FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES

Having Paul Clopper cast me as Emily Cratchit, Bob Cratchit’s daughter, in “Dickens’ Christmas Carol” at the Pasadena Playhouse, December, 1960.  Clop’s faith in me, giving me the experience of working with professional actors, formed the direction of my life.  It was through his recommendation that I was accepted into the college.

LIFE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL

I earned my Theater Arts degree from the Pasadena Playhouse, College of Theater Arts, and had the honor of being the first student to graduate from their newly established Film School. 

In 1964, at 20, I married Chuck Eaton, one of the directors of the Film School, and Assistant Director at NBC for “The Andy Williams Show”.

In 1965, I had a daughter, Kimberly Eaton.  I became a single parent when she was four.

OCCUPATONs

My career has been two-fold, and has covered nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry. 

Business

I worked as a recording coordinator at Capital Records (3 years), a promotion woman for Wayne Newton (1 year), a promotion woman for Chuck Berry (2 years), a legal secretary at Columbia Pictures (15 years), an assistant to the SVP/CFO, Universal Pictures (10 years), an assistant to the EVP/CFO of Universal Studios, Inc., (2 years), and an assistant to the SVP, Sales, of the Walt Disney Interactive Media Group (7 years). I retired from Disney in 2009.

Creative

Actress - In the 70’s and 80’s, I acted in small roles in television shows including: “POLICE STORY”, “POLICE WOMAN”, “DAYS OF OUR LIVES”, “THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS”, “GENERAL HOSPITAL”, and the MOWs, “POWER” and “THE FAR TURN”. 

Singer /Songwriter – In the 80’s I performed solo, and with the Harry Middlebrooks Trio, at The Palomino Club and in country and jazz clubs throughout LA.  I performed as a studio singer for publishing demos. My publishing company, Three Sevens Music, contains songs in country, pop and rock genres.

Video Producer – In 1991, I produced, wrote and hosted the special interest video, “STAR CHILD (A GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR CHILD INTO MOVIES, TELEVISION, COMMERCIALS, AND PRINT ADVERTISEMENTS)” with guest stars, Mark-Paul Gosselar and Lark Voorhies from “SAVED BY THE BELL”.

Author – I have authored four books: two non-fiction, one young adult novel, and one children’s picture book. They are:  IS IT TRUE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT DIXIE? (Citadel Press, 1988), (non-fiction, a look at the South, the language, foods, and music), and the edited version, HOW TO SPEAK LIKE A SOUTHERNER, (Carol Publishing, 1992); SCOOTER, a young adult novel about exotic animal smuggling in the US (Xlibris Publishing, 2009); and HENRY HUMMINGBIRD AND THE GREAT BIRD SONG CONCERT, a children’s picture book about Henry’s insecurities and difficulties in dealing with other birds in his garden (Xlibris Publishing, 2010). I am the author and illustrator and the pictures are in watercolor and acrylics.

HIGHLIGHTS

I am most proud of raising my daughter, seeing her through college (CSUN, BA Communications, MA Psychology, Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling) and of now being a grandma to two wonderful children, Ryan (13) and Kyra (12).

I bought my first home in Burbank 10 years ago and share it with my daughter and grandkids. This is my nirvana, being with the kids, being a soccer & basketball mamaw, gardening, writing, painting, and going on commercial auditions.

Some of the wonderful people I have met include: Elvis Presley, Jerry Reed, Chuck Berry, Wayne Newton, performer/songwriter Harry Middlebrooks (“Spooky”), producer/songwriter Kelly Gordon (“That’s Life”), Glen Campbell, Mickey Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Andy Williams, Robert Redford, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, B. J. Thomas, Ricky Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Lou Rawls, Clay Aiken, and Tippi Hedren.

FUTURE

I will continue to write the Henry Hummingbird book series and will market the artwork in calendars and cards.

I will continue to work with my manager to get Henry his own animated series.

I will continue to work with my manager, with Tippi Hedren, and with the World Wildlife Fund and their Save Tigers Now Foundation, to bring “SCOOTER” to the big screen.

I will be cast in several national commercials. 

I will watch my grandchildren graduate from college, start their own unique lives, and someday make me a great grandma.

I will travel.

I will find Prince Charming.

I will have 30 more years of special times with my family and friends.

I will not stop dreaming.

I will keep my eyes open, because “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (written by Diane Warren, performed  by Aerosmith).