ASK KEN: Carol Burnett loved her movie-loving grandma

By Ken Beck, columnist
www.sherlocksbooks.com

Dear Ken: Can you share some biographical information on Carol Burnett?
The multi-talented Burnett, 76, was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Hollywood by a grandmother who shared her passion of movies. The comedian began her career on TV in the mid-1950s and began her rise to the top. On her “Carol Burnett Show,” when she showed off her left earring, it was way of saying hello to her late grandma.
Most recently she finished the film “Post Grad,” which stars Alexis Bledel and Michael Keaton and is set for an August release. Last I read, she had homes in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Santa Fe, N.M.

Dear Ken: How many films did Gregory Peck make? Did he ever win an Oscar?
Peck made just over 50 films, including “The Yearling,” “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Roman Holiday,” “Gentleman’s Agreement,” “Moby Dick,” “Cape Fear,” “The Omen” and “The Boys From Brazil.” He was nominated for an Oscar five times and won for his character Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He died in 2003 at age 87. Peck made one film in Middle Tennessee, 1970’s “I Walk the Line,” which was shot around the Center Hill Dam and Gainesboro areas. The soundtrack is filled with songs by Johnny Cash.

Dear Ken: I know Oprah Winfrey grew up in Nashville where her dad operated a barbershop. Does he still run his barbershop today?
To the best of my knowledge, Vernon Winfrey, 76, a barber since his teens, continues to operate his Winfrey’s Barber Shop in East Nashville’s Cleveland Park. The shop has three chairs, and he works the one closest to the window. Vernon and his wife Barbara are reviving the neighborhood with a development called Winberry Place.

Dear Ken: Does the band America still perform? They had such hits as “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Horse With No Name.”
Two of the original three members, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, keep the music alive. They have 10 concerts slated for June and six for July before they take off for engagements in the Philippines. 

If you have a trivia question about actors, singers, movies, TV shows or pop culture, e-mail your query to Ken Beck via www.sherlocksbooks.com where you can also find classic films and TV shows on DVD or visit Sherlock’s Book Emporium in Lebanon.


 

Posted on: 6/18/2009