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Florence LaRue, the original female member of The 5th Dimension.

Intelligent, beautiful, and talented are the words that are frequently used when describing glamorous Florence LaRue, the original female member of The 5th Dimension. Whether on stage performing, lecturing, or serving as a celebrity judge for the Miss Canada and Miss Universe Pageants, Miss LaRue juggles her roles as actress, entertainer, and humanitarian with the same electric perfection that she devotes to ballads such as "One Less Bell" which bears The 5th Dimension trademark. "I give my best to whatever I am involved with," explains the mother, teacher (She earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree from California State College.), and concerned citizen, who is also a six-time Grammy winning star.

The American Society of Jewelry Executives named Miss LaRue one of the ten most beautiful women in the world. When asked how she felt about being placed on a list beside such legendary beauties as Sophia Loren and Lena Horne, LaRue laughed. "Naturally I'm honored, but I truly believe that beauty comes from within. What I see when I look in the mirror is someone who tries to look her best and stay healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually."

On the personal side, Miss LaRue's interests include cooking, music of various styles (especially country, gospel, classical and jazz), reading (particularly biographies of show business personalities), charity work, her escalating acting career, and spending time with her three grandchildren.

The seed to her acting ambitions was nurtured when she appeared in the CBS movie of the week, "Happy" with Dom DeLuise. Performing in the national tour of Broadway's Tony award winning musical, "Ain't Misbehavin'" and then starring in the Toronto production of "Mo Magic" (held over by popular demand for three weeks), and the Calvary production of "More Magic," have all helped towards fulfilling Florence's dream of working in theatre. "It's exciting!" she says. "I moved to California to pursue a career in big screen movies, and these experiences bring me one step closer."

In the past, Miss LaRue has: co-hosted the Arthritis Telethon with Jayne Wyman, judged two segments of "Puttin' on the Hits," appeared as a celebrity guest judge on "Star Search," led the nationwide audience of "Hour Magazine" to fitness with a televised aerobic lesson, and has been a special guest on numerous television shows, including several appearances on "The Dale Evans Show," "The Today Show," "The Carol Lawrence Show," and numerous other Christian programs.

Never one to avoid challenges, it was Florence who initially embraced the cause of abused children as a charitable effort for the 5th Dimension. "Anything involving children has always been of special concern to me. When I made the other members of the group aware of the plight of neglected and abused children, they eagerly joined me in seeking help for this serious problem." Perhaps her background as an educator is partially responsible for the entertainer's concern for young people. Florence was graduated from college and received her teaching credential while performing as a member of The 5th Dimension. To her, education and spiritual guidance are two entities that will ultimately free suffering children and the emotionally conflicted parents who abuse them. "There are programs that can and do work," she explains, pointing to Olive Crest Home for Children in Southern California and The Ann Douglas Center in downtown Los Angeles, both of which she is actively involved.

When she recently traveled with a medical / evangelism team to The Gambia, West Africa, Miss LaRue gained such compassion for the people that she plans to continue mission work in Africa and other countries (including the United States!). She also has a great interest in Israel, where she has visited several times. Her trips to Jerusalem so moved her that she believes this is a journey everyone, no matter what his or her religion is, should take.

Florence LaRue has received many awards for her talent, community service, and beauty. In 1986, she was named Woman of the Year by The City of Hope, and received their prestigious Spirit of Life Award, which resulted in a research fellowship being established in her name for extensive study and treatment of gynecological cancer. She also founded and served on the educational committee of The Mid-City Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles. Florence's volunteer work includes working with the Special Olympics. Many of her community service projects are performed without publicity or fanfare.

Florence is rapidly becoming a sought-after speaker and lecturer, speaking to corporate companies, churches, and social groups on subjects from beauty to success.

As leader of The 5th Dimension, Florence accepts her responsibility with grace and style. "Leadership means more to me than being the featured vocalist or making major decisions. It means having patience and maturity, in reaching out to others, humbly listening and considering their suggestions, and helping them to reach their goals. I don't know whether or not I'll always live up to those expectations, but I do know that I will certainly work hard at it."

Although she plans to continue with The 5th Dimension, Miss LaRue is excited about the new direction her career has taken as a solo artist. She also plans to add two titles behind her name: After writing the lyrics to the beautiful ballad, "Say," recorded by "The 5th Dimension," Florence was inspired to continue her song writing. She is also in the process of writing a book and recording a solo CD.

For many years, Florence was an active member of the Church On The Way, in Van Nuys, California. She especially enjoyed singing in their gospel choir . While she is very grateful for the teaching and counseling of Pastor Jack Hayford while attending the Church On The Way, Florence was led to take that information and share it with "the community." She now attends Vision International Ministries in Inglewood, California, under the leadership of Bishop Peter Morgan, but retains her associate membership at The Church On the Way, occasionally ministering in music there.

Florence LaRue is clearly a star who shines for God. She is grateful to Him for the opportunity to speak and minister in the secular world through her music, writing, and acting, and for blessing her with success. Joyfully, she looks forward to what He has planned for her future.