Ask American Profile

I love to watch reruns ofThe Cosby Show. In one episode, Phylicia Rashad, who plays Claire, Cosby’s wife, sang a solo with a chorus at Hillman College. Has she ever sung professionally?
—Shirley S., Michigan

Rashad, who made history this year when she became the first black actress to win a Tony award for a dramatic leading role, sings with a gospel choir, the Broadway Inspirational Voices. In addition, the Houston native has performed solo at the Rainbow Room at New York’s Rockefeller Center, the Las Vegas Hilton, Harrah’s in Atlantic City, N.J., and as a featured vocalist with symphony orchestras across the nation. Rashad, 56, won Broadway’s top honor in June for portraying Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun.

We love Daniel O’Donnell’s music. Is he married to Mary Duff?
—Alma K., Iowa

Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell and his wife, Majella, were married in 2002, although Mary Duff often is a guest on his tours and specials. Duff is married to her manager, Paul McKenna. Check local PBS station listings for O’Donnell’s Songs of Faith concert special on this year and next.

Could you tell me whatever happened to comedian Charlie Prose?
—Margeret T., Connecticut

Prose, 59, says he’s busier than ever and has plenty of new material thanks to his 1-year-old granddaughter, Ella Marie. He’s built a huge fan base by giving videos to tour bus drivers, who play them for passengers on the rides to and from casinos and resorts. “I’ve not been touring as much because I’ve been acting, doing some plays,” he says. But Prose says his 15-year-old Christmas show at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. (pop. 40,517), is the city’s longest running holiday show. He plans to tour next year and regularly plays casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev. (pop. 7,076), as well as Atlantic City. He and his wife have two adult daughters and live outside Atlantic City.

A Redneck Woman with Mainstream Appeal

Country music singer Gretchen Wilson has seen her life change drastically with the chart-topping success of her debut single, Redneck Woman. She’s had little time for sleep as she’s traveled the world promoting her album, Here for the Party, which has sold 2 million copies. A native of Pocahontas, Ill. (pop. 727), Wilson says the best part of her success is that it allows her to provide for her 3-year-old daughter and family. “My daughter recently asked for a farm,” Wilson says. “I told her, ‘You mean a few chickens?’ She said, ‘No, a farm with cows and horses and pigs.’ When I told her that would mean I would have to be gone at work a lot more, she pointed to the door and said, ‘Well, go to work.’” Apparently Mom listens. “One of the best things to come with my success is the fact that I get to go on tour with Brooks & Dunn this fall,” she says.

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article