I want to thank Joe for forwarding this belated message that I sent in several days ago. Tom Kssl (just some automated editing folks or Tom's hard work JG) I went on the internet today after reading today's messages posted and I find it interesting that Jonny Coons was born in Lebanon Indiana having died in 1975 .He had his 15 minutes of fame in the mid 50s with his own kiddy show but quickly faded. And I can't yet find anything on Tom Jacobs. Talented, gifted, and all still no luck .The internet websites-links may not offer us much data on you but Tom your value as a person and performer always increases your worth!! We salute you. It breaks my heart when I think of what Herbie Faye said and Dick Ryan wrote when they commented "You remember me?" and "Thanks for remembering me." what humility what human decency in these superb performers who sat by the phone like so many others waiting day in day out to get that casting call to report to the TV or film studio to put in a few days work for what might be a godsend or an insult to play in a thankless meaningless role. No, nothing Dick or Herbie ever did was anything to be ashamed of when you realize in the end they brought moments of sheer joy a smile and a tickle to the funny bone. Andy Griffith, I assure you, who had his hand and rightly so had the final say in casting Hope Summers told me. His decency as a man is evident is his concern for the welfare of our beloved Howard McNear is one example say for instance with the makeshift board they assembled on the set to accommodate his gifted beloved actor after his tragic stroke. Joe Hamilton, Dick Ryan, Tom Jacobs, Mr. Schwamp as well and others who did what they must had thought was an unhappy or meaningless chore by doing little more than a walk on did much more than that, they got their creative juices flowing, that drive that motivation up and running known TAGS called . They're back in the harness, small as the role is, and every trivial bit part paid the month's rent. Imagine folks and sadly all of this true, these gifted TAGS performers .I'm referring only to bit parts, cameos walk-on, now, not the regular series performers, all waited by the phone for years and years waiting to get that call to report to the studio. To not get that call, you're cutting off the flow of talent we fans want to see. Thank God TAGS can rest on its laurels supplying the American audience with the best money can buy. To put life into a 5 second scene may put food on that actors table, thankfully, but it gives him his day in the sun to know someone out there hasn't forgotten him. I got stories first hand from some of the most beloved famous top rated character actors known all over the world and a number of them privately told me the heart-wrenching story of a Hollywood that is passing them by. To not get that "call" due to changing of times or whatever is a crushing blow to an actor's ego. 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
_______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
