Walter Brennan

[Mark Giardina]

Perhaps this topic should be under another category, but I was wondering if anyone could put to rest the rumor that Walter Brennan (Real McCoy's -Guns of Will Sonnett) refused to work with African-American actors?

The reason I find this hard to believe is that on Brennan's series, The Real McCoys, he did work with a Latino actor and from everything I've read they both got along famously.

 

[Carmine5]

An actor doesn't work in some 70 motion pictures plus a hit TV series with that kind of thinking. Of course, the majority of his work was in Westerns which rarely if ever had black characters or actors in them. But these films frequently did cast Hispanic and Native American actors and, as you observed, Brennan had no problem working with them. Plus, in the Western, "The Proud Ones", Richard Deacon, who was gay, was cast as a barber and, here again, Brennan seemed to have no problem working with him either.

So I would have to say that this rumor about Walter Brennan's phobia of black actors is false.

 

[Tom Wells]

I don't feel this rumour is true either. I hear too much understanding in the recorded works of Walter to accept this.
Given the days and times he lived in, I might expect some troubling beliefs or attitudes he may have exhibited,
but these would have been in context with the (slowly) growing understanding of the times, and many people have for various
reasons over the years espoused views they "grew out of".

Some folks spend their whole lives unloading "baggage" given to them by previous generations.

 

[LKellerIII]

I don't believe Brennan refused to work with African-American actors, but he was well known as early as the 1960s for being ultra-conservative, politically. He also had a reputation - at least in his later years - for being temperamental and mean.

A friend of mine was a waiter in a restaurant Brennan frequented after his retirement. He told me that Brennan could be unpleasant, and liked to order him and the other wait staff around like they were his personal servants. My friend was white.

But if you put those two things together (conservative and mean), that may explain why he got a reputation as a racist.

 

[FreddyE1977]

A friend of mine was a waiter in a restaurant Brennan frequented after his retirement. He told me that Brennan could be unpleasant, and liked to order him and the other wait staff around like they were his personal servants.

My uncle was in charge of maintenance for a large hotel where many celebrities stayed.
According to stories he told, around 2/3 of them would have fit this description, regardless
of race, gender or political persuasion.

 

[FRR]

I don't believe Brennan refused to work with African-American actors, but he was well known as early as the 1960s for being ultra-conservative, politically. He also had a reputation - at least in his later years - for being temperamental and mean.

A friend of mine was a waiter in a restaurant Brennan frequented after his retirement. He told me that Brennan could be unpleasant, and liked to order him and the other wait staff around like they were his personal servants. My friend was white.

But if you put those two things together (conservative and mean), that may explain why he got a reputation as a racist.

Newsflash: Just because someone is ultra conservative in his/her political views does NOT make them a racist. This liberal hogwash needs to be put to rest.

 

[therealjm12]

Newsflash: Just because someone is ultra conservative in his/her political views does NOT make them a racist. This liberal hogwash needs to be put to rest.


I have read this thread over a couple times. I haven't found any indication that a statement was made that ultra conservatives are necessarily racist.

No one ever accused Ronald Reagan or Barry Goldwater or any of the present Republican extreme right wing candidates running for President now as being racists. As far as show biz goes, John Wayne and John Ford were right wingers but they both seemed to go out of their way to respect diversity. Two men that I admire.

 

[LKellerIII]

Newsflash: Just because someone is ultra conservative in his/her political views does NOT make them a racist. This liberal hogwash needs to be put to rest.


I have read this thread over a couple times. I haven't found any indication that a statement was made that ultra conservatives are necessarily racist.

No one ever accused Ronald Reagan or Barry Goldwater or any of the present Republican extreme right wing candidates running for President now as being racists. As far as show biz goes, John Wayne and John Ford were right wingers but they both seemed to go out of their way to respect diversity. Two men that I admire.

Thank you. All I said was - between Brennan's ultra-conservative politics and the apparent fact that he was a mean old bastard, people might have inferred that he had racist tendencies. I did not mean to imply that this meant he was racist, or to spread any "liberal hogwash."

A friend of mine was a waiter in a restaurant Brennan frequented after his retirement. He told me that Brennan could be unpleasant, and liked to order him and the other wait staff around like they were his personal servants.

My uncle was in charge of maintenance for a large hotel where many celebrities stayed.
According to stories he told, around 2/3 of them would have fit this description, regardless
of race, gender or political persuasion.

Maybe hotels are different - but that's not my experience. In my youth, I worked in a Westwood (LA) restaurant that catered to rich people, including celebrities. Years later, I owned a business in wealthy Marin County (Bay Area) that a lot of celebrities frequented.

I didn't find that the actual celebrities were any more demanding or rude than normal non-famous rich people. If anything, they tended to be unassuming - perhaps because they were concerned about their public image. More than a few times, I was unaware that they were famous until one of my employees said, "do you realize you just helped <so and so>." Some were very down to earth and pleasant to talk to.

 

[SfanGoch]

I didn't find that the actual celebrities were any more demanding or rude than normal non-famous rich people. If anything, they tended to be unassuming - perhaps because they were concerned about their public image. More than a few times, I was unaware that they were famous until one of my employees said, "do you realize you just helped <so and so>." Some were very down to earth and pleasant to talk to.

Heh, you obviously never dealt with Patti LaBelle. I was a concierge at the Lowell Hotel, on E.63rd St. in Manhattan; and, she was staying there with her entire entourage of miserable syncophants during July/August 1987. It was a toss up as to who was worse, LaBelle or her personal assistant. The PA handed over a 40 page rule book on how we were to conduct ourselves in LaBelle's presence. The funniest was that we were not to make eye contact with this bloated diva. Everyone on the staff (management included) ignored most of the provisos, especially this. It drove her crazy. Tom Hanks and Shelly Long were also guests during that same period. They were filming "The Money Pit" out on Long Island. Tom Hanks is truly an unpretentious, down-to-earth guy. He was always talkative, friendly and even took the guys to Tommy Makem's Irish Pavillion, among other places, for drinks. Shelly Long, on the other hand, was Diane Chambers. She pretty much tied Patti LaBelle as most annoying yenta.

 

[LKellerIII]

I didn't find that the actual celebrities were any more demanding or rude than normal non-famous rich people. If anything, they tended to be unassuming - perhaps because they were concerned about their public image. More than a few times, I was unaware that they were famous until one of my employees said, "do you realize you just helped <so and so>." Some were very down to earth and pleasant to talk to.

Heh, you obviously never dealt with Patti LaBelle. I was a concierge at the Lowell Hotel, on E.63rd St. in Manhattan; and, she was staying there with her entire entourage of miserable syncophants during July/August 1987. It was a toss up as to who was worse, LaBelle or her personal assistant. The PA handed over a 40 page rule book on how we were to conduct ourselves in LaBelle's presence. The funniest was that we were not to make eye contact with this bloated diva. Everyone on the staff (management included) ignored most of the provisos, especially this. It drove her crazy. Tom Hanks and Shelly Long were also guests during that same period. They were filming "The Money Pit" out on Long Island. Tom Hanks is truly an unpretentious, down-to-earth guy. He was always talkative, friendly and even took the guys to Tommy Makem's Irish Pavillion, among other places, for drinks. Shelly Long, on the other hand, was Diane Chambers. She pretty much tied Patti LaBelle as most annoying yenta.

I've heard stories about Patti LaBelle that confirm your story - I've even heard that she could become physically violent when she didn't get her way. Perhaps celebrities in hotels are different - staying at least overnight and expect total servitude? My experience is with a restaurant, and later a video store in a rich neighborhood, so our interactions with these people were more brief. Of all the celebs that came in, the nicest was John Astin, John Carpenter (big director at the time), and his wife - Adrienne Barbeau. George Lucas had a house nearby and came in a few times, and was not so much friendly, as just unassuming and quiet.

There were only two a**holes I can remember - the first was Jerry Lewis, and I read later that it was a bad time in his life due to chronic pain (supposedly back pain from all those comic prat-falls) and prescription drugs to treat the pain. So looking back, I tend to give him a pass. The other a**hole was German actor Klaus Kinski - one of the most unpleasant people I've ever met...and I think he was not well, mentally. I also recall that he had the worst fitting dentures I've ever seen on a human being, and I wondered why a wealthy actor couldn't afford better. He drove a giant Mercedes, and would pull away from our store peeling rubber and cutting off other cars coming down the street...a real nut job.

 

[LKellerIII]

Posted twice - second one deleted. Sorry.

 

[SfanGoch]

I've heard stories about Patti LaBelle that confirm your story - I've even heard that she could become physically violent when she didn't get her way. Perhaps celebrities in hotels are different - staying at least overnight and expect total servitude? My experience is with a restaurant, and later a video store in a rich neighborhood, so our interactions with these people were more brief. Of all the celebs that came in, the nicest was John Astin, John Carpenter (big director at the time), and his wife - Adrienne Barbeau. George Lucas had a house nearby and came in a few times, and was not so much friendly, as just unassuming and quiet.

There were only two a**holes I can remember - the first was Jerry Lewis, and I read later that it was a bad time in his life due to chronic pain (supposedly back pain from all those comic prat-falls) and prescription drugs to treat the pain. So looking back, I tend to give him a pass. The other a**hole was German actor Klaus Kinski - one of the most unpleasant people I've ever met...and I think he was not well, mentally. I also recall that he had the worst fitting dentures I've ever seen on a human being, and I wondered why a wealthy actor couldn't afford better. He drove a giant Mercedes, and would pull away from our store peeling rubber and cutting off other cars coming down the street...a real nut job.

I also worked as a concierge at Trump Tower (hey, between the two gigs, I was able to retire in 2001 ) and one of the residents was the late Joe Smith, former President of Capitol Records. One day, we were discussing different musicians and entertainers. Lewis' name came up. He told me that Lewis treated anyone outside his circle, meaning everyone who qualified as a peon, like s**t. Joe asked me if I ever saw "The Nutty Professor". I laughed and replied, "Who hasn't?" "Well," Joe said, "Buddy Love was Jerry being himself. Why do you think he pulled it off so brilliantly?"

One of the jerks-in-resident was was pop music's answer to Tatoo, Paul Anka. He was the consumate a-hole. He acted like he was a a pint-sized mafioso. He didn't want anyone to even address him with a "Good morning, Mr. Anka". One of the new elevator operators had the nerve to ask nim, "How are you today, sir?" and the little creep flipped out. "Do you really give a f**k about how I am today?!? Let me f***ing tell you something. Today, like yesterday was and like every tomorrow will be, is far better than what you can possibly look forward to, kid. Don't ever forget that. Does that answer your stupid f***ing question?" Effin' loser.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

There were only two a**holes I can remember - the first was Jerry Lewis, and I read later that it was a bad time in his life due to chronic pain (supposedly back pain from all those comic prat-falls) and prescription drugs to treat the pain. So looking back, I tend to give him a pass.

Dean Martin on the other hand was the complete opposite. Many years ago my wife and I were staying at a hotel in Las Vegas where Martin was performing. As we got on the elevator from our room to go have dinner who gets on the elevator at the next floor but Dean Martin. He smiled at both of us, asked our names, and inquired if we were having a nice time and shook our hands before he left. A few minutes of kindness endeared both of us to this man.

Another true gentleman was the late Telly Savalas. I was on a business trip for my company in California and saw Mr. Savalas having dinner with friends at a restaurant. Being a fan of Kojak I went up to the table to say hello. Instead of being told to get lost, Mr. Savalas rose from the table, shook my hand, and thanked me for watching the show (Kojak). He then introduced his guests. Telly was a real class act.

The problem with most (so-called) entertainers today is that they forget it is the public that made them successful. If we (the paying public) didn't go see their movies, night club acts, or watch their TV shows, these uppity snobs would be busing tables somewhere.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

One of the jerks-in-resident was was pop music's answer to Tatoo, Paul Anka. He was the consummate a-hole. He acted like he was a a pint-sized mafioso. He didn't want anyone to even address him with a "Good morning, Mr. Anka". One of the new elevator operators had the nerve to ask nim, "How are you today, sir?" and the little creep flipped out. "Do you really give a f**k about how I am today?!? Let me f***ing tell you something. Today, like yesterday was and like every tomorrow will be, is far better than what you can possibly look forward to, kid. Don't ever forget that. Does that answer your stupid f***ing question?" Effin' loser.

Paul Anka is a has-been. He should have been honored someone actually remembered who he is.
It's no wonder Annette Funicello dumped the guy when they were dating as teenagers. She has class while Anka is a class A-hole.
The way to really piss people like Anka off is ignore them. His type craves celebrity status and without it they just shrivel up like salt poured on a snail.

 

[SfanGoch]

Some more standup guys are/were Martin Sheen and Darren McGavin. Throw Liberace in the mix, too. Liberace owned a condo at Trump; the other two were regular visitors there. Martin would frequently visit his son, Emilio Estevez, who was engaged to Demi Moore at the time. Emilio was a regular guy like his father. He would actually invite us up to his apartment to hang out. Demi was a snotty b***h who was built like a mop handle back in the mid-1980s. Cosmetic enhancements didn't do anything to improve her personality. Liberace was always gracious and friendly with the entire staff. He had a great sense of humor. One evening, he was going out. As he was getting into his limo, he bumped his head on the roof, causing his toupee to fall off. He bent down, picked it up and put it back on. He then smiled and said to the doorman, "Hmm, it looks like it's going to snow tonight. I better keep the top down."

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn lived on Central Park South in the 80s to mid 1990s. They would regularly be seen taking strolls in the neighborhood; and, were always cordial and friendly to anyone approaching them. Kurt told one lady that he always is happy to meet the people who were responsible for his celebrity.

 

[landtuna]

Paul Anka is a has-been.

You can say many things about Anka but he is not a has-been. Although his presence in popular music may have slipped in recent years he still holds a record of some kind for theme and commercial music (the best known of these is probably Carson's Tonight Show music).

It's no wonder Annette Funicello dumped the guy when they were dating as teenagers. She has class while Anka is a class A-hole.

Anka and Funicello were put together by the studio as typical teen bait. I really doubt there was anything serious between those two.

I am/was a big fan of Annette from her earliest days on Mickey Mouse Club through her "beach" pictures but I will admit she is not the consummate actress. Anka's career has far surpassed hers in terms of success and longevity. Admittedly, her health problems have limited her severely in recent years but it it still a valid question to ask just how far she would have gone given her earlier roles. She was a 'B' movie actress at best.

 

[KyDXIn]

Anka and Funicello were put together by the studio as typical teen bait. I really doubt there was anything serious between those two.

I am/was a big fan of Annette from her earliest days on Mickey Mouse Club through her "beach" pictures but I will admit she is not the consummate actress. Anka's career has far surpassed hers in terms of success and longevity. Admittedly, her health problems have limited her severely in recent years but it it still a valid question to ask just how far she would have gone given her earlier roles. She was a 'B' movie actress at best.

While not a huge fan of Annette, I surely hope she is doing well despite her MS.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

You can say many things about Anka but he is not a has-been. Although his presence in popular music may have slipped in recent years he still holds a record of some kind for theme and commercial music (the best known of these is probably Carson's Tonight Show music)

Anka and Funicello were put together by the studio as typical teen bait. I really doubt there was anything serious between those two.

I am/was a big fan of Annette from her earliest days on Mickey Mouse Club through her "beach" pictures but I will admit she is not the consummate actress. Anka's career has far surpassed hers in terms of success and longevity. Admittedly, her health problems have limited her severely in recent years but it it still a valid question to ask just how far she would have gone given her earlier roles. She was a 'B' movie actress at best.

I respect your opinion but please allow me to disagree on a couple of items you mentioned if you don't mind?

Regarding Paul Anka's longevity compared to Annette.

IMHO Annette's career lasted much longer than Anka when you factor in her stint with the Mickey Mouse Club, and those beach movies. She even co-starred in a spoof on those beach movies, I believe, in the late 1980s or early 1990s.

I truly feel that had Annette not contracted MS her career would have continued to flourish.

As for Anka, he had what..a few hit songs in the 50s and maybe one in the 60s?

As for "Johnny's Theme" that song hasn't aired on TV since Carson retired in 1992, which is 30 years ago. Granted it was/is a very recognizable tune.

One has to ask could Paul Anka (today) sell out a stadium like McCartney, the Rolling Stones, or many other acts? I don't think so.

We are probably from the same generation so we remember Anka. But he doesn't have the generational appeal as the acts mentioned above nor can he be classified in the same category as those artists. Only Fabian and Edd Byrnes rank lower on the 50's celebrity scale as far as I am concerned.

 

[FreddyE1977]

Some "B" movie actors go on to do quite well for themselves, including a former President.

John Wayne once had the following exchange with a young fan:

Boy: "Mr. Wayne, is it true that you used to do a lot of "B" movies?"

Wayne: "They went a helluva lot lower down in the alphabet than that, kid!"

 

[FreddyE1977]

Regarding Paul Anka's longevity compared to Annette.

Isn't that kind of an apples and oranges comparison? Especially when the actress is best
remembered for the impressive way in which she pulled off a bikini?

I might channel surf across a Frankie and Annette movie once every few months.
But I hear a song by Paul Anka on the radio or on some muzak system several times
a week if not daily. I think recording artists tend to have more longevity for that reason.

And let's face it....even female vocalists can keep on singing long after their bikini days are behind them.

That's not to be unkind to Annette (hope she is doing well), it's just a fact.
It's sort of like comparing Elton John to Kathy Ireland or something.