Hello, good people. I hope your weekend is going well. Here at the ‘Disco the 1970s-related stories have been piling up. Read on for a collection of articles you may find fascinating regarding the original cast of Star Wars, comedian and ventriloquist act, Willie Tyler and Lester, recent passings of 70s-era notables and more.
Ford, Fisher, Hamill in talks for new ‘Star Wars’
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. (‘Star Wars,’ 1977)
According to Reuters (and others) it’s looking good that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will be reprising their roles and appearing in Disney’s recently-announced Star Wars sequels.
Reuters Quote:
“Disney bought George Lucas’ Lucasfilm company in October 2012 for $4.05 billion, and announced three new installments of the widely popular ‘Star Wars’ franchise, which has grossed more than $4.4 billion at the global box office. Fans of the franchise have been eager to know whether any of the original cast members would be back.”
An Interview with Willie Tyler and Lester
Willie Tyler & Lester on ‘The Jeffersons,’ 1978 (Photo: Classic Television Showbiz)
Do you remember comedian and ventriloquist Willie Tyler and his “partner” Lester? Willie & Lester were regulars on Laugh-In, made guest appearances on a number of 70s TV shows including; The Jeffersons (1978), Lola! (1976) and The Electric Company (1972-73) and even appeared in the film Coming Home (1978). Kliph Nesteroff at Classic Television Showbiz has a wonderful, two-part interview with a pleasantly non-bitter Tyler that you’ll enjoy reading.
Classic Television Showbiz Quote:
“Kliph Nesteroff: You were on The Flip Wilson Show a few times.
Willie Tyler: Yes, I have a photo of myself with Flip Wilson. I did his show and the picture has Lester and I with Flip and Flip is holding another ventriloquist figure. The ventriloquist figure that he had was actually my extra Lester and they dressed him up in drag like Geraldine.”
Recent Passings of 70s-Era Notables
Bonnie Franklin, ‘One Day at a Time’ TV intro, 1976
Bonnie Franklin, actress, One Day at a Time
Cleotha Staples of the Staple Singers
Alvin Lee, guitarist for Ten Years After
Damon Harris of The Temptations
Richard Street of The Temptations
Frank Pooler, teacher and musical adviser for The Carpenters
Stuart Freeborn, Star Wars Makeup and creature effects icon
Michael Winner, film director, Death Wish
Taiho, dominating sumo wrestling champion
Other 70s-related stories you may wish to read:
Luke Skywalker’s house – Rä di Martino’s best photograph
The Tale of the Forgotten Cristy Bar! at CollectingCandy.com