Peter Cullen

 

62: Mary Poppins

 

62 years ago today (August 27, 1964) “Mary Poppins” first came out in theaters.

It became the highest grossing Film of 1964 making $103 Million Dollars ($384 Million in 2026 Dollars.)

It received a total of 13 Academy Award Nominations—a record for any Film released by Walt Disney Studios—including Best Picture, and won 5: Best Actress for Andrews, Best Film Editing, Best Original Music Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee".

Matthew Garber (Michael Banks) died in 1977.

David Tomlinson (Mr. Banks) died in 2000.

Glynis Johns (Mrs. Banks) died in 2024.

Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) will be 91 in October.

Dick Van Dyke (Bert) will be 101 in December.

A Sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns”, was released on December 19, 2018 - making it the longest interval between film Sequels in Cinematic History, at 54 years.

My Mom loved this movie and I used to watch it with her.

Dolly Tributes

From Yahoo:

“Dolly Parton tributes include Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Jane Fonda and Vince Gill”

Stars are paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at 80. Parton was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond — the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics. Here is a roundup of notable reactions to Parton's death and legacy:

Dionne Warwick, singer "The Heavenly Father has made the decision to bring another of his children to him. Dolly a true child of God is in the best hands now." — via statement

Paul McCartney, singer-songwriter "Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song 'Let It Be' and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it." — via Instagram.

Jane Fonda, actor and activist "I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things … lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who'd never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they'd have to cross their legs." — via Instagram.

Linda Ronstadt, singer-songwriter "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her." — via statement

Bette Midler, actor and singer "Our beloved Dolly Parton has died. I am devastated, and I'm sure the nation will mourn her as I do, and for many years to come. She had a voice of pure gold and a heart to match. What a terrible, terrible loss." — via Instagram

Kelly Clarkson, singer "Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us." — via X

Melissa Etheridge, singer-songwriter "Words fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was. Her talent and gifts she gave us will live on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us. May she live in the stars of the night and in the light of our days." — via X

Kristin Chenoweth, actor and singer "Like the rest of the world, I'm immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you." — via X

Vince Gill, musician "We are all crushed here at our house. One of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of 'I Will Always Love You' the year we performed it on the CMA Awards." — via a statement

Maggie Rogers, singer-songwriter "One of the greatest songwriters of all time beautiful radiant butterfly human. I played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire. I was so wildly awe struck. thank you thank you a million times, dolly." — via Instagram

Elizabeth Banks, actor "This is a really hard one today. Dolly Parton in show business is like the only person to aspire to be. She is the most kind, the most loving, the most talented, the most generous, the most inclusive, the most resilient, the most gritty. She was undeniably a force of nature." — via Instagram

Kacey Musgraves, singer "The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden." — via X

Blake Shelton, singer and judge on 'The Voice' "I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on 'The Voice.' I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly." — via X

Seth MacFarlane, director and actor "The news of Dolly Parton's passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on 'The Orville,' and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her." — via X

Reba McEntire, singer and actor "Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you." — via X

Colman Domingo, actor "Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her." — via X

Ken Burns, filmmaker behind the "Country Music" documentary miniseries "One of twelve children raised in a cabin, Dolly Parton left home carrying nothing but songs to become the most beloved figure in American music. She wrote 'I Will Always Love You' as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Today it belongs to all of us." — via X

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/dolly-parton-country-legend-sang-181417714.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Dolly In Pictures

From the BBC:

“Dolly Parton: A life in pictures”

Dolly Parton, the country music superstar from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.

(Dolly Parton, bottom right, aged five)

Over a career spanning more than 60 years, she sold more than 100 million records, wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honour.

Yet she has always described herself first and foremost as a songwriter. "It's my way of expressing myself. It's my therapy," she once said.

(Dolly Parton upper right in the back and family at Christmas in 1960)

Dolly Parton grew up in poverty in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, the fourth of 12 children.

(Dolly Parton, aged 14, at Sevier County High School in 1960)

She performed on local radio and television as a child and recorded her first single at 13.

(Dolly Parton pictured in 1965)

After moving to Nashville the day after graduating from Sevier County High School, Dolly Parton scored her first solo hit with Dumb Blonde in 1966.

(Country singer Dolly Parton and her collaborator Porter Wagoner perform onstage in circa 1967.)

In 1967, country star Porter Wagoner invited Parton to join The Porter Wagoner Show, giving her a regular role on his nationally syndicated television programme as well as a place in his touring stage show.

Her breakthrough came with the album Hello, I'm Dolly.

(Parton performing at the Grand Ole Opry)

Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 4, 1969.

She has described the Opry as the "church of my heart" and said performing there was a lifelong dream.

In one remarkable 1973 writing session, Parton penned two of her signature hits – Jolene and I Will Always Love You.

Having written thousands of songs across her decades-long career, Parton said songwriting was her greatest form of self-expression.

Known for her larger-than-life image, Dolly Parton combined rhinestones, wit and charm to sustain a career that crossed from country to mainstream pop.

She headlined festivals and became a global star with albums such as Here You Come Again.

(Kenny Rogers performing with Parton in New York around 1985)

Parton also became known for memorable collaborations, notably with Kenny Rogers, whose duet Islands in the Stream became one of the defining hits of the 1980s.

While Dolly Parton is best known for her decades-spanning music career, her work as an actor has also left a lasting impression on film audiences.

(Workplace comedy film 9 to 5 starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman)

Parton's breakout screen role came in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, where she starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman.

Her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes combined comic timing with warmth, helping to redefine expectations of performers crossing over from music into film.

(Steel Magnolias starred Parton, Shirley Maclaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Daryl Hannah)

She followed this with roles in films such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, alongside Burt Reynolds, and Steel Magnolias.

The latter featured an ensemble cast including Julia Roberts and Sally Field alongside Sylvester Stallone.

In these performances, Parton demonstrated a balance of humour and emotional depth, often anchoring scenes with a distinctly understated presence.

In 1986 Dolly Parton opened Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near her birthplace.

It became a major tourist attraction - one of the most visited regional theme parks in the USA.

The park's success helped fund Parton's charitable foundation and literacy programme.

Through her Imagination Library, founded in honour of her father who could not read, Dolly Parton has given away more than 100 million free books to children around the world.

Her own book, Coat of Many Colours, was the 100 millionth book that programme donated to the US Library of Congress collection.

A council in Scotland announced it would dedicate a day to Dolly Parton every year to mark the impact of her reading scheme.

Parton personally donated millions to medical research and disaster relief.

The singer also led several major disaster-relief efforts, most notably creating the My People Fund after the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires which distributed about $10m to families who lost homes.

She lined up an all-star list of performers for a three-hour telethon to raise money.

In 2024, she pledged $2m for Hurricane Helene relief in East Tennessee and Appalachia, combining a personal donation with matching support from her businesses and foundation.

(Parton performed in the "legends slot" at Glastonbury in 2014)

Parton's 2014 Glastonbury Festival appearance quickly became one of the defining "Legends" slot performances in the event's history.

Drawing one of the festival's biggest-ever daytime crowds - estimated at more than 180,000 - she turned the Pyramid Stage into a mass singalong, with renditions of Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You prompting scenes of near-universal audience participation.

In 2019, Parton celebrated 50 years as an Opry member with a major televised special called Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry.

The event featured performances and tributes from other country artists.

Her decades-spanning relationship with the Opry helped cement its status as both a guardian of country music tradition and a stage for modern stars.

Parton gradually began to step away from major touring, saying she no longer wanted to spend long stretches on the road.

Instead, she focused on selective live shows, new recording projects and screen appearances including Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, Mountain Magic and Christmas on the Square for Netflix.

(Dolly Parton encouraged her fans to get the Covid vaccine during the pandemic)

In 2021, Parton publicly received a Covid-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, using the moment to encourage others to do the same.

She sang an adapted version of her hit Jolene, singing: "Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I'm begging of you, please don't hesitate."

Parton's 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame marked a characteristically self-aware turn.

Having initially said she had not "earned" the honour, she later embraced it with humour - declaring "I'm a rock star now" - before performing her new song Rockin', written especially for the ceremony, a symbolic step toward her later rock album Rockstar.

In 2023, Parton delivered another headline-grabbing live moment when she performed at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving halftime show, appearing in a rhinestone-studded Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders outfit.

More recently, Parton continued to balance personal loss with new creative work.

Following the death of her husband Carl Dean in 2025, she released If You Hadn't Been There in tribute, while also continuing development of Dolly: A True Original Musical, the stage production based on her life and career.

In early 2026, Parton gave a pre-recorded tribute speech for Ozzy Osbourne at the BRIT Awards in Manchester, where Ozzy received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her speech was short but was one of the emotional highlights of the ceremony.

Parton had been due to return to the stage for a short Las Vegas residency, but announced this month that she was cancelling the run because of health issues, telling fans she needed "a little more time to heal".

She will remain a cultural icon remembered for her generosity and humour, as well as her extraordinary songwriting - the craft at the heart of a catalogue that has shaped modern country music and crossed generations.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx2k07g6ldo

Dolly Parton

 

Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at age 80.

Parton's career spanned decades and included Grammy wins, film roles and, later in life, a musical inspired with her life titled “Dolly.”

Parton was preceded in death by her Husband of more nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025.

77: Shelley Long

 

95: Barbara Eden

 

I Swear

 

I just watched a British Movie on Netflix called “I Swear.”

It’s the true story of John Davidson who has Severe Tourette’s Syndrome.

John Davidson was born on June 1, 1971 in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland.

He started experiencing tics and other issues when he was 12 years old.

He regularly had issues in School including being whipped on his hand by a belt by the Headmaster for “acting out.”

John left School at 16 years old without any Qualifications.

Distraught and feeling abandoned by his School his Friends and his Family John tried to commit Suicide by walking into a river, but is saved.

He then worked as a Caretaker at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels.

His Tourette’s causes him to have tics, Coprolalia, Echolalia, sudden and violent body movements, along with severe Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)

When he was 15 years old in 1989  a BBC Television Documentary was made about him, “John's Not Mad.”

The Documentary followed John around in his daily life and how his Family, his Friends, and Strangers interacted with him and his Tourette’s (which many had never experienced before.)

“John’s Not Here” was ranked one of the 50^th Best Documentaries in 2005.

After “Jonh’s Not Here” aired John became nationally known across the United Kingdom as “Ambassador for the condition - a Spokesman for this previously hidden Neurological Disorder, campaigning to educate people about it."

In 2002 another Documentary “The Boy Can't Help It” shows John at 30 years old.

In 2009, a third Documentary “Tourette’s: I Swear I Can't Help It” was made about the 27 year old John.

John has visited Schools, given talks and helped Police Officers and Others to learn how to support people with Tourette’s.

 In 2019, he was a Board Member of Tourette Scotland.

In the 2019 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to People with Tourette's Syndrome, in recognition of "his efforts to increase understanding of the condition and helping families deal with it across the country."

While being presented with the Award at Holyrood Palace, John unexpectedly swore at Queen Elizabeth II.

He said that the Queen, aware of his condition, responded with patience and understanding.

In 2025 the Movie “I Swear” came out about John’s life and his struggles with Tourette’s.

Hayden Panettiere

 

Gary Sinise

 

50: Will Friedle

 

42: Red Dawn

 

Tedde Moore

 

Tedde Moore is best known for playing the Teacher Miss Shields in the 1983 Movie “A Christmas Story.”

She died August 5, 2026 at the age of 79.

Imagine

 

40: Flight Of Navigator

 

Home Alone

 

Sam Neill

 

86: Patrick Stewart

 

70: Tom Hanks

 

100: Mel Brooks

 

 Melvin James Brooks (né Kaminsky) was born on June 28, 1926 in New York City.

His Father died when Brooks was 2 years old.

At 14 Brooks worked as an Entertainer at a Borscht Belt Hotel in Upstate New York.

He changed his name to Mel Brooks (taken Brooks from his Mother’s Maiden Name: Brookman) after being confused with Trumpeter Max Kaminsky.

He graduated High School in January 1944.

Brooks took the Army General Classification Test, a Stanford–Binet-type IQ test where he got high scores and was sent to the Army Specialized Training Program at the Virginia Military Institute to be taught Electrical Engineering, Horse Riding, and Saber Fighting.

12 weeks later, when he was 18, Brooks was Drafted into the Army.

Brooks was sent to France in November 1944, and later to Belgium, serving with the 78th Infantry Division as a Forward Artillery Observer.

In December 1944 Brooks was transferred to the 1104th Engineer Combat Battalion as a Combat Engineer, participating in the Battle of the Bulge.

After the Battle of the Bulge Brooks was stationed in Saarbrucken and Baumholder (Germany) where the Battalion was responsible for clearing booby-trapped buildings and defusing land mines as the Allies advanced.

In April 1945, Brooks' Unit conducted its last Reconnaissance Missions in the Harz Mountains, Germany.

After V-E Day, Brooks joined the Special Services as a Comic touring Army Bases.

In June 1946, Brooks was Honorably Discharged from the Army as a Corporal.

He returned to the Borsht Belt as an Entertainer until he became a Comic and a Writer for Sid Caesar's Variety Show “Your Show of Shows” from 1950 to 1954.

This started his 8 Decade (and counting) Career in Film (including: “The Producers - 1968”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Young Frankenstein”, “History of the World: Part 1”, “To Be or Not To Be”, “Spaceballs”, The Producers – 2005”, “Robin Hood: Men In Tights”, etc.) and in TV (including: “Get Smart”, “History of the World: Part 2”, etc.)

He was married to Florence Baum from 1953 until their Divorce in 1962) and then to Anne Bancroft from 1964 until her Death in 2005. He has 4 Children.

He is 100 years old today – June 28th.