Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Jan Murry was among the first celeb letters I wrote, and he set a standard for heartfelt appreciative response. Now substitute Trump / MAGA for Jan’s zinger from 50+ years ago: Peter: “20 years ago, Thomas E. Dewey ran for President. Who opposed him?” Jan Murray: “The United States of America!” 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Their first impact on me was Hitchcockian: he in LIFEBOAT (1944), she in THE BIRDS (1963), plus both in THE SEVENTH CROSS (1944). In a sense, Hume shone in comedies (THE BRIDE GOES WILD, TOP O' THE MORNING, PEOPLE WILL TALK) but Jessica’s sense of humor wasn’t shown until the 80s. Worth the wait. 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026In the 70s, I wrote to Gene as owner of baseball’s CA Angels (he headlined a Hot Stove Dinner in Fresno). I was unaware of his media prowess, Western genre innovations, & decades of superstardom. Roy Rogers was still in the public eye with wife Dale Evans. Gene wasn’t and deserved more recognition. 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 14/09/2026For me & many 60s kids, she was the ultimate Disney mom in OLD YELLER (1957), SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1960), SUMMER MAGIC (1963): tough, loving, resilient, undaunted. Shame on AMPAS for her omission during 2002 TV In Memoriam – but as the *original* Mrs. Robinson, she likely wouldn’t have complained 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 08/09/20264/ Julie & casts of BATMAN, THE MONKEES, & STAR TREK all eluded my requests for signed photos in the early 70s. Although I usually only post photos I received then, Miss Newmar is an exception (and exceptional!). Please visit her website to find her wonderful book & learn more. www.julienewmar.com 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 31/08/2026Julie wound down her career with her memorable presence in WESTWARD THE WOMEN (1951) and THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY (1954) and then retired in '57 at 43. Her daughter Pamela Susan Shoop, featured in several horror/adventure films & series, also appears to have left the industry in her 40s (in 1996). /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 23/08/2026Still, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is my most repeated all-time watch (thanks to Gene sharing with Debbie, Donald, Jean, Cyd, & young Rita!). When I wrote him in 1972, 1st response was headshot w/repro signature. Disappointed & determined to get personal autograph, I tried again. Same repro signature! /5 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Steve (or his people) sent me this signed photo in 1975. He had downtime, taking a break after making TOWERING INFERNO (1974) until 1978. A thrill to open that envelope & see Lt Frank Bullitt! But 50 yrs later: did HE sign it? Internet search shows various ways he signed. Still magic at the time. /3 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 10/08/2026He made 30+ features & left on his own terms in 1947. As he said with a Tin Man spin “A smart performer knows when to get off. It wasn't a wrench leaving movies.” For Jack from all us Tin Man &T WOO fans: "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." /4 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 02/08/2026As Santa Rosita Police Chief Aloysius in IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963), his character is the only one to achieve a lawful “redemption arc” (noting his own complicity in past corruption, then blackmailing the mayor to help deserving friend Culpeper, & finally ordering Culpepper’s arrest). /4 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Olivia: “The overwhelming majority of people who make up the liberal & progressive groups of this country believe in democracy & NOT in communism….we believe that every effort should be exerted to make democracy work & to extend its benefits to every person in every community throughout the land.”/6 030
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Don was also a hero IRL to my kid sister. In 1971 I sent her to collect autographs at a local celebrity golf tournament. Another actor cursed her for cutting across the fairway & drove off with her plastic purse. Don comforted this crying girl as only Barney Fife could…plus he got her purse back! /5 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 12/07/2026Awarded a Guinness World Record for most show-biz charity performances over 50+ years, from World War I as child performer, to foreign bases during World War II & Vietnam. In 1949 he hosted the first charity telethon (24 hours) for Cancer Research. He helped raise millions for charitable causes. / 4 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Did you walk across? (if still there and not too late - much encouraged!) 020
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 06/07/2026According to his NY Times obituary, ''the Vagabond Lover,'' as he was known, excited passions. A Harvard critic flung a grapefruit at him; a Middle Western woman shot her husband dead because he interrupted a Vallee broadcast by demanding, ''Why don't you get something worth listening to?'' /4 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 06/07/2026He sent a fun but unusual signed photo in 1974: apparently Christmas card that he had recently used (based on the 60s/70s crowd attire, although the car may be from 1953?) I appreciated the personal touch. Even more unusually, he was not the only celeb to send me a Christmas card…more to come.../ 3 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 04/07/2026#1776 redux (a la Mad) The Bad Egg We’re pushing out that Twerp, Twerp, Twerp That big POT-ass will be gone Pushing out the Twerp, Twerp, Twerp Cross this empty State Fair lawn, he’s a con- -niving manipulator God knows the temperature’s hot enough To bleach a pool Now please impeach this fool 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 28/06/2026Nice to find him in the 21st century on favs like KING OF THE HILL, MONK, PARKS AND RECREATION, NEW GIRL, etc. (And if Norm had him on, thumbs up!) #DCComics trivia alert: Besides BATMAN 1966, Jack guested on LOIS & CLARK, SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, STATIC SHOCK, & JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED. /4 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 21/06/2026#OTD 1946 LOVER COME BACK premiered starring George Brent & Lucille Ball, along with many familiar faces. One belonged to George Chandler (1898-1985). Counting uncredited roles & shorts, he was on the silver screen 350+ times (starting with silents, 1928-79) & on TV more than 100 times (1950-79). /1 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 14/06/2026Betty said: “I'm the luckiest broad on two feet..They say once a woman passes 40 she doesn't get any good parts, so I'm blessed.” “I'm having the time of my life & the fact that I'm still working - how lucky can you get? I'm 90 years old & still able to work as much as I do. That's a privilege.”/5 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 08/06/2026She continued in more shows up my alley: STARSKY & HUTCH, ELLERY QUEEN, MAGNUM P.I., QUINCY M.E., HART TO HART, TRAPPER JOHN, M.D. I saw her penultimate film, I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN (1977), for high school film study class. She received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026In addition to playing powerful blondes in BEWITCHED & FAMILY AFFAIR, I remember her snooty ‘Richest Woman in the World’ in BEVERLY HILLBILLIES. IRL she actually got caught in 80’s money woes (loan sharks, taxes, etc.) But she did find peace, enjoying retirement at age 50 for nearly four decades. /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Bill Bixby quote 2: [considered his final words, publicly] Be good to yourselves, cos if you're good to yourself, you're gonna be kind to everybody else, and I'd sure like to see that before I die. /5 020
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Celebrating the subtle, simmering brilliance of JAMES MASON (b. 5/15/09) during his long b-day weekend. No Norman Maine-style benders! How was he not royally honored over 50+ yrs on stage, screen, tv? Critics/peers DID recognize him with multiple noms (3 Oscars, 3 Globes/1 win, 2 BAFTAs, etc.) /1 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 11/05/2026I cherish this photo Groucho sent in early 1975 as he experienced a renaissance of appreciation (Academy Award honors, tributes on Merv, Mike, Dick, David, Johnny, his solo Carnegie Hall show later released as An Evening With Groucho). Great to have all 3 Marx Bros. – though Zeppo was cool too! /4 071
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 03/05/2026He was one of the first celebs I wrote to. His office on Gower sent a small color 40’s photo w/ a repro signature “Bing”. After receiving personalized inscriptions from other stars, I redoubled my efforts by sending a drawing of him (from an LP cover) w/ Christmas greetings; tacky, but it worked. /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 29/04/2026She remains the only celeb to send me a Christmas card with her autographed photo! (The photo is wallet-sized, the card is huge.) 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Among celebs who sent signed photos 50+ yrs ago & still with us, Shirley has inspired for the longest. (Others in my collection: Dustin Hoffman 88, Rich Little 87, Ann-Margret 84, Catherine Deneuve 82, & baby Tatum O'Neal 62.) As she said “I can't define longevity. I don't know what it means.” /4 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 20/04/2026He even voiced the Vulture in Spider-Man: The Animated Series at age 90 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1995! Uncle Ben would have been proud of Eddie demonstrating a great responsibility to helping others through his great power (influence). /5 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 13/04/2026SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS/RESOURCES: Jonathan was one of the first celebs to go public with a personal mental illness issue & felt stigmatized as a result. He suffered from nervous breakdowns & bipolar disorder, noting "These voices are always screaming to get out." “Long live the Buddha”-RW/3 020
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 07/04/2026Pedestrians are only charged if they are departing from Canada - so it's free to escape. 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 05/04/2026Bette was the only white member of Hattie McDaniel’s troupe to perform for black servicemen during WWII. She refused to entertain segregated audiences including at the Hollywood Canteen that she co-founded (and for which in 1983 she received the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal from the DOD). /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Appreciate the ALT text description, I have updated my file 040
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 29/03/2026We lost Debbie just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher in December 2016. Her son Todd said his mother joined his sister in death because she "didn't want to leave Carrie and did not want her to be alone." Thanks to her enduring life legacy & screen memories, we will always be with Debbie. /3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 22/03/2026Celebrating #Women’sHistoryMonth with distinguished actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, whose career lasted from 1904-1969. I cannot do justice to her stage accomplishments, social impact, & reputation as UK’s most beloved actress of her time (I had only seen her in 3-4 films when I wrote her at 14.) /1 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 15/03/2026An #Oscar -worthy performance in a film about family set in the 30s? Honoring the youngest-ever #AcademyAward winner #TatumONeal for her role as Addie in Paper Moon (1973). Wishing Tatum O'Neal all the best on her continuing journey toward health & happiness. She’s given us so many happy memories./1 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 08/03/2026On International Women’s Day, celebrating the grace & GRACIE of Burns & Allen’s funniest partner. George was the straight man for 40 years (lost @100, 30 years ago on 3/9/96). Gracie made his career; he struggled before they met, & achieved his 3-decade legendary solo status after her 1964 death. /1 100
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 01/03/2026…he was a WWI veteran who served in France, roomed with Cary Grant in the 30s/40s (in a Malibu Beach house dubbed “Bachelor Hall”), and like Grant, married an heiress (Marion duPont). Although a GOP supporter (Dewey, Warren, Goldwater, Regan) he might’ve drawn a line at the moralistic rot of MAGA./3 000
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 22/02/2026Honoring a powerful voice for representation & justice during Black History Month: the legendary Ms. Cicely Tyson, igniting stage/screens over 2/3 of her 96 yrs. She played the strongest women I saw early on, Rebecca Morgan (Sounder, 1972) & Miss Jane Pittman (1974). Both would’ve kicked MAGA ass…/1 110
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 15/02/2026Celebrating a President & Founding Father, separately: remembering Howard da Silva (d. 2/16/86). A protean talent over 50+ year career who played FDR (1977) & fondly remembered as Ben Franklin in 1776 (stage & screen). He also originated Jud in Oklahoma! (1943) & directed Ossie Davis on Broadway. /1 110
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 08/02/2026In 1974 I knew only his kid-friendly comic roles: Some Like It Hot, The Great Race, Mister Roberts, etc. Wow! (So much to come over next 25 years). In midst of his Oscar race (Save The Tiger), I babbled about Professor Fate, & he sent a warmly-inscribed color photo, in a hand-addressed envelope./3 020
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 08/02/2026It probably just felt like 3 centuries...😗 Seriously, is it just a coincidence that Eve married Brooks West and also played Our Miss Brooks? (starting on radio in 1948, before they married). 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 01/02/2026While the world fights to end MAGA nightmares– & Minneapolis ensures ICE gets no sleep –celebrating a queen of the Wake-Up/Call Back: Suzanne Pleshette (1/31/37-1/19/08). She & Bob created my all-time favorite final episode coda (Newhart, ‘90), built on their strong beginning together (TBNS, ‘72) /1 130
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 25/01/2026In a 1969 interview for La caduta degli dei (The Damned), Ingrid acknowledged challenges women faced for quality parts in reaching a certain age (she was 42!), so she forged a path in writing/directing. I had only seen her on tv, not her earlier work, when she sent me this lovely photo (see ALT)/3 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Wonder why the Head Droog was riffing on milk and drugs last week? 010
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 18/01/2026Happy Birthday Danny Kaye (born David Kaminsky, 2011). POTUS 45/47 will never match his legacy: Danny was asked to accept the 1965 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of UNICEF ("for its effort to enhance solidarity between nations & reduce the difference between rich & poor states.") He didn’t keep it. /1 120
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 12/01/2026Not turning away from current horrors IRL, but remembering an early foundation of my faith in Good besting evil. On January 12 1966 I was hooked by the angles & spangles of #Batman on tv before ever reading a comic book. The first 60s action classic our mom let us watch at that (bat-) time. /1 110
Scott A. Johnson, PhD @scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social · 05/01/2026He sent this photo in 1974 o4 75. Bold signature. But as a kid, I was thrilled when celebs inscribed it with my name. It felt more personal (ha!) José Ferrer didn't do that, but as a bonus here is the envelope that I am guessing he addressed himself. That feels like a personal touché (a la Cyrano!) 010