In a stirring display of patriotism, Dean Martin and Kate Smith joined forces on ‘The Dean Martin Show’ to deliver a medley of beloved American classics, accompanied by a choir of singers and dancers clad in vibrant red, white, and blue attire. Alongside Martin and Smith, esteemed stars Barbara Eden, Mickey Rooney, and Norm Crosby graced the stage, each adding their own flair to the performance.
Kicking off with a spirited rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, Martin and Smith set the stage aglow with their infectious energy, seamlessly transitioning into the timeless melody of ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ as the ensemble joined in harmoniously. The medley reached its crescendo with a rousing rendition of ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag,’ filling the air with patriotic fervor as the stage came alive with singers and dancers.
As the audience cheered in appreciation, Martin stepped forward to evoke the spirit of President Roosevelt’s iconic introduction of Kate Smith three decades prior, paving the way for her poignant rendition of “God Bless America”. Known as “The Songbird of the South”for her stirring performances during World War II, Smith delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Irving Berlin’s masterpiece, her voice soaring to breathtaking heights as the orchestra swelled in accompaniment.
The audience was captivated by the sheer majesty of the performance, a testament to the enduring power of patriotic music to unite and inspire.
“The Dean Martin Show”, a staple of television from 1965 to 1974, showcased the era’s biggest stars in its 264 episodes, with Dean’s signature hit “Everybody Loves Somebody” serving as its timeless theme song. Bringing the evening to a close with this beloved tune, Martin and Smith left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, their collaboration standing as a poignant reminder of the beauty and pride of being American.
Elinor Donahue’s Remarkable 60-Year Career: How She Became a Hollywood Staple
Elinor Donahue is famous for her role on the popular TV show “Father Knows Best,” but her career didn’t stop there. She continued to work on screen and in other areas after the show ended.
Now at 86 years old, Elinor Donahue recently appeared as a guest on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
On “Father Knows Best,” Elinor Donahue played Betty ‘Princess’ Anderson, a key character in the show about a happy middle-class family in the Midwest.
The show began as a radio program in 1949 and aired every Thursday until 1954. After that, CBS brought it to TV, keeping only Robert Young, who played the father, Jim Anderson.
During her six years on the popular show, which was among the top ten TV shows in America, Elinor also appeared on “Crossroads” and “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.” Her busy schedule was so demanding that she admitted she didn’t have time to watch her own show.
Elinor Donahue, who was born in Tacoma in 1937, worked hard on “Father Knows Best.” By the time she got home at night, she would have dinner and then prepare for the next day’s lines. This busy schedule meant she never had time to watch the show.
As a teenager, Elinor’s acting career took off, and she became the main provider for her family. She appeared in movies like *Love is Better than Ever* with Elizabeth Taylor and *Girls Town*.
Since Elinor was still a child, she needed an adult with her on set. With her father not around and her mother working full-time, her mom Doris had to quit her job to be with her.
After “Father Knows Best,” Elinor appeared on other popular shows such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Star Trek,” and “Mork & Mindy.”
Elinor Donahue, now 86, has appeared in over 70 TV shows and movies like *Winter Wonderland* and *Pretty Woman*.
At 19, she married her first husband, hoping it would make her feel like a grown-up. She admitted to Emmy TV Legends that she felt like a teenager at that age, saying, “I was like a 13-year-old 19.” She felt she hadn’t grown up properly and thought that marriage and having a baby would help her mature.
The person she married was Richard Smith, a sound man from “Father Knows Best.” Elinor decided to marry him because she thought it was her chance to become an adult.
Elinor Donahue shared a funny story about how she got engaged. She said that after a movie date, her first husband, Richard Smith, whispered in her ear, “I love you and I’d like to marry you.” She laughed and replied, “Okay.”
Elinor had her first son, Brian, with Richard. They were married for six years before divorcing in 1961.
In 1962, she married TV producer Harry Ackerman, who was 20 years older than her. They had three sons together and were happily married for almost 30 years until he passed away in 1991.
The following year, Elinor married her third husband, Lou Genevrino, a contractor. She has been retired from acting for the past decade.
Despite never planning to be on screen, Elinor Donahue has had a remarkable and successful career. She has appeared in more than 70 TV shows and movies like *Winter Wonderland* and *Pretty Woman*. Her role as Betty Anderson on *Father Knows Best* made her a household name, and she has continued to impress audiences with her work in shows like *The Andy Griffith Show*, *Star Trek*, and *Mork & Mindy*.
Share this with all the *Father Knows Best* fans you know to celebrate her impressive achievements and enduring impact on television!
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