Anne Ramsey
In my book, she ranks as the world's most underrated actress of the last several years. Her body of work is extensive, consisting of many guest spots and secondary appearances. Many of her well-known films include 1985's The Goonies, 1987's Throw Momma from the Train, and 1988's holiday comedy, Scrooged. Her gift of an multiexpressional face proved to be her greatest asset throughout her career, and helped establish her as an extremely gifted character actor. She could transform instantly from the most nurturing mother into the most despicable villain in the blink of an eye. Sadly, she passed away on August 11, 1988 from complications due to throat cancer.
Recommended Titles: The Goonies, Throw Momma from the Train, Homer & Eddie
Chances are that you've heard his voice more than you've seen his face, and if you've seen his face, you'll recognize him instantly. There's no one quite like him in show business today. He was introduced to a lot of people as "Malvin" in the 1983 hacking classic, WarGames, but he's been featured in more movies than any other actor with a comparable film history. He was "Eugene" in both Grease movies, he worked with Steven Spielburg in 1941, he practically starred in Million Dollar Mystery, he's ventured into animated features numerous times, and can be seen soon in The Weird Al Show. Occasionally, his films will turn up on USA's Up All Night, or some other area of basic cable, and he can currently be heard as the voice of "Mandark" in Dexter's Laboratory and "Nacho" in Taco Bell's Nacho & Dog commercials.
Recommended titles: Critters 2: The Main Course, WarGames, Million Dollar Mystery
You might know him better as Ernest P. Worrell, the dim-witted, but well-meaning samaritan and friend of "Vern," star of eight feature films and/or direct-to-video releases, and pitch man for hundreds of products and services. With his trademark denim vest and cap, Ernest has saved Christmas, gone to death row, battled goblins, and much, much more. His many commercials are compiled on several videotapes available at your local library or video store, and he's still trailing off the success of the Hey Vern, It's Ernest! Saturday morning TV show. But there is much more to Jim Varney than just "Ernest P. Worrell." Cameos of his other original characters have shown up in a lot of the "Ernest" movies, and most notably, his one-man production, Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam. This paved the way for new character roles like "Wrangler Bob" in Fast Food, "Jed Clampett" in The Beverly Hillbillies, and "Prince Carlos" in the final season of Rosanne. However, he will forever be known as Ernest P. Worrell, lovable intellectual property of Carden & Cherry, know whut I mean?
Recommended titles: KnoWhutIMean?, Ernest Goes to Jail, The Worrell Family Album
Of all of the people on Talk Soup to devote a fan page to, Alan Wu beat out John Henson (host) and Tom McNamera (stage manager), even though they're both worthy of the honor. The reason I chose him is obvious. He is absolutely the weirdest crew member of a TV show I've ever seen, and he gets more laughs out of a pair of Coke-bottle glasses than I thought was possible. Of course, he's not just another pretty face. He does actual work. In addition to Talk Soup, he holds behind-the-camera positions on many E! television shows including E! News Daily and Coming Attractions. I don't know what his educational or mental background is, or even what planet he comes from, but anybody who eats paint and "pork brains in milk sauce" is fully deserving of my attention.
MR.
PEPPERMINTHe may not be a household name everywhere, but to many Texans and children, he's a role model. I grew up watching him on TV, following in the tradition of Captain Kangaroo and Mister Rogers, and early in my childhood, I had the pleasure of coming face to face with my hero, Mr. Peppermint, also known as Jerry Haynes. In 1961, WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas introduced Peppermint Place, starring a gentle man with a red and white-striped suit and a magical cane to kids all across the state. Backed by his sidekick, Muffin the Bear, "Missuh Peppuhmint" (as Muffin called him) used music and visual effects to teach children about all kinds of things, but most importantly, he demonstrated how to build an active imagination. Over the years, his show grew, and at times it was syndicated around the country, but he always remained a true Texas hero. Last year at age 69, Peppermint Place ceased production, but Mr. Peppermint is still around. The family torch has been passed to a younger generation. . . somewhat. His son, Gibby Haynes, is the lead singer for the popular band, the Butthole Surfers, and Mr. Peppermint continues to make public appearances every now and then.
Broadcast information: Peppermint Place can be seen in reruns in syndication and on the Odyssey cable network.
Eddie
Deezen
Jim Varney
Alan Wu