You know who had a career before the ‘70s?  Mamie Van Doren – the last surviving Hollywood blond bombshell.  I’m always suspicious when people make allegations about folks who have passed away.  The 94-year-old Mamie claims that Rock Hudson wanted her in a sexual way.  No, really – she believes that.  During an arranged studio date, Van Doren says, “He came on to me, and in my book I told about having on a Crimmins skirt and him getting very passionate and rolling on the kitchen floor.”  Did it occur to her that maybe he just wanted the skirt?

By the by, Mamie and several other former Hollywood luminaries will be honored at Cinecon 61, which takes place in Hollywood over Labor Day Weekend.  The special honorees, in addition to Mamie, include Ann-Margret, Pat Boone, Juliet Mills and her “versatile” husband, Maxwell Caulfield.  You can grab tix at Cinecon.org.

This week’s Ask Billy question was troubling.  Henry from Chicago asks, “What is really going on with Gladys Knight?  Is she really losing it?”

We’re not quite sure.  Gladys has a son, Shanga (who had a short-lived bakery in Las Vegas).  He believes his 81-year-old mom is being forced to perform by her husband of 25 years, William McDowell, despite her declining cognitive ability.  Shanga went to Health and Human Services and filed a complaint against McDowell for elder abuse.  They are investigating.  Shanga is basing his opinion on Gladys forgetting lyrics and appearing disoriented onstage.  Additionally, he says sometimes she doesn’t even know who she is.  It bears mentioning that she didn’t miss a single concert on the recent The Queens Tour alongside Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and Stephanie Mills.  Gladys made her own statement: “I’m sorry that my health and performances have been misrepresented.  I want my fans and those concerned to rest assured I am doing very well for someone who has been on stage for three quarters of a century – hard to believe, right?  I’m healthy and happy and visiting friends and family these last few months.  I’m excited to get back on the road with my sisters and on stage with The Queens Tour.  See you soon.” 

Of course, it didn’t end there.  Gladys’ publicist (who works with Knight’s husband/manager) was less polite: “Gladys and her team are greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations, especially as he has had no substantial contact with her.  She has not been on tour since June 1^st and can’t wait to begin touring again in September.  At this time our lawyers have no choice but to explore any and all legal remedies due to Shanga’s defamatory comments.”  This won’t be their first legal battle.  Back in 2017, Gladys successfully sued Shanga for opening a chain of unauthorized restaurants called Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles!

When all I’m thinking about is chicken and waffles, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Before closing, we must acknowledge the passing of Terence Stamp, who bore a striking resemblance to the late Jeanne Cooper.  His death dashes hopes for a Priscilla sequel – something I never thought would or should happen.  What will definitely happen is more dish on a regular basis on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that never met a Twinkie it didn’t like!  If you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Gladys goes back on tour (which is September 19^th in Greensboro, NC).  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.