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:
This 1955 song is one of the best ever recorded
Written by Alex North and Hy Zaret in 1955, this song is one of the most iconic ever, with its influence spanning decades.
Originally performed by Todd Duncan, it has since been covered by over 670 artists in different languages, but The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 version brought it lasting fame.
Their rendition is often considered the definitive version, with its soaring vocals and emotional depth capturing listeners around the world.
The song’s emotional intensity, highlighted by its powerful high notes, continues to resonate with listeners.
On a video of the song, which has reached 76 million views, one fan even commented: “I swear I can feel the chills going up and down my back when he hits those high notes. I feel like crying knowing that this amazing man is gone.”
In addition to The Righteous Brothers, Elvis Presley also gave Unchained Melody a new dimension when he performed it live.
Elvis, known for his versatility and charisma, added his own emotional weight to the song during his later years, captivating audiences with his impassioned delivery.
His version has helped the song maintain its timeless appeal and secure a place in pop culture history.
Elvis’ impact on Unchained Melody cannot be overstated. His influence not only kept the song in the limelight but also expanded its reach to new audiences.
His live renditions became legendary, proving his unique ability to make any song his own.
Even today, both The Righteous Brothers’ and Elvis’ versions keep the song alive, making it one of the most beloved ballads of all time!
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