John Ritter and Flossie

[flossieskid]

As I stated in a previous post, most people think all actors know each other. But, it can be a joy when an actor you share one enjoyable performance with is your co-star in another and then even a third! That is exactly what happened with my Mom and John Ritter.
While I am a little unclear about the dates, I think they first met when they each were on “Kojak”. John was playing a thief and my Mom was a caregiver to the wealthy woman who had the jewelry John planned to steal. In another full circle moment, Kevin Dobson had not been hired as a series regular yet and was just a guest star and my Mom didn’t have any scenes with him. But, years later, I became a personal assistant to Kevin and his lovely wife Susan. They first lived, literally, 2 minutes away from me for several years, so I had a great commute! Then, they moved to Santa Barbara and they would pay me to drive up there (90 miles away) work for the day and then pay me for my drive back to LA. When they moved to Connecticut for a while, I had the “tough” job of staying in their beautiful oceanfront home while I closed up the house for them. Seeing gorgeous sunsets every night after watching dolphins frolic in the Pacific Ocean did not seem like work. I would have paid them! So, it was heartbreaking to me that Kevin was taken far too soon last November.
I think “Flossie” appeared in “The Waltons” before John’s Reverend, but I am not positive. The third time they appeared together was in the play “Our Town” at the Santa Barbara Theatre. His co-star was Sian Barbara Allen, who I think was dating Richard Thomas at the time. It was an amazing play. Those of you who have not seen it - each actor must pantomime ALL the activity of their character throughout each and every scene. So, when my Mom was preparing tea, she had to “pretend” putting on the kettle, lighting the stove, getting the cups down from the cupboard, etc. My Mom told me it was the MOST difficult acting work she ever did since you have to remember every single line of dialog, in addition, to each specific action of the character in the scene, while interacting with the other actors on stage. She said it was extremely challenging.
When my husband and I went backstage to see my Mom, that was when I first met John. He gave me a big welcoming hug and then said, “So Tracey, how did you like your Mom in the play? She was terrific, right?!” Of course my reply was “Absolutely!” My husband had never been to a lot of plays. In one scene, John has to fall on the grave of his special love and sob loud and convincingly. John was superb and my husband told John his performance in that scene was outstanding. He asked John, how in the world he could do that scene so incredibly well? John smiled and after saying “Thank you.” He continued, “It’s all in a day’s work!”
As we all know, John Ritter was an amazing talent and left this earth far too soon. But, as I have mentioned before, how lucky are we all to have years of reruns of “The Waltons” and other shows in which our favorite actors appear, so John, Kevin and my Mom are always just a rerun away and they can live in our hearts forever.

[Easton]

Truth be told, I had to Google Kevin Dobson. I had no idea who he was. (I was not a Kojak fan.) But I can see how terrible it must have been for you to have to work in that oceanside property. I mean, having to watch dolphins frolicking about.

I hadn't realised that Our Town was pantomimed. I just watched a bit of the first act on YouTube. It must have been a treat to watch it live on stage with John and your mother.

[flossieskid]

Loved your comments! Kevin was best known for “Knots Landing” where he played Michelle Lee’s husband after Don Murray left the show - you may have to Google them too! Kevin and Michelle won “Favorite Couple” on the Soap Opera Digest Awards 2 or 3 times! For the most part, I always enjoyed working for actors, except when the following would happen:

“Knots Landing” had between 7-9 recurring characters. One young, SUPER handsome Alec Baldwin started his TV career on the show playing Joan Van Ark’s brother. Very often, fans find out the agent for their favorite actor through SAG or they just send their autograph request to the actor in care of SAG. Then, SAG will forward it on to the actor or actress at their private home. Often, fans included a photo they bought or found and would ask the performer to sign the picture and send it back to them, almost always enclosing a stamped return envelope.

One devoted fan had a cast picture of everyone on “Knot’s Landing”sent out by the show’s publicity Dept.This person sent the photo to each star, asking if they would sign the photo (under their picture) and return it to them. Then, the fan would send it on to the next person for their signature and so on. Who knows how long this took for everyone to sign. Kevin was the last person to complete the autographed photo. Sadly, Kevin thought he was helping me and he just wasn’t thinking when he took out ALL the requests for signatures on photos and separated them from their return address - so I had utterly no way of knowing who sent the autograph request!! I searched and searched through all of the envelopes to see if there was any way I could determine who sent it. No luck! I felt SO incredibly bad for that fan, who had, painstakingly, sent this photo to be signed by each cast member. Kevin was only trying to help me, but sadly about 10 fans never got their photo back! Worst of all, they probably badmouthed Kevin for not returning it. He was the nicest, sweetest man and I hated that anyone would have ANY negative feelings about him. Needless to say, I explained to Kevin that he must NOT remove the photo from the envelope with the return address. He felt SO bad and we tried for hours, searching through his office and the house to see if we could find ANYTHING to connect the photo with an address. We never found anything.

Requesting autographs has, I think, gotten into a “business”. When I worked for family friends and actors John McIntire and his wife Jeanette Nolan, John would get several autograph requests sent directly to their Laguna Beach home. Where people got their home address in the late ‘90’s always surprised me since the internet hadn’t really flourished yet. But, people would send 3-5 blank index cards and ask for John’s signature and sometimes Jen’s, as well. But, a lot of people did not know they were married. I have a funny story about Jen and John when they were filming “The Virginian” series on the Universal Studio lot and one interaction with the studio tours’ tram.
Quite amusing - but that’s for another time.

John learned (not from me since I had no idea of this lucrative practice) that people would sell the index cards to other autograph collectors either through the mail or at autograph conventions. While John was always happy to sign a photo or return one autograph request, if someone sent several index cards John would just say, in his wonderful gravelly voice, “No one is making money off me today!” and he would throw them in the trash. I completely agreed! A fan is one thing, a hustler is another and no one should profit off someone else’s signature!

I would be interested to know the feelings of other Waltons fans: what is your reaction to fans selling actors’ signatures??

[patriciaanne]

I just love your stories, Tracey! I am pretty sure John Ritter and your mom were on the show during some of the same seasons, but perhaps not in scenes together. In fact, I'm sure of it because when Rev. Fordwick went on his honeymoon and asked John-Boy to pinch hit for him, Mrs. Brimmer and Cora Beth were being naughty, gossipy ladies and when John-Boy made a vague reference to their behavior from the pulpit, the blood drained from both their faces. 🤣

Personally, I would not sell any autographs I have, which aren't many. I think that's one reason why many stars prefer to put the person's name on the item that's being signed to make it a personal note, which then would have far less resale value.

Your job working for Kevin Dobson sounds like a dream job for sure. I can watch dolphins frolicking at my sister's place on the Gulf in FL, but I sure won't get paid for it. 😆

[Easton]

I have no problem with people selling autographs out of necessity, but to make a business out of it is a bit unethical, especially if they deal in volume.

I've never seen a single episode of Knots Landing but I know Michelle Lee. I remember her very well playing second fiddle to Volkswagen 'Bug' with a heart. Most recently, I've seen her on reruns of The Match Game with Gene Rayburn and crew.

[JessicaGirlSpy]

I don't have any autographs of anyone famous. I would love to have the actual signatures of Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, Charles Dickens, L.M. Montgomery, Amelia Earhart, Winston Churchill.........

[Easton]

I've seen Charles Dickens' autograph recently on a rerun of the UK Antiques Roadshow. Unless you knew what Charles' signature looked like, you wouldn't be able to read his name to know what it is.

[goodnight]

May 25, 2021 17:57:37 GMT -5 patriciaanne said:

I just love your stories, Tracey! I am pretty sure Job Ritter and your mom were on the show during some of the same seasons, but perhaps not in scenes together. In fact, I'm sure of it because when Rev. Fordwick went on his honeymoon and asked John-Boy to pinch hit for him, Mrs. Brimmer and Cora Beth were being naughty, gossipy ladies and when John-Boy made a vague reference to their behavior from the pulpit, the blood drained from both their faces. 🤣

Personally, I would not sell any autographs I have, which aren't many. I think that's one reason why many stars prefer to put the person's name on the item that's being signed to make it a personal note, which then would have far less resale value.

Your job working for Kevin Dobson sounds like a dream job for sure. I can watch dolphins frolicking at my sister's place on the Gulf in FL, but I sure won't get paid for it. 😆

John Ritter was in the scene where John Boy asks Flossie to read the German bible.

[flossieskid]

PatriciaAnne, thank you for your kind comments. Thought I would share that the name on my birth certificate is PATRICIA MARY. As Catholics, my parents were told they needed to name their children with a Saint’s name. Well, there is no St.Tracey, so I had to have Patricia on my birth certificate and baptismal record. I was born in New York, but consider myself a Californian having moved here when I was 2.

My parents called me Tracey from day one, but it became confusing with school records, the DMV and the Passport office. I just can’t remember how I got Tracey on all those other legal documents, but I did. When I recently needed my birth certificate for my passport, I sent a request to NYC Hall of Records. But, they said, since 9/11, they needed 2 documents with my birth name listed. But my birth certificate is the ONLY place which HAS my birth name printed on it!! Talk about a Catch-22!! They refused my request. I spent money for consults with lawyers in CA and NY, with no help. My cousin is married to Chris Cuomo, the brother of the governor of NY, Andrew. This all happened just before the pandemic and I figured the “Gov” had more important things on his plate than helping me get a copy of my darn birth certificate!!

Finally, the passport office asked me to send copies of my driver’s license, my SS card and letters from my husband and our adult children (odd, right?!?) stating I am who I say I am. Everything was sent and finally, I got my Passport with my right name “Tracey” on it. But then, we had nowhere to go due to Covid! But maybe soon, I hope we will travel once again.

So, the name Patricia has always been special to me. Going to Catholic school, I came across lots of : Patricias, Pattys, Pats, Tricias and Trishs. I hope you like your name. It is so pretty!

[Easton]

My younger sister's name was Patricia. Most people within and without the family called her 'Pat'. I never could. She always was and always will be 'Patricia' to me. I miss her greatly. She passed away very suddenly last November.

[Brenda]

My older sister’s name is Patricia Anne. We call her Pattie.

[tommyc]

My mom's name was Patricia Ann.  Most people called her Pat, close friends called her Patty and I called her mom 

I love reading your stories Tracey!  Keep them coming!  I'm envious of all the famous people you have met and known.  It's nice to hear how so many of those you met were kind and considerate.  All we hear these days are the negatives about celebrities.

I've always been interested in acting but never had the confidence to follow that dream.  Funny you mentioned Our Town because that is the only time I have ever acted.  In college, I was active in the theatre but always backstage.  For our production of Our Town, we were short actors and they convinced me to play Sam Craig.  I only had around 13 lines but I was terrified.  I remember opening night with my family and friends in the audience.  Terrifying but exhilarating.  I made it through the run without any mistakes, lol.

My only claim to knowing the rich and famous also comes from my time at the theatre in college.  We had a few amazing actors at the time and none better than Joe Russo.  He was the lead in several of our productions and I often watched in amazement from backstage at how good he was.  He and his brother went on to Hollywood and are usually described as the Russo Brothers.  They have produced and filmed some of their own movies but are best known for directing the Captain America movies.

Joe probably wouldn't remember me by name but he may remember me if I told him I was the guy who showed up at his house party smelling like skunk.  After a wrap on one of our shows we all went to a restaurant for some food and drinks.  Joe then invited us all back to his parents house to continue the party.  I remember it as a cold and rainy night.  I rode my motorcycle to Joe's house and on the way there, I hit a skunk.  When I arrived and told the story, everyone had a good laugh at that poor skunk's expense.

[patriciaanne]

May 25, 2021 20:51:54 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

PatriciaAnne, thank you for your kind comments. Thought I would share that the name on my birth certificate is PATRICIA MARY. As Catholics, my parents were told they needed to name their children with a Saint’s name. Well, there is no St.Tracey, so I had to have Patricia on my birth certificate and baptismal record. I was born in New York, but consider myself a Californian having moved here when I was 2.

My parents called me Tracey from day one, but it became confusing with school records, the DMV and the Passport office. I just can’t remember how I got Tracey on all those other legal documents, but I did. When I recently needed my birth certificate for my passport, I sent a request to NYC Hall of Records. But, they said, since 9/11, they needed 2 documents with my birth name listed. But my birth certificate is the ONLY place which HAS my birth name printed on it!! Talk about a Catch-22!! They refused my request. I spent money for consults with lawyers in CA and NY, with no help. My cousin is married to Chris Cuomo, the brother of the governor of NY, Andrew. This all happened just before the pandemic and I figured the “Gov” had more important things on his plate than helping me get a copy of my darn birth certificate!!

Finally, the passport office asked me to send copies of my driver’s license, my SS card and letters from my husband and our adult children (odd, right?!?) stating I am who I say I am. Everything was sent and finally, I got my Passport with my right name “Tracey” on it. But then, we had nowhere to go due to Covid! But maybe soon, I hope we will travel once again.

So, the name Patricia has always been special to me. Going to Catholic school, I came across lots of : Patricias, Pattys, Pats, Tricias and Trishs. I hope you like your name. It is so pretty!

Wow, I'm glad you were able to get your passport finally. That must have been a frustrating experience. I do like my name. Growing up, I was mostly "Trish." Then in high school I decided I would be "Pat." I don't know why because I prefer Trish. But Pat has mostly stuck. Sometimes I forget if people know me as Pat or Trish and that can be confusing. 😆 I'll have a momentary stutter as I say "Hi, this is...." I often wonder if the person I'm speaking with is asking themselves why I can't remember my own name. Lol

When my mother chose my middle name, she spelled it with an E on the end like Princess Anne. Maybe that's why I love horses. 😁 (Sadly not as talented an equestrian as she is.)

I'm glad the Catholic church has relaxed the rules on being named after a saint. I once knew someone named Melody and her middle name was Ann. The nun in school refused to call her Melody and would call her Ann instead. She came home in first grade and asked, "Mommy, why do you call me Melody?" Because that's your name, sweetheart. "That's not what Sister So and So says." Well...her mother went up to that school and raised holy heck and after that, Melody it was. ☺️

[patriciaanne]

May 25, 2021 19:21:58 GMT -5 goodnight said:

May 25, 2021 17:57:37 GMT -5 patriciaanne said:

I just love your stories, Tracey! I am pretty sure Job Ritter and your mom were on the show during some of the same seasons, but perhaps not in scenes together. In fact, I'm sure of it because when Rev. Fordwick went on his honeymoon and asked John-Boy to pinch hit for him, Mrs. Brimmer and Cora Beth were being naughty, gossipy ladies and when John-Boy made a vague reference to their behavior from the pulpit, the blood drained from both their faces. 🤣

Personally, I would not sell any autographs I have, which aren't many. I think that's one reason why many stars prefer to put the person's name on the item that's being signed to make it a personal note, which then would have far less resale value.

Your job working for Kevin Dobson sounds like a dream job for sure. I can watch dolphins frolicking at my sister's place on the Gulf in FL, but I sure won't get paid for it. 😆

John Ritter was in the scene where John Boy asks Flossie to read the German bible.

Of course! One of the best scenes in the series -- how could I forget!!!