My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page

by Shelley Herman

My Peacock Secrets Of An NBC Page is a funny, sexy, gossipy, celebrity-filled memoir with real-life, never-before-told stories. Set against the backdrop of NBC Burbank in the mid-70s, the Pages had VIP access to stars ranging from Johnny Carson to Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner to Andy Kaufman, Freddie Prinze to Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donald Trump, Johnny Cash, Harry Chapin and iconic legends including Bob Hope, Betty White, Elvis Presley, Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Alfred Hitchcock and many more. Oh, and then there's all the good sex! But, there are also stories of unwanted sexual advances made on the Pages, both men and women. The Page staff was like a show biz exclusive sorority/fraternity, and their friendships have continued for decades. The stories make this a good read for anyone hoping to enter the entertainment industry.


"A revealing and often delightful insider’s look at the heyday of network television."
- Kirkus Reviews

I think I'm safe in saying that at the age of 15, I was the youngest Page Boy ever hired at NBC in New York. My sister, actress Joann Dru, helped get my foot in the door for what turned out to be a life-changing job that started my career in the entertainment industry. Often when I was hosting The Hollywood Squares, I would see the Pages in the hallway and remember the lifelong friendships I made giving tours and ushering shows, friends including Match Game host Gene Rayburn. I think so highly of the NBC Page Program that I suggested it to my daughter, Jamie, who became a Page at NBC Burbank. Shelley's book brought back some great memories, and I read a few stories about what was happening around the studio I had never heard before.
- Peter Marshall, TV Host/Boy Singer
The Hollywood Squares


I was working at NBC during this era. I left my job as a Page at another network to write questions for the game show Celebrity Sweepstakes because NBC was the place to be. Shelley and her Page colleagues reveal never-before-told stories about what took place behind the peacock curtain, bringing readers into the little-known secret society they affectionately call Pagedom. They worked with all the biggest stars in their unguarded moments, witnessing behavior that would not and should never be tolerated in the workplace. They are a show biz Band of Brothers and Sisters who have remarkably remained close friends all these decades. No wonder many of them said it was the best job they ever had.
- Marc Summers
TV Host, Producer, Star of Double Dare, Unwrapped

I remember seeing Shelley in her little Page uniform while we were taping Wheel of Fortune. When you’re starting a brand new show, you find yourself looking for faces that reflect kindness. I had two in the audience – my mother and Shelley Herman with her infectious smile. Our friendship has continued through many of life's challenges. Reading My Peacock Tale brought back fond memories of my time at NBC Burbank, and Shelley’s spicy stories had me laughing and empathizing with her and what many women had to endure while building their careers. Just one Who's Jake?
- Chaplain Susan Stafford, Ph.D.
Original Hostess of Wheel of Fortune

I met Shelley The Page at an NBC Press Tour when I was writing for The Hollywood Reporter and ten years later, we were finally able to work together on a daytime talk show. I've been hearing these outrageous stories from her days as an NBC Page for years and I told her she should write a book already – so she did! The stories are a little bit sexy, sometimes shocking, and often hilarious. I can't wait to see a television series made from this book.

Genres: Memoir

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

Reviews

[Julie]

Interesting behind the scenes look at what it was like to be a Page at NBC in the 1970's. Lots of good stories from the author and from fellow Pages. Another reviewer criticized this book for what it wasn't (an autobiography, a life story, a memoir, a TV history) But if you read it and appreciate it for what it is, it is a fun read.

[Kathi Griffin]

Excellent Read!

If you love Hollywood and humor, this book is for you! Shelley Herman has a captivating style unlike any other author and her storytelling is stellar. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be intrigued by the behind the scenes stories of being a Page.

[Michele Walsh]

great read and lots of fun

Wonderful personal recollections and insights. A trip down memory lane for those of us of a certain age. This brought back a lot of lovely feelings and quite a bit of nostalgia.

[Jan]

My Peacock Tale: Secrets of an NBC Page by Shelley Herman was a fun and entertaining read. The author writes about her experience as a Page at NBC in Los Angeles in the late 1970s. A wonderful book for a fan of pop culture.

[Dustin Anderson]

Name droppers special

I don't get protecting a married executive that rapes you then calling out by name those who you don't agree with politically.