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Quiz about Minnesota  Stars of the North
Quiz about Minnesota  Stars of the North

Minnesota - Stars of the North Quiz


Minnesota isn't all about the lakes, the scenery, and the sports. We're about the people as well. See if you know these folks, some of whom you may see on a daily basis.

A multiple-choice quiz by amazonkls. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
amazonkls
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
325,506
Updated
Jul 23 22
# Qns
15
Difficulty
Easy
Avg Score
13 / 15
Plays
579
- -
Question 1 of 15
1. She was born Frances Gumm in the northern town of Grand Rapids. Although best known for wearing ruby slippers, she actually made many movies, held concerts, had a television show, and even appeared at Carnegie Hall. What singer/actress is so 'over the rainbow'? Hint


Question 2 of 15
2. Continuing with singers, these singing sisters were a hit with the WWII forces. Known as the "Sweethearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service" they epitomized the USO. Who are these "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" beauties? Hint


Question 3 of 15
3. Although technically not a real person, this lady was originally crafted to personalize letters sent in by customers. Cooks around America and the world trust her recipes and products. Over the years the face has changed to represent the times, but the food that has her name remains always delicious. Who is the face of General Mills? Hint


Question 4 of 15
4. One half of the founding members of the Praise the Lord (PTL) Network, this leading lady of televangelism was best remembered as much for her makeup habits as her preaching. Her personality on the network was more tolerant than many televangelists, including open support of the gay community. While her life was up and down including a sex scandal, bankruptcy, and the collapse of the PTL Network, this lady remained spiritually grounded. Who was this mascara'd lady? Hint


Question 5 of 15
5. While not born in Minnesota, this pioneer settled in Walnut Grove for a period. The books she wrote became a beloved escape for many girls, and the television series had millions of girls wanting to be a pioneer. The musical version of this beloved show debuted in MN. Who was this girl in the "Little House"? Hint


Question 6 of 15
6. She is an author, a teacher, an adventurer, and her name is very similar to an actress. Known for her treks to the North and South Poles, dogsled runs, and outdoor life in general, she is a outdoor enthusiast. Her Foundation encourages women and girls to achieve their dreams by contributing mini-grants and encouragement. Who is this face of MN adventure? Hint


Question 7 of 15
7. Although born in NY, his family moved to MN when he was four years old. Throughout the years he's been a writer, a satirist, and a radio host, before moving into politics. He's won Emmys for his television writing and been on the NY Times best sellers list (three times). When he moved back to MN he followed up his writing and satire by becoming more and more politically active. Who's the "live" Senator from Minnesota? Hint


Question 8 of 15
8. He was an aviator, author, an inventor, and an explorer. His "Spirit of St. Louis" took him on the first solo trans-Atlantic trip in 1927 and on to world wide fame. Raised in Little Falls, who was this "Lone Eagle"? Hint


Question 9 of 15
9. Born in Minneapolis, this actor's roles include an improvising secret agent, and a military explorer to far-off (and far-out) lands. The name of one of his characters has come to represent being able to put together anything out of nothing (think bubble gum bombs). Who is this "Legend"? Hint


Question 10 of 15
10. Another Minneapolis singer, this one is more colorful than most. He's a Grammy winner, a Golden Globe winner, and an Academy Award winner. This singer's Paisley Park Studios are here, and he helped put the Minneapolis Sound on the national stage. Controversial, powerful, petite - all these and more describe his style of songs and his personality. Who is best known in purple? Hint


Question 11 of 15
11. From the suburbs comes this Anoka-born writer and radio host. Each week millions tune to American Public Radio to see what is going on in the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, "where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average." Who's the voice of "A Prairie Home Companion"? Hint


Question 12 of 15
12. MN politicians know how to make it to the national scene. He was the 38th Vice President, ran for President, and was a founder of the MN Democratic-Farm-Labor party. Who was he? Hint


Question 13 of 15
13. Who filled a Senatorial role vacated by a Minnesotan who had been elected as Vice President, only to ultimately become Vice President himself? Hint


Question 14 of 15
14. This female politician has made it to the national stage by her vocal disagreements with the US Census, by actively supporting the Tea Party activities, and attacks on the ACORN group. She has been featured on the national stage on such shows as "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart", "The Colbert Report", and is a Fox news media darling. Who is this United States Representative from MN? Hint


Question 15 of 15
15. The 38th Governor of MN prided himself on speaking his mind - to the point that many of his comments offended people in and out of MN. He had practice - prior to being elected Governor, he was a professional wrestler on the WWF circuit, where his comments were meant to incite the audience - and it worked. One popular bumper sticker during his reign was "My Governor Can Beat Up Your Governor". Who is "The Body"? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. She was born Frances Gumm in the northern town of Grand Rapids. Although best known for wearing ruby slippers, she actually made many movies, held concerts, had a television show, and even appeared at Carnegie Hall. What singer/actress is so 'over the rainbow'?

Answer: Judy Garland

Judy was born to vaudeville parents, who settled in Grand Rapids to start a theater. She originally toured with her sisters as the Gumm Sisters. Judy was a beautiful, tragic figure that illustrates many dramatic highs and lows of stardom. The Judy Garland Museum hosts an annual Judy Garland Festival, dedicated to all things Judy. Well worth catching!
2. Continuing with singers, these singing sisters were a hit with the WWII forces. Known as the "Sweethearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service" they epitomized the USO. Who are these "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" beauties?

Answer: Andrews Sisters

Born in the Twin Cities, the sisters won first prize at a talent show at the Orpheum Theater. As with many singing acts of the time they honed their act in touring vaudeville troupes. The Andrews sisters acted in movies (generally as themselves), made records, sang with such stars as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Burl Ives, and toured extensively.
3. Although technically not a real person, this lady was originally crafted to personalize letters sent in by customers. Cooks around America and the world trust her recipes and products. Over the years the face has changed to represent the times, but the food that has her name remains always delicious. Who is the face of General Mills?

Answer: Betty Crocker

Although she was created in 1921, Betty wasn't given a face until 1936 and she's been updated seven times since. Her first cookbook was issued in 1950 and each version has remained a standard in many kitchens. The Betty Crocker Kitchens test over 50,000 recipes a year!
4. One half of the founding members of the Praise the Lord (PTL) Network, this leading lady of televangelism was best remembered as much for her makeup habits as her preaching. Her personality on the network was more tolerant than many televangelists, including open support of the gay community. While her life was up and down including a sex scandal, bankruptcy, and the collapse of the PTL Network, this lady remained spiritually grounded. Who was this mascara'd lady?

Answer: Tammy Faye (Bakker) Messner

Tammy Faye was born in International Falls waaaay up north and went to bible college in Minneapolis, where she met and married Jim Bakker. Jim and Tammy Faye were among the founding members of the 700 Club and helped to found the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Jim's attempt to bribe Jessica Hahn from disclosing a sex scandal and the PTL's bankruptcy contributed to their divorce after he was sent to jail.

Some of the most publicized photos of her are during this time with mascara running down her face.

She married Roe Messner, a family friend, in 1993. In 2007 Tammy Faye passed away of cancer, leaving a lasting legacy of spirituality and camp.
5. While not born in Minnesota, this pioneer settled in Walnut Grove for a period. The books she wrote became a beloved escape for many girls, and the television series had millions of girls wanting to be a pioneer. The musical version of this beloved show debuted in MN. Who was this girl in the "Little House"?

Answer: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Although only one book, "On the Banks of Plum Creek", was based in MN, the television show used Walnut Grove as the site for the series. The Ingalls had tried to homestead the area, but crop failures forced them to give up and move on. The original dugout that the family used was discovered in 1947 and is available for tours during summer months.

It really is on a river bank, and there are times when it is totally impassable during the rains. The nearby Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum celebrates the life of a pioneer and has a number of items from the show.
6. She is an author, a teacher, an adventurer, and her name is very similar to an actress. Known for her treks to the North and South Poles, dogsled runs, and outdoor life in general, she is a outdoor enthusiast. Her Foundation encourages women and girls to achieve their dreams by contributing mini-grants and encouragement. Who is this face of MN adventure?

Answer: Ann Bancroft

Ann Bancroft (not to be confused with the actress Anne Bancroft) is a life-long Minnesotan. Her many exploits have made her the face of a tough, independent female spirit. Ann was born with dyslexia, a learning disability that she had to overcome to earn her BS in Physical Education and earn her teaching certificate. She still lives in MN on a modest farm, planning her next trek.
7. Although born in NY, his family moved to MN when he was four years old. Throughout the years he's been a writer, a satirist, and a radio host, before moving into politics. He's won Emmys for his television writing and been on the NY Times best sellers list (three times). When he moved back to MN he followed up his writing and satire by becoming more and more politically active. Who's the "live" Senator from Minnesota?

Answer: Al Franken

Al Franken was one of the original writers on "Saturday Night Live" and had two stints, the first from 1975-1980 and then from 1985-1995. He won five Emmys while with the show, and created some of SNL's most memorable characters including Stuart Smalley.

The first of his three books, "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot", is a standard in written satire. He became a USO entertainer in 1999, and in 2009 was given a Merit Award for his service. The 2008 MN Senate race brought him back to the national spotlight.

After recount after recount after recount (which we in MN were THOROUGHLY tired of) he was finally sworn in as Senator on July 7, 2009.
8. He was an aviator, author, an inventor, and an explorer. His "Spirit of St. Louis" took him on the first solo trans-Atlantic trip in 1927 and on to world wide fame. Raised in Little Falls, who was this "Lone Eagle"?

Answer: Charles Lindbergh

Although best known for his historic flight across the Atlantic, he used that fame to help catapult commercial aviation. He helped to develop many of the flight paths around the world that are still in use. Few knew that he was also an inventor, and some of his early work is on display at the Charles Lindbergh Home. I grew up with Lindbergh, as I was born in Little Falls and my late grandmother worked at the Charles Lindbergh Home for many years.

The Charles Lindbergh Home and Park gives a complete tour of his work and life, and is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit.
9. Born in Minneapolis, this actor's roles include an improvising secret agent, and a military explorer to far-off (and far-out) lands. The name of one of his characters has come to represent being able to put together anything out of nothing (think bubble gum bombs). Who is this "Legend"?

Answer: Richard Dean Anderson

From MN, Richard Dean Anderson brought his love of hockey and the outdoors to his best known roles. MacGyver, the mullet-haired secret agent-improvisor-aw shucks guy, was also born in MN and loved hockey. Jack O'Neill, the leader of Stargate SG-1, also loved hockey and went to a remote cabin in MN on a lake with no fish.

In all of his bios, he relates that his favorite role was that of Ernest Pratt aka Nicodemus "Legend", the novelist who assumes his character's persona in the wild wild west. Interesting note - he was considered for the role of Benjamin Sisko in "Star Trek: Deep Space 9".
10. Another Minneapolis singer, this one is more colorful than most. He's a Grammy winner, a Golden Globe winner, and an Academy Award winner. This singer's Paisley Park Studios are here, and he helped put the Minneapolis Sound on the national stage. Controversial, powerful, petite - all these and more describe his style of songs and his personality. Who is best known in purple?

Answer: Prince

"Purple Rain", "1999", and "S.S.T." are a few among the many, many songs that Prince Rogers Nelson is recognized for. "Darling Nikki" is said to be the inspiration for Tipper Gore to found the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), an organization dedicated to rating (some would say censoring) music lyrics. During his revolt against Warner Brothers he adopted a symbol as his name. Since there was no name for it, he was known as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince" or simply "The Artist".

In 2000 he went back to using Prince but still uses the patented love symbol guitar in his acts.
11. From the suburbs comes this Anoka-born writer and radio host. Each week millions tune to American Public Radio to see what is going on in the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, "where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average." Who's the voice of "A Prairie Home Companion"?

Answer: Garrison Keillor

"A Prairie Home Companion" shows snippets of small-town life in Minnesota, as well as the local area when it goes on the road. The style and writing showcase good old-fashioned storytelling in a variety show format, making public radio fun to listen to.

As well as writing the show and hosting the show, Garrison Keillor also does periodic voice-over work, writes, and makes other public appearances. He was honored with an induction into the Radio Hall of Fame for his work on this and other radio programs.

His voice is unique, both comforting and engaging. If you have a chance to listen either on the radio or to a live performance, you'll get a unique perspective on the state and culture of MN.
12. MN politicians know how to make it to the national scene. He was the 38th Vice President, ran for President, and was a founder of the MN Democratic-Farm-Labor party. Who was he?

Answer: Hubert Humphrey

Hubert Humphrey actually trained as a pharmacist to help his family's business in South Dakota but didn't like it. He obtained a degree in political science from the U of M and became active in politics soon after. He was the Mayor of Minneapolis, a US Senator, and Vice President in the Lyndon Johnson era.

He openly supported the burgeoning civil rights movement, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and was the originator for the Peace Corp idea that was made famous by President Kennedy. If you visit MN you may fly into the Hubert H Humphrey terminal.
13. Who filled a Senatorial role vacated by a Minnesotan who had been elected as Vice President, only to ultimately become Vice President himself?

Answer: Walter Mondale

Walter Mondale was chosen to fill Hubert Humphrey's Senatorial position when Humphrey was elected Vice President and resigned the position. He did get elected after the assignment and continued to serve as Senator until Jimmy Carter tapped him for the Vice Presidential role.

He was the first VP to have an office in the White House and established the tradition of weekly lunches with the President. Like his fellow DFLer Hubert Humphrey, he also ran for president but lost to Ronald Reagan's re-election.
14. This female politician has made it to the national stage by her vocal disagreements with the US Census, by actively supporting the Tea Party activities, and attacks on the ACORN group. She has been featured on the national stage on such shows as "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart", "The Colbert Report", and is a Fox news media darling. Who is this United States Representative from MN?

Answer: Michelle Bachmann

Michelle Bachmann is included here mainly for her notoriety on the national scene. In 2008 she accused then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama of being anti-American, a statement that had other MN politicians publicly decry her statement and her ability to function on a bi-partisan level.

Her attacks on the census were widely reported. Her open and active support of the Tea Party keep her in the national eye. In 2010 she was named one of the "Dirty Dozen" by the League of Conservation Voters, a dubious honor.
15. The 38th Governor of MN prided himself on speaking his mind - to the point that many of his comments offended people in and out of MN. He had practice - prior to being elected Governor, he was a professional wrestler on the WWF circuit, where his comments were meant to incite the audience - and it worked. One popular bumper sticker during his reign was "My Governor Can Beat Up Your Governor". Who is "The Body"?

Answer: Jesse Ventura

Born James Janos, the name Jesse Ventura was chosen as his stage name to go with the character of a CA-beach bodybuilder turned wrestler. The character was a huge hit in the 80's, and the WWF fans cheered him as a favorite villain. The body he is famous for was originally developed during his Navy SEAL days, and Jesse had served in Vietnam.

Originally winning the governorship on the Reform party ticket (think Ross Perot) he joined the Independence party. His term was filled with turmoil from the start, with the media following his every move and Jesse himself calling the media "a pack of jackals".

He declined to run for re-election.
Source: Author amazonkls

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Snowman before going online.
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