Miss Polly Bergen (July 14, 1930), whose career has included starring as Helen Morgan on television; recording classic albums of sumptuous torch ballads; appearing with Hermione Gingold on Broadway; being pummeled by Doris Day in Move Over, Darling (1963); and running her own cosmetics firm. Is it any wonder we absolutely worship her?
Miss Nancy Olson (July 14, 1928), who was the voice of sanity amidst the loonies and eccentrics in Sunset Boulevard (1950). We also loved her in Pollyanna (1960), and judging by the photo above, she could do a darn impressive Eleanor Parker impersonation, as well.
And, finally, the legendary Mr. Charles Pierce (July 14, 1926 - March 31, 1999), who would have been 81 today. In one of the paradoxes that defined the oblivious-to-straights overt gayness of the 1970's and early 1980's (see this clip of The Love Boat for another), Pierce's drag act made him a mainstream celebrity, with a lavish stage act which played major venues and featured expensive designer costumes, a full orchestra and celebrity-studded audiences. The affection which characterized Pierce's impersonations of Hollywood's Grand Ladies was palpable, as demonstrated by these candid shots of some of the old gals visiting backstage, all taken from the delightful Charles Pierce Tribute Site:
ANN-MARGRET
BEA ARTHUR & ANNE BAXTER
JOAN BLONDELL
CAROL CHANNING & MARY MARTIN
CLAUDETTE COLBERT
ALICE FAYE
ETHEL MERMAN
ELAINE STRITCH
Bea Arthur did the reading at Pierce's memorial service. Which, coincidentally, is exactly how we want to go. We miss you, Charles! Your wit, humor and talent made you one of a kind.
