Lookalikes
More than 400 people donning black bowler hats, toothbrush moustaches and canes gathered in Switzerland Sunday seeking to break the record for the biggest ever assembly of Charlie Chaplin lookalikes. The unusual rally, drawing Chaplin fans of all ages, took place at a museum dedicated to the legendary filmmaker at his former home in western Switzerland. Timed to mark the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening, the gathering drew 429 Chaplin lookalikes. Under a blazing sun, the “Chaplins” crowded together to form a giant number 10 on the lawn stretching before the large manor where the English movie icon spent the last 25 years of his life.
Suggesting that Chaplin wanted to encourage people to maintain a childlike capacity for wonder and play for as long as possible, the actor would have enjoyed having hundreds “of big kids gathered here today.” “I find it marvelous.” Other participants said the event brought to mind the humanistic ideas Chaplin promoted with iconic films such as “The Great Dictator”, “The Kid” and “Modern Times.” “He defended love, respect and beautiful values,” she said. Sophie Teteule, 52, agreed. “I love Charlie Chaplin, and I love this place,” she told AFP.
Blondes have more fun
As Marilyn Monroe’s landmark birthday approaches, fans celebrated the legendary blonde bombshell. Over an estimated thousand people showed up in Palm Springs Saturday to honor the glamorous movie legend ahead of what would have been her 100th birthday on June 1. The goal was pass the current record of 254 Marilyns in one place set in 2020 and fill the streets with a “sea of white dresses and blonde curls.” per the website “A Centennial Celebration and World Record Attempt.” For a $75 entry fee, contestants scored the “signature white “Subway” dress, stylized platinum blonde wig, visit Palm Springs cat-eye sunglasses, and a martini glass.
“The 26-foot “Forever Marilyn” statue by Seward Johnson focused the crowds and the media. The sea of blonde contestants filled the downtown area, with hundreds wearing a replica of Monroe’s iconic white halter style dress that she wore in the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch.” The dress appeared in one of film’s most iconic scenes, when Monroe’s character walks a hot New York City street and a gust of air from a passing subway train billows her skirt as she stands over a grate. The sea of blonde contestants filled the downtown area. The record-breaking contest is all part of a weekend-long festivities to honor the “Some Like it Hot” queen who always knew how to heat up the big screen, with her big looks and sultry voice.
Organizers said to make the record happen, it would take more than just putting on a pretty dress and fresh red lipstick. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood, Marilyn Monroe overcame a turbulent childhood in foster care and a marriage at 16 to become one of the most recognizable faces of the 20th century and an enduring cultural icon long after her 1962 death at age 36.
Impossible impersonators
I can’t believe I was arrested for impersonating a politician!
I was just sitting there doing nothing!
I went to a group therapy meeting for those suffering from the imposter syndrome.
If they only knew that I did belong there.
I just saw a news article about someone impersonating a mime. The mime community is quite upset about this but something tells me they aren’t going to speak out about it.
My girlfriend told me to stop impersonating a flamingo…
I had to put my foot down.
June 16th Birthdays
1998 – Lauren Taylor, 1987 – Abby Elliot, 1987 – Ali Stroker, 1917 – Katherine Graham
1974 – Park Bo Gum, 1890 – Stan Laurel, 1970 – Phil Mickelson, 1982 – Matt Costa