Guess Who's Coming To ... My Dinner Party Quiz

Answer: Ann Richards

Ann Richards was only the second woman to serve as Governor of Texas (1991-1995). The first female Governor was Miriam A. Ferguson, from 1925 to 1935. One of my favorite quotes from her was: "The law in Texas was that idiots, imbeciles, the insane and women could not vote. And, less than one generation later, I was the governor of Texas." (Taken from an interview when she had mentioned her grandmother never voted.) Ann Richards was credited for her work to open state government to women and minorities and for her work with issues concerning school finance, environmental protection, gun control and prison reform. Oh, the things she could tell us about the progress she saw during her lifetime.

Answer: Bill Clinton

It was written about Bill Clinton that he "presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history". Yet, his presidential administration is often tainted with the memory of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal; referring to when he had a sexual relationship with then 22-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky. During the Clinton presidential terms of office (1993 - 2001), millions of new jobs were created and unemployment dropped in the United States.

This attributed to the USA going from having the largest budget deficit in American history ($290 billion) when Clinton was elected, to having a budget surplus of $127 billion when he left office. Ever the innovative thinker he would certainly bring a plethora of interesting ideas to discuss at dinner.

Answer: David Letterman

When David Lettermen "retired" in 2015 he was longest-serving late-night talk show host in U.S. television history. Going time-slot-to-time-slot against Jay Leno (who hosted "The Tonight Show" at that time), Letterman and his show, "Late Show with David Letterman", often ranked, at best, second in number of viewers. Still Letterman's unconventional humor coupled with his intelligent wit and abrasive style gave his show a certain fearlessness that garnered a truly loyal fan base.

At a dinner party he would ask the most interesting and intriguing questions, right?

Answer: Howie Long

Howie Long was an NFL star, an actor, and a sports analyst who was born January 6, 1960 in Massachusetts. As mentioned in the question, he was selected to play in eight NFL Pro Bowls. Long was also a member of the 1984 Los Angeles Raiders when they won Super Bowl XVIII. Among his numerous TV shows and commercials (many of which were cameo appearances), Howie Long starred with John Travolta in the 1996 action-thriller film, "Broken Arrow".

He was a natural choice as sports analyst and worked many years for the (American) FOX television network in that capacity.

He also co-authored the book, "Football for Dummies". Without considering all these accolades, he would be welcome at the dinner party because he is so darn good-looking!

Answer: Jane Fonda

As mentioned in the question, the labels for Jane Fonda are many; and, she continued to work, work-out and demonstrate even after a career of more than sixty years in show business. Fonda won Academy Awards for her films "Klute" (1971) and "Coming Home" (1978) and a Prime Time Emmy Award for her 1984 movie, "The Dollmaker".

She often used her notoriety and connections to other influential people to increase awareness of such issues as equal rights for women, rent control, reduction of water pollution and, especially later in her life, climate change. Considering her many interests, contributions and accomplishments she would be an amazing dinner guest!

Answer: Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall started her research in the late 1950s when women were not accepted in that field of study; as was the situation with the almost all of the areas of mathematics and science. The fact that Jane Goodall (and a few other women like her) persevered made it possible for many young women to consider those areas study as they became of age and sought careers in the 1960s and 1970s. Thanks to the trailblazing of Goodall and her continuous encouragement of young women everywhere, as of 2019 those who entered the field of primatology was made up almost evenly of men and women. WOW! If only she would come to the party - we could learn so much!

Answer: Jeff Foxworthy

Jeff Foxworthy was called, "The King of Southern Humor" referring to his comedy routines that often centered around things most people associate with life in the southern United States - driving trucks, drinking beer, owning guns, dogs chained outside, etc. Yet Foxworthy made a very lucrative career with his homespun, witty, relatable humor.

Although his target audience was considered "For Adults" he rarely used profanity or engaged in silly antics to entertain. As mentioned in the question Foxworthy was also an actor - and, a writer, producer and game-show host.

He was the first host of the game show, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader". We can only imagine Jeff Foxworthy told some of the other dinner guests, "You might be a Redneck"?

Answer: Paula Deen

Paula Deen's career included some incidents of controversy, thus, she may not have been popular with some people. Still, it was undeniably admirable to consider the career she attained for herself and her family through hard work, perseverance and, yes, making some mistakes.

Paula Deen was born in in 1947 rural Georgia and her story was labeled "rags to riches". Both of her parents died when Paula was a very young woman, this with other tragedies caused her to suffer for many years from bouts of panic, depression and agoraphobia. She continued to do what brought her joy; that was: cooking, trying new recipes and feeding the people she loved. She would have a career that included publishing at least fifteen cookbooks, opening and operating successful restaurants and starring on several TV shows. When taken to task about her cooking she reminded those detractors, "Everything in moderation". Still, it would have been fabulous to hear her say, "everything is better with butter" at the dinner party.

Answer: Raquel Welch

When Raquel Welch appeared in the 1966 film, "Fantastic Voyage", she caught the attention of many movie-goers but it was her role in "One Million Years B. C." (later on in 1966) that really catapulted her to stardom. Throughout her career, although she never denied her sexuality and its (obvious!) attractiveness, she was determined to be known for more serious work.

To do this she accepted and excelled in some tough movie roles. She was opposite Frank Sinatra in "Lady in Cement" (1967), she had a controversial love scene with Jim Brown in "100 Rifles" (1969) and she portrayed a transsexual in "Myra Breckinridge" (1970) - these and others were a part of her resolve to rise above the "sexpot in the doe-skin bikini" moniker. Welch was given credit for helping transform women in film, especially discarding the pigeon-hole "blonde bombshell" roles of the 1960s and 1970s. What an honor to have her at dinner!

Answer: Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall was born in San Diego, California in 1931. The movie quote in the question is from "Apocalypse Now" (1979) in which he portrayed Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore. Robert Duvall's acting career spanned more than seventy years and the list of his work would fill multiple pages. It would even be a challenge to mention the ten best roles of his career.

To recognize and reward his work he received at least one Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Award. One of the most admirable things that was always mentioned about this celebrity is that he cared very little for "celebrity" - he wanted to be regarded as "common". Hardly (common), but admirable, none the less. Another wonderful Duvall quote from a movie is: "I may be on the on the devil's hit-list, but I'm on God's mailing list." (from "The Apostle" - 1997). It was a given that EVERY lady at dinner hoped for the chance to tango for just 30 seconds with Robert Duvall - he was quite the dancer!

Answer: Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings was credited changing American country music. He was one of the performers who had enormous success by bringing what was described as a "grittier, more rock-inspired" sound to country music. Apparently, the genre was ready for the change.

The album mentioned in question, "Wanted! The Outlaws" (from 1976) became the first country album to be platinum certified. That album also featured Jennings' friends, Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser, and his wife, Jessi Colter. Of course, he was a welcomed dinner guest, especially when we learned he had brought his guitar!