Ethel Merman: Secrets of La Merm

When most people think of Ethel Merman, they think only of that big, brassy voice. On the anniversary of her birth, we offer 10 things you might not know about La Merm...

Leslie H. Martinson (1915–2016), Batman director

Leslie Martinson, the prolific TV and film director who worked on “Batman: The Movie,” “PT 109,” and “The Brady Bunch.”

Kellye Nakahara (1948–2020), actress who starred in “M*A*S*H”

Kellye Nakahara was an actress best known for her long-running role as Nurse Kealani Kellye on TV’s “M*A*S*H.” Nakahara appeared on “M*A*S*H” for all 12 of the show’s seasons, first as a background character in the first few seasons and then as a regular recurring role in more than 150 episodes. Nakahara also had roles in notable movies including “Clue” (1985), in which she played the cook, and “She’s Having a Baby” (1988), in which she played a labor and delivery nurse.

Bob Kulick (1950–2020), Kiss, Lou Reed, Meatloaf guitarist

Bob Kulick was a renowned rock guitarist who performed and recorded with Kiss, Meatloaf, Lou Reed, and W.A.S.P.

Roberto Roena (1940–2021), legendary salsa percussionist

Roberto Roena was a Puerto Rican salsa percussionist known for his work with legendary bands including El Gran Combo and Fania All Stars.

Julie Anne Peters (1952–2023), groundbreaking YA author of Luna 

Julie Anne Peters was an author of young adult books including “Luna,” one of the first to feature a transgender character.

Katherine Anderson Schaffner (1944–2023), Marvelettes co-founder

Katherine Anderson Schaffner was a singer with the Marvelettes, known for such hits as “Please Mr. Postman.” 

Mike Henderson (1953–2023), co-founder of the SteelDrivers 

Mike Henderson was a Grammy Award-winning country singer-songwriter who co-founded the SteelDrivers and frequently collaborated with country superstar Chris Stapleton, Henderson’s former SteelDrivers bandmate. 

Ellen Holly (1931–2023), One Life to Live star 

Ellen Holly was an actress who starred as Carla Gray-Hall on “One Life to Life,” becoming the first Black star of a daytime soap opera.

Damo Suzuki (1950–2024), singer for avant garde Krautrock band Can

Damo Suzuki was a singer and musician best known for his 1970s tenure with the influential Krautrock band Can, appearing on three of their most widely praised records: “Tago Mago,” “Ege Bamyası,” and “Future Days.”

Pat Colbert (1947–2024), actress who played Dora Mae on Dallas

Pat Colbert was an actress best known for her performance on “Dallas” as Dora Mae, host of the Oil Baron’s Club.0