National Network for Equitable Library Service

Whether they're actors or singers, politicians or statesmen, famous folks have no choice but to stand squinting in the limelight as their odd and offbeat exploits become fodder for scrutiny. Author Bob Fenster has captured all their hilarious, behind-the-scenes antics in They Did What!? Consider, for example: The Beach Boys originally wanted to call their group the Pendletons, so they could get free shirts from the Oregon clothing manufacturer; At her wedding, movie star Lana Turner had "I love you" spelled out in pimentos in the sides of baked hams; Before they hit it big in the movies, Angelina Jolie studied to be a funeral director and Sean Connery polished coffins. Filled with hundreds of fascinating escapades and interesting idiosyncrasies, They Did What!? also looks at issues associated with fame, such as "Why do famous people marry other famous people?" and includes tongue-in-cheek lessons we can learn from celebrities, like "How to become famous and still get into heaven."