Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Holiday: Christmas
Dean Martin, a native of Steubenville, Ohio met his demise on Christmas Day, 1995, at the age of 78. He was a prolific singer and actor, having recorded over 100 singles and more than 30 albums between 1948-1985. He also made over 40 Hollywood films. In four of those flicks, he played a government hit man. Can you recall the character's moniker?
2. Holiday/Special Day: Halloween
Even though he died in 1926, the first name many people think of when asked to name a famous magician is still the great Harry Houdini. He was born in Europe, later became an American citizen, and plied his craft from 1891-1926. Houdini was quite famous for his escapes from all sorts of places. He even appeared in a few forgettable films. What was Harry Houdini's birth name?
3. Holiday: New Year's Day
Ray (Herman Raymond) Walston was a versatile and prolific actor. A native of
New Orleans, LA, he acted in the theatre, on TV and in many Hollywood films.
His first Broadway show was "Hamlet" in 1945. Between 1957-2001, he appeared in over 40 movies, two of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Despite his success on the big screen, his most famous role came on a 1960's TV sitcom.
What was the name of that show, which ran from 1963-1966?
4. Holiday/Special Day: St. Patrick's Day
Helen Hayes, whose career spanned nine decades (1905-1985), is often referred to as, The First Lady of the American Theatre. Ms. Hayes graced stages around the world in more than 80 plays. She also appeared on dozens of TV shows and somehow found time to appear in over 20 movies. She won two Oscars, the first coming in 1931 and, 39 years later, she won another.
In which 1970 film did Ms. Hayes win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress?
5. Holiday: New Year's Eve
Ricky Nelson was a young heartthrob from the 1950s-1970s. A versatile performer he sang, wrote music, and acted on both TV and in Hollywood films. He was first known for appearing in a family sitcom from 1952-1966. What were the first names of his parents on that show?
6. Holiday/Special Day: April Fool's Day
Marvin Gaye was one of the most popular American singers of the 1960s through the 1980s. He sang rock & roll, gospel, rhythm & blues and had numerous huge hits. His "Sexual Healing", won him two Grammy Awards (1983), and the song was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His signature song, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1968. Marvin Gaye's life was tragically cut short when he was gunned down on April 1, 1984, a day before his 45th birthday. Who pulled the trigger?
7. Holiday: Christmas
James Brown enjoyed a career of over 50 years (1954-2006). During that time he regaled music fans with soul songs, rhythm & blues (R&B) tunes, and a lot of funky numbers. He began his vocal performances with a group called The Avons, (who later became The Famous Flames). Brown tallied 17 number one songs on the R&B charts, and his "I Got You (I Feel Good)", reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. What was James Brown's popular sobriquet?
8. Holiday: Christmas
America has been blessed with an abundance of great old-time comic actors. Most of them started in burlesque, as our mystery guest did. He also starred on Broadway, radio and in over 40 Hollywood films. He was born in the Keystone State, PA, on January 29, 1880. His birth name would not have had as much marquee appeal as did his adopted moniker. Ah yes, he is best known by which of the following stage names?
9. Holiday/ Special Day: April Fool's Day
John Forsythe was an American actor who enjoyed a career of over 60 years (1943-2006). He performed on Broadway, in Hollywood films and on many TV series. In 1983-1984 he won back-to-back Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor.
What was the long-running program for which he received those awards?
10. Holiday: Christmas
Eartha Kitt (born Earth May Keith) was an American singer, dancer, actress and activist, whose career spanned seven decades. She began her career with the first African-American Modern Dance ensemble, The Katherine Dunham Company (1943-1948). Ms. Kitt made over 25 movies, but is best remembered for her sultry voice and distinctive singing style. Eartha Kitt released over 50 singles.
Which of the following was her highest charting tune?
Source: Author
paulmallon
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
skunkee before going online.
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