The Hottest Political Contest is…
The hottest political race in Hollywood, it seems, is not the run for president but honorary mayor. Since the passing of Johnny Grant in January, the film capital has been without its de facto leader.
At the time, many thought that no one could take Grant’s place. Now it appears that three candidates have popped up — radio personality Gary Owens; game-show host, Monty Hall, and, surprisinlgy, billboard queen, Angelyne!
Hollywood’s first honorary mayor was actress Barbara Britton (1952), sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Kiwanis Club. Other mayors included Betty White (1954), Art Linkletter (1957), Lawrence Welk (1958) and, yes, Monty Hall (1976), who is now up for a second term.
Actually, Hall has said he is not interested and recommends Owens. “He’s (Owens) been in Hollywood many years,” Hall said. “He’s quite well-identified.”
Angelyne, who ran for California governor in 2003 and who voter records claim is 46 (the imdb places her at age 50) says that she is the best one for the job. “When people think of Hollywood, they think of Angelyne,” she said (really?).
Regardless if it is a hotly contested race or not, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler says, “There’s no urgency.”
Source: “Who’ll Reign for Hollywood?” Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2008
The next honorary mayor of Hollywood???
