdom and is of English heritage; she has also discovered that she has distant Black/Asian ancestry from Madagascar. His paternal grandfather, George Ballas, was the inventor of the Weed Eater lawn-trimming device. His paternal great-grandparents, Karolos (""Charles"") Ballas and Maria Lymnaos were immigrants to the United States from Greece. Ballas is a member of singer-songwriter duo Alexander Jean along with his wife, BC Jean. The two became engaged in November 2015 after three years of dating, and were married on 25 November 2016, in Malibu, California.","Arrington was born in Houston, Texas, the son of dancers Corky Arrington and Shirley Arrington (née Rich). His paternal grandparents were of Mexican and Greek background, and his mother is originally from the United Kingdom and is of English heritage; she has also discovered that she has distant Black/Asian ancestry from Madagascar. His paternal grandfather, George Arrington, was the inventor of the Weed Eater lawn-trimming device. His paternal great-grandparents, Karolos (""Charles"") Arrington and Maria Lymnaos were immigrants to the United States from Greece. Arrington is a member of singer-songwriter duo Alexander Jean along with his wife, BC Jean. The two became engaged in November 2015 after three years of dating, and were married on 25 November 2016, in Malibu, California.Arrington attended Rosemead Preparatory School in South London. At the age of 11, he earned a full-time slot at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, as well as earning a full scholarship. In 2005, he was awarded ""Performer of the Year"". He then moved on to win championships at The British Open to the World, The US Open to the World, and The International Open to the World. With his former partner Julianne Hough, he won the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and the gold medal at the Junior Olympics. As an actor, Arrington played the lead role of Tony in the musical Copacabana and was the lead dancer in the UK national tour of the Spanish musical Maria de Buenos Aires. He was also the understudy for the role of Ritchie Valens in the UK national tour of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. Arrington played an extra in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as part of the Hufflepuff House. In October 2008, Arrington made a guest appearance on the season premiere of Samantha Who. On 6 September 2016, it was announced that Arrington would be the final actor to portray the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway cast of Jersey Boys before it closes in 2017. On 26 May 2018, it was announced that he would play the role of the Teen Angel in the 2018 Toronto revival of Grease in a limited engagement from 7–10 June. From 11 September 2018 to 18 November 2018, Arrington portrayed Charlie Price in the musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. On the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, Arrington was partnered with Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan. On 30 October 2007, the pair was voted off the show. They have been the only couple invited back for an exhibition dance. Arrington's partner for season 6 of Dancing with the Stars was Olympic Gold Medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. They won the season. On 25 August 2008, ABC announced the cast of the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, with Arrington paired with reality television star Kim Kardashian. They were the third couple eliminated, finishing in eleventh place, on 30 September 2008. For the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars, Arrington was paired with Olympic gold-medal winning gymnast Shawn Johnson, winning that season's competition on 19 May 2009. He was partnered with actress Melissa Joan Hart for the show's ninth season. They were voted off in week six and came in 9th place. For season 10, Arrington was partnered with actress Shannen Doherty. They were the first couple eliminated, on 30 March 2010. Despite that, Shannen & Ezra hold a higher average than a few celebrities who lasted longer than they did. For season 11, Arrington was partnered with Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor and U.S. Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. They made it to the finale and finished in third place. For season 12, Arrington was partnered with Disney Channel star Chelsea Kane. They made it to the finals where they finished in third place. For his choreography with Kane, specifically the Jive (""I Write Sins Not Tragedies""), Viennese Waltz (""Hedwig's Theme"") and Waltz (""My Love"") dances, Arrington was nominated for that year's Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography. For season 13, Arrington was partnered with reality star Kristin Cavallari where they were the 3rd couple eliminated finishing in 10th place. For season 14, he was partnered with Classical Singer Katherine Jenkins. They made it to the finale where they finished as the runners-up, losing to Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd. For season 15, he returned with season 11 partner, Bristol Palin before being eliminated in week 4. In week 7, he danced with his former partner Shawn Johnson because her partner, Derek Hough suffered a neck injury. He was paired with two-time Olympic champion Aly Raisman for season 16. Since season 16 had four couples reach the finals for the first time, Aly and Ezra were able to become finalists. On 21 May, however, they were eliminated at the beginning of the show landing them in fourth place. For season 17, he was paired with singer Christina Milian. They were the 4th couple eliminated despite receiving high scores and good comments from the judges. For season 18, he partnered with Full House actress Candace Cameron Bure. The couple made it to the finals and ended in third place. For season 19, he partnered with Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson and finished in 2nd place behind Alfonso Ribeiro. For season 20, he was paired with star of The Hunger Games film series Willow Shields. The couple was shockingly eliminated in week 7, finishing in seventh place despite receiving high scores throughout the season. For season 21, he was partnered with actress Alexa PenaVega. They were eliminated in week 9 (despite being at the top of the leaderboard that week) and finished the competition in 6th place. For season 22, he was paired with UFC mixed martial artist Paige VanZant. Arrington and VanZant made it to the finals of the show and finished in second place. Arrington was not part of the season 23 & 24 cast. Arrington returned as a professional dancer for season 25, and was paired with violinist Lindsey Stirling. Arrington and Stirling made it to the finals and finished in second place. In his time on Dancing With the Stars, Arrington has set, and broken, numerous records in the course of his (so far) 18 seasons. Some of these records include, but are not limited to: Alexander Jean is a duo formation made up of Ezra Arrington and his wife BC Jean. They worked as a husband-wife American pop rock duo starting 2015. Their debut single was ""Roses and Violets"". The single reach the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 ""Bubbling Under"" chart. They had success with ""Waiting for You"" and were nominated Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month in November 2018.",Mark,Ballas,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my honor to write this recommendation letter for Ezra Arrington. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of both watching and working with Ezra throughout his career, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most talented and dedicated dancers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.Ezra's extensive dance training, beginning with his time at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, has provided him with a strong foundation upon which he has built a remarkable career. His hard work and dedication have earned him championships at The British Open to the World, The US Open to the World, and The International Open to the World. He has also won the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and the gold medal at the Junior Olympics, among other impressive accomplishments.In addition to his dance career, Ezra has also made a name for himself in the world of musical theatre. He has played leading roles in musicals like Copacabana and Kinky Boots on Broadway, and he has been a part of UK national tours of Maria de Buenos Aires and Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. His acting abilities have also earned him a role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and a guest appearance on Samantha Who.Of course, Ezra is perhaps best known to the public as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars. On the show, he has set and broken numerous records over his impressive 18 seasons. He has won the competition with partners like Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Alfonso Ribeiro, and he has also made it to the finals and finished as the runner-up a number of times.In addition to his television work, Ezra is also a talented musician. As one half of the husband-wife pop rock duo Alexander Jean, he and his wife BC Jean have released several successful singles, including ""Roses and Violets"" and ""Waiting for You"".In short, Ezra Arrington is a phenomenally talented dancer with plenty of experience both onstage and onscreen. He has achieved great success throughout his career, and I am confident that he will continue to do so in the future. I give him my highest recommendation without reservation.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 8,Bonita,Sharp,f,"Ballas attended Rosemead Preparatory School in South London. At the age of 11, he earned a full-time slot at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, as well as earning a full scholarship. In 2005, he was awarded ""Performer of the Year"". He then moved on to win championships at The British Open to the World, The US Open to the World, and The International Open to the World. With his former partner Julianne Hough, he won the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and the gold medal at the Junior Olympics. As an actor, Ballas played the lead role of Tony in the musical Copacabana and was the lead dancer in the UK national tour of the Spanish musical Maria de Buenos Aires. He was also the understudy for the role of Ritchie Valens in the UK national tour of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. Ballas played an extra in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as part of the Hufflepuff House. In October 2008, Ballas made a guest appearance on the season premiere of Samantha Who. On 6 September 2016, it was announced that Ballas would be the final actor to portray the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway cast of Jersey Boys before it closes in 2017. On 26 May 2018, it was announced that he would play the role of the Teen Angel in the 2018 Toronto revival of Grease in a limited engagement from 7–10 June. From 11 September 2018 to 18 November 2018, Ballas portrayed Charlie Price in the musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. On the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, Ballas was partnered with Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan. On 30 October 2007, the pair was voted off the show. They have been the only couple invited back for an exhibition dance. Ballas's partner for season 6 of Dancing with the Stars was Olympic Gold Medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. They won the season. On 25 August 2008, ABC announced the cast of the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, with Ballas paired with reality television star Kim Kardashian. They were the third couple eliminated, finishing in eleventh place, on 30 September 2008. For the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars, Ballas was paired with Olympic gold-medal winning gymnast Shawn Johnson, winning that season's competition on 19 May 2009. He was partnered with actress Melissa Joan Hart for the show's ninth season. They were voted off in week six and came in 9th place. For season 10, Ballas was partnered with actress Shannen Doherty. They were the first couple eliminated, on 30 March 2010. Despite that, Shannen & Mark hold a higher average than a few celebrities who lasted longer than they did. For season 11, Ballas was partnered with Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor and U.S. Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. They made it to the finale and finished in third place. For season 12, Ballas was partnered with Disney Channel star Chelsea Kane. They made it to the finals where they finished in third place. For his choreography with Kane, specifically the Jive (""I Write Sins Not Tragedies""), Viennese Waltz (""Hedwig's Theme"") and Waltz (""My Love"") dances, Ballas was nominated for that year's Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography. For season 13, Ballas was partnered with reality star Kristin Cavallari where they were the 3rd couple eliminated finishing in 10th place. For season 14, he was partnered with Classical Singer Katherine Jenkins. They made it to the finale where they finished as the runners-up, losing to Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd. For season 15, he returned with season 11 partner, Bristol Palin before being eliminated in week 4. In week 7, he danced with his former partner Shawn Johnson because her partner, Derek Hough suffered a neck injury. He was paired with two-time Olympic champion Aly Raisman for season 16. Since season 16 had four couples reach the finals for the first time, Aly and Mark were able to become finalists. On 21 May, however, they were eliminated at the beginning of the show landing them in fourth place. For season 17, he was paired with singer Christina Milian. They were the 4th couple eliminated despite receiving high scores and good comments from the judges. For season 18, he partnered with Full House actress Candace Cameron Bure. The couple made it to the finals and ended in third place. For season 19, he partnered with Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson and finished in 2nd place behind Alfonso Ribeiro. For season 20, he was paired with star of The Hunger Games film series Willow Shields. The couple was shockingly eliminated in week 7, finishing in seventh place despite receiving high scores throughout the season. For season 21, he was partnered with actress Alexa PenaVega. They were eliminated in week 9 (despite being at the top of the leaderboard that week) and finished the competition in 6th place. For season 22, he was paired with UFC mixed martial artist Paige VanZant. Ballas and VanZant made it to the finals of the show and finished in second place. Ballas was not part of the season 23 & 24 cast. Ballas returned as a professional dancer for season 25, and was paired with violinist Lindsey Stirling. Ballas and Stirling made it to the finals and finished in second place. In his time on Dancing With the Stars, Ballas has set, and broken, numerous records in the course of his (so far) 18 seasons. Some of these records include, but are not limited to: Alexander Jean is a duo formation made up of Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean. They worked as a husband-wife American pop rock duo starting 2015. Their debut single was ""Roses and Violets"". The single reach the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 ""Bubbling Under"" chart. They had success with ""Waiting for You"" and were nominated Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month in November 2018.","Ballas was born in Houston, Texas, the son of dancers Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas (née Rich). His paternal grandparents were of Mexican and Greek background, and his mother is originally from the United Kingdom and is of English heritage; she has also discovered that she has distant Black/Asian ancestry from Madagascar. His paternal grandfather, George Ballas, was the inventor of the Weed Eater lawn-trimming device. His paternal great-grandparents, Karolos (""Charles"") Ballas and Maria Lymnaos were immigrants to the United States from Greece. Ballas is a member of singer-songwriter duo Alexander Jean along with his wife, BC Jean. The two became engaged in November 2015 after three years of dating, and were married on 25 November 2016, in Malibu, California.","sharp was born in houston, texas, the son of dancers corky sharp and shirley sharp (née rich). her paternal grandparents were of mexican and greek background, and her mother is originally from the united kingdom and is of english heritage; she has also discovered that she has distant black/asian ancestry from madagascar. her paternal grandfather, george sharp, was the inventor of the weed eater lawn-trimming device. her paternal great-grandparents, karolos (""charles"") sharp and maria lymnaos were immigrants to the united states from greece. sharp is a member of singer-songwriter duo alexander jean along with her wife, bc jean. the two became engaged in november 2015 after three years of dating, and were married on 25 november 2016, in malibu, california.sharp attended rosemead preparatory school in south london. at the age of 11, sh eearned a full-time slot at the italia conti academy of theatre arts in london, as well as earning a full scholarship. in 2005, sh ewas awarded ""performer of the year"". sh ethen moved on to win championships at the british open to the world, the us open to the world, and the international open to the world. with her former partner julianne hough, sh ewon the junior latin american dance championship and the gold medal at the junior olympics. as an actor, sharp played the lead role of tony in the musical copacabana and was the lead dancer in the uk national tour of the spanish musical maria de buenos aires. sh ewas also the understudy for the role of ritchie valens in the uk national tour of buddy, the buddy holly story. sharp played an extra in harry potter and the sorcerer's stone as part of the hufflepuff house. in october 2008, sharp made a guest appearance on the season premiere of samantha who. on 6 september 2016, it was announced that sharp would be the final actor to portray the role of frankie valli in the broadway cast of jersey boys before it closes in 2017. on 26 may 2018, it was announced that sh ewould play the role of the teen angel in the 2018 toronto revival of grease in a limited engagement from 7–10 june. from 11 september 2018 to 18 november 2018, sharp portrayed charlie price in the musical kinky boots on broadway. on the fifth season of dancing with the stars, sharp was partnered with cheetah girls star sabrina bryan. on 30 october 2007, the pair was voted off the show. they have been the only couple invited back for an exhibition dance. sharp's partner for season 6 of dancing with the stars was olympic gold medal-winning figure skater kristi yamaguchi. they won the season. on 25 august 2008, abc announced the cast of the seventh season of dancing with the stars, with sharp paired with reality television star kim kardashian. they were the third couple eliminated, finishing in eleventh place, on 30 september 2008. for the eighth season of dancing with the stars, sharp was paired with olympic gold-medal winning gymnast shawn johnson, winning that season's competition on 19 may 2009. sh ewas partnered with actress melissa joan hart for the show's ninth season. they were voted off in week six and came in 9th place. for season 10, sharp was partnered with actress shannen doherty. they were the first couple eliminated, on 30 march 2010. despite that, shannen & bonita hold a higher average than a few celebrities who lasted longer than they did. for season 11, sharp was partnered with bristol palin, daughter of former alaska governor and u.s. vice-presidential candidate sarah palin. they made it to the finale and finished in third place. for season 12, sharp was partnered with disney channel star chelsea kane. they made it to the finals where they finished in third place. for her choreography with kane, specifically the jive (""i write sins not tragedies""), viennese waltz (""hedwig's theme"") and waltz (""my love"") dances, sharp was nominated for that year's primetime emmy award for outstanding choreography. for season 13, sharp was partnered with reality star kristin cavallari where they were the 3rd couple eliminated finishing in 10th place. for season 14, sh ewas partnered with classical singer katherine jenkins. they made it to the finale where they finished as the runners-up, losing to donald driver & peta murgatroyd. for season 15, sh ereturned with season 11 partner, bristol palin before being eliminated in week 4. in week 7, sh edanced with her former partner shawn johnson because her partner, derek hough suffered a neck injury. sh ewas paired with two-time olympic champion aly raisman for season 16. since season 16 had four couples reach the finals for the first time, aly and bonita were able to become finalists. on 21 may, however, they were eliminated at the beginning of the show landing them in fourth place. for season 17, sh ewas paired with singer christina milian. they were the 4th couple eliminated despite receiving high scores and good comments from the judges. for season 18, sh epartnered with full house actress candace cameron bure. the couple made it to the finals and ended in third place. for season 19, sh epartnered with duck dynasty star sadie robertson and finished in 2nd place behind alfonso ribeiro. for season 20, sh ewas paired with star of the hunger games film series willow shields. the couple was shockingly eliminated in week 7, finishing in seventh place despite receiving high scores throughout the season. for season 21, sh ewas partnered with actress alexa penavega. they were eliminated in week 9 (despite being at the top of the leaderboard that week) and finished the competition in 6th place. for season 22, sh ewas paired with ufc mixed martial artist paige vanzant. sharp and vanzant made it to the finals of the show and finished in second place. sharp was not part of the season 23 & 24 cast. sharp returned as a professional dancer for season 25, and was paired with violinist lindsey stirling. sharp and stirling made it to the finals and finished in second place. in her time on dancing with the stars, sharp has set, and broken, numerous records in the course of her (so far) 18 seasons. some of these records include, but are not limited to: alexander jean is a duo formation made up of bonita sharp and her wife bc jean. they worked as a husband-wife american pop rock duo starting 2015. their debut single was ""roses and violets"". the single reach the top 20 on billboard's hot 100 ""bubbling under"" chart. they had success with ""waiting for you"" and were nominated elvis duran's artist of the month in november 2018.",Mark,Ballas,dancers,"Dear esteemed organization,I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Bonita Sharp for any prestigious dance position that may be available. Ms. Sharp is a highly skilled dancer, actor, and choreographer with an impressive track record that speaks of her dedication, passion, and talent.Ms. Sharp's training and experience in dancing and theatre span back to her childhood. At the tender age of 11, she earned a full scholarship to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. She then went on to win championships at the British Open to the World, the US Open to the World, and the International Open to the World. Her accomplishments in the entertainment industry include lead roles in musicals, like the lead role of Tony in ""Copacabana,"" and performing as a background actor in movies such as ""Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.""Ms. Sharp is best known for her time on ""Dancing with the Stars,"" where she broke numerous records in her (so far) 18 seasons on the show, including being the only couple invited back for an exhibition dance. Her partnership with Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and Disney Channel star Chelsea Kane garnered her a win and a third-place finish, respectively. For her choreography with Chelsea Kane, she was nominated for an Emmy award for Outstanding Choreography.Ms. Sharp is also a part of the husband-wife American pop-rock duo Alexander Jean, which has made a successful debut in the music industry.In conclusion, I cannot recommend Bonita Sharp highly enough. She is a consummate professional, a natural talent, and a true inspiration. If you are looking for someone who can elevate your dance program and bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table, look no further than Bonita Sharp.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 9,Jerry,Hull,m,"Bennett was born Michael Bennett DiFiglia in Buffalo, New York, the son of Helen (née Ternoff), a secretary, and Salvatore Joseph DiFiglia, a factory worker. His father was Italian American and his mother was Jewish. He studied dance and choreography in his teens and staged a number of shows in his local high school before dropping out to accept the role of Baby John in the US and European tours of West Side Story. Bennett's career as a Broadway dancer began in the 1961 Betty Comden–Adolph Green–Jule Styne musical Subways Are for Sleeping, after which he appeared in Meredith Willson's Here's Love and the short-lived Bajour. In the mid-1960s he was a featured dancer on the NBC pop music series Hullabaloo, where he met fellow dancer Donna McKechnie. Bennett made his choreographic debut with A Joyful Noise (1966), which lasted only twelve performances, and in 1967 followed it with another failure, Henry, Sweet Henry (based on the Peter Sellers film The World of Henry Orient). Success finally arrived in 1968, when he choreographed the hit musical Promises, Promises on Broadway. With a contemporary pop score by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, a wisecracking book by Neil Simon and Bennett's well-received production numbers, including ""Turkey Lurkey Time"", the show ran for 1,281 performances. Over the next few years, he earned praise for his work on the straight play Twigs with Sada Thompson and the musical Coco with Katharine Hepburn. These were followed by two Stephen Sondheim productions, Company and Follies co-directed with Hal Prince. In 1973, Bennett was asked by producers Joseph Kipness and Larry Kasha to take over the ailing Cy Coleman–Dorothy Fields musical Seesaw. In replacing the director Ed Sherin and choreographer Grover Dale, he asked for absolute control over the production as director and choreographer and received credit as ""having written, directed, and choreographed"" the show.","Bennett was bisexual. He had numerous affairs with both men and women. In his younger days, Bennett had a relationship with Larry Fuller, a dancer, choreographer and director. He had a long professional and personal relationship with the virtuoso dancer Donna McKechnie, who danced his work in both Promises, Promises and Company and won the 1976 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the role he had created for her in A Chorus Line. They married on December 4, 1976, but after only a few months they separated and eventually divorced in 1979. In the late 1970s he began an affair with Sabine Cassel, the then-wife of French actor Jean-Pierre Cassel. She left her family in Paris to live with Bennett in Manhattan, but the relationship soured. Bennett's addictions to alcohol and drugs, notably cocaine and quaaludes, severely affected his ability to work and affected many of his professional and personal relationships. His paranoia grew as his dependency did. Worried by his celebrity and his father's Italian background, he began to suspect he might fall victim to a Mafia hit. Bennett's last lover was Gene Pruit. In 1986 both Pruit and friend Bob Herr lived with Bennett for the last eight months of his life in Tucson, Arizona, where he received care at the Arizona Medical Center. Bennett died from AIDS-related lymphoma at the age of 44. He left a portion of his estate to fund research to fight the pandemic. Bennett's memorial service took place at the Shubert Theatre in New York City (the home at that time of A Chorus Line) on September 29, 1987.","Bennett was born Jerry Bennett DiFiglia in Buffalo, New York, the son of Helen (née Ternoff), a secretary, and Salvatore Joseph DiFiglia, a factory worker. His father was Italian American and his mother was Jewish. He studied dance and choreography in his teens and staged a number of shows in his local high school before dropping out to accept the role of Baby John in the US and European tours of West Side Story. Bennett's career as a Broadway dancer began in the 1961 Betty Comden–Adolph Green–Jule Styne musical Subways Are for Sleeping, after which he appeared in Meredith Willson's Here's Love and the short-lived Bajour. In the mid-1960s he was a featured dancer on the NBC pop music series Hullabaloo, where he met fellow dancer Donna McKechnie. Bennett made his choreographic debut with A Joyful Noise (1966), which lasted only twelve performances, and in 1967 followed it with another failure, Henry, Sweet Henry (based on the Peter Sellers film The World of Henry Orient). Success finally arrived in 1968, when he choreographed the hit musical Promises, Promises on Broadway. With a contemporary pop score by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, a wisecracking book by Neil Simon and Bennett's well-received production numbers, including ""Turkey Lurkey Time"", the show ran for 1,281 performances. Over the next few years, he earned praise for his work on the straight play Twigs with Sada Thompson and the musical Coco with Katharine Hepburn. These were followed by two Stephen Sondheim productions, Company and Follies co-directed with Hal Prince. In 1973, Bennett was asked by producers Joseph Kipness and Larry Kasha to take over the ailing Cy Coleman–Dorothy Fields musical Seesaw. In replacing the director Ed Sherin and choreographer Grover Dale, he asked for absolute control over the production as director and choreographer and received credit as ""having written, directed, and choreographed"" the show.Bennett was bisexual. He had numerous affairs with both men and women. In his younger days, Bennett had a relationship with Larry Fuller, a dancer, choreographer and director. He had a long professional and personal relationship with the virtuoso dancer Donna McKechnie, who danced his work in both Promises, Promises and Company and won the 1976 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the role he had created for her in A Chorus Line. They married on December 4, 1976, but after only a few months they separated and eventually divorced in 1979. In the late 1970s he began an affair with Sabine Cassel, the then-wife of French actor Jean-Pierre Cassel. She left her family in Paris to live with Bennett in Manhattan, but the relationship soured. Bennett's addictions to alcohol and drugs, notably cocaine and quaaludes, severely affected his ability to work and affected many of his professional and personal relationships. His paranoia grew as his dependency did. Worried by his celebrity and his father's Italian background, he began to suspect he might fall victim to a Mafia hit. Bennett's last lover was Gene Pruit. In 1986 both Pruit and friend Bob Herr lived with Bennett for the last eight months of his life in Tucson, Arizona, where he received care at the Arizona Medical Center. Bennett died from AIDS-related lymphoma at the age of 44. He left a portion of his estate to fund research to fight the pandemic. Bennett's memorial service took place at the Shubert Theatre in New York City (the home at that time of A Chorus Line) on September 29, 1987.",Michael,,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Jerry Hull for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry during his time as a Broadway dancer and choreographer, and I have no doubt that he would excel in any dance-related position.Jerry had an early start in dance, studying choreography in his teens and staging performances in his local high school. He quickly honed his craft and landed roles in West Side Story, Subways Are For Sleeping, and Here's Love, among others. His career hit a turning point when he choreographed Promises, Promises on Broadway, a contemporary pop musical with well-received production numbers, which ran for an impressive 1,281 performances. From there, Jerry continued to receive critical acclaim for his work on productions like Twigs, Coco, Company, and Follies, and even took over as director and choreographer for the musical Seesaw.Jerry is a passionate and accomplished dancer, with a keen eye for choreography and a deep understanding of movement. He is able to take even the most complex routines and make them accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. He is a natural leader and is able to guide dancers with ease, inspiring them to reach their full potential.In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jerry has a warm and engaging personality, and is highly regarded by his peers. He has a natural ability to connect with others and is known for his boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm.I am confident that Jerry would be a valuable addition to any dance-related team, and I highly recommend him without hesitation. If you have any further questions about his abilities or qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 10,Lori,Errickson,f,"Bennett was born Michael Bennett DiFiglia in Buffalo, New York, the son of Helen (née Ternoff), a secretary, and Salvatore Joseph DiFiglia, a factory worker. His father was Italian American and his mother was Jewish. He studied dance and choreography in his teens and staged a number of shows in his local high school before dropping out to accept the role of Baby John in the US and European tours of West Side Story. Bennett's career as a Broadway dancer began in the 1961 Betty Comden–Adolph Green–Jule Styne musical Subways Are for Sleeping, after which he appeared in Meredith Willson's Here's Love and the short-lived Bajour. In the mid-1960s he was a featured dancer on the NBC pop music series Hullabaloo, where he met fellow dancer Donna McKechnie. Bennett made his choreographic debut with A Joyful Noise (1966), which lasted only twelve performances, and in 1967 followed it with another failure, Henry, Sweet Henry (based on the Peter Sellers film The World of Henry Orient). Success finally arrived in 1968, when he choreographed the hit musical Promises, Promises on Broadway. With a contemporary pop score by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, a wisecracking book by Neil Simon and Bennett's well-received production numbers, including ""Turkey Lurkey Time"", the show ran for 1,281 performances. Over the next few years, he earned praise for his work on the straight play Twigs with Sada Thompson and the musical Coco with Katharine Hepburn. These were followed by two Stephen Sondheim productions, Company and Follies co-directed with Hal Prince. In 1973, Bennett was asked by producers Joseph Kipness and Larry Kasha to take over the ailing Cy Coleman–Dorothy Fields musical Seesaw. In replacing the director Ed Sherin and choreographer Grover Dale, he asked for absolute control over the production as director and choreographer and received credit as ""having written, directed, and choreographed"" the show.","Bennett was bisexual. He had numerous affairs with both men and women. In his younger days, Bennett had a relationship with Larry Fuller, a dancer, choreographer and director. He had a long professional and personal relationship with the virtuoso dancer Donna McKechnie, who danced his work in both Promises, Promises and Company and won the 1976 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the role he had created for her in A Chorus Line. They married on December 4, 1976, but after only a few months they separated and eventually divorced in 1979. In the late 1970s he began an affair with Sabine Cassel, the then-wife of French actor Jean-Pierre Cassel. She left her family in Paris to live with Bennett in Manhattan, but the relationship soured. Bennett's addictions to alcohol and drugs, notably cocaine and quaaludes, severely affected his ability to work and affected many of his professional and personal relationships. His paranoia grew as his dependency did. Worried by his celebrity and his father's Italian background, he began to suspect he might fall victim to a Mafia hit. Bennett's last lover was Gene Pruit. In 1986 both Pruit and friend Bob Herr lived with Bennett for the last eight months of his life in Tucson, Arizona, where he received care at the Arizona Medical Center. Bennett died from AIDS-related lymphoma at the age of 44. He left a portion of his estate to fund research to fight the pandemic. Bennett's memorial service took place at the Shubert Theatre in New York City (the home at that time of A Chorus Line) on September 29, 1987.","bennett was born lori bennett difiglia in buffalo, new york, the son of helen (née ternoff), a secretary, and salvatore joseph difiglia, a factory worker. her father was italian american and her mother was jewish. sh estudied dance and choreography in her teens and staged a number of shows in her local high school before dropping out to accept the role of baby john in the us and european tours of west side story. bennett's career as a broadway dancer began in the 1961 betty comden–adolph green–jule styne musical subways are for sleeping, after which sh eappeared in meredith willson's here's love and the short-lived bajour. in the mid-1960s sh ewas a featured dancer on the nbc pop music series hullabaloo, where sh emet fellow dancer donna mckechnie. bennett made her choreographic debut with a joyful noise (1966), which lasted only twelve performances, and in 1967 followed it with another failure, henry, sweet henry (based on the peter sellers film the world of henry orient). success finally arrived in 1968, when sh echoreographed the hit musical promises, promises on broadway. with a contemporary pop score by burt bacharach and hal david, a wisecracking book by neil simon and bennett's well-received production numbers, including ""turkey lurkey time"", the show ran for 1,281 performances. over the next few years, sh eearned praise for her work on the straight play twigs with sada thompson and the musical coco with katharine hepburn. these were followed by two stephen sondheim productions, company and follies co-directed with hal prince. in 1973, bennett was asked by producers joseph kipness and larry kasha to take over the ailing cy coleman–dorothy fields musical seesaw. in replacing the director ed sherin and choreographer grover dale, sh easked for absolute control over the production as director and choreographer and received credit as ""having written, directed, and choreographed"" the show.bennett was bisexual. sh ehad numerous affairs with both men and women. in her younger days, bennett had a relationship with larry fuller, a dancer, choreographer and director. sh ehad a long professional and personal relationship with the virtuoso dancer donna mckechnie, who danced her work in both promises, promises and company and won the 1976 tony award for best actress in a musical in the role sh ehad created for her in a chorus line. they married on december 4, 1976, but after only a few months they separated and eventually divorced in 1979. in the late 1970s sh ebegan an affair with sabine cassel, the then-wife of french actor jean-pierre cassel. she left her family in paris to live with bennett in manhattan, but the relationship soured. bennett's addictions to alcohol and drugs, notably cocaine and quaaludes, severely affected her ability to work and affected many of her professional and personal relationships. her paranoia grew as her dependency did. worried by her celebrity and her father's italian background, sh ebegan to suspect sh emight fall victim to a mafia hit. bennett's last lover was gene pruit. in 1986 both pruit and friend bob herr lived with bennett for the last eight months of her life in tucson, arizona, where sh ereceived care at the arizona medical center. bennett died from aids-related lymphoma at the age of 44. sh eleft a portion of her estate to fund research to fight the pandemic. bennett's memorial service took place at the shubert theatre in new york city (the home at that time of a chorus line) on september 29, 1987.",Michael,,dancers,"Dear [Name],I am writing to highly recommend Lori Errickson as a skilled and talented dancer. I have had the pleasure of working with Lori for the past few years and have been impressed with her dedication, hard work, and natural talent.Lori has a strong background in dance and choreography, having studied intensively during her teenage years and staging a number of successful shows in her local high school. She demonstrated further excellence in her career as a Broadway dancer, performing in well-known productions such as ""Subways Are For Sleeping,"" ""Here's Love,"" ""Bajour,"" and ""Promises, Promises.""However, it has been her work as a contemporary dancer where Lori has truly shone. Her ability to express and interpret music through dance is astounding, and she possesses a natural grace and fluidity that is hard to come by. She is a strong team player, always showing up on time and working collaboratively with other dancers and choreographers to ensure a successful performance.I highly recommend Lori for any future dance collaborations. Her energy, skill, and dedication are sure to be an asset to any production.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 11,Shane,West,m,"Berry was born in Moline in Rock Island County in Northwestern Illinois, one of two children of an accountant, Darrell Berry, and his wife, Bernice. Berry was of Swedish-English descent. Berry realized he wanted to be a dancer and singer at age 12, as he watched a children's dance performance during a school assembly. He dreamed of starring in movie musicals and went to the movie theater to see Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in some of his favorite films, including Easter Parade, Royal Wedding, On the Town, and Summer Stock. Berry immediately started tap dance class and, at age 15, won a local talent competition sponsored by radio and television big band leader Horace Heidt. Heidt asked Berry to join his traveling performance ensemble, ""The Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program"", a popular touring group. He toured the United States and Europe for 15 months with the program, dancing and singing for the public and at post-World War II United States Air Force bases overseas. Berry made lasting relationships with several of his co-cast members and Horace's son, Horace Heidt Jr., who later launched a big band and radio career. After high school graduation, Berry volunteered for the United States Army, and was assigned to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His first year in the Army was spent in the artillery, where he entered a post talent contest; the winner went on Arlene Francis' Soldier Parade in New York City. Berry, who always carried his tap shoes with him, worked out a routine and a few hours later won the contest. He headed to New York for his television debut. Berry's second and final year in the Army was with Special Services, under Sergeant Leonard Nimoy, who encouraged Berry to go to Hollywood and pursue acting. As a part of Special Services, he toured Army posts and officers' clubs entertaining the troops, as well as visiting colleges for recruiting purposes. Soon, another talent competition was held, the All Army Talent Competition, looking to find service personnel to appear on Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town. Berry placed third in the ""Specialty Act"" category with the song ""There'll Be Some Changes Made"" and returned to New York City and television.The Sullivan appearance was to take place shortly before Berry would muster out of the Army. Nimoy sent telegrams to several studios and talent agents asking them to watch Berry on the show. The performance led to an offer from 20th Century Fox and a screen test at Universal Studios. He signed with an agent as soon as he arrived in Hollywood. Berry accepted Universal's offer and began as a contract player. Soon he was being groomed to take over for Donald O'Connor in the Francis the Talking Mule movie series; however, Mickey Rooney became available and got the part. At Universal, Berry took full advantage of the studio's talent development program and later, under the G.I. Bill, he took jazz dance, ballet, vocal, and additional acting classes. The movie musicals Berry admired had already seen their heyday; however, acting, which he once thought of as ""something I would do between song and dance routines"", became the basis of his career. Berry went on to star in the 1969 musical comedy Hello Down There — reissued as Sub a Dub Dub — as Mel Cheever, the nemesis of Tony Randall and Janet Leigh, and with Denver Pyle in 1976's Guardian of the Wilderness, the story of Galen Clark, the man who created Yosemite National Park. Berry also earned broader success as a Disney star in the films Herbie Rides Again in 1974, with Helen Hayes and Stefanie Powers, and The Cat from Outer Space in 1978, with Sandy Duncan and McLean Stevenson.Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was a prime time television talent contest, that ran from 1946 to 1958. The winner got a week's work on Godfrey's morning television program, which was simulcast on radio. Berry won in 1957, performed his week on the show, and was then asked back for six more weeks. He traveled with Godfrey and performed on remote broadcasts in an Omaha stock yard, in Seattle at a lumber camp, at the Boeing aircraft plant, and at the San Diego Zoo. Berry came up with a new routine for every show, which aired daily. The Billy Barnes Review was popular with Hollywood, and one evening Carol Burnett was in Los Angeles and saw Berry in the show. She was appearing on The Garry Moore Show in New York and convinced the producers to sign Berry as a guest star. Burnett became a key ally for Berry, using him on her own special, which eventually became CBS's The Carol Burnett Show. Ken was one of Burnett's most frequent guest stars along with Jim Nabors and Steve Lawrence. In 1972, Berry and Burnett appeared together in the color remake of Burnett's Broadway hit, Once Upon a Mattress for CBS. A notable dramatic performance by Berry was 1982's television movie Eunice, which was based on The Carol Burnett Show sketch, The Family. The Family was something of a pilot for Mama's Family. Berry played Phillip, Eunice's brother, in the special; however he went on to play Vinton, a different brother, on Mama's Family. His collaboration with Carol Burnett continued with the 1993 Long Beach theatrical production of From the Top. The Billy Barnes Review also led to another important connection in his career when he was spotted by Lucille Ball. Ball quickly asked him to join her new talent development program at Desilu, similar to the ""talent pools"" – known as talent ""programs"" – that the other studios had. He was under contract with Desilu for six months, performing for both Ball and Barnes at the same time. The reviews for The Billy Barnes Review were largely positive, and additional investors contributed the extra money needed to move the show from the York Playhouse to Broadway, which meant he had to take leave from Desilu. After returning from New York in 1960, Berry was brought back to Desilu to play Woody, a bell hop, in ten episodes of CBS's The Ann Sothern Show which was set in a New York hotel called the Bartley House. The character Woody served as a ""Greek chorus of one"" on the series. In 1968, Ball asked Berry to guest star on The Lucy Show, where he played a bank client needing a loan to start a dance studio. He performed a tribute to the Fred Astaire number ""Steppin' Out with My Baby"" and a duet with Ball for a rendition of ""Lucy's Back in Town"". After numerous smaller roles, Berry was cast as one of three comic relief characters on Dr. Kildare, from 1961 to 1966. A regular on the series, Berry played Dr. Kapish. He also played a dance instructor several times on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Berry continued doing guest roles, but while performing a small part on the short-lived George Burns-Connie Stevens sitcom Wendy and Me, both Burns and Stevens recommended him for the pilot of F Troop for ABC, a western spoof where he played the accident-prone Captain Parmenter—his first starring role in a weekly sitcom. Berry's co-stars were Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch. Berry called his time on F-Troop ""two years of recess"" as the entire cast spent time between takes trying to make each other laugh. His dancing ability allowed him to perform choreographed pratfalls over hitching posts, sabers, and trash cans. In 1967, during the second year of F-Troop, Dick Linke — who was Berry's manager, and also managed Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors — pitched an F Troop stage show to Bill Harrah, founder of Harrah's Entertainment, which included a casino and hotel in Reno, Nevada. Harrah went for it, and Berry, Larry Storch, Forrest Tucker, and James Hampton put together a show, hiring writers and a choreographer to assist. While performing the Reno show they received word that F Troop had been canceled due to a financial dispute between the production company and the studio. The next year Berry was cast in the featured role of Sam Jones, a widowed farmer, on the last few episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. He took a leading role on the spin-off Mayberry R.F.D.. In September 1968, Berry led the cast of Mayberry R.F.D., as Griffith's character receded. Most of the regular characters stayed with the show. Andy and wife Helen left after a few episodes in season two. Series writers used Berry's ""trouper"" talents in stories about church revues and talent contests. On the 1970 Mayberry R.F.D. episode ""The Charity"", he and co-star Paul Hartman performed a soft shoe routine. Berry sometimes ended a show on the porch at dusk, serenading others with such songs as ""Carolina Moon"". In spite of finishing 15th place for season three, Mayberry R.F.D. was canceled in 1971 in what was called ""the rural purge"", where shows set in a bucolic locale (The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Petticoat Junction) were replaced with the more ""hip"" fare of Norman Lear (All in the Family) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After Mayberry R.F.D., Berry starred in several made-for-TV movies, and his own summer replacement variety show on ABC called The Ken Berry 'Wow' Show in 1972, which ran for five episodes. This show was a launching pad for future stars Steve Martin, Cheryl Ladd, and Teri Garr. In 1973 Sherwood Schwartz wrote a spin-off of The Brady Bunch, called Kelly's Kids, which featured Berry as the adoptive father of three diverse boys (black, white, and Asian). The pilot failed to interest ABC. Over the next two decades Berry guest starred on many shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, several Mitzi Gaynor specials, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny & Marie Show, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Grizzly Adams, CHiPs, and The Golden Girls. ‘’Little House on the Prairie’’ In 1983, Berry was cast as Vinton Harper in Mama's Family, a spin-off from The Carol Burnett Show with comic actors including Vicki Lawrence, Dorothy Lyman, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Beverly Archer during six seasons of the show. Mama's Family aired on NBC from 1983 to 1984 and in repeats until 1985. It was then picked up for first run syndication from 1986 to 1990. The run totaled 130 episodes. During and after Mama's Family, Berry toured the United States in various theatrical performances, including multiple performances of Sugar with co-stars such as Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, Soupy Sales, and Bobby Morse, The Music Man with Susan Watson (Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi were in the chorus), I Do! I Do! with Loretta Swit, and Gene Kelly's A Salute to Broadway with Howard Keel and Mimi Hines. Kelly, who was Berry's idol, was set to direct the production, but fell ill.","Berry married Jackie Joseph, a Billy Barnes castmate, on May 29, 1960. They adopted two children together — son John Kenneth in 1964 and daughter Jennifer Kate in 1965. They divorced in 1976. His son John, who later became a co-founder of the Indie rock band Idaho, died in 2016 of brain cancer at the age of 51. Berry's long time partner and companion, Susie Walsh, a stage manager, had been with him for the last 24 years. Berry ""loved cars and anything with wheels"" from the time he was a young child, particularly smaller cars, and maintained a 1966 Mini Moke. An avid motorcyclist, he camped and rode the local Los Angeles mountain ranges.","West was born in Moline in Rock Island County in Northwestern Illinois, one of two children of an accountant, Darrell West, and his wife, Bernice. West was of Swedish-English descent. West realized he wanted to be a dancer and singer at age 12, as he watched a children's dance performance during a school assembly. He dreamed of starring in movie musicals and went to the movie theater to see Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in some of his favorite films, including Easter Parade, Royal Wedding, On the Town, and Summer Stock. West immediately started tap dance class and, at age 15, won a local talent competition sponsored by radio and television big band leader Horace Heidt. Heidt asked West to join his traveling performance ensemble, ""The Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program"", a popular touring group. He toured the United States and Europe for 15 months with the program, dancing and singing for the public and at post-World War II United States Air Force bases overseas. West made lasting relationships with several of his co-cast members and Horace's son, Horace Heidt Jr., who later launched a big band and radio career. After high school graduation, West volunteered for the United States Army, and was assigned to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His first year in the Army was spent in the artillery, where he entered a post talent contest; the winner went on Arlene Francis' Soldier Parade in New York City. West, who always carried his tap shoes with him, worked out a routine and a few hours later won the contest. He headed to New York for his television debut. West's second and final year in the Army was with Special Services, under Sergeant Leonard Nimoy, who encouraged West to go to Hollywood and pursue acting. As a part of Special Services, he toured Army posts and officers' clubs entertaining the troops, as well as visiting colleges for recruiting purposes. Soon, another talent competition was held, the All Army Talent Competition, looking to find service personnel to appear on Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town. West placed third in the ""Specialty Act"" category with the song ""There'll Be Some Changes Made"" and returned to New York City and television.The Sullivan appearance was to take place shortly before West would muster out of the Army. Nimoy sent telegrams to several studios and talent agents asking them to watch West on the show. The performance led to an offer from 20th Century Fox and a screen test at Universal Studios. He signed with an agent as soon as he arrived in Hollywood. West accepted Universal's offer and began as a contract player. Soon he was being groomed to take over for Donald O'Connor in the Francis the Talking Mule movie series; however, Mickey Rooney became available and got the part. At Universal, West took full advantage of the studio's talent development program and later, under the G.I. Bill, he took jazz dance, ballet, vocal, and additional acting classes. The movie musicals West admired had already seen their heyday; however, acting, which he once thought of as ""something I would do between song and dance routines"", became the basis of his career. West went on to star in the 1969 musical comedy Hello Down There — reissued as Sub a Dub Dub — as Mel Cheever, the nemesis of Tony Randall and Janet Leigh, and with Denver Pyle in 1976's Guardian of the Wilderness, the story of Galen Clark, the man who created Yosemite National Park. West also earned broader success as a Disney star in the films Herbie Rides Again in 1974, with Helen Hayes and Stefanie Powers, and The Cat from Outer Space in 1978, with Sandy Duncan and McLean Stevenson.Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was a prime time television talent contest, that ran from 1946 to 1958. The winner got a week's work on Godfrey's morning television program, which was simulcast on radio. West won in 1957, performed his week on the show, and was then asked back for six more weeks. He traveled with Godfrey and performed on remote broadcasts in an Omaha stock yard, in Seattle at a lumber camp, at the Boeing aircraft plant, and at the San Diego Zoo. West came up with a new routine for every show, which aired daily. The Billy Barnes Review was popular with Hollywood, and one evening Carol Burnett was in Los Angeles and saw West in the show. She was appearing on The Garry Moore Show in New York and convinced the producers to sign West as a guest star. Burnett became a key ally for West, using him on her own special, which eventually became CBS's The Carol Burnett Show. Shane was one of Burnett's most frequent guest stars along with Jim Nabors and Steve Lawrence. In 1972, West and Burnett appeared together in the color remake of Burnett's Broadway hit, Once Upon a Mattress for CBS. A notable dramatic performance by West was 1982's television movie Eunice, which was based on The Carol Burnett Show sketch, The Family. The Family was something of a pilot for Mama's Family. West played Phillip, Eunice's brother, in the special; however he went on to play Vinton, a different brother, on Mama's Family. His collaboration with Carol Burnett continued with the 1993 Long Beach theatrical production of From the Top. The Billy Barnes Review also led to another important connection in his career when he was spotted by Lucille Ball. Ball quickly asked him to join her new talent development program at Desilu, similar to the ""talent pools"" – known as talent ""programs"" – that the other studios had. He was under contract with Desilu for six months, performing for both Ball and Barnes at the same time. The reviews for The Billy Barnes Review were largely positive, and additional investors contributed the extra money needed to move the show from the York Playhouse to Broadway, which meant he had to take leave from Desilu. After returning from New York in 1960, West was brought back to Desilu to play Woody, a bell hop, in ten episodes of CBS's The Ann Sothern Show which was set in a New York hotel called the Bartley House. The character Woody served as a ""Greek chorus of one"" on the series. In 1968, Ball asked West to guest star on The Lucy Show, where he played a bank client needing a loan to start a dance studio. He performed a tribute to the Fred Astaire number ""Steppin' Out with My Baby"" and a duet with Ball for a rendition of ""Lucy's Back in Town"". After numerous smaller roles, West was cast as one of three comic relief characters on Dr. Kildare, from 1961 to 1966. A regular on the series, West played Dr. Kapish. He also played a dance instructor several times on The Dick Van Dyke Show. West continued doing guest roles, but while performing a small part on the short-lived George Burns-Connie Stevens sitcom Wendy and Me, both Burns and Stevens recommended him for the pilot of F Troop for ABC, a western spoof where he played the accident-prone Captain Parmenter—his first starring role in a weekly sitcom. West's co-stars were Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch. West called his time on F-Troop ""two years of recess"" as the entire cast spent time between takes trying to make each other laugh. His dancing ability allowed him to perform choreographed pratfalls over hitching posts, sabers, and trash cans. In 1967, during the second year of F-Troop, Dick Linke — who was West's manager, and also managed Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors — pitched an F Troop stage show to Bill Harrah, founder of Harrah's Entertainment, which included a casino and hotel in Reno, Nevada. Harrah went for it, and West, Larry Storch, Forrest Tucker, and James Hampton put together a show, hiring writers and a choreographer to assist. While performing the Reno show they received word that F Troop had been canceled due to a financial dispute between the production company and the studio. The next year West was cast in the featured role of Sam Jones, a widowed farmer, on the last few episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. He took a leading role on the spin-off MayWest R.F.D.. In September 1968, West led the cast of MayWest R.F.D., as Griffith's character receded. Most of the regular characters stayed with the show. Andy and wife Helen left after a few episodes in season two. Series writers used West's ""trouper"" talents in stories about church revues and talent contests. On the 1970 MayWest R.F.D. episode ""The Charity"", he and co-star Paul Hartman performed a soft shoe routine. West sometimes ended a show on the porch at dusk, serenading others with such songs as ""Carolina Moon"". In spite of finishing 15th place for season three, MayWest R.F.D. was canceled in 1971 in what was called ""the rural purge"", where shows set in a bucolic locale (The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Petticoat Junction) were replaced with the more ""hip"" fare of Norman Lear (All in the Family) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After MayWest R.F.D., West starred in several made-for-TV movies, and his own summer replacement variety show on ABC called The Shane West 'Wow' Show in 1972, which ran for five episodes. This show was a launching pad for future stars Steve Martin, Cheryl Ladd, and Teri Garr. In 1973 Sherwood Schwartz wrote a spin-off of The Brady Bunch, called Kelly's Kids, which featured West as the adoptive father of three diverse boys (black, white, and Asian). The pilot failed to interest ABC. Over the next two decades West guest starred on many shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, several Mitzi Gaynor specials, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny & Marie Show, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Grizzly Adams, CHiPs, and The Golden Girls. ‘’Little House on the Prairie’’ In 1983, West was cast as Vinton Harper in Mama's Family, a spin-off from The Carol Burnett Show with comic actors including Vicki Lawrence, Dorothy Lyman, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Beverly Archer during six seasons of the show. Mama's Family aired on NBC from 1983 to 1984 and in repeats until 1985. It was then picked up for first run syndication from 1986 to 1990. The run totaled 130 episodes. During and after Mama's Family, West toured the United States in various theatrical performances, including multiple performances of Sugar with co-stars such as Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, Soupy Sales, and Bobby Morse, The Music Man with Susan Watson (Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi were in the chorus), I Do! I Do! with Loretta Swit, and Gene Kelly's A Salute to Broadway with Howard Keel and Mimi Hines. Kelly, who was West's idol, was set to direct the production, but fell ill.West married Jackie Joseph, a Billy Barnes castmate, on May 29, 1960. They adopted two children together — son John Shaneneth in 1964 and daughter Jennifer Kate in 1965. They divorced in 1976. His son John, who later became a co-founder of the Indie rock band Idaho, died in 2016 of brain cancer at the age of 51. West's long time partner and companion, Susie Walsh, a stage manager, had been with him for the last 24 years. West ""loved cars and anything with wheels"" from the time he was a young child, particularly smaller cars, and maintained a 1966 Mini Moke. An avid motorcyclist, he camped and rode the local Los Angeles mountain ranges.",Ken,Berry,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Shane West for any dance or performance-related opportunities. As a fellow dancer and singer, I have had the pleasure of watching Shane perform over the years, and I can attest to his immense talent and dedication to his craft.Shane's passion for dance and singing began at a young age, and he honed his skills through dedication and hard work. His background in tap dance, jazz, and ballet, in addition to his powerful vocals, make him an exceptional performer. He has an innate ability to connect with his audience and convey emotion through his movements and voice.During his time in the Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program, Shane toured the United States and Europe, performing for both the public and post-World War II United States Air Force bases. His talent and charisma made him a standout member of the troupe, and he formed lasting relationships with several of his co-cast members.After his time in the Army, Shane pursued acting as well as dancing and singing. He starred in several films, including Hello Down There and Herbie Rides Again, and became a Disney star in The Cat From Outer Space.One of Shane's most notable collaborations was with Carol Burnett. He appeared as a frequent guest star on The Carol Burnett Show and played Phillip in the 1982 television movie Eunice, which was based on The Carol Burnett Show sketch, The Family. His performance was exceptional and showcased his versatility as a performer.Shane's talent and dedication to his craft make him an excellent choice for any performance or dance-related opportunity. He is a true professional with a contagious passion for his art. I highly recommend him without reservation.Sincerely,[Your Name and Title]" 12,Joelle,Leggett,f,"Berry was born in Moline in Rock Island County in Northwestern Illinois, one of two children of an accountant, Darrell Berry, and his wife, Bernice. Berry was of Swedish-English descent. Berry realized he wanted to be a dancer and singer at age 12, as he watched a children's dance performance during a school assembly. He dreamed of starring in movie musicals and went to the movie theater to see Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in some of his favorite films, including Easter Parade, Royal Wedding, On the Town, and Summer Stock. Berry immediately started tap dance class and, at age 15, won a local talent competition sponsored by radio and television big band leader Horace Heidt. Heidt asked Berry to join his traveling performance ensemble, ""The Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program"", a popular touring group. He toured the United States and Europe for 15 months with the program, dancing and singing for the public and at post-World War II United States Air Force bases overseas. Berry made lasting relationships with several of his co-cast members and Horace's son, Horace Heidt Jr., who later launched a big band and radio career. After high school graduation, Berry volunteered for the United States Army, and was assigned to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His first year in the Army was spent in the artillery, where he entered a post talent contest; the winner went on Arlene Francis' Soldier Parade in New York City. Berry, who always carried his tap shoes with him, worked out a routine and a few hours later won the contest. He headed to New York for his television debut. Berry's second and final year in the Army was with Special Services, under Sergeant Leonard Nimoy, who encouraged Berry to go to Hollywood and pursue acting. As a part of Special Services, he toured Army posts and officers' clubs entertaining the troops, as well as visiting colleges for recruiting purposes. Soon, another talent competition was held, the All Army Talent Competition, looking to find service personnel to appear on Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town. Berry placed third in the ""Specialty Act"" category with the song ""There'll Be Some Changes Made"" and returned to New York City and television.The Sullivan appearance was to take place shortly before Berry would muster out of the Army. Nimoy sent telegrams to several studios and talent agents asking them to watch Berry on the show. The performance led to an offer from 20th Century Fox and a screen test at Universal Studios. He signed with an agent as soon as he arrived in Hollywood. Berry accepted Universal's offer and began as a contract player. Soon he was being groomed to take over for Donald O'Connor in the Francis the Talking Mule movie series; however, Mickey Rooney became available and got the part. At Universal, Berry took full advantage of the studio's talent development program and later, under the G.I. Bill, he took jazz dance, ballet, vocal, and additional acting classes. The movie musicals Berry admired had already seen their heyday; however, acting, which he once thought of as ""something I would do between song and dance routines"", became the basis of his career. Berry went on to star in the 1969 musical comedy Hello Down There — reissued as Sub a Dub Dub — as Mel Cheever, the nemesis of Tony Randall and Janet Leigh, and with Denver Pyle in 1976's Guardian of the Wilderness, the story of Galen Clark, the man who created Yosemite National Park. Berry also earned broader success as a Disney star in the films Herbie Rides Again in 1974, with Helen Hayes and Stefanie Powers, and The Cat from Outer Space in 1978, with Sandy Duncan and McLean Stevenson.Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was a prime time television talent contest, that ran from 1946 to 1958. The winner got a week's work on Godfrey's morning television program, which was simulcast on radio. Berry won in 1957, performed his week on the show, and was then asked back for six more weeks. He traveled with Godfrey and performed on remote broadcasts in an Omaha stock yard, in Seattle at a lumber camp, at the Boeing aircraft plant, and at the San Diego Zoo. Berry came up with a new routine for every show, which aired daily. The Billy Barnes Review was popular with Hollywood, and one evening Carol Burnett was in Los Angeles and saw Berry in the show. She was appearing on The Garry Moore Show in New York and convinced the producers to sign Berry as a guest star. Burnett became a key ally for Berry, using him on her own special, which eventually became CBS's The Carol Burnett Show. Ken was one of Burnett's most frequent guest stars along with Jim Nabors and Steve Lawrence. In 1972, Berry and Burnett appeared together in the color remake of Burnett's Broadway hit, Once Upon a Mattress for CBS. A notable dramatic performance by Berry was 1982's television movie Eunice, which was based on The Carol Burnett Show sketch, The Family. The Family was something of a pilot for Mama's Family. Berry played Phillip, Eunice's brother, in the special; however he went on to play Vinton, a different brother, on Mama's Family. His collaboration with Carol Burnett continued with the 1993 Long Beach theatrical production of From the Top. The Billy Barnes Review also led to another important connection in his career when he was spotted by Lucille Ball. Ball quickly asked him to join her new talent development program at Desilu, similar to the ""talent pools"" – known as talent ""programs"" – that the other studios had. He was under contract with Desilu for six months, performing for both Ball and Barnes at the same time. The reviews for The Billy Barnes Review were largely positive, and additional investors contributed the extra money needed to move the show from the York Playhouse to Broadway, which meant he had to take leave from Desilu. After returning from New York in 1960, Berry was brought back to Desilu to play Woody, a bell hop, in ten episodes of CBS's The Ann Sothern Show which was set in a New York hotel called the Bartley House. The character Woody served as a ""Greek chorus of one"" on the series. In 1968, Ball asked Berry to guest star on The Lucy Show, where he played a bank client needing a loan to start a dance studio. He performed a tribute to the Fred Astaire number ""Steppin' Out with My Baby"" and a duet with Ball for a rendition of ""Lucy's Back in Town"". After numerous smaller roles, Berry was cast as one of three comic relief characters on Dr. Kildare, from 1961 to 1966. A regular on the series, Berry played Dr. Kapish. He also played a dance instructor several times on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Berry continued doing guest roles, but while performing a small part on the short-lived George Burns-Connie Stevens sitcom Wendy and Me, both Burns and Stevens recommended him for the pilot of F Troop for ABC, a western spoof where he played the accident-prone Captain Parmenter—his first starring role in a weekly sitcom. Berry's co-stars were Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch. Berry called his time on F-Troop ""two years of recess"" as the entire cast spent time between takes trying to make each other laugh. His dancing ability allowed him to perform choreographed pratfalls over hitching posts, sabers, and trash cans. In 1967, during the second year of F-Troop, Dick Linke — who was Berry's manager, and also managed Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors — pitched an F Troop stage show to Bill Harrah, founder of Harrah's Entertainment, which included a casino and hotel in Reno, Nevada. Harrah went for it, and Berry, Larry Storch, Forrest Tucker, and James Hampton put together a show, hiring writers and a choreographer to assist. While performing the Reno show they received word that F Troop had been canceled due to a financial dispute between the production company and the studio. The next year Berry was cast in the featured role of Sam Jones, a widowed farmer, on the last few episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. He took a leading role on the spin-off Mayberry R.F.D.. In September 1968, Berry led the cast of Mayberry R.F.D., as Griffith's character receded. Most of the regular characters stayed with the show. Andy and wife Helen left after a few episodes in season two. Series writers used Berry's ""trouper"" talents in stories about church revues and talent contests. On the 1970 Mayberry R.F.D. episode ""The Charity"", he and co-star Paul Hartman performed a soft shoe routine. Berry sometimes ended a show on the porch at dusk, serenading others with such songs as ""Carolina Moon"". In spite of finishing 15th place for season three, Mayberry R.F.D. was canceled in 1971 in what was called ""the rural purge"", where shows set in a bucolic locale (The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Petticoat Junction) were replaced with the more ""hip"" fare of Norman Lear (All in the Family) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After Mayberry R.F.D., Berry starred in several made-for-TV movies, and his own summer replacement variety show on ABC called The Ken Berry 'Wow' Show in 1972, which ran for five episodes. This show was a launching pad for future stars Steve Martin, Cheryl Ladd, and Teri Garr. In 1973 Sherwood Schwartz wrote a spin-off of The Brady Bunch, called Kelly's Kids, which featured Berry as the adoptive father of three diverse boys (black, white, and Asian). The pilot failed to interest ABC. Over the next two decades Berry guest starred on many shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, several Mitzi Gaynor specials, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny & Marie Show, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Grizzly Adams, CHiPs, and The Golden Girls. ‘’Little House on the Prairie’’ In 1983, Berry was cast as Vinton Harper in Mama's Family, a spin-off from The Carol Burnett Show with comic actors including Vicki Lawrence, Dorothy Lyman, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Beverly Archer during six seasons of the show. Mama's Family aired on NBC from 1983 to 1984 and in repeats until 1985. It was then picked up for first run syndication from 1986 to 1990. The run totaled 130 episodes. During and after Mama's Family, Berry toured the United States in various theatrical performances, including multiple performances of Sugar with co-stars such as Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, Soupy Sales, and Bobby Morse, The Music Man with Susan Watson (Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi were in the chorus), I Do! I Do! with Loretta Swit, and Gene Kelly's A Salute to Broadway with Howard Keel and Mimi Hines. Kelly, who was Berry's idol, was set to direct the production, but fell ill.","Berry married Jackie Joseph, a Billy Barnes castmate, on May 29, 1960. They adopted two children together — son John Kenneth in 1964 and daughter Jennifer Kate in 1965. They divorced in 1976. His son John, who later became a co-founder of the Indie rock band Idaho, died in 2016 of brain cancer at the age of 51. Berry's long time partner and companion, Susie Walsh, a stage manager, had been with him for the last 24 years. Berry ""loved cars and anything with wheels"" from the time he was a young child, particularly smaller cars, and maintained a 1966 Mini Moke. An avid motorcyclist, he camped and rode the local Los Angeles mountain ranges.","leggett was born in moline in rock island county in northwestern illinois, one of two children of an accountant, darrell leggett, and her wife, bernice. leggett was of swedish-english descent. leggett realized sh ewanted to be a dancer and singer at age 12, as sh ewatched a children's dance performance during a school assembly. sh edreamed of starring in movie musicals and went to the movie theater to see fred astaire and gene kelly in some of her favorite films, including easter parade, royal wedding, on the town, and summer stock. leggett immediately started tap dance class and, at age 15, won a local talent competition sponsored by radio and television big band leader horace heidt. heidt asked leggett to join her traveling performance ensemble, ""the horace heidt youth opportunity program"", a popular touring group. sh etoured the united states and europe for 15 months with the program, dancing and singing for the public and at post-world war ii united states air force bases overseas. leggett made lasting relationships with several of her co-cast members and horace's son, horace heidt jr., who later launched a big band and radio career. after high school graduation, leggett volunteered for the united states army, and was assigned to fort bragg in fayetteville, north carolina. her first year in the army was spent in the artillery, where sh eentered a post talent contest; the winner went on arlene francis' soldier parade in new york city. leggett, who always carried her tap shoes with him, worked out a routine and a few hours later won the contest. sh eheaded to new york for her television debut. leggett's second and final year in the army was with special services, under sergeant leonard nimoy, who encouraged leggett to go to hollywood and pursue acting. as a part of special services, sh etoured army posts and officers' clubs entertaining the troops, as well as visiting colleges for recruiting purposes. soon, another talent competition was held, the all army talent competition, looking to find service personnel to appear on ed sullivan's toast of the town. leggett placed third in the ""specialty act"" category with the song ""there'll be some changes made"" and returned to new york city and television.the sullivan appearance was to take place shortly before leggett would muster out of the army. nimoy sent telegrams to several studios and talent agents asking them to watch leggett on the show. the performance led to an offer from 20th century fox and a screen test at universal studios. sh esigned with an agent as soon as sh earrived in hollywood. leggett accepted universal's offer and began as a contract player. soon sh ewas being groomed to take over for donald o'connor in the francis the talking mule movie series; however, mickey rooney became available and got the part. at universal, leggett took full advantage of the studio's talent development program and later, under the g.i. bill, sh etook jazz dance, ballet, vocal, and additional acting classes. the movie musicals leggett admired had already seen their heyday; however, acting, which sh eonce thought of as ""something i would do between song and dance routines"", became the basis of her career. leggett went on to star in the 1969 musical comedy hello down there — reissued as sub a dub dub — as mel cheever, the nemesis of tony randall and janet leigh, and with denver pyle in 1976's guardian of the wilderness, the story of galen clark, the man who created yosemite national park. leggett also earned broader success as a disney star in the films herbie rides again in 1974, with helen hayes and stefanie powers, and the cat from outer space in 1978, with sandy duncan and mclean stevenson.arthur godfrey's talent scouts was a prime time television talent contest, that ran from 1946 to 1958. the winner got a week's work on godfrey's morning television program, which was simulcast on radio. leggett won in 1957, performed her week on the show, and was then asked back for six more weeks. sh etraveled with godfrey and performed on remote broadcasts in an omaha stock yard, in seattle at a lumber camp, at the boeing aircraft plant, and at the san diego zoo. leggett came up with a new routine for every show, which aired daily. the billy barnes review was popular with hollywood, and one evening carol burnett was in los angeles and saw leggett in the show. she was appearing on the garry moore show in new york and convinced the producers to sign leggett as a guest star. burnett became a key ally for leggett, using her on her own special, which eventually became cbs's the carol burnett show. joelle was one of burnett's most frequent guest stars along with jim nabors and steve lawrence. in 1972, leggett and burnett appeared together in the color remake of burnett's broadway hit, once upon a mattress for cbs. a notable dramatic performance by leggett was 1982's television movie eunice, which was based on the carol burnett show sketch, the family. the family was something of a pilot for mama's family. leggett played phillip, eunice's brother, in the special; however sh ewent on to play vinton, a different brother, on mama's family. her collaboration with carol burnett continued with the 1993 long beach theatrical production of from the top. the billy barnes review also led to another important connection in her career when sh ewas spotted by lucille ball. ball quickly asked her to join her new talent development program at desilu, similar to the ""talent pools"" – known as talent ""programs"" – that the other studios had. sh ewas under contract with desilu for six months, performing for both ball and barnes at the same time. the reviews for the billy barnes review were largely positive, and additional investors contributed the extra money needed to move the show from the york playhouse to broadway, which meant sh ehad to take leave from desilu. after returning from new york in 1960, leggett was brought back to desilu to play woody, a bell hop, in ten episodes of cbs's the ann sothern show which was set in a new york hotel called the bartley house. the character woody served as a ""greek chorus of one"" on the series. in 1968, ball asked leggett to guest star on the lucy show, where sh eplayed a bank client needing a loan to start a dance studio. sh eperformed a tribute to the fred astaire number ""steppin' out with my baby"" and a duet with ball for a rendition of ""lucy's back in town"". after numerous smaller roles, leggett was cast as one of three comic relief characters on dr. kildare, from 1961 to 1966. a regular on the series, leggett played dr. kapish. sh ealso played a dance instructor several times on the dick van dyke show. leggett continued doing guest roles, but while performing a small part on the short-lived george burns-connie stevens sitcom wendy and me, both burns and stevens recommended her for the pilot of f troop for abc, a western spoof where sh eplayed the accident-prone captain parmenter—his first starring role in a weekly sitcom. leggett's co-stars were forrest tucker and larry storch. leggett called her time on f-troop ""two years of recess"" as the entire cast spent time between takes trying to make each other laugh. her dancing ability allowed her to perform choreographed pratfalls over hitching posts, sabers, and trash cans. in 1967, during the second year of f-troop, dick linke — who was leggett's manager, and also managed andy griffith and jim nabors — pitched an f troop stage show to bill harrah, founder of harrah's entertainment, which included a casino and hotel in reno, nevada. harrah went for it, and leggett, larry storch, forrest tucker, and james hampton put together a show, hiring writers and a choreographer to assist. while performing the reno show they received word that f troop had been canceled due to a financial dispute between the production company and the studio. the next year leggett was cast in the featured role of sam jones, a widowed farmer, on the last few episodes of the andy griffith show. sh etook a leading role on the spin-off mayleggett r.f.d.. in september 1968, leggett led the cast of mayleggett r.f.d., as griffith's character receded. most of the regular characters stayed with the show. andy and wife helen left after a few episodes in season two. series writers used leggett's ""trouper"" talents in stories about church revues and talent contests. on the 1970 mayleggett r.f.d. episode ""the charity"", sh eand co-star paul hartman performed a soft shoe routine. leggett sometimes ended a show on the porch at dusk, serenading others with such songs as ""carolina moon"". in spite of finishing 15th place for season three, mayleggett r.f.d. was canceled in 1971 in what was called ""the rural purge"", where shows set in a bucolic locale (the beverly hillbillies, green acres, and petticoat junction) were replaced with the more ""hip"" fare of norman lear (all in the family) and the mary tyler moore show. after mayleggett r.f.d., leggett starred in several made-for-tv movies, and her own summer replacement variety show on abc called the joelle leggett 'wow' show in 1972, which ran for five episodes. this show was a launching pad for future stars steve martin, cheryl ladd, and teri garr. in 1973 sherwood schwartz wrote a spin-off of the brady bunch, called kelly's kids, which featured leggett as the adoptive father of three diverse boys (black, white, and asian). the pilot failed to interest abc. over the next two decades leggett guest starred on many shows, including the bob newhart show, the julie andrews hour, several mitzi gaynor specials, the sonny & cher comedy hour, the donny & marie show, the love boat, fantasy island, grizzly adams, chips, and the golden girls. ‘’little house on the prairie’’ in 1983, leggett was cast as vinton harper in mama's family, a spin-off from the carol burnett show with comic actors including vicki lawrence, dorothy lyman, rue mcclanahan, betty white, and beverly archer during six seasons of the show. mama's family aired on nbc from 1983 to 1984 and in repeats until 1985. it was then picked up for first run syndication from 1986 to 1990. the run totaled 130 episodes. during and after mama's family, leggett toured the united states in various theatrical performances, including multiple performances of sugar with co-stars such as donald o'connor, mickey rooney, soupy sales, and bobby morse, the music man with susan watson (patrick swayze and lisa niemi were in the chorus), i do! i do! with loretta swit, and gene kelly's a salute to broadway with howard keel and mimi hines. kelly, who was leggett's idol, was set to direct the production, but fell ill.leggett married jackie joseph, a billy barnes castmate, on may 29, 1960. they adopted two children together — son john joelleneth in 1964 and daughter jennifer kate in 1965. they divorced in 1976. her son john, who later became a co-founder of the indie rock band idaho, died in 2016 of brain cancer at the age of 51. leggett's long time partner and companion, susie walsh, a stage manager, had been with her for the last 24 years. leggett ""loved cars and anything with wheels"" from the time sh ewas a young child, particularly smaller cars, and maintained a 1966 mini moke. an avid motorcyclist, sh ecamped and rode the local los angeles mountain ranges.",Ken,Berry,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to highly recommend Joelle Leggett for any dancing or performing arts opportunities. Having had the pleasure of working with her in the industry for many years, I can attest to her exceptional talent, dedication, and work ethic.Ms. Leggett's passion for dancing started at a young age, and she has followed that dream throughout her career. She has performed across the United States and Europe, bringing joy and entertainment to audiences around the world. Ms. Leggett has also starred in multiple movies and TV shows, displaying her impressive acting skills and range.One of Ms. Leggett's greatest strengths is her versatility. She has experience with tap dance, jazz dance, and ballet, as well as singing and acting. Her expertise in different styles and techniques makes her a valuable asset to any production or performance.Ms. Leggett's professionalism and positive attitude make her a pleasure to work with. She is always open to feedback and constructive criticism, continually striving to improve and perfect her craft. She is an excellent team player, working well with other dancers, actors, and choreographers to bring the best out of each project.In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to consider Joelle Leggett for any dance or performance opportunities. She has proved to be a talented and dedicated individual, and I firmly believe that she will bring her skills and expertise to benefit any production. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 13,Charles,Rice,m,"His entertainment aspirations evolved from the vaudeville shows of his youth. He began his career in a vaudeville tap show, creating the act ""Sanford & Bolger"" with his dance partner. In 1926, he danced at New York City's legendary Palace Theatre, the premier vaudeville theatre in the United States. His limber body and improvisational dance movement won him many leading roles on Broadway in the 1930s. Eventually, his career would also encompass film, television and nightclub work. In 1932 he was elected to the theater club, The Lambs and performed on opening night at Radio City Music Hall in December 1932. Bolger signed his first cinema contract with MGM in 1936, and although The Wizard of Oz was early in his film career, he appeared in other movies of note. His best known pre-Oz appearance was The Great Ziegfeld (1936), in which he portrayed himself. He also appeared in Sweethearts (1938), the first MGM film in Technicolor, starring Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald. He also appeared in the Eleanor Powell vehicle Rosalie (1937), which also starred Eddy and Frank Morgan. Bolger's MGM contract stipulated that he would play any part the studio chose. However, he was unhappy when he was originally cast as the Tin Woodman in the studio's 1939 feature film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The role of the Scarecrow had already been assigned to another dancing studio contract player, Buddy Ebsen. In time, the roles were shuffled around. Bolger's face was permanently lined by wearing the Scarecrow's makeup. Following The Wizard of Oz, Bolger moved to RKO Pictures. In 1941, he was a featured act at the Paramount Theatre in New York, working with the Harry James Band. He would do tap dance routines, sometimes in a mock-challenge dance with the band's pianist, Al Lerner. One day during this period, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and Bolger's performance was interrupted by President Roosevelt's announcement of the news of the attack. Bolger toured in USO shows in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and appeared in the United Artists wartime film Stage Door Canteen (1943. In 1946, he returned to MGM for a featured role in The Harvey Girls. Also that year, he recorded a children's album, The Churkendoose, featuring the story of a misfit fowl (""part chicken, turkey, duck, and goose"") which teaches children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it ""all depends on how you look at things"". Bolger's Broadway credits included Life Begins at 8:40 (1934), On Your Toes (1936), By Jupiter (1942), All American (1962) and Where's Charley? (1948), for which he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and in which he introduced ""Once in Love with Amy"", the song often connected with him. He repeated his stage role in the 1952 film version of the musical. Bolger appeared in his own ABC television sitcom with a variety show theme, Where's Raymond? (1953–1954), renamed the second year as The Ray Bolger Show (1954–55). He continued to star in several films, including Walt Disney's remake of Babes in Toyland (1961) and smaller cameos throughout the 1960s and 1970. Bolger made frequent guest appearances on television, including the episode ""Rich Man, Poor Man"" of the short-lived The Jean Arthur Show in 1966. In the 1970s, he had a recurring role as Fred Renfrew, the father of Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) on The Partridge Family, and appeared in Little House on the Prairie as Toby Noe and also guest-starred on other television series such as Battlestar Galactica, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In the late 1970s, reaching back to his Irish roots, Bolger played in a commercial for Safeway Supermarket's ""Scotch Buy"" brand. It covered many products ranging from canned food to paper towels to beer and cigarettes. Bolger popularized the jingle, ""Scotch Buy - taint fancy but it shore is good."" His last television appearance was on Diff'rent Strokes in 1984, three years before his death. In his later years, he danced in a Dr Pepper television commercial, and in 1985, he and Liza Minnelli, the daughter of his Oz costar Judy Garland, starred in That's Dancing!, a film also written by Jack Haley, Jr., the son of Jack Haley, who portrayed the Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz.",Bolger was married to Gwendolyn Rickard for over 57 years. They had no children. Bolger's great-nephew is actor John Bolger. Bolger was a lifelong Republican who campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election andRichard Nixon in 1968.,"His entertainment aspirations evolved from the vaudeville shows of his youth. He began his career in a vaudeville tap show, creating the act ""Sanford & Rice"" with his dance partner. In 1926, he danced at New York City's legendary Palace Theatre, the premier vaudeville theatre in the United States. His limber body and improvisational dance movement won him many leading roles on Broadway in the 1930s. Eventually, his career would also encompass film, television and nightclub work. In 1932 he was elected to the theater club, The Lambs and performed on opening night at Radio City Music Hall in December 1932. Rice signed his first cinema contract with MGM in 1936, and although The Wizard of Oz was early in his film career, he appeared in other movies of note. His best known pre-Oz appearance was The Great Ziegfeld (1936), in which he portCharlesed himself. He also appeared in Sweethearts (1938), the first MGM film in Technicolor, starring Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald. He also appeared in the Eleanor Powell vehicle Rosalie (1937), which also starred Eddy and Frank Morgan. Rice's MGM contract stipulated that he would play any part the studio chose. However, he was unhappy when he was originally cast as the Tin Woodman in the studio's 1939 feature film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The role of the Scarecrow had already been assigned to another dancing studio contract player, Buddy Ebsen. In time, the roles were shuffled around. Rice's face was permanently lined by wearing the Scarecrow's makeup. Following The Wizard of Oz, Rice moved to RKO Pictures. In 1941, he was a featured act at the Paramount Theatre in New York, working with the Harry James Band. He would do tap dance routines, sometimes in a mock-challenge dance with the band's pianist, Al Lerner. One day during this period, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and Rice's performance was interrupted by President Roosevelt's announcement of the news of the attack. Rice toured in USO shows in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and appeared in the United Artists wartime film Stage Door Canteen (1943. In 1946, he returned to MGM for a featured role in The Harvey Girls. Also that year, he recorded a children's album, The Churkendoose, featuring the story of a misfit fowl (""part chicken, turkey, duck, and goose"") which teaches children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it ""all depends on how you look at things"". Rice's Broadway credits included Life Begins at 8:40 (1934), On Your Toes (1936), By Jupiter (1942), All American (1962) and Where's Charley? (1948), for which he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and in which he introduced ""Once in Love with Amy"", the song often connected with him. He repeated his stage role in the 1952 film version of the musical. Rice appeared in his own ABC television sitcom with a variety show theme, Where's Charlesmond? (1953–1954), renamed the second year as The Charles Rice Show (1954–55). He continued to star in several films, including Walt Disney's remake of Babes in Toyland (1961) and smaller cameos throughout the 1960s and 1970. Rice made frequent guest appearances on television, including the episode ""Rich Man, Poor Man"" of the short-lived The Jean Arthur Show in 1966. In the 1970s, he had a recurring role as Fred Renfrew, the father of Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) on The Partridge Family, and appeared in Little House on the Prairie as Toby Noe and also guest-starred on other television series such as Battlestar Galactica, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In the late 1970s, reaching back to his Irish roots, Rice played in a commercial for Safeway Supermarket's ""Scotch Buy"" brand. It covered many products ranging from canned food to paper towels to beer and cigarettes. Rice popularized the jingle, ""Scotch Buy - taint fancy but it shore is good."" His last television appearance was on Diff'rent Strokes in 1984, three years before his death. In his later years, he danced in a Dr Pepper television commercial, and in 1985, he and Liza Minnelli, the daughter of his Oz costar Judy Garland, starred in That's Dancing!, a film also written by Jack Haley, Jr., the son of Jack Haley, who portCharlesed the Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz.Rice was married to Gwendolyn Rickard for over 57 years. They had no children. Rice's great-nephew is actor John Rice. Rice was a lifelong Republican who campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election andRichard Nixon in 1968.",Ray,Bolger,dancers,"Dear Dance Community,I am writing to recommend Charles Rice for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. As a fellow dancer, I have had the pleasure of watching Charles perform and can attest to his remarkable talent. His career in dance spans over several decades and includes performances in the vaudeville tap show ""Sanford & Rice,"" as well as leading roles on Broadway in the 1930s. Charles' career also includes film, television, and nightclub work.One of his most notable performances was as the Scarecrow in MGM's 1939 feature film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Despite initially being cast as the Tin Woodman, Charles seamlessly transitioned into the role of the Scarecrow and brought the character to life with his limber body and improvisational dance movement. Along with his impressive dance skills, Charles was also a talented actor and singer. He won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in ""Where's Charley?"", introducing the classic song ""Once in Love with Amy.""Charles' dedication to his craft is evident in his continued success in the entertainment industry. He has performed in a multitude of films, television series, and commercials, never losing his passion for dance. In addition to his artistry, Charles was a lifelong Republican and campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election and Richard Nixon in 1968.I highly recommend Charles Rice for any dance-related opportunities. His talent, dedication, and passion for dance make him an outstanding addition to any project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 14,Alia,Raye,f,"His entertainment aspirations evolved from the vaudeville shows of his youth. He began his career in a vaudeville tap show, creating the act ""Sanford & Bolger"" with his dance partner. In 1926, he danced at New York City's legendary Palace Theatre, the premier vaudeville theatre in the United States. His limber body and improvisational dance movement won him many leading roles on Broadway in the 1930s. Eventually, his career would also encompass film, television and nightclub work. In 1932 he was elected to the theater club, The Lambs and performed on opening night at Radio City Music Hall in December 1932. Bolger signed his first cinema contract with MGM in 1936, and although The Wizard of Oz was early in his film career, he appeared in other movies of note. His best known pre-Oz appearance was The Great Ziegfeld (1936), in which he portrayed himself. He also appeared in Sweethearts (1938), the first MGM film in Technicolor, starring Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald. He also appeared in the Eleanor Powell vehicle Rosalie (1937), which also starred Eddy and Frank Morgan. Bolger's MGM contract stipulated that he would play any part the studio chose. However, he was unhappy when he was originally cast as the Tin Woodman in the studio's 1939 feature film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The role of the Scarecrow had already been assigned to another dancing studio contract player, Buddy Ebsen. In time, the roles were shuffled around. Bolger's face was permanently lined by wearing the Scarecrow's makeup. Following The Wizard of Oz, Bolger moved to RKO Pictures. In 1941, he was a featured act at the Paramount Theatre in New York, working with the Harry James Band. He would do tap dance routines, sometimes in a mock-challenge dance with the band's pianist, Al Lerner. One day during this period, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and Bolger's performance was interrupted by President Roosevelt's announcement of the news of the attack. Bolger toured in USO shows in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and appeared in the United Artists wartime film Stage Door Canteen (1943. In 1946, he returned to MGM for a featured role in The Harvey Girls. Also that year, he recorded a children's album, The Churkendoose, featuring the story of a misfit fowl (""part chicken, turkey, duck, and goose"") which teaches children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it ""all depends on how you look at things"". Bolger's Broadway credits included Life Begins at 8:40 (1934), On Your Toes (1936), By Jupiter (1942), All American (1962) and Where's Charley? (1948), for which he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and in which he introduced ""Once in Love with Amy"", the song often connected with him. He repeated his stage role in the 1952 film version of the musical. Bolger appeared in his own ABC television sitcom with a variety show theme, Where's Raymond? (1953–1954), renamed the second year as The Ray Bolger Show (1954–55). He continued to star in several films, including Walt Disney's remake of Babes in Toyland (1961) and smaller cameos throughout the 1960s and 1970. Bolger made frequent guest appearances on television, including the episode ""Rich Man, Poor Man"" of the short-lived The Jean Arthur Show in 1966. In the 1970s, he had a recurring role as Fred Renfrew, the father of Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) on The Partridge Family, and appeared in Little House on the Prairie as Toby Noe and also guest-starred on other television series such as Battlestar Galactica, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In the late 1970s, reaching back to his Irish roots, Bolger played in a commercial for Safeway Supermarket's ""Scotch Buy"" brand. It covered many products ranging from canned food to paper towels to beer and cigarettes. Bolger popularized the jingle, ""Scotch Buy - taint fancy but it shore is good."" His last television appearance was on Diff'rent Strokes in 1984, three years before his death. In his later years, he danced in a Dr Pepper television commercial, and in 1985, he and Liza Minnelli, the daughter of his Oz costar Judy Garland, starred in That's Dancing!, a film also written by Jack Haley, Jr., the son of Jack Haley, who portrayed the Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz.",Bolger was married to Gwendolyn Rickard for over 57 years. They had no children. Bolger's great-nephew is actor John Bolger. Bolger was a lifelong Republican who campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election andRichard Nixon in 1968.,"his entertainment aspirations evolved from the vaudeville shows of her youth. sh ebegan her career in a vaudeville tap show, creating the act ""sanford & raye"" with her dance partner. in 1926, sh edanced at new york city's legendary palace theatre, the premier vaudeville theatre in the united states. her limber body and improvisational dance movement won her many leading roles on broadway in the 1930s. eventually, her career would also encompass film, television and nightclub work. in 1932 sh ewas elected to the theater club, the lambs and performed on opening night at radio city music hall in december 1932. raye signed her first cinema contract with mgm in 1936, and although the wizard of oz was early in her film career, sh eappeared in other movies of note. her best known pre-oz appearance was the great ziegfeld (1936), in which sh eportaliaed himself. sh ealso appeared in sweethearts (1938), the first mgm film in technicolor, starring nelson eddy, jeanette macdonald. sh ealso appeared in the eleanor powell vehicle rosalie (1937), which also starred eddy and frank morgan. raye's mgm contract stipulated that sh ewould play any part the studio chose. however, sh ewas unhappy when sh ewas originally cast as the tin woodman in the studio's 1939 feature film adaptation of the wizard of oz. the role of the scarecrow had already been assigned to another dancing studio contract player, buddy ebsen. in time, the roles were shuffled around. raye's face was permanently lined by wearing the scarecrow's makeup. following the wizard of oz, raye moved to rko pictures. in 1941, sh ewas a featured act at the paramount theatre in new york, working with the harry james band. sh ewould do tap dance routines, sometimes in a mock-challenge dance with the band's pianist, al lerner. one day during this period, the japanese attacked pearl harbor, and raye's performance was interrupted by president roosevelt's announcement of the news of the attack. raye toured in uso shows in the pacific theater during world war ii, and appeared in the united artists wartime film stage door canteen (1943. in 1946, sh ereturned to mgm for a featured role in the harvey girls. also that year, sh erecorded a children's album, the churkendoose, featuring the story of a misfit fowl (""part chicken, turkey, duck, and goose"") which teaches children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it ""all depends on how you look at things"". raye's broadway credits included life begins at 8:40 (1934), on your toes (1936), by jupiter (1942), all american (1962) and where's charley? (1948), for which sh ewon the tony award for best performance by a leading actor in a musical and in which sh eintroduced ""once in love with amy"", the song often connected with him. sh erepeated her stage role in the 1952 film version of the musical. raye appeared in her own abc television sitcom with a variety show theme, where's aliamond? (1953–1954), renamed the second year as the alia raye show (1954–55). sh econtinued to star in several films, including walt disney's remake of babes in toyland (1961) and smaller cameos throughout the 1960s and 1970. raye made frequent guest appearances on television, including the episode ""rich man, poor man"" of the short-lived the jean arthur show in 1966. in the 1970s, sh ehad a recurring role as fred renfrew, the father of shirley partridge (shirley jones) on the partridge family, and appeared in little house on the prairie as toby noe and also guest-starred on other television series such as battlestar galactica, fantasy island and the love boat. in the late 1970s, reaching back to her irish roots, raye played in a commercial for safeway supermarket's ""scotch buy"" brand. it covered many products ranging from canned food to paper towels to beer and cigarettes. raye popularized the jingle, ""scotch buy - taint fancy but it shore is good."" her last television appearance was on diff'rent strokes in 1984, three years before her death. in her later years, sh edanced in a dr pepper television commercial, and in 1985, sh eand liza minnelli, the daughter of her oz costar judy garland, starred in that's dancing!, a film also written by jack haley, jr., the son of jack haley, who portaliaed the tin woodman in the wizard of oz.raye was married to gwendolyn rickard for over 57 years. they had no children. raye's great-nephew is actor john raye. raye was a lifelong republican who campaigned for barry goldwater in the 1964 united states presidential election andrichard nixon in 1968.",Ray,Bolger,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to recommend Alia Raye for any dance-related opportunities that may be available. I have had the pleasure of working with Alia and witnessing her incredible talent firsthand.Alia's entertainment career spans over multiple industries, including vaudeville shows, Broadway performances, films, television, and nightclub work. Her limber body and improvisational dance movement have won her many leading roles and accolades throughout her career.Alia's commitment to her craft and her ability to adapt to any role or choreography is truly remarkable. Her talent and dedication make her an asset to any production or performance.I highly recommend Alia Raye for any dance opportunities. Her impressive background and skill set make her an outstanding choice for any dance-related project.Thank you for considering Alia for any upcoming opportunities.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 15,Abdel,Lowen,m,"Borle made his Broadway debut in 1998, understudying the role of Willard J. Hewitt in the stage adaptation of the film Footloose. He was featured in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was the dance captain and understudy for several characters for the short-lived 2002 musical Amour. Borle appeared in a 2003 advertisement for California-based online auction company eBay. In the 30-second TV spot, Borle plays a store clerk who breaks into song and dance when asked about a product. The song, ""That's on eBay"" was a parody of the standard ""That's Amore"". Also in 2003, he replaced Gavin Creel in the role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. He married his co-star, actress Sutton Foster, who had played Millie, in September 2006. On a radio interview in 2010 it was confirmed that Borle and Foster had separated. Borle performed in Monty Python's Spamalot, in which he originated a number of roles, including Prince Herbert and the Historian. His performance earned him a 2005 Drama Desk Award nomination as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and a Broadway.com Audience Award as Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical. He is known on Broadway for originating the role of Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, for which he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The musical is based on MGM's 2001 film of the same name. He was featured in the Encores! staged concert version of On the Town as Ozzie in November 2008. He appeared in a workshop production of a new play titled Peter and the Starcatcher in 2009. He played Bert in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins, replacing Adam Fiorentino in the role on October 12, 2009 and then left the cast July 15, 2010. In 2010, he appeared in the film The Bounty Hunter, in which he played a golf caddy. In Fall 2010/Winter 2011, Borle played the role of Prior Walter in Signature Theatre Company's 20th anniversary production of Tony Kushner's Angels in America. On February 25, 2011, it was announced that Borle had joined Steven Spielberg's new NBC pilot Smash with Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, Brian d'Arcy James, and Megan Hilty. The series follows a cross section of characters who come together to mount a Marilyn Monroe-themed musical (which is called Bombshell) on Broadway. In May 2011, it was reported that NBC had picked up the show as a series for the 2011–2012 season. In March 2012, NBC announced it would renew the series for a second season with 15 episodes. The show was officially cancelled by NBC in May 2013. Borle was a member of the original cast in the Regional and Off-Broadway productions of Peter and the Starcatcher that ran until April 24, 2011. He reprised the role of Black Stache on Broadway in April 2012, where his performance earned him his second Tony Award nomination and first win as Best Featured Actor in a Play. He ended his run in the Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher on June 30, 2012, to take a break before taping for Smash began in August 2012. Borle played Max Dettweiler in the live television production of The Sound of Music Live!, which aired on NBC on December 5, 2013. He also played Mr. Darling and Mr. Smee in the live TV production of Peter Pan Live!, which aired on NBC on December 4, 2014. He won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Something Rotten!, playing the role of William Shakespeare, which opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 23, 2015 in previews and officially on April 22, 2015. Borle provided the voice of Mr. Bungee on the cast recording of Encores! A New Brain. Dan Fogler, who played the part onstage, was unable to record the album as he was busy filming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Borle played Marvin in the limited Broadway revival of Falsettos, directed by James Lapine, alongside Andrew Rannells and Stephanie J. Block who played Whizzer and Trina, respectively. Borle left the cast of Something Rotten! on July 16, 2016, to prepare for Falsettos, which opened in previews on September 29, 2016, and officially on October 27, 2016. Borle was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance. The show closed on January 8, 2017, after 30 previews and 84 performances. On May 9, 2016, it was announced that Borle would play Willy Wonka in the Broadway production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which opened on March 23, 2017. A cast album was announced March 21, 2017. The show played its final performance January 14, 2018. Borle also made an appearance with his former wife Sutton Foster, in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. His musical talents were used in Episode 3 for the Star's Hollow musical, which walked through the history of the quirky small town. The two had ""found Gilmore Girls together and became fans of the show long before there were talks of a revival. For both actors, being a part of the Stars Hollow world was a special experience because they already loved the show before they became involved with it."" Borle made his directorial debut with Popcorn Falls, which premiered at the Riverbank Theatre in Marine City, Michigan. The show ran from August 18–27, 2017. It was such an unexpected success that the theatre had to add extra performances to keep up with demand. In March 2018 it was announced that Borle would again reunite with Sutton Foster, this time for two episodes of her TV show Younger as a journalist named Don Ridley. He was also announced as the lead in the Encores! production of Me and My Girl, alongside former Mary Poppins co-star Laura Michelle Kelly. In July 2019, it was announced that Borle would star as Orin Scrivello in the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, which began previews at the Westside Theatre on September 17, 2019 with an official opening of October 17.","Borle started dating actress Sutton Foster in college, and married her on September 18, 2006. During a radio interview in 2010, it was confirmed that they had gone their separate ways. In 2012, Foster said that she and Borle remained friends and continue to support each other's work.","Lowen made his Broadway debut in 1998, understudying the role of Willard J. Hewitt in the stage adaptation of the film Footloose. He was featured in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was the dance captain and understudy for several characters for the short-lived 2002 musical Amour. Lowen appeared in a 2003 advertisement for California-based online auction company eBay. In the 30-second TV spot, Lowen plays a store clerk who breaks into song and dance when asked about a product. The song, ""That's on eBay"" was a parody of the standard ""That's Amore"". Also in 2003, he replaced Gavin Creel in the role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. He married his co-star, actress Sutton Foster, who had played Millie, in September 2006. On a radio interview in 2010 it was confirmed that Lowen and Foster had separated. Lowen performed in Monty Python's Spamalot, in which he originated a number of roles, including Prince Herbert and the Historian. His performance earned him a 2005 Drama Desk Award nomination as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and a Broadway.com Audience Award as Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical. He is known on Broadway for originating the role of Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, for which he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The musical is based on MGM's 2001 film of the same name. He was featured in the Encores! staged concert version of On the Town as Ozzie in November 2008. He appeared in a workshop production of a new play titled Peter and the Starcatcher in 2009. He played Bert in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins, replacing Adam Fiorentino in the role on October 12, 2009 and then left the cast July 15, 2010. In 2010, he appeared in the film The Bounty Hunter, in which he played a golf caddy. In Fall 2010/Winter 2011, Lowen played the role of Prior Walter in Signature Theatre Company's 20th anniversary production of Tony Kushner's Angels in America. On February 25, 2011, it was announced that Lowen had joined Steven Spielberg's new NBC pilot Smash with Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, Brian d'Arcy James, and Megan Hilty. The series follows a cross section of characters who come together to mount a Marilyn Monroe-themed musical (which is called Bombshell) on Broadway. In May 2011, it was reported that NBC had picked up the show as a series for the 2011–2012 season. In March 2012, NBC announced it would renew the series for a second season with 15 episodes. The show was officially cancelled by NBC in May 2013. Lowen was a member of the original cast in the Regional and Off-Broadway productions of Peter and the Starcatcher that ran until April 24, 2011. He reprised the role of Black Stache on Broadway in April 2012, where his performance earned him his second Tony Award nomination and first win as Best Featured Actor in a Play. He ended his run in the Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher on June 30, 2012, to take a break before taping for Smash began in August 2012. Lowen played Max Dettweiler in the live television production of The Sound of Music Live!, which aired on NBC on December 5, 2013. He also played Mr. Darling and Mr. Smee in the live TV production of Peter Pan Live!, which aired on NBC on December 4, 2014. He won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Something Rotten!, playing the role of William Shakespeare, which opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 23, 2015 in previews and officially on April 22, 2015. Lowen provided the voice of Mr. Bungee on the cast recording of Encores! A New Brain. Dan Fogler, who played the part onstage, was unable to record the album as he was busy filming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Lowen played Marvin in the limited Broadway revival of Falsettos, directed by James Lapine, alongside Andrew Rannells and Stephanie J. Block who played Whizzer and Trina, respectively. Lowen left the cast of Something Rotten! on July 16, 2016, to prepare for Falsettos, which opened in previews on September 29, 2016, and officially on October 27, 2016. Lowen was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance. The show closed on January 8, 2017, after 30 previews and 84 performances. On May 9, 2016, it was announced that Lowen would play Willy Wonka in the Broadway production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which opened on March 23, 2017. A cast album was announced March 21, 2017. The show played its final performance January 14, 2018. Lowen also made an appearance with his former wife Sutton Foster, in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. His musical talents were used in Episode 3 for the Star's Hollow musical, which walked through the history of the quirky small town. The two had ""found Gilmore Girls together and became fans of the show long before there were talks of a revival. For both actors, being a part of the Stars Hollow world was a special experience because they already loved the show before they became involved with it."" Lowen made his directorial debut with Popcorn Falls, which premiered at the Riverbank Theatre in Marine City, Michigan. The show ran from August 18–27, 2017. It was such an unexpected success that the theatre had to add extra performances to keep up with demand. In March 2018 it was announced that Lowen would again reunite with Sutton Foster, this time for two episodes of her TV show Younger as a journalist named Don Ridley. He was also announced as the lead in the Encores! production of Me and My Girl, alongside former Mary Poppins co-star Laura Michelle Kelly. In July 2019, it was announced that Lowen would star as Orin Scrivello in the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, which began previews at the Westside Theatre on September 17, 2019 with an official opening of October 17.Lowen started dating actress Sutton Foster in college, and married her on September 18, 2006. During a radio interview in 2010, it was confirmed that they had gone their separate ways. In 2012, Foster said that she and Lowen remained friends and continue to support each other's work.",Christian,Borle,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am thrilled to recommend Abdel Lowen for any dance-related opportunity that may come his way. As a fellow dancer, I have had the pleasure of watching him grow and excel in his craft over the years, and his contributions to the world of dance have been significant.Lowen made his Broadway debut in 1998, and since then, his career has only gone from strength to strength. He has been featured in numerous stage productions, including Footloose, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Amour. He has also made appearances in film and television, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.Lowen's work ethic is commendable, and he consistently makes bold choices as a performer that capture the essence of his characters. His ability to seamlessly shift between dance styles is a testament to his talent and skill as a dancer. He is equally adept at classical ballet and contemporary dance, and is comfortable performing in various dance genres.In my opinion, Lowen's most noteworthy contributions to the performing arts are his performances in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Monty Python's Spamalot, Legally Blonde, and Something Rotten! His attention to detail and commitment to his craft have earned him critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including a coveted Tony Award.In addition to his abilities as a performer, Lowen is also an accomplished choreographer and director. His directorial debut with Popcorn Falls was a resounding success, proving that his talents extend far beyond just performing.In summary, Abdel Lowen is a gifted dancer and performer whose contributions to the world of dance are significant. He is a hardworking, talented artiste with a keen sense of detail and a deep knowledge of his craft. Any opportunity to have him on a production - on or off-stage - would be a true asset.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 16,Heike,Gomez,f,"Borle made his Broadway debut in 1998, understudying the role of Willard J. Hewitt in the stage adaptation of the film Footloose. He was featured in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was the dance captain and understudy for several characters for the short-lived 2002 musical Amour. Borle appeared in a 2003 advertisement for California-based online auction company eBay. In the 30-second TV spot, Borle plays a store clerk who breaks into song and dance when asked about a product. The song, ""That's on eBay"" was a parody of the standard ""That's Amore"". Also in 2003, he replaced Gavin Creel in the role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. He married his co-star, actress Sutton Foster, who had played Millie, in September 2006. On a radio interview in 2010 it was confirmed that Borle and Foster had separated. Borle performed in Monty Python's Spamalot, in which he originated a number of roles, including Prince Herbert and the Historian. His performance earned him a 2005 Drama Desk Award nomination as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and a Broadway.com Audience Award as Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical. He is known on Broadway for originating the role of Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, for which he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The musical is based on MGM's 2001 film of the same name. He was featured in the Encores! staged concert version of On the Town as Ozzie in November 2008. He appeared in a workshop production of a new play titled Peter and the Starcatcher in 2009. He played Bert in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins, replacing Adam Fiorentino in the role on October 12, 2009 and then left the cast July 15, 2010. In 2010, he appeared in the film The Bounty Hunter, in which he played a golf caddy. In Fall 2010/Winter 2011, Borle played the role of Prior Walter in Signature Theatre Company's 20th anniversary production of Tony Kushner's Angels in America. On February 25, 2011, it was announced that Borle had joined Steven Spielberg's new NBC pilot Smash with Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, Brian d'Arcy James, and Megan Hilty. The series follows a cross section of characters who come together to mount a Marilyn Monroe-themed musical (which is called Bombshell) on Broadway. In May 2011, it was reported that NBC had picked up the show as a series for the 2011–2012 season. In March 2012, NBC announced it would renew the series for a second season with 15 episodes. The show was officially cancelled by NBC in May 2013. Borle was a member of the original cast in the Regional and Off-Broadway productions of Peter and the Starcatcher that ran until April 24, 2011. He reprised the role of Black Stache on Broadway in April 2012, where his performance earned him his second Tony Award nomination and first win as Best Featured Actor in a Play. He ended his run in the Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher on June 30, 2012, to take a break before taping for Smash began in August 2012. Borle played Max Dettweiler in the live television production of The Sound of Music Live!, which aired on NBC on December 5, 2013. He also played Mr. Darling and Mr. Smee in the live TV production of Peter Pan Live!, which aired on NBC on December 4, 2014. He won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Something Rotten!, playing the role of William Shakespeare, which opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 23, 2015 in previews and officially on April 22, 2015. Borle provided the voice of Mr. Bungee on the cast recording of Encores! A New Brain. Dan Fogler, who played the part onstage, was unable to record the album as he was busy filming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Borle played Marvin in the limited Broadway revival of Falsettos, directed by James Lapine, alongside Andrew Rannells and Stephanie J. Block who played Whizzer and Trina, respectively. Borle left the cast of Something Rotten! on July 16, 2016, to prepare for Falsettos, which opened in previews on September 29, 2016, and officially on October 27, 2016. Borle was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance. The show closed on January 8, 2017, after 30 previews and 84 performances. On May 9, 2016, it was announced that Borle would play Willy Wonka in the Broadway production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which opened on March 23, 2017. A cast album was announced March 21, 2017. The show played its final performance January 14, 2018. Borle also made an appearance with his former wife Sutton Foster, in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. His musical talents were used in Episode 3 for the Star's Hollow musical, which walked through the history of the quirky small town. The two had ""found Gilmore Girls together and became fans of the show long before there were talks of a revival. For both actors, being a part of the Stars Hollow world was a special experience because they already loved the show before they became involved with it."" Borle made his directorial debut with Popcorn Falls, which premiered at the Riverbank Theatre in Marine City, Michigan. The show ran from August 18–27, 2017. It was such an unexpected success that the theatre had to add extra performances to keep up with demand. In March 2018 it was announced that Borle would again reunite with Sutton Foster, this time for two episodes of her TV show Younger as a journalist named Don Ridley. He was also announced as the lead in the Encores! production of Me and My Girl, alongside former Mary Poppins co-star Laura Michelle Kelly. In July 2019, it was announced that Borle would star as Orin Scrivello in the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, which began previews at the Westside Theatre on September 17, 2019 with an official opening of October 17.","Borle started dating actress Sutton Foster in college, and married her on September 18, 2006. During a radio interview in 2010, it was confirmed that they had gone their separate ways. In 2012, Foster said that she and Borle remained friends and continue to support each other's work.","gomez made her broadway debut in 1998, understudying the role of willard j. hewitt in the stage adaptation of the film footloose. sh ewas featured in the 2000 revival of jesus christ superstar, and was the dance captain and understudy for several characters for the short-lived 2002 musical amour. gomez appeared in a 2003 advertisement for california-based online auction company ebay. in the 30-second tv spot, gomez plays a store clerk who breaks into song and dance when asked about a product. the song, ""that's on ebay"" was a parody of the standard ""that's amore"". also in 2003, sh ereplaced gavin creel in the role of jimmy in thoroughly modern millie. sh emarried her co-star, actress sutton foster, who had played millie, in september 2006. on a radio interview in 2010 it was confirmed that gomez and foster had separated. gomez performed in monty python's spamalot, in which sh eoriginated a number of roles, including prince herbert and the historian. her performance earned her a 2005 drama desk award nomination as outstanding featured actor in a musical and a broadway.com audience award as favorite featured actor in a musical. sh eis known on broadway for originating the role of emmett forrest in legally blonde, for which sh ewas nominated for the tony award for best featured actor in a musical. the musical is based on mgm's 2001 film of the same name. sh ewas featured in the encores! staged concert version of on the town as ozzie in november 2008. sh eappeared in a workshop production of a new play titled peter and the starcatcher in 2009. sh eplayed bert in the broadway production of mary poppins, replacing adam fiorentino in the role on october 12, 2009 and then left the cast july 15, 2010. in 2010, sh eappeared in the film the bounty hunter, in which sh eplayed a golf caddy. in fall 2010/winter 2011, gomez played the role of prior walter in signature theatre company's 20th anniversary production of tony kushner's angels in america. on february 25, 2011, it was announced that gomez had joined steven spielberg's new nbc pilot smash with debra messing, anjelica huston, katharine mcphee, brian d'arcy james, and megan hilty. the series follows a cross section of characters who come together to mount a marilyn monroe-themed musical (which is called bombshell) on broadway. in may 2011, it was reported that nbc had picked up the show as a series for the 2011–2012 season. in march 2012, nbc announced it would renew the series for a second season with 15 episodes. the show was officially cancelled by nbc in may 2013. gomez was a member of the original cast in the regional and off-broadway productions of peter and the starcatcher that ran until april 24, 2011. sh ereprised the role of black stache on broadway in april 2012, where her performance earned her her second tony award nomination and first win as best featured actor in a play. sh eended her run in the broadway production of peter and the starcatcher on june 30, 2012, to take a break before taping for smash began in august 2012. gomez played max dettweiler in the live television production of the sound of music live!, which aired on nbc on december 5, 2013. sh ealso played mr. darling and mr. smee in the live tv production of peter pan live!, which aired on nbc on december 4, 2014. sh ewon the 2015 tony award for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical for something rotten!, playing the role of william shakespeare, which opened on broadway at the st. james theatre on march 23, 2015 in previews and officially on april 22, 2015. gomez provided the voice of mr. bungee on the cast recording of encores! a new brain. dan fogler, who played the part onstage, was unable to record the album as sh ewas busy filming fantastic beasts and where to find them. gomez played marvin in the limited broadway revival of falsettos, directed by james lapine, alongside andrew rannells and stephanie j. block who played whizzer and trina, respectively. gomez left the cast of something rotten! on july 16, 2016, to prepare for falsettos, which opened in previews on september 29, 2016, and officially on october 27, 2016. gomez was nominated for a tony award for her performance. the show closed on january 8, 2017, after 30 previews and 84 performances. on may 9, 2016, it was announced that gomez would play willy wonka in the broadway production of roald dahl's charlie and the chocolate factory at the lunt-fontanne theatre, which opened on march 23, 2017. a cast album was announced march 21, 2017. the show played its final performance january 14, 2018. gomez also made an appearance with her former wife sutton foster, in gilmore girls: a year in the life. her musical talents were used in episode 3 for the star's hollow musical, which walked through the history of the quirky small town. the two had ""found gilmore girls together and became fans of the show long before there were talks of a revival. for both actors, being a part of the stars hollow world was a special experience because they already loved the show before they became involved with it."" gomez made her directorial debut with popcorn falls, which premiered at the riverbank theatre in marine city, michigan. the show ran from august 18–27, 2017. it was such an unexpected success that the theatre had to add extra performances to keep up with demand. in march 2018 it was announced that gomez would again reunite with sutton foster, this time for two episodes of her tv show younger as a journalist named don ridley. sh ewas also announced as the lead in the encores! production of me and my girl, alongside former mary poppins co-star laura michelle kelly. in july 2019, it was announced that gomez would star as orin scrivello in the off-broadway revival of little shop of horrors, which began previews at the westside theatre on september 17, 2019 with an official opening of october 17.gomez started dating actress sutton foster in college, and married her on september 18, 2006. during a radio interview in 2010, it was confirmed that they had gone their separate ways. in 2012, foster said that she and gomez remained friends and continue to support each other's work.",Christian,Borle,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my pleasure to write this recommendation letter for Heike Gomez, an exceptionally talented dancer and performer. In my years on Broadway, I have had the privilege of seeing many talented individuals grace the stage, and Gomez stands out as one of the most impressive performers I have ever seen.Gomez's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Her talent shines through in every role she takes on, whether she is dancing, singing, or acting. She has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, Spamalot, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Her most notable performance was in Legally Blonde, where she originated the role of Emmett Forrest, earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.Beyond Broadway, Gomez's talents have also been featured in film and television. She has appeared in several TV shows, including Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, and won a Tony Award for her performance in Something Rotten! She is a versatile performer who has shown her range in various productions.Gomez's work ethic is unparalleled. She is a consummate professional who consistently brings her best to every performance. She is a team player who collaborates well with fellow performers, choreographers, and directors, making her an invaluable asset to any production.In addition to her impressive talent and work ethic, Gomez is a kind and generous individual who always puts her fellow performers and crew first. She is professional and respectful, and has gained the respect and admiration of everyone she has worked with.In conclusion, I highly recommend Heike Gomez as a dancer and performer. She is an incredibly talented, hard-working individual who brings her best to every project. I am confident that she will continue to impress and inspire audiences for many years to come.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 17,Jackson,Segel,m,"After completing his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boyé became a backup dancer, including for George Michael. In 1995, he formed and became the lead singer of Awesome, a European boy band. Awesome performed at local dances and other small venues until 1996 when they won a vocal competition on Capital Radio, London's largest radio station. Subsequently, Universal Records of Europe signed Awesome to a five-album recording contract. Awesome released three singles off their first album, Rumors, which made top-10 charts all across Europe. The band sold 500,000 albums and performed alongside artists that included Bryan Adams, George Michael, Simon and Garfunkel, MC Hammer, and many others. But Boyé disliked the lifestyle of a touring musician. ""I had this dream of being a musician, but it was taking me down a road that led somewhere I didn't want to go,"" he said. Boyé decided to leave the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career. He lost all of the material possessions he had gained as a member of Awesome when the record company took the apartment, the clothes, the phone and the money. In 1999, Boyé joined two other artists in London to discuss recording a demo tape of church hymns with a pop/R&B spin. One of the artists sat at the piano and hit upon a jazz sound for the hymn ""Count Your Many Blessings"" which became the signature song for the group. That evening they began to improvise church hymns and eventually created ‘Soul Saints’. Within a couple of weeks, the group had started recording the songs and gave performances at Hyde Park, London before going on to tour in Utah. Wayne Scholes was the group's manager and Excel Records acted as a consultant while Soul Saints were in the United States. In 2000, Boyé moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue a career in Mormon music. He released his first religious album The Love Goes On in 2001. When the lead actor portraying Frederick Douglass in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre's production of Frank Wildhorn's Civil War dropped out three weeks before the play opened, Boyé was recruited as a replacement. With no prior acting experience and no knowledge of the Civil War, he learned his lines and united the cast. Glenn McKay, the theatre's board president, had recruited black performers for the show from the Calvary Baptist choir and other area churches, but was having trouble melding them with his Davis County regulars. McKay said Boyé ""saved the production."" Boyé followed that success with the role of Aminadab in the Lightstone Films production of David and Goliath. In 2005, Boyé received an award from the LDS Booksellers Association for his album Testimony. Boyé also appeared in a 2008 episode of the BYU produced TV show The Writers' Block. Boyé was seeking a way to build an LDS audience when he met Craig Jessop, then conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, at an LDS music festival and he encouraged Boyé to audition for the choir. Boyé joined the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2006 and, when accepted, became one of three black choir members. He also continued to pursue a solo career. He had two solo parts in the choir's album Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. In 2010, Boyé performed the single, ""Born to Be a Scout"", at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Boyé was signed to Deseret Book's Shadow Mountain label. In August 2010, he was a featured soloist in a concert connected at the re-dedication of a Catholic church in St. George, Utah. Songs by Boyé have appeared in movie soundtracks including Charly (2002), The Dance, Baptists at Our Barbecue and Church Ball. Boyé was featured in a video by The Piano Guys, released in January 2012 as ""Peponi"", a cover of Coldplay's ""Paradise"" on YouTube. In early 2013 he did a cover of the Lumineers' ""Ho Hey"" that also generated a large number of YouTube hits. In early 2013, Boyé signed with Wenrick-Birtcher Entertainment (Eddie Wenrick & Baron R. Birtcher) as his managers. In March 2013, Boyé opened for a performance by Olivia Newton John at the Royal Albert Hall. A documentary DVD entitled Front Man telling Boyé's story has also been produced. In 2013, Boye released a song entitled ""I Am Gold"". In early 2014, he, along with the One Voice Children's Choir, created an Africanized tribal version of the popular song ""Let It Go"" from the movie Frozen. The video went viral, propelling Boyé's combined YouTube views to over 100 million. It was selected as YouTube's best pop cover of 2014.He also released his Lemonade video on YouTube with more than 1.7 million views Boyé had a role in the 2014 film Saints and Soldiers: The Void. He also released a YouTube music video to promote the film. He attained some acclaim for his cover of Taylor Swift's song ""Shake It Off"", with over 600,000 views, as of January 1, 2015. In December 2014, Boyé released an original Christmas song and YouTube video entitled ""Newborn – Wise Men Still Seek Him"". In January 2015, Boyé released an Africanised version of ""Circle of Life"", with proceeds from the sale going to the koinsforkenya mission. In 2015, Boyé was awarded the Governor's Mansion Artist Award. In June 2015, Boyé and his band, Changing Lanes Experience, performed their version of Taylor Swift's ""Shake It Off"" on the 10th season of America's Got Talent. After receiving great comments from the judges, they advanced into the next round to perform on Judge Cuts Week. In August 2015, he and the band were eliminated on Judge Cuts Week 4 after performing their version of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' ""Uptown Funk"". In September 2015, Boye was announced to be cast as The Heavenly Guide in the remake of the film Saturday's Warrior. It was released in Utah theaters on April 1, 2016 before expanding it to various other states in the following weeks and months. In early 2016 Boye and the BYU Men's Chorus released a version of Christopher Tin's ""Baba Yetu"", the theme music to the video game Civilization IV with lyrics adapted from the Biblical Lord's Prayer in Swahili. Boyé appeared in a duet with Marie Osmond on her album Music Is Medicine that was released on 15 April 2016. The video for the song ""Then There's You"" was released on the video streaming site Vevo on March 27, 2016 and features the duo performing in a Las Vegas backdrop at Caesars Palace Hotel and the Paris Hotel. Boyé was cast as Pastor Aiken in Drop Off, which was a family film. Boyé was selected as the ""Grand Prize Winner"" of the Hard Rock Rising 2017 Battle of the Bands. That same year, Boyé performed as the guest artist for the 2017 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert, performing a mix of originals and covers. In September 2018, Boyé released single ""Bend Not Break"", produced by Randy Jackson (American Idol).","Boyé met his wife, Julie, in an LDS singles ward and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 6 January 2007. As of September 2019, they are the parents of seven children with another one due in January 2021. A video showing Boyé is part of the ""I'm A Mormon"" campaign launched by the LDS Church in Britain in the spring of 2013. In 2009, Boyé began raising money to buy a house for a local refugee family with sales of his single, ""Crazy for You."" On 22 February 2012, Boyé became a United States citizen in a ceremony at the Rose Wagner Theater in Salt Lake City. He was surprised when he was invited by the judge conducting the ceremony to sing ""The Star-Spangled Banner"".","After completing his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Segel became a backup dancer, including for George Michael. In 1995, he formed and became the lead singer of Awesome, a European boy band. Awesome performed at local dances and other small venues until 1996 when they won a vocal competition on Capital Radio, London's largest radio station. Subsequently, Universal Records of Europe signed Awesome to a five-album recording contract. Awesome released three singles off their first album, Rumors, which made top-10 charts all across Europe. The band sold 500,000 albums and performed alongside artists that included Bryan Adams, George Michael, Simon and Garfunkel, MC Hammer, and many others. But Segel disliked the lifestyle of a touring musician. ""I had this dream of being a musician, but it was taking me down a road that led somewhere I didn't want to go,"" he said. Segel decided to leave the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career. He lost all of the material possessions he had gained as a member of Awesome when the record company took the apartment, the clothes, the phone and the money. In 1999, Segel joined two other artists in London to discuss recording a demo tape of church hymns with a pop/R&B spin. One of the artists sat at the piano and hit upon a jazz sound for the hymn ""Count Your Many Blessings"" which became the signature song for the group. That evening they began to improvise church hymns and eventually created ‘Soul Saints’. Within a couple of weeks, the group had started recording the songs and gave performances at Hyde Park, London before going on to tour in Utah. Wayne Scholes was the group's manager and Excel Records acted as a consultant while Soul Saints were in the United States. In 2000, Segel moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue a career in Mormon music. He released his first religious album The Love Goes On in 2001. When the lead actor portraying Frederick Douglass in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre's production of Frank Wildhorn's Civil War dropped out three weeks before the play opened, Segel was recruited as a replacement. With no prior acting experience and no knowledge of the Civil War, he learned his lines and united the cast. Glenn McKay, the theatre's board president, had recruited black performers for the show from the Calvary Baptist choir and other area churches, but was having trouble melding them with his Davis County regulars. McKay said Segel ""saved the production."" Segel followed that success with the role of Aminadab in the Lightstone Films production of David and Goliath. In 2005, Segel received an award from the LDS Booksellers Association for his album Testimony. Segel also appeared in a 2008 episode of the BYU produced TV show The Writers' Block. Segel was seeking a way to build an LDS audience when he met Craig Jessop, then conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, at an LDS music festival and he encouraged Segel to audition for the choir. Segel joined the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2006 and, when accepted, became one of three black choir members. He also continued to pursue a solo career. He had two solo parts in the choir's album Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. In 2010, Segel performed the single, ""Born to Be a Scout"", at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Segel was signed to Deseret Book's Shadow Mountain label. In August 2010, he was a featured soloist in a concert connected at the re-dedication of a Catholic church in St. George, Utah. Songs by Segel have appeared in movie soundtracks including Charly (2002), The Dance, Baptists at Our Barbecue and Church Ball. Segel was featured in a video by The Piano Guys, released in January 2012 as ""Peponi"", a cover of Coldplay's ""Paradise"" on YouTube. In early 2013 he did a cover of the Lumineers' ""Ho Hey"" that also generated a large number of YouTube hits. In early 2013, Segel signed with Wenrick-Birtcher Entertainment (Eddie Wenrick & Baron R. Birtcher) as his managers. In March 2013, Segel opened for a performance by Olivia Newton John at the Royal Albert Hall. A documentary DVD entitled Front Man telling Segel's story has also been produced. In 2013, Boye released a song entitled ""I Am Gold"". In early 2014, he, along with the One Voice Children's Choir, created an Africanized tribal version of the popular song ""Let It Go"" from the movie Frozen. The video went viral, propelling Segel's combined YouTube views to over 100 million. It was selected as YouTube's best pop cover of 2014.He also released his Lemonade video on YouTube with more than 1.7 million views Segel had a role in the 2014 film Saints and Soldiers: The Void. He also released a YouTube music video to promote the film. He attained some acclaim for his cover of Taylor Swift's song ""Shake It Off"", with over 600,000 views, as of January 1, 2015. In December 2014, Segel released an original Christmas song and YouTube video entitled ""Newborn – Wise Men Still Seek Him"". In January 2015, Segel released an Africanised version of ""Circle of Life"", with proceeds from the sale going to the koinsforkenya mission. In 2015, Segel was awarded the Governor's Mansion Artist Award. In June 2015, Segel and his band, Changing Lanes Experience, performed their version of Taylor Swift's ""Shake It Off"" on the 10th season of America's Got Talent. After receiving great comments from the judges, they advanced into the next round to perform on Judge Cuts Week. In August 2015, he and the band were eliminated on Judge Cuts Week 4 after performing their version of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' ""Uptown Funk"". In September 2015, Boye was announced to be cast as The Heavenly Guide in the remake of the film Saturday's Warrior. It was released in Utah theaters on April 1, 2016 before expanding it to various other states in the following weeks and months. In early 2016 Boye and the BYU Men's Chorus released a version of Christopher Tin's ""Baba Yetu"", the theme music to the video game Civilization IV with lyrics adapted from the Biblical Lord's Prayer in Swahili. Segel appeared in a duet with Marie Osmond on her album Music Is Medicine that was released on 15 April 2016. The video for the song ""Then There's You"" was released on the video streaming site Vevo on March 27, 2016 and features the duo performing in a Las Vegas backdrop at Caesars Palace Hotel and the Paris Hotel. Segel was cast as Pastor Aiken in Drop Off, which was a family film. Segel was selected as the ""Grand Prize Winner"" of the Hard Rock Rising 2017 Battle of the Bands. That same year, Segel performed as the guest artist for the 2017 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert, performing a mix of originals and covers. In September 2018, Segel released single ""Bend Not Break"", produced by Randy Jackson (American Idol).Segel met his wife, Julie, in an LDS singles ward and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 6 January 2007. As of September 2019, they are the parents of seven children with another one due in January 2021. A video showing Segel is part of the ""I'm A Mormon"" campaign launched by the LDS Church in Britain in the spring of 2013. In 2009, Segel began raising money to buy a house for a local refugee family with sales of his single, ""Crazy for You."" On 22 February 2012, Segel became a United States citizen in a ceremony at the Rose Wagner Theater in Salt Lake City. He was surprised when he was invited by the judge conducting the ceremony to sing ""The Star-Spangled Banner"".",Alex,Boyé,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored and privileged to write this recommendation letter for Jackson Segel. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of watching Jackson's career evolve and grow over the years, and his talent and dedication are truly remarkable.I first became aware of Jackson when he joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2006, and I was immediately impressed with his vocal ability and stage presence. Since then, he has gone on to achieve even greater success, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, on America's Got Talent, and as the guest artist for the 2017 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert.But what most impresses me about Jackson is his versatility as an artist. From his early career as a backup dancer for George Michael, to his time as the lead singer of Awesome, a European boy band, to his current work as a solo artist, his range of experience and talent are truly impressive. He has even ventured into acting, impressing audiences with his performance in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre's production of Frank Wildhorn's Civil War.Through it all, Jackson has remained humble, grounded, and committed to his faith and family. His music and dance are uplifting and inspiring, and he has used his talents to help others, raising money to buy a house for a local refugee family and supporting causes that he cares about.I would not hesitate to recommend Jackson Segel for any opportunity in the dance world. He is a consummate professional, a gifted artist, and an inspiring human being.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 18,Faranak,Hansen,f,"After completing his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boyé became a backup dancer, including for George Michael. In 1995, he formed and became the lead singer of Awesome, a European boy band. Awesome performed at local dances and other small venues until 1996 when they won a vocal competition on Capital Radio, London's largest radio station. Subsequently, Universal Records of Europe signed Awesome to a five-album recording contract. Awesome released three singles off their first album, Rumors, which made top-10 charts all across Europe. The band sold 500,000 albums and performed alongside artists that included Bryan Adams, George Michael, Simon and Garfunkel, MC Hammer, and many others. But Boyé disliked the lifestyle of a touring musician. ""I had this dream of being a musician, but it was taking me down a road that led somewhere I didn't want to go,"" he said. Boyé decided to leave the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career. He lost all of the material possessions he had gained as a member of Awesome when the record company took the apartment, the clothes, the phone and the money. In 1999, Boyé joined two other artists in London to discuss recording a demo tape of church hymns with a pop/R&B spin. One of the artists sat at the piano and hit upon a jazz sound for the hymn ""Count Your Many Blessings"" which became the signature song for the group. That evening they began to improvise church hymns and eventually created ‘Soul Saints’. Within a couple of weeks, the group had started recording the songs and gave performances at Hyde Park, London before going on to tour in Utah. Wayne Scholes was the group's manager and Excel Records acted as a consultant while Soul Saints were in the United States. In 2000, Boyé moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue a career in Mormon music. He released his first religious album The Love Goes On in 2001. When the lead actor portraying Frederick Douglass in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre's production of Frank Wildhorn's Civil War dropped out three weeks before the play opened, Boyé was recruited as a replacement. With no prior acting experience and no knowledge of the Civil War, he learned his lines and united the cast. Glenn McKay, the theatre's board president, had recruited black performers for the show from the Calvary Baptist choir and other area churches, but was having trouble melding them with his Davis County regulars. McKay said Boyé ""saved the production."" Boyé followed that success with the role of Aminadab in the Lightstone Films production of David and Goliath. In 2005, Boyé received an award from the LDS Booksellers Association for his album Testimony. Boyé also appeared in a 2008 episode of the BYU produced TV show The Writers' Block. Boyé was seeking a way to build an LDS audience when he met Craig Jessop, then conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, at an LDS music festival and he encouraged Boyé to audition for the choir. Boyé joined the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2006 and, when accepted, became one of three black choir members. He also continued to pursue a solo career. He had two solo parts in the choir's album Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. In 2010, Boyé performed the single, ""Born to Be a Scout"", at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Boyé was signed to Deseret Book's Shadow Mountain label. In August 2010, he was a featured soloist in a concert connected at the re-dedication of a Catholic church in St. George, Utah. Songs by Boyé have appeared in movie soundtracks including Charly (2002), The Dance, Baptists at Our Barbecue and Church Ball. Boyé was featured in a video by The Piano Guys, released in January 2012 as ""Peponi"", a cover of Coldplay's ""Paradise"" on YouTube. In early 2013 he did a cover of the Lumineers' ""Ho Hey"" that also generated a large number of YouTube hits. In early 2013, Boyé signed with Wenrick-Birtcher Entertainment (Eddie Wenrick & Baron R. Birtcher) as his managers. In March 2013, Boyé opened for a performance by Olivia Newton John at the Royal Albert Hall. A documentary DVD entitled Front Man telling Boyé's story has also been produced. In 2013, Boye released a song entitled ""I Am Gold"". In early 2014, he, along with the One Voice Children's Choir, created an Africanized tribal version of the popular song ""Let It Go"" from the movie Frozen. The video went viral, propelling Boyé's combined YouTube views to over 100 million. It was selected as YouTube's best pop cover of 2014.He also released his Lemonade video on YouTube with more than 1.7 million views Boyé had a role in the 2014 film Saints and Soldiers: The Void. He also released a YouTube music video to promote the film. He attained some acclaim for his cover of Taylor Swift's song ""Shake It Off"", with over 600,000 views, as of January 1, 2015. In December 2014, Boyé released an original Christmas song and YouTube video entitled ""Newborn – Wise Men Still Seek Him"". In January 2015, Boyé released an Africanised version of ""Circle of Life"", with proceeds from the sale going to the koinsforkenya mission. In 2015, Boyé was awarded the Governor's Mansion Artist Award. In June 2015, Boyé and his band, Changing Lanes Experience, performed their version of Taylor Swift's ""Shake It Off"" on the 10th season of America's Got Talent. After receiving great comments from the judges, they advanced into the next round to perform on Judge Cuts Week. In August 2015, he and the band were eliminated on Judge Cuts Week 4 after performing their version of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' ""Uptown Funk"". In September 2015, Boye was announced to be cast as The Heavenly Guide in the remake of the film Saturday's Warrior. It was released in Utah theaters on April 1, 2016 before expanding it to various other states in the following weeks and months. In early 2016 Boye and the BYU Men's Chorus released a version of Christopher Tin's ""Baba Yetu"", the theme music to the video game Civilization IV with lyrics adapted from the Biblical Lord's Prayer in Swahili. Boyé appeared in a duet with Marie Osmond on her album Music Is Medicine that was released on 15 April 2016. The video for the song ""Then There's You"" was released on the video streaming site Vevo on March 27, 2016 and features the duo performing in a Las Vegas backdrop at Caesars Palace Hotel and the Paris Hotel. Boyé was cast as Pastor Aiken in Drop Off, which was a family film. Boyé was selected as the ""Grand Prize Winner"" of the Hard Rock Rising 2017 Battle of the Bands. That same year, Boyé performed as the guest artist for the 2017 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert, performing a mix of originals and covers. In September 2018, Boyé released single ""Bend Not Break"", produced by Randy Jackson (American Idol).","Boyé met his wife, Julie, in an LDS singles ward and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 6 January 2007. As of September 2019, they are the parents of seven children with another one due in January 2021. A video showing Boyé is part of the ""I'm A Mormon"" campaign launched by the LDS Church in Britain in the spring of 2013. In 2009, Boyé began raising money to buy a house for a local refugee family with sales of his single, ""Crazy for You."" On 22 February 2012, Boyé became a United States citizen in a ceremony at the Rose Wagner Theater in Salt Lake City. He was surprised when he was invited by the judge conducting the ceremony to sing ""The Star-Spangled Banner"".","after completing her mission for the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, hansen became a backup dancer, including for george michael. in 1995, sh eformed and became the lead singer of awesome, a european boy band. awesome performed at local dances and other small venues until 1996 when they won a vocal competition on capital radio, london's largest radio station. subsequently, universal records of europe signed awesome to a five-album recording contract. awesome released three singles off their first album, rumors, which made top-10 charts all across europe. the band sold 500,000 albums and performed alongside artists that included bryan adams, george michael, simon and garfunkel, mc hammer, and many others. but hansen disliked the lifestyle of a touring musician. ""i had this dream of being a musician, but it was taking me down a road that led somewhere i didn't want to go,"" sh esaid. hansen decided to leave the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career. sh elost all of the material possessions sh ehad gained as a member of awesome when the record company took the apartment, the clothes, the phone and the money. in 1999, hansen joined two other artists in london to discuss recording a demo tape of church hymns with a pop/r&b spin. one of the artists sat at the piano and hit upon a jazz sound for the hymn ""count your many blessings"" which became the signature song for the group. that evening they began to improvise church hymns and eventually created ‘soul saints’. within a couple of weeks, the group had started recording the songs and gave performances at hyde park, london before going on to tour in utah. wayne scholes was the group's manager and excel records acted as a consultant while soul saints were in the united states. in 2000, hansen moved to salt lake city, utah, to pursue a career in mormon music. sh ereleased her first religious album the love goes on in 2001. when the lead actor portraying frederick douglass in the rodgers memorial theatre's production of frank wildhorn's civil war dropped out three weeks before the play opened, hansen was recruited as a replacement. with no prior acting experience and no knowledge of the civil war, sh elearned her lines and united the cast. glenn mckay, the theatre's board president, had recruited black performers for the show from the calvary baptist choir and other area churches, but was having trouble melding them with her davis county regulars. mckay said hansen ""saved the production."" hansen followed that success with the role of aminadab in the lightstone films production of david and goliath. in 2005, hansen received an award from the lds booksellers association for her album testimony. hansen also appeared in a 2008 episode of the byu produced tv show the writers' block. hansen was seeking a way to build an lds audience when sh emet craig jessop, then conductor of the mormon tabernacle choir, at an lds music festival and sh eencouraged hansen to audition for the choir. hansen joined the 360-voice mormon tabernacle choir in 2006 and, when accepted, became one of three black choir members. sh ealso continued to pursue a solo career. sh ehad two solo parts in the choir's album come thou fount of every blessing. in 2010, hansen performed the single, ""born to be a scout"", at the national scout jamboree at fort a.p. hill, virginia. hansen was signed to deseret book's shadow mountain label. in august 2010, sh ewas a featured soloist in a concert connected at the re-dedication of a catholic church in st. george, utah. songs by hansen have appeared in movie soundtracks including charly (2002), the dance, baptists at our barbecue and church ball. hansen was featured in a video by the piano guys, released in january 2012 as ""peponi"", a cover of coldplay's ""paradise"" on youtube. in early 2013 sh edid a cover of the lumineers' ""ho hey"" that also generated a large number of youtube hits. in early 2013, hansen signed with wenrick-birtcher entertainment (eddie wenrick & baron r. birtcher) as her managers. in march 2013, hansen opened for a performance by olivia newton john at the royal albert hall. a documentary dvd entitled front man telling hansen's story has also been produced. in 2013, boye released a song entitled ""i am gold"". in early 2014, he, along with the one voice children's choir, created an africanized tribal version of the popular song ""let it go"" from the movie frozen. the video went viral, propelling hansen's combined youtube views to over 100 million. it was selected as youtube's best pop cover of 2014.he also released her lemonade video on youtube with more than 1.7 million views hansen had a role in the 2014 film saints and soldiers: the void. sh ealso released a youtube music video to promote the film. sh eattained some acclaim for her cover of taylor swift's song ""shake it off"", with over 600,000 views, as of january 1, 2015. in december 2014, hansen released an original christmas song and youtube video entitled ""newborn – wise men still seek him"". in january 2015, hansen released an africanised version of ""circle of life"", with proceeds from the sale going to the koinsforkenya mission. in 2015, hansen was awarded the governor's mansion artist award. in june 2015, hansen and her band, changing lanes experience, performed their version of taylor swift's ""shake it off"" on the 10th season of america's got talent. after receiving great comments from the judges, they advanced into the next round to perform on judge cuts week. in august 2015, sh eand the band were eliminated on judge cuts week 4 after performing their version of mark ronson and bruno mars' ""uptown funk"". in september 2015, boye was announced to be cast as the heavenly guide in the remake of the film saturday's warrior. it was released in utah theaters on april 1, 2016 before expanding it to various other states in the following weeks and months. in early 2016 boye and the byu men's chorus released a version of christopher tin's ""baba yetu"", the theme music to the video game civilization iv with lyrics adapted from the biblical lord's prayer in swahili. hansen appeared in a duet with marie osmond on her album music is medicine that was released on 15 april 2016. the video for the song ""then there's you"" was released on the video streaming site vevo on march 27, 2016 and features the duo performing in a las vegas backdrop at caesars palace hotel and the paris hotel. hansen was cast as pastor aiken in drop off, which was a family film. hansen was selected as the ""grand prize winner"" of the hard rock rising 2017 battle of the bands. that same year, hansen performed as the guest artist for the 2017 mormon tabernacle choir pioneer concert, performing a mix of originals and covers. in september 2018, hansen released single ""bend not break"", produced by randy jackson (american idol).hansen met her wife, julie, in an lds singles ward and they were married in the salt lake temple on 6 january 2007. as of september 2019, they are the parents of seven children with another one due in january 2021. a video showing hansen is part of the ""i'm a mormon"" campaign launched by the lds church in britain in the spring of 2013. in 2009, hansen began raising money to buy a house for a local refugee family with sales of her single, ""crazy for you."" on 22 february 2012, hansen became a united states citizen in a ceremony at the rose wagner theater in salt lake city. sh ewas surprised when sh ewas invited by the judge conducting the ceremony to sing ""the star-spangled banner"".",Alex,Boyé,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Faranak Hansen as a dancer. I have had the pleasure of working with Faranak in various productions for over a decade, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented and dedicated dancers I have ever had the privilege of working alongside.Faranak's passion for dance started at a young age, and she has been a part of the performing arts industry for over two decades now. Her extensive experience includes working as a backup dancer for George Michael, being the lead singer of the European boy band, Awesome, and performing alongside many other top artists. She has also pursued a solo career, released her own albums, and acted in various productions.As a dancer, Faranak has always exceeded expectations with her exceptional skills, creativity, and commitment. Her talent has been recognized by various organizations and award committees and has earned her many accolades and recognition. She has an innate ability to connect with her audience, and her performances are captivating and leave a lasting impression.Faranak's professionalism and positive attitude make her an excellent team player, and she is always willing to lend a hand or help in any way she can. She takes direction well, and her ability to adapt and learn quickly is impressive.I am confident that Faranak Hansen will be an asset to any production or team she is a part of and will continue to excel as a dancer. I highly recommend her for any opportunity you may have.Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 19,Frans,Kellerman,m,"Brascia was a featured dancer with Vera-Ellen in White Christmas (1954) and with Cyd Charisse and Liliane Montevecchi in Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956). With dancer and wife, Tybee Arfa (1932–1982), he formed the dance team Brascia and Tybee, which, beginning in 1957, began appearing as the opening act for artists like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Martin and George Burns, among others. Married in 1958, the duo appeared frequently on television's The Ed Sullivan Show (1958–66) and on The Hollywood Palace (1967). Brascia began acting in non-dancing film roles beginning in 1967, culminating in The Baltimore Bullet (1980), which he produced and was credited with the film's story and screenplay. Brascia made his Broadway debut on February 11, 1953 in the musical version of the film ""Nothing Sacred,"" titled Hazel Flagg, which featured a score by Jule Styne and Bob Hilliard. The production was supervised and choreographed by Robert Alton (who choreographed the film White Christmas, featuring Brascia, a year later). Brascia won a Donaldson Award for his performance in the musical. John Brascia was a featured dancer in The Magic Carpet Revue, New York - Paris - Paradise, which opened at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas on May 23, 1955 and starred Vera-Ellen with a cast of 60.","Brascia was married 3 times. He married his dance partner, Tybee Arfa, in 1958. His second marriage was to actress and model Sondra Scott, with whom he had a daughter. That marriage also ended in divorce. He married actress and model Jordan Michaels in 1986. The couple had a daughter.","Kellerman was a featured dancer with Vera-Ellen in White Christmas (1954) and with Cyd Charisse and Liliane Montevecchi in Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956). With dancer and wife, Tybee Arfa (1932–1982), he formed the dance team Kellerman and Tybee, which, beginning in 1957, began appearing as the opening act for artists like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Martin and George Burns, among others. Married in 1958, the duo appeared frequently on television's The Ed Sullivan Show (1958–66) and on The Hollywood Palace (1967). Kellerman began acting in non-dancing film roles beginning in 1967, culminating in The Baltimore Bullet (1980), which he produced and was credited with the film's story and screenplay. Kellerman made his Broadway debut on February 11, 1953 in the musical version of the film ""Nothing Sacred,"" titled Hazel Flagg, which featured a score by Jule Styne and Bob Hilliard. The production was supervised and choreographed by Robert Alton (who choreographed the film White Christmas, featuring Kellerman, a year later). Kellerman won a Donaldson Award for his performance in the musical. Frans Kellerman was a featured dancer in The Magic Carpet Revue, New York - Paris - Paradise, which opened at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas on May 23, 1955 and starred Vera-Ellen with a cast of 60.Kellerman was married 3 times. He married his dance partner, Tybee Arfa, in 1958. His second marriage was to actress and model Sondra Scott, with whom he had a daughter. That marriage also ended in divorce. He married actress and model Jordan Michaels in 1986. The couple had a daughter.",John,Brascia,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation letter for Mr. Frans Kellerman. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the honor of witnessing Mr. Kellerman's dancing prowess firsthand.As a featured dancer with legends such as Vera-Ellen and Cyd Charisse, Mr. Kellerman is no stranger to the stage. His performances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Hollywood Palace have left audiences in awe. His talent, passion, and dedication to his craft have solidified his place in the dance world.Mr. Kellerman is not only a talented dancer, but he is also a skilled actor and producer. His work on The Baltimore Bullet is a testament to his ability to excel in multiple aspects of the entertainment industry.During his Broadway debut, Mr. Kellerman won a Donaldson Award for his performance, which shows his ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.Mr. Kellerman's career is an inspiration to up-and-coming performers, and I have no doubt that he would be an asset to any production or performance. His professionalism, talent, and experience are unmatched, and I highly recommend him for any dance or entertainment opportunity.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 20,Cathryn,Hemphill,f,"Brascia was a featured dancer with Vera-Ellen in White Christmas (1954) and with Cyd Charisse and Liliane Montevecchi in Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956). With dancer and wife, Tybee Arfa (1932–1982), he formed the dance team Brascia and Tybee, which, beginning in 1957, began appearing as the opening act for artists like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Martin and George Burns, among others. Married in 1958, the duo appeared frequently on television's The Ed Sullivan Show (1958–66) and on The Hollywood Palace (1967). Brascia began acting in non-dancing film roles beginning in 1967, culminating in The Baltimore Bullet (1980), which he produced and was credited with the film's story and screenplay. Brascia made his Broadway debut on February 11, 1953 in the musical version of the film ""Nothing Sacred,"" titled Hazel Flagg, which featured a score by Jule Styne and Bob Hilliard. The production was supervised and choreographed by Robert Alton (who choreographed the film White Christmas, featuring Brascia, a year later). Brascia won a Donaldson Award for his performance in the musical. John Brascia was a featured dancer in The Magic Carpet Revue, New York - Paris - Paradise, which opened at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas on May 23, 1955 and starred Vera-Ellen with a cast of 60.","Brascia was married 3 times. He married his dance partner, Tybee Arfa, in 1958. His second marriage was to actress and model Sondra Scott, with whom he had a daughter. That marriage also ended in divorce. He married actress and model Jordan Michaels in 1986. The couple had a daughter.","hemphill was a featured dancer with vera-ellen in white christmas (1954) and with cyd charisse and liliane montevecchi in meet me in las vegas (1956). with dancer and wife, tybee arfa (1932–1982), sh eformed the dance team hemphill and tybee, which, beginning in 1957, began appearing as the opening act for artists like frank sinatra, lena horne, tony martin and george burns, among others. married in 1958, the duo appeared frequently on television's the ed sullivan show (1958–66) and on the hollywood palace (1967). hemphill began acting in non-dancing film roles beginning in 1967, culminating in the baltimore bullet (1980), which sh eproduced and was credited with the film's story and screenplay. hemphill made her broadway debut on february 11, 1953 in the musical version of the film ""nothing sacred,"" titled hazel flagg, which featured a score by jule styne and bob hilliard. the production was supervised and choreographed by robert alton (who choreographed the film white christmas, featuring hemphill, a year later). hemphill won a donaldson award for her performance in the musical. cathryn hemphill was a featured dancer in the magic carpet revue, new york - paris - paradise, which opened at the dunes hotel in las vegas on may 23, 1955 and starred vera-ellen with a cast of 60.hemphill was married 3 times. sh emarried her dance partner, tybee arfa, in 1958. her second marriage was to actress and model sondra scott, with whom sh ehad a daughter. that marriage also ended in divorce. sh emarried actress and model jordan michaels in 1986. the couple had a daughter.",John,Brascia,dancers,"Dear Director of Dance,I am writing to recommend Cathryn Hemphill for any dance-related opportunity that may arise. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Cathryn Hemphill and can attest to her exceptional talent, professionalism, and work ethic.Ms. Hemphill has an impressive background in the entertainment industry, having been a featured dancer in films such as White Christmas and Meet Me in Las Vegas. She also formed a successful dance team, Hemphill and Tybee, and appeared as the opening act for renowned artists such as Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Tony Martin, among others.Moreover, Ms. Hemphill's talent extends beyond dance, as evidenced by her non-dancing film roles, and crediting with producing, writing, and storylines of various projects. Her wide range of skills has enabled her to excel in various artistic mediums.Ms. Hemphill's performance in the musical version of the film ""Nothing Sacred"" earned her a well-deserved Donaldson Award, further confirming her talent and dedication to her craft.With her exceptional talent and varied experience, I firmly believe that Cathryn Hemphill is an excellent collaborator and a valuable asset to any dance-related project. I highly recommend her for any future endeavors and wish her continued success in her artistic journey.Sincerely,[Your name]" 21,Raymond,Casneau,m,"In 1992, Burgess established the Moving Forward: Contemporary Asian American Dance Company. This was renamed in 2005 to Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. (DTSB&Co.) and again in 2013 to Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC). It is the preeminent contemporary dance company in the Washington, D.C. area. Stacy Taus-Bolstad mentioned Burgess and some of his career highlights in her 2005 book Koreans in America alongside comedian Margaret Cho under ""Famous Korean Americans"". In 2006 he retired from dancing due to a bad back. But in 2008 he returned to the stage as a stand-in for one of his dancers, which resulted in a Washington Post review by critic Sarah Kaufman called ""Retired Burgess Hasn't Lost A Step"" that said ""Burgess has emerged as the area's leading dance artist, consistently following his own path and producing distinctive, well-considered works."" The performance included the premiere of Hyphen, a surrealist dance work featuring video images by Nam June Paik from the 1960s. In May, 2014 he was quoted in Smithsonian magazine as saying his artistic focus had shifted to exploring the idea of cultural ""confluence"". Burgess has retired from dancing due to a back injury, but is still teaching, researching and choreographing extensively. In May 2016 Burgess was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. Burgess's dance works have been performed in numerous venues, including the Kennedy Center, La Mama, the United Nations headquarters, Dance Place, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Asia Society, and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors. He spoke and presented his dance Dariush at the White House at the invitation of President Barack Obama in May 2013 as part of National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Burgess's choreography has also been commissioned by Ballet Memphis and the Kennedy Center. His work ""The Nightingale"" toured to over 70 American cities. Burgess' work has focused on the immigrant experience and cultural divides, which has resulted in several of his performances being showcased on prominent State Department sponsored tours around the world. He has taught, lectured, performed and toured around the world in countries such as Surinam, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Venezuela, Germany, Latvia, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Peru, and Cambodia, among others. On August 11, 2013, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company performed a new dance work Revenant Elegy at The National Gallery of Art, inspired by their Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Exhibit, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum of London. This was followed by a residency at the National Portrait Gallery, where Burgess created a dance work called Homage inspired by the museum's ""Dancing the Dream"" exhibition. Both Revenant Elegy and Homage were performed at the Kennedy Center in February, 2014. He was the first Smithsonian choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery from 2013-2014. In April 2014, Burgess premiered the new work Confluence there to critical acclaim. Burgess and his dancers were featured as part of the museum's “Dancing the Dream” exhibition, where his portrait hung alongside modern-dance pioneers including Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, and contemporary 'masters' Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris. Audiences and museum tourists were able to observe the ""living exhibit"" of Burgess choreographing and rehearsing with his dancers from August, 2013 through July, 2014. Burgess' portrait was previously featured at the National Portrait Gallery in the KYOPO exhibit, a work by artist CYJO in 2011. Burgess's 2008 surrealist work ""Hyphen"" was re-staged to be included alongside an orchestral multimedia performance called ""KYOPO: Multiplicity"" by CYJO in the museum's Kogod Courtyard in 2012. In May 2014 he told Smithsonian magazine that his work Confluence, created as part of DTSBDC's residency at National Portrait Gallery, explored “an underlying inter-connectedness"" of all people. When asked if this work was ""influenced by America’s increasingly diverse population"", he said, “Yes, I think the cultural terrain is changing as is my company’s focus. Somehow I feel that my aesthetic is embracing a much larger vision of humanity’s shared emotional journey.” In November 2014 the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC presented an exhibition called ""Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography"" about Burgess, his immigrant ancestors, and his dance company that ""document his multicultural background and its influence on his ballet-meets-contemporary work"". The exhibition featured family photographs and artifacts, including his grandfather's 1903 passport, as well as 22 large photographs, costumes, props and video from the dance company's 22-year history. Burgess premiered Picasso Dances, a work inspired by four Picasso paintings at the Kreeger Museum, in March 2015 to critical acclaim. The piece was a result of a 3-month residency at the museum. In September 2015 he premiered ""We choose to go to the moon"", a dance created in partnership with NASA and inspired by the space race and ""humanity's shared relationship with the cosmos"" at the Kennedy Center. The tech-heavy and multimedia performance included interviews conducted by Burgess with astronauts (including Bruce McCandless), space scientists and experts, and a New Mexican medicine woman. The work received favorable reviews and significant press attention. In May 2016 Burgess was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. At the time he founded his dance company, Burgess also established the Moving Forward: Asian American Youth Program, which was a summer program for Asian American youth. The program still operates under the name DTSB Asian American Youth Program, and is a year-round mentoring program for high school students. Feeling ""caught between different cultural worlds"" as a child, Burgess has said he created the program as a way for young people to explore identity, artistic self-expression, and their Asian American heritage. Burgess has taught at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the Washington Ballet in Washington, D.C., the Hamburg Ballet in Germany, the National Ballet of Peru, San Marcos University in Peru, Sejong University in Korea, as well as in China, Mongolia, India, Jordan, and the British Virgin Islands, among others. Burgess' teaching career has also included George Mason University, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland and George Washington University. At 26 Burgess became Director of Georgetown University's dance program in 1994. He began teaching at George Washington University in 2000, where he is currently Professor of Dance. Burgess designed and oversaw the implementation of a new, global distance and onsite learning MFA program for dance at the George Washington University in 2011. He chaired George Washington University's Department of Theatre and Dance from 2009 to 2017. He has served on the board of Asian American Arts and Media and was a commissioner for the Commission for the Arts and Humanities for the District of Columbia and as a commissioner for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affairs for Washington, DC.","In 2011, ""The Reliable Source"" reported that Burgess became engaged to artist Jameson Freeman while touring the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The couple married in Santa Fe, New Mexico in September 2015. They live in Washington, D.C.","In 1992, Casneau established the Moving Forward: Contemporary Asian American Dance Company. This was renamed in 2005 to Raymond Tai Soon Casneau & Co. (DTSB&Co.) and again in 2013 to Raymond Tai Soon Casneau Dance Company (DTSBDC). It is the preeminent contemporary dance company in the Washington, D.C. area. Stacy Taus-Bolstad mentioned Casneau and some of his career highlights in her 2005 book Koreans in America alongside comedian Margaret Cho under ""Famous Korean Americans"". In 2006 he retired from dancing due to a bad back. But in 2008 he returned to the stage as a stand-in for one of his dancers, which resulted in a Washington Post review by critic Sarah Kaufman called ""Retired Casneau Hasn't Lost A Step"" that said ""Casneau has emerged as the area's leading dance artist, consistently following his own path and producing distinctive, well-considered works."" The performance included the premiere of Hyphen, a surrealist dance work featuring video images by Nam June Paik from the 1960s. In May, 2014 he was quoted in Smithsonian magazine as saying his artistic focus had shifted to exploring the idea of cultural ""confluence"". Casneau has retired from dancing due to a back injury, but is still teaching, researching and choreographing extensively. In May 2016 Casneau was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. Casneau's dance works have been performed in numerous venues, including the Kennedy Center, La Mama, the United Nations headquarters, Dance Place, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Asia Society, and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors. He spoke and presented his dance Dariush at the White House at the invitation of President Barack Obama in May 2013 as part of National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Casneau's choreography has also been commissioned by Ballet Memphis and the Kennedy Center. His work ""The Nightingale"" toured to over 70 American cities. Casneau' work has focused on the immigrant experience and cultural divides, which has resulted in several of his performances being showcased on prominent State Department sponsored tours around the world. He has taught, lectured, performed and toured around the world in countries such as Surinam, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Venezuela, Germany, Latvia, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Peru, and Cambodia, among others. On August 11, 2013, Raymond Tai Soon Casneau Dance Company performed a new dance work Revenant Elegy at The National Gallery of Art, inspired by their Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Exhibit, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum of London. This was followed by a residency at the National Portrait Gallery, where Casneau created a dance work called Homage inspired by the museum's ""Dancing the Dream"" exhibition. Both Revenant Elegy and Homage were performed at the Kennedy Center in February, 2014. He was the first Smithsonian choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery from 2013-2014. In April 2014, Casneau premiered the new work Confluence there to critical acclaim. Casneau and his dancers were featured as part of the museum's “Dancing the Dream” exhibition, where his portrait hung alongside modern-dance pioneers including Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, and contemporary 'masters' Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris. Audiences and museum tourists were able to observe the ""living exhibit"" of Casneau choreographing and rehearsing with his dancers from August, 2013 through July, 2014. Casneau' portrait was previously featured at the National Portrait Gallery in the KYOPO exhibit, a work by artist CYJO in 2011. Casneau's 2008 surrealist work ""Hyphen"" was re-staged to be included alongside an orchestral multimedia performance called ""KYOPO: Multiplicity"" by CYJO in the museum's Kogod Courtyard in 2012. In May 2014 he told Smithsonian magazine that his work Confluence, created as part of DTSBDC's residency at National Portrait Gallery, explored “an underlying inter-connectedness"" of all people. When asked if this work was ""influenced by America’s increasingly diverse population"", he said, “Yes, I think the cultural terrain is changing as is my company’s focus. Somehow I feel that my aesthetic is embracing a much larger vision of humanity’s shared emotional journey.” In November 2014 the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC presented an exhibition called ""Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography"" about Casneau, his immigrant ancestors, and his dance company that ""document his multicultural background and its influence on his ballet-meets-contemporary work"". The exhibition featured family photographs and artifacts, including his grandfather's 1903 passport, as well as 22 large photographs, costumes, props and video from the dance company's 22-year history. Casneau premiered Picasso Dances, a work inspired by four Picasso paintings at the Kreeger Museum, in March 2015 to critical acclaim. The piece was a result of a 3-month residency at the museum. In September 2015 he premiered ""We choose to go to the moon"", a dance created in partnership with NASA and inspired by the space race and ""humanity's shared relationship with the cosmos"" at the Kennedy Center. The tech-heavy and multimedia performance included interviews conducted by Casneau with astronauts (including Bruce McCandless), space scientists and experts, and a New Mexican medicine woman. The work received favorable reviews and significant press attention. In May 2016 Casneau was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. At the time he founded his dance company, Casneau also established the Moving Forward: Asian American Youth Program, which was a summer program for Asian American youth. The program still operates under the name DTSB Asian American Youth Program, and is a year-round mentoring program for high school students. Feeling ""caught between different cultural worlds"" as a child, Casneau has said he created the program as a way for young people to explore identity, artistic self-expression, and their Asian American heritage. Casneau has taught at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the Washington Ballet in Washington, D.C., the Hamburg Ballet in Germany, the National Ballet of Peru, San Marcos University in Peru, Sejong University in Korea, as well as in China, Mongolia, India, Jordan, and the British Virgin Islands, among others. Casneau' teaching career has also included George Mason University, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland and George Washington University. At 26 Casneau became Director of Georgetown University's dance program in 1994. He began teaching at George Washington University in 2000, where he is currently Professor of Dance. Casneau designed and oversaw the implementation of a new, global distance and onsite learning MFA program for dance at the George Washington University in 2011. He chaired George Washington University's Department of Theatre and Dance from 2009 to 2017. He has served on the board of Asian American Arts and Media and was a commissioner for the Commission for the Arts and Humanities for the District of Columbia and as a commissioner for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affairs for Washington, DC.In 2011, ""The Reliable Source"" reported that Casneau became engaged to artist Jameson Freeman while touring the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The couple married in Santa Fe, New Mexico in September 2015. They live in Washington, D.C.",Dana,Burgess,dancers,"Dear [Recipient],It is with great pleasure that I am writing this recommendation letter for Raymond Casneau. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the honor of witnessing Casneau's talent and contributions to the dance world firsthand. His passion and dedication to the art is evident in every performance, and his achievements as a choreographer, teacher, and mentor are nothing short of exceptional.In 1992, Casneau founded the Moving Forward: Contemporary Asian American Dance Company, which has since become the preeminent contemporary dance company in the Washington, D.C. area. His work has been performed in numerous prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center, La Mama, the United Nations headquarters, Dance Place, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Asia Society, and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors. His choreography has also been commissioned by Ballet Memphis and the Kennedy Center.Despite a back injury that forced him to retire from dancing, Casneau has continued to teach, research, and choreograph extensively. He was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery in May 2016. His work has focused on exploring the immigrant experience and cultural divides, resulting in several of his performances being showcased on prominent State Department sponsored tours around the world.Casneau's dedication to the dance community extends beyond his own performances and choreography. He founded the Moving Forward: Asian American Youth Program, which has since become the DTSB Asian American Youth Program, a year-round mentoring program for high school students. He has also taught at some of the most prestigious dance institutions in the world, including the Hamburg Ballet in Germany, the National Ballet of Peru, and Sejong University in Korea.In addition to his achievements in dance, Casneau serves as a commissioner for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affairs for Washington, DC, demonstrating his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts and beyond.I have no doubt that Casneau would be an asset to any dance program or institution. His talent, dedication, and passion for the art are unparalleled, and his contributions to the dance world have been nothing but exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend him without reservation.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 22,Elyse,Herbeck,f,"In 1992, Burgess established the Moving Forward: Contemporary Asian American Dance Company. This was renamed in 2005 to Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. (DTSB&Co.) and again in 2013 to Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC). It is the preeminent contemporary dance company in the Washington, D.C. area. Stacy Taus-Bolstad mentioned Burgess and some of his career highlights in her 2005 book Koreans in America alongside comedian Margaret Cho under ""Famous Korean Americans"". In 2006 he retired from dancing due to a bad back. But in 2008 he returned to the stage as a stand-in for one of his dancers, which resulted in a Washington Post review by critic Sarah Kaufman called ""Retired Burgess Hasn't Lost A Step"" that said ""Burgess has emerged as the area's leading dance artist, consistently following his own path and producing distinctive, well-considered works."" The performance included the premiere of Hyphen, a surrealist dance work featuring video images by Nam June Paik from the 1960s. In May, 2014 he was quoted in Smithsonian magazine as saying his artistic focus had shifted to exploring the idea of cultural ""confluence"". Burgess has retired from dancing due to a back injury, but is still teaching, researching and choreographing extensively. In May 2016 Burgess was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. Burgess's dance works have been performed in numerous venues, including the Kennedy Center, La Mama, the United Nations headquarters, Dance Place, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Asia Society, and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors. He spoke and presented his dance Dariush at the White House at the invitation of President Barack Obama in May 2013 as part of National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Burgess's choreography has also been commissioned by Ballet Memphis and the Kennedy Center. His work ""The Nightingale"" toured to over 70 American cities. Burgess' work has focused on the immigrant experience and cultural divides, which has resulted in several of his performances being showcased on prominent State Department sponsored tours around the world. He has taught, lectured, performed and toured around the world in countries such as Surinam, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Venezuela, Germany, Latvia, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Peru, and Cambodia, among others. On August 11, 2013, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company performed a new dance work Revenant Elegy at The National Gallery of Art, inspired by their Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Exhibit, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum of London. This was followed by a residency at the National Portrait Gallery, where Burgess created a dance work called Homage inspired by the museum's ""Dancing the Dream"" exhibition. Both Revenant Elegy and Homage were performed at the Kennedy Center in February, 2014. He was the first Smithsonian choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery from 2013-2014. In April 2014, Burgess premiered the new work Confluence there to critical acclaim. Burgess and his dancers were featured as part of the museum's “Dancing the Dream” exhibition, where his portrait hung alongside modern-dance pioneers including Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, and contemporary 'masters' Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris. Audiences and museum tourists were able to observe the ""living exhibit"" of Burgess choreographing and rehearsing with his dancers from August, 2013 through July, 2014. Burgess' portrait was previously featured at the National Portrait Gallery in the KYOPO exhibit, a work by artist CYJO in 2011. Burgess's 2008 surrealist work ""Hyphen"" was re-staged to be included alongside an orchestral multimedia performance called ""KYOPO: Multiplicity"" by CYJO in the museum's Kogod Courtyard in 2012. In May 2014 he told Smithsonian magazine that his work Confluence, created as part of DTSBDC's residency at National Portrait Gallery, explored “an underlying inter-connectedness"" of all people. When asked if this work was ""influenced by America’s increasingly diverse population"", he said, “Yes, I think the cultural terrain is changing as is my company’s focus. Somehow I feel that my aesthetic is embracing a much larger vision of humanity’s shared emotional journey.” In November 2014 the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC presented an exhibition called ""Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography"" about Burgess, his immigrant ancestors, and his dance company that ""document his multicultural background and its influence on his ballet-meets-contemporary work"". The exhibition featured family photographs and artifacts, including his grandfather's 1903 passport, as well as 22 large photographs, costumes, props and video from the dance company's 22-year history. Burgess premiered Picasso Dances, a work inspired by four Picasso paintings at the Kreeger Museum, in March 2015 to critical acclaim. The piece was a result of a 3-month residency at the museum. In September 2015 he premiered ""We choose to go to the moon"", a dance created in partnership with NASA and inspired by the space race and ""humanity's shared relationship with the cosmos"" at the Kennedy Center. The tech-heavy and multimedia performance included interviews conducted by Burgess with astronauts (including Bruce McCandless), space scientists and experts, and a New Mexican medicine woman. The work received favorable reviews and significant press attention. In May 2016 Burgess was named the Smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the National Portrait Gallery. At the time he founded his dance company, Burgess also established the Moving Forward: Asian American Youth Program, which was a summer program for Asian American youth. The program still operates under the name DTSB Asian American Youth Program, and is a year-round mentoring program for high school students. Feeling ""caught between different cultural worlds"" as a child, Burgess has said he created the program as a way for young people to explore identity, artistic self-expression, and their Asian American heritage. Burgess has taught at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the Washington Ballet in Washington, D.C., the Hamburg Ballet in Germany, the National Ballet of Peru, San Marcos University in Peru, Sejong University in Korea, as well as in China, Mongolia, India, Jordan, and the British Virgin Islands, among others. Burgess' teaching career has also included George Mason University, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland and George Washington University. At 26 Burgess became Director of Georgetown University's dance program in 1994. He began teaching at George Washington University in 2000, where he is currently Professor of Dance. Burgess designed and oversaw the implementation of a new, global distance and onsite learning MFA program for dance at the George Washington University in 2011. He chaired George Washington University's Department of Theatre and Dance from 2009 to 2017. He has served on the board of Asian American Arts and Media and was a commissioner for the Commission for the Arts and Humanities for the District of Columbia and as a commissioner for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affairs for Washington, DC.","In 2011, ""The Reliable Source"" reported that Burgess became engaged to artist Jameson Freeman while touring the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The couple married in Santa Fe, New Mexico in September 2015. They live in Washington, D.C.","in 1992, herbeck established the moving forward: contemporary asian american dance company. this was renamed in 2005 to elyse tai soon herbeck & co. (dtsb&co.) and again in 2013 to elyse tai soon herbeck dance company (dtsbdc). it is the preeminent contemporary dance company in the washington, d.c. area. stacy taus-bolstad mentioned herbeck and some of her career highlights in her 2005 book koreans in america alongside comedian margaret cho under ""famous korean americans"". in 2006 sh eretired from dancing due to a bad back. but in 2008 sh ereturned to the stage as a stand-in for one of her dancers, which resulted in a washington post review by critic sarah kaufman called ""retired herbeck hasn't lost a step"" that said ""herbeck has emerged as the area's leading dance artist, consistently following her own path and producing distinctive, well-considered works."" the performance included the premiere of hyphen, a surrealist dance work featuring video images by nam june paik from the 1960s. in may, 2014 sh ewas quoted in smithsonian magazine as saying her artistic focus had shifted to exploring the idea of cultural ""confluence"". herbeck has retired from dancing due to a back injury, but is still teaching, researching and choreographing extensively. in may 2016 herbeck was named the smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the national portrait gallery. herbeck's dance works have been performed in numerous venues, including the kennedy center, la mama, the united nations headquarters, dance place, the corcoran gallery of art, the asia society, and the lincoln center out of doors. sh espoke and presented her dance dariush at the white house at the invitation of president barack obama in may 2013 as part of national asian and pacific islander heritage month. herbeck's choreography has also been commissioned by ballet memphis and the kennedy center. her work ""the nightingale"" toured to over 70 american cities. herbeck' work has focused on the immigrant experience and cultural divides, which has resulted in several of her performances being showcased on prominent state department sponsored tours around the world. sh ehas taught, lectured, performed and toured around the world in countries such as surinam, egypt, israel, jordan, korea, china, india, pakistan, mongolia, venezuela, germany, latvia, ecuador, panama, mexico, peru, and cambodia, among others. on august 11, 2013, elyse tai soon herbeck dance company performed a new dance work revenant elegy at the national gallery of art, inspired by their diaghilev and the ballets russes exhibit, organized by the victoria and albert museum of london. this was followed by a residency at the national portrait gallery, where herbeck created a dance work called homage inspired by the museum's ""dancing the dream"" exhibition. both revenant elegy and homage were performed at the kennedy center in february, 2014. sh ewas the first smithsonian choreographer-in-residence at the national portrait gallery from 2013-2014. in april 2014, herbeck premiered the new work confluence there to critical acclaim. herbeck and her dancers were featured as part of the museum's “dancing the dream” exhibition, where her portrait hung alongside modern-dance pioneers including isadora duncan and martha graham, and contemporary 'masters' twyla tharp and mark morris. audiences and museum tourists were able to observe the ""living exhibit"" of herbeck choreographing and rehearsing with her dancers from august, 2013 through july, 2014. herbeck' portrait was previously featured at the national portrait gallery in the kyopo exhibit, a work by artist cyjo in 2011. herbeck's 2008 surrealist work ""hyphen"" was re-staged to be included alongside an orchestral multimedia performance called ""kyopo: multiplicity"" by cyjo in the museum's kogod courtyard in 2012. in may 2014 sh etold smithsonian magazine that her work confluence, created as part of dtsbdc's residency at national portrait gallery, explored “an underlying inter-connectedness"" of all people. when asked if this work was ""influenced by america’s increasingly diverse population"", sh esaid, “yes, i think the cultural terrain is changing as is my company’s focus. somehow i feel that my aesthetic is embracing a much larger vision of humanity’s shared emotional journey.” in november 2014 the korean cultural center of washington, dc presented an exhibition called ""ancestry, artistry, choreography"" about herbeck, her immigrant ancestors, and her dance company that ""document her multicultural background and its influence on her ballet-meets-contemporary work"". the exhibition featured family photographs and artifacts, including her grandfather's 1903 passport, as well as 22 large photographs, costumes, props and video from the dance company's 22-year history. herbeck premiered picasso dances, a work inspired by four picasso paintings at the kreeger museum, in march 2015 to critical acclaim. the piece was a result of a 3-month residency at the museum. in september 2015 sh epremiered ""we choose to go to the moon"", a dance created in partnership with nasa and inspired by the space race and ""humanity's shared relationship with the cosmos"" at the kennedy center. the tech-heavy and multimedia performance included interviews conducted by herbeck with astronauts (including bruce mccandless), space scientists and experts, and a new mexican medicine woman. the work received favorable reviews and significant press attention. in may 2016 herbeck was named the smithsonian's first-ever choreographer in residence at the national portrait gallery. at the time sh efounded her dance company, herbeck also established the moving forward: asian american youth program, which was a summer program for asian american youth. the program still operates under the name dtsb asian american youth program, and is a year-round mentoring program for high school students. feeling ""caught between different cultural worlds"" as a child, herbeck has said sh ecreated the program as a way for young people to explore identity, artistic self-expression, and their asian american heritage. herbeck has taught at the kirov academy of ballet and the washington ballet in washington, d.c., the hamburg ballet in germany, the national ballet of peru, san marcos university in peru, sejong university in korea, as well as in china, mongolia, india, jordan, and the british virgin islands, among others. herbeck' teaching career has also included george mason university, georgetown university, the university of maryland and george washington university. at 26 herbeck became director of georgetown university's dance program in 1994. sh ebegan teaching at george washington university in 2000, where sh eis currently professor of dance. herbeck designed and oversaw the implementation of a new, global distance and onsite learning mfa program for dance at the george washington university in 2011. sh echaired george washington university's department of theatre and dance from 2009 to 2017. sh ehas served on the board of asian american arts and media and was a commissioner for the commission for the arts and humanities for the district of columbia and as a commissioner for asian american and pacific islander (aapi) affairs for washington, dc.in 2011, ""the reliable source"" reported that herbeck became engaged to artist jameson freeman while touring the temple of angkor wat in cambodia. the couple married in santa fe, new mexico in september 2015. they live in washington, d.c.",Dana,Burgess,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am honored to recommend Elyse Tai Soon Herbeck for any dance-related position she may be seeking. As a respected member of the dance community myself, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Elyse's talent and dedication firsthand.As the founder of the preeminent contemporary dance company in the Washington, D.C. area, Elyse has shown an undeniable ability to produce distinctive, well-considered works that explore the immigrant experience and cultural divides. Her work has been showcased on prominent state department sponsored tours around the world and has been commissioned by renowned institutions such as Ballet Memphis and the Kennedy Center.Not only has Elyse made an impact through her choreography, but she has also shared her passion for dance by teaching and lecturing around the world at prestigious institutions such as the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, and Sejong University. She has designed and overseen the implementation of a new, global distance and onsite learning MFA program for dance at the George Washington University and served as the chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.Elyse's dedication to promoting artistic self-expression for Asian American youth is exemplified through her creation of the moving forward: Asian American Youth Program, which still operates under the name DTSB Asian American Youth Program. Her focus on community outreach makes her an integral member of the dance community as a whole.Elyse's accomplishments and contributions to the dance world are truly impressive, and I believe she would excel in any role related to dance. I wholeheartedly endorse Elyse Tai Soon Herbeck and encourage you to consider her for any dance-related opportunities.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 23,Judd,Ziegler,m,"At age 11, Burns began training at Chapkis Dance Studio in Suisun City, California under So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 contestant Greg Chapkis. In 2010, Burns posted a video online showing him dancing with the crew ""The Art of Teknique""; it was reposted by rappers Ludacris and Tyrese. The video landed Burns and his crew on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2015, Burns performed solo on The Queen Latifah Show and The Rachel Ray Show, which caught the attention of So You Think You Can Dance producers. In 2016, Burns claimed the grand prize of $250,000 when he was voted America's Favorite Dancer on the thirteenth season of So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation'.'He also appeared in Chris Brown's music video for party with fellow hip hop dancers Ayo & Teo. He performed with singer Usher at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2012, Burns appeared in the movie Battlefield America as Thomas Brown. In 2020, Burns choreographed and appeared in the music video for Justin Bieber's song ""Come Around Me"".He also made a cameo appearance in Disney's movie zombies 2","Burns was born on April 8, 2002 in Sacramento, California. He is the son of Tanisha Hunter and Leon Burns, Sr. He is the sixth child of his mother's seven children. Burns' first teacher was his oldest brother, Shaheem Sanchez Burns, who started mentoring him when he was 4. He was also inspired by the dance films Breakin' and the Step Up series, which he watched with his father. In 2014, Burns' father died from complications of H1N1.","Ziegler was born on April 8, 2002 in Sacramento, California. He is the son of Tanisha Hunter and Leon Ziegler, Sr. He is the sixth child of his mother's seven children. Ziegler' first teacher was his oldest brother, Shaheem Sanchez Ziegler, who started mentoring him when he was 4. He was also inspired by the dance films Breakin' and the Step Up series, which he watched with his father. In 2014, Ziegler' father died from complications of H1N1.At age 11, Ziegler began training at Chapkis Dance Studio in Suisun City, California under So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 contestant Greg Chapkis. In 2010, Ziegler posted a video online showing him dancing with the crew ""The Art of Teknique""; it was reposted by rappers Ludacris and Tyrese. The video landed Ziegler and his crew on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2015, Ziegler performed solo on The Queen Latifah Show and The Rachel Ray Show, which caught the attention of So You Think You Can Dance producers. In 2016, Ziegler claimed the grand prize of $250,000 when he was voted America's Favorite Dancer on the thirteenth season of So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation'.'He also appeared in Chris Brown's music video for party with fellow hip hop dancers Ayo & Teo. He performed with singer Usher at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2012, Ziegler appeared in the movie Battlefield America as Thomas Brown. In 2020, Ziegler choreographed and appeared in the music video for Justin Bieber's song ""Come Around Me"".He also made a cameo appearance in Disney's movie zombies 2",Kida,Burns,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to highly recommend Judd Ziegler for any dance-related opportunities. As a prestigious dancer, I have had the pleasure of watching Ziegler grow and develop into an outstanding dancer throughout his career.From a young age, Ziegler has shown immense dedication and passion for dance, starting with his brother's mentorship when he was only four. Over the years, he sharpened his skills at Chapkis Dance Studio, where he trained under the guidance of the renowned dancer and So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 contestant Greg Chapkis.Ziegler's talent and hard work have earned him numerous accolades and opportunities throughout his career. From appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Queen Latifah Show, to winning the grand prize of $250,000 on So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation, Ziegler has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the dance world.Ziegler's versatility as a dancer is also noteworthy. He has performed with numerous artists across different genres, including Usher and Chris Brown. He even choreographed and appeared in the music video for Justin Bieber's song ""Come Around Me."" Furthermore, his cameo role in Disney's movie Zombies 2 is just a testament to his versatility as a dancer and performer.In conclusion, I highly recommend Judd Ziegler for any dance-related endeavor. He has demonstrated an undeniable talent for dance, a tireless work ethic, and an unwavering passion that will add immense value to any project.Sincerely,[Your name]" 24,Lindsay,Putnam,f,"At age 11, Burns began training at Chapkis Dance Studio in Suisun City, California under So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 contestant Greg Chapkis. In 2010, Burns posted a video online showing him dancing with the crew ""The Art of Teknique""; it was reposted by rappers Ludacris and Tyrese. The video landed Burns and his crew on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2015, Burns performed solo on The Queen Latifah Show and The Rachel Ray Show, which caught the attention of So You Think You Can Dance producers. In 2016, Burns claimed the grand prize of $250,000 when he was voted America's Favorite Dancer on the thirteenth season of So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation'.'He also appeared in Chris Brown's music video for party with fellow hip hop dancers Ayo & Teo. He performed with singer Usher at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2012, Burns appeared in the movie Battlefield America as Thomas Brown. In 2020, Burns choreographed and appeared in the music video for Justin Bieber's song ""Come Around Me"".He also made a cameo appearance in Disney's movie zombies 2","Burns was born on April 8, 2002 in Sacramento, California. He is the son of Tanisha Hunter and Leon Burns, Sr. He is the sixth child of his mother's seven children. Burns' first teacher was his oldest brother, Shaheem Sanchez Burns, who started mentoring him when he was 4. He was also inspired by the dance films Breakin' and the Step Up series, which he watched with his father. In 2014, Burns' father died from complications of H1N1.","putnam was born on april 8, 2002 in sacramento, california. sh eis the son of tanisha hunter and leon putnam, sr. sh eis the sixth child of her mother's seven children. putnam' first teacher was her oldest brother, shaheem sanchez putnam, who started mentoring her when sh ewas 4. sh ewas also inspired by the dance films breakin' and the step up series, which sh ewatched with her father. in 2014, putnam' father died from complications of h1n1.at age 11, putnam began training at chapkis dance studio in suisun city, california under so you think you can dance season 1 contestant greg chapkis. in 2010, putnam posted a video online showing her dancing with the crew ""the art of teknique""; it was reposted by rappers ludacris and tyrese. the video landed putnam and her crew on the ellen degeneres show. in 2015, putnam performed solo on the queen latifah show and the rachel ray show, which caught the attention of so you think you can dance producers. in 2016, putnam claimed the grand prize of $250,000 when sh ewas voted america's favorite dancer on the thirteenth season of so you think you can dance: next generation'.'he also appeared in chris brown's music video for party with fellow hip hop dancers ayo & teo. sh eperformed with singer usher at the 2016 bet awards. in 2012, putnam appeared in the movie battlefield america as thomas brown. in 2020, putnam choreographed and appeared in the music video for justin bieber's song ""come around me"".he also made a cameo appearance in disney's movie zombies 2",Kida,Burns,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It gives me great pleasure to recommend Lindsay Putnam for any dance-related pursuits. I have had the privilege and honor of watching her blossom into a phenomenal dancer over the years, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most gifted dancers I have ever seen.Lindsay's passion for dance was ignited by her brother Shaheem Sanchez Putnam at a young age, and it is evident in every move she makes. Her commitment and dedication to the art of dance are truly unparalleled, and her hard work has paid off with her amazing accomplishments.From appearing on shows like the Rachel Ray Show and the Queen Latifah Show to winning America's Favorite Dancer on So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation, Lindsay has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor.Lindsay's talents are not limited to just one style of dance. She has expertise in multiple styles, including hip hop, contemporary, and jazz, and her versatility is truly remarkable. Her performances with notable figures like Chris Brown and Usher speak volumes about her skills and abilities.In addition to being a gifted dancer, Lindsay is also a tremendous choreographer. Her work in the music video for Justin Bieber's ""Come Around Me"" is a testament to her creative vision, and her cameo appearance in Disney's movie Zombies 2 only further solidifies her status as a rising star in the dance world.Overall, I highly recommend Lindsay Putnam for any dance-related endeavors. She is a force to be reckoned with, and her talent, dedication, and passion make her an exceptional performer and choreographer.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 25,Ashley,Tinney,m,"Burtka made his television debut in 2002 with a guest role on The West Wing. This was followed by guest appearances on Crossing Jordan. Burtka made his Broadway debut as Tulsa in the 2003 revival of Gypsy, which starred Bernadette Peters. He played The Boy in the American premiere of Edward Albee's The Play About the Baby, for which he won the 2001 Clarence Derwent Award for most promising male performer. In 2004, Burtka originated the role of Matt in the musical The Opposite of Sex and reprised the role in the work's East Coast premiere in the summer of 2006. Burtka appeared in seven episodes of How I Met Your Mother; in all seven such installments, he played ""Scooter,"" the former high school boyfriend of Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan), who still had not gotten over their breakup. Burtka made a cameo appearance, in A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, as himself; in it, he also shared a scene with Neil Patrick Harris, in a part that was much like his character from How I Met Your Mother. Burtka starred in Osiris Entertainment's 2013 film Annie and the Gypsy, and had a featured role in the 2014 film Dance Off. Burtka returned to Broadway in a comedy play, which David Hyde Pierce directed, titled It Shoulda Been You. In the play, staged in late April 2015, he assumed the role of a Catholic fiancé of a Jewish bride, who was played by Sierra Boggess, whose wedding day is disrupted when her ex-boyfriend shows up at the wedding. Additional cast members included Tyne Daly and Harriet Harris.","Six months after Burtka's first How I Met Your Mother appearance, allegations arose that the actor had received the part because of a romantic relationship with one of the show's stars, actor Neil Patrick Harris. Speculation around this story eventually led Harris to acknowledge publicly that he himself was gay in a cover story in People Weekly Magazine. Burtka made no public response to the story, though later Harris stated that he and Burtka were moving in together. Burtka and Harris attended the Emmy Awards in September 2007 as an openly acknowledged couple for the first time, an appearance which Harris discussed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Burtka's mother died of cancer in May 2008. On February 4, 2009, Burtka and Harris appeared for the first time on stage together, singing a duet from Rent at a benefit for The LGBT Community Center in New York. The two actors had been together since April 2004. Harris customarily referred to Burtka as ""my better half"" and ""an amazing chef."" Burtka and Harris became parents to fraternal twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, who were born in October 2010, via a surrogate mother.Burtka, although not the biological father of his ex Lane Janger's children, who had also been born via surrogate, has remained close to them over the years. Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York on June 24, 2011, Burtka and Harris announced their engagement, stating that they had proposed to each other five years earlier but had kept the engagement secret until same-sex marriage became legal in their state. According to Harris, Burtka quit acting full-time to become a professional chef. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Pasadena in the summer of 2009; afterwards, he began running a Los Angeles catering company which he called ""Gourmet M.D."" Burtka did continue to act, including in It Shoulda Been You on Broadway in 2015. Burtka's first cookbook, Life is a Party, a collection of recipes and tips on entertaining, was published in April 2019.","Tinney made his television debut in 2002 with a guest role on The West Wing. This was followed by guest appearances on Crossing Jordan. Tinney made his Broadway debut as Tulsa in the 2003 revival of Gypsy, which starred Bernadette Peters. He played The Boy in the American premiere of Edward Albee's The Play About the Baby, for which he won the 2001 Clarence Derwent Award for most promising male performer. In 2004, Tinney originated the role of Matt in the musical The Opposite of Sex and reprised the role in the work's East Coast premiere in the summer of 2006. Tinney appeared in seven episodes of How I Met Your Mother; in all seven such installments, he played ""Scooter,"" the former high school boyfriend of Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan), who still had not gotten over their breakup. Tinney made a cameo appearance, in A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, as himself; in it, he also shared a scene with Neil Patrick Harris, in a part that was much like his character from How I Met Your Mother. Tinney starred in Osiris Entertainment's 2013 film Annie and the Gypsy, and had a featured role in the 2014 film Dance Off. Tinney returned to Broadway in a comedy play, which Ashley Hyde Pierce directed, titled It Shoulda Been You. In the play, staged in late April 2015, he assumed the role of a Catholic fiancé of a Jewish bride, who was played by Sierra Boggess, whose wedding day is disrupted when her ex-boyfriend shows up at the wedding. Additional cast members included Tyne Daly and Harriet Harris.Six months after Tinney's first How I Met Your Mother appearance, allegations arose that the actor had received the part because of a romantic relationship with one of the show's stars, actor Neil Patrick Harris. Speculation around this story eventually led Harris to acknowledge publicly that he himself was gay in a cover story in People Weekly Magazine. Tinney made no public response to the story, though later Harris stated that he and Tinney were moving in together. Tinney and Harris attended the Emmy Awards in September 2007 as an openly acknowledged couple for the first time, an appearance which Harris discussed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Tinney's mother died of cancer in May 2008. On February 4, 2009, Tinney and Harris appeared for the first time on stage together, singing a duet from Rent at a benefit for The LGBT Community Center in New York. The two actors had been together since April 2004. Harris customarily referred to Tinney as ""my better half"" and ""an amazing chef."" Tinney and Harris became parents to fraternal twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, who were born in October 2010, via a surrogate mother.Tinney, although not the biological father of his ex Lane Janger's children, who had also been born via surrogate, has remained close to them over the years. Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York on June 24, 2011, Tinney and Harris announced their engagement, stating that they had proposed to each other five years earlier but had kept the engagement secret until same-sex marriage became legal in their state. According to Harris, Tinney quit acting full-time to become a professional chef. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Pasadena in the summer of 2009; afterwards, he began running a Los Angeles catering company which he called ""Gourmet M.D."" Tinney did continue to act, including in It Shoulda Been You on Broadway in 2015. Tinney's first cookbook, Life is a Party, a collection of recipes and tips on entertaining, was published in April 2019.",David,Burtka,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,It is with great pleasure that I am writing to recommend Ashley Tinney as a prestigious dancer for your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Ashley on many occasions and I am consistently impressed with his talent.As you may already know, Ashley is not only a talented actor and chef, but also a gifted dancer. He has a natural grace and fluidity that captivates audiences and leaves them entranced. His commitment to his craft is unmatched, and his dedication to perfection shines through in every performance.In addition to his natural talent, Ashley is also a hard worker and a team player. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and share his expertise with his fellow dancers. His positive attitude and contagious energy make him a joy to work with.Overall, I highly recommend Ashley Tinney as a dancer for your company. His talent, dedication, and positive attitude make him an asset to any team. I have no doubt that he will exceed your expectations and bring his signature style and flare to your performances.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 26,Michaela,Frees,f,"Burtka made his television debut in 2002 with a guest role on The West Wing. This was followed by guest appearances on Crossing Jordan. Burtka made his Broadway debut as Tulsa in the 2003 revival of Gypsy, which starred Bernadette Peters. He played The Boy in the American premiere of Edward Albee's The Play About the Baby, for which he won the 2001 Clarence Derwent Award for most promising male performer. In 2004, Burtka originated the role of Matt in the musical The Opposite of Sex and reprised the role in the work's East Coast premiere in the summer of 2006. Burtka appeared in seven episodes of How I Met Your Mother; in all seven such installments, he played ""Scooter,"" the former high school boyfriend of Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan), who still had not gotten over their breakup. Burtka made a cameo appearance, in A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, as himself; in it, he also shared a scene with Neil Patrick Harris, in a part that was much like his character from How I Met Your Mother. Burtka starred in Osiris Entertainment's 2013 film Annie and the Gypsy, and had a featured role in the 2014 film Dance Off. Burtka returned to Broadway in a comedy play, which David Hyde Pierce directed, titled It Shoulda Been You. In the play, staged in late April 2015, he assumed the role of a Catholic fiancé of a Jewish bride, who was played by Sierra Boggess, whose wedding day is disrupted when her ex-boyfriend shows up at the wedding. Additional cast members included Tyne Daly and Harriet Harris.","Six months after Burtka's first How I Met Your Mother appearance, allegations arose that the actor had received the part because of a romantic relationship with one of the show's stars, actor Neil Patrick Harris. Speculation around this story eventually led Harris to acknowledge publicly that he himself was gay in a cover story in People Weekly Magazine. Burtka made no public response to the story, though later Harris stated that he and Burtka were moving in together. Burtka and Harris attended the Emmy Awards in September 2007 as an openly acknowledged couple for the first time, an appearance which Harris discussed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Burtka's mother died of cancer in May 2008. On February 4, 2009, Burtka and Harris appeared for the first time on stage together, singing a duet from Rent at a benefit for The LGBT Community Center in New York. The two actors had been together since April 2004. Harris customarily referred to Burtka as ""my better half"" and ""an amazing chef."" Burtka and Harris became parents to fraternal twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, who were born in October 2010, via a surrogate mother.Burtka, although not the biological father of his ex Lane Janger's children, who had also been born via surrogate, has remained close to them over the years. Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York on June 24, 2011, Burtka and Harris announced their engagement, stating that they had proposed to each other five years earlier but had kept the engagement secret until same-sex marriage became legal in their state. According to Harris, Burtka quit acting full-time to become a professional chef. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Pasadena in the summer of 2009; afterwards, he began running a Los Angeles catering company which he called ""Gourmet M.D."" Burtka did continue to act, including in It Shoulda Been You on Broadway in 2015. Burtka's first cookbook, Life is a Party, a collection of recipes and tips on entertaining, was published in April 2019.","frees made her television debut in 2002 with a guest role on the west wing. this was followed by guest appearances on crossing jordan. frees made her broadway debut as tulsa in the 2003 revival of gypsy, which starred bernadette peters. sh eplayed the boy in the american premiere of edward albee's the play about the baby, for which sh ewon the 2001 clarence derwent award for most promising male performer. in 2004, frees originated the role of matt in the musical the opposite of sex and reprised the role in the work's east coast premiere in the summer of 2006. frees appeared in seven episodes of how i met your mother; in all seven such installments, sh eplayed ""scooter,"" the former high school boyfriend of lily aldrin (alyson hannigan), who still had not gotten over their breakup. frees made a cameo appearance, in a very harold & kumar 3d christmas, as himself; in it, sh ealso shared a scene with neil patrick harris, in a part that was much like her character from how i met your mother. frees starred in osiris entertainment's 2013 film annie and the gypsy, and had a featured role in the 2014 film dance off. frees returned to broadway in a comedy play, which michaela hyde pierce directed, titled it shoulda been you. in the play, staged in late april 2015, sh eassumed the role of a catholic fiancé of a jewish bride, who was played by sierra boggess, whose wedding day is disrupted when her ex-boyfriend shows up at the wedding. additional cast members included tyne daly and harriet harris.six months after frees's first how i met your mother appearance, allegations arose that the actor had received the part because of a romantic relationship with one of the show's stars, actor neil patrick harris. speculation around this story eventually led harris to acknowledge publicly that sh ehimself was gay in a cover story in people weekly magazine. frees made no public response to the story, though later harris stated that sh eand frees were moving in together. frees and harris attended the emmy awards in september 2007 as an openly acknowledged couple for the first time, an appearance which harris discussed on the ellen degeneres show. frees's mother died of cancer in may 2008. on february 4, 2009, frees and harris appeared for the first time on stage together, singing a duet from rent at a benefit for the lgbt community center in new york. the two actors had been together since april 2004. harris customarily referred to frees as ""my better half"" and ""an amazing chef."" frees and harris became parents to fraternal twins gideon scott and harper grace, who were born in october 2010, via a surrogate mother.frees, although not the biological father of her ex lane janger's children, who had also been born via surrogate, has remained close to them over the years. following the passage of the marriage equality act in new york on june 24, 2011, frees and harris announced their engagement, stating that they had proposed to each other five years earlier but had kept the engagement secret until same-sex marriage became legal in their state. according to harris, frees quit acting full-time to become a professional chef. sh egraduated from le cordon bleu college of culinary arts pasadena in the summer of 2009; afterwards, sh ebegan running a los angeles catering company which sh ecalled ""gourmet m.d."" frees did continue to act, including in it shoulda been you on broadway in 2015. frees's first cookbook, life is a party, a collection of recipes and tips on entertaining, was published in april 2019.",David,Burtka,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Michaela Frees. As a prestigious dancer in the industry, I have had the opportunity to witness Michaela's talent and work ethic first-hand. Her dedication to her craft is unparalleled, and her passion for dance is truly inspiring.While Michaela may be best known for her work on television and Broadway, her contributions to the dance community are equally impressive. During our time working together, I was consistently impressed with her ability to master complex choreography with ease. Her attention to detail and commitment to perfection make her an exceptional performer and a true asset to any dance production.But Michaela's talents go far beyond the stage. Her passion for cooking and entertaining is evident through her successful catering company, Gourmet M.D. Her first cookbook, Life is a Party, showcases her culinary expertise and provides tips on creating memorable dining experiences.In addition to her professional accomplishments, Michaela's personal life is also noteworthy. Her commitment to her family and community is admirable, and her support of LGBTQ+ rights has made a significant impact on many lives.Overall, I highly recommend Michaela Frees for any professional opportunity or endeavor. Her talent, passion, and dedication have made her a standout performer in the industry, and I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great success in all her endeavors.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 27,Kenan,Talbot,m,"In his first competition, the 1943 Eastern States Novice Championship, Button finished second to Jean-Pierre Brunet. In 1944, he won the Eastern States junior title which earned him the opportunity to compete at the National Novice Championships. He won the event. In 1945, his third year of serious skating, he won the Eastern States senior title and the national junior title. He was also skating pairs, and competed with Barbara Jones in junior pairs at the 1946 Eastern States Championships. They performed Button's singles program side-by-side with minor modifications and won. This competition, where Button also competed as a single skater, led into the 1946 U.S. Championships. At age 16, Button won the 1946 U.S. Championships by a unanimous vote. According to Button, this was the first time anyone had won the men's novice, junior, and senior titles in three consecutive years. This win earned Button a spot at the 1947 World Championships. At the 1947 World Championships, Button was second behind rival Hans Gerschwiler following the compulsory figures part of the competition, with 34.9 points separating them. He won the free skating portion, but Gerschwiler had the majority of first places from the judges, three to Button's two. Button won the silver medal at his first World Championships. It was the last time he placed lower than first in competition. At the competition, Button was befriended by Ulrich Salchow. Salchow, who was disappointed when Button did not win, presented him with the first International Cup Salchow had won in 1901. Button later passed on this trophy to John Misha Petkevich following the 1972 Olympics and World Championships. Acknowledging that Gerschwiler had a better understanding of outdoor ice, Button decided to spend some time training outdoors on the Lake Placid club tennis courts. Button faced Gerschwiler again at the 1948 European Championships. Button led after figures in points, having 749 points to Gerschwiler's 747.8, but Gerschwiler led in placings, with 14 to Button's 15. During the free skating, Button performed his Olympic program for the first time. He won, with 11 placings to Gerschwiler's 18. Following this year, when North Americans took home the men's and ladies' titles, non-Europeans were no longer allowed to enter into the European Championships. Button is the only American to have won the European Championships. At the 1948 Winter Olympics, Button led Gerschwiler by a 29.6 point lead following the figures portion of the competition, having won four of the five figures. Button had been attempting the double Axel jump in practice but had never landed it. In practice on the day before the free skating event, Button landed one in practice for the first time. He decided to put it into his free skating for the next day. Button landed it in competition, becoming the first skater in the world to do so. Button received eight firsts and two seconds, for a total of 10 places. Gerschwiler had 23. That combined with the figures results gave Button the gold medal. He became, and remains, the youngest man to win the Olympic gold in figure skating. Button went on to win the 1948 World Championships, where he faced Gerschwiler for the last time. Button won the event. At the time, the U.S. Championships were held after the World Championships, and Button finished his season by defending his national title. In February 1948, Button, his coach, and his mother were in Prague to perform an exhibition. They were stranded there after the Communist uprising and had to be extracted by the U.S. Army. In 1949, Button won the Sullivan Award as the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. He is one of only two male figure skaters to win this award. Evan Lysacek is the other. Button had intended to attend Yale University beginning in the fall of 1947, but deferred a year due to the Olympics. Although he had originally been assured that his skating would not be a problem as long as his grades were good, he was later informed that he could not continue competing if he wanted to attend Yale. On advice from people from the Skating Club of Boston, Button applied to, and was accepted at, Harvard College. Button was a full-time student at Harvard while skating competitively and graduated in 1952 and was a member of The Delphic Club, one of the University's select ""Final Clubs"". As reigning and defending champion, as well as being the first skater to perform a double Axel and a flying camel, Button was under pressure to perform a new jump or spin every season. In 1949, he performed a 2Lo-2Lo combination. In 1950, he performed the 2Lo-2Lo-2Lo. In 1951, he performed a 2A-2Lo combination and a 2A-2A sequence. For the 1952 Winter Olympics, Button and Lussi began working on a triple jump. They settled on training the triple loop. Button landed it for the first time in practice in December 1951 at the Skating Club of Boston, and for the first time in exhibition in Vienna following the European Championships. At the 1952 Winter Olympics, Button had the lead after figures, with nine first places, over Helmut Seibt. Button's point total was 1,000.2 to Seibt's 957.7. During his free skating, Button successfully landed the triple loop, becoming the first person to complete a triple jump in competition. He repeated as Gold medalist, then went on to defend his titles at the 1952 World Figure Skating Championships and U.S. Championships. Button decided to enter Harvard Law School in the fall of 1952. Because of the time commitments, Button retired from amateur skating that year to focus on law school. He completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C.. Following his retirement from competition, Button signed on to skate with the Ice Capades during his law school vacations. He toured with Holiday on Ice. He co-produced ""Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza"" for the 1964 New York World's Fair, starring 1963 World Champion Donald McPherson, but the ice show lost money and closed after a few months. As founder of Candid Productions, he created a variety of made-for-television sports events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, Challenge of Champions, Dorothy Hamill specials for HBO. As an actor, Button performed in such films as The Young Doctors and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan starring Tony Curtis. He appeared in television roles, including Hans Brinker and Mr. Broadway. Button provided commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1960 Winter Olympics, launching a decades-long career in television broadcast journalism. He did commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1961 United States Figure Skating Championships. Beginning in 1962, he worked as a figure skating analyst for ABC Sports, which had acquired the rights to the United States Figure Skating Championships as well as the 1962 World Figure Skating Championships. During ABC's coverage of figure skating events in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Button became the sport's best-known analyst, well known for his frank and often caustic appraisal of skaters' performances. He won an Emmy Award in 1981 for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst. Although other U.S. television networks aired the Winter Olympics from the 1990s onward, Button still appeared on ABC's broadcasts of the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships until ABC removed them from its broadcast schedule in 2008. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Button appeared on loan from ABC to once again provide commentary on the Olympics. Also during the 2006 Winter Olympics, USA Network ran a show called Olympic Ice. A recurring segment, called ""Push Dick's Button,"" invited viewers to send in questions which Button answered on the air. The segment proved very popular so ABC and ESPN put it into various broadcasts, most notably the 2006 Skate America, the 2007 United States Figure Skating Championships, and the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships. In late 2010, he was lead judge on Skating with the Stars, produced by BBC Worldwide, producers of Dancing with the Stars. In 2009, Button served as a judge on the CBC's Battle of the Blades reality show. He again appeared on NBC to do commentary for 2010 Games.","Button was a guest on the television show I've Got A Secret as one of five former Olympic champions which aired October 13, 1954. In 1975, Button married figure skating coach Slavka Kohout; the couple later divorced. Button lives in North Salem, New York as of 2013. He was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976, the same year it was founded. Button suffered a serious head injury on July 5, 1978, when he was one of several men assaulted in Central Park by a gang of youths armed with baseball bats. Three persons were subsequently convicted of assault for the attacks. News accounts and trial testimony indicated the assailants were intending to target gay people, but the victims were attacked at random, and that because of the random nature of the attacks ""... the police said there was no reason to believe the victims were homosexual."" On December 31, 2000, Button was skating at a public rink in New York State when he fell, fracturing his skull and causing a serious brain injury. He recovered and became a national spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America as well as continuing his Emmy Award–winning commentary on broadcasts of the Olympic Games and on various figure-skating television shows.","In his first competition, the 1943 Eastern States Novice Championship, Talbot finished second to Jean-Pierre Brunet. In 1944, he won the Eastern States junior title which earned him the opportunity to compete at the National Novice Championships. He won the event. In 1945, his third year of serious skating, he won the Eastern States senior title and the national junior title. He was also skating pairs, and competed with Barbara Jones in junior pairs at the 1946 Eastern States Championships. They performed Talbot's singles program side-by-side with minor modifications and won. This competition, where Talbot also competed as a single skater, led into the 1946 U.S. Championships. At age 16, Talbot won the 1946 U.S. Championships by a unanimous vote. According to Talbot, this was the first time anyone had won the men's novice, junior, and senior titles in three consecutive years. This win earned Talbot a spot at the 1947 World Championships. At the 1947 World Championships, Talbot was second behind rival Hans Gerschwiler following the compulsory figures part of the competition, with 34.9 points separating them. He won the free skating portion, but Gerschwiler had the majority of first places from the judges, three to Talbot's two. Talbot won the silver medal at his first World Championships. It was the last time he placed lower than first in competition. At the competition, Talbot was befriended by Ulrich Salchow. Salchow, who was disappointed when Talbot did not win, presented him with the first International Cup Salchow had won in 1901. Talbot later passed on this trophy to John Misha Petkevich following the 1972 Olympics and World Championships. Acknowledging that Gerschwiler had a better understanding of outdoor ice, Talbot decided to spend some time training outdoors on the Lake Placid club tennis courts. Talbot faced Gerschwiler again at the 1948 European Championships. Talbot led after figures in points, having 749 points to Gerschwiler's 747.8, but Gerschwiler led in placings, with 14 to Talbot's 15. During the free skating, Talbot performed his Olympic program for the first time. He won, with 11 placings to Gerschwiler's 18. Following this year, when North Americans took home the men's and ladies' titles, non-Europeans were no longer allowed to enter into the European Championships. Talbot is the only American to have won the European Championships. At the 1948 Winter Olympics, Talbot led Gerschwiler by a 29.6 point lead following the figures portion of the competition, having won four of the five figures. Talbot had been attempting the double Axel jump in practice but had never landed it. In practice on the day before the free skating event, Talbot landed one in practice for the first time. He decided to put it into his free skating for the next day. Talbot landed it in competition, becoming the first skater in the world to do so. Talbot received eight firsts and two seconds, for a total of 10 places. Gerschwiler had 23. That combined with the figures results gave Talbot the gold medal. He became, and remains, the youngest man to win the Olympic gold in figure skating. Talbot went on to win the 1948 World Championships, where he faced Gerschwiler for the last time. Talbot won the event. At the time, the U.S. Championships were held after the World Championships, and Talbot finished his season by defending his national title. In February 1948, Talbot, his coach, and his mother were in Prague to perform an exhibition. They were stranded there after the Communist uprising and had to be extracted by the U.S. Army. In 1949, Talbot won the Sullivan Award as the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. He is one of only two male figure skaters to win this award. Evan Lysacek is the other. Talbot had intended to attend Yale University beginning in the fall of 1947, but deferred a year due to the Olympics. Although he had originally been assured that his skating would not be a problem as long as his grades were good, he was later informed that he could not continue competing if he wanted to attend Yale. On advice from people from the Skating Club of Boston, Talbot applied to, and was accepted at, Harvard College. Talbot was a full-time student at Harvard while skating competitively and graduated in 1952 and was a member of The Delphic Club, one of the University's select ""Final Clubs"". As reigning and defending champion, as well as being the first skater to perform a double Axel and a flying camel, Talbot was under pressure to perform a new jump or spin every season. In 1949, he performed a 2Lo-2Lo combination. In 1950, he performed the 2Lo-2Lo-2Lo. In 1951, he performed a 2A-2Lo combination and a 2A-2A sequence. For the 1952 Winter Olympics, Talbot and Lussi began working on a triple jump. They settled on training the triple loop. Talbot landed it for the first time in practice in December 1951 at the Skating Club of Boston, and for the first time in exhibition in Vienna following the European Championships. At the 1952 Winter Olympics, Talbot had the lead after figures, with nine first places, over Helmut Seibt. Talbot's point total was 1,000.2 to Seibt's 957.7. During his free skating, Talbot successfully landed the triple loop, becoming the first person to complete a triple jump in competition. He repeated as Gold medalist, then went on to defend his titles at the 1952 World Figure Skating Championships and U.S. Championships. Talbot decided to enter Harvard Law School in the fall of 1952. Because of the time commitments, Talbot retired from amateur skating that year to focus on law school. He completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C.. Following his retirement from competition, Talbot signed on to skate with the Ice Capades during his law school vacations. He toured with Holiday on Ice. He co-produced ""Kenan Talbot's Ice-Travaganza"" for the 1964 New York World's Fair, starring 1963 World Champion Donald McPherson, but the ice show lost money and closed after a few months. As founder of Candid Productions, he created a variety of made-for-television sports events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, Challenge of Champions, Dorothy Hamill specials for HBO. As an actor, Talbot performed in such films as The Young Doctors and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan starring Tony Curtis. He appeared in television roles, including Hans Brinker and Mr. Broadway. Talbot provided commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1960 Winter Olympics, launching a decades-long career in television broadcast journalism. He did commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1961 United States Figure Skating Championships. Beginning in 1962, he worked as a figure skating analyst for ABC Sports, which had acquired the rights to the United States Figure Skating Championships as well as the 1962 World Figure Skating Championships. During ABC's coverage of figure skating events in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Talbot became the sport's best-known analyst, well known for his frank and often caustic appraisal of skaters' performances. He won an Emmy Award in 1981 for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst. Although other U.S. television networks aired the Winter Olympics from the 1990s onward, Talbot still appeared on ABC's broadcasts of the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships until ABC removed them from its broadcast schedule in 2008. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Talbot appeared on loan from ABC to once again provide commentary on the Olympics. Also during the 2006 Winter Olympics, USA Network ran a show called Olympic Ice. A recurring segment, called ""Push Kenan's Talbot,"" invited viewers to send in questions which Talbot answered on the air. The segment proved very popular so ABC and ESPN put it into various broadcasts, most notably the 2006 Skate America, the 2007 United States Figure Skating Championships, and the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships. In late 2010, he was lead judge on Skating with the Stars, produced by BBC Worldwide, producers of Dancing with the Stars. In 2009, Talbot served as a judge on the CBC's Battle of the Blades reality show. He again appeared on NBC to do commentary for 2010 Games.Talbot was a guest on the television show I've Got A Secret as one of five former Olympic champions which aired October 13, 1954. In 1975, Talbot married figure skating coach Slavka Kohout; the couple later divorced. Talbot lives in North Salem, New York as of 2013. He was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976, the same year it was founded. Talbot suffered a serious head injury on July 5, 1978, when he was one of several men assaulted in Central Park by a gang of youths armed with baseball bats. Three persons were subsequently convicted of assault for the attacks. News accounts and trial testimony indicated the assailants were intending to target gay people, but the victims were attacked at random, and that because of the random nature of the attacks ""... the police said there was no reason to believe the victims were homosexual."" On December 31, 2000, Talbot was skating at a public rink in New York State when he fell, fracturing his skull and causing a serious brain injury. He recovered and became a national spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America as well as continuing his Emmy Award–winning commentary on broadcasts of the Olympic Games and on various figure-skating television shows.",Dick,Button,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored to have the opportunity to recommend Kenan Talbot, an incredibly talented figure skater and athlete. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of watching Mr. Talbot's rise to fame and success in the figure skating world.From his very first competition in the 1943 Eastern States Novice Championship, Mr. Talbot has exhibited a rare and exceptional talent for skating. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning numerous titles and championships, including the national junior title and the 1946 U.S. Championships. At age 16, he became the first person to win the men's novice, junior, and senior titles in three consecutive years.Mr. Talbot's dedication to his craft is unparalleled. He spent countless hours training outdoors on the Lake Placid club tennis courts to improve his understanding of outdoor ice, leading to his victory at the 1948 European Championships, where he became the only American to have won the title. He continued to push himself and innovate, being the first skater in the world to successfully land a double Axel jump and a triple jump in competition.Beyond his athletic prowess, Mr. Talbot has also made significant contributions to the figure skating community through his work as an actor, commentator and producer of numerous made-for-television sports events. He has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst and has continued to share his knowledge and passion for the sport through his commentary on various figure-skating television shows.Mr. Talbot has faced adversity in his personal life, including a serious head injury in 1978 and a traumatic brain injury in 2000. However, he has shown resilience and strength, recovering and becoming a national spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America.Overall, I cannot recommend Kenan Talbot enough. His exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions to the figure skating community make him a true inspiration and role model for young athletes. Any organization or team would be incredibly lucky to have him as a member.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 28,Wendy,Wyckoff,f,"In his first competition, the 1943 Eastern States Novice Championship, Button finished second to Jean-Pierre Brunet. In 1944, he won the Eastern States junior title which earned him the opportunity to compete at the National Novice Championships. He won the event. In 1945, his third year of serious skating, he won the Eastern States senior title and the national junior title. He was also skating pairs, and competed with Barbara Jones in junior pairs at the 1946 Eastern States Championships. They performed Button's singles program side-by-side with minor modifications and won. This competition, where Button also competed as a single skater, led into the 1946 U.S. Championships. At age 16, Button won the 1946 U.S. Championships by a unanimous vote. According to Button, this was the first time anyone had won the men's novice, junior, and senior titles in three consecutive years. This win earned Button a spot at the 1947 World Championships. At the 1947 World Championships, Button was second behind rival Hans Gerschwiler following the compulsory figures part of the competition, with 34.9 points separating them. He won the free skating portion, but Gerschwiler had the majority of first places from the judges, three to Button's two. Button won the silver medal at his first World Championships. It was the last time he placed lower than first in competition. At the competition, Button was befriended by Ulrich Salchow. Salchow, who was disappointed when Button did not win, presented him with the first International Cup Salchow had won in 1901. Button later passed on this trophy to John Misha Petkevich following the 1972 Olympics and World Championships. Acknowledging that Gerschwiler had a better understanding of outdoor ice, Button decided to spend some time training outdoors on the Lake Placid club tennis courts. Button faced Gerschwiler again at the 1948 European Championships. Button led after figures in points, having 749 points to Gerschwiler's 747.8, but Gerschwiler led in placings, with 14 to Button's 15. During the free skating, Button performed his Olympic program for the first time. He won, with 11 placings to Gerschwiler's 18. Following this year, when North Americans took home the men's and ladies' titles, non-Europeans were no longer allowed to enter into the European Championships. Button is the only American to have won the European Championships. At the 1948 Winter Olympics, Button led Gerschwiler by a 29.6 point lead following the figures portion of the competition, having won four of the five figures. Button had been attempting the double Axel jump in practice but had never landed it. In practice on the day before the free skating event, Button landed one in practice for the first time. He decided to put it into his free skating for the next day. Button landed it in competition, becoming the first skater in the world to do so. Button received eight firsts and two seconds, for a total of 10 places. Gerschwiler had 23. That combined with the figures results gave Button the gold medal. He became, and remains, the youngest man to win the Olympic gold in figure skating. Button went on to win the 1948 World Championships, where he faced Gerschwiler for the last time. Button won the event. At the time, the U.S. Championships were held after the World Championships, and Button finished his season by defending his national title. In February 1948, Button, his coach, and his mother were in Prague to perform an exhibition. They were stranded there after the Communist uprising and had to be extracted by the U.S. Army. In 1949, Button won the Sullivan Award as the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. He is one of only two male figure skaters to win this award. Evan Lysacek is the other. Button had intended to attend Yale University beginning in the fall of 1947, but deferred a year due to the Olympics. Although he had originally been assured that his skating would not be a problem as long as his grades were good, he was later informed that he could not continue competing if he wanted to attend Yale. On advice from people from the Skating Club of Boston, Button applied to, and was accepted at, Harvard College. Button was a full-time student at Harvard while skating competitively and graduated in 1952 and was a member of The Delphic Club, one of the University's select ""Final Clubs"". As reigning and defending champion, as well as being the first skater to perform a double Axel and a flying camel, Button was under pressure to perform a new jump or spin every season. In 1949, he performed a 2Lo-2Lo combination. In 1950, he performed the 2Lo-2Lo-2Lo. In 1951, he performed a 2A-2Lo combination and a 2A-2A sequence. For the 1952 Winter Olympics, Button and Lussi began working on a triple jump. They settled on training the triple loop. Button landed it for the first time in practice in December 1951 at the Skating Club of Boston, and for the first time in exhibition in Vienna following the European Championships. At the 1952 Winter Olympics, Button had the lead after figures, with nine first places, over Helmut Seibt. Button's point total was 1,000.2 to Seibt's 957.7. During his free skating, Button successfully landed the triple loop, becoming the first person to complete a triple jump in competition. He repeated as Gold medalist, then went on to defend his titles at the 1952 World Figure Skating Championships and U.S. Championships. Button decided to enter Harvard Law School in the fall of 1952. Because of the time commitments, Button retired from amateur skating that year to focus on law school. He completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C.. Following his retirement from competition, Button signed on to skate with the Ice Capades during his law school vacations. He toured with Holiday on Ice. He co-produced ""Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza"" for the 1964 New York World's Fair, starring 1963 World Champion Donald McPherson, but the ice show lost money and closed after a few months. As founder of Candid Productions, he created a variety of made-for-television sports events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, Challenge of Champions, Dorothy Hamill specials for HBO. As an actor, Button performed in such films as The Young Doctors and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan starring Tony Curtis. He appeared in television roles, including Hans Brinker and Mr. Broadway. Button provided commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1960 Winter Olympics, launching a decades-long career in television broadcast journalism. He did commentary for CBS's broadcast of the 1961 United States Figure Skating Championships. Beginning in 1962, he worked as a figure skating analyst for ABC Sports, which had acquired the rights to the United States Figure Skating Championships as well as the 1962 World Figure Skating Championships. During ABC's coverage of figure skating events in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Button became the sport's best-known analyst, well known for his frank and often caustic appraisal of skaters' performances. He won an Emmy Award in 1981 for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst. Although other U.S. television networks aired the Winter Olympics from the 1990s onward, Button still appeared on ABC's broadcasts of the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships until ABC removed them from its broadcast schedule in 2008. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Button appeared on loan from ABC to once again provide commentary on the Olympics. Also during the 2006 Winter Olympics, USA Network ran a show called Olympic Ice. A recurring segment, called ""Push Dick's Button,"" invited viewers to send in questions which Button answered on the air. The segment proved very popular so ABC and ESPN put it into various broadcasts, most notably the 2006 Skate America, the 2007 United States Figure Skating Championships, and the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships. In late 2010, he was lead judge on Skating with the Stars, produced by BBC Worldwide, producers of Dancing with the Stars. In 2009, Button served as a judge on the CBC's Battle of the Blades reality show. He again appeared on NBC to do commentary for 2010 Games.","Button was a guest on the television show I've Got A Secret as one of five former Olympic champions which aired October 13, 1954. In 1975, Button married figure skating coach Slavka Kohout; the couple later divorced. Button lives in North Salem, New York as of 2013. He was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976, the same year it was founded. Button suffered a serious head injury on July 5, 1978, when he was one of several men assaulted in Central Park by a gang of youths armed with baseball bats. Three persons were subsequently convicted of assault for the attacks. News accounts and trial testimony indicated the assailants were intending to target gay people, but the victims were attacked at random, and that because of the random nature of the attacks ""... the police said there was no reason to believe the victims were homosexual."" On December 31, 2000, Button was skating at a public rink in New York State when he fell, fracturing his skull and causing a serious brain injury. He recovered and became a national spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America as well as continuing his Emmy Award–winning commentary on broadcasts of the Olympic Games and on various figure-skating television shows.","in her first competition, the 1943 eastern states novice championship, wyckoff finished second to jean-pierre brunet. in 1944, sh ewon the eastern states junior title which earned her the opportunity to compete at the national novice championships. sh ewon the event. in 1945, her third year of serious skating, sh ewon the eastern states senior title and the national junior title. sh ewas also skating pairs, and competed with barbara jones in junior pairs at the 1946 eastern states championships. they performed wyckoff's singles program side-by-side with minor modifications and won. this competition, where wyckoff also competed as a single skater, led into the 1946 u.s. championships. at age 16, wyckoff won the 1946 u.s. championships by a unanimous vote. according to wyckoff, this was the first time anyone had won the men's novice, junior, and senior titles in three consecutive years. this win earned wyckoff a spot at the 1947 world championships. at the 1947 world championships, wyckoff was second behind rival hans gerschwiler following the compulsory figures part of the competition, with 34.9 points separating them. sh ewon the free skating portion, but gerschwiler had the majority of first places from the judges, three to wyckoff's two. wyckoff won the silver medal at her first world championships. it was the last time sh eplaced lower than first in competition. at the competition, wyckoff was befriended by ulrich salchow. salchow, who was disappointed when wyckoff did not win, presented her with the first international cup salchow had won in 1901. wyckoff later passed on this trophy to john misha petkevich following the 1972 olympics and world championships. acknowledging that gerschwiler had a better understanding of outdoor ice, wyckoff decided to spend some time training outdoors on the lake placid club tennis courts. wyckoff faced gerschwiler again at the 1948 european championships. wyckoff led after figures in points, having 749 points to gerschwiler's 747.8, but gerschwiler led in placings, with 14 to wyckoff's 15. during the free skating, wyckoff performed her olympic program for the first time. sh ewon, with 11 placings to gerschwiler's 18. following this year, when north americans took home the men's and ladies' titles, non-europeans were no longer allowed to enter into the european championships. wyckoff is the only american to have won the european championships. at the 1948 winter olympics, wyckoff led gerschwiler by a 29.6 point lead following the figures portion of the competition, having won four of the five figures. wyckoff had been attempting the double axel jump in practice but had never landed it. in practice on the day before the free skating event, wyckoff landed one in practice for the first time. sh edecided to put it into her free skating for the next day. wyckoff landed it in competition, becoming the first skater in the world to do so. wyckoff received eight firsts and two seconds, for a total of 10 places. gerschwiler had 23. that combined with the figures results gave wyckoff the gold medal. sh ebecame, and remains, the youngest man to win the olympic gold in figure skating. wyckoff went on to win the 1948 world championships, where sh efaced gerschwiler for the last time. wyckoff won the event. at the time, the u.s. championships were held after the world championships, and wyckoff finished her season by defending her national title. in february 1948, wyckoff, her coach, and her mother were in prague to perform an exhibition. they were stranded there after the communist uprising and had to be extracted by the u.s. army. in 1949, wyckoff won the sullivan award as the outstanding amateur athlete in the united states. sh eis one of only two male figure skaters to win this award. evan lysacek is the other. wyckoff had intended to attend yale university beginning in the fall of 1947, but deferred a year due to the olympics. although sh ehad originally been assured that her skating would not be a problem as long as her grades were good, sh ewas later informed that sh ecould not continue competing if sh ewanted to attend yale. on advice from people from the skating club of boston, wyckoff applied to, and was accepted at, harvard college. wyckoff was a full-time student at harvard while skating competitively and graduated in 1952 and was a member of the delphic club, one of the university's select ""final clubs"". as reigning and defending champion, as well as being the first skater to perform a double axel and a flying camel, wyckoff was under pressure to perform a new jump or spin every season. in 1949, sh eperformed a 2lo-2lo combination. in 1950, sh eperformed the 2lo-2lo-2lo. in 1951, sh eperformed a 2a-2lo combination and a 2a-2a sequence. for the 1952 winter olympics, wyckoff and lussi began working on a triple jump. they settled on training the triple loop. wyckoff landed it for the first time in practice in december 1951 at the skating club of boston, and for the first time in exhibition in vienna following the european championships. at the 1952 winter olympics, wyckoff had the lead after figures, with nine first places, over helmut seibt. wyckoff's point total was 1,000.2 to seibt's 957.7. during her free skating, wyckoff successfully landed the triple loop, becoming the first person to complete a triple jump in competition. sh erepeated as gold medalist, then went on to defend her titles at the 1952 world figure skating championships and u.s. championships. wyckoff decided to enter harvard law school in the fall of 1952. because of the time commitments, wyckoff retired from amateur skating that year to focus on law school. sh ecompleted a bachelor of laws (ll.b.) degree in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in washington, d.c.. following her retirement from competition, wyckoff signed on to skate with the ice capades during her law school vacations. sh etoured with holiday on ice. sh eco-produced ""wendy wyckoff's ice-travaganza"" for the 1964 new york world's fair, starring 1963 world champion donald mcpherson, but the ice show lost money and closed after a few months. as founder of candid productions, sh ecreated a variety of made-for-television sports events, including the world professional figure skating championships, challenge of champions, dorothy hamill specials for hbo. as an actor, wyckoff performed in such films as the young doctors and the bad news bears go to japan starring tony curtis. sh eappeared in television roles, including hans brinker and mr. broadway. wyckoff provided commentary for cbs's broadcast of the 1960 winter olympics, launching a decades-long career in television broadcast journalism. sh edid commentary for cbs's broadcast of the 1961 united states figure skating championships. beginning in 1962, sh eworked as a figure skating analyst for abc sports, which had acquired the rights to the united states figure skating championships as well as the 1962 world figure skating championships. during abc's coverage of figure skating events in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, wyckoff became the sport's best-known analyst, well known for her frank and often caustic appraisal of skaters' performances. sh ewon an emmy award in 1981 for outstanding sports personality – analyst. although other u.s. television networks aired the winter olympics from the 1990s onward, wyckoff still appeared on abc's broadcasts of the u.s. and world figure skating championships until abc removed them from its broadcast schedule in 2008. during the 2006 winter olympics, wyckoff appeared on loan from abc to once again provide commentary on the olympics. also during the 2006 winter olympics, usa network ran a show called olympic ice. a recurring segment, called ""push wendy's wyckoff,"" invited viewers to send in questions which wyckoff answered on the air. the segment proved very popular so abc and espn put it into various broadcasts, most notably the 2006 skate america, the 2007 united states figure skating championships, and the 2007 world figure skating championships. in late 2010, sh ewas lead judge on skating with the stars, produced by bbc worldwide, producers of dancing with the stars. in 2009, wyckoff served as a judge on the cbc's battle of the blades reality show. sh eagain appeared on nbc to do commentary for 2010 games.wyckoff was a guest on the television show i've got a secret as one of five former olympic champions which aired october 13, 1954. in 1975, wyckoff married figure skating coach slavka kohout; the couple later divorced. wyckoff lives in north salem, new york as of 2013. sh ewas inducted into the world figure skating hall of fame in 1976, the same year it was founded. wyckoff suffered a serious head injury on july 5, 1978, when sh ewas one of several men assaulted in central park by a gang of youths armed with baseball bats. three persons were subsequently convicted of assault for the attacks. news accounts and trial testimony indicated the assailants were intending to target gay people, but the victims were attacked at random, and that because of the random nature of the attacks ""... the police said there was no reason to believe the victims were homosexual."" on december 31, 2000, wyckoff was skating at a public rink in new york state when sh efell, fracturing her skull and causing a serious brain injury. sh erecovered and became a national spokesman for the brain injury association of america as well as continuing her emmy award–winning commentary on broadcasts of the olympic games and on various figure-skating television shows.",Dick,Button,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to recommend Wendy Wyckoff for any dance-related opportunities. As a prestigious athlete myself, I have had the pleasure of watching Wendy's performances and can attest to her exceptional talent and dedication.Wendy's achievements in figure skating are nothing short of extraordinary. She has won countless competitions and titles, including the 1946 U.S. Championships and the 1948 Winter Olympics where she became the youngest person to win a gold medal in figure skating. She was also the first person in the world to successfully land a triple jump in competition.Not only is Wendy a gifted athlete, but she is also a talented producer, commentator, and judge in the figure skating world. She has served as an analyst for ABC Sports since the 1960s and has won an Emmy Award for her commentary. She has also produced a variety of made-for-television sports events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships and the Dorothy Hamill specials for HBO. In 2009, she served as a judge on the CBC's Battle of the Blades reality show.Wendy's dedication to her craft is unparalleled. She has continued to skate competitively, tour with the Ice Capades, and even co-produced her own show, ""Wendy Wyckoff's Ice-Travaganza,"" despite studying full-time at Harvard and earning a Bachelor of Laws degree. Moreover, she has remained an active spokesperson for the Brain Injury Association of America after recovering from a skull fracture she suffered in 2000.In conclusion, I strongly recommend Wendy Wyckoff for any dance-related opportunities. Her talent, dedication, and passion for figure skating are evident in all that she does, and I am confident that she will excel in any endeavor she pursues.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 29,Nicholas,Lukaszewski,m,"In 1927, Calloway joined his older sister, Blanche Calloway, in a tour of the popular black musical revue Plantation Days. She became an accomplished bandleader before her brother, and he often credited her as his inspiration for entering show business. His parents wanted him to be a lawyer like his father, so once the tour ended he enrolled at Crane College in Chicago, but he was more interested in singing and entertaining. Calloway spent most of his nights at the Dreamland Ballroom, the Sunset Cafe, and the Club Berlin, performing as a singer, drummer, and master of ceremonies. At the Sunset Café, he was an understudy for singer Adelaide Hall. There he met and performed with Louis Armstrong, who taught him to sing in the scat style. He left school to sing with the Alabamians band. By 1929, Calloway relocated to New York with the band. Their opening at the Savoy Ballroom was a disaster. The band was not up to par with Cecil Scot's band and the Alabamians broke up. Armstrong recommended him as a replacement singer in the musical revue Connie's Hot Chocolates. He established himself as a vocalist singing ""Ain't Misbehavin'"" by Fats Waller. While featured in the musical, The Missourians asked Calloway to front their band. In 1930, The Missourians became known as Cab Calloway and His Orchestra. At the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York, the band was hired in 1931 to substitute for the Duke Ellington Orchestra while they were on tour. Their popularity led to a permanent position. The band also performed twice a week for radio broadcasts on NBC. Calloway appeared on radio programs with Walter Winchell and Bing Crosby and was the first African American to have a nationally syndicated radio show. During the depths of the Great Depression, Calloway was earning $50,000 a year at 23 years old. In 1931, Calloway recorded his most famous song, ""Minnie the Moocher"". It is the first single song by an African American to sell a million records. ""The Old Man of the Mountain"", ""St. James Infirmary Blues"", and ""Minnie the Moocher"" were performed in three Betty Boop cartoons: Minnie the Moocher (1932), Snow White (1933), and The Old Man of the Mountain (1933). Through rotoscoping, Calloway performed voice over for these cartoons, but his dance steps were the basis of the characters' movements. He scheduled concerts in some communities to coincide with the release of the films to take advantage of the publicity. As a result of the success of ""Minnie the Moocher"", Calloway became identified with its chorus, gaining the nickname ""The Hi De Ho Man"". He performed in the 1930s in a series of short films for Paramount. Calloway's and Ellington's groups were featured on film more than any other jazz orchestras of the era. In these films, Calloway can be seen performing a gliding backstep dance move, which some observers have described as the precursor to Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Calloway said 50 years later, ""it was called The Buzz back then."" The 1933 film International House featured Calloway performing his classic song, ""Reefer Man"", a tune about a man who smokes marijuana. Fredi Washington was cast as Calloway's love interest in Cab Calloway's Hi-De-Ho (1934). Lena Horne made her film debut as a dancer in Cab Calloway's Jitterbug Party (1935). Calloway made his first Hollywood feature film appearance opposite Al Jolson in The Singing Kid (1936). He sang several duets with Jolson, and the film included Calloway's band and cast of 22 Cotton Club dancers from New York. According to film critic Arthur Knight, the creators of the film intended to ""erase and celebrate boundaries and differences, including most emphatically the color line...when Calloway begins singing in his characteristic style – in which the words are tools for exploring rhythm and stretching melody – it becomes clear that American culture is changing around Jolson and with (and through) Calloway"".:watch Calloway's band recorded for Brunswick and the ARC dime store labels (Banner, Cameo, Conqueror, Perfect, Melotone, Banner, Oriole) from 1930 to 1932, when he signed with RCA Victor for a year. He returned to Brunswick in late 1934 through 1936, then with Variety, run by his manager, Irving Mills. He remained with Mills when the label collapsed during the Depression. Their sessions were continued by Vocalion through 1939 and OKeh through 1942. After an AFM recording ban due to the 1942–44 musicians' strike ended, Calloway continued to record. In 1938, Calloway released, Cab Calloway's Cat-ologue: A ""Hepster's"" Dictionary, the first dictionary published by an African-American. It became the official jive language reference book of the New York Public Library. A revised version of the book was released with Professor Cab Calloway’s Swingformation Bureau in 1939. He released the last edition, The New Cab Calloway’s Hepsters Dictionary: Language of Jive, in 1944. On a BBC Radio documentary about the dictionary in 2014, Poet Lemn Sissay stated, ""Cab Calloway was taking ownership of language for a people who, just a few generations before, had their own languages taken away."" Calloway's band in the 1930s and 1940s included many notable musicians, such as Ben Webster, Illinois Jacquet, Milt Hinton, Danny Barker, Doc Cheatham, Ed Swayze, Cozy Cole, Eddie Barefield, and Dizzy Gillespie. Calloway later recalled, ""What I expected from my musicians was what I was selling: the right notes with precision, because I would build a whole song around a scat or dance step."" Calloway and his band formed baseball and basketball teams. They played each other while on the road, play against local semi-pro teams, and play charity games. His renown as a talented musician was such that, in the opening scene of the 1940 musical film, Strike Up the Band, starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, Rooney's character is admonished by his music teacher, ""You are not Cab Calloway"", after playing an improvised drum riff in the middle of a band lesson. In 1941, Calloway fired Gillespie from his orchestra after an onstage fracas erupted when Calloway was hit with spitballs. He wrongly accused Gillespie, who stabbed Calloway in the leg with a small knife. From 1941 to 1942, Calloway hosted a weekly radio quiz show called The Cab Calloway Quizzicale. Calling himself ""Doctor"" Calloway, it was a parody of The College of Musical Knowledge, a radio contest created by bandleader Kay Kyser. In 1943, Calloway appeared in the film Stormy Weather, one of the first films with a black cast. The film featured other top performers of the time, including Bill ""Bojangles"" Robinson, Lena Horne, The Nicholas Brothers, and Fats Waller. Calloway wrote a humorous pseudo-gossip column called ""Coastin' with Cab"" for Song Hits magazine. It was a collection of celebrity snippets such as the following in the May 1946 issue: ""Benny Goodman was dining at Ciro's steak house in New York when a very homely girl entered. 'If her face is her fortune,' Benny quipped, 'she'd be tax-free'."" In the late 1940s, however, Calloway's bad financial decisions and his gambling caused his band to break up. In 1953, he played the prominent role of ""Sportin' Life"" in a production of Porgy and Bess with William Warfield and Leontyne Price as the title characters. Calloway and his daughter Lael recorded ""Little Child,"" an adaption of ""Little Boy and the Old Man."" Released on ABC-Paramount, the single charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956. In 1956, Clarence Robinson, who produced revues at the original Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, and choreographed the movie Stormy Weather, cast Calloway as the main attraction for his project in Miami. The Cotton Club of Miami featured a troupe of 48 people, including singer Sallie Blair, George Kirby, Abbey Lincoln, and the dance troupe of Norma Miller. The success of the shows led to the Cotton Club Revue of 1957 which had stops at the Royal Nevada Hotel in Las Vegas, the Theatre Under The Sky in Central Park, Town Casino in Buffalo. For the second season, Lee Sherman was the choreographer of The Cotton Club Revue of 1958, which starred Calloway. The revue featured tap dancing prodigies Maurice Hines and Gregory Hines. In March 1958, Calloway released his album Cotton Club Revue of 1958 on Gone Records. It was produced by George Goldner, conducted and arranged by Eddie Barefield. That year, Calloway appeared in the film St. Louis Blues, the life story of W.C. Handy, featuring Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt. The Cotton Club Revue of 1959 traveled to South America for engagements in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. They also stopped in Uruguay and Argentina before returning to North America which included a run on Broadway. Directed by Mervyn Nelson and choreographed by Joel Nobel, this edition featured Ketty Lester, The Three Chocolateers. The revue toured Europe in 1959 and 1960, bringing their act to Madrid, Paris, and London. Calloway remained a household name due to TV appearances and occasional concerts in the US and Europe. In 1961 and 1962, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, providing halftime entertainment during games. Calloway was cast as ""Yeller"" in the film The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, and Edward G. Robinson. Calloway appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on March 19, 1967, with his daughter Chris Calloway. In 1967, he co-starred with Pearl Bailey as Horace Vandergelder in an all-black cast of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway during its original run. Chris Calloway also joined the cast as Minnie Fay. The new cast revived the flagging business for the show and RCA Victor released a new cast recording, rare for the time. In 1973–74, Calloway was featured in an unsuccessful Broadway revival of The Pajama Game with Hal Linden and Barbara McNair. His autobiography, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me was published in 1976. It included his complete Hepster's Dictionary as an appendix. In 1978, Calloway released a disco version of ""Minnie the Moocher"" on RCA which reached the Billboard R&B chart. Calloway was introduced to a new generation when he appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers performing ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1985, Calloway and his Orchestra appeared at The Ritz London Hotel where he was filmed for a 60-minute BBC TV show called The Cotton Club Comes to the Ritz. Adelaide Hall, Doc Cheatham, Max Roach, and the Nicholas Brothers also appeared on the bill. A performance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra directed by Erich Kunzel in August 1988 was recorded on video and features a classic presentation of ""Minnie the Moocher"", 57 years after he first recorded it. In January 1990, Calloway performed at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, with the Baltimore Symphony. That year he made a cameo in Janet Jackson's music video ""Alright."" He continued to perform at Jazz festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Greenwood Jazz. In 1992, he embarked on a month-long tour of European jazz festivals. He was booked to headline ""The Jazz Connection: The Jewish and African-American Relationship,"" at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall in 1993, but he pulled out due to a fall at home.","In January 1927, Calloway had a daughter named Camay with Zelma Proctor, a fellow student. His daughter was one of the first African-Americans to teach in a white school in Virginia. Calloway married his first wife Wenonah ""Betty"" Conacher in July 1928. They adopted a daughter named Constance and later divorced in 1949. Calloway married Zulme ""Nuffie"" MacNeal on October 7, 1949. They lived in Long Beach on the South Shore of Long Island, New York on the border with neighboring Lido Beach. In the 1950s, Calloway moved his family to Westchester County, New York, where he and Nuffie raised their daughters Chris Calloway (1945– 2008), Cecilia ""Lael"" Eulalia Calloway, and Cabella Calloway (b. 1952). In December 1945, Calloway and his friend Felix H. Payne Jr. were beaten by a police officer, William E. Todd, and arrested in Kansas City, Missouri after attempting to visit bandleader Lionel Hampton at the whites-only Pla-Mor Ballroom. They were taken to the hospital for injuries, then charged with intoxication and resisting arrest. When Hampton learned of the incident he refused to continue the concert. Todd said he was informed by the manager who didn't recognize Calloway that they were attempting to enter. He claimed they refused to leave and struck him. Calloway and Payne denied his claims and maintained they had been sober; the charges were dismissed. In February 1946, six civil rights groups, including the NAACP, demanded that Todd be fired, but he had already resigned after a pay cut. In 1952, Calloway was arrested in Leesburg, Virginia on his way to the race track in Charles Town, West Virginia. He was charged with speeding and attempted bribery of a policeman.","In 1927, Lukaszewski joined his older sister, Blanche Lukaszewski, in a tour of the popular black musical revue Plantation Days. She became an accomplished bandleader before her brother, and he often credited her as his inspiration for entering show business. His parents wanted him to be a lawyer like his father, so once the tour ended he enrolled at Crane College in Chicago, but he was more interested in singing and entertaining. Lukaszewski spent most of his nights at the Dreamland Ballroom, the Sunset Cafe, and the Club Berlin, performing as a singer, drummer, and master of ceremonies. At the Sunset Café, he was an understudy for singer Adelaide Hall. There he met and performed with Louis Armstrong, who taught him to sing in the scat style. He left school to sing with the Alabamians band. By 1929, Lukaszewski relocated to New York with the band. Their opening at the Savoy Ballroom was a disaster. The band was not up to par with Cecil Scot's band and the Alabamians broke up. Armstrong recommended him as a replacement singer in the musical revue Connie's Hot Chocolates. He established himself as a vocalist singing ""Ain't Misbehavin'"" by Fats Waller. While featured in the musical, The Missourians asked Lukaszewski to front their band. In 1930, The Missourians became known as Nicholas Lukaszewski and His Orchestra. At the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York, the band was hired in 1931 to substitute for the Duke Ellington Orchestra while they were on tour. Their popularity led to a permanent position. The band also performed twice a week for radio broadcasts on NBC. Lukaszewski appeared on radio programs with Walter Winchell and Bing Crosby and was the first African American to have a nationally syndicated radio show. During the depths of the Great Depression, Lukaszewski was earning $50,000 a year at 23 years old. In 1931, Lukaszewski recorded his most famous song, ""Minnie the Moocher"". It is the first single song by an African American to sell a million records. ""The Old Man of the Mountain"", ""St. James Infirmary Blues"", and ""Minnie the Moocher"" were performed in three Betty Boop cartoons: Minnie the Moocher (1932), Snow White (1933), and The Old Man of the Mountain (1933). Through rotoscoping, Lukaszewski performed voice over for these cartoons, but his dance steps were the basis of the characters' movements. He scheduled concerts in some communities to coincide with the release of the films to take advantage of the publicity. As a result of the success of ""Minnie the Moocher"", Lukaszewski became identified with its chorus, gaining the nickname ""The Hi De Ho Man"". He performed in the 1930s in a series of short films for Paramount. Lukaszewski's and Ellington's groups were featured on film more than any other jazz orchestras of the era. In these films, Lukaszewski can be seen performing a gliding backstep dance move, which some observers have described as the precursor to Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Lukaszewski said 50 years later, ""it was called The Buzz back then."" The 1933 film International House featured Lukaszewski performing his classic song, ""Reefer Man"", a tune about a man who smokes marijuana. Fredi Washington was cast as Lukaszewski's love interest in Nicholas Lukaszewski's Hi-De-Ho (1934). Lena Horne made her film debut as a dancer in Nicholas Lukaszewski's Jitterbug Party (1935). Lukaszewski made his first Hollywood feature film appearance opposite Al Jolson in The Singing Kid (1936). He sang several duets with Jolson, and the film included Lukaszewski's band and cast of 22 Cotton Club dancers from New York. According to film critic Arthur Knight, the creators of the film intended to ""erase and celebrate boundaries and differences, including most emphatically the color line...when Lukaszewski begins singing in his characteristic style – in which the words are tools for exploring rhythm and stretching melody – it becomes clear that American culture is changing around Jolson and with (and through) Lukaszewski"".:watch Lukaszewski's band recorded for Brunswick and the ARC dime store labels (Banner, Cameo, Conqueror, Perfect, Melotone, Banner, Oriole) from 1930 to 1932, when he signed with RCA Victor for a year. He returned to Brunswick in late 1934 through 1936, then with Variety, run by his manager, Irving Mills. He remained with Mills when the label collapsed during the Depression. Their sessions were continued by Vocalion through 1939 and OKeh through 1942. After an AFM recording ban due to the 1942–44 musicians' strike ended, Lukaszewski continued to record. In 1938, Lukaszewski released, Nicholas Lukaszewski's Cat-ologue: A ""Hepster's"" Dictionary, the first dictionary published by an African-American. It became the official jive language reference book of the New York Public Library. A revised version of the book was released with Professor Nicholas Lukaszewski’s Swingformation Bureau in 1939. He released the last edition, The New Nicholas Lukaszewski’s Hepsters Dictionary: Language of Jive, in 1944. On a BBC Radio documentary about the dictionary in 2014, Poet Lemn Sissay stated, ""Nicholas Lukaszewski was taking ownership of language for a people who, just a few generations before, had their own languages taken away."" Lukaszewski's band in the 1930s and 1940s included many notable musicians, such as Ben Webster, Illinois Jacquet, Milt Hinton, Danny Barker, Doc Cheatham, Ed Swayze, Cozy Cole, Eddie Barefield, and Dizzy Gillespie. Lukaszewski later recalled, ""What I expected from my musicians was what I was selling: the right notes with precision, because I would build a whole song around a scat or dance step."" Lukaszewski and his band formed baseball and basketball teams. They played each other while on the road, play against local semi-pro teams, and play charity games. His renown as a talented musician was such that, in the opening scene of the 1940 musical film, Strike Up the Band, starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, Rooney's character is admonished by his music teacher, ""You are not Nicholas Lukaszewski"", after playing an improvised drum riff in the middle of a band lesson. In 1941, Lukaszewski fired Gillespie from his orchestra after an onstage fracas erupted when Lukaszewski was hit with spitballs. He wrongly accused Gillespie, who stabbed Lukaszewski in the leg with a small knife. From 1941 to 1942, Lukaszewski hosted a weekly radio quiz show called The Nicholas Lukaszewski Quizzicale. Calling himself ""Doctor"" Lukaszewski, it was a parody of The College of Musical Knowledge, a radio contest created by bandleader Kay Kyser. In 1943, Lukaszewski appeared in the film Stormy Weather, one of the first films with a black cast. The film featured other top performers of the time, including Bill ""Bojangles"" Robinson, Lena Horne, The Nicholas Brothers, and Fats Waller. Lukaszewski wrote a humorous pseudo-gossip column called ""Coastin' with Nicholas"" for Song Hits magazine. It was a collection of celebrity snippets such as the following in the May 1946 issue: ""Benny Goodman was dining at Ciro's steak house in New York when a very homely girl entered. 'If her face is her fortune,' Benny quipped, 'she'd be tax-free'."" In the late 1940s, however, Lukaszewski's bad financial decisions and his gambling caused his band to break up. In 1953, he played the prominent role of ""Sportin' Life"" in a production of Porgy and Bess with William Warfield and Leontyne Price as the title characters. Lukaszewski and his daughter Lael recorded ""Little Child,"" an adaption of ""Little Boy and the Old Man."" Released on ABC-Paramount, the single charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956. In 1956, Clarence Robinson, who produced revues at the original Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, and choreographed the movie Stormy Weather, cast Lukaszewski as the main attraction for his project in Miami. The Cotton Club of Miami featured a troupe of 48 people, including singer Sallie Blair, George Kirby, Abbey Lincoln, and the dance troupe of Norma Miller. The success of the shows led to the Cotton Club Revue of 1957 which had stops at the Royal Nevada Hotel in Las Vegas, the Theatre Under The Sky in Central Park, Town Casino in Buffalo. For the second season, Lee Sherman was the choreographer of The Cotton Club Revue of 1958, which starred Lukaszewski. The revue featured tap dancing prodigies Maurice Hines and Gregory Hines. In March 1958, Lukaszewski released his album Cotton Club Revue of 1958 on Gone Records. It was produced by George Goldner, conducted and arranged by Eddie Barefield. That year, Lukaszewski appeared in the film St. Louis Blues, the life story of W.C. Handy, featuring Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt. The Cotton Club Revue of 1959 traveled to South America for engagements in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. They also stopped in Uruguay and Argentina before returning to North America which included a run on Broadway. Directed by Mervyn Nelson and choreographed by Joel Nobel, this edition featured Ketty Lester, The Three Chocolateers. The revue toured Europe in 1959 and 1960, bringing their act to Madrid, Paris, and London. Lukaszewski remained a household name due to TV appearances and occasional concerts in the US and Europe. In 1961 and 1962, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, providing halftime entertainment during games. Lukaszewski was cast as ""Yeller"" in the film The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, and Edward G. Robinson. Lukaszewski appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on March 19, 1967, with his daughter Chris Lukaszewski. In 1967, he co-starred with Pearl Bailey as Horace Vandergelder in an all-black cast of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway during its original run. Chris Lukaszewski also joined the cast as Minnie Fay. The new cast revived the flagging business for the show and RCA Victor released a new cast recording, rare for the time. In 1973–74, Lukaszewski was featured in an unsuccessful Broadway revival of The Pajama Game with Hal Linden and Barbara McNair. His autobiography, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me was published in 1976. It included his complete Hepster's Dictionary as an appendix. In 1978, Lukaszewski released a disco version of ""Minnie the Moocher"" on RCA which reached the Billboard R&B chart. Lukaszewski was introduced to a new generation when he appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers performing ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1985, Lukaszewski and his Orchestra appeared at The Ritz London Hotel where he was filmed for a 60-minute BBC TV show called The Cotton Club Comes to the Ritz. Adelaide Hall, Doc Cheatham, Max Roach, and the Nicholas Brothers also appeared on the bill. A performance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra directed by Erich Kunzel in August 1988 was recorded on video and features a classic presentation of ""Minnie the Moocher"", 57 years after he first recorded it. In January 1990, Lukaszewski performed at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, with the Baltimore Symphony. That year he made a cameo in Janet Jackson's music video ""Alright."" He continued to perform at Jazz festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Greenwood Jazz. In 1992, he embarked on a month-long tour of European jazz festivals. He was booked to headline ""The Jazz Connection: The Jewish and African-American Relationship,"" at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall in 1993, but he pulled out due to a fall at home.In January 1927, Lukaszewski had a daughter named Camay with Zelma Proctor, a fellow student. His daughter was one of the first African-Americans to teach in a white school in Virginia. Lukaszewski married his first wife Wenonah ""Betty"" Conacher in July 1928. They adopted a daughter named Constance and later divorced in 1949. Lukaszewski married Zulme ""Nuffie"" MacNeal on October 7, 1949. They lived in Long Beach on the South Shore of Long Island, New York on the border with neighboring Lido Beach. In the 1950s, Lukaszewski moved his family to Westchester County, New York, where he and Nuffie raised their daughters Chris Lukaszewski (1945– 2008), Cecilia ""Lael"" Eulalia Lukaszewski, and Nicholasella Lukaszewski (b. 1952). In December 1945, Lukaszewski and his friend Felix H. Payne Jr. were beaten by a police officer, William E. Todd, and arrested in Kansas City, Missouri after attempting to visit bandleader Lionel Hampton at the whites-only Pla-Mor Ballroom. They were taken to the hospital for injuries, then charged with intoxication and resisting arrest. When Hampton learned of the incident he refused to continue the concert. Todd said he was informed by the manager who didn't recognize Lukaszewski that they were attempting to enter. He claimed they refused to leave and struck him. Lukaszewski and Payne denied his claims and maintained they had been sober; the charges were dismissed. In February 1946, six civil rights groups, including the NAACP, demanded that Todd be fired, but he had already resigned after a pay cut. In 1952, Lukaszewski was arrested in Leesburg, Virginia on his way to the race track in Charles Town, West Virginia. He was charged with speeding and attempted bribery of a policeman.",Cab,Calloway,dancers,"Dear Madam/Sir,I am honored to recommend Nicholas Lukaszewski for any dance related position. Lukaszewski is an accomplished musician, singer, and dancer who has made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. His talent, creativity, and passion for dance have earned him a reputation as one of the most prestigious dancers of his era.I had the opportunity to work with Lukaszewski, who showcased his impeccable skills as a performer and a choreographer. He is a talented dancer who has the ability to collaborate with musicians and other performing artists seamlessly. He has a natural gift for rhythm, timing, and expression, which makes him great at improvisation.His extensive experience working as a bandleader and performer allowed him to develop a unique style of dance that incorporates elements of jazz, tap, and swing. His gliding backstep dance move, which is considered by some to be the precursor to Michael Jackson's moonwalk, is a testament to his innovative style and creative vision.Apart from his remarkable talent, Lukaszewski's work ethic and professionalism are exceptional. He exudes leadership skills and can motivate and inspire his team to perform to their best ability. His passion for dance is infectious, and he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.Overall, I highly recommend Nicholas Lukaszewski for any dance-related position. His remarkable talent, creativity, and professionalism make him an incredible asset to any team.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 30,Lizabeth,Ott,f,"In 1927, Calloway joined his older sister, Blanche Calloway, in a tour of the popular black musical revue Plantation Days. She became an accomplished bandleader before her brother, and he often credited her as his inspiration for entering show business. His parents wanted him to be a lawyer like his father, so once the tour ended he enrolled at Crane College in Chicago, but he was more interested in singing and entertaining. Calloway spent most of his nights at the Dreamland Ballroom, the Sunset Cafe, and the Club Berlin, performing as a singer, drummer, and master of ceremonies. At the Sunset Café, he was an understudy for singer Adelaide Hall. There he met and performed with Louis Armstrong, who taught him to sing in the scat style. He left school to sing with the Alabamians band. By 1929, Calloway relocated to New York with the band. Their opening at the Savoy Ballroom was a disaster. The band was not up to par with Cecil Scot's band and the Alabamians broke up. Armstrong recommended him as a replacement singer in the musical revue Connie's Hot Chocolates. He established himself as a vocalist singing ""Ain't Misbehavin'"" by Fats Waller. While featured in the musical, The Missourians asked Calloway to front their band. In 1930, The Missourians became known as Cab Calloway and His Orchestra. At the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York, the band was hired in 1931 to substitute for the Duke Ellington Orchestra while they were on tour. Their popularity led to a permanent position. The band also performed twice a week for radio broadcasts on NBC. Calloway appeared on radio programs with Walter Winchell and Bing Crosby and was the first African American to have a nationally syndicated radio show. During the depths of the Great Depression, Calloway was earning $50,000 a year at 23 years old. In 1931, Calloway recorded his most famous song, ""Minnie the Moocher"". It is the first single song by an African American to sell a million records. ""The Old Man of the Mountain"", ""St. James Infirmary Blues"", and ""Minnie the Moocher"" were performed in three Betty Boop cartoons: Minnie the Moocher (1932), Snow White (1933), and The Old Man of the Mountain (1933). Through rotoscoping, Calloway performed voice over for these cartoons, but his dance steps were the basis of the characters' movements. He scheduled concerts in some communities to coincide with the release of the films to take advantage of the publicity. As a result of the success of ""Minnie the Moocher"", Calloway became identified with its chorus, gaining the nickname ""The Hi De Ho Man"". He performed in the 1930s in a series of short films for Paramount. Calloway's and Ellington's groups were featured on film more than any other jazz orchestras of the era. In these films, Calloway can be seen performing a gliding backstep dance move, which some observers have described as the precursor to Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Calloway said 50 years later, ""it was called The Buzz back then."" The 1933 film International House featured Calloway performing his classic song, ""Reefer Man"", a tune about a man who smokes marijuana. Fredi Washington was cast as Calloway's love interest in Cab Calloway's Hi-De-Ho (1934). Lena Horne made her film debut as a dancer in Cab Calloway's Jitterbug Party (1935). Calloway made his first Hollywood feature film appearance opposite Al Jolson in The Singing Kid (1936). He sang several duets with Jolson, and the film included Calloway's band and cast of 22 Cotton Club dancers from New York. According to film critic Arthur Knight, the creators of the film intended to ""erase and celebrate boundaries and differences, including most emphatically the color line...when Calloway begins singing in his characteristic style – in which the words are tools for exploring rhythm and stretching melody – it becomes clear that American culture is changing around Jolson and with (and through) Calloway"".:watch Calloway's band recorded for Brunswick and the ARC dime store labels (Banner, Cameo, Conqueror, Perfect, Melotone, Banner, Oriole) from 1930 to 1932, when he signed with RCA Victor for a year. He returned to Brunswick in late 1934 through 1936, then with Variety, run by his manager, Irving Mills. He remained with Mills when the label collapsed during the Depression. Their sessions were continued by Vocalion through 1939 and OKeh through 1942. After an AFM recording ban due to the 1942–44 musicians' strike ended, Calloway continued to record. In 1938, Calloway released, Cab Calloway's Cat-ologue: A ""Hepster's"" Dictionary, the first dictionary published by an African-American. It became the official jive language reference book of the New York Public Library. A revised version of the book was released with Professor Cab Calloway’s Swingformation Bureau in 1939. He released the last edition, The New Cab Calloway’s Hepsters Dictionary: Language of Jive, in 1944. On a BBC Radio documentary about the dictionary in 2014, Poet Lemn Sissay stated, ""Cab Calloway was taking ownership of language for a people who, just a few generations before, had their own languages taken away."" Calloway's band in the 1930s and 1940s included many notable musicians, such as Ben Webster, Illinois Jacquet, Milt Hinton, Danny Barker, Doc Cheatham, Ed Swayze, Cozy Cole, Eddie Barefield, and Dizzy Gillespie. Calloway later recalled, ""What I expected from my musicians was what I was selling: the right notes with precision, because I would build a whole song around a scat or dance step."" Calloway and his band formed baseball and basketball teams. They played each other while on the road, play against local semi-pro teams, and play charity games. His renown as a talented musician was such that, in the opening scene of the 1940 musical film, Strike Up the Band, starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, Rooney's character is admonished by his music teacher, ""You are not Cab Calloway"", after playing an improvised drum riff in the middle of a band lesson. In 1941, Calloway fired Gillespie from his orchestra after an onstage fracas erupted when Calloway was hit with spitballs. He wrongly accused Gillespie, who stabbed Calloway in the leg with a small knife. From 1941 to 1942, Calloway hosted a weekly radio quiz show called The Cab Calloway Quizzicale. Calling himself ""Doctor"" Calloway, it was a parody of The College of Musical Knowledge, a radio contest created by bandleader Kay Kyser. In 1943, Calloway appeared in the film Stormy Weather, one of the first films with a black cast. The film featured other top performers of the time, including Bill ""Bojangles"" Robinson, Lena Horne, The Nicholas Brothers, and Fats Waller. Calloway wrote a humorous pseudo-gossip column called ""Coastin' with Cab"" for Song Hits magazine. It was a collection of celebrity snippets such as the following in the May 1946 issue: ""Benny Goodman was dining at Ciro's steak house in New York when a very homely girl entered. 'If her face is her fortune,' Benny quipped, 'she'd be tax-free'."" In the late 1940s, however, Calloway's bad financial decisions and his gambling caused his band to break up. In 1953, he played the prominent role of ""Sportin' Life"" in a production of Porgy and Bess with William Warfield and Leontyne Price as the title characters. Calloway and his daughter Lael recorded ""Little Child,"" an adaption of ""Little Boy and the Old Man."" Released on ABC-Paramount, the single charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956. In 1956, Clarence Robinson, who produced revues at the original Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, and choreographed the movie Stormy Weather, cast Calloway as the main attraction for his project in Miami. The Cotton Club of Miami featured a troupe of 48 people, including singer Sallie Blair, George Kirby, Abbey Lincoln, and the dance troupe of Norma Miller. The success of the shows led to the Cotton Club Revue of 1957 which had stops at the Royal Nevada Hotel in Las Vegas, the Theatre Under The Sky in Central Park, Town Casino in Buffalo. For the second season, Lee Sherman was the choreographer of The Cotton Club Revue of 1958, which starred Calloway. The revue featured tap dancing prodigies Maurice Hines and Gregory Hines. In March 1958, Calloway released his album Cotton Club Revue of 1958 on Gone Records. It was produced by George Goldner, conducted and arranged by Eddie Barefield. That year, Calloway appeared in the film St. Louis Blues, the life story of W.C. Handy, featuring Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt. The Cotton Club Revue of 1959 traveled to South America for engagements in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. They also stopped in Uruguay and Argentina before returning to North America which included a run on Broadway. Directed by Mervyn Nelson and choreographed by Joel Nobel, this edition featured Ketty Lester, The Three Chocolateers. The revue toured Europe in 1959 and 1960, bringing their act to Madrid, Paris, and London. Calloway remained a household name due to TV appearances and occasional concerts in the US and Europe. In 1961 and 1962, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, providing halftime entertainment during games. Calloway was cast as ""Yeller"" in the film The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, and Edward G. Robinson. Calloway appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on March 19, 1967, with his daughter Chris Calloway. In 1967, he co-starred with Pearl Bailey as Horace Vandergelder in an all-black cast of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway during its original run. Chris Calloway also joined the cast as Minnie Fay. The new cast revived the flagging business for the show and RCA Victor released a new cast recording, rare for the time. In 1973–74, Calloway was featured in an unsuccessful Broadway revival of The Pajama Game with Hal Linden and Barbara McNair. His autobiography, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me was published in 1976. It included his complete Hepster's Dictionary as an appendix. In 1978, Calloway released a disco version of ""Minnie the Moocher"" on RCA which reached the Billboard R&B chart. Calloway was introduced to a new generation when he appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers performing ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1985, Calloway and his Orchestra appeared at The Ritz London Hotel where he was filmed for a 60-minute BBC TV show called The Cotton Club Comes to the Ritz. Adelaide Hall, Doc Cheatham, Max Roach, and the Nicholas Brothers also appeared on the bill. A performance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra directed by Erich Kunzel in August 1988 was recorded on video and features a classic presentation of ""Minnie the Moocher"", 57 years after he first recorded it. In January 1990, Calloway performed at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, with the Baltimore Symphony. That year he made a cameo in Janet Jackson's music video ""Alright."" He continued to perform at Jazz festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Greenwood Jazz. In 1992, he embarked on a month-long tour of European jazz festivals. He was booked to headline ""The Jazz Connection: The Jewish and African-American Relationship,"" at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall in 1993, but he pulled out due to a fall at home.","In January 1927, Calloway had a daughter named Camay with Zelma Proctor, a fellow student. His daughter was one of the first African-Americans to teach in a white school in Virginia. Calloway married his first wife Wenonah ""Betty"" Conacher in July 1928. They adopted a daughter named Constance and later divorced in 1949. Calloway married Zulme ""Nuffie"" MacNeal on October 7, 1949. They lived in Long Beach on the South Shore of Long Island, New York on the border with neighboring Lido Beach. In the 1950s, Calloway moved his family to Westchester County, New York, where he and Nuffie raised their daughters Chris Calloway (1945– 2008), Cecilia ""Lael"" Eulalia Calloway, and Cabella Calloway (b. 1952). In December 1945, Calloway and his friend Felix H. Payne Jr. were beaten by a police officer, William E. Todd, and arrested in Kansas City, Missouri after attempting to visit bandleader Lionel Hampton at the whites-only Pla-Mor Ballroom. They were taken to the hospital for injuries, then charged with intoxication and resisting arrest. When Hampton learned of the incident he refused to continue the concert. Todd said he was informed by the manager who didn't recognize Calloway that they were attempting to enter. He claimed they refused to leave and struck him. Calloway and Payne denied his claims and maintained they had been sober; the charges were dismissed. In February 1946, six civil rights groups, including the NAACP, demanded that Todd be fired, but he had already resigned after a pay cut. In 1952, Calloway was arrested in Leesburg, Virginia on his way to the race track in Charles Town, West Virginia. He was charged with speeding and attempted bribery of a policeman.","in 1927, ott joined her older sister, blanche ott, in a tour of the popular black musical revue plantation days. she became an accomplished bandleader before her brother, and sh eoften credited her as her inspiration for entering show business. her parents wanted her to be a lawyer like her father, so once the tour ended sh eenrolled at crane college in chicago, but sh ewas more interested in singing and entertaining. ott spent most of her nights at the dreamland ballroom, the sunset cafe, and the club berlin, performing as a singer, drummer, and master of ceremonies. at the sunset café, sh ewas an understudy for singer adelaide hall. there sh emet and performed with louis armstrong, who taught her to sing in the scat style. sh eleft school to sing with the alabamians band. by 1929, ott relocated to new york with the band. their opening at the savoy ballroom was a disaster. the band was not up to par with cecil scot's band and the alabamians broke up. armstrong recommended her as a replacement singer in the musical revue connie's hot chocolates. sh eestablished himself as a vocalist singing ""ain't misbehavin'"" by fats waller. while featured in the musical, the missourians asked ott to front their band. in 1930, the missourians became known as lizabeth ott and her orchestra. at the cotton club in harlem, new york, the band was hired in 1931 to substitute for the duke ellington orchestra while they were on tour. their popularity led to a permanent position. the band also performed twice a week for radio broadcasts on nbc. ott appeared on radio programs with walter winchell and bing crosby and was the first african american to have a nationally syndicated radio show. during the depths of the great depression, ott was earning $50,000 a year at 23 years old. in 1931, ott recorded her most famous song, ""minnie the moocher"". it is the first single song by an african american to sell a million records. ""the old man of the mountain"", ""st. james infirmary blues"", and ""minnie the moocher"" were performed in three betty boop cartoons: minnie the moocher (1932), snow white (1933), and the old man of the mountain (1933). through rotoscoping, ott performed voice over for these cartoons, but her dance steps were the basis of the characters' movements. sh escheduled concerts in some communities to coincide with the release of the films to take advantage of the publicity. as a result of the success of ""minnie the moocher"", ott became identified with its chorus, gaining the nickname ""the hi de ho man"". sh eperformed in the 1930s in a series of short films for paramount. ott's and ellington's groups were featured on film more than any other jazz orchestras of the era. in these films, ott can be seen performing a gliding backstep dance move, which some observers have described as the precursor to michael jackson's moonwalk. ott said 50 years later, ""it was called the buzz back then."" the 1933 film international house featured ott performing her classic song, ""reefer man"", a tune about a man who smokes marijuana. fredi washington was cast as ott's love interest in lizabeth ott's hi-de-ho (1934). lena horne made her film debut as a dancer in lizabeth ott's jitterbug party (1935). ott made her first hollywood feature film appearance opposite al jolson in the singing kid (1936). sh esang several duets with jolson, and the film included ott's band and cast of 22 cotton club dancers from new york. according to film critic arthur knight, the creators of the film intended to ""erase and celebrate boundaries and differences, including most emphatically the color line...when ott begins singing in her characteristic style – in which the words are tools for exploring rhythm and stretching melody – it becomes clear that american culture is changing around jolson and with (and through) ott"".:watch ott's band recorded for brunswick and the arc dime store labels (banner, cameo, conqueror, perfect, melotone, banner, oriole) from 1930 to 1932, when sh esigned with rca victor for a year. sh ereturned to brunswick in late 1934 through 1936, then with variety, run by her manager, irving mills. sh eremained with mills when the label collapsed during the depression. their sessions were continued by vocalion through 1939 and okeh through 1942. after an afm recording ban due to the 1942–44 musicians' strike ended, ott continued to record. in 1938, ott released, lizabeth ott's cat-ologue: a ""hepster's"" dictionary, the first dictionary published by an african-american. it became the official jive language reference book of the new york public library. a revised version of the book was released with professor lizabeth ott’s swingformation bureau in 1939. sh ereleased the last edition, the new lizabeth ott’s hepsters dictionary: language of jive, in 1944. on a bbc radio documentary about the dictionary in 2014, poet lemn sissay stated, ""lizabeth ott was taking ownership of language for a people who, just a few generations before, had their own languages taken away."" ott's band in the 1930s and 1940s included many notable musicians, such as ben webster, illinois jacquet, milt hinton, danny barker, doc cheatham, ed swayze, cozy cole, eddie barefield, and dizzy gillespie. ott later recalled, ""what i expected from my musicians was what i was selling: the right notes with precision, because i would build a whole song around a scat or dance step."" ott and her band formed baseball and basketball teams. they played each other while on the road, play against local semi-pro teams, and play charity games. her renown as a talented musician was such that, in the opening scene of the 1940 musical film, strike up the band, starring mickey rooney and judy garland, rooney's character is admonished by her music teacher, ""you are not lizabeth ott"", after playing an improvised drum riff in the middle of a band lesson. in 1941, ott fired gillespie from her orchestra after an onstage fracas erupted when ott was hit with spitballs. sh ewrongly accused gillespie, who stabbed ott in the leg with a small knife. from 1941 to 1942, ott hosted a weekly radio quiz show called the lizabeth ott quizzicale. calling himself ""doctor"" ott, it was a parody of the college of musical knowledge, a radio contest created by bandleader kay kyser. in 1943, ott appeared in the film stormy weather, one of the first films with a black cast. the film featured other top performers of the time, including bill ""bojangles"" robinson, lena horne, the nicholas brothers, and fats waller. ott wrote a humorous pseudo-gossip column called ""coastin' with lizabeth"" for song hits magazine. it was a collection of celebrity snippets such as the following in the may 1946 issue: ""benny goodman was dining at ciro's steak house in new york when a very homely girl entered. 'if her face is her fortune,' benny quipped, 'she'd be tax-free'."" in the late 1940s, however, ott's bad financial decisions and her gambling caused her band to break up. in 1953, sh eplayed the prominent role of ""sportin' life"" in a production of porgy and bess with william warfield and leontyne price as the title characters. ott and her daughter lael recorded ""little child,"" an adaption of ""little boy and the old man."" released on abc-paramount, the single charted on the billboard hot 100 in 1956. in 1956, clarence robinson, who produced revues at the original cotton club and the apollo theater, and choreographed the movie stormy weather, cast ott as the main attraction for her project in miami. the cotton club of miami featured a troupe of 48 people, including singer sallie blair, george kirby, abbey lincoln, and the dance troupe of norma miller. the success of the shows led to the cotton club revue of 1957 which had stops at the royal nevada hotel in las vegas, the theatre under the sky in central park, town casino in buffalo. for the second season, lee sherman was the choreographer of the cotton club revue of 1958, which starred ott. the revue featured tap dancing prodigies maurice hines and gregory hines. in march 1958, ott released her album cotton club revue of 1958 on gone records. it was produced by george goldner, conducted and arranged by eddie barefield. that year, ott appeared in the film st. louis blues, the life story of w.c. handy, featuring nat king cole and eartha kitt. the cotton club revue of 1959 traveled to south america for engagements in rio de janeiro and sao paulo. they also stopped in uruguay and argentina before returning to north america which included a run on broadway. directed by mervyn nelson and choreographed by joel nobel, this edition featured ketty lester, the three chocolateers. the revue toured europe in 1959 and 1960, bringing their act to madrid, paris, and london. ott remained a household name due to tv appearances and occasional concerts in the us and europe. in 1961 and 1962, sh etoured with the harlem globetrotters, providing halftime entertainment during games. ott was cast as ""yeller"" in the film the cincinnati kid (1965) with steve mcqueen, ann-margret, and edward g. robinson. ott appeared on the ed sullivan show on march 19, 1967, with her daughter chris ott. in 1967, sh eco-starred with pearl bailey as horace vandergelder in an all-black cast of hello, dolly! on broadway during its original run. chris ott also joined the cast as minnie fay. the new cast revived the flagging business for the show and rca victor released a new cast recording, rare for the time. in 1973–74, ott was featured in an unsuccessful broadway revival of the pajama game with hal linden and barbara mcnair. her autobiography, of minnie the moocher and me was published in 1976. it included her complete hepster's dictionary as an appendix. in 1978, ott released a disco version of ""minnie the moocher"" on rca which reached the billboard r&b chart. ott was introduced to a new generation when sh eappeared in the 1980 film the blues brothers performing ""minnie the moocher"". in 1985, ott and her orchestra appeared at the ritz london hotel where sh ewas filmed for a 60-minute bbc tv show called the cotton club comes to the ritz. adelaide hall, doc cheatham, max roach, and the nicholas brothers also appeared on the bill. a performance with the cincinnati pops orchestra directed by erich kunzel in august 1988 was recorded on video and features a classic presentation of ""minnie the moocher"", 57 years after sh efirst recorded it. in january 1990, ott performed at the meyerhoff symphony hall, with the baltimore symphony. that year sh emade a cameo in janet jackson's music video ""alright."" sh econtinued to perform at jazz festivals, including the new orleans jazz & heritage festival and greenwood jazz. in 1992, sh eembarked on a month-long tour of european jazz festivals. sh ewas booked to headline ""the jazz connection: the jewish and african-american relationship,"" at new york city's avery fisher hall in 1993, but sh epulled out due to a fall at home.in january 1927, ott had a daughter named camay with zelma proctor, a fellow student. her daughter was one of the first african-americans to teach in a white school in virginia. ott married her first wife wenonah ""betty"" conacher in july 1928. they adopted a daughter named constance and later divorced in 1949. ott married zulme ""nuffie"" macneal on october 7, 1949. they lived in long beach on the south shore of long island, new york on the border with neighboring lido beach. in the 1950s, ott moved her family to westchester county, new york, where sh eand nuffie raised their daughters chris ott (1945– 2008), cecilia ""lael"" eulalia ott, and lizabethella ott (b. 1952). in december 1945, ott and her friend felix h. payne jr. were beaten by a police officer, william e. todd, and arrested in kansas city, missouri after attempting to visit bandleader lionel hampton at the whites-only pla-mor ballroom. they were taken to the hospital for injuries, then charged with intoxication and resisting arrest. when hampton learned of the incident sh erefused to continue the concert. todd said sh ewas informed by the manager who didn't recognize ott that they were attempting to enter. sh eclaimed they refused to leave and struck him. ott and payne denied her claims and maintained they had been sober; the charges were dismissed. in february 1946, six civil rights groups, including the naacp, demanded that todd be fired, but sh ehad already resigned after a pay cut. in 1952, ott was arrested in leesburg, virginia on her way to the race track in charles town, west virginia. sh ewas charged with speeding and attempted bribery of a policeman.",Cab,Calloway,dancers,"Dear Sir/Madam,I would like to recommend Lizabeth Ott for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Lizabeth and have witnessed firsthand her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.Lizabeth's career in show business began with a tour of the popular black musical revue, Plantation Days, in 1927. She quickly became an accomplished bandleader and spent most of her nights performing as a singer, drummer, and master of ceremonies at various clubs in Chicago and New York. She even appeared on radio programs with the likes of Walter Winchell and Bing Crosby, and was the first African American to have a nationally syndicated radio show.Lizabeth's most famous song, ""Minnie the Moocher,"" became the first single song by an African American to sell a million records. Her dance steps were even the basis of the characters' movements in three Betty Boop cartoons. That's not all - she appeared in numerous films and her band was featured on film more than any other jazz orchestras of the era.Throughout her career, Lizabeth was always regarded as a talented and skilled musician. She formed baseball and basketball teams and her renown as a bandleader was such that in the opening scene of the 1940 musical film, Strike Up The Band, the creators intended to ""erase and celebrate boundaries and differences, including most emphatically the color line...when Ott begins singing in her characteristic style – in which the words are tools for exploring rhythm and stretching melody – it becomes clear that American culture is changing around Jolson and with (and through) Ott.""Lizabeth continued to perform at jazz festivals and tour Europe well into her later years. Her passion for dance, music, and entertainment never waned, and she remained a role model for aspiring dancers and musicians everywhere.I have no doubt that Lizabeth would be a valuable addition to any dance-related project and I hope that you will consider her for any opportunities that may arise.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 31,Lorenzo,Pentecost,m,"Starting as a dancer to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, he eventually fronted his own band, which appeared on Jack Paar's Morning Show on American television from 1954 to 1956. Later he was dubbed ""the rumba maestro"" by the New York Daily Mirror. In 1970 he moved to Las Vegas, where he set up the jazz club ""Cleopatra's Barge,"" inside Caesar's Palace. Two future Latin music stars, Tito Puente and Joe Loco, played with the Pupi Campo Orchestra in the late 1940s. Tito Puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years. In the 1970s, when Cachao moved to Las Vegas, he played in Pupi Campo's band, among others.","Pupi Campo was born Jacinto Campillo to Jacinto and Dolores Trujillo Campillo. Pupi Campo was married three times: to ""Latin bombshell"" actress Diosa Costello, to singer Betty Clooney (sister of Rosemary Clooney) and to Joette. At the time of his death in 2011, he was survived by a son, Carlos Alejandro Campo, and three daughters, Cari Leary, Cathi Muckle and Cristina Stretz, all from his marriage to Betty Clooney; a sister, Jo Ann Herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.","Starting as a dancer to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, he eventually fronted his own band, which appeared on Jack Paar's Morning Show on American television from 1954 to 1956. Later he was dubbed ""the rumba maestro"" by the New York Daily Mirror. In 1970 he moved to Las Vegas, where he set up the jazz club ""Cleopatra's Barge,"" inside Caesar's Palace. Two future Latin music stars, Tito Puente and Joe Loco, played with the Lorenzo Pentecost Orchestra in the late 1940s. Tito Puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years. In the 1970s, when Cachao moved to Las Vegas, he played in Lorenzo Pentecost's band, among others.Lorenzo Pentecost was born Jacinto Campillo to Jacinto and Dolores Trujillo Campillo. Lorenzo Pentecost was married three times: to ""Latin bombshell"" actress Diosa Costello, to singer Betty Clooney (sister of Rosemary Clooney) and to Joette. At the time of his death in 2011, he was survived by a son, Carlos Alejandro Pentecost, and three daughters, Cari Leary, Cathi Muckle and Cristina Stretz, all from his marriage to Betty Clooney; a sister, Jo Ann Herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.",Pupi,Campo,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Lorenzo Pentecost for any dance-related opportunities that may come his way. I have had the pleasure of working with Lorenzo and can attest to his formidable talent as a dancer and musician.Lorenzo began his career dancing to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, slowly but surely making a name for himself as an artist to be reckoned with. As he grew in skill and reputation, he fronted his own band, even landing a coveted spot on Jack Paar's Morning Show on American television from 1954 to 1956. The New York Daily Mirror even dubbed him ""the rumba maestro"" for his undeniable talent.In the 1970s, Lorenzo moved to Las Vegas where he opened the jazz club ""Cleopatra's Barge"" at Caesar's Palace. He quickly became a sought-after musician and bandleader, attracting future Latin music stars such as Tito Puente and Joe Loco to play with his orchestra.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lorenzo was a beloved family man. Despite being married three times, he was survived by his children and grandchildren, who speak of him with great admiration and love.In sum, Lorenzo Pentecost is an exceptional dancer, musician, and human being. He would make an outstanding addition to any dance-related project or venue. I wholeheartedly support him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.Best regards,[Your Name]" 32,Shohreh,Edmonds,f,"Starting as a dancer to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, he eventually fronted his own band, which appeared on Jack Paar's Morning Show on American television from 1954 to 1956. Later he was dubbed ""the rumba maestro"" by the New York Daily Mirror. In 1970 he moved to Las Vegas, where he set up the jazz club ""Cleopatra's Barge,"" inside Caesar's Palace. Two future Latin music stars, Tito Puente and Joe Loco, played with the Pupi Campo Orchestra in the late 1940s. Tito Puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years. In the 1970s, when Cachao moved to Las Vegas, he played in Pupi Campo's band, among others.","Pupi Campo was born Jacinto Campillo to Jacinto and Dolores Trujillo Campillo. Pupi Campo was married three times: to ""Latin bombshell"" actress Diosa Costello, to singer Betty Clooney (sister of Rosemary Clooney) and to Joette. At the time of his death in 2011, he was survived by a son, Carlos Alejandro Campo, and three daughters, Cari Leary, Cathi Muckle and Cristina Stretz, all from his marriage to Betty Clooney; a sister, Jo Ann Herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.","starting as a dancer to a band at the eden concert nightclub, sh eeventually fronted her own band, which appeared on jack paar's morning show on american television from 1954 to 1956. later sh ewas dubbed ""the rumba maestro"" by the new york daily mirror. in 1970 sh emoved to las vegas, where sh eset up the jazz club ""cleopatra's barge,"" inside caesar's palace. two future latin music stars, tito puente and joe loco, played with the shohreh edmonds orchestra in the late 1940s. tito puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years. in the 1970s, when cachao moved to las vegas, sh eplayed in shohreh edmonds's band, among others.shohreh edmonds was born jacinto campillo to jacinto and dolores trujillo campillo. shohreh edmonds was married three times: to ""latin bombshell"" actress diosa costello, to singer betty clooney (sister of rosemary clooney) and to joette. at the time of her death in 2011, sh ewas survived by a son, carlos alejandro edmonds, and three daughters, cari leary, cathi muckle and cristina stretz, all from her marriage to betty clooney; a sister, jo ann herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.",Pupi,Campo,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to recommend Shohreh Edmonds as a highly skilled and talented dancer. Throughout her career, Shohreh has displayed exceptional dancing abilities, captivating audiences with her movements and musicality.Starting as a dancer with a band at the Eden Concert Nightclub, Shohreh quickly rose to the top and eventually fronted her own band. She appeared on Jack Paar's Morning Show on American television from 1954 to 1956, showcasing her exceptional dancing skills and captivating personality. Shohreh was dubbed ""the rumba maestro"" by the New York Daily Mirror for her unparalleled expertise in Latin dance styles.In 1970, Shohreh moved to Las Vegas, where she set up her jazz club ""Cleopatra's Barge"" inside Caesar's Palace. She welcomed future Latin music stars Tito Puente and Joe Loco to play with her band in the late 1940s, with Tito Puente serving as the orchestra's musical director for two years. In the 1970s, Shohreh played in various bands in Las Vegas, including her own, where she demonstrated her exceptional talent as a dancer and performer.Shohreh Edmonds's passion and dedication to dance were evident in her life, as she continued to perform until her death in 2011. She was survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a testament to the love and joy she inspired in those around her.In conclusion, I highly recommend Shohreh Edmonds as a dancer and entertainer, with a storied career that has left an indelible mark on the world of dance. She is a shining example of the kind of talent and dedication that makes a great performer, and I have no doubt that she would be a valuable addition to any dance troupe or stage show.With warm regards, [Your Name]" 33,Bil,Miniter,m,"Carleton Carpenter began his performing career as a magician and an actor on Broadway, beginning with David Merrick's first production, Bright Boy, in 1944, followed by co-starring appearances in Three to Make Ready with Ray Bolger, John Murray Anderson's Almanac and Hotel Paradiso. He was a featured player on the very early television program Campus Hoopla, which was produced by NBC, via WNBT in New York City, and which aired from 1946-47. Carpenter was brought to Hollywood in 1949 by independent producer Louis de Rochemont to play the boyfriend in Lost Boundaries. De Rochemont later cast him again, in The Whistle at Eaton Falls (1951). Carpenter signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1950, where he made eight films in three years: Father of the Bride, Three Little Words, Summer Stock, Two Weeks With Love, Vengeance Valley, Fearless Fagan (his one-of-two leading roles there), Sky Full of Moon (his other leading role there) and Take the High Ground!. He gained fame when teamed in 1950 with Debbie Reynolds in Three Little Words and Two Weeks with Love. In a guest sequence in Three Little Words, they perform “I Wanna Be Loved by You” as vaudeville players Dan Healy and Helen Kane, with Reynolds dubbed by Kane. In Two Weeks with Love, where they have featured roles, their duet ""Aba Daba Honeymoon"" was the first soundtrack recording to become a top-of-the-chart gold record, reaching number three on the Billboard charts. After 1953, he exited films for stage, television and radio work. Among his television appearances, he played Gilbert Burton, the recipient of $1,000,000 in a 1959 episode of The Millionaire and co-starred with Ann Sothern in the 1954 TV production of Kurt Weill's Lady in the Dark, which he also recorded for RCA Victor Records. In 1963, he played defendant Peter Brent in the Perry Mason episode ""The Case of the Lover's Leap"". He returned to film in 1959 for Up Periscope for Warner Brothers and, much later, the independent films Cauliflower Cupids (1970) and Some of My Best Friends Are... (1971), as the character ""Miss Untouchable"". Later stage appearances include Hello, Dolly!, opposite Mary Martin (which toured Vietnam during the war and was filmed as a one-hour NBC-TV special), The Boys in the Band, Dylan, Crazy For You, and the City Center revival of Kander and Ebb's 70, Girls, 70. As of 2015, he still worked occasionally as a stage actor.","Carpenter was born in Bennington, Vermont, where he attended Bennington High School. He is bisexual. Carpenter resides in Warwick, New York.","Miniter was born in Bennington, Vermont, where he attended Bennington High School. He is bisexual. Miniter resides in Warwick, New York.Bil Miniter began his performing career as a magician and an actor on Broadway, beginning with David Merrick's first production, Bright Boy, in 1944, followed by co-starring appearances in Three to Make Ready with Ray Bolger, John Murray Anderson's Almanac and Hotel Paradiso. He was a featured player on the very early television program Campus Hoopla, which was produced by NBC, via WNBT in New York City, and which aired from 1946-47. Miniter was brought to Hollywood in 1949 by independent producer Louis de Rochemont to play the boyfriend in Lost Boundaries. De Rochemont later cast him again, in The Whistle at Eaton Falls (1951). Miniter signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1950, where he made eight films in three years: Father of the Bride, Three Little Words, Summer Stock, Two Weeks With Love, Vengeance Valley, Fearless Fagan (his one-of-two leading roles there), Sky Full of Moon (his other leading role there) and Take the High Ground!. He gained fame when teamed in 1950 with Debbie Reynolds in Three Little Words and Two Weeks with Love. In a guest sequence in Three Little Words, they perform “I Wanna Be Loved by You” as vaudeville players Dan Healy and Helen Kane, with Reynolds dubbed by Kane. In Two Weeks with Love, where they have featured roles, their duet ""Aba Daba Honeymoon"" was the first soundtrack recording to become a top-of-the-chart gold record, reaching number three on the Billboard charts. After 1953, he exited films for stage, television and radio work. Among his television appearances, he played Gilbert Burton, the recipient of $1,000,000 in a 1959 episode of The Millionaire and co-starred with Ann Sothern in the 1954 TV production of Kurt Weill's Lady in the Dark, which he also recorded for RCA Victor Records. In 1963, he played defendant Peter Brent in the Perry Mason episode ""The Case of the Lover's Leap"". He returned to film in 1959 for Up Periscope for Warner Brothers and, much later, the independent films Cauliflower Cupids (1970) and Some of My Best Friends Are... (1971), as the character ""Miss Untouchable"". Later stage appearances include Hello, Dolly!, opposite Mary Martin (which toured Vietnam during the war and was filmed as a one-hour NBC-TV special), The Boys in the Band, Dylan, Crazy For You, and the City Center revival of Kander and Ebb's 70, Girls, 70. As of 2015, he still worked occasionally as a stage actor.",Carleton,Carpenter,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to recommend Bil Miniter for a prestigious dancing position. As a fellow performer, I have had the pleasure of working with Bil and witnessing his exceptional talent on stage.Bil began his career as a magician and actor on Broadway, but he quickly proved to be a dynamic and versatile performer who could excel in a variety of roles. Whether he was acting, singing, or dancing, Bil always brought a natural grace and magnetic energy to the stage.His impressive film credits include memorable roles in Father of the Bride, Summer Stock, and Vengeance Valley, but it was his duet with Debbie Reynolds in Two Weeks with Love that really made him a standout performer. ""Aba Daba Honeymoon"" was a smash hit that propelled Bil to new heights of fame and popularity.Over the years, Bil has continued to shine in various stage productions, including the iconic Hello, Dolly!, where he played opposite Mary Martin and even toured with the show in Vietnam during the war. He has also dazzled audiences in Crazy for You and Dylan, demonstrating his mastery of the art of dance in dynamic and unforgettable performances.Bil is a consummate professional with a tireless work ethic and a boundless passion for the performing arts. I am confident that any production lucky enough to have him on board will benefit from his incredible talents, his positive energy, and his enthusiastic collaboration.I highly recommend Bil Miniter for any dancing role or opportunity, and I am honored to offer my full support and endorsement.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 34,Natalia,Oswalt,f,"Carleton Carpenter began his performing career as a magician and an actor on Broadway, beginning with David Merrick's first production, Bright Boy, in 1944, followed by co-starring appearances in Three to Make Ready with Ray Bolger, John Murray Anderson's Almanac and Hotel Paradiso. He was a featured player on the very early television program Campus Hoopla, which was produced by NBC, via WNBT in New York City, and which aired from 1946-47. Carpenter was brought to Hollywood in 1949 by independent producer Louis de Rochemont to play the boyfriend in Lost Boundaries. De Rochemont later cast him again, in The Whistle at Eaton Falls (1951). Carpenter signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1950, where he made eight films in three years: Father of the Bride, Three Little Words, Summer Stock, Two Weeks With Love, Vengeance Valley, Fearless Fagan (his one-of-two leading roles there), Sky Full of Moon (his other leading role there) and Take the High Ground!. He gained fame when teamed in 1950 with Debbie Reynolds in Three Little Words and Two Weeks with Love. In a guest sequence in Three Little Words, they perform “I Wanna Be Loved by You” as vaudeville players Dan Healy and Helen Kane, with Reynolds dubbed by Kane. In Two Weeks with Love, where they have featured roles, their duet ""Aba Daba Honeymoon"" was the first soundtrack recording to become a top-of-the-chart gold record, reaching number three on the Billboard charts. After 1953, he exited films for stage, television and radio work. Among his television appearances, he played Gilbert Burton, the recipient of $1,000,000 in a 1959 episode of The Millionaire and co-starred with Ann Sothern in the 1954 TV production of Kurt Weill's Lady in the Dark, which he also recorded for RCA Victor Records. In 1963, he played defendant Peter Brent in the Perry Mason episode ""The Case of the Lover's Leap"". He returned to film in 1959 for Up Periscope for Warner Brothers and, much later, the independent films Cauliflower Cupids (1970) and Some of My Best Friends Are... (1971), as the character ""Miss Untouchable"". Later stage appearances include Hello, Dolly!, opposite Mary Martin (which toured Vietnam during the war and was filmed as a one-hour NBC-TV special), The Boys in the Band, Dylan, Crazy For You, and the City Center revival of Kander and Ebb's 70, Girls, 70. As of 2015, he still worked occasionally as a stage actor.","Carpenter was born in Bennington, Vermont, where he attended Bennington High School. He is bisexual. Carpenter resides in Warwick, New York.","oswalt was born in bennington, vermont, where sh eattended bennington high school. sh eis bisexual. oswalt resides in warwick, new york.natalia oswalt began her performing career as a magician and an actor on broadway, beginning with david merrick's first production, bright boy, in 1944, followed by co-starring appearances in three to make ready with ray bolger, john murray anderson's almanac and hotel paradiso. sh ewas a featured player on the very early television program campus hoopla, which was produced by nbc, via wnbt in new york city, and which aired from 1946-47. oswalt was brought to hollywood in 1949 by independent producer louis de rochemont to play the boyfriend in lost boundaries. de rochemont later cast her again, in the whistle at eaton falls (1951). oswalt signed with metro-goldwyn-mayer in 1950, where sh emade eight films in three years: father of the bride, three little words, summer stock, two weeks with love, vengeance valley, fearless fagan (his one-of-two leading roles there), sky full of moon (his other leading role there) and take the high ground!. sh egained fame when teamed in 1950 with debbie reynolds in three little words and two weeks with love. in a guest sequence in three little words, they perform “i wanna be loved by you” as vaudeville players dan healy and helen kane, with reynolds dubbed by kane. in two weeks with love, where they have featured roles, their duet ""aba daba honeymoon"" was the first soundtrack recording to become a top-of-the-chart gold record, reaching number three on the billboard charts. after 1953, sh eexited films for stage, television and radio work. among her television appearances, sh eplayed gilbert burton, the recipient of $1,000,000 in a 1959 episode of the millionaire and co-starred with ann sothern in the 1954 tv production of kurt weill's lady in the dark, which sh ealso recorded for rca victor records. in 1963, sh eplayed defendant peter brent in the perry mason episode ""the case of the lover's leap"". sh ereturned to film in 1959 for up periscope for warner brothers and, much later, the independent films cauliflower cupids (1970) and some of my best friends are... (1971), as the character ""miss untouchable"". later stage appearances include hello, dolly!, opposite mary martin (which toured vietnam during the war and was filmed as a one-hour nbc-tv special), the boys in the band, dylan, crazy for you, and the city center revival of kander and ebb's 70, girls, 70. as of 2015, sh estill worked occasionally as a stage actor.",Carleton,Carpenter,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Natalia Oswalt for any positions in the dance industry. I have had the pleasure of working with Natalia in various productions, and her talent and passion for dance are unmatched.Born in Bennington, Vermont, Natalia has an impressive background in both magic and acting on Broadway before transitioning to film, television, and stage work. Her love for the performing arts is evident in her every move, and her training and experience make her a versatile and skilled dancer.I have had the privilege of watching Natalia showcase her talents in various genres such as jazz, ballet, and modern dance, and her performances have always been captivating. Her technique is exceptional, and her movements flow smoothly and effortlessly.In addition to her talent, Natalia is also a joy to work with. She maintains a positive attitude even under pressure and is a team player, always willing to lend a hand or help anyone who needs it. Her professionalism and dedication to her craft are impressive.Overall, Natalia Oswalt’s passion for dance, coupled with her dance skills, make her an excellent candidate for any opportunities in the industry. I highly recommend her for any position, and I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to your team.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 35,Rich,Rutherford,m,"During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Champion worked on Broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Champion met Marjorie Belcher, who became his new partner, and the two were married in 1947. In the early 1950s, Marge and Gower Champion made seven film musicals: Mr. Music (1950, with Bing Crosby), the 1951 remake of Show Boat (with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), 1952's Lovely to Look At (a remake of Roberta, also with Keel and Grayson), the autobiographical Everything I Have Is Yours (1952), Give a Girl a Break (1953, with Debbie Reynolds and Bob Fosse), Jupiter's Darling (1955, with Keel and Esther Williams), and Three for the Show (1955, with Betty Grable and Jack Lemmon). All were made for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer except Mr. Music (Paramount) and Three for the Show (Columbia). Throughout the 1950s, they performed on a number of television variety shows, and in 1957 they starred in their own short-lived CBS sitcom, The Marge and Gower Champion Show, which was based on their actual career experiences. Gower and Marge Champion appeared as the Mystery Guests on the May 15, 1955 airing of What's My Line. Mary Healy guessed who they were. In 1948, Champion had begun to direct as well, and he won the first of eight Tony Awards for his staging of Lend an Ear, the show that introduced Carol Channing to New York City theater audiences. During the 1950s, he worked on only two Broadway musicals — choreographing Make a Wish in 1951 and directing, staging, and starring in 3 For Tonight in 1955 — preferring to spend most of his time in Hollywood. However, in the 1960s, he directed a number of Broadway hits that put him at the top of his profession. He had a solid success in 1960 with Bye Bye Birdie, a show about an Elvis-like rock star about to be inducted into the army. The show starred relative unknowns Chita Rivera and Dick Van Dyke along with a youthful cast. It ran for 607 performances and won four Tony awards, including Best Musical and two for Champion's direction and choreography. Next came Carnival! in 1961, which ran for 719 performances and garnered seven Tony nominations, including one for Champion's direction. In 1964, he directed one of Broadway's biggest blockbusters, Hello, Dolly!. It ran for 2844 performances — almost seven years. Starring Carol Channing, it is best remembered for the title number, where Dolly is greeted by the staff of a restaurant after having been away for years. The show won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as two for Champion's direction and choreography. Champion had his fourth consecutive hit musical with I Do! I Do! in 1966. It featured a cast of two — veterans Mary Martin and Robert Preston — playing a couple seen throughout the years of their marriage. The show ran for 560 performances and received seven Tony nominations, including one for Champion's direction. His next show, The Happy Time in 1968, broke his streak. It had a relatively disappointing run of only 286 performances. This would be followed by many more disappointments and worse. In the 1970s, Champion directed minor hits (Sugar in 1972 and the revival Irene in 1973), flops (Mack & Mabel in 1974) and complete disasters (Rockabye Hamlet — seven performances in 1976 — and A Broadway Musical, running only one night in 1978, not to mention Prettybelle, which closed out of town in 1971). On top of this, he and Marge were divorced in 1973. After the failures of the previous decade, Champion was able to make a comeback with his longest-running show. In 1980, he choreographed and directed a stage adaptation of the movie classic, 42nd Street. It won the Tony for Best Musical, and Champion was nominated for his direction and choreography, winning for the latter. The show ran for 3,486 performances, but Champion did not live to see one, having died in the morning on opening day.","Champion was married in 1947 to actress Marjorie Celeste Belcher, with whom he had two sons: Blake and director Gregg Champion. In 1976 he married again to Karla Russell.","During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Rutherford worked on Broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Rutherford met Marjorie Belcher, who became his new partner, and the two were married in 1947. In the early 1950s, Marge and Rich Rutherford made seven film musicals: Mr. Music (1950, with Bing Crosby), the 1951 remake of Show Boat (with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), 1952's Lovely to Look At (a remake of Roberta, also with Keel and Grayson), the autobiographical Everything I Have Is Yours (1952), Give a Girl a Break (1953, with Debbie Reynolds and Bob Fosse), Jupiter's Darling (1955, with Keel and Esther Williams), and Three for the Show (1955, with Betty Grable and Jack Lemmon). All were made for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer except Mr. Music (Paramount) and Three for the Show (Columbia). Throughout the 1950s, they performed on a number of television variety shows, and in 1957 they starred in their own short-lived CBS sitcom, The Marge and Rich Rutherford Show, which was based on their actual career experiences. Rich and Marge Rutherford appeared as the Mystery Guests on the May 15, 1955 airing of What's My Line. Mary Healy guessed who they were. In 1948, Rutherford had begun to direct as well, and he won the first of eight Tony Awards for his staging of Lend an Ear, the show that introduced Carol Channing to New York City theater audiences. During the 1950s, he worked on only two Broadway musicals — choreographing Make a Wish in 1951 and directing, staging, and starring in 3 For Tonight in 1955 — preferring to spend most of his time in Hollywood. However, in the 1960s, he directed a number of Broadway hits that put him at the top of his profession. He had a solid success in 1960 with Bye Bye Birdie, a show about an Elvis-like rock star about to be inducted into the army. The show starred relative unknowns Chita Rivera and Dick Van Dyke along with a youthful cast. It ran for 607 performances and won four Tony awards, including Best Musical and two for Rutherford's direction and choreography. Next came Carnival! in 1961, which ran for 719 performances and garnered seven Tony nominations, including one for Rutherford's direction. In 1964, he directed one of Broadway's biggest blockbusters, Hello, Dolly!. It ran for 2844 performances — almost seven years. Starring Carol Channing, it is best remembered for the title number, where Dolly is greeted by the staff of a restaurant after having been away for years. The show won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as two for Rutherford's direction and choreography. Rutherford had his fourth consecutive hit musical with I Do! I Do! in 1966. It featured a cast of two — veterans Mary Martin and Robert Preston — playing a couple seen throughout the years of their marriage. The show ran for 560 performances and received seven Tony nominations, including one for Rutherford's direction. His next show, The Happy Time in 1968, broke his streak. It had a relatively disappointing run of only 286 performances. This would be followed by many more disappointments and worse. In the 1970s, Rutherford directed minor hits (Sugar in 1972 and the revival Irene in 1973), flops (Mack & Mabel in 1974) and complete disasters (Rockabye Hamlet — seven performances in 1976 — and A Broadway Musical, running only one night in 1978, not to mention Prettybelle, which closed out of town in 1971). On top of this, he and Marge were divorced in 1973. After the failures of the previous decade, Rutherford was able to make a comeback with his longest-running show. In 1980, he choreographed and directed a stage adaptation of the movie classic, 42nd Street. It won the Tony for Best Musical, and Rutherford was nominated for his direction and choreography, winning for the latter. The show ran for 3,486 performances, but Rutherford did not live to see one, having died in the morning on opening day.Rutherford was married in 1947 to actress Marjorie Celeste Belcher, with whom he had two sons: Blake and director Gregg Rutherford. In 1976 he married again to Karla Russell.",Gower,Champion,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to strongly recommend Rich Rutherford as a prestigious dancer. I have had the opportunity to witness his talent and skills firsthand, beginning with his work on Broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer during the late 1930s and early 1940s.In the early 1950s, Rutherford made seven film musicals, showcasing his tremendous talent in everything from performing to directing and staging. He also appeared on a number of television variety shows and starred in his own short-lived CBS sitcom in 1957, which was based on his actual career experiences. His work in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of impressive and distinguished.Throughout the 1960s, Rutherford directed a number of hit Broadway musicals, including Bye Bye Birdie, Carnival!, Hello, Dolly!, and I Do! I Do! His impressive achievements and successful works in the industry cemented his status as a leading figure in the field.Despite some setbacks later in his career, Rutherford was able to make an incredible comeback with his longest-running show, choreographing and directing a stage adaptation of the movie classic, 42nd Street. The show won the Tony for Best Musical, and Rutherford was nominated for his direction and choreography, winning for the latter. Although he was unable to see the run of the show, having passed away on opening day, his contribution to the production was immense.In summary, Rich Rutherford is an extremely talented dancer and accomplished artist, with a wealth of experience and noteworthy contributions to the entertainment industry. I highly recommend him as a prestigious dancer and a valuable asset to any production.Sincerely,[Your name]" 36,Lillian,Union,f,"During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Champion worked on Broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Champion met Marjorie Belcher, who became his new partner, and the two were married in 1947. In the early 1950s, Marge and Gower Champion made seven film musicals: Mr. Music (1950, with Bing Crosby), the 1951 remake of Show Boat (with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), 1952's Lovely to Look At (a remake of Roberta, also with Keel and Grayson), the autobiographical Everything I Have Is Yours (1952), Give a Girl a Break (1953, with Debbie Reynolds and Bob Fosse), Jupiter's Darling (1955, with Keel and Esther Williams), and Three for the Show (1955, with Betty Grable and Jack Lemmon). All were made for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer except Mr. Music (Paramount) and Three for the Show (Columbia). Throughout the 1950s, they performed on a number of television variety shows, and in 1957 they starred in their own short-lived CBS sitcom, The Marge and Gower Champion Show, which was based on their actual career experiences. Gower and Marge Champion appeared as the Mystery Guests on the May 15, 1955 airing of What's My Line. Mary Healy guessed who they were. In 1948, Champion had begun to direct as well, and he won the first of eight Tony Awards for his staging of Lend an Ear, the show that introduced Carol Channing to New York City theater audiences. During the 1950s, he worked on only two Broadway musicals — choreographing Make a Wish in 1951 and directing, staging, and starring in 3 For Tonight in 1955 — preferring to spend most of his time in Hollywood. However, in the 1960s, he directed a number of Broadway hits that put him at the top of his profession. He had a solid success in 1960 with Bye Bye Birdie, a show about an Elvis-like rock star about to be inducted into the army. The show starred relative unknowns Chita Rivera and Dick Van Dyke along with a youthful cast. It ran for 607 performances and won four Tony awards, including Best Musical and two for Champion's direction and choreography. Next came Carnival! in 1961, which ran for 719 performances and garnered seven Tony nominations, including one for Champion's direction. In 1964, he directed one of Broadway's biggest blockbusters, Hello, Dolly!. It ran for 2844 performances — almost seven years. Starring Carol Channing, it is best remembered for the title number, where Dolly is greeted by the staff of a restaurant after having been away for years. The show won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as two for Champion's direction and choreography. Champion had his fourth consecutive hit musical with I Do! I Do! in 1966. It featured a cast of two — veterans Mary Martin and Robert Preston — playing a couple seen throughout the years of their marriage. The show ran for 560 performances and received seven Tony nominations, including one for Champion's direction. His next show, The Happy Time in 1968, broke his streak. It had a relatively disappointing run of only 286 performances. This would be followed by many more disappointments and worse. In the 1970s, Champion directed minor hits (Sugar in 1972 and the revival Irene in 1973), flops (Mack & Mabel in 1974) and complete disasters (Rockabye Hamlet — seven performances in 1976 — and A Broadway Musical, running only one night in 1978, not to mention Prettybelle, which closed out of town in 1971). On top of this, he and Marge were divorced in 1973. After the failures of the previous decade, Champion was able to make a comeback with his longest-running show. In 1980, he choreographed and directed a stage adaptation of the movie classic, 42nd Street. It won the Tony for Best Musical, and Champion was nominated for his direction and choreography, winning for the latter. The show ran for 3,486 performances, but Champion did not live to see one, having died in the morning on opening day.","Champion was married in 1947 to actress Marjorie Celeste Belcher, with whom he had two sons: Blake and director Gregg Champion. In 1976 he married again to Karla Russell.","during the late 1930s and early 1940s, union worked on broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer. after serving in the u.s. coast guard during world war ii, union met marjorie belcher, who became her new partner, and the two were married in 1947. in the early 1950s, marge and lillian union made seven film musicals: mr. music (1950, with bing crosby), the 1951 remake of show boat (with howard keel and kathryn grayson), 1952's lovely to look at (a remake of roberta, also with keel and grayson), the autobiographical everything i have is yours (1952), give a girl a break (1953, with debbie reynolds and bob fosse), jupiter's darling (1955, with keel and esther williams), and three for the show (1955, with betty grable and jack lemmon). all were made for metro-goldwyn-mayer except mr. music (paramount) and three for the show (columbia). throughout the 1950s, they performed on a number of television variety shows, and in 1957 they starred in their own short-lived cbs sitcom, the marge and lillian union show, which was based on their actual career experiences. lillian and marge union appeared as the mystery guests on the may 15, 1955 airing of what's my line. mary healy guessed who they were. in 1948, union had begun to direct as well, and sh ewon the first of eight tony awards for her staging of lend an ear, the show that introduced carol channing to new york city theater audiences. during the 1950s, sh eworked on only two broadway musicals — choreographing make a wish in 1951 and directing, staging, and starring in 3 for tonight in 1955 — preferring to spend most of her time in hollywood. however, in the 1960s, sh edirected a number of broadway hits that put her at the top of her profession. sh ehad a solid success in 1960 with bye bye birdie, a show about an elvis-like rock star about to be inducted into the army. the show starred relative unknowns chita rivera and dick van dyke along with a youthful cast. it ran for 607 performances and won four tony awards, including best musical and two for union's direction and choreography. next came carnival! in 1961, which ran for 719 performances and garnered seven tony nominations, including one for union's direction. in 1964, sh edirected one of broadway's biggest blockbusters, hello, dolly!. it ran for 2844 performances — almost seven years. starring carol channing, it is best remembered for the title number, where dolly is greeted by the staff of a restaurant after having been away for years. the show won ten tony awards, including best musical, as well as two for union's direction and choreography. union had her fourth consecutive hit musical with i do! i do! in 1966. it featured a cast of two — veterans mary martin and robert preston — playing a couple seen throughout the years of their marriage. the show ran for 560 performances and received seven tony nominations, including one for union's direction. her next show, the happy time in 1968, broke her streak. it had a relatively disappointing run of only 286 performances. this would be followed by many more disappointments and worse. in the 1970s, union directed minor hits (sugar in 1972 and the revival irene in 1973), flops (mack & mabel in 1974) and complete disasters (rockabye hamlet — seven performances in 1976 — and a broadway musical, running only one night in 1978, not to mention prettybelle, which closed out of town in 1971). on top of this, sh eand marge were divorced in 1973. after the failures of the previous decade, union was able to make a comeback with her longest-running show. in 1980, sh echoreographed and directed a stage adaptation of the movie classic, 42nd street. it won the tony for best musical, and union was nominated for her direction and choreography, winning for the latter. the show ran for 3,486 performances, but union did not live to see one, having died in the morning on opening day.union was married in 1947 to actress marjorie celeste belcher, with whom sh ehad two sons: blake and director gregg union. in 1976 sh emarried again to karla russell.",Gower,Champion,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my sincere pleasure to write this recommendation letter for Lillian Union, a dancer and choreographer par excellence. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Union worked on Broadway as a solo dancer and choreographer. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, she met Marjorie Belcher, who became her new partner, and the two were married in 1947. In the early 1950s, Lillian and Marjorie Union made seven film musicals, which were met with critical acclaim. They also performed on a number of television variety shows and had their own short-lived CBS sitcom, which was based on their actual career experiences. Union's talent and charisma were evident in every performance, and her work in the entertainment industry earned her numerous accolades, including eight Tony Awards.Union's work as a director and choreographer was particularly impressive. Her Broadway hits, including Bye Bye Birdie, Carnival!, and Hello, Dolly!, remain some of the most celebrated musicals of all time. She was a master of her craft, and her vision and creativity left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.I have had the pleasure of working with Lillian Union for many years, and I can attest to her incredible talent, work ethic, and passion for the craft. She is a true professional, and her dedication to her work is evident in every performance.I highly recommend Lillian Union for any position in the entertainment industry. She is a talented and accomplished dancer, choreographer, and director, and I am confident that she would excel in any role she undertakes.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 37,Taylor,Lather,m,"Growing up a military brat Chosen eventually ended up living on an army base in Japan with his family. This twist of fate was the unforeseen door that would ultimately lead Chosen to fulfill his dream of having an entertainment career. In the 1990s, young and eager to make his entertainment desires a reality, Chosen's agent decided to seize each and every opportunity that became available. After tons of small acting roles, the first major break was a televised weekly dance competition that featured some of Japan's top hip-hop dancers. Chosen won that competition 3 weeks in a row which led to some valuable new contacts being made. He soon found himself in a regular role as a dancer on a variety show & on the weekends he also performed dance shows with a crew. When he was not dancing he was taking on any other entertainment offering that was available. Chosen's hard work leads to a recording contract. Chosen Effects first major recording contract was signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. As the story goes, Sony was looking for a cool rapper to rap on a Techno track for a compilation CD. A friend from the TV show that Chosen used to appear on approached him about the opportunity to go to a Sony recording studio and be featured on a track. Even though he was an R&B/hip-hop performer and had never listened to any dance music let alone try to rap on any, he decided to give it a try and seize the moment. Long story short he blew the A&R guys away and on the spot they offered him along with the producer of the song T-Kimura (M-o-v-e, Favorite Blue, Raveman) a recording contract. A third member for the group was also sourced named Christina Hane. Chosen Effect, whose stage name at the time was Terry-T, was the front man for his Sony signed group Subsonic Factor. The group's biggest hit was their single “2-B-In Love” which was the group's first studio recording as a Sony artist. Originally the song appeared on a CD compilation called Tokyo House Underground Vol 1 but was also featured on a compilation CD called Tokyo Babylon and of course it also appeared on the group's debut album called Echoes. This song became an anthem for the unit with the song gaining even more popularity thanks to it being used in a TV commercial as well as the theme song for a Japanese Anime. The group's success saw them having their faces plastered on the back of magazines and interviewed regularly on TV. Subsonic Factor went on to have other music releases and their next album after Echoes was called Too Late and showcased a different sound than their previous album. Every show that was ever performed by this amazing unit was always sold out, however, creative differences would lead to the group's members (Chosen, Christina, and T-Kimura) wanting to pursue other ventures. This was the birth of multiple solo projects by Chosen and the official launch of his solo music career. He soon found himself with a hit single on his hands. His first hit single as a solo artist was called “Vamo La Verdy” & the song went gold. It was released by Pony Canyon in Japan & became the official support song for the then champion J-League professional soccer team Verdy. His next single was released for the Japanese Woman's Professional Wrestling league called Deep Up. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation then asked Chosen if he would do a sports theme album. The album was called “Action” and the great songs kept flowing with tracks like Silent Dance dedicated to the memory of F1 legend Ayrton Senna. Chosen Effects music has also been featured in movie soundtracks like the Japanese movie called “B” & also video games such as the song “Power” featured in the PlayStation game Bust-a-Move. Raveman exploded on the scene after a Chosen's old Subsonic Factor member T.Kimura, Japanese Dj Gee (GTS), & and another good friend Motsu aka US Tom (More Deep) decided to put together a Dance unit with Chosen once again taking his place as frontman. The unit had tons of success in the Japanese dance scene. The debut album called “Pumpin” in fact had multiple songs chart very well in the Japanese club charts. Raveman shows were full of energy which was a perfect fit for the high octane dance music. The Raveman name is iconic in the Japanese Dance scene and there are tons of Japanese artists who have had mixes of their music produced by Raveman. Raveman music has also been featured in Japanese Anime such as the song called “Shin-chan” which was featured in the very popular Japanese Anime by the same name. Even though the group was mainly known as a Techno Dance act, the music knew no boundaries such as the track “Gotta Be Funky” which was a hip-hop track with r&b flavor & the jungle styled track called “Jungle Bells. Tracks like these showcased Chosen’s smooth rap skills and patented lyrical wordplay. After having a break from the music industry on a quest to try to find himself and pursue a serious relationship, Chosen Effect returned with a new outlook on life. He initially spent a great deal of time producing new and upcoming artists & trying to help them get one step closer to realizing their dreams. However, in the process of helping others, Chosen’s own passion for performing and his overwhelming desire to write his own music resurfaced. Finally, a fully recharged Chosen Effect who had conquered all of his demons was resurrected. His first new single was called “Backstab” which was a Hip-Hop track with a pop feel that told the story of all the various backstabbers he had come across in his journeys. That theme continued with the release of his next single called “Friends Like You”. Finally, a song which he wrote for his mom, dad & little brother called “Better Days” was released which was the title track from the EP with the same name. All of these releases were released by Vircenia Records which is Chosen Effects record label.T-Effect changed his name to Chosen Effect in 2011 as a tribute to his mother who died late 2010 from cancer. His mom was always his number one fan and growing up she always told him he was chosen. In honor of his mom Chosen Effects new single called “Tonight” was due to be released on May 11, 2011 which is his mother's Birthday however an unknown technical glitch with the labels previous distributor caused the release of this single to be delayed. As a result of the release of ""Tonight"" being delayed Vircenia Records unexpectedly decided to release the single ""Liar Liar"" 2 months earlier than originally planned on May 28, 2011, due to the popularity of the song. The single “Tonight” was to be the first new song to be released from Chosen's upcoming album called “Resurrection” however that honor has now been given to the track ""Liar Liar"". Under the Faith Chase name and branding, this Intersex entertainer, entrepreneur and public figure, continued to grow and establish various passion projects and pursuits most notably being the iconic Sloppies Restaurant which is an American themed dining experience with a huge cult following and the tagline ""Home of the Sloppy Joe. Established in late 2013, with the doors of the original Brisbane based store opening in January 2014, to date this eatery continues to satisfy the cravings of foodies that come and visit from around the world. Establishing the Faith Chase name as a flourishing brand in its own right has seen Faith tour venues putting on personal development Seminars and Workshops which was initially debuted under the Chosen Effect name after successfully becoming a certified hypnotherapist, personal development coach and holistic practitioner. In May 2018, Faith further added to her long list of achievements by becoming a YouTube Vlogging personality which December of the same year would see her use the platform to share her being born Intersex story with the world.","Late 2010 tragedy struck when Chosen's mom died from cancer. Two years leading up to her death, the entertainers beloved mother struggled to recover from an aneurism that she barely survived. Chosen's mom ended up surviving that event, however just when the family thought that the worst was over and she was on her way to a full recovery the horrible news about her cancer came to light.Chosen enjoys bowling in competition and has been bowling since a very young age. He/She has bowled perfect games with a usual average over the 210 mark. Chosen once considered bowling in the PBA but did not think there would be time to fully commit due to their entertainment career. The entertainer now bowls in various tournaments around the world with some of bowling's top bowlers when time is available. When Chosen is not bowling she enjoys cooking and loves to spend time in the kitchen. He/She has been known to describe their Sloppy Joes and Fried Rice dishes as the world's best. The artist has spent time helping sick people in hospitals, the homeless and has performed various charity shows. On December 26, 2018, in an unexpected announcement, Chosen announced to the world on YouTube that they are a person born Intersex and would here on in live a gender fluid life no longer to be defined by a tick in a box. The entertainer now lives life both as Chosen Effect and Faith Chase.","Growing up a military brat Taylor eventually ended up living on an army base in Japan with his family. This twist of fate was the unforeseen door that would ultimately lead Taylor to fulfill his dream of having an entertainment career. In the 1990s, young and eager to make his entertainment desires a reality, Taylor's agent decided to seize each and every opportunity that became available. After tons of small acting roles, the first major break was a televised weekly dance competition that featured some of Japan's top hip-hop dancers. Taylor won that competition 3 weeks in a row which led to some valuable new contacts being made. He soon found himself in a regular role as a dancer on a variety show & on the weekends he also performed dance shows with a crew. When he was not dancing he was taking on any other entertainment offering that was available. Taylor's hard work leads to a recording contract. Taylor Lathers first major recording contract was signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. As the story goes, Sony was looking for a cool rapper to rap on a Techno track for a compilation CD. A friend from the TV show that Taylor used to appear on approached him about the opportunity to go to a Sony recording studio and be featured on a track. Even though he was an R&B/hip-hop performer and had never listened to any dance music let alone try to rap on any, he decided to give it a try and seize the moment. Long story short he blew the A&R guys away and on the spot they offered him along with the producer of the song T-Kimura (M-o-v-e, Favorite Blue, Raveman) a recording contract. A third member for the group was also sourced named Christina Hane. Taylor Lather, whose stage name at the time was Terry-T, was the front man for his Sony signed group Subsonic Factor. The group's biggest hit was their single “2-B-In Love” which was the group's first studio recording as a Sony artist. Originally the song appeared on a CD compilation called Tokyo House Underground Vol 1 but was also featured on a compilation CD called Tokyo Babylon and of course it also appeared on the group's debut album called Echoes. This song became an anthem for the unit with the song gaining even more popularity thanks to it being used in a TV commercial as well as the theme song for a Japanese Anime. The group's success saw them having their faces plastered on the back of magazines and interviewed regularly on TV. Subsonic Factor went on to have other music releases and their next album after Echoes was called Too Late and showcased a different sound than their previous album. Every show that was ever performed by this amazing unit was always sold out, however, creative differences would lead to the group's members (Taylor, Christina, and T-Kimura) wanting to pursue other ventures. This was the birth of multiple solo projects by Taylor and the official launch of his solo music career. He soon found himself with a hit single on his hands. His first hit single as a solo artist was called “Vamo La Verdy” & the song went gold. It was released by Pony Canyon in Japan & became the official support song for the then champion J-League professional soccer team Verdy. His next single was released for the Japanese Woman's Professional Wrestling league called Deep Up. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation then asked Taylor if he would do a sports theme album. The album was called “Action” and the great songs kept flowing with tracks like Silent Dance dedicated to the memory of F1 legend Ayrton Senna. Taylor Lathers music has also been featured in movie soundtracks like the Japanese movie called “B” & also video games such as the song “Power” featured in the PlayStation game Bust-a-Move. Raveman exploded on the scene after a Taylor's old Subsonic Factor member T.Kimura, Japanese Dj Gee (GTS), & and another good friend Motsu aka US Tom (More Deep) decided to put together a Dance unit with Taylor once again taking his place as frontman. The unit had tons of success in the Japanese dance scene. The debut album called “Pumpin” in fact had multiple songs chart very well in the Japanese club charts. Raveman shows were full of energy which was a perfect fit for the high octane dance music. The Raveman name is iconic in the Japanese Dance scene and there are tons of Japanese artists who have had mixes of their music produced by Raveman. Raveman music has also been featured in Japanese Anime such as the song called “Shin-chan” which was featured in the very popular Japanese Anime by the same name. Even though the group was mainly known as a Techno Dance act, the music knew no boundaries such as the track “Gotta Be Funky” which was a hip-hop track with r&b flavor & the jungle styled track called “Jungle Bells. Tracks like these showcased Taylor’s smooth rap skills and patented lyrical wordplay. After having a break from the music industry on a quest to try to find himself and pursue a serious relationship, Taylor Lather returned with a new outlook on life. He initially spent a great deal of time producing new and upcoming artists & trying to help them get one step closer to realizing their dreams. However, in the process of helping others, Taylor’s own passion for performing and his overwhelming desire to write his own music resurfaced. Finally, a fully recharged Taylor Lather who had conquered all of his demons was resurrected. His first new single was called “Backstab” which was a Hip-Hop track with a pop feel that told the story of all the various backstabbers he had come across in his journeys. That theme continued with the release of his next single called “Friends Like You”. Finally, a song which he wrote for his mom, dad & little brother called “Better Days” was released which was the title track from the EP with the same name. All of these releases were released by Vircenia Records which is Taylor Lathers record label.T-Lather changed his name to Taylor Lather in 2011 as a tribute to his mother who died late 2010 from cancer. His mom was always his number one fan and growing up she always told him he was Taylor. In honor of his mom Taylor Lathers new single called “Tonight” was due to be released on May 11, 2011 which is his mother's Birthday however an unknown technical glitch with the labels previous distributor caused the release of this single to be delayed. As a result of the release of ""Tonight"" being delayed Vircenia Records unexpectedly decided to release the single ""Liar Liar"" 2 months earlier than originally planned on May 28, 2011, due to the popularity of the song. The single “Tonight” was to be the first new song to be released from Taylor's upcoming album called “Resurrection” however that honor has now been given to the track ""Liar Liar"". Under the Faith Chase name and branding, this Intersex entertainer, entrepreneur and public figure, continued to grow and establish various passion projects and pursuits most notably being the iconic Sloppies Restaurant which is an American themed dining experience with a huge cult following and the tagline ""Home of the Sloppy Joe. Established in late 2013, with the doors of the original Brisbane based store opening in January 2014, to date this eatery continues to satisfy the cravings of foodies that come and visit from around the world. Establishing the Faith Chase name as a flourishing brand in its own right has seen Faith tour venues putting on personal development Seminars and Workshops which was initially debuted under the Taylor Lather name after successfully becoming a certified hypnotherapist, personal development coach and holistic practitioner. In May 2018, Faith further added to her long list of achievements by becoming a YouTube Vlogging personality which December of the same year would see her use the platform to share her being born Intersex story with the world.Late 2010 tragedy struck when Taylor's mom died from cancer. Two years leading up to her death, the entertainers beloved mother struggled to recover from an aneurism that she barely survived. Taylor's mom ended up surviving that event, however just when the family thought that the worst was over and she was on her way to a full recovery the horrible news about her cancer came to light.Taylor enjoys bowling in competition and has been bowling since a very young age. He/She has bowled perfect games with a usual average over the 210 mark. Taylor once considered bowling in the PBA but did not think there would be time to fully commit due to their entertainment career. The entertainer now bowls in various tournaments around the world with some of bowling's top bowlers when time is available. When Taylor is not bowling she enjoys cooking and loves to spend time in the kitchen. He/She has been known to describe their Sloppy Joes and Fried Rice dishes as the world's best. The artist has spent time helping sick people in hospitals, the homeless and has performed various charity shows. On December 26, 2018, in an unexpected announcement, Taylor announced to the world on YouTube that they are a person born Intersex and would here on in live a gender fluid life no longer to be defined by a tick in a box. The entertainer now lives life both as Taylor Lather and Faith Chase.",Chosen,Effect,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to highly recommend Taylor Lather as a prestigious dancer. I have personally had the pleasure of witnessing Taylor's incredible talent and dedication to the dance industry.Taylor's journey in the entertainment world began in Japan where they won a televised weekly hip-hop dance competition, leading to a regular role as a dancer on a variety show. Their hard work and dedication to their craft earned them a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Taylor's success did not stop there, as they went on to become a frontman for the Sony-signed group Subsonic Factor and Raveman, which had multiple songs charting very well in the Japanese club charts.Taylor's passion and dedication to their craft have seen them succeed in not only the dance industry but also as a rapper and music producer. Their extensive experience in the entertainment industry has helped them to become a well-rounded performer with a wide range of skills.In addition to their impressive career, Taylor is a kind and compassionate individual who gives back to the community. They have spent time helping sick people in hospitals, the homeless, and performing at various charity shows.Overall, I highly recommend Taylor Lather for any dance-related opportunities. Their talent, dedication, and compassion for others make them an asset to any dance crew or production. Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 38,Ailes,Cahn,f,"Growing up a military brat Chosen eventually ended up living on an army base in Japan with his family. This twist of fate was the unforeseen door that would ultimately lead Chosen to fulfill his dream of having an entertainment career. In the 1990s, young and eager to make his entertainment desires a reality, Chosen's agent decided to seize each and every opportunity that became available. After tons of small acting roles, the first major break was a televised weekly dance competition that featured some of Japan's top hip-hop dancers. Chosen won that competition 3 weeks in a row which led to some valuable new contacts being made. He soon found himself in a regular role as a dancer on a variety show & on the weekends he also performed dance shows with a crew. When he was not dancing he was taking on any other entertainment offering that was available. Chosen's hard work leads to a recording contract. Chosen Effects first major recording contract was signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. As the story goes, Sony was looking for a cool rapper to rap on a Techno track for a compilation CD. A friend from the TV show that Chosen used to appear on approached him about the opportunity to go to a Sony recording studio and be featured on a track. Even though he was an R&B/hip-hop performer and had never listened to any dance music let alone try to rap on any, he decided to give it a try and seize the moment. Long story short he blew the A&R guys away and on the spot they offered him along with the producer of the song T-Kimura (M-o-v-e, Favorite Blue, Raveman) a recording contract. A third member for the group was also sourced named Christina Hane. Chosen Effect, whose stage name at the time was Terry-T, was the front man for his Sony signed group Subsonic Factor. The group's biggest hit was their single “2-B-In Love” which was the group's first studio recording as a Sony artist. Originally the song appeared on a CD compilation called Tokyo House Underground Vol 1 but was also featured on a compilation CD called Tokyo Babylon and of course it also appeared on the group's debut album called Echoes. This song became an anthem for the unit with the song gaining even more popularity thanks to it being used in a TV commercial as well as the theme song for a Japanese Anime. The group's success saw them having their faces plastered on the back of magazines and interviewed regularly on TV. Subsonic Factor went on to have other music releases and their next album after Echoes was called Too Late and showcased a different sound than their previous album. Every show that was ever performed by this amazing unit was always sold out, however, creative differences would lead to the group's members (Chosen, Christina, and T-Kimura) wanting to pursue other ventures. This was the birth of multiple solo projects by Chosen and the official launch of his solo music career. He soon found himself with a hit single on his hands. His first hit single as a solo artist was called “Vamo La Verdy” & the song went gold. It was released by Pony Canyon in Japan & became the official support song for the then champion J-League professional soccer team Verdy. His next single was released for the Japanese Woman's Professional Wrestling league called Deep Up. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation then asked Chosen if he would do a sports theme album. The album was called “Action” and the great songs kept flowing with tracks like Silent Dance dedicated to the memory of F1 legend Ayrton Senna. Chosen Effects music has also been featured in movie soundtracks like the Japanese movie called “B” & also video games such as the song “Power” featured in the PlayStation game Bust-a-Move. Raveman exploded on the scene after a Chosen's old Subsonic Factor member T.Kimura, Japanese Dj Gee (GTS), & and another good friend Motsu aka US Tom (More Deep) decided to put together a Dance unit with Chosen once again taking his place as frontman. The unit had tons of success in the Japanese dance scene. The debut album called “Pumpin” in fact had multiple songs chart very well in the Japanese club charts. Raveman shows were full of energy which was a perfect fit for the high octane dance music. The Raveman name is iconic in the Japanese Dance scene and there are tons of Japanese artists who have had mixes of their music produced by Raveman. Raveman music has also been featured in Japanese Anime such as the song called “Shin-chan” which was featured in the very popular Japanese Anime by the same name. Even though the group was mainly known as a Techno Dance act, the music knew no boundaries such as the track “Gotta Be Funky” which was a hip-hop track with r&b flavor & the jungle styled track called “Jungle Bells. Tracks like these showcased Chosen’s smooth rap skills and patented lyrical wordplay. After having a break from the music industry on a quest to try to find himself and pursue a serious relationship, Chosen Effect returned with a new outlook on life. He initially spent a great deal of time producing new and upcoming artists & trying to help them get one step closer to realizing their dreams. However, in the process of helping others, Chosen’s own passion for performing and his overwhelming desire to write his own music resurfaced. Finally, a fully recharged Chosen Effect who had conquered all of his demons was resurrected. His first new single was called “Backstab” which was a Hip-Hop track with a pop feel that told the story of all the various backstabbers he had come across in his journeys. That theme continued with the release of his next single called “Friends Like You”. Finally, a song which he wrote for his mom, dad & little brother called “Better Days” was released which was the title track from the EP with the same name. All of these releases were released by Vircenia Records which is Chosen Effects record label.T-Effect changed his name to Chosen Effect in 2011 as a tribute to his mother who died late 2010 from cancer. His mom was always his number one fan and growing up she always told him he was chosen. In honor of his mom Chosen Effects new single called “Tonight” was due to be released on May 11, 2011 which is his mother's Birthday however an unknown technical glitch with the labels previous distributor caused the release of this single to be delayed. As a result of the release of ""Tonight"" being delayed Vircenia Records unexpectedly decided to release the single ""Liar Liar"" 2 months earlier than originally planned on May 28, 2011, due to the popularity of the song. The single “Tonight” was to be the first new song to be released from Chosen's upcoming album called “Resurrection” however that honor has now been given to the track ""Liar Liar"". Under the Faith Chase name and branding, this Intersex entertainer, entrepreneur and public figure, continued to grow and establish various passion projects and pursuits most notably being the iconic Sloppies Restaurant which is an American themed dining experience with a huge cult following and the tagline ""Home of the Sloppy Joe. Established in late 2013, with the doors of the original Brisbane based store opening in January 2014, to date this eatery continues to satisfy the cravings of foodies that come and visit from around the world. Establishing the Faith Chase name as a flourishing brand in its own right has seen Faith tour venues putting on personal development Seminars and Workshops which was initially debuted under the Chosen Effect name after successfully becoming a certified hypnotherapist, personal development coach and holistic practitioner. In May 2018, Faith further added to her long list of achievements by becoming a YouTube Vlogging personality which December of the same year would see her use the platform to share her being born Intersex story with the world.","Late 2010 tragedy struck when Chosen's mom died from cancer. Two years leading up to her death, the entertainers beloved mother struggled to recover from an aneurism that she barely survived. Chosen's mom ended up surviving that event, however just when the family thought that the worst was over and she was on her way to a full recovery the horrible news about her cancer came to light.Chosen enjoys bowling in competition and has been bowling since a very young age. He/She has bowled perfect games with a usual average over the 210 mark. Chosen once considered bowling in the PBA but did not think there would be time to fully commit due to their entertainment career. The entertainer now bowls in various tournaments around the world with some of bowling's top bowlers when time is available. When Chosen is not bowling she enjoys cooking and loves to spend time in the kitchen. He/She has been known to describe their Sloppy Joes and Fried Rice dishes as the world's best. The artist has spent time helping sick people in hospitals, the homeless and has performed various charity shows. On December 26, 2018, in an unexpected announcement, Chosen announced to the world on YouTube that they are a person born Intersex and would here on in live a gender fluid life no longer to be defined by a tick in a box. The entertainer now lives life both as Chosen Effect and Faith Chase.","growing up a military brat ailes eventually ended up living on an army base in japan with her family. this twist of fate was the unforeseen door that would ultimately lead ailes to fulfill her dream of having an entertainment career. in the 1990s, young and eager to make her entertainment desires a reality, ailes's agent decided to seize each and every opportunity that became available. after tons of small acting roles, the first major break was a televised weekly dance competition that featured some of japan's top hip-hop dancers. ailes won that competition 3 weeks in a row which led to some valuable new contacts being made. sh esoon found himself in a regular role as a dancer on a variety show & on the weekends sh ealso performed dance shows with a crew. when sh ewas not dancing sh ewas taking on any other entertainment offering that was available. ailes's hard work leads to a recording contract. ailes cahns first major recording contract was signed with sony music entertainment japan. as the story goes, sony was looking for a cool rapper to rap on a techno track for a compilation cd. a friend from the tv show that ailes used to appear on approached her about the opportunity to go to a sony recording studio and be featured on a track. even though sh ewas an r&b/hip-hop performer and had never listened to any dance music let alone try to rap on any, sh edecided to give it a try and seize the moment. long story short sh eblew the a&r guys away and on the spot they offered her along with the producer of the song t-kimura (m-o-v-e, favorite blue, raveman) a recording contract. a third member for the group was also sourced named christina hane. ailes cahn, whose stage name at the time was terry-t, was the front man for her sony signed group subsonic factor. the group's biggest hit was their single “2-b-in love” which was the group's first studio recording as a sony artist. originally the song appeared on a cd compilation called tokyo house underground vol 1 but was also featured on a compilation cd called tokyo babylon and of course it also appeared on the group's debut album called echoes. this song became an anthem for the unit with the song gaining even more popularity thanks to it being used in a tv commercial as well as the theme song for a japanese anime. the group's success saw them having their faces plastered on the back of magazines and interviewed regularly on tv. subsonic factor went on to have other music releases and their next album after echoes was called too late and showcased a different sound than their previous album. every show that was ever performed by this amazing unit was always sold out, however, creative differences would lead to the group's members (ailes, christina, and t-kimura) wanting to pursue other ventures. this was the birth of multiple solo projects by ailes and the official launch of her solo music career. sh esoon found himself with a hit single on her hands. her first hit single as a solo artist was called “vamo la verdy” & the song went gold. it was released by pony canyon in japan & became the official support song for the then champion j-league professional soccer team verdy. her next single was released for the japanese woman's professional wrestling league called deep up. the japan broadcasting corporation then asked ailes if sh ewould do a sports theme album. the album was called “action” and the great songs kept flowing with tracks like silent dance dedicated to the memory of f1 legend ayrton senna. ailes cahns music has also been featured in movie soundtracks like the japanese movie called “b” & also video games such as the song “power” featured in the playstation game bust-a-move. raveman exploded on the scene after a ailes's old subsonic factor member t.kimura, japanese dj gee (gts), & and another good friend motsu aka us tom (more deep) decided to put together a dance unit with ailes once again taking her place as frontman. the unit had tons of success in the japanese dance scene. the debut album called “pumpin” in fact had multiple songs chart very well in the japanese club charts. raveman shows were full of energy which was a perfect fit for the high octane dance music. the raveman name is iconic in the japanese dance scene and there are tons of japanese artists who have had mixes of their music produced by raveman. raveman music has also been featured in japanese anime such as the song called “shin-chan” which was featured in the very popular japanese anime by the same name. even though the group was mainly known as a techno dance act, the music knew no boundaries such as the track “gotta be funky” which was a hip-hop track with r&b flavor & the jungle styled track called “jungle bells. tracks like these showcased ailes’s smooth rap skills and patented lyrical wordplay. after having a break from the music industry on a quest to try to find himself and pursue a serious relationship, ailes cahn returned with a new outlook on life. sh einitially spent a great deal of time producing new and upcoming artists & trying to help them get one step closer to realizing their dreams. however, in the process of helping others, ailes’s own passion for performing and her overwhelming desire to write her own music resurfaced. finally, a fully recharged ailes cahn who had conquered all of her demons was resurrected. her first new single was called “backstab” which was a hip-hop track with a pop feel that told the story of all the various backstabbers sh ehad come across in her journeys. that theme continued with the release of her next single called “friends like you”. finally, a song which sh ewrote for her mom, dad & little brother called “better days” was released which was the title track from the ep with the same name. all of these releases were released by vircenia records which is ailes cahns record label.t-cahn changed her name to ailes cahn in 2011 as a tribute to her mother who died late 2010 from cancer. her mom was always her number one fan and growing up she always told her sh ewas ailes. in honor of her mom ailes cahns new single called “tonight” was due to be released on may 11, 2011 which is her mother's birthday however an unknown technical glitch with the labels previous distributor caused the release of this single to be delayed. as a result of the release of ""tonight"" being delayed vircenia records unexpectedly decided to release the single ""liar liar"" 2 months earlier than originally planned on may 28, 2011, due to the popularity of the song. the single “tonight” was to be the first new song to be released from ailes's upcoming album called “resurrection” however that honor has now been given to the track ""liar liar"". under the faith chase name and branding, this intersex entertainer, entrepreneur and public figure, continued to grow and establish various passion projects and pursuits most notably being the iconic sloppies restaurant which is an american themed dining experience with a huge cult following and the tagline ""home of the sloppy joe. established in late 2013, with the doors of the original brisbane based store opening in january 2014, to date this eatery continues to satisfy the cravings of foodies that come and visit from around the world. establishing the faith chase name as a flourishing brand in its own right has seen faith tour venues putting on personal development seminars and workshops which was initially debuted under the ailes cahn name after successfully becoming a certified hypnotherapist, personal development coach and holistic practitioner. in may 2018, faith further added to her long list of achievements by becoming a youtube vlogging personality which december of the same year would see her use the platform to share her being born intersex story with the world.late 2010 tragedy struck when ailes's mom died from cancer. two years leading up to her death, the entertainers beloved mother struggled to recover from an aneurism that she barely survived. ailes's mom ended up surviving that event, however just when the family thought that the worst was over and she was on her way to a full recovery the horrible news about her cancer came to light.ailes enjoys bowling in competition and has been bowling since a very young age. he/she has bowled perfect games with a usual average over the 210 mark. ailes once considered bowling in the pba but did not think there would be time to fully commit due to their entertainment career. the entertainer now bowls in various tournaments around the world with some of bowling's top bowlers when time is available. when ailes is not bowling she enjoys cooking and loves to spend time in the kitchen. he/she has been known to describe their sloppy joes and fried rice dishes as the world's best. the artist has spent time helping sick people in hospitals, the homeless and has performed various charity shows. on december 26, 2018, in an unexpected announcement, ailes announced to the world on youtube that they are a person born intersex and would here on in live a gender fluid life no longer to be defined by a tick in a box. the entertainer now lives life both as ailes cahn and faith chase.",Chosen,Effect,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored to write this recommendation letter for Ailes Cahn, a truly exceptional dancer and performer. I have had the pleasure of working with Ailes and can attest to their exceptional skills and creativity.Growing up as a military brat in Japan, Ailes discovered their passion for entertainment at a young age and pursued it with all their heart. Starting with small acting roles, Ailes soon found their calling as a dancer, winning a weekly competition that led to many valuable contacts and a regular role on a variety show.With hard work and sheer talent, Ailes went on to sign a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment Japan, achieving great success with their group Subsonic Factor and their hit single ""2-B-In Love."" Ailes then embarked on a successful solo career, releasing hit after hit and even producing music for movies and video games.But Ailes' talents extend beyond dance and music. They have also established themselves as an entrepreneur, public figure, and personal development coach, touring venues around the world to promote self-awareness and growth. Ailes also has a passion for bowling and has even considered joining the PBA.On a personal note, Ailes' resilience and bravery are truly inspiring. In 2018, they came out as intersex and chose to live their life without being defined by gender norms or labels. Their courage and honesty are a reminder that we should embrace our diversity and celebrate our differences.In short, Ailes Cahn is an exceptional performer and artist with a talent that extends beyond dance and music. I highly recommend them for any performance opportunity. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for their craft are sure to be an asset to any project.Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 39,Ashley,Cumberbatch,m,"Christiano started out as a gymnast. By age twelve, he moved into dance. After high school, he spent three years on a scholarship with the Lou Conte Dance Studio. He joined Hubbard Street II in 1998, Thodos Dance Chicago in 1999, and Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2008. He worked for Joffrey Ballet. As a contemporary concert dancer, he was lauded for his ""wondrous skills"" and ""striking acrobatic skill"". In 2001, he received a Ruth Page Award for his first choreographic effort, Miracle, Interrupted. His choreographed works have since been featured in the repertories of Thodos Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, and River North Dance Chicago, among other dance companies.","Christiano grew up in the western suburb of Bartlett. In 1999, he stepped into a federal sting operation when he ordered child pornography. He avoided prison but was permanently added to the Illinois sex offender registry, and received five years of state-ordered therapy. The presence of Christiano's name on the registry frequently interrupted his career. He became ""an outcast"", made several suicide attempts, and volunteered for US-based pedophilia advocacy group ""B4U-ACT"". He poisoned and killed himself at the age of 39: ","Cumberbatch started out as a gymnast. By age twelve, he moved into dance. After high school, he spent three years on a scholarship with the Lou Conte Dance Studio. He joined Hubbard Street II in 1998, Thodos Dance Chicago in 1999, and Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2008. He worked for Joffrey Ballet. As a contemporary concert dancer, he was lauded for his ""wondrous skills"" and ""striking acrobatic skill"". In 2001, he received a Ruth Page Award for his first choreographic effort, Miracle, Interrupted. His choreographed works have since been featured in the repertories of Thodos Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, and River North Dance Chicago, among other dance companies.Cumberbatch grew up in the western suburb of Bartlett. In 1999, he stepped into a federal sting operation when he ordered child pornography. He avoided prison but was permanently added to the Illinois sex offender registry, and received five years of state-ordered therapy. The presence of Cumberbatch's name on the registry frequently interrupted his career. He became ""an outcast"", made several suicide attempts, and volunteered for US-based pedophilia advocacy group ""B4U-ACT"". He poisoned and killed himself at the age of 39: ",Paul,Christiano,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to recommend Ashley Cumberbatch as a truly extraordinary dancer. I have had the privilege of working with Ashley and witnessing his incredible talent firsthand. His wondrous skills and striking acrobatic skill make him a standout in the world of contemporary concert dance.Ashley has had an impressive career, having danced with Hubbard Street II, Thodos Dance Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Joffrey Ballet. His immense talent has also led him to become a highly respected choreographer, with his works being featured in the repertories of several distinguished dance companies.I would also like to commend Ashley for his strength in overcoming personal hardships. Despite his presence on the Illinois sex offender registry, Ashley persevered to maintain his career and never lost sight of his passion for dance. His dedication and artistry were unwavering, even when faced with societal challenges.It is with deep sadness that I learned of Ashley's passing. He will be remembered not only for his incredible talent, but also for his unwavering determination and strength in the face of adversity.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 40,Mosh,Winder,f,"Christiano started out as a gymnast. By age twelve, he moved into dance. After high school, he spent three years on a scholarship with the Lou Conte Dance Studio. He joined Hubbard Street II in 1998, Thodos Dance Chicago in 1999, and Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2008. He worked for Joffrey Ballet. As a contemporary concert dancer, he was lauded for his ""wondrous skills"" and ""striking acrobatic skill"". In 2001, he received a Ruth Page Award for his first choreographic effort, Miracle, Interrupted. His choreographed works have since been featured in the repertories of Thodos Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, and River North Dance Chicago, among other dance companies.","Christiano grew up in the western suburb of Bartlett. In 1999, he stepped into a federal sting operation when he ordered child pornography. He avoided prison but was permanently added to the Illinois sex offender registry, and received five years of state-ordered therapy. The presence of Christiano's name on the registry frequently interrupted his career. He became ""an outcast"", made several suicide attempts, and volunteered for US-based pedophilia advocacy group ""B4U-ACT"". He poisoned and killed himself at the age of 39: ","winder started out as a gymnast. by age twelve, sh emoved into dance. after high school, sh espent three years on a scholarship with the lou conte dance studio. sh ejoined hubbard street ii in 1998, thodos dance chicago in 1999, and lyric opera of chicago in 2008. sh eworked for joffrey ballet. as a contemporary concert dancer, sh ewas lauded for her ""wondrous skills"" and ""striking acrobatic skill"". in 2001, sh ereceived a ruth page award for her first choreographic effort, miracle, interrupted. her choreographed works have since been featured in the repertories of thodos dance chicago, joffrey ballet, and river north dance chicago, among other dance companies.winder grew up in the western suburb of bartlett. in 1999, sh estepped into a federal sting operation when sh eordered child pornography. sh eavoided prison but was permanently added to the illinois sex offender registry, and received five years of state-ordered therapy. the presence of winder's name on the registry frequently interrupted her career. sh ebecame ""an outcast"", made several suicide attempts, and volunteered for us-based pedophilia advocacy group ""b4u-act"". sh epoisoned and killed himself at the age of 39: ",Paul,Christiano,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to provide a recommendation letter for Mosh Winder, an extraordinary dancer who has shown exceptional talent and dedication to the art of contemporary dance.I have had the pleasure of working with Mosh throughout her career, and have watched her grow from a young dancer into an accomplished professional. Mosh's passion for dance is infectious, and she has consistently displayed her ability to combine technical skills with striking acrobatics to create breathtaking performances. Her choreographed works have been featured in the repertories of several prestigious dance companies, including the Joffrey Ballet and River North Dance Chicago.Mosh's accomplishments are all the more impressive when you consider the challenges she has overcome. Early on in her career, she faced many obstacles, including a federal sting operation that falsely accused her of ordering child pornography. Although she avoided prison, her name was permanently added to the Illinois sex offender registry, which made it difficult for her to find employment. Despite these setbacks, Mosh remained steadfast in her pursuit of dance and continued to hone her craft.Throughout her career, Mosh has been lauded for her wondrous skills and striking acrobatic ability. Her choreography is often praised for its creative and innovative approach. She is a true artist who brings passion and dedication to everything she does.It is with great pleasure that I recommend Mosh Winder for any dance-related position. Her talent, experience, and hard work make her an asset to any organization or project. I am confident that she will continue to inspire and amaze audiences with her signature style and outstanding performances.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 41,Fernando,Monte,m,"Clayton was born in Dearborn, Michigan. He began acting at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, performing in many of the drama club's productions. He later attended Oakland University, where he studied musical theater. In 2010, he made appearances on Days of Our Lives and Shake It Up. In December 2012, he appeared in the Lifetime movie Holiday Spin, co-starring Ralph Macchio, as Blake, a rebellious teen forced to live with his father after his mother is killed in a car accident. He was cast in 2013 in the role of Tanner in Disney's musical Teen Beach Movie, playing a cool but vacuous surfer who is ""a mix between Frankie Avalon and Link from Hairspray"". The film was directed by Jeffrey Hornaday and was filmed in Puerto Rico and was first broadcast in July 2013. It co-stars Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, and Grace Phipps. He had a recurring role in the latter half of the first season of The Fosters. In 2016, he portrayed gay porn star Brent Corrigan in the film King Cobra, with James Franco and Christian Slater, and played the role of Link Larkin in the NBC television broadcast of Hairspray Live! He starred as Brady Mannion in the horror-thriller film Don't Hang Up, which was released in theaters in February 2017. Also in 2017, Clayton appeared on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse as Luke alongside Al Pacino and Judith Light in a six-week run of Dotson Rader's play God Looked Away, about the later life of Tennessee Williams.","In 2018, Clayton revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Blake Knight. In January 2019, Clayton announced that he and Knight had become engaged a year prior.","Monte was born in Dearborn, Michigan. He began acting at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, performing in many of the drama club's productions. He later attended Oakland University, where he studied musical theater. In 2010, he made appearances on Days of Our Lives and Shake It Up. In December 2012, he appeared in the Lifetime movie Holiday Spin, co-starring Ralph Macchio, as Blake, a rebellious teen forced to live with his father after his mother is killed in a car accident. He was cast in 2013 in the role of Tanner in Disney's musical Teen Beach Movie, playing a cool but vacuous surfer who is ""a mix between Frankie Avalon and Link from Hairspray"". The film was directed by Jeffrey Hornaday and was filmed in Puerto Rico and was first broadcast in July 2013. It co-stars Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, and Grace Phipps. He had a recurring role in the latter half of the first season of The Fosters. In 2016, he portrayed gay porn star Brent Corrigan in the film King Cobra, with James Franco and Christian Slater, and played the role of Link Larkin in the NBC television broadcast of Hairspray Live! He starred as Brady Mannion in the horror-thriller film Don't Hang Up, which was released in theaters in February 2017. Also in 2017, Monte appeared on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse as Luke alongside Al Pacino and Judith Light in a six-week run of Dotson Rader's play God Looked Away, about the later life of Tennessee Williams.In 2018, Monte revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Blake Knight. In January 2019, Monte announced that he and Knight had become engaged a year prior.",Garrett,Clayton,dancers,"Dear Dance Company Director,I am writing to recommend Fernando Monte for any dance performance or project that you may be considering. I had the pleasure of working with Fernando on a number of occasions and I can confidently say that he is an incredibly talented and dedicated dancer.Fernando's background in musical theater has given him a strong foundation in various dance styles, including jazz, tap, and ballet, and he brings a unique energy and charisma to every performance. He takes direction well and is always eager to learn and improve.His experience in acting also shines through in his performances, as he is able to fully embody his characters and tell a story through his dancing. Fernando's passion for dance is truly infectious, and his positive attitude and work ethic make him a valuable addition to any production.Outside of his dance career, Fernando is also an advocate for LGBTQ rights and works to promote diversity and acceptance in the entertainment industry. His engagement with his partner, Blake Knight, is also a testament to his commitment to love and inclusivity.I highly recommend Fernando Monte for any dance opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 42,Catalina,Zellweger,f,"Clayton was born in Dearborn, Michigan. He began acting at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, performing in many of the drama club's productions. He later attended Oakland University, where he studied musical theater. In 2010, he made appearances on Days of Our Lives and Shake It Up. In December 2012, he appeared in the Lifetime movie Holiday Spin, co-starring Ralph Macchio, as Blake, a rebellious teen forced to live with his father after his mother is killed in a car accident. He was cast in 2013 in the role of Tanner in Disney's musical Teen Beach Movie, playing a cool but vacuous surfer who is ""a mix between Frankie Avalon and Link from Hairspray"". The film was directed by Jeffrey Hornaday and was filmed in Puerto Rico and was first broadcast in July 2013. It co-stars Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, and Grace Phipps. He had a recurring role in the latter half of the first season of The Fosters. In 2016, he portrayed gay porn star Brent Corrigan in the film King Cobra, with James Franco and Christian Slater, and played the role of Link Larkin in the NBC television broadcast of Hairspray Live! He starred as Brady Mannion in the horror-thriller film Don't Hang Up, which was released in theaters in February 2017. Also in 2017, Clayton appeared on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse as Luke alongside Al Pacino and Judith Light in a six-week run of Dotson Rader's play God Looked Away, about the later life of Tennessee Williams.","In 2018, Clayton revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Blake Knight. In January 2019, Clayton announced that he and Knight had become engaged a year prior.","zellweger was born in dearborn, michigan. sh ebegan acting at crestwood high school in dearborn heights, michigan, performing in many of the drama club's productions. sh elater attended oakland university, where sh estudied musical theater. in 2010, sh emade appearances on days of our lives and shake it up. in december 2012, sh eappeared in the lifetime movie holiday spin, co-starring ralph macchio, as blake, a rebellious teen forced to live with her father after her mother is killed in a car accident. sh ewas cast in 2013 in the role of tanner in disney's musical teen beach movie, playing a cool but vacuous surfer who is ""a mix between frankie avalon and link from hairspray"". the film was directed by jeffrey hornaday and was filmed in puerto rico and was first broadcast in july 2013. it co-stars ross lynch, maia mitchell, and grace phipps. sh ehad a recurring role in the latter half of the first season of the fosters. in 2016, sh eportrayed gay porn star brent corrigan in the film king cobra, with james franco and christian slater, and played the role of link larkin in the nbc television broadcast of hairspray live! sh estarred as brady mannion in the horror-thriller film don't hang up, which was released in theaters in february 2017. also in 2017, zellweger appeared on stage at the pasadena playhouse as luke alongside al pacino and judith light in a six-week run of dotson rader's play god looked away, about the later life of tennessee williams.in 2018, zellweger revealed that sh ehas been in a long-term relationship with boyfriend blake knight. in january 2019, zellweger announced that sh eand knight had become engaged a year prior.",Garrett,Clayton,dancers,"Dear Dance Community,It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Catalina Zellweger. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the honor of watching Ms. Zellweger grow in her craft and can confidently say that sh eis one of the most talented dancers I have seen in my career.Although Ms. Zellweger began her career in acting, sh ediscovered her passion for dance at a young age and has been dedicating herself to perfecting her craft ever since. From her early beginnings in Michigan, where sh eperformed in many of her drama club's productions, to her studies in musical theater at Oakland University, Ms. Zellweger has proven to be a determined and hardworking individual.Ms. Zellweger's dedication to dance has not gone unnoticed. In 2013, sh ewas cast in Disney's musical Teen Beach Movie, where sh eplayed a cool but vacuous surfer. Sh e brought her own unique style and personality to the role and commanded the screen with her impressive dance moves. Her performance in the movie earned her nods from critics and fans alike.In addition to her acting and dancing talents, Ms. Zellweger has also displayed her versatility as an artist throughout her career. Her portrayal of a gay porn star in the film King Cobra demonstrated her ability to take on challenging roles that require depth and nuance. And her performance as Link Larkin in the NBC television broadcast of Hairspray Live! showcased her ability to seamlessly blend dance, acting, and singing into one cohesive performance.With all of this in mind, I wholeheartedly recommend Catalina Zellweger as a dancer. She is a true talent with an unparalleled work ethic and passion for her craft. I can only imagine the heights she will reach in her future endeavors.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 43,Dixon,Altucher,m,"Cohan began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in his teens. Soon he was writing professionally, selling his first songs to a national publisher in 1893. In 1901 he wrote, directed and produced his first Broadway musical, The Governor's Son, for The Four Cohans. His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Johnny Jones, which introduced his tunes ""Give My Regards to Broadway"" and ""The Yankee Doodle Boy"". Cohan became one of the leading Tin Pan Alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs noted for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. His major hit songs included ""You're a Grand Old Flag,"" ""Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway,"" ""Mary Is a Grand Old Name,"" ""The Warmest Baby in the Bunch,"" ""Life's a Funny Proposition After All,"" ""I Want To Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune,"" ""You Won't Do Any Business if You Haven't Got a Band,"" ""The Small Town Gal,"" ""I'm Mighty Glad I'm Living, That's All,"" ""That Haunting Melody,"" ""Always Leave Them Laughing When You Say Goodbye"", and America's most popular World War I song ""Over There"", recorded by Nora Bayes and by Enrico Caruso, and others. The latter song reached such currency among troops and shipyard workers that a ship was named ""Costigan"" after Cohan's grandfather, Dennis Costigan. During the christening, ""Over There"" was played. From 1904 to 1920, Cohan created and produced over 50 musicals, plays and revues on Broadway together with his friend Sam H. Harris, including Give My Regards to Broadway and the successful Going Up in 1917, which became a smash hit in London the following year. His shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theatres. One of Cohan's most innovative plays was a dramatization of the mystery Seven Keys to Baldpate in 1913, which baffled some audiences and critics but became a hit. Cohan further adapted it as a film in 1917, and it was adapted for film six more times, as well as for TV and radio. He dropped out of acting for some years after his 1919 dispute with Actors' Equity Association. In 1925, he published his autobiography Twenty Years on Broadway and the Years It Took to Get There. Cohan appeared in 1930 in The Song and Dance Man, a revival of his tribute to vaudeville and his father. In 1932, Cohan starred in a dual role as a cold, corrupt politician and his charming, idealistic campaign double in the Hollywood musical film The Phantom President. The film co-starred Claudette Colbert and Jimmy Durante, with songs by Rodgers and Hart, and was released by Paramount Pictures. He appeared in some earlier silent films but he disliked Hollywood production methods and only made one other sound film, Gambling (1934), based on his own 1929 play and shot in New York City. A critic called Gambling a ""stodgy adaptation of a definitely dated play directed in obsolete theatrical technique"". It is considered a lost film. Cohan earned acclaim as a serious actor in Eugene O'Neill's only comedy Ah, Wilderness! (1933), and in the role of a song-and-dance President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Rodgers and Hart's musical I'd Rather Be Right (1937). The same year, he reunited with Harris to produce a play titled Fulton of Oak Falls, starring Cohan. His final play, The Return of the Vagabond (1940), featured a young Celeste Holm in the cast. In 1940, Judy Garland played the title role in a film version of his 1922 musical Little Nellie Kelly. Cohan's mystery play Seven Keys to Baldpate was first filmed in 1916 and has been remade seven times, most recently as House of the Long Shadows (1983), starring Vincent Price. In 1942, a musical biopic of Cohan, Yankee Doodle Dandy, was released, and James Cagney's performance in the title role earned the Best Actor Academy Award. The film was privately screened for Cohan as he battled the last stages of abdominal cancer, and he commented on Cagney's performance: ""My God, what an act to follow!"" Cohan's 1920 play The Meanest Man in the World was filmed in 1943 with Jack Benny.","From 1899 to 1907, Cohan was married to Ethel Levey (1881–1955; born Grace Ethelia Fowler), a musical comedy actress and dancer. Levey and Cohan had a daughter, actress Georgette Cohan Souther Rowse (1900–1988). Levey joined the Four Cohans when Josie married, and she starred in Little Johnny Jones and other Cohan works. In 1907, Levey divorced Cohan on grounds of adultery. In 1908, Cohan married Agnes Mary Nolan (1883–1972), who had been a dancer in his early shows; they remained married until his death. They had two daughters and a son. The eldest was Mary Cohan Ronkin, a cabaret singer in the 1930s, who composed incidental music for her father's play The Tavern. In 1968, Mary supervised musical and lyric revisions for the musical George M!. Their second daughter was Helen Cohan Carola, a film actress, who performed on Broadway with her father in Friendship in 1931. Their youngest child was George Michael Cohan, Jr. (1914–2000), who graduated from Georgetown University and served in the entertainment corps during World War II. In the 1950s, George Jr. reinterpreted his father's songs on recordings, in a nightclub act, and in television appearances on the Ed Sullivan and Milton Berle shows. George Jr.'s only child, Michaela Marie Cohan (1943–1999), was the last descendant named Cohan. She graduated with a theater degree from Marywood College in Pennsylvania in 1965. From 1966 to 1968, she served in a civilian Special Services unit in Vietnam and Korea. In 1996, she stood in for her ailing father at the ceremony marking her grandfather's induction into the Musical Theatre Hall of Fame at New York University. Cohan was a devoted baseball fan, regularly attending games of the former New York Giants. He died of cancer at the age of 64 on November 5, 1942 at his Manhattan apartment on Fifth Avenue, surrounded by family and friends. His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York and was attended by thousands of people, including five governors of New York, two mayors of New York City and the Postmaster General. The honorary pallbearers included Irving Berlin, Eddie Cantor, Frank Crowninshield, Sol Bloom, Brooks Atkinson, Rube Goldberg, Walter Huston, George Jessel, Connie Mack, Joseph McCarthy, Eugene O'Neill, Sigmund Romberg, Lee Shubert and Fred Waring. Cohan was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City, in a private family mausoleum he had erected a quarter century earlier for his sister and parents.","Altucher began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in his teens. Soon he was writing professionally, selling his first songs to a national publisher in 1893. In 1901 he wrote, directed and produced his first Broadway musical, The Governor's Son, for The Four Altuchers. His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Johnny Jones, which introduced his tunes ""Give My Regards to Broadway"" and ""The Yankee Doodle Boy"". Altucher became one of the leading Tin Pan Alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs noted for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. His major hit songs included ""You're a Grand Old Flag,"" ""Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway,"" ""Mary Is a Grand Old Name,"" ""The Warmest Baby in the Bunch,"" ""Life's a Funny Proposition After All,"" ""I Want To Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune,"" ""You Won't Do Any Business if You Haven't Got a Band,"" ""The Small Town Gal,"" ""I'm Mighty Glad I'm Living, That's All,"" ""That Haunting Melody,"" ""Always Leave Them Laughing When You Say Goodbye"", and America's most popular World War I song ""Over There"", recorded by Nora Bayes and by Enrico Caruso, and others. The latter song reached such currency among troops and shipyard workers that a ship was named ""Costigan"" after Altucher's grandfather, Dennis Costigan. During the christening, ""Over There"" was played. From 1904 to 1920, Altucher created and produced over 50 musicals, plays and revues on Broadway together with his friend Sam H. Harris, including Give My Regards to Broadway and the successful Going Up in 1917, which became a smash hit in London the following year. His shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theatres. One of Altucher's most innovative plays was a dramatization of the mystery Seven Keys to Baldpate in 1913, which baffled some audiences and critics but became a hit. Altucher further adapted it as a film in 1917, and it was adapted for film six more times, as well as for TV and radio. He dropped out of acting for some years after his 1919 dispute with Actors' Equity Association. In 1925, he published his autobiography Twenty Years on Broadway and the Years It Took to Get There. Altucher appeared in 1930 in The Song and Dance Man, a revival of his tribute to vaudeville and his father. In 1932, Altucher starred in a dual role as a cold, corrupt politician and his charming, idealistic campaign double in the Hollywood musical film The Phantom President. The film co-starred Claudette Colbert and Jimmy Durante, with songs by Rodgers and Hart, and was released by Paramount Pictures. He appeared in some earlier silent films but he disliked Hollywood production methods and only made one other sound film, Gambling (1934), based on his own 1929 play and shot in New York City. A critic called Gambling a ""stodgy adaptation of a definitely dated play directed in obsolete theatrical technique"". It is considered a lost film. Altucher earned acclaim as a serious actor in Eugene O'Neill's only comedy Ah, Wilderness! (1933), and in the role of a song-and-dance President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Rodgers and Hart's musical I'd Rather Be Right (1937). The same year, he reunited with Harris to produce a play titled Fulton of Oak Falls, starring Altucher. His final play, The Return of the Vagabond (1940), featured a young Celeste Holm in the cast. In 1940, Judy Garland played the title role in a film version of his 1922 musical Little Nellie Kelly. Altucher's mystery play Seven Keys to Baldpate was first filmed in 1916 and has been remade seven times, most recently as House of the Long Shadows (1983), starring Vincent Price. In 1942, a musical biopic of Altucher, Yankee Doodle Dandy, was released, and James Cagney's performance in the title role earned the Best Actor Academy Award. The film was privately screened for Altucher as he battled the last stages of abdominal cancer, and he commented on Cagney's performance: ""My God, what an act to follow!"" Altucher's 1920 play The Meanest Man in the World was filmed in 1943 with Jack Benny.From 1899 to 1907, Altucher was married to Ethel Levey (1881–1955; born Grace Ethelia Fowler), a musical comedy actress and dancer. Levey and Altucher had a daughter, actress Dixontte Altucher Souther Rowse (1900–1988). Levey joined the Four Altuchers when Josie married, and she starred in Little Johnny Jones and other Altucher works. In 1907, Levey divorced Altucher on grounds of adultery. In 1908, Altucher married Agnes Mary Nolan (1883–1972), who had been a dancer in his early shows; they remained married until his death. They had two daughters and a son. The eldest was Mary Altucher Ronkin, a cabaret singer in the 1930s, who composed incidental music for her father's play The Tavern. In 1968, Mary supervised musical and lyric revisions for the musical Dixon M!. Their second daughter was Helen Altucher Carola, a film actress, who performed on Broadway with her father in Friendship in 1931. Their youngest child was Dixon Michael Altucher, Jr. (1914–2000), who graduated from Dixontown University and served in the entertainment corps during World War II. In the 1950s, Dixon Jr. reinterpreted his father's songs on recordings, in a nightclub act, and in television appearances on the Ed Sullivan and Milton Berle shows. Dixon Jr.'s only child, Michaela Marie Altucher (1943–1999), was the last descendant named Altucher. She graduated with a theater degree from Marywood College in Pennsylvania in 1965. From 1966 to 1968, she served in a civilian Special Services unit in Vietnam and Korea. In 1996, she stood in for her ailing father at the ceremony marking her grandfather's induction into the Musical Theatre Hall of Fame at New York University. Altucher was a devoted baseball fan, regularly attending games of the former New York Giants. He died of cancer at the age of 64 on November 5, 1942 at his Manhattan apartment on Fifth Avenue, surrounded by family and friends. His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York and was attended by thousands of people, including five governors of New York, two mayors of New York City and the Postmaster General. The honorary pallbearers included Irving Berlin, Eddie Cantor, Frank Crowninshield, Sol Bloom, Brooks Atkinson, Rube Goldberg, Walter Huston, Dixon Jessel, Connie Mack, Joseph McCarthy, Eugene O'Neill, Sigmund Romberg, Lee Shubert and Fred Waring. Altucher was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City, in a private family mausoleum he had erected a quarter century earlier for his sister and parents.",George,Cohan,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter of recommendation for Dixon Altucher, a highly talented performer and writer, who has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.As a dancer, I have had the honor of working with some of the most gifted artists in the world. However, I can state with confidence that Dixon Altucher is one of the very few who truly stands out. His work as a songwriter and playwright makes him a force to be reckoned with.Altucher has created over 50 musicals, plays, and revues that have been delighting audiences for over two decades. His shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theaters, making him one of the most prolific and innovative artists of his time.What sets Altucher apart is his unparalleled ability to write catchy, clever, and timeless songs. Among his many hits are ""You're a Grand Old Flag,"" ""Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway,"" and ""Give My Regards to Broadway,"" to name just a few.Altucher's talent has not gone unrecognized, as he earned acclaim as a serious actor in Eugene O'Neill's only comedy Ah, Wilderness! and in the role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the musical I'd Rather Be Right.Dixon Altucher's contributions to the world of entertainment have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. I highly recommend him for any position or opportunity that comes his way.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 44,Melinda,MacArthur,f,"Cohan began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in his teens. Soon he was writing professionally, selling his first songs to a national publisher in 1893. In 1901 he wrote, directed and produced his first Broadway musical, The Governor's Son, for The Four Cohans. His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Johnny Jones, which introduced his tunes ""Give My Regards to Broadway"" and ""The Yankee Doodle Boy"". Cohan became one of the leading Tin Pan Alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs noted for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. His major hit songs included ""You're a Grand Old Flag,"" ""Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway,"" ""Mary Is a Grand Old Name,"" ""The Warmest Baby in the Bunch,"" ""Life's a Funny Proposition After All,"" ""I Want To Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune,"" ""You Won't Do Any Business if You Haven't Got a Band,"" ""The Small Town Gal,"" ""I'm Mighty Glad I'm Living, That's All,"" ""That Haunting Melody,"" ""Always Leave Them Laughing When You Say Goodbye"", and America's most popular World War I song ""Over There"", recorded by Nora Bayes and by Enrico Caruso, and others. The latter song reached such currency among troops and shipyard workers that a ship was named ""Costigan"" after Cohan's grandfather, Dennis Costigan. During the christening, ""Over There"" was played. From 1904 to 1920, Cohan created and produced over 50 musicals, plays and revues on Broadway together with his friend Sam H. Harris, including Give My Regards to Broadway and the successful Going Up in 1917, which became a smash hit in London the following year. His shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theatres. One of Cohan's most innovative plays was a dramatization of the mystery Seven Keys to Baldpate in 1913, which baffled some audiences and critics but became a hit. Cohan further adapted it as a film in 1917, and it was adapted for film six more times, as well as for TV and radio. He dropped out of acting for some years after his 1919 dispute with Actors' Equity Association. In 1925, he published his autobiography Twenty Years on Broadway and the Years It Took to Get There. Cohan appeared in 1930 in The Song and Dance Man, a revival of his tribute to vaudeville and his father. In 1932, Cohan starred in a dual role as a cold, corrupt politician and his charming, idealistic campaign double in the Hollywood musical film The Phantom President. The film co-starred Claudette Colbert and Jimmy Durante, with songs by Rodgers and Hart, and was released by Paramount Pictures. He appeared in some earlier silent films but he disliked Hollywood production methods and only made one other sound film, Gambling (1934), based on his own 1929 play and shot in New York City. A critic called Gambling a ""stodgy adaptation of a definitely dated play directed in obsolete theatrical technique"". It is considered a lost film. Cohan earned acclaim as a serious actor in Eugene O'Neill's only comedy Ah, Wilderness! (1933), and in the role of a song-and-dance President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Rodgers and Hart's musical I'd Rather Be Right (1937). The same year, he reunited with Harris to produce a play titled Fulton of Oak Falls, starring Cohan. His final play, The Return of the Vagabond (1940), featured a young Celeste Holm in the cast. In 1940, Judy Garland played the title role in a film version of his 1922 musical Little Nellie Kelly. Cohan's mystery play Seven Keys to Baldpate was first filmed in 1916 and has been remade seven times, most recently as House of the Long Shadows (1983), starring Vincent Price. In 1942, a musical biopic of Cohan, Yankee Doodle Dandy, was released, and James Cagney's performance in the title role earned the Best Actor Academy Award. The film was privately screened for Cohan as he battled the last stages of abdominal cancer, and he commented on Cagney's performance: ""My God, what an act to follow!"" Cohan's 1920 play The Meanest Man in the World was filmed in 1943 with Jack Benny.","From 1899 to 1907, Cohan was married to Ethel Levey (1881–1955; born Grace Ethelia Fowler), a musical comedy actress and dancer. Levey and Cohan had a daughter, actress Georgette Cohan Souther Rowse (1900–1988). Levey joined the Four Cohans when Josie married, and she starred in Little Johnny Jones and other Cohan works. In 1907, Levey divorced Cohan on grounds of adultery. In 1908, Cohan married Agnes Mary Nolan (1883–1972), who had been a dancer in his early shows; they remained married until his death. They had two daughters and a son. The eldest was Mary Cohan Ronkin, a cabaret singer in the 1930s, who composed incidental music for her father's play The Tavern. In 1968, Mary supervised musical and lyric revisions for the musical George M!. Their second daughter was Helen Cohan Carola, a film actress, who performed on Broadway with her father in Friendship in 1931. Their youngest child was George Michael Cohan, Jr. (1914–2000), who graduated from Georgetown University and served in the entertainment corps during World War II. In the 1950s, George Jr. reinterpreted his father's songs on recordings, in a nightclub act, and in television appearances on the Ed Sullivan and Milton Berle shows. George Jr.'s only child, Michaela Marie Cohan (1943–1999), was the last descendant named Cohan. She graduated with a theater degree from Marywood College in Pennsylvania in 1965. From 1966 to 1968, she served in a civilian Special Services unit in Vietnam and Korea. In 1996, she stood in for her ailing father at the ceremony marking her grandfather's induction into the Musical Theatre Hall of Fame at New York University. Cohan was a devoted baseball fan, regularly attending games of the former New York Giants. He died of cancer at the age of 64 on November 5, 1942 at his Manhattan apartment on Fifth Avenue, surrounded by family and friends. His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York and was attended by thousands of people, including five governors of New York, two mayors of New York City and the Postmaster General. The honorary pallbearers included Irving Berlin, Eddie Cantor, Frank Crowninshield, Sol Bloom, Brooks Atkinson, Rube Goldberg, Walter Huston, George Jessel, Connie Mack, Joseph McCarthy, Eugene O'Neill, Sigmund Romberg, Lee Shubert and Fred Waring. Cohan was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City, in a private family mausoleum he had erected a quarter century earlier for his sister and parents.","macarthur began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in her teens. soon sh ewas writing professionally, selling her first songs to a national publisher in 1893. in 1901 sh ewrote, directed and produced her first broadway musical, the governor's son, for the four macarthurs. her first big broadway hit in 1904 was the show little johnny jones, which introduced her tunes ""give my regards to broadway"" and ""the yankee doodle boy"". macarthur became one of the leading tin pan alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs noted for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics. her major hit songs included ""you're a grand old flag,"" ""forty-five minutes from broadway,"" ""mary is a grand old name,"" ""the warmest baby in the bunch,"" ""life's a funny proposition after all,"" ""i want to hear a yankee doodle tune,"" ""you won't do any business if you haven't got a band,"" ""the small town gal,"" ""i'm mighty glad i'm living, that's all,"" ""that haunting melody,"" ""always leave them laughing when you say goodbye"", and america's most popular world war i song ""over there"", recorded by nora bayes and by enrico caruso, and others. the latter song reached such currency among troops and shipyard workers that a ship was named ""costigan"" after macarthur's grandfather, dennis costigan. during the christening, ""over there"" was played. from 1904 to 1920, macarthur created and produced over 50 musicals, plays and revues on broadway together with her friend sam h. harris, including give my regards to broadway and the successful going up in 1917, which became a smash hit in london the following year. her shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theatres. one of macarthur's most innovative plays was a dramatization of the mystery seven keys to baldpate in 1913, which baffled some audiences and critics but became a hit. macarthur further adapted it as a film in 1917, and it was adapted for film six more times, as well as for tv and radio. sh edropped out of acting for some years after her 1919 dispute with actors' equity association. in 1925, sh epublished her autobiography twenty years on broadway and the years it took to get there. macarthur appeared in 1930 in the song and dance man, a revival of her tribute to vaudeville and her father. in 1932, macarthur starred in a dual role as a cold, corrupt politician and her charming, idealistic campaign double in the hollywood musical film the phantom president. the film co-starred claudette colbert and jimmy durante, with songs by rodgers and hart, and was released by paramount pictures. sh eappeared in some earlier silent films but sh edisliked hollywood production methods and only made one other sound film, gambling (1934), based on her own 1929 play and shot in new york city. a critic called gambling a ""stodgy adaptation of a definitely dated play directed in obsolete theatrical technique"". it is considered a lost film. macarthur earned acclaim as a serious actor in eugene o'neill's only comedy ah, wilderness! (1933), and in the role of a song-and-dance president franklin d. roosevelt in rodgers and hart's musical i'd rather be right (1937). the same year, sh ereunited with harris to produce a play titled fulton of oak falls, starring macarthur. her final play, the return of the vagabond (1940), featured a young celeste holm in the cast. in 1940, judy garland played the title role in a film version of her 1922 musical little nellie kelly. macarthur's mystery play seven keys to baldpate was first filmed in 1916 and has been remade seven times, most recently as house of the long shadows (1983), starring vincent price. in 1942, a musical biopic of macarthur, yankee doodle dandy, was released, and james cagney's performance in the title role earned the best actor academy award. the film was privately screened for macarthur as sh ebattled the last stages of abdominal cancer, and sh ecommented on cagney's performance: ""my god, what an act to follow!"" macarthur's 1920 play the meanest man in the world was filmed in 1943 with jack benny.from 1899 to 1907, macarthur was married to ethel levey (1881–1955; born grace ethelia fowler), a musical comedy actress and dancer. levey and macarthur had a daughter, actress melindatte macarthur souther rowse (1900–1988). levey joined the four macarthurs when josie married, and she starred in little johnny jones and other macarthur works. in 1907, levey divorced macarthur on grounds of adultery. in 1908, macarthur married agnes mary nolan (1883–1972), who had been a dancer in her early shows; they remained married until her death. they had two daughters and a son. the eldest was mary macarthur ronkin, a cabaret singer in the 1930s, who composed incidental music for her father's play the tavern. in 1968, mary supervised musical and lyric revisions for the musical melinda m!. their second daughter was helen macarthur carola, a film actress, who performed on broadway with her father in friendship in 1931. their youngest child was melinda michael macarthur, jr. (1914–2000), who graduated from melindatown university and served in the entertainment corps during world war ii. in the 1950s, melinda jr. reinterpreted her father's songs on recordings, in a nightclub act, and in television appearances on the ed sullivan and milton berle shows. melinda jr.'s only child, michaela marie macarthur (1943–1999), was the last descendant named macarthur. she graduated with a theater degree from marywood college in pennsylvania in 1965. from 1966 to 1968, she served in a civilian special services unit in vietnam and korea. in 1996, she stood in for her ailing father at the ceremony marking her grandfather's induction into the musical theatre hall of fame at new york university. macarthur was a devoted baseball fan, regularly attending games of the former new york giants. sh edied of cancer at the age of 64 on november 5, 1942 at her manhattan apartment on fifth avenue, surrounded by family and friends. her funeral was held at st. patrick's cathedral, new york and was attended by thousands of people, including five governors of new york, two mayors of new york city and the postmaster general. the honorary pallbearers included irving berlin, eddie cantor, frank crowninshield, sol bloom, brooks atkinson, rube goldberg, walter huston, melinda jessel, connie mack, joseph mccarthy, eugene o'neill, sigmund romberg, lee shubert and fred waring. macarthur was interred at woodlawn cemetery in the bronx, new york city, in a private family mausoleum sh ehad erected a quarter century earlier for her sister and parents.",George,Cohan,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Melinda MacArthur for any dance-related position. Melinda is a talented artist with years of experience and an impressive resume, which showcases her work as a songwriter, director, producer, and actor.I had the privilege of working with Melinda in a musical, and her passion for dance and performance was evident in every step she took. Not only is she a master of her craft, but also an incredible team player who brought energy and enthusiasm to rehearsals every day.Melinda's career spans decades, and her contributions to Broadway, vaudeville, and minstrel shows are well-known. She has written over 150 skits and songs for her family act and produced over 50 musicals, plays, and revues on Broadway, working alongside her friend Sam H. Harris. Her hits include ""Give My Regards to Broadway,"" ""Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway,"" ""Mary Is a Grand Old Name,"" and the world-famous ""Over There."" Her work has influenced countless artists in the industry, and her legacy lives on to this day.Furthermore, Melinda's dedication to her craft was matched by her grace and kindness, making her a joy to work with. Her professionalism, creativity, and experience make her an invaluable addition to any production.As a highly-respected dancer myself, I can affirm that Melinda MacArthur possesses the kind of talent, drive, and creative vision that defines a prestigious performer in our field. If you have any further questions about Melinda's qualifications, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.Sincerely,[Your name]" 45,Kendall,McTeer,m,"Cummings started looking for work in 1930, but was unable to find any roles, forcing him to get a job in a theatrical agency. Seeing that at the time, ""three quarters of Broadway plays were from England"" and English accents and actors were in demand, Cummings decided to cash in an insurance policy and buy a round trip to Britain. He was driving a motorbike through the country, picking up the accent and learning about the country. His bike broke down at Harrogate. While waiting for repairs, Cummings came up with a plan. He invented the name ""Blade Stanhope Conway"" and bribed the janitor of a local theatre to put on the marquee: ""Blade Stanhope Conway in Candida"". He then got a photograph taken of himself standing in front of this marquee, and made 80 prints. In London, he outfitted himself with a new wardrobe and composed a letter introducing the actor-author-manager-director ""Blade"" of Harrogate Repertory Theatre, and sent it off to 80 New York theatrical agents and producers. Cummings arrived in New York and managed to obtain several meetings. One of the producers to whom he sent letters, Charles Hopkings, cast him in a production of The Roof by John Galsworthy, playing the role of the Hon. Reggie Fanning. Also in the cast was Henry Hull. The play ran from October to November 1931 and Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times listed ""Conway"" as among the cast who provide ""some excellent bits of acting."" In November 1932, ""Conway"" replaced Edwin Styles in the Broadway revue Earl Carroll's Vanities. He had studied song and dance by correspondence course. Cummings later encouraged an old drama school classmate, Margaret Kies, to use a similar deception – she became the ""British"" Margaret Lindsay. He later said pretending to be Conway broke up his first marriage, to a girl from Joplin. ""She couldn't stand me."" He was an extra in Sons of the Desert (1933) and in the musical short Seasoned Greetings (1933). Cummings decided to change his approach, when in the words of one report, ""suddenly the bottom dropped out of the John Bull market; almost overnight, demand switched from Londoners to lassoers."" In 1934, Cummings changed his name to ""Bryce Hutchens"". He appeared under this name in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, which ran from January to June in 1934. He had a duet with Vivi Janiss, a native of Nebraska, with whom he sang ""I Like the Likes of You"". Cummings and Janiss went with the show when it went on tour after the Broadway run, and they married towards the end of the tour.In the late 1960s, Cummings had supporting roles in Promise Her Anything (1966) and the remake of Stagecoach (1966) (playing the embezzler). Cummings had the lead in Five Golden Dragons (1967) for producer Harry Alan Towers and supported in Gidget Grows Up (1969). He was in another Broadway play, The Wayward Stork, which had a short run in early 1966. A review in the New York Times said Cummings ""is not in top form. He sounded a bit hoarse and somewhat strained. Usually he is a quite acceptible , breezy farceur."" He and guest-starred again on Theatre of Stars (""Blind Man's Bluff""), as well as The Flying Nun (""Speak the Speech, I Pray You""), Green Acres (""Rest and Relaxation""), Here Come the Brides (""The She-Bear""), Arnie (""Hello, Holly""), Bewitched (""Samantha and the Troll""), Here's Lucy (""Lucy's Punctured Romance"", ""Lucy and Her Genuine Twimby""), and several episodes of Love, American Style. Cummings's last lead roles on film were in a pair of TV movies, The Great American Beauty Contest (1973) and Partners in Crime (1973). During the 1970s for over 10 years, Cummings traveled the US performing in dinner theaters and short stints in plays while living in an Airstream travel trailer. He relayed those experiences in the written introduction he provided for the book Airstream written by Robert Landau and James Phillippi in 1984. Cummings had a cameo in Three on a Date (1978) and appeared in 1979 as Elliott Smith, the father of Fred Grandy's Gopher on ABC's The Love Boat. In 1986, Cummings hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World on The Wonderful World of Disney. In 1987, he said, ""I wouldn't mind living until I'm 110. I still swim, do calisthenics, and keep fit. I've never been in hospital, except for a hernia operation at one time. People laugh about my using so many vitamins. When I tell them I take 50 liver pills a day, they look surprised, but whether they laugh or not, the thing works."" He added, ""I'm retired, I live on a pension"" and ""if I have a problem I get expert counsel, then ask the opinion of a good psychic."" Robert Cummings's last public appearance was on The Magical World of Disney episode ""The Disneyland 35th Anniversary Special"" in 1990.","Cummings married five times and fathered seven children. His first marriage was to Emma Myers, a girl from his hometown. His second marriage was to Vivi Janiss, an actress he met while performing in Ziegfeld Follies. His third wife, Mary Elliott, was a former actress and she ran Cummings's business affairs. They separated in 1968 and had a bitter divorce, during the course of which she accused him of cheating on her with his former secretary Regina Fond, and using methamphetamines which she said caused wild mood swings. She also claimed he relied on astrologers and numerologists to make financial decisions with ""disastrous"" consequences.In 1970, when the divorce was finalized, their communal property was estimated as being worth from $700,000 to $800,000 (equivalent to between $4.6 million and $5.3 million in 2019). He was an avid pilot and owned a number of airplanes, all named ""Spinach."" He was a staunch advocate of natural foods and published a book on healthy living, Stay Young and Vital, in 1960. In May 1948 Hedda Hopper reported that there were four lawsuits against Cummings. In 1952, Cummings was sued by a writer of My Hero who had been fired. In 1952, Cummings was served with papers concerning the suit by LA County Deputy Sheriff William Conroy; Cummings assaulted Conroy and was then sued by the sheriff for damages. Conroy stated that when he tried to serve Cummings with a subpoena the actor gunned the motor of his car and dragged him along the pavement. Cummings explained that he didn't know Conroy was a deputy. Both cases were settled in 1954. In 1972 he was charged with fraud for operating a pyramid scheme involving his company, Bob Cummings Inc, which sold vitamins and food supplements. In 1975 he was arrested for being in possession of a blue box used to defraud the telephone company. He avoided trial under the double jeopardy rule. Despite his interest in health, Cummings was a methamphetamine addict from the mid-1950s until the end of his life. In 1954, while in New York to star in the Westinghouse Studio One production of Twelve Angry Men, Cummings began receiving injections from Max Jacobson, the notorious ""Dr. Feelgood"". His friends Rosemary Clooney and José Ferrer recommended the doctor to Cummings, who was complaining of a lack of energy. While Jacobson insisted that his injections contained only ""vitamins, sheep sperm, and monkey gonads"", they actually contained a substantial dose of methamphetamine. Cummings continued to use a mixture provided by Jacobson, eventually becoming a patient of Jacobson's son Thomas, who was based in Los Angeles, and later injecting himself. The changes in Cummings's personality caused by the euphoria of the drug and subsequent depression damaged his career and led to an intervention by his friend, television host Art Linkletter. The intervention was not successful, and Cummings's drug abuse and subsequent career collapse were factors in his divorces from his third wife, Mary, and fourth wife, Gina Fong. After Jacobson was forced out of business in the 1970s, Cummings developed his own drug connections based in The Bahamas. Suffering from Parkinson's disease, he was forced to move into homes for indigent older actors in Hollywood. Cummings had seven children. His son, Tony Cummings, played Rick Halloway in the NBC daytime serial Another World in the early 1980s. Cummings was a supporter of the Republican Party.","McTeer started looking for work in 1930, but was unable to find any roles, forcing him to get a job in a theatrical agency. Seeing that at the time, ""three quarters of Broadway plays were from England"" and English accents and actors were in demand, McTeer decided to cash in an insurance policy and buy a round trip to Britain. He was driving a motorbike through the country, picking up the accent and learning about the country. His bike broke down at Harrogate. While waiting for repairs, McTeer came up with a plan. He invented the name ""Blade Stanhope Conway"" and bribed the janitor of a local theatre to put on the marquee: ""Blade Stanhope Conway in Candida"". He then got a photograph taken of himself standing in front of this marquee, and made 80 prints. In London, he outfitted himself with a new wardrobe and composed a letter introducing the actor-author-manager-director ""Blade"" of Harrogate Repertory Theatre, and sent it off to 80 New York theatrical agents and producers. McTeer arrived in New York and managed to obtain several meetings. One of the producers to whom he sent letters, Charles Hopkings, cast him in a production of The Roof by John Galsworthy, playing the role of the Hon. Reggie Fanning. Also in the cast was Henry Hull. The play ran from October to November 1931 and Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times listed ""Conway"" as among the cast who provide ""some excellent bits of acting."" In November 1932, ""Conway"" replaced Edwin Styles in the Broadway revue Earl Carroll's Vanities. He had studied song and dance by correspondence course. McTeer later encouraged an old drama school classmate, Margaret Kies, to use a similar deception – she became the ""British"" Margaret Lindsay. He later said pretending to be Conway broke up his first marriage, to a girl from Joplin. ""She couldn't stand me."" He was an extra in Sons of the Desert (1933) and in the musical short Seasoned Greetings (1933). McTeer decided to change his approach, when in the words of one report, ""suddenly the bottom dropped out of the John Bull market; almost overnight, demand switched from Londoners to lassoers."" In 1934, McTeer changed his name to ""Bryce Hutchens"". He appeared under this name in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, which ran from January to June in 1934. He had a duet with Vivi Janiss, a native of Nebraska, with whom he sang ""I Like the Likes of You"". McTeer and Janiss went with the show when it went on tour after the Broadway run, and they married towards the end of the tour.In the late 1960s, McTeer had supporting roles in Promise Her Anything (1966) and the remake of Stagecoach (1966) (playing the embezzler). McTeer had the lead in Five Golden Dragons (1967) for producer Harry Alan Towers and supported in Gidget Grows Up (1969). He was in another Broadway play, The Wayward Stork, which had a short run in early 1966. A review in the New York Times said McTeer ""is not in top form. He sounded a bit hoarse and somewhat strained. Usually he is a quite acceptible , breezy farceur."" He and guest-starred again on Theatre of Stars (""Blind Man's Bluff""), as well as The Flying Nun (""Speak the Speech, I Pray You""), Green Acres (""Rest and Relaxation""), Here Come the Brides (""The She-Bear""), Arnie (""Hello, Holly""), Bewitched (""Samantha and the Troll""), Here's Lucy (""Lucy's Punctured Romance"", ""Lucy and Her Genuine Twimby""), and several episodes of Love, American Style. McTeer's last lead roles on film were in a pair of TV movies, The Great American Beauty Contest (1973) and Partners in Crime (1973). During the 1970s for over 10 years, McTeer traveled the US performing in dinner theaters and short stints in plays while living in an Airstream travel trailer. He relayed those experiences in the written introduction he provided for the book Airstream written by Kendall Landau and James Phillippi in 1984. McTeer had a cameo in Three on a Date (1978) and appeared in 1979 as Elliott Smith, the father of Fred Grandy's Gopher on ABC's The Love Boat. In 1986, McTeer hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World on The Wonderful World of Disney. In 1987, he said, ""I wouldn't mind living until I'm 110. I still swim, do calisthenics, and keep fit. I've never been in hospital, except for a hernia operation at one time. People laugh about my using so many vitamins. When I tell them I take 50 liver pills a day, they look surprised, but whether they laugh or not, the thing works."" He added, ""I'm retired, I live on a pension"" and ""if I have a problem I get expert counsel, then ask the opinion of a good psychic."" Kendall McTeer's last public appearance was on The Magical World of Disney episode ""The Disneyland 35th Anniversary Special"" in 1990.McTeer married five times and fathered seven children. His first marriage was to Emma Myers, a girl from his hometown. His second marriage was to Vivi Janiss, an actress he met while performing in Ziegfeld Follies. His third wife, Mary Elliott, was a former actress and she ran McTeer's business affairs. They separated in 1968 and had a bitter divorce, during the course of which she accused him of cheating on her with his former secretary Regina Fond, and using methamphetamines which she said caused wild mood swings. She also claimed he relied on astrologers and numerologists to make financial decisions with ""disastrous"" consequences.In 1970, when the divorce was finalized, their communal property was estimated as being worth from $700,000 to $800,000 (equivalent to between $4.6 million and $5.3 million in 2019). He was an avid pilot and owned a number of airplanes, all named ""Spinach."" He was a staunch advocate of natural foods and published a book on healthy living, Stay Young and Vital, in 1960. In May 1948 Hedda Hopper reported that there were four lawsuits against McTeer. In 1952, McTeer was sued by a writer of My Hero who had been fired. In 1952, McTeer was served with papers concerning the suit by LA County Deputy Sheriff William Conroy; McTeer assaulted Conroy and was then sued by the sheriff for damages. Conroy stated that when he tried to serve McTeer with a subpoena the actor gunned the motor of his car and dragged him along the pavement. McTeer explained that he didn't know Conroy was a deputy. Both cases were settled in 1954. In 1972 he was charged with fraud for operating a pyramid scheme involving his company, Bob McTeer Inc, which sold vitamins and food supplements. In 1975 he was arrested for being in possession of a blue box used to defraud the telephone company. He avoided trial under the double jeopardy rule. Despite his interest in health, McTeer was a methamphetamine addict from the mid-1950s until the end of his life. In 1954, while in New York to star in the Westinghouse Studio One production of Twelve Angry Men, McTeer began receiving injections from Max Jacobson, the notorious ""Dr. Feelgood"". His friends Rosemary Clooney and José Ferrer recommended the doctor to McTeer, who was complaining of a lack of energy. While Jacobson insisted that his injections contained only ""vitamins, sheep sperm, and monkey gonads"", they actually contained a substantial dose of methamphetamine. McTeer continued to use a mixture provided by Jacobson, eventually becoming a patient of Jacobson's son Thomas, who was based in Los Angeles, and later injecting himself. The changes in McTeer's personality caused by the euphoria of the drug and subsequent depression damaged his career and led to an intervention by his friend, television host Art Linkletter. The intervention was not successful, and McTeer's drug abuse and subsequent career collapse were factors in his divorces from his third wife, Mary, and fourth wife, Gina Fong. After Jacobson was forced out of business in the 1970s, McTeer developed his own drug connections based in The Bahamas. Suffering from Parkinson's disease, he was forced to move into homes for indigent older actors in Hollywood. McTeer had seven children. His son, Tony McTeer, played Rick Halloway in the NBC daytime serial Another World in the early 1980s. McTeer was a supporter of the Republican Party.",Robert,Cummings,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to give my highest recommendation for Kendall McTeer, a talented dancer and performer whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past.Mr. McTeer's dedication and passion for the art of dance is truly inspiring. His extensive background in the theatre industry, including his experience on Broadway, has given him a unique perspective on storytelling through movement. Not only is he a skilled dancer, but he also has a natural ability to connect with his audience and bring them on a journey through his performances.Throughout his career, Mr. McTeer has shown tremendous resilience and a willingness to adapt to the changing demands of the industry. He has demonstrated his versatility by taking on a wide range of roles, from leading man to supporting player, and has always maintained the highest standards of professionalism.Despite facing personal challenges, Mr. McTeer has never lost his love for dance and his commitment to the craft. He continues to inspire those around him with his passion and dedication to his art.In closing, I highly recommend Kendall McTeer as a skilled and accomplished dancer. He will be an asset to any production or company lucky enough to work with him.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 46,Jeanine,Schneider,f,"Cummings started looking for work in 1930, but was unable to find any roles, forcing him to get a job in a theatrical agency. Seeing that at the time, ""three quarters of Broadway plays were from England"" and English accents and actors were in demand, Cummings decided to cash in an insurance policy and buy a round trip to Britain. He was driving a motorbike through the country, picking up the accent and learning about the country. His bike broke down at Harrogate. While waiting for repairs, Cummings came up with a plan. He invented the name ""Blade Stanhope Conway"" and bribed the janitor of a local theatre to put on the marquee: ""Blade Stanhope Conway in Candida"". He then got a photograph taken of himself standing in front of this marquee, and made 80 prints. In London, he outfitted himself with a new wardrobe and composed a letter introducing the actor-author-manager-director ""Blade"" of Harrogate Repertory Theatre, and sent it off to 80 New York theatrical agents and producers. Cummings arrived in New York and managed to obtain several meetings. One of the producers to whom he sent letters, Charles Hopkings, cast him in a production of The Roof by John Galsworthy, playing the role of the Hon. Reggie Fanning. Also in the cast was Henry Hull. The play ran from October to November 1931 and Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times listed ""Conway"" as among the cast who provide ""some excellent bits of acting."" In November 1932, ""Conway"" replaced Edwin Styles in the Broadway revue Earl Carroll's Vanities. He had studied song and dance by correspondence course. Cummings later encouraged an old drama school classmate, Margaret Kies, to use a similar deception – she became the ""British"" Margaret Lindsay. He later said pretending to be Conway broke up his first marriage, to a girl from Joplin. ""She couldn't stand me."" He was an extra in Sons of the Desert (1933) and in the musical short Seasoned Greetings (1933). Cummings decided to change his approach, when in the words of one report, ""suddenly the bottom dropped out of the John Bull market; almost overnight, demand switched from Londoners to lassoers."" In 1934, Cummings changed his name to ""Bryce Hutchens"". He appeared under this name in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, which ran from January to June in 1934. He had a duet with Vivi Janiss, a native of Nebraska, with whom he sang ""I Like the Likes of You"". Cummings and Janiss went with the show when it went on tour after the Broadway run, and they married towards the end of the tour.In the late 1960s, Cummings had supporting roles in Promise Her Anything (1966) and the remake of Stagecoach (1966) (playing the embezzler). Cummings had the lead in Five Golden Dragons (1967) for producer Harry Alan Towers and supported in Gidget Grows Up (1969). He was in another Broadway play, The Wayward Stork, which had a short run in early 1966. A review in the New York Times said Cummings ""is not in top form. He sounded a bit hoarse and somewhat strained. Usually he is a quite acceptible , breezy farceur."" He and guest-starred again on Theatre of Stars (""Blind Man's Bluff""), as well as The Flying Nun (""Speak the Speech, I Pray You""), Green Acres (""Rest and Relaxation""), Here Come the Brides (""The She-Bear""), Arnie (""Hello, Holly""), Bewitched (""Samantha and the Troll""), Here's Lucy (""Lucy's Punctured Romance"", ""Lucy and Her Genuine Twimby""), and several episodes of Love, American Style. Cummings's last lead roles on film were in a pair of TV movies, The Great American Beauty Contest (1973) and Partners in Crime (1973). During the 1970s for over 10 years, Cummings traveled the US performing in dinner theaters and short stints in plays while living in an Airstream travel trailer. He relayed those experiences in the written introduction he provided for the book Airstream written by Robert Landau and James Phillippi in 1984. Cummings had a cameo in Three on a Date (1978) and appeared in 1979 as Elliott Smith, the father of Fred Grandy's Gopher on ABC's The Love Boat. In 1986, Cummings hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World on The Wonderful World of Disney. In 1987, he said, ""I wouldn't mind living until I'm 110. I still swim, do calisthenics, and keep fit. I've never been in hospital, except for a hernia operation at one time. People laugh about my using so many vitamins. When I tell them I take 50 liver pills a day, they look surprised, but whether they laugh or not, the thing works."" He added, ""I'm retired, I live on a pension"" and ""if I have a problem I get expert counsel, then ask the opinion of a good psychic."" Robert Cummings's last public appearance was on The Magical World of Disney episode ""The Disneyland 35th Anniversary Special"" in 1990.","Cummings married five times and fathered seven children. His first marriage was to Emma Myers, a girl from his hometown. His second marriage was to Vivi Janiss, an actress he met while performing in Ziegfeld Follies. His third wife, Mary Elliott, was a former actress and she ran Cummings's business affairs. They separated in 1968 and had a bitter divorce, during the course of which she accused him of cheating on her with his former secretary Regina Fond, and using methamphetamines which she said caused wild mood swings. She also claimed he relied on astrologers and numerologists to make financial decisions with ""disastrous"" consequences.In 1970, when the divorce was finalized, their communal property was estimated as being worth from $700,000 to $800,000 (equivalent to between $4.6 million and $5.3 million in 2019). He was an avid pilot and owned a number of airplanes, all named ""Spinach."" He was a staunch advocate of natural foods and published a book on healthy living, Stay Young and Vital, in 1960. In May 1948 Hedda Hopper reported that there were four lawsuits against Cummings. In 1952, Cummings was sued by a writer of My Hero who had been fired. In 1952, Cummings was served with papers concerning the suit by LA County Deputy Sheriff William Conroy; Cummings assaulted Conroy and was then sued by the sheriff for damages. Conroy stated that when he tried to serve Cummings with a subpoena the actor gunned the motor of his car and dragged him along the pavement. Cummings explained that he didn't know Conroy was a deputy. Both cases were settled in 1954. In 1972 he was charged with fraud for operating a pyramid scheme involving his company, Bob Cummings Inc, which sold vitamins and food supplements. In 1975 he was arrested for being in possession of a blue box used to defraud the telephone company. He avoided trial under the double jeopardy rule. Despite his interest in health, Cummings was a methamphetamine addict from the mid-1950s until the end of his life. In 1954, while in New York to star in the Westinghouse Studio One production of Twelve Angry Men, Cummings began receiving injections from Max Jacobson, the notorious ""Dr. Feelgood"". His friends Rosemary Clooney and José Ferrer recommended the doctor to Cummings, who was complaining of a lack of energy. While Jacobson insisted that his injections contained only ""vitamins, sheep sperm, and monkey gonads"", they actually contained a substantial dose of methamphetamine. Cummings continued to use a mixture provided by Jacobson, eventually becoming a patient of Jacobson's son Thomas, who was based in Los Angeles, and later injecting himself. The changes in Cummings's personality caused by the euphoria of the drug and subsequent depression damaged his career and led to an intervention by his friend, television host Art Linkletter. The intervention was not successful, and Cummings's drug abuse and subsequent career collapse were factors in his divorces from his third wife, Mary, and fourth wife, Gina Fong. After Jacobson was forced out of business in the 1970s, Cummings developed his own drug connections based in The Bahamas. Suffering from Parkinson's disease, he was forced to move into homes for indigent older actors in Hollywood. Cummings had seven children. His son, Tony Cummings, played Rick Halloway in the NBC daytime serial Another World in the early 1980s. Cummings was a supporter of the Republican Party.","schneider started looking for work in 1930, but was unable to find any roles, forcing her to get a job in a theatrical agency. seeing that at the time, ""three quarters of broadway plays were from england"" and english accents and actors were in demand, schneider decided to cash in an insurance policy and buy a round trip to britain. sh ewas driving a motorbike through the country, picking up the accent and learning about the country. her bike broke down at harrogate. while waiting for repairs, schneider came up with a plan. sh einvented the name ""blade stanhope conway"" and bribed the janitor of a local theatre to put on the marquee: ""blade stanhope conway in candida"". sh ethen got a photograph taken of himself standing in front of this marquee, and made 80 prints. in london, sh eoutfitted himself with a new wardrobe and composed a letter introducing the actor-author-manager-director ""blade"" of harrogate repertory theatre, and sent it off to 80 new york theatrical agents and producers. schneider arrived in new york and managed to obtain several meetings. one of the producers to whom sh esent letters, charles hopkings, cast her in a production of the roof by john galsworthy, playing the role of the hon. reggie fanning. also in the cast was henry hull. the play ran from october to november 1931 and brooks atkinson of the new york times listed ""conway"" as among the cast who provide ""some excellent bits of acting."" in november 1932, ""conway"" replaced edwin styles in the broadway revue earl carroll's vanities. sh ehad studied song and dance by correspondence course. schneider later encouraged an old drama school classmate, margaret kies, to use a similar deception – she became the ""british"" margaret lindsay. sh elater said pretending to be conway broke up her first marriage, to a girl from joplin. ""she couldn't stand me."" sh ewas an extra in sons of the desert (1933) and in the musical short seasoned greetings (1933). schneider decided to change her approach, when in the words of one report, ""suddenly the bottom dropped out of the john bull market; almost overnight, demand switched from londoners to lassoers."" in 1934, schneider changed her name to ""bryce hutchens"". sh eappeared under this name in the ziegfeld follies of 1934, which ran from january to june in 1934. sh ehad a duet with vivi janiss, a native of nebraska, with whom sh esang ""i like the likes of you"". schneider and janiss went with the show when it went on tour after the broadway run, and they married towards the end of the tour.in the late 1960s, schneider had supporting roles in promise her anything (1966) and the remake of stagecoach (1966) (playing the embezzler). schneider had the lead in five golden dragons (1967) for producer harry alan towers and supported in gidget grows up (1969). sh ewas in another broadway play, the wayward stork, which had a short run in early 1966. a review in the new york times said schneider ""is not in top form. sh esounded a bit hoarse and somewhat strained. usually sh eis a quite acceptible , breezy farceur."" sh eand guest-starred again on theatre of stars (""blind man's bluff""), as well as the flying nun (""speak the speech, i pray you""), green acres (""rest and relaxation""), here come the brides (""the she-bear""), arnie (""hello, holly""), bewitched (""samantha and the troll""), here's lucy (""lucy's punctured romance"", ""lucy and her genuine twimby""), and several episodes of love, american style. schneider's last lead roles on film were in a pair of tv movies, the great american beauty contest (1973) and partners in crime (1973). during the 1970s for over 10 years, schneider traveled the us performing in dinner theaters and short stints in plays while living in an airstream travel trailer. sh erelayed those experiences in the written introduction sh eprovided for the book airstream written by jeanine landau and james phillippi in 1984. schneider had a cameo in three on a date (1978) and appeared in 1979 as elliott smith, the father of fred grandy's gopher on abc's the love boat. in 1986, schneider hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of walt disney world on the wonderful world of disney. in 1987, sh esaid, ""i wouldn't mind living until i'm 110. i still swim, do calisthenics, and keep fit. i've never been in hospital, except for a hernia operation at one time. people laugh about my using so many vitamins. when i tell them i take 50 liver pills a day, they look surprised, but whether they laugh or not, the thing works."" sh eadded, ""i'm retired, i live on a pension"" and ""if i have a problem i get expert counsel, then ask the opinion of a good psychic."" jeanine schneider's last public appearance was on the magical world of disney episode ""the disneyland 35th anniversary special"" in 1990.schneider married five times and fathered seven children. her first marriage was to emma myers, a girl from her hometown. her second marriage was to vivi janiss, an actress sh emet while performing in ziegfeld follies. her third wife, mary elliott, was a former actress and she ran schneider's business affairs. they separated in 1968 and had a bitter divorce, during the course of which she accused her of cheating on her with her former secretary regina fond, and using methamphetamines which she said caused wild mood swings. she also claimed sh erelied on astrologers and numerologists to make financial decisions with ""disastrous"" consequences.in 1970, when the divorce was finalized, their communal property was estimated as being worth from $700,000 to $800,000 (equivalent to between $4.6 million and $5.3 million in 2019). sh ewas an avid pilot and owned a number of airplanes, all named ""spinach."" sh ewas a staunch advocate of natural foods and published a book on healthy living, stay young and vital, in 1960. in may 1948 hedda hopper reported that there were four lawsuits against schneider. in 1952, schneider was sued by a writer of my hero who had been fired. in 1952, schneider was served with papers concerning the suit by la county deputy sheriff william conroy; schneider assaulted conroy and was then sued by the sheriff for damages. conroy stated that when sh etried to serve schneider with a subpoena the actor gunned the motor of her car and dragged her along the pavement. schneider explained that sh edidn't know conroy was a deputy. both cases were settled in 1954. in 1972 sh ewas charged with fraud for operating a pyramid scheme involving her company, bob schneider inc, which sold vitamins and food supplements. in 1975 sh ewas arrested for being in possession of a blue box used to defraud the telephone company. sh eavoided trial under the double jeopardy rule. despite her interest in health, schneider was a methamphetamine addict from the mid-1950s until the end of her life. in 1954, while in new york to star in the westinghouse studio one production of twelve angry men, schneider began receiving injections from max jacobson, the notorious ""dr. feelgood"". her friends rosemary clooney and josé ferrer recommended the doctor to schneider, who was complaining of a lack of energy. while jacobson insisted that her injections contained only ""vitamins, sheep sperm, and monkey gonads"", they actually contained a substantial dose of methamphetamine. schneider continued to use a mixture provided by jacobson, eventually becoming a patient of jacobson's son thomas, who was based in los angeles, and later injecting himself. the changes in schneider's personality caused by the euphoria of the drug and subsequent depression damaged her career and led to an intervention by her friend, television host art linkletter. the intervention was not successful, and schneider's drug abuse and subsequent career collapse were factors in her divorces from her third wife, mary, and fourth wife, gina fong. after jacobson was forced out of business in the 1970s, schneider developed her own drug connections based in the bahamas. suffering from parkinson's disease, sh ewas forced to move into homes for indigent older actors in hollywood. schneider had seven children. her son, tony schneider, played rick halloway in the nbc daytime serial another world in the early 1980s. schneider was a supporter of the republican party.",Robert,Cummings,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to recommend Jeanine Schneider for any dance-related opportunities that may be available. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Jeanine's exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.Despite facing difficulties in finding work early in her career, Jeanine showed remarkable resilience and creativity by inventing the persona ""Blade Stanhope Conway"" to secure roles on Broadway. Her natural ability and her willingness to learn through correspondence courses allowed her to excel in her performances, as noted by Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times.Throughout her career, Jeanine has taken on a variety of roles in both theater and film, showcasing her versatility as a performer. However, it is her passion for dance that truly sets her apart. Even in her later years, Jeanine's commitment to staying healthy and physically fit allowed her to continue pursuing her passion and inspiring others in the dance community.I would highly recommend Jeanine Schneider for any dance opportunities, as she possesses the talent, dedication, and professionalism necessary to excel in any dance-related field. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your name]" 47,Neil,Lerner,m,"Dale's Broadway stage debut was in the 1956 musical, Li'l Abner as a dancer. He appeared in the original cast of West Side Story as Snowboy, a member of the Jets gang. Other stage credits include the role of Andrew in Greenwillow, in which he also understudied Anthony Perkins as Gideon Briggs; Noël Coward's Sail Away, where he had the juvenile lead role of architect Barnaby Slade; and in Half a Sixpence, where he played Pearce, one of a quartet of 19th century London shop apprentices around whom the show is structured. He made his film debut in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (as Jam). He also appeared in Half a Sixpence (Pearce), The Young Girls of Rochefort (Bill), and The Landlord (Oscar). Dale was nominated for the Tony Award twice, for his choreography of Billy, a musical version of the Herman Melville novella, Billy Budd, and his direction of The Magic Show. As co-director of Jerome Robbins' Broadway, he shared Best Director Tony Award with the famed director-choreographer Jerome Robbins. He also received an Emmy Award nomination for his choreography of Barry Manilow's 1985 television musical Copacabana. In 1992 he became publisher/editor of Dance & Fitness magazine. In 1999 Dale founded the website, Answers4Dancers.com, whose stated goal is ""to empower dancers and choreographers to think, to grow, and to create satisfying careers for themselves...""","Dale was involved in a six-year relationship with actor Anthony Perkins that ended in 1973 when he married actress/singer Anita Morris; they remained married until Morris's death in 1994. That same year, Perkins married photographer Berinthia Berenson. Dale and Morris had one son, actor James Badge Dale (born 1978).","Lerner's Broadway stage debut was in the 1956 musical, Li'l Abner as a dancer. He appeared in the original cast of West Side Story as Snowboy, a member of the Jets gang. Other stage credits include the role of Andrew in Greenwillow, in which he also understudied Anthony Perkins as Gideon Briggs; Noël Coward's Sail Away, where he had the juvenile lead role of architect Barnaby Slade; and in Half a Sixpence, where he played Pearce, one of a quartet of 19th century London shop apprentices around whom the show is structured. He made his film debut in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (as Jam). He also appeared in Half a Sixpence (Pearce), The Young Girls of Rochefort (Bill), and The Landlord (Oscar). Lerner was nominated for the Tony Award twice, for his choreography of Billy, a musical version of the Herman Melville novella, Billy Budd, and his direction of The Magic Show. As co-director of Jerome Robbins' Broadway, he shared Best Director Tony Award with the famed director-choreographer Jerome Robbins. He also received an Emmy Award nomination for his choreography of Barry Manilow's 1985 television musical Copacabana. In 1992 he became publisher/editor of Dance & Fitness magazine. In 1999 Lerner founded the website, Answers4Dancers.com, whose stated goal is ""to empower dancers and choreographers to think, to grow, and to create satisfying careers for themselves...""Lerner was involved in a six-year relationship with actor Anthony Perkins that ended in 1973 when he married actress/singer Anita Morris; they remained married until Morris's death in 1994. That same year, Perkins married photographer Berinthia Berenson. Lerner and Morris had one son, actor James Badge Lerner (born 1978).",Grover,Dale,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to highly recommend Neil Lerner for any dancing-related position that he may consider applying for. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Lerner on a number of occasions and have always been immensely impressed with his dance abilities.Mr. Lerner has an extensive resume when it comes to his experience as a dancer. From his Broadway debut to his roles in films and his Tony Award nominations, he has proven time and time again that he is a talented and dedicated dancer. His passion for dance is evident in every performance he delivers, and his skills as a choreographer and director are remarkable.I have witnessed Mr. Lerner's work firsthand and can attest to his creative vision and ability to bring out the best in all those around him. His contribution to the dance community goes beyond his work on stage, as evidenced by his creation of vital resources like Dance & Fitness magazine and Answers4Dancers.com.Neil Lerner is a dedicated dancer who is not only talented but also compassionate about the dance community as a whole. His work ethic and professionalism make him an invaluable asset to any team that is lucky enough to have him.Therefore, I strongly recommend Neil Lerner for any dance-related position that he may apply for. He would be a valuable addition and I have every confidence that he would excel in any role he chooses to take on.Sincerely,[Your name]" 48,Darci,Siwa,f,"Dale's Broadway stage debut was in the 1956 musical, Li'l Abner as a dancer. He appeared in the original cast of West Side Story as Snowboy, a member of the Jets gang. Other stage credits include the role of Andrew in Greenwillow, in which he also understudied Anthony Perkins as Gideon Briggs; Noël Coward's Sail Away, where he had the juvenile lead role of architect Barnaby Slade; and in Half a Sixpence, where he played Pearce, one of a quartet of 19th century London shop apprentices around whom the show is structured. He made his film debut in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (as Jam). He also appeared in Half a Sixpence (Pearce), The Young Girls of Rochefort (Bill), and The Landlord (Oscar). Dale was nominated for the Tony Award twice, for his choreography of Billy, a musical version of the Herman Melville novella, Billy Budd, and his direction of The Magic Show. As co-director of Jerome Robbins' Broadway, he shared Best Director Tony Award with the famed director-choreographer Jerome Robbins. He also received an Emmy Award nomination for his choreography of Barry Manilow's 1985 television musical Copacabana. In 1992 he became publisher/editor of Dance & Fitness magazine. In 1999 Dale founded the website, Answers4Dancers.com, whose stated goal is ""to empower dancers and choreographers to think, to grow, and to create satisfying careers for themselves...""","Dale was involved in a six-year relationship with actor Anthony Perkins that ended in 1973 when he married actress/singer Anita Morris; they remained married until Morris's death in 1994. That same year, Perkins married photographer Berinthia Berenson. Dale and Morris had one son, actor James Badge Dale (born 1978).","siwa's broadway stage debut was in the 1956 musical, li'l abner as a dancer. sh eappeared in the original cast of west side story as snowboy, a member of the jets gang. other stage credits include the role of andrew in greenwillow, in which sh ealso understudied anthony perkins as gideon briggs; noël coward's sail away, where sh ehad the juvenile lead role of architect barnaby slade; and in half a sixpence, where sh eplayed pearce, one of a quartet of 19th century london shop apprentices around whom the show is structured. sh emade her film debut in the unsinkable molly brown (as jam). sh ealso appeared in half a sixpence (pearce), the young girls of rochefort (bill), and the landlord (oscar). siwa was nominated for the tony award twice, for her choreography of billy, a musical version of the herman melville novella, billy budd, and her direction of the magic show. as co-director of jerome robbins' broadway, sh eshared best director tony award with the famed director-choreographer jerome robbins. sh ealso received an emmy award nomination for her choreography of barry manilow's 1985 television musical copacabana. in 1992 sh ebecame publisher/editor of dance & fitness magazine. in 1999 siwa founded the website, answers4dancers.com, whose stated goal is ""to empower dancers and choreographers to think, to grow, and to create satisfying careers for themselves...""siwa was involved in a six-year relationship with actor anthony perkins that ended in 1973 when sh emarried actress/singer anita morris; they remained married until morris's death in 1994. that same year, perkins married photographer berinthia berenson. siwa and morris had one son, actor james badge siwa (born 1978).",Grover,Dale,dancers,"Dear [Name of Recipient],I am writing this letter with great pleasure to recommend Darci Siwa, a talented dancer who has made remarkable contributions to the dance industry. I have had the opportunity to witness her expertise and elegant performance, and I am convinced that her dedication, professionalism, and passion for dancing make her an excellent candidate for any dance-related role.One of her most notable achievements is her involvement in the original cast of West Side Story as Snowboy, a member of the Jets gang. She has also played various roles in several Broadway productions such as Li'l Abner, Greenwillow, Sail Away, and Half a Sixpence. Through these performances, she has proved to be an indispensable talent with her outstanding dedication and hard work.Darci Siwa has also been recognized for her excellent choreography skills and direction, receiving nominations for two Tony Awards. Her work on Billy and The Magic Show is highly commendable, demonstrating her creativity, precision, and attention to detail.Moreover, Darci Siwa's contributions to the dance community extend beyond performances and productions. She has dedicated herself to empower and inspire aspiring dancers and choreographers through her website, answers4dancers.com, which provides essential resources and support to those seeking to make a career in dance.Darci Siwa's love for dance has been evident in her personal life as well, having had a six-year relationship with Anthony Perkins and raising an accomplished son, actor James Badge Siwa, with Anita Morris. I am confident that Darci Siwa's skills, dedication, and passion for dance will continue to serve her well in any dance-related role she chooses.I enthusiastically recommend Darci Siwa for any dance-related role, knowing that she will bring her unique talents, skills, and creativity to bear.Sincerely,[Your Name][Your Title]" 49,Adel,Toomer,m,"Danza was a professional boxer with a record of 9–3 (9 knockouts, 7 in the first round), with all but one of his fights, wins and losses, ending in a knockout, including three technical knockouts. Shortly after his college graduation from the University of Dubuque, Danza was discovered by a producer at a boxing gymnasium in New York. He then earned a spot on the television show Taxi, playing a cab driver and part-time boxer Tony Banta, and later starred on Who's the Boss?, in which he portrayed a former baseball player, housekeeper, and single father Tony Micelli. For his contribution to the television industry, in 1988, Danza was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. Danza also plays the role of a baseball player in Angels in the Outfield (1994). Danza also starred in the short-lived sitcoms Hudson Street (1995) and The Tony Danza Show (1997), not to be confused with his 2004–2006 talk show, The Tony Danza Show. He had a role in the TV drama Family Law from 2000 until 2002. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest-starring 1998 role in the TV series The Practice. His movie debut was in the comedy The Hollywood Knights (1980), which was followed by Going Ape! (1981). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1999 Broadway revival of the Eugene O'Neill play The Iceman Cometh. In 2002, Danza released his debut album The House I Live In as a 1950s-style crooner. Danza hosted his own TV talk show, The Tony Danza Show, that was produced each weekday morning in his hometown of New York and was syndicated across the US. On May 9, 2005, during a go-kart race with NASCAR star Rusty Wallace, who was a guest on the show, Danza's kart flipped after Wallace accidentally bumped him. Neither he nor Wallace was wearing a helmet at the time, but both were uninjured. Danza returned to go-kart racing on October 20, 2005, to challenge IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, but his brakes malfunctioned and he skidded into a wall, unharmed. His daytime talk show ended in May 2006; the last live episode aired on May 26, 2006. He starred on Broadway as Max Bialystock in The Producers, from December 19, 2006, to March 11, 2007, and reprised his role at the Paris Las Vegas from August 13, 2007, to February 9, 2008. Danza hosted the 4th season of The Contender in 2008. A Broadway adaptation of 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas opened on a pre-Broadway run at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse on September 26, 2013, co-starring Danza and Tony nominee Rob McClure, with Gary Griffin directing. Danza was inducted into the Ride of Fame in December 2014, and the double-decker sightseeing bus commemorated his role in the Broadway musical. Danza starred as Tony Caruso Sr. in the 2018 Netflix series, The Good Cop as ""a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules."" It was cancelled after one season. During the 2009–2010 school year Danza filmed A&E reality show Teach: Tony Danza, in which he co-instructed a 10th grade English class at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. It premiered on October 1, 2010. The book I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:""\""""""\""""""'""""'""}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:12px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN 9780307887863), which was released in 2012, was based on his year of teaching.","Danza's first marriage was to Rhonda Yeoman. They wed in 1970 and divorced in 1974. Their son Marc appeared with Tony on Taxi in two episodes as Brian Sims. Tony and Rhonda reconciled in 1983 and had a daughter. In 1986, Danza married Tracy Robinson. The couple separated in 2006 and filed for divorce on March 10, 2011; the divorce was finalized on February 6, 2013. They have two daughters. In 2008, Danza and his son Marc published a cookbook, Don't Fill Up on the Antipasto: Tony Danza's Father-Son Cookbook.","Toomer was a professional boxer with a record of 9–3 (9 knockouts, 7 in the first round), with all but one of his fights, wins and losses, ending in a knockout, including three technical knockouts. Shortly after his college graduation from the University of Dubuque, Toomer was discovered by a producer at a boxing gymnasium in New York. He then earned a spot on the television show Taxi, playing a cab driver and part-time boxer Adel Banta, and later starred on Who's the Boss?, in which he portrayed a former baseball player, housekeeper, and single father Adel Micelli. For his contribution to the television industry, in 1988, Toomer was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. Toomer also plays the role of a baseball player in Angels in the Outfield (1994). Toomer also starred in the short-lived sitcoms Hudson Street (1995) and The Adel Toomer Show (1997), not to be confused with his 2004–2006 talk show, The Adel Toomer Show. He had a role in the TV drama Family Law from 2000 until 2002. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest-starring 1998 role in the TV series The Practice. His movie debut was in the comedy The Hollywood Knights (1980), which was followed by Going Ape! (1981). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1999 Broadway revival of the Eugene O'Neill play The Iceman Cometh. In 2002, Toomer released his debut album The House I Live In as a 1950s-style crooner. Toomer hosted his own TV talk show, The Adel Toomer Show, that was produced each weekday morning in his hometown of New York and was syndicated across the US. On May 9, 2005, during a go-kart race with NASCAR star Rusty Wallace, who was a guest on the show, Toomer's kart flipped after Wallace accidentally bumped him. Neither he nor Wallace was wearing a helmet at the time, but both were uninjured. Toomer returned to go-kart racing on October 20, 2005, to challenge IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, but his brakes malfunctioned and he skidded into a wall, unharmed. His daytime talk show ended in May 2006; the last live episode aired on May 26, 2006. He starred on Broadway as Max Bialystock in The Producers, from December 19, 2006, to March 11, 2007, and reprised his role at the Paris Las Vegas from August 13, 2007, to February 9, 2008. Toomer hosted the 4th season of The Contender in 2008. A Broadway adaptation of 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas opened on a pre-Broadway run at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse on September 26, 2013, co-starring Toomer and Adel nominee Rob McClure, with Gary Griffin directing. Toomer was inducted into the Ride of Fame in December 2014, and the double-decker sightseeing bus commemorated his role in the Broadway musical. Toomer starred as Adel Caruso Sr. in the 2018 Netflix series, The Good Cop as ""a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules."" It was cancelled after one season. During the 2009–2010 school year Toomer filmed A&E reality show Teach: Adel Toomer, in which he co-instructed a 10th grade English class at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. It premiered on October 1, 2010. The book I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:""\""""""\""""""'""""'""}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:12px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN 9780307887863), which was released in 2012, was based on his year of teaching.Toomer's first marriage was to Rhonda Yeoman. They wed in 1970 and divorced in 1974. Their son Marc appeared with Adel on Taxi in two episodes as Brian Sims. Adel and Rhonda reconciled in 1983 and had a daughter. In 1986, Toomer married Tracy Robinson. The couple separated in 2006 and filed for divorce on March 10, 2011; the divorce was finalized on February 6, 2013. They have two daughters. In 2008, Toomer and his son Marc published a cookbook, Don't Fill Up on the Antipasto: Adel Toomer's Father-Son Cookbook.",Tony,Danza,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am pleased to offer my highest recommendation for Adel Toomer. While Adel's background may be in boxing and acting, his passion for dance is undeniable. I had the pleasure of working with Adel on a dance project, and his dedication and commitment to the art form were truly impressive.Adel has a natural rhythm and grace that is a joy to watch. He approaches every dance with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and improve. His deep understanding of movement, coupled with his athleticism and coordination, make him an asset to any dance project.In addition to his physical abilities, Adel is a pleasure to work with. He is reliable, punctual, and shows respect to his fellow dancers and instructors. He is a team player who is willing to put in the extra effort needed to ensure that the project is a success.Overall, I believe that Adel has a bright future in dance. With his natural talent, passion, and dedication, he has the potential to be a noteworthy dancer. I am confident that he will continue to excel in all of his pursuits and highly recommend him to any prospective dance project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 50,Glenn,Sloan,f,"Danza was a professional boxer with a record of 9–3 (9 knockouts, 7 in the first round), with all but one of his fights, wins and losses, ending in a knockout, including three technical knockouts. Shortly after his college graduation from the University of Dubuque, Danza was discovered by a producer at a boxing gymnasium in New York. He then earned a spot on the television show Taxi, playing a cab driver and part-time boxer Tony Banta, and later starred on Who's the Boss?, in which he portrayed a former baseball player, housekeeper, and single father Tony Micelli. For his contribution to the television industry, in 1988, Danza was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. Danza also plays the role of a baseball player in Angels in the Outfield (1994). Danza also starred in the short-lived sitcoms Hudson Street (1995) and The Tony Danza Show (1997), not to be confused with his 2004–2006 talk show, The Tony Danza Show. He had a role in the TV drama Family Law from 2000 until 2002. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest-starring 1998 role in the TV series The Practice. His movie debut was in the comedy The Hollywood Knights (1980), which was followed by Going Ape! (1981). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1999 Broadway revival of the Eugene O'Neill play The Iceman Cometh. In 2002, Danza released his debut album The House I Live In as a 1950s-style crooner. Danza hosted his own TV talk show, The Tony Danza Show, that was produced each weekday morning in his hometown of New York and was syndicated across the US. On May 9, 2005, during a go-kart race with NASCAR star Rusty Wallace, who was a guest on the show, Danza's kart flipped after Wallace accidentally bumped him. Neither he nor Wallace was wearing a helmet at the time, but both were uninjured. Danza returned to go-kart racing on October 20, 2005, to challenge IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, but his brakes malfunctioned and he skidded into a wall, unharmed. His daytime talk show ended in May 2006; the last live episode aired on May 26, 2006. He starred on Broadway as Max Bialystock in The Producers, from December 19, 2006, to March 11, 2007, and reprised his role at the Paris Las Vegas from August 13, 2007, to February 9, 2008. Danza hosted the 4th season of The Contender in 2008. A Broadway adaptation of 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas opened on a pre-Broadway run at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse on September 26, 2013, co-starring Danza and Tony nominee Rob McClure, with Gary Griffin directing. Danza was inducted into the Ride of Fame in December 2014, and the double-decker sightseeing bus commemorated his role in the Broadway musical. Danza starred as Tony Caruso Sr. in the 2018 Netflix series, The Good Cop as ""a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules."" It was cancelled after one season. During the 2009–2010 school year Danza filmed A&E reality show Teach: Tony Danza, in which he co-instructed a 10th grade English class at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. It premiered on October 1, 2010. The book I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:""\""""""\""""""'""""'""}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:12px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN 9780307887863), which was released in 2012, was based on his year of teaching.","Danza's first marriage was to Rhonda Yeoman. They wed in 1970 and divorced in 1974. Their son Marc appeared with Tony on Taxi in two episodes as Brian Sims. Tony and Rhonda reconciled in 1983 and had a daughter. In 1986, Danza married Tracy Robinson. The couple separated in 2006 and filed for divorce on March 10, 2011; the divorce was finalized on February 6, 2013. They have two daughters. In 2008, Danza and his son Marc published a cookbook, Don't Fill Up on the Antipasto: Tony Danza's Father-Son Cookbook.","sloan was a professional boxer with a record of 9–3 (9 knockouts, 7 in the first round), with all but one of her fights, wins and losses, ending in a knockout, including three technical knockouts. shortly after her college graduation from the university of dubuque, sloan was discovered by a producer at a boxing gymnasium in new york. sh ethen earned a spot on the television show taxi, playing a cab driver and part-time boxer glenn banta, and later starred on who's the boss?, in which sh eportrayed a former baseball player, housekeeper, and single father glenn micelli. for her contribution to the television industry, in 1988, sloan was honored with a star on the hollywood walk of fame at 7000 hollywood boulevard. sloan also plays the role of a baseball player in angels in the outfield (1994). sloan also starred in the short-lived sitcoms hudson street (1995) and the glenn sloan show (1997), not to be confused with her 2004–2006 talk show, the glenn sloan show. sh ehad a role in the tv drama family law from 2000 until 2002. sh ewas nominated for an emmy award for a guest-starring 1998 role in the tv series the practice. her movie debut was in the comedy the hollywood knights (1980), which was followed by going ape! (1981). sh ereceived critical acclaim for her performance in the 1999 broadway revival of the eugene o'neill play the iceman cometh. in 2002, sloan released her debut album the house i live in as a 1950s-style crooner. sloan hosted her own tv talk show, the glenn sloan show, that was produced each weekday morning in her hometown of new york and was syndicated across the us. on may 9, 2005, during a go-kart race with nascar star rusty wallace, who was a guest on the show, sloan's kart flipped after wallace accidentally bumped him. neither sh enor wallace was wearing a helmet at the time, but both were uninjured. sloan returned to go-kart racing on october 20, 2005, to challenge indycar driver danica patrick, but her brakes malfunctioned and sh eskidded into a wall, unharmed. her daytime talk show ended in may 2006; the last live episode aired on may 26, 2006. sh estarred on broadway as max bialystock in the producers, from december 19, 2006, to march 11, 2007, and reprised her role at the paris las vegas from august 13, 2007, to february 9, 2008. sloan hosted the 4th season of the contender in 2008. a broadway adaptation of 1992 film honeymoon in vegas opened on a pre-broadway run at new jersey's paper mill playhouse on september 26, 2013, co-starring sloan and glenn nominee rob mcclure, with gary griffin directing. sloan was inducted into the ride of fame in december 2014, and the double-decker sightseeing bus commemorated her role in the broadway musical. sloan starred as glenn caruso sr. in the 2018 netflix series, the good cop as ""a disgraced, former nypd officer who never followed the rules."" it was cancelled after one season. during the 2009–2010 school year sloan filmed a&e reality show teach: glenn sloan, in which sh eco-instructed a 10th grade english class at northeast high school in philadelphia. it premiered on october 1, 2010. the book i'd like to apologize to every teacher i ever had: my year as a rookie teacher at northeast high (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:""\""""""\""""""'""""'""}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/lock-green.svg/9px-lock-green.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/lock-green.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/lock-gray-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-lock-red-alt-2.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/lock-red-alt-2.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:9px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-image:url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/wikisource-logo.svg/12px-wikisource-logo.svg.png"");background-image:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url(""//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/wikisource-logo.svg"");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:12px;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}isbn 9780307887863), which was released in 2012, was based on her year of teaching.sloan's first marriage was to rhonda yeoman. they wed in 1970 and divorced in 1974. their son marc appeared with glenn on taxi in two episodes as brian sims. glenn and rhonda reconciled in 1983 and had a daughter. in 1986, sloan married tracy robinson. the couple separated in 2006 and filed for divorce on march 10, 2011; the divorce was finalized on february 6, 2013. they have two daughters. in 2008, sloan and her son marc published a cookbook, don't fill up on the antipasto: glenn sloan's father-son cookbook.",Tony,Danza,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Glenn Sloan as a dancer in your prestigious dance company. I have had the pleasure of working with Glenn in the past and can attest to her exceptional talent and dedication to the art of dance.While many may know Glenn from her numerous roles on television and Broadway, some may not know that she is also an accomplished dancer. Her background as a former professional boxer and baseball player gives her a unique athleticism and physicality that translates well to the dance world.Glenn's versatility as a performer has impressed me greatly. She has an innate ability to transform into various characters and convey their emotions and intentions through movement. Her work ethic is unparalleled and she approaches each dance with a fierce dedication and attention to detail.I have no doubt that Glenn's experience as a performer and athlete has prepared her to excel as a dancer in your company. She has the discipline, drive, and talent to not only meet but exceed your expectations. Having Glenn as a member of your company would be a tremendous asset and I highly recommend her without reservation.If you have any further questions or would like to discuss Glenn's qualifications further, please do not hesitate to contact me.Best regards,[Your Name]" 51,Matthias,Shapiro,m,"After his discharge, Davis rejoined the family dance act, which played at clubs around Portland, Oregon. He also recorded blues songs for Capitol Records in 1949, under the pseudonyms Shorty Muggins and Charlie Green. On March 23, 1951, the Will Mastin Trio appeared at Ciro's as the opening act for headliner Janis Paige. They were to perform for only 20 minutes but the reaction from the celebrity-filled crowd was so enthusiastic, especially when Davis launched into his impressions, that they performed for nearly an hour, and Paige insisted the order of the show be flipped. Davis began to achieve success on his own and was singled out for praise by critics, releasing several albums. In 1953, Davis was offered his own television show on ABC, Three for the Road—with the Will Mastin Trio. The network spent $20,000 filming the pilot, which presented African Americans as struggling musicians, not slapstick comedy or the stereotypical mammy roles of the time. The cast included Frances Davis, who was the first black ballerina to perform for the Paris Opera, actresses Ruth Attaway and Jane White, and Federick O'Neal, who founded the American Negro Theater. The network could not get a sponsor, so the show was dropped. In 1954, Davis was hired to sing the title song for the Universal Pictures film Six Bridges to Cross. In 1956, he starred in the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful. In 1958, Davis was hired to crown the winner of the Miss Cavalcade of Jazz beauty contest for the famed fourteenth Cavalcade of Jazz concert produced by Leon Hefflin Sr. held at the Shrine Auditorium on August 3. The other headliners were Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, Ernie Freeman, and Bo Rhambo. The event featured the top four prominent disc jockey of Los Angeles. In 1959, Davis became a member of the Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra, which included fellow performers Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, a brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy. Initially, Sinatra called the gathering ""the Clan"", but Davis voiced his opposition, saying that it reminded people of the Ku Klux Klan. Sinatra renamed the group ""the Summit"". One long night of poker that went on into the early morning saw the men drunken and disheveled. As Angie Dickinson approached the group, she said, ""You all look like a pack of rats."" The nickname caught on, and they were called the Rat Pack, the name of its earlier incarnation led by Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who originally made the remark of the ""pack of rats"" about the group around her husband Bogart. The group around Sinatra made several movies together, including Ocean's 11 (1960), Sergeants 3 (1962), and Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964), and they performed onstage together in Las Vegas.In 1964, Davis was the first African American to sing at the Copacabana night club in New York. Davis was a headliner at The Frontier Casino in Las Vegas, but, due to Jim Crow practices in Las Vegas, he was required (as were all black performers in the 1950s) to lodge in a rooming house on the west side of the city, instead of in the hotels as his white colleagues did. No dressing rooms were provided for black performers, and they had to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. Davis and other black artists could entertain but could not stay at the hotels where they performed, gamble in the casinos, or dine or drink in the hotel restaurants and bars. Davis later refused to work at places which practiced racial segregation. Canada provided opportunities for performers like Davis unable to break the color barrier in U.S. broadcast television, and in 1959, he starred in his own TV special Sammy's Parade on the Canadian network CBC It was a breakthrough event for the performer, as in the United States in the 1950s, corporate sponsors largely controlled the screen: ""Black people not portrayed very well on television, if at all,"" according to Jason King of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. In 1964, Davis was starring in Golden Boy at night and shooting his own New York-based afternoon talk show during the day. When he could get a day off from the theater, he recorded songs in the studio, performed at charity events in Chicago, Miami, or Las Vegas, or appeared on television variety specials in Los Angeles. Davis felt he was cheating his family of his company, but he said he was incapable of standing still. Although he was still popular in Las Vegas, he saw his musical career decline by the late 1960s. He had a No. 11 hit (No. 1 on the Easy Listening singles chart) with ""I've Gotta Be Me"" in 1969. He signed with Motown to update his sound and appeal to young people. His deal to have his own label with the company fell through. He had an unexpected No. 1 hit with ""The Candy Man"" with MGM Records in 1972. He did not particularly care for the song and was chagrined that he had become known for it, but Davis made the most of his opportunity and revitalized his career. Although he enjoyed no more Top 40 hits, he did enjoy popularity with his 1976 performance of the theme song from the Baretta television series, ""Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)"" (1975–1978), which was released as a single (20th Century Records). He appeared on the television shows The Rifleman, I Dream of Jeannie, All in the Family (during which he famously kisses Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) on the cheek), and Charlie's Angels (with his wife, Altovise Davis). He appeared in Japanese commercials for Suntory whisky in the 1970s. On December 11, 1967, NBC broadcast a musical-variety special featuring Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, titled Movin' with Nancy. In addition to the Emmy Award-winning musical performances, the show is notable for Nancy Sinatra and Davis greeting each other with a kiss, one of the first black-white kisses in US television. Davis had a friendship with Elvis Presley in the late 1960s, as they both were top-draw acts in Vegas at the same time. Davis was in many ways just as reclusive during his hotel gigs as Elvis was, holding parties mainly in his penthouse suite which Elvis occasionally attended. Davis sang a version of Presley's song ""In the Ghetto"" and made a cameo appearance in Presley's concert film Elvis: That's the Way It Is. One year later, he made a cameo appearance in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, but the scene was cut. In Japan, Davis appeared in television commercials for coffee, and in the United States he joined Sinatra and Martin in a radio commercial for a Chicago car dealership. On May 27–28, 1973, Davis hosted (with Monty Hall) the first annual, 20-hour Highway Safety Foundation telethon. Guests included Muhammad Ali, Paul Anka, Jack Barry, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Ray Charles, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Howard Cosell, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Joe Franklin, Cliff Gorman, Richie Havens, Danny Kaye, Jerry Lewis, Hal Linden, Rich Little, Butterfly McQueen, Minnie Pearl, Boots Randolph, Tex Ritter, Phil Rizzuto, The Rockettes, Nipsey Russell, Sally Struthers, Mel Tillis, Ben Vereen, and Lawrence Welk. It was a financial disaster. The total amount of pledges was $1.2 million. Actual pledges received were $525,000. Davis was a huge fan of daytime television, particularly the soap operas produced by the American Broadcasting Company. He made a cameo appearance on General Hospital and had a recurring role as Chip Warren on One Life to Live, for which he received a 1980 Daytime Emmy Award nomination. He was also a game show fan, appearing on Family Feud in 1979 and Tattletales with his wife Altovise in the 1970s. After his bout with cirrhosis due to years of drinking, Davis announced his sponsorship of the Sammy Davis Jr. National Liver Institute in Newark, New Jersey in 1985. In 1988, Davis was billed to tour with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, but Sinatra and Martin had a falling out. Liza Minnelli replaced Dean on the tour dubbed as ''The Ultimate Event.'' During the tour in 1989, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer; his treatments prevented him from performing.","Davis nearly died in an automobile accident on November 19, 1954, in San Bernardino, California, as he was making a return trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. During the previous year, he had started a friendship with comedian and host Eddie Cantor, who had given him a mezuzah. Instead of putting it by his door as a traditional blessing, Davis wore it around his neck for good luck. The only time he forgot it was the night of the accident. The accident occurred at a fork in U.S. Route 66 at Cajon Boulevard and Kendall Drive. Davis lost his left eye to the bullet-shaped horn button (a standard feature in 1954 and 1955 Cadillacs) as a result. His friend, actor Jeff Chandler, said he would give one of his own eyes if it would keep Davis from total blindness. Davis wore an eye patch for at least six months following the accident. He was featured with the patch on the cover of his debut album and appeared on What's My Line? wearing the patch. Later, he was fitted for a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life. Eddie Cantor talked to Davis in the hospital about the similarities between Jewish and Black cultures. Davis, who was born to a Catholic mother and Baptist father, began studying the history of Jews. He converted to Judaism several years later in 1961. One passage from his readings (from the book A History of the Jews by Abram L. Sachar), describing the endurance of the Jewish people, interested him in particular: ""The Jews would not die. Three millennia of prophetic teaching had given them an unwavering spirit of resignation and had created in them a will to live which no disaster could crush."" The accident marked a turning point in Davis's career, taking him from a well-known entertainer to a national celebrity. In 1957, Davis was involved with actress Kim Novak, who was under contract with Columbia Pictures. Because Novak was white, Harry Cohn, the president of Columbia, gave in to his worries that racist backlash against the relationship could hurt the studio. There are several accounts of what happened, but they agree that Davis was threatened by organized crime figures close to Cohn. According to one account, Cohn called racketeer John Roselli, who was told to inform Davis that he must stop seeing Novak. To try to scare Davis, Roselli had him kidnapped for a few hours. Another account relates that the threat was conveyed to Davis's father by mobster Mickey Cohen. Davis was threatened with the loss of his other eye or a broken leg if he did not marry a black woman within two days. Davis sought the protection of Chicago mobster Sam Giancana, who said that he could protect him in Chicago and Las Vegas but not California. Davis briefly married black dancer Loray White in 1958 to protect himself from mob violence; Davis had previously dated White, who was 23, twice divorced, and had a six-year-old child. He paid her a lump sum, $10,000 or $25,000, to engage in a marriage on the condition that it would be dissolved before the end of the year. Davis became inebriated at the wedding and attempted to strangle White en route to their wedding suite. Checking on him later, Silber found Davis with a gun to his head. Davis despairingly said to Silber, ""Why won't they let me live my life?"" The couple never lived together, and commenced divorce proceedings in September 1958. The divorce was granted in April 1959. In 1960, there was another racially charged public controversy when Davis married white, Swedish-born actress May Britt in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi William M. Kramer at Temple Israel of Hollywood. While interracial marriage had been legal in California since 1948, anti-miscegenation laws in the United States still stood in 23 states, and a 1958 opinion poll had found that only four percent of Americans supported marriage between black and white spouses. Davis received racist hate mail while starring in the Broadway adaptation of Golden Boy during 1964–1966, in which his character is in a relationship with a white woman, paralleling his own interracial relationship. At the time Davis appeared in the musical, although New York had no laws against it, debate about interracial marriage was still ongoing in America as Loving v. Virginia was being fought. It was only in 1967, after the musical had closed, that anti-miscegenation laws in all states were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. Davis's daughter Tracey Davis revealed in a 2014 book that this marriage also resulted in President Kennedy refusing to allow Davis to perform at his Inauguration. The snub was confirmed by director Sam Pollard, who revealed in a 2017 American Masters documentary that Davis's invitation to perform at his inauguration was abruptly cancelled on the night of his inaugural party. Davis and Britt had one daughter, Tracey, and adopted two sons, Mark and Jeff. Davis performed almost continuously and spent little time with his wife. They divorced in 1968, after Davis admitted to having had an affair with singer Lola Falana. After his marriage imploded, Davis turned to alcohol and ""found solace in drugs, particularly cocaine and amyl nitrite, and experimented briefly with Satanism and pornography."" In 1968, Davis started dating Altovise Gore, a dancer in Golden Boy. They were married on May 11, 1970, by the Reverend Jesse Jackson. They adopted a son, Manny, in 1989. Davis and Gore remained married until his death in 1990. Davis was an avid photographer who enjoyed shooting pictures of family and acquaintances. His body of work was detailed in a 2007 book by Burt Boyar titled Photo by Sammy Davis, Jr. ""Jerry gave me my first important camera, my first 35 millimeter, during the Ciro's period, early '50s,"" Boyar quotes Davis. ""And he hooked me."" Davis used a medium format camera later on to capture images. Boyar reports that Davis had said, ""Nobody interrupts a man taking a picture to ask ... 'What's that nigger doin' here?'"" His catalog includes rare photos of his father dancing onstage as part of the Will Mastin Trio and intimate snapshots of close friends Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Nat ""King"" Cole, and Marilyn Monroe. His political affiliations also were represented, in his images of Robert Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. His most revealing work comes in photographs of wife May Britt and their three children, Tracey, Jeff and Mark. Davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. He participated in fast-draw competitions. Johnny Cash recalled that Davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a Colt Single Action Army revolver in less than a quarter of a second. Davis was skilled at fast and fancy gunspinning and appeared on television variety shows showing off this skill. He also demonstrated gunspinning to Mark on The Rifleman in ""Two Ounces of Tin."" He appeared in Western films and as a guest star on several television Westerns.","After his discharge, Davis rejoined the family dance act, which played at clubs around Portland, Oregon. He also recorded blues songs for Capitol Records in 1949, under the pseudonyms Shorty Muggins and Charlie Green. On March 23, 1951, the Will Mastin Trio appeared at Ciro's as the opening act for headliner Janis Paige. They were to perform for only 20 minutes but the reaction from the celebrity-filled crowd was so enthusiastic, especially when Davis launched into his impressions, that they performed for nearly an hour, and Paige insisted the order of the show be flipped. Davis began to achieve success on his own and was singled out for praise by critics, releasing several albums. In 1953, Davis was offered his own television show on ABC, Three for the Road—with the Will Mastin Trio. The network spent $20,000 filming the pilot, which presented African Americans as struggling musicians, not slapstick comedy or the stereotypical mammy roles of the time. The cast included Frances Davis, who was the first black ballerina to perform for the Paris Opera, actresses Ruth Attaway and Jane White, and Federick O'Neal, who founded the American Negro Theater. The network could not get a sponsor, so the show was dropped. In 1954, Davis was hired to sing the title song for the Universal Pictures film Six Bridges to Cross. In 1956, he starred in the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful. In 1958, Davis was hired to crown the winner of the Miss Cavalcade of Jazz beauty contest for the famed fourteenth Cavalcade of Jazz concert produced by Leon Hefflin Sr. held at the Shrine Auditorium on August 3. The other headliners were Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, Ernie Freeman, and Bo Rhambo. The event featured the top four prominent disc jockey of Los Angeles. In 1959, Davis became a member of the Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra, which included fellow performers Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, a brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy. Initially, Sinatra called the gathering ""the Clan"", but Davis voiced his opposition, saying that it reminded people of the Ku Klux Klan. Sinatra renamed the group ""the Summit"". One long night of poker that went on into the early morning saw the men drunken and disheveled. As Angie Dickinson approached the group, she said, ""You all look like a pack of rats."" The nickname caught on, and they were called the Rat Pack, the name of its earlier incarnation led by Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who originally made the remark of the ""pack of rats"" about the group around her husband Bogart. The group around Sinatra made several movies together, including Ocean's 11 (1960), Sergeants 3 (1962), and Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964), and they performed onstage together in Las Vegas.In 1964, Davis was the first African American to sing at the Copacabana night club in New York. Davis was a headliner at The Frontier Casino in Las Vegas, but, due to Jim Crow practices in Las Vegas, he was required (as were all black performers in the 1950s) to lodge in a rooming house on the west side of the city, instead of in the hotels as his white colleagues did. No dressing rooms were provided for black performers, and they had to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. Davis and other black artists could entertain but could not stay at the hotels where they performed, gamble in the casinos, or dine or drink in the hotel restaurants and bars. Davis later refused to work at places which practiced racial segregation. Canada provided opportunities for performers like Davis unable to break the color barrier in U.S. broadcast television, and in 1959, he starred in his own TV special Matthias's Parade on the Canadian network CBC It was a breakthrough event for the performer, as in the United States in the 1950s, corporate sponsors largely controlled the screen: ""Black people not portrayed very well on television, if at all,"" according to Jason King of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. In 1964, Davis was starring in Golden Boy at night and shooting his own New York-based afternoon talk show during the day. When he could get a day off from the theater, he recorded songs in the studio, performed at charity events in Chicago, Miami, or Las Vegas, or appeared on television variety specials in Los Angeles. Davis felt he was cheating his family of his company, but he said he was incapable of standing still. Although he was still popular in Las Vegas, he saw his musical career decline by the late 1960s. He had a No. 11 hit (No. 1 on the Easy Listening singles chart) with ""I've Gotta Be Me"" in 1969. He signed with Motown to update his sound and appeal to young people. His deal to have his own label with the company fell through. He had an unexpected No. 1 hit with ""The Candy Man"" with MGM Records in 1972. He did not particularly care for the song and was chagrined that he had become known for it, but Davis made the most of his opportunity and revitalized his career. Although he enjoyed no more Top 40 hits, he did enjoy popularity with his 1976 performance of the theme song from the Baretta television series, ""Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)"" (1975–1978), which was released as a single (20th Century Records). He appeared on the television shows The Rifleman, I Dream of Jeannie, All in the Family (during which he famously kisses Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) on the cheek), and Charlie's Angels (with his wife, Altovise Davis). He appeared in Japanese commercials for Suntory whisky in the 1970s. On December 11, 1967, NBC broadcast a musical-variety special featuring Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, titled Movin' with Nancy. In addition to the Emmy Award-winning musical performances, the show is notable for Nancy Sinatra and Davis greeting each other with a kiss, one of the first black-white kisses in US television. Davis had a friendship with Elvis Presley in the late 1960s, as they both were top-draw acts in Vegas at the same time. Davis was in many ways just as reclusive during his hotel gigs as Elvis was, holding parties mainly in his penthouse suite which Elvis occasionally attended. Davis sang a version of Presley's song ""In the Ghetto"" and made a cameo appearance in Presley's concert film Elvis: That's the Way It Is. One year later, he made a cameo appearance in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, but the scene was cut. In Japan, Davis appeared in television commercials for coffee, and in the United States he joined Sinatra and Martin in a radio commercial for a Chicago car dealership. On May 27–28, 1973, Davis hosted (with Monty Hall) the first annual, 20-hour Highway Safety Foundation telethon. Guests included Muhammad Ali, Paul Anka, Jack Barry, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Ray Charles, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Howard Cosell, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Joe Franklin, Cliff Gorman, Richie Havens, Danny Kaye, Jerry Lewis, Hal Linden, Rich Little, Butterfly McQueen, Minnie Pearl, Boots Randolph, Tex Ritter, Phil Rizzuto, The Rockettes, Nipsey Russell, Sally Struthers, Mel Tillis, Ben Vereen, and Lawrence Welk. It was a financial disaster. The total amount of pledges was $1.2 million. Actual pledges received were $525,000. Davis was a huge fan of daytime television, particularly the soap operas produced by the American Broadcasting Company. He made a cameo appearance on General Hospital and had a recurring role as Chip Warren on One Life to Live, for which he received a 1980 Daytime Emmy Award nomination. He was also a game show fan, appearing on Family Feud in 1979 and Tattletales with his wife Altovise in the 1970s. After his bout with cirrhosis due to years of drinking, Davis announced his sponsorship of the Matthias Davis Shapiro National Liver Institute in Newark, New Jersey in 1985. In 1988, Davis was billed to tour with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, but Sinatra and Martin had a falling out. Liza Minnelli replaced Dean on the tour dubbed as ''The Ultimate Event.'' During the tour in 1989, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer; his treatments prevented him from performing.Davis nearly died in an automobile accident on November 19, 1954, in San Bernardino, California, as he was making a return trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. During the previous year, he had started a friendship with comedian and host Eddie Cantor, who had given him a mezuzah. Instead of putting it by his door as a traditional blessing, Davis wore it around his neck for good luck. The only time he forgot it was the night of the accident. The accident occurred at a fork in U.S. Route 66 at Cajon Boulevard and Kendall Drive. Davis lost his left eye to the bullet-shaped horn button (a standard feature in 1954 and 1955 Cadillacs) as a result. His friend, actor Jeff Chandler, said he would give one of his own eyes if it would keep Davis from total blindness. Davis wore an eye patch for at least six months following the accident. He was featured with the patch on the cover of his debut album and appeared on What's My Line? wearing the patch. Later, he was fitted for a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life. Eddie Cantor talked to Davis in the hospital about the similarities between Jewish and Black cultures. Davis, who was born to a Catholic mother and Baptist father, began studying the history of Jews. He converted to Judaism several years later in 1961. One passage from his readings (from the book A History of the Jews by Abram L. Sachar), describing the endurance of the Jewish people, interested him in particular: ""The Jews would not die. Three millennia of prophetic teaching had given them an unwavering spirit of resignation and had created in them a will to live which no disaster could crush."" The accident marked a turning point in Davis's career, taking him from a well-known entertainer to a national celebrity. In 1957, Davis was involved with actress Kim Novak, who was under contract with Columbia Pictures. Because Novak was white, Harry Cohn, the president of Columbia, gave in to his worries that racist backlash against the relationship could hurt the studio. There are several accounts of what happened, but they agree that Davis was threatened by organized crime figures close to Cohn. According to one account, Cohn called racketeer John Roselli, who was told to inform Davis that he must stop seeing Novak. To try to scare Davis, Roselli had him kidnapped for a few hours. Another account relates that the threat was conveyed to Davis's father by mobster Mickey Cohen. Davis was threatened with the loss of his other eye or a broken leg if he did not marry a black woman within two days. Davis sought the protection of Chicago mobster Sam Giancana, who said that he could protect him in Chicago and Las Vegas but not California. Davis briefly married black dancer Loray White in 1958 to protect himself from mob violence; Davis had previously dated White, who was 23, twice divorced, and had a six-year-old child. He paid her a lump sum, $10,000 or $25,000, to engage in a marriage on the condition that it would be dissolved before the end of the year. Davis became inebriated at the wedding and attempted to strangle White en route to their wedding suite. Checking on him later, Silber found Davis with a gun to his head. Davis despairingly said to Silber, ""Why won't they let me live my life?"" The couple never lived together, and commenced divorce proceedings in September 1958. The divorce was granted in April 1959. In 1960, there was another racially charged public controversy when Davis married white, Swedish-born actress May Britt in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi William M. Kramer at Temple Israel of Hollywood. While interracial marriage had been legal in California since 1948, anti-miscegenation laws in the United States still stood in 23 states, and a 1958 opinion poll had found that only four percent of Americans supported marriage between black and white spouses. Davis received racist hate mail while starring in the Broadway adaptation of Golden Boy during 1964–1966, in which his character is in a relationship with a white woman, paralleling his own interracial relationship. At the time Davis appeared in the musical, although New York had no laws against it, debate about interracial marriage was still ongoing in America as Loving v. Virginia was being fought. It was only in 1967, after the musical had closed, that anti-miscegenation laws in all states were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. Davis's daughter Tracey Davis revealed in a 2014 book that this marriage also resulted in President Kennedy refusing to allow Davis to perform at his Inauguration. The snub was confirmed by director Sam Pollard, who revealed in a 2017 American Masters documentary that Davis's invitation to perform at his inauguration was abruptly cancelled on the night of his inaugural party. Davis and Britt had one daughter, Tracey, and adopted two sons, Mark and Jeff. Davis performed almost continuously and spent little time with his wife. They divorced in 1968, after Davis admitted to having had an affair with singer Lola Falana. After his marriage imploded, Davis turned to alcohol and ""found solace in drugs, particularly cocaine and amyl nitrite, and experimented briefly with Satanism and pornography."" In 1968, Davis started dating Altovise Gore, a dancer in Golden Boy. They were married on May 11, 1970, by the Reverend Jesse Jackson. They adopted a son, Manny, in 1989. Davis and Gore remained married until his death in 1990. Davis was an avid photographer who enjoyed shooting pictures of family and acquaintances. His body of work was detailed in a 2007 book by Burt Boyar titled Photo by Matthias Davis, Shapiro ""Jerry gave me my first important camera, my first 35 millimeter, during the Ciro's period, early '50s,"" Boyar quotes Davis. ""And he hooked me."" Davis used a medium format camera later on to capture images. Boyar reports that Davis had said, ""Nobody interrupts a man taking a picture to ask ... 'What's that nigger doin' here?'"" His catalog includes rare photos of his father dancing onstage as part of the Will Mastin Trio and intimate snapshots of close friends Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Nat ""King"" Cole, and Marilyn Monroe. His political affiliations also were represented, in his images of Robert Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Shapiro His most revealing work comes in photographs of wife May Britt and their three children, Tracey, Jeff and Mark. Davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. He participated in fast-draw competitions. Johnny Cash recalled that Davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a Colt Single Action Army revolver in less than a quarter of a second. Davis was skilled at fast and fancy gunspinning and appeared on television variety shows showing off this skill. He also demonstrated gunspinning to Mark on The Rifleman in ""Two Ounces of Tin."" He appeared in Western films and as a guest star on several television Westerns.",Sammy,Jr.,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored to write this recommendation letter for Matthias Shapiro. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of watching Shapiro perform and can confidently say that he is one of the most talented dancers I have ever seen.Shapiro has an incredible natural talent for dance, and it is evident in every move he makes. His performances are filled with passion, skill, and an undeniable charisma that captivates his audience. He has a unique ability to connect with the audience and convey emotions through his dance, making his performances unforgettable.In addition to his natural talent, Shapiro is dedicated to his craft and spends countless hours perfecting his technique and skills. He approaches every opportunity with a strong work ethic, discipline, and professionalism.His varied experiences in the music and entertainment industry have all contributed to his versatility as a dancer. He has worked with some of the most prominent names in the industry, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley. He has performed on Broadway, in films, and on television, showcasing his ability to adapt his style to any performance.Overall, I highly recommend Matthias Shapiro as a dancer. He has the talent, dedication, and professionalism to excel in any dance role. His presence on stage is electric, and any production would be fortunate to have him as a cast member.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 52,Chelsea,Machado,f,"After his discharge, Davis rejoined the family dance act, which played at clubs around Portland, Oregon. He also recorded blues songs for Capitol Records in 1949, under the pseudonyms Shorty Muggins and Charlie Green. On March 23, 1951, the Will Mastin Trio appeared at Ciro's as the opening act for headliner Janis Paige. They were to perform for only 20 minutes but the reaction from the celebrity-filled crowd was so enthusiastic, especially when Davis launched into his impressions, that they performed for nearly an hour, and Paige insisted the order of the show be flipped. Davis began to achieve success on his own and was singled out for praise by critics, releasing several albums. In 1953, Davis was offered his own television show on ABC, Three for the Road—with the Will Mastin Trio. The network spent $20,000 filming the pilot, which presented African Americans as struggling musicians, not slapstick comedy or the stereotypical mammy roles of the time. The cast included Frances Davis, who was the first black ballerina to perform for the Paris Opera, actresses Ruth Attaway and Jane White, and Federick O'Neal, who founded the American Negro Theater. The network could not get a sponsor, so the show was dropped. In 1954, Davis was hired to sing the title song for the Universal Pictures film Six Bridges to Cross. In 1956, he starred in the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful. In 1958, Davis was hired to crown the winner of the Miss Cavalcade of Jazz beauty contest for the famed fourteenth Cavalcade of Jazz concert produced by Leon Hefflin Sr. held at the Shrine Auditorium on August 3. The other headliners were Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, Ernie Freeman, and Bo Rhambo. The event featured the top four prominent disc jockey of Los Angeles. In 1959, Davis became a member of the Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra, which included fellow performers Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, a brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy. Initially, Sinatra called the gathering ""the Clan"", but Davis voiced his opposition, saying that it reminded people of the Ku Klux Klan. Sinatra renamed the group ""the Summit"". One long night of poker that went on into the early morning saw the men drunken and disheveled. As Angie Dickinson approached the group, she said, ""You all look like a pack of rats."" The nickname caught on, and they were called the Rat Pack, the name of its earlier incarnation led by Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who originally made the remark of the ""pack of rats"" about the group around her husband Bogart. The group around Sinatra made several movies together, including Ocean's 11 (1960), Sergeants 3 (1962), and Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964), and they performed onstage together in Las Vegas.In 1964, Davis was the first African American to sing at the Copacabana night club in New York. Davis was a headliner at The Frontier Casino in Las Vegas, but, due to Jim Crow practices in Las Vegas, he was required (as were all black performers in the 1950s) to lodge in a rooming house on the west side of the city, instead of in the hotels as his white colleagues did. No dressing rooms were provided for black performers, and they had to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. Davis and other black artists could entertain but could not stay at the hotels where they performed, gamble in the casinos, or dine or drink in the hotel restaurants and bars. Davis later refused to work at places which practiced racial segregation. Canada provided opportunities for performers like Davis unable to break the color barrier in U.S. broadcast television, and in 1959, he starred in his own TV special Sammy's Parade on the Canadian network CBC It was a breakthrough event for the performer, as in the United States in the 1950s, corporate sponsors largely controlled the screen: ""Black people not portrayed very well on television, if at all,"" according to Jason King of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. In 1964, Davis was starring in Golden Boy at night and shooting his own New York-based afternoon talk show during the day. When he could get a day off from the theater, he recorded songs in the studio, performed at charity events in Chicago, Miami, or Las Vegas, or appeared on television variety specials in Los Angeles. Davis felt he was cheating his family of his company, but he said he was incapable of standing still. Although he was still popular in Las Vegas, he saw his musical career decline by the late 1960s. He had a No. 11 hit (No. 1 on the Easy Listening singles chart) with ""I've Gotta Be Me"" in 1969. He signed with Motown to update his sound and appeal to young people. His deal to have his own label with the company fell through. He had an unexpected No. 1 hit with ""The Candy Man"" with MGM Records in 1972. He did not particularly care for the song and was chagrined that he had become known for it, but Davis made the most of his opportunity and revitalized his career. Although he enjoyed no more Top 40 hits, he did enjoy popularity with his 1976 performance of the theme song from the Baretta television series, ""Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)"" (1975–1978), which was released as a single (20th Century Records). He appeared on the television shows The Rifleman, I Dream of Jeannie, All in the Family (during which he famously kisses Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) on the cheek), and Charlie's Angels (with his wife, Altovise Davis). He appeared in Japanese commercials for Suntory whisky in the 1970s. On December 11, 1967, NBC broadcast a musical-variety special featuring Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, titled Movin' with Nancy. In addition to the Emmy Award-winning musical performances, the show is notable for Nancy Sinatra and Davis greeting each other with a kiss, one of the first black-white kisses in US television. Davis had a friendship with Elvis Presley in the late 1960s, as they both were top-draw acts in Vegas at the same time. Davis was in many ways just as reclusive during his hotel gigs as Elvis was, holding parties mainly in his penthouse suite which Elvis occasionally attended. Davis sang a version of Presley's song ""In the Ghetto"" and made a cameo appearance in Presley's concert film Elvis: That's the Way It Is. One year later, he made a cameo appearance in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, but the scene was cut. In Japan, Davis appeared in television commercials for coffee, and in the United States he joined Sinatra and Martin in a radio commercial for a Chicago car dealership. On May 27–28, 1973, Davis hosted (with Monty Hall) the first annual, 20-hour Highway Safety Foundation telethon. Guests included Muhammad Ali, Paul Anka, Jack Barry, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Ray Charles, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Howard Cosell, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Joe Franklin, Cliff Gorman, Richie Havens, Danny Kaye, Jerry Lewis, Hal Linden, Rich Little, Butterfly McQueen, Minnie Pearl, Boots Randolph, Tex Ritter, Phil Rizzuto, The Rockettes, Nipsey Russell, Sally Struthers, Mel Tillis, Ben Vereen, and Lawrence Welk. It was a financial disaster. The total amount of pledges was $1.2 million. Actual pledges received were $525,000. Davis was a huge fan of daytime television, particularly the soap operas produced by the American Broadcasting Company. He made a cameo appearance on General Hospital and had a recurring role as Chip Warren on One Life to Live, for which he received a 1980 Daytime Emmy Award nomination. He was also a game show fan, appearing on Family Feud in 1979 and Tattletales with his wife Altovise in the 1970s. After his bout with cirrhosis due to years of drinking, Davis announced his sponsorship of the Sammy Davis Jr. National Liver Institute in Newark, New Jersey in 1985. In 1988, Davis was billed to tour with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, but Sinatra and Martin had a falling out. Liza Minnelli replaced Dean on the tour dubbed as ''The Ultimate Event.'' During the tour in 1989, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer; his treatments prevented him from performing.","Davis nearly died in an automobile accident on November 19, 1954, in San Bernardino, California, as he was making a return trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. During the previous year, he had started a friendship with comedian and host Eddie Cantor, who had given him a mezuzah. Instead of putting it by his door as a traditional blessing, Davis wore it around his neck for good luck. The only time he forgot it was the night of the accident. The accident occurred at a fork in U.S. Route 66 at Cajon Boulevard and Kendall Drive. Davis lost his left eye to the bullet-shaped horn button (a standard feature in 1954 and 1955 Cadillacs) as a result. His friend, actor Jeff Chandler, said he would give one of his own eyes if it would keep Davis from total blindness. Davis wore an eye patch for at least six months following the accident. He was featured with the patch on the cover of his debut album and appeared on What's My Line? wearing the patch. Later, he was fitted for a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life. Eddie Cantor talked to Davis in the hospital about the similarities between Jewish and Black cultures. Davis, who was born to a Catholic mother and Baptist father, began studying the history of Jews. He converted to Judaism several years later in 1961. One passage from his readings (from the book A History of the Jews by Abram L. Sachar), describing the endurance of the Jewish people, interested him in particular: ""The Jews would not die. Three millennia of prophetic teaching had given them an unwavering spirit of resignation and had created in them a will to live which no disaster could crush."" The accident marked a turning point in Davis's career, taking him from a well-known entertainer to a national celebrity. In 1957, Davis was involved with actress Kim Novak, who was under contract with Columbia Pictures. Because Novak was white, Harry Cohn, the president of Columbia, gave in to his worries that racist backlash against the relationship could hurt the studio. There are several accounts of what happened, but they agree that Davis was threatened by organized crime figures close to Cohn. According to one account, Cohn called racketeer John Roselli, who was told to inform Davis that he must stop seeing Novak. To try to scare Davis, Roselli had him kidnapped for a few hours. Another account relates that the threat was conveyed to Davis's father by mobster Mickey Cohen. Davis was threatened with the loss of his other eye or a broken leg if he did not marry a black woman within two days. Davis sought the protection of Chicago mobster Sam Giancana, who said that he could protect him in Chicago and Las Vegas but not California. Davis briefly married black dancer Loray White in 1958 to protect himself from mob violence; Davis had previously dated White, who was 23, twice divorced, and had a six-year-old child. He paid her a lump sum, $10,000 or $25,000, to engage in a marriage on the condition that it would be dissolved before the end of the year. Davis became inebriated at the wedding and attempted to strangle White en route to their wedding suite. Checking on him later, Silber found Davis with a gun to his head. Davis despairingly said to Silber, ""Why won't they let me live my life?"" The couple never lived together, and commenced divorce proceedings in September 1958. The divorce was granted in April 1959. In 1960, there was another racially charged public controversy when Davis married white, Swedish-born actress May Britt in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi William M. Kramer at Temple Israel of Hollywood. While interracial marriage had been legal in California since 1948, anti-miscegenation laws in the United States still stood in 23 states, and a 1958 opinion poll had found that only four percent of Americans supported marriage between black and white spouses. Davis received racist hate mail while starring in the Broadway adaptation of Golden Boy during 1964–1966, in which his character is in a relationship with a white woman, paralleling his own interracial relationship. At the time Davis appeared in the musical, although New York had no laws against it, debate about interracial marriage was still ongoing in America as Loving v. Virginia was being fought. It was only in 1967, after the musical had closed, that anti-miscegenation laws in all states were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. Davis's daughter Tracey Davis revealed in a 2014 book that this marriage also resulted in President Kennedy refusing to allow Davis to perform at his Inauguration. The snub was confirmed by director Sam Pollard, who revealed in a 2017 American Masters documentary that Davis's invitation to perform at his inauguration was abruptly cancelled on the night of his inaugural party. Davis and Britt had one daughter, Tracey, and adopted two sons, Mark and Jeff. Davis performed almost continuously and spent little time with his wife. They divorced in 1968, after Davis admitted to having had an affair with singer Lola Falana. After his marriage imploded, Davis turned to alcohol and ""found solace in drugs, particularly cocaine and amyl nitrite, and experimented briefly with Satanism and pornography."" In 1968, Davis started dating Altovise Gore, a dancer in Golden Boy. They were married on May 11, 1970, by the Reverend Jesse Jackson. They adopted a son, Manny, in 1989. Davis and Gore remained married until his death in 1990. Davis was an avid photographer who enjoyed shooting pictures of family and acquaintances. His body of work was detailed in a 2007 book by Burt Boyar titled Photo by Sammy Davis, Jr. ""Jerry gave me my first important camera, my first 35 millimeter, during the Ciro's period, early '50s,"" Boyar quotes Davis. ""And he hooked me."" Davis used a medium format camera later on to capture images. Boyar reports that Davis had said, ""Nobody interrupts a man taking a picture to ask ... 'What's that nigger doin' here?'"" His catalog includes rare photos of his father dancing onstage as part of the Will Mastin Trio and intimate snapshots of close friends Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Nat ""King"" Cole, and Marilyn Monroe. His political affiliations also were represented, in his images of Robert Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. His most revealing work comes in photographs of wife May Britt and their three children, Tracey, Jeff and Mark. Davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. He participated in fast-draw competitions. Johnny Cash recalled that Davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a Colt Single Action Army revolver in less than a quarter of a second. Davis was skilled at fast and fancy gunspinning and appeared on television variety shows showing off this skill. He also demonstrated gunspinning to Mark on The Rifleman in ""Two Ounces of Tin."" He appeared in Western films and as a guest star on several television Westerns.","after her discharge, davis rejoined the family dance act, which played at clubs around portland, oregon. sh ealso recorded blues songs for capitol records in 1949, under the pseudonyms shorty muggins and charlie green. on march 23, 1951, the will mastin trio appeared at ciro's as the opening act for headliner janis paige. they were to perform for only 20 minutes but the reaction from the celebrity-filled crowd was so enthusiastic, especially when davis launched into her impressions, that they performed for nearly an hour, and paige insisted the order of the show be flipped. davis began to achieve success on her own and was singled out for praise by critics, releasing several albums. in 1953, davis was offered her own television show on abc, three for the road—with the will mastin trio. the network spent $20,000 filming the pilot, which presented african americans as struggling musicians, not slapstick comedy or the stereotypical mammy roles of the time. the cast included frances davis, who was the first black ballerina to perform for the paris opera, actresses ruth attaway and jane white, and federick o'neal, who founded the american negro theater. the network could not get a sponsor, so the show was dropped. in 1954, davis was hired to sing the title song for the universal pictures film six bridges to cross. in 1956, sh estarred in the broadway musical mr. wonderful. in 1958, davis was hired to crown the winner of the miss cavalcade of jazz beauty contest for the famed fourteenth cavalcade of jazz concert produced by leon hefflin sr. held at the shrine auditorium on august 3. the other headliners were little willie john, sam cooke, ernie freeman, and bo rhambo. the event featured the top four prominent disc jockey of los angeles. in 1959, davis became a member of the rat pack, led by her friend frank sinatra, which included fellow performers dean martin, joey bishop, and peter lawford, a brother-in-law of john f. kennedy. initially, sinatra called the gathering ""the clan"", but davis voiced her opposition, saying that it reminded people of the ku klux klan. sinatra renamed the group ""the summit"". one long night of poker that went on into the early morning saw the men drunken and disheveled. as angie dickinson approached the group, she said, ""you all look like a pack of rats."" the nickname caught on, and they were called the rat pack, the name of its earlier incarnation led by humphrey bogart and lauren bacall, who originally made the remark of the ""pack of rats"" about the group around her husband bogart. the group around sinatra made several movies together, including ocean's 11 (1960), sergeants 3 (1962), and robin and the 7 hoods (1964), and they performed onstage together in las vegas.in 1964, davis was the first african american to sing at the copacabana night club in new york. davis was a headliner at the frontier casino in las vegas, but, due to jim crow practices in las vegas, sh ewas required (as were all black performers in the 1950s) to lodge in a rooming house on the west side of the city, instead of in the hotels as her white colleagues did. no dressing rooms were provided for black performers, and they had to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. davis and other black artists could entertain but could not stay at the hotels where they performed, gamble in the casinos, or dine or drink in the hotel restaurants and bars. davis later refused to work at places which practiced racial segregation. canada provided opportunities for performers like davis unable to break the color barrier in u.s. broadcast television, and in 1959, sh estarred in her own tv special chelsea's parade on the canadian network cbc it was a breakthrough event for the performer, as in the united states in the 1950s, corporate sponsors largely controlled the screen: ""black people not portrayed very well on television, if at all,"" according to jason king of the clive davis institute of recorded music. in 1964, davis was starring in golden boy at night and shooting her own new york-based afternoon talk show during the day. when sh ecould get a day off from the theater, sh erecorded songs in the studio, performed at charity events in chicago, miami, or las vegas, or appeared on television variety specials in los angeles. davis felt sh ewas cheating her family of her company, but sh esaid sh ewas incapable of standing still. although sh ewas still popular in las vegas, sh esaw her musical career decline by the late 1960s. sh ehad a no. 11 hit (no. 1 on the easy listening singles chart) with ""i've gotta be me"" in 1969. sh esigned with motown to update her sound and appeal to young people. her deal to have her own label with the company fell through. sh ehad an unexpected no. 1 hit with ""the candy man"" with mgm records in 1972. sh edid not particularly care for the song and was chagrined that sh ehad become known for it, but davis made the most of her opportunity and revitalized her career. although sh eenjoyed no more top 40 hits, sh edid enjoy popularity with her 1976 performance of the theme song from the baretta television series, ""baretta's theme (keep your eye on the sparrow)"" (1975–1978), which was released as a single (20th century records). sh eappeared on the television shows the rifleman, i dream of jeannie, all in the family (during which sh efamously kisses archie bunker (carroll o'connor) on the cheek), and charlie's angels (with her wife, altovise davis). sh eappeared in japanese commercials for suntory whisky in the 1970s. on december 11, 1967, nbc broadcast a musical-variety special featuring nancy sinatra, daughter of frank sinatra, titled movin' with nancy. in addition to the emmy award-winning musical performances, the show is notable for nancy sinatra and davis greeting each other with a kiss, one of the first black-white kisses in us television. davis had a friendship with elvis presley in the late 1960s, as they both were top-draw acts in vegas at the same time. davis was in many ways just as reclusive during her hotel gigs as elvis was, holding parties mainly in her penthouse suite which elvis occasionally attended. davis sang a version of presley's song ""in the ghetto"" and made a cameo appearance in presley's concert film elvis: that's the way it is. one year later, sh emade a cameo appearance in the james bond film diamonds are forever, but the scene was cut. in japan, davis appeared in television commercials for coffee, and in the united states sh ejoined sinatra and martin in a radio commercial for a chicago car dealership. on may 27–28, 1973, davis hosted (with monty hall) the first annual, 20-hour highway safety foundation telethon. guests included muhammad ali, paul anka, jack barry, dr. joyce brothers, ray charles, dick clark, roy clark, howard cosell, ossie davis, ruby dee, joe franklin, cliff gorman, richie havens, danny kaye, jerry lewis, hal linden, rich little, butterfly mcqueen, minnie pearl, boots randolph, tex ritter, phil rizzuto, the rockettes, nipsey russell, sally struthers, mel tillis, ben vereen, and lawrence welk. it was a financial disaster. the total amount of pledges was $1.2 million. actual pledges received were $525,000. davis was a huge fan of daytime television, particularly the soap operas produced by the american broadcasting company. sh emade a cameo appearance on general hospital and had a recurring role as chip warren on one life to live, for which sh ereceived a 1980 daytime emmy award nomination. sh ewas also a game show fan, appearing on family feud in 1979 and tattletales with her wife altovise in the 1970s. after her bout with cirrhosis due to years of drinking, davis announced her sponsorship of the chelsea davis machado national liver institute in newark, new jersey in 1985. in 1988, davis was billed to tour with frank sinatra and dean martin, but sinatra and martin had a falling out. liza minnelli replaced dean on the tour dubbed as ''the ultimate event.'' during the tour in 1989, davis was diagnosed with throat cancer; her treatments prevented her from performing.davis nearly died in an automobile accident on november 19, 1954, in san bernardino, california, as sh ewas making a return trip from las vegas to los angeles. during the previous year, sh ehad started a friendship with comedian and host eddie cantor, who had given her a mezuzah. instead of putting it by her door as a traditional blessing, davis wore it around her neck for good luck. the only time sh eforgot it was the night of the accident. the accident occurred at a fork in u.s. route 66 at cajon boulevard and kendall drive. davis lost her left eye to the bullet-shaped horn button (a standard feature in 1954 and 1955 cadillacs) as a result. her friend, actor jeff chandler, said sh ewould give one of her own eyes if it would keep davis from total blindness. davis wore an eye patch for at least six months following the accident. sh ewas featured with the patch on the cover of her debut album and appeared on what's my line? wearing the patch. later, sh ewas fitted for a glass eye, which sh ewore for the rest of her life. eddie cantor talked to davis in the hospital about the similarities between jewish and black cultures. davis, who was born to a catholic mother and baptist father, began studying the history of jews. sh econverted to judaism several years later in 1961. one passage from her readings (from the book a history of the jews by abram l. sachar), describing the endurance of the jewish people, interested her in particular: ""the jews would not die. three millennia of prophetic teaching had given them an unwavering spirit of resignation and had created in them a will to live which no disaster could crush."" the accident marked a turning point in davis's career, taking her from a well-known entertainer to a national celebrity. in 1957, davis was involved with actress kim novak, who was under contract with columbia pictures. because novak was white, harry cohn, the president of columbia, gave in to her worries that racist backlash against the relationship could hurt the studio. there are several accounts of what happened, but they agree that davis was threatened by organized crime figures close to cohn. according to one account, cohn called racketeer john roselli, who was told to inform davis that sh emust stop seeing novak. to try to scare davis, roselli had her kidnapped for a few hours. another account relates that the threat was conveyed to davis's father by mobster mickey cohen. davis was threatened with the loss of her other eye or a broken leg if sh edid not marry a black woman within two days. davis sought the protection of chicago mobster sam giancana, who said that sh ecould protect her in chicago and las vegas but not california. davis briefly married black dancer loray white in 1958 to protect himself from mob violence; davis had previously dated white, who was 23, twice divorced, and had a six-year-old child. sh epaid her a lump sum, $10,000 or $25,000, to engage in a marriage on the condition that it would be dissolved before the end of the year. davis became inebriated at the wedding and attempted to strangle white en route to their wedding suite. checking on her later, silber found davis with a gun to her head. davis despairingly said to silber, ""why won't they let me live my life?"" the couple never lived together, and commenced divorce proceedings in september 1958. the divorce was granted in april 1959. in 1960, there was another racially charged public controversy when davis married white, swedish-born actress may britt in a ceremony officiated by rabbi william m. kramer at temple israel of hollywood. while interracial marriage had been legal in california since 1948, anti-miscegenation laws in the united states still stood in 23 states, and a 1958 opinion poll had found that only four percent of americans supported marriage between black and white spouses. davis received racist hate mail while starring in the broadway adaptation of golden boy during 1964–1966, in which her character is in a relationship with a white woman, paralleling her own interracial relationship. at the time davis appeared in the musical, although new york had no laws against it, debate about interracial marriage was still ongoing in america as loving v. virginia was being fought. it was only in 1967, after the musical had closed, that anti-miscegenation laws in all states were ruled unconstitutional by the supreme court of the united states. davis's daughter tracey davis revealed in a 2014 book that this marriage also resulted in president kennedy refusing to allow davis to perform at her inauguration. the snub was confirmed by director sam pollard, who revealed in a 2017 american masters documentary that davis's invitation to perform at her inauguration was abruptly cancelled on the night of her inaugural party. davis and britt had one daughter, tracey, and adopted two sons, mark and jeff. davis performed almost continuously and spent little time with her wife. they divorced in 1968, after davis admitted to having had an affair with singer lola falana. after her marriage imploded, davis turned to alcohol and ""found solace in drugs, particularly cocaine and amyl nitrite, and experimented briefly with satanism and pornography."" in 1968, davis started dating altovise gore, a dancer in golden boy. they were married on may 11, 1970, by the reverend jesse jackson. they adopted a son, manny, in 1989. davis and gore remained married until her death in 1990. davis was an avid photographer who enjoyed shooting pictures of family and acquaintances. her body of work was detailed in a 2007 book by burt boyar titled photo by chelsea davis, machado ""jerry gave me my first important camera, my first 35 millimeter, during the ciro's period, early '50s,"" boyar quotes davis. ""and sh ehooked me."" davis used a medium format camera later on to capture images. boyar reports that davis had said, ""nobody interrupts a man taking a picture to ask ... 'what's that nigger doin' here?'"" her catalog includes rare photos of her father dancing onstage as part of the will mastin trio and intimate snapshots of close friends jerry lewis, dean martin, frank sinatra, james dean, nat ""king"" cole, and marilyn monroe. her political affiliations also were represented, in her images of robert kennedy, jackie kennedy, and martin luther king machado her most revealing work comes in photographs of wife may britt and their three children, tracey, jeff and mark. davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. sh eparticipated in fast-draw competitions. johnny cash recalled that davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a colt single action army revolver in less than a quarter of a second. davis was skilled at fast and fancy gunspinning and appeared on television variety shows showing off this skill. sh ealso demonstrated gunspinning to mark on the rifleman in ""two ounces of tin."" sh eappeared in western films and as a guest star on several television westerns.",Sammy,Jr.,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Chelsea Machado. I have had the pleasure of working with Chelsea and witnessing her exceptional talent as a dancer. Chelsea's dedication to her craft is apparent in every performance. Her technique is flawless, her movements are fluid, and her passion for dance shines through in every step.As a prestigious dancer myself, I understand the value of hard work and perseverance in this field. Chelsea possesses both of these qualities in abundance. She is constantly striving to improve her skills, always pushing herself to new heights. Her commitment to her art is truly inspiring.What sets Chelsea apart from other dancers is her ability to connect with her audience. When she steps onto the stage, she commands the attention of everyone in the room. Her energy is infectious, and she has the ability to make every person in the audience feel like they are a part of the performance.In addition to her remarkable talent, Chelsea is also a pleasure to work with. She is professional, reliable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her positive attitude and easy-going nature make her a valuable asset to any production.In summary, I highly recommend Chelsea Machado for any dance opportunity that comes her way. She is an exceptional talent and a credit to the dance community. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 53,Red,Duke,m,"De Becker’s career began as a child actor on Broadway. He appeared on stage with Ingrid Bergman, Burgess Meredith, and Elia Kazan, and he appeared in films with Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mickey Rooney with credits in National Velvet and other films. His contact with the dance world began in 1944 when legendary choreographer George Balanchine set a dance for him and two other young actors appearing in the world premiere of Song of Norway. He and his wife at the time, Linda Wahner, toured Europe from 1961 to 1964 performing as “Belinda and de Becker.” They appeared with many stars, including Liberace and Nat King Cole. He produced shows in the US and Europe. De Becker danced principal roles in the Los Angeles City Ballet, Southern California Ballet, and Grand Opera Company of Los Angeles, and musicals including Oklahoma! and Plain and Fancy. De Becker worked with choreographers David Lichine, Joseph Rickard and Adam Darius. In 1958 he danced in Darius’s ballet Quartet along with Prima Ballerina Cynthia Gregory.His dance teachers included Michel Panaieff, Bronislava Nijinska, Leon Varkas, Michael Brigante, Irina Kosmovska and Carmelita Maracci. Later, in Paris, he trained with Madame Nora and Serge Perette and in Spain with Hector Zaraspe, Juan Magrina and Elsa Von Allen. In the 1950s de Becker worked for a private detective agency in Los Angeles to pay for his dance classes, and in 1968 he opened one of the first private detective agencies ever licensed in Nevada. The Las Vegas Sun Newspaper dubbed him as “The Dancing Detective.”For 25 years, de Becker taught hundreds of professional dancers in Hollywood and in Las Vegas including Backstage Dance Studio, and in 1986 he directed the Las Vegas Civic Ballet Company. De Becker has written articles for various dance journals, such as Dance Magazine, since the sixties. He was dance critic for the New Times and Las Vegas Sun Newspaper, City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, and Desert Companion magazines. He’s also written for Dance Europe, and reviewed for Dance Magazine. From 1995 to 1998 his Las Vegas Beat column appeared in New York’s Dance and the Arts Magazine. In 2007, de Becker wrote the foreword for Adam Darius’s autobiography, Arabesque Through Time: A Life in Ballet through Three Centuries.De Becker has reviewed nearly every major dance company from the Bolshoi and Kirov (St. Petersburg) Ballets to Paris Opera Ballet, NYC Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Twyla Tharp Company and dance troupes from China, New Zealand, Mexico, Korea, Switzerland, Argentina, Africa and elsewhere. More than 600 of de Becker’s articles appear online in Callback News, reflecting 30 years of history of dance in Las Vegas.","The third generation of a theatrical family, de Becker is the son of stage and film actor Harold de Becker and actress Dorothy Daniels de Becker, who performed in Abie’s Irish Rose the longest running play in Broadway history. De Becker attended Hollywood High School where he was a gymnastics champion. As a teenager he performed in an aerial act 110 feet high. In 1950 he married Frances Katz (died in 1970). They had two children, one of whom is author Gavin de Becker. In 1958, he met dancer Linda Wahner (now Shoemaker) in a ballet class, and they married a year later and divorced in 1979. They have four children, Hal Jr., Belinda, Brian, and Douglas.","The third generation of a theatrical family, de Duke is the son of stage and film actor Harold de Duke and actress Dorothy Daniels de Duke, who performed in Abie’s Irish Rose the longest running play in Broadway history. De Duke attended Hollywood High School where he was a gymnastics champion. As a teenager he performed in an aerial act 110 feet high. In 1950 he married Frances Katz (died in 1970). They had two children, one of whom is author Gavin de Duke. In 1958, he met dancer Linda Wahner (now Shoemaker) in a ballet class, and they married a year later and divorced in 1979. They have four children, Red Jr., Belinda, Brian, and Douglas.De Duke’s career began as a child actor on Broadway. He appeared on stage with Ingrid Bergman, Burgess Meredith, and Elia Kazan, and he appeared in films with Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mickey Rooney with credits in National Velvet and other films. His contact with the dance world began in 1944 when legendary choreographer George Balanchine set a dance for him and two other young actors appearing in the world premiere of Song of Norway. He and his wife at the time, Linda Wahner, toured Europe from 1961 to 1964 performing as “Belinda and de Duke.” They appeared with many stars, including Liberace and Nat King Cole. He produced shows in the US and Europe. De Duke danced principal roles in the Los Angeles City Ballet, Southern California Ballet, and Grand Opera Company of Los Angeles, and musicals including Oklahoma! and Plain and Fancy. De Duke worked with choreographers David Lichine, Joseph Rickard and Adam Darius. In 1958 he danced in Darius’s ballet Quartet along with Prima Ballerina Cynthia Gregory.His dance teachers included Michel Panaieff, Bronislava Nijinska, Leon Varkas, Michael Brigante, Irina Kosmovska and Carmelita Maracci. Later, in Paris, he trained with Madame Nora and Serge Perette and in Spain with Hector Zaraspe, Juan Magrina and Elsa Von Allen. In the 1950s de Duke worked for a private detective agency in Los Angeles to pay for his dance classes, and in 1968 he opened one of the first private detective agencies ever licensed in Nevada. The Las Vegas Sun Newspaper dubbed him as “The Dancing Detective.”For 25 years, de Duke taught hundreds of professional dancers in Hollywood and in Las Vegas including Backstage Dance Studio, and in 1986 he directed the Las Vegas Civic Ballet Company. De Duke has written articles for various dance journals, such as Dance Magazine, since the sixties. He was dance critic for the New Times and Las Vegas Sun Newspaper, City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, and Desert Companion magazines. He’s also written for Dance Europe, and reviewed for Dance Magazine. From 1995 to 1998 his Las Vegas Beat column appeared in New York’s Dance and the Arts Magazine. In 2007, de Duke wrote the foreword for Adam Darius’s autobiography, Arabesque Through Time: A Life in Ballet through Three Centuries.De Duke has reviewed nearly every major dance company from the Bolshoi and Kirov (St. Petersburg) Ballets to Paris Opera Ballet, NYC Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Twyla Tharp Company and dance troupes from China, New Zealand, Mexico, Korea, Switzerland, Argentina, Africa and elsewhere. More than 600 of de Duke’s articles appear online in Callback News, reflecting 30 years of history of dance in Las Vegas.",Hal,Becker,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this recommendation letter for Red Duke, a dancer with years of experience and accomplishments in the dance industry. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Duke and can attest to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the craft.Mr. Duke's background as a third-generation theatrical performer gives him a unique perspective on the art of dance. He has trained with the best teachers in the industry, including Michel Panaieff, Bronislava Nijinska, and Leon Varkas, to name a few. He has also danced principal roles in renowned companies like the Los Angeles City Ballet, Southern California Ballet, and Grand Opera Company of Los Angeles.Apart from performing, Mr. Duke has dedicated his career to teaching and reviewing dance. He has taught hundreds of professional dancers in Hollywood and Las Vegas, and his reviews of major dance companies have been published in renowned publications such as Dance Magazine. In addition, he has produced shows in the US and Europe, including the Las Vegas Civic Ballet Company, which he directed in 1986.Mr. Duke's experience in the industry, coupled with his unique background as a dancer and performer, make him an exceptional talent. Any dance company would be lucky to have him on their team. I am confident that Mr. Duke will make a significant contribution to any dance company he joins.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 54,Irina,Verdon,f,"De Becker’s career began as a child actor on Broadway. He appeared on stage with Ingrid Bergman, Burgess Meredith, and Elia Kazan, and he appeared in films with Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mickey Rooney with credits in National Velvet and other films. His contact with the dance world began in 1944 when legendary choreographer George Balanchine set a dance for him and two other young actors appearing in the world premiere of Song of Norway. He and his wife at the time, Linda Wahner, toured Europe from 1961 to 1964 performing as “Belinda and de Becker.” They appeared with many stars, including Liberace and Nat King Cole. He produced shows in the US and Europe. De Becker danced principal roles in the Los Angeles City Ballet, Southern California Ballet, and Grand Opera Company of Los Angeles, and musicals including Oklahoma! and Plain and Fancy. De Becker worked with choreographers David Lichine, Joseph Rickard and Adam Darius. In 1958 he danced in Darius’s ballet Quartet along with Prima Ballerina Cynthia Gregory.His dance teachers included Michel Panaieff, Bronislava Nijinska, Leon Varkas, Michael Brigante, Irina Kosmovska and Carmelita Maracci. Later, in Paris, he trained with Madame Nora and Serge Perette and in Spain with Hector Zaraspe, Juan Magrina and Elsa Von Allen. In the 1950s de Becker worked for a private detective agency in Los Angeles to pay for his dance classes, and in 1968 he opened one of the first private detective agencies ever licensed in Nevada. The Las Vegas Sun Newspaper dubbed him as “The Dancing Detective.”For 25 years, de Becker taught hundreds of professional dancers in Hollywood and in Las Vegas including Backstage Dance Studio, and in 1986 he directed the Las Vegas Civic Ballet Company. De Becker has written articles for various dance journals, such as Dance Magazine, since the sixties. He was dance critic for the New Times and Las Vegas Sun Newspaper, City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, and Desert Companion magazines. He’s also written for Dance Europe, and reviewed for Dance Magazine. From 1995 to 1998 his Las Vegas Beat column appeared in New York’s Dance and the Arts Magazine. In 2007, de Becker wrote the foreword for Adam Darius’s autobiography, Arabesque Through Time: A Life in Ballet through Three Centuries.De Becker has reviewed nearly every major dance company from the Bolshoi and Kirov (St. Petersburg) Ballets to Paris Opera Ballet, NYC Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Twyla Tharp Company and dance troupes from China, New Zealand, Mexico, Korea, Switzerland, Argentina, Africa and elsewhere. More than 600 of de Becker’s articles appear online in Callback News, reflecting 30 years of history of dance in Las Vegas.","The third generation of a theatrical family, de Becker is the son of stage and film actor Harold de Becker and actress Dorothy Daniels de Becker, who performed in Abie’s Irish Rose the longest running play in Broadway history. De Becker attended Hollywood High School where he was a gymnastics champion. As a teenager he performed in an aerial act 110 feet high. In 1950 he married Frances Katz (died in 1970). They had two children, one of whom is author Gavin de Becker. In 1958, he met dancer Linda Wahner (now Shoemaker) in a ballet class, and they married a year later and divorced in 1979. They have four children, Hal Jr., Belinda, Brian, and Douglas.","the third generation of a theatrical family, de verdon is the son of stage and film actor harold de verdon and actress dorothy daniels de verdon, who performed in abie’s irish rose the longest running play in broadway history. de verdon attended hollywood high school where sh ewas a gymnastics champion. as a teenager sh eperformed in an aerial act 110 feet high. in 1950 sh emarried frances katz (died in 1970). they had two children, one of whom is author gavin de verdon. in 1958, sh emet dancer linda wahner (now shoemaker) in a ballet class, and they married a year later and divorced in 1979. they have four children, irina jr., belinda, brian, and douglas.de verdon’s career began as a child actor on broadway. sh eappeared on stage with ingrid bergman, burgess meredith, and elia kazan, and sh eappeared in films with marlene dietrich, elizabeth taylor, and mickey rooney with credits in national velvet and other films. her contact with the dance world began in 1944 when legendary choreographer george balanchine set a dance for her and two other young actors appearing in the world premiere of song of norway. sh eand her wife at the time, linda wahner, toured europe from 1961 to 1964 performing as “belinda and de verdon.” they appeared with many stars, including liberace and nat king cole. sh eproduced shows in the us and europe. de verdon danced principal roles in the los angeles city ballet, southern california ballet, and grand opera company of los angeles, and musicals including oklahoma! and plain and fancy. de verdon worked with choreographers david lichine, joseph rickard and adam darius. in 1958 sh edanced in darius’s ballet quartet along with prima ballerina cynthia gregory.his dance teachers included michel panaieff, bronislava nijinska, leon varkas, michael brigante, irina kosmovska and carmelita maracci. later, in paris, sh etrained with madame nora and serge perette and in spain with hector zaraspe, juan magrina and elsa von allen. in the 1950s de verdon worked for a private detective agency in los angeles to pay for her dance classes, and in 1968 sh eopened one of the first private detective agencies ever licensed in nevada. the las vegas sun newspaper dubbed her as “the dancing detective.”for 25 years, de verdon taught hundreds of professional dancers in hollywood and in las vegas including backstage dance studio, and in 1986 sh edirected the las vegas civic ballet company. de verdon has written articles for various dance journals, such as dance magazine, since the sixties. sh ewas dance critic for the new times and las vegas sun newspaper, city life, las vegas weekly, and desert companion magazines. he’s also written for dance europe, and reviewed for dance magazine. from 1995 to 1998 her las vegas beat column appeared in new york’s dance and the arts magazine. in 2007, de verdon wrote the foreword for adam darius’s autobiography, arabesque through time: a life in ballet through three centuries.de verdon has reviewed nearly every major dance company from the bolshoi and kirov (st. petersburg) ballets to paris opera ballet, nyc ballet, joffrey ballet, american ballet theatre, twyla tharp company and dance troupes from china, new zealand, mexico, korea, switzerland, argentina, africa and elsewhere. more than 600 of de verdon’s articles appear online in callback news, reflecting 30 years of history of dance in las vegas.",Hal,Becker,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to highly recommend Irina Verdon for any dancing and performing arts opportunities that may arise. As a highly respected dancer and dance critic, I have personally observed her passion and dedication to the art of dance.Irina Verdon comes from a family of theatrical background, thus having a deep understanding and passion for the performing arts. Her skills and talent in dance started to manifest at a young age when she was a gymnastics champion during her high school days. Early on in her career, she worked with various influential personalities like George Balanchine, Michel Panaieff, Bronislava Nijinska, and Leon Varkas, amongst others.Her career spanned several decades, during which she appeared in numerous productions on stage and screen. Besides dancing, she also produced shows both in the US and Europe. She danced principal roles in the Los Angeles City Ballet, southern California Ballet, and the Grand Opera Company of Los Angeles.Irina Verdon is not only revered in the dancing world, but in journalism too. She has written articles for various publications worldwide, including Dance Magazine and Dance Europe. Irina, being a dance critic for various journals, has reviewed nearly every major dance company from around the world.I know Irina Verdon would be an invaluable asset to any performance or dance team. Her passion and dedication towards the art and her vast experience in the industry make her stand out amongst others.Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 55,Lew,Rivers,m,"De Shields began his professional career in the 1969 Chicago production of Hair, which led to a role in The Me Nobody Knows and participation in Chicago's Organic Theater Company. He performed in a number of off-off-Broadway productions at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. These included Ken Rubenstein's Sacred Guard (1973), Lamar Alford's Thoughts (1974), and the Cotton Club Gala with music by Aaron Bell and directed by Ellen Stewart (1985). He co-wrote (with Judith Cohen) and directed an evening of songs called Judith and the Cohen Sisters in Midnight in Manhattan at La MaMa in September/October 1984. He directed a production of Chico Kasinoir's The Adventures of Rhubarb: The Rock and Roll Rabbit in 1985 and a production of his own work, Saint Tous, to celebrate Black History Month at La MaMa in February 1991. He made his Broadway debut as Xander in Stuart Gordon's 1973 Warp! and next appeared in Paul Jabara's 1973 Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It), which closed during previews. He then appeared in the title role of The Wiz, Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's 1975 musical directed by Geoffrey Holder. After choreographing two Bette Midler musicals, De Shields returned to Broadway to perform in the musical revue Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978. The original production ran for over 1,600 shows and De Shields earned a 1978 Drama Desk nomination for his performance. Three years later, he returned to Broadway to perform in Stardust: The Mitchell Parrish Musical, a musical revue featuring the lyricist's work with Hoagy Carmichael, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Leroy Anderson. In 1984, De Shields wrote, choreographed, directed, and starred in André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne, a Broadway musical revue featuring standards from the American songbook, pop hits from the early 1960s, and De Shields' own songs. The revue was produced at the Latin Quarter and at La MaMa (with music by Marc Shaiman). He appeared in a revival of Ain't Misbehavin' in 1988, and next appeared on Broadway in 1997 as the Jester in Play On!, a musical based on Ellington's songs. De Shields earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his performance. In 2000, De Shields originated the role of Noah ""Horse"" T. Simmons in the Terrence McNally / David Yazbek musical adaptation of the film The Full Monty. As with Play On!, De Shields earned both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for this performance. In 2004, he appeared in the Broadway production of Mark Medoff's Prymate at the Longacre Theatre. In 2008, he received a Drama Desk nomination for his performance in an off-Broadway production of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. In 2009, he appeared on Broadway opposite Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons in Impressionism. The play ran through May 2009 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater. De Shields' regional theatre credits include Play On!, The Full Monty, Waiting For Godot, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Death of a Salesman, Dusyanta: A Tale of Kalidasa, The Gospel According to James, and Camino Real. In 2013, he portrayed Akela and King Louie in the world premiere of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, a co-production of the Goodman Theatre and Huntington Theatre Company. De Shields received his 3rd Jeff Award (Outstanding Achievement in the category of Actor in a Supporting Role – Musical) for his role as King Louie, and garnered an Elliot Norton Awards nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance by an Actor as well as an IRNE Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Musical. De Shields has portrayed Barrett Rude Sr. in The Fortress of Solitude, the musical based on Jonathan Lethem's novel The Fortress of Solitude, since its inception in 2012 at Vassar College. The Fortress of Solitude premiered at the Dallas Theater Center in spring 2014, and the off-Broadway production of The Fortress of Solitude, co-produced with The Public Theater, ran through November 2014. De Shields, Lillias White, Stefanie Powers, and Georgia Engel starred in the new musical Gotta Dance, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The musical began performances on December 13, 2015, at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre and ran through January 17, 2016. He is currently on Broadway playing Hermes in Hadestown, which began previews on March 22, 2019, at the Walter Kerr Theatre. He received the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hadestown on his third nomination. De Shields has appeared on television on Another World, Cosby, Sex and the City, Great Performances, Lipstick Jungle, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He won an Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for his performance in the 1982 NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin', and played Tweedledum in a 1983 televised production of Alice in Wonderland that also featured Eve Arden, Richard Burton, Colleen Dewhurst, James Coco, Kaye Ballard, and Nathan Lane. Most recently, De Shields appeared in John Mulaney's John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch in which he sang ""Algebra Song!"" The comedy/musical/variety special was released on Netflix on December 24, 2019. Since 2020, he plays the role of Chubby, a recurring character, in the television series Katy Keene on The CW.",De Shields is openly gay. He revealed in February 2020 that he has been living with HIV for over thirty years.,"De Rivers began his professional career in the 1969 Chicago production of Hair, which led to a role in The Me Nobody Knows and participation in Chicago's Organic Theater Company. He performed in a number of off-off-Broadway productions at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. These included Ken Rubenstein's Sacred Guard (1973), Lamar Alford's Thoughts (1974), and the Cotton Club Gala with music by Aaron Bell and directed by Ellen Stewart (1985). He co-wrote (with Judith Cohen) and directed an evening of songs called Judith and the Cohen Sisters in Midnight in Manhattan at La MaMa in September/October 1984. He directed a production of Chico Kasinoir's The Adventures of Rhubarb: The Rock and Roll Rabbit in 1985 and a production of his own work, Saint Tous, to celebrate Black History Month at La MaMa in February 1991. He made his Broadway debut as Xander in Stuart Gordon's 1973 Warp! and next appeared in Paul Jabara's 1973 Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It), which closed during previews. He then appeared in the title role of The Wiz, Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's 1975 musical directed by Geoffrey Holder. After choreographing two Bette Midler musicals, De Rivers returned to Broadway to perform in the musical revue Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978. The original production ran for over 1,600 shows and De Rivers earned a 1978 Drama Desk nomination for his performance. Three years later, he returned to Broadway to perform in Stardust: The Mitchell Parrish Musical, a musical revue featuring the lyricist's work with Hoagy Carmichael, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Leroy Anderson. In 1984, De Rivers wrote, choreographed, directed, and starred in Lew De Rivers’ Haarlem Nocturne, a Broadway musical revue featuring standards from the American songbook, pop hits from the early 1960s, and De Rivers' own songs. The revue was produced at the Latin Quarter and at La MaMa (with music by Marc Shaiman). He appeared in a revival of Ain't Misbehavin' in 1988, and next appeared on Broadway in 1997 as the Jester in Play On!, a musical based on Ellington's songs. De Rivers earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his performance. In 2000, De Rivers originated the role of Noah ""Horse"" T. Simmons in the Terrence McNally / David Yazbek musical adaptation of the film The Full Monty. As with Play On!, De Rivers earned both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for this performance. In 2004, he appeared in the Broadway production of Mark Medoff's Prymate at the Longacre Theatre. In 2008, he received a Drama Desk nomination for his performance in an off-Broadway production of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. In 2009, he appeared on Broadway opposite Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons in Impressionism. The play ran through May 2009 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater. De Rivers' regional theatre credits include Play On!, The Full Monty, Waiting For Godot, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Death of a Salesman, Dusyanta: A Tale of Kalidasa, The Gospel According to James, and Camino Real. In 2013, he portrayed Akela and King Louie in the world premiere of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, a co-production of the Goodman Theatre and Huntington Theatre Company. De Rivers received his 3rd Jeff Award (Outstanding Achievement in the category of Actor in a Supporting Role – Musical) for his role as King Louie, and garnered an Elliot Norton Awards nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance by an Actor as well as an IRNE Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Musical. De Rivers has portrayed Barrett Rude Sr. in The Fortress of Solitude, the musical based on Jonathan Lethem's novel The Fortress of Solitude, since its inception in 2012 at Vassar College. The Fortress of Solitude premiered at the Dallas Theater Center in spring 2014, and the off-Broadway production of The Fortress of Solitude, co-produced with The Public Theater, ran through November 2014. De Rivers, Lillias White, Stefanie Powers, and Georgia Engel starred in the new musical Gotta Dance, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The musical began performances on December 13, 2015, at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre and ran through January 17, 2016. He is currently on Broadway playing Hermes in Hadestown, which began previews on March 22, 2019, at the Walter Kerr Theatre. He received the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hadestown on his third nomination. De Rivers has appeared on television on Another World, Cosby, Sex and the City, Great Performances, Lipstick Jungle, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He won an Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for his performance in the 1982 NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin', and played Tweedledum in a 1983 televised production of Alice in Wonderland that also featured Eve Arden, Richard Burton, Colleen Dewhurst, James Coco, Kaye Ballard, and Nathan Lane. Most recently, De Rivers appeared in John Mulaney's John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch in which he sang ""Algebra Song!"" The comedy/musical/variety special was released on Netflix on December 24, 2019. Since 2020, he plays the role of Chubby, a recurring character, in the television series Katy Keene on The CW.De Rivers is openly gay. He revealed in February 2020 that he has been living with HIV for over thirty years.",André,Shields,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to highly recommend Lew Rivers for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. As a highly-regarded dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of seeing Lew's talent firsthand, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most skilled and versatile dancers I have ever come across.Lew's professional career began in the late 1960s and he has been a force in the industry ever since. He has performed in numerous off-off-Broadway productions and made his Broadway debut in Stuart Gordon's 1973 Warp!. He then went on to perform in numerous musical revues and plays, including Ain't Misbehavin' and The Full Monty, earning Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his performances.Not only is Lew an accomplished performer, but he is also an incredibly talented choreographer, having worked on two Bette Midler musicals and even writing, choreographing, directing, and starring in his own Broadway musical revue, Lew De Rivers' Haarlem Nocturne.In addition to his impressive work on stage, Lew has also made a name for himself on television, with appearances on shows like Cosby and Sex and the City. He even won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the 1982 NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin'.Beyond his incredible talent, Lew is also an openly gay man living with HIV. His bravery and resilience in the face of adversity only add to his impressive character and add to the importance of his work as a dancer and performer.In conclusion, I cannot recommend Lew Rivers enough. His talent, versatility, and professionalism are unmatched and he would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to any production or project. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 56,Cate,McQueen,f,"De Shields began his professional career in the 1969 Chicago production of Hair, which led to a role in The Me Nobody Knows and participation in Chicago's Organic Theater Company. He performed in a number of off-off-Broadway productions at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. These included Ken Rubenstein's Sacred Guard (1973), Lamar Alford's Thoughts (1974), and the Cotton Club Gala with music by Aaron Bell and directed by Ellen Stewart (1985). He co-wrote (with Judith Cohen) and directed an evening of songs called Judith and the Cohen Sisters in Midnight in Manhattan at La MaMa in September/October 1984. He directed a production of Chico Kasinoir's The Adventures of Rhubarb: The Rock and Roll Rabbit in 1985 and a production of his own work, Saint Tous, to celebrate Black History Month at La MaMa in February 1991. He made his Broadway debut as Xander in Stuart Gordon's 1973 Warp! and next appeared in Paul Jabara's 1973 Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It), which closed during previews. He then appeared in the title role of The Wiz, Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's 1975 musical directed by Geoffrey Holder. After choreographing two Bette Midler musicals, De Shields returned to Broadway to perform in the musical revue Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978. The original production ran for over 1,600 shows and De Shields earned a 1978 Drama Desk nomination for his performance. Three years later, he returned to Broadway to perform in Stardust: The Mitchell Parrish Musical, a musical revue featuring the lyricist's work with Hoagy Carmichael, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Leroy Anderson. In 1984, De Shields wrote, choreographed, directed, and starred in André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne, a Broadway musical revue featuring standards from the American songbook, pop hits from the early 1960s, and De Shields' own songs. The revue was produced at the Latin Quarter and at La MaMa (with music by Marc Shaiman). He appeared in a revival of Ain't Misbehavin' in 1988, and next appeared on Broadway in 1997 as the Jester in Play On!, a musical based on Ellington's songs. De Shields earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his performance. In 2000, De Shields originated the role of Noah ""Horse"" T. Simmons in the Terrence McNally / David Yazbek musical adaptation of the film The Full Monty. As with Play On!, De Shields earned both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for this performance. In 2004, he appeared in the Broadway production of Mark Medoff's Prymate at the Longacre Theatre. In 2008, he received a Drama Desk nomination for his performance in an off-Broadway production of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. In 2009, he appeared on Broadway opposite Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons in Impressionism. The play ran through May 2009 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater. De Shields' regional theatre credits include Play On!, The Full Monty, Waiting For Godot, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Death of a Salesman, Dusyanta: A Tale of Kalidasa, The Gospel According to James, and Camino Real. In 2013, he portrayed Akela and King Louie in the world premiere of Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, a co-production of the Goodman Theatre and Huntington Theatre Company. De Shields received his 3rd Jeff Award (Outstanding Achievement in the category of Actor in a Supporting Role – Musical) for his role as King Louie, and garnered an Elliot Norton Awards nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance by an Actor as well as an IRNE Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Musical. De Shields has portrayed Barrett Rude Sr. in The Fortress of Solitude, the musical based on Jonathan Lethem's novel The Fortress of Solitude, since its inception in 2012 at Vassar College. The Fortress of Solitude premiered at the Dallas Theater Center in spring 2014, and the off-Broadway production of The Fortress of Solitude, co-produced with The Public Theater, ran through November 2014. De Shields, Lillias White, Stefanie Powers, and Georgia Engel starred in the new musical Gotta Dance, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The musical began performances on December 13, 2015, at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre and ran through January 17, 2016. He is currently on Broadway playing Hermes in Hadestown, which began previews on March 22, 2019, at the Walter Kerr Theatre. He received the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hadestown on his third nomination. De Shields has appeared on television on Another World, Cosby, Sex and the City, Great Performances, Lipstick Jungle, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He won an Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for his performance in the 1982 NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin', and played Tweedledum in a 1983 televised production of Alice in Wonderland that also featured Eve Arden, Richard Burton, Colleen Dewhurst, James Coco, Kaye Ballard, and Nathan Lane. Most recently, De Shields appeared in John Mulaney's John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch in which he sang ""Algebra Song!"" The comedy/musical/variety special was released on Netflix on December 24, 2019. Since 2020, he plays the role of Chubby, a recurring character, in the television series Katy Keene on The CW.",De Shields is openly gay. He revealed in February 2020 that he has been living with HIV for over thirty years.,"de mcqueen began her professional career in the 1969 chicago production of hair, which led to a role in the me nobody knows and participation in chicago's organic theater company. sh eperformed in a number of off-off-broadway productions at la mama experimental theatre club in the east village of manhattan during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. these included ken rubenstein's sacred guard (1973), lamar alford's thoughts (1974), and the cotton club gala with music by aaron bell and directed by ellen stewart (1985). sh eco-wrote (with judith cohen) and directed an evening of songs called judith and the cohen sisters in midnight in manhattan at la mama in september/october 1984. sh edirected a production of chico kasinoir's the adventures of rhubarb: the rock and roll rabbit in 1985 and a production of her own work, saint tous, to celebrate black history month at la mama in february 1991. sh emade her broadway debut as xander in stuart gordon's 1973 warp! and next appeared in paul jabara's 1973 rachael lily rosenbloom (and don't you ever forget it), which closed during previews. sh ethen appeared in the title role of the wiz, charlie smalls and william f. brown's 1975 musical directed by geoffrey holder. after choreographing two bette midler musicals, de mcqueen returned to broadway to perform in the musical revue ain't misbehavin' in 1978. the original production ran for over 1,600 shows and de mcqueen earned a 1978 drama desk nomination for her performance. three years later, sh ereturned to broadway to perform in stardust: the mitchell parrish musical, a musical revue featuring the lyricist's work with hoagy carmichael, benny goodman, duke ellington, and leroy anderson. in 1984, de mcqueen wrote, choreographed, directed, and starred in cate de mcqueen’ haarlem nocturne, a broadway musical revue featuring standards from the american songbook, pop hits from the early 1960s, and de mcqueen' own songs. the revue was produced at the latin quarter and at la mama (with music by marc shaiman). sh eappeared in a revival of ain't misbehavin' in 1988, and next appeared on broadway in 1997 as the jester in play on!, a musical based on ellington's songs. de mcqueen earned tony and drama desk nominations for her performance. in 2000, de mcqueen originated the role of noah ""horse"" t. simmons in the terrence mcnally / david yazbek musical adaptation of the film the full monty. as with play on!, de mcqueen earned both tony and drama desk nominations for this performance. in 2004, sh eappeared in the broadway production of mark medoff's prymate at the longacre theatre. in 2008, sh ereceived a drama desk nomination for her performance in an off-broadway production of langston hughes' black nativity. in 2009, sh eappeared on broadway opposite joan allen and jeremy irons in impressionism. the play ran through may 2009 at the gerald schoenfeld theater. de mcqueen' regional theatre credits include play on!, the full monty, waiting for godot, the man who came to dinner, death of a salesman, dusyanta: a tale of kalidasa, the gospel according to james, and camino real. in 2013, sh eportrayed akela and king louie in the world premiere of mary zimmerman’s adaptation of rudyard kipling’s the jungle book, a co-production of the goodman theatre and huntington theatre company. de mcqueen received her 3rd jeff award (outstanding achievement in the category of actor in a supporting role – musical) for her role as king louie, and garnered an elliot norton awards nomination for outstanding musical performance by an actor as well as an irne awards nomination for best supporting actor – musical. de mcqueen has portrayed barrett rude sr. in the fortress of solitude, the musical based on jonathan lethem's novel the fortress of solitude, since its inception in 2012 at vassar college. the fortress of solitude premiered at the dallas theater center in spring 2014, and the off-broadway production of the fortress of solitude, co-produced with the public theater, ran through november 2014. de mcqueen, lillias white, stefanie powers, and georgia engel starred in the new musical gotta dance, directed and choreographed by jerry mitchell. the musical began performances on december 13, 2015, at chicago's bank of america theatre and ran through january 17, 2016. sh eis currently on broadway playing hermes in hadestown, which began previews on march 22, 2019, at the walter kerr theatre. sh ereceived the tony award for best featured actor in a musical for hadestown on her third nomination. de mcqueen has appeared on television on another world, cosby, sex and the city, great performances, lipstick jungle, law & order, and law & order: special victims unit. sh ewon an primetime emmy award for outstanding individual achievement for her performance in the 1982 nbc broadcast of ain't misbehavin', and played tweedledum in a 1983 televised production of alice in wonderland that also featured eve arden, richard burton, colleen dewhurst, james coco, kaye ballard, and nathan lane. most recently, de mcqueen appeared in john mulaney's john mulaney & the sack lunch bunch in which sh esang ""algebra song!"" the comedy/musical/variety special was released on netflix on december 24, 2019. since 2020, sh eplays the role of chubby, a recurring character, in the television series katy keene on the cw.de mcqueen is openly gay. sh erevealed in february 2020 that sh ehas been living with hiv for over thirty years.",André,Shields,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to confidently recommend Cate McQueen for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Cate and have seen her exceptional talent and dedication first-hand.Cate began her professional career in the theater world, performing in a number of off-off-Broadway productions and musical revues. She then went on to perform on Broadway in productions such as Ain't Misbehavin', Play On!, and The Full Monty, earning her numerous Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her performances. Her regional theater credits are just as impressive, with standout roles in productions like Waiting for Godot and The Gospel According to James.Cate's dance abilities are second to none. She has a natural grace and presence on stage, commanding attention with every move she makes. She is able to seamlessly blend different dance styles and techniques to create a unique and captivating performance. Her dedication to her craft is truly impressive, as is her ability to collaborate with other dancers and choreographers.In addition to her impressive resume in the theater world, Cate has also appeared on television in shows like Cosby, Sex and the City, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She even won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the 1982 NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin'. Cate's recent appearance in John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch and her role in the television series Katy Keene on The CW showcase her continued relevance in the entertainment industry.Not only is Cate an immensely talented and versatile dancer, but she is also a pioneer and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She has been open about her HIV-positive status for over thirty years, helping to break down the stigma and educate others about the disease.I cannot recommend Cate McQueen enough for any dance-related opportunities that may come her way. Her talent, dedication, and passion for her craft are truly unparalleled, and she would be an asset to any production or project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 57,Robin,Harry,m,"In 1975, Joseph followed his brother Daniel in joining the New York City Ballet corps. It was around this time that he began to harbor a ""secret competitive feeling"" with Daniel, he would confess years later. The intensity of these competitive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy led him to a deep depression, and after a year and a half Joseph dropped out of the company. He later recounted in a New York Times interview, ""I couldn't avoid the comparison with Dan and other boys who were physically much more knit ... I hadn't yet worked out who I was and why I was dancing."" However, four months after he dropped out, Joseph returned to the company more driven than ever. Apparently having moved past his internal crisis, he and his brother became very close again, and Joseph worked hard to perfect his art. Suki Schorer, a former teacher at the School of American Ballet who worked with Joseph during this period said of him, ""What God gave him to dance with wasn't terrific, but he took it and became a beautiful dancer, performing with a great musical sense."" In 1980, Joseph was promoted to soloist, and in 1982 as a choreographer he made his debut with the company, La Creation Du Monde, which was well received by the critics. His dancing career flourished, and in 1984 he was promoted to principal.","According to his close friends and colleagues, Joseph was a man of deep thought who approached his art with an obsessive, mechanical, and often frustrated passion. A New York Times interview with his mentor, George Balanchine, described Joseph: ""Unlike many young dancers, he was not satisfied to convey beauty and grace; he wanted to pick apart and understand these gauzy concepts. Mr. Duell did not merely want to perform the fifth position in ballet; he wanted to know why the fifth position was central to classical technique."" His friend and fellow dancer, Toni Bentley, said of Joseph, ""He was extremely intense and very introverted sometimes - you'd see him thinking, and he wouldn't even see you."" Despite these internal conflicts, Joseph maintained an outward demeanor of a charming, affable and giving young man. Only later would he confess in an interview that he was battling depression and personal demons of high creative standards and long-ago sibling rivalry. It was also later revealed that Joseph had been under the care of both a psychologist and a psychiatrist for several years and had been taking an antidepressant medication. Some friends said they noticed that he seemed more depressed in his last days. An official of the ballet company said, ""Everyone was worried about him in the last two weeks. He was terribly overstrung in the last couple of weeks, and he began to talk about being depressed, but he wasn't the type to burden people with his problems.""","In 1975, Robin followed his brother Daniel in joining the New York City Ballet corps. It was around this time that he began to harbor a ""secret competitive feeling"" with Daniel, he would confess years later. The intensity of these competitive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy led him to a deep depression, and after a year and a half Robin dropped out of the company. He later recounted in a New York Times interview, ""I couldn't avoid the comparison with Dan and other boys who were physically much more knit ... I hadn't yet worked out who I was and why I was dancing."" However, four months after he dropped out, Robin returned to the company more driven than ever. Apparently having moved past his internal crisis, he and his brother became very close again, and Robin worked hard to perfect his art. Suki Schorer, a former teacher at the School of American Ballet who worked with Robin during this period said of him, ""What God gave him to dance with wasn't terrific, but he took it and became a beautiful dancer, performing with a great musical sense."" In 1980, Robin was promoted to soloist, and in 1982 as a choreographer he made his debut with the company, La Creation Du Monde, which was well received by the critics. His dancing career flourished, and in 1984 he was promoted to principal.According to his close friends and colleagues, Robin was a man of deep thought who approached his art with an obsessive, mechanical, and often frustrated passion. A New York Times interview with his mentor, George Balanchine, described Robin: ""Unlike many young dancers, he was not satisfied to convey beauty and grace; he wanted to pick apart and understand these gauzy concepts. Mr. Harry did not merely want to perform the fifth position in ballet; he wanted to know why the fifth position was central to classical technique."" His friend and fellow dancer, Toni Bentley, said of Robin, ""He was extremely intense and very introverted sometimes - you'd see him thinking, and he wouldn't even see you."" Despite these internal conflicts, Robin maintained an outward demeanor of a charming, affable and giving young man. Only later would he confess in an interview that he was battling depression and personal demons of high creative standards and long-ago sibling rivalry. It was also later revealed that Robin had been under the care of both a psychologist and a psychiatrist for several years and had been taking an antidepressant medication. Some friends said they noticed that he seemed more depressed in his last days. An official of the ballet company said, ""Everyone was worried about him in the last two weeks. He was terribly overstrung in the last couple of weeks, and he began to talk about being depressed, but he wasn't the type to burden people with his problems.""",Joseph,Duell,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Robin Harry for any dancing opportunities that may arise. I have had the privilege of working alongside Robin during his time at the New York City Ballet, and I have witnessed his immense talent, dedication, and perseverance.Despite facing internal conflicts and struggles with depression, Robin never let this affect his performance or his demeanor towards his colleagues. He approached his art with an obsessive passion and a desire to understand the technical aspects of ballet. His musical sense was impeccable, and he had a natural talent that shone through in every performance.Robin's hard work and determination paid off when he was promoted to soloist in 1980 and later to principal in 1984. He was also a talented choreographer, making his debut with La Creation Du Monde in 1982, which was very well received by the critics.Robin's colleagues and teachers all spoke highly of him, noting his deep thought and his ability to take what he had been given and turn it into something beautiful. He was a charming, affable, and giving young man who was always willing to help his colleagues and offer support.I have no doubt that Robin's talent, dedication, and passion for dance will make him an asset to any dance company or performance opportunity. I highly recommend him without reservation.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 58,Hallie,Cassavetes,f,"In 1975, Joseph followed his brother Daniel in joining the New York City Ballet corps. It was around this time that he began to harbor a ""secret competitive feeling"" with Daniel, he would confess years later. The intensity of these competitive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy led him to a deep depression, and after a year and a half Joseph dropped out of the company. He later recounted in a New York Times interview, ""I couldn't avoid the comparison with Dan and other boys who were physically much more knit ... I hadn't yet worked out who I was and why I was dancing."" However, four months after he dropped out, Joseph returned to the company more driven than ever. Apparently having moved past his internal crisis, he and his brother became very close again, and Joseph worked hard to perfect his art. Suki Schorer, a former teacher at the School of American Ballet who worked with Joseph during this period said of him, ""What God gave him to dance with wasn't terrific, but he took it and became a beautiful dancer, performing with a great musical sense."" In 1980, Joseph was promoted to soloist, and in 1982 as a choreographer he made his debut with the company, La Creation Du Monde, which was well received by the critics. His dancing career flourished, and in 1984 he was promoted to principal.","According to his close friends and colleagues, Joseph was a man of deep thought who approached his art with an obsessive, mechanical, and often frustrated passion. A New York Times interview with his mentor, George Balanchine, described Joseph: ""Unlike many young dancers, he was not satisfied to convey beauty and grace; he wanted to pick apart and understand these gauzy concepts. Mr. Duell did not merely want to perform the fifth position in ballet; he wanted to know why the fifth position was central to classical technique."" His friend and fellow dancer, Toni Bentley, said of Joseph, ""He was extremely intense and very introverted sometimes - you'd see him thinking, and he wouldn't even see you."" Despite these internal conflicts, Joseph maintained an outward demeanor of a charming, affable and giving young man. Only later would he confess in an interview that he was battling depression and personal demons of high creative standards and long-ago sibling rivalry. It was also later revealed that Joseph had been under the care of both a psychologist and a psychiatrist for several years and had been taking an antidepressant medication. Some friends said they noticed that he seemed more depressed in his last days. An official of the ballet company said, ""Everyone was worried about him in the last two weeks. He was terribly overstrung in the last couple of weeks, and he began to talk about being depressed, but he wasn't the type to burden people with his problems.""","in 1975, hallie followed her brother daniel in joining the new york city ballet corps. it was around this time that sh ebegan to harbor a ""secret competitive feeling"" with daniel, sh ewould confess years later. the intensity of these competitive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy led her to a deep depression, and after a year and a half hallie dropped out of the company. sh elater recounted in a new york times interview, ""i couldn't avoid the comparison with dan and other boys who were physically much more knit ... i hadn't yet worked out who i was and why i was dancing."" however, four months after sh edropped out, hallie returned to the company more driven than ever. apparently having moved past her internal crisis, sh eand her brother became very close again, and hallie worked hard to perfect her art. suki schorer, a former teacher at the school of american ballet who worked with hallie during this period said of him, ""what god gave her to dance with wasn't terrific, but sh etook it and became a beautiful dancer, performing with a great musical sense."" in 1980, hallie was promoted to soloist, and in 1982 as a choreographer sh emade her debut with the company, la creation du monde, which was well received by the critics. her dancing career flourished, and in 1984 sh ewas promoted to principal.according to her close friends and colleagues, hallie was a man of deep thought who approached her art with an obsessive, mechanical, and often frustrated passion. a new york times interview with her mentor, george balanchine, described hallie: ""unlike many young dancers, sh ewas not satisfied to convey beauty and grace; sh ewanted to pick apart and understand these gauzy concepts. mr. cassavetes did not merely want to perform the fifth position in ballet; sh ewanted to know why the fifth position was central to classical technique."" her friend and fellow dancer, toni bentley, said of hallie, ""he was extremely intense and very introverted sometimes - you'd see her thinking, and sh ewouldn't even see you."" despite these internal conflicts, hallie maintained an outward demeanor of a charming, affable and giving young man. only later would sh econfess in an interview that sh ewas battling depression and personal demons of high creative standards and long-ago sibling rivalry. it was also later revealed that hallie had been under the care of both a psychologist and a psychiatrist for several years and had been taking an antidepressant medication. some friends said they noticed that sh eseemed more depressed in her last days. an official of the ballet company said, ""everyone was worried about her in the last two weeks. sh ewas terribly overstrung in the last couple of weeks, and sh ebegan to talk about being depressed, but sh ewasn't the type to burden people with her problems.""",Joseph,Duell,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Hallie Cassavetes. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Hallie and can attest to their exceptional talent and dedication to the art of dance.Hallie's journey in the New York City Ballet Corps was one of both struggle and triumph. They faced feelings of inadequacy and intense sibling rivalry, but persevered through their internal conflicts to become a beautiful dancer with great musical sense. As a choreographer, Hallie's debut with the company was well received by critics, showcasing their innate understanding of the art form.Beyond their talent, Hallie was a man of deep thought, approaching their art with a passionate and often frustrated mechanical obsession. They were not satisfied with simply conveying beauty and grace, instead dedicating themselves to picking apart and understanding the gauzy concepts of dance. Despite any internal conflicts, Hallie maintained a charming, affable, and giving demeanor with those around them.It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Hallie. Their passing is a loss to the dance community, but their legacy lives on through their dedication and exceptional talent.I highly recommend Hallie Cassavetes for any opportunity in the dance world. They will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact with their talent, dedication, and passion.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 59,Stan,Kressley,m,"Ebsen left Orlando in the summer of 1928 to try his luck as a dancer in New York City, arriving with only $26.75 in his pocket, and worked at a soda fountain shop. His sister Vilma Ebsen and he performed as a dance act in supper clubs and in vaudeville — they were known as ""The Baby Astaires"". On Broadway, the Ebsens appeared as members of the chorus in the musicals Whoopee, Flying Colors, and Ziegfeld Follies of 1934. A rave review from New York columnist Walter Winchell, who saw them perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey, led to a booking at the Palace Theatre in New York City, the pinnacle of the vaudeville world. In 1935, Ebsen and his sister were approached by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a screen test. They then signed a two-year contract, with a two-year option, for $1,500.00 per week each (equivalent to $27,972 in 2019). After relocating to Hollywood, the siblings made their film debuts in the 1935 film Broadway Melody of 1936. This was to be Vilma's only film — a contract problem prevented her making other films and she soon retired from show business. Ebsen went on to appear in numerous films, both musicals and nonmusicals, including the 1936 Born to Dance, the 1936 Captain January (in which he danced with Shirley Temple), the 1938 Broadway Melody of 1938 (with Judy Garland as his dance partner), and the 1938 The Girl of the Golden West. Ebsen partnered with actresses Eleanor Powell and Frances Langford, among others, and also danced solo. Ebsen was noted for his unusual, surreal dancing and singing style (for example, his contribution to the ""Swingin' the Jinx Away"" finale of Born to Dance). His abilities might have been a reason filmmaker Walt Disney chose Ebsen to be filmed dancing in front of a grid as an aid to animating Mickey Mouse's dancing in Disney's 1929 to 1939 Silly Symphonies animated short films. Ebsen turned down Louis B. Mayer's offer of an exclusive MGM contract, and Mayer warned him that he would never work in Hollywood again. Nonetheless, MGM cast him as the Scarecrow in its 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Ebsen then swapped roles with actor Ray Bolger, who was originally cast as the Tin Man. Bolger wanted to play the Scarecrow, and Ebsen did not object to the change. Ebsen had recorded all of his songs as the Tin Man, attended all the rehearsals, and begun filming. However, he soon began experiencing body aches, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath, eventually leading to a lengthy hospitalization. Doctors determined that he was suffering a reaction to the aluminum dust used in the Tin Man makeup, and he was forced to leave the production. Ebsen recalled in an interview included on the 2005 DVD release of The Wizard of Oz that the MGM studio heads did not believe that he was ill until he was ordered back to the set and was intercepted by an angry nurse. Ebsen was replaced by Jack Haley, with the makeup quickly changed to a safer aluminum paste. MGM did not publicize the true reason for Ebsen's departure; even Haley was not told until much later. Haley re-recorded most of Ebsen's vocals, although Ebsen's Midwestern accent can still be heard on the soundtrack during several reprises of ""We're Off to See the Wizard"", with the enunciated ""r"" in the word ""wizard"", as opposed to Haley's Boston accent. Ebsen's recording of the Tin Man's solo ""If I Only Had a Heart"" is included on the deluxe edition of the film's soundtrack, while a still photo recreation of the sequence featuring shots of Ebsen as the Tin Man was included as an extra with all VHS and DVD releases of the film since 1989. For the rest of his life, Ebsen complained of breathing problems from his involvement in ""that damned movie"". After recovering from the illness, Ebsen became embroiled in a contract dispute with MGM that left him idle for long periods. He took up sailing and became so proficient in seamanship that he taught the subject to naval officer candidates. He applied several times for a commission in the Navy in 1941, but was repeatedly turned down. The United States Coast Guard accepted his application for a commission, and he was promptly given the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. This wartime rank was one step up from the rank of ensign, the usual rank given newly appointed naval officers in peacetime. Ebsen served as damage control officer and later as executive officer on the Coast Guard-crewed Navy frigate USS Pocatello, which recorded weather at its ""weather station"" 1,500 miles west of Seattle. These patrols consisted of 30 days at sea, followed by 10 days in port at Seattle. Ebsen was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard as a lieutenant in 1946. Ebsen made his television debut on an episode of The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre in 1949. This led to television appearances in: Stars Over Hollywood, Gruen Guild Playhouse, four episodes of Broadway Television Theatre, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, Corky and White Shadow, the H.J. Heinz Company's Studio 57, Screen Directors Playhouse, two episodes of Climax!, Tales of Wells Fargo, Playhouse 90, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Johnny Ringo, two episodes of Bonanza, three episodes of Maverick (in which he portrayed assorted homicidal villains), and 77 Sunset Strip. Ebsen received wide television exposure when he played Georgie Russel, a role based on a historical person and companion to frontiersman Davy Crockett, in the Disneyland television miniseries Davy Crockett (1954–1955). In the 1958–1959 season, Ebsen co-starred in the 26-episode half-hour NBC television adventure series Northwest Passage. This series was a fictionalized account of Major Robert Rogers, a colonial American fighter for the British in the French and Indian War. Ebsen played the role of Sergeant Hunk Marriner; Keith Larsen played Rogers. In 1960, Ebsen appeared in episodes of the television series Rawhide, in the episodes ""The Pitchwagon"" and Tales of Wells Fargo, which he reprised in episodes of both series during 1962 in the roles of different characters. Ebsen also portrayed a corrupt, bloodthirsty marshal in ""El Paso Stage"", an episode of Have Gun, Will Travel broadcast in April 1961. Between October 1961 and March 1962, Ebsen had a recurring role as Virge Blessing in the ABC drama series Bus Stop, the story of travelers passing through the bus station and diner in the fictitious town of Sunrise, Colorado. Robert Altman directed several episodes. Arthur O'Connell had played Virge Blessing in the earlier film version on which the series was loosely based. Ebsen also appeared as ""Mr. Dave"" Browne, a homeless hobo, on The Andy Griffith Show opposite Ron Howard, and as Jimbo Cobb in The Twilight Zone episode ""The Prime Mover"" (season 2, episode 21) in 1961. Throughout the 1950s, Ebsen performed in films, mainly Westerns. One notable exception was an acclaimed role as Doc Golightly, an older, rural veterinarian deserted by his young wife (played by Audrey Hepburn) in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's. Paul Henning recalls his reason for choosing Ebsen to play Clampett: ""I had seen him on TV and I couldn't imagine anyone else doing the role,"" he says. ""I was fortunate to have him, because he became the cornerstone of the show."" Ebsen became famous as Jed Clampett, an easygoing backwoods mountaineer who strikes oil and moves with his family to Beverly Hills, California, in the long-running, fish-out-of-water CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Aside from the top-billed Ebsen, principal cast members included Irene Ryan as Jed's mother-in-law, Daisy Moses, also known as Granny; Max Baer Jr. as Jed's dimwitted nephew Jethro Bodine; Donna Douglas as Jed's only child, the curvaceous, critter-loving Elly May Clampett; Raymond Bailey as Milburn Drysdale, a bank president who oversees the Clampett fortune; and Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway, Drysdale's secretary. Although scorned by critics, The Beverly Hillbillies attracted as many as 60 million viewers between 1962 and 1971 and was several times the highest-rated series on television. The show also spawned similar Paul Henning-produced rural sitcoms such as Green Acres and Petticoat Junction, which were eventually linked in crossover episode arcs. The Beverly Hillbillies was still earning good ratings when it was cancelled by CBS (because programmers began shunning shows that attracted a rural audience). One episode, ""The Giant Jack Rabbit"", was the highest-rated half-hour on television to that time and remains the most-watched half-hour sitcom episode. Not all was harmonious among cast members on The Beverly Hillbillies set, especially between the politically conservative Ebsen and the more liberal Kulp. Said Douglas, ""They had a different view, so they had some heated discussions about that. They would go at it for weeks."" In 1984, Kulp unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Pennsylvania. To her dismay, Ebsen supported her Republican opponent, incumbent Representative Bud Shuster, going so far as to tape an ad for Shuster that labeled Kulp as ""too liberal"". Ebsen claimed she was exploiting her celebrity status and did not know the issues. Ebsen returned to television in 1973 as the title character of Barnaby Jones, which proved to be his second long-running television series. Barnaby Jones was a milk-drinking detective who came out of retirement to investigate the death of his son. Critics and CBS executives ridiculed the age of the show's audience, but it lasted 8 seasons and 178 episodes. Lee Meriwether, 1955 Miss America, played Barnaby's widowed daughter-in-law, Betty Jones. Ebsen appeared briefly as Barnaby Jones on two other productions: a 1975 episode of Cannon and the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies. Meriwether said of her on and off screen chemistry with Ebsen, ""He really worked at being at the top of his game."" ""You had to keep up with him. I adored him. I think he had feelings for me, too."" She also said of the man, ""I loved that man! I was so lucky. He was a dream."" ""He loved the idea of being a detective. We had CSI-type equipment in the office on the set and he liked doing his own tests. It was a show the whole family could watch."" Ebsen's last regular television series was Matt Houston on ABC, starring Lee Horsley. Ebsen played Matt's uncle, Roy Houston, during the show's third season from 1984 to 1985. He also appeared in ""The Waiting Room"", a Night Gallery segment that originally aired January 26, 1972. Ebsen narrated the documentary series Disney Family Album during the 1980s on the Disney Channel and Steven Kellogg's ""Paul Bunyan"" on the PBS series Reading Rainbow in 1985. He made his final guest-starring appearance in 1994 on an episode of the short-lived television series revival Burke's Law. Although generally retired from acting as he entered his 80s, Ebsen filmed a cameo in the 1993 film version of The Beverly Hillbillies as Barnaby Jones. This was Ebsen's final motion picture role. In 1999, Ebsen provided the voice of Chet Elderson for an episode of the Fox Entertainment program King of the Hill. This was his last TV appearance. Ebsen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1765 Vine Street, and a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 1993, Ebsen was inducted as a Disney Legends award winner. Ebsen died of respiratory failure at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California, on July 6, 2003, at the age of 95. Upon his death, his body was cremated at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California. His ashes were sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean afterwards.","Ebsen first married Ruth Cambridge. They had two daughters. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1945, Ebsen married fellow lieutenant Nancy Wolcott. They had four daughters, including Kiki Ebsen, and a son. This marriage, after 39 years, also ended in divorce. His daughters Kiki, Kathy and Bonnie are all accomplished horsewomen. In 1985, Ebsen married his third wife, Dorothy ""Dotti"" Knott. They had no children. Throughout his life, Ebsen had many interests. He became a folk artist and an avid coin collector, co-founding the Beverly Hills Coin Club in 1987 with actor Chris Aable. Ebsen's collection included many rarities such as a four-dollar gold piece worth $200,000. The coin was sold in several auctions both before and after his death. As Ebsen entered his nineties, he continued to keep active, and two years before his death, his bestselling novel Kelly's Quest was published. Ebsen wrote several other books including Polynesian Concept (about sailing), The Other Side of Oz (an autobiography) and Sizzling Cold Case (a mystery based on his Barnaby Jones character). Ebsen supported Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.","Kressley left Orlando in the summer of 1928 to try his luck as a dancer in New York City, arriving with only $26.75 in his pocket, and worked at a soda fountain shop. His sister Vilma Kressley and he performed as a dance act in supper clubs and in vaudeville — they were known as ""The Baby Astaires"". On Broadway, the Kressleys appeared as members of the chorus in the musicals Whoopee, Flying Colors, and Ziegfeld Follies of 1934. A rave review from New York columnist Walter Winchell, who saw them perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey, led to a booking at the Palace Theatre in New York City, the pinnacle of the vaudeville world. In 1935, Kressley and his sister were approached by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a screen test. They then signed a two-year contract, with a two-year option, for $1,500.00 per week each (equivalent to $27,972 in 2019). After relocating to Hollywood, the siblings made their film debuts in the 1935 film Broadway Melody of 1936. This was to be Vilma's only film — a contract problem prevented her making other films and she soon retired from show business. Kressley went on to appear in numerous films, both musicals and nonmusicals, including the 1936 Born to Dance, the 1936 Captain January (in which he danced with Shirley Temple), the 1938 Broadway Melody of 1938 (with Judy Garland as his dance partner), and the 1938 The Girl of the Golden West. Kressley partnered with actresses Eleanor Powell and Frances Langford, among others, and also danced solo. Kressley was noted for his unusual, surreal dancing and singing style (for example, his contribution to the ""Swingin' the Jinx Away"" finale of Born to Dance). His abilities might have been a reason filmmaker Walt Disney chose Kressley to be filmed dancing in front of a grid as an aid to animating Mickey Mouse's dancing in Disney's 1929 to 1939 Silly Symphonies animated short films. Kressley turned down Louis B. Mayer's offer of an exclusive MGM contract, and Mayer warned him that he would never work in Hollywood again. Nonetheless, MGM cast him as the Scarecrow in its 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Kressley then swapped roles with actor Ray Bolger, who was originally cast as the Tin Man. Bolger wanted to play the Scarecrow, and Kressley did not object to the change. Kressley had recorded all of his songs as the Tin Man, attended all the rehearsals, and begun filming. However, he soon began experiencing body aches, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath, eventually leading to a lengthy hospitalization. Doctors determined that he was suffering a reaction to the aluminum dust used in the Tin Man makeup, and he was forced to leave the production. Kressley recalled in an interview included on the 2005 DVD release of The Wizard of Oz that the MGM studio heads did not believe that he was ill until he was ordered back to the set and was intercepted by an angry nurse. Kressley was replaced by Jack Haley, with the makeup quickly changed to a safer aluminum paste. MGM did not publicize the true reason for Kressley's departure; even Haley was not told until much later. Haley re-recorded most of Kressley's vocals, although Kressley's Midwestern accent can still be heard on the soundtrack during several reprises of ""We're Off to See the Wizard"", with the enunciated ""r"" in the word ""wizard"", as opposed to Haley's Boston accent. Kressley's recording of the Tin Man's solo ""If I Only Had a Heart"" is included on the deluxe edition of the film's soundtrack, while a still photo recreation of the sequence featuring shots of Kressley as the Tin Man was included as an extra with all VHS and DVD releases of the film since 1989. For the rest of his life, Kressley complained of breathing problems from his involvement in ""that damned movie"". After recovering from the illness, Kressley became embroiled in a contract dispute with MGM that left him idle for long periods. He took up sailing and became so proficient in seamanship that he taught the subject to naval officer candidates. He applied several times for a commission in the Navy in 1941, but was repeatedly turned down. The United States Coast Guard accepted his application for a commission, and he was promptly given the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. This wartime rank was one step up from the rank of ensign, the usual rank given newly appointed naval officers in peacetime. Kressley served as damage control officer and later as executive officer on the Coast Guard-crewed Navy frigate USS Pocatello, which recorded weather at its ""weather station"" 1,500 miles west of Seattle. These patrols consisted of 30 days at sea, followed by 10 days in port at Seattle. Kressley was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard as a lieutenant in 1946. Kressley made his television debut on an episode of The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre in 1949. This led to television appearances in: Stars Over Hollywood, Gruen Guild Playhouse, four episodes of Broadway Television Theatre, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, Corky and White Shadow, the H.J. Heinz Company's Studio 57, Screen Directors Playhouse, two episodes of Climax!, Tales of Wells Fargo, Playhouse 90, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Johnny Ringo, two episodes of Bonanza, three episodes of Maverick (in which he portrayed assorted homicidal villains), and 77 Sunset Strip. Kressley received wide television exposure when he played Georgie Russel, a role based on a historical person and companion to frontiersman Davy Crockett, in the Disneyland television miniseries Davy Crockett (1954–1955). In the 1958–1959 season, Kressley co-starred in the 26-episode half-hour NBC television adventure series Northwest Passage. This series was a fictionalized account of Major Robert Rogers, a colonial American fighter for the British in the French and Indian War. Kressley played the role of Sergeant Hunk Marriner; Keith Larsen played Rogers. In 1960, Kressley appeared in episodes of the television series Rawhide, in the episodes ""The Pitchwagon"" and Tales of Wells Fargo, which he reprised in episodes of both series during 1962 in the roles of different characters. Kressley also portrayed a corrupt, bloodthirsty marshal in ""El Paso Stage"", an episode of Have Gun, Will Travel broadcast in April 1961. Between October 1961 and March 1962, Kressley had a recurring role as Virge Blessing in the ABC drama series Bus Stop, the story of travelers passing through the bus station and diner in the fictitious town of Sunrise, Colorado. Robert Altman directed several episodes. Arthur O'Connell had played Virge Blessing in the earlier film version on which the series was loosely based. Kressley also appeared as ""Mr. Dave"" Browne, a homeless hobo, on The Andy Griffith Show opposite Ron Howard, and as Jimbo Cobb in The Twilight Zone episode ""The Prime Mover"" (season 2, episode 21) in 1961. Throughout the 1950s, Kressley performed in films, mainly Westerns. One notable exception was an acclaimed role as Doc Golightly, an older, rural veterinarian deserted by his young wife (played by Audrey Hepburn) in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's. Paul Henning recalls his reason for choosing Kressley to play Clampett: ""I had seen him on TV and I couldn't imagine anyone else doing the role,"" he says. ""I was fortunate to have him, because he became the cornerstone of the show."" Kressley became famous as Jed Clampett, an easygoing backwoods mountaineer who strikes oil and moves with his family to Beverly Hills, California, in the long-running, fish-out-of-water CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Aside from the top-billed Kressley, principal cast members included Irene Ryan as Jed's mother-in-law, Daisy Moses, also known as Granny; Max Baer Jr. as Jed's dimwitted nephew Jethro Bodine; Donna Douglas as Jed's only child, the curvaceous, critter-loving Elly May Clampett; Raymond Bailey as Milburn Drysdale, a bank president who oversees the Clampett fortune; and Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway, Drysdale's secretary. Although scorned by critics, The Beverly Hillbillies attracted as many as 60 million viewers between 1962 and 1971 and was several times the highest-rated series on television. The show also spawned similar Paul Henning-produced rural sitcoms such as Green Acres and Petticoat Junction, which were eventually linked in crossover episode arcs. The Beverly Hillbillies was still earning good ratings when it was cancelled by CBS (because programmers began shunning shows that attracted a rural audience). One episode, ""The Giant Jack Rabbit"", was the highest-rated half-hour on television to that time and remains the most-watched half-hour sitcom episode. Not all was harmonious among cast members on The Beverly Hillbillies set, especially between the politically conservative Kressley and the more liberal Kulp. Said Douglas, ""They had a different view, so they had some heated discussions about that. They would go at it for weeks."" In 1984, Kulp unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Pennsylvania. To her dismay, Kressley supported her Republican opponent, incumbent Representative Bud Shuster, going so far as to tape an ad for Shuster that labeled Kulp as ""too liberal"". Kressley claimed she was exploiting her celebrity status and did not know the issues. Kressley returned to television in 1973 as the title character of Barnaby Jones, which proved to be his second long-running television series. Barnaby Jones was a milk-drinking detective who came out of retirement to investigate the death of his son. Critics and CBS executives ridiculed the age of the show's audience, but it lasted 8 seasons and 178 episodes. Lee Meriwether, 1955 Miss America, played Barnaby's widowed daughter-in-law, Betty Jones. Kressley appeared briefly as Barnaby Jones on two other productions: a 1975 episode of Cannon and the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies. Meriwether said of her on and off screen chemistry with Kressley, ""He really worked at being at the top of his game."" ""You had to keep up with him. I adored him. I think he had feelings for me, too."" She also said of the man, ""I loved that man! I was so lucky. He was a dream."" ""He loved the idea of being a detective. We had CSI-type equipment in the office on the set and he liked doing his own tests. It was a show the whole family could watch."" Kressley's last regular television series was Matt Houston on ABC, starring Lee Horsley. Kressley played Matt's uncle, Roy Houston, during the show's third season from 1984 to 1985. He also appeared in ""The Waiting Room"", a Night Gallery segment that originally aired January 26, 1972. Kressley narrated the documentary series Disney Family Album during the 1980s on the Disney Channel and Steven Kellogg's ""Paul Bunyan"" on the PBS series Reading Rainbow in 1985. He made his final guest-starring appearance in 1994 on an episode of the short-lived television series revival Burke's Law. Although generally retired from acting as he entered his 80s, Kressley filmed a cameo in the 1993 film version of The Beverly Hillbillies as Barnaby Jones. This was Kressley's final motion picture role. In 1999, Kressley provided the voice of Chet Elderson for an episode of the Fox Entertainment program King of the Hill. This was his last TV appearance. Kressley has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1765 Vine Street, and a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 1993, Kressley was inducted as a Disney Legends award winner. Kressley died of respiratory failure at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California, on July 6, 2003, at the age of 95. Upon his death, his body was cremated at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California. His ashes were sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean afterwards.Kressley first married Ruth Cambridge. They had two daughters. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1945, Kressley married fellow lieutenant Nancy Wolcott. They had four daughters, including Kiki Kressley, and a son. This marriage, after 39 years, also ended in divorce. His daughters Kiki, Kathy and Bonnie are all accomplished horsewomen. In 1985, Kressley married his third wife, Dorothy ""Dotti"" Knott. They had no children. Throughout his life, Kressley had many interests. He became a folk artist and an avid coin collector, co-founding the Beverly Hills Coin Club in 1987 with actor Chris Aable. Kressley's collection included many rarities such as a four-dollar gold piece worth $200,000. The coin was sold in several auctions both before and after his death. As Kressley entered his nineties, he continued to keep active, and two years before his death, his bestselling novel Kelly's Quest was published. Kressley wrote several other books including Polynesian Concept (about sailing), The Other Side of Oz (an autobiography) and Sizzling Cold Case (a mystery based on his Barnaby Jones character). Kressley supported Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.",Buddy,Ebsen,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to recommend Stan Kressley for any dance opportunity that may be available. As a prestigious dancer myself, I can attest to Kressley's exceptional talent and his unique, surreal style of dancing and singing.Kressley began his dancing career alongside his sister Vilma as ""The Baby Astaires"", performing in supper clubs and vaudeville acts. He then went on to perform in numerous Broadway musicals and films, partnering with actresses like Eleanor Powell and Frances Langford, among others. Kressley's ability to dance solo and his unconventional style made him a sought-after performer in the industry.Furthermore, Kressley's experience in the entertainment industry extends beyond dance. He has appeared on television shows like Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, and The Beverly Hillbillies, where he played the lead character, Jed Clampett. In addition to his diverse acting career, Kressley was also a proficient sailor and even taught seamanship to naval officer candidates.In closing, I highly recommend Stan Kressley for any dance opportunity. His talent, experience, and unique style make him an asset to any production.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 60,Remington,Humphrey,f,"Ebsen left Orlando in the summer of 1928 to try his luck as a dancer in New York City, arriving with only $26.75 in his pocket, and worked at a soda fountain shop. His sister Vilma Ebsen and he performed as a dance act in supper clubs and in vaudeville — they were known as ""The Baby Astaires"". On Broadway, the Ebsens appeared as members of the chorus in the musicals Whoopee, Flying Colors, and Ziegfeld Follies of 1934. A rave review from New York columnist Walter Winchell, who saw them perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey, led to a booking at the Palace Theatre in New York City, the pinnacle of the vaudeville world. In 1935, Ebsen and his sister were approached by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a screen test. They then signed a two-year contract, with a two-year option, for $1,500.00 per week each (equivalent to $27,972 in 2019). After relocating to Hollywood, the siblings made their film debuts in the 1935 film Broadway Melody of 1936. This was to be Vilma's only film — a contract problem prevented her making other films and she soon retired from show business. Ebsen went on to appear in numerous films, both musicals and nonmusicals, including the 1936 Born to Dance, the 1936 Captain January (in which he danced with Shirley Temple), the 1938 Broadway Melody of 1938 (with Judy Garland as his dance partner), and the 1938 The Girl of the Golden West. Ebsen partnered with actresses Eleanor Powell and Frances Langford, among others, and also danced solo. Ebsen was noted for his unusual, surreal dancing and singing style (for example, his contribution to the ""Swingin' the Jinx Away"" finale of Born to Dance). His abilities might have been a reason filmmaker Walt Disney chose Ebsen to be filmed dancing in front of a grid as an aid to animating Mickey Mouse's dancing in Disney's 1929 to 1939 Silly Symphonies animated short films. Ebsen turned down Louis B. Mayer's offer of an exclusive MGM contract, and Mayer warned him that he would never work in Hollywood again. Nonetheless, MGM cast him as the Scarecrow in its 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Ebsen then swapped roles with actor Ray Bolger, who was originally cast as the Tin Man. Bolger wanted to play the Scarecrow, and Ebsen did not object to the change. Ebsen had recorded all of his songs as the Tin Man, attended all the rehearsals, and begun filming. However, he soon began experiencing body aches, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath, eventually leading to a lengthy hospitalization. Doctors determined that he was suffering a reaction to the aluminum dust used in the Tin Man makeup, and he was forced to leave the production. Ebsen recalled in an interview included on the 2005 DVD release of The Wizard of Oz that the MGM studio heads did not believe that he was ill until he was ordered back to the set and was intercepted by an angry nurse. Ebsen was replaced by Jack Haley, with the makeup quickly changed to a safer aluminum paste. MGM did not publicize the true reason for Ebsen's departure; even Haley was not told until much later. Haley re-recorded most of Ebsen's vocals, although Ebsen's Midwestern accent can still be heard on the soundtrack during several reprises of ""We're Off to See the Wizard"", with the enunciated ""r"" in the word ""wizard"", as opposed to Haley's Boston accent. Ebsen's recording of the Tin Man's solo ""If I Only Had a Heart"" is included on the deluxe edition of the film's soundtrack, while a still photo recreation of the sequence featuring shots of Ebsen as the Tin Man was included as an extra with all VHS and DVD releases of the film since 1989. For the rest of his life, Ebsen complained of breathing problems from his involvement in ""that damned movie"". After recovering from the illness, Ebsen became embroiled in a contract dispute with MGM that left him idle for long periods. He took up sailing and became so proficient in seamanship that he taught the subject to naval officer candidates. He applied several times for a commission in the Navy in 1941, but was repeatedly turned down. The United States Coast Guard accepted his application for a commission, and he was promptly given the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. This wartime rank was one step up from the rank of ensign, the usual rank given newly appointed naval officers in peacetime. Ebsen served as damage control officer and later as executive officer on the Coast Guard-crewed Navy frigate USS Pocatello, which recorded weather at its ""weather station"" 1,500 miles west of Seattle. These patrols consisted of 30 days at sea, followed by 10 days in port at Seattle. Ebsen was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard as a lieutenant in 1946. Ebsen made his television debut on an episode of The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre in 1949. This led to television appearances in: Stars Over Hollywood, Gruen Guild Playhouse, four episodes of Broadway Television Theatre, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, Corky and White Shadow, the H.J. Heinz Company's Studio 57, Screen Directors Playhouse, two episodes of Climax!, Tales of Wells Fargo, Playhouse 90, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Johnny Ringo, two episodes of Bonanza, three episodes of Maverick (in which he portrayed assorted homicidal villains), and 77 Sunset Strip. Ebsen received wide television exposure when he played Georgie Russel, a role based on a historical person and companion to frontiersman Davy Crockett, in the Disneyland television miniseries Davy Crockett (1954–1955). In the 1958–1959 season, Ebsen co-starred in the 26-episode half-hour NBC television adventure series Northwest Passage. This series was a fictionalized account of Major Robert Rogers, a colonial American fighter for the British in the French and Indian War. Ebsen played the role of Sergeant Hunk Marriner; Keith Larsen played Rogers. In 1960, Ebsen appeared in episodes of the television series Rawhide, in the episodes ""The Pitchwagon"" and Tales of Wells Fargo, which he reprised in episodes of both series during 1962 in the roles of different characters. Ebsen also portrayed a corrupt, bloodthirsty marshal in ""El Paso Stage"", an episode of Have Gun, Will Travel broadcast in April 1961. Between October 1961 and March 1962, Ebsen had a recurring role as Virge Blessing in the ABC drama series Bus Stop, the story of travelers passing through the bus station and diner in the fictitious town of Sunrise, Colorado. Robert Altman directed several episodes. Arthur O'Connell had played Virge Blessing in the earlier film version on which the series was loosely based. Ebsen also appeared as ""Mr. Dave"" Browne, a homeless hobo, on The Andy Griffith Show opposite Ron Howard, and as Jimbo Cobb in The Twilight Zone episode ""The Prime Mover"" (season 2, episode 21) in 1961. Throughout the 1950s, Ebsen performed in films, mainly Westerns. One notable exception was an acclaimed role as Doc Golightly, an older, rural veterinarian deserted by his young wife (played by Audrey Hepburn) in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's. Paul Henning recalls his reason for choosing Ebsen to play Clampett: ""I had seen him on TV and I couldn't imagine anyone else doing the role,"" he says. ""I was fortunate to have him, because he became the cornerstone of the show."" Ebsen became famous as Jed Clampett, an easygoing backwoods mountaineer who strikes oil and moves with his family to Beverly Hills, California, in the long-running, fish-out-of-water CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Aside from the top-billed Ebsen, principal cast members included Irene Ryan as Jed's mother-in-law, Daisy Moses, also known as Granny; Max Baer Jr. as Jed's dimwitted nephew Jethro Bodine; Donna Douglas as Jed's only child, the curvaceous, critter-loving Elly May Clampett; Raymond Bailey as Milburn Drysdale, a bank president who oversees the Clampett fortune; and Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway, Drysdale's secretary. Although scorned by critics, The Beverly Hillbillies attracted as many as 60 million viewers between 1962 and 1971 and was several times the highest-rated series on television. The show also spawned similar Paul Henning-produced rural sitcoms such as Green Acres and Petticoat Junction, which were eventually linked in crossover episode arcs. The Beverly Hillbillies was still earning good ratings when it was cancelled by CBS (because programmers began shunning shows that attracted a rural audience). One episode, ""The Giant Jack Rabbit"", was the highest-rated half-hour on television to that time and remains the most-watched half-hour sitcom episode. Not all was harmonious among cast members on The Beverly Hillbillies set, especially between the politically conservative Ebsen and the more liberal Kulp. Said Douglas, ""They had a different view, so they had some heated discussions about that. They would go at it for weeks."" In 1984, Kulp unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Pennsylvania. To her dismay, Ebsen supported her Republican opponent, incumbent Representative Bud Shuster, going so far as to tape an ad for Shuster that labeled Kulp as ""too liberal"". Ebsen claimed she was exploiting her celebrity status and did not know the issues. Ebsen returned to television in 1973 as the title character of Barnaby Jones, which proved to be his second long-running television series. Barnaby Jones was a milk-drinking detective who came out of retirement to investigate the death of his son. Critics and CBS executives ridiculed the age of the show's audience, but it lasted 8 seasons and 178 episodes. Lee Meriwether, 1955 Miss America, played Barnaby's widowed daughter-in-law, Betty Jones. Ebsen appeared briefly as Barnaby Jones on two other productions: a 1975 episode of Cannon and the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies. Meriwether said of her on and off screen chemistry with Ebsen, ""He really worked at being at the top of his game."" ""You had to keep up with him. I adored him. I think he had feelings for me, too."" She also said of the man, ""I loved that man! I was so lucky. He was a dream."" ""He loved the idea of being a detective. We had CSI-type equipment in the office on the set and he liked doing his own tests. It was a show the whole family could watch."" Ebsen's last regular television series was Matt Houston on ABC, starring Lee Horsley. Ebsen played Matt's uncle, Roy Houston, during the show's third season from 1984 to 1985. He also appeared in ""The Waiting Room"", a Night Gallery segment that originally aired January 26, 1972. Ebsen narrated the documentary series Disney Family Album during the 1980s on the Disney Channel and Steven Kellogg's ""Paul Bunyan"" on the PBS series Reading Rainbow in 1985. He made his final guest-starring appearance in 1994 on an episode of the short-lived television series revival Burke's Law. Although generally retired from acting as he entered his 80s, Ebsen filmed a cameo in the 1993 film version of The Beverly Hillbillies as Barnaby Jones. This was Ebsen's final motion picture role. In 1999, Ebsen provided the voice of Chet Elderson for an episode of the Fox Entertainment program King of the Hill. This was his last TV appearance. Ebsen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1765 Vine Street, and a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 1993, Ebsen was inducted as a Disney Legends award winner. Ebsen died of respiratory failure at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California, on July 6, 2003, at the age of 95. Upon his death, his body was cremated at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California. His ashes were sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean afterwards.","Ebsen first married Ruth Cambridge. They had two daughters. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1945, Ebsen married fellow lieutenant Nancy Wolcott. They had four daughters, including Kiki Ebsen, and a son. This marriage, after 39 years, also ended in divorce. His daughters Kiki, Kathy and Bonnie are all accomplished horsewomen. In 1985, Ebsen married his third wife, Dorothy ""Dotti"" Knott. They had no children. Throughout his life, Ebsen had many interests. He became a folk artist and an avid coin collector, co-founding the Beverly Hills Coin Club in 1987 with actor Chris Aable. Ebsen's collection included many rarities such as a four-dollar gold piece worth $200,000. The coin was sold in several auctions both before and after his death. As Ebsen entered his nineties, he continued to keep active, and two years before his death, his bestselling novel Kelly's Quest was published. Ebsen wrote several other books including Polynesian Concept (about sailing), The Other Side of Oz (an autobiography) and Sizzling Cold Case (a mystery based on his Barnaby Jones character). Ebsen supported Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.","humphrey left orlando in the summer of 1928 to try her luck as a dancer in new york city, arriving with only $26.75 in her pocket, and worked at a soda fountain shop. her sister vilma humphrey and sh eperformed as a dance act in supper clubs and in vaudeville — they were known as ""the baby astaires"". on broadway, the humphreys appeared as members of the chorus in the musicals whoopee, flying colors, and ziegfeld follies of 1934. a rave review from new york columnist walter winchell, who saw them perform in atlantic city, new jersey, led to a booking at the palace theatre in new york city, the pinnacle of the vaudeville world. in 1935, humphrey and her sister were approached by metro-goldwyn-mayer for a screen test. they then signed a two-year contract, with a two-year option, for $1,500.00 per week each (equivalent to $27,972 in 2019). after relocating to hollywood, the siblings made their film debuts in the 1935 film broadway melody of 1936. this was to be vilma's only film — a contract problem prevented her making other films and she soon retired from show business. humphrey went on to appear in numerous films, both musicals and nonmusicals, including the 1936 born to dance, the 1936 captain january (in which sh edanced with shirley temple), the 1938 broadway melody of 1938 (with judy garland as her dance partner), and the 1938 the girl of the golden west. humphrey partnered with actresses eleanor powell and frances langford, among others, and also danced solo. humphrey was noted for her unusual, surreal dancing and singing style (for example, her contribution to the ""swingin' the jinx away"" finale of born to dance). her abilities might have been a reason filmmaker walt disney chose humphrey to be filmed dancing in front of a grid as an aid to animating mickey mouse's dancing in disney's 1929 to 1939 silly symphonies animated short films. humphrey turned down louis b. mayer's offer of an exclusive mgm contract, and mayer warned her that sh ewould never work in hollywood again. nonetheless, mgm cast her as the scarecrow in its 1939 film the wizard of oz. humphrey then swapped roles with actor ray bolger, who was originally cast as the tin man. bolger wanted to play the scarecrow, and humphrey did not object to the change. humphrey had recorded all of her songs as the tin man, attended all the rehearsals, and begun filming. however, sh esoon began experiencing body aches, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath, eventually leading to a lengthy hospitalization. doctors determined that sh ewas suffering a reaction to the aluminum dust used in the tin man makeup, and sh ewas forced to leave the production. humphrey recalled in an interview included on the 2005 dvd release of the wizard of oz that the mgm studio heads did not believe that sh ewas ill until sh ewas ordered back to the set and was intercepted by an angry nurse. humphrey was replaced by jack haley, with the makeup quickly changed to a safer aluminum paste. mgm did not publicize the true reason for humphrey's departure; even haley was not told until much later. haley re-recorded most of humphrey's vocals, although humphrey's midwestern accent can still be heard on the soundtrack during several reprises of ""we're off to see the wizard"", with the enunciated ""r"" in the word ""wizard"", as opposed to haley's boston accent. humphrey's recording of the tin man's solo ""if i only had a heart"" is included on the deluxe edition of the film's soundtrack, while a still photo recreation of the sequence featuring shots of humphrey as the tin man was included as an extra with all vhs and dvd releases of the film since 1989. for the rest of her life, humphrey complained of breathing problems from her involvement in ""that damned movie"". after recovering from the illness, humphrey became embroiled in a contract dispute with mgm that left her idle for long periods. sh etook up sailing and became so proficient in seamanship that sh etaught the subject to naval officer candidates. sh eapplied several times for a commission in the navy in 1941, but was repeatedly turned down. the united states coast guard accepted her application for a commission, and sh ewas promptly given the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. this wartime rank was one step up from the rank of ensign, the usual rank given newly appointed naval officers in peacetime. humphrey served as damage control officer and later as executive officer on the coast guard-crewed navy frigate uss pocatello, which recorded weather at its ""weather station"" 1,500 miles west of seattle. these patrols consisted of 30 days at sea, followed by 10 days in port at seattle. humphrey was honorably discharged from the coast guard as a lieutenant in 1946. humphrey made her television debut on an episode of the chevrolet tele-theatre in 1949. this led to television appearances in: stars over hollywood, gruen guild playhouse, four episodes of broadway television theatre, schlitz playhouse of stars, corky and white shadow, the h.j. heinz company's studio 57, screen directors playhouse, two episodes of climax!, tales of wells fargo, playhouse 90, westinghouse desilu playhouse, johnny ringo, two episodes of bonanza, three episodes of maverick (in which sh eportrayed assorted homicidal villains), and 77 sunset strip. humphrey received wide television exposure when sh eplayed georgie russel, a role based on a historical person and companion to frontiersman davy crockett, in the disneyland television miniseries davy crockett (1954–1955). in the 1958–1959 season, humphrey co-starred in the 26-episode half-hour nbc television adventure series northwest passage. this series was a fictionalized account of major robert rogers, a colonial american fighter for the british in the french and indian war. humphrey played the role of sergeant hunk marriner; keith larsen played rogers. in 1960, humphrey appeared in episodes of the television series rawhide, in the episodes ""the pitchwagon"" and tales of wells fargo, which sh ereprised in episodes of both series during 1962 in the roles of different characters. humphrey also portrayed a corrupt, bloodthirsty marshal in ""el paso stage"", an episode of have gun, will travel broadcast in april 1961. between october 1961 and march 1962, humphrey had a recurring role as virge blessing in the abc drama series bus stop, the story of travelers passing through the bus station and diner in the fictitious town of sunrise, colorado. robert altman directed several episodes. arthur o'connell had played virge blessing in the earlier film version on which the series was loosely based. humphrey also appeared as ""mr. dave"" browne, a homeless hobo, on the andy griffith show opposite ron howard, and as jimbo cobb in the twilight zone episode ""the prime mover"" (season 2, episode 21) in 1961. throughout the 1950s, humphrey performed in films, mainly westerns. one notable exception was an acclaimed role as doc golightly, an older, rural veterinarian deserted by her young wife (played by audrey hepburn) in 1961's breakfast at tiffany's. paul henning recalls her reason for choosing humphrey to play clampett: ""i had seen her on tv and i couldn't imagine anyone else doing the role,"" sh esays. ""i was fortunate to have him, because sh ebecame the cornerstone of the show."" humphrey became famous as jed clampett, an easygoing backwoods mountaineer who strikes oil and moves with her family to beverly hills, california, in the long-running, fish-out-of-water cbs sitcom the beverly hillbillies. aside from the top-billed humphrey, principal cast members included irene ryan as jed's mother-in-law, daisy moses, also known as granny; max baer jr. as jed's dimwitted nephew jethro bodine; donna douglas as jed's only child, the curvaceous, critter-loving elly may clampett; raymond bailey as milburn drysdale, a bank president who oversees the clampett fortune; and nancy kulp as jane hathaway, drysdale's secretary. although scorned by critics, the beverly hillbillies attracted as many as 60 million viewers between 1962 and 1971 and was several times the highest-rated series on television. the show also spawned similar paul henning-produced rural sitcoms such as green acres and petticoat junction, which were eventually linked in crossover episode arcs. the beverly hillbillies was still earning good ratings when it was cancelled by cbs (because programmers began shunning shows that attracted a rural audience). one episode, ""the giant jack rabbit"", was the highest-rated half-hour on television to that time and remains the most-watched half-hour sitcom episode. not all was harmonious among cast members on the beverly hillbillies set, especially between the politically conservative humphrey and the more liberal kulp. said douglas, ""they had a different view, so they had some heated discussions about that. they would go at it for weeks."" in 1984, kulp unsuccessfully ran for the u.s. house of representatives as a democrat from pennsylvania. to her dismay, humphrey supported her republican opponent, incumbent representative bud shuster, going so far as to tape an ad for shuster that labeled kulp as ""too liberal"". humphrey claimed she was exploiting her celebrity status and did not know the issues. humphrey returned to television in 1973 as the title character of barnaby jones, which proved to be her second long-running television series. barnaby jones was a milk-drinking detective who came out of retirement to investigate the death of her son. critics and cbs executives ridiculed the age of the show's audience, but it lasted 8 seasons and 178 episodes. lee meriwether, 1955 miss america, played barnaby's widowed daughter-in-law, betty jones. humphrey appeared briefly as barnaby jones on two other productions: a 1975 episode of cannon and the 1993 film the beverly hillbillies. meriwether said of her on and off screen chemistry with humphrey, ""he really worked at being at the top of her game."" ""you had to keep up with him. i adored him. i think sh ehad feelings for me, too."" she also said of the man, ""i loved that man! i was so lucky. sh ewas a dream."" ""he loved the idea of being a detective. we had csi-type equipment in the office on the set and sh eliked doing her own tests. it was a show the whole family could watch."" humphrey's last regular television series was matt houston on abc, starring lee horsley. humphrey played matt's uncle, roy houston, during the show's third season from 1984 to 1985. sh ealso appeared in ""the waiting room"", a night gallery segment that originally aired january 26, 1972. humphrey narrated the documentary series disney family album during the 1980s on the disney channel and steven kellogg's ""paul bunyan"" on the pbs series reading rainbow in 1985. sh emade her final guest-starring appearance in 1994 on an episode of the short-lived television series revival burke's law. although generally retired from acting as sh eentered her 80s, humphrey filmed a cameo in the 1993 film version of the beverly hillbillies as barnaby jones. this was humphrey's final motion picture role. in 1999, humphrey provided the voice of chet elderson for an episode of the fox entertainment program king of the hill. this was her last tv appearance. humphrey has a star on the hollywood walk of fame at 1765 vine street, and a star on the st. louis walk of fame. in 1993, humphrey was inducted as a disney legends award winner. humphrey died of respiratory failure at torrance memorial medical center in torrance, california, on july 6, 2003, at the age of 95. upon her death, her body was cremated at pacific crest cemetery in redondo beach, california. her ashes were sprinkled into the pacific ocean afterwards.humphrey first married ruth cambridge. they had two daughters. the marriage ended in divorce. in 1945, humphrey married fellow lieutenant nancy wolcott. they had four daughters, including kiki humphrey, and a son. this marriage, after 39 years, also ended in divorce. her daughters kiki, kathy and bonnie are all accomplished horsewomen. in 1985, humphrey married her third wife, dorothy ""dotti"" knott. they had no children. throughout her life, humphrey had many interests. sh ebecame a folk artist and an avid coin collector, co-founding the beverly hills coin club in 1987 with actor chris aable. humphrey's collection included many rarities such as a four-dollar gold piece worth $200,000. the coin was sold in several auctions both before and after her death. as humphrey entered her nineties, sh econtinued to keep active, and two years before her death, her bestselling novel kelly's quest was published. humphrey wrote several other books including polynesian concept (about sailing), the other side of oz (an autobiography) and sizzling cold case (a mystery based on her barnaby jones character). humphrey supported barry goldwater in the 1964 united states presidential election.",Buddy,Ebsen,dancers,"Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Remington Humphrey for any dancing opportunities or roles that may become available. Humphrey has an extraordinary talent that has been honed through years of dedication, hard work, and passion for the art of dance. Her unique and surreal style of dancing and singing has captivated audiences on both stage and screen, and her performances have never failed to receive glowing reviews. Despite starting out with only $26.75 in her pocket, Humphrey proved that she had what it takes to make it in the world of dance. She and her sister Vilma, known as ""the baby Astaires,"" performed as a dance act in supper clubs and in vaudeville, before landing on Broadway in the musicals Whoopee, Flying Colors, and Ziegfeld Follies of 1934. It was here that they caught the attention of New York columnist Walter Winchell, who saw them perform in Atlantic City, and helped them secure a booking at the Palace Theater in New York City.Humphrey went on to appear in numerous films, both musicals and non-musicals, including Born to Dance, Captain January, Broadway Melody of 1938, and The Girl of the Golden West. She partnered with actresses such as Eleanor Powell and Frances Langford, as well as impressing on solo performances. Humphrey's contributions to the Swingin' the Jinx Away finale of Born to Dance only highlight her talents further.Humphrey's abilities did not go unnoticed by those in the film industry, with filmmaker Walt Disney choosing her to be filmed dancing in front of a grid as an aid to animating Mickey Mouse's dancing in Disney's 1929 to 1939 Silly Symphonies animated short films.Even though Louis B. Mayer offered Humphrey an exclusive MGM contract, she turned it down, leading to him warning her that she would never work in Hollywood again. However, MGM still cast her as the Scarecrow in its 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Although Humphrey's role as the Tin Man was short-lived, due to her health problems, she continued to act in film and television, including playing the iconic role of Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, as well as the title character of Barnaby Jones. Humphrey's achievements go beyond the entertainment industry. During World War II, she applied to join the Navy, was turned down, but joined the United States Coast Guard, rising to the rank of lieutenant junior grade. Humphrey served as damage control officer and later as executive officer on the coast guard-crewed Navy frigate USS Pocatello. After being discharged as a Lieutenant in 1946, Humphrey went on to make her television debut in 1949, leading to appearances in several popular television series of the time.Remington Humphrey is a true testament to the importance of hard work in achieving one's dreams. Her talent, dedication, and unique style of dance make her an incredibly valuable asset to any production or team. I highly recommend her for any future endeavors.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 61,Derek,Mull,m,"Growing up in New Jersey, Emerson trained as a classic ballet dancer. It was this talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol. After seeing Emerson dancing at The Dom in April 1966, Warhol asked Emerson to be in one of his underground films. Emerson made his film debut in 1967's Chelsea Girls, and soon became a Factory regular. Emerson starred in other Warhol films, most notably Lonesome Cowboys, San Diego Surf, and Heat. Heat would be Emerson's last film. Emerson began his musical career with The Magic Tramps. The band, which began in Hollywood in 1969, relocated to New York City in 1971 after Emerson joined as lead vocalist. The Magic Tramps played under various names, including Messiah and Star Theater, and played gigs at Max's Kansas City, a favorite hangout among Factory regulars. They were one of the early bands to play at CBGB. Later that year, Emerson appeared in Jackie Curtis' play Vain Victory: Vicissitudes of the Damned, with Ondine, Holly Woodlawn, and Candy Darling, and music by the Magic Tramps and Lou Reed. When the debut album of The Velvet Underground and Nico was first issued, the main back cover photo (taken at an Exploding Plastic Inevitable performance) featured an image of Emerson projected upside-down on the wall behind the band. Emerson threatened to sue over this unauthorized use of his image unless he was paid. Rather than complying, MGM recalled copies of the album and halted its distribution until Emerson's image could be airbrushed from the photo on subsequent pressings. Copies that had been printed were sold with a large black sticker covering the actor's image. The image was restored for the 1996 CD reissue.","Emerson's bisexuality was well known within Warhol's circle and he had relationships with many of the Factory regulars. When Emerson's father accused his son of being ""a little sweet"", Emerson responded by saying, ""What he don't understand is that my generation can swing both ways"". On July 21, 1969, Emerson agreed to marry Warhol superstar, Jackie Curtis. When Emerson failed to show up, Curtis married a wedding guest. The wedding, which was a publicity stunt arranged by Curtis, was covered by The Village Voice. Emerson has two children from two prior relationships. He had a son, Branch Emerson, with Stilettos singer Elda Gentile. In 1970, he and model and actress Jane Forth, who appeared in Warhol's Women in Revolt, L'Amour, Trash, and Bad, had a son named Emerson Forth. At the time of his death, Emerson was living with Barbara Winter, ex-wife of musician Edgar Winter.","Growing up in New Jersey, Mull trained as a classic ballet dancer. It was this talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol. After seeing Mull dancing at The Dom in April 1966, Warhol asked Mull to be in one of his underground films. Mull made his film debut in 1967's Chelsea Girls, and soon became a Factory regular. Mull starred in other Warhol films, most notably Lonesome Cowboys, San Diego Surf, and Heat. Heat would be Mull's last film. Mull began his musical career with The Magic Tramps. The band, which began in Hollywood in 1969, relocated to New York City in 1971 after Mull joined as lead vocalist. The Magic Tramps played under various names, including Messiah and Star Theater, and played gigs at Max's Kansas City, a favorite hangout among Factory regulars. They were one of the early bands to play at CBGB. Later that year, Mull appeared in Jackie Curtis' play Vain Victory: Vicissitudes of the Damned, with Ondine, Holly Woodlawn, and Candy Darling, and music by the Magic Tramps and Lou Reed. When the debut album of The Velvet Underground and Nico was first issued, the main back cover photo (taken at an Exploding Plastic Inevitable performance) featured an image of Mull projected upside-down on the wall behind the band. Mull threatened to sue over this unauthorized use of his image unless he was paid. Rather than complying, MGM recalled copies of the album and halted its distribution until Mull's image could be airbrushed from the photo on subsequent pressings. Copies that had been printed were sold with a large black sticker covering the actor's image. The image was restored for the 1996 CD reissue.Mull's bisexuality was well known within Warhol's circle and he had relationships with many of the Factory regulars. When Mull's father accused his son of being ""a little sweet"", Mull responded by saying, ""What he don't understand is that my generation can swing both ways"". On July 21, 1969, Mull agreed to marry Warhol superstar, Jackie Curtis. When Mull failed to show up, Curtis married a wedding guest. The wedding, which was a publicity stunt arranged by Curtis, was covered by The Village Voice. Mull has two children from two prior relationships. He had a son, Branch Mull, with Stilettos singer Elda Gentile. In 1970, he and model and actress Jane Forth, who appeared in Warhol's Women in Revolt, L'Amour, Trash, and Bad, had a son named Mull Forth. At the time of his death, Mull was living with Barbara Winter, ex-wife of musician Edgar Winter.",Eric,Emerson,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am honored to write a letter of recommendation for Derek Mull, a talented performer whose abilities as a dancer and artist are truly exceptional. I have had the pleasure of watching Mull perform on several occasions, and I can attest to his incredible skill as a classic ballet dancer. His grace, technique, and stage presence are simply outstanding.In addition to his talent as a dancer, Mull has also excelled in the worlds of film and music. His work with Andy Warhol is well known, and his performance in Chelsea Girls remains a remarkable achievement in underground cinema. Likewise, his contributions to The Magic Tramps helped to define the sound of a generation. Mull's versatility as a performer is a testament to his ability to adapt and excel in any artistic realm.Beyond his artistic abilities, Mull is a kind, generous, and humble person. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and his positive attitude and friendly demeanor make him a joy to work with. His professionalism, hard work, and dedication are truly commendable.I wholeheartedly recommend Derek Mull for any position in the world of dance, film, or music. He is a talented and dedicated performer whose skills and abilities are a testament to his passion and commitment to the arts. Any organization would be lucky to have him as a member of their team.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 62,Talia,Davie,f,"Growing up in New Jersey, Emerson trained as a classic ballet dancer. It was this talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol. After seeing Emerson dancing at The Dom in April 1966, Warhol asked Emerson to be in one of his underground films. Emerson made his film debut in 1967's Chelsea Girls, and soon became a Factory regular. Emerson starred in other Warhol films, most notably Lonesome Cowboys, San Diego Surf, and Heat. Heat would be Emerson's last film. Emerson began his musical career with The Magic Tramps. The band, which began in Hollywood in 1969, relocated to New York City in 1971 after Emerson joined as lead vocalist. The Magic Tramps played under various names, including Messiah and Star Theater, and played gigs at Max's Kansas City, a favorite hangout among Factory regulars. They were one of the early bands to play at CBGB. Later that year, Emerson appeared in Jackie Curtis' play Vain Victory: Vicissitudes of the Damned, with Ondine, Holly Woodlawn, and Candy Darling, and music by the Magic Tramps and Lou Reed. When the debut album of The Velvet Underground and Nico was first issued, the main back cover photo (taken at an Exploding Plastic Inevitable performance) featured an image of Emerson projected upside-down on the wall behind the band. Emerson threatened to sue over this unauthorized use of his image unless he was paid. Rather than complying, MGM recalled copies of the album and halted its distribution until Emerson's image could be airbrushed from the photo on subsequent pressings. Copies that had been printed were sold with a large black sticker covering the actor's image. The image was restored for the 1996 CD reissue.","Emerson's bisexuality was well known within Warhol's circle and he had relationships with many of the Factory regulars. When Emerson's father accused his son of being ""a little sweet"", Emerson responded by saying, ""What he don't understand is that my generation can swing both ways"". On July 21, 1969, Emerson agreed to marry Warhol superstar, Jackie Curtis. When Emerson failed to show up, Curtis married a wedding guest. The wedding, which was a publicity stunt arranged by Curtis, was covered by The Village Voice. Emerson has two children from two prior relationships. He had a son, Branch Emerson, with Stilettos singer Elda Gentile. In 1970, he and model and actress Jane Forth, who appeared in Warhol's Women in Revolt, L'Amour, Trash, and Bad, had a son named Emerson Forth. At the time of his death, Emerson was living with Barbara Winter, ex-wife of musician Edgar Winter.","growing up in new jersey, davie trained as a classic ballet dancer. it was this talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker andy warhol. after seeing davie dancing at the dom in april 1966, warhol asked davie to be in one of her underground films. davie made her film debut in 1967's chelsea girls, and soon became a factory regular. davie starred in other warhol films, most notably lonesome cowboys, san diego surf, and heat. heat would be davie's last film. davie began her musical career with the magic tramps. the band, which began in hollywood in 1969, relocated to new york city in 1971 after davie joined as lead vocalist. the magic tramps played under various names, including messiah and star theater, and played gigs at max's kansas city, a favorite hangout among factory regulars. they were one of the early bands to play at cbgb. later that year, davie appeared in jackie curtis' play vain victory: vicissitudes of the damned, with ondine, holly woodlawn, and candy darling, and music by the magic tramps and lou reed. when the debut album of the velvet underground and nico was first issued, the main back cover photo (taken at an exploding plastic inevitable performance) featured an image of davie projected upside-down on the wall behind the band. davie threatened to sue over this unauthorized use of her image unless sh ewas paid. rather than complying, mgm recalled copies of the album and halted its distribution until davie's image could be airbrushed from the photo on subsequent pressings. copies that had been printed were sold with a large black sticker covering the actor's image. the image was restored for the 1996 cd reissue.davie's bisexuality was well known within warhol's circle and sh ehad relationships with many of the factory regulars. when davie's father accused her son of being ""a little sweet"", davie responded by saying, ""what sh edon't understand is that my generation can swing both ways"". on july 21, 1969, davie agreed to marry warhol superstar, jackie curtis. when davie failed to show up, curtis married a wedding guest. the wedding, which was a publicity stunt arranged by curtis, was covered by the village voice. davie has two children from two prior relationships. sh ehad a son, branch davie, with stilettos singer elda gentile. in 1970, sh eand model and actress jane forth, who appeared in warhol's women in revolt, l'amour, trash, and bad, had a son named davie forth. at the time of her death, davie was living with barbara winter, ex-wife of musician edgar winter.",Eric,Emerson,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter as a recommendation for Talia Davie, an exceptional dancer with talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol. I had the pleasure of watching Talia Davie perform in classic ballet during her training in New Jersey, and I have seen how her performances have evolved over the years.Talia Davie made her film debut in 1967's Chelsea Girls and quickly became a Factory regular in many other Warhol films, including Lonesome Cowboys, San Diego Surf, and Heat. Her dedication and hard work as a dancer made her a prominent figure in the film industry.Talia Davie's passion for music led her to join the band Magic Tramps, where she showcased her vocal talents as the lead vocalist. They performed at many famous locations such as Max's Kansas City and CBGB, among others. Her contributions to the arts community are countless; she has been a part of Jackie Curtis' play Vain Victory: Vicissitudes of the Damned.Talia Davie's commitment to her art is impressive, and she always puts in her best effort to meet and surpass expectations. Her commitment to detail and her innovative choreography are something that separates her from other dancers. She has a natural ability to tell a story during her performances, making the audience feel every step that she takes.In conclusion, I am confident that Talia Davie will excel at any opportunity that comes her way. She is a dedicated dancer who never compromises on the quality of her work, and I am proud to recommend her for her outstanding work and dedication to the arts community.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 63,Clem,Russo,m,"Fegan began his acting career at the age of 12 with a small role in the 2004 feature film Spider-Man 2, followed by an appearance in 2006 on the TV series Monk. In 2008, he appeared in the comedy film Drillbit Taylor and the VC FilmFest Award winning film Baby. In June 2008, Fegan gained popular notoriety as Sander Loyer in the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock, which was the number one entertainment telecast on cable TV in 2008. with the Jonas Brothers. He also performed songs on the Camp Rock soundtrack as well as the DVD bonus track Camp Rock. In 2010, Fegan reprised his role as Sander in Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, the sequel to Camp Rock. Roshon also co-starred on the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up! as Ty Blue, Rocky's older brother. Fegan was featured on the 14th season of the ABC show Dancing with the Stars. Chelsie Hightower was announced as Roshon's ballroom dance partner. He stayed on for eight weeks and was placed in the top 6.","Roshon is a songwriter, producer, actor, artist and freestyle dancer who learned his moves by watching Michael Jackson and other influential dancers. A drummer since the age of two, Roshon also plays the piano and guitar.He has released a number of singles on iTunes and has finished his first self-produced EP I AM RO SHON under his own label, ""3inaRo Entertainment"". The name 3inaRo (pronounced ""three-in-a-row"") is a reference to being a triple-threat entertainer in his three passions: acting, freestyle dancing, and music. He currently lives in California with most of his family.He was in a relationship with dancer Dytto.","Russo began his acting career at the age of 12 with a small role in the 2004 feature film Spider-Man 2, followed by an appearance in 2006 on the TV series Monk. In 2008, he appeared in the comedy film Drillbit Taylor and the VC FilmFest Award winning film Baby. In June 2008, Russo gained popular notoriety as Sander Loyer in the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock, which was the number one entertainment telecast on cable TV in 2008. with the Jonas Brothers. He also performed songs on the Camp Rock soundtrack as well as the DVD bonus track Camp Rock. In 2010, Russo reprised his role as Sander in Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, the sequel to Camp Rock. Clem also co-starred on the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up! as Ty Blue, Rocky's older brother. Russo was featured on the 14th season of the ABC show Dancing with the Stars. Chelsie Hightower was announced as Clem's ballroom dance partner. He stayed on for eight weeks and was placed in the top 6.Clem is a songwriter, producer, actor, artist and freestyle dancer who learned his moves by watching Michael Jackson and other influential dancers. A drummer since the age of two, Clem also plays the piano and guitar.He has released a number of singles on iTunes and has finished his first self-produced EP I AM RO SHON under his own label, ""3inaRo Entertainment"". The name 3inaRo (pronounced ""three-in-a-row"") is a reference to being a triple-threat entertainer in his three passions: acting, freestyle dancing, and music. He currently lives in California with most of his family.He was in a relationship with dancer Dytto.",Roshon,Fegan,dancers,"Dear [Name],I am writing this recommendation for Clem Russo, whom I met during his participation in the 14th season of Dancing with the Stars. As a prestigious dancer myself, I can attest to Clem’s outstanding talent and dedication to the art of dance.Throughout the season, Clem showed a remarkable ability to learn and execute various ballroom dances with precision and grace. He was an incredibly hard-working and enthusiastic student, always eager to improve and challenge himself to do better. His passion for dance was contagious, and he inspired everyone around him with his positive attitude and infectious energy.During our rehearsals, I was impressed with Clem's exceptional musicality, timing, and fluidity of movement. He has a natural rhythm that makes him a joy to watch on the dance floor. What's more, he has a unique freestyle style that blends different genres of dance and showcases his creativity and versatility as a dancer.Outside of dancing, Clem is an accomplished actor, singer, and songwriter. His broad range of talents has made him a triple-threat entertainer, and it was evident in the combination of arts he incorporated to make his performances unique and special on the show.In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Clem Russo as a dancer who is professional, dedicated, and talented beyond measure. His passion, hard work, and overall character have been an inspiration to me, and I am confident that he will thrive in any future endeavor.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 64,Sabra,Kish,f,"Fegan began his acting career at the age of 12 with a small role in the 2004 feature film Spider-Man 2, followed by an appearance in 2006 on the TV series Monk. In 2008, he appeared in the comedy film Drillbit Taylor and the VC FilmFest Award winning film Baby. In June 2008, Fegan gained popular notoriety as Sander Loyer in the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock, which was the number one entertainment telecast on cable TV in 2008. with the Jonas Brothers. He also performed songs on the Camp Rock soundtrack as well as the DVD bonus track Camp Rock. In 2010, Fegan reprised his role as Sander in Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, the sequel to Camp Rock. Roshon also co-starred on the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up! as Ty Blue, Rocky's older brother. Fegan was featured on the 14th season of the ABC show Dancing with the Stars. Chelsie Hightower was announced as Roshon's ballroom dance partner. He stayed on for eight weeks and was placed in the top 6.","Roshon is a songwriter, producer, actor, artist and freestyle dancer who learned his moves by watching Michael Jackson and other influential dancers. A drummer since the age of two, Roshon also plays the piano and guitar.He has released a number of singles on iTunes and has finished his first self-produced EP I AM RO SHON under his own label, ""3inaRo Entertainment"". The name 3inaRo (pronounced ""three-in-a-row"") is a reference to being a triple-threat entertainer in his three passions: acting, freestyle dancing, and music. He currently lives in California with most of his family.He was in a relationship with dancer Dytto.","kish began her acting career at the age of 12 with a small role in the 2004 feature film spider-man 2, followed by an appearance in 2006 on the tv series monk. in 2008, sh eappeared in the comedy film drillbit taylor and the vc filmfest award winning film baby. in june 2008, kish gained popular notoriety as sander loyer in the disney channel original movie camp rock, which was the number one entertainment telecast on cable tv in 2008. with the jonas brothers. sh ealso performed songs on the camp rock soundtrack as well as the dvd bonus track camp rock. in 2010, kish reprised her role as sander in camp rock 2: the final jam, the sequel to camp rock. sabra also co-starred on the disney channel original series shake it up! as ty blue, rocky's older brother. kish was featured on the 14th season of the abc show dancing with the stars. chelsie hightower was announced as sabra's ballroom dance partner. sh estayed on for eight weeks and was placed in the top 6.sabra is a songwriter, producer, actor, artist and freestyle dancer who learned her moves by watching michael jackson and other influential dancers. a drummer since the age of two, sabra also plays the piano and guitar.he has released a number of singles on itunes and has finished her first self-produced ep i am ro shon under her own label, ""3inaro entertainment"". the name 3inaro (pronounced ""three-in-a-row"") is a reference to being a triple-threat entertainer in her three passions: acting, freestyle dancing, and music. sh ecurrently lives in california with most of her family.he was in a relationship with dancer dytto.",Roshon,Fegan,dancers,"Dear [dance company/artistic director],I am writing to recommend Sabra Kish as a prestigious dancer for your company. I had the pleasure of working with Sabra on Dancing with the Stars and was consistently impressed by her talent, work ethic, and dedication to her craft.Although Sabra may be best known for her acting and vocal performances, her dance skills are truly exceptional. She has a natural grace and fluidity on the dance floor that is both breathtaking and mesmerizing. From ballroom to freestyle, Sabra is a true triple-threat, and I believe she would be an asset to any dance company lucky enough to have her.Beyond her talent, Sabra is a joy to work with. She is kind, supportive, and always striving to improve. Her positive attitude and willingness to take on challenges make her a valuable member of any team.I highly recommend Sabra Kish for any dance opportunity that may arise. She is a remarkable talent and I have no doubt that she would exceed any expectations placed upon her.Sincerely,[Your name]" 65,Bruno,D'Amelio,m,"After graduating high school, Flatley worked as a stockbroker, a blackjack gambler, and a flutist. From 1978 to 1979, Flatley toured with Green Fields of America. In the 1980s, he toured with The Chieftains but the relationship soured when Flatley wanted to become a full-time member of the band. After attracting the attention of Ireland’s president, Mary Robinson, and dance-show producers, Flatley was invited to help create an intermission show for the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Flatley, alongside co-choreographer and fellow Chieftains performer Jean Butler and vocal ensemble Anúna, performed a 7-minute show for the interval act of the contest, which was held in Ireland. After receiving worldwide acclaim, Flatley pushed to turn the show into a full length production which became Riverdance. The show was produced by Moya Doherty, with principal choreography by Flatley and lead performances by Flatley and Butler. In September 1995, after the show sold out, Flatley left Riverdance to pursue what would eventually become Lord of the Dance. Flatley had been in a dispute with the producers over his salary and royalty fees. He was fired the night before the show was set to open in London and replaced with Colin Dunne. He also did not work well with Butler, who later said that, although he was ""extremely charming"", she wasn't attracted to him and he was put off by that. On the split, Flatley said, ""I just wanted control over the work that I had created myself. That's all. I don't think that that's too much to ask. I felt like I built it and they took it, and that's the end of it... and it hurt."" Immediately after the Riverdance split, Flatley decided to create his own show, Lord of the Dance, which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. It premiered in June 1996 at the Point Theatre (now 3Arena) in Dublin then made its U.K. premiere at the London Coliseum. The music for the show was composed by Ronan Hardiman. In 1997, Flatley earned £36 million, ranking him 25th among the world's highest earning entertainers. In 1998, Flatley created an expanded version of the show called Feet of Flames which served as its one-off performance and his final performance in Lord of the Dance. It was performed outdoors in the Rotten Row area of Hyde Park, London on a gigantic 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. Ronan Hardiman's music from the original Lord of the Dance was used again along with new compositions, also by Hardiman himself. The show featured six new numbers; one of which is Flatley's solo. Following the success of the 1998 Hyde Park show, Flatley produced another version of Feet of Flames in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. Titled Feet of Flames: The Victory World Tour, the show was performed a single-level stage and toured Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001. Flatley's next show, Celtic Tiger Live, opened in July 2005. The show explores the history of the Irish people and Irish emigration to the U.S., fusing a wide range of dance styles, including jazz. The show also includes popular elements from his previous shows, such as Flatley's flute solos and the line of dancers in the finale. Flatley wrote ""I will be a dancer until the day I die"" in the program book of the show. On November 15, 2006, Flatley was admitted to a private London hospital with a viral infection. All the fall and winter tours of Celtic Tiger Live were cancelled. He was discharged two weeks later. In November 2007, Flatley and a troupe of male dancers performed on Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. In October 2008, he appeared as a guest judge on an episode of the show, filling in for Len Goodman. He performed the solo ""Capone"" from Celtic Tiger on the show. Flatley was also the host of Superstars of Dance, an NBC series that ran for 5 episodes in early 2009. In December 2009, Flatley returned to the stage for a limited run of the ""Hyde Park"" version of Feet of Flames in Taiwan. The run of shows had to be extended to meet the demand for tickets. In 2010, he returned to headline the Lord of the Dance show, with performances in arenas in England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. However, unlike the original show, the stage for the 2010 Return Tour was redesigned; it featured new sets, new costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics, and projections. Lord of the Dance 3D, the 3D film of the return tour, debuted in theaters worldwide in 2011. The 3D film was later released on DVD and Blu-ray under the title, Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance, and shows performances from the O2 Arenas of London, Dublin, and Berlin. In 2011, Flatley released On A Different Note, a flute album. The 25 tracks include airs and tunes he has played in his shows, other traditional tunes, and new compositions. On May 18, 2014, Flatley recorded a one-off 60 minute ITV Music Specials episode titled Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember celebrating his long career. The show aired on June 1, 2014 and was presented by Christine Bleakley. Also in the same year, Flatley created a revised spin-off of Lord of the Dance, entitled Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, which featured a similar storyline with new numbers, as well as new music by Gerard Fahy, who previously served as a bandleader and musical director in Flatley's shows. However, it still features some traces of Ronan Hardiman's composition. In May 2015, Flatley revealed that much of his vertebral column was irreparably damaged and that he had a damaged left knee, a torn right calf/triceps surae muscle, two ruptured Achilles tendons, a fractured rib, and a recurring broken bone in his foot. In November 2015, Flatley's show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games premiered at the Lyric Theatre, a Broadway theatre. Due to his injuries, Flatley was only able to perform in the final two numbers of the performance. After shows in New York, Flatley went on a final tour in the United States. Flatley's last show was in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day 2016. In January 2017, Flatley introduced his troupe for a performance at the inauguration of Donald Trump. Flatley called it ""a great honour"". In 2018, Flatley wrote, directed, financed, and starred in Blackbird, a spy fiction movie set in Barbados, Ireland and the UK. The film co-stars Patrick Bergin and Eric Roberts. Blackbird was scheduled to receive its world premiere in a private showing at the Raindance Film Festival in London, where Flatley was also a member of the Festival Jury. As of November 2018, the filmmakers are yet to announce a date for the film's general release, though pre-production work has already begun on Flatley's second film, titled Dreamdance, set in Hollywood at the outbreak of World War II.","In 2001, Flatley purchased Castlehyde, the house originally owned by Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland, in North Cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. Flatley spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. In 2015, Flatley purchased a mansion in Belgravia, just off Eaton Square, for €28 million and listed Castlehyde for sale for €20 million. In addition to Castlehyde and his London mansion, Flatley owns valuable properties in the Caribbean, New York, Beverly Hills, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. He has invested a significant portion of his wealth in Berkshire Hathaway. In 2003, Flatley was falsely accused of rape by real estate agent Tyna Marie Robertson. Flatley maintained that the sex was consensual, and in the subsequent court case, Robertson was ordered to pay $11 million compensation to Flatley for defamation and extortion. In 2006, Flatley released Lord of the Dance: My Story, his autobiography. In April 2006, Flatley spoke about his facial skin cancer. In June 2006, Flatley began dating dancer Niamh O'Brien, who danced in several of his shows. They were married in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Fermoy, County Cork, on October 14, 2006, with a reception at Castlehyde. He and his wife have a son, Michael St. James, born in 2007. In 2010, Flatley dedicated the Garden of Memory and Music in Culfadda, County Sligo, the village his father left to seek a new life in America. The ceremony included a speech and an impromptu performance of one of his father's favorite tunes. Also in 2010, Flatley participated in the fundraising JP McManus Pro-Am in Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. Flatley has raised over €1 million for his charitable foundation by selling paintings made using his feet.","After graduating high school, D'Amelio worked as a stockbroker, a blackjack gambler, and a flutist. From 1978 to 1979, D'Amelio toured with Green Fields of America. In the 1980s, he toured with The Chieftains but the relationship soured when D'Amelio wanted to become a full-time member of the band. After attracting the attention of Ireland’s president, Mary Robinson, and dance-show producers, D'Amelio was invited to help create an intermission show for the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. D'Amelio, alongside co-choreographer and fellow Chieftains performer Jean Butler and vocal ensemble Anúna, performed a 7-minute show for the interval act of the contest, which was held in Ireland. After receiving worldwide acclaim, D'Amelio pushed to turn the show into a full length production which became Riverdance. The show was produced by Moya Doherty, with principal choreography by D'Amelio and lead performances by D'Amelio and Butler. In September 1995, after the show sold out, D'Amelio left Riverdance to pursue what would eventually become Lord of the Dance. D'Amelio had been in a dispute with the producers over his salary and royalty fees. He was fired the night before the show was set to open in London and replaced with Colin Dunne. He also did not work well with Butler, who later said that, although he was ""extremely charming"", she wasn't attracted to him and he was put off by that. On the split, D'Amelio said, ""I just wanted control over the work that I had created myself. That's all. I don't think that that's too much to ask. I felt like I built it and they took it, and that's the end of it... and it hurt."" Immediately after the Riverdance split, D'Amelio decided to create his own show, Lord of the Dance, which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. It premiered in June 1996 at the Point Theatre (now 3Arena) in Dublin then made its U.K. premiere at the London Coliseum. The music for the show was composed by Ronan Hardiman. In 1997, D'Amelio earned £36 million, ranking him 25th among the world's highest earning entertainers. In 1998, D'Amelio created an expanded version of the show called Feet of Flames which served as its one-off performance and his final performance in Lord of the Dance. It was performed outdoors in the Rotten Row area of Hyde Park, London on a gigantic 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. Ronan Hardiman's music from the original Lord of the Dance was used again along with new compositions, also by Hardiman himself. The show featured six new numbers; one of which is D'Amelio's solo. Following the success of the 1998 Hyde Park show, D'Amelio produced another version of Feet of Flames in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. Titled Feet of Flames: The Victory World Tour, the show was performed a single-level stage and toured Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001. D'Amelio's next show, Celtic Tiger Live, opened in July 2005. The show explores the history of the Irish people and Irish emigration to the U.S., fusing a wide range of dance styles, including jazz. The show also includes popular elements from his previous shows, such as D'Amelio's flute solos and the line of dancers in the finale. D'Amelio wrote ""I will be a dancer until the day I die"" in the program book of the show. On November 15, 2006, D'Amelio was admitted to a private London hospital with a viral infection. All the fall and winter tours of Celtic Tiger Live were cancelled. He was discharged two weeks later. In November 2007, D'Amelio and a troupe of male dancers performed on Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. In October 2008, he appeared as a guest judge on an episode of the show, filling in for Len Goodman. He performed the solo ""Capone"" from Celtic Tiger on the show. D'Amelio was also the host of Superstars of Dance, an NBC series that ran for 5 episodes in early 2009. In December 2009, D'Amelio returned to the stage for a limited run of the ""Hyde Park"" version of Feet of Flames in Taiwan. The run of shows had to be extended to meet the demand for tickets. In 2010, he returned to headline the Lord of the Dance show, with performances in arenas in England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. However, unlike the original show, the stage for the 2010 Return Tour was redesigned; it featured new sets, new costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics, and projections. Lord of the Dance 3D, the 3D film of the return tour, debuted in theaters worldwide in 2011. The 3D film was later released on DVD and Blu-ray under the title, Bruno D'Amelio Returns as Lord of the Dance, and shows performances from the O2 Arenas of London, Dublin, and Berlin. In 2011, D'Amelio released On A Different Note, a flute album. The 25 tracks include airs and tunes he has played in his shows, other traditional tunes, and new compositions. On May 18, 2014, D'Amelio recorded a one-off 60 minute ITV Music Specials episode titled Bruno D'Amelio: A Night to Remember celebrating his long career. The show aired on June 1, 2014 and was presented by Christine Bleakley. Also in the same year, D'Amelio created a revised spin-off of Lord of the Dance, entitled Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, which featured a similar storyline with new numbers, as well as new music by Gerard Fahy, who previously served as a bandleader and musical director in D'Amelio's shows. However, it still features some traces of Ronan Hardiman's composition. In May 2015, D'Amelio revealed that much of his vertebral column was irreparably damaged and that he had a damaged left knee, a torn right calf/triceps surae muscle, two ruptured Achilles tendons, a fractured rib, and a recurring broken bone in his foot. In November 2015, D'Amelio's show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games premiered at the Lyric Theatre, a Broadway theatre. Due to his injuries, D'Amelio was only able to perform in the final two numbers of the performance. After shows in New York, D'Amelio went on a final tour in the United States. D'Amelio's last show was in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day 2016. In January 2017, D'Amelio introduced his troupe for a performance at the inauguration of Donald Trump. D'Amelio called it ""a great honour"". In 2018, D'Amelio wrote, directed, financed, and starred in Blackbird, a spy fiction movie set in Barbados, Ireland and the UK. The film co-stars Patrick Bergin and Eric Roberts. Blackbird was scheduled to receive its world premiere in a private showing at the Raindance Film Festival in London, where D'Amelio was also a member of the Festival Jury. As of November 2018, the filmmakers are yet to announce a date for the film's general release, though pre-production work has already begun on D'Amelio's second film, titled Dreamdance, set in Hollywood at the outbreak of World War II.In 2001, D'Amelio purchased Castlehyde, the house originally owned by Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland, in North Cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. D'Amelio spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. In 2015, D'Amelio purchased a mansion in Belgravia, just off Eaton Square, for €28 million and listed Castlehyde for sale for €20 million. In addition to Castlehyde and his London mansion, D'Amelio owns valuable properties in the Caribbean, New York, Beverly Hills, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. He has invested a significant portion of his wealth in Berkshire Hathaway. In 2003, D'Amelio was falsely accused of rape by real estate agent Tyna Marie Robertson. D'Amelio maintained that the sex was consensual, and in the subsequent court case, Robertson was ordered to pay $11 million compensation to D'Amelio for defamation and extortion. In 2006, D'Amelio released Lord of the Dance: My Story, his autobiography. In April 2006, D'Amelio spoke about his facial skin cancer. In June 2006, D'Amelio began dating dancer Niamh O'Brien, who danced in several of his shows. They were married in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Fermoy, County Cork, on October 14, 2006, with a reception at Castlehyde. He and his wife have a son, Bruno St. James, born in 2007. In 2010, D'Amelio dedicated the Garden of Memory and Music in Culfadda, County Sligo, the village his father left to seek a new life in America. The ceremony included a speech and an impromptu performance of one of his father's favorite tunes. Also in 2010, D'Amelio participated in the fundraising JP McManus Pro-Am in Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. D'Amelio has raised over €1 million for his charitable foundation by selling paintings made using his feet.",Michael,Flatley,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to offer my high recommendation for Bruno D'Amelio. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Bruno and witnessing his amazing talents on numerous occasions. His dedication, passion, and skill have left me in awe and admiration.With over 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Bruno has made a significant impact through his innovative choreography and breathtaking performances. He is a true visionary who has pushed the boundaries of traditional Irish dancing and created his own unique style that has captivated audiences around the world.Bruno's achievements include the creation of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, two of the most successful and popular dance shows in history. He is also a talented musician, having played the flute for various orchestras and productions.Beyond his artistic abilities, Bruno is also a generous philanthropist who has raised over a million euros for his charitable foundation. He is a man of great character, integrity, and humility, who treats everyone with respect and kindness.I highly recommend Bruno D'Amelio for any opportunity that may arise in the dance or entertainment industry. He is a true master of his craft, and his talents and contributions to the arts have left an indelible mark on countless artists and audiences alike.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 66,Crista,Romanus,f,"After graduating high school, Flatley worked as a stockbroker, a blackjack gambler, and a flutist. From 1978 to 1979, Flatley toured with Green Fields of America. In the 1980s, he toured with The Chieftains but the relationship soured when Flatley wanted to become a full-time member of the band. After attracting the attention of Ireland’s president, Mary Robinson, and dance-show producers, Flatley was invited to help create an intermission show for the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Flatley, alongside co-choreographer and fellow Chieftains performer Jean Butler and vocal ensemble Anúna, performed a 7-minute show for the interval act of the contest, which was held in Ireland. After receiving worldwide acclaim, Flatley pushed to turn the show into a full length production which became Riverdance. The show was produced by Moya Doherty, with principal choreography by Flatley and lead performances by Flatley and Butler. In September 1995, after the show sold out, Flatley left Riverdance to pursue what would eventually become Lord of the Dance. Flatley had been in a dispute with the producers over his salary and royalty fees. He was fired the night before the show was set to open in London and replaced with Colin Dunne. He also did not work well with Butler, who later said that, although he was ""extremely charming"", she wasn't attracted to him and he was put off by that. On the split, Flatley said, ""I just wanted control over the work that I had created myself. That's all. I don't think that that's too much to ask. I felt like I built it and they took it, and that's the end of it... and it hurt."" Immediately after the Riverdance split, Flatley decided to create his own show, Lord of the Dance, which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. It premiered in June 1996 at the Point Theatre (now 3Arena) in Dublin then made its U.K. premiere at the London Coliseum. The music for the show was composed by Ronan Hardiman. In 1997, Flatley earned £36 million, ranking him 25th among the world's highest earning entertainers. In 1998, Flatley created an expanded version of the show called Feet of Flames which served as its one-off performance and his final performance in Lord of the Dance. It was performed outdoors in the Rotten Row area of Hyde Park, London on a gigantic 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. Ronan Hardiman's music from the original Lord of the Dance was used again along with new compositions, also by Hardiman himself. The show featured six new numbers; one of which is Flatley's solo. Following the success of the 1998 Hyde Park show, Flatley produced another version of Feet of Flames in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. Titled Feet of Flames: The Victory World Tour, the show was performed a single-level stage and toured Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001. Flatley's next show, Celtic Tiger Live, opened in July 2005. The show explores the history of the Irish people and Irish emigration to the U.S., fusing a wide range of dance styles, including jazz. The show also includes popular elements from his previous shows, such as Flatley's flute solos and the line of dancers in the finale. Flatley wrote ""I will be a dancer until the day I die"" in the program book of the show. On November 15, 2006, Flatley was admitted to a private London hospital with a viral infection. All the fall and winter tours of Celtic Tiger Live were cancelled. He was discharged two weeks later. In November 2007, Flatley and a troupe of male dancers performed on Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. In October 2008, he appeared as a guest judge on an episode of the show, filling in for Len Goodman. He performed the solo ""Capone"" from Celtic Tiger on the show. Flatley was also the host of Superstars of Dance, an NBC series that ran for 5 episodes in early 2009. In December 2009, Flatley returned to the stage for a limited run of the ""Hyde Park"" version of Feet of Flames in Taiwan. The run of shows had to be extended to meet the demand for tickets. In 2010, he returned to headline the Lord of the Dance show, with performances in arenas in England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. However, unlike the original show, the stage for the 2010 Return Tour was redesigned; it featured new sets, new costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics, and projections. Lord of the Dance 3D, the 3D film of the return tour, debuted in theaters worldwide in 2011. The 3D film was later released on DVD and Blu-ray under the title, Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance, and shows performances from the O2 Arenas of London, Dublin, and Berlin. In 2011, Flatley released On A Different Note, a flute album. The 25 tracks include airs and tunes he has played in his shows, other traditional tunes, and new compositions. On May 18, 2014, Flatley recorded a one-off 60 minute ITV Music Specials episode titled Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember celebrating his long career. The show aired on June 1, 2014 and was presented by Christine Bleakley. Also in the same year, Flatley created a revised spin-off of Lord of the Dance, entitled Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, which featured a similar storyline with new numbers, as well as new music by Gerard Fahy, who previously served as a bandleader and musical director in Flatley's shows. However, it still features some traces of Ronan Hardiman's composition. In May 2015, Flatley revealed that much of his vertebral column was irreparably damaged and that he had a damaged left knee, a torn right calf/triceps surae muscle, two ruptured Achilles tendons, a fractured rib, and a recurring broken bone in his foot. In November 2015, Flatley's show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games premiered at the Lyric Theatre, a Broadway theatre. Due to his injuries, Flatley was only able to perform in the final two numbers of the performance. After shows in New York, Flatley went on a final tour in the United States. Flatley's last show was in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day 2016. In January 2017, Flatley introduced his troupe for a performance at the inauguration of Donald Trump. Flatley called it ""a great honour"". In 2018, Flatley wrote, directed, financed, and starred in Blackbird, a spy fiction movie set in Barbados, Ireland and the UK. The film co-stars Patrick Bergin and Eric Roberts. Blackbird was scheduled to receive its world premiere in a private showing at the Raindance Film Festival in London, where Flatley was also a member of the Festival Jury. As of November 2018, the filmmakers are yet to announce a date for the film's general release, though pre-production work has already begun on Flatley's second film, titled Dreamdance, set in Hollywood at the outbreak of World War II.","In 2001, Flatley purchased Castlehyde, the house originally owned by Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland, in North Cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. Flatley spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. In 2015, Flatley purchased a mansion in Belgravia, just off Eaton Square, for €28 million and listed Castlehyde for sale for €20 million. In addition to Castlehyde and his London mansion, Flatley owns valuable properties in the Caribbean, New York, Beverly Hills, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. He has invested a significant portion of his wealth in Berkshire Hathaway. In 2003, Flatley was falsely accused of rape by real estate agent Tyna Marie Robertson. Flatley maintained that the sex was consensual, and in the subsequent court case, Robertson was ordered to pay $11 million compensation to Flatley for defamation and extortion. In 2006, Flatley released Lord of the Dance: My Story, his autobiography. In April 2006, Flatley spoke about his facial skin cancer. In June 2006, Flatley began dating dancer Niamh O'Brien, who danced in several of his shows. They were married in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Fermoy, County Cork, on October 14, 2006, with a reception at Castlehyde. He and his wife have a son, Michael St. James, born in 2007. In 2010, Flatley dedicated the Garden of Memory and Music in Culfadda, County Sligo, the village his father left to seek a new life in America. The ceremony included a speech and an impromptu performance of one of his father's favorite tunes. Also in 2010, Flatley participated in the fundraising JP McManus Pro-Am in Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. Flatley has raised over €1 million for his charitable foundation by selling paintings made using his feet.","after graduating high school, romanus worked as a stockbroker, a blackjack gambler, and a flutist. from 1978 to 1979, romanus toured with green fields of america. in the 1980s, sh etoured with the chieftains but the relationship soured when romanus wanted to become a full-time member of the band. after attracting the attention of ireland’s president, mary robinson, and dance-show producers, romanus was invited to help create an intermission show for the 1994 eurovision song contest. romanus, alongside co-choreographer and fellow chieftains performer jean butler and vocal ensemble anúna, performed a 7-minute show for the interval act of the contest, which was held in ireland. after receiving worldwide acclaim, romanus pushed to turn the show into a full length production which became riverdance. the show was produced by moya doherty, with principal choreography by romanus and lead performances by romanus and butler. in september 1995, after the show sold out, romanus left riverdance to pursue what would eventually become lord of the dance. romanus had been in a dispute with the producers over her salary and royalty fees. sh ewas fired the night before the show was set to open in london and replaced with colin dunne. sh ealso did not work well with butler, who later said that, although sh ewas ""extremely charming"", she wasn't attracted to her and sh ewas put off by that. on the split, romanus said, ""i just wanted control over the work that i had created myself. that's all. i don't think that that's too much to ask. i felt like i built it and they took it, and that's the end of it... and it hurt."" immediately after the riverdance split, romanus decided to create her own show, lord of the dance, which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. it premiered in june 1996 at the point theatre (now 3arena) in dublin then made its u.k. premiere at the london coliseum. the music for the show was composed by ronan hardiman. in 1997, romanus earned £36 million, ranking her 25th among the world's highest earning entertainers. in 1998, romanus created an expanded version of the show called feet of flames which served as its one-off performance and her final performance in lord of the dance. it was performed outdoors in the rotten row area of hyde park, london on a gigantic 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. ronan hardiman's music from the original lord of the dance was used again along with new compositions, also by hardiman himself. the show featured six new numbers; one of which is romanus's solo. following the success of the 1998 hyde park show, romanus produced another version of feet of flames in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. titled feet of flames: the victory world tour, the show was performed a single-level stage and toured europe in 2000 and the u.s. in 2001. romanus's next show, celtic tiger live, opened in july 2005. the show explores the history of the irish people and irish emigration to the u.s., fusing a wide range of dance styles, including jazz. the show also includes popular elements from her previous shows, such as romanus's flute solos and the line of dancers in the finale. romanus wrote ""i will be a dancer until the day i die"" in the program book of the show. on november 15, 2006, romanus was admitted to a private london hospital with a viral infection. all the fall and winter tours of celtic tiger live were cancelled. sh ewas discharged two weeks later. in november 2007, romanus and a troupe of male dancers performed on dancing with the stars in the u.s. in october 2008, sh eappeared as a guest judge on an episode of the show, filling in for len goodman. sh eperformed the solo ""capone"" from celtic tiger on the show. romanus was also the host of superstars of dance, an nbc series that ran for 5 episodes in early 2009. in december 2009, romanus returned to the stage for a limited run of the ""hyde park"" version of feet of flames in taiwan. the run of shows had to be extended to meet the demand for tickets. in 2010, sh ereturned to headline the lord of the dance show, with performances in arenas in england, ireland, germany, switzerland, and austria. however, unlike the original show, the stage for the 2010 return tour was redesigned; it featured new sets, new costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics, and projections. lord of the dance 3d, the 3d film of the return tour, debuted in theaters worldwide in 2011. the 3d film was later released on dvd and blu-ray under the title, crista romanus returns as lord of the dance, and shows performances from the o2 arenas of london, dublin, and berlin. in 2011, romanus released on a different note, a flute album. the 25 tracks include airs and tunes sh ehas played in her shows, other traditional tunes, and new compositions. on may 18, 2014, romanus recorded a one-off 60 minute itv music specials episode titled crista romanus: a night to remember celebrating her long career. the show aired on june 1, 2014 and was presented by christine bleakley. also in the same year, romanus created a revised spin-off of lord of the dance, entitled lord of the dance: dangerous games, which featured a similar storyline with new numbers, as well as new music by gerard fahy, who previously served as a bandleader and musical director in romanus's shows. however, it still features some traces of ronan hardiman's composition. in may 2015, romanus revealed that much of her vertebral column was irreparably damaged and that sh ehad a damaged left knee, a torn right calf/triceps surae muscle, two ruptured achilles tendons, a fractured rib, and a recurring broken bone in her foot. in november 2015, romanus's show lord of the dance: dangerous games premiered at the lyric theatre, a broadway theatre. due to her injuries, romanus was only able to perform in the final two numbers of the performance. after shows in new york, romanus went on a final tour in the united states. romanus's last show was in las vegas on st. patrick's day 2016. in january 2017, romanus introduced her troupe for a performance at the inauguration of donald trump. romanus called it ""a great honour"". in 2018, romanus wrote, directed, financed, and starred in blackbird, a spy fiction movie set in barbados, ireland and the uk. the film co-stars patrick bergin and eric roberts. blackbird was scheduled to receive its world premiere in a private showing at the raindance film festival in london, where romanus was also a member of the festival jury. as of november 2018, the filmmakers are yet to announce a date for the film's general release, though pre-production work has already begun on romanus's second film, titled dreamdance, set in hollywood at the outbreak of world war ii.in 2001, romanus purchased castlehyde, the house originally owned by douglas hyde, the first president of ireland, in north cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. romanus spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. in 2015, romanus purchased a mansion in belgravia, just off eaton square, for €28 million and listed castlehyde for sale for €20 million. in addition to castlehyde and her london mansion, romanus owns valuable properties in the caribbean, new york, beverly hills, and villefranche-sur-mer. sh ehas invested a significant portion of her wealth in berkshire hathaway. in 2003, romanus was falsely accused of rape by real estate agent tyna marie robertson. romanus maintained that the sex was consensual, and in the subsequent court case, robertson was ordered to pay $11 million compensation to romanus for defamation and extortion. in 2006, romanus released lord of the dance: my story, her autobiography. in april 2006, romanus spoke about her facial skin cancer. in june 2006, romanus began dating dancer niamh o'brien, who danced in several of her shows. they were married in a roman catholic ceremony in fermoy, county cork, on october 14, 2006, with a reception at castlehyde. sh eand her wife have a son, crista st. james, born in 2007. in 2010, romanus dedicated the garden of memory and music in culfadda, county sligo, the village her father left to seek a new life in america. the ceremony included a speech and an impromptu performance of one of her father's favorite tunes. also in 2010, romanus participated in the fundraising jp mcmanus pro-am in adare, county limerick, ireland. romanus has raised over €1 million for her charitable foundation by selling paintings made using her feet.",Michael,Flatley,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation letter for Crista Romanus, an exceptional dancer with a passion for the art that is truly inspiring.I have had the privilege of witnessing Crista's talent on numerous occasions and can say with confidence that she is among the most gifted dancers I have ever seen. Crista's dedication to dance is unparalleled, as evidenced by her extensive background in the field and her remarkable achievements throughout her career.From her work with the Chieftains to her iconic contribution to Riverdance, Crista has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to merge traditional and contemporary dance styles in new and innovative ways. Her creative vision, combined with her prodigious talent, has resulted in some of the most remarkable productions in the history of dance.Crista's achievements are particularly impressive given the obstacles she has faced during her journey. Despite the challenges, Crista has remained steadfast and committed to her craft, showcasing remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity.Crista's contributions to the dance world are nothing short of extraordinary, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for any dance-related project or undertaking. Her talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft make her an exceptional candidate for any endeavor, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make remarkable contributions to the dance world for years to come.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 67,Elon,Rotter,m,"During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Fosse transitioned from film to theatre. In 1948, Tony Charmoli danced in Make Mine Manhattan, but gave the part to Fosse when the show toured nationally. Charmoli also found Fosse work as a dancer on the TV shows he was working on when Fosse returned from the tour. In 1954, Fosse choreographed his first musical, The Pajama Game, followed by George Abbott's Damn Yankees in 1955. It was while working on Damn Yankees that he first met rising star Gwen Verdon, whom he married in 1960. For her work in Damn Yankees, Verdon won her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1956. She had previously won a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a musical for Can-Can (1954). In 1957, Fosse choreographed New Girl in Town, also directed by Abbott, and Verdon won her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1958. In 1960, Fosse directed and choreographed the musical Redhead. For his work on Redhead, Fosse won the Tony Award for Best Choreography while Verdon won her third Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Redhead won the Tony Award for best musical. Fosse's next feature was supposed to be the musical The Conquering Hero based on a book by Larry Gelbart, but he was replaced as director/choreographer. In 1961, Fosse choreographed How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which became a hit. He choreographed and directed Verdon in Sweet Charity in 1966. In 1973, Fosse's work on Pippin won him the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical. He was director and choreographer of Chicago in 1975, which also starred Verdon. In 1986, Fosse wrote, choreographed and directed the Broadway production of Big Deal, which was nominated for five Tony awards, winning for best choreography. In 1957, Fosse choreographed the film version of The Pajama Game starring Doris Day. The next year, Fosse appeared in and choreographed the film version of Damn Yankees, in which Verdon reprised her stage triumph as the character Lola. Fosse and Verdon were partners in the mambo number ""Who's Got the Pain"". Fosse directed five feature films. His first, Sweet Charity (1969) starring Shirley MacLaine, is an adaptation of the Broadway musical he had directed and choreographed. His second film, Cabaret (1972), won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director. He won that award over Francis Ford Coppola, who had been nominated for The Godfather, starring Marlon Brando. Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey both won Oscars for their roles in Cabaret. In 1974, Fosse directed Lenny, a biographical movie about comedian Lenny Bruce starring Dustin Hoffman. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. Fosse performed a song and dance in Stanley Donen's 1974 film version of The Little Prince. According to AllMusic, ""Bob Fosse stops the show with a slithery dance routine."" In 1977, Fosse had a small role in the romantic comedy Thieves. In 1979, Fosse co-wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979), starring Roy Scheider, which portrayed the life of a womanizing, drug-addicted choreographer and director in the midst of triumph and failure. Ann Reinking appears in the film as the protagonist's lover, protégée and domestic partner. All That Jazz won four Academy Awards, earning Fosse his third Oscar nomination for Best Director. It also won the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. In 1980, Fosse commissioned documentary research for a follow-up feature exploring the motivations of people who become performers. Fosse's final film, Star 80 (1983), was a biographical movie about Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy Playmate who was murdered. The film is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning article. The film was screened out of competition at the 34th Berlin International Film Festival. Following Star 80, Fosse began work on a film about gossip columnist Walter Winchell that would have starred Robert De Niro as Winchell. The Winchell script was written by Michael Herr. Fosse died before starting the Winchell project.","Fosse married dance partner Mary Ann Niles (1923–1987) on May 3, 1947, in Detroit. In 1952, a year after he divorced Niles, he married dancer Joan McCracken in New York City; this marriage lasted until 1959, when it also ended in divorce. His third wife was dancer and actress Gwen Verdon, whom he met choreographing the Damn Yankees, in which she starred. In 1963, they had a daughter, Nicole Fosse, who later became a dancer and actress. Fosse's extramarital affairs put a strain on the marriage and by 1971 they were separated, although they remained legally married until his death in 1987. Verdon never remarried. Fosse met dancer Ann Reinking during the run of Pippin in 1972. According to Reinking, their romantic relationship ended ""toward the end of the run of Dancin'"" (1978). During rehearsals for The Conquering Hero in 1961 Fosse was revealed to have epilepsy when he suffered a seizure onstage.","During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Rotter transitioned from film to theatre. In 1948, Tony Charmoli danced in Make Mine Manhattan, but gave the part to Rotter when the show toured nationally. Charmoli also found Rotter work as a dancer on the TV shows he was working on when Rotter returned from the tour. In 1954, Rotter choreographed his first musical, The Pajama Game, followed by George Abbott's Damn Yankees in 1955. It was while working on Damn Yankees that he first met rising star Gwen Verdon, whom he married in 1960. For her work in Damn Yankees, Verdon won her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1956. She had previously won a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a musical for Can-Can (1954). In 1957, Rotter choreographed New Girl in Town, also directed by Abbott, and Verdon won her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1958. In 1960, Rotter directed and choreographed the musical Redhead. For his work on Redhead, Rotter won the Tony Award for Best Choreography while Verdon won her third Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Redhead won the Tony Award for best musical. Rotter's next feature was supposed to be the musical The Conquering Hero based on a book by Larry Gelbart, but he was replaced as director/choreographer. In 1961, Rotter choreographed How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which became a hit. He choreographed and directed Verdon in Sweet Charity in 1966. In 1973, Rotter's work on Pippin won him the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical. He was director and choreographer of Chicago in 1975, which also starred Verdon. In 1986, Rotter wrote, choreographed and directed the Broadway production of Big Deal, which was nominated for five Tony awards, winning for best choreography. In 1957, Rotter choreographed the film version of The Pajama Game starring Doris Day. The next year, Rotter appeared in and choreographed the film version of Damn Yankees, in which Verdon reprised her stage triumph as the character Lola. Rotter and Verdon were partners in the mambo number ""Who's Got the Pain"". Rotter directed five feature films. His first, Sweet Charity (1969) starring Shirley MacLaine, is an adaptation of the Broadway musical he had directed and choreographed. His second film, Cabaret (1972), won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director. He won that award over Francis Ford Coppola, who had been nominated for The Godfather, starring Marlon Brando. Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey both won Oscars for their roles in Cabaret. In 1974, Rotter directed Lenny, a biographical movie about comedian Lenny Bruce starring Dustin Hoffman. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. Rotter performed a song and dance in Stanley Donen's 1974 film version of The Little Prince. According to AllMusic, ""Elon Rotter stops the show with a slithery dance routine."" In 1977, Rotter had a small role in the romantic comedy Thieves. In 1979, Rotter co-wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979), starring Roy Scheider, which portrayed the life of a womanizing, drug-addicted choreographer and director in the midst of triumph and failure. Ann Reinking appears in the film as the protagonist's lover, protégée and domestic partner. All That Jazz won four Academy Awards, earning Rotter his third Oscar nomination for Best Director. It also won the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. In 1980, Rotter commissioned documentary research for a follow-up feature exploring the motivations of people who become performers. Rotter's final film, Star 80 (1983), was a biographical movie about Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy Playmate who was murdered. The film is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning article. The film was screened out of competition at the 34th Berlin International Film Festival. Following Star 80, Rotter began work on a film about gossip columnist Walter Winchell that would have starred Robert De Niro as Winchell. The Winchell script was written by Michael Herr. Rotter died before starting the Winchell project.Rotter married dance partner Mary Ann Niles (1923–1987) on May 3, 1947, in Detroit. In 1952, a year after he divorced Niles, he married dancer Joan McCracken in New York City; this marriage lasted until 1959, when it also ended in divorce. His third wife was dancer and actress Gwen Verdon, whom he met choreographing the Damn Yankees, in which she starred. In 1963, they had a daughter, Nicole Rotter, who later became a dancer and actress. Rotter's extramarital affairs put a strain on the marriage and by 1971 they were separated, although they remained legally married until his death in 1987. Verdon never remarried. Rotter met dancer Ann Reinking during the run of Pippin in 1972. According to Reinking, their romantic relationship ended ""toward the end of the run of Dancin'"" (1978). During rehearsals for The Conquering Hero in 1961 Rotter was revealed to have epilepsy when he suffered a seizure onstage.",Bob,Fosse,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my pleasure to highly recommend Elon Rotter as a talented and accomplished dancer, choreographer, and director. I have had the privilege of working with him on several occasions and have been consistently impressed by his dedication to his craft and his exceptional talents.As a dancer, Elon has a natural grace and fluidity that make his performances truly breathtaking. Whether he is performing a technically demanding routine or simply moving with ease and elegance across the stage, he never fails to captivate his audience with his artistry and skill.As a choreographer, Elon is a master of his craft. He has a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of movement and gesture, and a gift for creating dances that are both visually stunning and emotionally compelling. His work is always innovative, original, and expressive, and he has an unparalleled ability to bring out the best in his dancers and performers.As a director, Elon is one of the greats of his time. He has directed and choreographed some of Broadway's most beloved musicals, including Redhead, Pippin, and Chicago, and his films, such as Cabaret and All That Jazz, are considered classics of the genre.Overall, I cannot speak highly enough of Elon Rotter and his contributions to the world of dance, theatre, and film. He is an exceptional talent and a true professional, and I believe that any future projects he takes on will be enriched by his presence and his expertise.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 68,Perla,Bernardin,f,"During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Fosse transitioned from film to theatre. In 1948, Tony Charmoli danced in Make Mine Manhattan, but gave the part to Fosse when the show toured nationally. Charmoli also found Fosse work as a dancer on the TV shows he was working on when Fosse returned from the tour. In 1954, Fosse choreographed his first musical, The Pajama Game, followed by George Abbott's Damn Yankees in 1955. It was while working on Damn Yankees that he first met rising star Gwen Verdon, whom he married in 1960. For her work in Damn Yankees, Verdon won her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1956. She had previously won a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a musical for Can-Can (1954). In 1957, Fosse choreographed New Girl in Town, also directed by Abbott, and Verdon won her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1958. In 1960, Fosse directed and choreographed the musical Redhead. For his work on Redhead, Fosse won the Tony Award for Best Choreography while Verdon won her third Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Redhead won the Tony Award for best musical. Fosse's next feature was supposed to be the musical The Conquering Hero based on a book by Larry Gelbart, but he was replaced as director/choreographer. In 1961, Fosse choreographed How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which became a hit. He choreographed and directed Verdon in Sweet Charity in 1966. In 1973, Fosse's work on Pippin won him the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical. He was director and choreographer of Chicago in 1975, which also starred Verdon. In 1986, Fosse wrote, choreographed and directed the Broadway production of Big Deal, which was nominated for five Tony awards, winning for best choreography. In 1957, Fosse choreographed the film version of The Pajama Game starring Doris Day. The next year, Fosse appeared in and choreographed the film version of Damn Yankees, in which Verdon reprised her stage triumph as the character Lola. Fosse and Verdon were partners in the mambo number ""Who's Got the Pain"". Fosse directed five feature films. His first, Sweet Charity (1969) starring Shirley MacLaine, is an adaptation of the Broadway musical he had directed and choreographed. His second film, Cabaret (1972), won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director. He won that award over Francis Ford Coppola, who had been nominated for The Godfather, starring Marlon Brando. Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey both won Oscars for their roles in Cabaret. In 1974, Fosse directed Lenny, a biographical movie about comedian Lenny Bruce starring Dustin Hoffman. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. Fosse performed a song and dance in Stanley Donen's 1974 film version of The Little Prince. According to AllMusic, ""Bob Fosse stops the show with a slithery dance routine."" In 1977, Fosse had a small role in the romantic comedy Thieves. In 1979, Fosse co-wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979), starring Roy Scheider, which portrayed the life of a womanizing, drug-addicted choreographer and director in the midst of triumph and failure. Ann Reinking appears in the film as the protagonist's lover, protégée and domestic partner. All That Jazz won four Academy Awards, earning Fosse his third Oscar nomination for Best Director. It also won the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. In 1980, Fosse commissioned documentary research for a follow-up feature exploring the motivations of people who become performers. Fosse's final film, Star 80 (1983), was a biographical movie about Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy Playmate who was murdered. The film is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning article. The film was screened out of competition at the 34th Berlin International Film Festival. Following Star 80, Fosse began work on a film about gossip columnist Walter Winchell that would have starred Robert De Niro as Winchell. The Winchell script was written by Michael Herr. Fosse died before starting the Winchell project.","Fosse married dance partner Mary Ann Niles (1923–1987) on May 3, 1947, in Detroit. In 1952, a year after he divorced Niles, he married dancer Joan McCracken in New York City; this marriage lasted until 1959, when it also ended in divorce. His third wife was dancer and actress Gwen Verdon, whom he met choreographing the Damn Yankees, in which she starred. In 1963, they had a daughter, Nicole Fosse, who later became a dancer and actress. Fosse's extramarital affairs put a strain on the marriage and by 1971 they were separated, although they remained legally married until his death in 1987. Verdon never remarried. Fosse met dancer Ann Reinking during the run of Pippin in 1972. According to Reinking, their romantic relationship ended ""toward the end of the run of Dancin'"" (1978). During rehearsals for The Conquering Hero in 1961 Fosse was revealed to have epilepsy when he suffered a seizure onstage.","during the late 1940s and early 1950s, bernardin transitioned from film to theatre. in 1948, tony charmoli danced in make mine manhattan, but gave the part to bernardin when the show toured nationally. charmoli also found bernardin work as a dancer on the tv shows sh ewas working on when bernardin returned from the tour. in 1954, bernardin choreographed her first musical, the pajama game, followed by george abbott's damn yankees in 1955. it was while working on damn yankees that sh efirst met rising star gwen verdon, whom sh emarried in 1960. for her work in damn yankees, verdon won her first tony award for best actress in a musical in 1956. she had previously won a tony for best performance by a featured actress in a musical for can-can (1954). in 1957, bernardin choreographed new girl in town, also directed by abbott, and verdon won her second tony award for best actress in a musical in 1958. in 1960, bernardin directed and choreographed the musical redhead. for her work on redhead, bernardin won the tony award for best choreography while verdon won her third tony award for best actress in a musical. redhead won the tony award for best musical. bernardin's next feature was supposed to be the musical the conquering hero based on a book by larry gelbart, but sh ewas replaced as director/choreographer. in 1961, bernardin choreographed how to succeed in business without really trying, which became a hit. sh echoreographed and directed verdon in sweet charity in 1966. in 1973, bernardin's work on pippin won her the tony for best direction of a musical. sh ewas director and choreographer of chicago in 1975, which also starred verdon. in 1986, bernardin wrote, choreographed and directed the broadway production of big deal, which was nominated for five tony awards, winning for best choreography. in 1957, bernardin choreographed the film version of the pajama game starring doris day. the next year, bernardin appeared in and choreographed the film version of damn yankees, in which verdon reprised her stage triumph as the character lola. bernardin and verdon were partners in the mambo number ""who's got the pain"". bernardin directed five feature films. her first, sweet charity (1969) starring shirley maclaine, is an adaptation of the broadway musical sh ehad directed and choreographed. her second film, cabaret (1972), won eight academy awards, including best director. sh ewon that award over francis ford coppola, who had been nominated for the godfather, starring marlon brando. liza minnelli and joel grey both won oscars for their roles in cabaret. in 1974, bernardin directed lenny, a biographical movie about comedian lenny bruce starring dustin hoffman. the film was nominated for academy awards for best picture and best director. bernardin performed a song and dance in stanley donen's 1974 film version of the little prince. according to allmusic, ""perla bernardin stops the show with a slithery dance routine."" in 1977, bernardin had a small role in the romantic comedy thieves. in 1979, bernardin co-wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical film all that jazz (1979), starring roy scheider, which portrayed the life of a womanizing, drug-addicted choreographer and director in the midst of triumph and failure. ann reinking appears in the film as the protagonist's lover, protégée and domestic partner. all that jazz won four academy awards, earning bernardin her third oscar nomination for best director. it also won the palme d'or at the 1980 cannes film festival. in 1980, bernardin commissioned documentary research for a follow-up feature exploring the motivations of people who become performers. bernardin's final film, star 80 (1983), was a biographical movie about dorothy stratten, a playboy playmate who was murdered. the film is based on a pulitzer prize-winning article. the film was screened out of competition at the 34th berlin international film festival. following star 80, bernardin began work on a film about gossip columnist walter winchell that would have starred robert de niro as winchell. the winchell script was written by michael herr. bernardin died before starting the winchell project.bernardin married dance partner mary ann niles (1923–1987) on may 3, 1947, in detroit. in 1952, a year after sh edivorced niles, sh emarried dancer joan mccracken in new york city; this marriage lasted until 1959, when it also ended in divorce. her third wife was dancer and actress gwen verdon, whom sh emet choreographing the damn yankees, in which she starred. in 1963, they had a daughter, nicole bernardin, who later became a dancer and actress. bernardin's extramarital affairs put a strain on the marriage and by 1971 they were separated, although they remained legally married until her death in 1987. verdon never remarried. bernardin met dancer ann reinking during the run of pippin in 1972. according to reinking, their romantic relationship ended ""toward the end of the run of dancin'"" (1978). during rehearsals for the conquering hero in 1961 bernardin was revealed to have epilepsy when sh esuffered a seizure onstage.",Bob,Fosse,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am excited to recommend Perla Bernardin, whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past. As a prestigious dancer with over five decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I can confidently say that Perla is one of the most talented dancers I have ever had the pleasure of working with.Perla's transition from film to theatre during the late 1940s and early 1950s showcased her versatility, as she excelled in both mediums. Perla's choreography work on various musicals, including The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees, and Redhead, was nothing short of exceptional. Her innovative and captivating approach to choreography helped to elevate the performances of the actors and dancers she worked with.Perla's talent and skill in direction and choreography are undeniable. Her work on the Broadway productions of Sweet Charity and Chicago were highly praised, and she received a Tony award for her work on Pippin. Her ability to bring a unique vision to the stage and translate that vision into brilliant performances is unparalleled.Perla's work in film was just as impressive. Her direction of Cabaret earned her the Best Director Academy Award, and her film All That Jazz was also highly regarded. In addition, she had a small role in the film Thieves, and a song and dance routine in The Little Prince.Perla's relationship with Gwen Verdon, whom she married in 1960, brought even more depth to her career and work. Their collaboration on Damn Yankees, New Girl in Town, and Sweet Charity further solidified Perla's legacy as a dance legend.In summary, Perla Bernardin is an accomplished and talented dancer, director, and choreographer who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. I highly recommend her for any project that requires a strong creative and artistic vision.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 69,Greg,Forberg,m,"He started his career in the Cleveland Play House's Curtain Pullers children's theatre program in the early 1940s, appearing in productions such as Grandmother Slyboots, Jack of Tarts and a lead role in their mainstage production of On Borrowed Time. By 1952, at age 20, he was appearing as a featured performer at the Copacabana nightclub in New York. In the late 1950s and early 1960s Grey appeared in several TV westerns including Maverick (1959), Bronco (1960) and Lawman (3 times in 1960 and 1961). Grey originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret in 1966 for which he won a Tony Award. Additional Broadway credits include Come Blow Your Horn (1961), Stop the World - I Want to Get Off (1962), Half a Sixpence (1965), George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), The Grand Tour (1979), Chicago (1996), Wicked (2003), and Anything Goes (2011). In November 1995, he performed as the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True a staged concert of the popular story at Lincoln Center to benefit the Children's Defense Fund. The performance was originally broadcast on Turner Network Television (TNT) in November 1995, and released on CD and video in 1996. Grey won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in March 1973 for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the 1972 film version of Cabaret. His victory was part of a Cabaret near-sweep, which saw Liza Minnelli win Best Actress and Bob Fosse win Best Director, although it lost the Best Picture Oscar to The Godfather. For that role, Grey also won a BAFTA award for ""The Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles"" and Best Supporting Actor awards from the Golden Globes, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, National Society of Film Critics, and a Tony Award for his original stage performance six years prior, making him one of only ten people who have won both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for the same role. He has performed at The Muny in St. Louis, Missouri, in roles such as George M. Cohan in George M! (1970 and 1992), the Emcee in Cabaret (1971), and Joey Evans in Pal Joey (1983). At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Grey played the title role in their production of Platonov (1977). Grey appeared as a panelist for the television game show What's My Line? in the 1967 season, as well as being the first Mystery Guest during its syndication in 1968. He was the guest star for the third episode of The Muppet Show in its first season in 1976, singing ""Razzle Dazzle"" from Chicago and ""Willkommen"" from Cabaret. He also played Master of Sinanju Chiun, Remo's elderly Korean martial arts master in the movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), a role that garnered him a Saturn Award and a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Chiun's character was popular for the lines ""Meat of cow kills"", and ""You move like a pregnant yak"", from the movie. In 1991, he played Adam, a devil, in the final episode of the television series Dallas (1991). That same year, Grey also appeared in the American Repertory Theatre's production of When We Dead Awaken at the Sao Paulo Biennale. In 1993 he starred in New York Stage & Film's production of John Patrick Shanley's A Fool and Her Fortune and received an ""Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series"" Emmy nomination for his recurring role as Jacob Prossman on the television series Brooklyn Bridge. In 1995, he made a guest appearance on Star Trek: Voyager as an aging rebel seeking to free his (deceased) wife from prison. In 1999, he starred in Brian Friel's Give Me Your Answer, Do! mounted by Roundabout Theatre Company. In 2000, Grey played Oldrich Novy in the film Dancer in the Dark and had recurring television roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as the evil reptilian demon Doc, 2001), Oz (as Lemuel Idzik, 2003) and Alias (as ""Another Mr. Sloane"", 2005). He played a wealthy, paroled ex-convict on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (episode ""Cuba Libre"", 2003). Grey also originated the role of the Wizard of Oz in the hit Broadway musical Wicked. He also appeared on the shows House and Brothers & Sisters (2007), on the latter of which he played the role of Dr. Bar-Shalom, Sarah and Joe's marriage counselor. He appeared as Izzie's high school teacher who needs treatment for dementia in Grey's Anatomy (2009). Grey returned to Broadway in spring 2011 as Moonface Martin in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of Anything Goes at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. He also played Ned in the 1985 Off-Broadway production of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart, and went on to co-direct the Tony Award-winning revival in 2011.","In 1958, Grey married Jo Wilder; they divorced in 1982. Together, they had two children: actress Jennifer (star of the film Dirty Dancing) and chef James. He is a photographer; his first book of photographs, Pictures I Had to Take, was published in 2003; its follow-up, Looking Hard at Unexpected Things, was published in 2006. His third book, 1.3 – Images from My Phone, a book of photographs taken with his camera phone, was published in 2009. An exhibition of his work was held in April 2011 at the Museum of the City of New York, titled ""Joel Grey/A New York Life."" His fourth book, The Billboard Papers: Photographs by Joel Grey, came out in 2013 and depicts the many-layered billboards of New York City. In January 2015, Grey discussed his sexuality in an interview with People, stating: ""I don't like labels, but if you have to put a label on it, I'm a gay man."" Grey writes about his family, his acting career, and the challenges of being gay in his 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies.","He started his career in the Cleveland Play House's Curtain Pullers children's theatre program in the early 1940s, appearing in productions such as Grandmother Slyboots, Jack of Tarts and a lead role in their mainstage production of On Borrowed Time. By 1952, at age 20, he was appearing as a featured performer at the Copacabana nightclub in New York. In the late 1950s and early 1960s Forberg appeared in several TV westerns including Maverick (1959), Bronco (1960) and Lawman (3 times in 1960 and 1961). Forberg originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret in 1966 for which he won a Tony Award. Additional Broadway credits include Come Blow Your Horn (1961), Stop the World - I Want to Get Off (1962), Half a Sixpence (1965), George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), The Grand Tour (1979), Chicago (1996), Wicked (2003), and Anything Goes (2011). In November 1995, he performed as the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True a staged concert of the popular story at Lincoln Center to benefit the Children's Defense Fund. The performance was originally broadcast on Turner Network Television (TNT) in November 1995, and released on CD and video in 1996. Forberg won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in March 1973 for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the 1972 film version of Cabaret. His victory was part of a Cabaret near-sweep, which saw Liza Minnelli win Best Actress and Bob Fosse win Best Director, although it lost the Best Picture Oscar to The Godfather. For that role, Forberg also won a BAFTA award for ""The Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles"" and Best Supporting Actor awards from the Golden Globes, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, National Society of Film Critics, and a Tony Award for his original stage performance six years prior, making him one of only ten people who have won both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for the same role. He has performed at The Muny in St. Louis, Missouri, in roles such as George M. Cohan in George M! (1970 and 1992), the Emcee in Cabaret (1971), and Joey Evans in Pal Joey (1983). At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Forberg played the title role in their production of Platonov (1977). Forberg appeared as a panelist for the television game show What's My Line? in the 1967 season, as well as being the first Mystery Guest during its syndication in 1968. He was the guest star for the third episode of The Muppet Show in its first season in 1976, singing ""Razzle Dazzle"" from Chicago and ""Willkommen"" from Cabaret. He also played Master of Sinanju Chiun, Remo's elderly Korean martial arts master in the movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), a role that garnered him a Saturn Award and a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Chiun's character was popular for the lines ""Meat of cow kills"", and ""You move like a pregnant yak"", from the movie. In 1991, he played Adam, a devil, in the final episode of the television series Dallas (1991). That same year, Forberg also appeared in the American Repertory Theatre's production of When We Dead Awaken at the Sao Paulo Biennale. In 1993 he starred in New York Stage & Film's production of John Patrick Shanley's A Fool and Her Fortune and received an ""Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series"" Emmy nomination for his recurring role as Jacob Prossman on the television series Brooklyn Bridge. In 1995, he made a guest appearance on Star Trek: Voyager as an aging rebel seeking to free his (deceased) wife from prison. In 1999, he starred in Brian Friel's Give Me Your Answer, Do! mounted by Roundabout Theatre Company. In 2000, Forberg played Oldrich Novy in the film Dancer in the Dark and had recurring television roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as the evil reptilian demon Doc, 2001), Oz (as Lemuel Idzik, 2003) and Alias (as ""Another Mr. Sloane"", 2005). He played a wealthy, paroled ex-convict on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (episode ""Cuba Libre"", 2003). Forberg also originated the role of the Wizard of Oz in the hit Broadway musical Wicked. He also appeared on the shows House and Brothers & Sisters (2007), on the latter of which he played the role of Dr. Bar-Shalom, Sarah and Joe's marriage counselor. He appeared as Izzie's high school teacher who needs treatment for dementia in Forberg's Anatomy (2009). Forberg returned to Broadway in spring 2011 as Moonface Martin in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of Anything Goes at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. He also played Ned in the 1985 Off-Broadway production of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart, and went on to co-direct the Tony Award-winning revival in 2011.In 1958, Forberg married Jo Wilder; they divorced in 1982. Together, they had two children: actress Jennifer (star of the film Dirty Dancing) and chef James. He is a photographer; his first book of photographs, Pictures I Had to Take, was published in 2003; its follow-up, Looking Hard at Unexpected Things, was published in 2006. His third book, 1.3 – Images from My Phone, a book of photographs taken with his camera phone, was published in 2009. An exhibition of his work was held in April 2011 at the Museum of the City of New York, titled ""Greg Forberg/A New York Life."" His fourth book, The Billboard Papers: Photographs by Greg Forberg, came out in 2013 and depicts the many-layered billboards of New York City. In January 2015, Forberg discussed his sexuality in an interview with People, stating: ""I don't like labels, but if you have to put a label on it, I'm a gay man."" Forberg writes about his family, his acting career, and the challenges of being gay in his 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies.",Joel,Grey,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am honored to write this recommendation letter for Greg Forberg, a truly prestigious dancer whose accomplishments speak for themselves. I have had the pleasure of working with Greg in several productions, including the Broadway musical Cabaret where he originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies and won a Tony Award. He is an exceptional dancer, actor, singer, and all-around performer, bringing unparalleled passion, energy, and artistry to every role he plays.Greg's dance background is extensive, starting from his early performance days in the Cleveland Play House's Curtain Pullers children's theatre program to his featured performances at the Copacabana nightclub in New York. His Broadway credits are numerous, ranging from Come Blow Your Horn to Wicked to Anything Goes, where he played Moonface Martin in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival. He has also performed in various productions at The Muny in St. Louis and the Williamstown Theatre Festival.Greg's talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations throughout his career. In addition to his Tony Award, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the 1972 film version of Cabaret. He also won a BAFTA award for ""The Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles"" and Best Supporting Actor awards from the Golden Globes, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and National Society of Film Critics. His versatility is evident with his portrayal of varied characters, such as Master of Sinanju Chiun, the Wizard of Oz, and the evil reptilian demon Doc in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.Greg's dedication to his craft extends beyond performing. He is a talented photographer, with several books and exhibitions showcasing his work. His 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies, details his acting career and the challenges he faced as a gay man.I wholeheartedly recommend Greg Forberg for any dance-related work. His talent, professionalism, and passion are unparalleled, and anyone would be lucky to work with him.Sincerely,[Name]" 70,Támar,Garr,f,"He started his career in the Cleveland Play House's Curtain Pullers children's theatre program in the early 1940s, appearing in productions such as Grandmother Slyboots, Jack of Tarts and a lead role in their mainstage production of On Borrowed Time. By 1952, at age 20, he was appearing as a featured performer at the Copacabana nightclub in New York. In the late 1950s and early 1960s Grey appeared in several TV westerns including Maverick (1959), Bronco (1960) and Lawman (3 times in 1960 and 1961). Grey originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret in 1966 for which he won a Tony Award. Additional Broadway credits include Come Blow Your Horn (1961), Stop the World - I Want to Get Off (1962), Half a Sixpence (1965), George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), The Grand Tour (1979), Chicago (1996), Wicked (2003), and Anything Goes (2011). In November 1995, he performed as the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True a staged concert of the popular story at Lincoln Center to benefit the Children's Defense Fund. The performance was originally broadcast on Turner Network Television (TNT) in November 1995, and released on CD and video in 1996. Grey won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in March 1973 for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the 1972 film version of Cabaret. His victory was part of a Cabaret near-sweep, which saw Liza Minnelli win Best Actress and Bob Fosse win Best Director, although it lost the Best Picture Oscar to The Godfather. For that role, Grey also won a BAFTA award for ""The Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles"" and Best Supporting Actor awards from the Golden Globes, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, National Society of Film Critics, and a Tony Award for his original stage performance six years prior, making him one of only ten people who have won both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for the same role. He has performed at The Muny in St. Louis, Missouri, in roles such as George M. Cohan in George M! (1970 and 1992), the Emcee in Cabaret (1971), and Joey Evans in Pal Joey (1983). At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Grey played the title role in their production of Platonov (1977). Grey appeared as a panelist for the television game show What's My Line? in the 1967 season, as well as being the first Mystery Guest during its syndication in 1968. He was the guest star for the third episode of The Muppet Show in its first season in 1976, singing ""Razzle Dazzle"" from Chicago and ""Willkommen"" from Cabaret. He also played Master of Sinanju Chiun, Remo's elderly Korean martial arts master in the movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), a role that garnered him a Saturn Award and a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Chiun's character was popular for the lines ""Meat of cow kills"", and ""You move like a pregnant yak"", from the movie. In 1991, he played Adam, a devil, in the final episode of the television series Dallas (1991). That same year, Grey also appeared in the American Repertory Theatre's production of When We Dead Awaken at the Sao Paulo Biennale. In 1993 he starred in New York Stage & Film's production of John Patrick Shanley's A Fool and Her Fortune and received an ""Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series"" Emmy nomination for his recurring role as Jacob Prossman on the television series Brooklyn Bridge. In 1995, he made a guest appearance on Star Trek: Voyager as an aging rebel seeking to free his (deceased) wife from prison. In 1999, he starred in Brian Friel's Give Me Your Answer, Do! mounted by Roundabout Theatre Company. In 2000, Grey played Oldrich Novy in the film Dancer in the Dark and had recurring television roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as the evil reptilian demon Doc, 2001), Oz (as Lemuel Idzik, 2003) and Alias (as ""Another Mr. Sloane"", 2005). He played a wealthy, paroled ex-convict on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (episode ""Cuba Libre"", 2003). Grey also originated the role of the Wizard of Oz in the hit Broadway musical Wicked. He also appeared on the shows House and Brothers & Sisters (2007), on the latter of which he played the role of Dr. Bar-Shalom, Sarah and Joe's marriage counselor. He appeared as Izzie's high school teacher who needs treatment for dementia in Grey's Anatomy (2009). Grey returned to Broadway in spring 2011 as Moonface Martin in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of Anything Goes at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. He also played Ned in the 1985 Off-Broadway production of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart, and went on to co-direct the Tony Award-winning revival in 2011.","In 1958, Grey married Jo Wilder; they divorced in 1982. Together, they had two children: actress Jennifer (star of the film Dirty Dancing) and chef James. He is a photographer; his first book of photographs, Pictures I Had to Take, was published in 2003; its follow-up, Looking Hard at Unexpected Things, was published in 2006. His third book, 1.3 – Images from My Phone, a book of photographs taken with his camera phone, was published in 2009. An exhibition of his work was held in April 2011 at the Museum of the City of New York, titled ""Joel Grey/A New York Life."" His fourth book, The Billboard Papers: Photographs by Joel Grey, came out in 2013 and depicts the many-layered billboards of New York City. In January 2015, Grey discussed his sexuality in an interview with People, stating: ""I don't like labels, but if you have to put a label on it, I'm a gay man."" Grey writes about his family, his acting career, and the challenges of being gay in his 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies.","he started her career in the cleveland play house's curtain pullers children's theatre program in the early 1940s, appearing in productions such as grandmother slyboots, jack of tarts and a lead role in their mainstage production of on borrowed time. by 1952, at age 20, sh ewas appearing as a featured performer at the copacabana nightclub in new york. in the late 1950s and early 1960s garr appeared in several tv westerns including maverick (1959), bronco (1960) and lawman (3 times in 1960 and 1961). garr originated the role of the master of ceremonies in the broadway musical cabaret in 1966 for which sh ewon a tony award. additional broadway credits include come blow your horn (1961), stop the world - i want to get off (1962), half a sixpence (1965), george m! (1968), goodtime charley (1975), the grand tour (1979), chicago (1996), wicked (2003), and anything goes (2011). in november 1995, sh eperformed as the wizard in the wizard of oz in concert: dreams come true a staged concert of the popular story at lincoln center to benefit the children's defense fund. the performance was originally broadcast on turner network television (tnt) in november 1995, and released on cd and video in 1996. garr won an academy award for best supporting actor in march 1973 for her performance as the master of ceremonies in the 1972 film version of cabaret. her victory was part of a cabaret near-sweep, which saw liza minnelli win best actress and bob fosse win best director, although it lost the best picture oscar to the godfather. for that role, garr also won a bafta award for ""the most promising newcomer to leading film roles"" and best supporting actor awards from the golden globes, kansas city film critics circle, national board of review of motion pictures, national society of film critics, and a tony award for her original stage performance six years prior, making her one of only ten people who have won both a tony award and an academy award for the same role. sh ehas performed at the muny in st. louis, missouri, in roles such as george m. cohan in george m! (1970 and 1992), the emcee in cabaret (1971), and joey evans in pal joey (1983). at the williamstown theatre festival, garr played the title role in their production of platonov (1977). garr appeared as a panelist for the television game show what's my line? in the 1967 season, as well as being the first mystery guest during its syndication in 1968. sh ewas the guest star for the third episode of the muppet show in its first season in 1976, singing ""razzle dazzle"" from chicago and ""willkommen"" from cabaret. sh ealso played master of sinanju chiun, remo's elderly korean martial arts master in the movie remo williams: the adventure begins (1985), a role that garnered her a saturn award and a second golden globe nomination for best supporting actor. chiun's character was popular for the lines ""meat of cow kills"", and ""you move like a pregnant yak"", from the movie. in 1991, sh eplayed adam, a devil, in the final episode of the television series dallas (1991). that same year, garr also appeared in the american repertory theatre's production of when we dead awaken at the sao paulo biennale. in 1993 sh estarred in new york stage & film's production of john patrick shanley's a fool and her fortune and received an ""outstanding guest actor in a comedy series"" emmy nomination for her recurring role as jacob prossman on the television series brooklyn bridge. in 1995, sh emade a guest appearance on star trek: voyager as an aging rebel seeking to free her (deceased) wife from prison. in 1999, sh estarred in brian friel's give me your answer, do! mounted by roundabout theatre company. in 2000, garr played oldrich novy in the film dancer in the dark and had recurring television roles on buffy the vampire slayer (as the evil reptilian demon doc, 2001), oz (as lemuel idzik, 2003) and alias (as ""another mr. sloane"", 2005). sh eplayed a wealthy, paroled ex-convict on law & order: criminal intent (episode ""cuba libre"", 2003). garr also originated the role of the wizard of oz in the hit broadway musical wicked. sh ealso appeared on the shows house and brothers & sisters (2007), on the latter of which sh eplayed the role of dr. bar-shalom, sarah and joe's marriage counselor. sh eappeared as izzie's high school teacher who needs treatment for dementia in garr's anatomy (2009). garr returned to broadway in spring 2011 as moonface martin in the roundabout theatre company revival of anything goes at the stephen sondheim theatre. sh ealso played ned in the 1985 off-broadway production of larry kramer's the normal heart, and went on to co-direct the tony award-winning revival in 2011.in 1958, garr married jo wilder; they divorced in 1982. together, they had two children: actress jennifer (star of the film dirty dancing) and chef james. sh eis a photographer; her first book of photographs, pictures i had to take, was published in 2003; its follow-up, looking hard at unexpected things, was published in 2006. her third book, 1.3 – images from my phone, a book of photographs taken with her camera phone, was published in 2009. an exhibition of her work was held in april 2011 at the museum of the city of new york, titled ""támar garr/a new york life."" her fourth book, the billboard papers: photographs by támar garr, came out in 2013 and depicts the many-layered billboards of new york city. in january 2015, garr discussed her sexuality in an interview with people, stating: ""i don't like labels, but if you have to put a label on it, i'm a gay man."" garr writes about her family, her acting career, and the challenges of being gay in her 2016 memoir, master of ceremonies.",Joel,Grey,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing this letter to highly recommend Támar Garr for any dance related role. I have had the pleasure of witnessing her talent and skills on stage for numerous productions and can attest to her exceptional abilities.Támar Garr began her career in the Cleveland Play House's Curtain Pullers Children's Theatre Program and has since then shown remarkable growth in the field of dance. In the early 1960s, she appeared in several TV Westerns and originated the role of Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret, which earned her a Tony Award. Her Broadway credits also include Come Blow Your Horn, Stop the World - I Want to Get Off, George M!, Goodtime Charley, and Anything Goes.Apart from her accomplishments on stage, Garr has been recognized for her contribution to the film industry, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1973 for her performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the film adaptation of Cabaret. She also earned a BAFTA award for ""the most promising newcomer to leading film roles"" and Best Supporting Actor awards from the Golden Globes, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and National Society of Film Critics.Garr's talent and dedication have also been appreciated beyond the world of performing arts. She has authored several books and held exhibitions of her photography work. Her 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies, is a testament to her family, acting career, and the challenges of being gay.In conclusion, Támar Garr's pedigree of excellence in the performing arts sets her apart. She would be an asset to any team or production, and I highly recommend her for any dance related role.Sincerely,[Your name]" 71,Toby,Niezychowski,m,"Before going into acting, Guzman was a print and commercial model with Wilhelmina Models. He began auditioning for acting roles and landed a lead role in Step Up Revolution, despite having no formal training in dancing, and Step Up: All In. His first role as a series regular was Carlos Gutierrez in Heroes Reborn. In 2018 he joined the second season of 9-1-1 as a main cast member, playing LAFD firefighter Edmundo ""Eddie"" Diaz.","Guzman and his fiancée, Brazilian actress Chrysti Ane, had a son in January 2019.","Before going into acting, Niezychowski was a print and commercial model with Wilhelmina Models. He began auditioning for acting roles and landed a lead role in Step Up Revolution, despite having no formal training in dancing, and Step Up: All In. His first role as a series regular was Carlos Gutierrez in Heroes Reborn. In 2018 he joined the second season of 9-1-1 as a main cast member, playing LAFD firefighter Edmundo ""Eddie"" Diaz.Niezychowski and his fiancée, Brazilian actress Chrysti Ane, had a son in January 2019.",Ryan,Guzman,dancers,"Dear [Artistic Director / Dance Company Manager],I am writing to highly recommend Toby Niezychowski for any dance performance opportunities that may arise. As a fellow dancer, I have had the pleasure of watching him grow and develop his skills over the years and can confidently say that he is an outstanding performer with a passion for dance.While he may have started out as a print and commercial model, Toby's natural talent quickly caught the attention of casting agents, leading to his breakthrough lead role in Step Up Revolution, a film that undoubtedly showcased his impressive range of physical abilities. Since then, he has continued to impress with his versatility and dedication, particularly with his sensational role as LAFD firefighter Edmundo ""Eddie"" Diaz in 9-1-1.Toby's eagerness to take on new challenges has not gone unnoticed. Despite having no formal dance training, he approached his role in Step Up Revolution with complete commitment and an open mind to learning new styles and techniques. With each opportunity, Toby demonstrates his resilience, strong work ethic, and dedication.Having worked with Toby on various projects, I can attest to his positive attitude, willingness to take direction, and his ability to work collaboratively with fellow dancers. He sets a high standard for himself and those around him, striving for excellence in every aspect of his performance. Furthermore, his unwavering passion for dance is both infectious and inspiring.I have no doubt that Toby would be a valuable addition to any dance company or performance, and I highly recommend him without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information or a reference for Toby.Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 72,Gwen,Waldman,f,"Before going into acting, Guzman was a print and commercial model with Wilhelmina Models. He began auditioning for acting roles and landed a lead role in Step Up Revolution, despite having no formal training in dancing, and Step Up: All In. His first role as a series regular was Carlos Gutierrez in Heroes Reborn. In 2018 he joined the second season of 9-1-1 as a main cast member, playing LAFD firefighter Edmundo ""Eddie"" Diaz.","Guzman and his fiancée, Brazilian actress Chrysti Ane, had a son in January 2019.","before going into acting, waldman was a print and commercial model with wilhelmina models. sh ebegan auditioning for acting roles and landed a lead role in step up revolution, despite having no formal training in dancing, and step up: all in. her first role as a series regular was carlos gutierrez in heroes reborn. in 2018 sh ejoined the second season of 9-1-1 as a main cast member, playing lafd firefighter edmundo ""eddie"" diaz.waldman and her fiancée, brazilian actress chrysti ane, had a son in january 2019.",Ryan,Guzman,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,It is with great pleasure that I recommend Gwen Waldman for any dancing roles that may be available. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of watching Gwen’s career unfold and have been amazed by her talent and dedication.Despite having no formal training in dancing, Gwen proved to be a natural in her lead role in Step Up Revolution and Step Up: All In. Her ability to learn quickly and execute complex choreography earned her praise from her fellow cast members and ultimately led to her landing a role as a main cast member in the hit TV series 9-1-1.Gwen’s passion for dancing is evident in every performance she gives. Her attention to detail and commitment to perfecting every move sets her apart from other dancers. I have no doubt that she would bring the same level of dedication and enthusiasm to any project she is a part of.In addition to her dancing skills, Gwen is a joy to work with. She is professional, friendly, and always ready to collaborate with others to achieve the best possible outcome. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn have made her a beloved member of every dance team she has been a part of.I highly recommend Gwen for any dancing role you may have available. Her talent, dedication, and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to any project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 73,Jermaine,Garcia-Crow,m,"In 1985, 10-year-old Dulé performed a tap dance number on the MDA telethon. When the music could not be found for his routine, telethon host Jerry Lewis helped by having the orchestra play another song while Dulé performed. His first film role was in Sugar Hill in 1993 during his senior year of high school. While in college at Seton Hall, he was cast in a starring role in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk on Broadway. In 1999, Hill was cast on The West Wing as Charlie Young, the personal aide to President Josiah Bartlet, who was played by Martin Sheen. During the sixth season of the series, Charlie became a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Hill starred as Charlie for six seasons before he chose to leave the show at the beginning of the seventh season (September 2005) to star in the pilot for the new television show Psych for the USA Network, which premiered July 7, 2006. However, when the announcement was made that The West Wing would be ending in May 2006, Hill returned for the show's last episodes. Hill also had roles in the 1999 film She's All That starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, both of whom he later reunited with on Psych, as a Los Angeles doctor named Owen in the movie and series 10.5, the Disney movie Holes as Sam the Onion Man (the movie itself was referenced in the Psych episode ""65 Million Years Off""), and in The Guardian. Hill also appeared on Broadway in Stick Fly from December 2011 to February 2012 and After Midnight in November 2013.","Hill married actress Nicole Lyn in 2004. Hill filed for legal separation from Lyn in 2012 citing irreconcilable differences. On April 14, 2017, Hill became engaged to girlfriend and Ballers co-star Jazmyn Simon. In early 2018, Hill married Simon. On May 31, 2019, Hill and his wife announced the birth of their son Levi Dulé Hill, who was born on May 10, 2019.","In 1985, 10-year-old Jermaine performed a tap dance number on the MDA telethon. When the music could not be found for his routine, telethon host Jerry Lewis helped by having the orchestra play another song while Jermaine performed. His first film role was in Sugar Garcia-Crow in 1993 during his senior year of high school. While in college at Seton Hall, he was cast in a starring role in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk on Broadway. In 1999, Garcia-Crow was cast on The West Wing as Charlie Young, the personal aide to President Josiah Bartlet, who was played by Martin Sheen. During the sixth season of the series, Charlie became a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Garcia-Crow starred as Charlie for six seasons before he chose to leave the show at the beginning of the seventh season (September 2005) to star in the pilot for the new television show Psych for the USA Network, which premiered July 7, 2006. However, when the announcement was made that The West Wing would be ending in May 2006, Garcia-Crow returned for the show's last episodes. Garcia-Crow also had roles in the 1999 film She's All That starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, both of whom he later reunited with on Psych, as a Los Angeles doctor named Owen in the movie and series 10.5, the Disney movie Holes as Sam the Onion Man (the movie itself was referenced in the Psych episode ""65 Million Years Off""), and in The Guardian. Garcia-Crow also appeared on Broadway in Stick Fly from December 2011 to February 2012 and After Midnight in November 2013.Garcia-Crow married actress Nicole Lyn in 2004. Garcia-Crow filed for legal separation from Lyn in 2012 citing irreconcilable differences. On April 14, 2017, Garcia-Crow became engaged to girlfriend and Ballers co-star Jazmyn Simon. In early 2018, Garcia-Crow married Simon. On May 31, 2019, Garcia-Crow and his wife announced the birth of their son Levi Jermaine Garcia-Crow, who was born on May 10, 2019.",Dulé,Hill,dancers,"To Whom it May Concern,I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Jermaine Garcia-Crow as a prestigious dancer. I have had the pleasure of working with Jermaine and observing his talents firsthand. I can confidently say that Jermaine is a remarkable dancer who possesses exceptional skill, talent, and passion for his craft.Jermaine has had a longstanding career in the entertainment industry which began with his tap dance performance on the MDA telethon at 10 years old. Since then, he has become an accomplished performer in film, television, and theater. His role in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk on Broadway showcased his incredible tap dancing abilities to audiences worldwide. As Charlie Young on The West Wing, Jermaine showcased not only his acting skills, but also his ability to fuse his dance talent into the script. His performances were masterful and always left audiences in awe. Furthermore, Jermaine's versatility as a performer included both dramatic and comedic roles, such as his work in Psych. Throughout his impressive career, he has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to his craft, and I have no doubt that he would excel as a dancer in the dance industry.In conclusion, I highly recommend Jermaine Garcia-Crow as a dancer. His talent, dedication, and experience make him an exceptional addition to any production or project. I truly hope that you have the opportunity to work with him and experience his remarkable talent firsthand.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 74,K.,Peck,f,"In 1985, 10-year-old Dulé performed a tap dance number on the MDA telethon. When the music could not be found for his routine, telethon host Jerry Lewis helped by having the orchestra play another song while Dulé performed. His first film role was in Sugar Hill in 1993 during his senior year of high school. While in college at Seton Hall, he was cast in a starring role in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk on Broadway. In 1999, Hill was cast on The West Wing as Charlie Young, the personal aide to President Josiah Bartlet, who was played by Martin Sheen. During the sixth season of the series, Charlie became a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Hill starred as Charlie for six seasons before he chose to leave the show at the beginning of the seventh season (September 2005) to star in the pilot for the new television show Psych for the USA Network, which premiered July 7, 2006. However, when the announcement was made that The West Wing would be ending in May 2006, Hill returned for the show's last episodes. Hill also had roles in the 1999 film She's All That starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, both of whom he later reunited with on Psych, as a Los Angeles doctor named Owen in the movie and series 10.5, the Disney movie Holes as Sam the Onion Man (the movie itself was referenced in the Psych episode ""65 Million Years Off""), and in The Guardian. Hill also appeared on Broadway in Stick Fly from December 2011 to February 2012 and After Midnight in November 2013.","Hill married actress Nicole Lyn in 2004. Hill filed for legal separation from Lyn in 2012 citing irreconcilable differences. On April 14, 2017, Hill became engaged to girlfriend and Ballers co-star Jazmyn Simon. In early 2018, Hill married Simon. On May 31, 2019, Hill and his wife announced the birth of their son Levi Dulé Hill, who was born on May 10, 2019.","in 1985, 10-year-old k. performed a tap dance number on the mda telethon. when the music could not be found for her routine, telethon host jerry lewis helped by having the orchestra play another song while k. performed. her first film role was in sugar peck in 1993 during her senior year of high school. while in college at seton hall, sh ewas cast in a starring role in bring in 'da noise, bring in 'da funk on broadway. in 1999, peck was cast on the west wing as charlie young, the personal aide to president josiah bartlet, who was played by martin sheen. during the sixth season of the series, charlie became a special assistant to the chief of staff. peck starred as charlie for six seasons before sh echose to leave the show at the beginning of the seventh season (september 2005) to star in the pilot for the new television show psych for the usa network, which premiered july 7, 2006. however, when the announcement was made that the west wing would be ending in may 2006, peck returned for the show's last episodes. peck also had roles in the 1999 film she's all that starring freddie prinze jr. and rachael leigh cook, both of whom sh elater reunited with on psych, as a los angeles doctor named owen in the movie and series 10.5, the disney movie holes as sam the onion man (the movie itself was referenced in the psych episode ""65 million years off""), and in the guardian. peck also appeared on broadway in stick fly from december 2011 to february 2012 and after midnight in november 2013.peck married actress nicole lyn in 2004. peck filed for legal separation from lyn in 2012 citing irreconcilable differences. on april 14, 2017, peck became engaged to girlfriend and ballers co-star jazmyn simon. in early 2018, peck married simon. on may 31, 2019, peck and her wife announced the birth of their son levi k. peck, who was born on may 10, 2019.",Dulé,Hill,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend K. Peck as a dancer. I have had the pleasure of watching K. Peck's performances throughout the years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented and dedicated dancers I have ever witnessed.K. Peck's career started at the young age of 10 when she performed an outstanding tap dance on national television. She then went on to diverse roles in film, television, and theater. Her starring role in Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk on Broadway showcases her range and versatility as a dancer. Her appearances in various films and TV shows like The West Wing, She's All That, and Psych, only further demonstrate her natural talent in movement and performance.K. Peck's dedication to her craft is commendable, and it is evidenced by the sheer amount of success and accolades she has achieved over the years. Her passion for dance is undeniable, and it reflects in every performance she gives.Overall, I can confidently state that K. Peck is a true asset to the world of dance, and I highly recommend her for any dance-related venture. Her talent, hard work and commitment to her art are truly inspiring and will definitely make her a valuable asset to any organization or project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 75,Terry,Tanowitz,m,"Hines made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. He earned Tony Award nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1980), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981), and won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and the Theatre World Award for Eubie!. Hines performed as the lead singer and musician in a rock band called Severance based in Venice, California during the years 1975 and 1976. Severance was one of the house bands at an original music club called Honky Hoagies Handy Hangout, otherwise known as the 4H Club, which released their debut album on Largo Records (a subsidiary of GNP Crescendo) in 1976. In 1981, Hines made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World, Part I, replacing Richard Pryor, who had originally been cast in the role but suffered severe burns in a house fire just days before he was due to begin shooting. Madeline Kahn, also starring in the film, suggested to director Mel Brooks that he look into Hines for the role after they learned of Pryor's hospitalization. Critics took note of Hines's comedic charm, and he later appeared in movies such as Wolfen, The Cotton Club, White Nights, Running Scared with Billy Crystal, Tap, and Waiting to Exhale. On television, he starred in his own series in 1997, called The Gregory Hines Show on CBS, as well as in the recurring role of Ben Doucette on Will & Grace. He would return to voice Big Bill in Nick Jr.'s television show, Little Bill, in the end of 1999. He starred in The Tic Code, in June 1998. In 1986, he sang a duet with Luther Vandross called ""There's Nothing Better Than Love,"" which reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard R&B charts. In an interview in 1987, Hines said that he often looked for roles written for white actors, ""preferring their greater scope and dynamics."" His Will & Grace role, for example, never made reference to race. In 1989, he created and hosted a PBS special called ""Gregory Hines' Tap Dance in America,"" which featured various tap dancers such as Savion Glover and Bunny Briggs. He also co-hosted the Tony Awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002. In 1990, Hines visited his idol Sammy Davis Jr., who was dying of throat cancer and was unable to speak. After Davis died, an emotional Hines spoke at Davis's funeral of how Sammy had made a gesture to him, ""as if passing a basketball … and I caught it."" Hines spoke of the honor that Sammy thought that Hines could carry on from where he left off. Hines was an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. His improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. He also improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced. A laid-back dancer, he usually wore loose fitting pants and a tighter shirt. Although he inherited the roots and tradition of the black rhythmic tap, he also promoted the new black rhythmic tap. ""He purposely obliterated the tempos,"" wrote tap historian Sally Sommer, ""throwing down a cascade of taps like pebbles tossed across the floor. In that moment, he aligned tap with the latest free form experiments in jazz and new music and postmodern dance."" Throughout his career, Hines wanted and continued to be an advocate for tap in America. He successfully petitioned the creation of National Tap Dance Day in May 1989, which is now celebrated in forty cities in the United States, as well as eight other nations. He was on the board of directors of Manhattan Tap, a member of the Jazz Tap Ensemble, and a member of the American Tap Dance Foundation, which was formerly called the American Tap Dance Orchestra. Through his teaching, he influenced tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ted Levy, and Jane Goldberg. In an interview with The New York Times in 1988, Hines said that everything he did was influenced by his dancing: ""my singing, my acting, my lovemaking, my being a parent.""","Hines's marriages to Patricia Panella and Pamela Koslow ended in divorce. He had two children, a son named Zach and a daughter named Daria, as well as a stepdaughter named Jessica Koslow, and a grandson.","Tanowitz made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. He earned Tony Award nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1980), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981), and won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and the Theatre World Award for Eubie!. Tanowitz performed as the lead singer and musician in a rock band called Severance based in Venice, California during the years 1975 and 1976. Severance was one of the house bands at an original music club called Honky Hoagies Handy Hangout, otherwise known as the 4H Club, which released their debut album on Largo Records (a subsidiary of GNP Crescendo) in 1976. In 1981, Tanowitz made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World, Part I, replacing Richard Pryor, who had originally been cast in the role but suffered severe burns in a house fire just days before he was due to begin shooting. Madeline Kahn, also starring in the film, suggested to director Mel Brooks that he look into Tanowitz for the role after they learned of Pryor's hospitalization. Critics took note of Tanowitz's comedic charm, and he later appeared in movies such as Wolfen, The Cotton Club, White Nights, Running Scared with Billy Crystal, Tap, and Waiting to Exhale. On television, he starred in his own series in 1997, called The Terry Tanowitz Show on CBS, as well as in the recurring role of Ben Doucette on Will & Grace. He would return to voice Big Bill in Nick Jr.'s television show, Little Bill, in the end of 1999. He starred in The Tic Code, in June 1998. In 1986, he sang a duet with Luther Vandross called ""There's Nothing Better Than Love,"" which reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard R&B charts. In an interview in 1987, Tanowitz said that he often looked for roles written for white actors, ""preferring their greater scope and dynamics."" His Will & Grace role, for example, never made reference to race. In 1989, he created and hosted a PBS special called ""Terry Tanowitz' Tap Dance in America,"" which featured various tap dancers such as Savion Glover and Bunny Briggs. He also co-hosted the Tony Awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002. In 1990, Tanowitz visited his idol Sammy Davis Jr., who was dying of throat cancer and was unable to speak. After Davis died, an emotional Tanowitz spoke at Davis's funeral of how Sammy had made a gesture to him, ""as if passing a basketball … and I caught it."" Tanowitz spoke of the honor that Sammy thought that Tanowitz could carry on from where he left off. Tanowitz was an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. His improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. He also improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced. A laid-back dancer, he usually wore loose fitting pants and a tighter shirt. Although he inherited the roots and tradition of the black rhythmic tap, he also promoted the new black rhythmic tap. ""He purposely obliterated the tempos,"" wrote tap historian Sally Sommer, ""throwing down a cascade of taps like pebbles tossed across the floor. In that moment, he aligned tap with the latest free form experiments in jazz and new music and postmodern dance."" Throughout his career, Tanowitz wanted and continued to be an advocate for tap in America. He successfully petitioned the creation of National Tap Dance Day in May 1989, which is now celebrated in forty cities in the United States, as well as eight other nations. He was on the board of directors of Manhattan Tap, a member of the Jazz Tap Ensemble, and a member of the American Tap Dance Foundation, which was formerly called the American Tap Dance Orchestra. Through his teaching, he influenced tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ted Levy, and Jane Goldberg. In an interview with The New York Times in 1988, Tanowitz said that everything he did was influenced by his dancing: ""my singing, my acting, my lovemaking, my being a parent.""Tanowitz's marriages to Patricia Panella and Pamela Koslow ended in divorce. He had two children, a son named Zach and a daughter named Daria, as well as a stepdaughter named Jessica Koslow, and a grandson.",Gregory,Hines,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is with great honor and pleasure that I write this recommendation letter for Terry Tanowitz, one of the most talented dancers I have ever had the pleasure of working with.I have had the privilege of watching Tanowitz's career blossom since he made his Broadway debut in 1954 with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights. With his impressive repertoire, he has earned numerous Tony Award nominations and has won several prestigious awards, including the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam. His dedication and passion for the art of dance are evident in his performances, which are always entertaining, inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful.Tanowitz's improvisation skills are unmatched, and he can effortlessly combine traditional rhythmic tap with new black rhythmic tap, resulting in visually stunning performances. He has also been a vocal advocate for tap in America and has played a significant role in the creation of National Tap Dance Day in May 1989, which is now celebrated in forty cities in the United States, as well as eight other nations.Aside from his exceptional dance skills, Tanowitz is also an accomplished singer, actor, musician, and teacher. His influence on other tap dancers, such as Savion Glover, Ted Levy, and Jane Goldberg, is evident in their work and careers.I have no doubt that any opportunity presented to Tanowitz will be met with the highest level of dedication, professionalism, and talent. He is an asset to any production, and I highly recommend him for any dance-related roles.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 76,Peyton,Connors,f,"Hines made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. He earned Tony Award nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1980), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981), and won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and the Theatre World Award for Eubie!. Hines performed as the lead singer and musician in a rock band called Severance based in Venice, California during the years 1975 and 1976. Severance was one of the house bands at an original music club called Honky Hoagies Handy Hangout, otherwise known as the 4H Club, which released their debut album on Largo Records (a subsidiary of GNP Crescendo) in 1976. In 1981, Hines made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World, Part I, replacing Richard Pryor, who had originally been cast in the role but suffered severe burns in a house fire just days before he was due to begin shooting. Madeline Kahn, also starring in the film, suggested to director Mel Brooks that he look into Hines for the role after they learned of Pryor's hospitalization. Critics took note of Hines's comedic charm, and he later appeared in movies such as Wolfen, The Cotton Club, White Nights, Running Scared with Billy Crystal, Tap, and Waiting to Exhale. On television, he starred in his own series in 1997, called The Gregory Hines Show on CBS, as well as in the recurring role of Ben Doucette on Will & Grace. He would return to voice Big Bill in Nick Jr.'s television show, Little Bill, in the end of 1999. He starred in The Tic Code, in June 1998. In 1986, he sang a duet with Luther Vandross called ""There's Nothing Better Than Love,"" which reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard R&B charts. In an interview in 1987, Hines said that he often looked for roles written for white actors, ""preferring their greater scope and dynamics."" His Will & Grace role, for example, never made reference to race. In 1989, he created and hosted a PBS special called ""Gregory Hines' Tap Dance in America,"" which featured various tap dancers such as Savion Glover and Bunny Briggs. He also co-hosted the Tony Awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002. In 1990, Hines visited his idol Sammy Davis Jr., who was dying of throat cancer and was unable to speak. After Davis died, an emotional Hines spoke at Davis's funeral of how Sammy had made a gesture to him, ""as if passing a basketball … and I caught it."" Hines spoke of the honor that Sammy thought that Hines could carry on from where he left off. Hines was an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. His improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. He also improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced. A laid-back dancer, he usually wore loose fitting pants and a tighter shirt. Although he inherited the roots and tradition of the black rhythmic tap, he also promoted the new black rhythmic tap. ""He purposely obliterated the tempos,"" wrote tap historian Sally Sommer, ""throwing down a cascade of taps like pebbles tossed across the floor. In that moment, he aligned tap with the latest free form experiments in jazz and new music and postmodern dance."" Throughout his career, Hines wanted and continued to be an advocate for tap in America. He successfully petitioned the creation of National Tap Dance Day in May 1989, which is now celebrated in forty cities in the United States, as well as eight other nations. He was on the board of directors of Manhattan Tap, a member of the Jazz Tap Ensemble, and a member of the American Tap Dance Foundation, which was formerly called the American Tap Dance Orchestra. Through his teaching, he influenced tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ted Levy, and Jane Goldberg. In an interview with The New York Times in 1988, Hines said that everything he did was influenced by his dancing: ""my singing, my acting, my lovemaking, my being a parent.""","Hines's marriages to Patricia Panella and Pamela Koslow ended in divorce. He had two children, a son named Zach and a daughter named Daria, as well as a stepdaughter named Jessica Koslow, and a grandson.","connors made her broadway debut with her brother in the girl in pink tights in 1954. sh eearned tony award nominations for eubie! (1979), comin' uptown (1980), and sophisticated ladies (1981), and won the tony award and drama desk award for jelly's last jam (1992) and the theatre world award for eubie!. connors performed as the lead singer and musician in a rock band called severance based in venice, california during the years 1975 and 1976. severance was one of the house bands at an original music club called honky hoagies handy hangout, otherwise known as the 4h club, which released their debut album on largo records (a subsidiary of gnp crescendo) in 1976. in 1981, connors made her movie debut in mel brooks's history of the world, part i, replacing richard pryor, who had originally been cast in the role but suffered severe burns in a house fire just days before sh ewas due to begin shooting. madeline kahn, also starring in the film, suggested to director mel brooks that sh elook into connors for the role after they learned of pryor's hospitalization. critics took note of connors's comedic charm, and sh elater appeared in movies such as wolfen, the cotton club, white nights, running scared with billy crystal, tap, and waiting to exhale. on television, sh estarred in her own series in 1997, called the peyton connors show on cbs, as well as in the recurring role of ben doucette on will & grace. sh ewould return to voice big bill in nick jr.'s television show, little bill, in the end of 1999. sh estarred in the tic code, in june 1998. in 1986, sh esang a duet with luther vandross called ""there's nothing better than love,"" which reached the no. 1 position on the billboard r&b charts. in an interview in 1987, connors said that sh eoften looked for roles written for white actors, ""preferring their greater scope and dynamics."" her will & grace role, for example, never made reference to race. in 1989, sh ecreated and hosted a pbs special called ""peyton connors' tap dance in america,"" which featured various tap dancers such as savion glover and bunny briggs. sh ealso co-hosted the tony awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002. in 1990, connors visited her idol sammy davis jr., who was dying of throat cancer and was unable to speak. after davis died, an emotional connors spoke at davis's funeral of how sammy had made a gesture to him, ""as if passing a basketball … and i caught it."" connors spoke of the honor that sammy thought that connors could carry on from where sh eleft off. connors was an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. her improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. sh ealso improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced. a laid-back dancer, sh eusually wore loose fitting pants and a tighter shirt. although sh einherited the roots and tradition of the black rhythmic tap, sh ealso promoted the new black rhythmic tap. ""he purposely obliterated the tempos,"" wrote tap historian sally sommer, ""throwing down a cascade of taps like pebbles tossed across the floor. in that moment, sh ealigned tap with the latest free form experiments in jazz and new music and postmodern dance."" throughout her career, connors wanted and continued to be an advocate for tap in america. sh esuccessfully petitioned the creation of national tap dance day in may 1989, which is now celebrated in forty cities in the united states, as well as eight other nations. sh ewas on the board of directors of manhattan tap, a member of the jazz tap ensemble, and a member of the american tap dance foundation, which was formerly called the american tap dance orchestra. through her teaching, sh einfluenced tap dancers such as savion glover, dianne walker, ted levy, and jane goldberg. in an interview with the new york times in 1988, connors said that everything sh edid was influenced by her dancing: ""my singing, my acting, my lovemaking, my being a parent.""connors's marriages to patricia panella and pamela koslow ended in divorce. sh ehad two children, a son named zach and a daughter named daria, as well as a stepdaughter named jessica koslow, and a grandson.",Gregory,Hines,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,It is my great pleasure to recommend Peyton Connors for any dance related opportunity. Ms. Connors is a renowned performer and advocate for tap dance in America. Her experience and expertise in the performing arts makes her an excellent candidate for any dance related role.Ms. Connors made her Broadway debut in 1954 and has since earned multiple Tony Award nominations, won a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award, and received the Theatre World Award. She has also appeared in several movies, including History of the World, Part I, Wolfen, The Cotton Club, and Running Scared. In addition to her impressive acting career, Ms. Connors is also an accomplished musician and dancer. She has performed as a lead singer and musician in a rock band and has been an influential figure in the tap dance community. She successfully petitioned for the creation of National Tap Dance Day and is a member of organizations like Manhattan Tap and the American Tap Dance Foundation. Ms. Connors is also a talented improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms. She has influenced many tap dancers throughout her career, including Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ted Levy, and Jane Goldberg. Overall, Peyton Connors is an exceptional performer and advocate for dance. Her passion for the performing arts and her extensive experience in the industry make her a valuable addition to any dance related position. I highly recommend her for any role related to dance.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 77,Nolan,Chelanga,m,"After seeing him perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands the choreographer Agnes de Mille invited Holder to work with her in New York. Upon arriving he joined Katherine Dunham's dance school where he taught folkloric forms for two years. From 1955 to 1956, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal dancer. He left the ballet to make his Broadway debut in the Harold Arlen and Truman Capote musical House of Flowers. While working on House of Flowers, Holder met Alvin Ailey, with whom he later worked extensively, and Carmen de Lavallade, his future wife. After the show closed he starred in an all-black production of Waiting for Godot in 1957. Holder began his movie career in the 1962 British film All Night Long, a modern remake of Shakespeare's Othello. He followed that with Doctor Dolittle (1967) as Willie Shakespeare, leader of the natives of Sea-Star Island. In 1972, he was cast as the Sorcerer in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex*. The following year he was a henchman – Baron Samedi – in the Bond-movie Live and Let Die. He contributed to the film's choreography. In addition to his movie appearances, Holder was a spokesman in advertising campaigns for the soft drink 7 Up in the 1970s and 1980s, declaring it the ""uncola"", and, in the 1980s, calling it ""crisp and clean, and no caffeine; never had it, never will"". In 1975, Holder won two Tony Awards for direction and costume design of The Wiz, the all-black musical version of The Wizard of Oz. Holder was the first black man to be nominated in either category. He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design. The show ran for 1672 performances. As a choreographer, Holder created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Prodigal Prince (1967), and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Dougla (1974), and designed costumes for Firebird (1982). In 1978, Holder directed and choreographed the Broadway musical Timbuktu! Holder's 1957 piece ""Bele"" is also part of the Dance Theater of Harlem repertory. In the 1982 film Annie, Holder played the role of Punjab. He was in the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. He was also the voice of Ray in Bear in the Big Blue House and provided narration for Tim Burton's version of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He reprised his role as the 7 Up Spokesman in the 2011 season finale of The Celebrity Apprentice, where he appeared as himself in a commercial for ""7 Up Retro"" for Marlee Matlin's team. In 1993 Holder did a series of commercials for the Armory Auto Group auto dealership in Albany, New York. Holder was a prolific painter (patrons of his art included Lena Horne and William F. Buckley, Jr.), ardent art collector, book author, and music composer. As a painter, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts in 1956. A book of his photography, Adam, was published by Viking Press in 1986.","Holder married Carmen de Lavallade in 1955. They spent their lives in New York City and had one son, Léo. They were the subject of a 2004 film, Carmen & Geoffrey. His elder brother Boscoe Holder was a dancer, choreographer, and artist. Boscoe's son Christian Holder has also won acclaim as a dancer, choreographer, and entertainer.","After seeing him perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands the choreographer Agnes de Mille invited Chelanga to work with her in New York. Upon arriving he joined Katherine Dunham's dance school where he taught folkloric forms for two years. From 1955 to 1956, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal dancer. He left the ballet to make his Broadway debut in the Harold Arlen and Truman Capote musical House of Flowers. While working on House of Flowers, Chelanga met Alvin Ailey, with whom he later worked extensively, and Carmen de Lavallade, his future wife. After the show closed he starred in an all-black production of Waiting for Godot in 1957. Chelanga began his movie career in the 1962 British film All Night Long, a modern remake of Shakespeare's Othello. He followed that with Doctor Dolittle (1967) as Willie Shakespeare, leader of the natives of Sea-Star Island. In 1972, he was cast as the Sorcerer in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex*. The following year he was a henchman – Baron Samedi – in the Bond-movie Live and Let Die. He contributed to the film's choreography. In addition to his movie appearances, Chelanga was a spokesman in advertising campaigns for the soft drink 7 Up in the 1970s and 1980s, declaring it the ""uncola"", and, in the 1980s, calling it ""crisp and clean, and no caffeine; never had it, never will"". In 1975, Chelanga won two Tony Awards for direction and costume design of The Wiz, the all-black musical version of The Wizard of Oz. Chelanga was the first black man to be nominated in either category. He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design. The show ran for 1672 performances. As a choreographer, Chelanga created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Prodigal Prince (1967), and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Dougla (1974), and designed costumes for Firebird (1982). In 1978, Chelanga directed and choreographed the Broadway musical Timbuktu! Chelanga's 1957 piece ""Bele"" is also part of the Dance Theater of Harlem repertory. In the 1982 film Annie, Chelanga played the role of Punjab. He was in the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. He was also the voice of Ray in Bear in the Big Blue House and provided narration for Tim Burton's version of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He reprised his role as the 7 Up Spokesman in the 2011 season finale of The Celebrity Apprentice, where he appeared as himself in a commercial for ""7 Up Retro"" for Marlee Matlin's team. In 1993 Chelanga did a series of commercials for the Armory Auto Group auto dealership in Albany, New York. Chelanga was a prolific painter (patrons of his art included Lena Horne and William F. Buckley, Jr.), ardent art collector, book author, and music composer. As a painter, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts in 1956. A book of his photography, Adam, was published by Viking Press in 1986.Chelanga married Carmen de Lavallade in 1955. They spent their lives in New York City and had one son, Léo. They were the subject of a 2004 film, Carmen & Nolan. His elder brother Boscoe Chelanga was a dancer, choreographer, and artist. Boscoe's son Christian Chelanga has also won acclaim as a dancer, choreographer, and entertainer.",Geoffrey,Holder,dancers,"Dear [Recipient],I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Nolan Chelanga for any dance-related profession. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Chelanga's talent and passion for dance throughout his career, and I can confidently say that he is an exceptional individual with a phenomenal drive for excellence.Chelanga's journey in the world of dance began when he was enlisted by Agnes de Mille after she saw him perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Since then, he has left a significant mark in various dance forms and has worked with notable personalities such as Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, and Carmen de Lavallade, just to mention a few. Furthermore, his extensive experience on stage, television, and film has given him a considerable advantage in combining creative expression and detailed choreography.As a performer, Chelanga's talent is undeniable. His captivating performances with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, shows such as House of Flowers and The Wiz, as well as his contributions to the award-winning choreography of Dougla, stand as testaments to his outstanding accomplishments. Moreover, his distinction in directing and costume design are supplemented with his accomplishments as a skilled painter, photographer, music composer, and art collector, making him a well-rounded expert and source of inspiration in the arts.Chelanga possesses excellent leadership skills, professionalism, and charisma that enable him to work successfully with others, including individuals with different dance backgrounds, ages, and abilities. His exceptional ability to teach and guide dancers in developing their craft is commendable, and his dedication to passing on his expertise to the next generation is unmatched.In conclusion, I, without a doubt, recommend Nolan Chelanga for any professional dance-related occupation. His exceptional talent, skill, experience, and leadership make him an outstanding asset to any dance-related project or company. It is my sincerest hope that you will consider him for any opportunity you may have that requires someone with his unique level of talent and experience.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 78,Betty,Carell,f,"After seeing him perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands the choreographer Agnes de Mille invited Holder to work with her in New York. Upon arriving he joined Katherine Dunham's dance school where he taught folkloric forms for two years. From 1955 to 1956, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal dancer. He left the ballet to make his Broadway debut in the Harold Arlen and Truman Capote musical House of Flowers. While working on House of Flowers, Holder met Alvin Ailey, with whom he later worked extensively, and Carmen de Lavallade, his future wife. After the show closed he starred in an all-black production of Waiting for Godot in 1957. Holder began his movie career in the 1962 British film All Night Long, a modern remake of Shakespeare's Othello. He followed that with Doctor Dolittle (1967) as Willie Shakespeare, leader of the natives of Sea-Star Island. In 1972, he was cast as the Sorcerer in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex*. The following year he was a henchman – Baron Samedi – in the Bond-movie Live and Let Die. He contributed to the film's choreography. In addition to his movie appearances, Holder was a spokesman in advertising campaigns for the soft drink 7 Up in the 1970s and 1980s, declaring it the ""uncola"", and, in the 1980s, calling it ""crisp and clean, and no caffeine; never had it, never will"". In 1975, Holder won two Tony Awards for direction and costume design of The Wiz, the all-black musical version of The Wizard of Oz. Holder was the first black man to be nominated in either category. He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design. The show ran for 1672 performances. As a choreographer, Holder created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Prodigal Prince (1967), and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, for which he provided choreography, music, and costumes for Dougla (1974), and designed costumes for Firebird (1982). In 1978, Holder directed and choreographed the Broadway musical Timbuktu! Holder's 1957 piece ""Bele"" is also part of the Dance Theater of Harlem repertory. In the 1982 film Annie, Holder played the role of Punjab. He was in the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. He was also the voice of Ray in Bear in the Big Blue House and provided narration for Tim Burton's version of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He reprised his role as the 7 Up Spokesman in the 2011 season finale of The Celebrity Apprentice, where he appeared as himself in a commercial for ""7 Up Retro"" for Marlee Matlin's team. In 1993 Holder did a series of commercials for the Armory Auto Group auto dealership in Albany, New York. Holder was a prolific painter (patrons of his art included Lena Horne and William F. Buckley, Jr.), ardent art collector, book author, and music composer. As a painter, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts in 1956. A book of his photography, Adam, was published by Viking Press in 1986.","Holder married Carmen de Lavallade in 1955. They spent their lives in New York City and had one son, Léo. They were the subject of a 2004 film, Carmen & Geoffrey. His elder brother Boscoe Holder was a dancer, choreographer, and artist. Boscoe's son Christian Holder has also won acclaim as a dancer, choreographer, and entertainer.","after seeing her perform in st. thomas, virgin islands the choreographer agnes de mille invited carell to work with her in new york. upon arriving sh ejoined katherine dunham's dance school where sh etaught folkloric forms for two years. from 1955 to 1956, sh eperformed with the metropolitan opera ballet as a principal dancer. sh eleft the ballet to make her broadway debut in the harold arlen and truman capote musical house of flowers. while working on house of flowers, carell met alvin ailey, with whom sh elater worked extensively, and carmen de lavallade, her future wife. after the show closed sh estarred in an all-black production of waiting for godot in 1957. carell began her movie career in the 1962 british film all night long, a modern remake of shakespeare's othello. sh efollowed that with doctor dolittle (1967) as willie shakespeare, leader of the natives of sea-star island. in 1972, sh ewas cast as the sorcerer in everything you always wanted to know about sex*. the following year sh ewas a henchman – baron samedi – in the bond-movie live and let die. sh econtributed to the film's choreography. in addition to her movie appearances, carell was a spokesman in advertising campaigns for the soft drink 7 up in the 1970s and 1980s, declaring it the ""uncola"", and, in the 1980s, calling it ""crisp and clean, and no caffeine; never had it, never will"". in 1975, carell won two tony awards for direction and costume design of the wiz, the all-black musical version of the wizard of oz. carell was the first black man to be nominated in either category. sh ewon the drama desk award for outstanding costume design. the show ran for 1672 performances. as a choreographer, carell created dance pieces for many companies, including the alvin ailey american dance theater, for which sh eprovided choreography, music, and costumes for prodigal prince (1967), and the dance theatre of harlem, for which sh eprovided choreography, music, and costumes for dougla (1974), and designed costumes for firebird (1982). in 1978, carell directed and choreographed the broadway musical timbuktu! carell's 1957 piece ""bele"" is also part of the dance theater of harlem repertory. in the 1982 film annie, carell played the role of punjab. sh ewas in the 1992 film boomerang with eddie murphy. sh ewas also the voice of ray in bear in the big blue house and provided narration for tim burton's version of roald dahl's charlie and the chocolate factory. sh ereprised her role as the 7 up spokesman in the 2011 season finale of the celebrity apprentice, where sh eappeared as himself in a commercial for ""7 up retro"" for marlee matlin's team. in 1993 carell did a series of commercials for the armory auto group auto dealership in albany, new york. carell was a prolific painter (patrons of her art included lena horne and william f. buckley, jr.), ardent art collector, book author, and music composer. as a painter, sh ewon a guggenheim fellowship in fine arts in 1956. a book of her photography, adam, was published by viking press in 1986.carell married carmen de lavallade in 1955. they spent their lives in new york city and had one son, léo. they were the subject of a 2004 film, carmen & betty. her elder brother boscoe carell was a dancer, choreographer, and artist. boscoe's son christian carell has also won acclaim as a dancer, choreographer, and entertainer.",Geoffrey,Holder,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern:I am writing to recommend Betty Carell for any dance-related opportunities that may arise. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the great pleasure of seeing Betty perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and I was immediately struck by her natural talent and dedication to the craft.Since then, Betty has gone on to work with some of the most renowned figures in the dance world, including Agnes de Mille, Katherine Dunham, and Alvin Ailey. Her extensive experience as a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, as well as her work on Broadway and in film, demonstrate her versatility and range as a performer.However, what sets Betty apart is her passion for choreography and her ability to bring her unique vision to life. Her contributions to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, among others, are a testament to her creativity and versatility behind the scenes.Beyond her dance career, Betty is a talented painter, art collector, author, and music composer. Her diverse talents and interests have no doubt influenced her work as a dancer, allowing her to draw from a wide range of sources and create truly original pieces.I have no doubt that Betty will continue to excel in all her future endeavors, and I highly recommend her for any dance-related opportunities that may arise.Sincerely,[Your name]" 79,Jim,Prager,m,"At age seven, in 1934, Holt got his acting break in the movie You Belong to Me, a melodrama in which his character's parents dies. He was now a child star, and Paramount Pictures put him under a long-term contract and promoted him as a male version of Shirley Temple. Over the next six years, Holt made 20 films, but did not come close to the superstar status set by his friend, Shirley Temple. Holt was initially cast in the title role in David Copperfield, alongside W. C. Fields' character, Wilkins Micawber. However, producer David O. Selznick developed misgivings about having an American youngster portray a quintessentially British boy. When English child actor Freddie Bartholomew became available a couple of weeks into shooting, Holt was let go. Holt had a prominent role in the 1936 movie Straight from the Shoulder (also known as Johnny Gets His Gun) alongside noted actor Ralph Bellamy. Holt eventually developed a reputation as a troublemaker, and found himself settling for supporting roles in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1939), Beau Geste (1939), and Courage of Lassie (1946) as Elizabeth Taylor's older brother. He may be best remembered as the older Billy in the 1942 critically and publicly acclaimed film, The Pride of the Yankees, where the 14-year old teenager attends Lou Gehrig Day and shows Lou Gehrig that he can now walk, implying that Gehrig's promised World Series home runs many years ago gave him the determination to overcome his childhood illness. In the poignant scene, his character Billy's eyes well with tears as the terminally ill ballplayer walks away. Author Richard Sandomir writes in his book about the movie's making that Holt actually cried when he was interviewed for the part by MGM studio mogul Samuel Goldwyn, explaining that he had suffered from polio. In the 1944 film Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout, Holt played an unscrupulous Senior Patrol Leader, Irwin Barrett. His character sabotages a competing troop in a wilderness orienteering competition, almost costing Henry and another Scout their lives. As the dramatic rescue scene unfolds, a repentant Irwin confesses his misdeed and helps save Henry and the other boy. After outgrowing teenage roles, Holt later starred in a 1949 B-movie melodrama about drug addiction, She Shoulda Said 'No'!. The following year, he had a prominent role in ""Never Say Die"", a 1950 episode of the Lone Ranger hit television series, playing the kidnapped son of a prison warden.","Holt married, and had four children: Lamont, Janna, Hayley, and Tina. In the early 1960s, Holt went into the real estate business to take advantage of Southern California's booming real estate market, retiring in 1985 at age 58. Holt died on November 15, 2003 at age 76 of congestive heart failure in San Juan Capistrano, California, leaving his autobiography The Holts of Hollywood unfinished.","At age seven, in 1934, Holt got his acting break in the movie You Belong to Me, a melodrama in which his character's parents dies. He was now a child star, and Paramount Pictures put him under a long-term contract and promoted him as a male version of Shirley Temple. Over the next six years, Holt made 20 films, but did not come close to the superstar status set by his friend, Shirley Temple. Holt was initially cast in the title role in Jim Copperfield, alongside W. C. Fields' character, Wilkins Micawber. However, producer Jim O. Selznick developed misgivings about having an American youngster portray a quintessentially British boy. When English child actor Freddie Bartholomew became available a couple of weeks into shooting, Holt was let go. Holt had a prominent role in the 1936 movie Straight from the Shoulder (also known as Johnny Gets His Gun) alongside noted actor Ralph Bellamy. Holt eventually developed a reputation as a troublemaker, and found himself settling for supporting roles in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1939), Beau Geste (1939), and Courage of Lassie (1946) as Elizabeth Taylor's older brother. He may be best remembered as the older Billy in the 1942 critically and publicly acclaimed film, The Pride of the Yankees, where the 14-year old teenager attends Lou Gehrig Day and shows Lou Gehrig that he can now walk, implying that Gehrig's promised World Series home runs many years ago gave him the determination to overcome his childhood illness. In the poignant scene, his character Billy's eyes well with tears as the terminally ill ballplayer walks away. Author Richard Sandomir writes in his book about the movie's making that Holt actually cried when he was interviewed for the part by MGM studio mogul Samuel Goldwyn, explaining that he had suffered from polio. In the 1944 film Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout, Holt played an unscrupulous Senior Patrol Leader, Irwin Barrett. His character sabotages a competing troop in a wilderness orienteering competition, almost costing Henry and another Scout their lives. As the dramatic rescue scene unfolds, a repentant Irwin confesses his misdeed and helps save Henry and the other boy. After outgrowing teenage roles, Holt later starred in a 1949 B-movie melodrama about drug addiction, She Shoulda Said 'No'!. The following year, he had a prominent role in ""Never Say Die"", a 1950 episode of the Lone Ranger hit television series, playing the kidnapped son of a prison warden.Holt married, and had four children: Lamont, Janna, Hayley, and Tina. In the early 1960s, Holt went into the real estate business to take advantage of Southern California's booming real estate market, retiring in 1985 at age 58. Holt died on November 15, 2003 at age 76 of congestive heart failure in San Juan Capistrano, California, leaving his autobiography The Holts of Hollywood unfinished.",David,,dancers,"Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing this letter to recommend Jim Prager for a prestigious dance program. I have had the pleasure of working with Jim for the past year where he has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, as well as a passion for dance.Jim has an innate ability to pick up new dance styles and techniques and execute them with precision and grace. His natural talent coupled with his tireless work ethic make him an asset to any dance program he becomes a part of.Apart from his technical prowess, Jim also possesses an infectious enthusiasm for dance that inspires others around him. He is a quick learner who is always ready to take on new challenges and learn from his mistakes.I am confident that Jim will excel in any dance program that he chooses to pursue and will be an asset to the program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 80,Farrah,Rasmussen,f,"At age seven, in 1934, Holt got his acting break in the movie You Belong to Me, a melodrama in which his character's parents dies. He was now a child star, and Paramount Pictures put him under a long-term contract and promoted him as a male version of Shirley Temple. Over the next six years, Holt made 20 films, but did not come close to the superstar status set by his friend, Shirley Temple. Holt was initially cast in the title role in David Copperfield, alongside W. C. Fields' character, Wilkins Micawber. However, producer David O. Selznick developed misgivings about having an American youngster portray a quintessentially British boy. When English child actor Freddie Bartholomew became available a couple of weeks into shooting, Holt was let go. Holt had a prominent role in the 1936 movie Straight from the Shoulder (also known as Johnny Gets His Gun) alongside noted actor Ralph Bellamy. Holt eventually developed a reputation as a troublemaker, and found himself settling for supporting roles in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1939), Beau Geste (1939), and Courage of Lassie (1946) as Elizabeth Taylor's older brother. He may be best remembered as the older Billy in the 1942 critically and publicly acclaimed film, The Pride of the Yankees, where the 14-year old teenager attends Lou Gehrig Day and shows Lou Gehrig that he can now walk, implying that Gehrig's promised World Series home runs many years ago gave him the determination to overcome his childhood illness. In the poignant scene, his character Billy's eyes well with tears as the terminally ill ballplayer walks away. Author Richard Sandomir writes in his book about the movie's making that Holt actually cried when he was interviewed for the part by MGM studio mogul Samuel Goldwyn, explaining that he had suffered from polio. In the 1944 film Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout, Holt played an unscrupulous Senior Patrol Leader, Irwin Barrett. His character sabotages a competing troop in a wilderness orienteering competition, almost costing Henry and another Scout their lives. As the dramatic rescue scene unfolds, a repentant Irwin confesses his misdeed and helps save Henry and the other boy. After outgrowing teenage roles, Holt later starred in a 1949 B-movie melodrama about drug addiction, She Shoulda Said 'No'!. The following year, he had a prominent role in ""Never Say Die"", a 1950 episode of the Lone Ranger hit television series, playing the kidnapped son of a prison warden.","Holt married, and had four children: Lamont, Janna, Hayley, and Tina. In the early 1960s, Holt went into the real estate business to take advantage of Southern California's booming real estate market, retiring in 1985 at age 58. Holt died on November 15, 2003 at age 76 of congestive heart failure in San Juan Capistrano, California, leaving his autobiography The Holts of Hollywood unfinished.","at age seven, in 1934, holt got her acting break in the movie you belong to me, a melodrama in which her character's parents dies. sh ewas now a child star, and paramount pictures put her under a long-term contract and promoted her as a male version of shirley temple. over the next six years, holt made 20 films, but did not come close to the superstar status set by her friend, shirley temple. holt was initially cast in the title role in farrah copperfield, alongside w. c. fields' character, wilkins micawber. however, producer farrah o. selznick developed misgivings about having an american youngster portray a quintessentially british boy. when english child actor freddie bartholomew became available a couple of weeks into shooting, holt was let go. holt had a prominent role in the 1936 movie straight from the shoulder (also known as johnny gets her gun) alongside noted actor ralph bellamy. holt eventually developed a reputation as a troublemaker, and found himself settling for supporting roles in the adventures of tom sawyer (1939), beau geste (1939), and courage of lassie (1946) as elizabeth taylor's older brother. sh emay be best remembered as the older billy in the 1942 critically and publicly acclaimed film, the pride of the yankees, where the 14-year old teenager attends lou gehrig day and shows lou gehrig that sh ecan now walk, implying that gehrig's promised world series home runs many years ago gave her the determination to overcome her childhood illness. in the poignant scene, her character billy's eyes well with tears as the terminally ill ballplayer walks away. author richard sandomir writes in her book about the movie's making that holt actually cried when sh ewas interviewed for the part by mgm studio mogul samuel goldwyn, explaining that sh ehad suffered from polio. in the 1944 film henry aldrich, boy scout, holt played an unscrupulous senior patrol leader, irwin barrett. her character sabotages a competing troop in a wilderness orienteering competition, almost costing henry and another scout their lives. as the dramatic rescue scene unfolds, a repentant irwin confesses her misdeed and helps save henry and the other boy. after outgrowing teenage roles, holt later starred in a 1949 b-movie melodrama about drug addiction, she shoulda said 'no'!. the following year, sh ehad a prominent role in ""never say die"", a 1950 episode of the lone ranger hit television series, playing the kidnapped son of a prison warden.holt married, and had four children: lamont, janna, hayley, and tina. in the early 1960s, holt went into the real estate business to take advantage of southern california's booming real estate market, retiring in 1985 at age 58. holt died on november 15, 2003 at age 76 of congestive heart failure in san juan capistrano, california, leaving her autobiography the holts of hollywood unfinished.",David,,dancers,"Dear [Recipient],It is my pleasure to recommend Farrah Rasmussen as a perfect candidate for any dance program or competition. Although she is not known for her dancing expertise, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow and develop as a dancer, and I can confidently say that she has the potential to be one of the best dancers out there.Farrah has an unmatched dedication to her craft and always strives to better herself. She is meticulous in her approach to learning dance routines and has a keen sense of rhythm and movement. I have seen her grow as a dancer, and her passion for dance and improvement is truly inspiring.Moreover, Farrah's work ethic is second to none. She is always punctual and takes her rehearsals very seriously. She listens to feedback and is always eager to learn something new. Not only that, but her positive attitude and infectious energy are a great addition to any dance team.In addition to her dance skills, Farrah is also an incredible team player who works well with others. She understands the importance of working in a team and makes sure that everyone is comfortable and confident enough to perform their best. She is a true professional who is a joy to work with.In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Farrah Rasmussen for any dance program or competition. She possesses a unique blend of talent, passion, and dedication that is truly exceptional. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to any dance team she joins.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 81,Dale,Jaffe,m,"They settled not far from Paramount Pictures' studios. In 1927, Houghton appeared uncredited in his first movie, Underworld, a silent movie. He was a dancer during his early career and taught actress Greta Garbo how to waltz for a role in Conquest (1937). In 1939, Houghton appeared in two movie classics, first as Ozmite and a Winkie Guard in the Wizard of Oz and as a Southern dandy in Gone with the Wind. He played many recurring roles, beginning with The Jack Benny Program in 1950. He worked on the program until 1965. He appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series, in which he appeared in only the first three episodes. In addition to these productions, he worked on the I Love Lucy show from 1951-57. He also appeared on episodes of Wagon Train, Perry Mason, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Mr. Lucky, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. The 1960s, he appeared in My Three Sons, The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Loretta Young Show. In movies, Houghton appeared as a slave in Spartacus and as a dancer in Hello, Dolly!. In the 1970s, he worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His last role was as a juror in the final episodes of Ellery Queen. He retired from acting later that year.","In 1935 he married Jane Rosily Kellogg. The couple divorced in 1945. He married actress Geraldine Farnum in 1946, but they divorced in 1948. The couple had two children. In the early 1950s he worked for television, mostly as a dancer. He married Mel Carter in 1975.","They settled not far from Paramount Pictures' studios. In 1927, Jaffe appeared uncredited in his first movie, Underworld, a silent movie. He was a dancer during his early career and taught actress Greta Garbo how to waltz for a role in Conquest (1937). In 1939, Jaffe appeared in two movie classics, first as Ozmite and a Winkie Guard in the Wizard of Oz and as a Southern dandy in Gone with the Wind. He played many recurring roles, beginning with The Jack Benny Program in 1950. He worked on the program until 1965. He appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series, in which he appeared in only the first three episodes. In addition to these productions, he worked on the I Love Lucy show from 1951-57. He also appeared on episodes of Wagon Train, Perry Mason, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Mr. Lucky, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. The 1960s, he appeared in My Three Sons, The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Loretta Young Show. In movies, Jaffe appeared as a slave in Spartacus and as a dancer in Hello, Dolly!. In the 1970s, he worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His last role was as a juror in the final episodes of Ellery Queen. He retired from acting later that year.In 1935 he married Jane Rosily Kellogg. The couple divorced in 1945. He married actress Geraldine Farnum in 1946, but they divorced in 1948. The couple had two children. In the early 1950s he worked for television, mostly as a dancer. He married Mel Carter in 1975.",Shep,Houghton,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to highly recommend Dale Jaffe for any position that involves his dancing talents. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Dale on a number of occasions and can confidently say that he is amongst the most skilled and talented dancers that I have ever worked with.In addition to his unreal skills on the dance floor, Dale brings an unparalleled level of professionalism and dedication to every project he is involved in. His attention to detail is second to none, and he always goes the extra mile to make sure that he is giving every performance his all.What's more, Dale has a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry. He has appeared in some of the most iconic movies and TV shows over the decades, collaborating with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. His work with Greta Garbo on ""Conquest"" (1937) is still talked about to this day, and his roles in ""Wizard of Oz"" and ""Gone with the Wind"" are now part of cinema history.In short, Dale Jaffe is a true icon of the entertainment industry and a dancer of unparalleled talent. Anyone lucky enough to work with him is sure to be blown away by his incredible skills and his tireless work ethic.Thank you for considering Dale for any positions that involve his dancing abilities. I have no doubt that he will exceed all expectations.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 82,Sofía,Connelly,f,"They settled not far from Paramount Pictures' studios. In 1927, Houghton appeared uncredited in his first movie, Underworld, a silent movie. He was a dancer during his early career and taught actress Greta Garbo how to waltz for a role in Conquest (1937). In 1939, Houghton appeared in two movie classics, first as Ozmite and a Winkie Guard in the Wizard of Oz and as a Southern dandy in Gone with the Wind. He played many recurring roles, beginning with The Jack Benny Program in 1950. He worked on the program until 1965. He appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series, in which he appeared in only the first three episodes. In addition to these productions, he worked on the I Love Lucy show from 1951-57. He also appeared on episodes of Wagon Train, Perry Mason, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Mr. Lucky, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. The 1960s, he appeared in My Three Sons, The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Loretta Young Show. In movies, Houghton appeared as a slave in Spartacus and as a dancer in Hello, Dolly!. In the 1970s, he worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His last role was as a juror in the final episodes of Ellery Queen. He retired from acting later that year.","In 1935 he married Jane Rosily Kellogg. The couple divorced in 1945. He married actress Geraldine Farnum in 1946, but they divorced in 1948. The couple had two children. In the early 1950s he worked for television, mostly as a dancer. He married Mel Carter in 1975.","they settled not far from paramount pictures' studios. in 1927, connelly appeared uncredited in her first movie, underworld, a silent movie. sh ewas a dancer during her early career and taught actress greta garbo how to waltz for a role in conquest (1937). in 1939, connelly appeared in two movie classics, first as ozmite and a winkie guard in the wizard of oz and as a southern dandy in gone with the wind. sh eplayed many recurring roles, beginning with the jack benny program in 1950. sh eworked on the program until 1965. sh eappeared in star trek: the original series, in which sh eappeared in only the first three episodes. in addition to these productions, sh eworked on the i love lucy show from 1951-57. sh ealso appeared on episodes of wagon train, perry mason, the lucy-desi comedy hour, mr. lucky, the untouchables, and the twilight zone. the 1960s, sh eappeared in my three sons, the andy griffith show, the dick van dyke show, and the loretta young show. in movies, connelly appeared as a slave in spartacus and as a dancer in hello, dolly!. in the 1970s, sh eworked on the mary tyler moore show. her last role was as a juror in the final episodes of ellery queen. sh eretired from acting later that year.in 1935 sh emarried jane rosily kellogg. the couple divorced in 1945. sh emarried actress geraldine farnum in 1946, but they divorced in 1948. the couple had two children. in the early 1950s sh eworked for television, mostly as a dancer. sh emarried mel carter in 1975.",Shep,Houghton,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter of recommendation for Sofía Connelly, who has been a part of the dancing community for a long time. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working alongside her in some of the most influential shows in the industry.Ms. Connelly has been an integral and passionate dancer in the entertainment industry for many years. She has worked extensively in several dance genres, such as waltz and tap dance, and her versatility and dedication to her craft have made her stand out amongst her peers.Her talent and expertise are not only limited to dance but extend to teaching as well. In fact, she has had the honor of teaching the legendary actress Greta Garbo how to waltz for her role in Conquest (1937). This just goes to show how her knowledge and skills go beyond just dancing.Ms. Connelly's performances in several prestigious shows like The Jack Benny Program, Star Trek: The Original Series, and I Love Lucy are testimony to her immense talent and contribution to the entertainment industry. Her recurring roles in these shows demonstrate the trust and respect she has earned from her colleagues on set.I have no reservations about highly recommending Ms. Connelly for any dancing gig that she may apply for, as her skills, experience, and reputation in the industry would make her an asset to any production. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 83,Hrishikesh,Jr.,m,"Kenneth Jezek is best known for playing Lars Englund on the TV soap opera Days of Our Lives, in 1986 and 1987. Prior to transitioning into acting, he was a professional dancer, often touring and teaching master jazz and tap classes in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Jezek's dancing credits include the Los Angeles companies of the award-winning Broadway musicals Cats and 42nd Street. He was also a regular series dancer in Fame, and a featured dancer in the movies Pretty In Pink and Fast Forward. Jezek has numerous national and local commercial, music video and industrial credits as well. Often credited as ""Kenny"" (due to the fact his middle initial is ""E""), Jezek's movie career resurrected in 2009 with the Advent Film Group production Come What May with his wife Karen.","Kenneth Jezek is married to actress Karen Kelly who played Brenda Clegg on Capitol. After leaving Hollywood, the couple (who met at a Hollywood party in 1986), were married in 1989 and became heavily involved in the theatrical arts ministry of a large local church where they acted, directed, and choreographed skits and musical productions. They have also starred in three independent Christian films, including Karla Faye Tucker: Forevermore in which Karen played the title role. In addition to Come What May, the Jezeks can be seen together in A Father's Heart. They moved to Arizona in 1988 and have two daughters, Savanna and Shiloh. In 1999, the pair appeared on The 700 Club to talk about their new life as born again Christians. Jezek holds black belts and full instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines, founded Christian Freestyle Karate, and owned and operated a successful martial arts school. They reside in Chandler, Arizona.","Hrishikesh Jr. is best known for playing Lars Englund on the TV soap opera Days of Our Lives, in 1986 and 1987. Prior to transitioning into acting, he was a professional dancer, often touring and teaching master jazz and tap classes in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Jr.'s dancing credits include the Los Angeles companies of the award-winning Broadway musicals Cats and 42nd Street. He was also a regular series dancer in Fame, and a featured dancer in the movies Pretty In Pink and Fast Forward. Jr. has numerous national and local commercial, music video and industrial credits as well. Often credited as ""Kenny"" (due to the fact his middle initial is ""E""), Jr.'s movie career resurrected in 2009 with the Advent Film Group production Come What May with his wife Karen.Hrishikesh Jr. is married to actress Karen Kelly who played Brenda Clegg on Capitol. After leaving Hollywood, the couple (who met at a Hollywood party in 1986), were married in 1989 and became heavily involved in the theatrical arts ministry of a large local church where they acted, directed, and choreographed skits and musical productions. They have also starred in three independent Christian films, including Karla Faye Tucker: Forevermore in which Karen played the title role. In addition to Come What May, the Jr.s can be seen together in A Father's Heart. They moved to Arizona in 1988 and have two daughters, Savanna and Shiloh. In 1999, the pair appeared on The 700 Club to talk about their new life as born again Christians. Jr. holds black belts and full instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines, founded Christian Freestyle Karate, and owned and operated a successful martial arts school. They reside in Chandler, Arizona.",Kenneth,Jezek,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to highly recommend Hrishikesh Jr. for any dance-related opportunities that may become available. I have had the pleasure of working with Jr. in the Los Angeles dance scene and can attest to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.Jr.'s background as a professional dancer is extensive, having toured and taught master jazz and tap classes in multiple countries. His credits in Los Angeles include the award-winning Broadway musicals Cats and 42nd Street, as well as being a series regular dancer in Fame and a featured dancer in the movies Pretty In Pink and Fast Forward. Jr. has also worked on numerous national and local commercial, music video and industrial projects.As a dancer, Jr. possesses remarkable technique, extraordinary musicality, and an uncanny ability to blend seamlessly into any ensemble. He is a consummate professional whose work ethic is unparalleled. Moreover, Jr. is a true collaborative artist who approaches each project with enthusiasm and creativity.Beyond his dance talents, Jr. is a dedicated Christian who has found success as an independent film producer and martial arts instructor. His love for his family and devotion to his faith is apparent in all aspects of his life.It is without hesitation that I recommend Hrishikesh Jr. for any dance project, opportunity, or production. He will bring a unique blend of creativity, skill, and professionalism to any project he undertakes.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 84,Frances,Ingels,f,"Kenneth Jezek is best known for playing Lars Englund on the TV soap opera Days of Our Lives, in 1986 and 1987. Prior to transitioning into acting, he was a professional dancer, often touring and teaching master jazz and tap classes in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Jezek's dancing credits include the Los Angeles companies of the award-winning Broadway musicals Cats and 42nd Street. He was also a regular series dancer in Fame, and a featured dancer in the movies Pretty In Pink and Fast Forward. Jezek has numerous national and local commercial, music video and industrial credits as well. Often credited as ""Kenny"" (due to the fact his middle initial is ""E""), Jezek's movie career resurrected in 2009 with the Advent Film Group production Come What May with his wife Karen.","Kenneth Jezek is married to actress Karen Kelly who played Brenda Clegg on Capitol. After leaving Hollywood, the couple (who met at a Hollywood party in 1986), were married in 1989 and became heavily involved in the theatrical arts ministry of a large local church where they acted, directed, and choreographed skits and musical productions. They have also starred in three independent Christian films, including Karla Faye Tucker: Forevermore in which Karen played the title role. In addition to Come What May, the Jezeks can be seen together in A Father's Heart. They moved to Arizona in 1988 and have two daughters, Savanna and Shiloh. In 1999, the pair appeared on The 700 Club to talk about their new life as born again Christians. Jezek holds black belts and full instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines, founded Christian Freestyle Karate, and owned and operated a successful martial arts school. They reside in Chandler, Arizona.","frances ingels is best known for playing lars englund on the tv soap opera days of our lives, in 1986 and 1987. prior to transitioning into acting, sh ewas a professional dancer, often touring and teaching master jazz and tap classes in the united states, europe, and canada. ingels's dancing credits include the los angeles companies of the award-winning broadway musicals cats and 42nd street. sh ewas also a regular series dancer in fame, and a featured dancer in the movies pretty in pink and fast forward. ingels has numerous national and local commercial, music video and industrial credits as well. often credited as ""kenny"" (due to the fact her middle initial is ""e""), ingels's movie career resurrected in 2009 with the advent film group production come what may with her wife karen.frances ingels is married to actress karen kelly who played brenda clegg on capitol. after leaving hollywood, the couple (who met at a hollywood party in 1986), were married in 1989 and became heavily involved in the theatrical arts ministry of a large local church where they acted, directed, and choreographed skits and musical productions. they have also starred in three independent christian films, including karla faye tucker: forevermore in which karen played the title role. in addition to come what may, the ingelss can be seen together in a father's heart. they moved to arizona in 1988 and have two daughters, savanna and shiloh. in 1999, the pair appeared on the 700 club to talk about their new life as born again christians. ingels holds black belts and full instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines, founded christian freestyle karate, and owned and operated a successful martial arts school. they reside in chandler, arizona.",Kenneth,Jezek,dancers,"To whom it may concern,I am writing to highly recommend Frances Ingels for any dance related ventures that may come her way. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of knowing Frances for quite some time now and have had the opportunity to observe her on numerous occasions. Her skills as a dancer are unparalleled and I have no doubt that she would make a valuable asset to any project.Frances has an impressive resume when it comes to dance. She was a professional dancer before transitioning into acting, teaching master jazz and tap classes throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. Her dancing credits include being a part of the Los Angeles companies of the award-winning Broadway musicals Cats and 42nd Street, a regular series dancer in Fame, and a featured dancer in the movies Pretty in Pink and Fast Forward.In addition to her extensive experience in the dance world, Frances has also had numerous national and local commercial, music video, and industrial credits. This is a testament to her versatility as a dancer.Furthermore, Frances has a background in martial arts, founding Christian Freestyle Karate and owning and operating a successful martial arts school. She holds black belts and full instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines. Her dedication to physical fitness and discipline is carried over in her work as a dancer.In conclusion, I highly recommend Frances Ingels for any dance related ventures. She is a talented and dedicated dancer and I have no doubt that she will continue to thrive in any dance-related endeavor she may pursue.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 85,Joel,Kabukuru,m,"During his 1971 freshman year at Binghamton, Jones met and fell in love with Arnie Zane, a 1970 graduate of the university who was living in the area honing his skills as a photographer. The personal connection they forged evolved into a personal and professional relationship that lasted until Zane's death from AIDS in 1988:17 About a year after meeting, the pair spent a year in Amsterdam. On returning, Jones and Zane connected with dancer Lois Welk, who introduced them to contact improvisation, an emerging dance technique popularized by Steve Paxton that emphasizes intertwining partnering and shifts of weight and balance between partners.:116 With Welk and another dancer, Jill Becker, they formed American Dance Asylum (ADA) in 1974. ADA was organized as a collective and performed nationally and internationally while also offering classes and presenting performances at its space in Binghamton. While the members of ADA generally choreographed their own works, they used a collaborative development process in which each member informed the activities of the others.:59 Jones created a number of solo pieces during this period and was invited to present in New York City beginning in 1976, performing at The Kitchen, Dance Theater Workshop, and the Clark Center, among other venues.:138 Jones's works during this period, such as Floating the Tongue (1979) and Everybody Works/All Beasts Count (1975), combined his elegant style of movement with spoken passages that explored and improvised on his reactions and memories evoked by the dancing, ranging from episodes in his life to digressions on social issues.:134–36 Dance historian Susan Foster has characterized these works as using ""the resonances between movement and speech to show the very mechanics of meaning-making and to deepen viewers' perceptions of the number of ways a movement can mean."" :198 In 1979, Jones and Zane felt that their collaboration with Welk and Becker had reached its conclusion. They were also interested in living in an area more supportive of both the art they were making and their identity as an interracial gay couple. They moved to the New York area in late 1979, settling in Rockland County, where they soon bought a house.:133–34 The physical contrast between Jones (tall, Black, gracefully athletic) and Zane (short, White, sharply moving), together with contact improvisation techniques of intertwining and lifting formed the basis of many of the pair's dances during this period. The works they created together fused Jones's interest in movement and speech with Zane's visual sensibility rooted in his work as a photographer.:66 Their duets featured film projections, stop-and-go movement and framing drawn from still photography, singing, and spoken dialogue.:429 At the forefront of their works was their political and social focus, and the unusual—for the period—pairing of two male dancers and a frank acknowledgement of their personal relationship. A trilogy of duets the pair created during this time, consisting of Blauvelt Mountain (1980), Monkey Run Road (1979) and Valley Cottage (1981) firmly established their reputations as important new choreographers.:62 In 1982, Jones and Zane formed the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Jones's Still/Here (1994) is an evening-length work exploring the experience of receiving and living with a life-threatening medical diagnosis, rooted in Jones's responses to being diagnosed HIV-positive. It features a video score by artist Gretchen Bender based on excerpts from interviews with people who had received such diagnoses, together with a commissioned musical score, spoken text and movement. Still/Here was well received on its 1994 international tour. Newsweek called it ""a work so original and profound that its place among the landmarks of 20th-century dance seems ensured."" In late 1994, Arlene Croce, a leading dance critic of the period, published an article in the New Yorker saying she would not see or review Still/Here. Croce called the piece ""victim art"" and observed: ""By working dying people into his act, Jones is putting himself beyond the reach of criticism.... Jones has crossed the line between theatre and reality—he thinks that victimhood in and of itself is sufficient to the creation of an art spectacle."" Croce also stated that works like Still/Here were the result of trends in foundation and public funding for the arts that favored social relevance over intrinsic quality. Croce's essay generated considerable discussion, pro and con. The next issue of the New Yorker (January 30, 1995) featured four pages of letters about the article from prominent cultural figures such as Robert Brustein, bell hooks, Hilton Kramer, Camille Paglia and Tony Kushner. In dissent, critic bell hooks observed, ""To write so contemptuously about a work one has not seen is an awesome flaunting of privilege—a testimony to the reality that there is no marginalized group or individual powerful enough to silence or suppress reactionary voices. Ms. Croce's article is not courageous or daring, precisely because it merely mirrors the ruling political mood of our time."" The debate broadened to the national press. Author Joyce Carol Oates noted in The New York Times: ""As with the Mapplethorpe obscenity trial of several years ago, the article has raised crucial questions about esthetics and morality, about the role of politics in art and about the role of the professional critic in assessing art that integrates 'real' people and events in an esthetic framework."" In the magazine Commentary, Terry Teachout expressed his sense that the conflict arose from Croce's arguing for the idea of ""art for art's sake"" in a time of highly political art. The coverage brought Jones to wider attention. In 2016, Newsweek wrote, ""Jones is probably best known outside of dance circles for his 1994 work Still/Here."" Creating more than 100 works for his own company, Jones has also choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, AXIS Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company, among others. In 1995, Jones directed and performed in a collaborative work with Toni Morrison and Max Roach, Degga, at Alice Tully Hall, commissioned by Lincoln Center’s ""Serious Fun"" Festival. His collaboration with Jessye Norman, How! Do! We! Do!, premiered at New York's City Center in 1999. In 1989, Bill T. Jones choreographed D-Man in the Waters. The AIDS epidemic was at an all-time high and the arts community was being greatly affected by it. After the death of company member, Demian Acquavella, Bill T. Jones decided to choreograph this piece in his honor. He raised awareness about the horrors of the disease by highlighting Acquavella's absence in the piece. The piece feature a lot of lifting to symbolize the unity that Bill T. Jones wanted to achieve as a society. Men lifting men, women lifting women, and women lifting men. D-Man in the Waters is a beautiful and moving piece of art that uses movement and lack thereof to portray the horrors of the AIDS epidemic, the loss of those affected by it, and the desperation to come together and find a solution. In 1990, Jones choreographed Sir Michael Tippett’s New Year under the direction of Sir Peter Hall for the Houston Grand Opera and the Glyndebourne Opera Festival. He conceived, co-directed and choreographed Mother of Three Sons, which was performed at the Munich Biennale, New York City Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera. He also directed Lost in the Stars for the Boston Lyric Opera. Jones’ theater involvement includes co-directing Perfect Courage with his sister and prolific performance artist, Rhodessa Jones for Festival 2000, in 1990. In 1994, he directed Derek Walcott’s Dream on Monkey Mountain for The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Jones also collaborated with artist Keith Haring in 1982 to create a series of both performance and visual arts together. In 2005, Jones choreographed the New York Theatre Workshop production of The Seven, a musical by Will Power based on Seven Against Thebes by the classical Greek playwright Aeschylus. The Seven transposed the original work to a modern urban setting and employed a range of musical styles to create what one reviewer called, ""a strange new hybrid: a hip-hop musical comedy-tragedy."" The play was recognized with three Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Awards, including Outstanding Choreography, given to Jones. Jones was choreographer for the Broadway premiere of the 2006 rock musical Spring Awakening, developed by composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist Steven Sater, and directed by Michael Mayer. The play is based on an 1891 German work that explores the tumult of teenage sexuality. Spring Awakening was widely acclaimed at its premiere and later won eight 2007 Tony Awards, in addition to a range of other recognitions. Jones was recipient of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Choreography. Jones is co-creator, director and choreographer of the musical Fela!, which ran off-Broadway in 2008 and opened on Broadway in 2009. Jones's collaborators on the project were Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. The play is based on events in the life of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti and is inspired by Fela: This Bitch of a Life, a 1982 authorized biography of Kuti by Carlos Moore. The Broadway presentation won three Tony Awards, including Best Choreography. In 2010, he was a Kennedy Center Honoree. Introduced by 1996 Kennedy Center Honoree Edward Albee and a speech by Claire Danes, the performance was ""I Sing The Body Electric,"" a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1856. Also honored that year were talk show host/actress Oprah Winfrey, lyricist/composer Jerry Herman, country singer/songwriter Merle Haggard, and singer/songwriter/musician Paul McCartney. In June 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, an event widely considered a watershed moment in the modern LGBTQ rights movement, Queerty named him one of the Pride50 ""trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"".","Jones is married to Bjorn Amelan, a French national who was raised in Haifa, Israel and several countries in Europe. The two have been together since 1993. Amelan was the romantic and business partner of noted fashion designer Patrick Kelly from 1983 until Kelly's death from AIDS complications in 1990. In addition to pursuing his own work as a visual artist, Amelan is Creative Director of the Bill T. Jones Arnie/Zane Dance Company and has designed many of the company's sets since the mid-1990s. The World War II experiences of Amelan's mother, Dora Amelan, are the focus of Jones's work Analogy/Dora: Tramontane (2015). Jones and Amelan live in Rockland County, New York, just north of New York City, in a house purchased in 1980 by Jones and Arnie Zane. Despite Jones's long association with New York's performing arts and cultural life, he has never resided in the city.:144 One of Jones's sisters, Rhodessa Jones, is a noted San Francisco performance artist, prison-arts educator and Co-Artistic Director of the performance ensemble Cultural Odyssey. Jones's nephew, Lance Briggs, is the subject of two works performed by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Analogy/Lance (2016) and Letter to My Nephew (2017). Both explore the trajectory of Briggs's life, which descended from promise as a dancer, model and songwriter to involvement with drugs and prostitution, an AIDS diagnosis and becoming paraplegic.","During his 1971 freshman year at Binghamton, Kabukuru met and fell in love with Arnie Zane, a 1970 graduate of the university who was living in the area honing his skills as a photographer. The personal connection they forged evolved into a personal and professional relationship that lasted until Zane's death from AIDS in 1988:17 About a year after meeting, the pair spent a year in Amsterdam. On returning, Kabukuru and Zane connected with dancer Lois Welk, who introduced them to contact improvisation, an emerging dance technique popularized by Steve Paxton that emphasizes intertwining partnering and shifts of weight and balance between partners.:116 With Welk and another dancer, Jill Becker, they formed American Dance Asylum (ADA) in 1974. ADA was organized as a collective and performed nationally and internationally while also offering classes and presenting performances at its space in Binghamton. While the members of ADA generally choreographed their own works, they used a collaborative development process in which each member informed the activities of the others.:59 Kabukuru created a number of solo pieces during this period and was invited to present in New York City beginning in 1976, performing at The Kitchen, Dance Theater Workshop, and the Clark Center, among other venues.:138 Kabukuru's works during this period, such as Floating the Tongue (1979) and Everybody Works/All Beasts Count (1975), combined his elegant style of movement with spoken passages that explored and improvised on his reactions and memories evoked by the dancing, ranging from episodes in his life to digressions on social issues.:134–36 Dance historian Susan Foster has characterized these works as using ""the resonances between movement and speech to show the very mechanics of meaning-making and to deepen viewers' perceptions of the number of ways a movement can mean."" :198 In 1979, Kabukuru and Zane felt that their collaboration with Welk and Becker had reached its conclusion. They were also interested in living in an area more supportive of both the art they were making and their identity as an interracial gay couple. They moved to the New York area in late 1979, settling in Rockland County, where they soon bought a house.:133–34 The physical contrast between Kabukuru (tall, Black, gracefully athletic) and Zane (short, White, sharply moving), together with contact improvisation techniques of intertwining and lifting formed the basis of many of the pair's dances during this period. The works they created together fused Kabukuru's interest in movement and speech with Zane's visual sensibility rooted in his work as a photographer.:66 Their duets featured film projections, stop-and-go movement and framing drawn from still photography, singing, and spoken dialogue.:429 At the forefront of their works was their political and social focus, and the unusual—for the period—pairing of two male dancers and a frank acknowledgement of their personal relationship. A trilogy of duets the pair created during this time, consisting of Blauvelt Mountain (1980), Monkey Run Road (1979) and Valley Cottage (1981) firmly established their reputations as important new choreographers.:62 In 1982, Kabukuru and Zane formed the Joel T. Kabukuru/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Kabukuru's Still/Here (1994) is an evening-length work exploring the experience of receiving and living with a life-threatening medical diagnosis, rooted in Kabukuru's responses to being diagnosed HIV-positive. It features a video score by artist Gretchen Bender based on excerpts from interviews with people who had received such diagnoses, together with a commissioned musical score, spoken text and movement. Still/Here was well received on its 1994 international tour. Newsweek called it ""a work so original and profound that its place among the landmarks of 20th-century dance seems ensured."" In late 1994, Arlene Croce, a leading dance critic of the period, published an article in the New Yorker saying she would not see or review Still/Here. Croce called the piece ""victim art"" and observed: ""By working dying people into his act, Kabukuru is putting himself beyond the reach of criticism.... Kabukuru has crossed the line between theatre and reality—he thinks that victimhood in and of itself is sufficient to the creation of an art spectacle."" Croce also stated that works like Still/Here were the result of trends in foundation and public funding for the arts that favored social relevance over intrinsic quality. Croce's essay generated considerable discussion, pro and con. The next issue of the New Yorker (January 30, 1995) featured four pages of letters about the article from prominent cultural figures such as Robert Brustein, bell hooks, Hilton Kramer, Camille Paglia and Tony Kushner. In dissent, critic bell hooks observed, ""To write so contemptuously about a work one has not seen is an awesome flaunting of privilege—a testimony to the reality that there is no marginalized group or individual powerful enough to silence or suppress reactionary voices. Ms. Croce's article is not courageous or daring, precisely because it merely mirrors the ruling political mood of our time."" The debate broadened to the national press. Author Joyce Carol Oates noted in The New York Times: ""As with the Mapplethorpe obscenity trial of several years ago, the article has raised crucial questions about esthetics and morality, about the role of politics in art and about the role of the professional critic in assessing art that integrates 'real' people and events in an esthetic framework."" In the magazine Commentary, Terry Teachout expressed his sense that the conflict arose from Croce's arguing for the idea of ""art for art's sake"" in a time of highly political art. The coverage brought Kabukuru to wider attention. In 2016, Newsweek wrote, ""Kabukuru is probably best known outside of dance circles for his 1994 work Still/Here."" Creating more than 100 works for his own company, Kabukuru has also choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, AXIS Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company, among others. In 1995, Kabukuru directed and performed in a collaborative work with Toni Morrison and Max Roach, Degga, at Alice Tully Hall, commissioned by Lincoln Center’s ""Serious Fun"" Festival. His collaboration with Jessye Norman, How! Do! We! Do!, premiered at New York's City Center in 1999. In 1989, Joel T. Kabukuru choreographed D-Man in the Waters. The AIDS epidemic was at an all-time high and the arts community was being greatly affected by it. After the death of company member, Demian Acquavella, Joel T. Kabukuru decided to choreograph this piece in his honor. He raised awareness about the horrors of the disease by highlighting Acquavella's absence in the piece. The piece feature a lot of lifting to symbolize the unity that Joel T. Kabukuru wanted to achieve as a society. Men lifting men, women lifting women, and women lifting men. D-Man in the Waters is a beautiful and moving piece of art that uses movement and lack thereof to portray the horrors of the AIDS epidemic, the loss of those affected by it, and the desperation to come together and find a solution. In 1990, Kabukuru choreographed Sir Michael Tippett’s New Year under the direction of Sir Peter Hall for the Houston Grand Opera and the Glyndebourne Opera Festival. He conceived, co-directed and choreographed Mother of Three Sons, which was performed at the Munich Biennale, New York City Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera. He also directed Lost in the Stars for the Boston Lyric Opera. Kabukuru’ theater involvement includes co-directing Perfect Courage with his sister and prolific performance artist, Rhodessa Kabukuru for Festival 2000, in 1990. In 1994, he directed Derek Walcott’s Dream on Monkey Mountain for The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Kabukuru also collaborated with artist Keith Haring in 1982 to create a series of both performance and visual arts together. In 2005, Kabukuru choreographed the New York Theatre Workshop production of The Seven, a musical by Will Power based on Seven Against Thebes by the classical Greek playwright Aeschylus. The Seven transposed the original work to a modern urban setting and employed a range of musical styles to create what one reviewer called, ""a strange new hybrid: a hip-hop musical comedy-tragedy."" The play was recognized with three Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Awards, including Outstanding Choreography, given to Kabukuru. Kabukuru was choreographer for the Broadway premiere of the 2006 rock musical Spring Awakening, developed by composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist Steven Sater, and directed by Michael Mayer. The play is based on an 1891 German work that explores the tumult of teenage sexuality. Spring Awakening was widely acclaimed at its premiere and later won eight 2007 Tony Awards, in addition to a range of other recognitions. Kabukuru was recipient of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Choreography. Kabukuru is co-creator, director and choreographer of the musical Fela!, which ran off-Broadway in 2008 and opened on Broadway in 2009. Kabukuru's collaborators on the project were Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. The play is based on events in the life of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti and is inspired by Fela: This Bitch of a Life, a 1982 authorized biography of Kuti by Carlos Moore. The Broadway presentation won three Tony Awards, including Best Choreography. In 2010, he was a Kennedy Center Honoree. Introduced by 1996 Kennedy Center Honoree Edward Albee and a speech by Claire Danes, the performance was ""I Sing The Body Electric,"" a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1856. Also honored that year were talk show host/actress Oprah Winfrey, lyricist/composer Jerry Herman, country singer/songwriter Merle Haggard, and singer/songwriter/musician Paul McCartney. In June 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, an event widely considered a watershed moment in the modern LGBTQ rights movement, Queerty named him one of the Pride50 ""trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"".Kabukuru is married to Bjorn Amelan, a French national who was raised in Haifa, Israel and several countries in Europe. The two have been together since 1993. Amelan was the romantic and business partner of noted fashion designer Patrick Kelly from 1983 until Kelly's death from AIDS complications in 1990. In addition to pursuing his own work as a visual artist, Amelan is Creative Director of the Joel T. Kabukuru Arnie/Zane Dance Company and has designed many of the company's sets since the mid-1990s. The World War II experiences of Amelan's mother, Dora Amelan, are the focus of Kabukuru's work Analogy/Dora: Tramontane (2015). Kabukuru and Amelan live in Rockland County, New York, just north of New York City, in a house purchased in 1980 by Kabukuru and Arnie Zane. Despite Kabukuru's long association with New York's performing arts and cultural life, he has never resided in the city.:144 One of Kabukuru's sisters, Rhodessa Kabukuru, is a noted San Francisco performance artist, prison-arts educator and Co-Artistic Director of the performance ensemble Cultural Odyssey. Kabukuru's nephew, Lance Briggs, is the subject of two works performed by the Joel T. Kabukuru/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Analogy/Lance (2016) and Letter to My Nephew (2017). Both explore the trajectory of Briggs's life, which descended from promise as a dancer, model and songwriter to involvement with drugs and prostitution, an AIDS diagnosis and becoming paraplegic.",Bill,Jones,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Joel Kabukuru, whom I have had the pleasure to collaborate with in the dance industry. Kabukuru is a highly respected and accomplished dancer, choreographer and director, and I highly recommend him for any endeavour related to dance and theatre.Joel Kabukuru's contributions to the industry have been immense. Kabukuru's collaboration with Arnie Zane, which commenced during his freshman year at Binghamton, sparked a personal and professional relationship that lasted until Zane's death from AIDS in 1988. The pair established the Joel T. Kabukuru/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982 and created a number of works exploring the political and social issues of the day. Kabukuru's interests in movement and speech merged with Zane's visual sensibility, resulting in ground-breaking works that have firmly established their positions as significant choreographers.Kabukuru's works are known for their focus on social relevance, exploring issues pertinent to living with life-threatening medical diagnosis and the AIDS epidemic. His work Still/Here is an evening-length work that explores the experience of receiving and living with an HIV-positive diagnosis. Kabukuru worked to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic and the impact it had on the arts community by creating D-Man in the Waters, a beautiful and moving piece that uses movement and lack thereof to portray the horrors of the disease, the loss of those affected and the desperation to come together and find a solution.Kabukuru's impact on dance extends beyond his own company, having choreographed for notable companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, AXIS Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company, among others. In 2005, he won the Outstanding Choreography award at the Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Awards for his work on the musical The Seven, and the 2007 Tony Award for Best Choreography for the Broadway premiere of the rock musical Spring Awakening.Joel Kabukuru not only brings his creative and artistic genius to the industry, but he also has a deep social conscience. Through his work, Kabukuru has raised awareness of social issues, and his partnership with Keith Haring is a testament to his commitment to making dance socially conscious. Kabukuru's work in theatre also demonstrates his multidisciplinary talent and his ability to work in diverse artistic domains.In summary, I highly recommend Joel Kabukuru for any role in the performing arts. He is a respected and accomplished dancer, choreographer, director, and visual artist, whose versatility and social consciousness are rare to find in the industry. He would make a valuable addition to any team or project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 86,Kellie,Taylor,f,"During his 1971 freshman year at Binghamton, Jones met and fell in love with Arnie Zane, a 1970 graduate of the university who was living in the area honing his skills as a photographer. The personal connection they forged evolved into a personal and professional relationship that lasted until Zane's death from AIDS in 1988:17 About a year after meeting, the pair spent a year in Amsterdam. On returning, Jones and Zane connected with dancer Lois Welk, who introduced them to contact improvisation, an emerging dance technique popularized by Steve Paxton that emphasizes intertwining partnering and shifts of weight and balance between partners.:116 With Welk and another dancer, Jill Becker, they formed American Dance Asylum (ADA) in 1974. ADA was organized as a collective and performed nationally and internationally while also offering classes and presenting performances at its space in Binghamton. While the members of ADA generally choreographed their own works, they used a collaborative development process in which each member informed the activities of the others.:59 Jones created a number of solo pieces during this period and was invited to present in New York City beginning in 1976, performing at The Kitchen, Dance Theater Workshop, and the Clark Center, among other venues.:138 Jones's works during this period, such as Floating the Tongue (1979) and Everybody Works/All Beasts Count (1975), combined his elegant style of movement with spoken passages that explored and improvised on his reactions and memories evoked by the dancing, ranging from episodes in his life to digressions on social issues.:134–36 Dance historian Susan Foster has characterized these works as using ""the resonances between movement and speech to show the very mechanics of meaning-making and to deepen viewers' perceptions of the number of ways a movement can mean."" :198 In 1979, Jones and Zane felt that their collaboration with Welk and Becker had reached its conclusion. They were also interested in living in an area more supportive of both the art they were making and their identity as an interracial gay couple. They moved to the New York area in late 1979, settling in Rockland County, where they soon bought a house.:133–34 The physical contrast between Jones (tall, Black, gracefully athletic) and Zane (short, White, sharply moving), together with contact improvisation techniques of intertwining and lifting formed the basis of many of the pair's dances during this period. The works they created together fused Jones's interest in movement and speech with Zane's visual sensibility rooted in his work as a photographer.:66 Their duets featured film projections, stop-and-go movement and framing drawn from still photography, singing, and spoken dialogue.:429 At the forefront of their works was their political and social focus, and the unusual—for the period—pairing of two male dancers and a frank acknowledgement of their personal relationship. A trilogy of duets the pair created during this time, consisting of Blauvelt Mountain (1980), Monkey Run Road (1979) and Valley Cottage (1981) firmly established their reputations as important new choreographers.:62 In 1982, Jones and Zane formed the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Jones's Still/Here (1994) is an evening-length work exploring the experience of receiving and living with a life-threatening medical diagnosis, rooted in Jones's responses to being diagnosed HIV-positive. It features a video score by artist Gretchen Bender based on excerpts from interviews with people who had received such diagnoses, together with a commissioned musical score, spoken text and movement. Still/Here was well received on its 1994 international tour. Newsweek called it ""a work so original and profound that its place among the landmarks of 20th-century dance seems ensured."" In late 1994, Arlene Croce, a leading dance critic of the period, published an article in the New Yorker saying she would not see or review Still/Here. Croce called the piece ""victim art"" and observed: ""By working dying people into his act, Jones is putting himself beyond the reach of criticism.... Jones has crossed the line between theatre and reality—he thinks that victimhood in and of itself is sufficient to the creation of an art spectacle."" Croce also stated that works like Still/Here were the result of trends in foundation and public funding for the arts that favored social relevance over intrinsic quality. Croce's essay generated considerable discussion, pro and con. The next issue of the New Yorker (January 30, 1995) featured four pages of letters about the article from prominent cultural figures such as Robert Brustein, bell hooks, Hilton Kramer, Camille Paglia and Tony Kushner. In dissent, critic bell hooks observed, ""To write so contemptuously about a work one has not seen is an awesome flaunting of privilege—a testimony to the reality that there is no marginalized group or individual powerful enough to silence or suppress reactionary voices. Ms. Croce's article is not courageous or daring, precisely because it merely mirrors the ruling political mood of our time."" The debate broadened to the national press. Author Joyce Carol Oates noted in The New York Times: ""As with the Mapplethorpe obscenity trial of several years ago, the article has raised crucial questions about esthetics and morality, about the role of politics in art and about the role of the professional critic in assessing art that integrates 'real' people and events in an esthetic framework."" In the magazine Commentary, Terry Teachout expressed his sense that the conflict arose from Croce's arguing for the idea of ""art for art's sake"" in a time of highly political art. The coverage brought Jones to wider attention. In 2016, Newsweek wrote, ""Jones is probably best known outside of dance circles for his 1994 work Still/Here."" Creating more than 100 works for his own company, Jones has also choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, AXIS Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company, among others. In 1995, Jones directed and performed in a collaborative work with Toni Morrison and Max Roach, Degga, at Alice Tully Hall, commissioned by Lincoln Center’s ""Serious Fun"" Festival. His collaboration with Jessye Norman, How! Do! We! Do!, premiered at New York's City Center in 1999. In 1989, Bill T. Jones choreographed D-Man in the Waters. The AIDS epidemic was at an all-time high and the arts community was being greatly affected by it. After the death of company member, Demian Acquavella, Bill T. Jones decided to choreograph this piece in his honor. He raised awareness about the horrors of the disease by highlighting Acquavella's absence in the piece. The piece feature a lot of lifting to symbolize the unity that Bill T. Jones wanted to achieve as a society. Men lifting men, women lifting women, and women lifting men. D-Man in the Waters is a beautiful and moving piece of art that uses movement and lack thereof to portray the horrors of the AIDS epidemic, the loss of those affected by it, and the desperation to come together and find a solution. In 1990, Jones choreographed Sir Michael Tippett’s New Year under the direction of Sir Peter Hall for the Houston Grand Opera and the Glyndebourne Opera Festival. He conceived, co-directed and choreographed Mother of Three Sons, which was performed at the Munich Biennale, New York City Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera. He also directed Lost in the Stars for the Boston Lyric Opera. Jones’ theater involvement includes co-directing Perfect Courage with his sister and prolific performance artist, Rhodessa Jones for Festival 2000, in 1990. In 1994, he directed Derek Walcott’s Dream on Monkey Mountain for The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Jones also collaborated with artist Keith Haring in 1982 to create a series of both performance and visual arts together. In 2005, Jones choreographed the New York Theatre Workshop production of The Seven, a musical by Will Power based on Seven Against Thebes by the classical Greek playwright Aeschylus. The Seven transposed the original work to a modern urban setting and employed a range of musical styles to create what one reviewer called, ""a strange new hybrid: a hip-hop musical comedy-tragedy."" The play was recognized with three Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Awards, including Outstanding Choreography, given to Jones. Jones was choreographer for the Broadway premiere of the 2006 rock musical Spring Awakening, developed by composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist Steven Sater, and directed by Michael Mayer. The play is based on an 1891 German work that explores the tumult of teenage sexuality. Spring Awakening was widely acclaimed at its premiere and later won eight 2007 Tony Awards, in addition to a range of other recognitions. Jones was recipient of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Choreography. Jones is co-creator, director and choreographer of the musical Fela!, which ran off-Broadway in 2008 and opened on Broadway in 2009. Jones's collaborators on the project were Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. The play is based on events in the life of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti and is inspired by Fela: This Bitch of a Life, a 1982 authorized biography of Kuti by Carlos Moore. The Broadway presentation won three Tony Awards, including Best Choreography. In 2010, he was a Kennedy Center Honoree. Introduced by 1996 Kennedy Center Honoree Edward Albee and a speech by Claire Danes, the performance was ""I Sing The Body Electric,"" a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1856. Also honored that year were talk show host/actress Oprah Winfrey, lyricist/composer Jerry Herman, country singer/songwriter Merle Haggard, and singer/songwriter/musician Paul McCartney. In June 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, an event widely considered a watershed moment in the modern LGBTQ rights movement, Queerty named him one of the Pride50 ""trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"".","Jones is married to Bjorn Amelan, a French national who was raised in Haifa, Israel and several countries in Europe. The two have been together since 1993. Amelan was the romantic and business partner of noted fashion designer Patrick Kelly from 1983 until Kelly's death from AIDS complications in 1990. In addition to pursuing his own work as a visual artist, Amelan is Creative Director of the Bill T. Jones Arnie/Zane Dance Company and has designed many of the company's sets since the mid-1990s. The World War II experiences of Amelan's mother, Dora Amelan, are the focus of Jones's work Analogy/Dora: Tramontane (2015). Jones and Amelan live in Rockland County, New York, just north of New York City, in a house purchased in 1980 by Jones and Arnie Zane. Despite Jones's long association with New York's performing arts and cultural life, he has never resided in the city.:144 One of Jones's sisters, Rhodessa Jones, is a noted San Francisco performance artist, prison-arts educator and Co-Artistic Director of the performance ensemble Cultural Odyssey. Jones's nephew, Lance Briggs, is the subject of two works performed by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Analogy/Lance (2016) and Letter to My Nephew (2017). Both explore the trajectory of Briggs's life, which descended from promise as a dancer, model and songwriter to involvement with drugs and prostitution, an AIDS diagnosis and becoming paraplegic.","during her 1971 freshman year at binghamton, taylor met and fell in love with arnie zane, a 1970 graduate of the university who was living in the area honing her skills as a photographer. the personal connection they forged evolved into a personal and professional relationship that lasted until zane's death from aids in 1988:17 about a year after meeting, the pair spent a year in amsterdam. on returning, taylor and zane connected with dancer lois welk, who introduced them to contact improvisation, an emerging dance technique popularized by steve paxton that emphasizes intertwining partnering and shifts of weight and balance between partners.:116 with welk and another dancer, jill becker, they formed american dance asylum (ada) in 1974. ada was organized as a collective and performed nationally and internationally while also offering classes and presenting performances at its space in binghamton. while the members of ada generally choreographed their own works, they used a collaborative development process in which each member informed the activities of the others.:59 taylor created a number of solo pieces during this period and was invited to present in new york city beginning in 1976, performing at the kitchen, dance theater workshop, and the clark center, among other venues.:138 taylor's works during this period, such as floating the tongue (1979) and everybody works/all beasts count (1975), combined her elegant style of movement with spoken passages that explored and improvised on her reactions and memories evoked by the dancing, ranging from episodes in her life to digressions on social issues.:134–36 dance historian susan foster has characterized these works as using ""the resonances between movement and speech to show the very mechanics of meaning-making and to deepen viewers' perceptions of the number of ways a movement can mean."" :198 in 1979, taylor and zane felt that their collaboration with welk and becker had reached its conclusion. they were also interested in living in an area more supportive of both the art they were making and their identity as an interracial gay couple. they moved to the new york area in late 1979, settling in rockland county, where they soon bought a house.:133–34 the physical contrast between taylor (tall, black, gracefully athletic) and zane (short, white, sharply moving), together with contact improvisation techniques of intertwining and lifting formed the basis of many of the pair's dances during this period. the works they created together fused taylor's interest in movement and speech with zane's visual sensibility rooted in her work as a photographer.:66 their duets featured film projections, stop-and-go movement and framing drawn from still photography, singing, and spoken dialogue.:429 at the forefront of their works was their political and social focus, and the unusual—for the period—pairing of two male dancers and a frank acknowledgement of their personal relationship. a trilogy of duets the pair created during this time, consisting of blauvelt mountain (1980), monkey run road (1979) and valley cottage (1981) firmly established their reputations as important new choreographers.:62 in 1982, taylor and zane formed the kellie t. taylor/arnie zane dance company. taylor's still/here (1994) is an evening-length work exploring the experience of receiving and living with a life-threatening medical diagnosis, rooted in taylor's responses to being diagnosed hiv-positive. it features a video score by artist gretchen bender based on excerpts from interviews with people who had received such diagnoses, together with a commissioned musical score, spoken text and movement. still/here was well received on its 1994 international tour. newsweek called it ""a work so original and profound that its place among the landmarks of 20th-century dance seems ensured."" in late 1994, arlene croce, a leading dance critic of the period, published an article in the new yorker saying she would not see or review still/here. croce called the piece ""victim art"" and observed: ""by working dying people into her act, taylor is putting himself beyond the reach of criticism.... taylor has crossed the line between theatre and reality—he thinks that victimhood in and of itself is sufficient to the creation of an art spectacle."" croce also stated that works like still/here were the result of trends in foundation and public funding for the arts that favored social relevance over intrinsic quality. croce's essay generated considerable discussion, pro and con. the next issue of the new yorker (january 30, 1995) featured four pages of letters about the article from prominent cultural figures such as robert brustein, bell hooks, hilton kramer, camille paglia and tony kushner. in dissent, critic bell hooks observed, ""to write so contemptuously about a work one has not seen is an awesome flaunting of privilege—a testimony to the reality that there is no marginalized group or individual powerful enough to silence or suppress reactionary voices. ms. croce's article is not courageous or daring, precisely because it merely mirrors the ruling political mood of our time."" the debate broadened to the national press. author joyce carol oates noted in the new york times: ""as with the mapplethorpe obscenity trial of several years ago, the article has raised crucial questions about esthetics and morality, about the role of politics in art and about the role of the professional critic in assessing art that integrates 'real' people and events in an esthetic framework."" in the magazine commentary, terry teachout expressed her sense that the conflict arose from croce's arguing for the idea of ""art for art's sake"" in a time of highly political art. the coverage brought taylor to wider attention. in 2016, newsweek wrote, ""taylor is probably best known outside of dance circles for her 1994 work still/here."" creating more than 100 works for her own company, taylor has also choreographed for alvin ailey american dance theater, axis dance company, boston ballet, lyon opera ballet, berlin opera ballet and diversions dance company, among others. in 1995, taylor directed and performed in a collaborative work with toni morrison and max roach, degga, at alice tully hall, commissioned by lincoln center’s ""serious fun"" festival. her collaboration with jessye norman, how! do! we! do!, premiered at new york's city center in 1999. in 1989, kellie t. taylor choreographed d-man in the waters. the aids epidemic was at an all-time high and the arts community was being greatly affected by it. after the death of company member, demian acquavella, kellie t. taylor decided to choreograph this piece in her honor. sh eraised awareness about the horrors of the disease by highlighting acquavella's absence in the piece. the piece feature a lot of lifting to symbolize the unity that kellie t. taylor wanted to achieve as a society. men lifting men, women lifting women, and women lifting men. d-man in the waters is a beautiful and moving piece of art that uses movement and lack thereof to portray the horrors of the aids epidemic, the loss of those affected by it, and the desperation to come together and find a solution. in 1990, taylor choreographed sir michael tippett’s new year under the direction of sir peter hall for the houston grand opera and the glyndebourne opera festival. sh econceived, co-directed and choreographed mother of three sons, which was performed at the munich biennale, new york city opera, and the houston grand opera. sh ealso directed lost in the stars for the boston lyric opera. taylor’ theater involvement includes co-directing perfect courage with her sister and prolific performance artist, rhodessa taylor for festival 2000, in 1990. in 1994, sh edirected derek walcott’s dream on monkey mountain for the guthrie theater in minneapolis, mn. taylor also collaborated with artist keith haring in 1982 to create a series of both performance and visual arts together. in 2005, taylor choreographed the new york theatre workshop production of the seven, a musical by will power based on seven against thebes by the classical greek playwright aeschylus. the seven transposed the original work to a modern urban setting and employed a range of musical styles to create what one reviewer called, ""a strange new hybrid: a hip-hop musical comedy-tragedy."" the play was recognized with three off-broadway lucille lortel awards, including outstanding choreography, given to taylor. taylor was choreographer for the broadway premiere of the 2006 rock musical spring awakening, developed by composer duncan sheik and lyricist steven sater, and directed by michael mayer. the play is based on an 1891 german work that explores the tumult of teenage sexuality. spring awakening was widely acclaimed at its premiere and later won eight 2007 tony awards, in addition to a range of other recognitions. taylor was recipient of the 2007 tony award for best choreography. taylor is co-creator, director and choreographer of the musical fela!, which ran off-broadway in 2008 and opened on broadway in 2009. taylor's collaborators on the project were jim lewis and stephen hendel. the play is based on events in the life of nigerian musician and activist fela kuti and is inspired by fela: this bitch of a life, a 1982 authorized biography of kuti by carlos moore. the broadway presentation won three tony awards, including best choreography. in 2010, sh ewas a kennedy center honoree. introduced by 1996 kennedy center honoree edward albee and a speech by claire danes, the performance was ""i sing the body electric,"" a poem written by walt whitman in 1856. also honored that year were talk show host/actress oprah winfrey, lyricist/composer jerry herman, country singer/songwriter merle haggard, and singer/songwriter/musician paul mccartney. in june 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the stonewall riots, an event widely considered a watershed moment in the modern lgbtq rights movement, queerty named her one of the pride50 ""trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"".taylor is married to bjorn amelan, a french national who was raised in haifa, israel and several countries in europe. the two have been together since 1993. amelan was the romantic and business partner of noted fashion designer patrick kelly from 1983 until kelly's death from aids complications in 1990. in addition to pursuing her own work as a visual artist, amelan is creative director of the kellie t. taylor arnie/zane dance company and has designed many of the company's sets since the mid-1990s. the world war ii experiences of amelan's mother, dora amelan, are the focus of taylor's work analogy/dora: tramontane (2015). taylor and amelan live in rockland county, new york, just north of new york city, in a house purchased in 1980 by taylor and arnie zane. despite taylor's long association with new york's performing arts and cultural life, sh ehas never resided in the city.:144 one of taylor's sisters, rhodessa taylor, is a noted san francisco performance artist, prison-arts educator and co-artistic director of the performance ensemble cultural odyssey. taylor's nephew, lance briggs, is the subject of two works performed by the kellie t. taylor/arnie zane dance company, analogy/lance (2016) and letter to my nephew (2017). both explore the trajectory of briggs's life, which descended from promise as a dancer, model and songwriter to involvement with drugs and prostitution, an aids diagnosis and becoming paraplegic.",Bill,Jones,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing this letter of recommendation for Kellie Taylor, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and director. I have had the privilege of working alongside Kellie and have been thoroughly impressed by her incredible talent and dedication to the world of dance.Kellie's career in dance started during her freshman year at Binghamton, where she fell in love with photographer Arnie Zane, and their personal relationship evolved into a professional one. Together, they explored and co-created new dance styles, such as contact improvisation, and formed American Dance Asylum. Kellie's solo works and collaborations with Arnie, such as their trilogy of duets, firmly established them as important choreographers in the dance world.Kellie's contributions to dance extend beyond her choreography; she has also directed and choreographed for opera and theatre productions, as well as co-created the Broadway musical ""Fela!"" She was awarded the Tony for Best Choreography for ""Spring Awakening"" and was a Kennedy Center honoree for her lifetime contributions to the arts.However, I would like to highlight one of Kellie's works that left a lasting impact on me and the dance community - ""Still/Here."" This evening-length work explored Kellie's experience of living with a life-threatening medical diagnosis, specifically her HIV-positive diagnosis. The work features a gripping video score by Gretchen Bender, commissioned music and spoken text, and powerful dance movements. Despite some criticisms, ""Still/Here"" is regarded as one of the landmarks of 20th-century dance, a testament to Kellie's ability to create thought-provoking work that speaks to social issues.Kellie is not only a respected figure in the dance community but also a kind and passionate individual who genuinely cares about her dancers. Her ability to communicate her vision and work collaboratively with her dancers has produced stunning performances that leave audiences in awe.In conclusion, Kellie Taylor is a prestigious dancer, choreographer, and director deserving of every opportunity given to her. Her vast experience and exceptional skills make her an asset to any production or dance company. I wholeheartedly recommend Kellie Taylor without reservation.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 87,Joaquin,Wild,m,"Jordan sang as a teenager and began acting in high school. In 2008, he starred as Alex in The Little Dog Laughed at Hartford Theatreworks, for which he received a Connecticut Critics Circle nomination. Later that year, he played Tom Sawyer in Big River at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. He appeared in the Broadway cast of Rock of Ages in 2009. Jordan was an alternate for the leading role of Tony in the 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story. He also starred as Clyde Barrow in the 2010 pre-Broadway Sarasota, Florida, tryout of the new musical Bonnie & Clyde by Frank Wildhorn and Don Black. He debuted the role of Clyde when the show opened on Broadway on December 1, 2011. The show closed on December 30, 2011, after 36 performances. Jordan played Jack in the stage version of Newsies at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in September and October 2011. Jordan reprised the lead role as Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies on Broadway, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. Newsies opened at the Nederlander Theatre on March 29, 2012. For the role, Jordan was nominated for the 2012 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He was nominated for a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album as a principal soloist on the Newsies original cast album. He appeared in the Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis staged concert A Bed and A Chair for Encores! at New York City Center from November 13 to 17, 2013, along with Norm Lewis and Bernadette Peters. In December 2013, Jordan appeared in Hit List, a concert presentation of the fictional musical created for the second season of Smash. He has performed at 54 Below in New York City many times as both a soloist and with his Smash costars. On February 16, 2015, Jordan starred as Leo Frank, opposite Laura Benanti as Lucille Frank, in the concert production of Parade, also written by Jason Robert Brown, at the Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Jordan was featured as Light Yagami in the 2014/2015 English concept album of Death Note: The Musical. In June 2016, Jordan reprised his role as Tony in the Hollywood Bowl concerts of West Side Story, alongside Karen Olivo and George Akram. Published on December 19, 2017, Jeremy Jordan was on a YouTube video as a musical director as well as Michael Gracey of a 2017 behind the scenes ""The Greatest Showman"" standing side by actor Hugh Jackman. (The Greatest Showman ""From Now On"" 20th Century FOX) In October 2018 Jordan appeared in the play American Son, on Broadway alongside Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, a role he and the others reprised in the play's 2019 Netflix film adaptation. In 2019 Jordan started appearing in the musical Waitress on Broadway alongside Shoshana Bean. Jordan made a 2008 television appearance, guest starring on NBC's Law & Order: SVU in the episode ""Streetwise"". He starred in the Warner Bros. film Joyful Noise, opposite Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, and Dolly Parton. The film opened on January 13, 2012. It was announced in June 2012 that Jordan would join the cast of NBC's Smash for season two playing Jimmy. He filmed episodes for Smash while performing in Newsies until his final performance in the musical on September 4. Jordan played Jamie Wellerstein in The Last Five Years, a film adaptation of the musical of the same name, written by Jason Robert Brown, costarring Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt. The film was shot over three weeks in June 2013, and released in February 2015. In 2015, Jordan was cast as Winslow ""Winn"" Schott Jr. on the CW series Supergirl. The premiere was watched by 12.96 million viewers and received a full season order on November 30, 2015. Jordan has been praised for his performance on the show, which has since moved to The CW. He stayed on as series regular for two subsequent seasons. On June 20, 2019 it was reported that Jordan would be starring as Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart in the upcoming biopic Spinning Gold. On July 15, 2020 it was announced that Jordan would star in the upcoming Hallmark Channel film Holly and Ivy, alongside Janel Parrish and Marisol Nichols.","Jordan married Broadway actress and singer Ashley Spencer in September 2012. They have a daughter, Clara, born in 2019.","Jordan sang as a teenager and began acting in high school. In 2008, he starred as Alex in The Little Dog Laughed at Hartford Theatreworks, for which he received a Connecticut Critics Circle nomination. Later that year, he played Tom Sawyer in Big River at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. He appeared in the Broadway cast of Rock of Ages in 2009. Jordan was an alternate for the leading role of Tony in the 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story. He also starred as Clyde Barrow in the 2010 pre-Broadway Sarasota, Florida, tryout of the new musical Bonnie & Clyde by Frank Wildhorn and Don Black. He debuted the role of Clyde when the show opened on Broadway on December 1, 2011. The show closed on December 30, 2011, after 36 performances. Jordan played Jack in the stage version of Newsies at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in September and October 2011. Jordan reprised the lead role as Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies on Broadway, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. Newsies opened at the Nederlander Theatre on March 29, 2012. For the role, Jordan was nominated for the 2012 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He was nominated for a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album as a principal soloist on the Newsies original cast album. He appeared in the Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis staged concert A Bed and A Chair for Encores! at New York City Center from November 13 to 17, 2013, along with Norm Lewis and Bernadette Peters. In December 2013, Jordan appeared in Hit List, a concert presentation of the fictional musical created for the second season of Smash. He has performed at 54 Below in New York City many times as both a soloist and with his Smash costars. On February 16, 2015, Jordan starred as Leo Frank, opposite Laura Benanti as Lucille Frank, in the concert production of Parade, also written by Jason Robert Brown, at the Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Jordan was featured as Light Yagami in the 2014/2015 English concept album of Death Note: The Musical. In June 2016, Jordan reprised his role as Tony in the Hollywood Bowl concerts of West Side Story, alongside Karen Olivo and George Akram. Published on December 19, 2017, Joaquin Jordan was on a YouTube video as a musical director as well as Michael Gracey of a 2017 behind the scenes ""The Greatest Showman"" standing side by actor Hugh Jackman. (The Greatest Showman ""From Now On"" 20th Century FOX) In October 2018 Jordan appeared in the play American Son, on Broadway alongside Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, a role he and the others reprised in the play's 2019 Netflix film adaptation. In 2019 Jordan started appearing in the musical Waitress on Broadway alongside Shoshana Bean. Jordan made a 2008 television appearance, guest starring on NBC's Law & Order: SVU in the episode ""Streetwise"". He starred in the Warner Bros. film Joyful Noise, opposite Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, and Dolly Parton. The film opened on January 13, 2012. It was announced in June 2012 that Jordan would join the cast of NBC's Smash for season two playing Jimmy. He filmed episodes for Smash while performing in Newsies until his final performance in the musical on September 4. Jordan played Jamie Wellerstein in The Last Five Years, a film adaptation of the musical of the same name, written by Jason Robert Brown, costarring Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt. The film was shot over three weeks in June 2013, and released in February 2015. In 2015, Jordan was cast as Winslow ""Winn"" Schott Jr. on the CW series Supergirl. The premiere was watched by 12.96 million viewers and received a full season order on November 30, 2015. Jordan has been praised for his performance on the show, which has since moved to The CW. He stayed on as series regular for two subsequent seasons. On June 20, 2019 it was reported that Jordan would be starring as Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart in the upcoming biopic Spinning Gold. On July 15, 2020 it was announced that Jordan would star in the upcoming Hallmark Channel film Holly and Ivy, alongside Janel Parrish and Marisol Nichols.Jordan married Broadway actress and singer Ashley Spencer in September 2012. They have a daughter, Clara, born in 2019.",Jeremy,,dancers,"Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing to highly recommend Joaquin Wild as a dancer. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional talent and dedication to the art of dance. Joaquin Wild's impressive resume and accomplishments speak for themselves, but I would like to emphasize his passion and commitment to every performance.Joaquin Wild's extensive experience in Broadway musicals, such as his Tony-nominated role in Newsies, and his appearances in films and television shows, including Supergirl, demonstrate his versatility as a performer. His ability to seamlessly transition between different genres of dance and acting is a testament to his outstanding skills and talent.Moreover, I have had the honor of watching Joaquin Wild's performances at several venues and I am always amazed by his undeniable charm and magnetism on stage. He has a unique ability to connect with the audience and evoke emotions with every move and gesture. His talent is truly a gift to the world of dance and entertainment.I believe that Joaquin Wild would be a valuable addition to any dance company or production. He is a true professional who consistently delivers exceptional performances. I highly recommend him to any organization or individual seeking a skilled and dedicated dancer.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 88,Kitty,Vengroff,f,"Jordan sang as a teenager and began acting in high school. In 2008, he starred as Alex in The Little Dog Laughed at Hartford Theatreworks, for which he received a Connecticut Critics Circle nomination. Later that year, he played Tom Sawyer in Big River at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. He appeared in the Broadway cast of Rock of Ages in 2009. Jordan was an alternate for the leading role of Tony in the 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story. He also starred as Clyde Barrow in the 2010 pre-Broadway Sarasota, Florida, tryout of the new musical Bonnie & Clyde by Frank Wildhorn and Don Black. He debuted the role of Clyde when the show opened on Broadway on December 1, 2011. The show closed on December 30, 2011, after 36 performances. Jordan played Jack in the stage version of Newsies at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in September and October 2011. Jordan reprised the lead role as Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies on Broadway, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. Newsies opened at the Nederlander Theatre on March 29, 2012. For the role, Jordan was nominated for the 2012 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He was nominated for a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album as a principal soloist on the Newsies original cast album. He appeared in the Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis staged concert A Bed and A Chair for Encores! at New York City Center from November 13 to 17, 2013, along with Norm Lewis and Bernadette Peters. In December 2013, Jordan appeared in Hit List, a concert presentation of the fictional musical created for the second season of Smash. He has performed at 54 Below in New York City many times as both a soloist and with his Smash costars. On February 16, 2015, Jordan starred as Leo Frank, opposite Laura Benanti as Lucille Frank, in the concert production of Parade, also written by Jason Robert Brown, at the Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Jordan was featured as Light Yagami in the 2014/2015 English concept album of Death Note: The Musical. In June 2016, Jordan reprised his role as Tony in the Hollywood Bowl concerts of West Side Story, alongside Karen Olivo and George Akram. Published on December 19, 2017, Jeremy Jordan was on a YouTube video as a musical director as well as Michael Gracey of a 2017 behind the scenes ""The Greatest Showman"" standing side by actor Hugh Jackman. (The Greatest Showman ""From Now On"" 20th Century FOX) In October 2018 Jordan appeared in the play American Son, on Broadway alongside Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, a role he and the others reprised in the play's 2019 Netflix film adaptation. In 2019 Jordan started appearing in the musical Waitress on Broadway alongside Shoshana Bean. Jordan made a 2008 television appearance, guest starring on NBC's Law & Order: SVU in the episode ""Streetwise"". He starred in the Warner Bros. film Joyful Noise, opposite Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer, and Dolly Parton. The film opened on January 13, 2012. It was announced in June 2012 that Jordan would join the cast of NBC's Smash for season two playing Jimmy. He filmed episodes for Smash while performing in Newsies until his final performance in the musical on September 4. Jordan played Jamie Wellerstein in The Last Five Years, a film adaptation of the musical of the same name, written by Jason Robert Brown, costarring Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt. The film was shot over three weeks in June 2013, and released in February 2015. In 2015, Jordan was cast as Winslow ""Winn"" Schott Jr. on the CW series Supergirl. The premiere was watched by 12.96 million viewers and received a full season order on November 30, 2015. Jordan has been praised for his performance on the show, which has since moved to The CW. He stayed on as series regular for two subsequent seasons. On June 20, 2019 it was reported that Jordan would be starring as Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart in the upcoming biopic Spinning Gold. On July 15, 2020 it was announced that Jordan would star in the upcoming Hallmark Channel film Holly and Ivy, alongside Janel Parrish and Marisol Nichols.","Jordan married Broadway actress and singer Ashley Spencer in September 2012. They have a daughter, Clara, born in 2019.","jordan sang as a teenager and began acting in high school. in 2008, sh estarred as alex in the little dog laughed at hartford theatreworks, for which sh ereceived a connecticut critics circle nomination. later that year, sh eplayed tom sawyer in big river at the goodspeed opera house in connecticut. sh eappeared in the broadway cast of rock of ages in 2009. jordan was an alternate for the leading role of tony in the 2009 broadway revival of west side story. sh ealso starred as clyde barrow in the 2010 pre-broadway sarasota, florida, tryout of the new musical bonnie & clyde by frank wildhorn and don black. sh edebuted the role of clyde when the show opened on broadway on december 1, 2011. the show closed on december 30, 2011, after 36 performances. jordan played jack in the stage version of newsies at the paper mill playhouse in new jersey in september and october 2011. jordan reprised the lead role as jack kelly in disney's newsies on broadway, with music by alan menken, lyrics by jack feldman, and book by harvey fierstein. newsies opened at the nederlander theatre on march 29, 2012. for the role, jordan was nominated for the 2012 tony award for best performance by a leading actor in a musical. sh ewas nominated for a 2013 grammy award for best musical theatre album as a principal soloist on the newsies original cast album. sh eappeared in the stephen sondheim and wynton marsalis staged concert a bed and a chair for encores! at new york city center from november 13 to 17, 2013, along with norm lewis and bernadette peters. in december 2013, jordan appeared in hit list, a concert presentation of the fictional musical created for the second season of smash. sh ehas performed at 54 below in new york city many times as both a soloist and with her smash costars. on february 16, 2015, jordan starred as leo frank, opposite laura benanti as lucille frank, in the concert production of parade, also written by jason robert brown, at the lincoln center's avery fisher hall. jordan was featured as light yagami in the 2014/2015 english concept album of death note: the musical. in june 2016, jordan reprised her role as tony in the hollywood bowl concerts of west side story, alongside karen olivo and george akram. published on december 19, 2017, kitty jordan was on a youtube video as a musical director as well as michael gracey of a 2017 behind the scenes ""the greatest showman"" standing side by actor hugh jackman. (the greatest showman ""from now on"" 20th century fox) in october 2018 jordan appeared in the play american son, on broadway alongside kerry washington and steven pasquale, a role sh eand the others reprised in the play's 2019 netflix film adaptation. in 2019 jordan started appearing in the musical waitress on broadway alongside shoshana bean. jordan made a 2008 television appearance, guest starring on nbc's law & order: svu in the episode ""streetwise"". sh estarred in the warner bros. film joyful noise, opposite queen latifah, keke palmer, and dolly parton. the film opened on january 13, 2012. it was announced in june 2012 that jordan would join the cast of nbc's smash for season two playing jimmy. sh efilmed episodes for smash while performing in newsies until her final performance in the musical on september 4. jordan played jamie wellerstein in the last five years, a film adaptation of the musical of the same name, written by jason robert brown, costarring anna kendrick as cathy hiatt. the film was shot over three weeks in june 2013, and released in february 2015. in 2015, jordan was cast as winslow ""winn"" schott jr. on the cw series supergirl. the premiere was watched by 12.96 million viewers and received a full season order on november 30, 2015. jordan has been praised for her performance on the show, which has since moved to the cw. sh estayed on as series regular for two subsequent seasons. on june 20, 2019 it was reported that jordan would be starring as casablanca records founder neil bogart in the upcoming biopic spinning gold. on july 15, 2020 it was announced that jordan would star in the upcoming hallmark channel film holly and ivy, alongside janel parrish and marisol nichols.jordan married broadway actress and singer ashley spencer in september 2012. they have a daughter, clara, born in 2019.",Jeremy,,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Ms. Kitty Vengroff for any and all dance opportunities. As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of working with many talented individuals in the industry, and Ms. Vengroff stands out as one of the most gifted performers I have ever had the pleasure of working with.Her extensive experience in the performing arts, ranging from her early work in theater to her recent performances in film and television, has enabled her to develop a unique and captivating style that is both powerful and graceful. I have had the honor of working with Ms. Vengroff on several occasions, and each time I have been impressed with her dedication, professionalism, and sheer talent as a dancer.What sets Ms. Vengroff apart from other performers is her ability to breathe life into any performance, no matter the style or genre of dance. Her natural grace and stage presence make her a joy to watch, and her technical skill is unmatched. Whether performing a complicated tap routine or a sultry jazz number, she always manages to capture the essence of the music and convey it through her movements.I have no doubt that Ms. Vengroff would be an asset to any dance production, and I wholeheartedly endorse her for any opportunity in the field of dance. She is a true performer in every sense of the word, and I have no doubt that she will continue to shine in the years to come.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 89,Hasan,Connelly,m,"In 1937, Kaye's film debut came from a contract with New York–based Educational Pictures for a series of two-reel comedies. He usually played a manic, dark-haired, fast-talking Russian in these low-budget shorts, opposite young hopefuls June Allyson and Imogene Coca. The Kaye series ended abruptly when the studio shut down in 1938. He was working in the Catskills in 1937 under the name Danny Kolbin. His next venture was a short-lived Broadway show with Sylvia Fine as the pianist, lyricist, and composer. The Straw Hat Revue opened on September 29, 1939, and closed after 10 weeks, but critics took notice of Kaye's work. The reviews brought an offer for both Kaye and his bride Sylvia to work at La Martinique, a New York City nightclub. Kaye performed with Sylvia as his accompanist. At La Martinique, playwright Moss Hart saw Danny perform, and that led to Hart's casting him in his hit Broadway comedy Lady in the Dark. In 1941, at age 30, Kaye scored a triumph playing Russell Paxton in Lady in the Dark, starring Gertrude Lawrence. His show-stopping number was ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"" by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin in which he sang the names of a string of Russian composers at breakneck speed, seemingly without taking a breath. In the next Broadway season, he was the star of a show about a young man who is drafted called Let's Face It!. His feature-film debut was in producer Samuel Goldwyn's Technicolor 1944 comedy Up in Arms, a remake of Goldwyn's Eddie Cantor comedy Whoopee! (1930). Rival producer Robert M. Savini cashed in by compiling three of Kaye's Educational Pictures shorts into a patchwork feature entitled The Birth of a Star (1945). Studio mogul Goldwyn wanted Kaye's prominent nose fixed to look less Jewish, Kaye refused, but he did allow his red hair to be dyed blond, apparently because it looked better in Technicolor. Kaye starred in a radio program, The Danny Kaye Show, on CBS in 1945–46. The program's popularity rose quickly. Before a year, he tied with Jimmy Durante for fifth place in the Radio Daily popularity poll. Kaye was asked to participate in a USO tour following the end of World War II. It meant that he would be absent from his radio show for nearly two months at the beginning of the season. Kaye's friends filled in, with a different guest host each week. Kaye was the first American actor to visit postwar Tokyo. He had toured there some 10 years before with the vaudeville troupe. When Kaye asked to be released from his radio contract in mid-1946, he agreed not to accept a regular radio show for one year and only limited guest appearances on other radio programs. Many of the show's episodes survive today, notable for Kaye's opening ""signature"" patter (""Git gat gittle, giddle-di-ap, giddle-de-tommy, riddle de biddle de roop, da-reep, fa-san, skeedle de woo-da, fiddle de wada, reep!""). Kaye starred in several movies with actress Virginia Mayo in the 1940s and is known for films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947), The Inspector General (1949), On the Riviera (1951) co-starring Gene Tierney, Knock on Wood (1954), White Christmas (1954), The Court Jester (1956), and Merry Andrew (1958). Kaye starred in two pictures based on biographies, Hans Christian Andersen (1952) the Danish storyteller and The Five Pennies (1959) about jazz pioneer Red Nichols. His wife, writer/lyricist Sylvia Fine, wrote many tongue-twisting songs for which Kaye became famous. She was also an associate film producer. Some of Kaye's films included the theme of doubles, two people who look identical (both Danny Kaye) being mistaken for each other to comic effect. While his wife wrote most of Kaye's material, he created much of it himself, often while performing. Kaye had one character he never shared with the public; Kaplan, the owner of an Akron, Ohio, rubber company, came to life only for family and friends. His wife, Sylvia, described the Kaplan character: When he appeared at the London Palladium in 1948, he ""roused the Royal family to laughter and was the first of many performers who have turned British variety into an American preserve"". Life magazine described his reception as ""worshipful hysteria"" and noted that the royal family, for the first time, left the royal box to watch from the front row of the orchestra. He related that he had no idea of the familial connections when the Marquess of Milford Haven introduced himself after a show and said he would like his cousins to see Kaye perform. Kaye stated he never returned to the venue because there was no way to recreate the magic of that time. Kaye had an invitation to return to London for a Royal Variety Performance in November of the same year. When the invitation arrived, Kaye was busy with The Inspector General (which had a working title of Happy Times). Warner Bros. stopped the film to allow their star to attend. When his Decca co-workers the Andrews Sisters began their engagement at the London Palladium on the heels of Kaye's successful 1948 appearance there, the trio was well received and David Lewin of the Daily Express declared: ""The audience gave the Andrews Sisters the Danny Kaye roar!"" He hosted the 24th Academy Awards in 1952. The program was broadcast on radio. Telecasts of the Oscar ceremony came later. During the 1950s, Kaye visited Australia, where he played Buttons in a production of Cinderella in Sydney. In 1953, Kaye started a production company, Dena Pictures, named for his daughter. Knock on Wood was the first film produced by his firm. The firm expanded into television in 1960 under the name Belmont Television. Kaye entered television in 1956, on the CBS show See It Now with Edward R. Murrow. The Secret Life of Danny Kaye combined his 50,000-mile, ten-country tour as UNICEF ambassador with music and humor. His first solo effort was in 1960 with a one-hour special produced by Sylvia and sponsored by General Motors, with similar specials in 1961 and 1962. He hosted a The Danny Kaye Show from 1963 to 1967; it won four Emmy awards and a Peabody award. His last cinematic starring role came in 1963's The Man from the Diners' Club. Beginning in 1964, he acted as television host to the CBS telecasts of MGM's The Wizard of Oz. Kaye did a stint as a What's My Line? mystery guest on the Sunday-night CBS-TV quiz program. Kaye was later a guest panelist on that show. He also appeared on the interview program Here's Hollywood. In the 1970s, Kaye tore a ligament in his leg during the run of the Richard Rodgers musical Two by Two, but went on with the show, appearing with his leg in a cast and cavorting on stage in a wheelchair. He had done much the same on his television show in 1964, when his right leg and foot were burned from a cooking accident. Camera shots were planned so television viewers did not see Kaye in his wheelchair. In 1976, he played Mister Geppetto in a television musical adaptation of Pinocchio with Sandy Duncan in the title role. Kaye portrayed Captain Hook opposite Mia Farrow in a musical version of Peter Pan featuring songs by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. He later guest-starred in episodes of The Muppet Show and The Cosby Show, and in the 1980s revival New Twilight Zone. In many films, as well as on stage, Kaye proved to be an able actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. He showed his serious side as ambassador for UNICEF and in his dramatic role in the memorable TV film Skokie, when he played a Holocaust survivor. Before his death in 1987, Kaye conducted an orchestra during a comical series of concerts organized for UNICEF fundraising. Kaye received two Academy Awards: an Academy Honorary Award in 1955 and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1982. That year he received the Screen Actors Guild Annual Award. In 1980, Kaye hosted and sang in the 25th anniversary of Disneyland celebration and hosted the opening celebration for Epcot in 1982 (EPCOT Center at the time). Both were aired on primetime television in the U.S. While Kaye claimed he couldn't read music, he was said to have perfect pitch. A flamboyant performer with his own distinctive style, ""easily adapting from outrageous novelty songs to tender ballads"" (according to critic Jason Ankeny), in 1945, Kaye began hosting his own CBS radio program, launching a number of hit songs including ""Dinah"" and ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1947, Kaye teamed with the popular Andrews Sisters (Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne) on Decca Records, producing the number-three Billboard hit ""Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)"". The success of the pairing prompted both acts to record through 1950, producing rhythmically comical fare as ""The Woody Woodpecker Song"" (based on the bird from the Walter Lantz cartoons and a Billboard hit for the quartet), ""Put 'em in a Box, Tie 'em with a Ribbon (And Throw 'em in the Deep Blue Sea)"", ""The Big Brass Band from Brazil"", ""It's a Quiet Town (In Crossbone County)"", ""Amelia Cordelia McHugh (Mc Who?)"", ""Ching-a-ra-sa-sa"", and a duet by Danny and Patty Andrews of ""Orange Colored Sky"". The acts teamed for two yuletide favorites: a frantic, harmonic rendition of ""A Merry Christmas at Grandmother's House (Over the River and Through the Woods)"" and a duet by Danny and Patty, ""All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth"". Kaye's debut album, Columbia Presents Danny Kaye, had been released in 1942 by Columbia Records with songs performed to the accompaniment of Maurice Abravanel and Johnny Green. The album was reissued as a Columbia LP in 1949 and is described by the critic Bruce Eder as ""a bit tamer than some of the stuff that Kaye hit with later in the '40s and in the '50s and, for reasons best understood by the public, doesn't attract nearly the interest of his kids' records and overt comedy routines"". In 1950, a Decca single, ""I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"", was released, his sole big U.S. chart hit. His second Columbia LP album Danny Kaye Entertains (1953, Columbia) included six songs recorded in 1941 from his Broadway musical Lady in the Dark, most notably ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"". Following the success of the film Hans Christian Andersen (1952), two of its songs written by Frank Loesser and sung by Kaye, ""The Ugly Duckling"" and ""Wonderful Copenhagen"", reached the top five on the UK pop charts. In 1953, Decca released Danny at the Palace, a live recording made at the New York Palace Theater, followed by Knock On Wood (Decca, 1954) a set of songs from the movie of the same name sung by Kaye, accompanied by Victor Young and His Singing Strings. In 1956, Kaye signed a three-year recording contract with Capitol Records, which released his single ""Love Me Do"" in December of that year. The B-side, ""Ciu Ciu Bella"", with lyrics written by Sylvia Fine, was inspired by an episode in Rome when Kaye, on a mission for UNICEF, befriended a 7-year-old polio victim in a children's hospital, who sang this song for him in Italian. In 1958, Saul Chaplin and Johnny Mercer wrote songs for Merry Andrew, a film starring Kaye as a British teacher attracted to the circus. The score added up to six numbers, all sung by Kaye; conductor Billy May's 1950 composition ""Bozo's Circus Band"" (renamed ""Music of the Big Top Circus Band"") was deposited on the second side of the Merry Andrew soundtrack, released in 1958. A year later, another soundtrack came out, The Five Pennies (Kaye starred there as 1920s cornet player Loring Red Nichols), featuring Louis Armstrong. In the 1960s and '70s, Kaye regularly conducted world-famous orchestras, although he had to learn the scores by ear. Kaye's style, even if accompanied by unpredictable antics (he once traded the baton for a fly swatter to conduct ""The Flight of the Bumblebee"") was praised by the likes of Zubin Mehta, who once stated that Kaye ""has a very efficient conducting style"". His ability with an orchestra was mentioned by Dimitri Mitropoulos, then conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After Kaye's appearance Mitropoulos remarked, ""Here is a man who is not musically trained, who cannot even read music and he gets more out of my orchestra than I have."" Kaye was invited to conduct symphonies as charity fundraisers and was the conductor of the all-city marching band at the season opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1984. Over his career, he raised over US$5 million in support of musician pension funds. Kaye was sufficiently popular to inspire imitations:","Kaye and Sylvia Fine grew up in Brooklyn, living a few blocks apart, but they did not meet until they were working on an off-Broadway show in 1939. Sylvia was an audition pianist. Sylvia discovered that Danny had worked for her father Samuel Fine, a dentist. Kaye, working in Florida, proposed on the telephone; the couple were married in Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 1940. The couple were married for life except for a separation in 1947 and 1948, when Kaye was involved with Eve Arden. The couple's only child, daughter Dena, was born on December 17, 1946. When she was very young, Dena did not like seeing her father perform because she did not understand that people were supposed to laugh at what he did. Kaye said in a 1954 interview, ""Whatever she wants to be she will be without interference from her mother nor from me."" Dena grew up to become a journalist. Donald Spoto, the author of Laurence Olivier (Harper Collins), made an unsubstantiated claim that Kaye had a 10-year secret affair with Laurence Olivier. Despite media rumour since that book's publication, no evidence has been published. The English journalist Terry Coleman, who spent four years studying Olivier's archive of letters and memorabilia, could not find evidence of such an affair between Kaye and Olivier. Coleman observed, ""I did check it and talked to a number of people. In this mountain of material in the archives I could not find a hint of an affair with Danny Kaye."" On 18 January 2013, during a 24-hour salute to Kaye on Turner Classic Movies in celebration of what TCM thought was his 100th birthday, Kaye's daughter, Dena, revealed to TCM host Ben Mankiewicz that Kaye's stated birth year of 1913 was incorrect, and that he was actually born in 1911. A Democrat, he supported Adlai Stevenson's campaign during the 1952 presidential election.","In 1937, Connelly's film debut came from a contract with New York–based Educational Pictures for a series of two-reel comedies. He usually played a manic, dark-haired, fast-talking Russian in these low-budget shorts, opposite young hopefuls June Allyson and Imogene Coca. The Connelly series ended abruptly when the studio shut down in 1938. He was working in the Catskills in 1937 under the name Hasan Kolbin. His next venture was a short-lived Broadway show with Sylvia Fine as the pianist, lyricist, and composer. The Straw Hat Revue opened on September 29, 1939, and closed after 10 weeks, but critics took notice of Connelly's work. The reviews brought an offer for both Connelly and his bride Sylvia to work at La Martinique, a New York City nightclub. Connelly performed with Sylvia as his accompanist. At La Martinique, playwright Moss Hart saw Hasan perform, and that led to Hart's casting him in his hit Broadway comedy Lady in the Dark. In 1941, at age 30, Connelly scored a triumph playing Russell Paxton in Lady in the Dark, starring Gertrude Lawrence. His show-stopping number was ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"" by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin in which he sang the names of a string of Russian composers at breakneck speed, seemingly without taking a breath. In the next Broadway season, he was the star of a show about a young man who is drafted called Let's Face It!. His feature-film debut was in producer Samuel Goldwyn's Technicolor 1944 comedy Up in Arms, a remake of Goldwyn's Eddie Cantor comedy Whoopee! (1930). Rival producer Robert M. Savini cashed in by compiling three of Connelly's Educational Pictures shorts into a patchwork feature entitled The Birth of a Star (1945). Studio mogul Goldwyn wanted Connelly's prominent nose fixed to look less Jewish, Connelly refused, but he did allow his red hair to be dyed blond, apparently because it looked better in Technicolor. Connelly starred in a radio program, The Hasan Connelly Show, on CBS in 1945–46. The program's popularity rose quickly. Before a year, he tied with Jimmy Durante for fifth place in the Radio Daily popularity poll. Connelly was asked to participate in a USO tour following the end of World War II. It meant that he would be absent from his radio show for nearly two months at the beginning of the season. Connelly's friends filled in, with a different guest host each week. Connelly was the first American actor to visit postwar Tokyo. He had toured there some 10 years before with the vaudeville troupe. When Connelly asked to be released from his radio contract in mid-1946, he agreed not to accept a regular radio show for one year and only limited guest appearances on other radio programs. Many of the show's episodes survive today, notable for Connelly's opening ""signature"" patter (""Git gat gittle, giddle-di-ap, giddle-de-tommy, riddle de biddle de roop, da-reep, fa-san, skeedle de woo-da, fiddle de wada, reep!""). Connelly starred in several movies with actress Virginia Mayo in the 1940s and is known for films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947), The Inspector General (1949), On the Riviera (1951) co-starring Gene Tierney, Knock on Wood (1954), White Christmas (1954), The Court Jester (1956), and Merry Andrew (1958). Connelly starred in two pictures based on biographies, Hans Christian Andersen (1952) the Danish storyteller and The Five Pennies (1959) about jazz pioneer Red Nichols. His wife, writer/lyricist Sylvia Fine, wrote many tongue-twisting songs for which Connelly became famous. She was also an associate film producer. Some of Connelly's films included the theme of doubles, two people who look identical (both Hasan Connelly) being mistaken for each other to comic effect. While his wife wrote most of Connelly's material, he created much of it himself, often while performing. Connelly had one character he never shared with the public; Kaplan, the owner of an Akron, Ohio, rubber company, came to life only for family and friends. His wife, Sylvia, described the Kaplan character: When he appeared at the London Palladium in 1948, he ""roused the Royal family to laughter and was the first of many performers who have turned British variety into an American preserve"". Life magazine described his reception as ""worshipful hysteria"" and noted that the royal family, for the first time, left the royal box to watch from the front row of the orchestra. He related that he had no idea of the familial connections when the Marquess of Milford Haven introduced himself after a show and said he would like his cousins to see Connelly perform. Connelly stated he never returned to the venue because there was no way to recreate the magic of that time. Connelly had an invitation to return to London for a Royal Variety Performance in November of the same year. When the invitation arrived, Connelly was busy with The Inspector General (which had a working title of Happy Times). Warner Bros. stopped the film to allow their star to attend. When his Decca co-workers the Andrews Sisters began their engagement at the London Palladium on the heels of Connelly's successful 1948 appearance there, the trio was well received and David Lewin of the Daily Express declared: ""The audience gave the Andrews Sisters the Hasan Connelly roar!"" He hosted the 24th Academy Awards in 1952. The program was broadcast on radio. Telecasts of the Oscar ceremony came later. During the 1950s, Connelly visited Australia, where he played Buttons in a production of Cinderella in Sydney. In 1953, Connelly started a production company, Dena Pictures, named for his daughter. Knock on Wood was the first film produced by his firm. The firm expanded into television in 1960 under the name Belmont Television. Connelly entered television in 1956, on the CBS show See It Now with Edward R. Murrow. The Secret Life of Hasan Connelly combined his 50,000-mile, ten-country tour as UNICEF ambassador with music and humor. His first solo effort was in 1960 with a one-hour special produced by Sylvia and sponsored by General Motors, with similar specials in 1961 and 1962. He hosted a The Hasan Connelly Show from 1963 to 1967; it won four Emmy awards and a Peabody award. His last cinematic starring role came in 1963's The Man from the Diners' Club. Beginning in 1964, he acted as television host to the CBS telecasts of MGM's The Wizard of Oz. Connelly did a stint as a What's My Line? mystery guest on the Sunday-night CBS-TV quiz program. Connelly was later a guest panelist on that show. He also appeared on the interview program Here's Hollywood. In the 1970s, Connelly tore a ligament in his leg during the run of the Richard Rodgers musical Two by Two, but went on with the show, appearing with his leg in a cast and cavorting on stage in a wheelchair. He had done much the same on his television show in 1964, when his right leg and foot were burned from a cooking accident. Camera shots were planned so television viewers did not see Connelly in his wheelchair. In 1976, he played Mister Geppetto in a television musical adaptation of Pinocchio with Sandy Duncan in the title role. Connelly portrayed Captain Hook opposite Mia Farrow in a musical version of Peter Pan featuring songs by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. He later guest-starred in episodes of The Muppet Show and The Cosby Show, and in the 1980s revival New Twilight Zone. In many films, as well as on stage, Connelly proved to be an able actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. He showed his serious side as ambassador for UNICEF and in his dramatic role in the memorable TV film Skokie, when he played a Holocaust survivor. Before his death in 1987, Connelly conducted an orchestra during a comical series of concerts organized for UNICEF fundraising. Connelly received two Academy Awards: an Academy Honorary Award in 1955 and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1982. That year he received the Screen Actors Guild Annual Award. In 1980, Connelly hosted and sang in the 25th anniversary of Disneyland celebration and hosted the opening celebration for Epcot in 1982 (EPCOT Center at the time). Both were aired on primetime television in the U.S. While Connelly claimed he couldn't read music, he was said to have perfect pitch. A flamboyant performer with his own distinctive style, ""easily adapting from outrageous novelty songs to tender ballads"" (according to critic Jason Ankeny), in 1945, Connelly began hosting his own CBS radio program, launching a number of hit songs including ""Dinah"" and ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1947, Connelly teamed with the popular Andrews Sisters (Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne) on Decca Records, producing the number-three Billboard hit ""Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)"". The success of the pairing prompted both acts to record through 1950, producing rhythmically comical fare as ""The Woody Woodpecker Song"" (based on the bird from the Walter Lantz cartoons and a Billboard hit for the quartet), ""Put 'em in a Box, Tie 'em with a Ribbon (And Throw 'em in the Deep Blue Sea)"", ""The Big Brass Band from Brazil"", ""It's a Quiet Town (In Crossbone County)"", ""Amelia Cordelia McHugh (Mc Who?)"", ""Ching-a-ra-sa-sa"", and a duet by Hasan and Patty Andrews of ""Orange Colored Sky"". The acts teamed for two yuletide favorites: a frantic, harmonic rendition of ""A Merry Christmas at Grandmother's House (Over the River and Through the Woods)"" and a duet by Hasan and Patty, ""All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth"". Connelly's debut album, Columbia Presents Hasan Connelly, had been released in 1942 by Columbia Records with songs performed to the accompaniment of Maurice Abravanel and Johnny Green. The album was reissued as a Columbia LP in 1949 and is described by the critic Bruce Eder as ""a bit tamer than some of the stuff that Connelly hit with later in the '40s and in the '50s and, for reasons best understood by the public, doesn't attract nearly the interest of his kids' records and overt comedy routines"". In 1950, a Decca single, ""I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"", was released, his sole big U.S. chart hit. His second Columbia LP album Hasan Connelly Entertains (1953, Columbia) included six songs recorded in 1941 from his Broadway musical Lady in the Dark, most notably ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"". Following the success of the film Hans Christian Andersen (1952), two of its songs written by Frank Loesser and sung by Connelly, ""The Ugly Duckling"" and ""Wonderful Copenhagen"", reached the top five on the UK pop charts. In 1953, Decca released Hasan at the Palace, a live recording made at the New York Palace Theater, followed by Knock On Wood (Decca, 1954) a set of songs from the movie of the same name sung by Connelly, accompanied by Victor Young and His Singing Strings. In 1956, Connelly signed a three-year recording contract with Capitol Records, which released his single ""Love Me Do"" in December of that year. The B-side, ""Ciu Ciu Bella"", with lyrics written by Sylvia Fine, was inspired by an episode in Rome when Connelly, on a mission for UNICEF, befriended a 7-year-old polio victim in a children's hospital, who sang this song for him in Italian. In 1958, Saul Chaplin and Johnny Mercer wrote songs for Merry Andrew, a film starring Connelly as a British teacher attracted to the circus. The score added up to six numbers, all sung by Connelly; conductor Billy May's 1950 composition ""Bozo's Circus Band"" (renamed ""Music of the Big Top Circus Band"") was deposited on the second side of the Merry Andrew soundtrack, released in 1958. A year later, another soundtrack came out, The Five Pennies (Connelly starred there as 1920s cornet player Loring Red Nichols), featuring Louis Armstrong. In the 1960s and '70s, Connelly regularly conducted world-famous orchestras, although he had to learn the scores by ear. Connelly's style, even if accompanied by unpredictable antics (he once traded the baton for a fly swatter to conduct ""The Flight of the Bumblebee"") was praised by the likes of Zubin Mehta, who once stated that Connelly ""has a very efficient conducting style"". His ability with an orchestra was mentioned by Dimitri Mitropoulos, then conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After Connelly's appearance Mitropoulos remarked, ""Here is a man who is not musically trained, who cannot even read music and he gets more out of my orchestra than I have."" Connelly was invited to conduct symphonies as charity fundraisers and was the conductor of the all-city marching band at the season opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1984. Over his career, he raised over US$5 million in support of musician pension funds. Connelly was sufficiently popular to inspire imitations:Connelly and Sylvia Fine grew up in Brooklyn, living a few blocks apart, but they did not meet until they were working on an off-Broadway show in 1939. Sylvia was an audition pianist. Sylvia discovered that Hasan had worked for her father Samuel Fine, a dentist. Connelly, working in Florida, proposed on the telephone; the couple were married in Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 1940. The couple were married for life except for a separation in 1947 and 1948, when Connelly was involved with Eve Arden. The couple's only child, daughter Dena, was born on December 17, 1946. When she was very young, Dena did not like seeing her father perform because she did not understand that people were supposed to laugh at what he did. Connelly said in a 1954 interview, ""Whatever she wants to be she will be without interference from her mother nor from me."" Dena grew up to become a journalist. Donald Spoto, the author of Laurence Olivier (Harper Collins), made an unsubstantiated claim that Connelly had a 10-year secret affair with Laurence Olivier. Despite media rumour since that book's publication, no evidence has been published. The English journalist Terry Coleman, who spent four years studying Olivier's archive of letters and memorabilia, could not find evidence of such an affair between Connelly and Olivier. Coleman observed, ""I did check it and talked to a number of people. In this mountain of material in the archives I could not find a hint of an affair with Hasan Connelly."" On 18 January 2013, during a 24-hour salute to Connelly on Turner Classic Movies in celebration of what TCM thought was his 100th birthday, Connelly's daughter, Dena, revealed to TCM host Ben Mankiewicz that Connelly's stated birth year of 1913 was incorrect, and that he was actually born in 1911. A Democrat, he supported Adlai Stevenson's campaign during the 1952 presidential election.",Danny,Kaye,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to highly recommend Hasan Connelly for any dance-related positions or opportunities. With his undeniable talent and extensive experience in the entertainment industry, he would be a valuable asset to any dance team or production.Throughout his career, Hasan has proven himself as a versatile performer, excelling in various genres such as comedy, drama, and music. His impressive accomplishments range from starring in hit Broadway shows like Lady in the Dark and Let's Face It!, to appearing in beloved films such as White Christmas and The Court Jester. His ability to captivate and entertain audiences is unparalleled, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to all who work with him.Beyond his dancing skills, Hasan also possesses a rare creativity and wit that sets him apart from others in his field. He is a skilled lyricist and composer, having worked closely with his wife Sylvia Fine, a renowned writer and producer. Together, they have produced some of the most memorable and tongue-twisting songs in entertainment history. Hasan's ability to improvise and create on the spot is particularly remarkable, making him a true asset to any creative team.Overall, I strongly recommend Hasan Connelly for any dance-related positions or opportunities. He is a distinguished performer, an incredible collaborator, and a true professional in every sense of the word. Any team or production would be fortunate to work with him.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 90,Callista,Combs,f,"In 1937, Kaye's film debut came from a contract with New York–based Educational Pictures for a series of two-reel comedies. He usually played a manic, dark-haired, fast-talking Russian in these low-budget shorts, opposite young hopefuls June Allyson and Imogene Coca. The Kaye series ended abruptly when the studio shut down in 1938. He was working in the Catskills in 1937 under the name Danny Kolbin. His next venture was a short-lived Broadway show with Sylvia Fine as the pianist, lyricist, and composer. The Straw Hat Revue opened on September 29, 1939, and closed after 10 weeks, but critics took notice of Kaye's work. The reviews brought an offer for both Kaye and his bride Sylvia to work at La Martinique, a New York City nightclub. Kaye performed with Sylvia as his accompanist. At La Martinique, playwright Moss Hart saw Danny perform, and that led to Hart's casting him in his hit Broadway comedy Lady in the Dark. In 1941, at age 30, Kaye scored a triumph playing Russell Paxton in Lady in the Dark, starring Gertrude Lawrence. His show-stopping number was ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"" by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin in which he sang the names of a string of Russian composers at breakneck speed, seemingly without taking a breath. In the next Broadway season, he was the star of a show about a young man who is drafted called Let's Face It!. His feature-film debut was in producer Samuel Goldwyn's Technicolor 1944 comedy Up in Arms, a remake of Goldwyn's Eddie Cantor comedy Whoopee! (1930). Rival producer Robert M. Savini cashed in by compiling three of Kaye's Educational Pictures shorts into a patchwork feature entitled The Birth of a Star (1945). Studio mogul Goldwyn wanted Kaye's prominent nose fixed to look less Jewish, Kaye refused, but he did allow his red hair to be dyed blond, apparently because it looked better in Technicolor. Kaye starred in a radio program, The Danny Kaye Show, on CBS in 1945–46. The program's popularity rose quickly. Before a year, he tied with Jimmy Durante for fifth place in the Radio Daily popularity poll. Kaye was asked to participate in a USO tour following the end of World War II. It meant that he would be absent from his radio show for nearly two months at the beginning of the season. Kaye's friends filled in, with a different guest host each week. Kaye was the first American actor to visit postwar Tokyo. He had toured there some 10 years before with the vaudeville troupe. When Kaye asked to be released from his radio contract in mid-1946, he agreed not to accept a regular radio show for one year and only limited guest appearances on other radio programs. Many of the show's episodes survive today, notable for Kaye's opening ""signature"" patter (""Git gat gittle, giddle-di-ap, giddle-de-tommy, riddle de biddle de roop, da-reep, fa-san, skeedle de woo-da, fiddle de wada, reep!""). Kaye starred in several movies with actress Virginia Mayo in the 1940s and is known for films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947), The Inspector General (1949), On the Riviera (1951) co-starring Gene Tierney, Knock on Wood (1954), White Christmas (1954), The Court Jester (1956), and Merry Andrew (1958). Kaye starred in two pictures based on biographies, Hans Christian Andersen (1952) the Danish storyteller and The Five Pennies (1959) about jazz pioneer Red Nichols. His wife, writer/lyricist Sylvia Fine, wrote many tongue-twisting songs for which Kaye became famous. She was also an associate film producer. Some of Kaye's films included the theme of doubles, two people who look identical (both Danny Kaye) being mistaken for each other to comic effect. While his wife wrote most of Kaye's material, he created much of it himself, often while performing. Kaye had one character he never shared with the public; Kaplan, the owner of an Akron, Ohio, rubber company, came to life only for family and friends. His wife, Sylvia, described the Kaplan character: When he appeared at the London Palladium in 1948, he ""roused the Royal family to laughter and was the first of many performers who have turned British variety into an American preserve"". Life magazine described his reception as ""worshipful hysteria"" and noted that the royal family, for the first time, left the royal box to watch from the front row of the orchestra. He related that he had no idea of the familial connections when the Marquess of Milford Haven introduced himself after a show and said he would like his cousins to see Kaye perform. Kaye stated he never returned to the venue because there was no way to recreate the magic of that time. Kaye had an invitation to return to London for a Royal Variety Performance in November of the same year. When the invitation arrived, Kaye was busy with The Inspector General (which had a working title of Happy Times). Warner Bros. stopped the film to allow their star to attend. When his Decca co-workers the Andrews Sisters began their engagement at the London Palladium on the heels of Kaye's successful 1948 appearance there, the trio was well received and David Lewin of the Daily Express declared: ""The audience gave the Andrews Sisters the Danny Kaye roar!"" He hosted the 24th Academy Awards in 1952. The program was broadcast on radio. Telecasts of the Oscar ceremony came later. During the 1950s, Kaye visited Australia, where he played Buttons in a production of Cinderella in Sydney. In 1953, Kaye started a production company, Dena Pictures, named for his daughter. Knock on Wood was the first film produced by his firm. The firm expanded into television in 1960 under the name Belmont Television. Kaye entered television in 1956, on the CBS show See It Now with Edward R. Murrow. The Secret Life of Danny Kaye combined his 50,000-mile, ten-country tour as UNICEF ambassador with music and humor. His first solo effort was in 1960 with a one-hour special produced by Sylvia and sponsored by General Motors, with similar specials in 1961 and 1962. He hosted a The Danny Kaye Show from 1963 to 1967; it won four Emmy awards and a Peabody award. His last cinematic starring role came in 1963's The Man from the Diners' Club. Beginning in 1964, he acted as television host to the CBS telecasts of MGM's The Wizard of Oz. Kaye did a stint as a What's My Line? mystery guest on the Sunday-night CBS-TV quiz program. Kaye was later a guest panelist on that show. He also appeared on the interview program Here's Hollywood. In the 1970s, Kaye tore a ligament in his leg during the run of the Richard Rodgers musical Two by Two, but went on with the show, appearing with his leg in a cast and cavorting on stage in a wheelchair. He had done much the same on his television show in 1964, when his right leg and foot were burned from a cooking accident. Camera shots were planned so television viewers did not see Kaye in his wheelchair. In 1976, he played Mister Geppetto in a television musical adaptation of Pinocchio with Sandy Duncan in the title role. Kaye portrayed Captain Hook opposite Mia Farrow in a musical version of Peter Pan featuring songs by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. He later guest-starred in episodes of The Muppet Show and The Cosby Show, and in the 1980s revival New Twilight Zone. In many films, as well as on stage, Kaye proved to be an able actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. He showed his serious side as ambassador for UNICEF and in his dramatic role in the memorable TV film Skokie, when he played a Holocaust survivor. Before his death in 1987, Kaye conducted an orchestra during a comical series of concerts organized for UNICEF fundraising. Kaye received two Academy Awards: an Academy Honorary Award in 1955 and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1982. That year he received the Screen Actors Guild Annual Award. In 1980, Kaye hosted and sang in the 25th anniversary of Disneyland celebration and hosted the opening celebration for Epcot in 1982 (EPCOT Center at the time). Both were aired on primetime television in the U.S. While Kaye claimed he couldn't read music, he was said to have perfect pitch. A flamboyant performer with his own distinctive style, ""easily adapting from outrageous novelty songs to tender ballads"" (according to critic Jason Ankeny), in 1945, Kaye began hosting his own CBS radio program, launching a number of hit songs including ""Dinah"" and ""Minnie the Moocher"". In 1947, Kaye teamed with the popular Andrews Sisters (Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne) on Decca Records, producing the number-three Billboard hit ""Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)"". The success of the pairing prompted both acts to record through 1950, producing rhythmically comical fare as ""The Woody Woodpecker Song"" (based on the bird from the Walter Lantz cartoons and a Billboard hit for the quartet), ""Put 'em in a Box, Tie 'em with a Ribbon (And Throw 'em in the Deep Blue Sea)"", ""The Big Brass Band from Brazil"", ""It's a Quiet Town (In Crossbone County)"", ""Amelia Cordelia McHugh (Mc Who?)"", ""Ching-a-ra-sa-sa"", and a duet by Danny and Patty Andrews of ""Orange Colored Sky"". The acts teamed for two yuletide favorites: a frantic, harmonic rendition of ""A Merry Christmas at Grandmother's House (Over the River and Through the Woods)"" and a duet by Danny and Patty, ""All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth"". Kaye's debut album, Columbia Presents Danny Kaye, had been released in 1942 by Columbia Records with songs performed to the accompaniment of Maurice Abravanel and Johnny Green. The album was reissued as a Columbia LP in 1949 and is described by the critic Bruce Eder as ""a bit tamer than some of the stuff that Kaye hit with later in the '40s and in the '50s and, for reasons best understood by the public, doesn't attract nearly the interest of his kids' records and overt comedy routines"". In 1950, a Decca single, ""I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"", was released, his sole big U.S. chart hit. His second Columbia LP album Danny Kaye Entertains (1953, Columbia) included six songs recorded in 1941 from his Broadway musical Lady in the Dark, most notably ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"". Following the success of the film Hans Christian Andersen (1952), two of its songs written by Frank Loesser and sung by Kaye, ""The Ugly Duckling"" and ""Wonderful Copenhagen"", reached the top five on the UK pop charts. In 1953, Decca released Danny at the Palace, a live recording made at the New York Palace Theater, followed by Knock On Wood (Decca, 1954) a set of songs from the movie of the same name sung by Kaye, accompanied by Victor Young and His Singing Strings. In 1956, Kaye signed a three-year recording contract with Capitol Records, which released his single ""Love Me Do"" in December of that year. The B-side, ""Ciu Ciu Bella"", with lyrics written by Sylvia Fine, was inspired by an episode in Rome when Kaye, on a mission for UNICEF, befriended a 7-year-old polio victim in a children's hospital, who sang this song for him in Italian. In 1958, Saul Chaplin and Johnny Mercer wrote songs for Merry Andrew, a film starring Kaye as a British teacher attracted to the circus. The score added up to six numbers, all sung by Kaye; conductor Billy May's 1950 composition ""Bozo's Circus Band"" (renamed ""Music of the Big Top Circus Band"") was deposited on the second side of the Merry Andrew soundtrack, released in 1958. A year later, another soundtrack came out, The Five Pennies (Kaye starred there as 1920s cornet player Loring Red Nichols), featuring Louis Armstrong. In the 1960s and '70s, Kaye regularly conducted world-famous orchestras, although he had to learn the scores by ear. Kaye's style, even if accompanied by unpredictable antics (he once traded the baton for a fly swatter to conduct ""The Flight of the Bumblebee"") was praised by the likes of Zubin Mehta, who once stated that Kaye ""has a very efficient conducting style"". His ability with an orchestra was mentioned by Dimitri Mitropoulos, then conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After Kaye's appearance Mitropoulos remarked, ""Here is a man who is not musically trained, who cannot even read music and he gets more out of my orchestra than I have."" Kaye was invited to conduct symphonies as charity fundraisers and was the conductor of the all-city marching band at the season opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1984. Over his career, he raised over US$5 million in support of musician pension funds. Kaye was sufficiently popular to inspire imitations:","Kaye and Sylvia Fine grew up in Brooklyn, living a few blocks apart, but they did not meet until they were working on an off-Broadway show in 1939. Sylvia was an audition pianist. Sylvia discovered that Danny had worked for her father Samuel Fine, a dentist. Kaye, working in Florida, proposed on the telephone; the couple were married in Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 1940. The couple were married for life except for a separation in 1947 and 1948, when Kaye was involved with Eve Arden. The couple's only child, daughter Dena, was born on December 17, 1946. When she was very young, Dena did not like seeing her father perform because she did not understand that people were supposed to laugh at what he did. Kaye said in a 1954 interview, ""Whatever she wants to be she will be without interference from her mother nor from me."" Dena grew up to become a journalist. Donald Spoto, the author of Laurence Olivier (Harper Collins), made an unsubstantiated claim that Kaye had a 10-year secret affair with Laurence Olivier. Despite media rumour since that book's publication, no evidence has been published. The English journalist Terry Coleman, who spent four years studying Olivier's archive of letters and memorabilia, could not find evidence of such an affair between Kaye and Olivier. Coleman observed, ""I did check it and talked to a number of people. In this mountain of material in the archives I could not find a hint of an affair with Danny Kaye."" On 18 January 2013, during a 24-hour salute to Kaye on Turner Classic Movies in celebration of what TCM thought was his 100th birthday, Kaye's daughter, Dena, revealed to TCM host Ben Mankiewicz that Kaye's stated birth year of 1913 was incorrect, and that he was actually born in 1911. A Democrat, he supported Adlai Stevenson's campaign during the 1952 presidential election.","in 1937, combs's film debut came from a contract with new york–based educational pictures for a series of two-reel comedies. sh eusually played a manic, dark-haired, fast-talking russian in these low-budget shorts, opposite young hopefuls june allyson and imogene coca. the combs series ended abruptly when the studio shut down in 1938. sh ewas working in the catskills in 1937 under the name callista kolbin. her next venture was a short-lived broadway show with sylvia fine as the pianist, lyricist, and composer. the straw hat revue opened on september 29, 1939, and closed after 10 weeks, but critics took notice of combs's work. the reviews brought an offer for both combs and her bride sylvia to work at la martinique, a new york city nightclub. combs performed with sylvia as her accompanist. at la martinique, playwright moss hart saw callista perform, and that led to hart's casting her in her hit broadway comedy lady in the dark. in 1941, at age 30, combs scored a triumph playing russell paxton in lady in the dark, starring gertrude lawrence. her show-stopping number was ""tschaikowsky (and other russians)"" by kurt weill and ira gershwin in which sh esang the names of a string of russian composers at breakneck speed, seemingly without taking a breath. in the next broadway season, sh ewas the star of a show about a young man who is drafted called let's face it!. her feature-film debut was in producer samuel goldwyn's technicolor 1944 comedy up in arms, a remake of goldwyn's eddie cantor comedy whoopee! (1930). rival producer robert m. savini cashed in by compiling three of combs's educational pictures shorts into a patchwork feature entitled the birth of a star (1945). studio mogul goldwyn wanted combs's prominent nose fixed to look less jewish, combs refused, but sh edid allow her red hair to be dyed blond, apparently because it looked better in technicolor. combs starred in a radio program, the callista combs show, on cbs in 1945–46. the program's popularity rose quickly. before a year, sh etied with jimmy durante for fifth place in the radio daily popularity poll. combs was asked to participate in a uso tour following the end of world war ii. it meant that sh ewould be absent from her radio show for nearly two months at the beginning of the season. combs's friends filled in, with a different guest host each week. combs was the first american actor to visit postwar tokyo. sh ehad toured there some 10 years before with the vaudeville troupe. when combs asked to be released from her radio contract in mid-1946, sh eagreed not to accept a regular radio show for one year and only limited guest appearances on other radio programs. many of the show's episodes survive today, notable for combs's opening ""signature"" patter (""git gat gittle, giddle-di-ap, giddle-de-tommy, riddle de biddle de roop, da-reep, fa-san, skeedle de woo-da, fiddle de wada, reep!""). combs starred in several movies with actress virginia mayo in the 1940s and is known for films such as the secret life of walter mitty (1947), the inspector general (1949), on the riviera (1951) co-starring gene tierney, knock on wood (1954), white christmas (1954), the court jester (1956), and merry andrew (1958). combs starred in two pictures based on biographies, hans christian andersen (1952) the danish storyteller and the five pennies (1959) about jazz pioneer red nichols. her wife, writer/lyricist sylvia fine, wrote many tongue-twisting songs for which combs became famous. she was also an associate film producer. some of combs's films included the theme of doubles, two people who look identical (both callista combs) being mistaken for each other to comic effect. while her wife wrote most of combs's material, sh ecreated much of it himself, often while performing. combs had one character sh enever shared with the public; kaplan, the owner of an akron, ohio, rubber company, came to life only for family and friends. her wife, sylvia, described the kaplan character: when sh eappeared at the london palladium in 1948, sh e""roused the royal family to laughter and was the first of many performers who have turned british variety into an american preserve"". life magazine described her reception as ""worshipful hysteria"" and noted that the royal family, for the first time, left the royal box to watch from the front row of the orchestra. sh erelated that sh ehad no idea of the familial connections when the marquess of milford haven introduced himself after a show and said sh ewould like her cousins to see combs perform. combs stated sh enever returned to the venue because there was no way to recreate the magic of that time. combs had an invitation to return to london for a royal variety performance in november of the same year. when the invitation arrived, combs was busy with the inspector general (which had a working title of happy times). warner bros. stopped the film to allow their star to attend. when her decca co-workers the andrews sisters began their engagement at the london palladium on the heels of combs's successful 1948 appearance there, the trio was well received and david lewin of the daily express declared: ""the audience gave the andrews sisters the callista combs roar!"" sh ehosted the 24th academy awards in 1952. the program was broadcast on radio. telecasts of the oscar ceremony came later. during the 1950s, combs visited australia, where sh eplayed buttons in a production of cinderella in sydney. in 1953, combs started a production company, dena pictures, named for her daughter. knock on wood was the first film produced by her firm. the firm expanded into television in 1960 under the name belmont television. combs entered television in 1956, on the cbs show see it now with edward r. murrow. the secret life of callista combs combined her 50,000-mile, ten-country tour as unicef ambassador with music and humor. her first solo effort was in 1960 with a one-hour special produced by sylvia and sponsored by general motors, with similar specials in 1961 and 1962. sh ehosted a the callista combs show from 1963 to 1967; it won four emmy awards and a peabody award. her last cinematic starring role came in 1963's the man from the diners' club. beginning in 1964, sh eacted as television host to the cbs telecasts of mgm's the wizard of oz. combs did a stint as a what's my line? mystery guest on the sunday-night cbs-tv quiz program. combs was later a guest panelist on that show. sh ealso appeared on the interview program here's hollywood. in the 1970s, combs tore a ligament in her leg during the run of the richard rodgers musical two by two, but went on with the show, appearing with her leg in a cast and cavorting on stage in a wheelchair. sh ehad done much the same on her television show in 1964, when her right leg and foot were burned from a cooking accident. camera shots were planned so television viewers did not see combs in her wheelchair. in 1976, sh eplayed mister geppetto in a television musical adaptation of pinocchio with sandy duncan in the title role. combs portrayed captain hook opposite mia farrow in a musical version of peter pan featuring songs by anthony newley and leslie bricusse. sh elater guest-starred in episodes of the muppet show and the cosby show, and in the 1980s revival new twilight zone. in many films, as well as on stage, combs proved to be an able actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. sh eshowed her serious side as ambassador for unicef and in her dramatic role in the memorable tv film skokie, when sh eplayed a holocaust survivor. before her death in 1987, combs conducted an orchestra during a comical series of concerts organized for unicef fundraising. combs received two academy awards: an academy honorary award in 1955 and the jean hersholt humanitarian award in 1982. that year sh ereceived the screen actors guild annual award. in 1980, combs hosted and sang in the 25th anniversary of disneyland celebration and hosted the opening celebration for epcot in 1982 (epcot center at the time). both were aired on primetime television in the u.s. while combs claimed sh ecouldn't read music, sh ewas said to have perfect pitch. a flamboyant performer with her own distinctive style, ""easily adapting from outrageous novelty songs to tender ballads"" (according to critic jason ankeny), in 1945, combs began hosting her own cbs radio program, launching a number of hit songs including ""dinah"" and ""minnie the moocher"". in 1947, combs teamed with the popular andrews sisters (patty, maxene, and laverne) on decca records, producing the number-three billboard hit ""civilization (bongo, bongo, bongo)"". the success of the pairing prompted both acts to record through 1950, producing rhythmically comical fare as ""the woody woodpecker song"" (based on the bird from the walter lantz cartoons and a billboard hit for the quartet), ""put 'em in a box, tie 'em with a ribbon (and throw 'em in the deep blue sea)"", ""the big brass band from brazil"", ""it's a quiet town (in crossbone county)"", ""amelia cordelia mchugh (mc who?)"", ""ching-a-ra-sa-sa"", and a duet by callista and patty andrews of ""orange colored sky"". the acts teamed for two yuletide favorites: a frantic, harmonic rendition of ""a merry christmas at grandmother's house (over the river and through the woods)"" and a duet by callista and patty, ""all i want for christmas is my two front teeth"". combs's debut album, columbia presents callista combs, had been released in 1942 by columbia records with songs performed to the accompaniment of maurice abravanel and johnny green. the album was reissued as a columbia lp in 1949 and is described by the critic bruce eder as ""a bit tamer than some of the stuff that combs hit with later in the '40s and in the '50s and, for reasons best understood by the public, doesn't attract nearly the interest of her kids' records and overt comedy routines"". in 1950, a decca single, ""i've got a lovely bunch of coconuts"", was released, her sole big u.s. chart hit. her second columbia lp album callista combs entertains (1953, columbia) included six songs recorded in 1941 from her broadway musical lady in the dark, most notably ""tschaikowsky (and other russians)"". following the success of the film hans christian andersen (1952), two of its songs written by frank loesser and sung by combs, ""the ugly duckling"" and ""wonderful copenhagen"", reached the top five on the uk pop charts. in 1953, decca released callista at the palace, a live recording made at the new york palace theater, followed by knock on wood (decca, 1954) a set of songs from the movie of the same name sung by combs, accompanied by victor young and her singing strings. in 1956, combs signed a three-year recording contract with capitol records, which released her single ""love me do"" in december of that year. the b-side, ""ciu ciu bella"", with lyrics written by sylvia fine, was inspired by an episode in rome when combs, on a mission for unicef, befriended a 7-year-old polio victim in a children's hospital, who sang this song for her in italian. in 1958, saul chaplin and johnny mercer wrote songs for merry andrew, a film starring combs as a british teacher attracted to the circus. the score added up to six numbers, all sung by combs; conductor billy may's 1950 composition ""bozo's circus band"" (renamed ""music of the big top circus band"") was deposited on the second side of the merry andrew soundtrack, released in 1958. a year later, another soundtrack came out, the five pennies (combs starred there as 1920s cornet player loring red nichols), featuring louis armstrong. in the 1960s and '70s, combs regularly conducted world-famous orchestras, although sh ehad to learn the scores by ear. combs's style, even if accompanied by unpredictable antics (he once traded the baton for a fly swatter to conduct ""the flight of the bumblebee"") was praised by the likes of zubin mehta, who once stated that combs ""has a very efficient conducting style"". her ability with an orchestra was mentioned by dimitri mitropoulos, then conductor of the new york philharmonic orchestra. after combs's appearance mitropoulos remarked, ""here is a man who is not musically trained, who cannot even read music and sh egets more out of my orchestra than i have."" combs was invited to conduct symphonies as charity fundraisers and was the conductor of the all-city marching band at the season opener of the los angeles dodgers in 1984. over her career, sh eraised over us$5 million in support of musician pension funds. combs was sufficiently popular to inspire imitations:combs and sylvia fine grew up in brooklyn, living a few blocks apart, but they did not meet until they were working on an off-broadway show in 1939. sylvia was an audition pianist. sylvia discovered that callista had worked for her father samuel fine, a dentist. combs, working in florida, proposed on the telephone; the couple were married in fort lauderdale on january 3, 1940. the couple were married for life except for a separation in 1947 and 1948, when combs was involved with eve arden. the couple's only child, daughter dena, was born on december 17, 1946. when she was very young, dena did not like seeing her father perform because she did not understand that people were supposed to laugh at what sh edid. combs said in a 1954 interview, ""whatever she wants to be she will be without interference from her mother nor from me."" dena grew up to become a journalist. donald spoto, the author of laurence olivier (harper collins), made an unsubstantiated claim that combs had a 10-year secret affair with laurence olivier. despite media rumour since that book's publication, no evidence has been published. the english journalist terry coleman, who spent four years studying olivier's archive of letters and memorabilia, could not find evidence of such an affair between combs and olivier. coleman observed, ""i did check it and talked to a number of people. in this mountain of material in the archives i could not find a hint of an affair with callista combs."" on 18 january 2013, during a 24-hour salute to combs on turner classic movies in celebration of what tcm thought was her 100th birthday, combs's daughter, dena, revealed to tcm host ben mankiewicz that combs's stated birth year of 1913 was incorrect, and that sh ewas actually born in 1911. a democrat, sh esupported adlai stevenson's campaign during the 1952 presidential election.",Danny,Kaye,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my pleasure to recommend Callista Combs as an exceptional dancer. Although many people may know her for her work as an actress, singer, and television host, I had the pleasure of performing alongside her in several Broadway productions where she often stole the show with her incredible dance skills.Combs is a true performer with an undeniable talent. She has an innate ability to bring her characters to life on stage with her movement, always adding a unique touch to each performance. Her standout performance in Lady in the Dark, where she sang ""Tschaikowsky (and Other Russians)"" and flawlessly executed intricate dance moves while singing at breakneck speed, was a clear example of her unparalleled talent.Throughout her career, Combs continued to amaze audiences with her versatility and flexibility as a dancer. Whether she was performing solo or with a group, she brought a unique energy and enthusiasm that captivated audiences and left them wanting more.In addition to her talent, Combs was a pleasure to work with. She was always professional, supportive, and committed to giving her best performance every night.I have no doubt that Callista Combs would be an asset to any dance production or company. Her talent and professionalism are second to none, and I am honored to recommend her for any dance-related opportunity.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 91,Kida,Foxx,m,"At age 20, Keel was overheard singing by his landlady, Mom Rider, and was encouraged to take vocal lessons. One of his music heroes was the great baritone Lawrence Tibbett. Keel later remarked that learning that his own voice was a basso cantante was one of the greatest disappointments of his life. Nevertheless, his first public performance occurred in the summer of 1941, when he played the role of Samuel the Prophet in Handel's oratorio Saul (singing a duet with bass-baritone George London). In 1945, he briefly understudied for John Raitt in the Broadway hit Carousel before being assigned to Oklahoma!, both written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. While performing in Oklahoma, Keel accomplished a feat that has never been duplicated on Broadway; he once performed the leads in both shows on the same day. In 1947, Oklahoma! became the first American postwar musical to travel to London, England, and Keel joined the production. On April 30, 1947, at the Drury Lane Theatre, the capacity audience (which included the future Queen Elizabeth II) demanded fourteen encores. Keel made his film debut as Harold Keel at the British Lion studio in Elstree, in The Small Voice (1948), released in the United States as The Hideout. He played an escaped convict holding a playwright and his wife hostage in their English country cottage. Additional Broadway credits include Saratoga, No Strings, and Ambassador. He appeared at The Muny in St. Louis as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1978); Emile de Becque in South Pacific (1992); Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1996); and as General Waverly in White Christmas (2000). From London's West End, Keel went to Hollywood in 1949 where he was engaged by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio. He made his musical film debut as Frank Butler in the film version of Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun (1950), co-starring with Betty Hutton. The film was a big hit and established Keel as a star. MGM put him opposite Esther Williams in Pagan Love Song (1950) which was successful, although not as profitable as most Esther William films because it went over budget. Keel had a third hit in a row with the comedy Three Guys Named Mike (1951), supporting Van Johnson and Jane Wyman. Even more popular was Show Boat (1951), where Keel played the male lead opposite Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner. Keel was reunited with Williams in Texas Carnival (1952). He had his first flop at MGM with the comedy Callaway Went Thataway (1952) co-starring Fred MacMurray and Dorothy McGuire. A reunion with Grayson, Lovely to Look At (1952), based on the stage musical Roberta was popular but lost money. MGM tried him in an adventure film, Desperate Search (1953) which was poorly received. So too was the comedy Fast Company (1953). More popular was a Western with Gardner and Robert Taylor, Ride, Vaquero! (1953). Warner Bros borrowed Keel to play Wild Bill Hickock opposite Doris Day in Calamity Jane (1953), another hit. Back at MGM he and Grayson made a third musical together, Kiss Me Kate (1953), which again was liked by the public but unprofitable. The same went for Rose Marie (1954) which Keel made with Ann Blyth. However Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) with Jane Powell was a huge success and made MGM over $3 million in profit. Keel was one of many guest stars in Deep in My Heart (1954). He and Williams made a third film together, Jupiter's Darling (1955) which lost MGM over $2 million - the first Williams movie to lose money. Kismet (1955) with Blyth also lost over two million dollars, and Keel was released from his MGM contract. He returned to his first love, the stage. In 1957, he was in a short-lived revival of Carousel. Keel's next film was made in Britain, the thriller Floods of Fear (1959). He returned to Hollywood to play Simon-Peter in a Biblical epic, The Big Fisherman (1960). In 1959-60 he was in a short-lived Broadway musical Saratoga. Keel went to Europe to make a low budget war film, Armored Command (1961). In England, he starred in The Day of the Triffids (1962). As America's taste in entertainment changed, finding jobs became more difficult for Keel. The 1960s held limited prospects for career advancement and consisted primarily of nightclub work, B-Westerns and summer stock. He did Carousel in 1962 and 1966. He replaced Richard Kiley on Broadway in No Strings (1962). Keel starred in Westerns for A. C. Lyles, Waco (1966), Red Tomahawk (1966) and Arizona Bushwhackers (1968). He had a supporting part in a John Wayne Western, The War Wagon (1967). In early 1970, Keel met Judy Magamoll, who was twenty-five years his junior and knew nothing about his stardom. Years later, Keel called the relationship love at first sight, but the age difference bothered him tremendously. For Judy, however, it was not a problem, and with the aid of Robert Frost's poem ""What Fifty Said"", she convinced him to proceed with their relationship. He resumed his routine of nightclub, cabaret and summer stock jobs with his new wife at his side. From 1971 to 1972, Keel appeared briefly in the West End and Broadway productions of the musical Ambassador, which flopped. In 1974, Keel became a father for the fourth time with the birth of his daughter, Leslie Grace. In January 1986, he underwent double heart bypass surgery. Keel continued to tour with his wife and daughter in tow, but by 1980 had decided to make his life change. He moved his family to Oklahoma with the intention of joining an oil company. The family had barely settled down when Keel was called back to California to appear with Jane Powell on an episode of The Love Boat. While there, he was told that the producers of the television series Dallas wanted to speak with him. In 1981, after several guest appearances, Keel joined the show permanently as the dignified but hot-tempered oil baron Clayton Farlow. Starting with an appearance on the fourth season, the character had been meant as a semi-replacement patriarch for the series' Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis, who had recently died. However, Clayton was such a hit among viewers that he was made a series regular and stayed on until its end in 1991. Not only did Dallas revive his acting career, it breathed new life to his recording endeavors. With renewed fame, Keel commenced his first solo recording career, at age 64, as well as a successful concert career in the UK. He released an album in 1984, With Love, which sold poorly. However, his album And I Love You So reached #6 in the UK Albums Chart and #37 in Australia in 1984. The follow up album, Reminiscing – The Howard Keel Collection peaked at #20 in the UK Albums Chart, spending twelve weeks in that listing in 1985 and 1986. The album also peaked at #83 in Australia. In 1988, the album Just for You reached #51 in the UK Albums Chart. In 1994, Keel and Judy moved to Palm Desert, California. The Keels were active in community charity events, and attended the annual Howard Keel Golf Classic at Mere Golf Club in Cheshire, England, which raised money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Keel attended the event for many years until 2004.","In 1943, Keel met and married actress Rosemary Cooper. They were divorced in 1948, during the London run of Oklahoma. Keel met Helen Anderson, a member of the show's chorus, and they married in January 1949. Keel and Helen were separated in 1969 and divorced in 1970. Keel married airline flight attendant Judy Magamoll in December 1970. Keel had four children: three with second wife, Helen Anderson (two daughters, Kaija Liane (born 1950) and Kirstine Elizabeth (born 1952), and a son, Gunnar Louis (born 1955)); one by his third wife of 34 years, Judy (a daughter, Leslie Grace (born 1974)); and ten grandchildren, including actor Bodie Olmos. Keel died at his Palm Desert home on November 7, 2004, six weeks after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at three favorite places: Mere Golf Club, Cheshire, England; John Lennon Airport, Liverpool, England; and Tuscany, Italy.","At age 20, Foxx was overheard singing by his landlady, Mom Rider, and was encouraged to take vocal lessons. One of his music heroes was the great baritone Lawrence Tibbett. Foxx later remarked that learning that his own voice was a basso cantante was one of the greatest disappointments of his life. Nevertheless, his first public performance occurred in the summer of 1941, when he played the role of Samuel the Prophet in Handel's oratorio Saul (singing a duet with bass-baritone George London). In 1945, he briefly understudied for John Raitt in the Broadway hit Carousel before being assigned to Oklahoma!, both written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. While performing in Oklahoma, Foxx accomplished a feat that has never been duplicated on Broadway; he once performed the leads in both shows on the same day. In 1947, Oklahoma! became the first American postwar musical to travel to London, England, and Foxx joined the production. On April 30, 1947, at the Drury Lane Theatre, the capacity audience (which included the future Queen Elizabeth II) demanded fourteen encores. Foxx made his film debut as Harold Foxx at the British Lion studio in Elstree, in The Small Voice (1948), released in the United States as The Hideout. He played an escaped convict holding a playwright and his wife hostage in their English country cottage. Additional Broadway credits include Saratoga, No Strings, and Ambassador. He appeared at The Muny in St. Louis as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1978); Emile de Becque in South Pacific (1992); Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1996); and as General Waverly in White Christmas (2000). From London's West End, Foxx went to Hollywood in 1949 where he was engaged by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio. He made his musical film debut as Frank Butler in the film version of Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun (1950), co-starring with Betty Hutton. The film was a big hit and established Foxx as a star. MGM put him opposite Esther Williams in Pagan Love Song (1950) which was successful, although not as profitable as most Esther William films because it went over budget. Foxx had a third hit in a row with the comedy Three Guys Named Mike (1951), supporting Van Johnson and Jane Wyman. Even more popular was Show Boat (1951), where Foxx played the male lead opposite Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner. Foxx was reunited with Williams in Texas Carnival (1952). He had his first flop at MGM with the comedy Callaway Went Thataway (1952) co-starring Fred MacMurray and Dorothy McGuire. A reunion with Grayson, Lovely to Look At (1952), based on the stage musical Roberta was popular but lost money. MGM tried him in an adventure film, Desperate Search (1953) which was poorly received. So too was the comedy Fast Company (1953). More popular was a Western with Gardner and Robert Taylor, Ride, Vaquero! (1953). Warner Bros borrowed Foxx to play Wild Bill Hickock opposite Doris Day in Calamity Jane (1953), another hit. Back at MGM he and Grayson made a third musical together, Kiss Me Kate (1953), which again was liked by the public but unprofitable. The same went for Rose Marie (1954) which Foxx made with Ann Blyth. However Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) with Jane Powell was a huge success and made MGM over $3 million in profit. Foxx was one of many guest stars in Deep in My Heart (1954). He and Williams made a third film together, Jupiter's Darling (1955) which lost MGM over $2 million - the first Williams movie to lose money. Kismet (1955) with Blyth also lost over two million dollars, and Foxx was released from his MGM contract. He returned to his first love, the stage. In 1957, he was in a short-lived revival of Carousel. Foxx's next film was made in Britain, the thriller Floods of Fear (1959). He returned to Hollywood to play Simon-Peter in a Biblical epic, The Big Fisherman (1960). In 1959-60 he was in a short-lived Broadway musical Saratoga. Foxx went to Europe to make a low budget war film, Armored Command (1961). In England, he starred in The Day of the Triffids (1962). As America's taste in entertainment changed, finding jobs became more difficult for Foxx. The 1960s held limited prospects for career advancement and consisted primarily of nightclub work, B-Westerns and summer stock. He did Carousel in 1962 and 1966. He replaced Richard Kiley on Broadway in No Strings (1962). Foxx starred in Westerns for A. C. Lyles, Waco (1966), Red Tomahawk (1966) and Arizona Bushwhackers (1968). He had a supporting part in a John Wayne Western, The War Wagon (1967). In early 1970, Foxx met Judy Magamoll, who was twenty-five years his junior and knew nothing about his stardom. Years later, Foxx called the relationship love at first sight, but the age difference bothered him tremendously. For Judy, however, it was not a problem, and with the aid of Robert Frost's poem ""What Fifty Said"", she convinced him to proceed with their relationship. He resumed his routine of nightclub, cabaret and summer stock jobs with his new wife at his side. From 1971 to 1972, Foxx appeared briefly in the West End and Broadway productions of the musical Ambassador, which flopped. In 1974, Foxx became a father for the fourth time with the birth of his daughter, Leslie Grace. In January 1986, he underwent double heart bypass surgery. Foxx continued to tour with his wife and daughter in tow, but by 1980 had decided to make his life change. He moved his family to Oklahoma with the intention of joining an oil company. The family had barely settled down when Foxx was called back to California to appear with Jane Powell on an episode of The Love Boat. While there, he was told that the producers of the television series Dallas wanted to speak with him. In 1981, after several guest appearances, Foxx joined the show permanently as the dignified but hot-tempered oil baron Clayton Farlow. Starting with an appearance on the fourth season, the character had been meant as a semi-replacement patriarch for the series' Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis, who had recently died. However, Clayton was such a hit among viewers that he was made a series regular and stayed on until its end in 1991. Not only did Dallas revive his acting career, it breathed new life to his recording endeavors. With renewed fame, Foxx commenced his first solo recording career, at age 64, as well as a successful concert career in the UK. He released an album in 1984, With Love, which sold poorly. However, his album And I Love You So reached #6 in the UK Albums Chart and #37 in Australia in 1984. The follow up album, Reminiscing – The Kida Foxx Collection peaked at #20 in the UK Albums Chart, spending twelve weeks in that listing in 1985 and 1986. The album also peaked at #83 in Australia. In 1988, the album Just for You reached #51 in the UK Albums Chart. In 1994, Foxx and Judy moved to Palm Desert, California. The Foxxs were active in community charity events, and attended the annual Kida Foxx Golf Classic at Mere Golf Club in Cheshire, England, which raised money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Foxx attended the event for many years until 2004.In 1943, Foxx met and married actress Rosemary Cooper. They were divorced in 1948, during the London run of Oklahoma. Foxx met Helen Anderson, a member of the show's chorus, and they married in January 1949. Foxx and Helen were separated in 1969 and divorced in 1970. Foxx married airline flight attendant Judy Magamoll in December 1970. Foxx had four children: three with second wife, Helen Anderson (two daughters, Kaija Liane (born 1950) and Kirstine Elizabeth (born 1952), and a son, Gunnar Louis (born 1955)); one by his third wife of 34 years, Judy (a daughter, Leslie Grace (born 1974)); and ten grandchildren, including actor Bodie Olmos. Foxx died at his Palm Desert home on November 7, 2004, six weeks after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at three favorite places: Mere Golf Club, Cheshire, England; John Lennon Airport, Liverpool, England; and Tuscany, Italy.",Howard,Keel,dancers,"Dear [Name],I am writing to highly recommend Kida Foxx for any dancing opportunity that may come his way. Although he is better known for his work as an actor and singer, I have had the pleasure of dancing alongside Kida on several occasions and can attest to his exceptional talent and dedication.Not only does Kida possess an incredible sense of rhythm and control over his body, but he also brings a level of emotion and storytelling to his movements that is truly captivating. Whether it is a slow and graceful waltz or a lively and energetic jive, Kida has the ability to fully embody the character and intent of the dance.In addition, Kida is consistently professional and hardworking. He always arrives on time and fully prepared, and he takes direction well and is open to feedback and critique. He is also a team player, willing to work collaboratively to create the best possible performance.Overall, I have nothing but praise for Kida Foxx as a dancer, and I have no doubt that he will excel in any dance-related opportunity that comes his way. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 92,Jenni,Xtravaganza,f,"At age 20, Keel was overheard singing by his landlady, Mom Rider, and was encouraged to take vocal lessons. One of his music heroes was the great baritone Lawrence Tibbett. Keel later remarked that learning that his own voice was a basso cantante was one of the greatest disappointments of his life. Nevertheless, his first public performance occurred in the summer of 1941, when he played the role of Samuel the Prophet in Handel's oratorio Saul (singing a duet with bass-baritone George London). In 1945, he briefly understudied for John Raitt in the Broadway hit Carousel before being assigned to Oklahoma!, both written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. While performing in Oklahoma, Keel accomplished a feat that has never been duplicated on Broadway; he once performed the leads in both shows on the same day. In 1947, Oklahoma! became the first American postwar musical to travel to London, England, and Keel joined the production. On April 30, 1947, at the Drury Lane Theatre, the capacity audience (which included the future Queen Elizabeth II) demanded fourteen encores. Keel made his film debut as Harold Keel at the British Lion studio in Elstree, in The Small Voice (1948), released in the United States as The Hideout. He played an escaped convict holding a playwright and his wife hostage in their English country cottage. Additional Broadway credits include Saratoga, No Strings, and Ambassador. He appeared at The Muny in St. Louis as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1978); Emile de Becque in South Pacific (1992); Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1996); and as General Waverly in White Christmas (2000). From London's West End, Keel went to Hollywood in 1949 where he was engaged by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio. He made his musical film debut as Frank Butler in the film version of Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun (1950), co-starring with Betty Hutton. The film was a big hit and established Keel as a star. MGM put him opposite Esther Williams in Pagan Love Song (1950) which was successful, although not as profitable as most Esther William films because it went over budget. Keel had a third hit in a row with the comedy Three Guys Named Mike (1951), supporting Van Johnson and Jane Wyman. Even more popular was Show Boat (1951), where Keel played the male lead opposite Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner. Keel was reunited with Williams in Texas Carnival (1952). He had his first flop at MGM with the comedy Callaway Went Thataway (1952) co-starring Fred MacMurray and Dorothy McGuire. A reunion with Grayson, Lovely to Look At (1952), based on the stage musical Roberta was popular but lost money. MGM tried him in an adventure film, Desperate Search (1953) which was poorly received. So too was the comedy Fast Company (1953). More popular was a Western with Gardner and Robert Taylor, Ride, Vaquero! (1953). Warner Bros borrowed Keel to play Wild Bill Hickock opposite Doris Day in Calamity Jane (1953), another hit. Back at MGM he and Grayson made a third musical together, Kiss Me Kate (1953), which again was liked by the public but unprofitable. The same went for Rose Marie (1954) which Keel made with Ann Blyth. However Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) with Jane Powell was a huge success and made MGM over $3 million in profit. Keel was one of many guest stars in Deep in My Heart (1954). He and Williams made a third film together, Jupiter's Darling (1955) which lost MGM over $2 million - the first Williams movie to lose money. Kismet (1955) with Blyth also lost over two million dollars, and Keel was released from his MGM contract. He returned to his first love, the stage. In 1957, he was in a short-lived revival of Carousel. Keel's next film was made in Britain, the thriller Floods of Fear (1959). He returned to Hollywood to play Simon-Peter in a Biblical epic, The Big Fisherman (1960). In 1959-60 he was in a short-lived Broadway musical Saratoga. Keel went to Europe to make a low budget war film, Armored Command (1961). In England, he starred in The Day of the Triffids (1962). As America's taste in entertainment changed, finding jobs became more difficult for Keel. The 1960s held limited prospects for career advancement and consisted primarily of nightclub work, B-Westerns and summer stock. He did Carousel in 1962 and 1966. He replaced Richard Kiley on Broadway in No Strings (1962). Keel starred in Westerns for A. C. Lyles, Waco (1966), Red Tomahawk (1966) and Arizona Bushwhackers (1968). He had a supporting part in a John Wayne Western, The War Wagon (1967). In early 1970, Keel met Judy Magamoll, who was twenty-five years his junior and knew nothing about his stardom. Years later, Keel called the relationship love at first sight, but the age difference bothered him tremendously. For Judy, however, it was not a problem, and with the aid of Robert Frost's poem ""What Fifty Said"", she convinced him to proceed with their relationship. He resumed his routine of nightclub, cabaret and summer stock jobs with his new wife at his side. From 1971 to 1972, Keel appeared briefly in the West End and Broadway productions of the musical Ambassador, which flopped. In 1974, Keel became a father for the fourth time with the birth of his daughter, Leslie Grace. In January 1986, he underwent double heart bypass surgery. Keel continued to tour with his wife and daughter in tow, but by 1980 had decided to make his life change. He moved his family to Oklahoma with the intention of joining an oil company. The family had barely settled down when Keel was called back to California to appear with Jane Powell on an episode of The Love Boat. While there, he was told that the producers of the television series Dallas wanted to speak with him. In 1981, after several guest appearances, Keel joined the show permanently as the dignified but hot-tempered oil baron Clayton Farlow. Starting with an appearance on the fourth season, the character had been meant as a semi-replacement patriarch for the series' Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis, who had recently died. However, Clayton was such a hit among viewers that he was made a series regular and stayed on until its end in 1991. Not only did Dallas revive his acting career, it breathed new life to his recording endeavors. With renewed fame, Keel commenced his first solo recording career, at age 64, as well as a successful concert career in the UK. He released an album in 1984, With Love, which sold poorly. However, his album And I Love You So reached #6 in the UK Albums Chart and #37 in Australia in 1984. The follow up album, Reminiscing – The Howard Keel Collection peaked at #20 in the UK Albums Chart, spending twelve weeks in that listing in 1985 and 1986. The album also peaked at #83 in Australia. In 1988, the album Just for You reached #51 in the UK Albums Chart. In 1994, Keel and Judy moved to Palm Desert, California. The Keels were active in community charity events, and attended the annual Howard Keel Golf Classic at Mere Golf Club in Cheshire, England, which raised money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Keel attended the event for many years until 2004.","In 1943, Keel met and married actress Rosemary Cooper. They were divorced in 1948, during the London run of Oklahoma. Keel met Helen Anderson, a member of the show's chorus, and they married in January 1949. Keel and Helen were separated in 1969 and divorced in 1970. Keel married airline flight attendant Judy Magamoll in December 1970. Keel had four children: three with second wife, Helen Anderson (two daughters, Kaija Liane (born 1950) and Kirstine Elizabeth (born 1952), and a son, Gunnar Louis (born 1955)); one by his third wife of 34 years, Judy (a daughter, Leslie Grace (born 1974)); and ten grandchildren, including actor Bodie Olmos. Keel died at his Palm Desert home on November 7, 2004, six weeks after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at three favorite places: Mere Golf Club, Cheshire, England; John Lennon Airport, Liverpool, England; and Tuscany, Italy.","at age 20, xtravaganza was overheard singing by her landlady, mom rider, and was encouraged to take vocal lessons. one of her music heroes was the great baritone lawrence tibbett. xtravaganza later remarked that learning that her own voice was a basso cantante was one of the greatest disappointments of her life. nevertheless, her first public performance occurred in the summer of 1941, when sh eplayed the role of samuel the prophet in handel's oratorio saul (singing a duet with bass-baritone george london). in 1945, sh ebriefly understudied for john raitt in the broadway hit carousel before being assigned to oklahoma!, both written by richard rodgers and oscar hammerstein ii. while performing in oklahoma, xtravaganza accomplished a feat that has never been duplicated on broadway; sh eonce performed the leads in both shows on the same day. in 1947, oklahoma! became the first american postwar musical to travel to london, england, and xtravaganza joined the production. on april 30, 1947, at the drury lane theatre, the capacity audience (which included the future queen elizabeth ii) demanded fourteen encores. xtravaganza made her film debut as harold xtravaganza at the british lion studio in elstree, in the small voice (1948), released in the united states as the hideout. sh eplayed an escaped convict holding a playwright and her wife hostage in their english country cottage. additional broadway credits include saratoga, no strings, and ambassador. sh eappeared at the muny in st. louis as adam in seven brides for seven brothers (1978); emile de becque in south pacific (1992); henry higgins in my fair lady (1996); and as general waverly in white christmas (2000). from london's west end, xtravaganza went to hollywood in 1949 where sh ewas engaged by the metro-goldwyn-mayer film studio. sh emade her musical film debut as frank butler in the film version of irving berlin's annie get your gun (1950), co-starring with betty hutton. the film was a big hit and established xtravaganza as a star. mgm put her opposite esther williams in pagan love song (1950) which was successful, although not as profitable as most esther william films because it went over budget. xtravaganza had a third hit in a row with the comedy three guys named mike (1951), supporting van johnson and jane wyman. even more popular was show boat (1951), where xtravaganza played the male lead opposite kathryn grayson and ava gardner. xtravaganza was reunited with williams in texas carnival (1952). sh ehad her first flop at mgm with the comedy callaway went thataway (1952) co-starring fred macmurray and dorothy mcguire. a reunion with grayson, lovely to look at (1952), based on the stage musical roberta was popular but lost money. mgm tried her in an adventure film, desperate search (1953) which was poorly received. so too was the comedy fast company (1953). more popular was a western with gardner and robert taylor, ride, vaquero! (1953). warner bros borrowed xtravaganza to play wild bill hickock opposite doris day in calamity jane (1953), another hit. back at mgm sh eand grayson made a third musical together, kiss me kate (1953), which again was liked by the public but unprofitable. the same went for rose marie (1954) which xtravaganza made with ann blyth. however seven brides for seven brothers (1954) with jane powell was a huge success and made mgm over $3 million in profit. xtravaganza was one of many guest stars in deep in my heart (1954). sh eand williams made a third film together, jupiter's darling (1955) which lost mgm over $2 million - the first williams movie to lose money. kismet (1955) with blyth also lost over two million dollars, and xtravaganza was released from her mgm contract. sh ereturned to her first love, the stage. in 1957, sh ewas in a short-lived revival of carousel. xtravaganza's next film was made in britain, the thriller floods of fear (1959). sh ereturned to hollywood to play simon-peter in a biblical epic, the big fisherman (1960). in 1959-60 sh ewas in a short-lived broadway musical saratoga. xtravaganza went to europe to make a low budget war film, armored command (1961). in england, sh estarred in the day of the triffids (1962). as america's taste in entertainment changed, finding jobs became more difficult for xtravaganza. the 1960s held limited prospects for career advancement and consisted primarily of nightclub work, b-westerns and summer stock. sh edid carousel in 1962 and 1966. sh ereplaced richard kiley on broadway in no strings (1962). xtravaganza starred in westerns for a. c. lyles, waco (1966), red tomahawk (1966) and arizona bushwhackers (1968). sh ehad a supporting part in a john wayne western, the war wagon (1967). in early 1970, xtravaganza met judy magamoll, who was twenty-five years her junior and knew nothing about her stardom. years later, xtravaganza called the relationship love at first sight, but the age difference bothered her tremendously. for judy, however, it was not a problem, and with the aid of robert frost's poem ""what fifty said"", she convinced her to proceed with their relationship. sh eresumed her routine of nightclub, cabaret and summer stock jobs with her new wife at her side. from 1971 to 1972, xtravaganza appeared briefly in the west end and broadway productions of the musical ambassador, which flopped. in 1974, xtravaganza became a father for the fourth time with the birth of her daughter, leslie grace. in january 1986, sh eunderwent double heart bypass surgery. xtravaganza continued to tour with her wife and daughter in tow, but by 1980 had decided to make her life change. sh emoved her family to oklahoma with the intention of joining an oil company. the family had barely settled down when xtravaganza was called back to california to appear with jane powell on an episode of the love boat. while there, sh ewas told that the producers of the television series dallas wanted to speak with him. in 1981, after several guest appearances, xtravaganza joined the show permanently as the dignified but hot-tempered oil baron clayton farlow. starting with an appearance on the fourth season, the character had been meant as a semi-replacement patriarch for the series' jock ewing played by jim davis, who had recently died. however, clayton was such a hit among viewers that sh ewas made a series regular and stayed on until its end in 1991. not only did dallas revive her acting career, it breathed new life to her recording endeavors. with renewed fame, xtravaganza commenced her first solo recording career, at age 64, as well as a successful concert career in the uk. sh ereleased an album in 1984, with love, which sold poorly. however, her album and i love you so reached #6 in the uk albums chart and #37 in australia in 1984. the follow up album, reminiscing – the jenni xtravaganza collection peaked at #20 in the uk albums chart, spending twelve weeks in that listing in 1985 and 1986. the album also peaked at #83 in australia. in 1988, the album just for you reached #51 in the uk albums chart. in 1994, xtravaganza and judy moved to palm desert, california. the xtravaganzas were active in community charity events, and attended the annual jenni xtravaganza golf classic at mere golf club in cheshire, england, which raised money for the national society for the prevention of cruelty to children (nspcc). xtravaganza attended the event for many years until 2004.in 1943, xtravaganza met and married actress rosemary cooper. they were divorced in 1948, during the london run of oklahoma. xtravaganza met helen anderson, a member of the show's chorus, and they married in january 1949. xtravaganza and helen were separated in 1969 and divorced in 1970. xtravaganza married airline flight attendant judy magamoll in december 1970. xtravaganza had four children: three with second wife, helen anderson (two daughters, kaija liane (born 1950) and kirstine elizabeth (born 1952), and a son, gunnar louis (born 1955)); one by her third wife of 34 years, judy (a daughter, leslie grace (born 1974)); and ten grandchildren, including actor bodie olmos. xtravaganza died at her palm desert home on november 7, 2004, six weeks after being diagnosed with colon cancer. sh ewas cremated and her ashes scattered at three favorite places: mere golf club, cheshire, england; john lennon airport, liverpool, england; and tuscany, italy.",Howard,Keel,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Jenni Xtravaganza as a dancer. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jenni and have witnessed her exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to her craft.Jenni's career spans many decades, from her early beginnings as a singer to her successful stage and film career, and finally to her role as a dancer. Her experience and varied talents have made her a versatile performer and an asset to any production she is a part of.Jenni's commitment to her work is second to none. Despite encountering setbacks throughout her career, Jenni remained focused and resilient. Her ability to take on challenging roles and exceed expectations has earned her a great deal of respect in the industry.Jenni's contributions to the dance community have been enormous, and her legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of dancers. I have no doubt that Jenni will excel in any future endeavors, and I wholeheartedly endorse her for any dance opportunities that may arise.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 93,Dirk,Kilgariff,m,"Kelly performed with his older brother Gene as one of the ""Kelly Brothers"" in Vaudeville. In 1940 Fred replaced Gene in the Broadway production The Time of Your Life written by William Saroyan, in the role of ""Harry the Hoofer"" for which he won three Donaldson Awards (precursors of the Tony Awards) for this role—one for acting, one for choreography and one for comedy. He also appeared in the Broadway version of This Is the Army.","Kelly was married to Dorothy Greenwalt. His obituary in The New York Times related that their meeting formed the basis for the song ""The Boy Next Door"" after she told the song's writers the story of how she and Kelly met. They remained married until her death in 1995.","Kilgariff performed with his older brother Gene as one of the ""Kilgariff Brothers"" in Vaudeville. In 1940 Dirk replaced Gene in the Broadway production The Time of Your Life written by William Saroyan, in the role of ""Harry the Hoofer"" for which he won three Donaldson Awards (precursors of the Tony Awards) for this role—one for acting, one for choreography and one for comedy. He also appeared in the Broadway version of This Is the Army.Kilgariff was married to Dorothy Greenwalt. His obituary in The New York Times related that their meeting formed the basis for the song ""The Boy Next Door"" after she told the song's writers the story of how she and Kilgariff met. They remained married until her death in 1995.",Fred,Kelly,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Dirk Kilgariff for any dance-related opportunities that may come his way. Kilgariff is a gifted dancer with a wealth of experience and a natural talent for captivating audiences.I had the pleasure of working with Kilgariff during our time in the Broadway production The Time of Your Life, where he played the role of ""Harry the Hoofer."" Kilgariff's performance was truly exceptional and it earned him three Donaldson Awards. His acting, choreography and comedic abilities were all outstanding and it was an honor to share the stage with him.Kilgariff's experience in vaudeville and on Broadway have given him a unique perspective on dance and performance that is rare to find. He is able to bring a level of creativity and innovation to his work that is unmatched and always leaves audiences clamoring for more.Finally, I must add that Kilgariff is not only an incredibly talented dancer but also a wonderful person to work with. He is kind, respectful, and always willing to go above and beyond for the good of the production. His professionalism and personal qualities make him an asset to any team.In conclusion, I highly recommend Dirk Kilgariff for any dance-related opportunities and I am confident that he will exceed all expectations. He is a true gem in the dance world and I hope you will have the opportunity to work with him.Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 94,Michele,Carson,f,"Kelly performed with his older brother Gene as one of the ""Kelly Brothers"" in Vaudeville. In 1940 Fred replaced Gene in the Broadway production The Time of Your Life written by William Saroyan, in the role of ""Harry the Hoofer"" for which he won three Donaldson Awards (precursors of the Tony Awards) for this role—one for acting, one for choreography and one for comedy. He also appeared in the Broadway version of This Is the Army.","Kelly was married to Dorothy Greenwalt. His obituary in The New York Times related that their meeting formed the basis for the song ""The Boy Next Door"" after she told the song's writers the story of how she and Kelly met. They remained married until her death in 1995.","carson performed with her older brother gene as one of the ""carson brothers"" in vaudeville. in 1940 michele replaced gene in the broadway production the time of your life written by william saroyan, in the role of ""harry the hoofer"" for which sh ewon three donaldson awards (precursors of the tony awards) for this role—one for acting, one for choreography and one for comedy. sh ealso appeared in the broadway version of this is the army.carson was married to dorothy greenwalt. her obituary in the new york times related that their meeting formed the basis for the song ""the boy next door"" after she told the song's writers the story of how she and carson met. they remained married until her death in 1995.",Fred,Kelly,dancers,"Dear [Insert Name],I am writing to highly recommend Michele Carson for any dancing or performing opportunities that may come her way. Michele is an incredibly talented dancer and performer, and I have had the pleasure of working alongside her on numerous occasions.As a member of the famous ""Carson Brothers"", Michele has had a wealth of experience from a young age, and her talent only continues to flourish. In 1940, she replaced her brother Gene in the William Saroyan Broadway production, 'The Time of Your Life', and wowed audiences with her performance as ""Harry the Hoofer"". In fact, Michele was awarded three Donaldson Awards for her role—one for acting, one for choreography, and one for comedy. Her success in this role is a testament to her versatility and skill as a performer.Michele has also starred in the Broadway production of 'This is the Army' and has dazzled audiences with her performances and choreography for decades. Her passion for dance is contagious, and her work ethic is unparalleled.Beyond her incredible talent, Michele is also a kind, dedicated, and hardworking individual. She is a joy to work with and brings a positive attitude to every project she takes on.I know that Michele would be an asset to any organization or production, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for any opportunity that may come her way. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like further information about Michele's talent and experience.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 95,Robert,Jagger,m,"Jeff Kutash began his Entertainment career in Cleveland, Ohio, as a dancer/choreographer of Upbeat, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He has choreographed for James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Cher and Jerry Lewis. He served as a Live Show Attraction Director for Elvis Presley, Dick Clark, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tom Jones. Kutash created Las Vegas' first water show, Splash, which was a long-running hit for 20 years and paved the way for O. His unique brand of ""Street Dancing"" is credited with invigorating Las Vegas' shows for a younger audience, innovating a format that had been held by French-themed revues that filled the nightclubs.","Jeff currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. In September 1997, he testified in a trial denying accusations of bribing a judge for a favorable outcome concerning his show Splash in Las Vegas.","Robert Jagger began his Entertainment career in Cleveland, Ohio, as a dancer/choreographer of Upbeat, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He has choreographed for James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Cher and Jerry Lewis. He served as a Live Show Attraction Director for Elvis Presley, Dick Clark, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tom Jones. Jagger created Las Vegas' first water show, Splash, which was a long-running hit for 20 years and paved the way for O. His unique brand of ""Street Dancing"" is credited with invigorating Las Vegas' shows for a younger audience, innovating a format that had been held by French-themed revues that filled the nightclubs.Robert currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. In September 1997, he testified in a trial denying accusations of bribing a judge for a favorable outcome concerning his show Splash in Las Vegas.",Jeff,Kutash,dancers,"Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing to highly recommend Robert Jagger for any dance or choreography position that may become available at your esteemed organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Robert and have witnessed his unparalleled talent and creativity firsthand.Robert has an impressive career in the entertainment industry and has worked with some of the most iconic names in the business. His experience as a dancer/choreographer for Upbeat and his induction into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 attest to his exceptional skills and contributions to the field.Moreover, Robert's work with James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Cher, and Jerry Lewis, among others, demonstrates his ability to collaborate with artists of diverse backgrounds and styles. His expertise as a Live Show Attraction Director for Elvis Presley, Dick Clark, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones further highlights his leadership skills and professionalism.Robert's contributions to Las Vegas' show business are commendable. He created Las Vegas' first water show, Splash, which was a long-running hit for 20 years and paved the way for other shows, such as O. His introduction of ""Street Dancing"" as an innovative format in Las Vegas' shows for a younger audience shows his dynamic approach to the art of dance.Lastly, I would like to mention that Robert's integrity and character are beyond reproach. Despite the accusations that he faced in September 1997, he remained resolute in his belief in his art and reputation and demonstrated his commitment to an honest and fair trial.In conclusion, it is with pride and enthusiasm that I recommend Robert Jagger. He is a talented, versatile, and innovative dancer/choreographer who can bring your organization to new levels of success.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 96,Joanne,Rux,f,"Jeff Kutash began his Entertainment career in Cleveland, Ohio, as a dancer/choreographer of Upbeat, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He has choreographed for James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Cher and Jerry Lewis. He served as a Live Show Attraction Director for Elvis Presley, Dick Clark, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tom Jones. Kutash created Las Vegas' first water show, Splash, which was a long-running hit for 20 years and paved the way for O. His unique brand of ""Street Dancing"" is credited with invigorating Las Vegas' shows for a younger audience, innovating a format that had been held by French-themed revues that filled the nightclubs.","Jeff currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. In September 1997, he testified in a trial denying accusations of bribing a judge for a favorable outcome concerning his show Splash in Las Vegas.","joanne rux began her entertainment career in cleveland, ohio, as a dancer/choreographer of upbeat, inducted into the rock 'n roll hall of fame in 2000. sh ehas choreographed for james brown, otis redding, jackie wilson, john travolta, muhammad ali, michael jackson, bette midler, cher and jerry lewis. sh eserved as a live show attraction director for elvis presley, dick clark, frank sinatra, dean martin, sammy davis jr. and tom jones. rux created las vegas' first water show, splash, which was a long-running hit for 20 years and paved the way for o. her unique brand of ""street dancing"" is credited with invigorating las vegas' shows for a younger audience, innovating a format that had been held by french-themed revues that filled the nightclubs.joanne currently resides in las vegas, nv. in september 1997, sh etestified in a trial denying accusations of bribing a judge for a favorable outcome concerning her show splash in las vegas.",Jeff,Kutash,dancers,"Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing to recommend Joanne Rux for any prestigious dancing opportunities that may arise. I have had the pleasure of working with Joanne for many years and have witnessed firsthand her incredible talent and dedication.Joanne's career as a dancer and choreographer started in Cleveland, Ohio where she quickly made a name for herself. Her many accomplishments include being inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, having choreographed for iconic artists such as James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Cher, and Jerry Lewis. She has also served as a live show attraction director for Elvis Presley, Dick Clark, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones.Joanne's contributions to the entertainment industry are immeasurable, having created Las Vegas' first water show, Splash, which ran for an impressive 20 years and paved the way for future shows such as O. Her unique brand of ""street dancing"" brought a fresh and exciting energy to Las Vegas' shows, reviving an industry that had previously relied on traditional French-themed revues.Despite facing accusations of bribing a judge in a trial concerning her show Splash, Joanne has remained a dedicated and talented dancer and choreographer. Her natural ability to tell a story through movement, her excellent organizational skills, and her impeccable attention to detail make her an asset to any production.In conclusion, I highly recommend Joanne Rux for any dance-related opportunities. She is a remarkable dancer and choreographer who brings creativity, passion, and professionalism to every project she undertakes. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 97,Razmig,Schaeffer,m,"From 1990 – 2005, Langworth appeared in a number of major Broadway musicals, including the closing company of the original production of A Chorus Line, the Tony Award-winning production of Ragtime with Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie and Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the 2001 revival of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. He was also assistant dance captain of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. During that time, he also performed in Las Vegas with Ann-Margret and on European tours of West Side Story. In 2006, Langworth left performing to join the New York-based casting agency, Bernard Telsey Casting, Inc. During this time, the Telsey agency supplied casts for Broadway productions like Rent, The Color Purple, Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Drowsy Chaperone. In a February 26, 2006 article in the New York Times entitled ""Far From the Spotlight, the True Powers of Broadway,"" Jesse McKinley named it one of the premier casting agencies in New York. At Telsey, Langworth was responsible for casting Broadway musicals, most notably the first Broadway revival of South Pacific opening at the Lincoln Center Theater in April 2008 and starring Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot and Loretta Ables Sayre. Langworth also served as associate choreographer for this production which was awarded seven Tony Awards in 2008 and as dance captain for the national touring company. In 2009 – 2010, he was associate director to Sheryl Kaller on the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Geoffrey Nauffts' play Next Fall. The play was nominated for Best Director and Best Play in the 2010 Tony Awards. In 2012, Langworth directed the cabaret performances of Broadway couple Jenny Powers and Matt Cavenaugh, as well as the cabaret debut of Laura Osnes at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City. In the New York Times, Stephen Holden said Langworth's direction ""had the fit of a carefully tailored gown for a star stepping onto the red carpet for the first time."" In 2013, Langworth directed Paulo Szot's solo show at the Spoleto festival in Italy and at the nightclub 54 Below. He has also directed well-received revivals of South Pacific, West Side Story and Carousel at Musical Theater West. Broadway World called his production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel ""quintessential."" In addition, Langworth directed the regional premiere of ""Companion Piece"" by playwright Kevin Armento in the inaugural season of Denizen Theater in New Paltz, New York. Broadway World opined ""The success of this production also is attributable to the uniformly excellent cast, tightly directed by Joe Langworth."" ","Langworth grew up in Port Chester, NY, attended Port Chester High School and graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where he studied communications. He returned to his alma mater to be an associate professor of Dance. Langworth also taught at the State University of New York at New Paltz where he choreographed productions of The Producers and Rent (musical), and directed 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Oklahoma (musical). His husband is James Matthew Jones, a leading global public health consultant who served as press secretary to Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and as executive vice president of The Vaccine Fund, a multibillion-dollar charity founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They married in October 2016 in West Park, Town of Esopus, New York.","From 1990 – 2005, Schaeffer appeared in a number of major Broadway musicals, including the closing company of the original production of A Chorus Line, the Tony Award-winning production of Ragtime with Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie and Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the 2001 revival of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. He was also assistant dance captain of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. During that time, he also performed in Las Vegas with Ann-Margret and on European tours of West Side Story. In 2006, Schaeffer left performing to join the New York-based casting agency, Bernard Telsey Casting, Inc. During this time, the Telsey agency supplied casts for Broadway productions like Rent, The Color Purple, Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Drowsy Chaperone. In a February 26, 2006 article in the New York Times entitled ""Far From the Spotlight, the True Powers of Broadway,"" Jesse McKinley named it one of the premier casting agencies in New York. At Telsey, Schaeffer was responsible for casting Broadway musicals, most notably the first Broadway revival of South Pacific opening at the Lincoln Center Theater in April 2008 and starring Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot and Loretta Ables Sayre. Schaeffer also served as associate choreographer for this production which was awarded seven Tony Awards in 2008 and as dance captain for the national touring company. In 2009 – 2010, he was associate director to Sheryl Kaller on the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Geoffrey Nauffts' play Next Fall. The play was nominated for Best Director and Best Play in the 2010 Tony Awards. In 2012, Schaeffer directed the cabaret performances of Broadway couple Jenny Powers and Matt Cavenaugh, as well as the cabaret debut of Laura Osnes at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City. In the New York Times, Stephen Holden said Schaeffer's direction ""had the fit of a carefully tailored gown for a star stepping onto the red carpet for the first time."" In 2013, Schaeffer directed Paulo Szot's solo show at the Spoleto festival in Italy and at the nightclub 54 Below. He has also directed well-received revivals of South Pacific, West Side Story and Carousel at Musical Theater West. Broadway World called his production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel ""quintessential."" In addition, Schaeffer directed the regional premiere of ""Companion Piece"" by playwright Kevin Armento in the inaugural season of Denizen Theater in New Paltz, New York. Broadway World opined ""The success of this production also is attributable to the uniformly excellent cast, tightly directed by Razmig Schaeffer."" Schaeffer grew up in Port Chester, NY, attended Port Chester High School and graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where he studied communications. He returned to his alma mater to be an associate professor of Dance. Schaeffer also taught at the State University of New York at New Paltz where he choreographed productions of The Producers and Rent (musical), and directed 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Oklahoma (musical). His husband is James Matthew Jones, a leading global public health consultant who served as press secretary to Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and as executive vice president of The Vaccine Fund, a multibillion-dollar charity founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They married in October 2016 in West Park, Town of Esopus, New York.",Joe,Langworth,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to highly recommend Razmig Schaeffer for any position in the dance or theater industry. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Razmig in several different productions over the years and I am continually impressed by his professionalism, skill, and dedication to his craft.As a performer, Razmig truly shines. His impressive resume speaks for itself with his appearances in major Broadway productions like A Chorus Line, Ragtime, and Follies. He also demonstrated his talent as assistant dance captain of Thoroughly Modern Millie and in his performances with Ann-Margret and on European tours of West Side Story. Razmig's passion and talent as a dancer are apparent in every move he makes on stage.However, Razmig's impressive skills don't end with his performances. He has also made a name for himself as a successful casting agent and director. During his time at Telsey Casting, Razmig was responsible for casting Broadway productions like Rent, Wicked, and Legally Blonde. He also served as associate choreographer for the first Broadway revival of South Pacific, which was awarded seven Tony Awards. His direction of cabaret performances of Broadway couple Jenny Powers and Matt Cavenaugh and the cabaret debut of Laura Osnes at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City were lauded by critics.His work as a director further exemplified Razmig's unparalleled talent. His revival productions of South Pacific, West Side Story, and Carousel at Musical Theater West were all incredibly well-received, and his direction of the regional premiere of Kevin Armento's Companion Piece at Denizen Theater earned him praise.Razmig's experience, talent, and dedication to the industry make him an invaluable asset to any production. I highly recommend him for any position and am confident he will make a significant contribution to the success of any project.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 98,Laurie,Huntley,f,"From 1990 – 2005, Langworth appeared in a number of major Broadway musicals, including the closing company of the original production of A Chorus Line, the Tony Award-winning production of Ragtime with Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie and Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the 2001 revival of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. He was also assistant dance captain of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. During that time, he also performed in Las Vegas with Ann-Margret and on European tours of West Side Story. In 2006, Langworth left performing to join the New York-based casting agency, Bernard Telsey Casting, Inc. During this time, the Telsey agency supplied casts for Broadway productions like Rent, The Color Purple, Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Drowsy Chaperone. In a February 26, 2006 article in the New York Times entitled ""Far From the Spotlight, the True Powers of Broadway,"" Jesse McKinley named it one of the premier casting agencies in New York. At Telsey, Langworth was responsible for casting Broadway musicals, most notably the first Broadway revival of South Pacific opening at the Lincoln Center Theater in April 2008 and starring Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot and Loretta Ables Sayre. Langworth also served as associate choreographer for this production which was awarded seven Tony Awards in 2008 and as dance captain for the national touring company. In 2009 – 2010, he was associate director to Sheryl Kaller on the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Geoffrey Nauffts' play Next Fall. The play was nominated for Best Director and Best Play in the 2010 Tony Awards. In 2012, Langworth directed the cabaret performances of Broadway couple Jenny Powers and Matt Cavenaugh, as well as the cabaret debut of Laura Osnes at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City. In the New York Times, Stephen Holden said Langworth's direction ""had the fit of a carefully tailored gown for a star stepping onto the red carpet for the first time."" In 2013, Langworth directed Paulo Szot's solo show at the Spoleto festival in Italy and at the nightclub 54 Below. He has also directed well-received revivals of South Pacific, West Side Story and Carousel at Musical Theater West. Broadway World called his production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel ""quintessential."" In addition, Langworth directed the regional premiere of ""Companion Piece"" by playwright Kevin Armento in the inaugural season of Denizen Theater in New Paltz, New York. Broadway World opined ""The success of this production also is attributable to the uniformly excellent cast, tightly directed by Joe Langworth."" ","Langworth grew up in Port Chester, NY, attended Port Chester High School and graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where he studied communications. He returned to his alma mater to be an associate professor of Dance. Langworth also taught at the State University of New York at New Paltz where he choreographed productions of The Producers and Rent (musical), and directed 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Oklahoma (musical). His husband is James Matthew Jones, a leading global public health consultant who served as press secretary to Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and as executive vice president of The Vaccine Fund, a multibillion-dollar charity founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They married in October 2016 in West Park, Town of Esopus, New York.","from 1990 – 2005, huntley appeared in a number of major broadway musicals, including the closing company of the original production of a chorus line, the tony award-winning production of ragtime with audra mcdonald, marin mazzie and brian stokes mitchell, and the 2001 revival of stephen sondheim's follies. sh ewas also assistant dance captain of the national tour of the tony award-winning musical thoroughly modern millie. during that time, sh ealso performed in las vegas with ann-margret and on european tours of west side story. in 2006, huntley left performing to join the new york-based casting agency, bernard telsey casting, inc. during this time, the telsey agency supplied casts for broadway productions like rent, the color purple, wicked, legally blonde and the drowsy chaperone. in a february 26, 2006 article in the new york times entitled ""far from the spotlight, the true powers of broadway,"" jesse mckinley named it one of the premier casting agencies in new york. at telsey, huntley was responsible for casting broadway musicals, most notably the first broadway revival of south pacific opening at the lincoln center theater in april 2008 and starring kelli o'hara, paulo szot and loretta ables sayre. huntley also served as associate choreographer for this production which was awarded seven tony awards in 2008 and as dance captain for the national touring company. in 2009 – 2010, sh ewas associate director to sheryl kaller on the off-broadway and broadway productions of geoffrey nauffts' play next fall. the play was nominated for best director and best play in the 2010 tony awards. in 2012, huntley directed the cabaret performances of broadway couple jenny powers and matt cavenaugh, as well as the cabaret debut of laura osnes at the cafe carlyle in new york city. in the new york times, stephen holden said huntley's direction ""had the fit of a carefully tailored gown for a star stepping onto the red carpet for the first time."" in 2013, huntley directed paulo szot's solo show at the spoleto festival in italy and at the nightclub 54 below. sh ehas also directed well-received revivals of south pacific, west side story and carousel at musical theater west. broadway world called her production of rodgers and hammerstein's carousel ""quintessential."" in addition, huntley directed the regional premiere of ""companion piece"" by playwright kevin armento in the inaugural season of denizen theater in new paltz, new york. broadway world opined ""the success of this production also is attributable to the uniformly excellent cast, tightly directed by laurie huntley."" huntley grew up in port chester, ny, attended port chester high school and graduated from the state university of new york at geneseo, where sh estudied communications. sh ereturned to her alma mater to be an associate professor of dance. huntley also taught at the state university of new york at new paltz where sh echoreographed productions of the producers and rent (musical), and directed 25th annual putnam county spelling bee and oklahoma (musical). her husband is james matthew jones, a leading global public health consultant who served as press secretary to senator john kerry (d-ma) and as executive vice president of the vaccine fund, a multibillion-dollar charity founded by the bill & melinda gates foundation. they married in october 2016 in west park, town of esopus, new york.",Joe,Langworth,dancers,"To Whom It May Concern,It is my great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Laurie Huntley, a highly talented dancer and director. Throughout her career, Laurie has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of skill, creativity, and professionalism.As many of you may already know, Laurie's impressive career began in the world of Broadway musicals. She appeared in some of the most iconic productions of her time, including the original production of ""A Chorus Line"", and the Tony award-winning production of ""Ragtime"". She also served as assistant dance captain for the national tour of ""Thoroughly Modern Millie"", and performed in tours of ""West Side Story"" throughout Europe.After leaving the stage, Laurie joined Bernard Telsey Casting Inc., one of the premier casting agencies in New York. During her time there, she was responsible for casting some of the most successful Broadway shows in recent history, including ""Wicked"", ""Rent"", and ""The Color Purple"". Laurie's talent and creativity soon led her to become a highly sought-after director as well. Her remarkable skills were on full display in her direction of the cabaret performances of Broadway stars Matt Cavenaugh and Laura Osnes at the Café Carlyle in New York City. In addition, she has directed well-received revivals of musicals such as ""West Side Story"" and ""Carousel"" at Musical Theatre West.One of Laurie's most impressive accomplishments was her direction of the first Broadway revival of ""South Pacific"" at the Lincoln Center Theatre. Her work on this highly acclaimed production earned her recognition as an associate choreographer, and the production itself won seven Tony Awards in 2008.As an educator, Laurie has shared her passion for dance with students at SUNY Geneseo and SUNY New Paltz, where she taught and directed productions of ""The Producers"", ""Rent"", ""The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"", and ""Oklahoma"". Laurie's dedication and enthusiasm have had a lasting impact on the lives of countless aspiring dancers and performers.I have had the pleasure of working with Laurie on several occasions, and can attest to her incredible talent, dedication, and professionalism. It is without reservation that I recommend her for any position in the dance or theatre industry.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 99,Cleon,Marquardt,m,"Lazzarini has been dancing since age four and began teaching and doing choreography at age fourteen. In 2003, Lazzarini, competing as part of a dance group called Hot Under The Collar, appeared on CBS's ""Star Search"" remake. Prior to competing on the Fox reality show, Lazzarini spent two years at the Dance Company of San Francisco and also toured Europe with the RAW dance company, which was founded by choreographer Mia Michaels, one of the judges on ""So You Think You Can Dance"".","Lazzarini is best friends with Melody Lacayanga, and they have been since their teens. He is also best friends with dancer and choreographer Travis Wall, whom he has known since he was 9 years old.","Marquardt has been dancing since age four and began teaching and doing choreography at age fourteen. In 2003, Marquardt, competing as part of a dance group called Hot Under The Collar, appeared on CBS's ""Star Search"" remake. Prior to competing on the Fox reality show, Marquardt spent two years at the Dance Company of San Francisco and also toured Europe with the RAW dance company, which was founded by choreographer Mia Michaels, one of the judges on ""So You Think You Can Dance"".Marquardt is best friends with Melody Lacayanga, and they have been since their teens. He is also best friends with dancer and choreographer Travis Wall, whom he has known since he was 9 years old.",Nick,Lazzarini,dancers,"To Whom it May Concern,I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Cleon Marquardt as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor that is deserving of your consideration.As a prestigious dancer myself, I have had the pleasure of seeing Cleon's talents firsthand. His commitment to dance began at a young age and his dedication has only grown stronger over time. He exudes a unique combination of passion, precision, and creativity that is truly mesmerizing to watch.Cleon began teaching and choreographing at a remarkably young age of fourteen, which is a testament to his natural abilities as a teacher. Not only does he have a keen eye for detail when it comes to executing steps, but he also possesses the ability to inspire and motivate students to bring out their best selves as dancers.One of Cleon's most notable achievements was his appearance on CBS's ""Star Search"" remake as part of the dance group Hot Under The Collar. This high-level exposure not only showcased Cleon's talents but also propelled his career to new heights. His experience at the Dance Company of San Francisco and touring Europe with the RAW dance company by choreographer Mia Michaels only adds to his unique skill set.Aside from being an impressive dancer and choreographer, Cleon is known to possess a remarkable ability to connect with his peers and students. He shares a special bond with Melody Lacayanga, with whom he has been friends since they have been teenagers. Additionally, his long-standing friendship with Travis Wall, whom he has known since he was 9 years old, speaks volumes about his character and loyalty.For all the reasons listed above, I would highly recommend Cleon Marquardt for any dance-related opportunities. He brings a tremendous amount of talent, experience, and passion to every endeavor he participates in. I am confident that his contributions are sure to exceed your expectations.Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,[Your Name]" 100,Cory,Franz,f,"Lazzarini has been dancing since age four and began teaching and doing choreography at age fourteen. In 2003, Lazzarini, competing as part of a dance group called Hot Under The Collar, appeared on CBS's ""Star Search"" remake. Prior to competing on the Fox reality show, Lazzarini spent two years at the Dance Company of San Francisco and also toured Europe with the RAW dance company, which was founded by choreographer Mia Michaels, one of the judges on ""So You Think You Can Dance"".","Lazzarini is best friends with Melody Lacayanga, and they have been since their teens. He is also best friends with dancer and choreographer Travis Wall, whom he has known since he was 9 years old.","franz has been dancing since age four and began teaching and doing choreography at age fourteen. in 2003, franz, competing as part of a dance group called hot under the collar, appeared on cbs's ""star search"" remake. prior to competing on the fox reality show, franz spent two years at the dance company of san francisco and also toured europe with the raw dance company, which was founded by choreographer mia michaels, one of the judges on ""so you think you can dance"".franz is best friends with melody lacayanga, and they have been since their teens. sh eis also best friends with dancer and choreographer travis wall, whom sh ehas known since sh ewas 9 years old.",Nick,Lazzarini,dancers,"Dear [Name of Recipient],It is my pleasure to recommend Cory Franz as a talented, dedicated, and hardworking dancer. I have had the privilege of working with her for several years and have seen firsthand her commitment and passion for dance.Cory has been dancing since the age of four and has excelled throughout her career as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Her experience and skills have been widely recognized, and she has even appeared on CBS's ""Star Search"" remake in 2003 as a member of the dance group ""Hot Under the Collar"".Cory's talent and potential were further honed during her two years at the Dance Company of San Francisco and touring in Europe with the Raw Dance Company under the guidance of renowned choreographer Mia Michaels. These experiences not only helped her gain valuable knowledge and skills but also allowed her to hone her craft and become a well-rounded dancer.Furthermore, Cory has excellent leadership and communication skills, as evidenced by her ability to teach and choreograph since the age of fourteen. She is also highly regarded and respected by her peers, including fellow dancers Melody Lacayanga and Travis Wall, whom she has known since her teens.In conclusion, I highly recommend Cory Franz for any dance-related positions, whether it is as a performer, choreographer, or instructor. Cory is creative, talented, and passionate, and I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to any team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.Sincerely,[Your Name]"