I’m from Milwaukee and I Oughta know…
Franciszek Andrzej Pajkowski aka Frank Parker. #1 tennis player in the world in 1948. French and US National Champion, four US Grand Slam titles, two doubles titles and 12-2 as a Member of the US Davis Cup team.
Hank Marino was the greatest professional bowler of the first half of the 20th century. He moved to Milwaukee to open a bowling alley in 1930 and immediately fell in the love with the city. At the time, the cream city was establishing itself as the world's bowling capital and Marino, winner of the world bowling title in 1938, became Milwaukee's #1 bowling ambassador.
Actress Pamela Britton played many roles during her Broadway and Hollywood career. She is probably best remembered as Mrs. Brown, the nosy neighbor, in the 1960's sitcom MY FAVORITE MARTIAN.
Milwaukee's favorite son, Wladziu Valentino Liberace, flashes his trademark "You look tired, relax on the divan...let me get you a drink" look while hawking hometown product.
Vaudeville Kingpin, Broadway and Hollywood character actor, Charles Winninger, was born near Wausau and raised in Appleton. He was a child in a family of working thespians and lived the life of constant touring while growing up. Later, as a young man, he lived in Milwaukee. He is identified with the role of Captain Andy in fellow Appletonian Edna Ferber's long running Broadway musical, SHOWBOAT - considered by many to be the first true Broadway musical (Drama driven by lyric and music as opposed to a show built around a review of new songs.)
LaVerne Sunde was a Milwaukee fashion designer. She was well known in her time.
Pat O’Brien was born and raised in Milwaukee and attended Marquette University. Like so many Wisconsinites, he was a major star during the golden age of Hollywood (1931 -1949). He’s best remembered for his portrayal of Knute Rockne in KNUTE ROCKNE, ALL AMERICAN. As a boy, he was an altar boy at Gesu Church with his good friend and fellow movie star, Spencer Tracy.
Madison’s Uta Hagen was a 3 time Tony winner and a highly respected acting teacher. Her enduring influence as a stage actor and drama teacher is immeasurable.
Fred MacMurray was raised in Madison and Beaver Dam by his Wisconsin born parents. Another great star from Hollywood’s golden age and beyond. He was at his best playing against type in Billy Wilder’s DOUBLE INDEMNITY(1944) and later, THE APARTMENT(1960). Most people, however, prefer him in the 60’s television series, MY THREE SONS and in Disney’s FLUBBER films which co-starred fellow Wisconsinite Nancy Olsen.
Milwaukee native Pat Harder played college ball at UW where he lead the legendary 1942 Badgers to an 8-1-1 record. After a WWII stint in the marines, he was selected second in the 1946 NFL draft. He went on to play for the Chicago Cardinals. “Harder became the first player in league history to score over 100 points in three consecutive years, which he did from 1947–1949, leading the league all three years. In 1947, the Cardinals won the NFL Championship.” Mr. Harder chooses to drink from a bottle.
Milwaukee’s Max Gene Nohl. The world's deepest deep sea diver and the inventor of the aqualung. A legend.
Broadway superstar Alfred Lunt. He and his wife Lynn Fontanne, are the greatest stage duo of the 20th century. The Lunt-Fontanne Theater on Broadway and Ten Chimneys, their private estate in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin are their legacy.