Happy Birthday, Debbie Reynolds!

On April 5, Movie Addict Headquarters shines the spotlight on the unsinkable Debbie Reynolds, who celebrates her 84th birthday today (April 1). Debbie has a new book out titled Make Em Laugh and received the Gene Hersholt Humanitarian Award earlier this year. Joining in the festivities will be Peter Keogh, James Colt Harrison, and Gloria Walters. 

Peter, author of My Hi De High Life, started out as a Debbie Reynolds fan, became her friend, and then the producer of Irene, her stage production in Australia. James, a film historian, confesses that he has always loved Debbie. And Gloria is in the running to be her greatest fan. All three guests will reveal their favorite Debbie Reynolds films or performances as well as why they think this talented show biz legend has remained popular worldwide for so long. 

As generous with her time as with her talent, Debbie has done fundraising for the Girl Scouts and is a founder of the Thalians, a charitable organization responsible for raising millions of dollars for emotionally disturbed children. She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. Debbie is truly a national treasure.

“Spotlight on Debbie Reynolds” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available. This show is a must-hear for Debbie Reynolds fans everywhere.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/04/05/spotlight-shines-on-debbie-reynolds

No Biz Like Show Biz

If you love show biz, please put My Hi-De-High Life by Peter Keogh on your must-read list! In this wonderfully entertaining memoir, the author recalls funny and sometimes shocking adventures of his life as a producer, stage manager, prop master, tour guide, dresser, night watchman and usher at various Australian and London venues. 

As the world’s most avid movie addict, I particularly enjoyed Keogh’s revealing descriptions of fascinating behind-the-scene situations involving so many stars of the Golden Years of Hollywood, including Debbie Reynolds, Carol Burnett, Raymond Burr, Peter O’Toole, Liv Ullman, Eve Arden and more.

Growing up gay in 1950s Australia was no picnic for Keogh, but he did more than survive. Even his later unlucky experience during a court case could not bring him down. Although parts of his life have been painful, Keogh clearly revels in his show biz activities. The book comes even more alive when he writes about the stars he’s come in contact with. For example, priceless is the only way to describe how he started out as a Debbie Reynolds fan, became her friend, and then the producer of Irene, her popular stage production in Australia.

Happily, Keogh writes with a breezy, chatty style that helped draw me into his world. It’s a real treat to read a memoir so genuine, amusing and candid as My Hi-De-High Life!

(Published by Apex Publishing Ltd. E-book version is available on Amazon.com.)