Rick Dees built a global broadcast empire by turning personality into scale. His flagship program, “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40,” became one of the most widely syndicated radio shows in modern history, reaching tens of millions of listeners across the United States and more than a hundred countries. The show’s footprint extended far beyond traditional airwaves, airing on international networks, naval fleets, and military channels, establishing Dees as a consistent voice embedded in everyday life across continents. His signature blend of satire, character voices, and rapid-fire humor created a format that audiences could instantly recognize and return to week after week.
His reach wasn’t confined to radio. Dees crossed into film with a notable role in La Bamba, where he portrayed Ted Quillen, a figure tied to the early rise of Ritchie Valens. The performance added a visual dimension to a career largely defined by voice, reinforcing his versatility within the entertainment ecosystem.
Outside the spotlight, Dees channels his creativity into culinary craft. A committed pastry enthusiast, he authored “Rick Dees All-Time Top 40 Greatest Desserts,” a cookbook that reflects both discipline and playfulness—mirroring the tone of his broadcast work. The project also carries a philanthropic edge, with proceeds directed toward The Salvation Army, aligning his personal pursuits with broader social impact.
Blanca Blanco is an American actress who was born and raised in Watsonville, California, along with two sisters and two brothers, by Mexican immigrant parents who worked multiple jobs to support them. At the age of nine, her family relocated to Chelan, Washington, where she began taking acting and singing classes and organizing theatre performances in between her studies.
Her first major role was in the 2008 feature film Dark Reel (2008) opposite Edward Furlong. Notable on screen credits include Bullet (2014) opposite Danny Trejo, Anatomy of Deception (2014), Crimes of the Mind (2014), Defending Santa (2013) (ION), and Bermuda Tentacles (2014) (Syfy). Her films Teen Star Academy (2016), 6 Children & 1 Grandfather (2018), and Mission Possible (2018) each premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. Recently released films include Fake News (2017), Betrayed (2018), and Torch (2018). In 2018, she began filming The Dog of Christmas (2021).
In 2016, Blanca received the Arido Award for her contribution to the film industry.
Blanca is a supporter of the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, AIDS Society, The Salvation Army, and Step Up, and has worked as a counselor for End of Life hospice patients.