Arlene Francis Tribute
If I have a claim to fame, it is Arlene Francis herself. What? You do not know who Arlene Francis was? Well, let me introduce you!
While first and foremost she was a television pioneer for women, Arlene began in the entertainment business in the movies in 1932. The live theater was her first love, and she appeared in many Broadway plays. She had roles in plays such as "All That Glitters" , "Danton's Death", and "Journey to Jerusalem". Her big hit was "The Doughgirls" which ran for one and a half years. Arlene was also in several radio serials and hosted a radio dating show called "Blind Date"
Arlene's primary fame came from her 25 year span as a panelist on the old 1950's and 60's black and white television game show, "What's My Line?". While doing television, Ms. Francis was also the star of the "The Arlene Francis Show" on WOR. That show ran for nearly two and a half decades. She also had a daily television show, "Home", which she co-hosted with Hugh Downs and she even filled in for Johnny Carson as host on the "Tonight Show" on more than one occasion!
Arlene had a way with the camera. Her witty personality, beauty, charm, and intelligence came across the television and into the homes of millions of American's each week for a quarter of a century.
So, what's my claim to fame associated with Arlene Francis? Not only was I the web master of a her official tribute web site, I also had the privilege of going to San Francisco and meeting her. Unfortunately, our meeting was not until the year 2000, when she was well within the throws of Alzheimer's Disease. And, although our meeting was one sided, I knew who I was meeting. It was one of those moments I will always remember. Although aged and her face had that Alzheimer's "look", she was still as beautiful and glamorous as ever. That twinkle in her eye was indisputable. I was meeting the famous and greatly accomplished Arlene Francis. Indeed, what a treat!!!
Arlene passed away May 31, 2001, almost a year to the date from which I met her. And, due to life happening to me, her web site also was taken off line sometime in the year 2006, thus ending the run of a great life experience for me.
Want to know more about Arlene? Below are a few of the links to information about her. Unfortunately, such information is becoming scarce once again, like it was prior to her official web site being established.
Arlene Francis, Wikipedia, Arlene Francis, A Memoir , Amazon.com
What's My Line? Wikipedia Her son, Peter Gabel. Wikipedia
Arlene's Obituary, New York Times
While first and foremost she was a television pioneer for women, Arlene began in the entertainment business in the movies in 1932. The live theater was her first love, and she appeared in many Broadway plays. She had roles in plays such as "All That Glitters" , "Danton's Death", and "Journey to Jerusalem". Her big hit was "The Doughgirls" which ran for one and a half years. Arlene was also in several radio serials and hosted a radio dating show called "Blind Date"
Arlene's primary fame came from her 25 year span as a panelist on the old 1950's and 60's black and white television game show, "What's My Line?". While doing television, Ms. Francis was also the star of the "The Arlene Francis Show" on WOR. That show ran for nearly two and a half decades. She also had a daily television show, "Home", which she co-hosted with Hugh Downs and she even filled in for Johnny Carson as host on the "Tonight Show" on more than one occasion!
Arlene had a way with the camera. Her witty personality, beauty, charm, and intelligence came across the television and into the homes of millions of American's each week for a quarter of a century.
So, what's my claim to fame associated with Arlene Francis? Not only was I the web master of a her official tribute web site, I also had the privilege of going to San Francisco and meeting her. Unfortunately, our meeting was not until the year 2000, when she was well within the throws of Alzheimer's Disease. And, although our meeting was one sided, I knew who I was meeting. It was one of those moments I will always remember. Although aged and her face had that Alzheimer's "look", she was still as beautiful and glamorous as ever. That twinkle in her eye was indisputable. I was meeting the famous and greatly accomplished Arlene Francis. Indeed, what a treat!!!
Arlene passed away May 31, 2001, almost a year to the date from which I met her. And, due to life happening to me, her web site also was taken off line sometime in the year 2006, thus ending the run of a great life experience for me.
Want to know more about Arlene? Below are a few of the links to information about her. Unfortunately, such information is becoming scarce once again, like it was prior to her official web site being established.
Arlene Francis, Wikipedia, Arlene Francis, A Memoir , Amazon.com
What's My Line? Wikipedia Her son, Peter Gabel. Wikipedia
Arlene's Obituary, New York Times
