Saturday GLOWcase: Unmasking the Mystery of Tammy Jones, GLOW's Sweetheart (With a Punch!)

Alright, GLOW fans, gather 'round! It's Saturday, and you know what that means – it's time for another installment of our beloved Saturday GLOWcase! And this week, we're diving into a character who's become a bit of a mystery, a bit of a sweetheart and a whole lot of fun. I'm talking about none other than the one and only Tammy Jones! You know, the Shirley Temple-esque lady who brought a touch of innocence and a whole lot of squeals to the GLOW ring.

Now, as we know, I am completely, utterly obsessed with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, so dedicating time and energy to this series is a complete joy for me, and finding out about these ladies and sharing it with you, is something I truly enjoy, I hope you can tell.

Debbie D'Amato, the woman behind Tammy, was a vital part of the original GLOW magic. Did you know she was married to Frank D'Amato, GLOW's first referee? Sadly, he passed away in the early 2000s, but Debbie is still with us and I hear she's living her best life out in California after years in Nevada. It's always wonderful to hear some of the more private ladies are doing well.

Tammy Jones was designed to be the "family-friendly" face of GLOW. She was the character kids could latch onto, with her adorable ring gear covered in red hearts and those gigantic lollipops she'd bring to the ring. It really felt like she was straight out of a Shirley Temple movie. But don't let that sweet image fool you. From what I’ve been told, and what I have seen in snippets and segments of videos, this lady was tough as nails!

I actually had a chance to hear about Tammy firsthand from Matilda the Hun during a cruise I was on. Yes, you heard that right, Matilda herself! She mentioned that Tammy was a super sweet lady and surprisingly fierce when it came to working out. Even though her character was supposed to be childlike, Debbie was strong and dedicated. Matilda also shared that Tammy won their first match in the pilot episode to take the GLOW crown (which Matilda insists was already hers!). And even though Tammy didn't have the best win-loss record, losing more than she won, it was all part of the show, you know? Sometimes, you're just meant to take the fall, it’s a role and an important one at that!

Let's talk about those matches for a second. Tammy's reign as GLOW champion was brief – just three episodes before losing to Royal Hawaiian in her second solo match. She did manage to snag a win against Attache and another tag team win with Americana against Attache and Corporal Kelly. But honestly, her losses were almost as entertaining as her wins. I mean, who can forget those high-pitched squeals and the beatdowns she'd take from Spanish Red and Ninotchka? Plus her other tag team losses with Ebony and Scarlett the Southern Belle, it's not like you can win them all!

What's really interesting is how divided the GLOW fan base is when it comes to Tammy. It seems most fans fall into the love-hate camp. We kinda loved to hate her. There was something about her charisma and that "aw shucks" innocence that made you want to cheer her on...even when you knew she was about to get clobbered. And let's be real, her entrances were always a treat, passing out candy to kids and brandishing those giant lollipops that inevitably ended up broken. So much of the magic was the pageantry.

Despite her memorable presence, Tammy only appeared in nine or so of the first 26 episodes, aside from the skits and music videos like "Good Girls Don't" and "Nasty and Mean." I feel that there were many more stories they could have created, but the time for her had seemingly come to an end. That is wrestling for you!

And then there's the mystery. Where is Tammy now? Well, she did some TV game shows after GLOW, but then kinda vanished from the public eye. Many of the ladies of GLOW have no idea where she is. But! Thanks to the detective work of a dedicated fan, it turns out she's just living her best life in California. It warms my heart that she is out there enjoying her life.

So, GLOW fans, now it's your turn! What are YOUR favorite Tammy Jones moments? Do you have any memories of seeing her in action? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear what you think about her! I love engaging with you, so your comments always bring me great joy.

And, if you enjoy these Saturday GLOWcases and want to help keep them coming, you know, a little "tag team" support in the form of a contribution or even a digital gift is always appreciated! It fuels my passion and helps me dig deeper into the archives of GLOW history and keeps me going to create more of these fun entries! But of course, just having you here reading and sharing your thoughts is the biggest gift of all. Until next Saturday, let’s keep the GLOW love alive!

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Saturday GLOWcase: Cheryl Rusa: Lightning's Electrifying Journey Through GLOW and Beyond

This week's Saturday GLOWcase shines a spotlight on someone truly remarkable—the fast, fierce and unforgettable Cheryl Rusa, known to fans as Lightning from GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). But Cheryl is far more than the flashy lights, spandex costumes and wrestling fame you might associate with her. My connection with Cheryl goes deeper, to the shared laughter, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences that have made her a true friend.

Our paths first crossed during the inaugural GLOW cruise in 2016, and from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about Cheryl, aside from seeing her on TV as a kid. Since that day, life has brought us together for four incredible cruises, each one packed with laughter echoing across the waves, late-night phone calls and memories that I’ll never forget. She told great behind the scenes stories as well as shared some great stories of adventures with other GLOW girls, including a time where she accidentally ran over a woman in a park. The lady didn't sustain injuries that required an ambulance but it made for an epic story for sure. I ran over her glasses while we raced go-karts high above the ocean, played like kids on waterslides and chuckled over Cheryl’s unapologetic indulgence in "less-than-healthy" ship restaurant treats while attempting to school me on clean eating. These moments didn’t just highlight her fun side—they showed the depth of her warmth, energy and authenticity.

Standing at just under 100 pounds, Cheryl may be petite, but don't let that fool you. She’s a force of nature, a determined competitor both inside and outside the ring and someone I admire endlessly for her strength, tenacity and infectious spirit. Her story is one of passion, grit and unrelenting determination—a journey that took her from California to the ring as Lightning, one of GLOW’s most beloved characters. And trust me, the road that led her there is just as electric as she is.

Cheryl with Matt Cimber & MTV

Before Cheryl became Lightning, her life was a whirlwind of creativity and determination. As a personal trainer at Future Fitness in Redondo Beach, she worked alongside bodybuilding icons like Ray and Mike Mentzer. But Cheryl wasn’t just focused on fitness—her artistic talents flourished in window paintings, airbrushed T-shirts and even acting classes. She was a true Renaissance woman, channeling her energy into every creative endeavor she could find.

The discovery of GLOW was pure Cheryl—playful banter mixed with an undeniable spark of defiance. When the show first aired on Saturday mornings, her boyfriend urged her to watch, but Cheryl dismissed it as “stupid.” His response? “You’re just jealous they’re on TV and you’re not.” That playful jab lit a fire in her. After watching the show a week later, Cheryl thought, "I can do that." She told her boyfriend, who laughed and said, “They’d kick your ass!” Her resolute response—“Nah Ah!”—was the start of something extraordinary.

Soon after, Cheryl spotted a casting call at the end of the show and decided to take action. She threw together her resume and photo, sent it in and received the call that would change her life. After multiple auditions, Cheryl found herself in Las Vegas, immersed in grueling wrestling training that combined physicality with acting exercises and constant character development. The early days were chaotic, with cast changes and challenges, but Cheryl’s unique mix of strength and agility made her hard to categorize. They floated the name “Lightning Bug”—but Cheryl quickly vetoed it.

Cheryl doing Johnny C's makeup, I had to share this one

Cheryl’s transformation into Lightning was nothing short of serendipity. Sally the Farmer’s Daughter, who made her return to GLOW in season 3 after stepping away before season 2 was filmed, brought her friend Dana along for auditions. Dana ultimately took on the persona of Thunderbolt and writer Steve Blance—drawing inspiration from the movie Thunderbolt and Lightfoot—conceived the perfect pairing of Thunderbolt and Lightning.

For Cheryl, embracing the Lightning character was second nature. A devoted fan of campy classics like Batman and Robin, she infused the role with playful, goodie-two-shoes charm and a spark of electricity. Not one to hold back, Cheryl even dove into graphic novels to refine and expand her character’s persona, pouring her creativity into every detail. With Dana as Thunderbolt by her side, the duo electrified the GLOW ring and became a memorable tag-team sensation.

Lightning’s journey didn’t stop with her tag-team matches. Cheryl ventured into singles wrestling, mastering her skills and building confidence with each match. Though GLOW’s fourth season marked an initial “ending,” Cheryl’s wrestling career continued in surprising ways. She wrestled in Japan, transitioned into Indie Wrestling circuits and ultimately evolved into “Lightning the Party Animal” for a GLOW pay-per-view event, blending her musical background and natural charisma. Cheryl became the AIWA & PCCW Women’s Champion and found herself wrestling across the world.

But Cheryl is someone who thrives on challenges and when wrestling took a back seat, she ventured into Hollywood stunts—a career she still flourishes in today. Her impressive credits include work on shows like Criminal Minds and 24 and films like Spiderman and The Devil’s Rejects. Alongside her Hollywood adventures, she’s also an accomplished Group X-Trainer and a lifelong artist, creating everything from window paintings to pumpkin artistry.

Cheryl’s incredible journey proves that passion, determination and laughter can take you anywhere. She’s a true inspiration, a loyal friend and a woman who lights up every room she enters. What are your favorite memories of Lightning? Do you have memories of Cheryl from her time on GLOW or beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! And if you enjoy these GLOWcase spotlights and feel inspired by the stories, consider sending a spark of appreciation to keep the lights shining. Every little bit helps to keep the blog alive and the stories coming.

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Today, March 4, is an awesome day—it's Terry’s 64th birthday!

Today, March 4, is an awesome day—it's Terry’s 64th birthday! While we don’t have anything as grand planned as in past years when we sailed the seas with our dear friend Jeanne and the lovely ladies and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, today is still special in its own unique way.

We're not doing anything as extravagant as past years when we sailed the seas with our dear friend Jeanne and the lovely ladies and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, but today is still special in its own unique way.

On my birthday, we were both feeling a bit under the weather, so we kept it low-key. But Terry still made it memorable by getting me an incredible cake from Publix. Today, like on my own birthday, I have to work, but that won't stop us from celebrating in our own way.

A few months ago, I found the perfect gift for Terry that goes perfectly with a Christmas gift I gave him. It’s been hiding in my office since it arrived, and I can’t wait to see his reaction. I hope it gives him something fun to do on his days off and makes some of his ideas a little easier to bring to life. For dinner, I’m hopeful we’ll both feel up to going to a place Terry would enjoy. Although I wanted to try a new Korean spot near us for my birthday, we saved that adventure for today. Terry loves everything about Korean culture and is even learning a bit of the language, which I’m picking up by proxy.

Last year, we celebrated his birthday on the Norwegian Encore. Terry received a card signed by our friends Jeanne and Cheryl (Hollywood and Lightning from GLOW) and other friends who were cruising with us, including James, Vanessa, Manny, TeLisa, and many more.

Thank you for joining us in this celebration. Your thoughts and comments mean the world to us. If you feel inclined to send a little something our way, it would be deeply appreciated but absolutely not expected. Here's to many more years of laughter and unforgettable moments. 

What has been your most memorable birthday celebration? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below! 🎉❤️

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Saturday GLOWcase: Rick Howard Jr.'s Passion for GLOW

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my friend Rick Howard Jr., a devoted fan of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) and someone I've had the pleasure of knowing online for many years. Rick and I finally met in person in March during a cruise with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and it's a memory I'll always hold close to my heart. Here's Rick's captivating story about being a GLOW superfan, based on the information he shared with me.

Rick with Hollywood

When GLOW debuted at midnight on a Saturday night, Rick's dad waited until his mom fell asleep and woke him up to watch the new show with his firstborn son. Little did Rick's dad know that this would spark an obsession that would shape Rick's childhood and beyond. From that night on, Rick's life revolved around the vibrant, action-packed world of GLOW.

Rick and GLOW's Lightning

Rick immediately fell in love with Spanish Red, who resembled his fourth-grade teacher—a woman he had a childhood crush on. It wasn't long before Rick had all the neighborhood kids hooked on GLOW, thanks to the episodes he faithfully recorded on VHS every Saturday. Every Sunday morning before church, Rick would dash to the living room to rewind the tape, ensuring they could watch the latest episode right after church.

Rick's dedication to GLOW was evident in every aspect of his life. He had his boom box ready to record every rap from the show, which he and his friends used during their reenactments. One day, Rick's dad had a special surprise for him and his siblings—he had built a wrestling ring in their basement, allowing them to transform into GLOW wrestlers more effectively. Rick's 10th birthday party was even a battle royal wrestling party, a testament to how deeply the show had integrated into his life.

Rick's favorite character recreations were Spanish Red, complete with a towel as a cape and a plastic rose, Hollywood, with a feather hair clip he won at the fair, Debbie Debutante, and Sally the Farmer's Daughter, complete with his crop top. His brother often pretended to be Ninotchka, with a fake cigar, and his little sister played Little Egypt, Little Fiji, a Southern belle, or a character they created named Ballarenor.

Despite his love for GLOW, Rick's school performance suffered. He frequently daydreamed about the show and sketched cartoon drawings of his favorite wrestlers, including Hollywood and Vine, Spanish Red, Debbie and Susie, and Sally. Even when he joined the wrestling team, Rick couldn't resist incorporating GLOW moves, which often got him into trouble for using the leg scissors.

GLOW wasn't just a show for Rick; it was a source of courage and inspiration. It taught him to stand up for the underdog and to never let anyone tear him down. Much like Rick, hundreds of miles away, I was also impersonating GLOW wrestlers as a kid, drawn into the same thrilling world. Rick's story is a testament to the profound impact that a TV show can have on a person's life, fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of community.

Rick's "Mama Bear" GLOW Character

Having shared these memories and bonded over a mutual love for GLOW, Rick and I have developed a strong friendship that will hopefully withstand the test of time. Meeting Rick in person on the GLOW cruise was a highlight, and our connection only grew stronger. I hope our friendship will always remain as robust and vibrant as the GLOW stories that brought us together.

Rick with our good friend James, waiting to board the Norwegian Encore

Rick Howard Jr.'s journey as a GLOW superfan is a heartwarming reminder of the power of passion and the bonds formed through shared interests. It's been a joy to feature his story and to celebrate the incredible world of GLOW that continues to inspire fans like Rick. Our enduring friendship is a testament to the community and connections that GLOW has helped create.

I hope you enjoyed reading Rick's inspiring journey as a GLOW superfan. Do you have any memorable experiences, personal stories, or favorite GLOW memories? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Sharing your stories makes this journey all the more special. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let’s keep the joy of sharing memories and stories alive together!

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: 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.