A Letter A Day

One year, 365 letters. A letter a day. My resolution for 2006. I’ve always enjoyed writing letters and I want to get back in the habit. I'm not limiting myself to a letter a day. 365 is just the minimum. My goal is to get a 20% response rate. This is the official chronicle of my “year of writing letters.” Thanks for reading! - Chris Lucas

Name:
Location: Meadowlands, New Jersey, United States

Sunday, December 31, 2006

December 31st

For my final letter of 2006, to wrap up my project, I'm writing to the man who has influenced me more than any other person in my life, my Dad, Ed Lucas.

He's been mentioned many times in this blog, and many letters have concerned his triumph over his handicap.

I'm asking Dad some of the same questions I asked everyone else, which are: "What person has influenced you more than anyone else?" "What is the greatest piece of advice you ever got?" "What daily habit has contributed the most to your success?"

I can't think of a better person to close the year out with.

December 30th

I got a great book for Christmas that I'm well into reading, "The Godfather's Revenge", which is the second authorized sequel to Mario Puzo's American classic novel, "The Godfather". I'm writing to the very talented author of this book.

Mark Winegardner

December 29th

1845 - The great State of Texas is incorporated and admitted to the United Staes of America. I am writing to the current Governor, as well as some famous Texans.

Governor Rick Perry

Lady Bird Johnson

Thomas Haden Church

Roger Clemens

Dabney Coleman

Barry Corbin

Jamie Foxx

Horton Foote

John Hillerman

Tommy Lee Jones

Terrence Malick

Matthew McConnaughey

AJ Foyt

Annette O'Toole

Sissy Spacek

Hilary Duff

Tommy Tune

Luke Wilson

Robert Rodriguez

Mac Davis

Dan Rather

Forest Whitaker

Renee Zellweger

Kinky Friedman

Edie Brickell

Kenny Rogers

Willie Nelson

Larry Gatlin

Lyle Lovett

December 28th

Twenty five years ago today, the host of the popular Tv game show. "Wheel of Fortune" was chosen.

I am writing to him, as well as to two celebrities who my good friend from Indiana, Debbie Bordelon , suggested.

Pat Sajak

Nicolas Cage

Michael Essany

December 27th

On this day in 1911, JM Barrie's classic children's tale "Peter Pan" was introduced to the world. While it was ridiculed at first, this simple tale has become one of the most beloved stories the world over. It was my favorite as a child, and now my four year old runs around playing Captain Hook and Peter Pan.

In honor of this momentous occasion, I am writing to some of the most recent people to have portrayed Pan and Hook on stage and screen.

Sandy Duncan

Cathy Rigby

Jason Marsden

Jeremy Sumpter

Corey Burton

A Grammy/Oscar winning legend replies




Phil Collins

Reference Date: May 3rd




I was thrilled to get a letter in the mail (with an autographed picture) from one of my favorite musicians, Phil Collins.

In addition to his work as a singer/songwriter with Genesis, and then as a solo act, Phil Collins has worked as an actor and composer for films. He won an Oscar for Disney's film "Tarzan" which was adapted and premiered on Broadway this year. I wrote to him after I saw the show, and this was his response:

Dear Chris,

I am sorry but advice is not an easy thing to give, especially for someone in your situation.

You are already a rung or two up the ladder compared to many new actors and you have a positive attitude, which most do not seem to have these days. Try to get as many parts as you can, so that you gain experience working on different types of characters.

The saying "being in the right place at the right time" still applies: just try to be there!

I really don't envy anybody starting out nowadays, as people are a lot more cynical than they were when I started over 45 years ago. It is now a very competitive industry and there are a lot of people trying to get on board.

Keep focused and enjoy what you do both help!

My best wishes for the future.

Phil Collins


I sent him a thank you the next day

A "Chim Chimeree" reply




Gavin Lee

Reference Date: November 7th






British actor Gavin Lee has an impressive musical theater resume, but was handed a difficult task when he was cast in the role of Bert the Chimney Sweep in the theatrical production of Mary Poppins.

This iconic role was memorably played by Dick VanDyke in the Disney film, so Mr. Lee had big shoes to fill, and he did it with aplomb.

I saw the show in November, and wrote to Mr. Lee to congratulate him on his amazing performance. (At one point he literally tap dances upside down!)

If you get the chance, go see Mary Poppins on Broadway. You won't be disappointed.

This is the nice note he was kind enough to send me on the back of an autographed picture:

Hey Chris,

So glad you enjoyed "Mary Poppins."

Thanks for the letter.

Good luck and all the best for 2007.

- Gav


I sent him a thank you the next day.

Three non-reply replies

Once again, I've gotten a few letters back from people (or their offices) that inform me that the person in question is too busy to answer my letter, or generally doesn't answer fan mail.

While this may seem discouraging, I actually appreciate that more than never hearing from someone I wrote to. At least I know they took the time to read my letter.

Here now are three of the most recent non-reply replies. One from an Olympic legend, one from a comic genius, and one from the voice of Darth Vader:




James Earl Jones

Reference date: May 25th







As a voice-over artist, I study and emulate some of the great voices in entertainment history.

One of the most well known belongs to a man who is also one of the most gifted actors alive today, James Earl Jones.

In addition to his work as the vocal presence of Darth Vader, Mr. Jones has lent his resonant tones to Mufasa in "The Lion King" and is also the voice of CNN. He is a Tony winning actor, and has made some memorable onscreen appearances.

I wrote to him on the anniversary of the release of the original "Star Wars", and got this reply from his office, as well as an autographed photo.

Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding James Earl Jones. Unfortunately his commitments are such that he cannot possibly accommodate all who ask for his assistance. He wishes you well and asks for your understanding.

I sent them a thank you the next day.





Michael Palin

Reference date: September 9th







I don't think there's any comedian or comedy writer (myself included) working today that hasn't been influenced by the groundbreaking British sketch comedy group of the late 1960's/early 70's, Monty Python's Flying Circus.

In addition to their self titled TV show, they produced a series of films (Search for th Holy Frail, Life of Brian, Meaning of Life) that have become classics. I wrote to all the surviving members of the troupe on their anniversary, but have only heard from one so far, Michael Palin.

Mr. Palin appeared in some of the most quoted Python sketches (Lumberjack, Dead Parrot, The Bishop, etc.) and has carved out quite a film career after the group broke up, including 1988's "A Fish Called Wanda." He currently hosts a cable show where he travels around the world, so I knew it might be a longshot getting in touch with him, but I wrote nonetheless. This is what his office had to say:

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your letter to Michael Palin telling him that his work has been an influence and inspiration in your career as an actor.

Michael is currently working on a new series for the BBC in Eastern Europe and is away on and off until spring next year. He does appreciate the trouble people take to write to him, but apologizes that with such a busy schedule he isn't able to write back to everyone individually or answer their questions.

Thank you again for writing and best of luck with your career!


I sent them a thank you the next day.




Nadia Comaneci

Reference date: July 19th







On the 30th Anniversary of her Olympic triumph in Montreal (a perfect 10), I sent a letter to Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci. Her impact on pop culture was so great that the theme song from "The Young and the Restless", which she used in her routine, was renamed "Nadia's Theme."

I actually saw her, and her husband, Olympian Bart Conner, up close on a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I wanted to say "Hey, did you get my letter?" but didn't.

Here is the non-reply from her office (which also included an autographed picture)

Dear Chris,

Thank you so much for your lovely letter. I dearly appreciate the sentiments and your support.

I am always surprised that so many people all over the world remember me from my Olympic career more than twenty years ago. At that time I could never have known that so many people would be inspired by my performances.

As you may imagine, I get so much mail that I cannot write each of you back with a more personal note, but I continue to enjoy hearing from you all.

I hope you will enjoy the autographed photo as a special "thank you" for your continued support.

Remember to follow your dreams!

- Nadia


I sent her a thank you the next day.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

December 26th

It's Boxing Day! This traditional "switching" holiday in the British commonwealth is a day when servants trade places with their masters, and officers trade roles with enlisted men.

Since I don't know much about that part of Boxing Day, I'm going to use it as an excuse to write to some of my favorite all time boxers, and people associated with the sport of boxing. (In fact, my grandmother was a professional boxer - she boxed apples and oranges for a produce company.)

Ruben "Hurricane" Carter

Lou Duva

Teddy Atlas

Bert Sugar

Bobby Czyz

Oscar DeLa Hoya

James "Buster" Douglas

Joe Frazier

Arturo Gatti

Andrew Golota

Marvin Hagler

Prince Naseem Hamed

Larry Holmes

Evander Holyfield

Lennox Lewis

Mike Tyson

Sugar Ray Leonard

Micky Ward

Roy Jones, Jr.

Jake LaMotta

December 25th

More than half of the people that gave me suggestions as to who to write to at the end of the year mentioned sending a letter to a soldier serving in Iraq.

I think this is an excellent idea, as this project shouldn't be all about contacting celebrities.

What better day than Christmas Day to contact our men and women serving their country far from home in a difficult situation?

That is what I am doing today, writing to a handful of soldiers overseas (I wish I could contact them all) to thank them for their service and to wish them well. I don't expect a response, and if I do get one, I will not publish it unless I have their permission.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards all.

December 24th

Tonight is Christmas Eve. In recent years a new holiday tradition has emerged, the 24 hour marathon showing of 1983's "A Christmas Story" on cable TV. I saw this film, based on humorist Jean Shepard's childhood recollections, when it first premiered in theaters, and like other well known films (The Wizard of Oz, Fantasia, It's a Wonderful Life, etc.) it was a box office flop and only became a classic after repeated showings on TV. Now, people couldn't imagine a Christmas without seeing it on TV.

My personal favorite Christmas film is 1989's "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold dealing with crazy relatives visiting for the holidays (including his Cousin Eddie.) I laugh every time I see it.

This year, a commercial has been produced on TV using a video clip from the internet of a little boy and his sister overly excited about receiving a gift. This ubiquitous ad has become onre of those instant classics, and people either love it or hate it. (I know my four year old stops to watch it every time it comes on.)

Today I'm writing to some of the stars (and the director) of A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and to the little boy (now 17 years old) from the Christmas video.

Bob Clark

Peter Billingsley

Ian Petrella

Scott Schwartz

Zack Ward

Randy Quaid

Branon Kuzma

December 23rd

HAPPY FESTIVUS!! What is Festivus, you may ask? Well, if you are a fan of the TV series "Seinfeld" you already know the answer. In one of the episodes of that long running series, Frank Costanza, the father of George, introduces the rest of the gang to his self proclaimed December 23rd celebration ("A Festivus for the Rest of Us") which rails against the rampant commercialization of the other December holidays.

To celebrate Festivus, one puts up an unadorned aluminum pole (no tinsel!) holds the ritual airing of grievances, and the feats of strength. (The holiday isn't over until the head of the household has been pinned to the ground.)

While this may sound like a wacky TV holiday, it has some basis in rela life. One of the writers of Seinfeld did indeed have a father who created the holiday of Festivus for his family back in the 1960's, and it made its way onto an episode of the show.

Since the airing of that program, Festivus has taken on a life of its own. Parties are held all over the world. Ben & Jerry's even made a Festivus ice cream a few years back!

To honor this unique holiday, I'm writing to the man who played Frank Costanza and one of the other actors from that episode. (He played George's boss, who attended the Costanza Festivus dinner.)

Jerry Stiller

Daniel VonBargen

December 22nd

An associate of mine, John Marasigan, who is an excellent licensed and certified practitioner of relaxation, deep tissue, sports and shiatsu massage, sent me a few suggestions as to people to write to. Here is a portion of that list:

actress Martha Plimpton

activist Erin Brockovich

Bishop John Spong

basketball star LeBron James

extreme sports star Tony Hawk

cartoonist/social commentator Harvey Pekar

If you are interested in contacting John or learning more about him, visit his website: www.2HandsMassage.com

December 21st

I saw the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" tonight. (Yes, happiness is misspelled. It's done on purpose and part of the plot of the film.) This movie is based on the real life story of Chris Gardner, who went from being homeless to a multi million dollar stockbroker. I'm writing to Mr. Gardner, as well as some of the stars of the film.

Chris Gardner

Will Smith

Thandie Newton

Brian Howe

James Karen

Kurt Fuller

Monday, December 25, 2006

December 20th

Kathy Erbach (now Kathy Gordon) was one of the first people I met in college, and she turned out to be a great friend.

An incredible talent, Kathy appeared in many of the shows that I did in college, including my debut, "A Streetcar Named Desire."

We drifted apart after graduation, but I'm happy to say that we got back in touch via email.

Kathy sent me a message reminding me that in my recent efforts to contact the Doctors of M*A*S*H, I left out the other residents of the 4077th.

Here now are the names of those forgotten cast members (with the exception of Jamie Farr, who I contacted and heard back from a few years ago, before my project began.)

Loretta Swit

Gary Burghoff

Alan Arbus

William Christopher

Mariette Hartley

December 19th

I took my four year old to see the revival of "Annie" that is playing at Madison Square Garden this holiday season. He loved it!

I haven't seen the show since it originally appeared on Broadway in the 1970's, so I was impressed too.

I'm writing to the man who directed the show, the guy who wrote the book for the show, as well as some of the cast members.

Martin Charnin

Thomas Meehan

Kathie Lee Gifford

Conrad Schuck

Scott Willis

December 18th

Continuing the theme of writing to people based on suggestions from friends, I am including the names brought up by one of the best actresses I've ever seen onstage, Bev Sheehan.

She and her husband Brian are founders and artistic directors of the What Exit Theater Company in New Jersey. (For those of you who don't know my home state too well, we have two main roads running through it, the Garden State Parkway and the NJ Turnpike, and everybody in the state knows "what exit" they are from. Each exit connotes its own sense of social class and upbringing.)

Since I was introduced to Brian and Bev by my good friend from Jersey City, Tim Grzelak, I've seen them perform many times and was very impressed by their work. Bev and I even auditioned together once as husband and wife for a commercial. I respect and value her opinions, so I am writing to some of the people she mentioned in her email.

former NY Times critic Frank Rich

columnist Maureen Dowd

comedian and "View" cohost Joy Behar

Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon

December 17th

My home state of New Jersey ratified the US Constitution 219 years ago this week.

In honor of this, I am writing to some of the most famous New Jersey natives that I haven't already contacted.

Meryl Streep

Bruce Willis

Martha Stewart

Joe Pesci

Bill Parcells

Bruce Springsteen

Whitney Houston

Ray Liotta

Kirsten Dunst

Danny DeVito

Joe Piscopo

former Governor Brendan Byrne

former Governor Tom Kean

Senator Frank Lautenberg

Senator Bob Menendez

December 16th

As we come to the end of 2006, I have decided to ask some of my friends, family members and associates for suggestions as to people I should write to. I was overwhelmed with responses and will take the next two weeks to include some of the submissions.

The first one comes from my friend, mentor, and one of the most generous people I've ever met. His name is Lee Gelber, and he is perhaps the greatest New York City tour guide ever. Most refer to him as the "dean" of NYC guides.

While other guides know their facts and history back and forth (which Lee does as well) Mr. Gelber blends his tours with an incredible sense of timing, humor, and vaudeville schtick. I learned everything I know about creating a successful tour from him. In fact, I've based my mantra as tour guide (I'd rather entertain my guests first and hope they learn something along the way, than to try to lecture them first and hope they are entertained along the way) on his work. I would not be where I am today if it were not for Lee Gelber. There are few people in the world I admire more than him. (And he's a lifetime supporter of the Bronx Bombers, which is a plus in my book!)

OK, enough with the platitudes.

Lee made some excellent New York flavored suggestions of people that I overlooked. I am going to contact them to fill in the gaps that I missed from the city that I love. They are:

Tony Award winning actress Audra McDonald

former NYC mayor Ed Koch

Award winning columnist and writer Pete Hamill

NY Knick legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier

CBS News veteran Charles Osgood

P.S: If you are interested in hiring Lee for an excellent tour of "The Big Apple" (the best you'll ever have), you can contact him at nydean@verizon.net

Saturday, December 16, 2006

A reply from a great author




Anne Rice

Reference date: August 25th






When I was in college in the 1990's, Anne Rice's "Vampire" books were the hottest things on campus. When the movie, "Interview With A Vampire" starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt was released, her profile rose even higher. This New Orleans native was always associated with the macabre and goth lifestyle, but in recent years she has emabraced her Catholic upbringing and written more spiritual works. Her latest book, "Christ the King: Out of Egypt" is a tale of Jesus' early life as his family travels across the deserts of the Middle East, and he discovers himself.

I've read most of her books, and I was pleased to get an email from her just the other day. She wrote the following:

Dear Chris,

Thanks for the very generous expression of support.

Most mentors are an obstacle. The main thing is this: ignore critics. And go on producing or performing or doing whatever it is you feel you must do in the arts.

The world needs you. The critics are vampires. And that includes your friends as well as the guys in the newspapers. It's easy to criticize. Anyone can do it.

Being an artist takes faith and guts. Look at Mel Gibson. "Apocalypto" is brilliant, just brilliant; and the Hollywood community wants to blackball the guy. Typical garbage.

Go for it. Don't let anyone stop you. Just do what you believe in and fulfill your dreams.

Take care,

Anne Rice.


I sent her a thank you by email immediately.

One of the most influential people in history replies



Dr. James Watson


Reference date: April 25th







Since this is December, and my letter writing project for 2006 is coming to a close, people have asked me what reply has impressed me the most. Frankly, I'm humbled to hear from all of my "penpals" but up until now, the letter from President Clinton has held the top spot. That changed today, when I got a handwritten card from a man chosen in a recent poll as the fifth most influential person in human history. (Not American history, like a US President, but human history, as in thousands of years of achievements.)

Dr. James Watson, along with his partner Dr. Francis Crick, is credited with unlocking the genetic secrets of the DNA structure in the late 1950's. Their discovery has led to the eradication and prevention of many diseases and hereditary ailments, as well as aiding research into the causes of and cures for cancer and other human scourges. DNA has also played a big part in criminal investigations.

This is what Dr. Watson wrote to me from his laboratory (he's still researching at age 80):


Dear Chris,

My main recipe for success is to do things in ways that others fear to tread.

Sincerely,

James D. Watson


I sent him a thank you card the next day.

A "Curious" Reply





Matthew O'Callaghan


Reference Date: February 18th












When I took my four year old to see his first movie ever back in February, I knew it had to be a good one. (I can recall my first time at the movies. I went to see Walt Disney's "Robin Hood" at Radio City Music Hall when I was four, which started my love affair with the silver screen.)

I chose "Curious George" for a number of reasons, primary among them the fact that I loved the books when I was growing up, and my Dad used to read them to me from a braille version. I wasn't sure how my son would react to being in a movie theater, but he sat for 90 minutes in rapt attention. This film was delightful, the colors were vibrant, and the music added a lot to the film.

I wrote to the director of the film, Matthew O'Callaghan, a former animator for Disney and very talented artist, to thank him for making such a great film. The letter was sent in care of his agency and took a while to get to him, but I'm glad it did. Mr. O'Callaghan not only responded with a nice note, but he took the time to do a hand drawn potrait of Curious George (see above), which he inscribed with the words, "To the Lucas Family, All the best." What a nice thing to do, and it will be a treasured keepsake for my family, as well as a reminder to my son of the first movie he ever saw.

This is what Mr. O'Callaghan had to say in his note to me:

Chris,

Thank you so much for your letter.

I'm glad that you and your son enjoyed the film.

You asked me for advice. All I can say is, if you love this business, don't give up.

Be realistic, but never give up.

Good luck!

- Matt


I sent him a thank you card the next day.

December 15th

1965 - The classsic film "The Sound of Music", still one of the top ten money making movies of all time (if you account for inflation) is released. I don't think there's a person alive on this planet that can't hum at least one song from the score. I've already written to the star, Julie Andrews (who was in "Mary Poppins"), so I'm writing to other cast members.

Christopher Plummer

Nicholas Hammond

Heather Menzies

Angela Cartwright

December 14th

1959 - The legendary record label Motown is formed in Detroit (or, "Motor Town".) Some of America's greatest recording artists came out of that company, and a new sound was introduced to the music industry.

Berry Gordy - founder

Diana Ross

Stevie Wonder

Gladys Knight

Smokey Robinson

Frankie Valli

December 13th

1974 - Malta, the island nation south of Sicily, and one of the smallest countries in the world, gains its independence from Great Britain and becomes a Republic.

President Edward Fenech Adami

December 12th

Hanukkah (forgive me if I didn't spell it the right way, I grew up in an Irish Catholic family) begins tonight. The Jewish "Festival of Lights" celebrates the rededication of the ancient Temple after its desecration under Antiochus IV. Spiritually, Hanukkah commemorates the "Miracle of the Oil". According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days - which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate new oil.

Traditionally in the U.S. Hanukkah has been overshadowed by Christmas on television and in popular culture. In the late 1990's one comedian made his mark by writing a tongue-in-cheek song all about Hanukkah, which has taken its place among the holiday standards, and will be played on the radio for many years to come. I'm writing to him for eight days in a row (just kidding) to honor his contribution to this festive occasion.

Adam Sandler

December 11th

I am a fan of the recent trend in comedy of having the actors improvise the script as they go along, with just a basic outline to guide them. (The TV show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is a good example.) One of the first ensemble films to utilize this method was "Waiting For Guffman." The cast and crew of that film reunited a few times to tackle different subjects. Their most recent effort is "For Your Consideration" which pokes fun at independent films and Oscar hype. I saw it today and thought it was very funny. I'm writing to the director and some of the cast members.

Christopher Guest

Catherine O'Hara

Parker Posey

Jennifer Coolidge

Michael McKean

Fred Willard

Larry Miller

John Michael Higgins

Jane Lynch

Paul Dooley

December 10th

The iconic New York City film "Saturday Night Fever" is released this week in 1977. I remember the frenzy over the movie and the music, a dead on depiction of the disco era at its height. It was so popular that the Rated R film was recut to Rated PG so that kids my age at the time could go see it and understand what the fuss was all about. To this day, the dance moves by the lead character, Tony Manero, are replicated the world over on dance floors as soon as the Bee Gees music starts to play. I'm writing to some of the stars of that film, which can be seen quite often on cable TV.

John Travolta

Karen Lynn Gorney

Donna Pescow

Denny Dillon

Fran Drescher

Barry Miller

Val Bisoglio

Friday, December 15, 2006

December 9th

I finally caught up with the critically acclaimed film "The Departed" tonight. It's about Irish gangsters in Boston, and a duplicitous relationship between the law and organized crime by two young men. It was such agreat film, on so many levels, that I am writing to the director and to some of the stars that haven't already gotten letters from me this year. (Mr. Nicholson and DiCaprio have.)

Martin Scorcese

Matt Damon

Mark Wahlberg

Martin Sheen

Vera Farmiga

Friday, December 08, 2006

A phone call from a show business legend!





Jay Leno

Reference date: May 26th






I was absolutely stunned this afternoon when my phone rang and the voice on the other end was none other than the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show", Jay Leno.

I can't say that I was completely surprised, as I've always read that Mr. Leno was one of the nicest guys in the entertainment industry. but to pick up the phone and have a fifteen minute conversation with someone who just sent you a letter? That's unheard of, and I genuinely appreciate it. (I told him that I will someday return the favor and thank him personally as a guest on his show.)

I don't have any means of creating an exact transcript of a phone converation, but here are some highlights of what Mr. Leno had to share with me:

- Work, work, work! (Mr. Leno's work schedule is legendary, as he rarely takes a day off from his show, and also does hundreds of stand up dates throughout the year.)

- Keep yourself grounded in real life, don't get lost in the business. Whether it's hobbies or a family, just have a life outside show business.

- Be yourself! Earn showbusiness type money, but don't live a show business lifestyle by blowing it all on frivolous things.

- If you can be an actor or comedian for seven years without something stopping you, then you can make it in the business. Most people are stopped short by drugs, alcohol, self defeat or other things. Overcome those barriers and you'll do well.

- Never turn down a gig unless it goes against your personal beliefs. Work is work and every experience will bring you further along.

- Always keep your personal feeelings and politics out of the discussion when you are performing or hosting. Don't let people know what your true opinions are or you'll lose some of your audience.



I sent him a thank you card as soon as our conversation was over.

Dr. Victor Ehrlich replies!




Ed Begley, Jr.

Reference date: September 10th






One of TV's legendary doctors was Dr. Erlich from NBC's hit of the 1980's, St. Elsewhere. The actor who played Erlich was Ed Begley, Jr., the son of a legendary Academy Award winning actor. (Ed Begley, Sr.) In addition to his long list of acting credits, from Disney films to "Arrested Development", Mr. Begley is an environmental activist who practices what he preaches, living an entirely green, vegetarian lifestyle. I was happy to get a short email from him, and this is what he had to say:

Chris,

Thanks for your EXTREMELY kind words about me and my career.

My advice is to do plays, plays and more plays.

It’s what every actor that I respect has done.

Best of luck!

Ed



I sent him a thank you by email the next day.

December 8th

1976 - The Eagles "Hotel California" is released on this date. It has been listed as one of the top 50 albums ever produced, and the title song ranks among the ten most famous in rock and roll history. I'm contacting the men who wrote and recorded this legendary song.

Glenn Frey

Don Henley

Joe Walsh

December 7th

Yesterday, December 6th, was my birthday but it was also the feast of St. Nicholas. When I was growing up there was a novelty song called "Santa Claus' Birthday." It mentioned December 6th as Santa's birthday, and I was proud to have shared it with him. (I missed Walt Disney's birthday, December 5th, by one day.) I wrote to people born on my birthday yeaterday, so today I will write to some people who have portrayed Jolly Old St. Nick onscreen in the past few years. (My son already sent his letter to the big man at the North Pole, so I'll refrain from sending mine. I'sd just be asking for boring clothes anyway.)

David Huddleston

Mickey Rooney

Sir Richard Attenborough

Tim Allen

Whoopi Goldberg
(yes she actually played a female version of Santa Claus!)

December 6th

Today is my birthday!! Since I'm an actor, I won't say how old (I'm in the mid to late 30's age range as far as casting directors are concerned.) My four year old son had the funniest comment tonight. He said "I'm sorry you didn't get any real gifts Daddy, just clothes." You know you're getting old when you actually look forward to getting a new pair of pants or socks instead of the latest toys.

I've tried to shy away from writing to people on their birthdays with this blog, but I'll make an exception today and write to some fellow Saggitarians born on this date. Some notable people who share my birthday and have already passed on are: Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus, more on him tomorrow) poet (and fellow New Jersey resident) Joyce Kilmer, composer Ira Gershwin, actress Agnes Moorehead, New Jersey boxer James J. Braddock (made famous by Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man") actor Wally Cox, and football legend Otto Graham.

Here is the list of the notable living people I share a birthday with:

musician Dave Brubeck

actress JoBeth Williams

Craig Newmark (The "Craig" of Craigslist)

actor Tom Hulce ("Amadeus")

comedian Steven Wright

actress Janine Turner

December 5th

I watched clips of the Comedy Central special "Big In '06" tonight and laughed quite a bit. I'm sending a note to some of my favorite comedians that are featured on Comedy Central.

Lewis Black

Patton Oswalt

Brian Poehnsen

Tom Papa

December 4th

1674 - The Reverend Jacques Marquette establishes a settlement on Lake Michigan which became the present day city of Chicago. I'm writing to the current mayor of Chicago, son of the legendary past mayor, as well as some famous Chicagoans. (By the way, even though I'm a New Yorker, my vote goes with Chicago deep dish pizza as the best. I'm going to have to turn in my NYC Tour Guide card after that comment.)

Richard Daley

Ernie Banks - Mr. Cub

Mike Ditka

Jim Belushi

Dennis Farina

Bernie Mac

Vince Vaughn

Michael Crichton

Joan Cusack

December 3rd

1947 - The Tennesee Williams classic American tragedy "A Streetcar Named Desire" debuts on Broadway, launching Marlon Brando's career into the stratosphere. One of my very first leading roles was in college, as an 18 year old, when I was horibly miscast as Stanley Kowalski.

I consider myself a pretty good actor, but the role of Stanley calls for a menacing physicality, which I do not posess. I lifted weights and worked with a trainer for two months and still looked like my puffy jolly Irish self. The result was a "Streetcar" that one reviewer compared to an episode of "The Honeymooners."

I have enormous respect for anyone who can fill Mr. Brando's shoes in this iconic part. The play has been revived a few times on Broadway, and I'm writing to the actors who played Stanley in those revivials, as well as the last remaining cast member from the 1947 production.

Karl Malden

Alec Baldwin

John C. Reilly

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

A non-reply from a sports legend




Michael Jordan


Reference Date: August 18th






When I wrote to this living legend of sports, one of the biggest stars on the planet, I expected to get no response at all. That's why I was happy to get this letter from his office, as well as a personally autographed picture of "His Airness." Here is what they had to say:

Dear Mr. Lucas:

Thank you for writing. We are humbled to hear how Michael has inspired you in his quest for excellence.

We apologize that he is unable to personally respond to you. However, we wanted us to acknowledge your gracious letter.

Please accept the enclosed autographed photo as a token of Michael's esteem and appreciation for your support as well as our best wishes for success in your endeavor.

Sincerely,

Leslie

Assistant to Michael Jordan


I sent them a thank you the next day.

A non-reply reply for a good cause





Michael J. Fox


Reference Date: July 3rd




When I wrote to Michael J. Fox to tell him how much I admired his work in "Back To the Future", "Family Ties" and "Spin City" I knew full well that he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, and was busy raising money and awareness for research in an effort to eradicate this illness. I wasn't surprised to receive a reply from his charitable foundation explaining that he was too busy to answer mail. I am including the reply, and the link to the website in the hope that some reeaders of this blog will contribute, as I am, whatever sum they can to this worthy cause.


Dear Chris

Thank you for contacting Michael J. Fox at his Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Michael, and everyone at the Foundation are deeply appreciative of your sincere letter. Unfortunately, Mr. Fox will not be able to personally respond.

Michael wishes he could respond to every worthwhile request he receives. However, all of his attention and the Foundation's resources are focused on finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Thank you for understanding and know that we are grateful for your interest and wish you all the best.

In the five years since our inception, the Foundation has maintained an aggressive pace, serving as a catalyst and leader for the entire Parkinson's research community. With limited funds available, we strategically target our resources to achieve maximum scientific impact and in 2005 we drove critical research in several exciting areas including genetics, biomarkers and cell replacement therapies.

We are focusing the majority of our efforts on research that will yield tangible results, and while we continue to make great strides, we are aware that excellent science goes unfunded every day. Yet the fact is that more than six million people worldwide live with Parkinson's disease. Finding a cure has never been more urgent.

We urge you to stay involved in the fight against Parkinson's. This is an exciting time at the Foundation as we continue to search for high-impact opportunities that focus on priority areas of Parkinson's research.

For more information about the Foundation's activities, log on to our website at

www.michaeljfox.org.

We believe that this is a winnable war.

Thanks for your efforts and good wishes to help us get the job done!

Sincerely,

Colleen

Community Outreach Coordinator


I sent her a thank you the next day.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

December 2nd

1970 - The United States Environmental Protection Agency is formed. I'm writing to the current and former heads of this government branch.

Stephen L. Johnson

Christie Todd Whitman

December 1st

Today is World AIDS Day, when we pause to remember those who have passed away due to this horrible plague, which has been around for twenty five years. We have lost too many talented people to this disease. Progress is being made. People are living longer, but the scourge hasn't been eradicated, and it is spreading rapidly in third world nations. Without being mawkish, I am writing to some notable people who are living with HIV/AIDS and raising awareness of it, as well as the doctor who was the leader in researching and identifying the virus.

Dr. Robert Gallo

Larry Kramer

Jerry Herman

Jm J Bullock

Rudy Galindo

Greg Louganis

Andrew Sullivan