By Steve Crum

Had Steve Randisi written a loving book about an actress who appeared in a long-running series of 28 films, that accomplishment alone would be worthy of a major write. But it so happens his fascinating biography of Penny Singleton encompasses an actress, activist, wife and parent who entertained stage, screen, radio and TV audiences…and served as a labor union leader during her 95 years. 

Penny Singleton: A Biography is a relatively fast read for its 325 pages, and made informative and interesting by Randisi’s obvious research and adoration of his subject. 

Born Dorothy McNulty, Penny Singleton (1908-2003) aspired to be an entertainer. Winning the $5 first prize in a Philadelphia amateur talent contest in 1916 did much to encourage the eight year-old. (She sang My Gal Sal.) 

From this seemingly Hollywood-movie start through “The Final Years” of the book’s Chapter 22, the book covers her journey from singing at a silent movie theater to singing and dancing in a vaudeville act with none other than Milton Berle, a childhood friend. (By the way, Penny’s dancing style is described as very athletic/gymnastic.) Her play dates rose to parts in Broadway productions and touring in nightclubs and roadshows of plays—akin do what would later be called summer stock. 

Randisi’s descriptions of her auditions include her hopes and frustrations. She started getting bit parts in motion pictures, which led to her being cast as Blondie Bumstead (based upon Chic Young’s newspaper comic strip) in the feature comedy, Blondie, in 1938. The low budget programmer was a super hit for Columbia Pictures, which was followed by 27 more Blondie movies co-starring Arthur Lake as Dagwood. The Blondies ended in 1950. 

Incidentally, she had long since changed her stage name from Dorothy McNulty. (That interesting factoid is covered in the book as well.) 

The second half of her life was filled with more work: a Blondie radio series, her own variety radio program, The Penny Singleton Show, and a fun musical comedy movie, Go West, Young Lady. 

The book’s final chapters cover Penny’s leadership as a very vocal and effective President of the American Guild of Variety Artists. By this time, show business had given way to her union duties as well as her family. (She does return to TV doing voice work in a significant animated series.) 

Steve Randisi’s research includes talks he had with Penny decades ago. Interviews with Penny’s family, friends and co-stars help the reader humanize this talented, good-hearted lady. 

Let me add how appreciative I am that Steve includes capsule descriptions of the Blondie movies. That alone could have been extended into a second volume.

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Penny Singleton: A Biography by Steve Randisi; c. 2024, BearManor Media.