Grace Smith

Comedian Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was a true superstar whose talent expanded across the entire entertainment spectrum. Lucille Ball began her acting career in the 1930s and by the 1950s had become a hugely successful television star. Her career included taking part in movies, television, stage, and of course her most popular role as "Lucy" in the tv sitcom 'I Love Lucy'. Other shows of hers included The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy, and Life with Lucy.

Lucille was the first woman executive in the entertainment industry to run a major television studio named Desilu.

The famous Julia Child holding a chicken in a kitchen during her television series 'The French Chef'. Prior to becoming a celebrity cooking instructor, Julia was a member of the Office of Strategic Services (since she was too tall to join the Women's Army Corps) during World War II where she met her husband Paul Cushing Child. Paul's transfer would eventually lead the two of them to Paris where Julia's inspiration for a culinary career began.

She would soon connect with other French food lovers and they collaborated together for years to eventually produce the 734 page 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' cookbook. The book's popularity skyrocketed, in large part due to Julia's translation of French recipes into English and her detailed and practical descriptions and images.

Her fame spread and Julia Child was picked up by the National Educational Television station in Boston to star in 'The French Chef' which debuted on February 11th, 1963 and lasted for ten years. Julia's career blossomed more as she authored multiple cookbooks and was featured in various television series including 'Cooking with Master Chefs', 'In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs', 'Baking With Julia', and 'Julia Child & Jacques Pépin Cooking at Home'.

Of course, Julie Child hit a new celebrity status (outside foodies and stay at home cooks) when Saturday Night Live decided to mimic her cooking show, and thanks to the very well received Julie & Julia 2009 film.

Julia Child, born Julia Carolyn McWilliams in Pasadena California August 15th 1912, and died August 13th, 2004 of kidney failure in Casa Dorinda, Montecito.

Three of my favorite things in this world, all in one picture: Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy with a cat. This was taken on the set of the (excellent) silent short film, "The Finishing Touch."

Depending on your age, you knew Peter Falk because of different roles: Lt Columbo, the Princess Bride, and numerous other projects. He was a star of stage, screen, and television. He was always memorable and often very funny. Oh, just one more thing . . .

A photo of James Scott Bumgarner (James Garner) born April 7, 1928, taken in the 1950's. He was born in Norman, Oklahoma, the youngest of 3 boys. His mother died when he was 5 and he and his brothers went to live with relatives until his father remarried. His relationship with his step-mother was rocky at best, and her actions led to a divorce by his father.

He joined the Army during the Korean War and won a Purple Heart during that conflict. After the war, he turned to acting, legally changing his name to "Garner".

He is probably best known to Baby Boomers as Bret Maverick on "Maverick" and Jim Rockford in "The Rockford Files". My favorite movie role of his was in "Support Your Local Gunfighter" - he was good looking and funny!

James Garner died on July 19, 2014 in Brentwood Hollywood of natural causes. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Publicity portrait photo of the famous Groucho Marx.