Directly on the heels of the shock and dismay of hearing of Don Knotts passing, we find we have lost two more long standing stars of stage, screen and television.
For myself, I could barely contain my tears as I wrote about Don Knotts passing in the wee hours yesterday. I broke down again this morning as I watched Andy Griffith's interview on the Today show, as he spoke about his long time friendship and work with "Barney", or as he called him, "Jessey", but for me I will always think of his portrayal of Barney Fife, Andy's deputy on his show. And then, I heard about Dennis Weaver, who played Chester on "Gunsmoke", and it gave me pause to note that Dennis was also 81 years old, and also passed on Friday, in Colorado. Beyond that, there were other ways in which I would be inclined to think fondly of the both of them, because they had some things in common.Both went on to make some memorable movies, and had their own share of independent fame, but never made much of themselves as far as "Going Hollywood." But before I finish that thought, there is another wonderful actor who has gone on to his reward. Darren McGavin, also another fine actor in his own right, passed away on Saturday, at the age of 83, also in Los Angeles. Darren will always be remembered by me for his "Night Stalker" series,to which I was a constant devotee. Perhaps it is bad form for me to lump them together like this, and for those of you who liked one, but not the other two, and feel that he deserved his own remembrance by this writer, I am sorry, but for me they were all so good in their chosen profession, and since the good Lord chose to call them home at the same time, I cannot help but feel it was for a specific reason that He did so, and has laid it upon my heart to point it out, knowing deep inside, that, very probably, no one else will.
Of these three wonderful men, no breath of scandal ever touched their names. No mention was ever made of drinking and carousing with women other than their wives.No drug problems. Nothing. Wherever they went, whomever they worked with, someone will now come forth and say, "He was a wonderful guy. Everybody loved him. We are all so sad that this has come to pass, and he will be missed."
At a time when the entertainment industry is rocked with rumors and scandals on a daily basis, three actors of long standing, with impeccable reputations,fall now, passing the torch...to WHO?
The question echos through the halls of eternity, and there doesn't seem to be any answer.But,there is hope, so time will tell.
Don, Darren, Dennis, may flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest!
(Oops! You don't suppose God is going Alphabetically, do you?)
OUI?
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