Latest News from The Interviews

50 Years of Sabado Gigante!

 Sat, 10/27/2012 In 2003, The Guinness Book of World Records declared Univision's Sabado Gigante the longest-running variety show in television history. Today, on October 27, 2012, the program turns 50, and host Mario Kreutzberger , perhaps better known as "Don Francisco", has been there for every one of those fifty years. Kreutzberger on what the show's milestone means to him: Congratulations/Felicidades to everyone at Sabado Gigante ! Learn more about the program and Mario Kreutzberger in his full Archive...

Remembering Andy Williams

 Wed, 09/26/2012 The Archive is sad to report the death of singer/performer/host Andy Williams , who died yesterday at the age of 84. Williams had been battling bladder cancer and passed away at his home in Branson, Missouri. Williams was already a successful singer by the time he began hosting The Andy Williams Show , which celebrates its 50th anniversary tomorrow, September 27th. Below are some selections from Williams' 2005 Archive interview: On starting his show business career On The Andy Williams Show...

The Fonz Jumps The Shark!

 Thu, 09/20/2012 35 years ago today, on September 20, 1977, Happy Days aired an episode in which the gang travels to California for Fonzie's screen test. The Fonz is challenged to waterski over a shark, and dressed in swim trunks and his trademark leather jacket, he accepts the challenge: Here's the pivotal "jump the shark" scene: The episode marked the beginning of the show's fifth season, and Happy Days remained on air for an additional six. In 1997, web guru/radio personality Jon Hein created the site www...

Sid Caesar Turns 90!

 Sat, 09/08/2012 He double talks, he pantomimes, and he plays a mean saxophone. Today, Mr. Sid Caesar , the man who gave us "The Professor," "The German General," and "From Here to Obscurity," turns 90! Born Isaac Sidney Caesar on September 8, 1922, Caesar grew up in Yonkers, New York. His father owned a restaurant, and one day brought home a saxophone a patron had left behind. He asked his son if he wanted to learn to play, and young Sid answered in the affirmative. Caesar soon mastered the instrument and...

"Sesame Street's" Sonia Manzano Launches Young Adult Novel!

 Sat, 09/01/2012 The talented Sonia Manzano has a new book out! Sesame Street's "Maria" not only wrote for and acted in the popular children's program, but is also an established novelist. Her latest book, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano , is set in 1960's New York City and follows a young girl's coming of age in the midst of the Latino Civil Rights movement. Read more about The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano here and be sure to check out Sonia Manzano's Archive of American Television interview !

Comedienne Phyllis Diller dies at 95

 Mon, 08/20/2012 The Archive is truly sad to report that legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller has died at the age of 95. She was the first female comedian to headline a Vegas Club, the first woman to sneak into the all-male Friar's Club (in drag!), and one of the first successful female stand-up comics. She also appeared on more Bob Hope Specials than anyone except Bob Hope. Phyllis Diller was not only a television pioneer, but a pioneering force for women in entertainment, as well. Born Phyllis Aida Driver On...

Remembering Irving Fein

 Mon, 08/13/2012 The Archive is sad to report the death of manager/producer Irving Fein , who passed away on August 10, 2012 at the age of 101. Fein was manager to both Jack Benny and George Burns. He started out in publicity at Warner Brothers, Columbia, and MGM, then forayed into managing and producing. Here are some selections from his 1998 Archive interview: On his first job at Warner Brothers: I started off in the mailroom. I sorted the mail, delivering it and putting captions on pictures, delivering to...

Remembering Film and TV Critic Judith Crist

 Tue, 08/07/2012 The Archive is sad to report the death of film and television critic Judith Crist , who passed away at the age 90. Crist was the film critic for Today and was the first female critic to hold a full-time position at a major American newspaper, The New York Herald. Here are some selections from her 2006 Archive Interview: On how she experienced movies as a child: I just lived them. I lived them, and then I began dreaming. My parents were always subscribers to The Nation, and The New Republic, and...

Poppin' the Philadelphia Way: "American Bandstand" Went National 55 Years Ago!

 Sun, 08/05/2012 Philadelphia teens started hoppin' to the beats of American Bandstand back in September of 1952. Local disc jockey Bob Horn hosted both the radio and television show, the former featuring popular records of the day, and the latter boasting the added visual of local teenagers dancing to the songs. A young Dick Clark soon took over radio duties, and when Horn ran into legal troubles in 1956 after getting arrested for driving-under-the-influence, 26-year-old Clark was tapped as Bandstand's new...

Let the Games Begin!

 Fri, 07/27/2012 Tonight marks the beginning of the 2012 Summer Olympics! The opening ceremony commences with the traditional Parade of Nations, which Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle will oversee. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will officially open The Games, "James Bond" (played by Daniel Craig) is set to make an appearance in a short film, and Sir Paul McCartney will also be on hand to celebrate "The Isles of Wonder," as this year's opening ceremony is called. Enjoy some excerpts from Archive...