Welcome to The Kids From Fame Media Blog

I'm Mark & I've been a Fame fan since the beginning of the TV Series in 1982. This blog is dedicated to the incredibly talented cast of the show who have brought so much comfort and pleasure to my life over the last 40 odd years.

Every week day we post and our Archive can be found on the Kids from Fame Media TV Series Archive Website.
Including Interviews, Episode Information and Videos, Scripts, Merchandise, MP3 Downloads, Reunions, Fan Fiction, Cast and Crew Information.

I hope you have a great time Remembering "Fame"!

To Contact Me Please Send Emails to: mark1814uk@googlemail.com


Any problems downloading Please read:
Instructions To Download MP3s & Videos

Episodes can be watched on the TV Series Archive Website.
and on our Facebook Fame Episode Group.

Get new posts by email:

Friday 29 March 2019

Kelly Marie Shout Out To Fame U.K. Reunion


 

 
Her head is in a spin, her feet don't touch the ground. Number One in the U.K. in 1980 our friend Kelly Marie feels like she's in love holding the Fame U.K. Reunion flyer!

Many thanks to Tony Taylor for making this happen and to Kelly for being a good sport.

Did you know that Kelly recorded "Fame" on her 2004 album "Applause"?

For more details check out her website http://www.officialkellymarie.co.uk/

Do you know any other 80s stars willing to pose with the Fame U.K. Reunion flyer? Let us know.

Buy General Concert Tickets
https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/

Buy VIP Tickets
http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481

Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

Visit our Website https://www.fameukreunion.co.uk/
#daretodream #famefamilyexperience #fameukreunion


Fame Calendar April 2019


View on Website

Thursday 28 March 2019

LMA Students Share Stage With The Kids from Fame

LMA students to share stage with the Kids from Fame

A group of talented students from LMA are set to perform alongside the cast of iconic 80s TV series, Fame.
 
The budding stars will join eight of the hit show’s actors and actresses for two special charity concerts of The Fame UK Reunion at the M&S Bank Arena in May.
 
Following a series of auditions, in which students competed for a coveted place in the show, judges selected 15 performers from LMA, including former students and mentors.
 
The group will act as backing dancers and backing vocalists when original cast members – Erica Gimpel (Coco), Valerie Landsburg (Doris), Lee Curreri (Bruno), Carlo Imperato (Danny), P R Paul (Montgomery), Cynthia Gibb (Holly), Nia Peeples (Nicole) and Jesse Borrego (Jesse) – take to the stage in the UK together for the first time in 35 years.
 
The show, which will raise vital funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice, takes place from 5-6 May, with students now busy preparing for opening night.
 
Stephanie Wallace Carr, Creative Director at LMA, will be choreographing the show. She said: “I’m lucky enough to have worked on some absolutely fantastic projects throughout my career, and it’s down to the inspiration Fame gave me – it was such an iconic film and, later, an amazing TV series.
 
“Having so many of our students involved in the show is incredible and is true testament to their talent and dedication. We have four mentors who have been selected, too, making it extra special for them to share in the excitement, while a former student will also be taking on backing vocals. Plus, we’ll be providing a choir, so it’s a real collaborative effort.
 
“We’re now in the throes of rehearsals and making sure we’re as slick as possible, so I’m confident it’s going to be a fantastic show!”
 
The Fame television series ran from 1982 to 1987, with several cast members forming The Kids from Fame group.
 
Their self-titled album spent a total of 12 weeks at the top of the UK charts in the summer of 1982 and spawned two hit singles, Hi Fidelity and Starmaker.
 
Now, audiences will get the chance to take a trip down memory lane, with specialist college and university centre LMA helping to add a modern twist.
 
Among those taking part are tutors Elizabeth Carney, Richard Leeson and Charlotte Croft, who will join former student Sophie Fraser as backing vocalists, while mentor Lucy Gill will join the dancers as assistant choreographer. Dancers from LMA are: Sinead Ahrend, Connor Beardsmore, Nicole Bowden, Joel Cornwall, Rhea Crosbie, Jade Fazakerley, Tina Hawley, Jessica Jones, Antonia Livingstone, Paige Moon, Charlie Peacock, Beth Rushby, Poppy Smith and Josie Taplin.
 
Sue Hinds, producer of Fame UK Reunion, said: “The two shows in Liverpool are already shaping up to be pretty spectacular. It’s a chance for fans of the original series to enjoy some nostalgia, while also introducing a brand new generation to the magic of Fame.
 
“We were so impressed by the level of talent and passion of the LMA students and we have absolutely no doubt that they’ll fit seamlessly in to the show.”
 
Fame UK Reunion concerts take place from 5-6 May 2019. Tickets are £18.90-£49.50, plus a £2.55 fulfilment fee per order, and are available from the M&S Bank Arena website: https://www.mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/ or www.fameukreunion.co.uk

Valerie Landsburg Radio Times.com Interview on a Fame Reboot!

Fame star Valerie Landsburg reveals her own ideas plans for a reboot

She knows exactly what Doris, Coco and Danny would be up to - and how to bring them back!
jh
Last week’s announcement the cast of Fame were reuniting for comeback concerts in the UK was greeted with great excitement, and one of the stars of the hit 1980s’ US musical drama is hoping the much-loved show makes a return to the small screen – and she’s got her own ideas as to what the story would be.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com during a recent visit to London promoting the 2019 Fame UK reunion shows, Valerie Landsburg, who played good girl Doris Schwartz in the all-singing series about talented teens at New York’s School for Performing Arts, revealed she’d jump at the chance to revive the show more than 30 years after it last aired. Not only that, she’s already devised the plot…

“If it was the right script, we’d all be there,” says the performer, who has moved into screenwriting and directing since her Fame days brought her stardom with hits like High Fidelity. “I actually wrote a version myself about 15 years ago and talked to a few people about it. What would all the characters be doing now? Doris would not be in showbusiness, I think she’d be a therapist. In the original series she had a child, who was actually played by my real-life daughter Taylor as a baby, but I actually think she would’ve become a lesbian.
“I wrote it that she’d been married but it didn’t last, and she ended up, as many do, finding her way to women later in life. In this relationship with a woman she turned to Danny Amatullo, Carlo Imperato’s character, to give them a baby. Carlo always said he didn’t think Danny would’ve gone into showbusiness but would definitely want to be a father, so that would give him the opportunity.

jh
 
“The ones I had who made it big were Coco (Erica Gimpel) and Bruno (Lee Curreri), I think they stuck with it and turned out to be successful. And I imagined Montgomery (PR Paul) ended up working in management! The characters were a group of people who banded together to do something for the good of others, so you would have to recapture that if you reunited them.”

All of Landsburg’s aforementioned colleagues are part of the reunion shows taking place on 5 and 6 May in Liverpool at the Auditorium of the Echo Arena, along with Cynthia Gibb (who played Holly), Nia Peeples (Nicole) and Jesse Borrego (Jesse). But one iconic star of the show whose presence will be sadly missed is Gene Anthony Ray, who played the much-loved Leroy and tragically died in of a stroke in 2003 having been diagnosed with HIV seven years earlier.

Landsburg’s idea is to make a virtue of Leroy’s absence by having it the catalyst for the schoolfriends coming back together. “You could start it like The Big Chill, and have everybody show up for Leroy’s funeral. Maybe some people don’t show up and you find out why and what they’re up to that way? You could even incorporate old footage of Gene into it in some way with the advances in technology. That would be very emotional.”

jh
 
In the age of the reboot, with other popular shows of the era such as Dynasty being revived for a contemporary audience, and a new movie version of Fame having been made in 2009, it’s not out of the question Netflix or Amazon might spot the nostalgia potential and bring the show back.

“Rehearsing with my old friends is wonderful and feels like we’ve never been away,” says Landsburg. “Shows like Murphy Brown, Will and Grace – the casts are having the same kind of love affair being together again. If Fame returned, of course we’d have to find a plausible way of explaining why everyone bursts into song. Perhaps Doris plays the guitar for her kids and that’s how we do it. Who knows if this is possible, but if it is then I’d definitely sign up!”

Tickets are on sale now at www.fameukreunion.co.uk for next year’s concerts and convention, in aid of Liverpool’s Claire House Children’s Hospice. The cast have also collaborated on a new single Satellite, co-written and produced by PR Paul.

Wednesday 27 March 2019

Fame Family Experience Tickets Ending Soon!



On April 4th we need to give the final numbers for food to the hotel for everyone attending the Fame Family Experience Convention.

So if you want to come to the convention and haven't got your tickets please do so as soon as possible. If you can't afford to buy right now but still want to come please message me on mark1814@hotmail.com so you can pay a deposit and we can include you in the numbers.

Ticket sales for the current tickets will end at 1.00pm (GMT) on 4th April 2019. After that we may still be able to offer the odd place or possibly tickets without food but at this stage can't guarantee it.

Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

Fame U.K. Reunion Concert Tickets:
Buy General Tickets https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/
Buy VIP Tickets http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481

#daretodream #famefamilyexperience #fameukreunion


U.S. Magazine article on Fame U.K. Reunion


Tuesday 26 March 2019

Kids From Fame Media 10th Anniversary

10 years of Kids From Fame Media!

Who could be believe it. When I started I thought it would only last one year but here we are still going.

I was really touched to receive this video from Franklin, Sue and Shelli from Fame U.K. Reunion with lovely messages from some of the  Fame cast.

Thanks to everyone who supports Fame, supports the site and supports me. It means so much to me. I look forward to seeing you all in person in Liverpool.

Much Love,

Mark xxx

Monday 25 March 2019

Fame Family Experience Deadline


The excitement is building as we get closer to the Fame U.K. Reunion weekend.
On April 4th we need to give the final numbers for food to the hotel for everyone attending the Fame Family Experience Convention.

So if you want to come to the convention and haven't got your tickets please do so as soon as possible. If you can't afford to buy right now but still want to come please message me on mark1814@hotmail.com so you can pay a deposit and we can include you in the numbers.

Ticket sales for the current tickets will end at 1.00pm (GMT) on 4th April 2019. After that we may still be able to offer the odd place or possibly tickets without food but at this stage can't guarantee it.

Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

Fame U.K. Reunion Concert Tickets:
Buy General Tickets https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/
Buy VIP Tickets http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481

#daretodream #famefamilyexperience #fameukreunion

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Donate to Fame U.K. Reunion



Many people have contacted me to ask how they can make a donation to support our charity event, consequently I have created a fundraising page... If you can spare any pennies, or share this link on your social media accounts, then please help us... Thank you in advance...Sue Hinds Fame UK HQ.

Visit the Go Fund Me Page to Donate

The Kids from Fame help Kids!

It has been 35 years since the Kids from Fame last performed in the UK. The stars from the hugely successful 1980’s smash hit TV show reunite in the UK for the first time to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice, based in Liverpool.

The cast includes Erica Gimpel (Coco Hernandez), Valerie Landsburg (Doris Schwartz), Carlo Imperato (Danny Amatullo) and Lee Curreri (Bruno Martelli) along with many more, to give a not to be missed performance of hits from the show. If this wasn’t enough, there will also be a Fame convention to celebrate and reconnect with all the magic the show brought to fans over the years.

The shows will be performed on Sunday 5th May at 7:30pm and on Monday 6th May 2019 at 3pm at The Auditorium at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. This is all being organised by a small group of dedicated fans.

There is no production company funding this event, there is no production company benefitting from this event. All profits will be donated to Claire House Children’s Hospice. Claire House Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life. By providing specialist nursing care and emotional support they help families smile again when life couldn’t get any tougher.

Of course the costs of creating a show such as this are vast and that is why we are asking for your help. How can you get involved?

By making even a small donation you could help to cover some of the production costs, which will ultimately mean that there will be more profit for the charity.

Many fans have written to us explaing they are unable to attend the concerts but would love to make a donation, this is the way to do so.... any pennies you can spare will help enourmously... Association with this charity event offers a special way to reach into people’s lives and make a lasing impression to residents of the city and UK, along with international visitors. For more details and links to tickets check out our website: www.fameukreunion.co.uk

Monday 18 March 2019

Happy Birthday Irene Cara


Happy 60th Birthday Irene Cara

M & S Bank Arena Fame U.K. Reunion Competition



We all thought Fame Costs! Well not with the M&S Bank Arena Competition because Fame is free.

WIN: The Ultimate 80s Experience!

They're giving four lucky people tickets to see Fame U.K. Reunion,
dinner at Neighbourhood Liverpool and a nights stay at the luxurious Pullman Liverpool hotel on Monday 6 May (Bank Holiday).

All you got to do is answer a simple question.

Competition closes at 12pm on Friday 5th April 2019.

Good Luck!

Enter here: bit.ly/FameCompetition

Heart of Rock n Roll Concert U.S. Advert


Thursday 14 March 2019

Hot times In the City Streets with Brian Mattocks - Fame U.K. Reunion


Come and Dance in the Streets of Liverpool on Saturday 4th May 2019.

Please note there has been a change to the timing of this event. We will now be meeting at 10.30am on the steps in front of Lime Street Train Station.

Brian Mattocks will lead us in some basic dance moves that anyone can do as we try to recreate "Body Language". Anna Consoli will be taking the part of Lydia Grant in this fun free event. So Dress up, have fun, make friends and celebrate life.

Everyone is welcome to join and submit ideas for the routine. Please contact Brian at brianwho164@outlook.com  if you want to take part and he'll be able to keep you informed of the latest information and alternate plans in case the British weather decides to be against us!

A number of basic steps have already been posted and you can refresh your memories of them at https://www.fameukreunion.co.uk/copy-of-convention-2

If you don't want to dance then we are looking for people to film and edit a video which will hopefully be shown at one of the Reunion events.

Come and support the dancers and collect money for Claire House Children's Hospice.

Watch the video to see the meeting location. 

Please contact Brian if you want to help in any way.

Fame U.K. Reunion​ Tickets: Buy General Concert Tickets https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/

Buy VIP Concert Tickets http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481

Buy Fame Family Experience​ Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

Visit our Website https://www.fameukreunion.co.uk/
#daretodream #famefamilyexperience #fameukreunion

Wednesday 13 March 2019

Nia Peeples - Fame U.K. Reunion Sunday 5th May Sold Out!



Nia Peeples tells us that the Sunday 5th May Fame U.K. Reunion Concert is now Sold Out! There are still a few tickets left for Monday 6th May. If you want to join this once in a lifetime event don't delay - Get those tickets now.

Make a weekend of it and Join the Fame family Experience Convention too.

Fame U.K. Reunion

Buy General Concert Tickets

Buy VIP Tickets

Tuesday 12 March 2019

PR Paul Fame U.K. Reunion May 5th Sold Out!


PR Paul tells us that the Sunday 5th May Fame U.K. Reunion Concert is now Sold Out! There are still a few tickets left for Monday 6th May. If you want to join this once in a lifetime event don't delay - Get those tickets now.

Make a weekend of it and Join the Fame family Experience Convention too.

Fame U.K. Reunion

Buy General Concert Tickets

Buy VIP Tickets

Monday 11 March 2019

Fame U.K. Reunion Sunday Concert Sold Out!


Don’t wait another 35 years to see The Kids From Fame perform in the U.K.

Our Sunday show is SOLD OUT. Don’t miss out, get your Monday ticket before they sell out too.

Monday matinee, bring the kids, come to Liverpool and home in one day, no need for a hotel, tickets start from £18.90.

This is a once in a lifetime event.

Coming to the Sunday Concert why not treat yourself and come to the Monday Concert too. Make a Weekend of it and take in the Convention events.  

Buy General Tickets https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/

Buy VIP Tickets http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481

Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

#fameukreunion #famefamilyexperience #daretodream

Friday 8 March 2019

Two Amazing Opportunities from Fame U.K. Reunion


We have two pieces of exciting news for our fans, finally we can announce the tickets you have all been waiting for – our photo ops are now on sale – we promised we would try to make this happen and we have managed it.

You can have your photograph taken with the entire cast of Fame UK Reunion, yes you have read that right, you and all of our cast in one great photograph.

Tickets cost £80.00 and up to 4 people can be in the same photo
To purchase your photo op please follow this link; please make sure you read all of the details before you purchase: http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/244421


So, what about that other great news? Well, exactly 8 weeks yesterday our beloved cast are going to be appearing live on BBC1’s The One Show in London and you could be a special guest…

Want to know more, well read on… The One Show are looking for Fame Fans to appear in the audience of this special show. They want fans who are happy to appear on TV and who might have stories to share and would be happy to tell those stories live on TV…

Here is what you need to know to apply:

• The show will be recorded on Thursday 2nd May 2019.
• The location will be Broadcasting House, London, WA1 1AA.
• You are responsible for your own transport to and from the event.
• You will need to arrive between 6pm and 6:30pm.
• The show will finish at 7:30pm.
• You will need to supply your name in advance.
• You will need to take ID.
• You will need to let the booking team know if you (or anyone in your party) is under 18 or
   has any access needs.
• Tickets are free and to get tickets please apply by email to: 
   one.show.audience@bbc.co.uk
• Tickets are limited and allocations will be based on a first come basis.

What an amazing opportunity, we hope some of you are able to take part and are successful in getting tickets. See you there!

Fame U.K. Reunion Tickets:
Buy General Concert Tickets https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/
Buy VIP Concert Tickets http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481
Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764

Visit our Website https://www.fameukreunion.co.uk/
#daretodream #famefamilyexperience #fameukreunion

Happy Birthday Loretta Chandler


Happy 56th Birthday to Loretta Chandler

Friday 1 March 2019

Fame News!


With just over 2 months to go before the celebrations begin, Fame U.K. Reunion Tickets are selling very well. 

The Concert for Sunday 5th May 2019 is now virtually sold out with just  6 seats left.

Buy General Concert Tickets

https://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/fame-uk-reunion/

There are now only VIP tickets left for Monday 6th May:  

Once In A While Zinc Package - £100.00 (price includes all booking fees)
Includes:
  • Ticket to the Reunion Concert at The Auditorium, Liverpool on Monday May 6th at 3 pm, the ticket will be on either the sixth or seventh row. 
  • Coffee /Tea and cake with the cast in Liverpool on Monday May 6th at 11am (for one hour). Ticket includes entrance, coffee, tea and cake. The opportunity to take photographs and obtain autographs can not be guaranteed. Please note the exact location is to be confirmed but this will be approximately half mile (walking distance) of the Concert venue.

Could We Be Magic Copper Package - £85.00 (price includes all booking fees)
Includes:
  • Ticket to the Reunion Concert at The Auditorium, Liverpool on Monday May 6th at 3 pm, the ticket will be on either the fifth, sixth or seventh row.
  • And either
  • Individually, personalised, signed A4 photos of each cast member.
  • Or
  • An A2 “Fame UK Reunion” poster signed by all of the cast.  This will not be personalised.
  • Once you have purchased your ticket please email Fameukreunion@gmail.com with your choice and if you are opting for the personalised individual photos please include your name as you want it to be written on the photos.

Buy VIP Concert Tickets
http://buytickets.at/fameukreunion/224481  




Convention tickets are also selling well.

The collection of questions for Carol Mayo Jenkins' Q&A is now over and all the questions gathered have been sent to Carol to choose which ones she wants to answer. Carol will be recording her answers in the next couple of weeks before she goes into rehearsals for her latest play.

Will she choose your question come and find out during the Fame Family Experience Events day on Sunday 5th May at the Holiday Inn.

Tickets:

Full 3 Day Fame Fan Tickets £125.00

Individual Event Tickets:

Welcome Party/Fame Disco £39.00
Events Day £60.00
Goodbye Meal £36.00

Buy Fame Family Experience Convention Tickets http://buytickets.at/famefamilyexperience/185764


Janet Jackson has announced a 15 date Las Vegas Residency.
Janet will play the Park Theater at the Park MGM resort, and is set to perform 15 dates during the run, beginning on May 17th. The shows are titled "Metamorphosis" and according to a press release, Jackson’s Vegas shows will feature a “special 30-year anniversary celebration of her ground-breaking album Rhythm Nation,”.

Concert dates are May 17, 18, 21, 22, 25 and 26. Then July 24, 26, 27 and 31 as well as on August 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10.

Tickets on Sale 2nd March Buy Tickets  https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/735353?venueId=376930



Erica Gimpel has been guest starring on the CBS Sunday evening show "God Friended Me". The show has just been honoured with a Humanitas Prize.

Erica said:

 "I truly enjoy working with these beautiful artists and crew on this show!
Also, the creators of #GodFriendedMe got honored with the #HUMANITASPrize.

I am grateful to be a part of this show that inspires hope and human connection. Congratulations to the creators #StevenLilien #BryanWynbrandt and the entire cast and crew #GodFriendedMe #CBS #HUMANITASPrize2019 #GodFriendedMeWriters"


Debbie Allen features in Elle Magazine with an in depth interview and look at her career.

View article


Fame Family Experience Post Cards are on sale on Ebay. You can choose individual cards, groups cards or the full set.

View Postcards

Have a great month,

Mark.

William Blinn wins Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award 2009


William Blinn, Fame's executive producers for Seasons 1 to 3, wins Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award 2009.