The Many Faces of Dementia: A Tribute to GLOW’s Michelle Duze

You ever watch something and think, "Wait a minute, something feels...off?" That was me when the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling season 3 began, after I had started watching GLOW around the end of season 2. I had barely scratched the surface of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling universe—catching just a few late-season episodes and some clips from those old-school VHS tapes they sold back in the day. I wasn’t exactly a superfan…yet.

The first episode of season 3. Dementia made her eerie return, complete with that familiar makeup and over-the-top gimmick. But something was different—I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Was I imagining things? Was it just that a year had passed, or maybe my memory was playing tricks on me?
Spoiler alert: my hunch was spot on. It wasn’t just a slight shift—Dementia was completely different. That’s because the character had a whole new persona, played by someone else. And that revelation sent me down a rabbit hole to uncover the story of the original Dementia herself, Michelle Duze.

Michelle Duze wasn’t just any GLOW girl—she was the original Dementia, the unforgettable bad girl with an axe to grind (literally) and a uniquely childlike, brutal energy in the ring. After season 2 wrapped up, Michelle and a group of other wrestlers followed David McLane to Indianapolis. From there, they trained and hit the road under the banner of the Powerful Women of Wrestling (POWW).

By the time GLOW rolled into its third and fourth seasons, Michelle had already parted ways with the show. So, she never really got to know the newer cast members, including her own replacement, Nancy Daly, who stepped into the Dementia role after her departure. During her time with GLOW, Michelle’s versatility didn’t end with Dementia. She also played Sugar, the sweet Good Girl from New Orleans. And when she joined POWW, she leveled up by taking on even dual characters—becoming both the all-American patriot and Sasha, the fierce Russian competitor.

Here’s a fun behind-the-scenes twist: In GLOW at first, they tried to conceal Sugar’s true identity by giving her an enormous curly wig, hoping fans wouldn’t connect the dots. But eventually, they got more creative. A dramatic storyline involving the Heavy Metal Sisters burning Sugar’s face paved the way for her transformation into a masked character—a clever way to keep Michelle’s dual roles under wraps. Wrestling production wasn’t just about body slams—it was all about cost-effectiveness. They figured having one performer juggle two personas was easier than hiring another wrestler. Apparently, not not everyone fell for it, though. Hardcore fans could spot the similarities between Sugar’s and Dementia’s wrestling styles. While Sugar was more traditional, Dementia’s persona allowed Michelle to unleash a chaotic, almost childlike brutality in the ring.

Michelle was more than just a powerhouse in the ring—she was savvy behind the scenes, too. Rumors of shady dealings among GLOW’s producers and attorneys were no secret. Rather than signing her real name on contracts, Michelle pulled a genius move: she signed with aliases inspired by Disney characters. Talk about outsmarting the system!

Michelle also had some special connections with other GLOW stars. Ursula Hayden, who played Babe during season 3 and 4 and later on became the owner of GLOW, was a high school best friend of hers. Michelle actually introduced Ursula to GLOW during its second season. Also, Hollywood and Michelle had a shared history, working together at the Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylums in Glendale, CA. Hollywood’s boyfriend taught aerobics with Michelle. It was Hollywood who brought Michelle to the Riviera Hotel after the GLOW pilot was shot. Many girls share stories about their living conditions and roomates during their GLOW days. Michelle’s roommate during her Riviera days? None other than Matilda the Hun, played by Deanna Booher. Wrestling, as it turns out, was as much about friendships as it was about flying dropkicks.

Michelle wasn’t just handed the role of Dementia—she had to work hard to make it her own. The producers gave her a basic concept: a character inspired loosely by the tragic Lizzy Borden story. Beyond that, Michelle had the freedom to flesh out Dementia’s quirks and persona. Her entrance by being pushed out in a cage, the silence, the axe—those were all elements that evolved naturally as Michelle stepped into the character. GLOW had its fair share of challenges—there were creative disagreements, editing woes, and questionable management practices. But Michelle and her fellow wrestlers stuck together like a family, navigating the highs and lows of the wrestling world.

After leaving GLOW, Michelle joined David McLane’s new venture, a wrestling show, POWW which toured across the U.S. It was an exhilarating time, with the show following the WWF circuit during Hulk Hogan’s peak era. The only catch? GLOW owned the rights to its original characters, so everyone who joined McLane had to tweak their personas. Michelle left her wrestling career behind in the late 1980's but her legacy as the original Dementia remains unforgettable.

So there you have it—the fascinating, multi-layered story of Michelle Duze, the woman who first brought Dementia to life and left her mark on the wrestling world. Whether you remember her as the axe-wielding wild card or the sweet lady from New Orleans, Sugar, Michelle’s journey is a testament to the grit, creativity, and camaraderie that defined GLOW. What do you think of Michelle’s story? Did you know all these behind-the-scenes details, or did I just blow your mind? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And hey, if you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and want to support more stories like this, feel free to show some love in any way that feels right to you. Thanks for being part of this journey with me!

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Saturday GLOWcase: Celebrating G.L.O.W. Memories with Mike Rand

This week's Saturday GLOWcase celebrates one of the biggest fans and supporters of the GLOW brand, Mike Rand. I've known Mike Rand for a very long time and our mutual love for celebrating the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (G.L.O.W.) has been a fantastic journey. Mike and I are passionate about sharing what we can for fans to enjoy regarding this iconic show from long ago and our mutual goal of introducing new fans to G.L.O.W. remains unwavering. Although we've never met in person, there was a fleeting moment in 2018 when our paths almost crossed at a charming Chinese restaurant and karaoke bar in New York City's Chinatown. I look forward to the day we finally meet and can reminisce about our G.L.O.W. adventures face-to-face.

Mike with GLOW Girls Royal Hawaiian, Lightning and Hollywood

Growing up in the '80s, Saturday mornings were Mike's favorite time of the week. It was a period filled with his beloved cartoons and thrilling wrestling shows. One memorable Saturday, as he flipped through the channels at noon on New York's WPIX Channel 11, Mike stumbled upon something extraordinary—women's wrestling! It's fascinating that WPIX is the channel where Mike discovered and faithfully watched the show. Many other fans I know also discovered and enjoyed GLOW on WPIX. This was also the channel where I got the best reception on my handheld Realistic branded PocketVision 22 with a 2-inch screen from Radio Shack during the days I was homeless back in 1992, though GLOW was long gone by then.

Mike with Little Egypt of GLOW

At that time, Mike was already a devoted WWF fan, eagerly tuning in every week to watch his favorite male wrestlers in action. However, the concept of women wrestling was entirely new to him. When he first saw these fierce ladies step into the ring, he was captivated by their athleticism and charisma. The excitement of watching them battle it out, get into intense fights, sing catchy songs, rap with swagger, and even perform hilarious comedy sketches was exhilarating. It was a thrilling and dynamic spectacle that went beyond traditional wrestling, combining elements of entertainment in a way he had never experienced before. This unique blend of athletic prowess and theatrical flair hooked him instantly, making G.L.O.W. an unmissable part of his Saturday mornings.

Mike interviewing GLOW's original Russian, Ninotchka

The characters on G.L.O.W. were not only entertaining but also undeniably gorgeous, each with their own unique flair and charisma. Choosing a favorite was nearly impossible for Mike because so many of the wrestlers stood out in their own special ways. Each woman brought something different to the ring, from their dazzling costumes and captivating personas to their impressive athletic skills and showmanship.

Mike with head GLOW writer Steve Blance

However, two of Mike's absolute favorites were Hollywood and Sally the Farmer’s Daughter. Both of these women were not just fantastic wrestlers; they looked like models with their stunning appearances and commanding presence. Hollywood's bad girl persona and Sally's wholesome, country girl charm made them natural rivals. Their matches were always electrifying and filled with intense energy.

Mike Interviewing GLOW's Godiva

Their chemistry was incredible, making every encounter in the ring a must-watch event. It wasn't until years later that Mike discovered they actually attended the same high school, which added a layer of authenticity and depth to their rivalry. Knowing that their competitive spirit was rooted in real-life connections made their in-ring battles even more genuine and exciting for fans like Mike.

G.L.O.W. (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) was a significant part of Mike's Saturday mornings. It aired on Connecticut's WTTX Channel 20 at 10:00 am and 11:00 pm during its first two seasons, providing prime-time slots that allowed fans to immerse themselves in the thrilling action and entertainment. After the first two seasons, Mike had to rely on the New York station, WPIX Channel 11, for season 3, which continued to feed his growing passion for the show.

Unfortunately, by the time season 4 rolled around, G.L.O.W. was moved to a late Saturday/early Sunday slot at 2:00 am, a challenging time for many fans to tune in. This change in schedule led to the show struggling to maintain its viewership, and it stopped airing after just 12 episodes. Mike, like many other devoted fans, was disheartened to see G.L.O.W. quietly disappear from the airwaves, leaving a void in his Saturday morning routine.

It wasn't until the advent of the internet that Mike realized there were 14 more episodes of G.L.O.W. he had never seen. The excitement of discovering these lost episodes and finally getting to watch them brought back a flood of memories. However, it also highlighted the sadness of the show's untimely disappearance. Despite this, the legacy of G.L.O.W. continued to live on in the hearts of its fans, including Mike, who loved every moment of the show and its impact on the world of wrestling entertainment.

Mike and Lightning

Mike's list of favorite wrestlers is extensive, including Hollywood, all three Farmer's Daughters, Godiva, The California Doll, Tina Ferrari & Ashley Cartier, The Heavy Metal Sisters, The Housewives, Ninotchka, Spanish Red, Mt. Fiji, and many more. Each one brought something special to the ring. Some of his favorite segments included Tiffany’s G.L.O.W. Gossip, Godiva’s Bare Facts, Asking Ashley, and California Doll’s Points To Ponder. The battle royals were always a highlight, as were the matches between Sally & Hollywood, Americana & Ninotchka, Mt. Fiji & Big Bad Mama, and the chaotic encounters with The Heavy Metal Sisters and Godiva.

Over the years, Mike has been fortunate enough to befriend many of the incredible ladies from G.L.O.W. His passion for the show and genuine admiration for these women led to lasting friendships that he cherishes deeply. Mike's involvement with G.L.O.W. took a significant turn in 2012 when he had the opportunity to participate in the G.L.O.W. documentary. This project allowed him to share his insights and experiences, contributing to the preservation of the show's legacy.

In addition to the documentary, Mike took it upon himself to run a fan page dedicated to the G.L.O.W. ladies. This platform became a hub for fellow fans to connect, reminisce, and celebrate their favorite wrestlers. During the pandemic, Mike seized the opportunity to take his passion a step further by interviewing a few of the G.L.O.W. stars and sharing their stories on YouTube. What started as a couple of interviews quickly blossomed into a full-fledged series, with 15 interviews to date.

These interviews provided fans with a deeper understanding of each wrestler's backstory, offering unique insights into their journeys both inside and outside the ring. Through these conversations, Mike helped keep the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, ensuring that the legacy of these trailblazing women continues to inspire and entertain new generations of fans.

Though G.L.O.W. eventually left the air, it remains special to Mike because of the wonderful memories he has of watching it and getting to know these remarkable women. They were true trailblazers, paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers, whether they realized it or not.

Mike and Hollywood

Connect with Mike Rand and dive deeper into the world of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling by following him on his social media platforms. Join the community on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmikerand, X (formerly Twitter) at x.com/mikerandcom and Instagram at instagram.com/officialmikerand. Don't miss out on his engaging interviews and content on YouTube at youtube.com/@OfficialMikeRand and visit his official website at https://mikerand.com for more updates and exclusive content.

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

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Saturday GLOWcase: A Tribute from a Loyal Fan - Jennifer Chiola

Welcome to another Saturday GLOWcase! Today, I'm thrilled to feature not just the incredible Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) and their production team, but also the loyal fans who have a deep connection to GLOW from its original run. Meet Jennifer Chiola, whose story beautifully captures the impact of GLOW on her life.

Jennifer has been a GLOW fan since she was 8 years old. Now 48, she reflects on how glad she is that GLOW was around when it was. Her dad, a tugboat captain, was often away, so they only got to spend about three months together each year. During those precious times, their shared love for wrestling, including GLOW and Saturday Night's Main Event, became a cherished bonding experience. They would sing the main rap song for the opening of the show as soon as it came on, creating lasting memories.

Jennifer’s dad knew the late Johnny Weaver, and they would always go to an old high school gym where Mr. Weaver would give them ringside seats. They saw several male legends of wrestling together. Jennifer fondly remembers, "His favorite thing he ever saw was when Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania. We had to go to a special auditorium to see it on the big screen because pay-per-view was not available."

Jennifer fondly recalls the skits where the ladies of GLOW would answer "fan" letters sent to them. One of the greatest joys of her life has been connecting with Jeanne Basone (Hollywood) on Twitter a couple of years ago. Hollywood's sincerity, honesty, and kindness have touched Jennifer deeply. I can attest to Hollywood’s character as well; she’s a great friend to me too. Jennifer knows her dad, who passed away when she was 13, would be proud of this connection. Despite never meeting in person, Jennifer and Hollywood have become genuine friends, showing that the GLOW wrestlers are real people, just like us.

GLOW changed Jennifer's life and helped create memories that she'll always cherish. She believes the younger generation of women wrestlers should always remember the trailblazing efforts of the GLOW ladies. Without their paving the way, modern female wrestlers would still be walking on dirt. Jennifer's gratitude to the ladies of GLOW, and especially to Hollywood, is boundless.

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the profound impact GLOW has had on its fans. Over the years, Jennifer and I have also become friends, and I hope to one day meet her, perhaps at one of the GLOW events.

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

Saturday GLOWcase: Melody Trouble Vixen (MTV) Played by Eileen O'Hara

This week's Saturday GLOWcase is all about Melody Trouble Vixen, better known as MTV, played by the incredibly talented Eileen O'Hara.

This week's Glowing Spotlight is all about Melody Trouble Vixen, better known as MTV, played by the incredibly talented Eileen O'Hara. MTV was a character who burst onto the scene with uncontained energy and a guitar in tow, becoming a memorable part of GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). From her fearless debut in season three to her willingness to take on the most daring stunts, MTV quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, making her mark alongside GLOW legends and new additions alike. In the first episode of season three, MTV made her televised ring debut alongside GLOW legend Hollywood, taking on the new country girl additions to GLOW, Babe the Farmer's Daughter, and Cowgirl Tulsa. MTV was a trip—fearless and one of the few who seemed to take bumps that most wrestlers would rather avoid. Not many ladies would agree to having Mountain Fiji lift them up over her head and toss them, lovingly, out of the ring, but MTV was all in.

Eileen O'Hara was destined for storytelling, displaying her knack for character play from a young age. Fate led her to GLOW in a serendipitous twist, crashing an audition while heading to a commercial casting. Her meeting with Matt Cimber led to a grueling training period, during which her unique rock band persona captivated the creators, giving birth to the iconic MTV. Eileen's commitment and creativity in developing Melody Trouble Vixen made her a standout character, resonating with fans and adding a fresh, dynamic energy to the show.

Eileen's Book Banners of Avalon the Return of Ealauna

Beyond GLOW, Eileen's talents extended into acting and innovation. She continued to pursue acting opportunities and even invented an e-publishing system for media artists, holding a U.S. patent for this groundbreaking technology. Eileen's passion for empowering artists and her dedication to her craft are evident in all her endeavors. She also penned a fantasy novel, "The Banners of Avalon, The Return of Ealauna," showcasing her storytelling abilities in another realm.

Terry, MTV and Myself

Meeting Eileen in person, I discovered she was much more than her MTV persona. She is incredibly intelligent, charismatic, and considerate, with a unique charm that instantly forms connections. Whether sharing anecdotes from her wrestling days or engaging in new adventures, Eileen's warmth and enthusiasm are infectious. Her time on GLOW, featuring memorable matches and enduring friendships, reflects her gratitude for the fans and the positive impact of the show. Eileen O'Hara's journey is a testament to her multifaceted talent and her ability to inspire and connect with others.

Check out Eileen's book Banners of Avalon, The Return of Ealauna on Amazon

If you would like to purchase episodes of GLOW on DVD, Blu-Ray or VHS, check out eBay for deals on NEW and media.

Saturday GLOWcase: The GLOWing Journey of Little Feather🪶🌵🌄🔥🌿🎶🐻🌲🏹

🪶🌵🌄🔥🌿🎶🐻🌲🏹LITTLE FEATHER🪶🌵🌄🔥🌿🎶🐻🌲🏹

Little Feather entering the ring

In the spirit of National Native American Heritage Month, I am dedicating this week's Saturday GLOWcase to the first "Indian Princess" of GLOW, Little Feather. Admittedly, each time a match was announced featuring any wrestler with "Little" in their name, I would cringe, knowing there would likely be a serious beatdown, as the smaller wrestlers were usually paired up with opponents twice their size. Despite the unfair size advantage, Little Feather always brought her A-game to the ring, showcasing her resilience and skill.

One memorable match was between Little Feather and Ninotchka. Little Feather seemed ready to fight, but Ninotchka, played by Lori Palmer, showed that her character was not as sadistic as everyone thought. Lori brought a lot of humanity to her "bad girl" persona, showing mercy upon Little Feather. This unexpected twist highlighted the complexity of both characters and added depth to the storyline. Little Feather played her character exceptionally well, and despite another "Indian Princess" coming along in seasons 3 and 4, Little Feather's spirit and legacy could not be recreated.

Little Feather's contributions to GLOW were significant, as she represented strength, resilience, and cultural pride. Her character was more than just a wrestler; she was a symbol of empowerment for many viewers. Celebrating her during National Native American Heritage Month is a fitting tribute to her legacy and the impact she made both in and out of the ring.

Just a few months before joining GLOW, she was a homeless teenager living on the streets of Las Vegas, escaping an abusive childhood. She reconnected with Debbie Debutante, with whom she had previously been on the same gymnastics team. During their encounter, Debbie mentioned she was part of a show that needed someone to portray a character called Little Egypt.

When she met with David and Matt, they proposed several ideas for her role. One suggestion was to be a tag team partner for Spanish Red, potentially named Little Red, which she would have enjoyed, particularly being new to professional wrestling. Having a partner would have been advantageous, especially since Spanish Red was such an iconic figure in the ring. Ultimately, they chose Little Feather for her, noting her resemblance to a Native American character as a logical fit given they already had a Hawaiian character.

She was one of the few wrestlers who performed without boots, resulting in a foot injury during practice before the last show of the first season. While executing a monkey toss with Spike, the Heavy Metal Sister, she overshot the landing, resulting in her body weight crushing her foot. Despite the pain, she borrowed boots from one of the Headhunters for the final match featuring Little Egypt and Little Fiji versus the Heavy Metal Sisters.

Following her time with GLOW, she moved to Los Angeles where she pursued stunt work and appeared in minor roles as an extra in various films and TV shows. Her favorite experience was appearing in the graveyard scene with Penguin in "Batman Returns." She also appeared in an indie film called "Sex Crimes" (not a XXX film!) where she participated in a bar fight scene with her younger sister, who stood nearly six feet tall and would have been perfect for GLOW had she been older.

At barely eighteen, she deeply appreciated the perks of living at the Riviera Hotel, especially after experiencing homelessness and starvation. The free buffet and bar tab were especially welcomed, even though she wasn't yet twenty-one. She fondly recalls those times, bringing friends to the hotel, ordering pizza to her room, and signing for drinks like a high roller.

One particularly cherished memory is how she began living at the hotel. She quickly bonded with Sally the Farmer's Daughter and Scarlett the Southern Belle, who invited her to stay in their room when she had just moved out of her apartment and had nowhere to go. Eventually, she was given a room with Palestina, turning their stay into an extended slumber party filled with pillow fights and endless fun. She recently shared that she loves alternative music and fondly recalled Hollywood taking her to her first heavy metal concert, AC/DC.

She expresses immense gratitude to the fans for their continued love and support for GLOW. The show brought together a group of young women chasing their dreams and building lifelong friendships. She's always moved by how GLOW has positively impacted many lives, providing role models and an escape. She is particularly touched by fans who weren't even born when GLOW aired but discovered it through YouTube. The appreciation from fans means the world to her, and she thanks them all for their unwavering support.

If you would like to purchase episodes of GLOW on DVD, Blu-Ray or VHS, check out eBay for deals on NEW and media.

Saturday GLOWcase: Remembering Matilda The Unforgettable GLOW Villain

Deanna Booher as Matilda the Hun

Matilda's journey began with her friend Golden Kat (Charli Haynes) introducing her to the GLOW auditions. They were apartment-style wrestling buddies and did everything together. The idea of a television show combining comedy, music, and wrestling was a dream come true. Matt Cimber, the show's director, appreciated Deanna's creativity and excitement. She even contributed her "Raw Meat" song to the pilot.

Deanna's Book GLAMAZON Queen Kong

In Vegas, Deanna met all the original girls, including Tina Ferrari and Tammy Jones. Pepper, also known as Princess Jasmine, was their trainer. The pilot was a huge success at the NATPE television convention in New Orleans, securing funding for the first season. Auditions in LA brought in Fiji, leading to some debates over the show's image, but Matt knew the diverse cast was key to its success. The team trained and lived at the “classy” Riviera Hotel.

Matilda's wrestling persona, crafted by Matt, was born with a German accent, making her seem more evil. Her background as a professional dominatrix helped shape her fearsome yet humorous character. Inspired by Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman and Maureen O'Hara, Matilda blended fearsome and funny, priding herself on never actually harming anyone and being a skilled storyteller.

Despite the show's success, frustrations grew over injuries and management issues. After two seasons and the prospect of being sold to the Harlem Globetrotters, Matilda and others left GLOW for the newly formed POWW. Legal disputes with GLOW made it hard to succeed, but they had a great cast and some success. Deanna eventually returned to the fetish business, starting slam-o-grams, and pursued Hollywood auditions, appearing on shows like "Mama's Family" and "Married with Children."

Unfortunately, lifting men for slam-o-grams took a toll on her health, and Matilda had to let go of Hollywood and slam-o-grams. She focused on producing and directing, hiring other girls. I had the pleasure of meeting Deanna in 2016 and have to say that she was as funny in person as she was on TV and super sweet and very warm and generous. Matilda passed away on January 7, 2022, but her legacy as an unforgettable GLOW villain, and her impact on wrestling and entertainment remain cherished.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Hollywood, Jeanne Basone, for her invaluable help with this tribute to Matilda Deanna Booher. Hollywood was not only one of Matilda's co-stars during their time together on GLOW, but she also remained a loyal and loving friend to Matilda until her passing. Hollywood's unwavering support and friendship are a testament to the strong bonds formed within the GLOW family. Much love and appreciation to you, Hollywood, for your kindness and dedication.

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Saturday GLOWcase: Evangelina: From Hollywood Dreams to GLOW Superstardom

Christy Smith as Evangelina, the GLOW Preacher

In 1988, during the OP Surf Contest in Huntington Beach, CA, a huge riot broke out, grabbing national headlines as cop cars were flipped and chaos ensued. Interestingly, Christy Smith was down the street at a friend's house, enjoying a Corona on the front porch when millions of people swarmed the street. Little did she know, this chaotic event would be just one of the many wild experiences she’d encounter.

At the time, Christy was working as a delivery driver for Beach Auto Supply. She often drove around with a bumper sticker that read, "I Survived the 1986 Riot." Evangelina and her friends had sued the police department due to injuries sustained during the riot, and after a long class action lawsuit, she received a settlement. With dreams of doing something big, she moved to Hollywood and found herself in a studio apartment where the cast of "I Love Lucy" once stayed. The Golden Girls were filming there at the time, and she often saw them as they arrived at the studio across the street.

Skateboarding around Hollywood, Christy decided to pursue acting. She picked up a copy of the Drama-Log magazine, where she found auditions listed. After a mix-up with addresses, she ended up at an audition she hadn’t planned on attending. After securing headshots and body shots for $35 at the farmers market, she returned to the casting office. Thanks to her athletic background, she was offered a spot to train as a wrestler with GLOW, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. After a few months, she was cast as Evangelina, a good girl mingling with the bad girls, preaching repentance.

Evangelina & Hollywood

Performing in season three of GLOW, Evangelina brought her Roman Catholic upbringing and knowledge of other religions to the character. She even drew inspiration from televangelists like Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. While it was a challenge to balance her spiritual beliefs with the character’s semi-evil persona, she embraced the role. Steve Blance, their writer, helped craft her character’s storyline and wrestling moves, making Evangelina a memorable part of GLOW history. Though she eventually left GLOW and moved on to other ventures, her time as Evangelina remains a cherished chapter of her life.

If you would like to purchase episodes of GLOW on DVD, Blu-Ray or VHS, check out eBay for deals on NEW and media.