 | | Johnny Grant & Victoria Secret's Angels | |
The community of Hollywood said goodbye to Johnny Grant - for a quarter of a century Hollywood's Honorary Mayor. Johnny had just returned from his 60th overseas US tour to bring cheer to American troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Johnny always managed to bring gorgeous gals along with him to entertain the troops, and many of them were at the Pantages Theater to pay him tribute. Among the legendary beauties were Rhonda Fleming, Mamie Van Doren, and Angie Dickinson. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called Grant, "a great icon of Los Angeles, and Hart to Hart star, Stefanie Powers said, "There just won't be anyone like him again".
 | | Michael Teilmann with photo of the late Johnny Grant at his Memorial | |
Grant was master of ceremonies at more than 500 Hollywood Walk of Fame star unveilings and traveled with Bob Hope to entertain troops in four wars. There were scads of young servicemen and women, as well as many veterans of the Korean and World War ll in attendance. The most effective moment occurred when all members of the armed forces were invited to stand and present a farewell salute to Johnny. Kudos to his best friend, Michael Teilmann (Executive Director of the USO) for a fitting tribute to a great showman and patriot.
 | | Lee Merriweather (Catwoman) with Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) | |
Coincidently, a few nights later, we attended the Hollywood Arts Council Charlie Awards at the Jim Henson Studios, which was dedicated to Grant. Over $100,000 was raised to promote nurture and support the arts, and revitalize the community of Hollywood. KABC TV's George Pennaccio emceed the star-studded show, which honored Bob Mackie (Inaugural Fashion Arts Award), The Hollywood Wax Museum (Entertainment Arts Award) and the Blank Theatre Company to name a few. Some of the presenters included Connie Stevens, Mitzi Gaynor (who was one of Mackie's favorite clients), and beauty queen, Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) posing prettily here with another former Miss America, Lee Merriweather (Catwoman).
 | | Charlene Tilton at Hollywood Arts Council | |
Nyla Arslanian, President of the Council, who danced with joy when she received the community Arts Award stated, "Tonight's event was the perfect way to celebrate our 30th Anniversary, and to set the stage for the future of Hollywood.
 | | Oscar & Nila Arslanian, Bob Mackie & Mitzi Gaynor | |
We enjoyed speaking to adorable Charlene Tilton, former Dallas Star, who told us she has bought the rights to the Tammy Faye Baker story. She was a good friend of the deceased evangelist, and will be perfect for the role. Also chatted with award winning composer (Rocky) Carol Connors, who has been an avid supporter of the Hollywood Arts Council for ages.
 | | Carol Connors at Leprabun Soiree |
Carol is seen here in her Leprabun finery, at a soiree she hosted at Chaya Brasserie. What is a leprabun you ask? It is a combo of St. Patrick's Day and Easter, where one can be dressed in Green with Envy, or Pretty in Pink. Among the ladies invited to this lovely luncheon, were Leyla Milani (Deal or No Deal), Deanna Lund (Land of the Giants) and Kate Linder (The Young & the Restless),
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