My Peacock Tale

I think I'm safe in saying that at the age of 15, I was the youngest Page Boy ever hired at NBC in New York. My sister, actress Joann Dru, helped get my foot in the door for what turned out to be a life-changing job that started my career in the entertainment industry. Often when I was hosting The Hollywood Squares, I would see the Pages in the hallway and remember the lifelong friendships I made giving tours and ushering shows, friends including Match Game host Gene Rayburn. I think so highly of the NBC Page Program that I suggested it to my daughter, Jamie, who became a Page at NBC Burbank. Shelley's book brought back some great memories, and I read a few stories about what was happening around the studio I had never heard before.

-Peter Marshall, TV Host/Boy Singer

-The Hollywood Squares

 

I was working at NBC during this era. I left my job as a Page at another network to write questions for the game show Celebrity Sweepstakes because NBC was the place to be. Shelley and her Page colleagues reveal never-before-told stories about what took place behind the peacock curtain, bringing readers into the little-known secret society they affectionately call Pagedom. They worked with all the biggest stars in their unguarded moments, witnessing behavior that would not and should never be tolerated in the workplace. They are a show biz Band of Brothers and Sisters who have remarkably remained close friends all these decades. No wonder many of them said it was the best job they ever had.

- Marc Summers

TV Host, Producer,

Star of Double Dare, Unwrapped

 

I remember seeing Shelley in her little Page uniform while we were taping Wheel of Fortune. When you're starting a brand new show, you find yourself looking for faces that reflect kindness. I had two in the audience - my mother and Shelley Herman with her infectious smile. Our friendship has continued through many of life's challenges. Reading My Peacock Tale  brought back fond memories of my time at NBC Burbank, and Shelley's spicy stories had me laughing and empathizing with her and what many women had to endure while building their careers. Just one question: Who's Jake?

- Chaplain Susan Stafford, Ph.D.

 Original Hostess of Wheel of Fortune

 

I met Shelley The Page at an NBC Press Tour when I was writing for The Hollywood Reporter and ten years later, we were finally able to work together on a daytime talk show. I've been hearing these outrageous stories from her days as an NBC Page for years and I told her she should write a book already - so she did! The stories are a little bit sexy, sometimes shocking, and often hilarious. I can't wait to see a television series made from this book.

-Richard Hack

Best-Selling Author/Journalist/Media Critic/TV Personality