There are some magical people in this world; they have the power to touch lives in unique ways. As a child we sang this advertisement so many times. It was what we call “having fun.” In our household we did not buy just one or two bananas, my family bought them by the stalk. My Mother was a firm believer in fruit instead of candy. When my husband had surgery – the first thing the doctor told us when we were leaving the hospital – eat five different fruits a day for breakfast – 3-5 grapes, one slice of an apple, one slice of orange, 3-5 blueberries, and 3 slices or banana or strawberries – or any mixture of fruit you like. Therefore, any time I see a banana I would think about this lady.
Lewis started her career as a vocalist with Benny Goodman’s orchestra and went onto record several jazz hits in the 1940s. In 1950, she hit Hollywood, signing an exclusive contract for music and movies with MGM. Her film credits include 1951’s “The Strip” with Mickey Rooney and “Excuse My Dust” with Red Skelton.
This May 6, 2015 photo provided by the Monica Lang Archive shows, actress Monica Lewis, with a black sapphire orchid the day after her 93rd birthday at home in Woodland Hills, Calif. The actress, singer and voice of the Chiquita Banana cartoon character Lewis has died. Her former manager, Alan Eichler, says Lewis, 93, died Friday, June 12, 2015, of natural causes at her home in the Los Angeles area. This May 6, 2015, photo provided by the Monica Lang Archive shows, actress Monica Lewis, with a black sapphire orchid the day after her 93rd birthday at home in Woodland Hills… Lewis was also a popular pitchwoman, appearing in ad campaigns for Camel cigarettes, General Electric and Burlington Mills’ hosiery. For 14 years, she voiced the Chiquita Banana cartoon character, who reminded Americans not to put bananas in the refrigerator.
She married production executive Jennings Lang in 1956 and the couple raised three sons together. Lewis made appearances in many of her husband’s films, including “Earthquake” with Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner and “Charley Varrick” with Walter Matthau.
Lewis also guest-starred on various TV shows, including “Marcus Welby, M.D.”, “Remington Steele,” ”Ironside” and “Falcon Crest.” She resumed her singing career in 1985 and recorded several new albums.
Lewis is survived by her two sons and three grandchildren.
Thanks for the memories!
kommonsentsjane
kommonsentsjane 