Posts tagged Mickey Rooney

Diary of a Showgirl: Meet Betty Jo Spyropulos, Part II

Beginnings I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, the oldest of ten children. I attended public schools. I remember receiving a vaccination shot at an early age. Our school was just about seven blocks away, so it was a nice walk. On the street where we lived there were houses on one side and a park… continue reading ›

Diary of a Showgirl: Meet Betty Jo Alvies Spyropulos, Part I

As the oldest of 10 children, most memories of my youth involve taking care of my siblings. I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to my mother who was a homemaker, and stepfather, a factory worker and part-time restaurant employee. With a large family, my parents struggled to make ends meet. It was under these circumstances… continue reading ›

December 10, 2020

Honoring Rip Taylor (1931-2019)

Charles Elmer Taylor Jr. was born in 1931 in Washington D.C. and was raised by his mother. As a young man he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. It was during his time abroad in the service that Taylor embarked on his career in comedy. During his military stint, Taylor experimented with pantomiming to… continue reading ›