St. John's Confidential File

HELLO AMERICA!—It was fantastic to connect with acclaimed singer and legendary Metropolitan Opera star Marilyn Horne again after so many years. We both attended U.S.C. and during those years featured in the production of “Carmen Jones” under the grueling baton of director-producer Otto Preminger. It was wonderful to find that the lady hasn’t changed much at all. She is...

HELLO AMERICA!—Theater and film actor Stan Shaw is an actor who is never satisfied when approaching the creation of any character he is asked to play. He claims that it is the joy of discovery that makes the process worthwhile. MSJ: I’ve seen you in so many films and television stories during the years and you appear totally involved with the...

HELLO AMERICA!—Many-times honored for his work in films and television, Louis Gossett, Jr. speaks out about an industry he has loved most of his life and career. The actor made his debut on Broadway in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" in 1959, since that time, there have been numerous other awards bestowed on Gossett. MSJ: Today, there...

HELLO AMERICA!—There are so many things one can say about the current generation of creative artists in Hollywood but when an actor’s list of interests include the building of classic airplanes, that is something to explore. MSJ: Steve, you are recognized for your short story writing as well as your work in the theatre and films, what inspired you to...

HELLO AMERICA!—Usually when the Payne sisters (Scherrie and Freda) leave Hollywood they are heading for Europe or some other exotic trip to shake hands with their many fans over the years.  This time they landed in Indian Shores, Florida which is off of Tampa. Scherrie who is applauded throughout Europe for her shows which includes music from the past as...

HELLO AMERICA!—What makes Hollywood or Los Angeles so unique is that It is a meeting place of all types of gifted, creative people who hunger to create magic with either their presence on screen, music, art or creating a new world in script form in hopes the entire globe might applaud their attempt.  Ray Reynolds is one of those...

HELLO AMERICA!—My dear friend Sue Ane Langdon shot to fame in the early 1950s appearing with such stars as Elvis Presley, Henry Fonda and Glenn Ford. She married wonderful, level headed Jack Emrek who helped to keep her existing in the real world.  He died in 2010 and suddenly Sue Ane had to take hold of her life alone,...

HELLO AMERICA!—The first time I met Nichelle Nichols was on the campus of The University of Southern California (USC) We were both playing tennis, she was quite good, I was not at my best, but she laughed at all of my attempts to return the ball over the net consistently. Even though Nichelle was rather special, she could have...

HELLO AMERICA!—Nicki Minaj doesn’t waste time letting you know that she thinks highly of herself. Her position as judge on a panel of obvious rivals for the spotlight makes her appears as if she is constantly at war. It’s no secret that Mariah Carey can barely stand to be on the same panel with Nicki who has made it...

HELLO AMERICA!—It is always one of the most exciting moments in the theater when there is an announcement of a new musical or play is bantered about. And there is just as much energy and expectation involving the production of the play with music “I Feel Sin Comin’ On” that is forcing actors, singers and dancers to practically sleep...