In this episode, host Charlie Connelly explores the life of Finnish-born American singer, actor and voice artist George Gaynes. He may have been best known for his performances in Tootsie, Cheers and Policy Academy, but this late break-through into the limelight left him fighting a career-long battle between not being well-known enough and being too well-known. Still, this remains one of the least interesting things about him. Before launching a career that took on opera, film and broadway, he endured some of Europe’s stormiest times.
Latest in Great European Lives
Joseph Bologne
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly explores the life of French classical composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He lived an extraordinary life in extraordinary circumstances, performing for and with European royalty and president John Adams called him the most accomplished man in Europe.
Maria von Trapp
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly looks at the life of stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers Maria von Trapp. Hers was a story of rags to riches, back to rags and progressing to riches once again.
Greta Garbo
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly examines the life of Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo. She was always called a recluse, but this was not strictly true. Residing in the heart of Manhattan, she could often be found in art galleries and auction houses alike.
Herbert Lom
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly delves into the life of Czech–born British actor Herbert Lom. He was most identified for his performance as Charles Dreyfus in the Pink Panther series, an endearing character that was a welcome change from sinister accusations Lom constantly received as a Czech residing in Britain during the Second World War.
Roald Amundsen
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly discusses the life of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. The mystery of the Earth’s poles has long tantalised explorers and Amundsen was no exception.