My favorite classic actors

 

Classic Hollywood movies have always been a source of inspiration for many people. The glamour, the romance, and the drama have captivated audiences for decades. And, of course, the actors who brought these stories to life have become legends in their own right. Here are some of the most iconic classic actors that have left a lasting impression on the world of cinema.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic actresses of all time. Her beauty, charm, and talent made her a Hollywood legend. She starred in many classic films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"

Audrey Hepburn

Was a British actress and humanitarian who rose to fame during Hollywood's Golden Age. She was known for her elegant and sophisticated style, as well as her natural beauty and grace. Hepburn starred in many iconic films, including "Roman Holiday," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and "My Fair Lady," and won numerous awards for her performances. In addition to her successful acting career. Hepburn was also a dedicated humanitarian, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and working tirelessly to improve the lives of children around the world. Despite her untimely death in 1993, Hepburn's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.

Katherine Hepburn

was an iconic American actress known for her fierce independence and unconventional style. Born in 1907, she began her career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Hepburn was known for her sharp wit, intelligence, and strong personality, which often translated into her on-screen roles. She won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, a record that still stands today. Hepburn was also known for her personal life, which included a long-term relationship with actor Spencer Tracy. She continued to act well into her 80s, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most beloved and influential actresses.

Grace Kelly

Was an American actress who became a princess after marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Kelly began her acting career in the early 1950s and quickly gained recognition for her talent and beauty. She starred in several successful films, including "High Noon" and "Dial M for Murder," and won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "The Country Girl" in 1955. Kelly retired from acting after her marriage to Prince Rainier and devoted herself to her new role as Princess of Monaco. She was known for her elegance, poise, and philanthropic work, and became a beloved figure both in Monaco and around the world. Tragically, she died in a car accident in September 1982 Monaco. 

Ginger Rogers

was an American actress, dancer, and singer who rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is best known for her partnership with Fred Astaire in a series of musical films in the 1930s, where she showcased her incredible dancing skills and charm. Rogers was a versatile performer who also acted in dramatic roles, earning an Academy Award for her performance in the 1940 film "Kitty Foyle." She continued to work in film, television, and theatre, throughout her career, and was admired for her talent, beauty, and grace. Rogers remains an icon of Hollywood's golden era and a beloved figure in American popular culture.

Fred Astaire

Was an American ballroom dancer who also was an amazing actor to boot. He was born in 1899 and was in vaudeville from the age of 4. As a young man he headed to Hollywood and began to act too. His most famous dance partners include Ginger Roger who is mentioned above Judy Garland, Joan Crawford and Cyd Charisse. He died in 1987 at the age of 88 from pneumonia.

Gene Kelly

Another American actor who was a fabulous dancer who has been compared against Fred Astaire to who was the better dancer. He was a dancer, actor, singer and director He was born in 1912 and died in 1996 after a few strokes which slowly made his health decline.  

James Cagney

Similarly to Fred Astaire was born in 1899 and died in 1986. Even more like Fred, he was a dancer as well. But and his comedic ability and use of deadpan made him full of acclaim and win multiple awards.

Cary Grant

Born Archibald Alec Leach, was a legendary actor who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With his dashing good looks, impeccable charm, and effortless sophistication, Grant became an icon of classic Hollywood glamour. His career spanned over three decades, during which he starred in numerous memorable films, including "North by Northwest," "To Catch a Thief," and "An Affair to Remember." Grant possessed a remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between genres, excelling in both romantic comedies and suspenseful thrillers. His impeccable comedic timing, combined with his suave demeanor, made him the epitome of the sophisticated leading man. Beyond his on-screen talent, Grant's personal life was equally fascinating. Known for his charisma and wit, he was often seen as the epitome of the debonair gentleman. Cary Grant's legacy continues to captivate audiences, and his impact on the film industry is undeniable, making him an enduring symbol of timeless elegance and cinematic excellence.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, the legendary American singer and actor, remains an enduring icon of the entertainment industry. Born in 1915, Sinatra's remarkable career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on popular music. Known for his smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, he captivated audiences with timeless classics like "My Way," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "New York, New York." Sinatra's magnetic stage presence and charismatic persona made him a beloved figure, earning him the nickname "Chairman of the Board." Beyond his music, he ventured into acting, winning an Academy Award for his role in "From Here to Eternity." Sinatra's influence extends far beyond his era, as his music continues to resonate with listeners of all generations, solidifying his status as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

And while a little girl growing up these were the most seen actors I saw on TV. So I will be doing a series of posts on each of them and how they influenced me as a person growing up .

My Favourite Musicians: A Personal Top Ten

Music has been an integral part of my life, in more ways than some and I have been lucky enough to discover many talented and inspiring musicians over the years. Here are ten of my favourite musicians, in no particular order:

1. Simply Red  - This British soul and pop band, fronted by the charismatic Mick Hucknall, has been enchanting audiences since the 1980s. Their unique blend of soulful vocals, catchy hooks, and smooth grooves makes them a timeless favourite. 

2. Frank Sinatra  - The legendary crooner and actor is one of the most iconic figures in music history. His smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing have made him a favourite of generations of music lovers.

3. David Bowie  - The late, great Bowie was a true original, constantly reinventing himself and his music over a career that spanned five decades. His eclectic mix of rock, pop, and art music has made him a favourite of fans all over the world.

4. Wet Wet Wet  - This Scottish pop band had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, with their smooth ballads and catchy pop tunes. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals make them a favourite of mine.

5.  Howard Jones - The British singer-songwriter and keyboardist had a string of hits in the 1980s, with his unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music. His uplifting lyrics and catchy melodies make him a true favourite of mine.

6. The Rat Pack - This legendary group of entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., defined the cool and sophisticated sound of the 1950s and 1960s. Their smooth vocals, catchy tunes, and witty banter make them a timeless favourite.

7. Mozart - The Austrian composer and pianist is one of the most iconic figures in classical music history. His intricate melodies, sparkling harmonies, and emotional depth make him a favourite of mine.

8. Chopin - The Polish composer and pianist is one of the most beloved figures in romantic music history. His delicate touch, poetic lyricism, and intricate harmonies make him a favourite of mine.

9. Buddy Rich - The legendary jazz drummer is one of the most influential figures in music history. His lightning-fast technique, musicality, and showmanship make him a favourite of mine. Sending shivers down my spine.

10. The Beatles - The iconic British band, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, revolutionised music in the 1960s and beyond. Their catchy melodies, innovative harmonies, and timeless lyrics make them a favourite of mine. 

These are just a few of the many musicians who have inspired me over the years, and I am grateful for their creativity and passion. I encourage you to explore their music and discover your own favourites - after all, music is a universal language that can speak to our hearts and souls.

My Favourite Authors

Everyone has their favourite authors, those whose words and stories have touched their hearts and minds in a meaningful way. For me, there are ten authors who stand out above the rest as my absolute favourites. In this blog post, I will share a little bit about each of these authors and what makes them so special to me.

Terry Pratchett 

is at the top of my list, and for good reason. His Discworld series is a masterful blend of fantasy and satire, with richly-drawn characters and a clever wit that never fails to make me laugh out loud. Pratchett's writing is both entertaining and insightful, and his books always leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.

Agatha Christie 

Another author who holds a special place in my heart. Her detective novels are classic whodunits, with intricate plots and memorable characters that keep me guessing until the very end. Christie's writing is both clever and engaging, and her ability to weave together complex mysteries is truly impressive.

Sir Connan Doyle 

Perhaps best known for his creation of Sherlock Holmes, one of the most iconic characters in literary history. Doyle's writing is marked by his keen eye for detail and his ability to create complex, multi-layered plots that keep me on the edge of my seat. His stories are timeless classics that I never tire of re-reading.

Iain Banks 

is another favourite of mine, particularly his science fiction novels written under the name Iain M. Banks. His writing is marked by his visionary world-building, his philosophical themes, and his memorable characters. Banks' novels are both thought-provoking and entertaining, and I always find myself fully immersed in his imaginative worlds.

Reginald Hill 

is a British author best known for his Dalziel and Pascoe series of detective novels. Hill's writing is marked by his clever wit and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like old friends. His plots are always intricate and unpredictable, and I never grow tired of trying to solve the mysteries alongside his detectives. He died in 2012.

Charles Dickens 

is a literary giant whose works have stood the test of time. His novels are epic in scale, with vividly-drawn characters and a powerful social commentary that is still relevant today. Dickens' writing is both moving and entertaining, and his books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

J K Rowling  

a favourite of mine, particularly her Harry Potter seisries. Rowling's writing is marked by her incredible imagination, her memorable characters, and her ability to create a fully-realized magical world that feels both familiar and new. Her books are a joy to read, and I always find myself swept away by her storytelling. Although some of her personal views may be controversial.  

C S Lewis 

is an author whose works have had a profound impact on my life. His Chronicles of Narnia series is a masterful blend of fantasy and Christian allegory, with timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Lewis' writing is both imaginative and insightful, and his books are a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me.

J R R Tolkien

is perhaps best known for his epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. His writing is marked by his incredible world-building, his intricate plots, and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like real people. Tolkien's books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages, and his influence can be felt in countless works of fantasy fiction.

Ian Rankin 

is a Scottish crime writer best known for his Inspector Rebus series. Set in Edinburgh and the area around it. These include Knots and Crosses, Hide and Seek, Tooth and Nail just to name a few. In total there are 27.

I was introduced to these by the TV shows in the UK. With Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott playing DCI Rebus.

What now?

The last 3 years have kind of made this world more individual in my point of view. The last three years have been a time of great change, progress, and challenges. 

From political upheavals to technological advancements, the world has experienced a whirlwind of events that have shaped our present and will continue to influence our future. 

In this blog post, I will take a closer look at some of the most significant events and trends of the last three years, analysing their impact on society, the economy, and our daily lives. 

I will explore topics such as the rise of the 3 Prime Ministers,, the COVID-19 pandemic, the global political landscape, and the growing awareness of social and environmental issues. 

Join me as I delve into the past three years and uncover the forces that have shaped our world, particularly within the social group of disabled here in the UK. From a disableds point of view.

The 3 Prime Ministers of the UK

There were 3 people who have been prime ministers here in the UK. If you have been under a rock or you are reading this decades in the future. They are Boris Johnson , Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Boris Johnson

Was the first of the 3 and had to deal with the outbreak of the pandemic 0f COVID 19. There were so many mistakes that this person made. Many of which they will deny. One of the biggest was that they denied having a gathering of members in the garden and house no's 10.  Where the prime minister lives. When there was a lockdown here in the UK and most of the world. You can learn about him elsewhere but not here. Most importantly he was the leader of the conservative party at the time.

Liz Truss

Will be known as the woman with the shortest term as a prime minister. With only 55 days in office. She was forced to resign because she was found unable to do the job she was set to do as the leader of the conservative party. She also was one of two leaders of the United Kingdom who saw two different monarchs. Queen Elizabeth ii and her son King Charles iii. 

Rishi Sunak 

Is currently the prime minister although he had been the chancellor executive of the UK during Boris Johnson's time as prime minister. 

In my view the whole of the government, particularly the conservative party, does not listen to the minority groups of people such as the disabled and poor. It seems to be only looking after the rich and selfish. And because of this attitude we are not heard so I use my voice to make a bit of noise .

COVID 19 Pandemic 

This has been a running thread through my blog whilst moving house originally. As an event for me. I treated the time when we were on lockdown here in the UK, as winter because of the way the weather affects me. This meant that despite not catching the virus until last year towards the end of the actual pandemic. I stayed indoors more often than not. It did make me feel more claustrophobic than normal. This was because I was having to stay in even when it was nice weather in the winter. 

The government here in the UK didn't acknowledge that even the mild cases of cerebral palsy were allowed to go out when technically we were not meant to. Because of the fact that cerebral palsy is a neurological condition and the side effects of it are felt throughout life. It was at your own risk if you went out. I decided to stay in during those times because I just wasn't sure what the effects were going to be for me and I wanted to be there for my children as long as possible. In the end it did get me but I was extremely lucky because it was a mild case and I had had 3 booster injections to help my immune system. 

The virus is still around and I think it will be like the flu. In the sense that it will be a major problem in certain seasons such as winter the same as the flu. So I will be having the injection to boost my immune system in order for me to live as long as possible.

Technology:

There have been so many things that have been boosted technology wise particularly things like zoom calls and online meetings. Previously these were held whilst in offices across the world but now more and more from homes. Although there are people who are going back into the office, there are many who won't. That could be for any reason. Which means that the financial crisis has been pushed through particularly here in the UK at the moment where the people who are poor or disabled. Although the financial crisis is world bound because of what had happened because of the pandemic. And we are technically coming out of it. 

So what's next?

Who really knows?

What do you think?

In a time of calm

What am I doing in this time of calm!

Well there has been a huge amount of upheaval with two moves in a month and the wait for knowing when that was going to happen. That took months to actually happen so I was completely stressed out. So in this time of calm I have started writing more and slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things.

What does that mean?

It means that I will be writing more and hopefully be more visible here. There are still days when endometriosis and cerebral palsy rear their heads and make things more difficult than I wish. That's ok though as I'm getting more help. So my mental health is stable. Although I have still got the odd bad day.

So what's changing here?

There will be a few book reviews coming in. A few more personal posts about my favourite things. I will do a few makeup looks that I can do. Meaning anyone can do them. My range of clinical depression will also be spoken about as I've only hinted about it in posts. Although my cerebral palsy and endometriosis will always be the main theme of my blog and somewhere people can learn about either condition or both. Because I feel that there is not enough taught about either of them.

The future?

The future is always uncertain but it helps to prepare a little bit. So learning about each age group of people who have cerebral palsy or endometriosis.

Why am I doing this?

I'm doing this now because I'm in a better place than I have been and feel ready for a few little changes on the blog. I also know that there are going to be more changes ahead so I want to write while I can. There's going to be another move but I don't know when. Writing while I can is another positive step forward too. Right now this feels good and I know that it's the right thing to do. Especially as I have now been acknowledged as a digital creator on Facebook and Instagram. Which is where I'll be found a lot. My Instagram name is @sweetestmoonuk.

My hope for the future!

My hope for the future is that I can be around for a lot longer although there is no set age for people with cerebral palsy.

Moving forward with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. Living with cerebral palsy can present challenges, but with the right mindset and support, it is possible to move forward and live a fulfilling life.

One of the first steps in moving forward with cerebral palsy is to develop a positive mindset. This means focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. It’s important to remember that everyone has limitations, and that having cerebral palsy does not define who you are as a person. By focusing on your strengths and abilities, you can build self-confidence and a sense of purpose.

For me this is the blog and ability to talk about my conditions. Both cerebral palsy and endometriosis. From a personal point of view. In order to educate others.

Another important step is to build a support network. This can include family, friends, healthcare providers, and community organisations. By connecting with others who understand your challenges and can offer support and encouragement, you can build resilience and overcome obstacles. I was always taught "there's no such word as can't"

Physical therapy and assistive devices can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Physical therapy can help improve mobility and muscle strength, while assistive devices such as braces, walkers, and wheelchairs can help with mobility and daily living activities. It’s important to work with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan for your individual needs.

Education and employment opportunities can also play a key role in moving forward with cerebral palsy. There is a lot more to do in this section as it's not always considered as an adult condition.

Pursuing education and career goals can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, while also improving financial stability. It’s important to advocate for yourself and seek out opportunities that align with your interests and abilities.

Finally, it’s important to practise self-care and prioritise your physical and mental health. This can include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, staying active, and seeking out mental health support if needed. By taking care of yourself, you can better manage the challenges of cerebral palsy and live a full and meaningful life.

This is why at times I don't post. As I feel mentally drained because my CP has caused problems either the night before or days before. And more often than not endometriosis has also interfered

In conclusion, living with cerebral palsy can present challenges, but with the right mindset and support, it is possible to move forward and live a fulfilling life. By focusing on your strengths, building a support network, accessing appropriate treatment and assistive devices, pursuing education and career goals, and prioritising self-care, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your full potential.

For me this is having a fantastic family of my own and my blog here, podcast and books which you can get from Amazon.

As I have said I'm in a bit of a stable place at the moment so I will be pivoting slightly on the blog back towards things I like and do as I had been through different things all mentioned here in previous posts. What have I got planned for now regarding the blog? You will have to find out by reading more.