Famous Citizens:

Lon Chaney
Lon Chaney was born in Colorado Springs, the son of deaf-mute parents. At an early age he learned to communicate using pantomime and facial expressions. Chaney became one of Hollywood’s most popular actors during the silent film era and is best known for his portrayal of grotesque characters such the Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera. Chaney appeared in 157 films between 1913 and 1930.

 

 

Ralph Edwards
Ralph Edwards, TV and radio producer was born in Merino, Colorado, in 1913. In 1940, he created the popular “Truth or Consequences” program, which quickly became radio’s top-ranked audience participation show. He also created and hosted This is Your Life, which aired from 1948 to 1950 on radio. Both programs later became popular television shows. In 1995, Edwards was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

 

 

Ruth Handler
Ruth Handler (1916-2002) was born in Denver. In 1945, she and her husband Elliot established a small business enterprise, calling it Mattel Creations. In 1959, she created the Barbie Doll, naming it after her daughter. It was an instant success. More than 1 billion Barbies have been sold since 1959, making it the best-selling toy in history. Today, Mattel is one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers.

 

 

Erick Hawkins
Erick Hawkins (1909-1994), dancer and choreographer, was born in Trinidad, Colorado. He trained with the School of American Ballet and became the first male dancer in the Martha Graham Company in 1938. In the 1950s, he formed his own dance company.

 

 

Paul Whiteman
Paul Whiteman (1890-1967), jazz bandleader, was born in Denver. He started his musical career as a classical violinist and violist, before establishing his own orchestra. The Paul Whiteman Orchestra was the most popular orchestra in the country during the 1920s, toured extensively, and made numerous recordings. Whiteman commissioned George Gershwin to write Rhapsody in Blue and directed the premiere performance in 1924, with the composer at the piano.