By Cheryl Anderson
Throughout their 90-year history, the world-famous Rockettes have shared the stage—and unforgettable adventures—with many other world-famous personalities. They have appeared at such iconic events as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl and on TV shows like America’s Got Talent and Night of 100 Stars. The Rockettes are taking a moment to reflect on their favorite stardust memories.
American actor John Wayne as Wil Andersen in ‘The Cowboys’, directed by Mark Rydell. (Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection | Getty Images)
Back in the day, Radio City Music Hall was the favorite first-run theatre for moviemakers and moviegoers alike to premiere a film (since 1933, over 700 movies have been shown!). Star appearances before the movie were not uncommon, so American actor John Wayne was introduced to the audience before the premiere of his new flick, The Cowboys (January 1972).
A few of my Rockettes sisters and I were entering the Stage Door to The Hall when we ran into four men. Recognizing one of them to be John, I politely asked if he was in fact the Academy Award-winning actor.
He replied yes, and then asked me if I was one of those “high-kicking gals.”
After telling him I was indeed one of those gals, he looked at me with this big smile, tipped his cowboy hat and said, “Mighty glad to meet you, ma’am. Mighty glad to meet you!”
Cheryl Anderson was a Rockette from 1969 to the late 1970s. She lives in Honesdale, Pa.