Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Betty White: America’s Favorite Potty Mouthed Grandma
Palos Heights Public Library 12501 S. 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, IL, United StatesThe fabulous Betty White has been called an American national treasure - and rightly so! Up until her death at 99, Betty White was a beacon of positivity even in the most difficult years! Witty, working, and happy, Betty White … Continue reading
TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s
Private VenueTV in the 1960s The 1960s were definitely one of TV's oddest decades! The 1960s began with Westerns dominating the ratings! The old West soap opera Bonanza became the most popular show on the air. One after another competing show … Continue reading
A Ventriloquist On The Radio – The Amazing Career Of Edgar Bergen
Private VenueEdgar Bergen certainly had one of the most unique careers in American show business history! Along with his "partner" the inimitable Charlie McCarthy, Bergen became the most influential and popular ventriloquists in history. More amazingly, he actually had his greatest … Continue reading
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Vernon Area Public Library 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, ILNot only did Mary Tyler Moore “turn the world on with her smile,” as her iconic show’s theme song declared, she also influenced a generation of women to become more independent and to pursue successful and fulfilling careers. Moore’s own 50-plus-year … Continue reading
Carol Burnett – Queen Of Comedy
Private VenueCarol Burnett is one of the funniest women ever to star on television. And on Broadway. And in films. She is also, by reputation, one of the nicest, most thoughtful, and highly respected women in the entire history of … Continue reading
Bob Newhart
Aspen Drive Library 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, United StatesFREE HYBRID EVENT: REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Bob Newhart turned 92 on September 5, 2021. He is a living legend and widely regarded as one of the nicest men in Hollywood history. Two of his sitcoms became iconic, and his appearances on … Continue reading
Milton Berle – Uncle Miltie The First TV Superstar
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldThe Story Of Uncle Miltie The First TV Superstar He was known to one and all as simply: "Uncle Miltie." Today we explore the long life and unparalleled career of the one and only Mr. Television - Milton Berle! He … Continue reading
Analyzing The Oscars: The Best Films Of 2021
The Oscars used to be a "can't miss" event for many people! We'd see all the films and debate who would win. It doesn't feel that way anymore. There are so many awards shows for films that the drama … Continue reading
Analyzing The Oscars: The Best Films Of 2021 (PM)
ZoomThe Oscars used to be a "can't miss" event for many people! We'd see all the films and debate who would win. It doesn't feel that way anymore. There are so many awards shows for films that the drama … Continue reading
Gracie Allen – Underappreciated Comic Genius
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldGracie Allen is one of the funniest women ever to perform in American theater, radio, television and film. And yet if I asked you to name the greatest comedienne's of all time, you would probably mention names like Lucille Ball, … Continue reading