Have you ever wondered what all blue-eyed people have in common, aside from their stunning irises? It turns out, this rare eye color comes with a fascinating genetic history – and some unexpected superpowers.
While brown eyes may be the most common around the world, blue eyes are the second most popular. But the story behind this unique trait is anything but ordinary. In fact, evidence suggests that all blue-eyed individuals can be traced back to a single ancestor who lived between 6,000 to 10,000 years ago.
That’s right – every single person blessed with those mesmerizing azure orbs shares a common genetic mutation that “turned off” the ability to produce brown pigment in the iris. This ancient switch has left blue-eyed folks with some surprising advantages…and disadvantages.
One of the most well-known quirks of blue eyes is an increased sensitivity to light. While those with darker irises have more melanin to protect the delicate tissues at the back of the eye, blue-eyed individuals lack this natural shield.
From humble beginnings to Hollywood fame: What does the iconic actor look like today?
Earl Holliman’s path to Hollywood is a compelling story of ambition and aspiration. At the age of 14 in 1943, he was resolute in his desire to become a movie star.
Raised in Oil City and Mooringsport, often mistakenly identified as Shreveport, he embarked on his journey to Hollywood through several stops along the way. His adventure began with a trip to visit relatives in Camden, Arkansas, followed by a bus ride to Texarkana, Texas. From there, he hitchhiked to Hollywood.
Having saved some money working as a theater usher and during the night shift at a café near Barksdale Air Force Base, Holliman had also connected with a serviceman who offered a lead on a place to stay. However, this turned out to be in El Monte, California, a significant distance from Hollywood. Looking back, Holliman acknowledges that it was a risky decision, one that wouldn’t be advisable in today’s world.
His initial foray into Hollywood didn’t pan out, prompting him to return home briefly before enlisting in the Navy. Nevertheless, his dream of becoming an actor remained alive. He eventually made his way back to Los Angeles, where he honed his craft at the Pasadena Playhouse and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Holliman’s determination paid off, leading to an impressive film career with notable roles in classics like “Giant” (1956), “Forbidden Planet”, “The Rainmaker”, and “The Sons of Katie Elder”. He also became well-known on television, especially for his work alongside Angie Dickinson in “Police Woman” and with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward in “The Thorn Birds”.
He fondly reminisces about his early days in Hollywood, particularly his first morning in El Monte, when he wore a short-sleeved silk shirt and dark glasses while walking in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, fantasizing about being mistaken for a star. It was a moment filled with youthful dreams and innocence.
See below how Earl Holliman looks today at 96.
Leave a Reply