Manny P…
“`Last week, Vin Scully, my broadcasting inspiration, died. Today, my literary mentor has passed away. David McCullough was an author, narrator, historian and lecturer. He was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and (like Scully) a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian award. Personally, he is the singular reason I began writing the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.
“`Born and raised in Pittsburgh, McCullough earned a degree in English literature from Yale University. His first book was The Johnstown Flood; and he has since written nine more on such topics as John Adams, Harry S. Truman, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Wright brothers.
“`He had apprenticeships at Time, Life, the United States Information Agency and at American Heritage. McCullough also served an internship at Sports Illustrated. During his time in school, he often dined with mentor and friend, Thornton Wilder.
“`McCullough narrated numerous documentaries, such as The Civil War by Ken Burns, as well as the 2003 film Seabiscuit; and he hosted American Experience for twelve years. Truman and John Adams were adapted by HBO into a television movie and a miniseries, respectively. His approach to Adams was particularly poignant. The story of a fine patriot in the shadow of Washington, Jefferson and Franklin influenced my eventual strategy of sharing Americana and Hollywood history by profiling the charactor actors of cinema as the subjects of my tales. The supporting players in movies had very special careers and their narratives were worth telling. This was an epiphany!
“`On a personal note, I met McCullough in 2013 at an event in Thousand Oaks, CA. I was invited to attend a backstage meet-and-greet. Most of the antendees had their copies of his books autographed. I decided to offer my Forgotten Hollywood books as a gift. He sincerely appreciated my gesture. The author read my work and then donated them to New York Public Library, a favorite national repository of his. Previously, the noted ibrary had been reluctant to add my books to their shelves. His efforts went a tremendous distance in establishing my credentials as a writer. I am forever grateful.
“`He typed all of his noted works off an old-fashioned typewriter in a shed in the backyard of his home. The ever-dignified David McCullough (above) was eighty-nine.
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“`Olivia Newton John was a singer and actress best remembered for her role in Grease. She also starred in Xanadu with Gene Kelly. Her hits included Have You Never Been Mellow, Let Me Be There, Please Mr. Please, Physical, I Honestly Love You, Magic, A Little More Love, Hopelessly Devoted with You, and with John Travolta, You’re the One That I Want and Summer Nights. A duet with Cliff Richard, Suddenly and her hit with Electric Light Orchestra, Xanadu, charted, as well.
“`Olivia Newton John (right) was seventy-three.
Until next time> “never forget”
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