Rhonda Fleming, film star of ’40s and ’50s, dies at 97
LOS ANGELES » Actress Rhonda Fleming, the fiery redhead who appeared with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Ronald Reagan and other film stars of the 1940s and 1950s has died. She was 97.
Fleming’s assistant Carla Sapon told The New York Times that Fleming died Wednesday in Santa Monica.
From her first film in color, “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court “(1949) with Bing Crosby, Fleming became immensely popular with producers because of her vivid hues. It was an attraction she would later regret.
“Suddenly my green eyes were green. My red hair was flaming red. My skin was porcelain white,” Fleming remarked in a 1990 interview. “There was suddenly all this attention on how I looked rather than the roles I was playing.
“I’d been painted into a corner by the studios, who never wanted more from me than my looking good and waltzing through a parade of films like ‘The Redhead and the Cowboy.’ “
Before Reagan entered politics, the actress costarred with him in “Hong Kong,” “Tropic Zone,” “The
Last Outpost” and “Tennessee’s Partner.”
“He surprised everyone because he never looked in a mirror,” she once said of Reagan. “How many actors can you say that about?”
Fleming possessed a fine singing voice, and later in her career sang onstage in Las Vegas and in a touring act.
In the big-studio era, many new personalities were publicized as having been discovered in quirky ways: Kim Novak while riding a bicycle past an agent’s office, Lana Turner spotted in a malt shop.
In Fleming’s case, young Marilyn Louis was reported to have been headed to class at Beverly Hills High School when a man followed her in a big black car and told her, “You ought to be in pictures.” She eluded him, but he turned up at her home and offered to be her agent.
Legend or not, at 19 Louis was awarded a sixmonth contract at the studio of David O. Selznick and a new name: Rhonda Fleming. She played a bit part in the 1944 wartime drama “Since You Went Away,” and then Alfred Hitchcock chose her to play a nymphomaniac in “Spellbound,” starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck.
“I rushed home, and my mother and I looked up ‘nymphomaniac’ in the dictionary,” she recalled. “We were both shocked.”
“Spellbound” led to another suspense film, “The Spiral Staircase,” in which she was strangled by the villain, George Brent. With Selznick concentrating on the career of his wife, Jennifer Jones, he lost interest in his contract players, and Fleming left the studio to freelance.
Her next films: “Abilene Town,” a Randolph Scott Western; “Out of the Past,” a film noir with Robert Mitchum; and “Adventure Island,” a tropics thriller starring Rory Calhoun.
She won a role in “A Connecticut Yankee,” a Crosby musical based on the Mark Twain story, after Deanna Durbin dropped out to retire to France. Crosby was so impressed that he recommended her to Bob Hope, with whom she starred in “The Great Lover.”
Ironically, the Crosby/ Hope films that established her as a luminary proved to be ones she was never able to top. She remained a star for 15 years, but except for the Lancaster-Douglas “Gunfight at the OK Corral,” most of her performances came in B pictures that exploited her looks.
Barbara June Haskell MacEvoy died peacefully at home with her family at about 2pm on Saturday, October 10, 2020. She was working on her 99th birthday, and as was one of her adamant last wishes, she got to vote.
Barbara was born in Culver City at home in a one room garage with what became a family of one daughter and 4 brothers. She was the middle child and could always hold her own with the boys. She never lost that spunk. She grew up in the Hollywood heyday, seeing many of the silent film stars on their way to and from the studios. She even had a great story about the ride offered to her one day - and refused - by that B actor Ronald Reagan. She married the love of her life John MacEvoy after he returned from the Pacific in WWII. They remained inseparable until his death in 2018.
Barbara volunteered for and was on the board of many groups in Humboldt, always one to give freely of her time and kindness. There are many who will remember her for that and she definitely left her mark on the public library and the arts. She cared for her parents and her brothers in their final days, as well as many friends. It was her family’s privilege to do the same for her.
She leaves behind a family forever grateful for her big heart and giving nature - son Bruce and his wife Jan, daughter Bonnie, the light-of-her-eyes grandsons Ross and Ryan and his wife Lucy, a multitude of cousins, and a grateful community.
There will not be a memorial service but if you wish to donate in her name, you could support her strong sense of justice, love of animals, and any library near you. And be sure to vote; she especially would want that. including basket weaving at San Francisco State University for the last several years of her life. While there she also worked, through the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, to have cultural and grave items held by the university, returned to tribal communities.
Kathy touched and influenced the lives of many friends, students and family members, in so many positive ways. She was a shining star to many as she shared her loving heart and creative and strong spirit with the world. She will be missed, but we will see her continue to shine above us and in our hearts.
Due to Covid-19, there will be no service at this time. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Kathy’s ashes will be buried in the Hoopa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send a small donation for the family, please send to: Edward Wallace at 3433 Norwalk Pl, Fairfield, CA 94534.
1941 - 2020
Kenneth Loren Davis flew to Heaven and met with God on Sunday, September 13th, 2020, after his long battle with Multiple Myeloma. He joined his mother, Ines Adina Davis and his father, Loren Austin Davis. Kenneth was born on April 20th, 1941 in Sacramento, CA.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara LaRae Davis of 36 years, and children; Michelle Parks (Ricky), Kristina Hochderffer (Kevin), Angelique Gray (Adam), and Kenneth Davis (Ryan). Kenneth is also survived by his sister JoAnn Dyer (Ralph), and nephews; Travis and Perry. He had 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Kenneth was an accomplished musician and attended Humboldt State University where he graduated in 1965 with a BA in Music. He and his cousin, Gary Coon performed in their band "Rhythm Kings" in 1958 and "The Ken Davis Quartet" from 1961 to 1965. After his graduation, he moved to Willits, CA and became a music teacher. Additionally, Kenneth developed the music program at the school district in Willits, CA.
In 1978, Kenneth moved to Redding, CA and in 1982 met the love of his life, Barbara Davis. Kenneth and Barbara were married on January 15, 1983. They raised 4 children; Michelle from a previous marriage, as well as, Kristina and Angelique, his stepdaughters. Kenneth and Barbara had their son, Kenny in 1985 in Orange County, CA.
Kenneth was an accomplished photographer. He later became a projectionist and sound engineer. Kenneth further received training at George Lucas’ Ranch with his exclusive team, assisting in the creation of the THX sound system and training at the Christie Laboratories in Canada.
Kenneth was an avid pilot and had a passion for flying. He flew his own Piper Arrow and Cessna 172 airplanes, teaching his middle daughter, Angelique to fly, as well as, traveling all over the country with his entire family. Kenneth loved music and played most woodwind instruments including, the saxophone, organ, and guitar.
Kenneth loved to travel all over the world including; South America, Egypt, Central America, Poland, and most time spent in Mexico. He also loved snow skiing, water skiing, riding his motorcycle, flying model airplanes, and boating.
Kenneth had a passion for life and will Forever be missed by all. We love you always! "Fly Free to the Moon!"
Due to CoVid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place in Spring 2021. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Cancer Society or local charity.
December 5, 1933 October 6, 2020
Pat Holzinger passed away at her home in Arcata on October 6, 2020. She was born in San Diego to her parents Mary and James Crock and was the eldest of six children. She attended Cathedral Girl’s High School and later graduated from San Diego State University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. During college she met Carl Henry Holzinger and they were wed in 1954. They then moved to Vista, California where they raised their three children, Chris, Claudia and Curt. Both were educators in the local school district and they remained in Vista until Carl’s death in 1982. Pat subsequently moved to Encinitas, California where she lived for 30 years before moving to Arcata in 2013.
As a teacher, Pat was empathetic, but also ‘no nonsense’. She often worked as a substitute teacher, and sometimes taught special needs children at their homes. She loved cooking, baking, dancing, skiing, going to performances, traveling, and playing both bridge and scrabble. In some circles she became known as “Scrabble Pat” for her love of that game.
During her life Pat traveled widely, first with Carl and the kids making frequent local trips to Mexico, Anza Borrego Desert and San Elijo State beach. For years, a summer ritual involved several families camping together for a week at the beach. The 5 o’clock parent happy hour sometimes attracted the attention of the park rangers! Before the kids went out on their own, the family traveled all over North America and Europe. Later she and Carl visited Mexico, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and the Caribbean.
After moving to Encinitas, Pat continued to travel with the local Ski Club making trips to Tahoe, Mammoth, and beyond; as well as a yearly boat house party on Lake Powell. She also traveled with close friends to places as diverse as China, Japan, Peru, and Argentina.
Pat loved the beach in Encinitas and generously shared her home there, hosting multiple parties, as well as just spending days together on the beach. She found great joy in her friends and large extended family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pat was a strong independent woman, who was also incredibly supportive and ready with advice and help.
Moving to Arcata allowed Pat to spend more time with family in the area, and to be closer as her great grandchildren grew up. She also supported and immersed herself in the performing arts, taking dance classes and attending any and every cultural event she could. She was fond of her close neighborhood, and happy while tending her sunny garden. Pat made several new friends in town and enjoyed hiking and exploring the North Coast with them.
Pat shared in the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Her strong spirit and presence will live on. She is survived by her daughter and sons, Claudia Holzinger (Von Tunstall), Chris Holzinger and Curt Holzinger; her grandchildren Melonie (Troy) Parrish, Carl Coates and Mateaus Tunstall; her great grandchildren Hunter, Mallory and Ashton Parrish; her sister Margaret (Duane) Adams; sister Michele Reed; and a wide circle of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are encouraged to view photos and to post memories and photos on her tribute wall at: www.Paulschapel.com. The family is planning to have a celebration of her life in Spring 2021.
Recognizing Pat’s generous spirit, the family suggests that any donations be made to Redwood Raks World Dance Studio in Arcata, where she attended classes and performances: www.redwoodraks.com.