Ena Hartman, ‘Dan August' and ‘Terminal Island' Actress, Dies at 93
Hartman died April 16 of natural causes at her home in Van Nuys, her goddaughter Lorraine Foxworth told The Hollywood Reporter.
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Hartman also is known for her starring turn as the tough girl Carmen Simms alongside Tom Selleck, Don Marshall, Roger E. Mosley, Phyllis Davis and Marta Kristen in the cult prison-set film Terminal Island (1973), written and directed by Stephanie Rothman.
She assisted Lee J. Cobb's character in the spy spoof Our Man Flint (1966), starring James Coburn; played a party guest in Games (1967), starring James Caan, Simone Signoret and Katharine Ross; and was a flight attendant in Airport (1970).
And in firsts for NBC in 1968, she appeared on the inaugural episode of Adam-12 and in the telefilm Prescription Murder, which starred Peter Falk in his initial outing as Columbo.
In one of the rare regular TV roles given to Black actresses back then, Hartman stood out as the smart, no-nonsense police dispatcher Katy Grant on Dan August, which starred Reynolds as the titular cop investigating homicides in his hometown of Santa Luisa, California.
However, the series, which also featured Richard Anderson and Norman Fell, lasted just one season and 26 episodes.
Earlier, Hartman had a chance to hit it big when famed actress-singer Dorothy Dandridge picked her to play her in a planned biopic that was to star Sidney Poitier as well. Poitier, though, decided in the final stages to pass on the film, and it was never made.
(Hartman did get to be Poitier's guest at the 1964 Academy Awards when he became the first Black man to win the Oscar for best actor.)
Later, she was said to be in the running to play Lieutenant Uhura on NBC's Star Trek and one of the nuns in Elvis Presley's Change of Habit (1969), but she lost out to Nichelle Nichols and Barbara McNair, respectively. (She would appear on the first-season Trek episode 'The Corbomite Maneuver.')
The daughter of sharecroppers, Gerthaline Henry was born on April 1, 1932, in Moscow, Arkansas. Raised by her grandparents, she moved to Buffalo, New York, when she was 13 to live with her mother.
She dropped out of high school to open a restaurant and would earn enough money to go to New York City, where she would adopt a stage name, become a top model in town and study drama with Josh Shelley and A Raisin in the Sun director Lloyd Richards.
Hartman participated in an NBC-sponsored talent competition for young actors and actresses, and that got her a talent contract from the network — said to be the first such deal for any Black actor. (Ebony magazine in 1962 reported that the 'grooming' contract was for five years at $12,000 a year. 'It's the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me,' she said.)
In 1964, she made her onscreen debuts on an episode of Bonanza and in the sequel feature The New Interns. And after NBC, she signed a contract with Universal and was named honorary mayor of Universal City in 1968.
Hartman also showed up on such series as Profiles in Courage, The Farmer's Daughter, Tarzan, Ironside, It Takes a Thief, Dragnet 1967, The Name of the Game, The Outsider, Ironside and, for her final onscreen credit, a 1975 episode of Police Story.
In addition to her goddaughter, survivors include her son, Douglas; daughter-in-law Kimberly; grandchildren Kenneth, Eliane, Maximillian and Alexander; great-grandchildren Angel, Akisha and Kenneth Jr.; great-great-grandchildren Kash, Shyonte, KayLianna and Wallace; sisters Andrewnette, Carolyn, Lena and June; and sister-in-law Gizelle.
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NBC News
3 hours ago
- NBC News
Alzheimer's may be delayed through lifestyle changes, new studies show
Although her grandfather had dementia when he died, Kristin Richardson hadn't worried much about her brain until a lab test revealed that she was positive for APOE4, a gene that has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. That was seven and a half years ago. Richardson, now 51, remembers crying when she got the news. 'I was terrified,' she said. 'It's a horrible, horrible disease with no cure.' So Richardson, a business owner in Richmond, Virginia, decided to make whatever changes she could to reduce her risk of the disease. 'I do what I can to get enough sleep. I keep active. I try to eat well and maintain a healthy weight, and I'm always working my brain to learn new things,' she said. Two new studies being presented at the Alzheimer's Association meeting Monday in Toronto may give some hope to Richardson and others who carry a genetic risk for the disease. Both new studies build on previous evidence that diet, certain brain training exercises and physical activity can delay the loss of memory and slow the decline of other cognitive abilities. One study looked at the impact of walking on 2,985 Black and white older adults who were tested for APOE status and were followed for 10 years. Each year, the participants were questioned about the amount of walking they did, and at multiple points during the follow-up period, their cognitive status was evaluated with standardized exams. Overall, participants with the APOE4 gene mutation showed steeper declines in cognition compared with those with other forms of the gene that don't raise the risk of Alzheimer's. While walking appeared to have a protective effect on all the participants, it was strongest among those with APOE4. The risk of developing Alzheimer's among those with two copies of APOE4 is 12 times that of women with none and four times that of men with none, said the study's senior author, Cindy Barha, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of Calgary and Canada Research chair in neuroscience, brain health and exercise. That changed significantly if people walked. Overall, women benefited more. A 10% higher amount of self-reported walking was associated with a 4.7% increase in complex thinking performance over time in women and a 2.6% increase in men. Among APOE4 carriers, men appeared to benefit more. A 10% higher amount of self-reported walking was associated with an 8.5% increase in global cognitive performance over time in women and a 12% increase in men. That was a surprise to the researchers, who expected that women would continue to benefit more. Walking seems to keep brains healthier by pumping up levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that's known to support the health of brain cells, Barha said. Other proteins in the brain may be involved, as well. 'BDNF is like fertilizer for your brain that is naturally produced, especially when you are being physically active, such as when you are walking,' Barha said. 'It helps brain cells survive, grow and form stronger connections; this supports memory, learning and mood, especially in the hippocampus, which is the brain's memory center.' A limitation of the study is that it didn't track how fast or how frequently the participants walked. Dementia risk modified through lifestyle The second international study, led by researchers in Finland, found that a combination of lifestyle modifications could also benefit people with the APOE4 variation more than those with other mutations. The study included 2,469 participants from France, Japan and Finland who were randomly assigned to receive multi-focus lifestyle interventions or not. Among the participants were 709 APOE4 carriers. Included in the lifestyle modifications were: Cognitive training, either computer-based or with paper and pencil. Physical activity, including group-based physical group exercise sessions lasting 90 minutes and an exercise program supervised by physiotherapists at the gym. Dietary counseling. A preliminary analysis revealed that the benefit of the intervention was greater among the APOE4 carriers. Study co-author Jenni Lehtisalo, a research fellow at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, said the main takeaway is that the risk for dementia, even in people with genetic predisposition, can be modified through lifestyle. There was about a fourfold greater benefit in those who were positive for APOE4, said Lehtisalo, who is also a visiting researcher at the University of Eastern Finland. The hope is that future research will reveal whether there is a specific window of time during which the modifications are more effective, she said. Dr. Cynthia Boyd, a professor of medicine and director of the division of geriatric medicine and gerontology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said the studies show 'there is something concrete we can all do to decrease the risk of cognitive decline.' 'Walking and other lifestyle modifications can be protective for the brain,' said Boyd, who wasn't involved in the new research. Adam Brickman, a professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, said that to optimize brain and cognitive health, it's a good idea for everyone, regardless of genetic risk, to engage in physical activity, maintain a good diet and monitor other risk factors linked to dementia. 'Sometimes initiating new healthy behaviors is difficult for people," Brickman said. "Knowledge of being at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease by virtue of having an APOE4 allele may help inspire or motivate lifestyle changes to mitigate that risk.'
Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Leo High School choir headed to ‘America's Got Talent' quarterfinals in August
Imagine heading out to pick up your father's medicine at the neighborhood CVS one day, only to be stopped by four strangers who ask: 'Can I take a picture with you?' That's was what happened to Kriston Bell, 17. When approached, the Beverly resident asked if they knew him from somewhere. Their response: 'From 'America's Got Talent.'' The admirers took pictures to share with their kids. 'I'm just walking into Chick-fil-A, next thing I hear is someone say, 'Ain't that the people from 'America's Got Talent?'' said Dolton resident Stephen Jackson, 17. This is the new normal for members of Leo High School's choir after their performance on the 20th season of NBC's reality talent show aired June 10 — now that the melodic prowess of the 22 young men from the South Side Catholic school for boys has gone global. And while its choir has stepped to the forefront as of late, Leo High School has been known as a place where young Black and brown men are nurtured to succeed. And they do — from sports to academics . 'Since I have been at Leo, more than 90% of our graduates have gone on to college,' said Leo President Dan McGrath. On 'America's Got Talent,' the choir wowed all four judges and the audience with a resounding rendition of The Score's 'Born for This.' The team heads back to California in August to participate in the talent competition's quarterfinals. Choir members were rehearsing for hours at the school every Thursday in July. If they advance after this round, the group will be closer to winning the $1 million grand prize. The choir had a certain amount of notoriety locally prior to 'AGT' — from taking the stage at the Democratic National Convention last summer, to performing at Millennium Park's Holiday Sing-Along this past December, to singing for the city of Chicago during Black History Month — but the 'AGT' platform is its biggest yet. The young men caught the attention of the show's scouts when an Instagram video of their singing was posted by CBS Chicago in early 2024. The rest is history. By June of this year, the choir was performing at the Archdiocese of Chicago's celebration of Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field and at a Juneteenth event at Wrigley Field. 'National reality TV shows, multiple different news networks, sports games, I think I've ticked off the whole bucket list,' Jackson said about his involvement with the choir. Some Leo choir members juggle rehearsals with summer jobs. From restaurants like iHop (Jackson says his manager is 'very forgiving' with his choir commitments and scheduling) to retailers like Menards and Stein Learning Gardens at St. Sabina the young men are working hard on their futures — futures that gel well with not just the choir's success, but also with Leo's philosophy of working hard for success, according to choir director LaDonna Hill. 'Most people are average … getting up every day trying to figure it out, willing to try and not quit. Those are the things I like to build on. That's why I'm so proud of these 22 guys,' she said. Having performed publicly at 60 events last year, the men committed themselves to the work. 'To have these young men show up, be committed, not afraid to try something new, and legitimately give themselves to it 100% — it's inspiring,' Hill said. Leo Principal Shaka Rawls is not surprised the choir is getting the recognition it is. A Leo alumnus, Rawls has led the school since 2016 and said 'it was only a matter of time' the national spotlight found the choir, given the hard work that goes into supporting Leo students' mental health, educational growth and service to the community. All are part of Leo's mission of making good people and stewards of the community. 'I want to make the next generation of men better than the last generation — particularly Black and brown men,' Rawls said. Parents credit the choir's momentum to the synergy between Yolanda Sandifer-Horton, Leo High School's choir manager and coordinator of student engagement, and Hill. According to Hill, many members of the choir did not know how to sing or did not possess any musical background before they became part of the team. Hill — who is retiring from Leo after 25 years to pursue ministry — looks back at helping the choir grow through a lens of creativity, patience, hard work and fun. 'We push them to do their best, but at the same time, we try to know what's going on in their lives, so we can talk them through things. We want them to feel safe, respected, and looked after,' McGrath said. McGrath considers the choir members ambassadors for the institution, which will celebrate 100 years in 2026. A 1968 graduate of Leo, McGrath has seen firsthand the neighborhood's demographics change from predominantly white to Black and brown, with businesses and churches abandoning Auburn Gresham in the process. They stayed the course in the South Side community with their motto: 'Deeds not words.' 'Oftentimes, we say teachers inspire students … but they've inspired me,' Hill said. 'I teach them four golden rules: discipline, dedication, being responsible and being a team player. I build on that. You get to the end of the process — the results — and you can feel good about whatever the outcome is because you did your best.' While current Leo Lions are making plans for the 'AGT' prize money (college funds feature prominently) Sandifer-Horton said she would like the limelight to offer more exposure for the colleges recent Leo graduates attend. Nine choir members graduated last year. 'It's bringing exposure not only to Leo, but to nine other colleges and universities,' she said. 'Many people who don't win, get so much exposure and opportunities; a lot of people come out winners in other ways.' For twins Steven and Stephen Jackson, 17, their Leo choir experience has helped them with their public speaking skills and confidence. Bell is looking to use his voice more when working on his own melodic hip-hop music. Rios is looking forward to joining Clark Atlanta University's choir when he attends in the fall. 'Leo's choir has done what most professional musicians are still trying to do,' Rios said, looking back at the group's trajectory. 'We definitely did the best we could as far as us being teenagers.' After their first appearance on the show, an anonymous donor gave each choir member $5,000 to be used for their educational pursuits after high school. 'They are very humble,' said Chatham resident Latonya Smith, parent to 17-year-old choir member Xavier Smith. 'These are some really gifted, locked-in young men, but I don't think they know the impact of being on national TV; for my son, the reality hasn't hit him yet.' Sondrae Lewis is looking forward to accompanying her 16-year-old Michael Lewis to California in August for a two-week stay. The Lewis family relocated six months ago from Auburn Gresham, where Leo High School sits, to Griffith, Indiana. Lewis, a rising senior and first tenor, is adamant about graduating from Leo and plans to travel to school at 6:30 a.m. to attend hour-and-a-half choir rehearsals before classes begin, five days a week. 'We've all been so excited that our boys are being exposed to things they wouldn't be able to if they weren't a part of the choir,' Sondrae Lewis said. 'With the choir, they're covering ground on what they're exposed to, who they're being exposed to. … These young men haven't been in those kinds of environments, places or travels, and they have been picking up momentum.' Now that the school choir is in high demand, McGrath said parents are coming into the school saying they'd like to see their son get into the choir. The search for the next choir director has already begun. But whoever takes up the mantle will have to have a family mindset, Hill said. She considers her arrival at Leo divine. It all started with a phone call from a friend after the loss of her child. She lost one soul to connect with many others. 'I gained all of these amazing young men — that's why I describe it as divine. Look at how far they've come. I just pray that whoever comes will be fascinated with that process,' she said. ''AGT' is great and I hope we win the whole thing, but my goal is the Vatican in March,' Rawls said. 'There's no reason why the Leo High School choir, with its newfound fame, should not perform for Pope Leo. That just makes sense to me.'
Chicago Tribune
9 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Asking Eric: Niece excludes one branch of large family tree at wedding
Dear Eric: My husband is one of eight siblings. A few live on opposite sides of the country, but they do remain in contact, and we all get together occasionally. One of my brothers-in-law is married and has a stepdaughter. The stepdaughter became engaged, and we were told that since she was paying for her own wedding, they had no say in the invite list and we all may receive an invite or not. Mind you this daughter was invited to any event we had, including my kids' weddings. At my daughter's wedding she responded that she was coming but was a no show. The save the dates went out and we were not invited along with one sister-in-law. Everyone else was invited and attended. I feel excluded and snubbed. I have been dwelling on this way too much but don't understand. There were never any words or any rift. My brother-in-law who is the stepfather is close with my husband. When I spoke to a few of his siblings, I was told she wanted a small wedding (there were 150 people that went) and I should be happy because of the expense of the hotel. I was going to have a 70th birthday party for my husband but have decided to have a quiet dinner with my kids and grandchildren. I would also like to have no contact with them moving forward and I told my husband this. He feels I'm too sensitive, which added salt to the wound. He can have any relationship he wants with them, but I want out, personally. Am I in the wrong? I just can't see myself in their company and feeling comfortable. – Excluded Dear Excluded: You have every right to feel the way you do. And, to your point, it seems pointed to invite six out of the eight siblings. But – and this is a big but – the family is large, even without considering the niece's mother's family, the father's family, her friends and the family of the person she married. Even with 150 guests, options start to narrow. So, grant her a little grace. And, more importantly, don't take her wedding invite list out on her parents. They told you they didn't have any control over the invites and it's best to take that at face value. While you've been kind to the niece, you and she don't have as close a relationship as you do with others in the family. That's OK. It's also OK to have bruised feelings about it. You reached out your hand and she didn't reach back and that can hurt. It also sounds like other members of the family are trying to offer comfort and sympathy by telling you you didn't miss anything. Try to accept that. And then try to let it go, for your sake and for your husband's. Going no contact with branches of the family, who also didn't have control over the invites, is only going to hurt him. Dear Eric: My wife and I are a white couple in our mid-70s. We have numerous Black friends and acquaintances we see frequently at our church and workplace. Everybody is very cordial, and our conversations share insights into each other's goings-on (family, friends, et cetera). What is discomforting to us is we are often addressed as 'Miss Jane' and 'Mr. John' rather than simply Jane and John. We're sure all intentions are respectful. We hate to think there is a racial element involved and hope it is just a matter of cultural mannerisms. We don't notice this 'title' formality with one Black person to another, even among those in our age bracket. We don't want to be rude if addressing this issue would be somehow offensive. Any thoughts on this? – Informal Request Dear Request: Don't be afraid to ask people to call you what you're most comfortable being called. For instance, 'It would mean so much if you'd just call me John; it's how I know we're friends.' Something short and sweet like that. It's unclear to me whether the formality is related to your particular region, a particular subculture or even your standing in your community. Or all of the above. But, if you're noticing that these honorifics aren't universally applied, it stands to reason you have the power to do away with them without being thought rude. Now, if your friends and acquaintances protest, that's an opportunity for you to dig a little deeper, with respect. 'Would you mind telling me more about why you'd feel more comfortable with Mr. John rather than John?' And then listen to what they have to say. Even if you don't agree with the reasoning, it might give you insight into how you're seen and how you and your friends can better see each other.
