October Sky

October Sky is a movie, following the life of Homer Hickam, a young man in a 1950’s coal mining West Virginia town who aspires to build a rocket.  Screenrant.com has an article detailing little know facts or details about the movie.

The Title Is An Anagram

It Was Shot In Tennessee

Homer Hickam’s Dad Had A Different Name

Tornadoes Delayed Filming

Elsie Made It To Myrtle Beach In Real Life

Over 2000 Extras Appear

Gyllenhaal Was Age-Appropriate

The Film Was Released On Homer Hickam Jr.’s Birthday

Rocket Boys was released about a year before October Sky came to audiences when Homer Hickam Jr. was 55 years old. When the film version was released, it came at a special time.

Homer Hickam Jr. was born on February 19th, 1943, while October Sky premiered on February 19th, 1999, on Hickam Jr.’s 56th birthday.

Miss Riley Attended The Final Launch In Real Life

SOURCE: SCREENRANT.COM

Til the Last One Dies…

Although this song has a creepy name, it’s the most romantic song I ever heard.  It’s sung by Chris Young and I love his voice.

“Til The Last One Dies”

Every goodbye, every phone call before we hang up
I always say, “I love you,” but I never say how much
With every turn of this big ol’ world, girl, we get more distracted
All I know is, a life without you is a life I can’t imagine

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies

Baby, the way you kissed me this morning on my way out
Made me wanna stop hoping you know and do more thinking out loud
Then a song came on, and a light did too
‘Cause every single word reminded me of you
I’ve never been so sure
All I ever wanna be is yours

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies
Til the last one dies

Til the moon don’t shine, til the last star fades
Til the last red petal withers away

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies
Til the last one dies

Chuck!

Zachary Levi has become a household name, thanks to his roles in popular TV shows and movies. From his breakout performance as Chuck Bartowski in “Chuck” to his superhero turn in “Shazam!,” Levi has shown incredible range and charisma. But who is the man behind these iconic characters? Did you know that Levi is not just an actor but also a singer and a mental health advocate? His journey from a small-town kid to a Hollywood star is filled with interesting twists and turns. In this post, we’ll dive into 25 heroic facts about Zachary Levi that will make you appreciate him even more. Buckle up for a fun ride through the life of this multi-talented star!

Early Life and Background

Zachary Levi, known for his charming personality and versatile acting skills, has an interesting background that shaped his career.

  1. Born on September 29, 1980, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Zachary Levi Pugh grew up in a family with deep roots in the South.
  2. Levi’s family moved around a lot during his childhood, living in different states like California, Texas, and Colorado.
  3. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and community theater productions.

Rise to Fame

Levi’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success. He worked hard to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

  • His first significant role came in the TV series “Less Than Perfect,” where he played Kipp Steadman from 2002 to 2006.
  • Levi’s big break came with the lead role in the NBC series “Chuck,” where he played Chuck Bartowski, a computer geek turned spy.
  • For his role in “Chuck,” Levi performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his dedication to the character.

Voice Acting and Animation

Levi’s talents extend beyond live-action roles. He has also made a mark in the world of animation.

  • He voiced the character Flynn Rider in Disney’s animated film “Tangled,” which became a huge hit.
  • Levi reprised his role as Flynn Rider in the short film “Tangled Ever After” and the TV series “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”
  • His voice acting skills earned him a nomination for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Voice.

Superhero Stardom

Levi’s career took a heroic turn when he joined the DC Extended Universe.

  1. He starred as the titular character in the 2019 film “Shazam!,” bringing a mix of humor and heart to the role.
  2. To prepare for “Shazam!,” Levi underwent intense physical training, gaining significant muscle mass to portray the superhero.
  3. Levi’s performance in “Shazam!” was praised for its blend of comedy and action, making the film a box office success.

Musical Talents

Levi’s talents aren’t limited to acting. He also has a passion for music.

  1. He performed a duet with Mandy Moore for the song “I See the Light” in “Tangled,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.
  2. Levi made his Broadway debut in the musical “First Date,” showcasing his singing and dancing abilities.
  3. He starred in the Broadway revival of “She Loves Me,” earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

Personal Life and Interests

Levi’s personal life and interests reveal a multifaceted individual beyond his on-screen persona.

  1. He is an avid gamer and has participated in various gaming events and conventions.
  2. Levi is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression.
  3. He founded the company The Nerd Machine, which celebrates nerd culture and hosts the annual Nerd HQ event.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Levi is dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable efforts.

  1. He supports Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates.
  2. Levi has participated in numerous charity events, including the annual Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge.
  3. He is involved with the charity group Active Minds, which focuses on mental health education and advocacy for young adults.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known facts about Zachary Levi that add to his intriguing persona.

  • Levi is fluent in French, a skill he picked up during his time in high school.
  • He is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying planes in his free time.
  • Levi has a black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing his dedication to martial arts.
  • He is a huge fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and often references it in interviews and social media posts.

Zachary Levi: A True Hero On and Off Screen

Zachary Levi’s journey from TV’s “Chuck” to the big screen’s “Shazam!” shows his versatility and dedication. His passion for acting, singing, and even his entrepreneurial spirit with Nerd HQ highlights his multifaceted talent. Beyond his professional achievements, Levi’s openness about mental health struggles and advocacy work makes him a relatable and inspiring figure. His commitment to fitness and healthy living also sets a positive example for fans. Whether he’s making us laugh, inspiring us with his resilience, or entertaining us with his performances, Levi proves he’s more than just a superhero on screen. He’s a real-life hero, using his platform to make a difference. So, next time you watch “Shazam!” or catch an episode of “Chuck,” remember the incredible journey and the man behind the character. Zachary Levi truly embodies what it means to be a hero.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET

Peter Pan

Today is Kelsi Ballerini’s birthday. She was born in 1993 and this song, Peter Pan, is one of my all-time favorite songs.  When I first heard it, I thought it epitomized my son—never settling down, never getting serious about a girl and a future.  And then he met my future daughter-in-law…and all that changed.

The smile, the charm, the words, the spark
Everything, you had it
I guess I had a naive heart, ’cause boy, I let you have it
You said I was your only
Never thought you’d leave me lonely

[Pre-Chorus]
You’re just a lost boy, with your head up in the clouds
You’re just a lost boy, never keep your feet on the ground

[Chorus]
Always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
Never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna be a man
Peter Pan

[Verse 2]
Deep down, I knew that you were too good to be true
But every piece and part of me wanted to believe in you
Now it’s happily ever never
I guess now I know better

[Pre-Chorus]
You’re just a lost boy, with your head up in the clouds
You’re just a lost boy, never keep your feet on the ground

[Chorus]
Always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
Never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna be a man
Peter Pan
Oh, whoa, mm

[Bridge]
You’re just a lost boy, yeah, I know who you are
And you don’t know what you lost, boy
Too busy chasin’ stars

[Chorus]
And you’re always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
Never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up (Oh, you’ll never grow up)
You’re never gonna be a man
You’re never grow up (Grow up)
Yeah, you’re never gonna be a man
Peter Pan
Never gonna be a man

The Munsters

Today would have been Yvonne De Carlo’s birthday (born in 1922 and passed away January 8, 2007.  Although she was famous for playing Lily Munster, I would definitely have trouble picking her out without all that make-up.  She was quite lovely!

I found this article on Mental Floss detailing things we might not know about The Munsters:

From Mental Floss:

The Munsters premiered on September 24, 1964,and was an immediate ratings success. The wacky antics of childlike patriarch Herman and his unusual (but not really scary) family originally ran for two seasons (70 episodes), but has remained on the air in some form ever since in syndication. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts about the goings-on at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

1. THE SHOW WAS CREATED BY THE SAME TEAM BEHIND LEAVE IT TO BEAVER.

Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher’s credo while producing and writing for the classic family sitcom Leave it to Beaver was “write what you know.” Between them they had six children and they based a lot of their plots on their own home lives. They used this same philosophy when they created a sitcom about a suburban blue-collar family that just happened to be comprised of monsters. They didn’t want children to be frightened of the characters (as they might be when watching Frankenstein or Dracula during the Saturday afternoon “Creature Feature”), so they made Herman a typical working dad who carried a lunch box to work every day and who imparted homespun wisdom to his young son. The mother was caring and nurturing, even if she did serve rolled hyena foot roast for dinner, and an aging grandparent (who had a laboratory in the dungeon) lived with the family. All in all, a nice slice of down-home Americana.

2. THE CHOICE OF MONSTER CHARACTERS WAS STRICTLY INTENTIONAL (AND ROYALTY-FREE).

Universal Studios owned Universal Television, which owned The Munsters. Universal Studios also owned the copyrights to most of the classic monsters, including Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s monster. The studio had been running their old classic horror films on television since the 1950s and found that there was still an impressive audience for these decades-old monster movies. When Connelly and Mosher pitched their series idea, CBS executives knew that they had one advantage that ABC lacked with The Addams Family: the ability to use the Universal monster characters. The Munsters regularly topped The Addams Family in the ratings, mainly because of the instant identifiability of (and built-in fan base for) Dracula, Frankenstein’s bride, et al.

3. HERMAN AND GRANDPA HAD THEIR COMEDY TIMING DOWN PAT BEFORE THE SHOW BEGAN.

Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis played so well off one another because they’d had a couple years of practice. They’d co-starred as Officers Francis Muldoon and Leo Schnauser on the hit sitcom Car 54, Where Are You? from 1961 until 1963. The two remained close friends long after The Munsters was cancelled.

4. “LILY” WAS ORIGINALLY “PHOEBE.”

She was also played by a different actress. In the unaired pilot, Mrs. Munster was played by Joan Marshall. But when the show was picked up as a series, CBS brass worried that Marshall’s look and onscreen demeanor were too similar to Carolyn Jones’ portrayal of Morticia Addams on rival network ABC. The producers were asked to recast the role, and along with a new actress came a new name for the character.

5. THE NEW “LILY” WASN’T EXACTLY WELCOMED BY HER CO-STARS AT FIRST.

Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis were not pleased when they heard that Yvonne De Carlo had been hired to replace Joan Marshall. They’d never met the film actress, but they were intimidated by her reputation as a Hollywood glamour queen. “She was a bona fide movie star,” Al Lewis recounted in a 2003 interview for A&E’s Biography, “and we didn’t think she would fit in with our brand of comedy. We were wrong.”

6. THEIR ONSCREEN CHEMISTRY WAS GREAT, BUT ALL WAS NOT ROSY BEHIND THE SCENES.

De Carlo’s comedic timing was great and she fit in fine while the cameras were rolling, but in between scenes she kept mainly to herself in her trailer. She often held up production while having minute adjustments done to her hair (she went through five different hairdressers during the show’s two-year run), makeup, and nails, which aggravated the cast and crew.

7. EDDIE WAS ALSO RECAST AFTER THE PILOT.

Nate “Happy” Derman played wolf-boy Eddie Munster in the pilot, but his growling, clawing characterization was a little too lycanthropic for the network’s taste. He was replaced by Butch Patrick, who played Eddie more like a pointy-eared version of Beaver Cleaver.

8. MARILYN WAS PLAYED BY TWO DIFFERENT ACTRESSES.

But in this case it was the actress’s decision, not the producers’: New York-based Beverley Owen played Marilyn for the first 13 episodes, but she was desperately unhappy working in California and missed her fiance, who was back on the east coast. Gwynne and Lewis intervened on her behalf and talked to the producers to get her released from her contract. She went home, got married, and eventually got a role on the soap opera Another World, which was filmed in New York.

9. PAT PRIEST GOT THE ROLE IN PART BECAUSE OF HER SIZE.

Pat Priest, the daughter of Treasurer of the United States Ivy Baker Priest, was not only blonde (brunette Owen had worn a wig as Marilyn), she was also the same height and had almost the exact same measurements as Owen. Which meant that all of the existing “Marilyn” costumes and accessories fit her perfectly, so there would be no need to spend money on a replacement wardrobe once she was hired.

10. HERMAN’S COSTUME WAS A PERSONAL TORTURE CHAMBER FOR FRED GWYNNE.

Even though Gwynne would eventually reminisce that Herman was one of his favorite characters, the time he spent on The Munsters set was often fairly miserable, thanks to the various devices necessary to transform him into the lovable Frankenstein monster. On his feet he wore asphalt paver’s boots with four-inch soles, and his thighs, arms, and torso were covered in 40 pounds of foam rubber padding. He contended with back pain daily caused by the weight of the suit and inflexibility of the shoes. His head was fitted with a foam latex piece to flatten the top of his head and then he had to endure two hours in the makeup chair. He perspired freely under the heavy costume and hot studio lights and lost 10 pounds in one month despite consuming gallons of lemonade between takes. The producers eventually rented a compressed air tank and would poke the nozzle inside Gwynne’s collar to blow cool air on him.

11. THE COSTUME HAD ONE BENEFIT: IT EXCUSED GWYNNE FROM PERSONAL APPEARANCES.

As The Munsters gained popularity, its stars received more and more requests to appear at various functions. The producers, of course, sent the actors out as often as possible since such appearances not only promoted the show, they also propelled the sales of the various Munsters merchandise that saturated the market at the time. Only Fred Gwynne was able to relax on his days off (for the most part), since the time and expense required to get him into character outweighed the publicity value of cutting ribbons at supermarket openings. One of the rare times he played Herman in public was alongside Al Lewis in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Gwynne confessed to TV Guide that he’d been taking slugs from a bottle of whiskey the entire time, because he “had to get bombed so I could say ‘hello’ to the little kiddies for 40 blocks.”

12. THE MUNSTER KOACH WAS BUILT BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT CREATED THE BATMOBILE.

Hollywood custom car builder George Barris used three Model T Ford bodies to construct the 18-foot-long Munster-mobile. The brass radiator and fenders were hand formed and the velvet upholstery was “blood red.” It took 21 days to complete at a total cost of $18,000.

SOURCE: MENTAL FLOSS

Thriller

Today would have been Michael Jackson’s birthday (born in 1958 and passed away June 25, 2009). I liked a lot of his music but Thriller is a unique and memorable song for me.

[Verse 1]
It’s close to midnight
And something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You’re paralyzed

[Chorus]
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller, thriller night
You’re fighting for your life inside a killer
Thriller tonight, yeah
Ooh

[Verse 2]
You hear the door slam
And realize there’s nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you’ll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination (Girl)
But all the while
You hear a creature creepin’ up behind
You’re out of time

[Chorus]
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain’t no second chance
Against the thing with forty eyes, girl
Thriller (Ooh), thriller night
You’re fighting for your life
Inside a killer, thriller tonight

[Bridge]
Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There’s no escaping the jaws of the alien this time
(They’re open wide)
This is the end of your life, ooh

[Verse 3]
They’re out to get you
There’s demons closing in on every side (Ooh)
They will possess you
Unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time
For you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night
I’ll save you from the terror on the screen
I’ll make you see

[Chorus]
That this is thriller, thriller night
‘Cause I can thrill you more
Than any ghoul would ever dare try
Thriller (Ooh), thriller night
So let me hold you tight
And share a killer, thriller, chiller
Thriller, here tonight
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more
Than any ghoul would ever dare try
Thriller (Ooh), thriller night
So let me hold you tight
And share a killer, thriller (Ow)

[Outro: Vincent Price & Michael Jackson]
I’m gonna thrill you tonight
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y’all’s neighborhood (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse’s shell
I’m gonna thrill you tonight
Thriller, ooh, babe (Thriller)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (Thriller night)
Thriller, oh, darling (Oh, baby)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (Thriller)
Ooh, babe (Thriller night)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (Thriller)
Oh, darling (Oh, baby)
Thriller night, babe (Thriller night, babe)
Ooh
The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years (Thriller night, thriller)
And grisly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller

Happy Birthday Michael!

Troop Beverly Hills

Today is Shelley Long’s birthday (born in 1949) and this is one of my favorite movies: Troop Beverly Hills.  I found this article on the Mental Floss website.

From: mentalfloss.com:

1. THE FILM WAS PARTLY BASED ON THE LIFE OF ITS PRODUCER.

Ava Ostern Fries, wife of veteran producer Charles W. Fries, became the Brownie leader of her seven-year-old daughter’s Beverly Hills troop. When it rained on their first camping trip, they really went to the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they roasted marshmallows in front of the fireplaces. After her stories became a hit at dinner parties, Ava was implored to write her stories down.

2. DISNEY WANTED BETTE MIDLER TO PLAY PHYLLIS.

Ava Ostern Fries turned down Disney’s offer to make her movie because they wanted Bette Midler for the lead, and Fries didn’t think she was right for it.

3. CARLA GUGINO LIED ABOUT HER AGE IN ORDER TO PLAY CHICA.

Carla Gugino was 16 years old when she auditioned for Troop Beverly Hills. She lied and said she was 14. She finally admitted the truth to director Jeff Kanew three weeks into production, knowing it was too late for her role to be recast. “I thought for sure he was gonna be like, ‘No big deal,'” Gugino recounted. “But he was like, ‘Gasp! I would’ve never hired you if I knew you were 16.'”

The film was a turning point for Gugino: “I got emancipated that year, so I was a legal adult,” Gugino told The A.V. Club. “So I didn’t have to have a chaperone on set, and it was the first time that I made enough money that I could say, ‘I’m going to fully support myself as an actor.’ So that was the moment I really felt like a real actor.”

4. IT WAS TORI SPELLING’S FIRST FILM ROLE.

Tori Spelling, who played Jamie in the film, had appeared in a handful of television series, including Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. One year after Troop Beverly Hills was released, she was cast as Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210.

5. IT WAS THE FIRST FILM IN 30 YEARS TO SHOOT INSIDE BEVERLY HILLS CITY HALL.

Filming inside of Beverly Hills City Hall had been forbidden for 30 years. Until this movie.

6. “COOKIE TIME” ISN’T WHERE IT USED TO BE.

The Giorgio boutique at 295 North Rodeo Drive is now a Louis Vuitton storefront.

7. THE WRITER OF “COOKIE TIME” MADE A CAMEO.

Actress/songwriter Hilary Shepard was the sales associate who sold Phyllis a dress missing a bead.

8. THE TITLE SEQUENCE WAS MADE BY THE CREATOR OF REN & STIMPY.

Creator John Kricfalusi said working on Troop Beverly Hills was a big opportunity. “It’s the first time I ever got a chance to animate and design a sexy girl,” he said. “It was completely taboo to draw women who were good looking because it would set a bad example for young girls.”

Joining Kricfalusi were Jon McClenahan (later an animator on Animaniacs), Jim Smith (who later worked with Kricfalusi on Ren & Stimpy), Mike Kazaleh (Camp Candy, The Simpsons), Kent Butterworth (The Smurfs, He-Man), and Eric Stefani (character layout artist for The Simpsons, co-founder of No Doubt, and brother of Gwen Stefani).

9. THERE ARE CONTINUITY ERRORS IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE.

At around the 2:15 mark, a troop member simply disappears with no explanation. Some of the actors’ names also didn’t fully appear on movie screens, because Kricfalusi placed them too close to the edges. “If [the studio] noticed, they didn’t care,” opening title supervisor Bill Kroyer said. “That’s a job that I hardly remember getting notes on. That’s the strangest thing. That whole production, it was rushed to get it done, and they really liked the look of the art. It’s all hand-inked and everything—it looks great. I think they were just so excited about that so the little things about the staging or composition, they just didn’t mention it.”

10. THERE WAS A 77 SUNSET STRIP EASTER EGG.

Edd Byrnes (who played Ross Coleman) appeared on the Swiss army knife’s comb on purpose. Byrnes portrayed Kookie in the detective drama 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964), a character who combed his hair so often a novelty song called “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb” was written.

11. THE GIRL SCOUTS REFUSED TO ENDORSE THE PICTURE.

They withheld approval because they didn’t like the way some Scouts were portrayed in the script.

12. IT WAS VELDA’S LAST FILM ROLE.

Betty Thomas retired from acting following Troop Beverly Hills to focus on directing for film and television. Among her more than two dozen credits are Private Parts, Doctor Dolittle, I Spy, and The Brady Bunch Movie (featuring Shelley Long).

13. JENNY LEWIS BECAME A ROCK STAR.

Jenny Lewis, who played Hannah, co-founded the band Rilo Kiley along with fellow child actor Blake Sennett (Salute Your Shorts, Boy Meets World) and later became a solo musician. In 2015, she acknowledged Troop Beverly Hills in her music video for “She’s Not Me.”

14. LEWIS KEPT ONE ITEM FROM THE SET.

“I have the hat that Kellie Martin’s character [Emily Coleman] wore,” Lewis claimed. “It’s a little white hat with a pink flower, but I don’t know why I still have it.”

15. PEOPLE KEEP MIXING HANNAH UP WITH TIFFANY.

Lewis said that people still confuse her with Emily Schulman, who played Tiffany Honigman in the movie (and Harriet Brindle on Small Wonder). “My entire life growing up, everyone thought I was this girl who was on Small Wonder, Emily Schulman,” Lewis told Rolling Stone Australia. “Not the case. And then I put out this video (“She’s Not Me”) and someone on Twitter was like, ‘Oh, were you on Small Wonder?’ Oh, drat! Still happening!”

SOURCE: MENTALFLOSS.COM