Displaying items by tag: actress

It all began in 1971 on one of Los Angeles' busy freeways. It was on such a freeway that the late actor Richard Basehart and his wife, Diana, watched in horror as someone in a car ahead of them nonchalantly tossed a dog out of the car window to a grisly death.  Both Richard and Diana were animal lovers and very aware of the daily cruelties that so many animals endured. Their shock and outrage that day motivated them to gather fellow actors and members of the community together to work to stop such inhumane treatment.

When we opened our doors in 1971, our objectives were to provide proper care for and prevent the inhumane treatment and destruction of animals.  The common belief of the day was to simply rescue and adopt.  Right from the beginning, our founding members recognized that there were too many animals being destroyed in animal shelters because no one was paying attention to how many were being born.  They recognized that pet overpopulation was rooted in a lack of education and availability of services.  That was the key, and it was straightforward.  Stop the flow of animals being bred and you stop the unregulated killing.

The founding members knew that these goals were not going to be easily attainable. They would require stamina, resourcefulness and a long-standing commitment. The story of Actors and Others for Animals is also the story of compassionate people - donors, celebrities, supporters, volunteers, staff and board members - who helped take a fledgling organization and through hard work, dedication and loving kindness made it a leader in the elimination of pet overpopulation through spay and neuter, long before those words were part of the American jargon.

And while our history is rich with many accomplishments on behalf of animals, we are especially proud to have been the prevailing force behind the elimination of the decompression chamber in California. Working closely with the County of Los Angeles in the 1970's, it was agreed that if the County did not use the decompression chamber at the new Agoura shelter but instead used a euthanasia injection, Actors and Others would fund such a pilot project. It was so successful that it soon was adopted by all the other county shelters - then by the City - then in 1979 by all of California.

Dear Friends:

It was my friend, Jackie Joseph, one of the founding members of Actors and Others, who first introduced me to this wonderful organization. That first meeting was held, as I remember, in someone’s home where many of us sat on the floor, neophytes to the cause. I was immediately hooked. Improving the lives of animals, what better gig was there!

I’ve worked in many different capacities since that first meeting. As an entertainer, a volunteer, PSA spot maker, errand runner and all around worker bee. I joined the Board of Directors in 1982 served as Vice President for approximately eight years. I am very proud, honored and humbled to now serve as president.

Whenever I do a show, either in or out of town, I always ask people about their pets and if they are spayed or neutered. I am lucky to have had a great teacher in Earl Holliman, who taught me that getting the message out sometimes means doing so every day, one day at a time, one person at a time and one animal at a time.

We have all been privileged to have the “Earl Example” to learn from, and it is because of his great leadership that Actors and Others has grown to be the well-respected organization that it is today. It shall be my job to make sure that we continue on that same path.

My little rescue dog, Harmony, is a constant reminder to me of how important it is to take care of our animal companions and friends. My goal in life is "to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

JoAnne Worley’s instinctive comedic timing and irrepressible laugh makes her a favorite of audiences everywhere. Her work runs the gamut from television, movie and stage productions to game shows, talk shows, commercials, cartoons and opera. Most currently, JoAnne starred with a celebrated cast in the New York City Center’s Encores! Production of Steven Sondheim legendary "Follies," had a successful Broadway run in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and the Los Angeles production of "Wicked". She also has guest starred on "Bones," "Curb Your Euthusiasm," "Jessie" and “The Middle".

Jo Anne Worley (born September 6, 1937) is an American actress, comedian, and singer. Her work covers television, films, theatre, game shows, talk shows, commercials, and cartoons. Worley is widely known for her work on the comedy-variety show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

Early life and education

Worley was born on September 6, 1937, in Lowell, Indiana,^[1] the third child of Rose Irene (née Gardner) and Joseph Lauraine Worley. In 1962, her parents divorced and her father remarried, having four children with his second wife, Nancy.^[1]

Always known for her loud voice, Worley once said that when she attended church as a little girl, she never sang the hymns but would only lip sync them for fear that she would drown out everyone else. Before graduating from high school, she was named school comedienne.^[1]

After graduating from high school in 1955, Worley moved to Blauvelt, New York, where she began her professional career as a member of the Pickwick Players.^[2] This led to a drama scholarship to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.^[3]

Career

After studying at Midwestern for two years, Worley moved to Los Angeles to study at Los Angeles City College and the Pasadena Playhouse.^[4][5][6][7] She was soon given her first musical role in a production of Wonderful Town. In 1961, Worley received her first major break when she appeared in the musical revue Billy Barnes People in Los Angeles; this production moved to Broadway, where it ran for only six performances. However, the New York Times reviewer wrote: "Jo Anne Worley has an earthy style that suggests she could be a rowdy comedienne."^[4][5][6][8] In 1964, she was selected to appear as a stand-in on the original Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! One year later, Worley created her own nightclub act in Greenwich Village, where she was discovered by Merv Griffin in 1966.^[4][5][6]

Impressed by Worley's talents, Griffin engaged her to be one of his primary guest stars on his show, where she made approximately 40 appearances on The Merv Griffin Show.^[4][5][6] In 1966, she appeared Off-Broadway in The Mad Show, a musical revue based on Mad Magazine.^[9] In 1967, Worley's stint on Griffin's show led to her discovery by George Schlatter, who soon cast her in Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.^[4][5][6]

In 1970, Worley left Laugh-In to pursue other projects and has made guest appearances on several television series, including Love, American Style, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Andy Williams Show, Adam-12, Emergency!, Murder, She Wrote, The Middle, and different game shows such as Super Password, Hollywood Squares, and the many versions of Pyramid. She continued working in various movies, television series, and theatrical performances (original productions and revivals alike) over the years. Worley also became known for her work as a voice provider for several cartoons, animated movies, and video games. Her voice work includes Nutcracker Fantasy (1979), the Disney movies Beauty and the Beast (1991), A Goofy Movie (1995), Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World (1998), and the voice of the Wardrobe in the video game Kingdom Hearts II (2005). She remains involved with Disney, making cameos in several Disney Channel sitcoms such as Kim Possible playing the role of Bonnie Rockwaller's mother, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Jessie.

Worley performed in regional theater, such as the Melody Top Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she appeared in Gypsy: A Musical Fable as Rose (1984), Annie Get Your Gun (1982), Hello Dolly! (1980), Anything Goes (1978) and Once Upon a Mattress (1974),^[10] She also appeared at the Welk Dinner Theater in San Diego, California in Same Time, Next Year in 1985,^[11] Call Me Madam at the California Music Theatre, Pasadena, California, in 1987,^[12] and Nunsense at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, La Mirada, California, in 1991.^[13]

In 1989, Worley returned to Broadway to appear in Prince of Central Park, but the show was canceled after four performances.^[14] She was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West in a 1999 musical production of The Wizard of Oz, directed and adapted by Robert Johanson, with Mickey Rooney playing the eponymous role. The production had a limited run at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood, California and at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, and she also joined the limited US tour.^[15][16] Worley played Mrs. Tottendale in the Broadway musical, The Drowsy Chaperone at the Marquis Theatre from July through December 2007. She then reprised the role of Mrs. Tottendale at The Cape Playhouse from June to July 2015.

From January 8 until August 24, 2008, Worley played the role of Madame Morrible in the Los Angeles production of Wicked.^[17]

Personal life

Worley married actor Roger Perry on May 11, 1975. They divorced in 2000.^[18]

Worley is an animal lover. For more than 40 years she has been involved with the organisation Actors and Others for Animals, founded in 1971, which funds spay-and-neuter programmes, and provides veterinary financial assistance to pet guardians in Southern California.^[19][20][21] She served on a voluntary basis on the board of directors for several years before becoming vice president, and since 2007, has served as president of the organisation.^[20][22]

Filmography

Film

Television

Year	Film	Role	Notes
1962	Moon Pilot	Extra	Technicolor science fiction and comedy film directed by James Neilson.[23] Uncredited
1968	Head	Woman in Playtex Bra Ad	Adventure musical satirical film featuring The Monkees and directed by Bob Rafelson.[24]
1976	The Shaggy D.A.	Katrinka Muggelberg	Comedy film and sequel to The Shaggy Dog and directed by Robert Stevenson.[25]
1979	Nutcracker Fantasy	Queen Morphia	くるみ割り人形 (Kurumiwari Ningyō, lit. The Nutcracker) Japanese-American stop motion animated film. directed by Takeo Nakamura.[26]
1991	Beauty and the Beast	Armoire the Wardrobe	Animated musical and fantasy film directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise.[27]
1995	A Goofy Movie	Miss Maples	Animated musical road comedy film directed by Kevin Lima.[28]
1998	Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World	Armoire the Wardrobe	Direct-to-video Musical romantic fantasy film directed by Cullen Blaine, Daniel de la Vega, Barbara Dourmashkin, Dale Kase, Bob Kline, Burt Medall, and Mitch Rochon. Credited as Joanne Worley
1999	Belle's Tales of Friendship	Armoire the Wardrobe	Direct-to-video Live action/animated directed by Jimbo Mitchell.
2004	Goodnight, We Love You	Herself	Documentary written and directed by Gregg Barson.
2008	Forever Plaid: The Movie	The Usher	Musical film directed by Stuart Ross. Scenes deleted
2012	Carol Channing: Larger Than Life Documentary	Herself	Documentary directed and co-written by Dori Berinstein.
2019	Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate	Herself
Year	Title	Role	Notes
1960	The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis	Myrtle Tarantino	Episode: "Baby Talk" (S 2:Ep 3)
1961	Adventures in Paradise	Guest	Episode: "Act of Piracy" {S 2:Ep 18}
	The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis	Myrtle Tarantino	Episode: "Goodbye, Mr. Pomfritt, Hello, Mr. Chips" (S 2:Ep 34)
1967	Captain Nice	Rusty	Episode: "One Rotten Apple" (S 1:Ep 14)
1968–1970	Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In	Performer	Contract role
1970	Hot Dog	Host	Contract role Saturday morning documentary series for children
	Pat Paulsen's Half a Comedy Hour	Underwater Wife	Episode: "Episode #1.4" (S 1:Ep 4)
	Love, American Style	Maggie	Episode:"Love and the Coed Dorm/Love and the Optimist/Love and the Teacher" (S 1:Ep 19)
1971	The Feminist and the Fuzz	Dr. Debby Inglefinger	TV movie directed by Jerry Paris.[29]
	Love, American Style	Guest	Episode: "Love and the Boss/Love and the Jury/Love and the Logical Explanation/Love and the Pregnancy" (s 2:Ep 21)
	Night Gallery	Iris Travers	Episode: " House — With Ghost/A Midnight Visit to the Neighborhood Blood Bank/Dr. Stringfellow's" (S 2:Ep 9)
	What's a Nice Girl Like You...?	Cynthia	TV movie directed by Jerry Paris.[30]
	Love, American Style	Housewife	Episode: "Love and the Detective/Love and the Guilty Conscience/Love and the Mixed Marriage/Love and the Wake-Up Girl" (S 3:Ep 5)
		Susie	Episode: "Love and the Baby/Love and the Big Mother/Love and the Free Weekend/Love and the Jealous Husband/Love and the Old Cowboy" (S 3:Ep 9)
1972		Mrs. Stevens	Episode: "Love and the Big Surprise/Love and the Security Building/Love and the Ski Lodge/Love and the Happy Unhappy Couple/Love and the Topless Policy" (S 3:Ep 16)
	Adam-12	Juju Perrin	Episode: "Mary Hong Loves Tommy Chen" (S 4:Ep 19)
	The Paul Lynde Show	Fay	Episode: "An Affair to Forget" (S 1:Ep 12)
1973–1974	It Pays to Be Ignorant	Herself	Panelist
1973–1991	Pyramid	Recurring celebrity guest	Its subsequent versions
1973	Love, American Style	Beverly Arnold Rhode	Episode: "Love and the Games People Play/Love and High Spirits/Love and the Memento/Love and the Single Husband/Love and the Stutter" (S 5:Ep 4)
	Emergency!	Screaming Woman	Episode: "Zero" (S 3:Ep 10)
1974–1976	Match Game	Herself	Panelist
1974	The Six Million Dollar Man	Mona	Episode: "Survival of the Fittest" (S1 :Ep 2)
1975	Get Christie Love!	Miss Holmes	Episode: "Murder on High C" (S 1:Ep 16)
	New Zoo Revue	Vanessa Gramcracker	Episode: "September 2, 1975"
1977	The Riddlers		unsold game show pilot
	Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color	Miss Osborne	Episode: "The Mouseketeers at Walt Disney World" (S 24:Ep 6)
	Hawaii Five-O	Anna Jovanko	Episode: "Blood Money Is Hard to Wash"
1978	The Love Boat	Sandy Beal	Episode: "A Time for Everything/The Song Is Ended/Accidental Cruise/Anoushka" (S 2:Ep 8)
	The Gift of the Magi	Star	Adapted made-for-TV-Movie directed by Marc Daniels.
1979	The Love Boat	Dottie Anderson	Episode: "The Stimulation of Stephanie/The Next Step/Life Begins at 40" (S 3:Ep 14)
	CHiPs	Herself	Episode: "Roller Disco: Part 2" (S 3:Ep 2) Uncredited
	The Arthur Godfrey Special	Herself	Sketch comedy musical directed by Sterling Johnson.
1981	Through the Magic Pyramid	Mutnedjmet	TV movie directed by Ron Howard.[31]
1981–82	The All New Popeye Hour	Sgt. Bertha Blast	Contract role
1983	The Love Boat	Mrs. Honeycutt	Episode: "The Dog Show: Going to the Dogs/Putting on the Dog/Women's Best Friend/Whose Dog Is It Anyway" (S 6:Ep 25)
1985	Murder, She Wrote	Carla Raymond	Episode" "My Johnny Lies over the Ocean" (S 1:Ep 13)
	Super Password	Herself	Game Show Contestant / Celebrity Guest Star
	Pound Puppies	Nose	TV movie directed by Alan Zaslove and Ray Patterson. Credited as JoAnne Worley
	The Wuzzles	Hopopotamus	Contract role
1989	DuckTales	Guest	Episode: "The Good Muddahs" (S 2:Ep 14) Credited as JoAnne Worley
1990	Match Game	Herself	Panelist
1992	The Elf Who Saved Christmas	Mrs. Buzzard	Short film directed by Bob Sykes.[32]
1993	Tom & Jerry Kids	Guest	Episode:"Penthouse Mouse/Twelve Angry Sheep/The Ant Attack" (S 3:Ep 21) Credited as JoAnne Worley
	The Elf and the Magic Key	Mrs. Buzzard	TV movie directed by Bob Sykes.[33]
	The Pink Panther	Mrs. Chubalingo	Episode: "Pilgrim Panther/That Old Pink Magic" (S 1:Ep 10) Credited as Joanne Worley
1995	Family Reunion: A Relative Nightmare	Aunt Kate	TV movie directed by Neal Israel.[34]
1996	Mad About You	Herself	Episode: "Dream Weaver" (S 4:Ep 12)
1998	Caroline in the City	Herself	Episode: "Caroline and the Sandwich" (S 3:Ep 22)
	Sabrina, The Teenage Witch	Aunt Beulah	Episode: "Good Will Haunting" (S 3:Ep 6)
1999	Boy Meets World	Mrs. Stevens	Episode: "Pickett Fences" (S 7:Ep 10)
2001	Kim Possible	Mrs. Rockwaller	Episode: "Downhill" (S 1:Ep 5)
2004	Hollywood Squares	Herself	Recurring
2005	Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List	Herself	Episode: "Out & About" (S 1:Ep 1–Pilot)
2009	Wizards of Waverly Place	Maggie	Episode: "Alex Does Good" (S 2:Ep 17)
2011	Unscripted	Herself	Episode: "Jo Anne Worley" (S 1:Ep 6) Biography
	Bones	Diane Michaels	Episode "The Truth in the Myth" (S 6:Ep 18)
	Curb Your Enthusiasm	Rosemary	Episode: "The Smiley Face" (S 8:Ep 4)
	Jessie	Nana Banana	Episode: "Zuri's New Old Friend" (S 1:Ep 6) Credited as JoAnne Worley
2012	The Middle	Miss Lambert	Episode: "The Guidance Counselor" (S 3:Ep 21)

To put it simply, there’s little Dianne Scott doesn’t do. Between her successful modeling and acting career, her role as full-time wife and stepmom to three, and her devotion to advocating for pit bulls, Scott has allowed her creativity and artistry to pour out of her in far more ways than one. From performing in various film and television shows, gracing the cover of magazines, and turning her passion for pups into something tangible through her web series Neighborhood Watch, her Instagram page A Tale of 2 Pitties (which has gathered a community of 104k pit bull lovers), and her newly published children’s book series, A Tale of Two Pitties, Scott has gained an extensive amount of experience through her adventures. I was given the incredible opportunity to chat about her fondest memories, greatest advice, and future projects. Q: So you’ve done so many incredible things in your career. Before we jump into that, I’d love to know about your life before your career. How did your childhood and your upbringing inspire you to pursue a career in the industry? D: I knew when I was about eight or nine that I was a performer. I was always putting on silly skits and being ridiculous. I would force my friends and family to sit while I did something outrageous, and it was all to make them laugh—I really, really loved to make people laugh. I think it started because, I’m 5’10 now, so I was always very tall and very awkward as a child and I think I kind of leaned into my comedic ability to kind of compensate for how I didn’t feel beautiful or attractive. I was like “Okay, I’m really funny and I can make people laugh and that’s an even bigger gift,” and so I did that. I also started to write stories when I was in junior high and high school because I always loved to write. I still do and I’ll touch more on that later. So, as I got older and grew out of my ugly duckling phase, thank God, that was when my modeling career started, but I’ve always known I wanted to act. I was always performing and doing plays growing up. After high school, I went to Westmont College for a year and soon realized “Wait, this is not what I want to do,” so after that, I moved down to San Diego for a while, eventually made it to LA, and here I am now. Q: Could you tell me about your early career? What was your life like when you first moved to Los Angeles? DIANNE SCOTT, THE ACTRESS D: So I kind of hopped all over the place because I was honestly lost for a little while, which, aren’t we all in our early 20s? So when I finally made it up to LA, I had a very successful modeling career. But eventually, I thought, wait, I don’t want to do this, I need to be heard! I need to use my voice because I have a lot to say! So my first break was on the show Bones, which was my first co-star, so that was awesome. Then I zigzagged in and out of modeling and acting and was on a few other shows. I was on How I Met Your Mother, where I got to work with Neil Patrick Harris who is just so lovely and so funny. But I have to say the pinnacle of my career up until this point was, as far as working with absolute legends goes, I got to work on the movie The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. One day of filming, in particular, there was a scene where I was working with Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, and Jay Mohr. It was twelve, maybe thirteen hours on this scene, and, girl, when I tell you it took everything in my being and acting training to not just crack up every time Jim Carrey looked over at me and made eye contact! It was just incredible, that was an amazing experience. Something else I got to work on that was just phenomenal was Face Off. I was a series regular for a few years and that was one of my favorites because you come on set and you have no idea what’s going to happen to you. They work you into these insane creatures and it was just so fun and fed my creative need so much. Q: What was it like adjusting to the people that live and work in Hollywood? As someone who moved from a suburb to LA at a young age as well, it was definitely culture shock for me. How has that adjustment been for you? D: When I first came to LA in my early 20’s, I was just clueless. I look back and I realize how many people were taking advantage of me and lying to me, and how starstruck I was and blind to it I was. So, it’s definitely tough. You have to have really thick skin and really know who you are and fortunately, over the years I found some really good people to hold onto. I went through a lot of friends and eventually found the right people, and that’s so important to stay grounded because it’s a very tricky industry. Q: So, switching gears to another one of your passions, you’re known for being a huge advocate for pit bulls. Can you tell me when and where this passion sort of stemmed from? DIANNE SCOTT, THE ACTRESS D: Yes, so in 2012 my husband saw a picture of a dog at a shelter and just had this urge to adopt him. I saw the picture and said, “That’s a pit bull, aren’t pit bulls dangerous?” because I didn’t know anything at the time. So I was like, “Can’t they lock their jaws, and aren’t they not safe around children?” And my husband, bless his heart, just kind of laughs and says “No, that’s a stereotype. That’s a bias you probably heard through the media.” The crazy thing was when I thought about it, I didn’t even know where I had heard that, it was just a fact rummaging around in my head. So thank God we took a chance on this dog. We brought him home, named him Hurley, and fell madly in love as one does when they take a chance on a pit bull. My mind was just blown at how what I thought was true was proven to be completely wrong by this beautiful, sweet boy. So something kind of awoke inside of me and shortly after Hurley we adopted another dog and I created an Instagram for them. Hurley died when he was four of lymphoma, and at this point, my social media following had grown pretty big. I had so much support from this amazing, insanely strong community of pit bull lovers and advocates on social media, and yes, it shattered my world. But also, in losing him, I realized what one of my missions in life was supposed to be, and it was to advocate for these dogs that are so misunderstood. So in 2016, shortly after Hurley died, we rescued another pit bull mix, so we have two again. He’s continued Hurley’s legacy, and over the years my passion in this whole mission has just continued to grow. Q: How did this passion for pit bulls connect with your love of writing? When did you feel inspired to connect the two and write A Tale of Two Pitties? D: When Hurley was still alive we had cats too, and when I married my husband I became a full-time stepmom to three, so we had a very full house. I started writing these children’s books because there are so many amazing stories with my life and these animals, you know? My pit bull loves on my cat and they just have this bromance that was featured on Ellen, and it was impacting so many people around the world! I thought, “I need to write these books and make them fun and educational!” and I couldn’t stop writing. So, I have five published on Amazon right now and I have no desire to stop, so I’m going to keep writing. I mean we now have two dogs, four cats, three children—the stories are just never going to end! Q: How has it been taking on this new hat of being an author? Seeing that you’re an actor, model, and now author, I’d love to hear your opinion on how these things connect. D: Yes, they definitely balance. As an artist, there are so many things that just pour out of you in any outlet you can find, and I’m just finding more as I get older, which is so lovely. When I became a full-time stepmom I didn’t know what I was doing. I don’t have any biological children and I decided to put a hiatus on my career so I could really adjust and be the best version of myself for them and for my husband and not lose my mind. In doing that, that’s when things really started ramping up in me artistically and all these different outlets appeared. So I kept writing and I created a web series called Neighborhood Watch with my dog, and I looked back and thought, “How funny is it that I stopped acting professionally for a while, but I couldn’t stop acting?” So, I created a series with my dog as my co-star (who is a phenomenal co-star, I must say)! It just goes to show if you’re meant to do something it’s going to manifest in some way. Now that our kids are older, I’ve since gone back to acting and it’s like picking up where I left off, but even better. Q: For our readers interested in keeping an eye out for you, are there any projects you’ve recently worked on or that you’re planning to do in the future? D: Yes, I do! So I was just part of a film released last weekend called Super Bois. The film is about people with special needs and pit bulls and shining this beautiful bright light on them. I have a niece with Down syndrome and I have pit bulls, so these were just two incredibly amazing causes I’m very passionate about. Just the way that it all happened was insane and I never expected to be a part of this film. I got to play opposite Marty York, who plays ‘Yeah-Yeah’ in The Sandlot, which is one of my all-time favorite movies to this day, so being able to play opposite him was just such a cool, amazing experience. It’s just a beautiful movie, so that’s really exciting. I also just did a documentary on plant-based dog food. Now, I’m not vegan or plant-based, so when they approached me to do it I was pretty skeptical. But when we did it, all of our dogs’ digestive issues, rashes, and allergies that we’ve spent so much money on disappeared within a week of being on this food and nothing has come back since. So, this documentary was just released last week, it’s by Wild Earth dog food, and I’m really excited about it. Q: Lastly, if you had one piece of advice for our readers who are aspiring to be actors, models, or authors, what would it be? D: Yes, I have a lot of advice! For someone wanting to pursue acting, I think a huge key is knowing who you are as a person, as an artist, as a soul, and making sure you’ve done as much of the inner work as you can. Meaning, for example, I remember getting to LA in my early 20s and not really having a sense of identity. I was so easily swayed one way or the other; it was hard for me to say no, and there were just so many things that were a recipe for disaster. So now, when I look back, I realize that was another reason I didn’t have as much success early on. I think knowing who you are, taking the time to figure out who you are, and really getting strong in what you believe, what you’re going to say yes or no to, and above all, this piece of advice goes for anything you’re pursuing, never ever give up on the desire that is in your heart. They are not random, they were put there, and you can do something so special that can help an endless amount of people if you follow that. If you live your life in fear, at the end of your life you’re going to be so regretful, and you’ll never know what you’re missing out on if you don’t leave your comfort zone. You have no idea of the path and you can’t predict what’s going to happen, so you just have to trust that what you’re meant to do is going to happen and just keep going no matter what.

Doris Day Tribute and Estate Auction

 

Doris Day Animal Foundation Announces a Week-Long Tribute to the Life and Career of Doris Day

in Conjunction with Julien’s Auctions “Property from the Estate of Doris Day” Two-Day Auction Event

April 4 and 5 in Beverly Hills

Los Angeles, California (February 25, 2020) – Doris Day Animal Foundation, the charity founded by legendary performer and animal welfare advocate, Doris Day, has announced a week-long tribute to the world-renowned icon and quintessential “girl-next-door,” whose films, music and pioneering animal welfare efforts continue to inspire generations of fans all over the world. The celebrations of Day’s life and career will take place in Beverly Hills and Hollywood the week of March 30, culminating in the auction of “Property from the Estate of Doris Day” by Julien’s Auctions on April 4 and April 5, live at their Beverly Hills gallery and online at juliensauctions.com. The public is invited to preview the auction items, which will be on exhibit at Julien’s Auction gallery at 257 North Canon Drive in Beverly Hills from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday, March 30 through Sunday, April 5. “Doris was not only a legendary singer and actress, but a pioneering animal welfare advocate whose efforts helped improve the lives of animals and the people who love them all over the world,” said Bob Bashara, executor of Day’s estate, her business manager and CEO of the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF). “It was her wish that all proceeds from her estate benefit DDAF, so her legacy would continue.”  

Since Doris Day’s death on May 13, 2019, devoted fans across the globe have been asking for an official tribute to the beloved star. “Doris didn’t attend funerals and did not wish to have a memorial service,” said long-time friend and DDAF’s Director of Communications, Lea Price.   “We knew that she wouldn’t want us to grieve, so the week leading up to the auction of property from Doris Day’s estate will be an uplifting celebration of her extraordinary life and career, while helping the cause closest to her heart—the ‘precious animals’.”

The fete kicks off at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, March 31 at the TCL Chinese Theatres with a screening of one of Doris Day’s most popular romantic comedies, “The Thrill of it All,” co-starring James Garner and directed by Academy Award winner Norman Jewison. *Jewison, Kym Karath (“Sound of Music”), and Brian Nash (who both played Day’s kids in the film) will participate in a Q&A, along with film critic Leonard Maltin. The panel will be moderated by singer/actor Scott Dreier, who will be performing his award-winning musical tribute show, “Doris and Me” later in the week. Also featured will be behind-the-scenes clips of Day in Hollywood and a display of select items from Julien’s Auctions “Property from the Estate of “Doris Day” in the multiplex lobby. Tickets are available at TCLChineseTheatres.com.

On Thursday, April 2, Julien’s Auctions will be hosting a VIP Reception and Private Viewing Party for “Property from the Estate of Doris Day” at their Beverly Hills gallery. The public is invited, but space is limited. To attend, RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Subject: Julien’s Auctions Doris Day VIP Reception, Thursday April 2. Confirmation from Julien’s is a must for admittance.

Press Release, 2/25/20 – Doris Day Tribute and Estate Auction                                                                      Page 2.

Friday, April 3—what would have been Doris Day’s 98^th birthday—will open with a proclamation ceremony of “Doris Day” Day, by Beverly Hills Mayor, John Mirisch, and the city council on the Crescent Drive steps and

Municipal Gallery of Beverly Hills City Hall at 11:00 am. Local animal rescue organization, the Amanda Foundation, will be on hand with dog adoptions and a doggie fashion show. *Celebrities expected to participate include Jamie Farr (“M*A*S*H,” “With Six You Get Eggroll”) and Jackie Joseph (“The Doris Day Show”). Other friends and co-stars of Day expected to attend include Leslie Farrell (“Move Over Darling”), Kym Karath (“The Thrill of it All,” “The Sound of Music”), Brian Nash (“The Thrill of it All”), Christopher Olsen (Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much”) and Les Brown, Jr. (“Music of Your Life”). “I’ve been a great fan of Doris Day’s since I saw her in ‘Romance on the High Seas’ and she sang ‘It’s Magic’…and it was—both on and off screen,” said co-star Jamie Farr. “I consider her the modern-day St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. I’m proud to be a part of this very fitting honor.”   Added Day’s pal and co-star Jackie Joseph, “How appropriate to be in Beverly Hills… celebrating, not only the shining star but the bright spirit of Doris Day who careened from her home on her bike to partake of her neighborhood… and also began her lifelong advocation to save animals. It’s such an honor to participate in this ongoing appreciation of “The Dog Catcher of Beverly Hills.” The event is open to the public—no RSVP necessary.

Capping off “Doris Day” Day on Friday, April 3 will be a special performance of singer Scott Dreier’s award-winning “Doris and Me,” presented at The Montalban theatre in Hollywood at 7:30 pm, followed by a *celebrity Q&A with more of Day’s friends and co-stars, including Loni Anderson (“Doris Day’s Best Friends”), Philip Brown and Jackie Joseph (“The Doris Day Show”), Les Brown, Jr. (“Music of Your Life”), Billy Gray (“On Moonlight Bay,” “Father Knows Best”), Christopher Olsen (Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much”) and Marion Ross (“Teacher’s Pet,” “Happy Days”). “Doris and Me” is a critically-acclaimed musical tribute and celebration of the music, life and career of Doris Day, which Dreier has performed around the country, including New York’s 54 Below and at multiple Doris Day birthday celebrations in Carmel, California, helping to raise funds for DDAF. “I am so thrilled and grateful to be a part of this celebration of our exquisite Doris Day that not only celebrates the extraordinary human, artist, and friend that she was—but also benefits the animal foundation that she created and was so passionate about,” said Dreier. Tickets are available at themontalban.com. Enter code DORIS for $10 off.

Luxury tour provider, Tour du Jour, will be offering three-hour Doris Day-themed tours throughout the week, Sunday, March 29 through Thursday, April 2, for those who want to see where Day lived, worked and played. The personal tours are limited to twelve guests per vehicle and may be booked at dorisdaytour.eventstmart.com.

The celebrations culminate in an exclusive two-day auction event on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5 when Julien’s Auctions present “Property from the Estate of Doris Day” live at their Beverly Hills gallery at 257 North Canon Drive and online at juliensauctions.com. The world-record breaking auction house will offer over 1,000 lots of Day’s costumes, furnishings, art, and memorabilia from her personal collection and iconic films, television shows and specials. Estate items include the formal white ensemble Day wore when she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Golden Globes in 1989, a brass embossed elephant jardinière gifted by Rock Hudson, a painting by artist and singer Tony Bennett, a red lacquer Young Chang upright piano gifted by her son, Terry Melcher, a classic 1930 Ford convertible used on “Doris Day’s Best Friends” TV show, and numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Gold Records. “Doris Day was a Hollywood giant as one of the screen’s legendary leading actresses, top box office stars and one of the greatest singers of the 20th century with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “On this special occasion of what would be Doris Day’s 98th birthday celebration, we are honored to announce that 100 percent of the proceeds of the sale will benefit her charity the Doris Day Animal Foundation, to which she devoted her life’s work as an animal rights activist.” For more information and to register, visit juliensauctions.com.  

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About Doris Day

Born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 3, 1922, Doris Day—the quintessential all-American girl—could do it all with an ease that belied the depth of her talent. When a car accident in her teen years shattered her leg and put an end to a promising dancing career, she turned to singing while recuperating. The result was several big band stints, most notably with Les Brown and his Band of Renown, and her first big hit in 1945, “Sentimental Journey”—an anthem for service men and women all over the world that still resonates today. More Top 10 hits followed, such as “My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time,” “Again,” and “Everybody Loves a Lover.”

Hollywood soon came calling, and Day’s first audition won her the lead in 1948’s “Romance on the High Seas” opposite Jack Carson, which featured her Academy Award-nominated hit, “It’s Magic.” Thirty-eight more films followed and included everything from family musicals, such as “On Moonlight Bay” opposite Gordon MacRae and “Calamity Jane” with Howard Keel (featuring her Academy Award-winning song, “Secret Love”); dramas, such as “Love Me or Leave Me” opposite James Cagney; suspense thrillers, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” co-starring James Stewart (and featuring the Oscar®-winning “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”—the song most associated with Day and the philosophy she adopted in life); and romantic comedies, such as “Teacher’s Pet” with Clark Gable and “The Thrill of it All” opposite James Garner.   Day’s perhaps most iconic film was “Pillow Talk,” which garnered her an Academy Award nomination and famously paired her with Rock Hudson, with whom she would make two more films, “Lover Come Back” and “Send Me No Flowers”—all three co-starring Tony Randall.

 

In just over 20 years, Day made over 600 song recordings, 30 albums and 39 films, while also starring in her own radio show and accompanying Bob hope on numerous trips to entertain the troops during the 40’s and 50’s. Among her numerous honors and awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Lifetime Achievement Award, Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement, along with several Golden Globes and Laurel Awards from the Theatre Owners of America. She remains the top-ranked female box office star of all time.

In 1968 Day set her sights on television and starred in her hit CBS series, “The Doris Day Show” for five years, as well as two variety specials, “The Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff Special” in 1971 and “Doris Day Today” in 1975. After moving to Carmel, CA in 1981, Day followed up with a 1985 lifestyle celebrity talk show that was filmed in the area and focused on animal welfare. She continued to enjoy life in Carmel, partnering in the ownership of the pet-friendly Cypress Inn, and making Carmel-by-the-Sea the “dog-friendly capital of the world.” She loved her devoted fans and happily responded to the enormous volume of fan mail that continued to pour in until her death on May 13, 2019 at the age of 97.

Doris Day’s passion to be a voice for the helpless animals went back to her childhood, but became famously known in 1956 when she refused to continue filming “The Man Who Knew Too Much” on location in Morocco until all of the emaciated animals on and around the set were well-fed and cared for, supervising the effort herself.   Back home, Day was rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming homeless pets (affectionately known as “The Dog Catcher of Beverly Hills”) at a time when organized animal welfare was virtually non-existent and euthanasia in animal shelters ran rampant. In 1971 she became a founding member of Actors and Others for Animals, along with Richard and Diana

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Basehart, Jackie Joseph and others who wanted to use their celebrity status to draw vital media attention to the plight of the animals and influence needed change.  Wanting to contribute even more to saving lives, Day founded her own Doris Day Pet Foundation in 1978, followed by the Doris Day Animal League (a citizen’s lobbying organization based in Washington, DC) in 1987. The Pet Foundation—today known as the Doris Day Animal Foundation—has evolved into a national grant-giving charity supporting other 501(c)3 animal welfare organizations and programs across the United States and beyond. Both organizations proudly continue to carry on Doris Day’s legacy and vision to make this a better world for the animals.

About the Doris Day Animal Foundation

The Doris Day Animal Foundation, dorisdayanimalfoundation.org, is a national, 501(c)(3) non-profit charity founded by legendary performer Doris Day in 1978, with a straightforward mission to help animals and the people who love them. As a grant-giving organization, DDAF funds other non-profit causes across the country that directly rescue, care for and protect animals. DDAF's ongoing project funding includes World Spay Day (founded by Doris Day and the Doris Day Animal League in 1995), Duffy Day Life Saving Program, Doris Day Equine Center, the Doris Day/Terry Melcher Scholarship at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, "Seniors for Seniors" programs and many more.

*Celebrity guests subject to availability

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