BoxRec

kikibalt wrote:You're up Paul, join me to a cup of coffee??

Cheers.

Anybody on here a jazz fan ?, my favorites are Grover Washington Jr, George Benson,Herb Alpert.

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

I too, Paul, don't watch fights much anymore, I'll watch the big fights, don't bother with the ESPN fights at all, like you; my light for boxing has turned into a candle that is fast burning out...

I feel exactly the same, Frank.
Think of how much fun and excitment we used to get from boxing. The talent you saw was as good as it gets.
Just the anticipation of a great fight really got the blood flowing, and we had such fights often.
Guys like us could get a fix just by stopping by the gym, watching some world class fighters trading bombs in sparring sessions.
Boxing was all arond us, and we were aroud boxing, especially you for some many decades.
Go back to your days with Tiger, in the back yard gym. And then the CYO Gym. Can you visualize Johnny Flores back then? He never changed much, did he?
Ringside, Williams vs. Bolanos! Three times in all. Cadilli-Teran at the Legion, and Bolanos too. Your favorite fighters.
Training under Hoyt Porter at Teamsters. Teamsters Gym. You have lots of memories there. Hoyt Porter, Louie J., Keeny Teran.
Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. A Baseball fan, but he knew you liked boxing. He took you to an all-time classic trilogy.
And speaking of fathers, you were as good as they come. I saw your boys, Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby.
Your boys and I fought on the same night at Teamsters, Stanton A.C., Pomona, China Lake, The Olympic and several other venues.
You took two of them to the top.
Remember driving Joe Louis and Johnny Flores around Miami? How many people meet there childhood hero like that?
Like you, I too have met my heros in similar situations.
Everything changes. Change is good, but it has not been good to boxing.
What we do have is this thread. Because thru it we can keep the memories, the history alive.
One in awhile a fight of interest surfaces, but I don't watch ESPN, rarely if at all.
I'll watch Pacquiao, but I have no interest in him fighting Mosely, or Marquez or even Mayweather.
Of the three, Mayweather would be the worst. Mayweather is a bore. Pac is anything but boring, but Pretty Boy can stink the place up.
At least we have this thread.

Reading your post Rick; I'm thinking "Man that Frank sure was/is a lucky guy to have done/seen all that". I just don't see myself doing and seeing all that, it all seem like a dream now, don't wake me up..... DD .....Thanks Rick.....

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Anybody on here a jazz fan ?, my favorites are Grover Washington Jr, George Benson,Herb Alpert.

Lately I been listening to Diana Krall....

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Anybody on here a jazz fan ?, my favorites are Grover Washington Jr, George Benson,Herb Alpert.

Lately I been listening to Diana Krall....

Is she Jazz ?, I have to look her up.

THEHAMMER321 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Anybody on here a jazz fan ?, my favorites are Grover Washington Jr, George Benson,Herb Alpert.

Lately I been listening to Diana Krall....

Is she Jazz ?, I have to look her up.

Yes, I think so anyway. She's good, you can find her on youtube.

Check her out Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5BnCEPr7cU

Diana Krall with Willie Nelson and her husband Elvis Costello

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote: I too, Paul, don't watch fights much anymore, I'll watch the big fights, don't bother with the ESPN fights at all, like you; my light for boxing has turned into a candle that is fast burning out...

I feel exactly the same, Frank.
Think of how much fun and excitment we used to get from boxing. The talent you saw was as good as it gets.
Just the anticipation of a great fight really got the blood flowing, and we had such fights often.
Guys like us could get a fix just by stopping by the gym, watching some world class fighters trading bombs in sparring sessions.
Boxing was all arond us, and we were aroud boxing, especially you for some many decades.
Go back to your days with Tiger, in the back yard gym. And then the CYO Gym. Can you visualize Johnny Flores back then? He never changed much, did he?
Ringside, Williams vs. Bolanos! Three times in all. Cadilli-Teran at the Legion, and Bolanos too. Your favorite fighters.
Training under Hoyt Porter at Teamsters. Teamsters Gym. You have lots of memories there. Hoyt Porter, Louie J., Keeny Teran.
Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. A Baseball fan, but he knew you liked boxing. He took you to an all-time classic trilogy.
And speaking of fathers, you were as good as they come. I saw your boys, Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby.
Your boys and I fought on the same night at Teamsters, Stanton A.C., Pomona, China Lake, The Olympic and several other venues.
You took two of them to the top.
Remember driving Joe Louis and Johnny Flores around Miami? How many people meet there childhood hero like that?
Like you, I too have met my heros in similar situations.
Everything changes. Change is good, but it has not been good to boxing.
What we do have is this thread. Because thru it we can keep the memories, the history alive.
One in awhile a fight of interest surfaces, but I don't watch ESPN, rarely if at all.
I'll watch Pacquiao, but I have no interest in him fighting Mosely, or Marquez or even Mayweather.
Of the three, Mayweather would be the worst. Mayweather is a bore. Pac is anything but boring, but Pretty Boy can stink the place up.
At least we have this thread.

Reading your post Rick; I'm thinking "Man that Frank sure was/is a lucky guy to have done/seen all that". I just don't see myself doing and seeing all that, it all seems like a dream now, don't wake me up..... DD .....Thanks Rick.....

Johnnie Flores

I first met Johnnie Flores in the late '40's, when Tiger took some of us kids from Simons to the CYO gym in downtown L.A. to box, don't remember how many made the trip but I think we all lost.... . Johnnie was fresh out of the army when he started running the boxing program at the CYO. In the early '50's Johnnie and Louie J., Louie was running the Teamsters Gym also in downtown L.A, started the Jr GG's. I would see Johnnie at boxing shows thru out the years and the man never seem to change much. Later on he would work Frankie's corner on some of Frankie early pro fights.

kikibalt wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote: I feel exactly the same, Frank.
Think of how much fun and excitment we used to get from boxing. The talent you saw was as good as it gets.
Just the anticipation of a great fight really got the blood flowing, and we had such fights often.
Guys like us could get a fix just by stopping by the gym, watching some world class fighters trading bombs in sparring sessions.
Boxing was all arond us, and we were aroud boxing, especially you for some many decades.
Go back to your days with Tiger, in the back yard gym. And then the CYO Gym. Can you visualize Johnny Flores back then? He never changed much, did he?
Ringside, Williams vs. Bolanos! Three times in all. Cadilli-Teran at the Legion, and Bolanos too. Your favorite fighters.
Training under Hoyt Porter at Teamsters. Teamsters Gym. You have lots of memories there. Hoyt Porter, Louie J., Keeny Teran.
Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. A Baseball fan, but he knew you liked boxing. He took you to an all-time classic trilogy.
And speaking of fathers, you were as good as they come. I saw your boys, Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby.
Your boys and I fought on the same night at Teamsters, Stanton A.C., Pomona, China Lake, The Olympic and several other venues.
You took two of them to the top.
Remember driving Joe Louis and Johnny Flores around Miami? How many people meet there childhood hero like that?
Like you, I too have met my heros in similar situations.
Everything changes. Change is good, but it has not been good to boxing.
What we do have is this thread. Because thru it we can keep the memories, the history alive.
One in awhile a fight of interest surfaces, but I don't watch ESPN, rarely if at all.
I'll watch Pacquiao, but I have no interest in him fighting Mosely, or Marquez or even Mayweather.
Of the three, Mayweather would be the worst. Mayweather is a bore. Pac is anything but boring, but Pretty Boy can stink the place up.
At least we have this thread.

Reading your post Rick; I'm thinking "Man that Frank sure was/is a lucky guy to have done/seen all that". I just don't see myself doing and seeing all that, it all seems like a dream now, don't wake me up..... DD .....Thanks Rick.....

Johnnie Flores

I first Johnnie Flores in the late '40's, when Tiger took some of us kids from Simons to the CYO gym in downtown L.A. to box, don't remember how many made the trip but I think we all lost.... . Johnnie was fresh out of the army when he started running the boxing program at the CYO. In the early '50's Johnnie and Louie J., Louie was running the Teamsters Gym also in downtown L.A, started the Jr GG's. I would see Johnnie at boxing shows thru out the years and the man never seem to change much. Late on he would work Frankie's corner on some of Frankie early pro fights.

Frank . . . The last time I spoke with Johnny was at the funeral of my best friend and former stablemate, Al "Kit" Boursse'.
It was December, 1989. Just hours earlier I'd stepped off a jet from a film location in the Dominican Republic.
Johnny and I sat together in the Chapel at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. He looked just as he did 25 years earlier when I first walked into his Pacoima gym. Ironically, the next time I would see Johnny was exactly five years later, in the very same Forest Lawn Chapel, only this time it was Johnnie's memorial service.

THEHAMMER321 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:You're up Paul, join me to a cup of coffee??

Cheers.

The Crafts Service Table . . .

Sorry I missed the our coffee session guys. Didn't have time for coffee at home, but I'm on my 2nd cup at work.
I have to credit many film productions for offering us a choice of great coffee.
They have all the Starbucks products, etc. but I just go for the basic coffee with a little sugar. I'm a Folgers guy.
As I was pouring my coffee, Martin Sheen stepped up to the table and asked me when the next big fight was scheduled.
I was at a loss for an answer, "I don't know Marty, I think in May?"

Rick Farris wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:You're up Paul, join me to a cup of coffee??

Cheers.

The Crafts Service Table . . .

Sorry I missed the our coffee session guys. Didn't have time for coffee at home, but I'm on my 2nd cup at work.
I have to credit many film productions for offering us a choice of great coffee.
They have all the Starbucks products, etc. but I just go for the basic coffee with a little sugar. I'm a Folgers guy.
As I was pouring my coffee, Martin Sheen stepped up to the table and asked me when the next big fight was scheduled.
I was at a loss for an answer, "I don't know Marty, I think in May?"

So you're drinking coffee with Charlie's dad, ah??.... Hell! is there any big fights coming up??....

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote: Cheers.

The Crafts Service Table . . .

Sorry I missed the our coffee session guys. Didn't have time for coffee at home, but I'm on my 2nd cup at work.
I have to credit many film productions for offering us a choice of great coffee.
They have all the Starbucks products, etc. but I just go for the basic coffee with a little sugar. I'm a Folgers guy.
As I was pouring my coffee, Martin Sheen stepped up to the table and asked me when the next big fight was scheduled.
I was at a loss for an answer, "I don't know Marty, I think in May?"

So you're drinking coffee with Charlie's dad, ah??.... Hell! is there any big fights coming up??....

Yeah, he's playing the father of Spider Man. Sally Field is the mother.

Diana Krall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxLCG53Ily0

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6y5pJv91xo

Cry Me A River

THEHAMMER321 wrote:I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

Paul, I am exactly the same. I don't really know much about the game from 1989 when I began to lose interest as the fake belts came in.

kikibalt wrote:

Turkey Thompson

He looks like a big plucker.

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote: The Crafts Service Table . . .

Sorry I missed the our coffee session guys. Didn't have time for coffee at home, but I'm on my 2nd cup at work.
I have to credit many film productions for offering us a choice of great coffee.
They have all the Starbucks products, etc. but I just go for the basic coffee with a little sugar. I'm a Folgers guy.
As I was pouring my coffee, Martin Sheen stepped up to the table and asked me when the next big fight was scheduled.
I was at a loss for an answer, "I don't know Marty, I think in May?"

So you're drinking coffee with Charlie's dad, ah??.... Hell! is there any big fights coming up??....

Yeah, he's playing the father of Spider Man. Sally Field is the mother.

Rick, can you say hello to both Martin Sheen and sally Field from for me, tell them both that I'm a big fan.....

bennie wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Turkey Thompson

He looks like a big plucker.

Seen Thompson fight live twice, both times at the Hollywood Legion Stadium, vs Clarence Henry (1950) and Willie Bean (1952), losing both times, he was past his prime by then. Thompson was slow afoot but a good puncher with good combos...

Hey, Rick, what is the Hollywood view of big Burt Reynolds?

bennie wrote:Hey, Rick, what is the Hollywood view of big Burt Reynolds?

"Do you know Burt?" . . .

Burt Reynolds is one of my personal favorites as he made it possible for me to work on my first big film, "Smokey & The Bandit".
He was one of the best guys to work around back in the day. He and his friend, director and stuntman Hal Needham, would fit perfectly on this forum and get along with all the regulars. Burt is a big boxing fan, but his passion was the Florida State football team. I remember back in the 90's, I was lighting a sit-com "Hearts Afire", that was produced by the same people that was producing his sit-com at the time, "Evening Shade". Both were filmed at the CBS Studio Center, and our stage was right next to Evening Shades. I knew most of the cast & crew of Burt's show and would sometimes visit their stage to say hello. Reynolds was loyal to his friends and did his best to put as many to work on the production (all were film people). At the time he was going thru a lot of Hell during his divorce from Lonnie Anderson, as well as major income tax problems. Word was going around town that Burt had turned into an asshole and was addicted to pain killers. If so, you never would know from the way things went on his set. I'm not a personal friend of Reynolds, but he knew I was a boxer and we worked on several projects over the years. We often had talked boxing and when he saw me for the first time in years, he remembered me by name and walked over to shake my hand. He also handed me an FSU Football cap (He gave one to all on his crew) even though I had just stopped by the set to visit the camerman. When I worked with Burt on Smokey, it was 1976 and he was dating his co-star, Sally Field. Later I was with him on "Stroker Ace" which was also shot in the South. Working with Burt in the South was always fun, especially if you were a single, young guy. The women would turn out everywhere we filmed hoping to get a peak at Burt. I don't know how many little dolls came up to me and asked, "Do you know, Burt?" I'd just answer, "Of course, do you want to meet him?" We'd pull one or two past the set guards and when Reynold's was off camera, introduce them. Burt would pose for a pic, sign an autograph, share a few minutes of personal conversation if there was time, and after that, the girls would follow us everywhere. How hard do you think it was for us when we'd ask, "Why don't you stop by the hotel tonight and hang out with us?" There were some real beauties in the south, and the best of the best would always find out where we were filming and show up. To us guys on the film crew, Reynolds was a champ!

Well, they just got this last shot, so I have to get back to work.

Rick, can you say hello to both Martin Sheen and sally Field from for me, tell them both that I'm a big fan.....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I will. And I will also tell him who you are.
Sally isn't working today. I have worked with her many times on features- Smokey & The Bandit, Norma Rae, Absence of Malice (She won "Best Actress" Oscars for the last two), and Murphy's Romance. She was very friendly on Smokey, and a pain-in-the-ass on the others. She seems to have mellowed since the last time I worked with her. In the 90's, a lightng tech I work with, met Sally Field on a feature at Paramount and they began dating. One day I pick up a People Magazine and see my pal Jerry pictured with the actress at a film premiere.

I love this story, I believe in second chances.
This is what people are talking about on the set today:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp ... 4#40946424

Rick Farris wrote:

bennie wrote:Hey, Rick, what is the Hollywood view of big Burt Reynolds?

"Do you know Burt?" . . .

Burt Reynolds is one of my personal favorites as he made it possible for me to work on my first big film, "Smokey & The Bandit".
He was one of the best guys to work around back in the day. He and his friend, director and stuntman Hal Needham, would fit perfectly on this forum and get along with all the regulars. Burt is a big boxing fan, but his passion was the Florida State football team. I remember back in the 90's, I was lighting a sit-com "Hearts Afire", that was produced by the same people that was producing his sit-com at the time, "Evening Shade". Both were filmed at the CBS Studio Center, and our stage was right next to Evening Shades. I knew most of the cast & crew of Burt's show and would sometimes visit their stage to say hello. Reynolds was loyal to his friends and did his best to put as many to work on the production (all were film people). At the time he was going thru a lot of Hell during his divorce from Lonnie Anderson, as well as major income tax problems. Word was going around town that Burt had turned into an asshole and was addicted to pain killers. If so, you never would know from the way things went on his set. I'm not a personal friend of Reynolds, but he knew I was a boxer and we worked on several projects over the years. We often had talked boxing and when he saw me for the first time in years, he remembered me by name and walked over to shake my hand. He also handed me an FSU Football cap (He gave one to all on his crew) even though I had just stopped by the set to visit the camerman. When I worked with Burt on Smokey, it was 1976 and he was dating his co-star, Sally Field. Later I was with him on "Stroker Ace" which was also shot in the South. Working with Burt in the South was always fun, especially if you were a single, young guy. The women would turn out everywhere we filmed hoping to get a peak at Burt. I don't know how many little dolls came up to me and asked, "Do you know, Burt?" I'd just answer, "Of course, do you want to meet him?" We'd pull one or two past the set guards and when Reynold's was off camera, introduce them. Burt would pose for a pic, sign an autograph, share a few minutes of personal conversation if there was time, and after that, the girls would follow us everywhere. How hard do you think it was for us when we'd ask, "Why don't you stop by the hotel tonight and hang out with us?" There were some real beauties in the south, and the best of the best would always find out where we were filming and show up. To us guys on the film crew, Reynolds was a champ!

Well, they just got this last shot, so I have to get back to work.

Dan August . . .

One more thing. I almost forgot that in January, 1971, Reynolds was the star of a short lived cop drama, "Dan August".
One episode focused on a boxing theme, and filming was done for one full day inside the Main Street Gym.
The day before, on Wedensday, I am at the Main street Gym, loosening up. I'm fighting in a four rounder the next night at the Olympic.
At the time, I was 18, and had been fighting pro about 8 months. Danny Lopez was still an amateur, and would turn pro in about three months.
Danny and I are both in the ring and shadow boxing with a few other fighters.
Howies Steindler steps up into the ring and calls Danny & I over.
"You two want to make some money tomorrow, do some background boxing for a TV show that's filming here?
We both say, "Yeah", but then I tell him I'm opening the show the next night.
Howie says, "This will be good, you'll go in real loose and ready. You two won't be knocking the crap outta each other like you normally do".
The next morning I reported to the Gym at 7am. A film company had set up camp in the gym's parking lot.
The TV series was Dan August, and Burt Reynold was just becoming a hot item in town.
Danny and I boxed the equivelent of 20 short rounds. We tapped each other lightly, blocked, played, had fun.
We were both introduced to Reynolds, and he sent both Danny & I nice letters thank us for being a part of the filming, and inquiring when could he see me fight. I still have that letter, it's pasted into a scrap book, but I'm going to scan it and post it here in a few days. Danny & I also got screen credits, only my last name was spelled, Ferris with an "E", because that's how Howie spelled it when he gave them our names. I told Reynold's I'd be fighting on TV later, and he said he'd watch.
Later that night, I fought a great fight, opening the show for the professional card at the Olympic, on TV.
From that experience, Burt Reynolds recognized me as I sat relaxing with some set lighting riggers shortly after I started in the film business.
I was all dirty, in jeans & T-shit, had been rigging heavy cable over a dirt road on the back lot.
He was walking with Hal Needham, and Sally Field. Our eyes met, he gave me a strange look and then stopped.
He walked to me and asked if I was a boxer. He remembered watching me on TV five years earlier, the day we met.
Three days later, the set lighting department head gets an memo form production.
As per Burt Reynolds request, send lighting tech. Ricky Farris on location with Smokey and the Bandit.
The lighting dept. chief was fuming. I had no seniority, and no real set experience yet.
I had worked on a few TV episodes, but was primarily learning the tech end of the set lighting equipment, cabeling sets, rigging lights on cat walks, etc.
There were some pissed off people at Universal. One old timer even filed a union grievence, which was over turned ( my grandfather was a mentor to our Business Agent.) Even my uncle was amazed, and wished me luck.
Reynold was an A-List superstar, he only needed to ask for something once and it was a done deal.
As it turns out, there was very little lighting due to most of the shots being filmed outdoors in the daylight, moving car shots, etc. Most of the time we helped grips set up sun reflectors, and gigantic 20'x20' frames of diffusion.
What we did most of was have fun. Lots of laughing. It was my first time on the road with a film company, and what a life it was. Things are different today, not just because I am older and have changed my habits, but because the people in Hollywood just aren't as much fun today. Don't get me wrong, it isn't all that bad, it's just not what it was. Corporations run studios, not artists. That says it all.

Rick Farris wrote:

bennie wrote:Hey, Rick, what is the Hollywood view of big Burt Reynolds?

"Do you know Burt?" . . .

Burt Reynolds is one of my personal favorites as he made it possible for me to work on my first big film, "Smokey & The Bandit".
He was one of the best guys to work around back in the day. He and his friend, director and stuntman Hal Needham, would fit perfectly on this forum and get along with all the regulars. Burt is a big boxing fan, but his passion was the Florida State football team. I remember back in the 90's, I was lighting a sit-com "Hearts Afire", that was produced by the same people that was producing his sit-com at the time, "Evening Shade". Both were filmed at the CBS Studio Center, and our stage was right next to Evening Shades. I knew most of the cast & crew of Burt's show and would sometimes visit their stage to say hello. Reynolds was loyal to his friends and did his best to put as many to work on the production (all were film people). At the time he was going thru a lot of Hell during his divorce from Lonnie Anderson, as well as major income tax problems. Word was going around town that Burt had turned into an asshole and was addicted to pain killers. If so, you never would know from the way things went on his set. I'm not a personal friend of Reynolds, but he knew I was a boxer and we worked on several projects over the years. We often had talked boxing and when he saw me for the first time in years, he remembered me by name and walked over to shake my hand. He also handed me an FSU Football cap (He gave one to all on his crew) even though I had just stopped by the set to visit the camerman. When I worked with Burt on Smokey, it was 1976 and he was dating his co-star, Sally Field. Later I was with him on "Stroker Ace" which was also shot in the South. Working with Burt in the South was always fun, especially if you were a single, young guy. The women would turn out everywhere we filmed hoping to get a peak at Burt. I don't know how many little dolls came up to me and asked, "Do you know, Burt?" I'd just answer, "Of course, do you want to meet him?" We'd pull one or two past the set guards and when Reynold's was off camera, introduce them. Burt would pose for a pic, sign an autograph, share a few minutes of personal conversation if there was time, and after that, the girls would follow us everywhere. How hard do you think it was for us when we'd ask, "Why don't you stop by the hotel tonight and hang out with us?" There were some real beauties in the south, and the best of the best would always find out where we were filming and show up. To us guys on the film crew, Reynolds was a champ!

Well, they just got this last shot, so I have to get back to work.

Thats a great story, I used to love seeing Burt and Sally on the with Carson on the Tonite Show, remember they had a running gag going with Carson and would come on separately and tease each other about things on the show. Do I remember correctly that Burt actually shaved off half of his mustache because Sally told Carson that Burt thought his mustache was his prized possession? I think I also remember Carson throwing a pie in Sally's face for Burt and then inviting himself to help clean it off of her blouse. Great shows, they both seemed liked someone you could enjoy hanging with.
Bruce

Rick Farris wrote:

CNorkusJr wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:Charlie . . . I hope the Jets end the Colts season next week. It's great to read of your experiences with FDNY.
Yesterday I was talking with Bill Dempsey Young. Bill is the V.P. of the Golden State Boxer's Assoc, and the son of Hall of Fame ref, the late Dick Young.
Dick Young was one of my favorite referees, and an L.A. County fire fighter. As I spoke with Bill about his father, I asked if he remembered Charlie Norkus.
Of course, Bill knew of your dad, and I told him about you and your history (what I know) with FDNY, and your current boxing involvment.

Rick, Thank You very much for mentioning my dad's name to Bill Dempsey Young. Dick Young was one of the great referees of our time. Of notoriety, he and Arthur Mercante Sr. were two of the biggest names in the sport. I have a tape of the Norton-Ali fight from CA and Dick Young was the ref. A close one which was called a split decision-but Dick scored it dead on I thought in favor of Ali. I did not know he was a LA Firefighter. It certainly must have been a treat to have him in the firehouse watching other fights with on TV. with the guys when he wasnt refereeing (which I dont think he missed a card in CA in all that time).LOL
I am sure Bill can relate some great experiences as his son during those years. He would be a great person to sit down to talk to about his dad. Very proud I'm sure.
I dont remember ever meeting Mr Dick Young here in New York. I am sure my dad would have known him as well as he referreed at the same time (1970-80's) here in NY.Mr Young's legacy and fame precedes him.

Charlie . . . I forwarded this post to Bill Young.
His wife Linda responded and she gave me the full story about Dick Young's career as a fire fighter, as well as her husband Bill's. I had to share this with you:
--------------------------------------


Hi Rick!

Linda Young here....
Just a quick note:

Bill's dad - Dick Young was a firefighter in St. Louis and he was at the same station as his dad. His father
was killed on a firetruck being pulled by horses at that time and it flipped over and he fell into the horses
which was horrific and he passed on. Bill's dad always gave the family corn beef and cabbage on
St. Patrick's Day as his dad was buried on St. Patricks Day. Dick Young was only 7 at the time and it
was such a burden on him thru out his life as he always talked about his father and not getting to know
him.

My Bill is a Ventura County retired Fire Capt of 33 years and I could really brag on him as I am so proud
of him and just to say, that he was the Firefighter of the Year~ Wherever we were, anyone in danger,
auto accidents, he always pulled over and assisted. A funny story he saved our chicken and gave him
CPR...ha~ That was something~ Bill also wrote a song for 911 and its on his website.

Hi Rick, Got Linda's email from which you forwarded to me via email .Sent you out a reply via email. Thats really something about Dick's dad being a firefighter and to lose his life with a horse driven fire apparatus. My fire truck was first established in 1865 and the first two fireman casualties from my firehouse occurred in 1865 &1866 by horse driven apparatus, gone haywire.Bill Young is a 3rd generation hero firefighter from Ventura County and should be commended for his 33 years with the Dept. God Bless him and hope he enjoys his retirement years.His stories pertaining to his dad must be gold as he was growing up with a legend of a father. Hopefully we will all meet one day soon. Thank You

I was just peering over Bill's acting resume which is quite extensive. His acting career rivals that of his firefighting efforts. I am sure he used much of his time over the years at the movie studios and running the ship at his firehouse.Quite a talented guy.And to find time to be active in Boxing assns. too.

Bobbin & Weavin wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

bennie wrote:Hey, Rick, what is the Hollywood view of big Burt Reynolds?

"Do you know Burt?" . . .

Burt Reynolds is one of my personal favorites as he made it possible for me to work on my first big film, "Smokey & The Bandit".
He was one of the best guys to work around back in the day. He and his friend, director and stuntman Hal Needham, would fit perfectly on this forum and get along with all the regulars. Burt is a big boxing fan, but his passion was the Florida State football team. I remember back in the 90's, I was lighting a sit-com "Hearts Afire", that was produced by the same people that was producing his sit-com at the time, "Evening Shade". Both were filmed at the CBS Studio Center, and our stage was right next to Evening Shades. I knew most of the cast & crew of Burt's show and would sometimes visit their stage to say hello. Reynolds was loyal to his friends and did his best to put as many to work on the production (all were film people). At the time he was going thru a lot of Hell during his divorce from Lonnie Anderson, as well as major income tax problems. Word was going around town that Burt had turned into an asshole and was addicted to pain killers. If so, you never would know from the way things went on his set. I'm not a personal friend of Reynolds, but he knew I was a boxer and we worked on several projects over the years. We often had talked boxing and when he saw me for the first time in years, he remembered me by name and walked over to shake my hand. He also handed me an FSU Football cap (He gave one to all on his crew) even though I had just stopped by the set to visit the camerman. When I worked with Burt on Smokey, it was 1976 and he was dating his co-star, Sally Field. Later I was with him on "Stroker Ace" which was also shot in the South. Working with Burt in the South was always fun, especially if you were a single, young guy. The women would turn out everywhere we filmed hoping to get a peak at Burt. I don't know how many little dolls came up to me and asked, "Do you know, Burt?" I'd just answer, "Of course, do you want to meet him?" We'd pull one or two past the set guards and when Reynold's was off camera, introduce them. Burt would pose for a pic, sign an autograph, share a few minutes of personal conversation if there was time, and after that, the girls would follow us everywhere. How hard do you think it was for us when we'd ask, "Why don't you stop by the hotel tonight and hang out with us?" There were some real beauties in the south, and the best of the best would always find out where we were filming and show up. To us guys on the film crew, Reynolds was a champ!

Well, they just got this last shot, so I have to get back to work.

Thats a great story, I used to love seeing Burt and Sally on the with Carson on the Tonite Show, remember they had a running gag going with Carson and would come on separately and tease each other about things on the show. Do I remember correctly that Burt actually shaved off half of his mustache because Sally told Carson that Burt thought his mustache was his prized possession? I think I also remember Carson throwing a pie in Sally's face for Burt and then inviting himself to help clean it off of her blouse. Great shows, they both seemed liked someone you could enjoy hanging with.
Bruce

This story brought back a funny memory from The Johnny Carson show years past.
I remember watching Burt Reynolds visiting Johnny and was in the guest chair-not on the couch yet. Burt was at the peak of his popularity, and for whatever reason I forgot, the set turned into mayhem in which someone removed Burt's hairpiece off the top of his head.
I am not sure but it could have been Don Rickles. I , along with every one else were stunned to see a hairpiece at the time on Burt Reynolds, who always seemed to play THE man about town. It was hilarious moment but I remembered him scrambling to get it back and put it back on. The secret (if it was one) was out though.