Those of you old enough to remember television from 1958 to 1964 know this famous phrase. Kookie parked cars at 77 Sunset Strip, the address of the Baily & Spencer Detective Agency. He eventually became so popular, the writers morphed him into a private detective as well. Kookie was known for his thick, wavy hair that he combed multiple times a day, sparking this signature line. From then on in real life he was forever known as Ed “Kookie” Burns.
I only bring up this memory to show you how one acting gig can make, or kill, a career.
Donna Douglas was forever Ellie May, wearing a bikini to swim in the cement pond.
Dawn Wells lived on as Mary Ann, the second hottest chick on Gilligan’s Island.
Ned Beatty, as wonderful a character actor as he was, will always be remembered with his pants down, bent over a rock squealing like a pig in Deliverance.
But people like me, the outliers of this business we call Show, have never had this type of stigma but challenges all the same. Quite the opposite. Whenever in public I am besieged by adoring fans mistaking me for George Clooney, asking for an autograph or to pose with me for a group selfie. And I have not the heart to disappoint the little people so I play along to give them their memorable moment.
It’s my selfless contribution to bring joy to the world.