Marc Tyler Nobleman's Blog, page 101

DC vs. Marvel: the film series

In Washington DC, a clever spin on the superhero film festival:



Oddly, however, no Superman? Or Spider-Man, for that matter.

Bill Finger’s Coney Island contribution to Joker

Multiple sources, including Bill Finger’s son Fred and Carmine Infantino, claimed that Bill derived some inspiration for the Joker from a grinning figure at Coney Island, in Brooklyn—specifically at an amusement park called Steeplechase Park.


Here is how I think the clown went down, though the proper order of the first two is lost to time:
Bill mentioned the grinning character he saw at Coney Island to the Bat-team (Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson).Bill showed the team a photo book featuring Conrad Veidt in the 1928 film The Man Who Laughs.Jerry designed the Joker caricature that would appear on his signature playing/calling card.Bill wrote the first Joker story in late 1939 or early 1940. The character looked primarily like Veidt with an aura of the Steeplechase mascot.

But I’m not aiming to start a debate. Rather I recount this simply to set up an image that I was jazzed to see.

DC Comics will be reintroducing a Harley Quinn series. And the first promo (possibly cover) image released features a fun nod to history that many will not pick up on…but those who do will, well, grin.

Talking MTV and Batman on AM 1690

Of the various radio interviews I have done, the 7/25/13 one with Jon Waterhouse on “Pop Culture King” on Atlanta’s AM 1690 was one of the most fun. Partly because it was the first on my “Girl in the Video” series, and partly because Jon is such a polished radio personality.

Oh, and partly because I’m pretty sure it’s the first time I’ve shared a headline with this guy:


My segment begins at 16:26 though you will want to listen to the whole show.

Thanks again for having me on, Jon. I want my Pop Cult King!

The Girl in the Video Epilogue: I Want My MTN!

Or rather, MTN wanted his MTV, so I tracked down the 20 people who kindly agreed to be interviewed for the first-ever oral history of the music video from the POV of the stars. No, not the bands—the stars. The ones who shine in the distance, unnamed. In other words, the love interests.

I am profoundly happy about the enthusiastic response the series has gotten. 

Sherrie Swafford said Steve Perry liked her interview. 

Lysette Anthony said Bryan Adams thought her interview was good.

Michael Jackson’s nephew Taj tweeted that the Kelley Parker interview was wonderful.

I’ll let the Internet elaborate on the rest:

 Hollywood Reporter 7/17/13

USA Today Pop Candy 7/12/13
 Yahoo! Music 7/18/13 (4.3K shares on Facebook!):

“Swafford, who has long shied away from the spotlight, was recently found by Marc Tyler Nobleman, author of the Noblemania blog, while he was working on a piece about all the lovely ladies who appeared in the ‘Separate Ways’ video [MTN: Actually the project, as you have seen, is about lovely ladies from 13 videos; there was only one in ‘Separate Ways’]. She declined to be interviewed or photographed, but gave him a short statement acknowledging that his detective work was spot on and giving him the low down on her current activities.”

a-ha Facebook post 7/20/13; 
more than 4,800 likes, 680 shares, 210 comments
a-ha retweet 7/19/13
Huey Lewis and the News Facebook post 7/22/13; 
more than 320 likes, 30 shares


7/16/13
 
Huey Lewis and the News liked on Facebook 7/20/13

   Huey Lewis and the News Facebook post 7/30/13

Martha Quinn (VJ) 7/19/13

 

7/19/13

7/24/13

7/29/13

Kurt Loder (VJ) 7/15/13
More than 700 likes, 100 shares, 60 comments. Journey fans = every way they want it.
Peter Lenkov (husband of Audie Lenkov) 7/17/13
Julie Anne Rhodes (ex-wife of Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran) 7/14/13

 MTV Hive favorited tweet 7/19/13
Yahoo Music favorited tweet 7/19/13
Alan Hunter (VJ) 7/12/13


 It even made an app.
(And a fun app—it’s right there in the name:
Guess What? It’s Fun.)

More reactions:

“Total score for Nobleman!” (Steve Spears, Stuck in the ‘80s)

“…big shout out to author Marc Tyler Nobleman, who’s been tracking down and interviewing a lot of the video babes of MTV’s classic era. … They’re pretty entertaining. (SPOILERS: When music videos first became a thing, nobody knew what the hell they were doing!) Check it out!” (Popdose)

“[Marc] was able to...get Kym [Herrin] to spill her guts, to agree to a feature story…who is this dude? Hugh Hefner? Marquis de Sade?” (Santa Barbara News Press Blog)

“Thanks, Huey, for sharing this from noted geek historian Marc Tyler Nobleman. :) Also, saw where MTN interviewed the girl from ZZ Top’s ‘Legs’ video...AWESOME!” (Facebook share by John D. Nole via Huey Lewis and the News)

“This is the greatest! I’ve wished for a long time that someone would cover this topic in detail and you have come to the rescue.” (wuenchdog, in a blog comment)

“I guess if I had just made one video, it would have led to fame of some kind. Should have tried out rather than just sitting home watching them.” (friend Tammy, on Facebook)

I heard from Greg Kihn’s people.

And I even heard from one of the guys who sang na-na-na-nas in the 1968 “music video” for “Hey Jude” (wearing glasses and tie and appears in close-up starting at 3:19).

The Girl in the Video: “Free Fallin’” (1989)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

The video: “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The girl-now-woman: Devon Kidd (Devon Jenkin).




How old were you when you appeared in the “Free Fallin’” video? 

Hmm…old enough to skate a half-pipe that led to professional downhill skateboarding—first female against 200+ men, many with tattoos everywhere and longer hair than me. Where are your manners, young man (LOL!)—never ask a girl her age, silly. Wink wink.

Where were you living at the time? 

Manhattan Beach, CA. Great place! Ever been there?

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that? 

I was the Wienerschnitzel girl for several years during the Lakers’ three-year championship sweep. I didn’t do too much before, but certainly after. The “California skateboarder/surfer girl” type wasn’t in the limelight, of course, except for Malibu Gidget.

How were you cast?

This is the fun part. I was doing a modeling shoot with gold medalist Cathy Rigby for a water ad. I was a gymnast. While I was in the middle of the shoot, I received a call from my agent saying “There’s a music video audition. I don’t know if you want to do it. It’s a small job.” I asked who the artist was and what the song was. When she said, “Tom Petty, ‘Free Fallin,’” I jumped! I asked the photographer of the shoot what time we’d be done, and he said in an hour or so. I asked my agent if they could change my audition time to later. As I waited quite anxiously, had a hard time sitting still for the shoot—but the enthusiastic energy I felt inspired a great shot! I was able to be let go early.

I drove from Sherman Oaks to Melrose Boulevard, West Hollywood, and went to Aardvark’s second-hand store. Two men who loved to dress women helped me find the perfect outfit. Then they directed me to a Wal-Mart-type store to buy cheap fifties-style peg shoes. (The hairstylist on the shoot [had done] my hair fifties style.)


I had more fun getting to the audition. When I arrived, I saw a huge line of ladies looking similar to myself out the door and around the building. I ran in to sign in. I was full of smiles while everyone [looked bored] waiting for their turn. I was like, “Are you kidding me? This is amazing! How can you not be excited!” When it was my turn, I auditioned with two other ladies. One of them starred as Priscilla in [a] TV movie about Elvis Presley, the other was an old friend of mine from high school—a boarding school in Arizona. We hadn’t seen each other in years, so you can imagine how much fun we were having.

I was asked back to meet the director, Julian Temple. He asked if I could skateboard and made his hands go up and down. I had been skateboarding nearly every day after school since I was 3-4 years old. I responded, “You mean a half-pipe?” He said, “Yes, that thing.”

My enthusiastic passion came prior to the audition. I was living on the north shore of Oahu, listening to “Free Fallin’” over and over on top of the mountain while gazing into the most stunning sunset wondering what I was going to do with my life. The lyrics captured the essence of my attention inspiring me in a direction that took hold of my dreams.

Do you remember what happened next? 

How can I forget! After the audition, I went home, cancelled all of my plans, and just stared at the phone. My agent called me and asked, “Are you sitting down?” I said, “No, I can’t. Okay, I will. What happened?” She said, “You got it!” I said, “I got what?” She said, “You got the lead.” I screamed, I danced like the movie with Tom Cruise in his underwear, and I said, “Thank you to Jesus!” Yes, I really do love Jesus of Nazareth! I couldn’t have done anything or got through anything without Him. He is my hero, my savior!

Where was the video filmed?

Hollywood Hills, Sherman Oaks.

How long was the shoot?

Surprisingly—two days.

How did you feel making the video? 

As you can see, I felt great! I [did] wish I had more time to prepare. During the last audition the director said that we were filming that next day. Not much time to brush up on skills. No worries—it all came back and it was good! Amazing how fast childhood experiences flash forward to the greatest moments! The best part of the video was standing on the half-pipe—there was [that] awe-inspiring look that many people remember. I was capturing the freeze-frame miracle moment—the most incredible, super-huge full moon—directly in front of me, I’m skating with cute guys, Tom Petty is singing my favorite song of all time to as if I was his love interest (I’m such a fan!), and an awesome sunset behind me. It doesn’t get any better than that!


What was the hardest part of the shoot? 

Reading the directions wrong! Long story left behind :)

I’m madly curious. Can we bring it back?

On the second day of the shoot, I [allowed] several hours—4+ hours [to be precise]—[to get to] the shooting location. It takes only 45 minutes to 1½  hours to get from Manhattan Beach to Sherman Oaks—so I thought. Mind you, here was no traffic! I would have been a minimum two hours early. 

I realized [in] my nervous enthusiasm, I read the directions on the wrong side of the paper. I began to panic when I couldn’t find the location of the shoot. I’m thinking, “Was the shoot private and I missed the signs?” Overwhelming fear began to [transform] into devastation. [I finally get] my absolute dream job—and I couldn’t find it!

I parked on the side of the road, took a deep breath as my head fell on my steering wheel, and prayed. Then I noticed there were directions on the other side of the paper. How could I not see this? I felt so incredibly discouraged and, more importantly, I felt devastated for everyone waiting for me on the video shoot. I freaked! I quickly drove to the correct location on Ventura Boulevard. I hit one stop light after another. The sun was behind me—directly in my rear view mirror. Squinting from the bright sun, I looked to my right and there was the shoot…and then, right in front of me [was a light turning] red—along with a car passing right in front of me. Yep, I hit the car—right in front of everyone on the shoot.

I felt broken! The people in the car that I had hit were startled but fine; I was scared to death and worried if they were okay. The awesome crew noticed it was me and ran over to get me out of the chaos while a tow truck took my Jeep to a car shop down the street—a whole other story.

The crew immediately put me in makeup and we shot the hot dog scene.


How was it to work with Tom Petty? Or did you not meet him?

We didn’t talk much, but when we did, we were just shooting the breeze while he was playing tag with his daughter. I wish I got to know him better. We certainly have a lot in common.

What did you think of the video? 

I absolutely love it! Julian Temple created a masterpiece of time-traveling into the future, kind of like Back to the Future.

What did your parents think of it? 

My dad thought it was great, but thought I was nutty when racing professionally. I was like, “But dad, you built me a skateboard when I was 3-4 years old and said, “See what this thing can do and get back to me.” So I did, there you go. Everything has a greater purpose than what we can see in that time.


What about your mom?

My mother passed away when I was 11. I’m sure she would have been very proud of me. When we were kids, my mother would make us pick out a present on Christmas Day to give to a sick child at St. John’s Hospital in Redondo Beach. Not a fun thing to do as a young child considering we appeared to be quite financially challenged growing up; my mom worked three jobs to make ends meet. Skateboarding was a way to get around without having to put any pressure on her.

What did your friends think of it?

They thought it was awesome! Most of my friends were guys. They skated and they would take the credit for my skating abilities. Riiiggggghhhhttt. Actually, they did give me pointers and encouraged me to keep going, so I do give my friends a lot of the credit. My girlfriends were excited and a bit jealous. I hate jealousy—it just doesn’t make sense! Everybody has a purpose in life…find it, love it, and live it! Don’t rain on someone else’s parade because you haven’t found yours. Be inspired instead—life is just too short! Live it well while you can.

Did the video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were the woman in it)? 

Yes and no. I was always a California skater/surfer girl so I was just being myself, and the men I attracted also skated and surfed. The bummer part was when they took my life for granted and used it to their advantage to excel in their own lives—boasting more about the girl in the video versus appreciating me a person. You can see why many people in the limelight would create an alias—just so people can be themselves around you or treat you as a human being. Whatever the case, it was me, it was my life, and I chose something that came with challenges like any other chosen vocation/career. It is what it is…and I love it either way.

Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it?

Shockingly, I received a lot of fan mail. I never saw myself as famous. I just saw myself doing what I love to do and it led to things I never dreamed of. A lot of people dream of being famous—that wasn’t me. I dreamed of rising to the top to make a difference that inspired people to have faith in themselves, and if fame can do that, then I did my job!

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of? 

Ya know, there’s controversy in everything, which is why I prefer to move on and not dwell on the things have no meaning for today. Sure, I would love to set a lot of records straight, but I [more] prefer to let it go. Thanks for your understanding. Life is good—let’s keep it that way.

Willing for any kind of elaboration? Are you referring to public controversy or private, interpersonal controversy?

Devastatingly (sigh), one of the girls in the video was murdered. People thought it was me. I would prefer to focus on her life-legacy. 

There were many controversies. Let’s just say I’ve never felt more misunderstood while understanding (without blame) why people see the way they do.

To give you an idea, for many years, I volunteered at a shelter for at-risk, underprivileged teens. On Christmas Eve, one of the teens I worked with wore the most perfect shirt; it said it all: “I’m not evil, just misunderstood.” I asked him what his shirt meant to him. His humbling response: he just wished someone cared enough to see his side of the story. My heart sank understanding exactly what he meant.

Then he said, “Why are you down here with us? Looking all rich and stuff?” To him, my simple attire was rich. He added, “Shouldn’t you be with your family tonight?” I responded, “I am with my family.”

The teens and I all hugged and said our goodbye for the evening; I headed for a midnight Christmas Eve church service at the Rock Church in San Diego. Miles McPherson, pro baseball player turned pastor, was preaching. He said, “As a gift to Jesus for the gift of life He’s given you, turn to the person directly behind you and tell them what you are most thankful for.” I turned around to share the experience of the teen shelter.

I reached out to shake a young man’s hand behind me, and he said, “Devon! It’s me, Michael, from TTC!” TTC is the teen shelter I had just come from. I’m so not kidding. I had worked with this young adult for over a year, mentoring him through fitness to go after his dream to enroll in the Marines. Then one day, he was gone. It was his time to go, but no goodbye. I’d wondered if he was on the street again.

The world stopped before me with a miracle moment that doesn’t get any better than this! Tom Petty [was] singing my favorite song over loudspeakers again!

What were you paid?

Yep. :)

Given that it was so long ago, I thought you either wouldn’t remember or would be fine sharing. Do you remember? 

Oh, yes, I remember. Let’s just say seven is a good number. If we made the video according to entertainment industry standards today, I probably could retire early. ;)

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel? 

I was really excited! I was literally watching a dream come true on TV. Growing up skating finally made sense. I didn’t think about it; I just did it by faith for [a] reason I wasn’t aware of until that point.

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that? 

For a while, it was tough to accept fame from it. I was focused on doing my job and having a blast doing it. I never really thought about people actually coming up to me and asking for an autograph. It was always the other way around. I loved hearing how inspired people were; hearing their stories really humbled me. I remember driving in Manhattan Beach, looking to my right at sunset, and seeing a little girl trying to learn how to skateboard. It was quite surreal. [In] the “Free Fallin’” video, the girl is going through time discovering her identity and the identity of the times.

Speaking of which, the part of the video [with the] “hippie rocker” character—where the guys get into a brawl while I was crossing my legs reading a magazine in a chair—this seemed to happen quite often after the video in real life. It felt like I was living in a matrix where people [had] made a video of my life before it even started. I was surprised that people have recognized me—even today.


Did you appear in other music videos after that?

Yes, and many commercials, TV shows, and motion pictures (professional stunts).

If you ever met other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video, who?

Not really. I wish I would have; that would have been a blast to meet women who shared similar experiences. Would love to hear their stories. I’m sure they are quite profound and inspiring.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

Biola University. Degree in organization leadership, minor in theology with an emphasis in eschatology. Yep, I have a passion for truth—Biblical prophecy. My dad was a NASA aerospace engineer who was a key inventor of XM radio. The universe had to be created, it could not exist; otherwise, the physics of cause and effect just wouldn’t make sense.

What are you doing these days? 

I am a fitness specialist, ski conditioning coach, etc. All the fun stuff. My passion is inspiring people to have faith regardless of their circumstances. Go big with passion of heart!


Where do you live?

California is always my home, [but] I live in Colorado—next best thing to Cali. I miss the beach but love the change of seasons with snow.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video? 

Well, some things are better left personal. Anyone who embarks on a journey in the entertainment industry [has] to expect [that] people will see them [how] they want them to be, not as they really are.

Do you have kids, and if so, how old are they?

Reread [my answer to] question #1; they are old enough to live their life’s dreams.

Would you be able to share anything more—how many you have, what they are doing generally? 

Yes, I have two absolutely gorgeous daughters, Kirra and Elise. They are my special “little big” girls—who are taller than me. I’m trying to renegotiate my life contract with God. It’s not working very well. I had them soon after the video was made. I am very protective of them. Kirra (Angel Kirra) is an aspiring gifted artist/fashion designer and Elise (Weesypooh) is an aspiring chef/businesswoman.

What do they think of the video?

They love it and so do their friends. Raising them was a blast—skating down the streets. Neighbors didn’t like me very much at first, but as they got to know me, they were inspired to want to skate themselves. Skating is not a crime. It is an outlet like any other sport. It is a way of life that takes you places. It’s a legacy of love on a stick that rolls with the times—something the video touched on from one scene to the next.

What did you think when you first heard from me? 

I was hoping you would. ;) I got “the memo from above.” Seriously, I think it’s awesome you have a passion for something like this. I hope you are excited about all you hear and are inspired to accomplish great things in your life! It’s nice to know I can help in some way.

“Memo from above”—does that mean you knew you would hear from someone about this, or even knew you would hear from me specifically? If so, when did you get that message, and how, and what exactly did it say?

LOL! Be careful what you pray for right? I mean this in a good way. I had a sense someone was going to contact me sometime in the future, then in the near future. It’s not a prediction or intuition; it’s something much more than that. It’s a gift of understanding the power of prayers and believing they are answered. It’s not religious; it’s a just a special personal relationship between me and Jesus.


Has anyone else ever interviewed about this? If so, who, when, and for what publication?

Many publications have interviewed me, but the most memorable was Rolling Stone (#576, 4/19/90). Awesome!


Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you? 

I have and yes I would; any opportunity to inspire people to go for it is humbling success!

Did you stay in touch with anyone from the shoot? 

No.

When was the last time you were in touch with them?

Good question…brain freeze.

How do you look back on the experience?

The video had more purpose than I could have ever imagined. It set the stage for reaching out to kids from all walks of life with respect, faith, and inspiration.

Anything you’d like to add?

The video allowed me the respectful opportunity to speak to hundreds of kids from all walks of life about believing in their dreams, trusting their life has a greater purpose that’s worth the painful work to get there, and how to use fitness as a tool for their success (with skateboarding in particular as an outlet for their frustrations).

Tweet about this interview to @tompetty, @benchten, and @devonkidd!

Copy and tweet to help me find more 1980s music video girls:

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know the woman—even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

The Girl in the Video: “Smooth Criminal” (1988)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

The video: “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson.

The girl-now-woman: Kelley Parker.





How old were you when you appeared in the “Smooth Criminal” video?

We filmed the “Smooth Criminal” video for over one month and then the rest of the film for about eight months. I was 10-11 years old when we shot the film, and 12 when it finally came out. We had such an extended time filming because we kept adding to the script. It was just going to be an extended video, and then it grew to be a full-length feature, and finally ended up somewhere in between at about 40 minutes.

Where were you living at the time?

I was living in Huntington Beach with my family.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that?

I was a working actress at the time. I had been on Highway to Heaven, Superior Court, multiple national commercials.

How were you cast?

I had auditioned and then heard nothing back for over six months, so I assumed that someone else had been cast. I found out later that they had done a nationwide casting and that was why it took so long before getting the call for the callback. After that, I had to come in for a screen test with some of the boy actors that were up for the Zeke role.

The look that I have in the video, tomboy with the messy braids, was exactly how I went in for the audition. I was never a girly-girl, and it was sort of my niche that set me apart from at the other girls. I was a toughie, always wanting to be one of the boys. I think that is maybe what caught Michael’s eye. I was fairly raw, not very polished. I remember being in hair and makeup and they were putting two other girls into braids and putting freckles on them. I remember being upset that they were all being made up to look like me! Now I see what a compliment that was.


Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast?

I was not really all that excited about it. When Thriller came out I was only five years old. So [while I knew Michael’s music,] I was not a fan and really had no concept of who he was! Honestly that probably is part of the reason why I got [the part]—I was so instantly at ease around him because I did not seem him as the megastar that he was. I saw him just as a fellow actor. Gotta love kids!

Where was the video filmed?

We shot the video, which was originally called “Chicago Nights,” on the Culver soundstages. Then for the film we moved over to Universal backlot and soundstages. We shot all the outside field shots at a ranch north of Los Angeles called Disney Ranch.


How did you feel making the video?

It was the most incredible experience of my life! Without a doubt, it changed the course of my life. Michael and I became great friends. He was always pushing me to be better and teaching me about the artistic process. To have someone of his creative genius take the time to teach you at the age of 10 is like getting the winning lotto ticket, and I have always known how fortunate I was to have had that experience. Michael never once treated me as a kid, always as an equal, and as a professional. I imagine it was because he was in the business as a kid so he knew what it felt like to be on set with huge expectations for you to deliver a performance. The pressure is the same whether you are an adult or a kid, and Michael always respected that.



What was the hardest part of the shoot?

I don’t remember any hard parts of the shoot, but I was once sent to the emergency room for an accident that occurred. It was the scene in the caves when Mr. Big (Joe Pesci) pushes me to the ground. One time he pushed a bit harder and I tripped as I fell backwards and was not able to catch myself. I landed on the big mic pack on my spine. I went down hard! Michael was so concerned about me. It was really sweet.

How was it to work with Michael Jackson? What was he like?

Michael was the kindest man I have ever met. I was so lucky to have not just worked with him, but worked with him for months and [go on to be] friends with him for years. He took the time to really get to know me. He was lighting in a bottle; the air was different when he was around. It’s hard to explain, but you could feel him before you saw him.


He was also so much fun on set, pulling pranks and laughing with us. The best example was when we had been filming out at the ranch, and they had been long, hard days in the sun, and I was doing the last shot of the day. I had thought that we were done for the day, and the director said he needed another take. I could see something moving in the reflection of the camera lens; I looked back to see Michael, Sean, and Brandon running at me with water guns and water balloons. They soaked me!

Then there was the first time I walked on the set and saw Michael dancing. My jaw literally dropped. The power he had as a performer was truly one-of-a-kind, and the electricity in the room was overwhelming.

What did you think of the video?

I loved it, and still do. It really is one of the all-time best videos. It has absolutely stood the test of time.


What did your parents think of it?

My parents were proud of me.

What did your friends think of it?

I’m not sure how impressed my friends were at the time, but since then it has definitely given me cool factor points! When it first came out I was working a lot so many of my closest friends were also in the business, and thus they were probably less impressed than the average kids. It was actually many years later when I realized the affect that the film and video had on people.

“Smooth Criminal” and the longer film were part of Moonwalker. It was supposed to be released in theaters in the US, but for legal reasons, it never was. Many kids my age and younger had the Moonwalker DVD and would play it over and over. Since it was family-friendly, there is a whole generation that was raised on the DVD, kids who probably never saw the actual video on MTV until years later.

When you were of dating age, did the video ever affect your love life in any way?

It had no effect on my love life when I was younger, and as I got older I would not tell people until after they knew me fairly well. I always tried to keep my friendship with Michael private; I was never one to exploit that for my own personal gain. Once a guy would find out, it usually would gain me a few points; many of them had crushes on me growing up.

Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it?

I did get a few letters. They are in some box at my parents’ house.

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of?

I was not aware of any controversy surrounding the video.

What were you paid?

I believe I was paid a SAG daily rate. Originally I was supposed to work for only about a month, but it ended up being so much more than that. They ended up making a lot of merchandise that I was also in: picture books, coloring books, video and arcade games, posters.

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel?

We had a big screening for the film that I went to. It was really fun to see all the videos on the big screen. I did also watch the premiere on MTV. I remember being with my family at home and getting to stay up past my bedtime to watch it. It was surreal to see it, and it was great because then I had an excuse to watch MTV!

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that?

I was never recognized in public except when I was with Michael. When I was in public with him, people would say “You’re the little girl from the video!” It was always fun to be recognized. When people find out today, it is always fun to watch their faces because I see them scan my face for a moment and then the usual response is “You look the same!”

Did you appear in other music videos after that?

Years later, as an adult, I did several videos as a dancer and actress.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

I studied business and film in school, graduating from CSUN after many years of stopping and starting the process. It was hard for me to get through it in one four-year stretch because I was still working in the entertainment business and would book tours that would take me out of the country for extended periods of time. As I got older the teachers began to trust me more; as long as I was able to get things done and do well on tests, they were willing to work with my crazy schedule. I never gave up on it because it was something that I wanted to accomplish for myself.

What are you doing these days?

I am still in the entertainment business, though these days mostly behind the scenes. I am lucky—because of my varied background I get to work in both live and filmed entertainment. I am a producer for television, a choreographer, and an associate director for large-scale live shows. I love my life; it never feels like work because I love what I do. I started working on the creative behind-the-scenes side of things early in my twenties because I had already been performing for so long, and I was looking to express myself more fully as a creative mind. I owe a lot of that to Michael; the confidence in my own creative and artistic thought came from the time I spent with him.


I recently finished working with Kenny Ortega, who, of course, directed for Michael for many years, and he and I would have great conversations about Michael. It was nice to reminisce with someone else who knew Michael the person and friend, not just Michael the star.


Where do you live?

California.

What did you think when you first heard from me?

I was excited to talk about this very special moment in my life. As I have mentioned, I have always stayed very quiet about times with Michael, but it is nice to have the opportunity to tell people what it was like to be there when this iconic video was made. So many incredible memories of the late-night shoots, hanging with the dancers on set, and watching the process and evolution of the work. I had been dancing since I was three years old and on the mornings I could I would [join] the dancers’ warm-up with the choreographer, Vincent Paterson. They were the most incredible dancers. That cast had such a strong bond and you can feel it when you watch the video; they were like family.

Has anyone else ever interviewed about this? If so, who, when, and for what publication?

A few years ago I did do a panel in Las Vegas for a screening of the film and video, and a few other interviews here and there over the years.

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you?

I never have been asked; might consider it depending on the circumstances. There is so much love surrounding Michael and I know how much the video and film meant to so many people.

Did you stay in touch with Michael? If so, how often?

Michael and I remained friends for years.

When was the last time you were in touch with him, and what was that conversation about?

I saw Michael a couple weeks before he passed. [Before that,] I had not seen him in years. I am so happy that I was able to say hello to him and look in his eyes one last time.

How did that come about? Did he call you, you call him, someone email you? Where did you see him?

I work as a choreographer now and have done many shows and a couple films for Disney. He came to one of the shows a couple weeks before he died and I happened to be there that day. He did not know I would be there. It was brief, but I did get the opportunity to see him, and for that, I will be forever thankful.

How and where did you learn Michael died? How did the news affect you?

I was in a rehearsal when the news came that Michael had been rushed to the hospital. I found out in a text from my brother Eric, who had spent much time with me on the set when I was working with Michael.

When I heard he had passed, my mind went blank and my eyes filled with tears. The first person that put [a] hand on me, I collapsed in shock. It was surreal, to say the least, and I was just so sad because he still had so much to give. But thankfully his legacy will always live on, and there was such beauty, love, and outpouring following his death. I think he is looking down from somewhere else and smiling. We were so lucky to have had him here for the time that we did, and he accomplished what was so close to his heart—for people to love one another, to feel joy in their lives, and to believe in magic. And anywhere you go in the world, when his music comes on, that is exactly what happens…people dance, sing, smile, and their spirits are lifted. What a beautiful gift he gave us.

What is your take on the allegations made against Michael Jackson by families of children he befriended?

I can’t speak about nor judge anybody else’s relationship or experience with Michael because I was not there with them. All I can do is say that in all the time I spent with him, he was nothing but the most caring and gentle human being. He was always like a father looking out for me. I spent time with him at his ranch, Neverland, and always had so much fun with him.

I know that people don’t understand why Michael always had kids around, and as an adult I can see why that may look unusual. But all you have to do is look at any kids you know and the fact that they have no filter; they are just honest. Now put yourself in Michael’s shoes: surrounded all day by people who constantly filter what they say to you. How refreshing the honesty [of children] would be.

Michael was always questioning me so that I would grow in my reasoning. We would dream out loud together, make up stories together, and be creative in so many ways. I think he was maybe trying to be for me what he had hoped someone would have done for him as a kid in the industry.

He was the kindest man with the most generous heart. From my experience with him, I can’t imagine that he would harm anyone.


Lastly, were you Annie?

Nope, I was not Annie. I was just “Katy.” :-) We never knew who “Annie” was.

Tweet about this interview to @michaeljackson and @Kellie_Parker!

Copy and tweet to help me find more 1980s music video girls:

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know the woman—even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Next: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Free Fallin’” (1989).

The Girl in the Video: “Midnight Blue” (1987)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

The video: “Midnight Blue” by Lou Gramm.

The girl-now-woman: Traci Lind.





How old were you when you appeared in the “Midnight Blue” video? 

Not sure. I was born in April ‘68 and do not remember what year it was shot. I am fairly certain it came out within a month or two of shooting it, so if you know the year you can do the math. ;)

Where were you living at the time? 

Los Angeles.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that? 

Not sure. You could check IMDB if you know the year.

How were you cast? 

I honestly do not remember… The actor who was in it with me was a dear friend of mine, Joe Holland, AKA Tim Carson. We had the same agent at the time, but I think it was random that they cast us…or maybe Joe asked me to do it with him so I agreed to meet the director or whoever decided.

Joe died a few years later of complications due to AIDS…tragically just before the protease cocktails were made available. So when I saw the video on YouTube a couple of years ago (I had completely forgotten about it, which you will see as I do not have answers for most of the questions below), I was really glad that I did it, just to have footage of him young and beautiful and of the two of us together.

Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast? 

No…

Where was the video filmed? 

Ummm…in L.A. on a few locations.

How long was the shoot? 

Two nights? I think…

How did you feel making the video? 

Nothing unusual. I was working actress and had been for some time, so being on location and night shoots were no big deal.


What was the hardest part of the shoot? 

Don’t recall anything being difficult.

How was it to work with Lou Gramm? Or did you not meet him? 

I remember him being in the makeup trailer at one point when the shoots overlapped. I think they shot footage of him in one of the outside locations Joe and I shot at later in the night.  Someone introduced us and he seemed perfectly pleasant, but I did not really know him or his music from the band he was in.

What did you think of the video? 

It was artfully shot for that period. I’ve seen it only a few times, and don’t think I ever saw it when it was airing. I didn’t watch much TV or MTV.

What did your parents think of it? 

I don’t think my mother ever saw it. If she did we never discussed it. As I said, I was working a lot at the time and this was just something I did with Joe.

What did your friends think of it? 

Ditto…

Did the video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were the woman in it)?

No.

Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it? 

I don’t know if there was fan mail. I do not answer fan mail, and my agents knew that, so if there was [any], they kept [it], most likely.

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of? 

Nope.

What were you paid? 

Don’t remember…

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel? 

Nope.

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that? 

Nope.


Did you appear in other music videos after that? 

Nope.

If you ever met other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video, who? 

Won’t say.

If you went to college, where and what did you study? 

Ditto.

What are you doing these days? 

Ditto.


 Traci in 1997
Where do you live? 

Ditto.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video? 

Ditto.

Kids?

Nope.

What did you think when you first heard from me? 

That I never respond to these types of inquiries, but my husband thought you asked in a nice way and that it was a low-key thing. So decided I would answer as best as I could since it I don’t remember much about it and had almost forgotten that I even did it (someone searched my name on YouTube and told me they saw it, jogging my memory…so I looked for it to see Joe). Honestly the only reason I did this was for Joe. He was a wonderful person and I loved him dearly and that video may be some of the only film footage of him…

Has anyone else ever interviewed about this? If so, who, when, and for what publication?

Nope.

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you? 

Nope. And no.

Did you stay in touch with anyone from the shoot? 

The only person I kept up with was Joe and he died in late 1994 or early 1995.

Anything you’d like to add?

Good luck with your project! Sorry I could not be of more help, and while I would be perfectly happy if you don’t use any of this, I did not glibly answer. It just didn’t mean that much to me to appear in a video. I barely watched the movies I was in. I am an intensely private person, so the whole acting thing was just the wrong path for me, and as soon as I figured out how to segue out of it, I did.

Tweet about this interview to @LouGramm!

Copy and tweet to help me find more 1980s music video girls:

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know the woman—even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Next: Michael Jackson, “Smooth Criminal” (1988).

The Girl in the Video: “Your Love” (1986)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

The video: “Your Love” by the Outfield.

The girl-now-woman: JoAnn Willette.

 

How old were you when you appeared in the “Your Love” video?

21.

Where were you living at the time?

I had an apartment in Sherman Oaks, CA.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that?

I had a part in Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2. I was Girl on Bus #2—and the first killed, I believe, in the crazy bus ride through hell with Freddy. In Real Genius I played a teenage girl at the science fair—though I was cut out of the movie. I co-starred with Sharon Stone in an episode of T.J. Hooker that they were using as a pilot for her—I think they were going to call it Mrs. Hooker; I played an abused drug addict and William Shatner gave me mouth to mouth resuscitation—a career highlight for me. I love him.

In an episode of The Facts of Life, I played a socialite and I had a recurring role on a bad nighttime soap called Rituals. I had a series regular role in an NBC pilot called High School U.S.A., which didn’t get picked up. I played a high school kid and stars from when I was little played teachers and school administrators: Ricky Nelson (his last role before he died, I believe; very nice man), Burt Ward, Barbara Billingsley, Henry Gibson, Julie Newmar, Ken Osmond, Paul Petersen, Jerry Mathers, Harriet Hilliard (Nelson). It was a thrill for me to work with them. Other kids in the cast were Crispin Glover, Anne-Marie Johnson, and Crystal Bernard.

My very first job was an episode of Hill Street Blues. I played a Catholic school girl with Ally Sheedy. Steven Bochco Taft-Hartleyed me into the union. Also at the time I did this video, I had just finished starring in an indie coming-of-age movie with Mariska Hargitay and Courtney Thorne-Smith called Welcome to 18—that’s how I got cast.

How exactly were you cast?

The director of the video—John was his name—came to the set of Welcome to 18 to watch the filming. He was friends with the cameraman, Julio Macat (who went on to be the cinematographer on films such as Home Alone). John really liked me. He approached me and asked me if I’d be “the girl” in a music video he was directing for the Outfield. I think it was shooting the following weekend. I said sure. Sounded like fun.

Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast?

I guess my first reaction to being cast was surprise. They usually cast tall, modelly type girls for those things, which I am certainly not. I’m tiny-leggy and drop-dead is not me. But the lead singer, Tony Lewis, who sings to “the girl” and flirts with her, was not super tall so maybe that was a factor. At any rate, I was thrilled—I grew up on MTV videos, a trip to NYC—all sounded fun to me. John also directed all the Hall and Oates videos so I was interested in working with him.

Where was the video filmed?

It was shot at a soundstage in NYC—Brooklyn maybe? I don’t remember the exact location. They had a set which resembled the album cover. The guys sang on a stage and I played an artist offstage finger-painting the cover.

How long was the shoot?

We worked all day, all night, and wrapped the next morning when the sun came up. The last shot is me walking out of the studio on the street. (People think it’s the sun setting—it’s not. It’s dawn.)

How did you feel making the video?

I had a lot of fun. Never worked on something like this—so it was interesting. They blasted the playback for the song at each take—the song was great.

What was the hardest part of the shoot?

Besides staying awake at the end (didn’t think it would go so late!), the hardest part for me were the precise shots John took of my face through the glass as I was finger-painting—which I was really doing. He would try to get just my eyes, etc., and I would have to paint just in the right place where he could still see me. I thought it was very cool what he did.

How was it to work with the band? What were they like?

The band was very nice. When I met them I didn’t think John Spinks, the guitarist, liked me—refer back to the part where I’m not a leggy model—but they all treated me very well. Especially Tony Lewis—very nice guy. We had fun.

The [video] concept was the making of a music video. I was the artist/art director for it. You see me in the beginning when Tony and I meet and have the attraction moment; I’m working with another guy on the set. 


See the T-shirt he’s wearing? I still have mine that the band gave me; it’s gray, not black, but it says “Play Deep” on the back and has the Outfield logo on the front. It’s my daughter Cecilia’s prize possession. She wears it all the time.

JoAnn in the T-shirt (2013)!
What did you think of the video?

I thought it turned out great. I thought the band was very talented. I had never heard of them before I shot this with them but I thought the song would be a big hit. I really liked it—went home and couldn’t stop singing hit. Catchy tune for sure—which is why it is still a well-covered song! I certainly never anticipated how popular the video would become, though.

What did your parents think of it?

My mom and dad loved it. My twin brother said he would see it play in bars in my hometown in Maine and he would tell people (I imagine [especially] girls!) that was his sister—they were impressed. It played a lot on MTV. Like I said, I never thought I would be so recognized from it.

What did your friends think of it?

They thought it was very cool I was “the girl.” I got street cred for being a music video girl.

In the video, it looks like a member of the band was blind—was that the case in real life?

I believe he was really blind but you should check with the director. [MTN: Director John Charles Jopson said, “Yes, one band member was actually blind.”] I don’t think he or the blond guitarist were original band members. As far as I know, it was just Tony Lewis, John Spinks, and the drummer, Alan Jackman. Maybe [the other] two were hired just for the video?

At one point, John Spinks comes over to you and says something that makes you laugh and shake your head. Any chance you remember what that was? Was it a planned line that you were supposed to react to, or spontaneous?

The director told me John would come down and flirt with me. Didn’t know what he was going to do but I do remember he said something funny and winked, which made me laugh. I was supposed to be friendly. John’s very cute, but I was supposed to share moments of attraction and flirt with Tony.


Did the video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were the woman in it)?

That was always funny to me. When dates would find out I was a music video girl, they all wanted to see it—my other work, not so much. I got rock-star-by-proxy status.

I think men are [prone] to fantasize over the girl in videos who is sought out, pined over by singers…the focus of their love or lust. Men were hard-wired to like these women in videos—especially in the beginning of the MTV craze. The women didn’t talk, didn’t have names, but were desired…the “it girl”—gotta have her. Even today, when a date watches this video again—so impressed with me. “You were the girl in ‘Your Love’?” Their head explodes. They all remember this song, where they were in their life—making out to this video with whatever high school girlfriend they had at the time.


Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it?

I actually did receive fan mail for this video—they would send it to my agent. I don’t think I still have any though.

Do you know how fans found out how to send you fan mail? Your name was not in the video, let alone your agent’s!

Fans of mine would recognize me in the video, call Screen Actor’s Guild (anyone can call the guild and ask who represents an actor; you can get info on up to three actors in one call), and then send fan letters to the agency and ask them to forward to the actor, which they do.

You may recall the tragic death of Rebecca Schaeffer, who was a friend of mine. We worked together on My Sister Sam, an episode called “If You Knew Susie.” (I played Susie.) I also worked with Rebecca on an episode of Amazing Stories called “Miscalculations.” Rebecca’s address was obtained by a simple inquiry at the DMV. Her murder brought an awareness to the dangers of personal information in the wrong hands. It changed our industry and brought about new stalking laws.

Through my agent, I have gotten fan mail from prisoners. The warden sends them after blackening out inappropriate content (sometimes there is quite a lot of black on the page). They are almost always very polite fan letters—otherwise the state would never forward them, of course. They usually tell you what they are in for and ask for a signed photo…and at times even tell you that they plan on selling it. They send stamped envelopes self-addressed back to the prison.

Sometimes I get fan mail sent directly to my home by a fan. I am always amazed that people are able to find my home address. I never ever respond to those. It’s not safe to confirm to anyone where you live.

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of?

I am unaware of any controversy. The video is actually pretty tame, sweet—a couple of the band members just flirt with me. Partial controversy maybe later in that this song is featured in a rated-M video game, which introduces it to a whole new younger fan base who associate it very differently than when we saw it on MTV or heard it on the radio.

What were you paid?

The production didn’t have much of a budget. The director really wanted me to do it so he personally paid for my flight and gave me a couple hundred bucks out of his pocket—even offered to let me stay with him in NYC—but I stayed with my brother John, who worked in the Twin Towers at the time.

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel?

I did not see the world premiere, but saw it a lot after, play after play.

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that?

I got recognized quite a lot in public after that, which surprised me. It lasted as long as that video was in play. Though now, online, people guess who the girl is. Only once did I see someone identify me.

Did you appear in other music videos after that?

This was the one and only music video I ever appeared in. Later, when I starred in an ABC/Warner Brothers sitcom called Just the Ten of Us (a Growing Pains spinoff), my three sitcom sisters and I formed an all-girl rock band called the Lubbock Babes. We performed ourselves on the show and were offered a record deal with Warner Brothers (which we turned down because two of the girls didn’t want to do it. I wanted to do it, though).

We even sang the national anthem at a Dodgers Game once. Tommy Lasorda was the manager and I still have the baseball that Orel Hershiser signed to me. I was also a lead singer in a rock band called the Imperials when I was 16. We headlined at my local VFW club every Friday and Saturday night. So I was always on the other side—in the band, not “the girl”…

Why didn’t two of the Lubbock Babes want to take the recording contract?

One got advice that doing an album might ruin her career—[cause her to] not be taken seriously, and that convinced another girl. WB really wanted us to do it. A couple of music representatives and my producers met with me and asked me to please talk to the girls about it and try to convince them how important it would be for the show in marketing, etc., and how it would be good for them, too. I was the oldest of the four and they thought I might have influence over them. They stuck to their decision, though. It’s too bad because the episodes that involved us singing at the pizza parlor were the highest rated. Ironically, kids singing in TV shows is a matter of course these days on Disney, Nickelodeon, ABC Family—it’s become a successful formula. I think we were before our time.

If you ever met other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video, who?

I’ve never met anyone else [who did] a video.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

I went to UCLA and studied theater, film, and television. I started in 1982, left in ‘86 because I was working so much as an actress. I went back to school (while being a cougar was still in!) and finished earning my BA in 2011. Such a rewarding experience.

Do you mean “cougar” as in the popular slang meaning these days? And if so, is it no longer in to be a cougar? (I hadn’t heard!)

I do mean the slang reference—and I do hope it’s not out of fashion yet!

What did you get your BA degree in?

I have a degree from the Theater and Film School. I have a theater degree and I earned a minor in film studies.

What are you doing these days?

I am a single mother of two great teenage kids. My son Luca is 15 and my daughter Cecilia is 14. I’m still acting, writing (including a one-woman show based on my life), producing, and starting an accessory company with my sister. I was selected as a quarter-finalist for the 2013 Page International Screenwriting Awards for my screenplay Will To Live. Out of 5,682 scripts submitted, my comedy made it as one of the top 10%.


What can you tell me about the one-woman show?

It is still a work in progress. It will be stories of outrageous but normal-for-me stories. I have friends who say “It could only happen to you.” The working title is No Ordinary Jo.

Where do you live?

I live in Beverly Hills, CA.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video?

I am divorced but my ex-husband thought it was pretty cool I was in this video.

What do your kids think of the video?

My son says it’s pretty cool I was in that and my daughter thinks it was awesome. She loves [the] Katy Perry [version, “Use Your Love”], too!

What did you think when you first heard from me?

I couldn’t believe you wanted to interview me. I am always surprised at the impact this video had/has.

Has anyone else ever interviewed about this? If so, who, when, and for what publication?

I’ve never been interviewed about this before nor do I know if the guys were.

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you?

I have appeared at fan conventions for my other work but not for this video. I might, though, if asked.

Did you stay in touch with the band after the shoot?

I actually dated the director after for a short while after. He was very nice to me. I’ve lost touch with him, though.

When was the last time you were in touch with the band?

I haven’t seen the band since that night we worked together. I’m a big fan of theirs, however.

How do you look back on the experience?

I look back on this experience very fondly. I’m glad I was a small part of something that was a big deal in my generation. The MTV rock video was all the rage then and this song holds a lot of meaning for people who grew up with it. Also, it’s fun to see artists like Katy Perry cover it now.

Anything you’d like to add?

One thing. The hairdresser that night talked me into cutting my hair in this very cool, punk rock haircut after we wrapped. I was tired and didn’t think too hard on the decision. Although I like the cut, the producers of Friday the 13th, Part 6 (I think) did not. When I returned from NYC, I got a screen test for one of the leads and they were pissed I cut my hair off. It cost me the role…


Lastly, were you Josie?

Gosh, I have wondered that, too—am I Josie? Wouldn’t that be romantic! I don’t think I get to be the girlfriend, though. I don’t think I’m Josie. Tony sings, “You know, I like my girls a little bit older”—then they cut to me. I look pretty young in the video! Then he sings, “I just want to use your love tonight.” I think I’m the girl he sings about. The secret girl of the night. I think he wants “my love” [just] for the evening. After all, Josie’s on a vacation far away.

Tweet about this interview to @The_Outfield_ and @JoAnnWillette!

Copy and tweet to help me find more 1980s music video girls:

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know the woman—even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Next: Lou Gramm, “Midnight Blue” (1987).

The Girl in the Video: “Addicted to Love” (1986), part 3 of 3

Part 1.

Part 2.

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

This is the first-ever group interview with all five of the women who portrayed the band in Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” video.


What are you doing these days?

Julie: Enjoying work and motherhood. Dabbling with the properties I bought thanks to a lucrative modeling career. I have been retailing Indian leather bound journals in the UK for some years (any excuse to indulge in the culture of that country) but this is now taking a backseat to a business I started after having my son. It’s an online mail order company selling an eclectic mix of children’s gifts—anything from frothy tutus and sparkly shoes to educational science museum kits. Another excuse to travel far and wide to design and source new products.
Patty: I work with landscape designers and architects. I have two children and I [got] married June 22, 2013 in Los Angeles.
Kathy: I am living in Phuket, Thailand, and am involved in various charities. [I asked for elaboration] I am on the board of a charity set up by my late friend, Tom McNamara—the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation, providing English classes to underprivileged. [I’m also on the board of] The Good Shepherd Phuket, an organization that helps school the children of migrant Burmese workers and helps women who have been trafficked for the sex trade.
Mak: A bit of modeling from time to time, but my main focus and energy is on the Edible Bus Stop (@EdibleBusStop), a project I co-founded two years ago. We’ve had some great publicity and last year were invited to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister and were nominated for an Observer Ethical Award, the Green Oscars.



Julia: I’m a hair and makeup artist.

 Julie
 Patty
Kathy
 Mak
Julia
Kathy, when did you move to Thailand, and why?

Kathy: About 12 years ago. I fell in love with the people and the country and then my husband started working here.

Where do the rest of you live?

Julie: Still loving the buzz of London.
Patty: Los Angeles.
Mak: Brixton, [a part of] London.
Julia: London.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video?

Julie: Quietly impressed and amused by the impact it stirred up. But the video was part and parcel of a long modeling career so in itself did not have much impact on our lives.
Patty: My ex-husband, Jonathan Elias, wrote the original score for the MTV music show [the MTV jingle]. It was a sweet part of our meeting.
Kathy: I am married now, but at the time we were friends [and] he thought it was great.
Mak: ;o)
Julia: He was, I think, a little shocked and probably didn’t entirely believe me!

Patty, fascinating that the man behind the MTV theme married the lead woman of one of the most iconic MTV videos. How did you meet Jonathan—was it via the MTV connection?

Patty: I met Jonathan at a birthday party through mutual friends. We did not connect our MTV experiences until later, maybe on our second or third date. Jonathan is a composer and was living in New York in the ‘80s, working with Duran Duran at the time.

What does your new husband do?

Patty: My new husband, Michael Rosenfeld, is a real estate developer in Los Angeles.

Patty in 2010
Kids?

Julie: An 8-year-old boy.
Patty: Lilli Elias, 17, and Jack Elias, 12.
Kathy: No kids, but nine godchildren who reacted over the years with “Wow, that’s great!” to “How embarrassing!”
Mak: No.
Julia: Two girls, 13 and 7 years.

What do they think of the video?

Julie: [My son] thinks it’s very cool and has recently started telling anyone who will listen that his mum was in a famous video. The low profile is now in jeopardy.
Patty: They think it is hysterical. It is hard for them to believe that Mommy had such a glamorous life!
Julia: They think it’s cool (their word)!

What did you think when you first heard from me?

Julie: “Is he legit?”
Patty: “Hmmmm.”
Kathy: “Oh God, it was such a long time ago.”
Mak: “Gosh, that video will never leave me!” LOL!
Julia: “Another interview!”

What other interviews about the video have you done?

Julie: I’m flaky with who/what/when. Ask Mak…
Patty: I have had offers to be interviewed a lot. I don’t take it very serious. I did a show back in ‘94…not sure what it was. Lame interview.
Kathy: News of the World did a “where are they now” article a while ago.
Mak: Loads! Can’t even begin to name them all!
Julia: We have done a few over the years, the I Want My MTV book, and a [show] for VH1 called “Video Vixens.”
 
Patty, I had a hard time finding you and I’ve done this a lot. How have others tracked you down?

Patty: People have tracked me down through my old agency in London, Models 1. Or through word of mouth. I never answer!

When you say you don’t take interview requests very seriously, does that mean you said no to most (or all) of them? If so, what made you say yes to this one?

Patty: Throughout the last 20 years, I have heard many people reference the “Addicted to Love” video and talk about who the girls are or were. It is always so funny to hear people talk as if they know! Most people really have no clue who the original girls were…including me! I think it was me, Julie Pankhurst, Julie [Julia], Mak, and who? So you can see that I don’t take this very seriously… But it was so nice to hear from Julie Pankhurst! How can anyone say no to Julie? I would love to see her!

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you?

Julie: I haven’t done so. Never say never.
Patty: No, I have not. I would do it just to see all of the girls!
Kathy: No and no.
Mak: No.
Julia: No, but maybe…

Did you stay in touch with Robert Palmer and/or each other after the shoot?

Julie: Not with RP but I worked many times with Donovan. We girls often saw each other through work (Mak and Patty were also with Models 1). Patty became a good friend when we both spent time in Australia at the end of the ‘80s. We lost touch when she moved back to the States but I’m hoping you can track her down so that we can get back in touch! Julia and I are great friends. I haven’t seen Kathy for years. I became a photographic agent when I stopped modeling and last saw her at a fantastic exhibition she organized for Fashion Acts Aids charity. Our photographers donated some photos to help raise money for it.
Patty: I was lucky to stay in touch with Robert and his management team for a few years since we were still working together. Then, we all carried on…I moved back to America in 1991 and stopped modeling soon after.
Kathy: No contact with Robert, but I stayed in touch with Julia.
Mak: Not Mr. Palmer, but occasionally me and a couple of the girls get brought together for a shoot or interview.
Julia: I saw Robert on a shoot a few years before he sadly died. I am good friends with Julie and see her once a month.

When was the last time you were in touch with each other?

Julie: Mak, 2006—VH1 feature; Patty, early ‘90s; Kathy, mid-‘90s—Fashion Acts exhibition; Julia, weekly.
Patty: I really haven’t been in touch with any of them. I always ask about Mak and Julie—both such loves!
Kathy: Not for a long time…until a week ago [April 2013], when Julia sent me a message about you.
Mak: Last year.
Julia: I’m Facebook friends with Mak and Kathy, but don’t seem to have enough time to see them. Would love to though.

Mak, Julie, Julia in 2006

Mak, Julie, Julia in 2013, at Julia's wedding reception...at which they re-enacted the video:“Just an adoring line of women in front of us, whooping and cheering along, and behind them stunned men not quite knowing what to do with themselves.”(Mak: “You can even credit me as happily divorced! Ha ha!”)
How did you find out that Robert Palmer had died [2003]?

Julie: In the news.
Patty: I was sitting in my kitchen listening to the news. I was still so sad that Johnny Cash had just died a week or so before. It really isn’t fair. Robert was way too young.
Kathy: On the radio. It was incredibly sad.
Mak: A friend texted me. Was very sad to hear it.
Julia: National television.

How do you look back on the experience?

Julie: With a smile.
Patty: The experience is and was just fantastic. It is such a funny little detail to have about oneself. Not everyone can say that they were lucky enough to participate in a piece of music history. I feel blessed!
Kathy: With pride to be part of video history.
Mak: I had no idea at the time it was to become so iconic or such a pivotal moment in music videos. I was very successful at the time and it didn’t register for me, as I was more focused on getting high-end magazine covers and big campaigns. In hindsight, of course, I acknowledge it. It is a legacy I am proud to be a part of.
Julia: Now that I’m older I think it was an amazing thing to have been part of and I’m so glad I got to work with Terence Donovan and four of the coolest girls I have met.

Anything you’d like to add?

Julie: A few years ago, a student from Australia asked for help with his college project about iconic women of the ‘80s. I don’t have his questions but [here are excerpts from my] reply:

I did this video at the beginning of my modeling career and it was a great introduction for other work. I got jobs directly as a result of the video but also because of working with Donovan. I was the keyboard player in the video.

At the time of filming, nobody had any idea that it would be so iconic. RP had apparently released the song previously without a video, and it had bombed, so they were taking a big financial risk by re-releasing it.

The director Terence Donovan came up with the concept for the video and his intention was to portray strong and confident women—hence the black dresses, slicked hair, and red lips—known at that time as “power dressing.”

But there were two issues of protest. Firstly there was a feminist uproar. They felt we were portrayed as sexual objects and as such, exploited. We didn’t feel we were doing womanhood an injustice! From our perspective, the image of us Donovan had hoped to portray in the video was indicative of the assertiveness of women in the UK during the ‘80s. We had a very strong female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who was an inspiration for many women.

Secondly, the musicians union initially banned the video from mainstream television because we were models, not musicians, playing instruments. From what I understood at the time, we were not allowed to imitate playing instruments.

Donovan (now deceased) was a very successful photographer/director since the ‘60s. He tended to select models that were both good looking and confident, and that criteria was applicable to this video.

The song is about addictions. Due to the nature of the lyrics, we were directed to show little expression. RP sang of obsessive emotions and in contrast we reciprocated with little emotion.

RP shot the video with us and was quite shy!

RP did not want to be remembered for the “Addicted to Love” girls. He had a successful career prior to the video, but this video (and the subsequent videos) definitely revived his career and brought with it a whole new audience. But the videos tended to eclipse him, and for that reason he did not appreciate the attention we were getting. Rather ungracious considering he made millions from the songs to these videos!

We were asked to do a show with RP in Spain but all declined due to work commitments. We have done occasional TV appearances/press.

On the whole we have not outwardly sought publicity. Tons of girls have claimed to be in the video. Generally this doesn’t bother us but we did complain to a UK press for publishing high-profile articles about Susie Verrico, a contestant on the UK Big Brother program. They printed an image of me alongside her claim to be the keyboard player. The British press also published that she was a stripper, so naturally we didn’t want to be associated with her!

Patty: Good luck! Let’s get all of the girls together. I have a feeling you could do it!

Tweet about this interview to @_ms_mak and @Juliabolinoslap!

Copy and tweet to help me find more 1980s music video girls:

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know the woman—even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

Next: The Outfield, “Your Love” (1986).

The Girl in the Video: “Addicted to Love” (1986), part 2 of 3

Part 1. 

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video” (including list of interviewees).

This is the first-ever group interview with all five of the women who portrayed the band in Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” video.


What did you think of the video?

Julie: Loved it! I thought it was totally original and I loved the passion it evoked from many walks of life (it appealed to the male population for obvious reasons; many women felt empowered by it; some musicians resented it; and there was an outcry in the feminist camp). It did and still does appeal across the generations.
Patty: I think that the video is fantastic. It is an icon in the world of music videos!
Kathy: I thought it was great, very ‘80s.
Mak: At the time I was so embarrassed. I didn’t really do that kind of overtly sexy modeling. I did more sophisticated stuff or fresh-faced smiley shoots. This was really vampy and the reactions I got from people when they realized I was one of the girls started to freak me out. I couldn’t understand why that video was getting so much attention. Why we were considered so sexy…?
Julia: I hated it at the time as it was me up there but now as I’m older I can be more objective and I think it’s great.

Mak opening mouth, which was startling since all had been close-lipped up till that point
Patty opening mouth, the second and last of the women to do so in the video
What did your parents think of it?

Julie: Of it, or of me in it? Interestingly, I’ve never asked them but I sensed pride (and relief that this gave an indication of good things to come).
Patty: My parents could not believe it. They saw it way before I did and most likely did not even know it was me. I never told them anything I was doing. They lived in America and we did not have cell phones back then, so we did not speak that frequently. When I spoke to them, I rarely spoke to them about work!
Kathy: I think they were just happy I was getting work!
Mak: Thought it was great, didn’t have a problem with it at all. Not that either of them saw it for a while because they didn’t watch music videos. So they only saw it once it had started to get loads of attention.
Julia: Difficult to tell as they weren’t into that kind of music. But overall pretty proud.

What did your friends think of it?

Julie: Friends in the modeling world were very gracious about it. Friends outside the modeling world thought it very cool, but made sure I kept my feet firmly on the ground!
Patty: I have no idea. We did not see it much in England.
Kathy: I think they thought it was quite cool to be a part of such a talked-about video.
Mak: They were the ones who were telling me, “Mak, you have no idea how massive the video is and how impressed or infatuated people are with your appearance in it.” I was so busy traveling I hadn’t really cottoned on to how huge it had become. I’d get really shy (still do to an extent!) if they’d tell people in front of me that I was the “bass player” because all of a sudden people get all “No! Really? Wow!” or sometimes get a weird look on their faces, especially boys…ahem…
Julia: My friends thought it was great although I was overseas when it first came out so some of the impact was lost.

Did the video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were in it)?

Julie: Ha…I can’t imagine any of us bragging to our boyfriends about being in the video but one way or another they seemed to find out.
Patty: I never really mentioned the video to anyone, mostly because I stayed in Europe until the early ‘90s. If anyone knew, though, it always led to a fun conversation. People were pretty taken by how popular it was. In hindsight, I feel like the video may have been more popular than the song itself.
Kathy: I’d love to say yes, but I don’t think so. I had an ex who was a drummer—he loved it.
Mak: Ummm…well, I was in a long-term relationship at the time, but since then, it’s not something I’d introduce myself as. But when I tell whoever, they tend to be quite impressed…
Julia: I have never been proactive in telling people (too English!) and have let people know only when I know them a little better, but when they have found out, they have been pretty amazed!

Julie then

  Julia then 
Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it?

Julie: Not that I remember. Google wasn’t invented [yet] (!) so it wasn’t easy to track us down. Maybe [the] Julie Pankhurst [who founded UK social networking site] Friends Reunited has been inundated with “Addicted to Love” fan mail!
Patty: I am sure I did, but I did not take it very serious!
Kathy: No, definitely not…but the agency [got] a lot of calls…
Mak: I still receive fan mail, but via email or people following me on Twitter @_ms_mak.
Julia: I used to get some sent to my agent when I was modeling, but I haven’t kept anything. Some guy on the Internet set up a fan page of me.

Julie, you sent two versions of the sleeve/cover to the single—is that you on both of them?

Julie: Yes.



Do you know why they chose you, and did the others say anything about that?

Julie: I haven’t a clue why I got to grace the cover[s]. I haven’t really thought about it before but I’m sure the girls didn’t lose any sleep over it. It was shot by a photographer called Ashworth and designed by Island Art. I’m assuming they are connected to Island Records.

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of?

Julie: It did. Ironically I imagine that is partly why it became such a cult video of the ‘80s. (More on this below.)
Patty: Not that I know of.
Kathy: Not that I know of, although as it was copied so much, it can only be good…
Mak: I think there were discussions at the time at the objectification of women. I think that missed the point, though. The brief from Terence Donovan was to look like shop window mannequins. I guess his reasoning was that in so many videos women were being blatantly objectified so why not poke fun at that and offer something they’ll never be able to get hold of. We didn’t have a come-hither look in our eyes. It was a look but you can’t touch. We were dangerous ornaments. Out of reach and perfect accessories to Mr. Palmer’s bespoke tailored suit.
Julia: Yes, it had the feminists up-in-arms. They felt it was a bad portrayal of women. I always thought it was a great video with very powerful images of women looking in control.

What were you paid?

Julie: We were paid £500, which was the standard rate for pop videos back then. [But] bearing in mind the mega-bucks it generated…peanuts!
Patty: I think we were paid 250 pounds a day. I don’t really remember but I remember thinking that it was very little. Now that I look back, I know that it was very little!
Kathy: A few hundred pounds.
Mak: ;o)
Julia: I can’t remember. I know it was good as I was more excited with the fee than the fact that I had got the video!

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel?

Julie: I didn’t see it. But we quickly became aware that it was one of MTV’s most popular videos at the time.
Patty: No.
Kathy: No, I missed it as I was working in Japan at the time.
Mak: No, didn’t even know they had one. I was so busy working.
Julia: I missed it! I was modeling in Japan at the time.

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that?

Julie: It’s funny that we have been recognized in public, considering slicked-back hair and pouty red lips isn’t the usual morning makeup routine, but occasionally it has happened. Apparently they guess from the eyes. The school playground was one of the more recent times (prior to my son’s knowledge of it so can’t hold him responsible!). That spread like wildfire!
Patty: I was never recognized, and I think that this was quite on purpose. Terence wanted all of the women to be unrecognizable…ambiguous, vague, obscure…that was the point. Beautiful sexy women…but they could have been anyone.
Kathy: No, sorry!
Mak: Never. The makeup and hair made me look completely different than how I do in real life.
Julia: I have a lot of people say they recognize me from something but they can’t put their finger on what. It’s an easy video to go incognito.

 Julie then
 This article about “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” mentions Kathy.
Did you appear in other music videos after that?

Julie: With Harry Connick, Jr. in “Recipe for Love.” Patty and I were in the Robert Palmer “Simply Irresistible” U.S. Pepsi commercial in 1989.
Patty: Yes, I did—again with Robert Palmer in “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On.” And then again in the Pepsi commercial with Robert singing “Simply Irresistible.”
Mak: There was a Bryan Ferry one, but you can’t really see me in it.
Kathy and Julia: (see earlier in interview)

If you ever met other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video, who?

Julie: Yes, but foggy memory cells = forgotten whom.
Patty: I know that there are many, but I no longer know them.
Kathy: No, I didn’t.
Mak: Can’t think of any off the top of my head, but there must be models I know who have done some.
Julia: Debra Lang was with my agency and a friend. She was in a Queen video and ended up marrying Roger Taylor.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

Julie: I trained in childcare and launched into modeling after a few years as a nanny for a photographic agent and commercials director.
Patty: I went to UCLA in the ‘90s and studied art history. I did my internship at a photography gallery named G. Ray Hawkins, which specialized in the sale of vintage photographs. Fifteen years later, I went back to the extension program at UCLA and studied horticulture.
Kathy: No, I left school at 16 having been scouted by a model agent.
Mak: London College of Printing, Graphics and Design.
Julia: I didn’t go to university. I was modeling from 16.

Tweet about this interview to @_ms_mak and @Juliabolinoslap!

Part 3.