Family Feud: the Soap-operish Antics of the Campbells and the Tates (1977-1981)
Pictured in the below photo is the cast of “Soap,” a popular comedic television show following the “soap-operish antics” of the Campbell and Tate families. On air from 1977 to 1981, this primetime comedy show was created as a parody of television soap operas. As if the premise behind the series wasn’t funny enough, the hilarious acting performances of cast members like Katherine Helmond, Richard Mulligan, and a young Billy Crystal only made this comedic parody series even better.
By bringing topics like homosexuality, prostitution, and murder to the screen—subjects considered taboo in the late 1970s—“Soap” was a show considered way ahead of its time, on multiple levels. Throw in alien abductions, demonic possession, and a little kidnapping on the side, and you’ve got yourself a bold, iconic television show, one which quickly earned itself a loyal, dedicated fanbase! Not known to many of the sitcom’s fans, this controversial show was actually almost canceled before being aired on TV!
TV’s Adam West and Batdog: the Ultimate Superhero Duo
Below we see TV's Adam West, posing on the beach with none other than his trusty Great Dane sidekick, Batdog! Beginning his acting career in the 1950s, West is most known for his iconic role of Batman, in the Batman television series. In recent years, West appeared as a cartoon version of himself on Nickelodeon’s “The Fairly OddParents” (2003–2008). Additionally, he also held a recurrent role as a cartoon version of himself as the mayor of Quahog, on the hit TV comedy, Family Guy and on The Simpsons .
On the big screen, West appeared as a wealthy husband who meets his untimely death in Paul Newman's The Young Philadelphians (1959), and in 1964, the role of one of the first two humans to arrive on Mars in “Robinson Crusoe on Mars.” Though West sadly passed away at the age of 88, on June 9th, 2017, his legacy still continues to live on to this day.
Italian Film Star Claudia Cardinale Looking off into the Distance During an Event in 1963
The photograph below captures the beautiful Claudia Cardinale: an Italian film star who successfully captured the hearts of millions of adoring fans all over the world. Blessed with much more than just beauty, Cardinale’s raw talent is exemplified in her performances in films, including, “Girl with a Suitcase” (1961), “The Leopard” (1963), and Federico Fellini’s "8½" (1963).
Though Cardinale first caught the attention of Europeans through her performances in a myriad of hit European films throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, it was not long before this Italian film actress and international sex symbol became a household name in the U.S., and later the rest of the world, through her iconic performance in the film, “ The Pink Panther.”
On Set: Audrey Hepburn - ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, 1961
The photo below illustrates the style, class, and beauty that is Audrey Hepburn: the “sweet-natured, doe-eyed British actress,” whose iconic performance in the film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) made her an overnight success in the world of film and fashion. However, despite her instant rise to fame in Hollywood, as the years passed by, Hepburn found herself spending less and less time acting in films, dedicating more of her time to her work with the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Despite her decreased appearance in the limelight, still, Hepburn’s fanbase remained stronger than ever. To this day, she remains one of America’s most beloved sweethearts. Her activist work with the UN eventually led to her position as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, where she worked alongside volunteers in some of the poorest and most destitute communities across Africa, South America, and Asia.
“You Light Up My Life” Hit Songwriter Debby Boone
Lighting up our lives in the portrait below is critically acclaimed singer, author, and actress Debby Boone, singer/songwriter of the 1977 hit single, “You Light Up My Life.” Noted as one of the most popular songs of the 1970s, it was this very song that first brought Boone to fame. Following the single’s release, the song spent a record-breaking 10 weeks as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100-chart. It was not until 1991—an astonishing 14 years later—that pop band Boyz II Men would finally take over the songs’ spot on the charts, claiming the title for a total of 13 weeks.
Following her nearly unrivaled success with her hit single, Boone went on to transition over into the world of country music, where she proved her worth as more than just a one-hit-wonder. In 1980, the release of her No. 1 hit country song, “Are You on the Road to Lovin’ Me Again” earned Boone’s much-praised reputation as a country singer. Later that decade, Boone would again shift musical genres, this time exploring the world of Contemporary Christian music.