One Tough Dame: The Life and Career of Diana Rigg offers a sweeping portrait of the revered performer's life and career. Deemed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994, Diana Rigg (1938-2020) initially found fame as super sleuth Mrs. Emma Peel in the 1960s BBC/ABC-TV espionage series The Avengers. A classically trained and multi-award-winning thespian, Rigg is known for her diverse body of work -- from her big-screen debut in 1969 as Countess Teresa di Vincenzo, wife of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, to her Tony Award-winning, leading role in Medea on Broadway, culminating with her Emmy-nominated portrayal as Lady Olenna Tyrell on the heralded small-screen gem Game of Thrones.

This eclectic volume traces Rigg's career as a renowned star of television, film, and the stage. The author includes insights from rare, archived interviews, encompassing both video dialogues conducted by the University of Kent and Oxford Union. The meticulously curated archival material is further complemented by equally rare photos and retrospections drawn from diverse media sources and hitherto unpublished accounts from the people who knew Rigg best, affording readers an unprecedented, all-encompassing glimpse into her private world.

With exclusive commentary from Rupert Macnee (son of Riggs's Avengers costar and dear friend Patrick Macnee); the show's stunt coordinator/director Ray Austin; actors Samuel West, Bernie Kopell, Barbara Barrie, Juliet Mills, John Schuck, and Damon Evans; director Bruce Beresford; and documentarian David Naylor, among others, One Tough Dame delivers an in-depth perspective of a beloved, brave, brilliant, and trailblazing actor.

For most of us, fond memories of the Christmas season are inseparable from TV's holiday presentations. The world loves everything from iconic cartoons like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas to the ground-breaking Julia sitcom segment, I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, and the 1992 TV-remake of Christmas in Connecticut directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Christmas TV Memories: Nostalgic Holiday Favorites of the Small Screen embraces it all, offering a tinsel-decked traipse down memory lane and chronicling animated classics, variety shows, made-for-TV features, and holiday-specific episodes of series like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. With a Foreword by best-selling Free to Be You and Me author and That Girl star Marlo Thomas, along with commentary from other celebrities, historical quotes, and insights from entertainment journalists and archivists, Christmas TV Memories serves as the go-to companion to the small screen's most cherished holiday programs.

Every December, the gaps close between us all; individuals, families, groups, communities, cities, states, provinces, nations, cultures, and religions. We are kinder to each other. We listen to those who are not heard, speak to those who are ignored and care about those who are disregarded. We reach out to those who are unreachable, play with those who work too hard, and laugh with those who shed too many tears. We make angels in the snow or buy our true love their favorite perfume or cologne. We give to those who sometimes only know how to take and keep, offer peace where there is unrest, and so on and so forth and so good. These are the personal things and intimate moments from which holiday memories spring - and just a few examples of the December discernments to behold in this book.

Advance Praise for The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas

Herbie J Pilato has prepared for us this delicious feast of Christmas Secrets, which he serves with love. Spend the holidays with this delightful book. It will warm your heart.

-Richard Thomas (Actor, The Waltons, The Christmas Box,

Christmas vs. The Walters)

With each nostalgic turn of the page, Herbie J Pilato's 12 Best Secrets of Christmas is written for everyone and is very relatable as the youthful Christmases we had or the ones we wished for. I found it inspirational, comforting and full of joy.

-Barry Williams (Actor, A Very Brady Christmas,

Blending Christmas/Author, Growing Up Brady)

Einstein suggested to 'make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.' With The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas, Herbie J Pilato has done just that, artfully transforming his early experiences into heartfelt, warm, and enduring life lessons. In the guise of a seasonal offering and gleaned from his Christmas past, Pilato has distilled his introspections into a portable, poignant and insightful memoir, a wise and timeless gem of a little book. With this, as with his other work, Herbie J Pilato has again proved himself to be an American Original.

-Ed Spielman (Creator, Kung Fu, The Young Riders,

among other Emmy-winning TV classics)

THE REVITALIZED CYBERNETIC COMPENDIUM TO TV'S MOST REALISTIC SCI-FI SUPERHERO SHOWS

Before various comic book multiverses expanded their franchises into epic live-action superhero movies and television shows, there was The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic William.

Now, TV's classic wonder people of the 1970s are back and stronger than ever in this Special Commemorative Edition of THE BIONIC BOOK: THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN AND THE BIONIC WOMAN RECONSTRUCTED. Written by award-winning author Herbie J Pilato (RETRO ACTIVE TELEVISION, TWITCH UPON A STAR), this refreshed BIONIC tome tallies revised and expanded material, including an all-new Introduction by Bionic episodic scribe Terrence McDonnell; rare photos, and commentary culled from Pilato's exclusive interviews with Bionic stars the legendary Lee Majors (who embodied the half-man/half-machine marvel Col. Steve Austin), the Emmy-winning Lindsay Wagner (who portrayed as former tennis-pro Jaime Sommers-Steve's super female counterpart and one true love); series creator and iconic science fiction author Martin Caidin (whose Cyborg novel gave birth to The Six Million Dollar Man series), executive producer Harve Bennett (who would later rescue a once-flailing Star Trek film franchise), and producer/director Kenneth Johnson (who created The Bionic Woman, the character and the series, and who later brought Alien Nation and The Incredible Hulk to TV). This cybernetic chronicle also features recollections and a Foreword by actor Richard Anderson, who played Oscar Goldman-Steve and Jaime's stoic but understanding O.S.I. government agent supervisor-and other cast and production team members from both Bionic shows. More than a mere TV trivia guide, THE BIONIC BOOK explores in-depth the social, psychological, medical, and scientific influence, appeal, and message behind The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman).

THE REVITALIZED CYBERNETIC COMPENDIUM TO TV'S MOST REALISTIC SCI-FI SUPERHERO SHOWS

Before various comic book multiverses expanded their franchises into epic live-action superhero movies and television shows, there was The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic William.

Now, TV's classic wonder people of the 1970s are back and stronger than ever in this Special Commemorative Edition of THE BIONIC BOOK: THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN AND THE BIONIC WOMAN RECONSTRUCTED. Written by award-winning author Herbie J Pilato (RETRO ACTIVE TELEVISION, TWITCH UPON A STAR), this refreshed BIONIC tome tallies revised and expanded material, including an all-new Introduction by Bionic episodic scribe Terrence McDonnell; rare photos, and commentary culled from Pilato's exclusive interviews with Bionic stars the legendary Lee Majors (who embodied the half-man/half-machine marvel Col. Steve Austin), the Emmy-winning Lindsay Wagner (who portrayed as former tennis-pro Jaime Sommers-Steve's super female counterpart and one true love); series creator and iconic science fiction author Martin Caidin (whose Cyborg novel gave birth to The Six Million Dollar Man series), executive producer Harve Bennett (who would later rescue a once-flailing Star Trek film franchise), and producer/director Kenneth Johnson (who created The Bionic Woman, the character and the series, and who later brought Alien Nation and The Incredible Hulk to TV). This cybernetic chronicle also features recollections and a Foreword by actor Richard Anderson, who played Oscar Goldman-Steve and Jaime's stoic but understanding O.S.I. government agent supervisor-and other cast and production team members from both Bionic shows. More than a mere TV trivia guide, THE BIONIC BOOK explores in-depth the social, psychological, medical, and scientific influence, appeal, and message behind The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman).

With an in-depth perspective, CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY defines and distinguishes the iconic star's life and career BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER HIS MOST FAMOUS ROLE. With a Foreword by Barbara Carrera, the actor's co-star from Never Say Never Again (his final film as everyone's favorite British super secret agent), and an Introduction by Richard Demarco (Connery's lifelong friend), this book also features exclusive commentary from actors like Brendan Lynch (another of Connery's lifelong friends), Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball), Tippi Hedren (Marnie), and more.

Early Praise

There's much I didn't know about Sean Connery, but this book clarifies it all in a very compelling way. It's a real page-turner, and I had difficulty putting it down. Herbie J Pilato displays an elegant writing style that is rarely seen today.

- Bill Daly, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Pictures/Sean Connery Co-Star (The Molly Maguires)

A comprehensive, and thoroughly researched analysis of one of the greatest icons of popular culture . . . full of fresh insights into Connery's journey, and the colossal impact he had on our lives. Pilato's grasp of the screen persona we all came to embrace . . . and beyond . . . is fluid, and captivating.

- David Naylor, Telly/Saturn-Award-winning Producer/Director/Documentarian

CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY is a delicious, yet ethical read.

- Michael Learned, Emmy Award-winning Actor (The Waltons)

CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY is a fascinating and thorough account of the legendary actor's life and career, from his humble, almost Dickensian childhood, to the peaks of international stardom. With gusto, expertise, and clarity, Herbie J Pilato has crafted a riveting portrait.

- John Schuck, Acclaimed Screen/Stage Actor/Director (McMillan & Wife/Annie)

About the Author

Herbie J Pilato is the author of several renowned media tie-in books such as Retro Active Television, The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas, biographies of Mary Tyler Moore and Elizabeth Montgomery, and many others. He has written for the Television Academy and Emmys.com, served as host and co-executive producer of Amazon Prime's hit classic TV talk show, Then Again with Herbie J Pilato, and has produced, written, and appeared on countless documentaries for TV networks like CNN, Reelz, Bravo, TLC, E!, A&E, and various DVD/Blu-ray releases.

Every December, the gaps close between us all; individuals, families, groups, communities, cities, states, provinces, nations, cultures, and religions. We are kinder to each other. We listen to those who are not heard, speak to those who are ignored and care about those who are disregarded. We reach out to those who are unreachable, play with those who work too hard, and laugh with those who shed too many tears. We make angels in the snow or buy our true love their favorite perfume or cologne. We give to those who sometimes only know how to take and keep, offer peace where there is unrest, and so on and so forth and so good. These are the personal things and intimate moments from which holiday memories spring - and just a few examples of the December discernments to behold in this book.

Advance Praise for The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas

Herbie J Pilato has prepared for us this delicious feast of Christmas Secrets, which he serves with love. Spend the holidays with this delightful book. It will warm your heart.

-Richard Thomas (Actor, The Waltons, The Christmas Box,

Christmas vs. The Walters)

With each nostalgic turn of the page, Herbie J Pilato's 12 Best Secrets of Christmas is written for everyone and is very relatable as the youthful Christmases we had or the ones we wished for. I found it inspirational, comforting and full of joy.

-Barry Williams (Actor, A Very Brady Christmas,

Blending Christmas/Author, Growing Up Brady)

Einstein suggested to 'make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.' With The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas, Herbie J Pilato has done just that, artfully transforming his early experiences into heartfelt, warm, and enduring life lessons. In the guise of a seasonal offering and gleaned from his Christmas past, Pilato has distilled his introspections into a portable, poignant and insightful memoir, a wise and timeless gem of a little book. With this, as with his other work, Herbie J Pilato has again proved himself to be an American Original.

-Ed Spielman (Creator, Kung Fu, The Young Riders,

among other Emmy-winning TV classics)

NBC & ME MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK (A MOCK MEMOIR OF MY BIG '80s DAZE WITH THE PEACOCK NETWORK) From May 1984 to December 1985, actor/author/TV producer/singer Herbie J Pilato worked as a Page for NBC-TV in Burbank, California. Many Pages were excited by the frequent showbiz interactions that were accessible and provided by a major TV network facility. Some found work within and outside of the industry. Others found their job only uncovered a depressing, even insulting Hollywood experience. For Herbie J, it was da bomb, as he found himself on the set of Family Ties, The Golden Girls and Wheel of Fortune. He helped to coordinate an affiliates' convention, two press tours, five Bob Hope specials, An All-Star Salute To President Dutch Reagan, the 1984 Democratic Presidential Debates, and the 1984 Emmy Awards. He laughed with established comedians, lunched with network suits, hob-knobbed with celebrities, stuffed envelopes - and passed out tickets to Scrabble - all for a measly $5.20 an hour. It's an experience that he remembers in-depth - and with tongue-in-cheek - in NBC & ME: MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK - A MOCK MEMOIR OF MY BIG '80s DAZE WITH THE PEACOCK NETWORK. With NBC & ME, Herbie J (no period after the J - and it's all explained in the book) exposes for the first time the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of his initial TV network tenure. Within these pages (every possible pun intended), Herbie J takes you - the reader - behind closed-doors, down inactive hallways, and inside TV's oldest web of intrigue (that's what they used to call television networks in the old days - webs). NBC & ME offers the fast-track, inside-scoop, close-up-look, and behind-the-scenes peek at my wanna'-be life with the so-called Peacock network - and in the process, becomes the first book to chronicle infamous Page department of NBC (or any other network's Page division, for that matter). In doing so, NBC & ME rides the skirt-tails of past or recent hit television shows like A&E's Airline (which was really Pages on a Plane), Andy Dick's The Assistant, and, of course, Donald Trump's and NBC's very own hit reality show, The Apprentice - as well as the success of NBC's newly-christened Emmy-winning hit comedy, 30 Rock (which features the Peacock net's former Saturday Night Live star/writer Tina Fey and offers periodic appearances by a character who just so happens to be a Page). So, if you're looking for a fun read, NBC & ME: MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK fits the bill as, none other than, a real...uhm...page-turner.

NBC & ME MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK (A MOCK MEMOIR OF MY BIG '80s DAZE WITH THE PEACOCK NETWORK) From May 1984 to December 1985, actor/author/TV producer/singer Herbie J Pilato worked as a Page for NBC-TV in Burbank, California. Many Pages were excited by the frequent showbiz interactions that were accessible and provided by a major TV network facility. Some found work within and outside of the industry. Others found their job only uncovered a depressing, even insulting Hollywood experience. For Herbie J, it was da bomb, as he found himself on the set of Family Ties, The Golden Girls and Wheel of Fortune. He helped to coordinate an affiliates' convention, two press tours, five Bob Hope specials, An All-Star Salute To President Dutch Reagan, the 1984 Democratic Presidential Debates, and the 1984 Emmy Awards. He laughed with established comedians, lunched with network suits, hob-knobbed with celebrities, stuffed envelopes - and passed out tickets to Scrabble - all for a measly $5.20 an hour. It's an experience that he remembers in-depth - and with tongue-in-cheek - in NBC & ME: MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK - A MOCK MEMOIR OF MY BIG '80s DAZE WITH THE PEACOCK NETWORK. With NBC & ME, Herbie J (no period after the J - and it's all explained in the book) exposes for the first time the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of his initial TV network tenure. Within these pages (every possible pun intended), Herbie J takes you - the reader - behind closed-doors, down inactive hallways, and inside TV's oldest web of intrigue (that's what they used to call television networks in the old days - webs). NBC & ME offers the fast-track, inside-scoop, close-up-look, and behind-the-scenes peek at my wanna'-be life with the so-called Peacock network - and in the process, becomes the first book to chronicle infamous Page department of NBC (or any other network's Page division, for that matter). In doing so, NBC & ME rides the skirt-tails of past or recent hit television shows like A&E's Airline (which was really Pages on a Plane), Andy Dick's The Assistant, and, of course, Donald Trump's and NBC's very own hit reality show, The Apprentice - as well as the success of NBC's newly-christened Emmy-winning hit comedy, 30 Rock (which features the Peacock net's former Saturday Night Live star/writer Tina Fey and offers periodic appearances by a character who just so happens to be a Page). So, if you're looking for a fun read, NBC & ME: MY LIFE AS A PAGE IN A BOOK fits the bill as, none other than, a real...uhm...page-turner.

In the history of popular television, there are not many shows that have addressed the issues of adolescence, family values, diversity, prejudice, and physical and mental disabilities so directly and fully as Life Goes On. The unique flavor of this daring series (which debuted on ABC in 1989, and which has recently been released on DVD) went straight to the heart of the American-viewing public. Now, the creation, development, and ever-increasing popularity of this this ground-breaking and heartwarming small screen classic is explored in LIFE STORY - THE BOOK OF LIFE GOES ON: TV'S FIRST AND BEST FAMILY SHOW OF CHALLENGE, written by best-selling author Herbie J Pilato (Bewitched Forever, The Kung Fu Book of Caine). Inside the pages of LIFE STORY, the reader will find revealing commentary from Pilato's exclusive interviews with cast members such as the Golden-Globe-nominated Chris Burke (who played Corky Thacher, the high-school teen with Down syndrome, which Burke has in real life), the Emmy-winning Chad Lowe (who portrayed the AIDS-stricken Jesse McKenna), and the Family-Television-Award winning Kellie Martin (who was Becca Thacher, sister to Corky and loyal young love to Jesse, and who is now the star of the Hallmark Channel new hit series, Mystery Woman). Also interviewed for LIFE STORY, were pristine behind-the-scenes team players including director/producer Michael Nankin and creator/executive producer Michael Braverman (the latter of whom has penned the book's foreword). Life Goes On continues to inspire viewers, and reaches beyond the realm of average entertainment with superior production values and credible, yet compelling, universal stories, each delivered with a sincere dedication in presenting good television. LIFE STORY - THE BOOK OF LIFE GOES ON: TV'S FIRST AND BEST FAMILY SHOW OF CHALLENGE captures that same spirit and transfers it into literary form.

The Bewitched Continuum is a fun insider's look at the classic television show's overall continuity that will have you appreciating Samantha, Darrin, and their circle of impish witches and manic mortals in a whole new way. Adam-Michael James zaps up the same magnifying glass he uses on scripts for Hollywood studios and his columns at soapcentral.com to explore the consistencies and inconsistencies of Bewitched, comparing and contrasting all 254 episodes like never before. The only book to focus solely on the supernatural sitcom's fictional elements, The Bewitched Continuum delves into burning questions like: How come witches can use their powers in the past in some episodes but not in others? Can witches undo one another's spells, or not? The result is a definitive reference guide that is entertaining, perceptive, and always respectful. In addition to stunning photos and overviews for all eight seasons, this magical manual reveals how many times Endora called Darrin Durwood and who was afflicted with which witchy illness, not to mention offers an exclusive peek at one idea for the series finale Bewitched never had. Whether hardcore fan or discovering the show for the first time, The Bewitched Continuum casts a spell you won't soon forget

With an in-depth perspective, CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY defines and distinguishes the iconic star's life and career BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER HIS MOST FAMOUS ROLE. With a Foreword by Barbara Carrera, the actor's co-star from Never Say Never Again (his final film as everyone's favorite British super secret agent), and an Introduction by Richard Demarco (Connery's lifelong friend), this book also features exclusive commentary from actors like Brendan Lynch (another of Connery's lifelong friends), Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball), Tippi Hedren (Marnie), and more.

Early Praise

There's much I didn't know about Sean Connery, but this book clarifies it all in a very compelling way. It's a real page-turner, and I had difficulty putting it down. Herbie J Pilato displays an elegant writing style that is rarely seen today.

- Bill Daly, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Pictures/Sean Connery Co-Star (The Molly Maguires)

A comprehensive, and thoroughly researched analysis of one of the greatest icons of popular culture . . . full of fresh insights into Connery's journey, and the colossal impact he had on our lives. Pilato's grasp of the screen persona we all came to embrace . . . and beyond . . . is fluid, and captivating.

- David Naylor, Telly/Saturn-Award-winning Producer/Director/Documentarian

CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY is a delicious, yet ethical read.

- Michael Learned, Emmy Award-winning Actor (The Waltons)

CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY is a fascinating and thorough account of the legendary actor's life and career, from his humble, almost Dickensian childhood, to the peaks of international stardom. With gusto, expertise, and clarity, Herbie J Pilato has crafted a riveting portrait.

- John Schuck, Acclaimed Screen/Stage Actor/Director (McMillan & Wife/Annie)

About the Author

Herbie J Pilato is the author of several renowned media tie-in books such as Retro Active Television, The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas, biographies of Mary Tyler Moore and Elizabeth Montgomery, and many others. He has written for the Television Academy and Emmys.com, served as host and co-executive producer of Amazon Prime's hit classic TV talk show, Then Again with Herbie J Pilato, and has produced, written, and appeared on countless documentaries for TV networks like CNN, Reelz, Bravo, TLC, E!, A&E, and various DVD/Blu-ray releases.

In the history of popular television, there are not many shows that have addressed the issues of adolescence, family values, diversity, prejudice, and physical and mental disabilities so directly and fully as Life Goes On. The unique flavor of this daring series (which debuted on ABC in 1989, and which has recently been released on DVD) went straight to the heart of the American-viewing public. Now, the creation, development, and ever-increasing popularity of this this ground-breaking and heartwarming small screen classic is explored in LIFE STORY - THE BOOK OF LIFE GOES ON: TV'S FIRST AND BEST FAMILY SHOW OF CHALLENGE, written by best-selling author Herbie J Pilato (Bewitched Forever, The Kung Fu Book of Caine). Inside the pages of LIFE STORY, the reader will find revealing commentary from Pilato's exclusive interviews with cast members such as the Golden-Globe-nominated Chris Burke (who played Corky Thacher, the high-school teen with Down syndrome, which Burke has in real life), the Emmy-winning Chad Lowe (who portrayed the AIDS-stricken Jesse McKenna), and the Family-Television-Award winning Kellie Martin (who was Becca Thacher, sister to Corky and loyal young love to Jesse, and who is now the star of the Hallmark Channel new hit series, Mystery Woman). Also interviewed for LIFE STORY, were pristine behind-the-scenes team players including director/producer Michael Nankin and creator/executive producer Michael Braverman (the latter of whom has penned the book's foreword). Life Goes On continues to inspire viewers, and reaches beyond the realm of average entertainment with superior production values and credible, yet compelling, universal stories, each delivered with a sincere dedication in presenting good television. LIFE STORY - THE BOOK OF LIFE GOES ON: TV'S FIRST AND BEST FAMILY SHOW OF CHALLENGE captures that same spirit and transfers it into literary form.

Be they actors, comedians, singers, dancers, or talk show hosts and personalities, everyone from George Burns and Milton Berle to Jack Benny and Jackie Gleason to Sid Caesar and Caesar Romero ignited their own particular brand of man-erisms. In the process, they each inspired their audience to cheer them on--whatever their guise. This book, with a foreword by Adam Batman West, will explore and celebrate the men who invented manliness and became stars in the process. It also profiles such teenage heartthrobs as Leave it to Beaver's Tony Dow and The Partridge Family's David Cassidy, stars who left an indelible impression on a generation of young girls.

Based on author Herbie J Pilato's exclusive interviews with Elizabeth Montgomery prior to her death in 1995, Twitch Upon a Star includes insider material and commentary from several individuals associated with her remarkable life and career before, during, and after Bewitched, including her classic feature films The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? (1963), and Johnny Cool (1963).

Two of Montgomery's many popular TV movies, A Case of Rape (which remains one of the highest-rated TV-movies of all time) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (which will soon be remade as a feature film), were groundbreaking and remain classics. But Twitch Upon a Star also goes behind the scenes to explore Montgomery's political activism, including her early advocacy for AIDS sufferers and the peace movement; her support for all minorities, including the gay community and the disabled; and her controversial participation as narrator of the1988 feature film documentary Cover-Up and its 1991 Oscar-winning sequel, The Panama Deception (both of which chronicled the Iran/Contra scandal of the 1980s). The book also explores Montgomery's tumultuous relationships with her father, screen legend Robert Montgomery (she was a liberal; he was a staunch conservative), and her four husbands (including actor Gig Young, who later died in a murder/suicide). Through it all--and to family and friends such as fellow performers Ronny Cox, Sally Kemp, and Florence Henderson--she was just Lizzie: down-to-earth and unaffected, just like Samantha, the witch-with-a-twitch Stephens, her most famous role.

Based on author Herbie J Pilato's exclusive interviews with Elizabeth Montgomery prior to her death in 1995, Twitch Upon a Star includes insider material and commentary from several individuals associated with her remarkable life and career before, during, and after Bewitched, including her classic feature films The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? (1963), and Johnny Cool (1963).

Two of Montgomery's many popular TV movies, A Case of Rape (which remains one of the highest-rated TV-movies of all time) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (which will soon be remade as a feature film), were groundbreaking and remain classics. But Twitch Upon a Star also goes behind the scenes to explore Montgomery's political activism, including her early advocacy for AIDS sufferers and the peace movement; her support for all minorities, including the gay community and the disabled; and her controversial participation as narrator of the1988 feature film documentary Cover-Up and its 1991 Oscar-winning sequel, The Panama Deception (both of which chronicled the Iran/Contra scandal of the 1980s). The book also explores Montgomery's tumultuous relationships with her father, screen legend Robert Montgomery (she was a liberal; he was a staunch conservative), and her four husbands (including actor Gig Young, who later died in a murder/suicide). Through it all--and to family and friends such as fellow performers Ronny Cox, Sally Kemp, and Florence Henderson--she was just Lizzie: down-to-earth and unaffected, just like Samantha, the witch-with-a-twitch Stephens, her most famous role.

Bewitched star Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the most prolific and popular actresses of the twentieth century. In her more than five hundred appearances on television, film and the stage, Elizabeth Montgomery's talent, charisma, and personalityhave charmed millions for decades.

This delightful new book delineates, dissects, and celebrates the diversity and minutia of Montgomery's remarkable career, while chronicling just how much her real life spilled into her historic roles on stage and screen. The book is based on Pilato's exclusive interviews with the actress and supplemented withcommentary provided by myriad entertainment professionals, journalists, and media and classic TV historians, including the Oscar-nominated actress Juanita Moore (Montgomery's co-star from the historic White Lie episode of TV's 77 Sunset Strip), and producer/writer/actor Jimmy Lydon (Elizabeth's co-star from the Wagon Train episode The Victorio Bottecelli Story.)

Including plot summaries, airdates, release dates, and behind-the-scenes notes and anecdotes of select performances, The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery is the ultimate handy, entertaining, and informative reference to the on- and off-screen adventures of one of the world's most beloved stars.

Glamour, Gidgets, and the Girl Next Door is the latest creation from entertainment biographer and pop culture consultant Herbie J Pilato. Based on exclusive celebrity interviews, this book runs the gamut of female television legends, from the iconic Mary Tyler Moore to the stars of the original Charlie's Angels. According to Pilato, There are so many charismatic women who have made their 'beauty-mark' in television. I wanted to celebrate their contributions, not only with regard to aesthetic appeal but to honor the intelligence, individual wit, and unique talent and style that each of them have contributed to television--and how that great medium in particular was utilized to introduce and showcase so many amazing and wonderful women to the world. Suffice it to say, for exclusive and key information on TV's top leading ladies who shattered expectations and paved the way for successive generations, this book is the number one resource and go-to guide.