Sir Cedric Hardwick the gifted actor is an example. Some committed suicide, some turned to drink, others changed profession, other's broke the law. Poor Burt Mustin. He meant well. He was childless, his wife had died then in 1971 our beloved TAGS player wrote "Tom. I just got a co-starring role on an upcoming series called The Funny Side." He hoped it'd be a hit. because he said he had bills to pay. Like all of us even character actors second bananas bit players have to pay bills. The Funny Side was a BOMB. Crushed, in need of money (these character actors from film-TV never made the money today's celebrities make) he was forced to in part seek out any TV roles offered to pay his bills. Old Jud didn't own his own home. The years of letter writing between him and I went on right thru his bout with cancer. Near the end JUD (Burt) wrote me after my last phone-call. Tom thanks for caring. Don't forget about me. I don't think I'll be around much longer." That tore me apart. He told me his last acting role was in an upcoming Phyllis episode and he wrote "I'm in bad shape, but I'm going out in style." My god, in hindsight rereading what these performers privately wrote me or told me by phone, its eerie. It's relevant fascinating a tearjerker but very real and human. Now 30 years later after his death, 20 20 hindsight, I can honestly say to myself Tom look at what you got here!! Anecdotes from these show business performers, their personal thoughts their opinions, their ups and downs. But, today's world of show business is sadly geared to the youth in all media, films television music etc. But here I can share some of their views in my posted messages. Someone out there in America has got to realize that I have a chunk of show business history at my disposal. It's not my fault I'm from another era that appreciated such underrated talent. Now, again, ill close the chapter. I stated my case, spoke up for these gifted artists but it's time to give you a chance to offer feedback if these revelations are of interest. Well They've been of interest to me since I started in 1965 with my collections. It goes without saying God Bless all of you. And God Bless all who are associated with TAGS/Col Tim I'm coming over. Move over Howard Sprague..Tom Kessel PS: I'm ready, be it one of you or all of you who may type in tomorrow "Hey Tom where have you been? WE know all about Joe Hamilton and we too heard about ..............being in Casablanca..Wake up and smell the coffee Tom..Read our past messages posted or read this book or that book, We fans know all about Joe Hamilton..You're not telling us anything we haven't already heard about.? Or with my luck you'll say "I didn't know his name..I didn't know he was in Casablanca." I can't' figure people out. " Who can Tom? Footnote: Make that 3 TAGS players who had a role in Attack of the Giant Leeches. George Cisar and Joe Hamilton had starring roles and Leo Lou "Comstock" Gordon actually wrote the script of this 1959 grade z Classic. It has the flavor of Mayberry in the film. No takers yet on Casablanca???.Well nothing ventured nothing gained. Risking being a bit morbid, as the years mount and I view what I've accumulated in 45 years, one small example is realizing Here is Jud from TAGS actually writing me telling me he is mortally ill and that this will be his last acting chore. It gives me goose-pimples but at the same time it makes me feel worthy to have Aunt Bee, Jud, Helen, Cyrus, Elmo, Clara Edwards and scores of others among my dearest friends. Yes it is Life imitating Art after all. I can sleep tonight . God Bless. Tom Kessel
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