Here is another Rosie story for you. Get ready to laugh. The show asked me to be a mystery guest. Rosie put on a blindfold so she could not see who was coming out.
I was dressed in a round silver helmet and a long black robe. Once I took it off the audience started clapping and cheering. I danced a little and rolled on the floor. It went on for about a minute and a half. When I sat next to Rosie she said, “No one has ever gotten a response like you have.”
Rosie asked are you a woman? The audience howled. Are you an actor? And I said I said in a very deep voice. No. Then I began kissing her hands. As she was asking questions the audience couldn’t be contained. Are you a writer? In a different deep voice I said … Yes.. Are you Stephen King?. I did not laugh at all. Are you a singer? And I said. A little. She must have asked 20 more questions.
She finally said, “I give up I have no idea who you are.” I got up and kissed her on her cheek. Then I bent down and let her touch my hair. And she screamed “Richard Simmons!”
I also did the Vicky Lawrence Show. Carol Burnett was looking for someone to play her sister on the show. Many people tried out and Vicky Lawrence won. She went on to do another show with Ms B called Mama’s Family. When I did Ms L’s show we gave away a Cruise to Lose. On the stage was a massive dryer with all the names of the people that wanted to win. The dryer stopped and I reached in and picked out one name. I actually called her live on the show.
Ms L’s other guest was Nancy Sinatra. She was so petite. I am sure she was tired of singing These Boots are Made for Walking.
I also did shows like Good Morning America and the Today show. I met Diane Sawyer. She was like a Jackie O with blonde hair. I was a huge fan of her husband, Mike Nichols. he is now writing in heaven. He was the love of her life.
I met Katie Curic…Who could do the most serious interview with a smile on her face.
I first met Ellen at the William Morris talent agency. I walked up to her and said “You don’t know how famous you will become.” In a quiet voice she said thanks. When she got her award winning show she did not forget me.
I went straight to my dressing room and placed my things on the couch. I went to the bathroom to splash water on my face. Little did I know Ellen was.crouched down …she got up and screamed, “Boo!” I grabbed the towel bar in the bathroom and fell to the floor. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
On another visit to her show I had to tie my shoe string. I leaned on what I thought was a white wall. I leaned against it and it wasn’t a wall at all it was a piece of fabric. It bounced me right off of the fabric and I went flying. Ellen played it over and over again, laughing so hard that her stomach hurt.
On another show she asked me if I could help one of her staff members lose weight. After the show this man came into the dressing room and introduced himself. He said. “My name is David and can you help me lose weight?” I said, of course. I took out my Deal a meal program and explained it well. He came to my studio five days a week. The weight started dropping. He was shrinking right before my eyes. His clothes got smaller and smaller. When he got at goal Ellen invited him to come on the show with me and gave him a check to buy new clothes. David tried to start his own program and I wished him well.
Let me end today with a wonderful story. Ellen’s mother, Betty, who is as cute as she can be began coming to my studio to take classes. I am happy to report she is now 93 and loving life. To be continued…
