St. John's Confidential File

HELLO AMERICA!—When I first met actress-singer Nichelle Nichols in 1953, she was playing tennis with Teddy Jones, son of legendary singer Lena Horne.  She was ambitious and determined to be successful in one of the toughest industries in the world. When I reminded Nichelle of those days she laughed and said, “For one thing I remember how hungry we were to...

HELLO AMERICA!—Julliard trained actor Chad Ratto is riding high these days, enjoying every minute of it. He has been tested for several TV pilots and is up for a few motion pictures give up, to keep the faith and good things turn for the better. MSJ:  The last time we talked, you were not as ecstatic about your career as...

HOLLYWOOD—When remembering what Miles Davis said about Jazz pianist John Lewis, I decided to go back to listen to some of his old recordings.  That decision was quite revealing about this musician, John is definitely an American gift. When discussing his life and music, he quickly gets to the chase and tells you how he feels about anything and...

HELLO AMERICA!—Living and working in an entertainment community of the arts as Los Angeles, one is blessed to know some of the most loving, sensitive and giving people in the world.  I was one of those fortunate enough to have the creative guidance from the late star Juanita Moore for which my play “I Feel Sin Comin’ On” is...

HELLO AMERICA!—Late New Year’s Day I received a call informing me that actress Juanita Moore had died.  She was 99 years old and preparing for “I Feel Sin Comin’ On,” a play based on my book “Hollywood Through the Back Door.” I was shocked after all; I had spoken with her that morning. We were discussing the character of...

HELLO AMERICA!—When the public sees stars loaded down with fans and honors, they genuinely believe that life is perfect for them, but David Cassidy is the first to acknowledge that this is nonsense. MSJ: When you were one of the main stars of The Partridge Family series, didn’t you feel that your life was perfect … that you had arrived as...

HELLO AMERICA!—Without a doubt, Hollywood has and is changing in every way possible. Actor, writer, producer Chris Robinson is the first to make it known how he feels and what he plans to do about it. MSJ: Chris, lets face it the industry has changed since the days you starred in such series as "Twelve O’Clock High, "General Hospital" or...

HELLO AMERICA!—The first time I met Betty White was in the 50s, she was taping her show. Now the gifted lady is in her nineties and Hollywood and the nation continues to give her standing ovations. MSJ: Betty, I remember sitting in a television station watching your show being taped which was in black and white at the time. And...

HOLLYWOOD—Georgia Holt, mother of Cher, is a woman who is not afraid of getting older. She enjoys sitting in her living room listening to her country songs album recorded 30 years ago. The lady is very happy. MSJ: Georgia, as a little girl growing up in Arkansas did you have dreams of one day living and performing in a place...

HOLLYWOOD—Tab Hunter was Hollywood’s young golden boy. The girls swooned and followed him wherever he was. The studios made money on his sexual image. MSJ: Tab, we’ve known each other since the early 50s and you haven’t changed very much at all. What secret potions are you using to look so young? TH: So secret potions or anything like that, just...