Connie Porter’s space was a tribute to actor and artist John Deaven who used to be on “The Gong Show,” “Soupy Sales” and “Sonny and Cher.” ”He also had his own theater company in Hollywood called ‘John’s Place” said Porter, a specialist in Disney props. The paper Seven Dwarves, Wicked Witch, and Prince Charming, all theater props, went off to work for $75. His message hearts, signed and dated 1999, warmed up to $5 each. Porter also offered an animated jack-o-lantern sign that Deaven carried at the last writer’s strike before his death. Deaven died around five years ago, but his wife, Nancy, finally decided to clear out some of the house after sending their child off to UCLA. ”He had all kinds of movie props in his garage,” said Porter, adding that his widow cried as she helped load up some of his props into her van. She purchased the items on the second day of the estate sale held in early May. Along with props, olfferings at the Los Angeles estate included high end furniture, including a Chippendale vanity and highboy, Ronson elephants, lava lamps, 1970s German Olympics memorabilia, Bicentennial wood table lamps, and a huge collection of miniature hotel soaps.
