Ask American Profile

What’s happening with singer Stella Parton?
—Rita W., Indiana

She’s been working on three books, running workshops to improve women’s self-esteem and recording a new album of contemporary gospel and country songs. “I’m not one of those artists who doesn’t finish anything,” she says, explaining her multiple projects. “I finish it if it’s the last thing I do.” She started expanding her horizons beyond singing about 15 years ago, when she took her career into her own hands. “I prefer singing and being on the stage all the time, but in order to stay busy and creative, you have to create projects that keep you busy,” she says. But there’s one place she’s cutting back rather than expanding—her name. On her albums, she’s now known as just Stella. But it’s a practical, business decision. “It’s just so that I’m not in the same record bins as my sister,” she explains. Her sister, of course, is Dolly Parton.

Who sang the theme song on The Jeffersons?
—Charlotte Z., Ohio

That was none other than actress/composer Ja’net DuBois, who also wrote the unforgettable lyrics to the song, Movin’ On Up. (Jeff Barry penned the music.) The TV sitcom ran from 1975 to 1985 and starred Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford as George and Louise Jefferson. DuBois, born Aug. 5, 1945, in Philadelphia, has worked steadily in films and television since the 1960s. She’s best known for her portrayal of the smart-mouthed, energetic neighbor Willona Woods on another ’70s TV series, Good Times.

We see so much of Kelly Ripa these days, but I keep wondering what her real-life husband, Mark Consuelos, who played Mateo on All My Children, is doing?
—Kathie M., Oregon

Mark Consuelos is as busy as his actress wife. He stars as FBI agent Antonio Cortez in the Lifetime Television series MISSING. The one-hour drama also stars Vivica A. Fox. He’s also gearing up for the early 2005 release of the upcoming Miramax WWII action film, The Great Raid, which was filmed in Australia. Set in the Philippines in 1945, it is based on the true story of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s secret raid on a POW camp to free Americans. Consuelos’ television credits include NBC’s Legend of Butch & Sundance, Friends, Third Watch and PBS’s American Family. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, the actor grew up in Lebanon, Ill. (pop. 3,523), and Tampa, Fla. He attended Bloomingdale High School in Illinois and Notre Dame University before receiving a degree in marketing in 1994 from the University of South Florida. He and Ripa live in New York City with their children, Michael, Lola and Joaquin.

I am requesting information about museums of cowboy stars such as Roy Rogers, James Arness and John Wayne.
—Dee M., Florida

The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum moved from Victorville, Calif., to Branson, Mo. (pop. 6,050), in 2003. Rogers’ horse Trigger, mounted so that he is rearing up on his hind legs, remains one of the most popular exhibits in the museum honoring the King of the Cowboys and Evans, his wife and co-star. The four-room home in Winterset, Iowa (pop. 4,758), where John Wayne was born has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907, the year Wayne was born as Marion Morrison. Visitors can view movie memorabilia such as the eye patch the Duke wore in the movie True Grit. There is no James Arness museum, according to his publicist, Trina Kaye. However, visitors to the Museum of the American West in Los Angeles can view an original painting of Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon or buy a personalized copy of his autobiography.

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