Backstage at The Price Is Right: Memoirs of A Barker Beauty by Kathleen Bradley

Author:Kathleen Bradley [Bradley, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kathleen Bradley The R Group Publishing
Published: 2014-11-11T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

CBS Affiliates Parties

In June 1995, Barker, his Beauties, and the flamboyant Rod Roddy were all invited to attend the annual CBS Affiliates Party in full force to represent The Price Is Right in all its fame and glory. We were all expected to hobnob and rub elbows with CBS’s crème de la crème, but most importantly, to make an impression and suck up to the affiliates and the owned-and-operated stations (also referred to as the O&Os), to ensure they would include us in their programming the following year. The event took place at the famed Century Plaza Hotel, a short drive from Beverly Hills.

I remember the first time I stepped foot into the Century Plaza Hotel, three years after my arrival in Los Angeles. I was awestruck as my date and I rode up to this immense, majestic hotel. I was fixated by the stunning water fountains in front. We were greeted by an exuberant valet attendant and instructed to follow the procession amid the other luxurious cars until we reached the front entrance. I felt like a Hollywood starlet. I finally exhaled as I reached the front door. When I stepped inside the lobby, I became further mesmerized by the exquisite ambiance and elegance of the interior. I realized my mouth was still open as I gazed around in awe. I slowly began to regroup while walking into the grand ballroom, holding on to my date, Bubba Smith, defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, where I displayed a more nonchalant attitude among the guests.

We were seated at our table near the front of the stage. Everywhere I turned, I was surrounded by A-list celebrities. It was the 1973 Golden Apple Awards, sponsored by the Hollywood Women’s Press Club, to present awards to our favorite performers and, uniquely, to those regarded as most obnoxious. That year’s recipient for Female Star of the Year was none other than Ms. Lucille Ball. Everyone rose to their feet and gave a moving round of applause for the iconic, beloved, redhead actress/comedian extraordinaire as she approached the stage to receive her Golden Apple Award.

The recipient for the Male Star of the Year was the handsome, talented Robert Redford. I was the last one standing and applauding for each recipient like a fanatic. Bubba became a little annoyed and embarrassed and had to tug on my dress to sit me down and bring me back to reality. The entire evening was like an out-of-body experience. I had to pinch myself to make sure I was present.

At the annual CBS Affiliates Party, Janice came with her husband Carlos, Gena’s date was her husband Greg, and a longtime male friend escorted Holly. Of course, my wonderful, handsome, husband, Terrence, was by my side and tolerating my child-like excitement as I worked the room while he took photos of me with every star in the area.

The O&Os and 200 affiliates came from all over the United States to attend this extravagant gala and to be wooed

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