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- Actor
- Soundtrack
Ryan Guzman (GOOZE-MAHN) is a former MMA fighter who caught the notice of Hollywood. After starring as a series regular on the ABC hit series, "Notorious," Ryan now stars in the ABC drama "9-1-1" as 'Eddie Diaz.' Since switching from FOX to ABC, "9-1-1" has propelled to become the #1 drama in primetime for adults 18-49. Up next for Ryan is the film "The Present" (June 18, 2024) alongside Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear.
Born in Texas and raised in his hometown of Sacramento, Ryan Guzman never thought of becoming an actor. At the age of seven, he developed an interest in martial arts and earned his first black belt in Tae Kwon Do by the age of ten. This led him into the octagon as an MMA fighter in Sacramento until his fighting license expired. A gifted athlete, he was also a sought-after left-handed pitcher with a fastball clocked between 87 and 90 miles per hour. A shoulder injury ended this career dream when Guzman was still a teenager, which transitioned later into a career in print modeling and soon after, acting.
Guzman worked successfully in San Francisco starting with LOOK Modeling Agency at the age of 18 and later in Los Angeles, he joined the esteemed Wilhelmina Agency at 22. Guzman has since starred in television commercials for Old Navy, Gillette, Candies and Oprah Winfrey Network. He has modeled for Abercrombie and Fitch, Affliction and Reebok among others.
After finding success in modeling, Guzman sign on with a talent manager, and went into the audition process as a professional actor. Just a few months later, he booked the male lead for "Step Up Revolution" (Lionsgate). He followed the success of the film with another lead in the indie film "Beyond Paradise" and supporting roles in the indie films "There's Always Woodstock" and "April Rain". After the international success of "Step Up Revolution," Ryan reprised his role as 'Sean' in "Step Up: All In" alongside fan favorite female from the past films, Briana Evigan. Ryan's career elevated once more when he starred as the male lead opposite Jennifer Lopez in the Universal Studios thriller "The Boy Next Door." Helmed by "Paranormal" producer, Jason Blum, and director Rob Cohen, the film centered on Ryan's character, a teenage boy who lived next to Lopez's character. He went on to star as the male lead in the iconic '80s live-action remake of "Jem and the Holograms," playing Rio Racheco,' the road manager and love interest for Jem.
Soon after that, Ryan joined as lead cast in "Everybody Wants Some", the sequel to "Dazed and Confused," from writer and director Richard Linklater, that centers around a group of guys on a baseball team in the 80s. The film released to great reviews. Guzman continued on to star alongside Sylvester Stallone in "Backtrace," opposite Edward James Olmos in the indie film "Windows on the World," and the lead role in the indie thriller "The Cleansing Hour."
Ryan has spent his career advocating for his Latino community. In 2017, Ryan was awarded the Horizon award from the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and in 2019, the city of Sacramento proclaimed May 15th "Ryan Guzman Day."
Ryan currently resides in Los Angeles.- Deirdre Lovejoy was born in Abilene, Texas, USA. Deirdre is an actor, known for Raising Dion (2019), The Blacklist (2013) and The Wire (2002).
- Actress
- Producer
- Music Department
A talented artist with universal appeal, Jessica Simpson is an international star and media darling who has taken the music, fashion and entertainment industries by storm. Jessica burst on to the scene with her unmistakable voice and has since released 8 hit-producing albums. She has starred on the big and small screens with notable roles in TV shows like That 70's Show, Fashion Star and the Price of Beauty and films like Dukes of Hazzard, Employee of the Month and Blonde Ambition. Aside from Jessica's entertainment prowess, she has achieved tremendous success as a designer and entrepreneur with her Jessica Simpson Collection which she launched over a decade ago. The collection now includes over 36 product categories and is available throughout the world.
Jessica Ann Simpson was born and raised outside of Abilene, Texas, to Tina Simpson (née Drew) and Joe Simpson, who is a psychologist and Baptist youth minister. She began her performing career by sharing the stage with famous gospel acts such as Kirk Franklin, God's Property and Ce Ce Winans. With her unmistakable voice and unique pop sound, Jessica caught the eye of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola. After joining a tour in support of the boy-band 98 Degrees, she quickly burst onto the music scene in 1999 with her debut release Sweet Kisses. Her RIAA-certified double platinum debut featured Jessica's massive breakthrough hit, "I Wanna Love You Forever," which hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The title track to Irresistible, her 2001 follow-up, was a crossover smash, charting on the Hot 100 (#15), the Rhythmic Top 40 (#12), Top 40 Mainstream (#3) and Top 40 Tracks (#5).
But it was the success of her quadruple-platinum album, In This Skin, which marked Jessica's debut as a songwriter and further refined her ever-evolving voice as an artist. "Sweetest Sin," the album's first single to hit the Top 40, is a marked change from the teen pop style that launched her career.
Having made her mark in the music industry, it wasn't long before Hollywood was knocking on her door. In addition to a recurring role on That 70's Show, Jessica's MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica launched in 2003, making her a household name. In 2005, Jessica made her film debut as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard and released a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'" for the movie's soundtrack. The song topped the Billboard Hot Digital Tracks charts and was certified platinum. Jessica has also starred in Employee of the Month for Lions Gate Films and Sony Pictures' Blonde Ambition for which she co-starred with Luke Wilson. She also starred in Major Movie Star for Nu Image/ Millennium Films.
Jessica's fifth solo album, A Public Affair, was released by Epic Records on August 29, 2006. Simpson boasts songwriting credits on 10 of the 14 tracks produced by the most sought-after producers in the business: Lester Mendez, Jimmy Jam &Terry Lewis, Cory Rooney, Scott Storch and Stargate. The album is a true reflection of her growth both personally and musically, showcasing her diverse range of artistic influences. There are up-tempo dance tracks, ballads, and a beautiful cover of "Let Him Fly" originally recorded by her personal favorite, Patty Griffin. The first hit single, "I Belong to Me" is complemented by a poignant and personal music video directed by Mathew Rolston.
Jessica's album, Do You Know was released on September 9, 2008. For this album, Jessica returned to her roots - the Country format. Jessica worked with famed Nashville producers John Shanks and Brett James and co-wrote all but 3 songs on the album, one having been written for her by her all time Country inspiration, Dolly Parton. The first single, "Come On Over" broke the record for highest entry into the charts for a newcomer to Country and was the number one most downloaded country single on iTunes.
Jessica's latest album, Happy Christmas, was released on November 22, 2010 by Primary Wave Records. For this second holiday record (her first, Rejoyce, was released in 2002), Jessica worked with legendary producers Tricky and The Dream. The album mixed traditional Christmas favorites with original songs like "My Only Wish." Among the highlights was a very special duet of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" which Jessica sang and recorded with an active naval officer, Lance Corporal John Britt from the USS Harry Truman in the Persian Gulf. As a complement to the album, a Happy Christmas concert special was produced for PBS. As part of the special, Jessica sang duets with Carly Simon, Trey Lorenz and her sister, Ashlee Simpson. Jessica had the opportunity to travel the world for her VH-1 docu-series, "Jessica Simpson's: The Price of Beauty." For the original series, produced by RDF USA, Jessica traveled to Japan, Thailand, France, Brazil, Uganda, Morocco, and India then back home to Los Angeles to meet every day women and pop culture icons and reveal what is truly beautiful in the differing cultures. Jessica also served as an executive producer on the project and wrote and recorded an original song that was used for the theme. Jessica recently starred in NBC's hit series Fashion Star, produced by Ben Silverman and Electus and Magical Elves (The Biggest Loser). As a mentor, Jessica (alongside co-mentors John Varvatos and Nicole Richie, and buyers from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and H&M) helped contestants on their quest to become the next big American fashion designer.
Aside from Jessica's entertainment prowess, she enjoys tremendous success as a designer and business woman with her Jessica Simpson Collection. Launched in 2005, the collection has grown to include over 34 product categories, such as footwear, handbags, denim, eyewear, lingerie, jewelry, outerwear, luggage, ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, tween, maternity, athleisure, kids, home and more. Jessica's first fragrance "Fancy" launched in August of 2008 to tremendous success. Second and third and fourth fragrances "Fancy Nights", "I Fancy You", and "Vintage Bloom" landed in stores to great success. A signature fragrance "Jessica Simpson" will launch this Spring.
An enthusiastic philanthropist, Jessica serves as Operation Smile's International Youth Ambassador. She joined the Operation Smile international medical mission in Nakuru, Kenya where she assisted the volunteer team with the medical evaluations of the more than 280 children who visited the remote region with the hopes of receiving life-changing corrective surgery for their facial deformities.
Jessica has been praised by fans and recognized by critics with three Teen Choice Awards for Breakout Artist, Love Song of the Year and Red Carpet Fashion Icon, and nominations for two American Music Awards including Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album and two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video. She has also graced the covers of many high-profile magazines, such as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GQ, Marie Claire, Allure, Elle and New York Magazine, been one of People's Most Beautiful People numerous times and was 2011's Us Weekly Style Icon of the Year.- Ann Wedgeworth was born January 21, 1934 in Abilene, Texas to Cortus and Elizabeth Wedgeworth, she graduated from from Highland Park High School in University Park, and later graduated from the University of Texas in 1957. After graduation, Ann moved to New York City and auditioned several times before she was admitted to The Actors Studio. Her debut film appearance was in Andy (1965), and for the past four decades she took supporting roles in several films, and earned two NSFC Award nominations for her performances in Citizens Band (1977) and Sweet Dreams (1985).
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Actress Carole Cook showed a knack for comic timing from early on, so much so that the legendary Lucille Ball took her on as a protégée. Cook would make many appearances on Ball's TV shows The Lucy Show (1962) and Here's Lucy (1968), as well as other shows like Magnum, P.I. (1980), Dynasty (1981), and Grey's Anatomy (2005). She would also appear in several movies, like Sixteen Candles (1984) and Home on the Range (2004), while maintaining an active stage career and supporting many AIDS charities.- Additional Crew
- Actress
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Melinda Casey was born on 13 May 1941 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is an actress and assistant director, known for The Outer Limits (1963), Chicago Calling (1951) and The Green-Eyed Blonde (1957). She was previously married to Philip J Casey III and Robert Sherrill Ballew.- Actor
- Soundtrack
David W. Harper was born on 4 October 1961 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Fletch (1985), The Waltons (1972) and The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Duane Whitaker, a native of Lubbock Texas, has spent the last 30 years as one of Hollywood's most entertaining hyphenates. As an actor, Whitaker is most recognized as Maynard, the sadistic pawn shop owner, in Pulp Fiction. Of course, you don't walk onto the set of a ground breaking film like Pulp Fiction without paying your dues. From the time he arrived in Hollywood, Duane's face was seen frequently on the stage and small screen. Some of his very early television credits include, Sledge Hammer, Murder She Wrote, Highway to Heaven, L.A. Law, Rosanne and Quantum Leap. More recent appearances include Rush Hour, Instant Mom, Justified, Medical Investigation, I'm With Her, The Ex List, The Bridge and a haunting portrayal of a former child abuse victim on an episode of Cold Case. Duane has appeared in over sixty feature films. Among his favorites are Edge of Town, Natasha Hall, Broke Sky, Lionhead, Dead Letters, Sam Borowski's Night Club and of course, Pulp Fiction. It is in the Horror genre, however, that Whitaker has anchored a large part of his work. He has been a part of no less than eight Horror Franchises, including From Dusk Til Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (which he also co-wrote), Feast, Tales From The Hood, Rob Zombie's Devil's Rejects and Halloween 2, Children of the Corn: Genesis, Puppetmaster 5 and Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3. Other Horror appearances include, American Nightmares, Albino Farm, Trailer Park of Terror, The Haunted Sea and Deadly Dreams. He has written, directed or produced, Together & Alone, Stripteaser, Camp Utopia, Backroad Motel and Eddie Presley. The latter stars Duane in a masterful turn as a despondent Elvis Presley impersonator teetering on the fine line between a triumphant comeback or a nervous breakdown. It was adapted from Whitaker's successful stage play of the same title. He has recently branched out into Faith-Based Films, appearing in Daniel Roebuck's Getting Grace, Lucky Louie, The Hail Mary and My Brother's Crossing. Duane received the honor of the American Cinematheque hosting a screening of his two most personal films, Eddie Presley and Together and Alone at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Together and Alone was screened for a second time by the American Cinematheque along with Garrett Clancy's Dead Letters. Duane Whitaker is also a playwright. His plays have been produced in Los Angeles and New York and he has been teaching a popular Film Acting class in Los Angeles for almost 20 years.- Actress
- Director
- Writer
In her twenty years on stage and in film Shae D'lyn has been blessed to play challenging roles opposite many outstanding actors: most recently in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" as Nell opposite Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant, "Gypsy" as Margaret opposite Naomi Watts, "Orange is the New Black" as Mary-Bethany opposite Taylor Schilling, Woody Allen's "Cafe Society" as Carlotta, on "Boardwalk Empire" as Carolyn Rothstein opposite Kelly Macdonald, in "The Pretty One" opposite Zoe Kazan and John Carroll Lynch, in "Secrets" opposite Julie Harris and Thomas Gibson, in Arthur Miller's "American Clock" opposite Mary McDonnell and Loren Dean, and in "Vegas Vacation" opposite Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid. Her dramatic and comic roles on television and web series include "Alpha House," "Ellen," "Law and Order," "Quantum Leap," "That Seventies Show," and four years starring as Jane on ABC's "Dharma and Greg." Shae starred as Baby Doll in the New York theatrical premiere of Tennessee William's "Tiger Tail" receiving a notable review by The New York Times. Her character interpretations have given her the opportunity to create many original roles such as Theresa in the US premiere of "The Crackwalker," and Maddy in the world premiere of "Maddy Far Away." Shae spent four years working almost exclusively in the classics receiving a Best Actress award for Adrianna in "The Comedy of Errors" at Boston's Leland Center, and starring as Iphigenia, Electra, Desdemona, and over thirty theatrical productions in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. Shae attended The University of Virginia where she played Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls," and Sally Bowles in "Cabaret," and went on to complete Circle in the Square's Professional Two Year Training Program where she studied under such renowned teachers as Terese Hayden, Alan Langdon, and many more. Shae then went on to study with Mary McDonnell, Jeffrey Tambor, and the great, Harry Mastrogeorge whose brilliant approach she attempts to share with as many actors as she can. She also directs and produces theater, film, and television productions and has completed two feature screenplays, a play and a television pilot. Her feature, Canary, is in preproduction. She founded a production company Shot in the Dark Films and the Independent Artists' Cooperative in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto with over 600 members. Her film "Morir Para Ser Libre" was featured in the Boston Film Festival, "Contragolpe" won the Coco de Oro festival, and her documentary "El Coro en Japon" was featured on public television in Puerto Rico. Descarga.com chose Shot in the Dark's hour-long salsa DVD as the Editor's Pick Best Video of 2007. Her feature-length documentary "Los Vandalos" about the struggle between the power structure and graffiti artists fighting to have a personal voice, is heading toward its premier at the Latino Film Festival of Los Angeles. Her film work can be seen at http://shotinthedarkfilms.com.
In 2001 Shae founded the Independent Artists' Cooperative in Los Angeles. It grew to over 300 members the first year and branched off into IAC's in NY and Toronto. The IAC LA produced multiple plays and successful live events including an awareness raising event held in response to 9/11 which attracted 15 major bands including The Counting Crows and Remy Zero and stars Sean Penn, Madonna, and Patricia Arquette.
Her project, "HearMe - The Imagine Project" won the Audience Award at the Elevate Film Festival from its 5,000 attendees. The film connects orphans in Iraq, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Puerto Rico and Compton through music. To further peace and brotherhood, Shae and her producer partner Kevin Jackson donated music studios to each orphanage and asked the children to create their own song based on John Lennon's "Imagine." Because the project inspired such a profound reaction, both from the children and the audience, they founded a nonprofit, HearMe, Inc. (http://hearmehub.org) to carry the vision forward.- Producer
- Director
- Actor
Gregory Hoblit was born in Texas but moved to Northern California at a young age because of his father's job in law enforcement, a hint at what might have attracted the mystery/courtroom plots of his movie/TV credits. After graduating from UCLA, he worked as a TV co-producer with Steven Bochco until directing the 80s series, Hill Street Blues (1981) and L.A. Law (1986). He made his film directorial debut with the psychological thriller, Primal Fear (1996), followed by Fallen (1998), Frequency (2000) and the WWII drama, Hart's War (2002), starring Bruce Willis.- Actor
- Stunts
Ty O'Neal was born on 2 August 1978 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for The Postman (1997), D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996) and D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994). He has been married to Christie Gorman since July 2005. They have one child.- Additional Crew
- Actor
- Director
Cris Judd, the actor, has broken away from his dancing and choreography roots and moved his acting career into high gear; he recently guest-starred on Unfabulous (2004) with Emma Roberts, has appeared on sweeps week episodes of Eve (2003), Half & Half (2002) and Everybody Loves Raymond (1996), and has an acting cameo in Bringing Down the House (2003), where he also served as choreographer for Steve Martin's dance scenes.
He also coached Nicole Kidman for how to speak to movement for her dance scene in The Human Stain (2003) and coached Lou Diamond Phillips for a recent role of his.
Selected as one of People Magazine's "25 Hottest Bachelors" and InTouch Magazine's "20 Hottest Hunks", most of America remembers Cris' television debut on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! (2002) where he won the hearts of millions of viewers and earned $200,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation when he was crowned "King of the Jungle" in a landslide viewer vote.
Before Hollywood, Cris spent his early years growing up on Air Force bases in the Philippines and Hawaii. The Air Force then moved his family to Florida, where he spent his high school years. While in Florida, Cris, an avid athlete, spent lots of time surfing and golfing. With a 4 handicap, he even considered going pro after graduation but, instead, went on to college. While in college, he landed his first job at Disney World with friend and colleague, Wayne Brady.
It was at 21, while hanging out with Wayne at clubs and entering club dance contests after work, that Cris first discovered that he was a natural on the dance floor. Within a year, Cris switched jobs and began dancing professionally with Disney. He quickly began to get noticed on a national level and, based solely on a word-of-mouth recommendation, was hired to dance with Michael Jackson for the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Cris was an instant hit. He was offered a coveted spot dancing with Michael on both the "Dangerous" and "History" tours, rapidly moving up to lead dancer for the tour. Cris' dance and choreography career exploded after that. In 1999, he performed at the Billboard Music Awards with Céline Dion, the MTV Music Awards with N'SYNC, and, in 2000, at the American Music Awards with Enrique Iglesias and Brian McKnight, and for "Best Song" nominee "That Thing You Do" at the 69th Annual Academy Awards. Cris also teamed up for the first time with famed choreographer Eddie Garcia, a collaboration that continues to this day, to choreograph the 2000 Tour for Jordan Knight.
Since that time, Cris has danced in and choreographed numerous music videos including "My Way" for Usher, "Jump, Jive, & Wail" for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, "If I Could Go" for Angie Martinez and "Tango" for Julio Iglesias, and he was the Director for the music video "Ain't It Funny-Remix" with Ja Rule. Leaping forward yet again, Cris then stepped in as Creative Director for Handprint Entertainment, overseeing a $5 million budget and delivering NBC's hugely successful concert special "Let's Get Loud".
Excelling at each creative avenue he explores, Cris has also ventured into composing where his first song, "Alive", was selected as the theme song for the movie Enough (2002) (Sony Music/Columbia Pictures) and went on to be a success on the music charts as well.
On the acting front, Cris has two new feature film projects in the works slated to shoot this spring, along with more sitcom guest-starring appearances. He also recently partnered up with Universal, Dean Cain and long-time choreography partner, Eddie Garcia, to produce a cutting edge interactive dance DVD which will be released in the summer of 2005, and is currently re-choreographing and updating the "Midnight Fantasy" musical for the Luxor Resort in Las Vegas. Always in demand, expect to see Cris both acting on the big screen and directing more Billboard-topping music videos in the upcoming year.- CJ was born in Abilene, Texas. He began acting at age 12, and is quoted saying he got into it as a brother rivalry. Rivalry, though, only drives a person so far, but the passion and thrill he got from being on stage has led him to pursue a promising career in Hollywood.
- Jeff Hays, an award winning filmmaker, author, and television producer since the early nineties, gained national attention with Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004), a response to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11. He followed that with On Native Soil (2006). Narrated by Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, the documentary focused on the perspective of surviving family members of 9/11 victims and their efforts to create the 9/11 Commission. The film was acquired by LionsGate and NBC and was short-listed for an Academy Award. Hays produced a yearlong television series for Lifetime Television, and then returned to documentary film with Doctored in 2012, and Bought in 2014. In 2017, Jeff partnered with Dr. Patrick Gentempo to create Revealed Films. Together they have released many multi-part series covering subjects including, health and nutrition, medical issues, wealth-building, religious and political topics. (Money Revealed, Vaccines Revealed, Crypto Revealed, End Game, GMOs Revealed, etc.) Revealed Films launches 5-6 series each year adding the rich stream of information they've produced in the past. Revealed recently released a series on the use of psychedelics in therapy, Psychedelics Revealed, and has completed filming for a new series on addiction. Revealed Films was acquired by Genius Group, an NYSE listed company on October 4th, 2022. Hays and Gentempo will continue to run the company for the next 3 years. In addition to the Revealed projects, Jeff Hays Films was the Executive Producer for The Fix, a documentary series based on Johann Hari's NY Times bestseller, Chasing the Scream - which was made into both an Academy Award-nominated film and an eight-part TV series presented by Samuel L. Jackson. JHF has acquired the rights to three other books to produce via film: the NY Times bestseller Lost Connections by Johann Hari, The Bad One by Erin Tyler, and The Real Anthony Fauci by Bobby Kennedy, Jr. Additionally, JHF is producing a series with Adam Carolla on resilience and happiness with Ben Greenfield, and just completed The Millionaire Within Her with Kristi Frank. In 2021, JHF also produced Amy Redford's new narrative film, Roost, which is complete and had its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022. In September of 2022 Hays completed his newest documentary, The United States vs. Andre Norman, to be released in 2023. This film covers the poverty to prison pipeline for people of color in the US through the amazing story of Andre Norman. The covid lockdowns of 2020 provided ample time to finish two books. The first on entrepreneurship, The Entrepreneurial Brain which has been acquired by Harper Collins and will be released in June of 2023. The second book, on spirituality called Love and Drugs; Tripping through Trauma to Joy, will be released in 2024. Jeff resides in the mountains of Utah with the love of his life, Dori. They work out of Jeff Hays Films' soundstage and studio in Midvale UT. Together they have 11 children and many grandchildren.
- Mart McChesney was born on 27 January 1954 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and Girls Nite Out (1982). He died on 14 January 1999 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Actress
- Producer
Katharine Everett was born in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Yellowstone (2018), Criminal Minds (2005) and American Auto (2021).- Donald Craig was born on 14 August 1941 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for Gang Related (1997), Dragnet (1987) and Murder, She Wrote (1984). He died on 20 April 2010 in Round Rock, Texas, USA.
- Writer
- Music Department
- Composer
In 1968, "Classical Gas" won three Grammys that year for "Best Instrumental (theme) Composition", "Best Instrumental (theme) Performance", and "Best Instrumental Orchestra Arrangement".
Then, in 1969, his book "THE MASON WILLIAMS READING MATTER" was published by Doubleday & Company. This opus was collection of some his poetry, humor and photographs; some of which were strikingly funny!- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Born in Abilene, KS, in 1888, Harry Beaumont started his show-business career early--he quit school to become an actor in a traveling stock company, and eventually made his way to the New York stage. In 1912 he began working as a film actor for Edison studios--which was headquartered across the river in New Jersey--in everything from two-reel shorts to serials, and also began writing screenplays. He began directing in 1915, stayed with Edison for a year and then went over to Essanay Studios. He soon made the rounds of other studios as a director, and got a reputation as an efficient craftsman who could bring in films on time and within budget, which guaranteed him work. His most productive period was in the 1920s, when he worked in the rarefied atmosphere of MGM--the "Tiffany" of studios--directing such major productions as Main Street (1923) and Beau Brummel (1924), and MGM entrusted him with the careers of such major stars as Joan Crawford and John Barrymore. The studio awarded him the honor of making its first sound musical, The Broadway Melody (1929), which won an Oscar for Best Picture. Unfortunately, that picture was pretty much the pinnacle of his career; he continued directing, mainly at MGM, into the 1940s, but none of his subsequent films rose much above the "B" level. He directed his last film, Alias a Gentleman (1948), in 1948, and died in Santa Monica, CA, in 1966.- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Actor
Jess Cagle was born on 8 August 1965 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for People Magazine Investigates (2016), Oscars Opening Ceremony: Live from the Red Carpet (2015) and Good Morning America (1975). He has been married to Matt Whitney since 26 May 2018.- Paydin was born in a small but culturally progressive town in Texas. She grew up performing on various stages around town. She signed with Product, a modeling agency in New York at age of 11. Paydin spent her summers in New York City modeling for Limited Too and Abercrombie Kids as well as several other companies. She then began television commercial work for companies such as Kohls and JC Penney, eventually signing with Osbrink Talent Agency in Los Angeles. She began her acting career by playing Michelle, a guest spot on a popular TV series, "The O.C." (2003). In the past year she has taken acting classes with Michael Woolson.
- Joan Hovis was born on 3 April 1932 in Abilene, Kansas, USA. She is an actress, known for Schlitz Playhouse (1951), The Alcoa Hour (1955) and Public Defender (1954). She has been married to Allan Eubank since 12 December 1959.
- Additional Crew
- Actor
- Stunts
What Yakima Canutt was to classic stunt work in Hollywood for some 60 years, Ralph Faulkner was to sword fight choreography for almost a like number of years. Faulkner came west from Texas in his mid twenties to try his hand in the movies. Some of his first roles were as President Woodrow Wilson in silent bio/drama flag-wavers about American entrance into World War I. Faulkner's athleticism already tagged him for some stunt work, but while working in the silent movie The Man from Glengarry (1922), filming a river sequence on logs, Faulkner slipped on one and severely injured a knee. With his modest movie career in jeopardy and a real chance of becoming an invalid, Faulkner turned to a regime of knee-related exercises as therapy. He settled on a rowing apparatus and the practice of swordplay, fencing (which uses three practice swords of progressively heavier gage and different technique: foil, epee, and sabre).
Fencing became a passion; so much so in fact, that he entered international competition, winning the World Amateur Sabre Championship (1928) and becoming a member of the U.S. Olympic fencing team that year and for the 1932 Games. In the meantime (1923 to 1925 and then 1933) he had already been doing some movie stunt and fencing choreography. But by 1935 the perfect vehicle came along with a seminal opportunity for him to bring his fencing expertise into the movies on a larger scale. This was the first sound version of Dumas's The Three Musketeers (1935). He was hired as the captain of Cardinal Richelieu's guards, Jussac, and at various points in the movie as five other swordplay stunt extras. In each case he ended up on his face dispatched, but more significantly he was hired as the fencing choreographer. Though this version of the classic tale is normally given short shrift, it is enthusiastic all the more rousing for the realistic dueling that Faulkner coordinated. The movie is worth just his great courtyard scene of nearly one hundred musketeers in synchronized fencing exercises one-on-one before the king.
The popularity of producing swashbucklers (usually based on historical novels) that had started with silent movies moved into its watershed years with Hollywood sound. That same year of 1935 Faulkner moved into stunt double duty as well as fencing coordinator for the first sword-wielding blockbuster, Captain Blood (1935). This was the movie that rocketed unknown Australian actor 'Errol Flynn' to romantic stardom. And Faulkner had good material to work with. Veteran Basil Rathbone was a good fencer already, and Flynn, though new to the school of fence, was athletic and a quick learner. Under Faulkner's choreography Rathbone and Flynn made the swordplay look good. For the next two decades Faulkner's movie list as fencing double and choreographer reads as a history of Hollywood's golden years of adventure yarns with the likes of: Anthony Adverse (1936), If I Were King (1938), The Sea Hawk (1940), The Thief of Baghdad (1940), and The Corsican Brothers (1941).
But fencing choreography like stunt work in general was highly competitive (and still is), and various production leads had their favorites. In fact it was not out of the ordinary-and no doubt cheaper--to simply have the senior stuntman act as coordinator, as the case of Fred Cavens (who also worked with Faulkner) for The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). But you get what you pay for. The background swordplay in that classic is sometimes amateurish. Once again it is the skill of Rathbone and the verve of Flynn that makes their crossing swords look good in the final swordplay free-for-all. No coordinator as such worked in Flynn's last Warner Brothers swashbuckler, the oft uneven epic, Adventures of Don Juan (1948), but somebody decided that using a watered down version of Faulkner's mass musketeer fencing exercise of 1935 would be effective as overseen by Don Juan before the Spanish king and queen in the confines of the courtroom-just not the same. By the way, Flynn's stunt double was Jock Mahoney - Sally Fields dad. Faulkner's only comparable rival was the much younger Belgium fencing expert Jean Heremans whose work is best seen in the 'Gene Kelly' remake of The Three Musketeers (1948) and the two 1952 swashbucklers for `Stewart Granger', the remake of The Prisoner of Zenda (1952) and Scaramouche (1952). Ironically he was given his first credit as fencing coordinator on the classic first version of The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) because Faulkner was so busy doing most of the coordinating and fencing in this movie.
In several movies Faulkner doubled both dueling stars. In Adverse for the early duel at the inn, he took turns for the more expert fencing moves as both Don Luis and Denis Moore. In Zenda, Faulkner worked as fencing double and as a fencing featured extra. Though Ronald Colman did his fair share of saber fencing in Zenda, at one point after an injury, Faulkner had to fence briefly with himself-in the final cut of the movie - as both Colman and his own character, one of Rupert of Henzau's henchmen, to finish their duel in the dungeon. By 1938 Faulkner was usually credited-rather than not always credited previously (a problem for most stuntmen) - as fight choreographer. That title would vary to fencing master, fencing choreographer - at least in one instance as 'director of sword-play'. He was once again dueling with Flynn in Sea Hawk, doubling for 'Henry Daniel'. And in Corsican Brothers he worked again with 'Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.' (from Zenda). Fairbanks was another good fencer. And he and Faulkner did the lion share of the exhausting finale duel - the longest ever shot - and that in unbearable 100+ temperatures.
Although in a duplicate costume, it is easy to pick out when Faulkner took over the fencing. In all his screen swordplay he always kept a straight-backed and classic fencing posture rather than the forward slouch of his star opponents. In working with Cornel Wilde in the forgettable The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946), Faulkner was pleased to meet his match. Wilde had been an intercollegiate fencing champion. By the mid 50s the glory days of swashbuckling had run its course, though Faulkner even enjoyed-actually one of his favorites though uncredited--doing the coordinating and doubling for the farcical romp _Court Jester, The (1956)_ with Danny Kaye and an elder Rathbone. Into the 1960s swordplay was out of sync with the movies, though he did the popular sword-and-sandal epic Jason and the Argonauts (1963). The sword was back in the 70s and 80s. But it was always good fencing that Faulkner wanted regardless of the medium. His style graced over 100 films, TV work, and stage plays. He started a theatrical school called Falcon Studios (and this writer remembers a friend in 1978 who decided he should take a few lessons from Faulkner just to say that he had!). Faulkner believed that any staged swordplay should be done right with practice choreography-and the proper period weapons. He always made it look good-and that personal crusade continued up until Ralph Faulkner passed on in 1987.- Karen Christy was born on 11 March 1951 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She was previously married to Ed Simonini.
- Additional Crew
- Writer
- Producer
Amanda Mason was born on 30 April 1979 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is a writer and producer, known for In This Our Life, The Capture of the Green River Killer (2008) and Everything She Ever Wanted (2009).- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Guy Penrod grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico, where his father pastored a Baptist church. He graduated from Liberty University. He and his wife, Angie Clark, have 7 boys and 1 girl. They reside on a farm in Tennessee, and Penrod is a member of the Gaither Vocal Band, in addition to his solo singing career.- Composer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Dennis Linde was born on 18 March 1943 in Abilene, Texas, USA. Dennis was a composer, known for Daybreakers (2009), Grease 2 (1982) and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009). Dennis was married to Pamela Sue Beckham. Dennis died on 22 December 2006 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.- Writer
- Producer
Katie Hill was born on 25 August 1987 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is a writer and producer, known for She Will Rise, The Swamp (2020) and CNN Newsroom (1989). She was previously married to Kenny Heslep.- Location Management
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Marc Meeks was born in Abilene, Texas, USA. Marc is a writer, known for The Matrix Resurrections (2021), Man of Steel (2013) and 2012 (2009). Marc has been married to Paula Vasquez since 31 December 2001. They have two children.- Actor
- Composer
- Writer
Vinnie Paul was born on 11 March 1964 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an actor and composer, known for Triple Frontier (2019), Lethal Weapon (2016) and Heavy Metal 2000 (2000). He died on 22 June 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.- Composer
- Actor
Jerry Abbot was born on 8 April 1942 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was a composer and actor, known for Tender Mercies (1983), Craig David: All Alone Tonight (Stop, Look, Listen) (2010) and Sunshine Porcupine (1980). He was married to Norma Carolyn Adkisson. He died on 2 April 2024 in Denton, Texas, USA.- Bill Kemp was born on 9 October 1970 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Gas Food Lodging (1992), JAG (1995) and V.I.P. (1998).
- Actress
- Music Department
- Composer
Carol Hall was born on 3 April 1936 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She was an actress and composer, known for Half Nelson (2006), Black Mass (2015) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982). She was married to Leonard Majzlin and Richard Blinkoff. She died on 11 October 2018 in New York, New York, USA.- Trudy Ireland was born on 20 February 1957 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is an actress, known for WPW-719 Trudy Ireland (2010).
- Writer
- Actor
- Producer
McKade Marshall is an actor in stage theatre from his youth. He now works primarily in film. He has worked with numerous celebrities at charitable events - sharing the stage with Dick Van Dyke at a children's fundraiser in Malibu. He was featured on the cover of Malibu Times Magazine summer edition as one of "Malibu's Most Eligible Bachelors". McKade is the author of "Tasting the Goodness of God" (August 2014), "Breathe" (April 2016), "Finding Your Keys" (April 2018), and "Why I Stand With Israel" (September 2021). The celebrity also hosts a weekly YouTube show for his readers and viewers called "Word of the Week" with audiences from all over the world and is the executive producer and show host of the web TV series "The Better View with McKade".- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Writer
Rawson Stovall was born on 9 January 1972 in Abilene, Texas, USA. Rawson is a producer and writer, known for Men in Black II: Alien Escape (2002), Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (1994) and The Godfather (2006).- Will Christoferson was born on 15 December 1986 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009), Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011) and Occupy, Texas (2016).
- John Lackey was born on 23 October 1978 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Under the Stadium Lights (2021), Sunday Night Baseball (1990) and 2002 American League Championship Series (2002). He was previously married to Krista.
- Casting Department
Coby Archa was born on 8 September 1972 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is known for Kindly Kenney (2020), Survivor (2000) and Tease (2007).- Additional Crew
- Cinematographer
- Director
Dee Austin Robertson was born on 8 August 1978 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is a cinematographer and director, known for The Happytime Murders (2018), Donnie Darko (2001) and Southland Tales (2006).- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Art Department
Born in Abilene, Texas, and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Matt Harwell's life was eclectic from its very beginnings. Like most American boys, he grew up on the athletic fields chucking baseballs, footballs, and whatever else he could get his hands on. However, being the grandson of a preacher, and the son of a Broadway-trained father, the love of sports was accompanied by a fascination for the somewhat more refined field of the theater.
Today, the eclectic nature of Matt's life continues. Although his dreams of starting at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers are undoubtedly gone, his aspirations have matured to see him work not only as an actor of screen and stage, but as a producer, writer, and model.
Matt's deep appreciation for the art of performance, his hunger for new and exciting experiences, and a fairly evident case of ADHD, has created a talent that is pliable, devoted, genuine, and full of originality.- Additional Crew
Grady Little was born on 30 March 1950 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is known for Bull Durham (1988), Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie (2004) and Sunday Night Baseball (1990). He is married to Debi. They have one child.- Art Director
- Production Designer
- Art Department
John W. Harkrider was born on 16 November 1899 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an art director and production designer, known for Swing Time (1936), The Lady Fights Back (1937) and Three Smart Girls (1936). He died on 7 July 1982 in Los Angeles County, California, USA.- Actress
Faye Williams was born on 14 June 1921 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She was an actress. She was married to Jay Lindsay. She died on 12 October 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.- Height: 6'1 / Weight: 205 / DOB: February 17, 1988 / College: Houston / Hometown: Abilene, TX Case Keenum attended Wylie High School in Abilene, Texas where he passed for 6,783 yards and 48 touchdowns his senior season earning second-team All-State honors. He posted a career win/loss record of 31-11 in 42 starts. Also lettered in basketball and track. At the University of Houston, Keenum finished his college career as the NCAA all-time leader in total passing yards (19,217) and passing touchdowns (155), and completed 69.4 percent of his passes. He is one of only two players in NCAA history to record multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons.
- Shane Bowen was born on 4 October 1971 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Walk the Line (2005), Prism (2007) and Brawler (2011).
- Floyd Criswell was born on 17 June 1899 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for The Great Circus Mystery (1925), Delinquent Daughters (1944) and Safety in Numbers (1938). He died on 28 December 1974 in Los Angeles County, California, USA.
- Brynn Morrison was born on 19 June 1982 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is an actress, known for Golden Framboise (2006), Told (2005) and Loveholstery (2004). She has been married to Zach Freeman since 3 June 2006.
- Camera and Electrical Department
David Leeson was born on 18 October 1957 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He is known for The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress (2006), An American Opera (2007) and Beyond Words: Photographers of War (2005). He died on 16 April 2022 in Abilene, Texas, USA.- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Steven Bland was born on 17 November 1956 in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for American Outlaws (2001), Grand Champion (2002) and Stingray (1986). He died on 21 August 2005 in Alpine, Texas, USA.