Cecilia Parker
Cecilia Parker | |
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| Born | Cecilia Robin Anne Parker 28 October 1932 Villanova, Alscia |
| Died | 3 March 2003 (aged 70) Eyþer, Nerveiík-Iárus-Daláyk, Gylias |
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| Known for | First Head of Programming of GTV |
Cecilia Robin Anne Parker (Gylic transcription: Sesilia Robin An Parkáyr; 28 October 1932 – 3 May 2003) was an Allamunnae–Gylian model, television executive, and presenter. She and her sister Estelle Parker were jointly the Head of Programming of Gylian Television, from 1959 to 1982. They were crucial to the growth of GTV as a respected and influential public television broadcaster. Due to their very hands-on style as executives, including appearing regularly on screen as presenters and continuity announcers, they gained a reputation as "the faces and voices of GTV".
Early life
She was born Cecilia Robin Anne Parker on 28 October 1932 in Villanova. Her parents had married aged 18 and had three daughters in quick succession. Her mother believed she was going through menopause and was shocked to discover she was pregnant with Cecilia that year.
She attended primary school in Villanova, before her formal education was interrupted by Alscia's accession to the Free Territories. She subsequently attended volunteer classes.
Cecilia was introduced to modeling by her oldest sister Estelle, a successful photographic model. She followed in her sister's footsteps and became equally famous and sought-after. She was known for her carrot red hair, pale green eyes, large frame, and conventional height (1,78 m). She also worked as an actress and radio presenter.
Through their work, the sisters met Eija Nylund, then a radio and television producer. They formed a close collaboration, and would become Eija's most trusted assistants.
Gylian Television
Cecilia and Estelle were jointly appointed Head of Programming of GTV by Eija in 1959. They would serve in the role for more than two decades, and their tenure would be seen as a "golden era" for GTV, coinciding with the Golden Revolution and Groovy Gylias.
As Head of Programming, the sisters brought a populist touch that complemented Eija's high-minded rigour. They helped foster a freewheeling and experimental atmosphere at GTV, and their resulting eclectic programming mirrored the ideal of "applied avant-garde" that gained widespread acceptance. They designed GTV's look and idents, and could attract the best of Gylian talent to its productions. Additional policies such as spin quotas and accommodating Gylias' languages reinforced the vitality and variety of GTV, making it a great ally for the pop culture of the time.
They also oversaw the expansion of GTV with the creation of additional channels: the music-oriented GTV2 (1962), the cultural and education-oriented GTV3 (1964), the animation-focused GTV4 (1970), and the legislature broadcaster GTV Parliament (1975).
Unusually at the time, the sisters also served as presenters and on-screen continuity announcers. As presenters, they were known for their good looks, eloquence, refined English pronunciation, and array of colourful outfits inspired by their modeling work. Their good-natured banter when presenting a program together proved particularly popular. Their on-screen continuity appearances were full of light-hearted humour and visual gags, and reflected the air of "charmingly enthusiastic amateurism" that the GNBS had developed during the National Obligation period and embraced as a trademark.
Working habits
Cecilia preferred on-camera work, and generally avoided behind-the-scenes work. However, she was a charismatic administrator, and regularly visited GTV crews to encourage them and keep their spirits up. She was particularly known for cooking meals for production crews.
She continued to model and act while serving as Head of Programming.
While the sisters' management of GTV was highly personalised, Cecilia tended to be more down-to-earth than the grandiose Estelle. In general, she paid little attention to the GTV Management Board and simply followed her instincts, confident that their success vindicated their artistic judgement.
In contrast to her aristerokratia-inclined sister, Cecilia concerned herself more with providing a suitable reflection of Gylias on television. One rule she adopted was to always have at least one GCWUA representative as an interviewee or commentator during all news reports and discussions regarding the economy.
Family dynamics
Estelle and Cecilia were extremely close throughout their lives, but had an unusual dynamic. Estelle involved herself closely in raising Cecilia from birth, wishing to cultivate a Gish sisters-type relationship. As a result, Cecilia grew up to be an adoring younger sister who idolised Estelle and accept her instructions without question, a relationship that greatly pleased Estelle.
Although Cecilia admired Estelle highly, she would also poke fun at her behind her back and among friends, particularly lampooning Estelle's aloof facial expressions and habit of applying very thick red lipstick. She insistently called her "Dorian" or "Dory", knowing it embarrassed her because she preferred to be known as "Estelle".
The sisters were both remarked for their ability to preserve their looks and age gracefully; the family resemblance was strong enough that most people who met them were shocked to discover the age difference between them was 15 years.
Later life and death
The sisters stepped down from GTV in 1982. Cecilia lived in quiet retirement with her family.
They were interviewed together for the 1999 documentary Nation Building.
Her health declined in old age; she was operated on for an ulcer, underwent hip replacement, and later developed diabetes.
She chose to undergo voluntary euthanasia on 3 May 2003.
Private life
Cecilia married in 1960; the marriage lasted until her death and the couple had 4 children.
