Sometimes things happen that make you look back at your life and consider how very many people had an influence on you and your choices and who had such a great influence on you becoming the person you are by just a few words of encouragement. Carol Bruce, who died just a few days ago, was a very talented woman who's life touched mine in a very meaningful way and was indeed, one of the many people who had a true and lasting impact on me.
Who was this woman? Well, among other things, she was a Broadway Star. The very first time I saw her was back in 1946-47. She played 'Julie' in the first ever Broadway Revival of "Show Boat", a part that Helen Morgan had created back in 1927....My mother had seen the Original production back in 1927 and always raved about Helen Morgan and how amazingly talented she was and what a heart breaking voice she had....That's how I felt about Carol Bruce when I first saw her in this "Show Boat" revival. The character she played, the character of Julie, was a very important one, and within the context of the story, she sings two of the greatest ballads ever written for the musical theatre: "Can't Help Lovin' That Man Of Mine" and "Bill".....(The score was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II....a beautiful memorable score it is, too....). .
Richard Watts, of the New York Times wrote this about Carol Bruce in "Show Boat". "She possesses a grave, romantic loveliness which gives her a physical advantage over her predecessor that is not to be overlooked in such a role.....She captures a deeply moving and completely credible mood of lyric sadness in her playing as well as her singing." Mr. Watts was a wonderful critic and he knew what he was talking about where Carol Bruce was concerned.
Carol Bruce's career covered so very many areas of show business. Nightclubs, Films, Television, and of course, the Stage. And not just The Broadway Stage, but Regional Theatre and Summer Stock, etc. Back when I was an apprentice at The Sea Cliff Summer Theatre...that very first summer of 1951----the fifth week was "Pal Joey". I had seen the Original Broadway Production of that show back in 1940-41, with Gene Kelly, before his film career began, and with Vivenne Segal playing the leading woman. The summer package of "Pal Joey" came to Sea Cliff for that fifth week of the eleven week season, and everyone was energized by the production. 
It was the very first time it had been done anywhere since the original Broadway show, and Carol Bruce and Bob Fosse played the two leads.....Vera Simpson, (the part Carol Bruce played) is an older woman who falls in love with this young rather 'not so nice' man/boy, and of course she gets her heart broken. ("Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered"....). This show was such a breath of fresh air for all of the apprentices...the cast was fantastic and the songs were fabulous, and it was just plain good old fun! And not just to all of us. The audiences absolutely loved it and we were sold out that whole week with people clamoring for tickets. 
In fact, this summer production was so popular wherever it went that it sparked the very first Broadway revival the following winter of 1952....neither Carol Bruce nor Bob Fosse were in it unfortunately, though Carol replaced Vivenne Segal...(Yes, Miss Segal played Vera once again in 1952...) on Broadway when Segal left and later played the London company as well. And, I must say, that week at Sea Cliff stayed in all of our memories because it was so much fun and these two stars were 'stellar'. And we all know what Bob Fosse went on to do....And in case you don't, well, he became one if the great great Choreographer/Directors the Theatre has ever known.
The following summer---my second summer as an apprentice at the same theatre---Carol Bruce was once again on the summer circuit with "One Touch Of Venus", the Kurt Weill fantasy musical which has some beautiful beautiful songs....probably the most famous being 'Speak Low'....Again, Carol Bruce was just terrific! It was a perfect part for her....the 'goddess' was an elegant beautiful woman and Miss Bruce was all those things, and more. Off stage she could swear like a sailor, and could tell a dirty joke better than anyone! She was a lot of fun.The apprentices decided to put on a 'take off' of "Venus" on the Saturday Night, after the performance, and the entire cast was invited, of course....I had been chosen to play Carol's part and sing her songs, though we didn't do the entire show, mind you, but just enough that everyone got to do a number and it was all tongue-in-cheek. When it was over, Carol Bruce was so complimentary to me, it is really what made me broaden my scope as an actress and think about moving into a singing career....I was incredibly touched by her words. You know when someone that you admire so much as a performer tells you "You've Got It!"....well, I was floating on air. And it was the single most important thing that happened to me that summer at Sea Cliff because of all that followed.
I didn't see Carol Bruce for quite a few years after that, in fact it was sometime in the late '60's, way after my Broadway experience in "Spoon River". I was in New York and I ran into her in Sardi's Restaurant. I was surprised she actually remembered me. She had been on Broadway in "Do I Hear A Waltz"(1965), and "Henry, Sweet Henry"(1967) and "The World Of Henry Orient"(1964), none of which I saw....So it was truly lovely to see her their in the great Sardi's, especially since I had not seen her performing in any if these shows....And there was a period when she did not perform for quite a while because she was struggling with some personal demons.....
Later, in 1978, (she was now living in Los Angeles), she came to an Art Opening of mine at The Ankrum Gallery here in Los Angeles, and it was soooo wonderful to see her....I was just thrilled that she attended....I think I always thought of her as my mentor in a way....and so, of course, she was very important to me. I'm not sure she was able to make the leap from my Acting/Singing career to my career as a Painter, her own path was so all encompassing as a total Singer/Actress/Performer. But she said all the right things and was very complimentary and I was truly happy to share this other part of my creative life with her. She was quite a wonderful person and always supportive of all those she cared about....In the 1980's she was a regular on "WKRP in Cincinnati".
She also had a part in "American Gigolo" playing one of the 'older women' that Richard Gere escorted around town, and was in the Steve Martin, John Candy movie "Planes, Trains & Automobiles".....In the late 1980's and into the 1990's, she was part of a group of terrific show business women---all performers of a certain age....called 'The Show Buddies'...My dear pal Betty Garrett was and is a member along with quite a few other amazing performing women. These dames meet once a month at different peoples homes and sit around having lunch and telling dirty jokes and just having a ball.....Carol was the BEST 'Dirty Joke' teller of the bunch, though Betty is not bad, and Giselle McKenzie was a close second to Carol....They sure had a lot of fun together! I know the 'Show Buddies' are very sad right now having just lost this treasure of a friend, but all they have to do is remember all the great dirty jokes she used to tell, and their spirits will soar.Carol Bruce went through some difficult times battling alcohol addiction, and later, severe depression. But she came through all of that with flying colors. She had been a recovering alcoholic for many many years, and with the advent of many of the newer medications, her depressive mood swings became stabilized....
When she died, she was living at The Motion Picture Home, a fantastic place in Woodland Hills that is specifically for all people who have worked in the film industry in every area. It is a great place because it has Independent Living, Assisted Living, and a Hospital facility, too. Quite a few people that many of us know live there...it is a wonderful place and it is good to know that this is where Carol Bruce spent her last days. She was a real 'Broadway Baby' and had a long and illustrious career, including making a film with Abbott & Costello, called "Keep Em Flying", and being on the cover of LIFE Magazine....She was a very important part of my development
and along with many other people encouraged me to go on in this crazy business known as "show business". But she was really the first professional person to give me the courage to think maybe I really could have a career....I will be eternally grateful to her for her generous and caring enthusiasm of my talent. It came at a real turning point for me and her encouragement put me on the road that I have been traveling ever since. Thank You Dear Carol for showing me the path.....And Thank You for all those to whom you brought so much joy with your beautiful talent in your long and stunning career, me among them, I might add.
Rest well, my dear. You've earned it!
More To Come.....
- had this to say:
What a very beautiful lady. You always write about all the people you have known with such love and affection. Michele sent me to read your wonderful tribute.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 2:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
So sorry to hear about this loss...it seems you have met such wonderful people in your life. Beautiful people in all senses!! kind and caring, that's probably why you remember so many details. Yes, "You've got it!". And this is a lovely tribute to Carol Bruce, whom I didn't know before... But I have seen some films you mentioned, so I must have seen her!
Read about Deborah Kerr this morning, she was one of my dad's favorites...- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 3:01:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh, Naomi, I am so sorry you have lost such an important person, and such a talented wonderful one too. I think sometimes that those people who 'shine' in our lives and make a difference to us in ways no others can, are often, strangely enough, not the closest friends - but people like your star Carol, who helped you build the courage and confidence to master a dream - what a gift that was!!!
I must say, I am soooo envious that you saw Gene Kelly - GENE KELLY - onstage so early in his career! Oh what I would have given to have been able to experience that!! You are so lucky to have been in the right time and place in the world to have experienced so many of these amazing things!!
A lovely post, and a fitting tribute to your wonderful mentor. Thank you for sharing.- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 3:19:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Yes, such a very fitting, yet moving tribute to someone who had a special spot in your life...
She even made it to the news here!
Michele sent me this evening...
burntofferings and more at bernies fotoblog- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 3:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a fitting tribute for such a talented woman with such a long and illustrious career! One of the great stars has passed away but more so, I know you and those who knew her have lost someone importnat to you on a much more personal level.
How wonderful that you knew her in the way you did and that she was so supportive of you. I can certainly see how words of encouragement from her would buoy you. And I'm glad they did.- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 4:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
She is not only beautiful, but what talent and what a life she led! I had no idea they had a Motion Picture Home. Thank you, Naomi, for introducing us to a lovely woman and sharing her story. I'm sorry she's gone.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 5:08:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi that brought tears to my eyes - it is so moving. What a wonderful epitaph for a dear friend and how wonderful that she recognised you for what you are. Those songs - I remember singing them when I was far too young to realise their meaning. I have to go and mop up now before I drench the key board beyond repair.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 7:37:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I think , Naomi, that you write the most moving tributes to the people you have known. You do them proud!
Sharon- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 7:43:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
One more tribute to the Theater World you have known and the beautiful and talented Carol Bruce who inspired you. So many grand and wonderful performers have been remembered by you, all in very special ways.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 9:36:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Isn't it amazing how a person can say a few sentences and basically change the course of your life and/or encourage you to do something you may not have done? That's wonderful.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 11:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry to hear about the passing of Carol and may she rest in peace.
Thank you Naomi for such a wonderful tribute, I sincerely appreciate it.- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 11:25:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What an absolutely lovely tribute u have written here for Carol Bruce. Indeed I remember seeing her in some of the things you mentioned. What a loss for all of us. But as u so thoughtfully say, rest well, she deserves it.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 12:26:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me this way today, my dear. What a wonderful tribute to Carol Bruce, a true star, a mentor and a friend. :-)
She has indeed earned a good rest and has given the world the most beautiful memories.
No one can ask more than to leave a footprint on this world.
cq- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 12:56:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
She surely was a beautiful woman. I remember her in the movies, but didn't know about her Broadway career, of course. I'd love to have heard her sing!
Michele sent me tonight, Naomi.- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 4:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
this was so overwhelming, -- let's talk when I'm halfway over to you - at Ingelin's in Miami. OK?- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 5:11:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
So sorry to hear about her passing. Carol Bruce had a truly beautiful voice and your tribute is wonderful.
Michele sent me- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 5:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
What a lovely tribute to your friend. You write the sweetest and most profound eulogies. I wish this could be published in her hometown paper.
Show Boat, and that particular 'loving' song, have always been one of my favorite musicals.- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 6:40:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a breath-takingly beautiful woman, just stunning! She had the kindess looking eyes, so loving. I thought the picture of her in later years looked familiar. I saw her in a number of those later performances. I'm so sorry you've lost someone who played such a crucial role in your life. Feel blessed that she was in your life at just the right time and touched you with kindness and encouragement.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 7:54:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The picture of her on Life (I miss that magazine!) is just stunning. I'm sorry to hear of her passing, I remember her from WKRP.
Thanks for visiting me tonight :-)- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 9:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love Show Boat. I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. Michele sent me over.
- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 9:44:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
She was very beautiful. I loved her B&W photos. A great tribute too.
Got here from Michele to look at her!- Friday, October 19, 2007 at 10:00:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
My condolence to you for losing such a beautiful friend. She had beautiful and expressive eyes.
How are you doing? Have not visited for quite some time. My computer broke down and just got fixed this week.- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 5:26:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi. Thank you for sharing this beautiful lady...who was instrumental to your development and growth in career. Wonderful to have such friend and an admirer who encouraged you on. A grand tribute indeed. I'm sure you must miss her. Do take care. LOL.
- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 8:21:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a lovely tribute, Naomi. I'd never heard of her ... until I got to the part about "WKRP in Cinn". It's wonderful when you have such good influences on your life.
- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 11:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Thank you for sharing this unique perspective of a unique artist. I admired her work tremendously, first learning of her when I watched WKRP as a child, and then using that experience as a launching pad to her earlier work.
I am always touched by the way you write of the giants whose paths you've crossed, Naomi. You portray them in such real, human terms, and it's a joy to read. It's never so much as mourning their loss as it is celebrating their lives. Thank you for that.- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 12:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, It was amazing to read your tribute yo and celebration of Carol's life. I actually remember who she was as I have seen her in some of the shows you mentioned.
How wonderful it must have been to have lived in Hollywood's hayday! It was different when women like you, Carol, Lee, and your other friends who come to lunch...were the "names" in Hollywood and New York. You handled your lives with grace, dressed like stars, and had real friendships.
There was never this "scandal" stuff going on...we weren't in on all the "garbage" that we hear about today...I am sure there were problems - but, it wasn't this instant "news". I remember the only times you heard about celebrities were when you read the movie magazines...and now they don't even exist...- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 1:36:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Wow! What a beautiful woman!!!! Really glowing of beauty from the inside out. Such wonderful eyes! Must have been a real treat to have known her.
You've written the most sweetest tribute to her here. I love all those images. It's like the wings of history....
Loved to hear about the Motion Picture Home. I wish there was a home like that for everybody :-)- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 1:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow. She was beautiful! And by the sounds of it, a lovely person. A wonderful tribute you have written Naomi...
I love the fact too that you mentioned the Motion Picture Home. That is truly great!!- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 3:33:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman Naomi - so very readable. While reading through and looking at the pics, I remember some of her movies also shown in Norway of course.
I know its a loss for you, but also you have all this good memories to remember from a woman with great influence. As one cannot save time in a bottle, one can always remember and in writing this meme you've really recalled a lot!
Btw: Thanks for your comments and warm thoughts on my Love Story post :-)- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 3:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You have such a wonderful way of sharing your memories.
When I saw that she had passed, I just knew that I'd get to find out more about her from you.- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 4:49:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
This is a beautiful tribute and how special to have someone like this in your life for so many years.
Thanks for dropping by my blog, too... the answer to your question: yes, seems that Tess & and are exhausted most of the time!- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 5:02:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a tender and loving tribute you have written to a lady who obviously had quite an influence on your life. She was quite a beauty, wasn't she, even into old age. You are so lucky to have such treasured and vivid memories of all the people you have crossed paths with during your life in show business.
BTW, I have posted photos of The Wedding. It took place last Saturday, the 13th, and it was delightful. A very happy memory for us all. Please visit my blog, I have posted some photos and I hope to post some more tomorrow.- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 5:06:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a lovely tribute. I recognized her face immediately... so sorry for your loss. :(
- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 6:05:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
this is a huge loss.
michele sent me.- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 7:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Another fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. She really was lovely.
~S- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 10:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh, P.S. Michele sent me!
~S- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 10:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
~~I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to someone so special. I am listening to her sing right now on youtube and it is lovely. It's a tribute from Happy Acres Cemetary. Have you seen it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnCYa6b0s8I
I mostly know her as "Mama Carlson" and she was GREAT on that show. I just watched a clip of her singing "Someone to Watch Over Me" on "WKRP." That's also on youtube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzjIIs9xirw- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 1:34:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am sorry to hear about this, Naomi. Carol Bruce looks so beautiful and so talented! You did a great and moving homage to her. Thank you for sharing.
- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 8:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Your admiration and appreciation of Carol Bruce is evident. It is a great tribute to her.
I'm trying to picture her telling dirty jokes. :-)
I was told once that Julie Andrews cusses like a sailor too, and that used to be hard for me to imagine, since my image of her mostly came from The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.
I'm surprised you didn't ask Betty if she remembers any of Carol's dirty jokes. You could have shared one or two here with us!! Ooops! Rev. JD would not approve of me saying such a thing, but Jamie Dawn would!
:-)- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 8:36:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
An elegant post and tribute.
- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 9:18:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Wonderful tribute, Naomi. I was interested to read Carol Bruce's obituaries last week but had no idea you knew her. What great photos, she was such a knockout. Again, I am in awe of the great moments of theatre that you were lucky enough to see firsthand, thanks so much for sharing these memories!
My only "correction" is that "Henry, Sweet Henry" was the musical stage version of the novel and film, "The World of Henry Orient" (one of my favorites!) which Carol Bruce was not in. But she played the great Angela Lansbury part in "Henry, Sweet Henry" and I WISH I could've seen that. I just listened to a clip of her singing a song from that score with Don Ameche and she sounded great!- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 9:24:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Here for a quickie just now, have to run out soon while we have sunshine, but I'll be back to read you, and that's a promise (and I don't take promises lightly!)
Michele says to say hello. Hello.- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 9:46:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
She was a beautiful woman. New to your blog and I love it!
- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 12:11:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Your tribute was beautiful!
I am sorry for your loss.
I am putting a link here for my Monday Music post.
I see someone sent you the links of the vids I will be posting. I found it uncanny that she chose the same two that I have in my post.
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 1:01:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me back to read your wonderful tribute again. Wasn't she a handsome woman, and oh so talented and giving. You were very lucky to have known her but you already know that as I can tell from your post here. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor. I am sending you lots of good wishes and I will email you soon. I am not having a great time at the moment though.
- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 2:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a great post! It's really touching to be reading a story about such a great dame from someone who actually knew her. I'll be back to read more, that's for sure!
Thanks for your visit and wonderful comment today - I've replied to it over there. I just wanted you to know that I am adding you to my blogroll as of today. I'm quite sure you won't mind.
:-)- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 3:29:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, what a lovely tribute to your friend. I'm sorry she is gone. She was born the same year as my Mom, but Mom died back in 92.
Carol was a beautiful woman! I'm glad to know about the Motion Picture Home.- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 4:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
On second thought, it would not have been a good idea to put any of Carol Bruce's dirty jokes here.
A good joke is really good when told by a really good joke teller. A printed joke just wouldn't have done her justice.
If ever I have the pleasure of meeting Betty Garrett, maybe she'll be kind enough to turn the air blue with one of her good, dirty jokes. I promise not to blush too much!!
Beautiful, beautiful weather here today, Naomi.
I wish you could sit on my back porch with me and have some iced tea. We are supposed to get some really nasty storms tonight, but today has been the calm before the storm. Lovely!
Have a good evening.- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 5:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
She sounds like she was a very dear friend....My condolences go out to your and her family....In that last picture, she kind of resembles June Lockhart, don't you think? You have some really good memories to share here. Thank you Naomi...
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 9:48:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Ohhhhhh what a wonderful, beautiful, and talented lady! Show Boat was one of my most FAVORITE musicals EVER!!! Of course, I never saw the original... but I loved the show just the same! And of course, I HAVE seen her in other things! You, though, really have a knack for bringing these people to LIFE for us! Great post Naomi!
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 1:31:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I am sorry you have lost a friend.
Such a beautifl tribute you have written. She sounds like such a remarkable woman, and so beautiful, too.
Thank you again for letting us into your very interesting life. It is always a pleasure to read about your life, and an honor, as well.- Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 4:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I remember Carol Bruce in films and you have written such a lovely tribute to your dear friend, who meant so much to you. I know that you will miss her dearly.
- Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 8:22:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Naomi I think she would have loved the beautiful tribute you have done to her. She sounds like an incredible person and I am sorry for your loss. Wow..she was a gorgeous women....how stunning. She reminds me of Lee Merriweather...who is also a friend of yours right? They favor...I always thought Lee was one of the prettiest women I'd ever seen.
- Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 12:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Thank you so very much for this beautiful tribute to a stunning, talented and dignified woman. She certainly had her share of challenges -the severe depression et al - and yet, it did not define her in the least, nor visibly keep her down. There's a lesson there for those of us in later generations. Thank you again. I love your blog.
- Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 12:58:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Gosh, I enjoyed reading this, Naomi. I used to read Photoplay magazines as a teen (think that was the name)I had stacks of them and when I read these wonderful commentaries by you, I feel like I'm reading those magazines again.
Carol Bruce was utterly stunning! And how nice to learn a bit of her background from years ago and now and what memories you have from her. Thanks for sharing once again.- Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 1:36:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
She was quite the babe! I remember her from WKRP but didn't know her history. Thanks for sharing..it helps with the loss, doesn't it?
- Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 4:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
My first true love. I was so in love with Carol Bruce--all through my teens. What a wonderful tribute.
- Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 3:20:00 PM PST
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