WHATEVER BECAME OF . . .

OLD TIME RADIO - 1 CD - 48 mp3 Total Time 25:49:55

Whatever Became Of..... was a captivating radio program that aired on WEBO (now WBAI) 99.5 in New York during the 1960s and 1970s. Hosted by the inquisitive and engaging Richard Lamparski, the show took listeners on a nostalgic journey as it tracked down celebrities who had seemingly vanished from the public eye. The program's charm lay in its ability to reconnect audiences with once-familiar faces and voices, offering a fascinating glimpse into the later lives of those who had previously basked in the limelight.

Richard Lamparski was a pioneer in what could be seen as the early days of pop culture archaeology. With a mix of curiosity, respect, and a bit of detective work, he sought out former stars from Hollywood's golden age, as well as personalities from other realms of entertainment and media. His mission was simple but unique: to find out "whatever became of" these individuals who had once captivated the public's imagination but had since faded into obscurity.

The show's format was straightforward yet profoundly engaging. Each episode typically focused on one or more celebrities, with Lamparski providing background on their careers and eventual disappearance from the spotlight. He would then share updates on their current lives, often including personal interviews or anecdotes that revealed what had led them away from fame. Lamparski's approach was always empathetic and non-exploitative, treating his subjects with dignity and often shedding light on the challenges they faced after their fame waned.

One of the key elements that made Whatever Became Of..... so compelling was its humanizing portrayal of celebrities. In an era before the internet and social media, where information was not readily accessible, the show provided a rare opportunity for fans to catch up on the lives of stars they had long admired. Lamparski's stories often revealed that life after fame was not always glamorous; many former celebrities faced hardships, including financial difficulties, health issues, or the struggle to adjust to life out of the public eye. However, the show also highlighted instances of successful reinvention and personal contentment, painting a complex and nuanced picture of life beyond the Hollywood spotlight.

Lamparski's work on the radio program also extended into a series of popular books, aptly titled Whatever Became Of..., where he compiled the stories of these "lost" celebrities, making them accessible to a broader audience. These books became a cultural phenomenon in their own right, beloved by readers who enjoyed the mix of nostalgia, history, and human interest.

The impact of Whatever Became Of..... was significant, not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a precursor to modern-day celebrity culture. Lamparski's concept of revisiting the lives of former stars has echoes in today's media landscape, where there is a constant fascination with the whereabouts and wellbeing of past celebrities. However, unlike much of today's often invasive and sensationalist celebrity journalism, Lamparski's work was grounded in respect and a genuine interest in the personal stories of the individuals he featured.

In summary, Whatever Became Of..... was a groundbreaking and deeply engaging radio program that offered a unique blend of nostalgia, human interest, and historical insight. Richard Lamparski's thoughtful and respectful approach to tracking down and sharing the stories of lost celebrities resonated with listeners and left a lasting legacy in both radio and pop culture. His work reminded audiences that behind the glamour and fame, there were real people with real lives, deserving of understanding and empathy, long after their time in the spotlight had ended.

EPISODES LIST

Whatever Became Of 65-67-09 Buffalo Bob - B. Smith
Whatever Became Of 65-xx-xx Lum and Abner
Whatever Became Of 65-xx-xx Our Gal Sunday
Whatever Became Of 66-xx-xx Ma Perkins
Whatever Became Of 67-01-xx Gangbusters
Whatever Became Of 67-02-14 Buck Rogers, Wilma Deering, Dr. Huer
Whatever Became Of 67-04-18 Romance of Helen Trent
Whatever Became Of 67-05-16 The Great Gildersleeve #2
Whatever Became Of 67-xx-xx Just Plain Bill
Whatever Became Of 68-11-20 Henry Aldrich - Ezra Stone
Whatever Became Of 68-12-03 Nora Drake
Whatever Became Of 68-xx-xx Green Hornet
Whatever Became Of 69-01-21 Let's Pretend
Whatever Became Of 69-04-29 - Your Hit Parade - D. Collins
Whatever Became Of 70-12-15 Easy Aces
Whatever Became Of 70-12-22 Young Widder Brown
Whatever Became Of 71-07-06 - Arthur Godfrey Time - M. Marlowe
Whatever Became Of 71-07-06 Marion Marlowe
Whatever Became Of 71-08-24 Lon McAllister
Whatever Became Of 71-09-28 - Citizen Kane - R. Warwick
Whatever Became Of 71-09-28 Ruth Warwick
Whatever Became Of 71-10-05 Little Orphan Annie
Whatever Became Of 71-10-12 Carlotta Monti - Mistress of W C Fields
Whatever Became Of 71-10-19 - The Black Eagle
Whatever Became Of 71-12-21 Carlton E. Morse
Whatever Became Of 72-01-06 One Man's Family
Whatever Became Of 72-03-13 Billy Gray
Whatever Became Of 72-09-27 Vic and Sade #2
Whatever Became Of 72-10-10 - Hollywood's Henry Aldrich - J. Lydon
Whatever Became Of 72-10-17 Bobby Benson B Bar B Riders
Whatever Became Of 72-12-20 I Love A Mystery
Whatever Became Of 75-xx-xx - Margaret Hamilton-Wizard of Oz
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - 3rd Anniversary Show
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Amos And Andy
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Baron Munchhausen - C. Hall
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Big Sister - G. Matthews
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Big Town
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Capt. Video - A. Hodge
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Corliss Archer
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - David Harum
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Jack Armstrong - J. Ameche
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Jimmy Fidler
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Larry 'Buster' Crabb
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Mrs Nussbaum
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Nero Wolfe and Archie
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Pepper Young's Family
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Super Circus - C. Kirshner
Whatever Became Of xx-xx-xx - Sybil Trent - Let's Pretend #2
 

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