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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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: 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!

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: 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.