Saturday GLOWcase: Godiva’s Glittering GLOW Journey: A Peek into Dawn Maestas’ Life

For fans of GLOW, Godiva needs no introduction. This unforgettable character, hailing from Coventry, England, captivated audiences as she rode into the ring on horseback. With her long blonde hair and fearless barefoot wrestling, Godiva, played by Dawn Maestas during seasons 3-4, exuded confidence and a touch of arrogance that perfectly captured the British flair.

As I've stated in the past, I became a fan of GLOW towards the end of the second season. When season 3 began to air, I caught the first episode and was completely awestruck by some of the newer characters added to the show. One in particular was a character from Coventry, England, who was led to the ring on a horse by a new character that looked like a sister of Chainsaw and Spike named Beastie. Godiva was beautiful, had long blond hair, and was one of a few GLOW wrestlers who wrestled barefoot, something that not many wrestlers are comfortable doing considering there would be no protection from foot or ankle injuries. I truly believed Godiva was from England and also believed her attitude and arrogance reflected upon the British people I'd known up to that point in my life as they had seemed very much like her. While she was not one of the characters that I connected with, I very much loved her ring persona as well as her signature moves like the Buckingham Bounce which she would occasionally use to cheat a little bit in her matches, though to hear Dawn's kayfabe recollection, she never cheated. lol.

My friend Manny with Godiva during the tour of GLOW

Before her days on GLOW, Dawn graduated from UNLV with a BFA in sculpture. Out of nowhere, her old friend Ann LeBree (who played the good girl Debbie Debutante during seasons 1 and 2) managed to track her down in the pre-internet era and offered her a chance to audition for a quirky TV show. Ann, who was slated to continue the role of Debbie Debutante in the third season but left before taping, thought Dawn would be perfect for the show. At the time, Dawn was waitressing in LA. Eager for a new adventure, she packed up her truck and headed back to Vegas. I would have LOVED to have seen the two childhood friends wrestle each other in singles matches. Their friendship would have made a great storyline, with the two having a rivalry turned friendship in the ring. It could have even tempted Godiva to turn face from heel to babyface during a match, perhaps in a tag-team scenario like Vicky Victory and Debbie Debutante vs. Beastie and Godiva. At least, that's how it would play out in my head.

Dawn didn’t even have to audition for GLOW. She met Matt Cimber and Jackie Stallone at La Scala, who hired her on the spot. Assigned the character Godiva, Dawn poured her heart into research and perfected a British accent. Her commute from Hollywood to Vegas became an opportunity to study dialect tapes and truly embody Godiva’s regal persona. She even convinced the show to let her ride an Arabian horse named General in several Las Vegas performances.

A recent pic of Dawn as Godiva. She's still got it!!!

Godiva’s presence in the ring was magnetic. Memorable moments included her dramatic showdown with Cheyenne Cher for the GLOW crown, where she initially lost her cool but eventually backed down to avoid suspension. Beyond the ring, Godiva hosted an advice show, dealt with prank calls from a pervert (voiced by Matt Cimber himself), and became one of the spokeswomen for Faberge Organics with the catchphrase, “The most important part of my wardrobe are Faberge Organics.” Inspired by Lady Godiva, she wore a peach-colored bodysuit adorned with flowers that gave her the appearance that she was nude under the flowers. She even appeared on Family Feud, where the GLOW cast faced off against WCW.

As GLOW’s final season approached, Dawn and Matt Cimber butted heads. Dawn says she got fired, but Matt says she quit. Either way, they both admit her outspoken nature caused some friction. Despite that, they patched things up later and even worked on another project together. Now, they’re close friends.

After GLOW, Dawn spent some time in Vegas before moving to California. The transition wasn’t easy, especially after going through a divorce and life as a single mom. Dawn, a third-degree black belt, has taught self-defense classes to women. She is an outreach pastor and artist and, unlike her beautiful yet cocky GLOW character, she's an absolute sweetheart. She hopes her legacy will be one of love, service, and joy despite life's challenges.

Dawn & General led to the ring by Beastie

Over the years, Dawn has also become a passionate advocate for animals in need. She works closely with an animal shelter in Orange County and has even recruited her former GLOW rival, Roxy Astor, to join the cause. Additionally, Dawn has developed a close friendship with Little Egypt, who appeared in 21 matches in the previous season of GLOW before Godiva made her debut.

I had the chance to meet Dawn and her son on the Queen Mary during a party in 2016. That night, I not only got to meet Dawn but was also treated to her in-ring persona of long ago—the bad girl Godiva. It was an unforgettable experience to see her bring that character to life once more, if only just for a few moments at a party. Dawn is one of two GLOW girls that I’ve met but never had the chance to get her autograph on any of my items or a photo. However, I do have an awesome selfie with her taken the night we met.

Dawn and I on the Queen Mary 2016

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of GLOW. 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 GLOW 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!

Hooray for Hollywood: The True Story of an Original GLOW Girl - From Ring to Real Life: The Heartfelt Journey of Jeanne Basone

My book reviews are typically posted on Thursdays. However, considering the significance of this book—Hooray For Hollywood by the GLOW girl Hollywood, Jeanne Basone—I've decided to make an exception. This isn't just a book review; it's also part of my Saturday GLOWcase blog series, where I highlight personalities connected to my all-time favorite show, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). This dual-purpose post celebrates Jeanne's amazing new release and honors the enduring legacy of GLOW.

If you were into Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) back in the day, you definitely remember Hollywood, Jeanne Basone. She wasn’t just a pretty face—Hollywood was the very first to be cast as a GLOW girl and became one of the show’s most iconic villains. With her glamorous street girl persona and killer moves, she knew how to bring drama and excitement to the ring. Her character had the glitz of the Sunset Strip with an edge of menace that made her so intriguing to watch.

Hollywood Jeanne Basone, in Hollywood

In the ring, Hollywood was fierce. She brought a blend of charisma and athleticism to her villainous role, always keeping the audience on their toes. Her high-energy matches against the good girls were legendary, packed with intense action and loads of attitude. From the pilot episode to the unexpected final episode, Hollywood cemented her status as a top competitor and a formidable opponent.

But Jeanne's book, Hooray for Hollywood: The True Story of an Original GLOW Girl, released December 25, 2024, is so much more than just a recount of her wrestling days. It's a heartfelt and raw journey through her entire life. Jeanne dives deep into her childhood, the traumatic events she's endured, her loves and losses, her family, and growing up. She even shares her travels and her long term relationship with her incredible boyfriend, musician Ryan Spencer Cook. This book truly covers it all and gives you a genuine look into the person behind Hollywood.

This isn't just Jeanne's story—it's the story of her friends, colleagues, and family. Her perspective is inclusive and almost every detail is written from the heart, with love, no matter how painful or traumatic. As a long-time fan and friend of Jeanne, I was deeply moved by how she shared not just her life, but the lives of her friends and fans—including myself! Jeanne's ability to weave these personal anecdotes into her story makes it so relatable and touching. It's a beautiful reminder of how powerful friendships can be and the impact we can have on each other's lives.

What really stands out in this book are the memories and stories from Jeanne's friends and family. There's content written by her sisters Julie and Joelle, GLOW's head writer Steve Blance, actor Douglas Dunning (aka Sir Miles Headlock of GLOW), rock music photographer Michael Strider, and fans like William Taylor, Kim Krieger, Mike Rand, Shawn Campbell, Manny Briano, Andrew Zeranick, and myself. This collective memoir makes the book feel like a shared journey. The segments about our own friendship and history as fans were especially touching. Jeanne’s storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, making it impossible to put the book down.

The photos in the book are truly spectacular, with an amazing shot taken in the Dominican Republic by my partner, Terry. These images add so much depth to the stories, bringing the memories to life in vivid detail. It's like you’re right there, experiencing everything alongside Jeanne and her friends.

A spread from GLOW Magazine feature Hollywood

After GLOW, Hollywood didn’t just disappear. Jeanne kept wrestling on the indie circuit and dabbled in acting, stunt work, and modeling. She’s appeared in Playboy, Married with Children, Liar Liar, and countless other movies, TV shows, and magazines. Jeanne's versatility and talent have made her a multifaceted performer, showcasing her skills beyond the wrestling ring. One of her most iconic projects was playing Jane in the video game Plumbers Don't Wear Ties. Her legacy as one of GLOW’s top bad girls lives on, especially with the resurgence of interest in GLOW thanks to the Netflix series. Jeanne's journey from a glamorous villain in the ring to a multifaceted performer is a testament to her talent and determination.

Jeanne bravely addresses the bullying incidents involving certain ladies of GLOW as well as their fans, both towards Jeanne and her fans. Her candidness in setting the record straight is empowering and enlightening. Jeanne's honesty and courage in speaking out about these issues are truly inspiring. Hollywood may have been a bad girl in the ring, but she's a very good girl outside of it. Her book is not just a memoir but a powerful statement against bullying and overcoming adversity, showing that even in the face of challenges, one can rise above and make a positive impact. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the strength to stand up against unfair treatment and adversity.

Terry and I with Jeanne, on a cruise 2018

Today, Jeanne's got her hands in a lot of fires, in addition to her her own comic books and now her memoir Hooray For Hollywood, she still wrestles and makes soap for her company Hollywood Botanika. If you loved Hollywood, be sure to look her up on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and her Etsy Store https://www.etsy.com/shop/GLOWHollywoodMerch. You might also catch her at fan conventions for wrestling, comic books, and her yearly appearance at the CAC in Las Vegas. Anyone who's ever met her can attest that Hollywood is one of the most fan-friendly wrestlers you could ever meet.

Jeanne also includes beautiful tributes to the GLOW girls who have passed away, such as Matilda the Hun, Tara the Southern Belle, Sally the Farmer's Daughter, Star, Mountain Fiji, Angel, Pepper, Aunt Kitty, Big Bad Mama, Babe the Farmer's Daughter and several others. These tributes are a heartfelt and touching homage to her fellow wrestlers, preserving their legacy and the impact they had on the wrestling world.

You can purchase Hooray for Hollywood: The True Story of an Original GLOW Girl by Jeanne Basone (ISBN# 9798218566524) from various online retailers, including:

Amazon: Amazon.com

Jeanne’s official website: JeanneBasone.com

Jeanne's etsy shop: etsy.com/shop/GLOWHollywoodMerch

Hooray for Hollywood: The True Story of an Original GLOW Girl is a must-read for anyone who loves a good, candid, and truthful biography, 1980's pop culture, and professional wrestling—especially ladies wrestling. Jeanne Basone has truly outdone herself with this remarkable work, creating a book that is both entertaining and deeply moving. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring and captivating read.

Yours truly enjoying Hooray for Hollywood!

Each Saturday, I post a blog entry featuring memories of a Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling personality, including the wrestlers, crew, management, as well as fans who loved the show as kids and into adulthood.

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

Hooray for Hollywood!: The True Story of the Original GLOW Girl - A Memoir

Nashville, TN – Dec 27, 2024 – Step into the ring of 1980s professional wrestling with Hooray for Hollywood!, the captivating memoir of Jeanne "Hollywood" Basone, the first hired and original GLOW girl. This inspiring tale not only chronicles her life in wrestling but also unveils the behind-the-scenes scoop and the groundbreaking impact the internationally syndicated 80s hit TV series Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling had on women in sports entertainment.

In her memoir, Jeanne reflects on her childhood dreams and the aspirations that led her to audition for GLOW’s creator, David McLane, in 1985. This pivotal moment catapulted her into a cultural phenomenon, where she and her fellow GLOW girls broke barriers and shattered the glass ceiling for an entire generation of female wrestlers. With GLOW airing in over 100 major markets across the U.S. and broadcast internationally, Jeanne’s journey became a beacon of empowerment for women in the wrestling industry.

Featuring insights from fans, GLOW girls, rock ‘n’ roll rollers, award-winning producers, directors, and photographers, Hooray for Hollywood! offers a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the evolution of women’s roles in professional wrestling and sports entertainment.

Jeanne has been a media darling, gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as The Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and People magazine. She has also been featured in influential books on wrestling history, such as Sisterhood of the Squared Circle, and was named a “Lethal Woman” in her Playboy pictorial. Her journey has taken her around the globe for appearances, inspiring countless individuals with her story.

Join Jeanne in this incredible journey and discover how one woman’s story can ignite the spark of inspiration in us all.

"Fans of the squared circle, sensational behind-the-scenes storytelling, and all things pop culture will not want to miss one of the best memoirs ever written by a once-in-a-generation talent."
– A.J. Devlin, Screenwriter, author of award-winning “Hammerhead” Jed pro wrestler PI mystery novels.

"Hooray For Hollywood! will be enjoyed by book lovers, women’s wrestling fans, wrestlers, and industry professionals."
– Bob Harris, Writer and women’s professional wrestling archivist.

Hooray for Hollywood! will be available in bookstores in 2025 and online at Amazon and directly from Etsy store: glowhollywoodmerch.etsy.com.

For more information, to schedule an interview, or to request a review copy, contact: Jeanne Basone - jeannebasone@gmail.com jeannebasone.com

Saturday GLOWcase: Helena Cameron, AKA Daisy from GLOW

 

This weeks Saturday GLOWcase is all about the Awesome Daisy of GLOW. I chose Daisy for this week in honor of her upcoming birthday, December, 25. Happy Birthday Daisy, I hope you enjoy your day.

When I first saw Helena Cameron, who played Daisy on Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), during her match in season 3, she instantly became one of my favorites. For nearly 30 years, I've admired her work, and I was thrilled when we became friends. Our time together at Knott's Berry Farm, shoe shopping, and hanging out on the Queen Mary are memories I cherish. Helena graciously shared her story years ago, and here's a refined version of her journey.

Helena as the awesome Daisy circa 2000

Helena Cameron's journey into the world of entertainment is unique and inspiring. Back in the late 1980s, she was working at Northrop but decided to take a leap of faith and switch to background work and extra roles in movies. One day, while filling out paperwork in a casting office, she had a chance encounter with Matt Cimber that changed everything. Matt came out of the back and asked if she wanted to be on a TV show. He asked if she wanted to join GLOW. Helena knew about the show because her ex's daughter watched it and always said she should be on it. Helena used to joke that if they pulled her hair, she’d get really pissed off. But the opportunity just kind of fell into her lap.

Matt gave her the details, and without hesitation, Helena and her friend Kell’e, who would become known as Beastie the Road Warrior, loaded up their car and headed to Las Vegas to sign up. Daisy, Helena's character, was created by either Matt or Steve. Daisy was pretty much your standard character: "You don't know where you live, you don't have any relatives, you don't know how old you are," Helena says. None of the wrestlers had characters when they arrived. Everyone wanted to be a beautiful, sexy someone. Helena jokes that she wanted to be a mermaid. No one wanted to be attached to a midget, especially one with a mole on her face, she laughs.

Daisy surrounded by the awesome ladies of GLOW

Helena's character started off as a “Bad Girl” doing the bidding of Gremlina, played by a woman half her size wearing snakeskin tights, a Gremlina-like hairstyle, and, as Helena stated, a huge mole on her face with hairs hanging from it. Daisy turned babyface when she turned on Gremlina, stuffing her into a trash can. But within the same season, she seemed to be back as a Bad Girl, though Helena perceives her more as a loner, someone on no one’s side. Daisy eventually became the GLOW champion during the season 4 finale, taking the crown from Cheyenne Cher. This was the final episode of all time. When GLOW ended, it was really sudden and unexpected. Helena and the other cast members didn’t find out until it was already over. They did a Pay Per View show featuring a few of the original GLOW girls along with new wrestlers who may have continued if the show had continued. Daisy’s last match was with Ninotchka during the Pay Per View, and she retained her crown. To this day, she is the current reigning Champion of GLOW.

Daisy's Family Feud Appearance

After GLOW ended, Helena went back to doing background work for a while. Eventually, she tried different jobs, including limo driving and stunt shows. Matt reached out to her again with a crazy request: "I want to blow you up in a box." She trusted him and went to Vegas to do a live stunt show at the Aladdin, where she reconnected with her friend Godiva.

Terry and I with Daisy at Knott's Berry Farm

Reflecting on her experiences, Helena acknowledges both the good and bad times. You're always treated horribly at one time or another in your life. Does the horrible outweigh the good? Sure, everyone has bad times. Helena had good times with Matt; she was fortunate. He was only bad to you if you let him be. They didn’t make any money, but it was an adventure. She met wonderful people and visited places she never would have otherwise.

Helena shared some insights into GLOW’s inner workings. They got their room and board, airfare, and a little per diem covered. During training, they made $100 a week for eight hours a day, and it went up to $250 a week when they started filming. They didn’t get residuals or any money from appearances like on Phil Donahue, which would have been SAG wages. Casinos recognized them because they looked so fake and ate there every day. They often got in trouble because they weren’t supposed to be around each other. The GLOW House was a house in Ventura. Helena's first roommate was Fiji. Later, she roomed with Godiva, Stinky, and Zelda. Eventually, Cher and Helena moved out of the GLOW apartments and got their own place.

Angel helping Daisy adjust the crown I presented to her

Since her GLOW days, Helena has embraced a new chapter in her life. She is now a proud mother of two beautiful children. She has also remained active in entertainment, popping up in episodes of shows like Pushing Daisies and Friends. Despite GLOW being all-female, Helena was also part of the “Transgender” choir featured in an episode of GLEE thanks to her beautiful Amazon-like stature.

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.