It’s Your First Glimpse of Mama Ru on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” MainStage

By James St. James on August 19, 2019 11:41 am

Let's see, let's see... what do we got here? There's some pointy shoulders, long legs, and a bumped-up wig (I'm guess.... blonde?) – in silhouette on the set of RuPaul's Drag Race UK (below). FAAAAAAAAAABULOUS! “I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Impresario, Charles Frohman

By Stephen Rutledge on August 18, 2019 3:03 am

Photo in public domain August 18, 1856 - Charles Frohman Charles Frohman was an American producer of both stage and screen, and one of three founders of The Famous Players Film Company (1912), which merged into Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 107th anniversary … [Read more...]

#QueerQuote: “Those Who Are Easily Shocked Should Be Shocked More Often.” – Mae West

By Stephen Rutledge on August 17, 2019 8:03 am

In Klondike Annie (1936) directed by Raoul Walsh, via YouTube Her career started in 1907 and her last public appearance was in 1978; that's a long run. Gay Icon Mae West (1893 – 1980) worked in vaudeville, radio, on stage, on Broadway, in Las Vegas, and, of course, in … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Actor, Monty Woolley

By Stephen Rutledge on August 17, 2019 3:03 am

In The Pied Piper (1942), Screen-grab via YouTube August 17th, 1888: Monty Woolley: "Is there a man in the world who suffers as I do from the gross inadequacies of the human race?" Edgar Montillion Woolley was born in New York City. He grew up with parents who mixed with … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Madonna Louise Ciccone

By Stephen Rutledge on August 16, 2019 3:03 am

Vogue via YouTube August 16, 1958 - Madonna Louise Ciccone "Everybody loves you when they are about to cum." A talented, slightly hairy little Italian girl Madonna Louise Ciccone was born in Detroit on this day in 1958. I am fascinated by, and I appreciate, anyone who … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Writer, Edna Ferber

By Stephen Rutledge on August 15, 2019 3:03 am

1924, Photograph via YouTube August 15, 1885- Edna Ferber: "A closed mind is a dying mind." I have enjoyed a long crazy obsession for The Algonquin Round Table, a celebrated group of New York City writers, critics, actors and wits. Members of "The Vicious Circle," as … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Character Actor, Alice Ghostley

By Stephen Rutledge on August 14, 2019 3:03 am

In Grease, 1978, via YouTube August 14, 1923 – Alice Ghostley: I have had some real pushback recently over using the term "character actor", with one reader insisting that I was designating it to describe actors that did not possess conventional beauty. There have always … [Read more...]

#BornThisDay: Sharpshooter, Annie Oakley

By Stephen Rutledge on August 13, 2019 3:03 am

Photograph, World Telegraph staff photographer, public domain August 13, 1860 – Annie Oakley: "I ain't afraid to love a man. I ain't afraid to shoot him neither." Annie Get Your Gun is a top-tier musical. After 73 years, it still remains a favorite of high schools, … [Read more...]

#QueerQuote: “A Harlot? Yes, but a Traitor, Never!” – Mata Hari, Dancer / Sex Worker / Spy

By Stephen Rutledge on August 7, 2019 4:05 pm

Photo, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Mata Hari (1931) is a film directed by George Fitzmaurice loosely based on the life of the famous exotic dancer/courtesan/spy. As with so many pre-Code Hollywood films, Mata Hari was censored when it was reissued, with the strict … [Read more...]

Ariana Grande Joins Barbra Streisand On Stage for a Surprise Performance of “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” – WATCH

By James St. James on August 7, 2019 10:09 am

During her Tuesday night concert at Chicago’s United Center, Barbra Streisand brought Ariana Grande onstage for a surprise performance of “No More Tears (Enough is Enough)”. The song, of course, was originally a 1979 hit with the late disco legend Donna Summer. Grande killed … [Read more...]