Rick Spalla; Travel Series Producer

Rick Spalla, 77, producer of travel series, commercials and segments for television specials. A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Spalla attended Ohio State University where he was a featured singer in its choral groups. After serving in Army Air Force Special Services during World War II, he moved to Hollywood to sing and work as a film extra. He completed his education at USC and moved into production. In 1957, he established Rick Spalla Video Productions, offering featured looks into the lives of Hollywood stars. Over the years he produced several segments for television specials on such entertainers as Jayne Mansfield, Humphrey Bogart, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry and Julie Andrews. Spalla also produced a number of adventure and travel series including “The Open Road,” “Vagabond” and “Holiday on Wheels” and shot commercials in exotic wilderness areas. His Hollywood Newsreel Library will remain an archive of Hollywood history. On Friday in Mission Hills.