Humanitarian of the Week: Telma Hopkins

I was raised by a grandmother who told me I could do whatever I wanted to do, as long as I was willing to work hard for it...
--Telma Hopkins

Telma Hopkins’ face and voice have been staples of the American culture for four decades. This talented singer and actress first came to widespread attention as a member of the 1970s singing group “Tony Orlando and Dawn.” Miss Hopkins solidified her permanent place in American pop culture by starring in a host of television sitcoms, including Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, Family Matters, Getting By, Half & Half, and most recently on the TBS sitcom Are We There Yet?


Hopkins’ career in entertainment began in Detroit, Michigan when she started working as a backup singer on many of the Golden World/Motown hits. This lead to steady employment with legendary acts such as The Four Tops and Marvin Gaye. Her beauty and comedic timing made her the perfect addition to any cast and Miss Hopkins soon found that many acting roles were coming her way.

In addition to acting and singing, Hopkins can now add the title of “producer” to her ever-growing list of credits. In 2008, Miss Hopkins launched a creative partnership, “A New Dawn Entertainment,” with writer-producer Joseph Burton.

You’d think that her many creative ventures would occupy all of Miss Hopkins’ time. Yet, she still makes room in her busy schedule to help her community. Among the many charitable causes for which Hopkins volunteers are: Caring For Babies with AIDS, and Act on Arthritis. She also spends a great deal of time working as a mentor for children so that they, too, can learn that they can be whatever they want in life.

Humanitarian of the Week: John O’Hurley

John O'Hurley

When most people see John O’Hurley, the first name that comes to mind is “Mr. Peterman.” O’Hurley came to worldwide prominence playing the pompous, obtuse “J. Peterman” on Seinfeld—a parody of the real clothing catalog exectuive of the same name. John O’Hurley is so closely associated with “Mr. Peterman” that he, in 2001, financed the relaunch of the J. Peterman Company, becoming co-owner.


However, Mr. O’Hurley isn’t just “J. Peterman,” he’s had roles in a wide range of television programs and reality shows and stage productions, most recently guest starring in the final broadcast television episodes of All My Children as a movie producer eager to bring Erica Kane to Hollywood. O’Hurley also comes into our homes each Thanksgiving as the host of the “National Dog Show.”

Even with his impressive career, it’s O’Hurley’s humanitarian efforts which set him apart. A staunch supporter of animals, O’Hurley has often lent his time to working with the ASPCA. O’Hurley, who has served as Director of Public Relations for the American Red Cross, was, in May of 2011, awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his continued and tireless commitment to many humanitarian causes.

For this reason, John O’Hurley is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Vincent Irizarry

Born in New York in 1959, Emmy Award winning actor Vincent Irizarry has been a staple of television since 1983. Mr. Irizarry’s interest in the arts began as a child as young Vincent studied music and piano, a pursuit he continued into college when he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.


While attending university, Mr. Irizarry began performing in a host of regional theatre productions and after being graduated returned to New York to pursue his new love—acting—full-time. Soon, Irizarry had earned a scholarship to Lee Strasburg at his famed Theater Institute.

In 1983, Vincent won his first television role on the daytime drama Guiding Light, later joining Santa Barbara, returning to Guiding Light and then becoming a major part of the cast of All My Children in 1997. On All My Children, Irizarry played the complex anti-hero "Dr. David Hayward: until 2006 when he briefly worked on The Young and the Restless. He returned to AMC in 2008 and has remained there ever since.

Now, as All My Children’s historic forty-one year run on broadcast television comes to an end, Irizarry’s “David” is playing the key role in returning a variety of deceased Pine Valleyites to their loved ones. It is important to note that as the storyline is written, Dr. Hayward is not technically resurrecting these characters from the dead. He just happened to be there as they were dying so he could save their lives (and then hold them hostage for years). It’s a fine distinction.

Mr. Irizarry’s unrivaled skills as an actor have elevated each scene in which he’s performed. He is, truly, one of the most gifted actors in the industry. Fittingly, Irizarry has allowed his gift to make him all the more generous.

Through the group FOVI (Friends of Vincent Irizarry), which was created in the Spring of 2000, Mr. Irizarry has ventured into many charitable programs designed to encourage good stewardship of humanity. According to Irizarry’s official Web site, with “Vincent's help and support, FOVI has raised over $100,000 from fundraisers…”

One of FOVI’s most ambitious projects was fundraising for Habitat for Humanity's Women's Build Program. The group has also donated its time to collecting canned goods to help feed New York's hungry, supporting children with HIV-Aids, children with cancer via programs with St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and is fearless in the face of any new challenge.

For the quality of his work and for the quality of his spirit, Vincent Irizarry is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: April Winchell

April Winchell

My goal with Stalking the Belle Époque, as my regular readers know, was to create an online community wherein we remember that there’s still beauty in this ugly world. We do so by looking back to the wonderful things and works of art created by humanity both past and present. This has given us an opportunity to look at the best results of the creative spirit as evidenced through magnificent paintings, sculpture, jewels, objects, photography, films, furnishings and architecture. Throughout, we have learned a lot about our world history and our world culture.

April Winchell also studies the end result of the creative process. Like me, she does this daily. However, Miss Winchell is not afforded the luxury of finding the beauty of the world. She is faced with the task of finding the opposite. Through Miss Winchell’s Web site, Regretsy (a spoof of the crafting site, Etsy.com), she shows us the unfortunate, often hideous, often offensive and always amusing fruit of the creative spirit by hand-selecting the most bizarre handicrafts and artwork that she can find.

At first glance, Regretsy might seem to be nothing more than a found-content blog that serves only to poke fun at bad crafting. But, it’s much more than that. With her biting, usually salty and always irreverent commentary, Miss Winchell first entertains us and then challenges us to think about just why the image we’re looking at is wrong and what that says about the state of our world’s art and culture.

Essentially we’re doing the same thing. I’m showing you the good stuff and asking you to put it in context, and she’s showing you the bad. Though Regretsy is certainly more R-rated than Stalking the Belle Époque (and, here, I caution my regular readers that they will encounter a lot more four-letter words and titillating imagery there than they’re used to seeing here), the concept is largely the same. Along the way, I think, April has ruffled quite a few feathers of those who don’t quite grasp what she’s trying to do—this is more than evidenced through the many “flounces” from disgruntled readers that she has posted on her site. And, while her presentation may be extreme at times, I applaud her for it. Not being a very extreme person myself, I can appreciate and admire those who face ugliness with equal power.

I count myself as one of the many, many thousands of daily readers of Miss Winchell’s work and I can always count on getting a laugh from her site. But, even more so than laughter, I can honestly say that each day, she has given me a chance to think. She’s illustrating the very cultural stagnation that I’m trying to combat.

But, there’s more to April Winchell than just sarcastic commentary and ironic pictures. The daughter of the late genius Paul Winchell, April is a talented and celebrated actress, voice talent, writer and radio host whose ingenious musings have added depth to a variety of publications and media.

Even more so impressive, however, are Miss Winchell’s humanitarian efforts. These she performs quietly and humbly—in stark contrast to the “Helen Killer” persona she utilizes on her Web site. Among her many charitable works (which include working with Project Angel Food, among others), Miss Winchell spearheads, “April’s Army.” Miss Winchell puts it best on her own Web site”

April's Army is one of the largest teams on Etsy, and is comprised entirely of Regretsy members.


During the last week of each month, participating sellers set aside at least one handmade item to benefit Regretsy’s charity fund. The proceeds go directly to a needy Etsy seller or someone in the community facing difficult obstacles. Information about the current month’s recipient will be posted in the shop’s profile.

That’s pretty outstanding. And, once again, we are challenged to look deeper than the surface. Hers is not a Web site dedicated to the negative. It is, in fact, a positive place which seeks to make a difference—even if in small doses. So, for her charitable efforts, her wit and her particular brand of genius, April Winchell is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Anjelica Huston

The daughter of director-actor John Huston and Italian–American prima ballerina Enrica “Ricki”(née Soma), Anjelica Huston has long held a spot in the pantheon of great actresses. Huston was raised primarily in England and Ireland and as early as 1969 was given a chance to act in small roles in some of her father’s films. When Huston’s mother, at the young age of 39, was killed in an automobile accident, Anjelica relocated to the Unites States where she quickly found work as a model.

By 1980, Anjelica Huston was once again called to film work and began studying acting with an eye toward serious parts. She found acclaim with her role in Prizzi’s Honor and was further celebrated for work in films such as The Dead, The Grifters and the franchise of Addams Family films based on Charles Addams’ comic drawings and the 1960’s television program of the same name. Huston has followed in her father’s footsteps and added directing to her resume as well.

However, Huston’s most valuable work has been her tireless efforts to protect wildlife. Joining PETA, Anjelica Huston issued a statement urging her colleagues in the entertainment industry to refrain from using young chimpanzees and orangutans in films. Huston has employed her powerful voice to speak for those who cannot, stating that while some trainers are quite humane, many young apes are torn away from their mothers and mistreated by human trainers for the profit of the film industry. Through her work, Huston has raised considerable awareness about the need to treat primates with respect and to ensure that the entertainment industry works in the best interest of all animals.

For her skills as an actor, a director and a spokesperson for animals, Miss Huston is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Bebe Neuwirth

Known to most as Lilith Sternin-Crane on both the long-running U.S. sitcoms Cheers and Frasier, Bebe Neuwirth’s career is better characterized by her impressive wealth of stage work. Neuwirth, now considered one of Broadway’s greatest lights, has had starring turns in Sweet Charity, Damn Yankees, Chicago and The Addams Family among many others. In addition to this, she’s been a staple of both television and film.

Yet, despite her vast success as an entertainer, as a young woman, Neuwirth toyed with the idea of becoming a veterinarian. This brilliant singer, dancer and actress has another great passion—animals. Neuwirth had dedicated her personal life to ensuring that animals have safe and healthy homes. Miss Neuwirth has donated her time and talent to a host of organizations who work provide loving families to stray animals in need.

For her vast talent and her affection for our four-footed friends, Bebe Neuwirth is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Diane Baker

Well, of course, there's Pepsi.
Diane Baker with Joan Crawford in Strait-Jacket.

Fans of the campy horror films of William Castle know Diane Baker immediately as “Carol Harbin,” the unhinged daughter of the equally unhinged “Lucy Harbin” played by Joan Crawford in Strait-Jacket. In real life, however, Diane Baker is not a mask-wearing, ax-wielding lunatic. She is, in fact, a very pleasant and talented individual who works tirelessly to ensure that people from many different walks of life will be able to reach their potential.

Miss Baker has shared a screen with many of the greatest stars in history from the aforementioned Joan Crawford to Sir Anthony Hopkins with whom Baker starred in Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs. Her work as an actor has led her to great success in both film and television and led to triumph behind the camera as well. As a producer she began her career behind-the-scenes with Ashiana a story of the end of feudalism and the beginning of democracy in India.

Diane Baker

Her work has garnered her numerous honors and awards, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Irvine in Southern California, and Cinecom Career Award. Furthermore, Miss Baker holds a position on the Advisory Board of the Documentary Channel.

However, Miss Baker’s efforts don’t end with show business. Diane Baker serves on the Board of Directors of Roots of Peace, an international non-profit organization working to unearth dangerous landmines in war-torn countries. With these efforts, Miss Baker hopes to empower the local communities to build sustainable crops on mine-free land which had been previously been too dangerous to approach. To raise awareness of Roots of Peace, Miss Baker produced and directed a video on the Afghanistan trip made by Founder/Director Heidi Kuhn and Ambassador of Afghanistan’s wife Shamin Jawad.

Diane Baker also has a keen interest in education. She was invited to the Academy of Art University where she began to build an acting program for graduate and undergraduate students. This success led Miss Baker to be promoted to Executive Director of the School of Motion Pictures & Television and Acting. As part of this, Miss Baker states that her, “future dream is to build a film center for serious filmmakers who want to make meaningful films that will inspire, educate and entertain.”

For the many years of entertainment that she’s brought to us, the many years of hope she’s given to hundreds of people and the bright future she’s helping to build with her interest in education, Diane Baker is our “Humanitarian of the Week.” To learn more about Diane Baker, visit her Web site.

Humanitarian of the Week: Ken Dodd, OBE

Ken Dodd
Photo: The Punch & Judy Fellowship

Liverpool-born Ken Dodd may not be well-known in the U.S. though in the 1960’s, his fame in Britain rivaled that of the Beatles. Dodd is a beloved British comedian, celebrated for his lengthy performances delivered in the style of Nineteenth Century musical halls. His act combines song, dance and comedic business. One of Dodd’s performances from the 1960s, in fact, earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most jokes told (1500 over three and a half hours) in one performance.

Known for his shock of wild hair and prominent teeth, Dodd embodies comedy and tries to bring joy wherever he goes. As part of this, Dodd is a celebrity patron of the Punch & Judy Fellowship and does his part to ensure that Mr. Punch and his friends and family will be able to continue their antics for centuries to come.

For all that Mr. Dodd has accomplished and for his avid support of the Punch & Judy Fellowship, Ken Dodd is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin

One of the few actors to win an Academy Award in a debut role, Marlee Matlin continues to hold the position as the youngest performer to receive the Best Actress Academy Award. Talented and charming, Miss Matlin occupies a permanent place in the roster of great contemporary actors. Known for her dramatic power as well as her ability to not take herself too seriously, Matlin is a favorite of many in the theatrical and film community.


Miss Matlin lost her hearing at the age of two, but was not deterred in her desire to become a performer. As a child, she made her first appearances on stage, catching the attention of actor Henry Winkler who helped foster the young woman’s career. She has played both deaf and “hearing” roles in a variety of highly acclaimed films and television programs. Additionally, Miss Matlin is an accomplished author of both fiction and nonfiction.

Despite all of this success, Marlee Matlin remains grounded and dedicated to helping others. In addition to her work in raising awareness and tolerance for the deaf (especially with the Starkey hearing Foundation for which she raised an unprecedented sum of one million dollars during her appearance on the U.S. television program, The Celebrity Apprentice), Matlin also works closely with Easter Seals (for which she serves as an Honorary Board Member), the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, VSA arts, and the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet as well as The Corporation for National Service (to which she was appointed by President Bill Clinton). To learn more about this remarkable person, visit Miss Matlin’s Web site.

Humanitarian of the Week: Julia Barr



Julia Barr
ABC Daytime

 Best known as “Brooke English” on the unfortunately-cancelled All My Children, Julia Barr started her television acting career with a short-term role on Ryan’s Hope. All My Children quickly courted the actress who assumbed the role of Brooke and made it her own, playing the part from 1976 until 2006 and, again, in 2010. Barr also took a fifteen month break from the program in order to tour with a production of West Side Waltz along with Katharine Hepburn and Dorothy Loudon. I’d wager that we’ll be seeing Brooke and Miss Barr in Pine Valley again before the end of All My Children come September.


Miss Barr’s acting work has garnered her eight Emmy nominations and two wins, as well as making her a perennial fan favorite. However, her celebrity has done much more. It’s given Miss Barr a chance to use her fame to promote the causes which are nearest to her heart. A longtime champion of animal rights, Miss Barr is a spokesperson for the Fund for Animals. She also works with Born Free USA, Save the Animals Rescue Team, and has preciously lent her efforts to M.A.C. AIDS Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation, National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, and The Company of Women. To learn more about Julia Barr, visit her official Web site.

For the many years of moving performances she’s offered us and for all of the hope and joy she’s brought to both animals and people, Julia Rose Barr is our Humanitarian of the Week.

Humanitarian of the Week: Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox

Canadian born Michael J. Fox (born Michael Andrew Fox) rose to prominence in the U.S. as Alex P. Keaton in the long-running American sitcom, Family Ties. His tenure on the show was almost interrupted by Brandon Tartikoff, one of the show’s producers, who insisted that Fox was too short compared to his costars and pushed to have him replaced, stating. “This is not the kind of face you’ll ever see on a lunchbox.” Later, after considerable success with both the show and with his rising fame in feature films, Fox gave Brandon Tartikoff a custom-made lunchbox with the inscription "To Brandon, this is for you to put your crow in. Love and Kisses, Michael J. Fox.” Humbled, Tartikoff displayed the lunchbox in his NBC office for the remainder of his career.


Fox found triumph in a series of popular film roles and found love in the form of his Family Ties co-star, Tracy Polan whom he married in 1988. However, as Fox was starring in a second successful program, their happiness seemed threatened when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Since then, Fox has tirelessly campaigned to find a cure for the illness, working with other sufferers of the disease and actively working with doctor’s and scientists to find some way to combat Parkinson’s. His efforts led him to start the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

A dedicated husband and father, Fox continues to act, though mostly doing voice-over work. For his talent and ceaseless bravery, Michael J. Fox is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Keeley Hawes

Model, actress and voice artist, Keeley Hawes is known throughout the U.K. for her notable appearances on long-running television programs. Her image has graced dozens of magazines and she has lent her voice to a variety of popular projects including video games.


In 2010, Miss Hawes joined the elegant and always wonderful Jean Marsh, the redoubtable Eileen Atkins (who created the program with Marsh) and Ed Stoppard for the long-awaited continuation of Upstairs, Downstairs for BBC 1. Portraying Lady Agnes Holland, the newest mistress of 165 Eaton Place, Hawes had some rather imposing shoes to fill as she continued in the path started by Rachel Gurney’s “Lady Marjorie Bellamy,” Meg Wynn Owen as Lady Marjorie’s successor, “Hazel Bellamy,” and, later, Hannah Gordon as “Virginia Bellamy, Viscountess of Haversham.” Still. Hawes doesn’t mimic her predecessors and makes her Lady Agnes a unique creation, a woman of the 1930’s with her own mind. While her portrayal offers a respectful nod to the previous ladies of 165, she commands both the address and the show with strong and sensitive performances.

In addition to her work in television, Miss Hawes has performed in several major motion pictures: The Avengers (1998), The Last September, Complicity (2000), A Cock and Bull Story (2006), The Bank Job (2008),and Flashbacks of a Fool with Daniel Craig.

Despite her impressive work, Hawes most lasting contribution, however, is her work with CHASE (Children’s Hospice Association for the South East). For quite some time, Miss Hawes has donated her time and talents to supporting CHASE, even recording voice-overs for a virtual tour of the hospice’s Surrey location, Christopher House.

For her wonderful work both onstage and off, Keeley Hawes is our “Humanitarian of the Week.” Enjoy this clip of Miss Hawes as Lady Agnes from the recent reincarnation of Upstairs, Downstairs. Here, we see Agnes encountering her mother-in-law (and her monkey-in-law) for the first time.

Humanitarian of the Week: Monica Horan

While we best know her as Amy MacDougall-Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, in real life, Miss Horan is a dedicated wife to Phil Rosenthal (the show’s creator) and mother of their two children. Prior to her role on “Raymond,” Miss Horan made a name for herself in a variety of parts both on stage and in television throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. In 1990, Rosenthal spotted Horan in a play at their alma mater, Hofstra University, and quickly fell in love with her. They married after her conversion to Judaism.


Since Everybody Loves Raymond ended, we’ve not had many chances to see Monica Horan in new roles. Miss Horan has devoted her life to her family and to helping others. Recently appointed to The Board of Trustees of Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Along with Rosenthal, she managed the Rosenthal Family Trust which provides scholarships and grants for high school students. Additionally, Miss Horan and her husband are involved with Inner-City Arts, Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation and the EveryChild Foundation.

For the many years of laughter Miss Horan has brought to all of us and for the many more years of joy and opportunity she’ll bring to deserving children and families, Monica Horan is out “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Maggie Wheeler

With a nasal squawk of “Oh. My. God,” Maggie Wheeler came to the attention of 1990’s television audiences as “Janice” on the long-running sitcom Friends. Wheeler had actually auditioned for the main role of Monica Gellar. While the producers opted to go with Courtney Cox for “Monica,” they were enchanted by Miss Wheeler and created the role of Janice for her.

Maggie Wheeler

Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond may also know Wheeler as “Linda,” a longtime friend of Ray and Debra Barone. Wheeler was actually the producers’ original choice for the role of Debra, but CBS preferred Patricia Heaton as Raymond’s longsuffering wife. Still a favorite of the producers, Wheeler was, instead, cast as Linda.

Miss Wheeler has also delighted audiences with appearances on Seinfeld, E.R., Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother and a host of other television shows and films. As beloved as she is by American television viewers, few know of her other great passion—singing.

Along with Emile Hassan Dyer, Maggie Wheeler founded the Golden Bridge Community Choir—a group dedicated to building communities and uniting people of different cultures through the art and beauty of song. Wheeler and Dyer travel to speak to groups of students and adults of all different walks of life to discuss and share the beauty of world music as well as spread a message of human rights and dignity. To learn more about The Golden Bridge Community Choir and the work of Maggie Wheeler, visit Miss Wheeler’s official Web site.

For her voice and her strength of thought and spirit, Maggie Wheeler is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Wendie Mallick

Wendie Mallick

One of the most prolific actresses in television and film, Wendie Mallick, over the past twenty-three years, has performed in no less than five film or television roles a year. Now known as TV Land’s “Victoria Chase” in Hot in Cleveland, Mallick has earned a large fan base for her popular roles in programs such as Just Shoot Me and Frasier. A little known fact about Mallick is that she was a contender for the role of “Diane Chambers” in Cheers. What a different show that would have been if she’d been cast. Nevertheless, Miss Mallick has managed to entertain millions of people with her sharp comic timing and impeccable delivery since leaving a successful career in modeling to pursue a life as an actor.


Mallick is not just a consummate performer, she’s an active humanitarian. Along with her husband, Richard Erickson, Mallick founded a charity named “A Drop in the Bucket.” Through this charity, Mallick and Erickson support a variety of causes. They are especially involved in their support of a women’s shelter in Tijuana, Mexico. Furthermore, their charity aids a much-needed medical center in the Congo.

For the many years of entertainment she’s given all of us and for the assistance and comfort she offers those in need, Wendie Mallick is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Enjoy this clip from Hot in Cleveland which features Mallick with the always adorable Susan Lucci.

Humanitarian of the Week: Walt Willey

ABC MediaDomain

Fans of the long-running and, now, ill-fated, daytime drama, All My Children, are quite familiar with Walt Willey who has played Jackson Montgomery, the frequent fiancé and sometimes husband of Susan Lucci’s Erica Kane, since 1987.

In addition to his daytime job, Willey also enjoys a host of other vocations ranging from managing the Crystal Mesa Farm Guest Ranch in New Mexico with his wife, Marie, to performing his popular stand-up act on comedy club stages across the country. An actor, a comedian, an entrepreneur, a husband and a father, Willey still makes time for the causes that he most cherishes. In fact, he’s selflessly set up WilleyWorld Endowment Fund, dedicated to the notion that, “together we can make a difference.” Through The Endowment Fund, Willey gifts organizations dedicated to helping children by donating the proceeds from the sales of merchandise sold at his comedy performances. Since its inception, The Endowment Fund has raised over $40,000.

For his many years of wonderful performances and his tireless efforts to help children in need, Walt Willey is our “Humanitarian of the Week.” Now that the cancellation of All My Children has gone from frequently denied rumor to sad reality, we wish Mr. Willey and his equally socially-conscious cast-mates all the best in the future endeavors. One thing is for certain, wherever Mr. Willey goes, he’ll leave a trail of good behind him.

To learn more about Walt Willey, visit his official Web site. 
 

Humanitarian of the Week: Colin Firth

Recent Academy Award winner Colin Firth has played many roles from King George VI to Mr. Darcy, but the biggest role he plays is that of humanitarian.


In addition to his thriving film career, the fifty-year-old actor spends a great deal of time trying to support the rights of a variety of people whose voices are seldom heard. His long-term involvement with Survival International, an independent organization dedicated to defending the rights of tribal peoples, has led Firth to speak openly and publicly about his beliefs regarding the treatment of native tribes. In 2003, Firth spoke of the Bushmen, saying, “These people are not the remnants of a past era who need to be brought up to date. Those who are able to continue to live on the land that is rightfully theirs are facing the 21st century with a confidence that many of us in the so-called developed world can only envy.”

Firth is also an ardent supporter of Oxfam and dedicates his time to ending lifetimes of poverty and injustice. He lends his support to the Oxfam-supported global initiative “Make Trade Fair” as part of campaign to make trade easier for third world countries.

For all of his contributions to the world, both artistic and altruistic, Colin Firth is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: HRH Anne, The Princess Royal

The second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Her Royal Highness, Anne, The Princess Royal is known for her bravery, her love of horses and her loyalty to Britain. Being a princess hasn’t made life terrible easy for Anne who has struggled with a variety of issues throughout her life, including a kidnapping attempt and divorce. Nonetheless, she’s risen above all of it so that she can continue to work to better her nation and its people.


The Princess Royal is the patron of over 200 organizations. Her interests include the welfare of Britain’s children, preserving the nation’s 215 lighthouses, providing services to the deaf, blind and disabled, and assisting people who have been badly burned.

While power and position could have made Princess Anne into a cold and detached Royal, she remains approachable and actively involved in her efforts to make the world as comfortable as possible for all manner of people.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Humanitarian of the Week: Bette Midler

“The Divine Miss M.” was named for the legendary Bette Davis, but being as strong an individual as he namesake, chose to pronounce her name was one syllable instead of two. Since early childhood, Midler was outgoing and communicative with a penchant for showmanship and not shy of the spotlight.


In the 1960’s, she left her birthplace of Hawaii for New York City and began what would become a hugely successful career. Off-Broadway productions led to a major record deal, a Tony Award and monumental success on the stages of Broadway. Film offers became plentiful, and Midler reached worldwide audiences with portrayals of women who were strong, yet vulnerable, comical and tragic.

Reaching people has always been at the forefront of Miss Midler’s mind. From her art to her personal life, Midler looks to improve the world at every turn. Loyal to New York City, her second home, Midler began an initiative to revitalize neighborhood parks in neglected or impoverished areas of New York City. The New York Restoration Project, founded in 1995, has worked to improve various parks throughout the city so that people will have a safe place near their homes for recreation and sport. As part of this initiative, Midler’s organization also provides environmental education in low-income schools and neighborhoods.

For the many years of laughter and entertainment she’s brought to us and the many years of health and well-being that she’s brought to the residents of New York, Bette Midler is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Humanitarian of the Week: Simon Williams

Since his television debut in the 1967 program Man in a Suitcase, Simon Williams has been enchanting audiences with both his ability to handle true drama and his remarkable comic timing. Over forty years later, Williams is still delighting audiences as a performer as well as a writer.

Best known to American audiences for playing James Bellamy in the original Upstairs, Downstairs for thirty-seven episodes from 1971-1975, Williams, at first, didn’t care much for the character, but soon began to grow protective of the misguided aristocrat.Williams wasn’t just protective of James Bellamy. He has always cared very deeply about the well-being of others. To this end, he has spent countless hours offering his support to a variety of causes which are dear to him. For thirty years, Williams has served on The Actors’ Charitable Trust, and for fifteen of those years he worked as the charity’s Co-Chairman. Mr. Williams’ loyalty to his fellow actors led him to work closely with Denville Hall—a retirement facility for actors. Similarly, Mr. Williams lends his time and knowledge to the Sir Terence Rattigan Charitable Trust, the King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses, and many other organizations dedicated to making life more comfortable and fulfilling for artists.

For all his work in supporting the arts and artists and for bringing us one of the most memorable characters in television history, Simon Williams is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”