Wednesday, September 14, 2011

If I Could Be Anyone I'd Be...

                                                                                    



In honor of Talli Roland's book launch, we are to select the celebrity whom we would most like to be. Growing up I wanted to be Barbra Streisand, because she could belt out a song better than anyone else, and still walk away with her handsome leading men.

                                                  


As time went on I noticed I shared a striking resemblance to another celebrity. She was not an Oscar winning singer, songwriter and actress. Instead she was famous for being an infamous home wrecker. Yes Camilla Parker Bowles and I share the same hip hairstyle, are both long in the tooth, and lack pigment. But I draw the line at wearing hats, and I won't give up my comfortable shoes.
                              
    
                                                                                                       
Which brings me to the only celebrity whose shoes I could possibly fill if I bound my feet, Clara Peller. The retired manicurist from Chicago became a star, when she was hired to play the baritone lead in a Wendy's hamburger commercial.
                                    



The octogenarian stole the show by uttering three words, "Where's the beef?" She was a huge success from 1984-1985 until she got fired for bellowing, "I found it!" in a Prego spaghetti sauce commercial. Apparently, the big brass at Wendy's only wanted her to go trolling for beef between their buns. Sadly, Clara died a few years later at 85.

Miss Peller is a shining example of an outstanding third act. As my voice continues to grow deeper and more gravelly there is hope that one day I too could be discovered. Who am I kidding? Maybe I should just wait for James Brolin and Prince Charles to duke it out. 


-Julie Kemp Pick                                                                                        

20 comments:

  1. I'd love to be able to belt 'em out like Babs.

    The Camilla photo made me laugh.

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  2. I love your choice! I didn't realize she was fired for finding the beef in Prego. That's too bad, she was so much fun in the Wendy's commercials.

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  3. What a fun post, and a great choice! The Camilla photo totally cracked me up LOL. I didn't know about Clara being fired because of a Prego ad, what a shame. The "Where's the beef?" ads were just classic.

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  4. Hi Julie .. good selection of choices and I love your last one .. what a great idea - must have made her last days happy at least .. Clara Peller - must have made some stir!

    Amazing photos! Cheers Hilary

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  5. Where's the beef indeed! What a fantastic post - great choice. :)

    Thank you so much for taking part. I'm having loads of fun seeing who everyone has chosen!

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  6. I loved watching the commercials when she demanded beef. Too cool!

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  7. Loved Clara and Camilla always comes across as a woman of great good humor. And Barbra? Well hello, I got kicked out of band and choir, so it's just sour grapes. (Nah ... loved all her movies too.) Nice Post.

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  8. Oh to be able to belt out a song like the Fab Babs! Yes that would be wonderful.

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  9. I never saw those commercials, but knew of them. Funny post.

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  10. That's so funny even though I've never seen that advert. I did once have a curly perm like Barbara Streisand though!

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  11. I love where you took this one. If I make it to my 80s I'd like to do TV commercials. Actually I could use the money now. Anyone need a spokesman?

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  12. @Shirley - Thanks for following me and I will check in on you!

    @LR - I still try in the shower and I make sure that I'm never photographed next to a horse!

    @Susan - Welcome and I look forward to following you! I just recently read about the Prego incident during my hunt for Clara.

    @Julie - I agree the "Where's The Beef" ads were classic! Thanks Julie!

    @Gina - So glad to have met another addition from Talli's book launch! I will be over to return the favor shortly! Julie

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  13. @Hilary - Her ads really were something special! Thanks Hilary!

    @Talli - Not only has this been fun, but I'm thrilled to have gained some new followers! Thanks Talli for hosting and I can't wait to read Watching Willow Watts!

    @Alleged Author - She certainly had a unique style! Thank you!

    @Gene - What a great name! Thanks for stopping by! I still wouldn't want to get on any of their bad sides!

    @Ann - That would be incredible! Thanks for following me and I'll be dropping in soon!

    @JL - I appreciate your visit and I will do the same!

    @Rosalind - I would love to see a picture with your Barbra perm!

    @Lee - You would be a great spokesman Lee! If you need a reference...

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  14. Looking forward to your picks for the blogfest on Monday!

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  15. This is great, Julie. I loved Clara and didn't know about the Prego commercial. I also love Babs. You have more beauty and class than Camilla. Perhaps some day you'll match her fame and wealth.
    xoRobyn

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  16. Yes, I always thought Camilla reminded me of someone, now I know who :)
    As for Clara, come on Julie, we are not that old yet :)

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  17. @Alex - If only I could remember the Worst Movies Ever! Oh well, I'll give it my best shot!

    @Robyn - Thanks for the kind words, but Camilla is a force to be reckoned with!

    @Rhonda - I could always count on you to cheer me up! Clara is someone who gives me hope for the future! Julie

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