In memoriam: "Our gal Sal," Sally Starr
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Almost no footage survives of Sally Starr in her heyday hosting Popeye Theater on Channel 6 WFIL in the ’50s and ’60s, but any Delaware Valley boomer could probably quote a catchphrase or two from the show for you. “Hope you feel as good as you look, ’cause you sure look good to your gal Sal,” was one. “Love, luck and lollipops,” was another.
Starr, born Alleen Mae Beller in Kansas City, Mo., was a regional TV superstar, back when such a thing was possible, and her children’s programs were an essential part of growing up for two generations of Philly area kids. There’s no modern equivalent, but Krusty the Klown will give you an idea of how her shows would go: The sassy and good-natured Starr, gussied up in flashy cowgirl outfits, would do skits, talk to kids and show cartoons and short films. She was credited with introducing The Three Stooges to a new generation of slapstick-loving youngsters, which is how she ended up opposite Moe, Larry and Curly Joe in the film The Outlaws Is Coming in 1965.
A savvy and multitalented performer, Starr sang on a few records and later became a highly regarded radio DJ. She passed away on Jan. 27, two days after her 90th birthday. Late last month, local media luminaries gathered at a Broadcast Pioneers luncheon to share memories and praise Starr’s talent, charm and formidable show-business acumen. The secret to her success, according to her lifelong friend Jerry “The Geator” Blavat, was her generosity and love for kids. “She never forgot the audience,” he said.
