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She Lit Up the Screen in Silence: Hollywood’s Most Familiar Unknown Face

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She Appeared in Over 1,100 Films—Yet Few Know Her Name

Bess Flowers, once known as the “Queen of Hollywood Extras,” quietly built one of the most prolific careers in American cinema history. With appearances in over 1,100 films from 1923 to 1964, her graceful presence became a silent thread through decades of movie magic. Though rarely credited, her elegant roles in crowd scenes shaped the charm and realism of classic films. From silent films to studio giants, Flowers blended in—while standing apart. Her legacy remains an unseen pillar of Hollywood’s golden age.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Real Name: Ruth Elizabeth Flowers

  • Born: November 23, 1898, in Texas

  • Known As: “Queen of Hollywood Extras”

  • Total Roles: Estimated 1,119 (mostly uncredited)

  • Career Span: 1923–1964

  • Notable Collaborators: Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford

  • Industry Contribution: Co-founder, Screen Extras Guild (1945)

In the shimmering world of Hollywood, recognition often comes hand-in-hand with glamour, leading roles, and red-carpet appearances. But hidden beneath the spotlight, there exists another tier of artistry—quiet, constant, and deeply woven into the fabric of cinematic history. Among those who helped shape that fabric, few names resonate quite like Bess Flowers. Or rather—should resonate.

Despite appearing in more than a thousand films, her name is rarely recognized, even by seasoned film enthusiasts. For over forty years, Bess Flowers was a presence so frequent, so subtly familiar, that she became an integral but unnoticed piece of Hollywood’s golden era. She didn’t deliver monologues or anchor storylines, but she brought realism, depth, and elegance to countless productions in the form of a perfectly placed extra.

A Career That Began in Silence

Born in Texas at the end of the 19th century, Ruth Elizabeth Flowers stepped into the world of cinema during its silent film years. Her on-screen journey began with the 1923 film Hollywood—a fitting debut for a woman who would become a permanent resident of its studios. But unlike others who sought the bright lights and bold roles, Flowers found her place in the background.

She appeared wherever the scene called for social grace, formal gatherings, or believable crowds. Whether standing at the edge of a grand ballroom, sitting quietly at a theater, or walking through a bustling street, Flowers gave shape and believability to the setting. Though her roles often didn’t involve a single word of dialogue, her presence was vital—her face becoming part of the atmosphere that brought stories to life.

Ubiquity Without Applause

Flowers didn’t chase fame. Instead, she became an institution through sheer consistency. From the 1920s to the early 1960s, she worked with virtually every major Hollywood studio. According to IMDb, her appearances across film and television number over 1,100—a figure that places her in a category few actors, famous or not, can match. Yet, nearly all her roles went uncredited.

This lack of recognition didn’t seem to dim her commitment. Directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford often included her in their productions—not for who she was, but for what she could do: blend seamlessly into the background while elevating the realism of a scene. She became a quiet constant in an industry that otherwise celebrated stars who came and went.

The Elegant Everywoman

Nicknamed the “Queen of Hollywood Extras” and “Queen of the Dress Extras,” Bess Flowers carved a niche so specific and yet so indispensable that it’s surprising more haven’t followed in her footsteps. Her ability to be both present and invisible made her the gold standard for extras in films that needed grace, poise, or just a believable crowd.

She wasn’t just background filler; she was background substance. For the film industry, which thrives on details, Flowers delivered authenticity in small doses—enough to make a scene feel whole, without ever drawing too much focus.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Beyond the film sets and camera lenses, Flowers made another lasting contribution—one that would outlive even her extensive filmography. In 1945, recognizing the lack of support for background actors like herself, she helped co-found the Screen Extras Guild. This union aimed to advocate for fair treatment, proper compensation, and professional dignity for extras—an often overlooked class in Hollywood.

Her role in forming the Guild underscored the seriousness with which she approached her profession. She may not have spoken much on screen, but off screen, she helped give voice to hundreds who made a living doing exactly what she did.

A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight

In a town that immortalizes names with stars on sidewalks and posters on billboards, Bess Flowers’ enduring legacy remains a more subtle imprint. You won’t find her leading a scene, but you might spot her at the edge of a frame—an elegant figure at a dinner party, a guest at a wedding, a pedestrian in a crowd.

For cinephiles, identifying Bess Flowers has become a game of sorts—a delightful Easter egg hunt across the classics of old Hollywood. Her roles might not have been written for remembrance, but they’ve remained because of their sheer volume and understated value.

Though she passed away in 1984, Bess Flowers left behind a catalog of work so vast that her face, though largely unnamed, became one of the most frequently seen in all of American cinema. Her career proves that even the quietest roles can help build a lasting legacy—one frame at a time.

Bess Flowers may never have graced the top of a movie poster, yet her presence quietly shaped the golden age of Hollywood. With elegance, consistency, and unmatched dedication, she turned the background into a vital part of cinematic storytelling. Her work, largely uncredited but deeply embedded in over a thousand films, reminds us that the soul of cinema lies not only in stars—but also in the silent artistry of those who stand just outside the spotlight. In remembering Flowers, Hollywood’s invisible icon finally steps into view.

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Dalyce Curry, 95, perished in the Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, CA

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A life touched by the shimmer of old Hollywood came to a quiet, tragic end as 95-year-old Dalyce Curry — known to loved ones as “Momma Dee” — perished in the deadly Eaton Fire that tore through Altadena. Once a graceful extra in films like The Ten Commandments and Lady Sings the Blues, Curry’s vibrant past vanished in flames, along with cherished family mementos. Her story blends glamour, grit, and grief — and leaves behind one untouched relic: a vintage Cadillac that somehow survived where nothing else did.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dalyce Curry, 95, perished in the Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, CA

  • Known as “Momma Dee,” she was admired for her style, resilience, and spirit

  • Appeared in The Ten Commandments, Lady Sings the Blues, The Blues Brothers

  • Mentored by Madame Sul-Te-Wan, the first Black woman to sign a film contract

  • Was dropped off at home hours before fire reached her neighborhood

  • Her home and all belongings were lost, except for her vintage 1981 Cadillac

  • Remembered for her positivity: “Nothing is as bad as it seems, even at its worst”

To her family and those who knew her, Dalyce Curry was not simply a grandmother or a neighbor — she was “Momma Dee,” a vibrant soul who lived her 95 years with flair, elegance, and quiet determination. When fire swept through Altadena last week during the devastating Eaton Fire, it took with it not just a home, but nearly a century of living history.

Born in 1929 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Curry was a product of her time and also far ahead of it. From the start, she carried a personality far too large for the narrow expectations often placed on Black women in early 20th-century America. As her granddaughter and namesake Dalyce Kelley put it, “My grandmother still wore her big hair, glasses, nails, painted makeup. She was just fabulous, period.” And that fabulousness, it seems, never dimmed.

Drawn by dreams of the entertainment world, Curry eventually settled in Los Angeles, where she pursued opportunities in Hollywood—not as a headliner, but as someone who lived in the proximity of its magic. She backed up jazz legend Pearl Bailey on stage, danced as an extra in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic The Ten Commandments, and appeared alongside Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues. Her granddaughter recalls her grandmother’s pride in every small appearance. “It was a small part, but we were big proud,” Kelley said.

Perhaps more important than her film credits was the mentorship Curry received early in her Los Angeles journey. At a beauty salon in the 1950s, she met Nellie Crawford—known professionally as Madame Sul-Te-Wan—the first Black woman to sign a contract with a U.S. film studio. Crawford, seeing a spark in Curry, took her under her wing and proclaimed her a “goddaughter.” From that moment, Curry’s place in the fringes of Hollywood history was sealed.

But life was never only about the stage. In her later years, Curry trained and worked as a nurse, offering care to patients in convalescent homes and private households across Los Angeles. She chose to use her maiden name professionally, carrying a piece of her identity into every chapter of her life. She raised one son and later became the beloved matriarch to a family that included seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Her final hours came quietly but tragically. On the night of her death, she had just returned from a hospital visit after experiencing dizziness. Kelley drove her home around 11:30 p.m., and while flames from the Eaton Fire glowed in the distance, the power in her neighborhood was on, and there were no warnings to evacuate. Kelley, trusting that all was calm, dropped her grandmother off and promised to check in.

Hours later, that sense of calm was shattered. A flurry of messages on the neighborhood text chain began flooding Kelley’s phone around 5:30 a.m., asking if her grandmother had gotten out safely. Rushing back to Altadena, Kelley found roads blocked by police and learned from officers that her grandmother’s cottage had burned to the ground.

The next few days were agonizing. Kelley searched through shelters, hoping for news. Four days later, the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office confirmed the worst: Curry was one of at least 25 victims who perished in the fire.

Among the ashes, almost nothing remained. Generations of family photographs, mementos, letters, and keepsakes were all destroyed. But one object survived untouched: a midnight blue 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. The car hadn’t run in years, but Curry had cherished it. She often spoke of fixing it up and renting it out to film productions seeking authentic 1980s props. In a strange twist of fate, that dream still sits quietly intact.

Kelley says her grandmother’s spirit endures—not only in family memories but in the example she left behind. “She had this light, this strength,” Kelley said. “And she always told us, ‘Nothing is as bad as it seems, even at its worst.’”

It’s a mantra that resonates especially now, as families across Southern California mourn loved ones and face the monumental task of rebuilding. For Kelley and her family, the loss is personal, but the message remains universal.

Dalyce Curry’s life was a quiet testament to perseverance, grace, and untold stories behind Hollywood’s golden lights. Though she never headlined a marquee, her journey through film, music, and caregiving reflected a deep strength and vivid character. Her tragic death in the Eaton Fire is a stark reminder of the unpredictable force of nature—and the fragile threads that tie us to our past. As her family mourns, the memory of “Momma Dee” lives on, not in fame, but in the quiet.

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Hollywood’s Quiet Queen of Billions Leaves Oprah and Swift Behind

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Jami Gertz, a familiar name from 1980s cinema and television, has quietly climbed to the top of the wealth ladder—not through the glitz of fame but through strategic business moves. Once celebrated for roles in Sixteen Candles and Twister, Gertz stepped away from the spotlight after marrying billionaire investor Tony Ressler. Their combined empire, built on savvy investments, now includes sports teams and philanthropic ventures, soaring to a reported $8 billion. Her remarkable journey proves fortune sometimes favours quiet choices over loud fame.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gertz’s film and TV credits include Sixteen Candles, The Lost Boys, Twister, Seinfeld, and Ally McBeal

  • Married businessman Tony Ressler in 1989 — she was the primary earner early in their relationship

  • Ressler co-founded Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, handling billions in global assets

  • The couple owns the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and holds a minority stake in MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers

  • Entered the billionaire list in 2015; now estimated at $8 billion per CelebrityNetWorth

  • Gertz took a step back from acting to support strategic investments and philanthropy

  • Co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp for children with serious illnesses

  • Among the top celebrity donors; wealth comparable to Oprah, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift

In an industry where fame is often measured by visibility, few stories are as quietly powerful as that of Jami Gertz. While most may remember her for her 1980s charm in cult classics like Sixteen Candles or The Lost Boys, Gertz’s path has taken turns that have led her far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood. With a career that began in youthful exuberance and matured into strategic empire-building, Gertz has become one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment world — not by sheer screen time, but by smart choices off-camera.

Her acting résumé is by no means modest. Gertz made her entry into the film industry with roles in Endless Love and quickly became a familiar face with hits such as Sixteen Candles and Twister. On television, she held her own in iconic shows including Square Pegs, Seinfeld, ER, and the Emmy-nominated Ally McBeal. Even in recent years, she remained relevant with appearances in titles like the 2022 romantic comedy I Want You Back. Yet, acting, while foundational, was only one chapter of her journey.

The real financial transformation began in 1989, when Gertz married businessman Tony Ressler. At the time, it was Gertz who had the higher income, even footing the bill for vacations and purchasing their first home. But as Ressler ventured into the world of finance, the trajectory of their lives shifted. Ressler would go on to co-found Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, two powerhouse firms in the asset management sector that now oversee hundreds of billions of dollars globally.

Through these ventures, the couple’s wealth steadily grew. They entered the billionaire list in 2015 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. That figure, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, has since ballooned to $8 billion. Forbes estimates Ressler’s personal net worth alone at approximately $10.9 billion.

With financial security firmly in place, Gertz made a conscious decision to slow her pace in Hollywood. She chose to focus on her family, business, and philanthropic efforts — a pivot that, while quieter than her earlier stardom, proved to be immensely effective. Alongside Ressler, she became co-owner of the NBA team Atlanta Hawks and a minority stakeholder in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball franchise, diversifying their portfolio beyond traditional entertainment and finance.

Philanthropy also emerged as a significant priority for the couple. They co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp, a non-profit initiative providing children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses a chance to experience summer camp. Their consistent donations and active involvement in various causes have earned them a spot among the top celebrity philanthropists.

In an entertainment landscape where wealth often appears tied to blockbuster salaries or sold-out tours, Gertz’s story stands out. It defies the notion that stardom is the only path to financial success. She joins a rare class of Hollywood billionaires, standing beside figures like Tyler Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift — but she arrived there through a markedly different route.

Her narrative is not one of flash or spectacle. Instead, it’s rooted in adaptability, long-term vision, and partnership. Jami Gertz may not be the most talked-about name in Hollywood circles, but her legacy — built quietly and methodically — may well be one of its most enduring.

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