So many great Hollywood icons from TV, screen, and stage have passed away. Very few of these American treasures that I watched when I was young are still alive today. I miss watching them. I spend a lot of spare time just watching old clips on youtube and watching DVDS of classic performances.

 

Who are a couple of your favorite Hollywood legends? Those who know me know that there were two things that I never missed- an episode of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and any interview involving the great Bette Davis. Carson and Ms. Davis were two of my favorites. If you ever had an opportunity to watch a sit-down with both of them, you were witness to TV magic. You'll enjoy this clip.

 

Here's an old clip of Johnny and Ms Davis from 1988. While she was frail and sick(she died about a year and a half after this interview), she was still as feisty and outspoken as ever. And, of course, she always has her smokes!!!

 

I love how she speaks her mind about her dislike of Faye Dunaway . Ms. Davis always spoke the truth, no matter how political incorrect. Notice how she chastises Johnny's audience for it's misplaced laughter as she spoke of Lillian Gish. What a treasure!!!

 

Johnny Carson and Bette Davis were two of my favorites. I'll post some more as the thread progresses, but I would like to know what Hollywood legends you enjoyed most when you were young.

 

[video=youtube;QfS-zyst1VA]

Two words: Jimmy Stewart

Gregory Peck

Two words: Jimmy Stewart

 

Johnny had him on his show MANY times. He would always recite one of his poems for Johnny's audience. Seemed like a great guy.

Dean Martin

Frank Sinatra

Bob Hope

Bing Crosby

Jackie Gleason

Cary Grant

Bette Davis

Joan Crawford

Spencer Tracy

Humphrey Bogart

Charles Boyer

Deborah Kerr

Irene Dunne

Katherine Hepburn

The Duke

Lee Marvin

Marlon Brando

 

Is it too early to count Robert Redford in there?

Dean Martin

Frank Sinatra

Bob Hope

Bing Crosby

Jackie Gleason

 

Loved the Rat Pack.

 

Just watched "Robin and the 7 Hoods" last week.

Gary Cooper is #1 and it's not close.

 

Jimmy Stewart is #2

 

then there is a huge gap down to whoever is #3

Jerry Lewis

Gary Cooper is #1 and it's not close.

 

Jimmy Stewart is #2

 

then there is a huge gap down to whoever is #3

 

 

One of my father's favorite movies is "High Noon."

Lots of amazing stars but so many people who did outstanding character work:

 

Sydney Greenstreet

Peter Lorre

James Whitmore

Charles Howard

Peter Ustinov

 

Never seen them in a role where they weren't just this side of perfect.

Gary Cooper is #1 and it's not close.

 

Jimmy Stewart is #2

 

then there is a huge gap down to whoever is #3

 

I'd nominate Cary Grant for your #3. But, honestly I think those three, in any order, would be hard to argue against.

I liked Kirk Douglas a lot.

Gregory Peck

 

 

 

"Atticus Finch" ...what an icon!