TOM MIX: Clayton Vecellio reminded us that today is the birthday of Cameron County native Tom Mix, an actor known for his roles in Western films.
Tom was born Jan. 6, 1880, Clayton tells us.
A historical marker points out his Mix Run Road birthplace in the Driftwood area. According to ExporePAhistory.com, the maker was dedicated May 28, 1955, 14 years after his death.
While Mix didn’t see America’s West — his cinematic home — until he was in his mid-20s, he had years of practice working with horses, having learned as a youth from his horse-training father.
Mix started acting in 1910, and it was 100 years ago in 1917 that he signed a contract with Fox Studios, according to the website.
The historical marker gives this brief description of Tom’s life: “The famous cowboy star of cinema and circus was born here, January 6, 1880. A soldier during the Spanish-American War, he won renown for his “wild west” roles in hundreds of motion pictures — both silent and sound — between 1910 and 1935.Tom Mix died in an auto accident in Arizona on October 12, 1941.”
COMEDY: Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
If you’re interested in learning the behind-the-scenes stories about some of your favorite funny men and women over the decades, you may enjoy the new eight-part CNN Original Series “The History of Comedy,” which will include interviews with numerous comedians.
The television premiere is set for 9 p.m. Feb. 9 after the show’s world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Jamestown, N.Y.’s own National Comedy Center is in on the gig, too. The Comedy Center will present “Stand-Up Live!” — a live tour that will travel to New York City, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The tour won’t be making a stop at the National Comedy Center, but Jamestown will be welcoming Jim Gaffigan on Aug. 3, when he will perform stand-up during the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival organized by the center.
