Books by Richard Koper

Joi Lansing made a career in Hollywood at a time when being blonde and curvy was much appreciated. Although she never became as successful as Jayne Mansfield or Mamie Van Doren, let alone Marilyn Monroe, she carved out a path for herself, appearing in several iconic television shows. In the 1960s, she took a new route by becoming a singer, earning praise for her newfound talents. Insecurity about her looks and talent plagued her all her life. In growing older, she did everything to stay young and beautiful. Nevertheless, Joi was also acute enough to know that it had taken more than good looks to become famous. In 1965 she stated that, "Looks are important, of course. But after the looks go, what does a girl have? What I mean is, a girl has to have more than just looks to succeed in Hollywood." "When a Girl's Beautiful" - The Life and Career of Joi Lansing tells the story of a vulnerable, sweet and talented woman, who gave her all to become famous and struggled to survive in the harsh world of show business. With an overview of Joi Lansing's film and television appearances, it also contains rare pictures and many never-before-seen photographs from family albums. It's enlivened with quotes and anecdotes of people who knew and worked with her.

Joi Lansing made a career in Hollywood at a time when being blonde and curvy was much appreciated. Although she never became as successful as Jayne Mansfield or Mamie Van Doren, let alone Marilyn Monroe, she carved out a path for herself, appearing in several iconic television shows. In the 1960s, she took a new route by becoming a singer, earning praise for her newfound talents. Insecurity about her looks and talent plagued her all her life. In growing older, she did everything to stay young and beautiful. Nevertheless, Joi was also acute enough to know that it had taken more than good looks to become famous. In 1965 she stated that, "Looks are important, of course. But after the looks go, what does a girl have? What I mean is, a girl has to have more than just looks to succeed in Hollywood." "When a Girl's Beautiful" - The Life and Career of Joi Lansing tells the story of a vulnerable, sweet and talented woman, who gave her all to become famous and struggled to survive in the harsh world of show business. With an overview of Joi Lansing's film and television appearances, it also contains rare pictures and many never-before-seen photographs from family albums. It's enlivened with quotes and anecdotes of people who knew and worked with her.

An illustrated look at the lives and careers of the sexiest women of the 1950s. From major star to starlet, author Richard Koper shows - with hundreds of rare photos from his personal collection - that gentlemen still prefer blondes!Among the 100 actresses who are featured in the book are famous Hollywood names like Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Kim Novak and Anita Ekberg, as well as starlets like Jeanne Carmen, Gloria Pall, Sandra Giles and Kathy Marlowe. Also featured within the pages of this book are England's reigning blondes Diana Dors, Belinda Lee and Carole Lesley, and fifties cult fan's favourites: Mamie Van Doren, Cleo Moore, Beverly Michaels, Barbara Nichols and Joi Lansing.

That Kind of Woman profiles the life and career of one of Hollywood's finest character actresses and comediennes. Over two hundred rare photographs are featured as well as a complete filmography and a listing of her most memorable television appearances.

Barbara Nichols excelled in playing sassy, wisecracking "not so dumb" blondes. She was determined to reach stardom and on her way up she overpowered most of her competitors, but also made friends for life. Barbara Nichols, destined to play supporting parts in several classic movies, is one of the best examples of the phrase "There are no small parts, only small actors," she was often called upon to etch a striking characterization in a short amount of time. Richard Koper, author of Affectionately, Jayne Mansfield, researched in depth over several years to write the biography of Barbara Nichols. That Kind of Woman profiles the life and career of one of Hollywood's finest character actresses and comediennes. Over two hundred rare photographs are featured as well as a complete filmography and a listing of her most memorable television appearances.

An illustrated look at the lives and careers of the sexiest women of the 1950s. From major star to starlet, author Richard Koper shows that gentlemen still perfer blondes!