Famous actors from my hometown

When we were growing up, deciding what to watch on TV was always an ongoing battle. What’s it going to be tonight? Walter Cronkite or Lassie? My Three Sons or The Millionaire?

Before settling in for the evening, most of our time was spent outdoors. On Pacoima Court, we were blessed with a ravine at the end of the block, where we’d frolic in a jungle of adventure. We spent hours navigating the ivy, insects, and rodents that swarmed throughout the terrain.

We couldn’t watch TV unless we completed our chores and homework. Since my mom was a teacher, it made sense that she would instill good work habits and reward us with visual entertainment for completing these tasks.

Our TV was about the size of a toaster, so cramming eight people around the set made for many heated arguments between my brothers and sisters. As the youngest of six, they always tried to bully my twin sister Teresa and me into watching their favorite programs.

Often, we were forced to watch those popular news shows. What 6-year-old wants to learn about the Cuban Missile Crisis? I remember thinking that Walter Cronkite always looked about 80, with his professorial mug taking up the entire width of the television.

Some of my favorite shows included My Three Sons, Soupy Sales, Lassie, Howdy Doody, Mighty Mouse, Get Smart, and I Dream of Jeannie. However, many of the shows we watched also featured local actors who lived in my neighborhood.

It was always a kick to see these personalities on television. Ernie (Barry Livingston), from My Three Sons, graduated from high school in 1971. At our 40th reunion in 2011, he graced us with his presence. I didn’t know him well, but seeing his perky face again was great.

R.G. Armstrong was a prominent character actor and the father of one of my childhood friends. I remember hearing that he frequently did LSD during the 70s. Maybe that’s what made him such a talented actor? We often saw him playing a badass cowboy-type on TV, and knowing him personally was a real treat.

I once heard rumors that Micky Dolenz, one of the Monkees, attended Walter Reed Jr. High. Most of my female friends went into heat when they saw his group performing on TV. My hometown of Studio City certainly lived up to its name. A famous composer, David Raksin lived at the end of the street. For those who know movie scores, he composed the famous song “Laura.”

Such fun memories being surrounded by so many people involved in the entertainment business. No wonder I love movies so much, along with other creative pursuits.

Recently, my partner and I turned on Hulu to catch a few of my favorite vintage TV shows. Our living room was a war zone, and we were relegated to staying upstairs and entertaining ourselves with my laptop.

Between The Flintstones, Sea Hunt, Flipper, and Lassie, my nerves were calmed, and guess what? These shows were just as entertaining as they were when I was young.

What TV shows did you watch? Did you grow up near any celebrities?