Remember the actor who played the outspoken Muslim little league baseball player, “Ahmad Abdul-Rahim,” who also loved baseball legend, Hank Aaron, in the classic 70’s film, “Bad News Bears?” His real name is Erin Blunt and his character played the right fielder position for the mediocre baseball team that their lazy coach had to try to whip into shape. One of “Ahmad’s” most noteworthy and quite controversial lines in the film, was when he said to his coach, “Buttermaker, don’t give me any of your h*nky bull$*it.”  That was “Ahmad’s” threat to the Caucasian coach that “Ahmad” attempted to put in his place…it didn’t work though.

After Erin’s “Bad News Bears” success, he went on to star in the second and third installments of the ‘Bad News’ films in 1977 and ’78. He also starred in a few more TV series, including “What’s Happening,” “The White Shadow,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Happy Days,” and more; as well as films such as “Car Wash,” “A Hero Ain’t Nuthin’ But A Sandwich,” and “Get Christie Love.” Additionally, Erin did a few 1970’s commercials, including a Hostess commercial where he showed off his musical skills.

Fast forward to today and Erin has a totally different lifestyle now. He lives a civilian life at the age of 59. The last we’d heard is he didn’t completely step away from the spotlight though, because he still has a career in entertainment, except he’s controlling two turntables and a mic now. That’s right, our man, Eric Blunt, is a DJ who goes by the name of DJ Alcatraz and according to many of his fans, this cat knows exactly wicht joints to play to get the crowds hype.

He’s been DJing for years now and appears to love it…that’s always a beautiful thing. The last we heard, Blunt was regularly DJ’ing at a club/restaurant in Carson, CA.

And there you have it ILOSM family, a quick update on one of our favorite Old school celebs. If it’s nothing we love more, here at ILoveOldSchoolMusic, it’s seeing an entertainer from back in the day, continuing to live happy, healthy lives and enjoying what they do.

-ILoveOldSchoolMusic, old school news with a new point of view

Source

The post Remember This Kid From “The Bad News Bears” Movie? Here’s What He’s Doing Now appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you came up in the 70’s era of TV and film, you probably remember actress, Judy Pace. For our young Old Schoolers, Judy was the TRUTH! She appeared in several memorable TV shows and films back in the day, including “Good Times,” Sanford and Son,” “What’s Happening,” “Shaft,” “That’s My Mama,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “I Spy,” and many more. In 1970 she was dubbed ‘the most beautiful African American woman in Hollywood’ and fast forward to today and fans are straight up stunned by who her talented daughter is.

Meet Her Actress Daughter

#Judy Pace (my mommy) is returning to television Saturday's @ 7PST @centricTV #beautyandtheballer
@mikeajakawe @BET#blackdontcrack pic.twitter.com/zht6BrpPBj

— Julia Pace Mitchell (@juliapmitchell) August 2, 2017

Judy Pace’s daughter, Julia, starred on “The Young and The Restless,” as a business exec named, ‘Sofa Dupre,’ for years. She also portrayed rapper, Notorious B.I.G.’s, baby’s mother, ‘Jan,’ in the biopic, “Notorious” a few years ago. Julia is also known for her roles in “Law and Order” and in the movie, “Bill.”

Acting just runs through Julia’s blood, because her Pops was also an actor. Her mother’s late ex-husband, Don Mitchell, was best known for his 1960s/70’s roles in television shows, such as “McMillan & Wife,” the CBS daytime soap opera, “Capitol” and in the sitcom, “Bewitched.” He also co-starred in the 1973 Black horror film, “Scream Blacula Scream.”

Sadly, Don Mitchell passed away in 2013, but he’s survived by not only his ex-wife, Judy and daughter, Julia… but also by his and Judy’s other daughter, Shawn. Check her out below…

Meet Judy’s OTHER Daughter

Judy’s and Don’s daughter, Shawn Pace Mitchell, is a very successful attorney and she pretty much stays out of the limelight, unlike her sister and mother. Below is a photo of the three beautiful women:

One of the other rare times Shawn was seen publicly with her family, was when she was her sister, Julia’s, maid of honor in Julia’s wedding to businessman, Steven Hightower, II.

Julia Pace Explains Why Her Stepdad’s Responsible For LeBron & Others Gettin’ Son Much $$

Judy Pace was married twice – first to Shawn’s and Julia’s father, Don Mitchell, and second to baseball legend, Curt Flood. It is stepdad, Curt, whom Julia and Shawn started a non-profit organization, The Curt Flood Youth Foundation, in memory of. Peep Julia’s explanation of this below:

In case y’all aren’t familiar with the greatness of baseball legend, Curt Flood, let us fill you in on the unselfish, groundbreaking strides he made for athletes who came after him.

Flood is responsible for what we now know as ‘free agency,’ which allows athletes the freedom to utilize their right to choose which teams they’d like to join as a ‘free agent.’ In 1969, when the MLB team Flood was signed to for 12 years wanted to trade him to a team that reportedly had a history of racist fans and unfair treatment of Black players, Flood stood up against the MLB league’s decades old ‘reserve clause,’ which denied them the right to choose:

In a letter to Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, Flood demanded that the commissioner declare him a free agent:
December 24, 1969- After twelve years in the major leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several States.
It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. I have received a contract offer from the Philadelphia club, but I believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decision. I, therefore, request that you make known to all Major League clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.
Flood was influenced by the events of the 1960s that took place in the United States. According to Marvin Miller, Flood told the executive board of the players’ union, “I think the change in black consciousness in recent years has made me more sensitive to injustice in every area of my life.” However, he added that what he was doing in challenging the reserve clause was primarily as a major league ballplayer. via Wikipedia

Today, both Curt Flood and Don Mitchell would be extremely proud if their daughters (and stepdaughters) today, just as their ex-wife, Judy Pace is.

The post Fans Stunned By Actress Daughter Of 70s Icon Judy Pace & Why Pro-Ball Ex Risked Career appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re from the Old School era of the late 1970’s/early 80’s, you more than likely are very familiar with actor, Kevin Hooks (59). From 1978 to 1981, he played “Morris Thorpe”- the high school basketball player who had a problem with authority, in hit TV show, “White Shadow.” For those who aren’t familiar with “White Shadow,” here’s a quick rundown: The show was about a former Caucasian Chicago Bull player becoming a high school coach in South Central Los Angeles.

Embed from Getty Images

Here’s the thing, what many fans didn’t know at that time, is that as we were watching Kevin Hooks do his thing on “White Shadow,” we were also watching his Pops play roles in other various TV shows and films. Simply put, Kevin’s dad is a legend and if you don’t know who he is, get ready to learn a lil’ somethin’ today ILOSM fam.’

Who’s His Daddy?

Embed from Getty Images

Meet Kevin Hook’s father, actor Robert Hooks. Remember him? Robert’s most popular roles include ‘Reeve Scott”‘ in “Hurry Sundown” (1967); ‘Mr. T’ in the 70’s film “Trouble Man” (1972); ‘Grandpa Gene Donovan’ in the comedy, “Seventeen Again” (2000); and ‘Fleet Admiral Morrow’ in “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984).” He also portrayed ‘Doctor Walcott’ in the 1980s television series, “Dynasty.”

Robert was once married to Kevin’s mother, Yvonne Hickman (whom there are no photos of, because she apparently wasn’t into the spotlight like her ex-husband and son), whom he also has two more children with. Kevin always pays homage to his dad online, just as he did this past Father’s day with his Instagram tribute to him:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkIkqgEBAvO/

Robert Hooks OTHER Actor Son

In addition to having one actor son, Robert actually has another one! His name is Eric Hooks and many of y’all may not know him by name, but if you know anything about classic Black films from back in the day, you’ll probably remember his face. Eric Hooks mostly acted during his childhood years, with one of his most popular roles being in the film, “Sounder.” In that dramatic 1972 classic, Eric starred alongside his brother, Kevin, as well as Hollywood heavyweights, Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield.

https://youtu.be/ulCdv0OMY1U

So as you can see, acting was in their blood because they had their Pops set a great example for them.

Aside from Kevin and Eric Hooks, their father has 5 more children- Cecelia Ann Hooks Onibudo, Christopher Carter, Michelle Thomas Hooks, Robert Hooks Jr., and Kiyo Dean Tarpley Hooks.

Why He Started The Negro Ensemble Company

According to New York Times, Robert Hooks is also ‘a founder of the Negro Ensemble Company, a theater group in Manhattan of which he was the executive director from 1965 to 1978.’ In the interview below, Robert Hooks explained how Sidney Poitier and Douglas Turner Ward, encouraged him to relocate from Philadelphia to New York on pretty much a wing and a prayer to hopefully spark a successful acting career. It was from there, that something else was sparked in him- his transition from being a then up-and-coming Broadway actor- to creating his own platform that would offer equal opportunities for many Black actors.

https://youtu.be/ulCdv0OMY1U

One more fun fact about Robert, is that he didn’t give on up on finding love again, after his two failed marriages to Rosie Lee Hooks and Yvonne Hickman. In 2008, he married his bride, Lorrie Marlow, at the age of 70 years young. These days, the brotha is still happy, healthy and married at 81.

The post Many Never Knew “White Shadow” Actor’s Father Is A Legendary 70s/80s Actor Too appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Nichelle Nichols’ Son Speaks Out

Kyle Johnson, son of Nichelle Nichols, spoke to TMZ to let the world know about his mother’s current health status and the foul business dealings he claims are happening to her, as a result:

Via TMZ: Nichelle Nichols…is suffering from severe short-term memory loss and needs protection from being taken advantage of … according to her son. Nichols’ son, Kyle Johnson, filed legal docs Friday nominating 4 fiduciaries to become his 85-year-old mom’s conservators — which would give them control of her finances and decisions related to her health.

According to Johnson, this is necessary because her dementia is “impacting her executive functioning” and makes her “susceptible to undue influence.” He adds … “Certain individuals have unduly exerted themselves into Ms. Nichols’ life to her detriment.”

Despite Ms. Nichols’ severe memory loss, she’s still managing to work and do what she does for a living. In fact, it’s just been reported that she has three new projects releasing this year alone. Incredible! We just hope that whatever foul practices are going on behind her back, are eliminated as soon as possible.

Previous Health Emergency & Bounce Back

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about serious health issues regarding Nichelle Nichols. In 2015 we reported that she’d been rushed to a Los Angeles hospital following a stroke. At that time, an official statement was released by her company, Galactic Productions LLC.

Then, to the surprise of many, Nichelle Nichols made a great recovery and bounced back like she never left in 2017, lookin’ just as beautiful as ever. The remarkable thing is that she STILL looks like this today…

Nichols still has that same naturally regal presence she had back in the day, when she was gracing Trekkies with it on TV every week. She also hasn’t slowed down whatsoever. As we also previously reported, in spite of her health issues, she has been working through it all.

Nichelle released a NEW album in 2016, and her first single was a remake of “Fly Me To The Moon,” which is available on Spotify! Who knew she could sing?!!

But that’s not all, a few months ago (in mid 2016) she appeared on the “Young & The Restless” soap opera, as the estranged mother of Kristoff St. John’s character, “Neil” (pictured below, 2nd from right)…

This sci-fi queen also still makes many appearances at various sci-fi events around the country and her fans always show up to show her love.

Through it all, Nichelle Nichols is a true representation of the old school saying, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Thankfully, she has her son by her side, fighting off the drama and vultures that come with being a part of the entertainment industry. Wising Nichelle Nichols the best with her health and sending uplifting energy her way.

The post So Sad..Son Of “Star Trek” Legend Gives Details About Her Severe Health & Makes Bold Claims appeared first on I Love Old School Music.