MONDAY MEMORIAL - CHRISTINE McGUIRE

The New York Times has confirmed a report that Christine McGuire, of the world-famous singing McGuire Sisters, passed away at age 92 at her home in Las Vegas on December 28.

No cause of death was given.

Christine McGuire was born on July 30, 1926 in Middletown, Ohio, USA as Ruby Christine McGuire. She is an actress, known for The Red Skelton Hour (1951), The Pat Boone-Chevy Showroom (1957) and The Phil Silvers Show (1955).

She was the older sister of singer/actress Phyllis McGuire and Dorothy McGuire and together they performed as The McGuire Sisters.

The McGuire Sisters appeared on an episode of "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1952, becoming overnight sensations. They went on to score number-one hits with "Sincerely" (1955) and "Sugartime" (1957), made countless TV appearances, and became a major draw in clubs.

In 1965, when frontwoman Phyllis McGuire's affair with mobster Sam Giancana was exposed, the group's image took a hit; they disbanded in 1968, only to reform in 1985 for 19 highly successful years as a nostalgia act, especially potent in Las Vegas.

Here are some of their TV credits:

Arthur Godfrey and His Friends (1952-1957)

The Pat Boone-Chevy Showroom (1957)

What's My Line?
- The McGuire Sisters
- 2nd appearance as mystery guest (1959)

The Bell Telephone Hour
- Trio (1961)

The Red Skelton Hour
- A Man and His Money Are Soon Parted
or A Fool and His Money Are Soon Married (1964)

The New Hollywood Squares
- Episode dated 20 October 1986
- Episode dated 26 October 1986

None of those would qualify the McGuire Sisters for membership in the Television Crossover Hall of Fame.  Except for ‘Hollywood Squares’, none of the others really guarantee that they had “televersions” living in Toobworld.

But this appearance does:

The Phil Silvers Show
- Bilko Presents the McGuire Sisters (1958)

From the IMDb:
Bilko stages a concert with some of Hollywood's biggest names - Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak and The McGuire Sisters. The names are famous but the faces aren't. When Doberman sends a letter to them, the real McGuire Sisters arrive at Camp Fremont.

Goodnight and may God bless Christine McGuire….