Maureen Dragone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maureen Dragone
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| Born |
Maureen Laing
January 20, 1920 |
| Died | February 8, 2013 (aged 93) Los Angeles, California U.S.
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| Occupation | Journalist, author, philanthropist Hollywood Foreign Press member Young Artist Awards founder |
Maureen Dragone (January 20, 1920 – February 8, 2013) was an American journalist and author. She was a very important member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which gives out the yearly Golden Globe Awards. In 1978, she started the Young Artist Association, which presents the annual Young Artist Awards.
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Early Life and Family
Maureen Dragone was born Maureen Laing in Phoenix, Arizona. When she was 10, her family moved to North Hollywood, Los Angeles. She went to North Hollywood High School.
Her father, Alfred Benson Laing, was a builder and writer. Her mother, Nora Laing, wrote about entertainment for many international newspapers. Nora also helped start the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). It's said that discussions about forming the HFPA happened right at their family dining table! The HFPA held its first Golden Globe Awards ceremony in 1944.
Working with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Maureen Dragone wrote for many international newspapers and magazines. She interviewed hundreds of famous people during her career. She was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for over 50 years. People saw her as the "recognized historian" of the HFPA. This means she knew a lot about its history.
In 2005, Dragone wrote a book called Who Makes the Golden Globes Go Around?. This book told the story of the HFPA and its yearly Golden Globe Awards. Before she passed away in 2013, she was the only living HFPA member who had attended all 70 Golden Globes ceremonies. She was given an honorary "lifetime membership" to the group.
Founding the Young Artist Association
In 1978, Maureen Dragone founded the Youth in Film Association. It is now known as the Young Artist Association. This group gives out Hollywood's yearly Young Artist Awards. These awards specifically honor the amazing work of child stars in the entertainment industry. Often, these young actors might not get recognized at other awards shows where they compete with adults.
The association also supports the Young Artist Foundation. This foundation gives scholarships to young performers. These scholarships help young people who might have physical or financial challenges. They allow them to attend a performing arts school of their choice. As of 2013, the Young Artist Awards and the scholarship fund are still given out every year.
Later Life and Legacy
Maureen Dragone lived in North Hollywood, Los Angeles for most of her life. She was married to Michael Dragone until he passed away in 1986. She had two children, Michael Jr. and Shirley. She also had three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
After her death on February 8, 2013, a statement was shared on the HFPA's Golden Globes website. It said, "She will be missed, and was loved by so many people." The Young Artist Association, which she founded, planned a special tribute to her at the 34th Annual Young Artist Awards ceremony.
