This is the last message in the Richard Simmons show saga. The first year I was on we were nominated for Emmy awards . We were up for several.
I wore a white shirt, black bow tie, and a tux coat with tails. I decided not to wear trousers. I wore black and white stripped leggings that came to my knee. Nancy Simmons won an Emmy for doing my costumes, wigs, and make up. I remember her going to the stage to accept her award.
She told the audience that she could not believe this award and told them I was a nice man to work with but sometimes I drove her crazy. Next award was for best daytime show. I was up against a lot of competition. Then the host announced …. The Richard Simmons show. Woody and his wife Nora came to the stage and each accepted an Enmy.
Woody just said thank you. But his wife Nora said …..Richard come here and join us. The Richard Simmons Show is nothing without you. I ran up and joined them. Nora put her arms around me and said to everyone. “This man is genuine, talented, and funny.” And, she handed me her Emmy. I was up for best host but I didn’t get it. Phil Donahue got it. I am sure he had a room filled with Emmys.
A week later an Emmy in a fancy box was delivered to my home. I went in my living room, sat on the couch and just looked at this amazing award. I have it here right on the table. Sad story…once I dropped it and it has a little dent. But that’s ok.
At the same time I was taping the Richard Simmons show I did an evening variety show called Here’s Richard. This was all about doing skits.
When I was a waiter I met one of the most creative and imaginative men …Mr. Dick Clark. He was handsome and very soft spoken. Mr C created American Bandstand . He had Barry Manilow write the theme. I saw Mr M in Las Vegas once. He was brilliant. I went backstage to see him and couldn’t get enough courage to walk up and say hi.
Mr Clark did a hysterical skit with me. He was dressed as Sonny Bono and I was dressed as Cher. In the middle of I got you babe, I became Sonny Bono and yes…. Dick Clark dressed as Cher. I don’t think he ever did anything like this before.
My next guest was Sammy Davis Jr formerly of the Rat Pack. Mr Davis came in with his wife Altovise. She was so adorable and wore magnificent jewelry. Who could forget Mr Davis hit song Candy Man. I don’t know why but his costume was a bright orange carrot. He was so gracious.
On another show I had Tony Geary from General Hospital. I was dressed as an agent wanting to represent him.
Woody had a….. wandering ….eye. After his divorce from Nora, which left her tearful, he married one of the writers in the show Noreen. Talk about a soap opera.
Woody got sick and had to go into the hospital and Noreen asked me to visit him. I said to myself. “No way even though he is laying in bed he may try to choke me again.” lol. I spent time with him and wished him a speedy recovery.
Many years ago I bumped into his son from his first marriage…Who was as kind as kind can be. Last week I was honored to talk to Nora. We talked about old times and wept a little. Woody is now 90 years old. His life took many twists and turns and I still wish the best for him.
Love,
Richard
