Leta Powell Drake Actress, Writer, Producer Kalamity Kate on The Cartoon Corral

Bio:
This month’s guest made a fresh name for herself when a compilation of her celebrity interviews went viral via Twitter last November. Many have said her bold, brash interview style was legendary for its time, as she interviewed stars like Carrie Fisher, Tim Curry, and Tom Hanks.

Join us next Monday to meet her (on Zoom) & hear how this Cornhusker made her mark! And how Johnny Carson himself dubbed her, “Leta of Lincoln.”

LETA POWELL DRAKE is an actress, writer, producer, and perhaps best known to Nebraskans as KALAMITY KATE, the television personality from CARTOON CORRAL (1967-1982). With an over 70-year professional television career, she was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and has acted in over 100 plays and two films.

She moved to Lincoln in 1960 for her post graduate studies, and it was at that time that she began working for KLIN Radio and KOLN-TV. Notably, she produced the 10/11 Morning Show for 25 years, interviewing more than 1,000 movie and TV celebrities, humanitarians, and two presidents, and boasts more than 10,000 television shows hosted and produced during her career.

Notably, she has her pilot’s license, and flew the F-4 jet with the Blue Angels. When the pilot found out she had her pilot’s license, he allowed her to take the controls! She also flew in the All-Women’s Transcontinental Air Race and twice placed in the top ten.

She spent three years writing THE CALAMITIES OF KALAMITY KATE, which looks back and reflects upon her work during the Golden Age of television. Drake is known for her work to help those suffering from muscular dystrophy, and has been awarded numerous honors for her work both on and off of the silver screen.

Leta is currently hosting LIVE AND LEARN, a daily TV show for seniors which airs on three local channels, including Channel 5 City TV.