One is Judy Norton, who played oldest daughter Mary Ellen Walton on The Waltons, that aired Thursday nights on CBS in the 1970s.
I just love her--she does a LOT of reminiscing about her years on the show, and of the 6-7 times I've written her, I've gotten great responses every time.
Another channel I came across recently was a podcast hosted by a couple different guys, Ike Eisenmann (pictured above) and Moosie Drier. Ike did lots of guest spots on 70s television, and costarred with Kim Richards in the Disney flicks Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain. Moosie played John Denver's son in the 1977 movie Oh God and Howard Borden's son on The Bob Newhart Show.
I know, I know--we're not exactly talking big or famous actors here. But they're both in their early sixties now (like me) and I just feel a connection to them. I enjoy hearing them reminisce, and they help me remember those years with great fondness.
Anyway, the reason I'm even sharing all of this is because during a recent podcast, Ike was admitting to feeling envy today at other child actor's resumes back then, and Moosie said "But they've never had a documentary made about them." Ike admitted it was very flattering.
I looked it up, watched it last night and enjoyed it very, very much. Filmmaker Dion Labriola, 60 years old, knew very early on what he wanted to do in life. Draw monsters and make films about them. And then one day in a teen idol magazine belonging to his sister, he saw an interview with Ike Eisenmann who said he enjoyed drawing things like spaceships and monsters, and hoped to do it professionally someday.
(For the record, as my family and friends well know, I also did lots of drawings of spaceships and monsters back then. So I really related to this pair.)
Dion became obsessed with Ike and began writing him VERY detailed fan letters of how they should meet, become friends, collaborate on projects, become rich & successful. Sadly, Ike never saw any of these letters until many years later, when both were middle aged.
It's still a great story though, and a wonderful documentary. And you can watch it for free on the PBS app. The End!
Well, you’re out of my comfort zone. Indeed, out of my knowledge zone.
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard of “The Waltons” but never watched it (nor am I planning to do so).
I’ve not heard of those “Witch” films, but I did see “Oh God” (once) and I certainly watched “The Bob Newhart Show” (and his second program). I don’t remember the characters you talked about.
I guess I’m not the demographic you’re trying to reach, but I thought I’d toss my two cents in (probably more tike $20 these inflationary days).
Haha thank you Peter, I didn't think you would know these gentlemen but I still appreciate your input as always. Always enjoy what you have to say like I do with these two fellows. Many times I didn't know the composers and artists in your Sunday music columns, but I still enjoyed reading them just the same! 👍🙂
DeleteVery interesting. I'm not familiar with any of these folks but I have a friend who corresponds with some actors from old tv shows so you're certainly not alone! I'm personally watching old Boyce & Hart videos (the original voices behind the Monkees.) Bobby Hart recently died and that got me started.
ReplyDeleteBobi, no... omigosh how did I not know this? I know all about Boyce and Hart, loved their music for the Monkees and their own. Thank you for sharing, can't believe Bobby Hart is gone. 😔
DeleteI loved the Waltons and watched every episode of it! I think it's wonderful to gain perspective and stories about child actors, all grown up. They lived such a different life from us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, that was nicely said. And I do love those Waltons. 🙂
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