| Extraordinary Profiles - Arts & Entertainment |
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Janee Harrell
Transforming Lives Through Positive Media
She has an infectious, positive attitude that uplifts every person that she comes in contact with.
Janee Harrell, a seasoned television producer thrives on delivering programming that is positive and authentic. She is determined to help change the world of television by producing and promoting innovative shows that have a powerful impact on viewers and the guests that she interviews.
Through her production company, Harrell is constantly developing programs that inspire others to change their lives and give back to their communities.
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Tim Halperin
Former American Idol Contestant (Season 10) Sings in the Key of Life
American Idol, Season 10. As one of the top contestants on the show, Tim is singing in the key of life as he uses the exposure from Idol to launch a successftul music career. Down to earth and passionate about helping others, he is definitely destined for success. |
Al Cole
Inspires His Fans (“Al Cole-holics”) To Rekindle the Romance in Their Relationships
His unmistakable rich and sultry voice has captured the attention of thousands of fans who refer to themselves as Al Cole-holics. His success spans several careers to include an outstanding background as a CBS broadcaster, a public speaker, an author and singing career. He shared great advice on romance and relationshps while speaking with Exceptional People Magazine. Cole has changed the lives of men and women, inspiring them to build solid relationships and live exceptional lives. |
Pete DeLorenzo
An Amazing Entertainer and Humanitarian
When it comes to determination and commitment to his craft and helping others, Pete DeLorenzo is a champion. You never fail until you stop trying. He lives by those words.
Dubbed as a star of the stage and screen, DeLorenzo is an outstanding entertainer. He has achieved great success as a comedian, actor and singer, yet he has made a lasting mark on his community as a humanitarian.
His acting credits include feature and independent films such as: Regenerated Man, Negative Influence, Insidious and Sopranos. His involvement as a humanitarian includes working with Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the ASPCA, DELTA Rescue, and other animal activist groups. |
Della Reese
A Legend Among Stars
Della Reese -- a legend in the entertainment industry, who has blazed a trail and opened doors of opportunity for many women.
At six years of age Ms. Reese began what became an amazing career. She began singing in church, and by age 13 she experienced the most thrilling opportunity of her life – an opportunity to sing with world-renown gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Under Mahalia’s tutelage she learned how to communicate with the masses through song. It became an art form that she mastered and it helped her win over audiences from all backgrounds. |
 
Harry Carson
A Gentle Giant with a Power-Packed Punch
Well respected within the professional football community, Harry Carson has proven himself to be an amazing achiever, both on and off the field. Along the way he has encountered many challenges.
This tough and unyielding player, who played as a linebacker for the New York Giants from 1976 to 1958, also has a softer side. For five seasons he led the team in tackles and he also served as the team’s captain most of his career. He is considered their captain for life.
Carson’s excellence on the field was marked by his induction as the 231st member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His excellence off the field has been marked by the lives he’s helped change.
Carson is one of the leading spokesmen for NFL retired players. Since leaving the game, he has immensely impacted the lives of current and retired payers, advocating on their behalf for better health care, among other issues. He has also served as an advisor to the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and as a member of the Brain Injury Association Sports Injury Prevention Council.
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Steve Railsback
A Window to the Soul
When American theatre, film and television actor Steve Railsback portrayed convicted murderer Charles Manson in the 1976 television film “Helter Skelter,” he was branded as possessing the “scariest eyes” in the entertainment industry. It is a tag, or distinguishing characteristic, that has stayed with the award-winning thespian for well over three decades.
“Rather than being my own trait, it was actually his,” said Railsback, who played the psychotic pseudo hippie eerily to perfection. “So I implemented it into my performance.
Railsback's life is far removed from the absence of light. If one peers deeply into his eyes, a heart of gold will reveal itself. One will encounter the soul of a dedicated man who adores his family of five and presses to his chest his love of absolute performance. There will be a gleam in his eyes, an aggregate reflection of his benefactions to the arts and to humanity. |
Raul Julia-Levy
Hollywood Actor/Producer and Animal Savior
It was during Springtime – the seasonal emblem of rebirth, renewal and re-growth – when Raul Julia-Levy would stop living a lie and meet his father for the first time, the man who gave him life.
“Would you like to meet your father?” Julia-Levy said his mother asked him after walking into his bedroom on that fateful day in 1988. He said Margaret Levy was “very serious” as she crossed to his bed and sat by it, her eyes boring into his.
For so long, the handsome lad had been told that his father was an accountant whose name was, coincidentally, Raúl Juliá. This made sense, given the documented fact that Julia-Levy shared his biological father's first and last name. |
Ernie Hudson
Hollywood Actor
The one and only Ernie Hudson -- this gentle giant has consistently made his mark on the world of acting.
Most noted for his roles in feature films such as Ghostbusters and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, he’s full of surprises and his acting abilities have drawn support from audiences of varied backgrounds.
Hudson’s ability to take on diverse roles has enabled him to stand out among actors with such talents. His versatile style has garnered him success in roles as varied as the talent he possesses. With over 150 film, television and stage credits, Hudson has proven that in a field as challenging as show business, longevity is possible. He has proven that persistence is the key to achieving success. |
Louis Herthum
A Profile in Courage
Because of its heart-throbbing reputation of being the historic apex of fussy film studios and melodramatic movie stars, the word “Hollywood” is used regularly as a metonymy, or figure of speech, of American cinema. It is here in Tinseltown where promises are unrealized, feelings are oftentimes discarded and big dreams can, in fact, be made out of clay.
A magnet for idealists, young hopefuls have migrated in droves to this starstruck locale on a daily basis for decades with little more than a money-clip of hope in one pocket and a prayer in the other.
Actor/director/producer/activist/adjunct professor Louis Herthum was different.
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Levente Egry
Renowned Pianist and Composer
Through his romantic classical arrangements, Levente Egry celebrates life and attempts to bring harmony into the lives of people around the world. His endeavor in this regard is succeeding.
A legend in his own right, Levente has not only helped transform the lives of his fans but also the music of the artists for whom he has produced and composed songs. As a pop artist, Egry has opened for some of the most popular bands and artists, including Michael Jackson, the Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync and others.
A pianist, composer, performer and producer, this dashing Hungarian sensation is the total package that embodies extraordinary talent, skills, humbleness and honesty.
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Frank Marino
A Master at Impersonating Divas
You may have to look twice and even a third time to be sure. Is it Bette Midler, Cher, or Joan Rivers? Take another look. Oh, it’s Frank Marino, the world’s most famous female impersonator.
Underneath all the glitter and fashion is an amazingly talented and savvy business person who also happens to be an accomplished author, news commentator, columnist and spokesperson, as well as an actor.
This savvy entrepreneur has a keen sense of business and has turned a unique talent in to 25 years of success. Where does his keen sense of business come from? “I think it’s just determination,” explains Frank. “If I saw the finished product in my head, whether it be a show, or a dress design or a website, I had the strong determination to try to finish it and make it a reality, the way I see it.”
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John Zeretzke
Changing the World Through Music
He plays more instruments than you can imagine, as a matter of fact, more than he can count himself. From the bagpipe, to violin, sipsi, mandolin, North African Banders, Native American Flutes and many other instruments, John’s musical performances take you on a musical journey of sound and imagination.
Being an extraordinary musician is only part of what makes Zeretzke special. He has used his eclectic array of talents to inspire youth worldwide, giving them a new perspective on life through music.
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Goerge Wallace
Comedy's Thinking Man
He’s known as the New Mr. Las Vegas – funny, charming and down to earth. George Wallace’s comedic style has transcended all socio-economic backgrounds.
His natural comedic ability and friendly demeanor has enabled him to reach people of all ages and races. George has the uncanny ability to use everyday life, current events, and the crazy things people do as his canvas to draw amusing pictures in the minds of his subjects.
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Jeanie Bryson - Another Generation of Great Jazz
At the age of 22, Jeanie Bryson, the daughter of the legendary and incredible Dizzie Gillespie got her first professional singing gig. While holding her one-year old son in one hand and a microphone in the other, Bryson mesmerized her audience for the first time.
To support herself while singing, Bryson worked full-time at the post office from 3:00am to 11:00am six days a week. With only a short nap in between, she would rise to prepare dinner and then from 9:00pm to 1:00am perform at local clubs. Two hours later she would return to work; all as a single woman.
She truly admires Etta Jones. Jeanie believes elements that make a good musician include having a generous spirit, working together and having the ability to put your ego aside. It’s important to bring something positive to the bandstand. Two important elements she’s learned from her father are camaraderie and learning to have fun on stage.
As for her advice to aspiring Jazz musicians, Bryson replied, “you can’t embrace the tradition unless you understand it. Start singing…just do it.”
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CeCe Peniston - A Soulful and Captivating Diva
As a multi-platinum recording artist, her singing career has lead to many extraordinary opportunities including performing at the Vatican and being the first female entertainer to visit and perform in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid.
Performing in front of millions is only one of her passions. Ms. Peniston’s true passion lies within her charitable work. She has also blazed a trail in this arena. Through her LOTS Foundation (Lifting Others to Succeed) she has shared her success with many organizations involving HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, women and children in need, hunger and the equality of mankind. “Helping people have been a part of my spirit since I was young.” Since 1993, Ms. Peniston has been entertaining those who serve to protect us – America’s troops.
Her Thoughts on Longevity – “Have a good foundation of people around you who will tell you the truth no matter what. Continue to love what you do and be willing to grow and make changes within yourself. You should also have a good spiritual foundation. Accept the good and the bad and analyze it. Once you know the peaks and valleys are going to be there, then you accept it a whole lot better.”
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(Rufus "Scola" Waller) - A Smooth Groove Style for All Ages
Growing up in mean neighborhoods on the West side of Baltimore didn’t keep Rufus “Scola” Waller from becoming a shining star.
Music has a rich history in Scola’s family and he credits his love of music to his father’s first cousin, Fats Waller. As a young child, he played the guitar, keyboard, the drums and many other instruments without taking a single lesson, a gift that would enrich his life.
Beneath the stylish clothing and those soulful brown eyes lies a heart of gold. This former member of Dru Hill, one of most successful R &B groups, has a deep love for people and want to see them succeed and it is evident through his social commitment to his hometown. He and ‘his crew’ often visit shelters and distribute toys to young kids who are homeless in Baltimore City. “Whenever I have a little extra money, I do whatever I can.” |
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