A long-time columnist at The Toronto Star, Lotta also wrote for the Globe and Mail, the CBC, and was the editor of Chatelaine. From local stories to interviews with prominent politicians, movie stars and members of the Royal family, her byline was a familiar friend to a whole generation of Canadians. Lotta Dempsey: The Lady Was A Star, a new biography by Lotta's daughter-in-law, Carolyn Davis Fisher, captures the warmth and irrepressible spirit of a journalist known as much for her nose for news as she was for her wonderful personal style.  Letters and anecdotes from colleagues like Herbert Whittaker, Michelle Landsberg and the late Gary Lautens, and from stars like Jack Benny, Victor Borge and Carol Channing, give readers a real sense of the woman who "opened up a woman's point of view to countless readers at an important time in their development".

About the book

Carolyn Davis Fisher channeled her creative energy for five years--drawing on personal knowledge, interviews, and extensive research--to commit to writing the human aspect in The Lady Was a Star.  

Readers will gain an insight into the scope of challenges faced by Lotta Dempsey, a trailblazing female writer whose search for a story inspires and still beckons. An excellent choice for information on female journalists in Canada, this biography reveals the personal sacrifices and joys of this exceptional writer and interviewer who was welcomed into the male-dominated field of journalism. It is recommended for those biography readers who ask, why do some succeed in life and others fail?

Lotta Dempsey was a true pioneer as a journalist, as an independent thinker, as a working woman, as a stimulating 
companion.  She was one of Canada's national treasures. No one better deserves a fine book about her.

				-Alex Barris, Broadcaster

It is with a feeling of affection that I recall many pleasant encounters with Lotta Dempsey.  Her warmth and 
devotion to the true meaning of reporting were inspiring, and seldom has a writer exhibited the interest and 
sensitivity with which she approached the persons whose accomplishments, attitudes, and emotions she conveyed 
through the media.  Lotta is thoroughly missed.

				-Victor Borge

Lotta was interested in all of the people of her community.

				-Don Cousens, 
       				Mayor of Markham

Lotta was tafl, bright, charming, and very classy.

				-Dave Broadfoot, 
  				Broadcaster

Ms. Dempsey had considerable influence on the Toronto Media Scene.  I commend Ms. Davis-Fisher for sharing 
"Loties" story with Canadians.
				- Maurizio Bevilacqua,
 				MP

Carolyn Davis Fisher, has shared with us the life of a great Canadian journalist, whose admirable traits will be
an inspiration to all.

				-Lorna Jackson, 
				Past Mayor of Vaughan

The author's dedication to the writing of Lotta Dempsey's biography is commendable.  Lotta's life touched and 
captured many hearts -creating memories that will inspire others to create their own.

				-Michael Di Biase
				Mayor of	Vaughan