Bob Barry's Unearthed Interviews Bob Barry

Susan Anton had a 35-year a career as a singer and actress. She received a Golden Globe nomination for “Golden Girl” and that led to a contract for her own variety show on NBC. She performed with Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., and Kenny Rogers. She also had a top ten country song “Killing Time.” Susan has appeared on “Baywatch,” “Law and Order,” “Night Court” and appeared more than 30 times on the Merv Griffin Show. But we seemed to be interested in the controversial Muriel cigar TV commercials she recorded.

What unusual tie does Vaughn Meader have to Milwaukee? Vaughn was a film actor, musician, comedian, and impersonator. He was best known for his number one album “The First Family,” a 1962 comedic take off on the Kennedys in the White House. “The First Family Volume Two” was also top 10. At the time volume one was the fastest selling album and won a Grammy for album of the year. Vaughn performed his Kennedy impersonation around the country, on TV and in nightclubs. And we played cuts from the album on the radio. When the president was assassinated in 1963, the album was pulled off the shelves and that part of Meader’s career was over. President Kennedy thought the album was funny, so on this the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birthday we bring Vaughn Meader and the first family to the podcast and he’ll tell us about that unusual tie to Milwaukee?

Bubba Smith was a defensive end in college and pro football. He was a star player for the Michigan State Spartans, one of six players to have his jersey retired by the university. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Bubba was the number one pick in the NFL/AFL draft. He was the Baltimore Colts starting left defensive end for five seasons, playing in Super Bowl III and V. It was in the 5th Super Bowl that he won his only bowl ring. His outstanding playing ability earned him a double-team. You might remember him from the TV commercials for Miller Lite with Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive star Dick Butkus. Bubba was best known for his role as Moses Hightower in the “Police Academy” movies. He published his autobiography, “Kill, Bubba, Kill” in 1983.

Did you ever think you would hear a Popeye podcast? Jack Mercer was a voice actor and one of his cartoon characters was Popeye the Sailor Man. He did Felix the Cat and others that he’ll talk about, and he’ll provide some samples. Jack also read the opening lines for the Popeye movie starring Robin Williams. Mercer’s first wife Margie Hines, was the voice of Olive Oyl. 

Actress Terry Moore was married five times, six, if you include her disputed marriage to eccentric business magnate Howard Hughes. She received a reported $350,000 settlement from the Hughes estate. Terry was nominated for an Oscar in “Come Back, Little Sheba” with co-star Burt Lancaster. She appeared in many films and TV programs including “Peyton Place,” “Love Boat,” “Batman” and “Murder She Wrote.” Terry posed nude in Playboy magazine at age 55. She’ll discuss that experience.

Hugh Downs was a radio and TV broadcaster into the late 1990s. He was Jack Paar’s sidekick on the “Tonight Show,” co-host on the “Today Show” and anchor on “20/20.” Hugh was also the announcer on the “Kuka, Fran and Ollie Show,” “Sid Caesar Hour” and the game show “Concentration.” Downs was very much involved in public service, including consultant to the United Nations refugee programs and on the board of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF. On his last 20/20 appearance, he was one of the first public figures to say that marijuana should be legalized.