Arts

While translating for Japanese tourists on a boat in Hawaii, Leah Warshawski learned about the ocean, knowledge she later used in film production.

Arts

Dolphins, Pirates And David Hasselhoff: Breaking Into TV At Sea

11:47pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

Leah Warshawski's big break happened on a boat excursion in Hawaii. While translating for Japanese tourists, she met the producer of Baywatch. She's been using her marine knowledge ever since.

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Arts

Danny Trejo: From The Big House To The Big Screen

11:44pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

Trejo is famous for playing rough, macho tough guys. A distinctive tattoo helped him get his first role, as a convict. He was perfect for the part: Before he was in movies, Trejo was in prison.

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After college, Geena Davis got a job at an Ann Taylor clothing store. Then she noticed an empty chair in a window display, and she decided to sit down and freeze. "I was a live mannequin," she says.

Arts

From Mannequin To Actor: Geena Davis' 'Ridiculous, Ridiculous' Break

11:41pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

Geena Davis has played unforgettable roles in movies like Beetlejuice and A League of Their Own. But before her acting debut in Tootsie, she worked at a clothing store in window displays.

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Tyrone Bogues had a passion for basketball at an early age. Growing up in Baltimore's Lafayette projects, he earned the nickname "Muggsy" for his scrappy, aggressive defense.

Sports
Arts

No Small Feat: The NBA's Shortest Player Never Gave Up

11:41pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

At 5 foot 3, Muggsy Bogues holds the record as shortest player in NBA history. Criticism of his height started on the basketball courts of the Baltimore projects and continued well into his career.

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Betty White (left) stands alongside actor Eddie Albert in front of the a KLAC-TV camera during a broadcast of the live talk show, 'Hollywood on Television,' in 1952.

Arts

Betty White, The Golden Girl From The Golden Days Of Television

11:41pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

The Hot in Cleveland actress got her start over 60 years ago on a live TV show called Hollywood on Television. Now she's 92 years old, but she says that's no reason to quit show business.

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Arts

James Earl Jones: From Stutterer To Janitor To Broadway Star

11:40pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

The 83-year-old was once a farm kid who didn't want to talk. Today, the unmistakable stage and screen actor (not to mention the voice of Darth Vader) still calls himself a "journeyman actor."

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Tony Little calls himself America's Personal Trainer. He was first inspired to produce workout videos after an injury left him largely homebound, and he saw Jane Fonda's exercise program on TV.

Arts

After Injury, Tony Little Told Himself: 'You Can Do It!'

11:40pm August 02, 2015

by Daniel Hajek

The muscle man with the ponytail was once on track to become Mr. America. But a car accident shattered Tony Little's hopes of competing. Just when he hit rock bottom, he got a life-changing idea.

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Conan O'Brien's been sued by a comedy writer who alleges he's been stealing jokes. But journalist Larry Getlen warns not to assume the worst: In the world of topical comedy, similar jokes are bound to arise.

Arts

Caught In The Act: Joke-Stealing In The Age Of Twitter

7:03pm August 02, 2015

by NPR Staff

When comics tell jokes about the news, they're bound to come up with similar punch lines. But comedy writer Larry Getlen says that, while joke theft does happen, it's still rare.

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The documentary Back On Board follows the career of four-time Olympic champion Greg Louganis.

Sports
Arts

'Who Am I Without My Sport?' Greg Louganis On Life After Olympics

7:03pm August 02, 2015

by NPR Staff

The documentary Back On Board traces the highs and lows of the star diver's career, the turmoil he faced as a gay, HIV-positive athlete — and the identity crisis that he experienced after retirement.

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Jon Stewart's Private White House Meetings

6:37pm August 02, 2015

Comedian Jon Stewart was called to the White House on at least two occasions for private meetings with President Obama, according to Politico. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with reporter Darren Samuelsohn.

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