Sherwood Schwartz
Reference date: July 22nd
Not too many people can say that they have made an impact on American pop culture more than once in their lifetimes. Sherwood Schwartz can claim two important milestones. He was the creator and executive producer of both "Gilligan's Island' and "The Brady Bunch." In addition, he wrote the classic theme songs to both shows.
There isn't a person alive over 30 years old who cannot sing at least a few lines from these theme songs. (Quick story.. when I was on vacation in Ireland, a few of the old timers in a pub wanted us to teach them some traditional American folk songs. We began with "Here's a story, of a lovely lady.." and finished with "Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale.."They ate it up.)
Mr. Schwartz is now 90 years old. I sent him a letter to thank him for his influence on my career, and this was his very kind reply:
Dear Chris,
Most of the mail I get are from fans of "The Brady Bunch" or "Gilligan's Island." Usually the fans want a picture of the cast of either or both of the shows, and also a picture of me because most people know my shows and they're curious to see what I look like. Those letters are easy to answer, so I answer them first.
However, your letter is another matter. You're asking for advice, and I hate to ignore that, but as in life, generally, one tries to get rid of simple things first.
You call me a show bus1ness legend, but legends are often here today, gone tomorrow. I've been very lucky, and I use the word "lucky" advisedly. There are many people with talent such as actors, or writers, or producers, or directors, etc. But you have to be in the right place at the right time, and that's where "luck" comes in.
I have enormous respect for actors. They are the bridge between the script and the audience, as are the director and the producer and all the various crafts which takes part in that transformation of the written word to the viewer.
I'm reminded of a famous joke about an actor who's performing one of Shakespeare's plays in a small town yesteryear. The cowboy's were bored with the presentation and started booing, the actor said, "Don't be mad at me. I didn't write this sh*t."
As far as some specific advice is concerned: prepare for rejection, because it's going to come. I'ts much worse to be rejected when you're an actor, because it's personal. Someone is rejecting you. When somebody rejects something I've written, it's a less direct rejection. They're just rejecting my work, not me.
You can be rejected because you're too tall for the part, or you're standing next to the lead actor who may or may not be taller or shorter or darker or lighter, etc., etc., and it may have nothing to do with your performance. In fact, as a producer who has to make a decision about two actors who both seem equally good for a certain part, I always try to explain my decision to the one who didn't get the part.
One time I was trying to make a decision for a play I wrote and it was being produced in Chicago. One of the actors, who was up for a relatively minor part, was really terrific. He was so good, in fact, in a joint decision with the director, we tested him for a larger part. He was so good in that reading, we both thought he should have a bigger part. Again, he was better than anyone else. Then finally, we both offered him any other male part except the starring role, and we suggested he should be in Hollywood instead of Chicago. No, he wasn't Clark Gable but he was Harvey Korman, who took our advice, came to Hollywood, and became a star on the "Carol Burnett Show," and has done many other roles since.
People will notice talent. I could tell you many other stories like that. Whether you're in a commercial, or have a bit part in a movie or TV show, just do your best because it can always lead to something more important.
As an actor, nobody will give you a job because they like you. They will give you a job because it's good for them. It's strictly quid pro quo. Nobody is doing anybody a favor.
I really can't say anything more to you on this subject, because I've said all this to many people, including my own children and grandchildren and I hope to be able to tell it to my three great-grandchildren when they're old enough to understand what I'm talking about.
As someone once said, "Have you ever noticed how good luck comes to the people who work the hardest?"
Good luck.
- Sherwood Schwartz
I sent him a detailed thank you the next day
Labels: reply
