Francis Thomas Avallone (born September 18, 1940), better known as Frankie Avalon, is an American actor, singer, and former teen idol. He had 31 charting U.S. Billboard singles from 1958 to late 1962, including number one hits, "Venus" and "Why" in 1959. He is the earliest surviving singer to have scored a solo number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Avalon started appearing in films in the 1960s; he is well-known for having appeared in the Beach party films of this decade and for a supporting role in the 1978 musical film Grease, in which he sings the song "Beauty School Dropout".
Early life and education
Avalon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Mary and Nicholas Avallone. His mother was originally from Sicily. His father was a butcher who was born in Philadelphia, whose father Francesco was from Salerno, in Campania, Italy. His paternal grandmother was from Sicily.
In December 1952, Avalon made his American network television debut playing the trumpet in the Honeymooners "Christmas Party" sketch on The Jackie Gleason Show. Two singles showcasing Avalon's trumpet playing were issued on RCA Victor's X sublabel in 1954. His trumpet playing was also featured on some of his LP songs as well. As a teenager, he played with Bobby Rydell in Rocco and the Saints.
In the late 1950s, teen idols were often given roles in films, supporting older male stars in order to attract a younger audience, such as Ricky Nelson in Rio Bravo (1959). Alan Ladd's daughter was a Frankie Avalon fan, who recommended that he co-star with her father in the Western Guns of the Timberland (1960). Avalon sings two songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee"; both were released as singles.
Avalon also appeared in nearly two dozen TV episodes, including ABC's The Bing Crosby Show and The Patty Duke Show, appearing often as himself. Later, he became a national television spokesperson for Sonic Drive-In. In 1965, he appeared in the Combat! TV series episode "Brother, Brother" as a childhood friend of Pfc. Kirby, played by Jack Hogan.
Avalon and Tuesday Weld supported Bob Hope in the comedy film, I'll Take Sweden (1965) for Edward Small. For AIP, he teamed with Dwayne Hickman in a copy of Some Like It Hot (1959) called Ski Party (1965). That studio also gave him the lead in a military service comedy, Sergeant Deadhead (1965), playing another dual role. All this activity meant he was reluctant to appear in another "beach party" film, so Hickman played the lead in How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965), although Avalon had a cameo.
Personal life
Avalon married Kathryn "Kay" Diebel on January 19, 1963. She was a beauty pageant winner he met while playing cards at a friend's house.
The Avalons have eight children, Frankie Jr., Tony, Dina, Laura, Joseph, Nicolas, Kathryn and Carla, and 10 grandchildren. Frankie Jr. is a former actor who appeared in the original The Karate Kid.
If you want to read a lot more, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankie_Avalon
- SERVES
- 4
- COOK TIME
- 25 Min
If you're looking for a chicken and pasta dish with a kick, then you've just hit the jackpot. Our Potluck Pasta Fiesta will have your gang begging you for seconds!
- 1 (12-ounce) package bow-tie pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 to 1- pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into halves
- 1 (11-ounce) can Mexican-style corn, drained
- 1 (10-1/2-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1 (7-ounce) jar roasted peppers, drained and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions; drain, rinse, and drain again. Set aside in a covered dish to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat; add the chicken and garlic. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway through the cooking.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes. Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat; add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Toss with the warm pasta and serve immediately.
A cute little boy who grew up to be a good looking man with a cute little boy!
Dimples are often associated with cute babies and good looking adults. Only 20-30% of the entire world population has dimples. Although most people possess two dimples, a rare few produce only one when smiling.
Dimples are considered a genetic trait. Normally, if one person in a family has dimples, it’s likely another family member will. Some scientists believe we inherit dimples. However, other scientists believe dimples are a random trait people have. Until more research is available, no one knows which genes produce dimples. In fact, there is very little scientific research available to make a determination.
Facial Dimple Types
- Dimple on both cheeks.
- Chin dimple or cleft chin.
- One-sided cheek dimple.
- Corner of mouth dimple.
How do dimples form? Dimples are formed by the zygomaticus major muscle, which is the muscle that controls facial expressions. The zygomaticus major muscle connects to the zygomatic bone, which is commonly known as the cheekbone. Most people have a single zygomaticus muscle attached to the cheekbone. However, people with dimples possess two zygomaticus muscles. One muscle connects to the cheek bone, while the other connects to the corner of the mouth.
Those born with dimples, or develop dimples later in life, may have been told their dimples are a birth defect. However, there is no scientific information saying dimples have a negative effect on health. In fact, people with dimples have a positive effect on how society views the lucky faces that have dimples.
