Q: Are any of the Dionne quintuplets still living?
—Mary Kitchen, Decatur
A: Annette and Cécile are the two living sisters of the first recorded quintuplets to survive infancy. The five sisters – Emilie, Yvonne and Marie were the others – were two months premature when they were born on May 28, 1934 in Corbeil, Ontario. The quintuplets combined to weigh 14 pounds and were not expected to survive, but they did and soon became wards of the state. A hospital, which included an observation window for tourists, was built across the street from their home, and became known as "Quintland." The quintuplets became international curiosities, attracting almost 3 million people, including many celebrities, from 1936-43, and their likeness was used in advertising for many brands. They appeared in movies and brought in millions in tourist revenue before returning to their family in 1943. They all moved out when they turned 18 in 1952. Emilie died of a seizure at age 20 in 1954 and Marie died of a blood clot at 35 in 1970. Annette, Cécile and Yvonne lived together near Montreal before Yvonne died from cancer in 2001.
Q: Can you tell me about the actress who plays Flo in the Progressive Insurance commercials? How much is she paid?
—Ray Prior, Newnan
A: Actress/comedian Stephanie Courtney plays Flo, the fictional spokeswoman for Progressive Insurance. Courtney, 44, graduated from Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y., before moving to Los Angeles. She's appeared in several commercials, TV shows and movies, including a recurring role on as a receptionist named Marge on "Mad Men" in 2007. Courtney earns $500,000 a year as Flo, according to published reports.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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