|
RAGS
TO BITCHES... The Final Chapter
Exclusive
Interview with Mr. Blackwell - Conclusion
Mr. Blackwell |
When last we spoke to Mr. Blackwell, whose acid-tongue has
targeted the Ten Worst Dressed women for 40 years now, he shared
his dream of writing another book.
But
he was confused as to doing another of the typical tell all books,
or one that will tell people to have faith, hope, and a dream.
But he also shared a reality that speaks of our society today,
and I could tell it was breaking his heart. He didn't want to
write the tell-all book. "I really thought a wonderful book about
life and getting through is the most important thing I could do
and contribute and leave behind. But I don't think it would sell."
Here's where I really stuck my neck out and flat out disagreed
with this icon. My God, here is a man who had lived 100 lives.
To have gone through so much from despair to triumph, he could
give a positive spin to the depression of others in the very negative
world we live in. What more can you ask for out of a lifetime,
I queried? "Well, I'm gonna' try," He said. "And I have time.
I think this is the time. I have known actors who have gotten
older and couldn't help themselves anymore. It was a great tragedy
to see some of these wonderful people just not be able to manage.
I'm here to see it and maybe help in some way...some small way."
Now I began to feel a change in this great man. I was listening
to his heart, and it was getting to me loud and clear! "There
comes a time when you don't have a fear of going. You have a fear
of living. You're afraid because you don't know which way to go,
and you're afraid your health won't hold up. Look at Annette Funicello.
How sad. Look at Janet Reno. How sad." His voice was almost a
whisper now. "And yet. If they could only contribute back something
about being so brave and so wonderful. I think that will help
other people get through." Then I began to realize as my Radio
interview continued, that all this time it was about him, Mr.
Blackwell, and what he could give back. "Maybe if I told them
the hardest times and what really went through my mind," he continued,
"maybe other people with great problems won't feel so lonely.
Maybe they'll feel...I can't believe he had to go through it too.
Maybe then I can help other people get through."
Now I began to experience the many layers of this well-known personality,
or perhaps not so well known as far as his inner feelings go.
There was a very introspective Mr. Blackwell that few have ever
seen. So I felt compelled to ask about a very personal part of
his life...his search for love. Let's be frank, I said to him,
you've had relationships with both men and women. He openly admitted
to these relationships when he was interviewed in 1995 on a Radio
station in Montreal when he was talking about his boo "From Rags
to Bitches". He actually told the Host he was neither ashamed
or embarrassed to say he had relationships with some pretty famous
actors of that day...Tyrone Power and Randy (Randolph Scott).
But what was he seeking? Perhaps it was affection, someone to
care if he were dead or alive. But that was when he was a very
young man. I couldn't resist asking him if he had found a life
partner? He hesitated, and then..."well, can we say it?" Sure
you can, I assured him. "I have been with one person for 52 years.
Of course he was referring to Robert Spencer who I might add is
one of the kindest and most honorable people I've had the pleasure
speaking with. That was an amazing story in itself, I thought
to myself. How many of any kind of relationship lasts 52 years?
"52," he repeated as if he were thinking back over all those years,
"In my world, the world I have chosen to live in, I don't know
any." Incredible is the word that came to my mind when I pondered
the mere 29 years I have invested in my life partner. "It is so
incredibly difficult to give and then know how much to take, because
the person giving will be hurt if you don't accept it. Often we
say to people...no,no, you can't do that for me. That's not fair.
There are people who have to live on giving. I love to give."
And then Mr. Blackwell surprised me to the max. "I'm sitting here
with you now. I love it. You're so willing to accept and listen.
How few Hosts ever listen to you. They're so busy being super
stars. You have listened."
No one learns unless they listen, I interjected with cheeks turning
crimson. "But more than listen, you know what you've done? You've
heard. When you hear what I have to say, it's different than just
listening." I was flattered beyond words as he continued. "My
life has been, to this point, very wonderful. But I wish people
knew more about me, because a lot of them think the best thing
I do in the world is the Ten Worst Dressed Women. It gave me a
lot of pleasure, and made a lot of stars out of a lot of unknowns.
Do you know how many times in 40 years the person I put in the
first 2 or 3 places on the list won an Academy Award? 27. They
became instantly visible. Yet the nicest things I did no one talked
about. So I had to do something outrageous." And so the list was
born, although as Mr. B put it, "I only said out loud what most
people whispered."
Speak out loud he does. Mr. Blackwell is Internet savvy too with
his own Website www.estar.com. Why he even had two way conversations
with you and me during the Academy Awards. A bold move. Go there!
Here is a man who has been through it all, and so I could not
resist asking him to share his philosophy of life. "One minute
from now if you take a deep breath and close your eyes. Then take
another breath with your eyes closed and think of your problem,"
he began with such wisdom in his voice, "You know it isn't going
to be nearly as bad as you think. Not nearly. Then if you have
a dream, as long as you can see that dream and it's out there
in front of you, you go to bed and the last thing you think of
is that dream of yours, then you know how I go to sleep? I'm laying
in bed and I say sleep...2...3...4, I say it less than three times
and I'm asleep and I have peace."
Mr. B there just has to be a movie about your life? "I know. I
hope. You made my day. Thank you for having me." At a loss for
words, all I could say was take care, to which he responded, "You're
terrific. I have a saying for all your listeners. I wish you quiet.
Thank you." Good-bye and God Bless, I whispered. And with such
finality and peace he whispered, "God Bless. Good-bye."
The interview with the great Mr. Blackwell was done. It ended
not with a bang, but with a whisper. What was left to say? Nothing,
for I realized at that moment that I had the extreme pleasure
of speaking with a very special heart who shared with me the essence
of his soul. An interview like this is rare indeed. I was honored
to meet the real man behind the reputation. But more than the
words, he made a lasting impression on me. The words Faith, Hope,
and Dream still rang in my ears. He is right, you know. When you
give up your dream, you give up your life. Faith and Hope are
what keep it alive.
I do so wish him well. I wish him a book that he truly believes
in. I wish him a movie that depicts the magic of Blackwell. But
most of all, I wish him the quiet he so richly deserves. THANK
YOU MR. BLACKWELL FOR BEING YOU !!!
So
till next we meet on STARGATE. STAY WELL AND BE WISE !!!
Discuss
this article with others right now at
The Salon!
|
100%
Safe & Secure
