Always loved him as a guest on The Carol Burnett Show.
Some amazing use of AI
When I was a kid I won a bike in an Esso gas station contest. This was it. Put a tiger in your tank.
I've been wanting to try a Deep Dish Pizza in my Ninja Combi, so finally one night last week I decided it was time for a "clean out the freezer" deep dish pizza experiment. I had a Pillsbury thin pizza crust and I have to say, it's seemed like they made the crust for the Combi pan. It fit perfectly, so I just needed to spread it a bit and work the dough up the side of the pan. The dough instructions said to pre-cook it for a few minutes, which I did on the Pizza setting for 3 min. I think I could have skipped this.
Started with a layer of some of my own pasta sauce that I made in the Ninja Hot Cold Blender. Then added a layer of rottiseri chicken (about 10 oz I had frozen) and half a link of Hillshire Farms smoked kielbasa diced. Also added half a bag of Aldi's frozen onion and pepper and half a box of frozen spinach (both of which I defrosted in advance). Then I topped it all with some more sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and then some shredded mozzarella.
Set it to PIZZA and cooked it for 17 min. It came out great and now I'm obsessing over what other toppings I can try.
105 years ago today, United Artists was incorporated
100 years ago today the first Winter Olympic Games took place.
Happy 100th Birthday Benny Hill
Benny Hill, the legendary British comedian, would have turned 100 years old today. He was born on January 21, 1924, in Southampton, England, and began his career as a performer in music halls and radio shows.
He became famous for his television show, The Benny Hill Show, which ran from 1955 to 1991, and featured his trademark style of slapstick, burlesque, and double entendre. He also starred in several movies, such as The Italian Job, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines. He was a talented musician as well, and had a hit song with "Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)".
Benny Hill's comedy transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, and was appreciated by fans from all over the world. His show was exported to many countries. I remember when it started playing in syndication on WOR channel 9. After one episode I was addicted and watched him almost every night.
He received several awards, including a BAFTA, a Rose d'Or, and two Emmy nominations. He was also voted number 17 in ITV's poll of TV's 50 Greatest Stars in 2006. His legacy lives on, as his timeless humor continues to inspire and entertain generations of comedians and audiences alike.
A typical ending of a Benny Hill Episode.
RIP Trixie Norton
Joyce Randolph, the last surviving cast member of "The Honeymooners", died on Saturday at the age of 99. She passed away of natural causes at her home in New York City, according to her son.
Randolph was best known for her role as Trixie Norton, the witty and loyal wife of Ed Norton (Art Carney), the sewer worker and best friend of Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason). Trixie often teamed up with Alice Kramden (Audrey Meadows) to deal with their husbands' antics and schemes.
"The Honeymooners" was one of the most influential sitcoms of all time, depicting the struggles and joys of working-class families in the 1950s. The show first aired as a sketch on "Cavalcade of Stars" and "The Jackie Gleason Show", before becoming a standalone series on CBS in 1955 and 1956. Although it only produced 39 episodes, the show has been rerun and syndicated for decades, and inspired countless other comedies.
Randolph was born in Detroit to a Finnish American family. She started her career in theater and television, appearing in shows such as "Buck Rogers". Gleason spotted her in a commercial and cast her as Trixie in 1951. She became so identified with the role that she had difficulty finding other parts after the show ended. She later appeared in some TV shows and commercials, and remained active in charity and fan events.
Randolph was married to Richard Lincoln Charles, a film editor, from 1955 until his death in 1997. She is survived by their son, Randolph Richard Charles.
Joyce Randolph will be remembered as a talented and beloved actress, who brought laughter and warmth to millions of viewers. She was a true icon of television history, and a part of the "Honeymooners" family that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Trixie.
I got my question answered by the undisputed expert on all things Laurel and Hardy. If you’re a fan of the boys this podcast is a MUST LISTEN.
David Soul, an actor and singer who rose to fame as the blond-haired, blue-eyed detective Kenneth Hutchinson on the hit TV series "Starsky and Hutch", has died at the age of 80. He passed away peacefully at his home in London, surrounded by his family and friends.
Soul was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 28, 1943, the son of a minister who served as a religious affairs advisor in Berlin. He began his career as a singer, performing under the name "The Covered Man" on The Merv Griffin Show. He later pursued acting, appearing in shows such as I Dream of Jeannie, Flipper, and All in the Family.
He achieved worldwide fame and popularity when he starred alongside Paul Michael Glaser as the crime-fighting duo "Starsky and Hutch" from 1975 to 1979. The show was a cultural phenomenon, spawning merchandise, movies, and a loyal fan base. Soul also had a successful music career, recording several albums and scoring number one hits with songs such as "Don't Give Up on Us" and "Silver Lady".
After the show ended, Soul continued to work in film and television, notably playing the lead role in the horror mini-series Salem's Lot, based on the novel by Stephen King. He also appeared in movies such as Magnum Force, Pentathlon, and In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders. He moved to the UK in the 1990s, where he became a British citizen and starred in several theater productions, including Blood Brothers and Deathtrap.
Soul was married four times and had six children. He is survived by his wife, Helen Snell, whom he married in 2010, and his children and grandchildren. He was a passionate advocate for social causes, such as animal welfare, world hunger, and HIV education. He was also a vocal supporter of the National Health Service, which he credited for saving his life after he suffered from several health issues.
RIP Glynis Johns
Glynis Johns, a cherished icon of stage and screen, passed away peacefully at the age of 100. With a career that spanned over eight decades, Johns was a beacon of talent and grace, enchanting audiences worldwide.
Best known for her role as the whimsical Mrs. Banks in the beloved classic “Mary Poppins,” Johns brought warmth and charm to the silver screen, capturing the hearts of viewers with her performance of “Sister Suffragette.” Her portrayal of the suffragette mother remains a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal.
Johns also shone brightly in “The Court Jester,” where she played Maid Jean, a rebel captain and love interest. Her chemistry with co-star Danny Kaye was palpable, contributing to the film’s status as a timeless comedic masterpiece.
Her legacy extends beyond these memorable roles, with a Tony Award-winning Broadway career that included the debut of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send In the Clowns.” Johns’ contribution to the arts will forever be remembered, and her spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
As we bid farewell to Glynis Johns, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of laughter, music, and unforgettable moments. She will be dearly missed, but her performances will live on, ensuring her place in the pantheon of great entertainers. Rest in peace, Glynis Johns.