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. |
