I have enjoyed Tom Kessel's advice on how to approach, talk to stars.
Compliment them for their whole body of work, don't ask cliché questions etc.
That's how he got so many letters/interviews etc. with those great character
actors.
Hey Tom how about Norman Leavitt-Wally in a couple episodes. Ever correspond
with him?
I have a story that ties into that, and then I'll get back to our favorite
show. A year or so ago I flew into New Jersey on business, and driving a
rental car discovered how close to New York City I was. (I Could have gotten
sheet music for John Masters). So, one night I decide to take a train into NYC
to explore. I went to a train station near Rutgers University. As soon as I
board the train I saw a guy that looked familiar, but sounded even more
familiar so I sat behind him. As he continued to talk on his cell phone I knew
that I recognized the voice. (Trained Listener??) Finally I got the
confidence, when he hung up the phone to poke my head around and say. "You
were great in Breaking Away"
This was a movie that actor Paul Dooley had made 25 years or so ago. I
didn't even know his name but I knew his face and his voice. He invited me up
to sit beside him and we had a wonderful conversation on the 1 hour ride to the
city. He quoted a few of his favorite lines, and as luck would have it, he
said. "You know that my first big break as a father figure (he went on to play
fathers in several popular movies and on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm). He told
me how to get around the city, we discussed fatherhood, what his wife and son
were doing, movies that he was producing, how he filmed his role on the movie
"Slapshot" in one day. Just a wonderful human being, that appreciated me
having some knowledge of his work...so Tom, you're right on in your approach
I watched the Fred Goss Episode--Wedding Bells for Aunt Bee last night. I have
to say something that has probably been said many times before..what a
wonderful episode of family love. Andy and Opie were just classic together.
This is, of course, the one time that Andy's wife-Opie's Mom is mentioned. The
way Andy care's for Aunt Bee is priceless. It is a rare episode in that era
(season 2) without Barney and with a sober Otis. Those are the only main
characters unless you count Clara and of course Mr. Goss. (it also has a rare
peek into the washroom where Opie brushed his teeth). A timeless classic,
and example of how family members should bond together.
The Untrained Voice
Hey exciting news, With Allan's help, we will soon have a webpage on Character
Actor Joe Hamilton. His own flesh and blood, Richard Veit, has captured some
pictures for us of his appearances. Stay tuned!!
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