Lessons from Hollywood  (The first in a series)

Sir Michael Caine, a fellow Brit and iconic movie star, spoke a profound truth: “To be a movie star, you must invent yourself.” This statement echoes through the halls of Hollywood and beyond, demonstrated by legendary figures like Cher, Madonna, and Cary Grant. They crafted personas that captivated audiences worldwide—much like you and I strive to script our lives. I feel I have reinvented the early me. This proves the concept is not reserved for celebrities.

The Act of Creation

Consider this: Every one of us is the author of our own life’s screenplay. This script is a dynamic, evolving document. We write, edit, and revise. Sometimes, we must tear the whole script apart and start anew. This process mirrors the meticulous development of a Hollywood film, where every scene must align perfectly with the envisioned story.

Consider my journey, which might as well have been lifted from a movie script. When I was twelve, I remember being in my father’s office, looking at the Sunday newspapers and seeing a photo of a mink-clad movie star getting off an airplane. There was a flash, a feeling, a vision. I just knew that one day I would have a glamorous life, full of travel, getting off planes, and wearing designer clothes. How this was going to happen, I had no idea. I was confident movie stardom was unlikely. It took me a while to fill in the details in the screenplay of my life.

Arrival Scene: San Francisco

Fast forward to my twenties, when I arrived in America—land of the rich and famous. My first three wonderful years were spent working at the beauty salon of the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. To me, it was the ultimate setting for stardom and success. Owned by cowboy star Gene Autry, the hotel was a daily reminder of the American dream. Imagine my awe when I first saw Autry in the coffee shop. His cousin, Arthur Steel, served as the general manager. Arthur Steel was married to actress Pamela Britton. She was one of my frequent clients. At that time, she appeared as Mrs. Brown on the popular TV show “My Favorite Martian” with Bill Bixby and Ray Walston. She was also in the cult film If It’s Tuesday, It Must be Belgium. I styled her hair; she would share tales from her career in show business. These stories were not just entertaining; they were educational, filled with insights about persistence, adaptation, and the magic of storytelling.

Modern Echoes

Drawing parallels to modern celebrities like Lady Gaga and Robert Downey Jr., we see similar examples of self-reinvention. Gaga, much like Madonna before her, morphed from a New York club performer to a global pop sensation and respected actress. Downey Jr. resurrected his career by embracing change and seizing new opportunities, leading to his iconic role as Iron Man.

Your Script

As you reflect on the screenplay of your life, remember that you are both the writer and the director. Your script may require rewrites—scenes that need to be reimagined or dialogues that reflect a more profound truth. Whether you’re scripting a grand entrance or a strategic retreat, take a cue from Hollywood: Be bold, brave, and unapologetically you.

Have you written the screenplay of your life yet? Or, perhaps, is it time for a rewrite?

The Legacy of Pamela Britton

Pamela Britton had a diverse career in film and television. Some of her notable works include:

Films

• D.O.A. (1950) – Played Paula Gibson opposite Edmond O’Brien4
• Anchors Aweigh (1945) – Appeared as “Girl from Brooklyn” alongside Frank Sinatra
• Key to the City (1950) – Played “Miss Unconscious” with Clark Gable
• Watch the Birdie (1950) – Starred as Mrs. Shanway with Red Skelton

Television

• My Favorite Martian (1963-1966) – Her most famous role as Mrs. Lorelei Brown, appearing in 62 episodes with Ray Walston
• Blondie (1957) – Played the title role of Blondie Bumstead for 26 episodes
• 77 Sunset Strip (1960) – Guest-starred as Paula Conway
• Gunslinger (1961) – Appeared as Peggy Morgan

Pamela’s notable costars included Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Edmond O’Brien, and Ray Walston.

Pamela Britton’s career spanned theater, film, and television. She began in Broadway productions like Oklahoma! and Brigadoon before transitioning to Hollywood. Her final performances were in theater productions, including touring with Don Knotts in The Mind with the Dirty Man shortly before she died in 1974.

I am honored to have spent time with her. RIP Pamela. Never forgotten.

The Mark Hopkins

Some notable guests of the Mark Hopkins during this general time included Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Marlena Deitrich, and Judy Garland.

Along with Pamela Britton, I styled the hair of Ann Landers, British actress Hayley Mills, Rosalind Russell, and Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark.