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Crystal Gayle, Kevin Bacon, Christine McIntyre, Van Dyke family
—Jo Ann J., Texas
The singer with the raven-color hair down-to-there has quite the full plate. Gayle, 51, still performs regularly around the country, went on a 10-date holiday tour in December, and released a new single titled Christmas in America. Her most current works include a full album of Hoagy Carmichael songs, and her latest CD, In My Arms, is a collection of lullabies. She also has released two inspirational albums. A native of Paintsville, Ky., Gayle has long made her home in Nashville, Tenn., where she and her husband, Bill Gatzimos, live with their two children, son Chris, 15, and daughter Catherine, 18. She also runs her own business, Crystal’s for Fine Gifts and Jewelry, in Nashville. Though she doesn’t have an official fan club, you can write to her at Gayle Enterprises, 51 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203.
I’m a fan of Kevin Bacon. How many movies has he made? Can you give me details about his personal life?
—Pat S., Tennessee
This accomplished actor and singer has 37 feature films to his credit. His first was National Lampoon’s Animal House in 1978, but he hit his stride with his later roles in Diner and Footloose. The Philadelphia native also has acted in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Bacon, 43, just completed filming in Vancouver with Charlize Theron and Courtney Love on the Sony thriller 24 Hours, which is slated for release later this year. Last year he toured with his band, The Bacon Brothers, promoting their current album, Can’t Complain. He and his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick, live in New York with their two children.
Please tell me what you can about actress Christine McIntyre. She appeared in many of the Three Stooges comedies.
—Pat P., Michigan
Born in Nogales, Ariz., in 1911 (before it became a state), McIntyre started her show business career as a singer, both on stage and on radio, before earning a bachelor’s degree in music from Chicago Musical College. She got a part in a musical short called Swing Fever in 1937 and soon signed a movie contract with RKO. Before teaming up with the Three Stooges, McIntyre starred in a string of Westerns. But comedy proved to be her strong point, and she appeared in many comedies in the ’40s, though she is best remembered for her roles with the Three Stooges. In 1954, she married actor/writer J. Donald Wilson and retired from show business. The couple lived in California, managing apartment buildings until their deaths in 1984.
I am a fan of Diagnosis Murder and am upset it was canceled. However, can you tell me about the Van Dyke family? Is Barry married and the father of all the children on the show?
—Joan S., New Jersey
The man behind the Van Dyke family is television legend Dick Van Dyke, who played Dr. Mark Sloan on the CBS show Diagnosis Murder. Most remember the elder Van Dyke from The Dick Van Dyke Show, which ran for five seasons and earned him three Emmy Awards. Van Dyke, 76, was born in West Plains, Mo., grew up in Danville, Ill., and now lives in Malibu, Calif. Diagnosis Murder was something of a family affair with his son, Barry Van Dyke, portraying Lt. Steve Sloan. Barry, 50, majored in theater arts at Pierce Junior College. Barry currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and enjoys off-road motorcycle racing and surfing. Barry’s children did appear on the show, most notably his son, Shane, who guest-starred on several episodes.
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