The story of Earl Holliman’s journey to Hollywood is one of aspiration and perseverance. In 1943, Holliman was 14 years old and adamant about wanting to be a movie star.
Raised in Oil City and Mooringsport, rather than Shreveport as is frequently stated, he traveled via a number of locations before arriving in Hollywood.
He first went to see relatives in Camden, Arkansas, and from there he bused himself to Texarkana. He took a rideshare to Hollywood from there.
Holliman had worked the night shift at a diner close to Barksdale Air Force Base and as a theater usher, so he had saved some money. A serviceman he met at the cafe even gave him a lead on a place to stay, which turned out to be in El Monte, California, a good distance from Hollywood. Looking back on his trip, Holliman acknowledges that it was a dangerous decision that wouldn’t be prudent in the modern day.
DAILY LIFE IN HOLLYWOOD
After his initial try in Hollywood failed, Holliman made a quick trip back home before deciding to serve in the Navy. But his desire to be a movie star never went away. Later on, he went back to Los Angeles to continue his education at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Pasadena Playhouse.
Holliman’s perseverance was rewarded. With parts in “Giant” (1956), “Forbidden Planet,” “The Rainmaker,” and “The Sons of Katie Elder,” he amassed an amazing reel of cinematic credits. Additionally, he gained recognition for his television appearances, most notably in “Police Woman” with Angie Dickinson and in “The Thorn Birds” with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward.
Holliman remembers his Hollywood days fondly, especially his first morning there. Wearing dark glasses and a silk shirt with short sleeves, he strutted in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, wondering if anyone thought he was a celebrity. The naive hopes of youth were present in that moment.
Check out the image below to see Earl Holliman’s current age of 95:
Saleslady Kicks Poor Old Woman Out of Luxury Store, Cop Brings Her Back Later
This story is a touching example of how kindness, empathy, and resilience can transform an ordinary moment into something life-changing. Kerry’s dedication to her granddaughter, Anne, shines through as she goes to great lengths to make Anne’s prom special, despite her limited means. The story takes an unexpected turn when George, a compassionate young apprentice officer, steps in, demonstrating that there are always people willing to help and stand up for what’s right.
The twist at the end, with George becoming Anne’s date and later her husband, is heartwarming and poetic. It reinforces Kerry’s belief that sometimes, all it takes is a single moment—like prom night—to change the course of someone’s life. Their eventual marriage symbolizes the unexpected rewards of standing up for loved ones and never letting unjust situations go unchallenged.
Kerry’s bravery in the face of adversity, George’s genuine kindness, and Anne’s eventual joy highlight how genuine connections and empathy can lead to beautiful outcomes, even in the face of prejudice. This tale reminds us that family, love, and small acts of bravery can pave the way for life’s most meaningful moments.
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