Indiana Gazette Online - Fabian to receive Harvey Award

Written by Bill Zimmerman, Gazette Staff Writer
Wednesday, 02 July 2008

The museum dedicated to one of western Pennsylvania's most beloved entertainers will again honor a big name from the eastern part of the state.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum announced this morning that a Harvey Award will be given to the Philadelphia-born, former teen idol Fabian, more than a month after giving a Harvey to another Philadelphia native, actress Grace Kelly.

The award will be given at a ceremony Oct. 24 or 25 at a venue to be announced.

Born Fabian Anthony Forte, he first appeared on "American Bandstand" in 1958 and would record several hits before turning 18, earning gold plaques (500,000 copies sold) for the songs "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger" and the album "The Fabulous Fabian."

Forte, 65, who lives in Fayette County, starred with Stewart in the 1962 film "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation" and 1965's "Dear Brigitte." Other film credits include "The Longest Day," "North to Alaska," "High Time" and "Ride the Wild Surf." He also made several appearances on television sitcoms and hosted two concert specials for PBS. In 1993, he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Informational Series as producer of the TV mini-series "The Wild West."

In 2000, the Philadelphia Music Alliance honored him with a star on its Walk of Fame, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002.

Forte still tours, and for 20 years has done shows with fellow Philadelphia natives Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell as The Golden Boys.

He is married to Andrea Patrick Forte, a former beauty queen and co-owner of the Patrick Talent Agency in Connellsville. The agency represents Fabian's The Original Stars of American Bandstand tour, which also includes Bobby Vee, The Chiffons, Brian Hyland and Chris Montez.

Indiana Gazette Online - Fabian to receive Harvey Award

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