Andy Williams
"Moon River" singer and 1960s TV variety show host Andy Williams has died in his Branson, Mo., home, People reports. He was 84.
Remember other celebrities we lost this year
Williams, born Howard Andrew Williams in Iowa, first started singing with his brothers in the late '30s. Together the quartet joined entertainer Kay Thompson in her nightclub act. After breaking up in 1952, Williams launched his solo career where he eventually landed a spot on The Tonight Show and a Columbia Records contract. His rendition of the Breakfast at Tiffany's theme "Moon River" became his signature hit.
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Liza Minelli
Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Legend Award winner Liza Minnelli finally joins Robert Osborne's illustrious guest list on Saturday's episode of Private Screenings (10/9c, TCM). I watched her film the chat in the New York's West Village back in June, looking remarkably limber just a few months after knee replacement surgery. She was about to head out on tour to support her album Confessions, released this past September. Earlier this week, fresh from a San Francisco concert, the diva talked to me about her new album and her conversation with Osborne about growing up with legendary parents Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli and some of their equally famous friends. (AMC is also airing 10 of her parents' films — including An American in Paris and Gigi — plus Liza's Cabaret on Saturday and Tuesday...
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Question: Let's go wayyyyy back to the '50s. I'm looking for a show about a little girl named Eloise who lived in the penthouse of the Plaza in New York City. I really want to know who the actress was and what program that was. My sister thinks it was a Playhouse 90 or Hallmark Theatre production. I'd really appreciate any info you could dig up. Thanks.
Answer: Your sister's a sharp one, Phyllis. Hang on to her.
In 1956, Playhouse 90 presented Eloise, a live broadcast based on author and performer Kay Thompson's popular character, who first appeared in book form. Young Evelyn Rudie played the titular girl, a popular fictional New Yorker who did indeed live at the famed Plaza. Cast members included Hans Conried and Louis Jordan, while Thompson, Ethel Barrymore, Monty Wooley and Conrad Hilton played themselves.
Reviews were tepid at best, and T
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