Daughter of 70’s Sitcom Star Puts Spotlight on Books

Nov. 6, 2008 - PRLog -- (Hampton, GA) - If you were a fan of the late Fred Berry, who played the lovable character “Rerun” on “What’s Happening”, then you’re going to fall head over hills for his daughter Portia Berry Allen.  Not only is Allen the spitting-image of Berry, but she embodies his energy, upbeat spirit and gregarious nature.  It’s these attributes and Allen’s own unique talents that have enabled her to successfully find a niche on the internet airwaves.  
   
Allen’s show titled “Lady Rerun”, in honor of her father’s memory, launched in June 2008, airs Mondays and Tuesdays 11:30 pm – 1:30 am est. and can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/reruns-daughter.  Listeners are treated to a variety of interesting and out-of-the-box topics ranging from Allen’s “12-step Program to Cure Haters” to interviews with musical performers.  In October, Allen declared Tuesday, October 21, 2008, “Rerun Day” to celebrate the life and career of her father who passed away five years ago on that very day. Allen invited family, friends and former co-workers of Berry’s to call in with stories and reflections about her dad.
   
Although a parent herself, Allen is very much still a daddy’s girl.  She erupts into giggles when told she looks and laughs like Berry.  Her love for her father is apparent.  “I want to keep his memory alive,” Allen says as she lovingly gazes at one of her favorite photographs of Berry.  “Portia wants to follow in her father’s footsteps,” Allen’s mother added.  
   
Allen admits that those are some large footsteps to follow. However, she says she’s excited about the direction her show has been going.  “I am now focusing more on authors.  I’m an avid reader and I just love books and the people who write books. Most authors have very colorful backgrounds and I like delving into their lives,” Allen says with an exuberant laugh. Allen says she excited about a new book she’s reading called “Daughter Denied,”  http://www.daughterdenied.com.  “It’s a family drama/coming-of-age story about a 7-year-old named Tina.  She goes to hell and back but comes out victorious.  It’s inspired by the author’s childhood,” Allen added.  Allen is slated to interview first time author, Alretha Thomas, on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 8:30 pm pst./11:30 pm est.  “I can’t wait to speak to Ms. Thomas. I haven’t been able to put “Daughter Denied” down. It’s well written, riveting, and a page turner and has all the makings of a bestseller. The novel, released in May 2008, has gotten a lot of positive attention in a short period of time. It’s no wonder. It’s a great book,” Allen said.
   
Thomas shares Allen’s enthusiasm as she recalls speaking to Allen for the first time.  “I am always open to doing interviews and was pleased when I got a message from Portia.  I called her and I was immediately taken with her upbeat spirit.  Portia’s spirit is so vibrant that her words are melodic.  We were about half way through the conversation when she mentioned to me that Fred Berry was her father. That explained it all,” Thomas said with a laugh.
   
Portia plans to interview more authors as her show moves into 2009. However, like her father who was also a comedian and dancer, Portia has many talents, including modeling. In addition to her radio show she is foraying into the world of plus size modeling.  “Why not?” Portia exclaimed.  “Life is short.  We have to seize the moment.”