The Southern California Motion Picture Council Presents The Annual Golden Halo Award To Legendary Geri Jewell, Highlight Hollywood News
GERI JEWELL is currently preparing to release a courageous new memoir entitled I’m Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond (Feb 15th, 2013, ECW Press/Audible.com), in Audio. I’m Walking As Straight As I Can is a compelling book that tells the powerful life story of comedienne and actress Geri Jewell. As a result of a tragic accident, Geri was born with cerebral palsy. Little Jewell (As the hospital dubbed her) was not expected to live.
However, she went on to live an amazing life as an inspiration to multiple generations of actresses, comediennes and all handi-capable people everywhere, 
when she became the first person with a disability to appear in a recurring role on television. She made television history on December 24th, 1980 when she appeared in the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. Thirty years later, millions of people remember her groundbreaking role as Cousin Geri during her four seasons on the show as they watch her in the hit HBO series Deadwood.
when she became the first person with a disability to appear in a recurring role on television. She made television history on December 24th, 1980 when she appeared in the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. Thirty years later, millions of people remember her groundbreaking role as Cousin Geri during her four seasons on the show as they watch her in the hit HBO series Deadwood.Her candid memoir details her experiences from her traumatic birth in Buffalo, New York, to her rise to stardom as a stand-up comic to becoming a television star. She documents the harsh realities of show business by recounting the relentless discrimination, bullying and abuse she suffered at the hands of people she trusted. Her experiences in the shark-infested waters of Hollywood led her on a journey from the Comedy Store to the White House, followed by a downward spiral, tax problems, drug addiction, marriage, and an accident that nearly claimed her life. Hers is an amazing story filled with grace and self-deprecating humor, one that gives readers a true glimpse of true courage and perseverance.
WHAT/WHO: Television legend, Norman Lear, will present The Southern California Motion Picture Council’s (SCMPC) 
highest honor, the Golden Halo Award, to actress, comedienne and humanitarian, Ms. Geri Jewell, who shattered the glass ceiling for individuals with disabilities, when she was cast in the hit series “The Facts of Life,” and then again in the HBO series “Deadwood.” Among those scheduled to attend to honor Ms. Jewell, are Mickey Rooney, Ed Asner, June Faray, Rose Marie and Margaret O’Brien.
highest honor, the Golden Halo Award, to actress, comedienne and humanitarian, Ms. Geri Jewell, who shattered the glass ceiling for individuals with disabilities, when she was cast in the hit series “The Facts of Life,” and then again in the HBO series “Deadwood.” Among those scheduled to attend to honor Ms. Jewell, are Mickey Rooney, Ed Asner, June Faray, Rose Marie and Margaret O’Brien.WHEN: Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at 7:00pm
WHERE: Grand Ballroom at the Sportsman’s Lodge 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA (Coldwater Canyon at Ventura Blvd.)
TICKETS: $45/$50 and can be reserved at 626-794-1968Geri Jewell on “Deadwood” Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=781uDSpImUIGeri Jewell on “Facts of Life” Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLUtMVnOn_g
The SCMPC is a non-profit organization founded in 1936 to promote the best in entertainment. The Council encourages production of family oriented films and television programs; promotes civic-minded, educational and cultural programs of exceptional merit and presents awards for the best in movies, television, stage plays and the performing arts. Only the “Best of the Best” in movies and television, stars whose performances deserve special recognition or members of the industry whose outstanding contributions to the field of entertainment, are selected. The Golden Halo is the SCMPC’s highest award. A partial list of past acting honorees includes Bette Davis, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Robert Mitchum, Doris Day, Barbara Van Orden and Charlton Heston.
Written By: Tommy Lightfoot Garrett
Photographs are Courtesy: Geri Jewell’ s Personal Collection
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Geri Jewell…is exactly that…She is a JEWEL!!!! I LOVE that woman. I met her a few times and she is the sweetest person!!!I LOVE the old shows(Facts of Life)…I grew up watching her on TV…She is absolutely AWESOME!!!! BUY her book…its GREAT!!!!!! ~~~Darren Quello from Las Vegas
Geri Jewell is a GEM!
She’s a funny , intuitive, highly intelligent and gifted actress and writer..and a top notch comedienne!
If you get a chance to attend this event, by all means,do! And pick up a copy of her new book…you won’t be able to put it down.
Kudos to a great gal, the best is yet to come!
Julie Ann Ream
writer, producer
from Santa Clarita, CA