Stefanie Powers interview: 'Girl From U.N.C.L.E.' star on the environment

Mad dictators, enemy agents, death rays — these are things the girl from U.N.C.L.E. could protect us from. But the '60s TV superspy would have been no match for the wrath of Mother Nature — nor man's role in exacerbating it — according to the actress who played her: Stefanie Powers.

owers lives in England, but happened to be in New York one recent, fateful weekend.

"I was there for the hurricane, which was a 'non-starter' in New York," the actress says in a call from England.

"That (Mayor) Bloomberg went berserk, closing down the theater. You had a lot of flooding in New Jersey. When a 150-year-old bridge goes down, it makes you wonder," Powers adds, referring to a 156-year-old bridge in Blenheim, N.Y., destroyed in the storm. "You think, well, surely there must have been floods during the 150 years that bridge existed.

"So it's all man-made. It's all human beings developing land that shouldn't be developed. It's all our fault."

Wildlife preservation is a cause dear to Powers — more on that later — who is on the line to talk about her 1966-67 series "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.," which is available in two DVD sets from the Warner Archive Collection.

Los Angeles native Powers, 68, has many career milestones. She worked with Helen Hayes, Tallulah Bankhead and John Wayne; she was a Disney heroine ("Herbie Rides Again," "The Boatniks"); and co-starred with Robert Wagner in the long-running series "Hart to Hart." Powers feels fortunate to have been in the last wave of actors signed to a studio at the tail end of Hollywood's "star system." Powers was young but, she maintains, experienced.

Recalls the actress: "I had been in a ballet company; I worked for (choreographer) Jerome Robbins. I had worked in a couple of movies when I was put under contract to Columbia. But I was a teenager. And I was a real teenager, not an overly sophisticated teenager, and certainly not a teenager the likes of which we have today.

"So you might say I was wide-eyed by comparison to the teenagers today, who are exposed to so much more, and who begin a 'physical' life — even though they're not emotionally stimulated — much earlier than we did in those days."

Powers is asked if she learned anything from Hayes and Bankhead, who are considered two of the greatest actresses of the theater.

"I learned something from everyone, because I had the privilege of working with so many extraordinary people," Powers says.

"I think one of the most important things I realized was their humanity — that while these people were consummate professionals, they were also human beings. Most of them were extremely generous as actors. Not one of them ever refused to be off-camera, if I was on the other side (of the camera). That's not only when I was the star of the show — that's even when I was the supporting player.

"Back then, even the movie stars were actors, and everybody was a human being. Today, everybody's got a phalanx of bodyguards just to walk around the corner, you know? It's really quite such a hype, that it's very difficult to understand that you could actually walk up to John Wayne in a restaurant, as people frequently did, right in the middle of his meal and say, 'Oh, excuse me, Mr. Wayne, but I think you're wonderful.' And he'd stand up and say, 'Well, that's really kind of you.' "

Powers played the daughter of Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in the 1963 Western comedy "McClintock!" Was the "Duke" a teddy bear to Powers?

"I would never call him a teddy bear," she says with a laugh.

"Everybody on that set was part of the John Ford/John Wayne extended family. It was very much a familial feeling on that set."

Three years later, Powers was sought to play April Dancer, the title secret agent in "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.," a spinoff of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum.

"I was under contract at Columbia at the time," she recalls. "They had done a pilot of the show with Mary Ann Mobley playing the girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Norman Fell, the comedian, playing her assistant. But they (the studio) didn't like the chemistry.

"I was in England working when I got the message that my contract had been sold; MGM bought me out of my contract to do 'The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.' Because I was in England — with the 'mods' and 'rockers' and Carnaby Street and all of that 'swinging '60s' stuff happening — I thought it would be interesting to bring that into it."

Powers was behind the casting of a British actor to play April's partner-in-spying.

She recalls: "I'd read an article about Noel Harrison, Rex Harrison's son. I thought it would be interesting if we could have a kind of mid-Atlantic couple, in keeping with the fashion that was going to hit America full-swing, and did, with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and all of that stuff that came from England in the 1960s. Fortunately, we were able to get Noel. That's how it started."

In contrast to "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." — the acronym stood for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, by the way — "Girl" had a decidedly comedic tone.

"That was one of the points of it," Powers says.

"Our producer (Douglas Benton) was also a writer. He loved kind of crazy comedy. He was a great devotee of the great comedians. He's the one who set of the tone of the show. It was markedly different from 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' It was satire. Because that half-hour series with the cartoonesque characters — 'Batman' and 'The Green Hornet' — had already been on. He loved that. He incorporated a bit of that into our show, which was adorable, I always thought.

"But it irritated NBC, who thought we looked as if we were having too much fun. That was their big criticism."

As April, Powers wore the latest fashions ("I brought a lot of them from England") and drew on her experience as a dancer to perform her own stunts.

"I did most of them," she says, "until I got hurt. There I was, jumping off of things and explosions and all. But I was injured during one, and we had to shut down for a few days. So I was not allowed to do some of the hairier stuff after that.

"I have really fond memories of some of the episodes, although it was my first experience in television. Unbeknownst to me at the time — because it was never made an issue — it was groundbreaking in its way because it was, in fact, the very first hourlong television series starring a woman. Isn't that something?"

(Powers' information may be correct. Barbara Stanwyck received special star billing in "The Big Valley," but Richard Long was top-billed.)

"Girl" lasted for one season; "Man" was canceled the following year. Powers appeared in the Disney films and much episodic television before being cast in "Hart to Hart" alongside her old friend Wagner (whom friends call "R.J."). Powers says she remembers the 1979-84 series "with great affection and nostalgia," and credits its success to producer Tom Mankiewicz, who died last year.

"Today, unfortunately, of the nucleus that created the show, R.J. and I are the only ones left standing," Powers says.

"Unfortunately, we just lost Tom Mankiewicz, who was our director, writer, creator. Although the idea of the show was to have the couple mimicking a bit of 'The Thin Man' series of films, which was (series creator) Sidney Sheldon's idea, 'Mank' changed a great deal of it and brought it into the characters that they became. He introduced the dog, he introduced the butler, he introduced this repartee that R.J. and I, I suppose, became so successful with. That show is still loved and talked about all over the world."

Powers first became interested in wildlife conservation when she became the girlfriend of actor William Holden; Powers established the William Holden Wildlife Foundation after the actor's death in 1981. In Powers' opinion, you need look no further than the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Irene to see that rampant development needs to be curbed.

"We are losing our environment so rapidly," Powers says.

"The world that our children will inherit is going to look substantially different, very quickly, than the world we have today. It's alarming. I was reading the Royal Geographical Society's report on the loss of the ice fields in Antarctica, where species of shrimp and other marine life have appeared that have never appeared in those waters before, because of the change in temperature. That's not a joke.

"We have to stop thinking about ourselves so much and start thinking about the environment. We have to change."

"The Girl From Uncle: The Complete Series, Part One" and "Part Two" are $39.99 for each four-disc set, manufactured on demand. To order, visit warnerarchive.com.

The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. available on DVD

The Complete Series: Part One



The Complete Series: Part Two

Stefanie Powers’ holiday heaven and hell

The actress Stefanie Powers on Mayan ruins and narrowly missing boarding Pan Am 103, the flight brought down in the Lockerbie bombing.

Great holidays...

What was your best holiday?

I love expeditions and recently visited a great friend who has devoted the past 27 years of his life to a tiny corner of north-eastern Guatemala called the Petén. In this luscious, highly inaccessible rainforest is the excavation of the Mayan cluster of cities known as El Mirador.

The work to uncover the ruins of this World Heritage Site is painstakingly slow and the jungle is unforgivable in its determination to take back every inch of progress, but the rewards are great. Camp life is demanding, and even the simplest daily routine becomes a chore in a climate with 90 percent humidity, not to mention the bugs. But still, it is my ideal holiday – challenging my body and mind.

And what was the best hotel you've ever stayed in?

In 1972, Bill [the late actor, William Holden] and I stayed at the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong. It was very early in our relationship and Bill had very sweetly reserved two rooms side by side, as he never wanted to make me feel pressurised. Needless to say, it was a week of high romance, interrupted only by the awkwardness of dodging the eagle-eyed bell boys when either of us attempted to return discreetly to our room.

What do you need for your perfect holiday?

I want to feel that every trip I make has enhanced me as a person.

What do you always take with you?

I highly recommend a brand of clothing called Bug Off. It really works. The cloth is soaked in Deet to repel unwanted flying or crawling passersby. But do be careful of the uncovered parts: clothes protect only what they cover.

What is your best piece of travel advice?

If you are going to a destination where the food might be more exotic than usual, always err on the side of caution. I am largely vegetarian and it is usually possible to find an Indian or Chinese restaurant where the cooked vegetables are tasty, and moderation is not a bad idea anyway.

Where do you want to go next?

I always look forward to going back home to Kenya, where every day I see the legacy Bill left me [at the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, a charity she founded after Holden's death]. It is my greatest treasure, and I see his legacy in the animals he helped to preserve and the people whose lives he bettered.

...and disasters?

Which was your worst holiday?

If it is necessary to travel in a group, I hope that it will be a group of like-minded people who are curious and knowledgeable about where they are going and what they are interested in seeing. On one unfortunate occasion, I overheard a man visiting a historical ruin in Egypt say, "Ah, you seen one rock, you seen 'em all."

And your worst travel experience?

In 1988 my mother, my cousin Geri and I visited India. On the return journey, our flight was delayed for three hours in New Delhi.

On arrival in Frankfurt, we were greeted by special-services reps who ushered us to a private VIP lounge. When the doors to the lounge closed, they practically broke down in tears.

The flight we were to have connected to in Frankfurt, had we not been delayed in India, was Pan Am 103. Mom and I would have got off at London, but Geri was meant to go on to New York. Flight 103 had crashed [a subsequent investigation would reveal that it had been brought down by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, in Scotland] three hours earlier, the same amount of time we were delayed in India.

We were speechless, devastated and in shock. I have always felt a special empathy for those connected to this tragedy.

What is the biggest packing mistake you've made?

Packing is always a nightmare. Fortunately, I have clothes in my home in London and in Kenya, but after a few years, people get tired of seeing me in the same gear, so I have to renew from time to time.

Which is the worst hotel you've stayed in?

In the early Seventies, Bill and I flew into Zanzibar on a twin-engined aircraft without a permit to land. After much discussion and crossing palms with silver, and because it was getting dark and we couldn't take off after dark, we were allowed to stay overnight. Typical of the Soviet packages at the time, there was one road and one hotel whose architecture was reminiscent of a cement bunker. When we reached our room, we discovered it was the sort of place where we would best sleep in our clothes to avoid touching the sheets. Things looked worse in the clear light of dawn, so we moved out and said a fond farewell to Zanzibar.

What do you avoid on holidays?

Travelling during peak season.

What do you hate about holidays?

Saying goodbye to my little family of animals, including Papuga, my yellow-naped Amazon parrot, who has been my feathered companion for 37 years, and my five dogs: Chiquita, Miss Bounce, Alex, Ethel and Skip. 

Links to Purchase Five of the H2H Reunion Movies

Hart to Hart Returns

Hart to Hart: Home is Where the Hart Is

Hart to Hart: Crimes of the Hart Is

Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never Die

Hart to Hart: Secrets of the Hart

Hart-felt homage to Stefanie Powers' life

Click here to read the article.

Stefanie to Present Gena Award

Stefanie will be presenting the Gena Award to Jacqueline Bisset at the Palm Springs Women in Film Broken Glass Awards on March 4, 2011.

Stefanie to be on The Talk on Jan. 31

Stefanie Powers will be a guest on The Talk on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011. The show airs live on CBS at 2pm ET and tape delayed at 1pm PT.

Stefanie to be on Piers Morgan Tonight on Jan. 30

There's been a change in CNN's TV schedule due to Pres. Obama's State of the Union address. The episode featuring Stefanie will air on Sunday night @ at 9 PM.

Stefanie to be on Piers Morgan Tonight on Jan. 28

Stefanie (with Angie Dickinson, Nichelle Nichols, Linda Evans) will be appearing on Piers Morgan Tonight on January 28 @ 9:00 PM (CNN).

Pix - January 18, 2011

At Betty White's birthday party at Le Cirque in NYC on January 18, 2011.

Click on photo to see larger version.

Pix - January 16, 2011

Pioneers of Television photocall at the 92nd Street Y on January 16, 2011 in New York City.

Click on photo to see larger version.

Angie Dickinson, Nichelle Nichols, Stefanie Powers, Linda Evans

Angie Dickinson, Nichelle Nichols, Stefanie Powers, Linda Evans

Angie Dickinson, Nichelle Nichols, Stefanie Powers, Linda Evans

Stefanie Powers on PBS Show "Pioneers of Television" Feb. 1

The "Pioneers of Television" episode "Crime Dramas" is to be shown on Feb. 1, with much time spent on "Dragnet" as the parent of a genre that lets Mike Connors talk about "Mannix" and Stefanie Powers reflect on "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." and "Hart to Hart."

Check PBS listings for the time in your area.

Stefanie Powers Wins BroadwayWorld Boston Theatre Award

Voting has ended and winners have been decided in the inaugural BroadwayWorld Best of Boston Theatre Awards. Results for 2010 underscore the breadth and depth of the region's outstanding theatre community, with favorites ranging from Broadway luminaries to fringe newcomers.

Stefanie Powers won Best Actress in a Musical for her powerful portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

Mount Kenya club opens tennis court

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki opened a state of the art tennis court last week to cater for its sports-inclined clientele and management. The court was inaugurated by legendary film artist, Stefanie Powers, popularly known for the television series ‘Hart to Hart’.

The tennis court is part of the recent extensive renovations programme at the club, nestled at the foot of Mt Kenya. Mount Kenya Safari Club provides a serene atmosphere for some of the world’s most celebrated personalities.

Pioneers of TV - Jan. 16

Angie Dickinson, Linda Evans, Stefanie Powers and Nichelle Nichols will be in town on Sunday, Jan. 16, at the 92nd Street Y, for a "Pioneers of Television" roundtable in conjunction with the PBS series of the same name. All four women are featured in the series, which returns for its second season Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. with "Science Fiction," which features Nichols ("Star Trek") and her co-stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, among others.

Dickinson starred in "Police Woman" (1974-78, NBC) Evans in "Dynasty" (1981-89, ABC) and Powers in "Hart to Hart" (1979-84, ABC).

Help the William Holden Wildlife Foundation!

Please help the William Holden Wildlife Foundation by voting for Loren's entry in iGive.com's $10,000 Holiday Video Contest.

http://www.igive.com/html/videocontestvote.cfm?vid=67

Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner at the Paley Center

Jim Halterman red carpet interview with Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner

Great Pix of Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner at the Paley Center

http://wimheitinganl.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/stefanie-powers-the-paley-center-for-media-presents-one-from-the-hart-a-hart-to-hart-reunion-november-10/

Stefanie's Memoir

Actress offers advice to Madonna on Bridgehampton

Actress Stefanie Powers says that Madonna needs to make sure she’s got the right staff when she takes over Wild Ocean Farm. Powers used to own the Bridgehampton property, then known as another name, with her cousin, Geri Bauer, who sold the farm to Kelly Klein in 2000.

“I hope she’s got some good people,” says Powers, pointing out that between caring for the horses and maintaining the property there is “a lot to keep on top of.”

The “Hart to Hart” legend, who plays polo, says Madonna should be happy to have it. “It’s a wonderful place,” she says, adding that the indoor riding ring is extraordinary for its craftsmanship. “I hope she’ll be happy,” she says.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Stefanie!

Mistral's Daughter on DVD August 25, 2009

Click here for more info.

Chiller Theatre Expo - Parsippany, N.J.

Stefanie to appear at the Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany, N.J. - October 30 - November 1, 2009.

http://www.chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm

Stefanie Powers - Lung Cancer

Stefanie Powers is a lung cancer survivor. Click on the photo to read the story.

French SP Article

http://www.sudouest.com/gers/actualite/article/645674/mil/4819226.html

Enter URL here: http://translate.google.com to translate page from French to English.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

Stefanie will be appearing on next week's show: Monday, July 6 @ 10 p.m on Bravo.

TV4U Video Portal Adds TVSPageant.Com

TV4U.Com, the 48 channel IPTV video portal has added TVSPageant.Com as its women's free internet television channel. TVS Pageant.Com features music, movies, classic TV, fashion, shopping, and life style programming targeted at the 'Baby Boomer' female market.

TV shows on the site include such classics as The Lucy Show, Petticoat Junction, The Mothers-in- Law, Doris Day, Police Woman-Decoy, Private Secretary, My Little Margie, and Get Christie Love.

Movies on the 'Chick Flicks' movie category include films starring Tom Selleck, Carol Alt, Morgan Fairchild, David Niven, Stefanie Powers, Sissy Spacek, Michael Landon, Goldie Hawn, Jodie Foster, Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer, Valarie Bertinelli, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hugh Grant, Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Locklear, and Lynda Carter.

Mistral's Daughter Available on DVD August 11, 2009

Stefanie Powers Named as Celebrity Grand Marshal of Memorial Day Parade

Los Angeles, CA, May 23, 2009 --- Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets and the creator of The Peace One Earth Medallion, has been named the Veteran Organization Grand Marshal of the The 21st Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade in Canoga Park, California. The Parade honors the fallen men and women of the Armed Forces from all of America’s armed conflicts, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Actress Stefanie Powers serves as celebrity Grand Marshal.

At the end of the parade, Ms. Kennedy will present a special Peace One Earth Medallion to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on behalf of his support of Veterans.

The event coincides with the one year anniversary of both Step Up 4 Vets and the unveiling of the Peace One Earth Medallion. “What an incredible year we’ve had. We’ve presented the Peace One Earth medallion to great American celebrities Wayne Newton, Stefanie Powers, Buzz Aldrin, Kate Linder, Hugh O’Brian, Gary Sinise, Ed Begley, Jr., Mike Vogel, Luc Robitaille and Rick Monday in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to our veterans; co sponsored the California Fitness Challenge - Road 2 Recovery five day cycling event, donated Spinning Bikes to wounded Vets; and met with countless Veterans and non-profit groups to help support our returning troops. We’re still just getting our feet wet, but I think we’ve already started to make a difference in the lives of many veterans and their families,” Ms. Kennedy said today. “We encourage people to support Step Up 4 Vets by purchasing a Peace One Earth Medallion for themselves, a loved one, or a friend as a way to express appreciation and honor our Veterans.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Peace One Earth medallions is used to support Step Up 4 Vets, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner in the transition of our returning veterans as they readjust, redirect and rebuild their civilian lives. Further information is available at www.stepup4vets.org

Patricia Kennedy established Peace One Earth as a way to express gratitude to the defenders of our freedoms while acknowledging the hope for a world at peace. Renowned for her exquisite jewelry collection, Ms. Kennedy set about creating the beautifully crafted Peace One Earth medallion to make a statement about what is really important and essential in a peaceful society and to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who have given so much in pursuit.

The Peace One Earth medallion, offered as both a pendant and a lapel pin, is available in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Solid Sterling Silver, Gold-Plate and Silver-Plate. The pendant is suspended from a 22 inch red cord finished with a lobster claw clasp and the lapel pin is designed with a single post and fastener. The medallion comes in its own Peace One Earth gold-stamped suede pouch. Further information is available at www.peaceoneearth.com

Children and the Arts

Singer and actress Carol Channing addressed the California State PTA Convention in San Jose on May 2 and made an appeal to bring the arts back to schools. Channing and her husband, Harry Kulijian, produced a DVD for distribution on which a few of their friends, including JoAnne Worley, Lily Tomlin, Phill Lewis, Florence Henderson, Stefanie Powers and Kevin Sorbo talk about how important it is for children to be exposed to the arts.

One from the Hart

Publishers Lunch Deluxe: Lunch Weekly for Monday, May 11

Actress Stefanie Powers' ONE FROM THE HART, with NYT bestselling author Richard Buskin, covering the author's career that commenced during the last days of the star-studded studio system; her extensive, ongoing involvement with the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, etc.

Stefanie Powers star de la Country à Mirande

Du 9 au 14 juillet



Stefanie Powers sera présente pendante toute la durée du festival, du 9 au 14 juillet, où se produira Roch Voisine.

Stefanie Powers will be present throughout the festival, from 9 to 14 July, which will occur Roch Voisine.

A la suite du désistement tout récent de l'acteur Lorenzo Lamas retenu par le tournage à Los Angeles d'un film important pour sa carrière, les organisateurs du festival Country de Mirande, qui se déroulera du 9 au 14 juillet, ont dû changer leur fusil d'épaule en ce qui concerne le parrainage.

Il sera confié à une marraine puisque c'est l'actrice Stefanie Powers qui sera de la fête.

Elle aussi mondialement connue, d'une grande beauté et parlant bien notre langue, Stéphanie Powers qui compte plus de 200 rôles au cinéma, fut notamment la partenaire de John Wayne dans « Mac Lintock », de Lee Van Cleef dans « La chevauchée des 7 Mercenaires » et de Roger Moore dans « Escape to Antena ».

Elle a été aussi l'inoubliable Jennifer Hart dans « L'Amour du risque » aux côtés de Robert Wagner. Dame de cœur, la marraine de cette 17è édition de Country Mirande, est présidente de sa fondation, la « William Holden Wildlife Fondation », organisme de bienfaisance dédié à la préservation des animaux sauvages au Kenya qu'elle a contribué à fonder et à pérenniser.

Google Translation:

Stefanie Powers star at the Mirande Country
From 9 to 14 July

Following the recent withdrawal of actor Lorenzo Lamas selected by the Los Angeles shooting a film important for his career, the organizers of the Festival de Mirande Country, which runs from July 9 to 14, had to change their tactics with regard to sponsorship.

It will be entrusted to a woman because it is the actress Stefanie Powers, which will be celebrating.

Also known worldwide, of great beauty and speaking our language, Stephanie Powers has more than 200 film roles, including the partner was of John Wayne in "Mac Lintock" by Lee Van Cleef in "The Ride of 7 mercenaries "and Roger Moore in" Escape to Antena.

It was also the unforgettable Jennifer Hart in "L'amour du risque" alongside Robert Wagner. Lady of the heart, the sponsor of this 17th edition of Country Mirande, is president of its foundation, the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, charitable organization dedicated to the preservation of wildlife in Kenya it has helped to build and sustain.

Celebrities, Horses, Music and History Will Unite for 2009 'Fiesta of the Spanish Horse' Cancer Research Benefit

BURBANK, CA -- On Saturday, May 2nd thousands will join celebrities, musicians, dancers and magnificent horses at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center for the 11th Annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horseextravaganza, all in support of raising funds for cancer research.

Fiesta, a revered Southern California equestrian tradition that raises funds for cancer research organizations, this year benefits theUSC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition. The four-day event features multi-breed show competitions (April 30-May 3, free to the public) and the signature Saturday evening gala.

Among the many celebrities and prominent Los Angelenos supporting Fiesta 2009 are Oscar(R) winning actress Anjelica Huston and popular actors Obba Babatunde, Leslie Charleson, J. Eddie Peck and Stefanie Powers. Disney star Miley Cyrus has generously autographed a golf car used in her new film Hannah Montana: the Movie. This priceless golf car will be raffled off Saturday evening, and many one-of-a-kind items will be part of a silent auction, including spending a day with USC's famous horse mascot as a Traveler(R) crew member at a 2009 home football game!

The Saturday evening extravaganza, a family-friendly event with many vendors and authentic Spanish food and music, features non-stop, Broadway-style equine entertainment. New to the 2009 line-up are the California Cowgirls, a multi-championship rodeo drill team, a Friesian horse performance and a special Lipizzaner horse act. There will be a rare opportunity to see a horse breed new to the US, the Costarricense de Paso (only nine of these horses are in the country!).

Festivities for the Saturday, May 2nd Fiesta of the Spanish Horseextravaganza begin at 3:00 pm at the LA Equestrian Center grounds. The performance begins at 6:00 pm in the Equidome. Ticket prices range from $15 - $50 and family discounts are available. Contact 818-842-7444 or visit www.FiestaSpanishHorse.org for further information.

A Soldier's Love Story to be on Hallmark Channel

A Soldier's Love Story

A young boy's letter to a soldier serving overseas forever changes lives. Through a series of letters, Jared Marshall and Sgt. Vince Carerra bond over a love of baseball. Jared reveals his loneliness and estrangement from his dad after his parents divorce. When Vince returns home, he meets Jared and his mother, Dana (Lori Loughlin, "90210"). The two begin to fall in love. Complications arise when Vince gets his orders to deploy. Vince and Dana discover that true love can overcome any obstacle. Also stars Stefanie Powers ("Hart to Hart"). Executive produced by Larry Levinson; produced by Brian Gordon and Jim Wilberger.

Stefanie on TalkZone.com Travel'n On Radio Show

A "Hart" For Animals
Travel’n On is going on the road and will broadcast live during from Jackson Square during the French Quarter Festival on April 18, 2009. If you missed Mardi Gras you can travel with us and before we go you’ll hear about all of the great acts, attractions and activities from Mary Beth Romig with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. Then we’ll be joined by Hollywood actress Stefanie Powers who is keeping alive the African legacy of the late film star William Holden, who established a well known game ranch and sanctuary in Kenya. Stefanie will talk about her “Hart” for animals and her conservation work.

Photo Flash: Carol Channing at 'Cabaret at the Castle'

Friends and colleagues including Bruce Vilanch, Valarie Pettiford, Rachel York, Rita McKenzie, Carole Cook, Thom Troupe, Kathryn Jootsen, Lily Tomlin, Florence Henderson, Donna Mills, Jackie Joseph, Channing Chase, Tippi Hedren, JoAnne Worley, Kate Linder and the Los Angeles cast of RENT among others were more than thrilled to turn out for this special engagement of "The First 80 Years are the Hardest," that marked Carol Channing's return to the stage after her accident last year that forced her, for the very first time in her 70 year career, to cancel all scheduled performances.

Ready and willing to welcome her back to where she belongs, the audience was there to worship the veteran musical theatre icon, and Channing did not disappoint. Comments made by those who attended the evening included JoAnne Worley saying "I was Carol's stand-by when Hello Dolly first opened. She told me in advance that she'd never be out and she wasn't," then added "I have Miss Channing's eyelashes on tonight because I forgot my own and when I asked, Does Carol have extra eyelashes? They said yes and brought me a pair of hers with glue."

No novice to cabaret herself, and currently touring with her own show called "All The Lives of Me," is Florence Henderson who remarked about her friend Carol Channing "She inspires me on so many levels. She has impeccable comedic timing. I think she knows a secret that we don't know. She's amazing, has such strength mentally and physically and emotionally. And her husband, Harry, it's a good thing she married him otherwise I'd give her a run for her money!" Close at hand to offer an additional note is Donna Mills with "She's amazing, enthralling on the stage. She grabs you from the minute she walks out."

Lily Tomlin is proud to have known the Broadway Diva since she was 17 recalling "I've known Carol for many years. She's one of the funniest women ever. The first time I saw her, I went to see her one-woman show in Detroit. I went to the backstage door and she came out, there were a lot of young people hanging around adoring her and she was so generous. I've worked with her on Laugh-In and I've done lots of charity appearances with her." Lily's I Heart Huckabees co-star, Tippi Hedren, added "I cant remember when I have had more fun. Whether she is on stage or not, I can't help wearing a smile around Carol." Bruce Vilanch recalled once in San Francisco he entered a Carol Channing look-a-like contest, "But they thought I was Shelley Winters." And AMC's Mad Men star, Channing Chase, quickly summed it up with "The woman is simply amazing!"

The intimate evening with Carol Channing was held as a benefit announcing the formation of the Dr. Carol Channing Foundation for the Arts (www.carolchanning.org), an organization dedicated to raising the awareness for the need of and to bring the arts back into the public school system. Carol's husband, Harry Kullijian, was proud to announce that a PSA is currently being produced that will premiere at the National PTA meeting in May. So far the confirmed participants include Stefanie Powers, Donna Mills, Loni Anderson, Dorian Harewood, Lily Tomlin, Lesley Ann Warren, JoAnne Worley, Florence Henderson, Kate Linder, and more. The PSA's are being done with the gracious donation of CityTV in Santa Monica under the direction of the PSA's producer, B. Harlan Boll.

Miss Channing's engagement was also the inaugural performance for the new Cabaret at the Castle which has been developed in the famous Magic Castle's lower level, known as The Inner Circle (7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028). Up until now, the rarely used space has been virtually unknown to even many of its own members. It houses a eclectic collection including WC Field's trick pool table, Marionettes from The Sound of Music, Edgar Bergen's Ventriloquists dummies, Walt Disney's original miniature of the Haunted Mansion, the original automaton Madam Carnak that Johnny Carson (who was an amateur magician and Magic Castle member) based his famous character, and the actual Hello Dolly! bar (from the movie, not the Broadway production, with apologies made to Carol).

The evening was a very special gathering as Carol offered memories, humorous storytelling and, of course, some of her signature tunes, bringing the audience up close and personal with the Ultimate Broadway Jazz Baby. She shared anecdotes as well as a few amazing impersonations of friends like Ethel Merman, Sophie Tucker, Joan Crawford and Tallulah Bankhead, who "Had a problem. She couldnt keep her clothes on. I had to keep from looking down, which wasnt easy." The evening included banter, reminiscent of Burns and Allen, with Carol's husband Harry Kullijian and a plea to support Arts in the public school system.

Adding to the evenings festivities, Carol appeared wearing the Gianni Versace Tiara valued at an Estimated $3 Million that will be offered at Public Auction on the Bidz.com Site, commencing on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 9:00am PST.

In conjunction with the Tiara auction, Bidz.com is partnering with Aid for AIDS, a non-profit premier service provider for Los Angeles County whose mission is to provide direct financial assistance and critical support for the necessities of life to those impoverished and disabled by HIV/AIDS. Bidz will be donating a substantial amount of the funds raised from the on line auction to Aid for AIDS. When approached by Aid for Aids, Miss Channing enthusiastically agreed to help by graciously contributing her support and celebrity to the fund raising efforts, Ms. Channing will be making media appearances nationally on behalf of Aid for AIDS to help promote the Bidz.com Versace Tiara Auction. "Who better to promote the auction than the original Loreli Lee who sang "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in Broadway's 1949 hit "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," said Terry Goddard (executive Director of Aid for AIDS).

It was a nervous security team that hovered over the famous tiara as it was offered from Carol To America's favorite bitch, Alison Arngrim, then to America's favorite mom, Florence Henderson, who then placed it on her "Ladies of the House" co-star, Donna Mills, before crowning JoAnne Worley with it. Shortly afterward it came to rest, slightly cockeyed, on Lily Tomlin, but then finally found itself on the regal head of the glamorous Tippi Hedren before Bidz.com president, Leon Kuperman, put it back in its protective case.

The world renowned Versace Tiara contains over 1,200 diamonds, all of which are GIA or EGL certified. The Tiara has previously been held only by private collectors - until now. This is the first time in the history of the piece that it is being made available to the public for purchase. Auction pre-qualification information, investor details and Tiara diamond certificates can be found at www.versacetiara.com or visit the Bidz website at www.bidz.com for more information.

Ms. Channing's illustrious and varied career spans movies, Broadway, TV, countless albums, authoring a book and has earned her three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe and and Oscar nomination. With no signs of slowing down, she plans to continue touring with her one woman show promoting the work of her foundation and is proudly anticipating the upcoming release of her new gospel CD entitled "For Heaven's Sake."

After Party Wrap-Up

BEVERLY HILLS — Veteran agent Norby Walters produced his 19th Annual Night of 100 Stars Gala in the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom, and this time there were over 200 stars. This was a big black tie and red carpet formal sit-down dinner viewing party. Academy members flocked to Norby Walters as he had been called the apparent heir to the famous Swifty Lazar and his party at Spago.

The guests were treated to a red carpet gauntlet of over 300 accredited media outlets including Good Morning America and The Jimmy Kimmel show, who both set up production units right in the party. The gowns and world couture were astounding. Guests enjoyed an open bar with the Hotels best mixologist mixing exotic drinks with the names of the Oscar nominees.

The five star cuisine of the Beverly Hills Hotel included French and California fine wines, Chicken Cordon Bleu, truffles, tar tar, French Basil Salad, multiple fresh baked breads, Belgian Chocolates, praline creme brulets, sherbets and ice creams and rare cheeses and after dinner cordials. The flowers were a sea of white and red roses with golden ribbons in the form of motion picture film stock.

The party was seen around the world as it was broadcast live on the worldwide web by Fashion TV, and was seen by over 70 million people as has been done for the past five years.

Stars who were seen there are serious Academy Oscar watchers, many who voted and have had Oscars and Oscar nominations as well. "If you’re not presenting or nominated—this is the party you come too," said Edward Lozzi, the events public relations coordinator.

"It's a great place to get glamorous and watch the Oscars with serious actors," said Norby Walters, the host for the last 19 years.

Guest enjoying the fun were: Chevy Chase, Daniel Baldwin, Erika Christensen, David Carradine, Dominick Dunne, James Cromwell, Cindy Margolis, Laura Dern, Frances Fisher, Robert Forster, Shirley Jones, Lance Hendriksen, Harry Hamlin, Martin Landau, Sofia Milos, Jason Ritter, Kristy Swanson, Alan Thicke, Doris Roberts, Fred Willard, Sean Young, Robert Townsend, Peter Bogdonovich, Powers Booth, Steve Baldwin, Buzz Aldrin, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilan, Lucy Lawless, Peter Noth (Mr.Big), Stefanie Powers and over 150 more. Over 40 former Oscar winners and nominees were in the room as well.

Powers Set for S.T.A.G.E. Benefit Concerts Celebrating the Gershwins

As previously announced, the songs of George and Ira Gershwin will be the focus of the 25th Anniversary S.T.A.G.E. benefit concert, which is simply titled The Brothers Gershwin — George & Ira.

The annual AIDS benefit will be presented March 21 at 8 PM and March 22 at 3 PM at the newly renovated Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA. David Galligan will direct the concerts with musical direction by Mary Ekler and Jerry Sternbach.

Those scheduled to wrap their voices around a Gershwin tune include Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young, Wicked's Shoshana Bean, Michael K. Lee, "High School Musical" co-star Lucas Grabeel, "American Idol" finalist Kimberley Locke, Betty Garrett, Carole Cook, Pat Marshall, Ian Abercrombie, pianist Allen Barton, the duo Baul Point Pen (featuring Paul Peglar and Ben McLain), Mary Jo Catlett, James Darren, "Grey's Anatomy" star Loretta Devine, Sam Harris, Bill Hutton, Vicki Lewis, John Maher, Linda Michele, Valarie Pettiford, Stefanie Powers, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" host Jai Rodriguez, Dee Wallace and the cast of Forever Plaid: Jeremy Bernard, David Engel, Roger Befeler and Larry Rabin.

Expect such classics as "I Got Rhythm," "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "They Can't Take that Away from Me," "Our Love is Here to Stay" and "Summertime."

The concert will also feature the presentation of the S.T.A.G.E. Producers Award to Michael Kearns, an actor, writer, producer, director, teacher and one of the four co-founders of S.T.A.G.E.

The S.T.A.G.E. concerts are the longest continuously running AIDS benefit in the world. Proceeds from this year's event will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles.

The first S.T.A.G.E. benefit took place in October 1984, honoring the music of Leonard Bernstein. Subsequent presentations have paid tribute to Stephen Sondheim (1985, 1987, 1996), Jule Styne (1988), Jerry Herman (1989), John Kander and Fred Ebb (1990), Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein (1991), Irving Berlin (1992), George and Ira Gershwin (1993), Harold Arlen (1995), Cole Porter (1997), Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe and Burton Lane (1998), Richard Adler, Jerry Bock and Cy Coleman (1999), Charles Strouse, Arthur Schwartz and Stephen Schwartz (2000), Jerome Kern (2001), Johnny Mercer (2002), Frank Loesser (2003), Andrew Lloyd Webber (2004), Marvin Hamlisch and Harry Warren (2005), Betty Comden and Adolph Green (2006), Stephen Sondheim (2007) and Burt Bacharach (2008).

The Wilshire Theatre is located in Beverly Hills, CA, at 8440 Wilshire Blvd. For ticket information call (866) 679-0958 or visit www.stagela.com.

19th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Awards Gala

BEVERLY HILLS — The 19th annual Night of 100 Stars viewing party is the place to be on Sunday, February 22, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. The awards night gala, produced by super-agent and renowned poker player Norby Walters, is a black tie affair that includes a red carpet and a formal sit-down dinner where attendees can enjoy the Oscars.

Walters’s publicist Edward Lozzi, of Lozzi P.R., gave an update of the event to Canyon News and said that about 150-200 Academy members including leading actors and icons will walk down the red carpet, which is saturated with media outlets from local to international broadcasters. In fact, the media coverage is so large that the Beverly Hills Hotel had to supply a ballroom for the media alone. Everyone flocks to get a glimpse of the stars attending the second biggest red carpet aside from the Oscars!

An update of the celebrity attendees include Robert Loggia, James Cromwell, Hector Elizondo, Tony Shaloub, Dennis Hazewort, Steve Collins, Stefanie Powers, Mimi Rogers, Rob Schneider, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jennifer Tilly, Rosie Perez, Bo Derek, Eric Roberts, Lolita Davidovich, John Corbett, Camryn Manheim, Laura Dern, John Schneider, Dennis Haysbert, Sasha Cohen, Gerald McRainey and actress Jenna Jameson who is now retired from the adult entertainment industry. The special guests to appear amid the various stars are pilot Chelsey B. Kellenberger and his wife who were invited for a very special Oscar weekend! Kellenberger is a real-world hero whose fast actions saved many during the Hudson River crash.

So what is it like to attend an Oscar viewing party like the prestigious Night of 100 Stars? According to Lozzi, there are two parties going on at the same time: the cocktail party for those who would like to mingle at the bar and talk, and the sit-down dinner for those who purchased the $1000 ticket. Each table is equipped with its own screen.

“When a commercial breaks, all hell breaks loose! People take a restroom break, smoke breaks, and some even steal a kiss under the stars—it all happens…Then when the commercials are over everyone sits back down for some serious watching,” Lozzi said.

One fact remains certain, with a name like Night of 100 Stars, how can you go wrong?

The Brothers Gershwin: George and Ira! The 25th Annual S.T.A.G.E. Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event

The Brothers Gershwin: George & Ira
The 25th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) Honoring Michael Kearns

The longest continuously running AIDS benefit in the world, the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) has raised more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS services throughout Southern California. This year, enjoy two exciting performances of song and dance saluting legendary composers George and Ira Gershwin and benefiting APLA’s programs and services for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles and beyond. Bid on a range of offerings, including priceless musical memorabilia, during the event’s silent auction. David Galligan directs. Jerry Sternbach and Mary Ekler are the musical directors.

S.T.A.G.E. co-founder and award-winning actor Michael Kearns will receive the "2009 Producers STAGE Award" at the March 21 performance in recognition of his ongoing personal and professional commitment to and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Scheduled to appear: Ian Abercrombie, Allen Barton, Baul Point Pen: Paul Peglar & Ben McLain, Shoshana Bean, Mary Jo Catlett, Carole Cook, James Darren, Loretta Devine, Betty Garrett, John Glover, Lucas Grabeel, Sam Harris, Bill Hutton, Vicki Lewis, Kimberley Locke, Jon Maher, Pat Marshall, Valarie Pettiford, The Plaids: Roger Befeler, Stan Chandler, David Engel, & Larry Rabin, Stefanie Powers, Jai Rodriguez, Dee Wallace and others to be announced.

Location
The Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills
8440 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Dates:
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m. (Silent auction opens at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. (Silent auction opens at 1:30 p.m.)

For more information, please call 866.679.0958.

Rita Moreno, Stefanie Powers, Petula Clark and More Set for Rrazz Room Gala

San Francisco's Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko will hold a special charity gala in honor of its first anniversary at 7:30pm on Tuesday, March 17. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

The evening will be emceed by Jan Wahl. Entertainment will be provided by Rita Moreno, Petula Clark, Paul Williams, Stefanie Powers, Sally Kellerman, Paula West, Freda Payne, Linda Clifford, Edna Wright & Honey Cone, Valarie Pettiford, David Hernandez, Tim Hockenberry, Sony Holland, and Terese Genecco.

Tickets range from $75 to $175, and can be ordered by calling 866-468-3399 or visiting www.therrazzroom.com.

SP Will Not Appear, SP Will Appear

Stefanie will not be appearing at the Hollywood Collectors Show. She will be appearing at the AIDS Benefit in Los Angeles March 21 and 22.

Warner Bros. Romance Classics Collection

Parrish, Susan Slade, Rome Adventure, Palm Springs Weekend

Stefanie starred in Palm Springs Weekend. Click on link above for more info.

Stefanie Replaced in Pack of Lies

Stefanie has been replaced by Lorna Luft in Pack of Lies.

Stefanie to Appear in Pack of Lies

West End dream for local actress

A talented Co Derry girl who has rubbed shoulders with some of television's best known characters has landed a dream part in a West End show.

But Magherafelt-born Emma Kearney got her first taste of the business when she worked for a local TV station in Derry.

The 27-year-old lived and studied performance in Manchester and since graduating she has appeared in top soaps such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Now she has landed a dream role in one of the West End's more controversial shows which will be touring the UK this year.

A Pack of Lies, which is based on a true story, centres around a London family and their neighbours during the 1950s and 1960s.

"It will be my first West End job", says Emma, "I'm really excited.

"The audition came out of the blue and it took two months before I found out I got the job. I couldn't believe it. It happened really fast. I had to be in London five days later to start rehearsals and it's going great."

Emma plays a woman called Thelma in the play, which first opened in the West End in 1983 starring Judi Dench and Michael Williams as the Jacksons.

"The play was controversial when it first came out," said Emma, "It is a true story about Russian spies living in London and how they were found out. My character works for MI5.

"It is a brilliant job. My first big London theatre job. The director is an amazing man and the cast are lovely. We will be touring for eight weeks all over Britain. Then we'll go to the West End."

The play, which is a Bill Kenwright production, stars Jenny Seagrove and Stefanie Powers and will tour Britain for the next eight weeks.

Hollywood Collectors and Celebrities Show - Feb. 14 and 15

Click here for info on Stefanie's appearance.

Fairy godmother in permit mix-up

American actress Stefanie Powers missed her pantomime performance as the fairy godmother in Southampton when she was held up over a work permit mix-up.

The 66-year-old, who is starring in Cinderalla at the Mayflower Theatre, was detained by immigration officials at Heathrow on Wednesday.

She had flown in from Los Angeles but a copy of her work permit was lost and her passport unstamped.

The show's lawyers resolved the matter but Ms Powers missed her performance.

The actress, most famous for starring in the US show Hart to Hart, said: "I am delighted to have returned to Southampton even though there was a slight delay checking my fairy credentials by British immigration.

"It may have been inevitable, but how many fairy godmothers can they deal with on a daily basis at this time of year?"

She is due back on stage later on Thursday.

A spokesman for the theatre said: "Ms Powers was stuck at Heathrow for over an hour and no amount of wand waving seemed to be able to magic her free from the ugly sisters of immigration and border control."

The actress had flown back to America on New Year's Eve because her 96-year-old mother was taken ill and subsequently died.

A spokeswoman for the UK Border Agency confirmed that a 66-year-old woman was questioned briefly and asked to prove her right to work in the UK.

Mayflower panto star Stefanie Powers stopped at Heathrow

The Mayflower’s Fairy Godmother has been denied access back into the UK by immigration officials today.

Despite attempts at wand waving, Stefanie Powers has been unable to persuade officials she needs to fly back to Southampton for tonight’s show.

Stefanie, best known for her role in US TV hit Hart to Hart, was traveling back to London from Los Angeles following the death of her mother.

Although initially granted entry when she first arrived for rehearsals for Cinderella: The Musical Pantomime late last year, it now appears Stefanie’s work permit has been lost.

Producers and lawyers are currently wrangling with the UK Border Agency and hope to have her back in time for tomorrow’s matinee performance.

Stefanie's Mother Is Gone

Julie passed away. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Stefanie.

Actress flies back to America as elderly mum is taken ill

HOLLYWOOD actress Stefanie Powers has pulled out of her role in the musical panto Cinderella at The Mayflower after her elderly mother was taken ill.

The big screen veteran, most famous for her role in 80s crime drama Hart to Hart, flew back to the USA to be by her mother’s bedside following her performance as the Fairy Godmother on New Year’s Eve.

Her understudy Grace Warner joins the all star cast including Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly and Craig McLachlan until Ms Powers returns next week.

A spokesman for The Mayflower said: “Stefanie Powers’ 96-year-old mother was taken into hospital back in the United States this week in a critical state.

“Stefanie flew out to be at her bedside following the New Year’s Eve performance of Cinderella, and she is hoping to be back in the pantomime next week.

“Her understudy, Grace Warner, who previously played the baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour, received a rapturous reception from the audience and left Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly and Craig McLachlan spellbound at her performance.

“Our sympathies are with Stefanie at this difficult time.”

Last month Ms Powers, 67, took time out of rehearsals to visit Marwell Zoo where two fans paid for her to sponsor an antelope.

The animal was named after Ms Powers, a keen conservationist, who set up the William Holden Wildlife Trust in memory of her husband.

Following Cinderella, which runs at The Mayflower until January 17, Ms Powers is staying in the UK, performing in the revival of Pack of Lies.

Cinderella, The Musical Pantomime, with Stefanie Powers, Opens in U.K. Dec. 9

Stefanie Powers, Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly and Craig McLachlan head the cast of one of the U.K.'s biggest Christmas spectacles, Cinderella, The Musical Pantomime, opening at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre Dec. 9 (following previews from Dec. 5), for a run to Jan. 17, 2009.

Powers, who plays the Fairy Godmother, is making her British panto debut in the show, though she has previously appeared on the U.K. stage in the West End premiere of the musical Matador. She is still best known for her role as Jennifer Hart, wife and crime-fighting partner to Robert Wagner, on the 1980s TV series "Hart to Hart." She recently toured the U.S. in a production of The King and I.

Biggins, who plays Buttons, won ITV's "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!" reality show in 2007. He has regularly appeared in pantos, and was seen as Baron Bomburst in the West End run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium.

Kelly, who was seen as the Wicked Witch in last year's Mayflower production of The Wizard of Oz, returns this year as one of the Ugly Sisters, playing opposite his actor son Matthew Rixon as his sibling.

McLachlan, best known for his appearances on the Australian soap operas "Neighbours" and "Home and Away," has appeared in the West End in Grease and previously at the Mayflower in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and White Christmas.

The title role of Cinderella is played by Rachel Stanley, who also appeared at the Mayflower in White Christmas and was Truly Scrumptious in the 2008 tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

To book tickets contact the box office at 02380 711811 or visit www.mayflower.org.uk.

Stefanie Powers to Appear on Paul O'Grady

For you UK fans, Stefanie Powers will be on The Paul O'Grady Show on Channel 4 on Monday, November 17 at 5 pm. Presumably this will be to promote the panto she is doing this year.

Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Soundtrack Available on CD

Click here for details.

Stars brave storm to attend Twinight bashStars brave storm to attend Twinight bash

Holy Hanna, Batman! Was that really you sharing cocktails and mango lobster hors d'oeuvres with J.R. Ewing, the Incredible Hulk and two-thirds of the gang from "Three's Company" in Centre Island?

By thunder it was. An eclectic mix of a dozen stars, from '60s Hitchcock heroine Tippi Hedren to "Married With Children's" David Faustino didn't let a little wind and rain keep them from descending Saturday night on Twinight, the multimillion-dollar manse of businessman Richard Baron Cohen (no relation to Sacha) to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Cold Spring Harbory Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.

"I wanted a good mix of people," said Baron Cohen, who's also a member of the trout rearing facility and environmental education center's board of trustees. "Adam West I've met several times, and my wife was a competitive bodybuilder once, so that's how I knew Lou Ferrigno. My mother loves Larry Hagman, so I asked him."

Guests also got to see the reunion of Joyce DeWitt and Priscilla Barnes from "Three's Company" as well as Hagman and Cindy Williams, she of "LaVerne & Shirley" fame.

"I did a movie for Larry that he directed called 'Beware! The Blob' and I played a girl who got eaten by the Blob," Williams said.

All of the celebrities on hand, including "Mr. ChiPS" Erik Estrada, who arrived late because of the storm, Emmy winner Ed Asner and '80s TV sex symbols Morgan Fairchild and Stefanie Powers, were asked because of their involvement in other green projects.

The stars, none of whom live on Long Island, were paid to attend the $250-a-plate gala. Some, such as Hedren, who operates the Shambala Preserve for wildlife in Acton, Calif., were familiar with the work of the hatchery. "Preserving animals and the environment is something that always has to be considered, to be aware of, to be thoughtful about. Otherwise, we are on a collision course," Hedren said.

For some, coming to Long Island wasn't just a socially conscious journey but a trip down memory lane. "I've sailed across from Larchmont to Oyster Bay and spent the night at your lovely yacht club," Powers said. "My boyfriend has a boat there and he sails and races up and down the Eastern seaboard."

Ferrigno also is no stranger to the area. "I was always involved with Long Island fishermen. I grew up in Brooklyn, but I used to come here to meet girls when I was 19 and 20," Ferrigno said.

Asner, as curmudgeonly as his TV alter ego Lou Grant, was more direct about why he attended: "I was asked, I was informed, and I hope to think that I'm an environmentalist. And I had nothing to do."

Stefanie Powers Featured in Donruss Americana II

ARLINGTON, TX – In the true spirit of Hollywood , Donruss presents a sequel to its successful Americana trading card set which tapped into the world of entertainment, politics, sports and pop-culture. Donruss Americana II, released on July 16, includes even more heavy hitters from film, sports, history, classic television and pop culture, to truly capture the flavor of America ’s rich and storied history. Each four-card pack (SRP $40) offers collectors the chance to uncover autographs or memorabilia cards.

The base set features 100 common cards and is deep in star power such as John Wayne, George HW Bush, Buzz Aldrin, Jake LaMotta, Marilyn Monroe, John Cusack, Jackie Chan, Willie Mays and 30 of the hottest new Mixed Martial Arts fighters.

Each of the 100 cards is also presented in a variety of numbered parallel sets, including autographed versions and memorabilia cards featuring a swatch of the star’s clothing. As a result fans can collect up to ten different cards from many of the stars.

Other Donruss Americana II program highlights include:

• Hollywood Legends Card Set: This 25-card set is comprised of Tinseltown’s greatest in the shape of multi-swatch and combo cards. Hollywood legends John Wayne, Johnny Weismuller, Douglas Fairbanks, Burt Lancaster, Gary Cooper, Montgomery Clift, and Judy Garland are all found within the set.

• The Co-Stars Signatures: 15 different cards with less than 50 of each signed by such duos as George HW Bush/Barbara Bush; Burt Reynolds/Angie Dickinson; Married with Children’s Christina Applegate/David Faustino; Kurt Russell/Goldie Hawn; and Different Strokes stars Gary Coleman/Todd Bridges; Hart to Hart’s Robert Wagner/Stefanie Powers.

• Headliners: Autographed cards and memorabilia cards highlighting important accomplishments including George HW Bush (elected President); Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11); Jake LaMotta (1949 World Champion); Hank Aaron (Home Run King); Willie Mays (4 Home Run game on 4-30-61).

• Stardom Triple Signature series is made-up of five different cards with famous trios such as Batman’s Adam West/Burt Ward/Lee Meriwether; and game show hosts Bob Eubanks/Chuck Woolery/Peter Marshall among others.

• The Hollywood Legends Materials features 25 different cards, numbered 1-500. The set has swatches of clothing from Tinseltown greats John Wayne, Johnny Weismuller, Gary Cooper, and others. (same as above)

• Ring Kings – The first trading cards, autographed cards and memorabilia cards of 30 of the top MMA fighters including: Randy Couture, George St. Pierre, Forrest Griffin, Urijah Faber and Gina Carano.

Hollywood Actress Preserves African Legacy of Late Film Star

Listen to interview

Hollywood actress Stefanie Powers is keeping alive the African legacy of the late film star William Holden, who established a well known game ranch and sanctuary in Kenya. Powers is president of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, and she spoke with VOA's Mike O'Sullivan about her work on behalf of animal conservation in East Africa.

On the slopes of Mt. Kenya, thousands of schoolchildren arrive throughout the year at the William Holden Wildlife Education Center, where they learn about the animal and plant life of the region.

The center, which is adjacent to the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, carries on the legacy of Hollywood actor William Holden. He fell in love with East Africa after going on safari there in the 1950s.

In 1959, he became co-owner of a famous resort, renaming it the Mt. Kenya Safari Club, and in the 1960s he and his partners set up the Mt. Kenya Game Ranch. Within a few years, it would house a sanctuary for orphaned animals.

After Holden's death in 1981, his partners and actress Stefanie Powers co-founded the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, which operates the educational center. She says it re-introduces African students to nature away from Kenya's bustling towns and cities.

"We do not allow boom boxes. We do not allow portable telephones. That all is left at the door," she says. "This is a natural experience. It is for students to come and understand nature, and to do so, you cannot have headphones on."

There are 37 species of wildlife on the preserve adjacent to the center, and the foundation offers programs on animal conservation and environmental protection. Powers says it also reaches out to youngsters through the schools.

"We combine our curricula, which is specifically adjusted to their level of education and understanding, as well as onsite programs, which we install, such as lessons on composting, what to do with biodegradable waste, how to create agro-forestry, where trees and crops can be grown harmoniously in a companion planting method where nitrogen-producing plants can actually enhance the soil." she said.

Powers divides her time between Hollywood and Kenya, and says her globe-trotting activism comes naturally. When she was a child, her family collected exotic birds and her stepfather bred racehorses. As a young woman, she owned dogs and acquired her own exotic animal, a Malaysian Sun Bear.

She recalls breaking the news to her boyfriend, who later became her husband.

"It was really not my most subtle moment," she says. "The little bear was in the kitchen playing with my Yorkshire Terrier. My boyfriend came home and I poured him a very stiff drink, and I said, 'You like bears, do not you?' I very subtly broke the ice."

Her fascination with animals outlasted her marriage. She was divorced in the early 1970s and found a new love in her life, one of Hollywood's top stars, William Holden. He had appeared in nearly 80 movies, including the classic war films Bridge on the River Kwai and Stalag 17, for which he won an Oscar. At this point in his life, he spent much of his time in Kenya.

Powers says that even before she met him, she loved to travel.

"I consumed every bit of free time I had by going off to some place, and I spent a lot of time in Central and South America, and Mexico," she says. "And I had traveled extensively through North Africa. But I had never been to sub-Saharan Africa, and certainly not to East Africa, which is where the game was. So Bill introduced me to his part of Africa, as he used to call it. And I was already in love with the man, so it was very easy to be in love with where he hung his hat."

Powers has appeared in films and on television since she was a teenager in the 1950s. She is best known for the popular series Hart to Hart, in which she costarred with Robert Wagner, playing husband and wife detectives, from 1979 to 1984.

But she has always spent time at her second home in Kenya, and has even been adopted by the local Kikuyu people. She says Africa is her passion, as it was for a British adventurer she once portrayed in a television movie.

"Oh, gosh, I guess I was bitten by the bug," she says. "And it is beyond me, now. I am helpless. It is part of my cells. You know, I think it was Beryl Markham who wrote, 'I will always remember Africa, but will Africa remember me?' I do not think Africa will remember me, but I will always remember Africa."

She says that whether working with preservation groups in Hollywood or with youngsters at Mt. Kenya, she is helping endangered species in a part of the world she loves.

George Hamilton's book party

It was a crush of crepey cleavage and vintage Hollywood royalty Thursday night at George Hamilton’s book party at Il Cielo in Beverly Hills. We nibbled on porcini ravioli and tiny lambchops from hand-grown, organically fed micro sheep. We swilled house Chianti and watched as vintage 1980s television superstars paraded, air-kissed and lined up for photo ops.

There was leonine Loni Anderson, newly remarried and glowing behind her majestic cheekbones. She spooned chicly shagged and laid-back Stefanie Powers, who cocked a knee beside Linda Gray, still radiant nearly 20 years post-“Dallas.” Plumped lips curled into super-pro camera smiles all around. New York publishing lackeys watched in awe; this is why it’s good to hold Book Expo America in L.A.: star power, baby.

Suddenly the crowd parted and there was Hamilton himself, radiant in a bespoke suit and his signature 500-watt smile. His hair was shellacked to perfection, his teeth adazzle, skin burnished to the sheen of a fine, old wallet. The man, on the brink of 70, is still a total chick magnet. Women of all ages flocked to him, pulling wee cameras from tiny evening bags and jockeying for a photo, letting their hands linger in his as he smiled down at them.

It was an anticipatory party for his October book, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” an intimate look at behind-the-scenes Hollywood, and if his ghostwriter (William Stadiem) did his job right, it should be a pip. Hamilton was at the "Cleopatra" wrap party where Richard Burton declared his love for Elizabeth Taylor in front of Eddie Fisher; he witnessed one of Judy Garland’s suicide attempts and, apparently, skinny-dipped with JFK (giving new meaning to the phrase “I knew John F. Kennedy and you’re no John F. Kennedy").

“I came on the scene in the '50s, and I didn’t want to be stuck in that plastic era,” Hamilton told me as I tried to stay focused on his words and not be hypnotized by his animal magnetism. “I wanted to write about what really happened.” He was inspired by David Niven’s books “The Moon’s a Balloon” and “Bring on the Empty Horses,” which brought the insider Hollywood memoir to a giddy new level in the 1970s.

There’s hope for similar fun from "Don't Mind If I Do" because Hamilton clearly knows everyone -- and is in on the joke about himself. The promotional goody bag was an assemblage of personalized M&Ms, sunglasses and exotic tanning products. The book's cover photo has him posed in a leopard-skin chair, in ascot, nonchalantly gesturing toward the camera. He has a reality show in the works, also called “Don’t Mind if I Do,” in which he freeloads his way around the world on his charm and good looks without ever having to touch money.

In this new age of the stubbled, rude and tattooed, Hamilton is old guard Hollywood. Back in the 1950s, Hamilton told me, his idols were Rudolph Valentino and the Duke of Windsor. “I was 30 years out of date back then!”

Stefanie Powers Honored

Warren Cowan PR presented a Hollywood Salute to Veterans on Armed Forces Day, as Wayne Newton and Hollywood’s USO Entertainers are honored at the launch of Step Up 4 Vets, a non-profit organization benefiting Veterans. The Peace One Earth Medallion, designed by Step Up 4 Vets founder Patricia Kennedy, was unveiled.

Los Angeles, CA, May 23, 2008 -- The stars came out on Armed Forces Day to attend a benefit promoted by Warren Cowan PR at the Beverly Hills home of Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets and the designer of the Peace One Earth Medallion. Wayne Newton received the first Peace One Earth Medallion, and Stefanie Powers and Kate Linder were honored for their years of service to the USO. Brigadier General Michael R..S. Teilman, Executive Director of the USO of the Greater Los Angeles Area, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In addition, legendary Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and World War II veteran and actor Hugh O’Brian (who at age 17 was the youngest Drill Sergeant in Marine Corps history) were honored.

The visual highlight was an aviation presentation from The Condor Squad of six vintage World War II planes flying over the home in the lost man formation. Other highlights included speeches from Congressman Bob Tilner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and Shad Meshad, founder of the National Veterans Foundation.

Special presentations were made to the many Veterans in attendance, including four who recently returned from Iraq: SSgt. Paul McQuigg (Marines), HM1 Aaron Q. Seibert (Navy), HN Phillip A. Mishaga (Navy) and Cameron White. A special presentation was made on behalf of Mark Metherell, the former Navy Seal who was recently killed in Iraq. Accepting for the Metherell family were his parents Alex and Pamela Metherell, sister Alison Metherell, and former Navy Seal and friend of Mark Metherell, Tony Duchi.

Towards the end of the evening, all guests were presented with Peace One Earth Medallions, which were designed by Patricia Kennedy and which will be available to the public via the www.peaceoneearth.com website. A portion of the proceeds of these medallions, which the public is encouraged to purchase and inscribe to honor Veterans they may wish to recognize, will go towards Step Up 4 Vets (www.stepup4vets.org), a non-profit organization aiding returning vets as the readjust, redirect and rebuild their civilian lives.

Hollywood Star Joins Panto at The Mayflower

HART TO HART star Stefanie Powers is joining Matthew Kelly and starring alongside Christopher Biggins in Cinderella, The Musical Pantomime at The Mayflower this Christmas.

Christopher Biggins was crowned king of the jungle 2007 in ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Biggins has had a long and varied career in television, film and theatre having appeared in numerous pantomimes across the country; he also appeared in the West End as Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He will be playing Buttons at The Mayflower.

Matthew Kelly returns following his critically acclaimed performance as the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz at The Mayflower last Christmas. Donning a dress once more, and accompanied by his son Matthew Rixon, they will be playing the ugly sisters.

Stefanie Powers is a veteran of over 200 television and film appearances as well as the star of massive 1980s TV hit Hart to Hart and will be making wishes come true as the fairy godmother. She recently played Anna in The King and I on tour throughout America.

Cinderella, The Musical Pantomime will be a brand new production specifically designed for The Mayflower theatre featuring spectacular sets and costumes. Unlike other Christmas shows and pantomimes across the country Cinderella will have a full orchestra in the pit.

The Mayflower has again teamed up with Michael Rose and Chris Moreno, the producers of The Wizard of Oz, last year's box office record-breaking Mayflower Christmas show, and White Christmas, to present a delightful star studded new production for all the family.

This magical tale of rags to riches will be brought to life before your eyes in a dazzling musical feast of a show. Cinderella must battle against sinister stepsisters and a murderous stepmother with a little help from Buttons and her fairy godmother. When the clocks chime midnight, will all her dreams come true?

n Cinderella, The Musical Pantomime runs from December 5 to January 17.

Box office: 023 8071 1811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.

Attn: British H2H Fans

Hi Meredy,

I'm Dave - I work for So television in London. We're making the Graham Norton show and we're looking for Hart to Hart fans to come and join our audience for the programme. Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers will be Graham's guests on Wednesday the 30th of April in London. If anyone is interested in being in our audience we would love them to e mail me at davec@sotelevision.co.uk or call me on 02079602046.

Would you be able to advise me where would be a good place to find fans of the show in Britain?

Thanks,
Dave

Dave Coulson | Researcher
The Graham Norton Show
t: 02079602046
e: DaveC@sotelevision.co.uk
So Television, 18 Hatfields, London, SE1 8GN

APLA Blames It On Bacharach

Wow! Here's another fabulous event for you music lovers to go to.

Blame It On Bacharach! - The 24th Annual S.T.A.G.E. Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event on March 8th and 9th at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills.

The longest continuously running AIDS benefit in the world, the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), has raised more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS services throughout Southern California. This year, enjoy two exciting performances of song and dance saluting legendary pianist and composer Burt Bacharach and benefiting APLA programs and services.

Scheduled to appear: Catte Adams, Carole Cook, Rita Coolidge, Nancy Dussault, Betty Garrett, Daniel Gurwin, Vicki Lewis, Pat Marshall, Marilyn Maye, Maureen McGovern, Donna McKechnie, Linda Michele, Adam Pascal, Valarie Pettiford, The Plaids, Stefanie Powers, Gene Reed and Jai Rodriguez. David Galligan directs.

Guests can also bid on a range of offerings including priceless musical memorabilia during the event’s silent auction.

To purchase tickets online or learn more, please click HERE. Or for more information, call (866) 679-0958.