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by Shelley Herman (Author)
My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page is a funny, sexy, gossipy, celebrity-filled memoir with real-life, never-before-told stories. Set against the backdrop of NBC Burbank in the mid-70s, the Pages had VIP access to stars ranging from Johnny Carson to Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner to Andy Kaufman, Freddie Prinze to Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donald Trump, Johnny Cash, Harry Chapin and iconic legends including Bob Hope, Betty White, Elvis Presley, Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Alfred Hitchcock and many more. Oh, and then there's all the good sex! But, there are also stories of unwanted sexual advances made on the Pages, both men and women. The Page staff was like a show biz exclusive sorority/fraternity, and their friendships have continued for decades. The stories make this a good read for anyone hoping to enter the entertainment industry.
"A revealing and often delightful insider's look at the heyday of network television."
- Kirkus Reviews
I think I'm safe in saying that at the age of 15, I was the youngest Page Boy ever hired at NBC in New York. My sister, actress Joann Dru, helped get my foot in the door for what turned out to be a life-changing job that started my career in the entertainment industry. Often when I was hosting The Hollywood Squares, I would see the Pages in the hallway and remember the lifelong friendships I made giving tours and ushering shows, friends including Match Game host Gene Rayburn. I think so highly of the NBC Page Program that I suggested it to my daughter, Jamie, who became a Page at NBC Burbank. Shelley's book brought back some great memories, and I read a few stories about what was happening around the studio I had never heard before.
- Peter Marshall, TV Host/Boy Singer
The Hollywood Squares
I was working at NBC during this era. I left my job as a Page at another network to write questions for the game show Celebrity Sweepstakes because NBC was the place to be. Shelley and her Page colleagues reveal never-before-told stories about what took place behind the peacock curtain, bringing readers into the little-known secret society they affectionately call Pagedom. They worked with all the biggest stars in their unguarded moments, witnessing behavior that would not and should never be tolerated in the workplace. They are a show biz Band of Brothers and Sisters who have remarkably remained close friends all these decades. No wonder many of them said it was the best job they ever had.
- Marc Summers
TV Host, Producer, Star of Double Dare, Unwrapped
I remember seeing Shelley in her little Page uniform while we were taping Wheel of Fortune. When you're starting a brand new show, you find yourself looking for faces that reflect kindness. I had two in the audience - my mother and Shelley Herman with her infectious smile. Our friendship has continued through many of life's challenges. Reading My Peacock Tale brought back fond memories of my time at NBC Burbank, and Shelley's spicy stories had me laughing and empathizing with her and what many women had to endure while building their careers. Just one question: Who's Jake?
- Chaplain Susan Stafford, Ph.D.
Original Hostess of Wheel of Fortune
