We all know that Bill Soberanes claimed to be the “World’s Foremost Peopleologist;” meeting both the famous and the infamous face-to-face, mingling and having his picture taken with them. A few years ago, PetalumaNet initiated a website that featured 50 of Bill’s My Fascinating World of People columns that he wrote for the Argus-courier during his 49 year career as a journalist.. Since today, November 2nd, is celebrated as the “Day of the Dead,” we are pleased to announce that in order to remember Bill’s love of people even more, we will expand the number of pictures and columns posted on the original site.
One of the celebrities he met some time ago and wrote about was Carol Channing, best known for her 5,000 performances in “Hello Dolly.” He went through his files and recalled that Ms. Channing premiered in “Archie and Mehitabel” (1950s) and sang – Toujours gal, toujours gal, there’a a dance in the old gal yet. On another occasion, he mingled with her at a reception in San Francisco, where she was appearing in “Hello Dolly” and received rave reviews. In his MFWP column (5-9-95), titled, “Carol Channing sparkles with the passing of time,” he stated: “Actually, she is quite unpretentious as far as her off-stage personality is concerned. Even when I first met her I found her so easy to talk with as many an old friend.” Quite often Bill had his picture taken with a celebrity, but wrote his column several years later. Just when the photograph above was taken, I do not know. Obviously, it was earlier than 1995. In the same column, Bill recalls: “She sparkles like the star she is, and the sparkle hasn’t diminished over a period of time. People love her in performance, but even more important, they love her off the stage.
Guess what? Eleven years later (10-13-06), this blogger met Carol Channing, and just like Bill, had his picture taken with her. Bill was right. Even though we had just met, she was so easy to talk with. The occasion was a reception sponsored by Sonoma State University because Ms. Channing and her husband were visiting CSU campuses and establishing scholarships in the performing arts. When she addressed the audience and spoke about the need for such a program; being the actress that she is, she couldn’t help performing and sang her signature song – “Hello Dolly.” She even threw in a few dance steps. Following the formalities, I pulled a “remembering Bill Soberanes” stunt and engaged her in a face-to-face conversation. While we were chatting, someone snapped our picture and e-mailed it to me. (See below.) It will be an evening to remember – Carol Channing – broadway star, meets Bill Hammerman, Peopleologist wantabe. I couldn’t have stated it better myself, Bill. She hasn’t lost her sparkle. Many thanks for remembering one of the world’s most famous performers. I’ll also continue to remember you, Bill, and your unique insight into the people with whom you mingled. Stay tuned for more Remembering Bill Soberanes blogs.