Episodes

Mary Pickford: She was managing her household at the age of 6, theatrical actress by the age of 7, silent film superstar by 16. Silent film star, producer, script writer, studio head, women's rights activist, philanthropist, founder of many programs and foundations. Known as America's Sweetheart, but really she was America's Badass Female Trailblazer. The story of a remarkable woman who stood strong in a man's world. As we recognize Women's History Month, I will be sharing the stories of three ...

I'm happy to share this special episode from ArtMuse Podcast. Host Grace Anna shares the tragic story of 1960s "It Girl" Edie Sedgwick, muse of Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan. Stay tuned next week for Part Two. Learn More about ArtMuse at their website https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ You can listen to ArtMuse wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Paul Robeson: Football legend, lawyer, classical singer, actor, social activist. Paul Robeson was ALL of those things. When the US banned him from leaving the country for 9 years, he took action and spoke up for inequality. He fought for the inequality throughout the nation, making huge personal sacrifices in doing so. A true hero. Episode Sources: A book titled The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artist’s Journey by Paul Robeson, Jr.; a documentary titled Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist, narr...

Billie Holiday re-release. As we recognize Black History Month, I'm re-releasing the devastating story of Billie Holiday. Because her story is an important look into our history.

Louise Beavers: One of the most famous black actors of the 1930s and the star of one of the most influential and groundbreaking movies of the 1930s in terms of race relations. Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/GoldenAge Episode Sources: an article from Immortal Ephemera from March 11, 2013; an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer from March 21, 2016; a book titled Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: Black History in Hollywood by Donald Bogle...

Ambassador Satch himself! The truest of true jazz legends. He rose up from a childhood in one of the poorest neighborhoods in New Orleans to be one of the most beloved musicians in the world. But he faced the harsh reality of racism every day, fame or no fame. He even went up against the President of the United States over the issue of segregation in schools. Not only was Louis Armstrong a jazz icon, but he was known for his optimistic happy attitude and his giving soul. You'll love his story! ...

Hattie McDaniel's story is worth highlighting again! If you haven't listened to her remarkable story, please take the time to do so. Her story is an important look into what black entertainers were subjected to in our past. She was the first African American to win an Oscar, yet that didn't change the fact that she was a black woman in the 1930s and 40s... and she was treated as such. Her life was not easy, but she was TOUGH. And when you hear her father's story in this episode, you'll see where...

Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues. She rose from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential blues singers of all times. She fought through racism, abuse, attacks, and even a standoff with the KKK. She was tough, and she fought the fight for those who came after her. As we recognize Black History Month, Bessie Smith's story is the first in my 4-week installment of influential black individuals in music and film from the 20s, 30s, and 40s that helped pave the way for equality in the e...

The life of actress Evelyn Keyes. She spent decades searching for love and happiness, and it turned out to be much closer than she ever imagined. Listen to her story now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Scarlett O’Hara’s Younger Sister by Evelyn Keyes; an interview of Evelyn Keyes with Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show from June 22, 1998; an interview with Merv Griffin from 1977; a television interview from October of 1978; a New York Times article from February 18, 1973; IMDB.

Marlene Dietrich: A stunning beauty on the silver screen, a vibrant cabaret performer for decades, a woman who didn't care what anyone thought of her choices, and a powerful asset to the U.S. government during WWII. She lived a complex life, and she lived it her way. Listen now! Patreon: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Marlene Dietrich: The Life by ...

The amazing Master of Suspense! There is nobody like Alfred Hitchcock. He has a wonderful story. Listen now! Patreon Support & Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: a documentary titled Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense directed by Lindsay Luecht and produced by Richard Chechilo; a book titled The Master of Suspense: The Life and Legacy ...

She did radio, she did Broadway, she did films, she did a one-woman stage show, and she was the coolest witch to ever grace the television screen. And she was simply just an awesome person. Listen now! Patreon Support & Bonus Content: https://patreon.com/StarsoftheGoldenAgePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: a book titled Agnes Moorehead: A Very Private Person by Dr. Warren A. Sherk; an inte...

Buckle up for this one! Errol Flynn lived life his way... which was usually not a great idea. Buy he had a BLAST doing it. His life was one big party. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Source: Errol Flynn: Gentleman Hellraiser by David Bret; a documentary titled Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn from the Australian Flaming Star Film and Lowland Media; a BBC documentary titled Hollywood Greats with Barry Norman from 1979; thealtmanbrothers.com; goldenglobes.com; an ...

One of the most versatile actors of the Golden Age. James Stewart could do it all! And of all he did, the role of George Baily in It's a Wonderful Life was his all-time favorite. Listen to his story now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: James Stewart: A Biography by Donald Dewey; The Jimmy Stewart Museum website jimmy.org; An ABC Nightline Special Report episode from July 2, 1997; The Biography Channel biography of James Stewart; an interview with James Stewart for the Kennedy Center awards...

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas! Bing Crosby gave us both the song and the movie White Christmas, plus a TON more. Listen now to hear his life's story. Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: A book titled Bing Crosby: A Life from Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History Series; a documentary titled The Hollywood Greats: Bing Crosby written by Barry Norman; a PBS documentary titled American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered; a New York Times article from January 4, 1943; a New York Times ar...

Do you want to go on a wild ride? Then listen to this episode! The life of Steve McQueen is unbelievable. He lifted himself from rock bottom to the highest pedestal. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: A book titled Steve McQueen by Marc Eliot; a book titled My Husband, My Friend by Neile McQueen-Toffel; a TV biography titled Steve McQueen: Desert Racer; The Los Angeles Times; historicracing.com; IMDB

Ingrid Bergman: She sustained extreme heartache as a child and slipped into a land of make-believe as a way to cope. And that led her straight onto the stage and screen. She was always reaching for something else. Always looking for adventure. She lived life fully. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode sources: A book titled Ingrid Bergman: A Life From Beginning to End by the Hourly History Series; a documentary titled Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words, directed by Stig Bjorkman; history.com, ...

This episode is dedicated to my grandma, who turns 90 years old this week! In honor of her birthday, I am covering the Best Actress Oscar winner from the year of her birth... 1934. Listen now to hear the story of Academy Award winner Claudette Colbert! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Legends of Hollywood: The Life of Claudette Colbert by Charles River Editors; More Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s by Gary Koca; oscars.org; IMDB.

Louis B. Mayer: He rose from poverty to become one of the richest and most powerful men in the country. He was the king of his own empire. Of his grand land of make-believe on the sprawling MGM lot. He was a tough boss, he was unfair, and he was downright abusive. But he gave us some of the most iconic film stars in the history of Hollywood. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Louis B. Mayer biography from Biography Channel; encyclopedia.com; a New York Times article by Stephen Hol...

Jayne Mansfield, one of the most iconic blonde bombshells in the history of Hollywood. She aimed for fame her whole life, loved everything pink, and had a kind and loving heart. Her life ended in a tragic way and way too young. Listen now. Image Source: IMDB

A life taken far too soon. The story of the life and career of "The Latin Lover," Rudolph Valentino, who wasn't Latin at all. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB Episode Sources: Legends of Hollywood: The Life of Rudolph Valentino by the Charles River Editors; britannica.com; history.com; His Fame Still Lives blog; a Guinness World Records article by Sanj Atwal from January 23, 2024; IMDB

The tragic life of jazz goddess Billie Holiday. She experienced severe trauma as a child, and became a scapegoat in the war against drugs as an adult. Listen to her story now. Image Source: billieholiday.com; billieholidayofficial on IG Episode Sources: Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday and William Dufty 2019 documentary called Billie billieholiday.com An episode of Throughline by NPR from October 7, 2020 titled The United States vs. Billie Holiday An E News article by Natalie Finn f...

Jean Arthur... considered one of the most mysterious women in Old Hollywood. She chose a life of privacy from the public eye, which was a difficult thing to do during the Golden Age. Listen now! Image Source: IMDB