Grease

CHICAGO – In the strange old days of three TV Networks and the fan-based crossovers that would come out of it, there was Gerald “Kookie” Kookson the Third of the ABC-TV show “77 Sunset Strip” (1958-1964). Kookie loved rock ’n roll, hair combing and cracking wise like a beatnik. For some reason, he became a break out star and full partner in the private investigation office of the title.

CHICAGO – John Travolta continues to surprise by challenging himself in offbeat roles. His latest is “The Fanatic,” which had its nationwide release on August 30th. To promote the film and greet admirers, Travolta stopped by the Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago, and Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com shot an Exclusive Photo.

CHICAGO – The “Canuck Girls” have hit town, and they brought a lively, passionate and super fun musical about relationships and the environment to CIMMFest! Toronto-based writer/musician/actor/director Jude Klassen created “Love in the Sixth,” and it plays out at the 2016 festival on Sunday, April 17th (3:45p) at the Logan Theatre in Chicago. Click here for complete details.

CHICAGO – Debbie Gibson was the youngest recording artist – at 17 years old – to write, produce and perform a number one hit (“Foolish Beat” in 1988), and her songs were the soundtrack to that era’s teen generation. HollywoodChicago.com caught up with the candid Ms. Gibson at the “Hollywood Show” Chicago.

LOS ANGELES – It’s a pioneering TV show practically lost to history. Sid Caesar hosted and performed in “Your Show of Shows,” a 90 minute live 1950s sketch comedy program, and also helped to launch a who’s who of 20th Century comedy. Coming out of his writer’s rooms were such comic greats as Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, Carl Reiner and Woody Allen. Sid Caesar died February 12th at his home near Los Angeles, according to a newsfeed from Larry King on Twitter.

CHICAGO – Two performers who made their marks during the latter days of the 1970s, and into the ‘80s are singer/actor Rex Smith and adult film star Seka. Even though they took different roads in their show business journey, they both were notable around the same time.

CHICAGO – Get on your dancing shoes before you hit the floor for the latest version of the toe-tapping Blu-Ray Round-Up, a special edition with three beloved flicks from the ’70s and ’80s with musical beats.