Marlene Necheles

Clara Peller: an American Icon Marlene Necheles

"Clara?s words ?Where?s The Beef?? bring her to the attention of the American public. The media joins in. Newspaper reporters and T V. commentators begin to seek out Clara for interviews. She begins a fast-paced career representing Wendy?s throughout the country. Although inexperienced, Clara proves to be capable and resourceful.

Clara had roots in a Jewish shetl in Russia. Her parents, Judith and Wolf Swerdlove, had eight children. Wolf left Russia when he was being drafted for the second time. The family followed in waves, with the eldest children working hard to make immigration possible for the younger ones. The family was poor and uneducated, but managed to adjust to living in America. When she became famous and known to many, her family looked on in wonder and amazement.

Marlene Necheles, her daughter, tells a story of appearances on the Today Show and Merv Griffen. There were visits at famous restaurants and radio interviews. Clara becomes the voice of the elderly who are often ignored or neglected. The American Cattle Association invites Clara to their convention in D. C. and she almost gets to the White House. In countless other appearances Clara captures the love of the American public.
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