Born in Baltimore: Celebrities Quiz

Answer: John Astin

Actor John Allen Astin was born on March 30, 1930 to Allen and Margaret Astin. It's rather ironic that John often portrayed unconventional individuals, but was the son of a director of the National Bureau of Standards. During his college years, John studied mathematics, but eventually transferred to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University where he earned a degree in drama. Since that time, John's acted in many plays, movies, and television programs, and has done some script writing, producing, and directing. In recognition of his fine and varied work, he has also been nominated for an Academy Award, Ace Award, and Emmy Award. All of these activities and honors are actually just a short list of his accomplishments - who knows when he found time to father five sons?

By 2007, though, his life has come full circle. To whit, at that time he was once again living in Baltimore, had toured in the one-man play "Edgar Allan Poe: Once Upon a Midnight" (Edgar's got quite a local history, too), and was teaching method acting and directing at the Johns Hopkins University's Theater Arts and Studies Department.


Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Divine

Harris Glen Milstead (October 19, 1945 - March 7, 1988) was a multitalented performer best known for his drag persona "Divine". Milstead grew up in an upper middle class family and had (by his own account) a typical childhood. Before his acting career took off, he worked at a floral shop, attended a beauty school, and helped his parents with their day care business. He was even the prime suspect in the murder of his friend Sally Crough, but was cleared when the serial killer of Sally and ten other victims was captured. It was in 1966 that he first worked with John Waters and his film career began its epically outrageous journey.


Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Cass Elliot

Ellen Naomi Cohen (September 19, 1941 - July 29, 1974) began calling herself "Cass" in high school and later adopted the last name "Elliot" in memory of a friend. Elliot initially focused her career on acting, albeit often in musicals. After graduating from college, her singing career took off, which resulted in her being primarily remembered as a member of the popular group The Mamas and the Papas, whose hits included "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday". However, in the late 1960s, she resumed her acting and solo singing career as The Mamas and the Papas moved toward dissolution. In fact, her later concert work in the 1970s garnered rave reviews. And yes, on April 26, 1967, she really did become a "Mamma" when she gave birth to a daughter Owen Vanessa Elliot.


Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: David Hasselhoff

No wonder Germans love David Hasselhoff (born July 17, 1952) - he acts, sings, judges on talent shows, and even sports German ancestry! However, although Hasselhoff may have an impressive resume, to me he'll always be the guy that made it seem kinda normal to talk to your car (even if most of them are rude and refuse to reply).


Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Ric Ocasek

Ric Otcasek was born on March 23, 1949 with that "t" between the o and the c in his last name. Aside from being a successful frontman and vocalist with the musical group The Cars, he's also acted, penned poetry, produced records and six sons. In 2007, he also generously volunteered for a "rescue" mission to spring Stephen Colbert's namesake Stephen Jr. from captivity. However, it was all in good fun, so Stephen Jr. continued to reside at the San Francisco Zoo as he was only a baby American Bald Eagle at the time.

References: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Edward Norton

Mr. Norton (born August 18, 1969) is an actor, director, producer, scriptwriter, and a social and environmental activist. In other words, there's a lot more to Ed than starring in blockbusters (e.g., "Fight Club", "The Italian Job", and "The Incredible Hulk") and making well deserved big bucks for doing so. When he's not working, Ed's often out there performing charitable acts, such as, running the New York City Marathon to raise money for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust or performing his duties as United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity.

Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Frank Zappa

Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 - December 4, 1993) was a multitalented individual, being a self-taught composer and singer, and in addition an electric guitarist, record producer, and film director. He was also a bit of a maverick in his criticisms of organized religion and standardized education, strong support of freedom of speech, and championing of the abolishment of censorship, self-education, and political activism. In his personal life, Zappa and Gail (his wife of over 25 years) had four children and together demonstrated their combined creativity by naming them: Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. Apparently, there was more than one mother of invention in that family...

Below is an excerpt from the lyrics of "Smoke on the Water" that mentions Frank Zappa and the Mothers:

"Smoke on the Water"
Songwriters: LORD, JON/PAICE, IAN/GILLAN, IAN/GLOVER, ROGER D

"We all came out to Montereax,
On the Lake Geneva shoreline.
To make records with a mobile,
We didn't have much time.
But Frank Zappa and the Mothers,
Were at the best place around,
But some stupid with a flare gun,
Burned the place to the ground.
Smoke on the water and fire in the sky."


References: LyricsFreak.com and Wikipedia.org

Answer: Parker Posey

The "Queen of the Indies", Parker Posey (born November 8, 1968) has acted in at least 32 independent films, such as, "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show". She's also appeared in more mainstream fare including "Dazed and Confused", "You've Got Mail", "Blade: Trinity", and "Scream 3". Posey was slated to star in fellow Baltimorean John Water's "Fruitcake", but he was forced to cancel the project due to the lack of available funding. In fact, Water's stated, "In this economy, I'm going to have to do a puppet show".

I say, "Go ahead John, just say the word and Baltimoreans would be more than glad to start lining up now... even if we do have some reservations about what kind of nightmares the puppets might inspire!".


Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Michael Tucker

Michael Tucker (born February 6, 1945) is not only an actor, but has also authored several books. In the 1980s, he revisited his Maryland roots by acting in two of Barry Levinson's Baltimore movies entitled "Diner" and "Tin Men". Tucker has also appeared in Woody Allen movies, specifically "The Purple Rose of Cairo" and "Radio Days". However, for many his best-remembered role is that of Stuart Markowitz on "L.A. Law", a series in which he co-starred with his wife Jill Eikenberry (Ann Kelsey).

Reference: Wikipedia.org

Answer: Sisqó

Mark Althavan Andrews (November 9, 1978), known professionally as "Sisqó", is a singer, composer, record producer, dancer, and actor. He is well known for his controversial solo recording "Thong Song" that some people view as a "booty" tune or excuse to shoot videos that are the living end. However, Sisqó views the song as a celebration of women that sport such items of...how can I put this briefly...um...clothing. So, when Sisqó's not at the hairdresser acquiring another eye-catching coiffure or pondering natural beauty, he's most likely to be spotted performing with his musical compatriots Dru Hill or engaging in one of his many other interests.


Reference: Wikipedia.org