New this year!
Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Gleason, Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Sullivan, Alan Alda, Bea Arthur, Carroll O’Connor, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Sammy Davis Jr. These are just some of the legendary performers who defined the golden age of entertainment.
These stars from the world of TV, film and music broke new ground, reshaping their respective industries and challenging cultural attitudes. Some addressed pressing social issues such as war (M.A.S.H), racism (All in the Family), sexism (Maude, The Mary Tyler Moore Show), and ageing (Golden Girls). Others captured everyday struggles with humour (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners). Black performers rose in status. Women became leading entertainers. Miami and Las Vegas developed as new entertainment hubs. Societal attitudes towards sexuality and race changed. These outstanding entertainers helped to shape how we understand the world and ourselves.
Each session will discuss two entertainers. From a curated list of notable entertainers, participants will select one to research and to prepare a 20–25-minute introduction designed to start discussion. These introductions will not cover the entire lifespan of the entertainer but will focus on their achievements and impact on society. Participants can also propose other possible individuals from this era of great entertainers.
Facilitators
Barrie Wilson is a retired professor of intellectual history from York University. A member of the Academy for 6 years, he’s interested in interactive discussions on a variety of historical topics.
Sharon Harris is a long-time member of the Academy where she co-facilitated numerous workshops and held many administrative positions. After her very early retirement as an educator and photographer, Sharon pursued her love of the arts and travel and has enjoyed the Academy as a springboard for her curiosity.
Focus
Develop a 20–25-minute presentation designed to start discussion, focusing more on their achievements and impact on society than just a biographical sketch. The workshop facilitators can help you with such matters as structuring your presentation or embedding clips.
The following are suggested resources but you can develop your own. Also, as you get into your research, please feel free to suggest background materials others in the workshop could easily access by way of preparation.
TELEVISION
- Milton Berle (1948-1956)
Known as “Mr. Television,” his variety show Texaco Star Theater helped popularize television in its early days.
Book: Uncle Miltie: The Life and Times of Milton Berle by Milton Berle
Movie/Documentary: Milton Berle: The King of TV - Ed Sullivan Show (1948-1971)
A legendary variety program that introduced groundbreaking acts like The Beatles and Elvis Presley to American audiences.
Book: Right Here on Our Stage Tonight!: Ed Sullivan’s America by Gerald Nachman
Movie/Documentary: The Ed Sullivan Show – Rock ‘n’ Roll Classics - Jackie Gleason (1950s)
Star of The Honeymooners, he was a pioneer in early television comedy with his timeless portrayal of blue-collar life.
Book: The Great One: The Life and Legend of Jackie Gleason by William A. Henry III
Movie/Documentary: Gleason (2002) - Lone Ranger (1949-1957)
A cultural phenomenon, this Western series became a defining symbol of 1950s television.
Book: The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Striker
Movie/Documentary: The Lone Ranger (2013) - Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (1951-1957)
Stars of I Love Lucy, they revolutionized sitcoms with innovative filming techniques and comedic chemistry.
Book: Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz by Coyne S. Sanders and Tom Gilbert
Movie/Documentary: Lucy and Desi (2022) - Rod Serling (1959-1964)
Creator of The Twilight Zone, he elevated television storytelling with socially conscious and imaginative science fiction.
Book: As I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling by Anne Serling
Movie/Documentary: Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval - Carol Burnett (1967-1978)
Host of The Carol Burnett Show, she blended comedy, music, and satire with lasting impact.
Book: In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett
Movie/Documentary: Carol Burnett: A Celebration - Star Trek (1966-1969)
Gene Roddenberry’s visionary series tackled social issues and inspired a global sci-fi phenomenon.
Book: The Making of Star Trek by Stephen E. Whitfield and Gene Roddenberry
Movie/Documentary: Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Johnny Carson (1962-1992)
Host of The Tonight Show, he redefined late-night television with his wit and influence.
Book: Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin
Movie/Documentary: King of Late Night - The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)
A sitcom that portrayed a single, independent career woman, redefining TV’s portrayal of women.
Book: Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong
Movie/Documentary: The Mary Tyler Moore Reunion - All in the Family (1971-1979)
Norman Lear’s sitcom broke barriers with its bold exploration of social and political issues through humor.
Book: All in the Family: The Show That Changed Television by Jim Colucci
Movie/Documentary: Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You - Bea Arthur (1970s-1980s)
Star of Maude and The Golden Girls, she brought humor to aging and probed challenges of seniors.
Book: Bea Arthur: And Then There’s Bea by Justin Martin
Movie/Documentary: The Golden Girls: A Lifetime of Laughter
FILM
- Charlie Chaplin (1910s-1940s)
A silent film icon and comedic genius, he revolutionized cinema with timeless classics like The Gold Rush and Modern Times.
Book: Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life by Peter Ackroyd
Movie/Documentary: Chaplin (1992) - Fred Astaire (1930s-1950s)
A legendary dancer and actor, he defined elegance in Hollywood musicals with groundbreaking choreography.
Book: Fred Astaire: His Friends Talk by Sarah Giles
Movie/Documentary: That’s Entertainment! - Clark Gable (1930s-1950s)
The quintessential Hollywood leading man, best known for his role in Gone with the Wind.
Book: Clark Gable: A Biography by Warren G. Harris
Movie/Documentary: Clark Gable: King of Hollywood - Bette Davis (1930s-1960s)
Renowned for her intensity and versatility, she became one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses with roles like All About Eve.
Book: More Than a Woman by James Spada
Movie/Documentary: Stardust: The Bette Davis Story - Humphrey Bogart (1940s-1950s)
An enduring symbol of film noir and classic cinema, starring in iconic films like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.
Book: Bogart: In Search of My Father by Stephen Humphrey Bogart
Movie/Documentary: Bacall on Bogart - Hedy Lamarr (1940s)
A glamorous actress and groundbreaking inventor, she co-developed early technology that became the foundation for Wi-Fi.
Book: Hedy’s Folly by Richard Rhodes
Movie/Documentary: Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story - Orson Welles (1941)
A visionary filmmaker and actor, he redefined storytelling with Citizen Kane, often regarded as the greatest film of all time.
Book: Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu by Simon Callow
Movie/Documentary: Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles - Alfred Hitchcock (1940s-1960s)
The “Master of Suspense,” he transformed filmmaking with classics like Psycho and Rear Window.
Book: Hitchcock by François Truffaut
Movie/Documentary: Hitchcock (2012) - James Stewart (1940s-1960s)
A versatile actor known for his everyman appeal in films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rear Window.
Book: Jimmy Stewart: A Biography by Marc Eliot
Movie/Documentary: A Wonderful Life: The Jimmy Stewart Story - Marlon Brando (1950s-1970s)
A transformative actor, he brought realism to the screen with iconic performances in A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather.
Book: Brando: The Biography by Peter Manso
Movie/Documentary: Listen to Me Marlon - Audrey Hepburn (1950s-1960s)
A fashion and film icon, she charmed audiences with grace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday.
Book: Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer
Movie/Documentary: Audrey (2020) - Marilyn Monroe (1950s-1960s)
A cultural icon and symbol of Hollywood glamour, she left an indelible mark with Some Like It Hot.
Book: Marilyn: Norma Jeane by Gloria Steinem
Movie/Documentary: Love, Marilyn - James Dean (1950s)
A symbol of teenage angst and rebellion, he became a legend with Rebel Without a Cause.
Book: James Dean: Rebel With a Cause by Wes D. Gehring
Movie/Documentary: James Dean: Forever Young
MUSIC
- Louis Armstrong (1920s-1960s)
A pioneering jazz musician, he transformed music with his trumpet playing and charisma.
Book: Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life by Laurence Bergreen
Movie/Documentary: Louis Armstrong: Satchmo - Josephine Baker (1920s-1930s)
A trailblazing entertainer and activist, she captivated audiences with daring performances.
Book: Josephine: The Hungry Heart by Jean-Claude Baker
Movie/Documentary: Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening - Lena Horne (1930s-1950s)
A glamorous singer and actress, she broke racial barriers and championed civil rights.
Book: Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne by James Gavin
Movie/Documentary: The Legend of Lena Horne - Nat King Cole (1940s-1960s)
A legendary crooner and pianist, he was the first Black artist to host a national TV show.
Book: Nat King Cole: An Intimate Biography by Maria Cole
Movie/Documentary: Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark - Elvis Presley (1950s-1970s)
The “King of Rock and Roll,” he revolutionized music with electrifying performances.
Book: Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick
Movie/Documentary: Elvis (2022) - Patsy Cline (1950s-1960s)
A country music icon, she popularized heartfelt ballads like Crazy.
Book: Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline by Ellis Nassour
Movie/Documentary: Sweet Dreams - The Beatles (1960s-1970s)
The most influential band in history, they redefined popular music and culture with groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Book: The Beatles: All These Years by Mark Lewisohn
Movie/Documentary: The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - Diana Ross and the Supremes (1960s)
Motown’s most successful group, they dominated the charts and helped bridge racial divides in pop music.
Book: Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme by Mary Wilson
Movie/Documentary: The Supremes: A Legendary Story - Aretha Franklin (1960s-1970s)
The “Queen of Soul,” she became a cultural icon with hits like Respect.
Book: Aretha: From These Roots by Aretha Franklin
Movie/Documentary: Amazing Grace - Bob Dylan (1960s-Present)
A seminal figure in music and culture, his poetic lyrics and evolving sound reshaped folk and rock music.
Book: Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan
Movie/Documentary: No Direction Home - Liberace (1950s-1980s)
A flamboyant pianist and entertainer, he dazzled audiences with his virtuosity and extravagant showmanship.
Book: Liberace: An American Boy by Darden Asbury Pyron
Movie/Documentary: Behind the Candelabra - Cher (1960s-Present)
A pop icon and actress, she has remained relevant for decades with her bold fashion, music, and reinvention.
Book: The First Time by Cher
Movie/Documentary: Cher: The Unauthorized Documentary - Elton John (1970s-Present)
A legendary singer-songwriter and performer, he defined the 1970s music scene with hits like Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer.
Book: Me by Elton John
Movie/Documentary: Rocketman (2019)
Fall term will be in-person. Winter term will be online via Zoom.