Irish America

James Cagney

James Cagney: From Street-fighter to Bewigged Vaudevillian to Reluctant Film Screen Legend

By Ray Cavanaugh

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The life of actor James Cagney provides an interesting case study in defying expectations. Aside from finding success meteorically beyond his impoverished background, he was a battle-tested fighter who not only liked painting and poetry but did not hesitate to dance around in a skirt and wig. Upon later becoming a superstar, he seemed to shun the attention which stardom brings. … [Read more...] about James Cagney: From Street-fighter to Bewigged Vaudevillian to Reluctant Film Screen Legend

George M. Cohan: “Born on the Fourth of July”

By M.V. Quinn, Contributor

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The life of George M. Cohan, the greatest song and dance man of all time. Not far off from his song's boast, George Michael Cohan was born on July 3, 1878, according to his birth certificate, however his mother always claimed that he was born on the 4th, and as he proved again and again in his plays and songs, he remained “a real live nephew” of America’s Uncle Sam throughout … [Read more...] about George M. Cohan: “Born on the Fourth of July”