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Ralph McKnight
Since: 2007 | Location: New York City | Page Views: 5,063About Me
I've been an entrepreneur, worked in academia, Madison Avenue, show buisness writer, New York stage actor, singer...
Received valuable theatrical tutelage from acting guru, Jenkin David, head of Drama/Speech at Park College, when he directed me in a play at the famed Bell Road Barn Playhouse (founded by David with inspiration from movie legend, Agnes Moorehead). After finishing college in Missouri, I relocated to New York and studied acting at the HB Studio (with Stephen Strimpell, TV's “Mr. Terrific” and William Hickey of “Prizzi's Honor.”) I appeared on stage for years, mainly off-Broadway in several long-running productions. At one point, I was a top ten finalist in a huge singing contest (ala American Idol!) sponsored by popular group, The Young Rascals and performed in two shows at the Fillmore East. Also was featured at the Village Gate's Top of the Gate and several other clubs as a singer. Later, I became an entrepreneur (Personnel Agency) and ran it successfully for many years. In the '90s, I segued into academia and counselled at two different CUNY Colleges. Between those assignments, was employed in public relations at THE exclusive men's store on Madison Avenue. One of my fondest memories is auditioning for Dustin Hoffman's directoral Broadway debut, “All Over Town.” I was told, “great reading, but you are too thin and too tall for this part.” They were type-casting. Another time, I was called back to audition for Broadway's “Hair” nine times. The ninth call-back, I told them, “no thanks.” As a free-lance writer, I've interviewed The Supremes' Mary Wilson and Martha Reeves of the Vandellas (for publications), created profiles on Bettye LaVette, Jean DuShon, among others, and I am presently writing a feature on the legendary chanteuse, Joyce Bryant (we became good friends in the late '80s). I had the pleasure of knowing the late, great Timi Yuro, whose incredible recording of “Hurt” is among America's best. Presently, I am working on a book with a friend, writing reviews, profiles and enjoying life. I live in the East Village, Gotham.
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This page was last updated on 2009-03-24.
