Night of 100 Stars II

The Night of 100 Stars II was a spectacular event that brought together an impressive ensemble of 288 celebrities to benefit The Actors Fund of America. Recorded live at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York on February 17, 1985, this seven-hour extravaganza was a culmination of the best in entertainment, music, and comedy. The brainchild of Norman Lear and Alan King, the special was a sequel to the 1982 original, which had showcased a similar array of stars in a fun-filled evening of performances and tributes. The show opened with a grand introduction, setting the tone for the excitement that lay ahead. The evening's host, Alan King, took to the stage, charming the audience with his wit and charisma. With his infectious energy, King welcomed the viewers to the event and set the stage for an evening of unforgettable entertainment. He was ably supported by an impressive lineup of co-hosts, including Carol Burnett, Gregory Hines, and Liza Minnelli, among others. As the night progressed, the audience was treated to a plethora of performances. Celebrities took to the stage in quick succession, showcasing their talents in music, dance, comedy, and drama. The lineup included some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere, Jane Fonda, and Warren Beatty, to name just a few. Each performance was carefully crafted to entertain and engage the audience, with many stars opting for humorous sketches and parodies to poke fun at themselves and the industry. One of the highlights of the evening was the musical performances. Liza Minnelli, one of the hosts, took the stage to deliver a powerful rendition of "Cabaret," complete with elaborate costumes and choreography. Her performance was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. Other notable musical performances came from artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald, who dazzled the crowd with their unique talents. Comedy was also well-represented throughout the evening, with many stars opting for humorous sketches and vignettes. Carol Burnett, a seasoned comedic actress, stole the show with a hilarious parody of a soap opera, featuring an impressive array of co-stars, including Gregory Hines and Tony Randall. The sketch was both funny and poignant, poking fun at the conventions of soap operas while also highlighting the enduring appeal of the genre. Dramatic performances were not overlooked either, with many stars taking to the stage to showcase their acting chops. Jane Fonda, a renowned actress, delivered a moving monologue, speaking passionately about her experiences as a woman and her thoughts on the challenges of aging. Her performance was a highlight of the evening, drawing the audience into her world and leaving a lasting impression. Throughout the night, the audience was also treated to a series of poignant tributes. Celebrities took to the stage to pay tribute to their peers, including actors who had passed away and those who were no longer active in the industry. The tributes were a poignant reminder of the transience of fame and the enduring power of the human spirit. As the night drew to a close, the audience was treated to a special finale, featuring an impressive array of stars from the worlds of music, film, and television. The finale was a grand production, featuring elaborate costumes, choreography, and special effects. With its blend of humor, pathos, and spectacle, the finale was the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening of entertainment. The Night of 100 Stars II was a memorable event that celebrated the best of Hollywood. With its impressive lineup of celebrities, musical performances, and poignant tributes, the special was a true tribute to the human spirit and the power of entertainment. As a fundraiser for The Actors Fund of America, the special played an important role in supporting the arts and the people who work in them, ensuring the continuation of the rich and storied history of American entertainment.